An alliance of Syrian rebel groups is promising a fierce battle against other factions fighters that enter its territory in Syrias Idlib province. An alliance of Syrian rebel groups is promising a fierce battle against other factions fighters that enter its territory in Syrias Idlib province. Hayet Tahrir al-Sham released a statement after the Free Syrian Army (FSA), which is being backed by Turkish soldiers, crossed into the area on Saturday. Al Jazeeras Hashem Ahelbarra reports from Gaziantep near the Turkey-Syria border. War of words between US president and Kim Jong-un further escalates as Trump hints at military intervention. US President Donald Trump said that diplomatic efforts with North Korea have consistently failed, adding that only one thing will work, without elaborating further. Trump has engaged in an escalating war of words with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, trading insults amid rising tensions between the two countries rivals. Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid, Trump tweeted. It hasnt worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of US negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work! Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2017 hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2017 Trump returned to the theme when he appeared on former governor Mike Huckabees show on Trinity Broadcasting Network television on Saturday, blaming previous administrations for not having adequately addressed the issue before. This should have been handled 25 years ago, it should have been handled 10 years ago, it should have been handled during the Obama administration, the president said, referring to his Democratic predecessor Barack Obama. The US has not ruled out the use of force to compel Pyongyang to halt missile and nuclear tests, and Trump has threatened to destroy the country. READ MORE: Trump threatens to destroy North Korea if necessary The president also told journalists at a recent gathering with military leaders to discuss Iran, North Korea and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group that the current period could be the calm before the storm, declining to clarify his remarks. In recent days, as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson flew home from meeting with top Chinese officials, Trump tweeted that his envoy was wasting his time in trying to probe North Koreas willingness to talk. Insults and threats The message came after Tillerson had revealed there were backchannels between US and North Korean officials. James Mattis, the US defence secretary, later expressed support for the diplomatic track in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee. The defence department supports fully Secretary Tillersons efforts to find a diplomatic solution, but remains focused on the defence of the United States and our allies, Mattis said. READ MORE: Trump insults make rocket attack inevitable: N Korea In his debut speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump threatened to totally destroy North Korea if it threatens the US or any of its allies, deriding Kim as Rocket Man and warning he is on a suicide mission. Kim responded by calling Trump a mentally deranged dotard. Turkish troops briefly exchange cross-border fire with Syrian rebels near village in Idlib province, monitor says. Turkish forces have clashed with Hayet Tahrir al-Sham fighters in Idlib province on the Syria-Turkey border, activists and a monitor reported. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said on Sunday that the Turkish troops exchanged fire with the rebel alliance near the village of Kafr Lusin. Hayet Tahrir al-Sham, commonly known as Tahrir al-Sham, is spearheaded by the former al-Nusra Front, which used to be al-Qaedas branch in Syria. In 2016, however, it changed its name and broke formal allegiance to the global movement founded by Osama bin Laden. Rami Abdulrahman, head of the Observatory, told Al Jazeera that the rebel alliance was sending reinforcements to the border area. Turkish forces are not on Syrian soil yet, Abdulrahman said, adding that army was firing artillery shells across the border, while the rebel alliance attacked a Turkish military base. Cross-border clashes Speaking to Al Jazeera from Idlib, Musa Khaled, commander of the 13th division of the Free Syrian Army, confirmed that shells had been fired. Yes, there was heavy fire. Tahrir al-Sham hit a Turkish bulldozer on the border, so Turkish troops responded with fire. But things have calmed down now, Khaled said. Meanwhile, residents of the border area and local rebels told Reuters news agency that Turkish military vehicles were seen entering Idlib province under escort of Tahrir al-Sham rebels, allegedly to broker an agreement between the two sides. Al Jazeera could not immediately confirm the reports. On Saturday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Syrian rebels backed by Turkish forces would launch an operation in that area, which is mostly controlled by Tahrir al-Sham. READ MORE: Erdogan Turkey backing FSA rebels in new Idlib push The push on Saturday came as Turkey along with Russia and Iran prepared to set up a so-called de-escalation zone in Idlib province, in line with deals in talks in Kazakhstans capital, Astana, aimed at ending the Syrian civil war. Idlib is largely held by the Hayet Tahrir al-Sham alliance, which was not part of the talks and has rejected the implementation of a de-escalation zone. Al Jazeeras Hashem Ahelbarra, reporting from Gaziantep in southern Turkey, said this is likely going to be a very long military operation. Phase two, which is going to be the most crucial, is when the Turkish army starts its operation inside Syria, particularly around and inside Idlib, he said. Its going to be the most delicate operation for the Turkish military inside Syria since the start of this conflict. Deir Az Zor offensive Meanwhile, the Syrian army and its allies encircled the ISIL bastion of al-Mayadeen in Deir Az Zor province in the countrys east, a Syrian military source said on Sunday. Government forces, allied militias and Russian aircraft have stepped up the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Deir Az Zor in de past days, reportedly killing scores of fighters, including foreign mercenaries. Russias defence ministry on Saturday said its forces killed about 120 ISIL (also known as ISIS) fighters and more than 60 foreign mercenaries in a series of air raids in al-Mayadeen and near the border town of Al Bukamal, also in Deir Az Zor. Many of mercenaries came from the former Soviet Union, Tunisia and Egypt, according to the ministry. Al-Mayadeen is one of ISILs last bastions in Syria. The advances against ISIL (also known as ISIS) in Deir Az Zor have cost a heavy civilian death toll from Russian and coalition air raids. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Russian aerial bombardment on Thursday night killed 14 people, including three children, fleeing across the Euphrates on rafts near al-Mayadeen. Russia has not acknowledged any civilian deaths from its attacks since it intervened in Syria in 2015, and dismisses the Observatorys reporting as biased. Moscow has been carrying out air raids in support of its ally Damascus targeting both ISIL in Deir Az Zor province and rival groups led by al-Qaedas former Syria affiliate in Idlib province in the northwest. Turkish and US missions mutually restrict services, say they need to reassess each others commitment to staff security. Turkey on Sunday suspended non-immigrant visa services at all Turkish diplomatic facilities in the United States, in a tit-for-tat move amid escalating tensions between the NATO allies. Just hours after the US mission to Turkey announced it was restricting visa services, saying that recent events had forced it to reassess Ankaras commitment to the security of US facilities and staff, the Turkish embassy in Washington, DC, hit back with an almost identical statement. READ MORE: Is the US undermining its alliance with Turkey? In order to minimise the number of visitors to our Embassy and Consulates while this assessment proceeds, effective immediately we have suspended all non-immigrant visa services at all Turkish diplomatic facilities in US, read its statement on Twitter, echoing the earlier US announcement. A first version of the Turkish statement had said the measure would apply to visas in passports. But a later version said the measure will apply to sticker visas as well as e-Visas and border visas, leaving open the question of whether US travellers who already have visas would be allowed to enter Turkey. The earlier US statement, meanwhile, said it was suspending the processing of non-immigrant visas, a specific category that relates to tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work or study. Immigrant visa services are for those seeking to live in the US permanently. Statement from the Turkish Mission to the U.S., October 8, 2017 pic.twitter.com/4i0BwInOCj Turkish Embassy DC (@TurkishEmbassy) October 8, 2017 The escalation in diplomatic tensions comes a few days after the arrest of a US consulate employee in Istanbul for alleged links to Fethullah Gulen, a US-based Muslim leader blamed by Ankara for a failed coup attempt last year. Gulen denies involvement. Washington said it was deeply disturbed by the employees arrest. Turkeys state-run Anadolu news agency identified the consulate employee as Metin Topuz, a male Turkish citizen. It said he was arrested late on Wednesday on charges of espionage and attempts to damage the constitutional order and Turkeys government. Al Jazeera correspondent Sinem Koseoglu said this is the first in Turkey-US bilateral relations since 1960s. I am expecting Turkey not be willing to escalate the tension, she said. War of words Turkey has pressed, so far in vain, for the US to extradite Gulen, while tensions have also risen over Washingtons military support for Kurdish YPG fighters in Syria. The YPG group is considered by Ankara to be an extension of the banned PKK, which has waged an armed campaign for three decades in southeast Turkey. Its clear that this [suspension of visa services] is just one more ratcheting up of the war of words between the US and Turkey, Al Jazeeras Tom Ackerman, reporting from Washington, DC, said. OPINION: Turkey-US Whats the problem? Ackerman said that Turkish authorities had imprisoned more than a dozen American-Turkish citizens living in Turkey over the past year or so, including an Izmir-based Christian pastor. Missionary Andrew Brunson, who ran a church in the western city of Izmir, has been held by Turkish authorities since October 2016 on charges of being a member of Gulens group. You can see that this more than just the accusations about one man in the Istanbul consulate, Ackerman said. Al Jazeeras Diane Eastabrook, also reporting from Washington, DC, said the escalation comes just a few months after a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the US, in which he reaffirmed friendly ties between the two countries. Turkey is a strategic ally to the US, she said. Its a NATO ally, and there is a NATO base in Turkey which the US uses. As the US continues with its war against ISIL, it needs to have that presence in Turkey and it needs those close ties with this very important ally, Eastabrook added. This [diplomatic tension] has repercussions throughout Europe and the Middle East, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next few days, she added. Alt-right crowd, including Richard Spencer, gather two months after anti-racist was killed during Unite the Right. White supremacists lit tiki torches as they gathered on Saturday night near the statue of American Civil War general Robert E Lee in Emancipation Park, Charlottesville, a focal point in recent demonstrations that turned violent. The park was one of the scenes of the so-called Unite the Right protests on August 11 and 12, during which a white supremacist killed anti-fascist counterprotester Heather Heyer. On Saturday, local anti-fascist counterprotesters confronted around 40 supporters of the alt-right, a loosely knit coalition of white supremacists, white nationalists and neo-Nazis. Richard Spencer, a leading alt-right figure and head of the Virginia-based National Policy Institute think-tank, was among those who attended. Videos and photos posted to social media show alt-right demonstrators holding short speeches in front of the statue, as anti-fascist counterprotesters challenge the white supremacists. Police was present but did not report any incidents. https://twitter.com/MattTalhelm/status/916813883863683072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw https://twitter.com/MattTalhelm/status/916814844610924544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw Mike Signer, the mayor of Charlottesville, took to Twitter to denounce the protest: Another despicable visit by neo-Nazi cowards. Youre not welcome here! Go home! Meantime were looking at all our legal options. Stay tuned. Another despicable visit by neo-Nazi cowards. Youre not welcome here! Go home! Meantime were looking at all our legal options. Stay tuned. Mike Signer (@MikeSigner) October 8, 2017 A statement by the Charlottesville police also confirmed that legal action may be taken against the white supremacist rally participants. After the rally in Emancipation Park, people protesting the alt-right gathered at the house of Theresa Sullivan, president of the University of Virginia. The protesters called for the revocation of Spencers diploma, who is a graduate of the University of Virginia. Protestors are up on the steps of #UVA Pres Theresa Sullivans House. No cops, no KKK, no fascist UVA. pic.twitter.com/uiqvAS58XV Solidarity Cville (@SolidCville) October 8, 2017 https://twitter.com/SamSpelsberg/status/916923075039514624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw Spencer said during his speech that they wanted to prove they came in peace before and they come in peace now, despite the August rally that turned violent. During Unite the Right, the death of Heyer who was killed by an alt-right supporter who allegedly hit her and several other people with his car was among other clashes. READ MORE: Alt-right weakened but not dead after Charlottesville Spencer, who claimed Saturdays protest had been planned for a long time, said people would have to get used to the alt-right. Well take a stand in Charlottesville, well take a stand in Washington, DC, well take a stand anywhere and everywhere. Youre gonna have to get used to us. Were gonna come back again and again and again, he said. The group of torch-wielding white nationalists, who came out in much smaller numbers than during their last protest in Charlottesville, then started chanting you will not replace us, the South will rise again and Russia is our friend. Spencer called the rally a great success on Twitter. We came, we triggered, we left, he said. On October 19, Spencer is expected to visit the University of Florida in Gainesville, despite the university preferring not to give him a platform. Ankara is supporting what it calls a serious military operation against former al-Qaeda-linked fighters in Idlib. Turkey is launching a major military campaign in Syrias northwestern province of Idlib, just across its border. It is backing the Free Syrian Army, which moved into the area on Saturday in a fight against the group that controls much of the area Hayet Tahrir al-Sham, an alliance of factions spearheaded by a former al-Qaeda affiliate. Turkey wants to ensure security in the region where some of the most violent conflicts of the Syrian civil war have taken place. During the talks in Kazakhstans capital, Astana, in May, Russia, Turkey, and Iran signed a deal to establish de-escalation zones in Syria, which included Idlib. Ankara says it is not sending its forces in just yet, but providing logistical and intelligence support. But could this be the beginning of more direct involvement in the war? And what will be the cost? Presenter: Elizabeth Puranam Guests: Metin Gurcan columnist for Al-Monitors Turkey Pulse. Pavel Felgenhauer defence analyst and columnist with Novaya Gazeta. Joshua Landis professor at the department of International and Area Studies at the University of Oklahoma. In Russia, October 25 is the 100th anniversary of the October Revolution, as a result of which the monarchical dynasty of the Romanovs was overthrown and the socialist-communist power of the Bolsheviks was established. Despite the fact that it happened a long time ago, this historic event still provokes broad public political discussions. This is primarily because many contemporary problems in Russia and the post-Soviet space are directly related to the consequences of the Bolshevik Revolution. Moreover, without an analysis of these historical processes, it is impossible to understand and appreciate Russia's geopolitical desire to strengthen and expand its influence on the Eurasian space. So, what happened 100 years ago and why does it continue to affect today's realities? Some historians believe that the Great October Revolution was a natural consequence of social development and the class struggle, given monopoly capitalism. Oppone nts of such ideas note that the transfer of power to the Bolsheviks occurred because of the weakness of the Provisional Government. Using its indecisiveness, the Bolshevik conspirators received money from Germany and launched mass propaganda and destructive activity. With populist slogans, they promised to end the war, give land to peasants, and the factories and property of the bourgeoisie to workers. They even guaranteed freedom for national minorities to leave the Empire. But today's Russian neo-imperialists propagandize these ideas, emphasizing that the October Revolution was a deeply antipatriotic act since it was committed with the money of a foreign state, for which Russia's national interests were sacrificed. In fact, Russian politics today have become an arena for confrontation of the three major camps: communist, monarchical and social-conservative. The leaders of these movements agree that Moscow is the third Rome and it should dominate the Eurasian space. However, there are discrepancies about the ideology that should become the driving force of the new empire. Sergey Kurginyan -- one of the leaders of the neo-Marxist movement -- is sure that the revival of the red empire is inevitable. The reason for that is that although the results of the referendum on the collapse of the USSR showed that most people wanted to preserve the Soviet Union, they were illegally ignored. During the event devoted to the 99th anniversary of the Revolution, Gennady Zyuganov -- leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) -- stated a clear goal "to revive the great united power." The monarchist front is also gaining popularity. According to recent sociological surveys, a third of young people in Russia favour the monarchical form of government in the country. There are 35 % of monarchy supporters among people between 25 and 34. In general, the share of Russian citizens that are not against or support the monarchy is consistently growing: in 2006 - 21%, in 2017 - 28%. The ideologists of monarchism emphasize that Orthodox Russia is the heir of the destroyed Byzantine Empire. The leaders of numerous socio-political movements of this kind believe that after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks, Russia became the only real guardian of the Orthodox faith in the world. Further, it predetermined its isolation from the West, tracing Russia's special historical path. Alexander Dugin, a philosopher and supporter of the monarchy restoration, writes that Byzantium gives a unique dimension to all nations that have adopted Orthodoxy. This dimension is not only narrowly confessional, but also cultural, political, and civilizational. The neo-Byzantine ideological path of Russia is actively promoted through the TV channel called "Tsargrad" (note: the Russian name of Constantinople). It is financed by Konstantin Malafeev, who is known as the "Orthodox oligarch." "Tsargrad TV" positions itself as the first Russian conservative information and analytical channel. It closely cooperates with Russian public and religious organizations, in particular, with the Russian Orthodox Church. In addition, over the past decade, newspapers, magazines and radio stations have been launched. Thus, monarchists, like communists, possess substantial material and human resources for broadcasting their ideas to the general public. Social-conservative ideas are devised in the "Izborsk Club." The ideological direction of this organization can be identified as a synthesis of different views of Russian statesmen in a single ideological platform: from socialists and Soviet patriots to monarchists and Orthodox conservatives. There are such influential personalities among the members of the Club as Sergey Glazyev -- adviser to President Putin on economic issues, Dmitry Rogozin -- Deputy Chairman of the Government, and other well-known military, scientists and journalists -- Leonid Ivashov, Alexander Prokhanov, Mikhail Leontiev, Maxim Shevchenko and others. The leadership of this organization sees its primary task in "forming a political-ideological coalition of patriotic statesmen, an imperial front that opposes manipulations carried out in Russian politics by foreign influence centers and their agents inside the country." Dont expect Russia to converge with the advanced Western economies anytime soon. The ideas of communism, monarchism and social conservatism that are gaining popularity among the Russian public are mobilizing opinion against the collective West (primarily the United States). They are using an external threat as a foil for their own purposes. According to the leaders of the movements, clubs and organizations mentioned above, Russias values are spiritual, while the West is materialistic. Thus, a confrontation is inevitable. Numerous speeches and interviews show that the current leadership of the country is trying not to interfere in the battles among these three ideological factions and not to take sides. On the one hand, President Putin has to be gentle with the communists, saying that the disintegration of the atheistic USSR is the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the XX century. On the other hand, he stresses that Orthodoxy is the root of the Russian people and state. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the new Russia was not accepted into the Western family. Therefore, there are no other ideas, except for a return to the past. Areg Galstyan Ph.D., a regular contributor to The National Interest and Forbes. Follow him on twitter. In 2008, during the largest terrorism funding trial in U.S. history, United States v. Holy Land Foundation, a document published in 1991 outlined Muslim plans to take over America. An Explanatory Memorandum: On the General Strategic Goal for the Group, seized in a 2004 FBI raid of the Virginia home of a Muslim Brotherhood operative, was presented during the trial as evidence of a Civilization-Jihadist Process. It outlined the Muslim Brotherhood goal to conduct a grand jihad in eliminating and destroying Western civilization from within and sabotaging its miserable house by their hands and the hands of the believers so that it is eliminated. For several decades, this well-organized and well-funded effort to subvert our constitutional republic and replace it with an Islamic government under Islamic law has focused on infiltrating all levels and branches of the U.S. government. More recently, the Muslim Brotherhood presence within the American political landscape has intensified, accelerated, and become more visible with the establishment of several nonprofit political action organizations. The Muslim Brotherhood stated goal of transforming American society from within in preparation for an eventual takeover is clearly moving forward fueled by the efforts of these groups and their burgeoning success within the umma or Muslim community. As early as 1987, a declassified FBI confidential informant document described the Muslim Brotherhood as political action front groups with no traceable ties to Muslim groups that are organizing external political support to influence both public opinion in America and the U.S. government and its leadership. The informant who disclosed this information told authorities that the MB acknowledged the need to "peacefully get inside the United States Government for the purpose of meeting the ultimate goal of overthrowing all non-Islamic governments. In 2010, one such "peaceful" group, Project Mobilize, was created by M. Yasser Tabbara to empower and engage the political potential of the Muslim community. Its mission statement called for the exploitation of the growing political capital of the umma, the promotion of issues important to Muslim Americans and the development of strategies for political advocacy on their behalf. In 2011, Project Mobilize began fielding its first Muslim candidates for political office. Project Mobilizes founder, Tabbara, is a former executive director the Chicago chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Muslim Brotherhood affiliate and unindicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation Hamas funding trial. Other board members include Safaa Zarzour, the secretary general of another unindicted co-conspirator and Muslim Brotherhood front, the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), and Oussama Jammal, vice president of the Mosque Foundation, a known center for terrorism fundraising and haven for Hamas operatives. In 2014, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., representatives from eight Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated groups announced formation of the United States Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), a political party for Muslims and the first religion-based political party in U.S. history. At the meeting, the founders disclosed their plans to expand Muslim participation in the American political process by encouraging more Muslims to vote, work on political campaigns and run for office themselves. Oussama Jammal, who was involved in fundraising for convicted terrorist Sami al-Arian and serves as director of the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliate, the Muslim American Society (MAS), headed the new organization. MAS, created in the early 1990s, was itself begun as the U.S. branch of the Muslim Brotherhood and was designated a terrorist group by the United Arab Emirates. Mazen Mokhtar, another USCMO founding member, also had MAS ties, having served as its executive director. An Egyptian-born imam, Mokhtar served as webmaster for a site that solicited funds for Taliban and Chechen jihadists. In 2007, he was indicted by then-New Jersey Attorney General Chris Christie for tax evasion and filing false tax returns. In 2015, a new organization, Jetpac Inc. (Justice, Education and Technology Policy Advocacy Center) was begun by Nadeem Mazen, Massachusetts first Muslim city council member. Jetpac was established as an open call for American Muslims to immerse themselves in local politics. The group trains American Muslim community leaders and educates them about the political process. According to their website, they have prepared more than 15 aspiring candidates for office in Maine, New York, Rhode Island, and California. The groups activities include development of proprietary software for social media outreach, fundraising and canvassing techniques, media communication and campaign strategy skills as well as advice on combatting negative impressions of Muslims. In addition, Jetpac teaches a course on U.S. government and politics at a Massachusetts Islamic school that focuses on grassroots organizing and the history of the civil rights movement. Following his stint as a Cambridge City Council member, Mazen, a founding member of CAIR Massachusetts and former president of MITs MSA, announced plans to run for Congress as the third elected Muslim after Keith Hakim Ellison (D-MN) and Andre Carson (D-IN). Just this week, Mazen launched his campaign for Massachusetts' 3rd Congressional District seat. A telling indicator of his more radical views is the fact that Mazen opposed President Obamas Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) program and criticized moderate Muslim groups as promoters of imperialistic-style initiatives to foist secular attitudes on Muslims. Another political race worth watching involves a CAIR official running for the Des Moines, Iowa, city council. Somali Muslim refugee and president of CAIR Iowa, Abshir Omar, is running as a Democratic Socialist to represent downtown Des Moines and the citys southwest side. City council members can wield significant power and influence over all aspects of community life. Typically, they make key appointments such as city managers, police and fire department heads, library board members, parks and recreation supervisors, transportation directors, as well as administrators for arts councils, housing authorities and planning commissions. Meanwhile, the background of Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, another Islamist operative who intends to run for governor of Massachusetts in the future, should cause grave concern. Wadud, who served on the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, has extensive radical Islamic ties. She served as an executive board member for CAIR Massachusetts and as the general counsel for Jamaat ul-Fuqra a.k.a. Muslims of America, a group alleged to have close ties to Al Qaeda. Jamaat ul-Fuqra was founded in 1980 by Pakistani Sheikh Gilani, who was associated with shoe bomber Richard Reid and implicated in the murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Danny Pearl. According to the Clarion Project, Wadud posted an anti-Semitic article by Gilani on her Facebook that claimed Jewish complicity in the 9/11 and Pearl Harbor attacks. Jamaat ul-Fuqra has done more than simply issue social media propaganda, however. The terrorist entity has approximately two dozen paramilitary training centers across the U.S. and its members participated in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. It is known to proselytize and recruit black prison inmates and reportedly seeks to purify Islam through violence. The Center for Policing Terrorism maintains that Jamaat ul-Fuqra may be the best positioned group to launch an attack on the United States, or, more likely, help al-Qaeda to do so. Another Muslim with terrorist ties is a political candidate in Arizona. Southern Baptist convert to Islam, Deedra Abboud, a Phoenix attorney and community activist who served as the executive director of CAIR Arizona and is currently associated with the Muslim American Society, is seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. senator in her state. Abboud opposes President Trumps policy to temporarily ban refugees from designated Muslim countries rife with terrorist activity. She also opposed the U.S. cruise missile bombing that followed Bashar Assads use of chemical weapons on Syrian civilians. Identifying as a feminist, Abboud defends her husbands right under Islam to have four wives although she admits that she wouldnt be happy with it. She helped raise bail money for deceased Muslim terrorist, Elton Simpson, when he was convicted of lying to the FBI about his plans to engage in Islamic terrorist activities in Somalia. Simpson, in the first ISIS-claimed attack on U.S. soil, tried to kill participants at the Mohammed cartoon contest in Garland, Texas in 2015. In 2009, Abboud made a statement about the acceptability of police learning Arabic to better understand the Muslim community. However, she objected to the study of Arabic as a law enforcement tool for investigating potential Islamic terrorist activity deeming it targeting. Self-described devout Muslim and son of Egyptian immigrant parents, Abdul El-Sayed, has substantial connections to the Muslim Brotherhood and is running for governor of Michigan. A medical doctor who served as the executive director of the Detroit Health Department at age 30, his background includes serving as vice president of his MSA chapter at the University of Michigan during his college years. His wife, Sarah Jukaku, who is described as a mental health doctor, wears a hijab. His father-in-law is a former president and current board member of CAIR Michigan. Quite troubling is the fact that El-Sayed is endorsed by Linda Sarsour, an advocate for the Hamas initiative for the boycott, divestment, and sanctioning of Israel and an activist who played a major role in pressuring the NYPD to discontinue its surveillance of mosques and Muslim organizations post-9/11. That surveillance effort had yielded critical intelligence about terrorist activities. Sarsour is one of El-Sayeds biggest supporters and is reportedly helping fundraise for El-Sayeds gubernatorial campaign. She is also a close friend of the Muslim Brotherhood-connected Huma Abedin, has family members who have been arrested for aiding and abetting Hamas, openly supports shariah law and has been a featured speaker at Muslim Brotherhood groups that were designated as unindicted co-conspirators in the Holy Land Foundation trial. All of the above demonstrate that the Muslim Brotherhood is increasing its political clout in America. As more of its candidates are elected to office, deeper penetration of American society comes within their grasp. Their stated goal to destroy our society from within and replace the Constitution with the tenets of shariah could become a reality. Their adeptness at appealing to the American public by using the coded language of multiculturalism and by professing a moderate Islam has proved to be an unfortunate asset. In the words of former FBI analyst and expert on the Muslim Brotherhood, John Guandolo, who has closely studied their deceptive language and appearance, Muslim Brotherhood operatives are suit-wearing jihadis who pretend theyre friendly but theyre not. America should be alert and aware. On October 6, 2017, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize of 2017 to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). The text of the award stated, "We live in a world where the risk of nuclear weapons being used is greater than it has been for a long time[.] ... [T]here is a real danger that more countries will try to procure nuclear weapons, as exemplified by North Korea." The world, most of all President Donald Trump but even China, is well aware of that particular danger. Trump has declared that "we cannot allow [Kim's] dictatorship to threaten our nation or our allies with unimaginable loss of life[.] ... [T]he goal is denuclearization." But would the United States totally destroy North Korea to defend itself and allies? U.S. policymakers are divided on the issue. Secretary of state Rex Tillerson speaks of direct lines, a couple of direct channels, and of communication with North Korea, while President Trump appears to believe that it is a waste of time to try negotiating. This war of words may be undesirable, but both sides acknowledge that the use of a nuclear weapon by North Korea would start a war it could not win and would lead to Kim's destruction. All would suffer. Similarly, the world is aware that the North Korean nuclear arsenal is growing and that its ballistic missile force is now a real danger. The country has conducted six ballistic nuclear tests, has a hydrogen bomb, and has intercontinental ballistic capability that can hit the western part of the U.S. and perhaps also Washington, D.C. and New York City. Though there are legitimate differences of opinion on how to respond to North Korea's nuclear arsenal, there are no differences about the dictator Kim Jong-un, the ruler since he took power in 2011. He is a ruthless killer who has acted to consolidate power, murdering his uncle Jang Song-thaek, "a traitor for all ages," and ordering the assassination of his half-brother, Kim Jong-nam, in Malaysia. He acts to maintain his grip on power as well as to create a nuclear state. By one estimate, he has executed 340, including 140 senior political and military officials. Kim has used barbarous language, a substitute for physical execution, about American leaders. Most recently, Donald Trump is "mentally deranged and is a dotard" (September 22, 2017); Barack Obama was "reminiscent of a wicked black monkey," (2014); Hillary Clinton "sometimes looks like a primary schoolgirl and sometimes a pensioner going shopping" (July 23, 2009); and George W. Bush was a "hooligan, bereft of any personality as a human being" (May 2005). Others might disagree, but U.S. CIA sources hold that Kim is not crazy, but a "rational actor" concerned with the survival of his regime. More likely, the unpredictable Kim wants to make North Korea a relevant player in international affairs, respected for its military strength and especially its nuclear strength, assert his equivalence with Donald Trump, and make North Korea a prominent issue at the U.N. General Assembly and other international meetings. The present ruler's grandfather, Kim Il-sung, on becoming the ruler in 1972, wanted nuclear weapons from the start and built a nuclear research reactor in Yongbyon that could be a source of plutonium. At the time, both Russia and China denied him help in nuclear weapons. However, his nuclear program continued. In October 1994, North Korea signed an Agreed Framework (A.F.) by which it would freeze and eventually dismantle its nuclear program in exchange for receiving from the U.S. energy assistance in the form of heavy fuel oil and light water reactors. George W. Bush referred to it as "a mistake." The Agreed Framework broke down in 2002, when it was found that North Korea had a highly enriched secret nuclear program, had bought technology and equipment abroad, and had made secret deals with Pakistan. In January 2003, North Korea withdrew from the A.F. Russia got Kim to sign a nuclear proliferation treaty in 1985, but North Korea didn't give the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to Yongbyon and was slow to fulfill the treaty. Again, in December 1991, North and South Korea agreed to a declaration for denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, and the North said it would agree to an inspections regime. But North Korea again cheated regarding its plutonium and refused to comply. It was hiding its nuclear program; it had bought technology and equipment abroad and had made deals with Pakistan. In response, sanctions were imposed by the U.S. in the belief that only strong economic pressure can lead to a change in N.K. policy on nuclear weapons and other programs. This is being done in spite of the fact that the N.K. 1972 constitution, amended in 2012, identifies the regime as socialist and revolutionary, a dictatorship of people's democracy, and as a "nuclear armed state." It is too late and absurd to suggest that the problem of the Korean peninsula would be solved if it were given back to Japan. Another factor is that the 1953 armistice between the two Koreas that suspended the Korean civil war has lasted for 64 years, though Kim has renounced it and declared that N.K. has a right to a pre-emptive nuclear weapon. The international community sees N.K. as dangerous and provocative. What is to be done? There are four alternatives, if not real possibilities. One is the removal of Kim, peacefully or not. Political peaceful procedures are not of course yet available in the country. But the use of force by the U.S. is unlikely for two reasons. The first is that assassination is not normal U.S. procedure. The other realistic factor is that Kim is well protected and spends much time in underground facilities. Second is the elimination of nuclear facilities again, difficult, because much of N.K. facilities, and its important military infrastructure, is underground. Moreover, N.K. has considerable military assets, especially artillery along the border with South Korea. In the event of hostilities, N.K. could strike the 24,000 U.S. troops in South Korea. In any case, is the U.S. missile defense system, a mixture of the Patriot missiles, the terminal high-altitude area defense system (THAAD), and the Aegis defense system, and the ground -based midcourse defense system (GMD), able to destroy a N.K. nuclear warhead? Third is strengthening of sanctions by other states as well as the U.S. Sanctions have targeted institutions and people involved in developing and financing the weapons programs, arms trade, human rights abuses, oil imports, violations of cyber-security, limiting access to the international finance system, and entities that contribute to the country's export earnings. These institutions and people cannot do business with the U.S. and American companies. U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley wanted the strongest possible sanctions, especially a complete oil embargo, and punitive measures against Kim. The U.N. resolution on the issue calls for a limit of imports of refined and crude oil to 8.5 million barrels a year. Also, textiles, accounting for a quarter of N.K. export income, are banned. China has been helpful to an extent: already it has up a system of inspectors and checkpoints, including the use of military dogs in an effort to close down N.K. smuggling routes. China has also been admitting N.K. defectors. Finally and fourth, what is left is diplomacy between N.K. and the U.S. and rest of the world. Here Russia and especially China which must play a role, as the latter has begun in imposing sanctions. Everyone knows that nuclear weapons pose a constant threat to humanity. The U.S. has a prominent role in meeting that threat. Whether Kim is crazy or not, U.S. actions should be doing the difficult thing right now. The impossible will take a little longer. Californias Democrat-controlled legislature and governor last week enacted a law that is a de facto severe rebuke to Janet Napolitano, President of the University of California, and former Secretary of Homeland Security. It is now a crime to do what she did when she obstructed a state auditor. The national media were oblivious, and even in California, the formal move to criminalize her on-the-record behavior garnered little attention. The editorial board of the San Diego Union-Tribune is an honorable exception: The still-stunning decision by University of California President Janet Napolitano to interfere with a state audit by removing and weakening criticism of her offices performance from individual UC campuses has gotten the harsh rebuke it deserves. It came in the form of Assembly Bill 562, which Gov. Jerry Brown signed this week. Under the new law, a state agencys decision to interfere with, impede or obstruct a state audit requested by the Legislature or required by statute is now a misdemeanor crime with a fine of up to $5,000. How Napolitano thought her behavior was acceptable in this matter remains incomprehensible. AT covered the audit itself Napolitanos outrageous interference and pro-forma apology. The legislature decided, to its shame, to kill a plan to forensically audit Napolitanos massive budget (28.5 billion dollars) to uncover other misdeeds. The prospect of turning over that rock and seeing what crawled out apparently was too much for the progressives who rule roughly 35 million (no one knows how many illegals are in the state) Californians, and spend well in excess of a hundred billion dollars a year. Still, the flouting of the state legislature by a bureaucrat, even a high level one, was too much. But how much real world impact will there be? The Union Tribune editors are skeptical, as am I: The University of Californias resistance to meaningful oversight even on basics such as how it spends public funds has been a problem for years, long preceding Napolitanos hiring as president in 2013. Given that UCs independence is guaranteed in Californias Constitution, this may not change any time soon. But at least theres now a state law that makes clear this independence doesnt extend to sabotaging official state audits. Napolitano has made no public comment that I can find on the law that criminalizes her behavior. All full of tears and flapdoodle. Democrats are returning Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein's campaign contributions in the wake of revelations that he was a voracious sexual predator. But not to Weinstein, whose donations are tainted by the supposed disconnect between the women's rights they claim to champion and Weinstein's porcine behavior: Just to themselves. They're laundering Harvey's dirty dollars through Democrat front groups dedicated to electing more Democrats. These include Emily's List, Emerge America, and Higher Heights. And it's only a fraction of what Weinstein donated to the Democratic National Committee anyway: $30,000 out of a collective total of $300,000. They'd rather keep the rest. They also ignore the inconvenient detail about Weinstein himself, whose money is being given back, and blame Trump. The Hill reports: The DNC said it chose the three groups because what we need is more women in power, not men like [President] Trump who continue to show us that they lack respect for more than half of America. Some of the more ambitious Democrats, with eyes to higher office perhaps, such as Sen. Liz Warren of Massachusetts, are redirecting their donations to abused women's shelters, which would probably help the victims of wife-beaters, but not the women abused in the workplace as Weinstein's victims were. What's more their cash amounts are small and it's not much skin off their noses to do it. The cash-strapped DNC is different, however, and it would rather just recycle. That whole premise of 'electing women leaders' is worth looking at in any case. The Democrats have already elected a lot of 'women in power' and that sure didn't stop Weinstein from being one of their choicest donors while plying his sexual behavior. In fact, it rather empowered Weinstein, who specialized in donating to women's causes, while acting like a predatory pig a his own workplace and even in public. Right now, Weinstein has a $5 million donation in the pipeline to University of Southern California's famed film school for the creation of more .... women directors. He also was a bigtime donor to Planned Parenthood, which the left's idea of what women's rights amount to, and rubbed elbows with all the right feminist causes. Feminist causes seemed to be his 'beard' for barbarism because he knew his money would always get these pompous, self-regarding feminist groups to look the other way. It was the same way for women politicians. Hillary Clinton took in big dollars from Weintein to become president and that sure didn't signal any virtuous intentions from Weinstein, who kept on harassing the interns back at the studio. Would electing another Kamala Harris have prevented Weinstein from preying on Hollywood neophyte actresses and paying hush money to harassed production assistants? Harris of course took cash from Weinstein in 2014, so it's safe to say that her election most certainly didn't. What two of them or ten of them would do, would be just as useless. The reality is, the trope of 'electing more women leaders' is an old argument feminism's critics have blasted at Democrats and feminists as empowering only an out-of-touch feminist elite, not the average working girl subject to predators like Weinstein. Laundering Weinstein's cash through this rationale can only be an insult. The mentality of grievance obsession, now widely held throughout the academic world, is a path toward madness. Once a hunt for invisible microaggressions begins, there is no end point, only a spiral into angry obsession or despair. Ian Miles Cheong of the Daily Caller brings us news of the ultimate expression of the self-destructiveness of political correctness. So-called Diversity Educators are suffering from burnout due to the emotional weight of their jobs, according to a recent academic journal article published this week in the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. The study, written by University of North Carolina-Charlotte professor Ryan Miller and six colleagues from the University of North Texas, interviewed seven interviewed diversity educators from a predominantly white research institution who claim that they suffer from compassion fatigue, burnout, and racial battle fatigue in their efforts to combat microaggressions on campus. According to Miller, the burnout is caused by the diversity educators consistent exposure to various microaggressions from students who dont see things their way. He notes that these microaggressions have been conceptualized by some scholars as forms of assault and torture. The article, which was highlighted Friday by Campus Reform, describes the burnout as a gradual wearing down of individuals entrenched in the work of helping others as diversity educators. Team members described the emotional toll of facilitating diversity education, which sometimes led to fatigue, burnout, and disengagement, Miller states. He adds that they found it difficult to separate their identities and experiences from the topics at hand in a facilitation. This last point is a characteristic instance of self-obsession, which is required for a hunt for microaggression to even be conceptualized. The following point, however, is entirely rational in a limited way (i.e., if you are self-obsessed) The diversity educators struggle with feeling underqualified for their jobs and suffer from a desire to prove their legitimacy to others, according to Miller, who proposed paying them higher salaries and giving them more recognition for their efforts. They are unqualified, because the job should not exist, so there is no possible way to be qualified. And they have no legitimacy, so if they are going to stick with their obsession, then this is rational. Of course, rationality harnessed to reality would realize the insanity of hunting for ways to be upset at other people. Che Guevara, the fellow on all those t-shirts at the left-wing rallies, was captured and executed 50 years ago this week: Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, better known to the world as "Che" Guevara, is executed by Bolivian armed forces on this day in 1967. Born in Argentina, Guevara was a professional revolutionary who became involved in the Guatemalan revolution of the 1950s. It was during this time that he discovered Marxism and became a fervent convert to the philosophy. Following the overthrow of the Guatemalan government by a U.S.-sponsored coup in 1954, Guevara traveled to Mexico where he joined up with Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro. In 1956, Castro, Guevara, and a small band of supporters landed in Cuba intent on overthrowing its government. When the initial attack did not succeed, Che joined Castro and the survivors in the wilds of Cuba, carrying on a guerilla war. In 1959, the Cuban government fell and Castro seized power. Guevara was put in charge of finance and economic planning for the revolutionary government. In 1960 he published Guerilla Warfare, in which he argued that armed struggle was necessary to free the masses from capitalistic exploitation. By 1965, he faded from public life in Cuba for reasons still not entirely clear. He then reappeared in 1966 in Bolivia where he hoped to bring about a revolution. In October 1967, he was captured and executed by Bolivian troops. Che subsequently became the image on all those t-shirts. He became the ultimate anti-U.S. symbol, the image that every left-wing group goes to when its members have a gripe against the U.S. I should add that a student at a university once told me that he thought it was an image of a rocker i.e., Jim Morrison! Ironically, he was captured because the campaign in Bolivia failed miserably. It failed for two reasons, as Humberto Fontova explained in his book. First, Bolivia was not Cuba. In other words, Castro and Che never told Cubans there was a communist government around the corner. Second, the natives in Bolivia never bought into the idea that a white guy from Argentina was there to save them. In the end, it was the villagers he was trying to "liberate" who turned him in. (For a wonderful description of how this happened, read the diary he left behind, and not the edited version by Fidel Castro. Che was a frustrated man who knew he was failing. He had no food or fuel, and supplies from Cuba never came as promised.) Again, the Bolivian campaign was a total failure. Che was a murderer and a man who said awful things about blacks and Mexicans. It's hard to see how any liberal in the West would dare wear his image on a t-shirt! We salute the students who held "No Che Day" across the land last year. We hope this becomes a national celebration as long as there is a fool wearing a Che t-shirt. PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. Governor Jerry Brown just signed a bill making California a sanctuary state and the acting director of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) is challenging his ability to protect criminal illegals from deportation. Thomas Homan issued a statement saying that despite the declaration of California as a sanctuary state, ICE will continue to act even if it means there will be little cooperation from state law enforcement. The Hill: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Thomas Homan said in a statement Friday that California Gov. Jerry Brown's (D) decision to sign the law, SB54, would "undermine public safety and hinder ICE from performing its federally mandated mission." Under California's new law, state and local police will have major restrictions in how and when they can collaborate with federal agents on immigration investigations and arrests. One notable provision in the law is it prohibits so-called immigration holds, requests from ICE to local authorities to hold a prisoner or detainee longer than the constitutionally mandated period. Opponents say a hold, also known as a detainer, constitutes a violation of a detainee's constitutional rights, and their enforcement puts local authorities at risk of liability. Immigration holds used to be considered a courtesy that state law enforcement gladly gave federal immigration authorities. Now it's a serious violation of a criminal illegal's constitutional rights? Supporters, chief among them Homan and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, say detainers are necessary so arrests of dangerous immigrants can be made in the confines of jails and prisons. "ICE will have no choice but to conduct at-large arrests in local neighborhoods and at work sites, which will inevitably result in additional collateral arrests, instead of focusing on arrests at jails and prisons where transfers are safer for ICE officers and the community," Homan warned. Still, California's new law allows for ICE agents to interview and arrest detainees in local facilities, as long as they have a judicial warrant, in keeping with due process protections in the constitution. Homan and others in the Trump administration have long argued that judicial warrants are unviable in immigration enforcement and that detainers are "legally defensible." Homan also warned that under SB54, ICE would "likely have to detain individuals arrested in California in detention facilities outside of the state, far from any family they may have in California." "Ultimately, SB54 helps shield removable aliens from immigration enforcement and creates another magnet for more illegal immigration, all at the expense of the safety and security of the very people it purports to protect," Homan said. Donald Trump ordered the hiring of 10,000 more immigration enforcement agents so the federal government wouldn't have to rely so heavily on state and local law enforcement to remove criminal illegals. If California refuses to hold a deportable illegal alien, there will be an ICE agent right there in the police station to take custody of them. The courts are apparently not going to force local jurisdictions to cooperate with ICE. So to get the job done, ICE is going to have to rely on its own resources. One way or another, many of the hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens in the US who have been charged or convicted of a felony will be shown the door or jailed. Less than a week ago, I wrote about a new survey of American physicians which found that a majority of them support single-payer socialized medicine. That was shocking enough. Now, another national survey has come to light which also confirms that we are a long way from the days of Marcus Welby, M.D. and the traditional, independent, self-employed family doctor who made house calls. According to an article at MDLinx, More than two-thirds of physicians said they would prefer to be paid a salary instead of being paid by fee-for-service, according to results of a recent survey. Think about that: A majority of todays generation of doctors is willing actually would prefer to work as wage earning employees for a large organization like the federal government (for example, the Veterans Administration) or for a non-government entity like a large, government-regulated managed care organization. As recently as several decades ago, American doctors were considered a strong and unassailable bastion of independent-minded, pro-capitalist, free market-oriented professionals who abhorred centralized government control and preferred working for themselves or in small group practices. Now they appear to be comfortable with the emerging statist collective model of working for a paycheck by pleasing and kowtowing to the big boss. This new attitude, which suggests that doctors are OK with giving up their independence and being cogs in a large bureaucratic organization in exchange for a regular paycheck, is perfectly in sync with doctors reported preferences for socialized medicine. MDLinx: The survey, The Nations Pulse: The Texas Medical Centers Consumer & Physician Survey, found that only one in three physicians is currently paid entirely by salary; the remainder are paid in various combinations of salary and fee-for-service. The survey included 452 physicians throughout the nation (241 in primary care and 211 specialists), all of whom spend at least 50% of their time in patient care. This new trend is being celebrated by the Medical Establishment, which is construing the new attitude of physicians as being more efficient and compatible with the cost-cutting (translation: rationing) future that looms with the imminent full-scale adoption of socialized medicine that must keep costs down at all costs. Fee-for-service, the opposite of working for a salary, has lately been associated by big medicine spin doctors with inefficiency, conflicts of interest, excessive compensation, and other ills as defined by the new collectivist-minded powers-that-be in American politics and medicine A recent article in the influential Journal of the American Medical Association, titled Business ModelRelated Conflict of Interests in Medicine Problems and Potential Solutions, adds a patina of academic and intellectual legitimacy to this new collectivist orientation. Among the solutions, according to the articles authors, is for physicians to give up working on their own and instead work for a large boss a huge corporation or, eventually, the government that will guarantee them a regular salary. This is how it works in socialist countries like England since the imposition of socialized medicine the NHS or National Health Service in the UK in 1948. All doctors there work as salaried employees for the state. As a result, the quality of care in the UK is abysmal and totalitarian in the way that it treats citizens. (For a case history of that, see any of the eight articles about the case of British baby Charlie Gard that I wrote for American Thinker this past summer linked from my archive page here.) In full-blown communist countries like Cuba, doctors also work for and represent the totalitarian enforcement arm of the state, with draconian results. Its ironic, because recent experiments in the United States in what is called direct care that have been gaining some ground in the face of abominations like Obamacare have pointed to the success of a very different model one that relies on small-scale, self-employed medical practices that treat patients on an individualized, personal, one-to-one cash payment basis apart from the dictates of big insurance and big government mandates. The work of a successful practitioner of this model of medical care, Wichita, Kansas primary care doctor Josh Umbehr, M.D., has been brought to national attention since 2012 by Fox News and talk radio host Sean Hannity. Umbehrs practice is called AtlasMD. A 2016 article in the Wichita Business Journal is one of many that has highlighted his work. Umbehr says the direct care movement has generated some momentum in recent years, and the goal is to continue to push that in the weeks and months ahead. He founded the Wichita direct-care medical practice six years ago as a way to bypass insurance companies. He advocates for health insurance to cover catastrophic events, however. Umbehr says his model helps to lower health care costs by eliminating red tape and administrative overhead. Health care prices, he says, also are more transparent. At Atlas, patients pay a monthly membership fee from $10 to $100 per month. Members have access to doctors in person, by phone or through social media channels. The membership also gives patients access to diagnostic procedures, such as bone scans or pulmonary function tests, at no additional charge. Atlas has 2,200 members. Josh Umbehr, M.D. of Wichita, Kansas The cost effectiveness of the direct care model, sometimes called concierge medicine, compared with conventional insurance or government-controlled medicine (like Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, etc.) is substantial and actually mind-boggling. Why a majority of American physicians would throw in their lot with the concepts of single-payer and working as wage slaves for a big organization is not easy for an observer to understand. Until one recognizes that medical education, like everything else in the West, has been a target of socialist/communist propaganda since the 1960s. The results of this long march towards radical historical revisionism; the denigration of independence, freedom, and the free market; and the adoption of political correctness and social justice are now bearing fruit as a critical mass in the transformation of society has been achieved. It is as much against the interests of physicians to believe in the preference of being, in effect, wage slaves as it is for them to embrace single-payer socialized medicine. But thats the way it is today and as a result the future for everyone them and us looks very bleak. Peter Barry Chowka has reported on health care, with an emphasis on alternative medicine, since 1972. Between 1992-94 he was an advisor to the National Institutes of Health. His new Web site is AltMedNews.net. Follow Peter on Twitter. Over at Jackson Hole High School in Wyoming, the high school juniors were asked to read George Orwell's Animal Farm and then answer this online quiz question: Question 1: Napoleon has the gun fired for a new occasion. What is the new occasion? O He was shooting at Trump. O His birthday O For completion of the windmill. O To scare off the attackers of Animal Farm. Students in reddest-of-red state Wyoming objected and the school pulled the quiz and the whole incident found its way into a newspaper. Who knows what the response would have been had the quiz been given in a blue state? What it does show is that lethal, anti-Trump sentiment is normal sentiment in the nation's public schools, even in the most Republican of states. It's quite remarkable that this lftist idiocy happened in Wyomng, given that 68.2% of its voters case their vote for Donald Trump. Yet the embitted left, with its lethal "shoot Trump" fantasies, does not seem to care if a question like that annoyed the citizens. It's not even really about Trump when you think about it. It's about whether 'shooting Trump' becomes normal educational establishment talk and everyone, student, teacher and administrator, joins in to keep the death wish blowing. This kind of talk is already all over the Internet and there have been numerous instances in Hollywood and the press as well. It cheapens and coarsens the culture and sets the stage for a real assassin, much as the Arab 'Street' fueled the barbarism of the 'Arabian Spring.' Horrible things generally happen in a petri dish of like minded souls. And incredibly, it's spread to Wyoming. Unless there's some real house-cleanning, this kind of talk will spring up again as the 'new normal.' What a contribution to America's civic landscape, courtesy of the public schools. Please note that Governor Brown of California has just signed a bill that seems patently immoral, making it a misdemeanor rather than a felony for HIV-infected men to knowingly have anal intercourse with other men, without the receptive partner's knowledge or consent. This is murder by any other name. When I was teaching in Berkeley, I taught young gay graduate students, some of them complaining that they were targeted by "predatory" older gays. I saw some of them develop AIDS and one young man getting sicker until he was near death. Please note that TheConversation.com (an Australian academic site) is also emphasizing the role of penile-anal penetration as a cause of anal cancer, another major risk factor that could be controlled. Since the penile-anal viral pathway is the main infectious vector for HIV-AIDS, plus other STDs, the California Legislature has just legalized endangerment and very possibly murder by sexual intercourse. This is criminal irresponsibility on the part of the Legislature, especially because some gay men are extremely active sexually, having multiple encounters with other men in a matter of days. Some of this behavior looks addictive, with an escalating pattern of frequency and extremity of sexual acts, which also give rise to severe sado-masochistic activities. Because blood-to-blood contact is the most dangerous viral transmission pathway, and because the anus is not physiologically protected by mucus and epithelial layers, and because the act in question often causes bleeding, the increased danger should be obvious. When these acts knowingly cause loss of life or serious disease, the civil law has traditionally treated them as prosecutable murder or manslaughter. The California Legislature has decriminalized what is a plain and obvious crime. In Africa, where some women favor receptive anal penetration for birth control purposes, professional female prostitutes are commonly infected with AIDS and die. The rate of AIDS is therefore significantly higher in Africa than in wealthier industrialized countries. It is also noteworthy that Cuba escaped the AIDS crisis because Fidel Castro imposed a traditional medical quarantine on HIV carriers, a dictatorial action that no democratic country has been willing to imitate. In richer industrialized countries, the major danger is from transmission by gay carriers to gay victims, who are often much younger and more ignorant. The San Francisco Chronicle has reported "bug chasing" parties among gay men, where a small group of men will have a party with at least one known HIV carrier. So this is not a trivial public health issue, and the California Legislature and Governor Brown are being criminally irresponsible a fact they must know. Monarch: paper profits and discounts as capital for the super rich Monarch Airlines is bust. And in the Sunday Times we get an insight into the bizarro world of the mega-mega-rich. Monarch is owned by private equity outfit Greybull. Amid a battle for orders between Boeing and Airbus, Monarch secured a cut-price deal for 30 new planes which later rose to 45. The market value of the aircraft was greater than Monarchs agreed price, so creating a paper profit. And then it got even better. Greybull was able to persuade Boeing to release more than 100m of this trapped equity as cash, pumping it into the airline through Petrol Jersey. Can it be that the seller gave discount as capital? And why now did the firm bust? The Times notes: Questions have been raised about timing. Monarch went down with 48m of cash in the bank, over which Greybull has a strong claim as primary secured creditor. Swaffields statement revealed that the cash pile was shrinking rapidly and would have been 20m by the end of the month. Greybulls Marc Meyohas said the timing of the collapse was influenced by Atol, not by us running out of cash. Fair enough? The families, Greybull, Petrol Jersey, however you want to put it, will have lost money on this deal, said Marc Meyohas. We are absolutely disappointed by the outcome. We do feel we have been responsible owners, but we have failed nonetheless. As for placing questions marks over the owners, well, is it fair to portray them as grinners, as the FT does? Expect a lot to follow little of which will help the poor sods now out of jobs and fretting about pensions. Spotter: Times Anorak Posted: 8th, October 2017 | In: Broadsheets, Money Comment | TrackBack | Permalink remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Muhammad Ali Albakri, IATA's Regional Vice President for the Middle East & Africa noted that aviation currently supports 2.4 million jobs in the MENA region and contributes $157.2 billion in GDP. "Aviation has the power to generate significant prosperity. A safe, secure, efficient and sustainable air transport industry pays huge social and economic dividends. But despite the vast benefits enabled by aviation connectivity, the operating environment for airlines in MENA remains challenging," Albakri said. Speaking at the IATA Middle East and Africa Aviation Day in Jordan, Albakri noted that passenger demand is set to expand by 5.7% each year on average over the next 20 years, to become a market of 380 million passengers in 2035, He urged the region's governments to address five key challenges, so that aviation is able to support this growth: Infrastructure Air Traffic Management (ATM) is an issue of pressing concern. "Studies show that the average ATM delay in the Gulf is 29 minutes with the potential to double by 2025. And the diplomatic row in the GCC has further exacerbated the problem," said Al Bakri. "Without an increase in the overall efficiency of the ATM systems in the region through improved airspace design, MENA's world-class hubs will be compromised with gridlock. We appreciate the many programs that are in progress - including the GCC Air Navigation Committee, the Middle East ATM Enhancement Program and others. But we must drive these efforts even harder to achieve a real breakthrough," Al Bakri added. "Ultimately, cooperation between states to achieve change is paramount. Regional governments cannot allow their geographical fragmentation and political complexity to get in the way of finding a long-term solution." Rising Taxes and Charges There has been a recent proliferation of new charges and taxes in the Middle East that added $1.6 billion in extra costs in 2015 and 2016. IATA urges governments in the region to establish a charges consultation process in line with ICAO's policies which highlight the key principles of non-discrimination, cost-relatedness, transparency and consultation. "Excessive taxes and charges affect the ability of aviation to meet demand and impede economic growth. Governments will earn more revenues in the long-term by promoting aviation through lower taxes, than they will by making a short-sighted cash grab with taxes in an attempt to plug budget deficits. Every dollar that a passenger spends in the region creates jobs and spreads prosperity. And every dollar collected in taxes or charges is an incentive for travelers to go elsewhere. We must work together to reverse this trend," Al Bakri concluded. Security Keeping aviation secure is integral to a state's responsibility for national security, as highlighted in a UN Security Council Resolution. "Governments have the ultimate responsibility to keep flying safe and secure. But we are in this together. Consultation on security issues among Governments and between Governments and industry needs to happen as a matter of course not as an afterthought," said Al Bakri. "The lack of consultation prior to the recent ban on large PEDs caused airlines and passengers major inconvenience and left many unanswered questions. While we welcome that the ban was replaced by alternative measures, airlines have had to bear the brunt of the cost burden of implementing these new measures. However, the principle that was confirmed by UN Security Council resolution 2309 puts the responsibility for security clearly on the states." said Al Bakri. There is an opportunity through the publication of ICAO's Global Aviation Security Planalso known as GASePto provide a comprehensive framework for governments around the world to improve security measures in line with global standards. But GASeP will only be effective if governments cooperate on capacity building, information sharing, identifying conflict zones and so forth. Smarter Regulation IATA urges governments in MENA to adopt IATA's Smarter Regulation framework to avoid unintended consequences when designing or implementing aviation policies. "Recently there has been a proliferation of regulations across MENA such as the new consumer protection regulations in Saudi Arabia and that have placed an undue burden on aviation's ability to act as a catalyst for economic and social development. Smarter Regulation is the solution to achieve positive policies that support the growth of aviation and ultimately boost social and economic development," said Al Bakri. The IATA AME Aviation Day in Jordan welcomed a broad spectrum of aviation stakeholders from governments, policy makes, regulators, airlines and manufactures as well as a number of VIP guests from Jordan including His Royal Highness Prince Faisal Bin Ibn Hussein, His Excellency Engineer Jamil Mujahed, Minister of Transport of Jordan, and Her Excellency Lina Annab, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan. One of the producers of the film thanked the director Advait Chandan for the different look and pushing the envelope. Mumbai: Aamir Khan will be seen in an over-the-top colourful look for his upcoming production 'Secret Superstar', and his director-producer wife Kiran Rao is in love with the character. In 'Secret Superstar', Aamir is seen sporting a handlebar moustache and balbo style beard. "Kiran is happy with this look of Aamir, she wants him to maintain this look always. This is her favourite look," director of the film, Advait Chandan told reporters here on the sidelines of Movie Mela - MAMI festival. On this, Kiran added, "All thanks to Advait for the look and pushing the envelope. He has made a different look and we will remember it for years." Kiran, who is the chairperson of the MAMI film festival, said she is excited about the great line-up of movies. "The programming is better this time, events are interesting. Now we have learnt how to do things. Our attempt is that the films screened at MAMI festival should be watched by as many people as possible at the different venues. We increase the number of cinema houses every year. We have given free entry to students as well," she added. The festival is scheduled to take place from October 12 to 18. Farmers were admitted in the district hospital in Yavatmal with symptoms like blurred vision, nausea, skin rashes, headaches and dizziness. Mumbai: At least 20 farmers have died due to poisoning in the last one month after spraying pesticides in their cotton field. Over 1,800 farmers have been affected by the inhalation of these lethal pesticides since August, according to The Hindu. According to a reports, many of them have also complained about losing their eyesight. The first death was reported in early August. According to a report in The Indian Express, at least 800 are still in hospital, of which some have lost their eye sight while others are in the intensive care unit (ICU) in critical condition. Five of the hospitalised farmers are on life support systems, The Hindu reported. They were admitted in the district hospital in Yavatmal, about 670 km from Mumbai, with symptoms like blurred vision, nausea, skin rashes, headaches and dizziness. Brahmanand Adik, 39, was also exposed to poison and had temporary loss of vision, according to a report in NDTV. "I had sprayed insecticide that day. Then my head started aching and I couldn't see clearly. After that I found myself in the hospital," Adik told NDTV. Agrarian experts are of the opinion that the new spray machines and norms of the Central Insecticide Board are responsible for the deaths. "Most of the new molecules available in the market don't have specific antidotes mentioned. It has been written on most of the pesticides that there is no specific antidote but treat symptomatically," Dr Sharad Nimbalkar, former Vice Chancellor of Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Agriculture University, said. "The district administration didn't inform the state government about the alarming situation on time, "Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Pandurang Fundkar told PTI. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had on Tuesday ordered an enquiry into the matter and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the kin of each deceased farmer. Five Krishi Seva Kendra owners have also been booked for selling pesticides without protective gear, according to the report. The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Friday issued notices on a petition seeking criminal action against the officials concerned and pesticide firms. The government is now taking efforts to regulate the sale of pesticides, ensuring that the pesticides are cleared after safety checks and also making sure that the farmers are using protective gear while spraying insecticides. Over 120 BJP-RSS workers have been killed since the communists came to power, Amit Shah said. After leaving his party's march against the CPI(M) in Kerala midway, Shah lead a rally to the left party's office in the national capital. (Photo: ANI | Twitter) New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah, on Sunday slammed the CPI (M) and said that they should be ashamed of themselves since most "political killings" in Kerala took place in Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's area. "Over 120 BJP-RSS workers have been killed since the communists came to power," he said. After leaving his party's march against the CPI(M) in Kerala midway, Shah lead a rally to the left party's office in the national capital to protest against the alleged killings of right-wing activists in the southern state. Targeting the Kerala state government, he said, "Life can be taken with a bullet, but bodies of our workers were chopped to pieces to instill fear. Even then we are not scared of sacrifice. Earlier this week, Shah had kicked off the Jan Raksha Yatra (people's protection march) from Payyannur in Kerala. According to the party, he skipped the march in Pinarayi -- the home town of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan -- as he had to attend a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shah, on Sunday, started the march from Connaught Place after paying homage to BJP and RSS workers "killed" in Kerala. He was accompanied by BJP's Delhi unit president Manoj Tiwari and other senior party leaders, the party said in a statement. The party will take out the Jan Raksha Yatra every day from every state capital till October 16. Shah is also scheduled to lead the march on the concluding day later this month in Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala, especially the volatile Kannur district, has been witnessing a series of political killings and counter-killings of CPI(M) and RSS-BJP activists. (With agency inputs) Rahul Gandhi should take over as AICC president and that the AICC president and vice-president should elect the new DPCC. New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh finds himself in the middle of another controversy on Saturday when he shared dias with former Lok Sabha MP Sajjan Kumar, an accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, sparking a massive outrage. A senior Congress leader, who did not wish to be named, said that Mr Singh and Mr Kumar attended the first meeting of the newly-elected Delhi Congress unit. Both the leaders are the newly-elected delegates. They came had come to attend the first meeting, he said. This has come as major embarrassment to the Congress. In July, the Delhi high court had sought the response of Mr Kumar to a plea seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to him by the trial court in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. The Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) appointed as many as 280 new delegates who would vote in the All India Congress Committee (AICC) elections reportedly to be held next month. Besides, Mr Singh, senior party leader Janardhan Dwivedi was also made one of the delegates. During the meeting, the Congress leaders also passed two resolutions that AICC vice president. Rahul Gandhi should take over as AICC president and that the AICC president and vice-president should elect the new DPCC. All the newly elected delegates endorsed both the resolutions by raising their hands. Former DPCC president Ms Tajdar Babar read out the first resolution regarding election of the DPCC chi-ef. The second resolution was read out by former DPCC president Prem Singh who proposed that Mr Gandhi should take over as the AICC chief. Addressing the meeting, DPCC president Ajay Maken said that it was a matter of pride for the party that Mr Singh had been elected as a DPCC delegate. Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Gujarat, launched the intensified Mission Indradhanush that will work towards full immunisation. The entire city was decorated for the grand welcome of the Prime Minister. (Photo: PMO India/Twitter) Vadnagar (Gujarat): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in his hometown Vadnagar, Gujarat, on Sunday, said that the Government is constantly working on making healthcare affordable for the poor. "We brought prices of stents down. Work is constantly being done to make healthcare affordable for the poor," said Modi, who received a grand welcome at his birthplace in Mehsana district. "Coming back to my hometown and receiving such a warm welcome is special. What I am today is because of the values imparted in me. I will work even harder for the nation," he said. Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Gujarat, launched the intensified Mission Indradhanush that will work towards full immunisation. "I am happy that I got a chance to inaugurate projects relating to the health sector, particularly Intensified Mission Indradhanush," he said. Taking a jibe at the Congress, he said, "The Atal Bihari Vajpayee government had made health policy during its tenure, but the next government neglected the sector." Modi, after becoming Prime Minister in 2014 visited his hometown for the first time. The entire city was decorated for the grand welcome of the Prime Minister. There were chants of "Modi-Modi" and flowers were showered on him at several places along the route of the roadshow. A large number of Vadnagars residents queued up along the route to greet Modi. He also interacted with the students of Vadnagar's Gujarat Medical Education & Research Society (GMERS Medical College). "We as a society require more doctors who can serve people," he said and dedicated the institution to the nation. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and Union Minister JP Nadda were also present at the event. (With agency inputs) Sitharaman was accorded a guard of honor on her arrival at Nathu La. Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman acknowledges a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence who were taking pictures on her arrival at Nathu La. (Photo: PTI) Gangtok: Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Nathu La area on the Sino-India border and interacted with Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police officials. However, her scheduled aerial survey of Dokalam and forward posts in the border areas of Sikkim was cancelled due to inclement weather, a statement issued by the department of information and public relations, government of Sikkim, said. Earlier in the day, state government officials had said the defence minister made an aerial survey of the Doklam-Nathu La area. Ms Sitharaman travelled by road to Nathu La, 52 km from Gangtok, and interacted with Army and ITBP officials posted there. The Union minister who was scheduled to make her aerial survey of Doklam and forward posts along the Indo-Sino border in Sikkim was cancelled due to inclement weather. However, she made her aerial survey of Gangtok and surrounding areas from the new Greenfield Pakyong Airport in east Sikkim after her return from the Nathu-la Border during the afternoon, the statement said. Ms Sitharaman was accorded a guard of honor on her arrival at Nathu La. She was also briefed about the security preparedness along the China-India border in the Sikkim sector by the Chief of Eastern Command Lt. Gen. Abhay Krishna. vice-chief of Army Lt. Gen. Sarath Chandra was also present there. The defence ministers visit to the border area comes more than a month since Indian and Chinese troops disengaged after nearly a 70-day standoff at Dokalam. On her twitter handle, she said Chinese soldiers from across the border took pictures of hers when she reached Nathu La. Acknowledged a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence who were taking pictures on my reaching Nathu La, she tweeted. She later met Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling at his official residence and sought the state government's intervention in sorting out issues, mostly concerning land, between the Army and the states forest department. Mr Chamling assured all intervention from the government, the release said. The matter comes up for further hearing on October 9. New Delhi: The Centre and the Kerala government locked horns, with the latter questioning the need of a NIA probe into marriage of a Hindu woman with a Muslim man. Hadiya (who was formerly called Akhila Ashokan) married Shafin Jahan after she converted to Islam. In its response filed in the Supreme Court on the petition filed by Mr Shafin seeking to recall the order, the Kerala government said during the two-month-long investigation by the Kerala police, no such incriminating material was found that called for an intervention by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The matter comes up for further hearing on October 9. Giving a clean chit to Shafin Jahan, the Kerala government said the investigation conducted so far by the state did not reveal any incident relating to commission of any scheduled offences to make a report to the the Centre under Section 6 of the NIA Act, stated the affidavit. The affidavit contended that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Kerala Police conducted a detailed investigation into the conversion of Hadiya and her subsequent marriage to Mr Shafin. It added that the Kerala police is competent to conduct investigation in such crimes and it would have reported to the Centre in case of any incident requiring the involvement of NIA. However, the department said, the investigation had to be handed over to the National Investigation Agency by the Kerala police in view of the Supreme Court order in August. Pak starts process to challenge Indias response in international court. Islamabad: Pakistan is set to appoint former Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani as an adhoc judge in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for Kulbhushan Jadhav, the Indian national who was allegedly captured by Pakistani forces and was sentenced to death by military court over espionage and subversive activities. After India had approached the ICJ, a 10-member bench on May 18 restrained Pakistan from executing Mr Jadhav till adjudication of the case. The decision to appoint Mr Jillani has been made after the government held consultations with all stakeholders, including the military, according to media reports said. A summary has already been sent to the Prime Ministers Office by the law department, wherein the names of Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jilani and senior lawyer Makhdoom Ali Khan were proposed. The government decided to appoint former CJ Jillani, Express Tribune reported. Known as the gentleman judge, Mr Jillani retired as the Chief Justice on July 5, 2014. He was the successor to Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, who retired on December 11, 2013. Meanwhile, Pakistan has started the process to file its plea in response to Indias memorial submitted in the ICJ against the death sentence of Mr Jadhav. The ICJ had asked Pakistan to submit its written response by December 13 before the court could start further proceedings. Foreign office sources said that attorney general Ashtar Ausaf Ali on Friday presided over a meeting of law experts and officials of the ministry of foreign affairs and other relevant departments to discuss the line of arguments in the ICJ. We will forcefully defend our position which is based on the fact that Mr Jadhav is a serving Indian spy tasked to carry out subversive activities in Pakistan, the sources said. The PM also inaugurated the work for building six-lanes on the Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway at Chotila. New Delhi: Both the Congress and the BJP are seeking divine intervention for winning Gujarat Assembly elections. After Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhis temple run during his state visit last month, it was the turn of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday to seek blessings from Gods before sounding the BJPs poll bugle. The Prime Minister, who arrived in Gujarat on Saturday on a two-day visit, offered prayers at the famous Dwarkadhish temple. Government agencies, including the Press Information Bureau, released his pictures on social media on a day when he called for efforts to achieve swaraj through digital literacy and talked about using technology as a tool of empowerment. Mr Gandhi, during his second visit to the state where elections are slated by the year-end, had begun his campaign from the same temple. The importance of winning Gujarat for the BJP and the Prime Minister is evident from Mr Modis plan to address six rallies in two days. Later in the day, Mr Modi laid the foundation stone for a four-lane cable stayed signature bridge between Okha and Beyt Dwarka and talked about the small trader-friendly decisions taken by the GST Council on Friday evening, ushering in a virtual early Diwali for citizens. Diwali has come early for our citizens due to the decisions taken in the GST Council. We had said we will study all aspects relating to GST for three months, including the shortcomings. And thus, the decisions were taken with consensus at the GST Council, Mr Modi said, highlighting the relief offered to small traders and rate cut for 27 items that, he said, had kindled the festive mood of Diwali a fortnight before it is celebrated. The PM also inaugurated the work for building six-lanes on the Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway at Chotila. Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari, who was also present, said, You can donate eyes, but you cannot donate vision. PM Modis vision is going to transform villages, the (lives of) poor and farmers. At a rally in Gandhinagar, the Prime Minister talked about technology and maintained that it was the key to empowerment. Mr Modi also shared his JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhar and Mobile) mantra. Stressing on user-friendly technology, the Prime Minister said that there was a need to end the digital divide in the country. Talking about the NDA governments educational reforms, Mr Modi said that academics should not be exam-driven: The focus needs to be on innovation. Mr Modi spoke of the achievements of the state under the BJP government. Gujarat is the only place in the world to have a forensic university, Mr Modi claimed, adding that the nation must be a pioneer in all fields of research and development. Talking about digital literacy, the Prime Minister argued that 80 per cent of people do not know how to use an expensive mobile and claimed that if there is digital literacy, people will be able to use their expensive phones properly. It will be a value addition. For the common man, to attain swaraj, digital literacy is necessary. While inaugurating the new campus of IIT-Gandhinagar, he took a dig at the Opposition and said the decision to grant 400 acres of land for it was taken much before the elections. If the decision had been taken just before the polls, some people would have said that it was influenced by the forthcoming polls, he said. He pointed out that these are the same people who criticised the bullet train. The Prime Minister said, Innovation can be achieved through two ways: One, applying academic knowledge and creating new things and two, by notice your surroundings, its problems and then thinking if you can provide a solution for it. And then exploring if this can be turned into a sustainable business model. Mr Modi claimed that due to the governments policies the entire worlds attention is on India. People are coming to invest here. He said that five new battalions of the force will be made fully operational from January 1 next year. Meerut: The 21st century police cannot be a brute force but will have to be a civilised unit, home minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday and asked the police personnel to be patient in dealing with challenging situations such as riots and protests. The minister also urged the police forces, both under the Centre and the states, to use new technology and psychological solutions to control and divert the minds of the rampaging crowds during a protest or in a riots-like situation. Mr Singh made the remarks while addressing the personnel of the blue dungaree-donning Rapid Action Force (RAF) at their base here on the occasion of their silver jubilee (25th) anniversary. Mr Singh urged the security personnel to keep an effective check on the incidents in which attempts are made to break the country on the lines of casteism, religion or regionalism. The police of the 21st century cannot be a brute force. It will have to be a civilised force. Patience and control has to be practised and followed by police forces and the personnel on ground while dealing with hard and challenging situations like riots and protesting crowds. I understand sometimes police forces have to use slight force, but in such situations too, prudence is required, he said. Mr Singh said he has already asked the Bureau of Police Research and Development to look for less-lethal solutions to be used in policing tasks and crowd control. The head of the country's internal security mechanism asked the forces to apply minimum force and obtain maximum results. While lauding the efforts of the RAF, he said that five new battalions of the force will be made fully operational from January 1 next year. The RAF, at present, has ten operational battalions and they are based in 10 cities that are regarded as sensitive from the communal and the security point of view. The home minister also declared that personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will be granted an annual allowance of Rs 10,000 to get stitched uniforms and the practise of providing them ready-made uniforms has been discontinued. He said that he was "seriously" thinking about ways to ensure timely promotions to the about 10 lakh personnel of these forces. He also took a dig at those who say that only taking a pledge does not transform the country. Darul Iftaa, which issues the Darul Uloom Deoband's edicts, has termed all such hair-grooming activities as 'un-Islamic'. According to reports, a Muslim man from Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur had sent a query to the seminary seeking to know if haircut and eyebrow doing were allowed in Islam. (Photo: ANI) Deoband (Uttar Pradesh): The Darul Uloom Deoband, an Islamic school, issued a fatwa (religious edict) on Saturday that banned women from plucking, trimming and shaping their eyebrows and also cutting their hair. Darul Iftaa, which issues the Darul Uloom Deoband's edicts, has termed all such hair-grooming activities as 'un-Islamic'. "Darul-Uloom Deoband has issued fatwa against Muslim women cutting their hair and shaping their eyebrows," Maulana Kazmi of Darul Uloom Deoband said. According to reports, a Muslim man from Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur had sent a query to the seminary seeking to know if haircut and eyebrow doing were allowed in Islam. In a response to the query, Darul Iftaa said such acts violate Islamic laws. Women activist Mariya Alam questioned the fatwa issued and said, "Darul Uloom is also becoming the part of world's conspiracy against Muslims, where they are portrayed as extremists, terrorists and are believed to torture women." She further said that it is misrepresentation of Islam and shows it of carrying anti-women values. "Islam is not about putting restrictions on women but about empowering women," Alam said. She further added that no one can decide for Muslim women, they themselves can take decisions. Darool Uloom Deoband issued many fatwas in the past. In January 2012, it issued a fatwa calling for the author Salman Rushdie to be barred from entering India to attend a literature festival because he had offended Muslim sentiments. In May 2010, Darool Uloom Deoband issued a fatwa stating that men and women cannot work together in public offices unless the women are properly clothed. In September 2013, it issued a fatwa banning photography as un-Islamic. UP man had approached Darul to explain him Islamic laws on women. The seminary issued the fatwa after a Muslim man from Saharanpur approached Darul Iftaa to explain Islamic laws about eyebrow trimming and hair-cutting. (Representational Image) Lucknow: The well known Islamic seminary in Saharanpur, Darul Uloom Deoband, has issued a fatwa that bans Muslim women from plucking, trimming and shaping their eyebrows. The fatwa also bans the Muslim women from cutting their hair. Darul Iftaa, which issues the Darul Uloom Deobands edicts, has termed the act as un-Islamic. The seminary issued the fatwa after a Muslim man from Saharanpur approached Darul Iftaa to explain Islamic laws about eyebrow trimming and hair-cutting. Do Islamic laws allow my wife to go for eyebrow plucking and hair-cutting? the man had sought to know. In response to his query, the Darul Iftaa issued a fatwa saying that both the acts are un-Islamic and are banned under the Islamic laws. Darul Iftaa clarified that there are ten acts, including eyebrow plucking and hair-cutting which are banned for Muslim women under Islam. Hair adds to the beauty of Muslim women and they should never get them cut, said the head of Darul Iftaa, Maulana L Sadiq Qasmi. Also, he asked the women to stay away from beauty parlours as Islam does not permit them to have make-up attracting other male members. The trend of Muslim women going to beauty parlours has increased in the country. It is not a good sign and it should be stopped immediately. We should have issued a fatwa in this regard long ago, he said. Angry mob detains 6 in Srinagar; cops rescue tourists with local help. Srinagar: As Kashmir Valley continues to witness protests against the increased incidence of braid chopping, a group of six foreign tourists was detained by angry residents in Srinagars Rainawari area on suspicion of being involved in the crime on Saturday. However, the police immediately rushed to the area and rescued them, claimed an official release. It said that the station house officer of the Rainawari police station, G.P. Singh, was alerted by the police control room and some sources stating that six foreign tourists have been rounded up by some people on the suspicion of being braid choppers. A police team rushed to the area and rescued the detained tourists during which it received cooperation from some locals, the release said. The police investigations revealed that the tourists, including three Australi-ans and one each from South Korean, Ireland and England (four males and two females), were travelling from Leh to Srinagar in a Tavera vehicle driven by one Aabid Hussain, a resident of Jammus regions Doda district. The group had lost way and was travelling with the help of Google Map which led it to travel across a link road showing a shortcut to Lal Chowk. On reaching Kanikachi Lati Mohalla, the vehicle was stopped by a group who on spotting foreigners in the vehicle started a hue and cry which caused a large gathering on the spot turning into an unruly mob. However some locals started rescuing the holed up group and called the police, the police statement said. It added, With great efforts of the police and the reasonable public, the group was rescued. Tourists were taken to a local hotel where they spent the night and on Sunday morning were seen off by senior police and tourism officials before they started the journey for their next generation, the police said. Meanwhile, the security has been tightened further in view of a strike call issued by an alliance of key separatist leaders on Monday against the growing number of braid chopping incidents. Various schools and other institutions have announced holiday on Monday as a precautionary measure. The J&K police have constituted Special Investigating Teams to probe the incidents. They established 24x7 helplines in all the ten districts. In addition, the police will also organise community group meetings to seek the help of the people in the stepped up vigil in the respective areas. The Air Chief also said in a message published in an IAF booklet about the possibility of a short and swift war. Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat, IAF Group Captain Sachin Tendulkar and Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, Chief of Air Staff, among others, at the 85th Air Force Day parade at the Hindon airbase. (Photo: PTI) Hindon (UP): The Indian Air Force is up and ready to fight a war at short notice and can respond to any security challenge to the country in the most befitting manner, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff, said on Sunday. We are prepared to fight at short notice should the need arise... the men and women under my command are confident of taking on any threat and are fully prepared to undertake the full spectrum of air operations and respond to any challenge in the most befitting manner, he said, while addressing a function at the airbase here on the 85th anniversary of the IAF. The Air Chief also said in a message published in an IAF booklet about the possibility of a short and swift war. The nature of conflict in the present geopolitical environment may require us to fight a short and swift war for which we need to be alert and prepared to fight at short notice, he said. The IAF Chiefs comments acquire significance amid Chinas muscle-flexing in the Doklam plateau and the continued cross-border terror activities by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. Underscoring the technology thrust in the IAF, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said the force was focused on becoming a technology-intensive force in the next few years. We are in the process of acquiring new combat systems, upgrading and modernising our existing inventory of aircraft and weapons systems, with an aim to equip them with the latest avionics technology, he said. Members of the Akash Ganga skydiving team display their skills during the 85th Air Force Day parade at Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad. (Photo: Pritam Bandyopadhyay) In this regard, he also mentioned the mid-life upgradation of various fighter jets, including the Mirage 2000, MiG-29 and Jaguar fleet. The acquisition of 36 Rafale aircraft in the next few years and an early decision on the indigenous fighter jet project will significantly enhance our operational capability, he said. Separately, in a message published in an IAF booklet, ACM Dhanoa said the uncertainties in the current environment in the region may require the IAF to act in varied challenging situations. The IAF also presented an impressive parade with its jets and helicopters giving a glimpse of its lethal strike capability. ACM Dhanoa also conferred the Vayu Sena Medal on a number of IAF personnel. In the backdrop of Fridays tragic Mi-17 helicopter crash in Tawang that led to the deaths of seven security personnel, the Air Chief said: Notwithstanding the high intensity of our flying, we cant afford to have accidents and lose valuable lives and assets. Our losses during peacetime is a cause of concern and we are making concerted efforts to prevent accidents and preserve our assets. Stressing the need for joint planning and coordination between the IAF, Army and Navy, he said: The Indian Air Force is firm in its belief that joint planning and operations are the way ahead, for which core competencies of each service must be synergised to generate the desired effect and capability. Out of eight presentations shortlisted to be shown to Mr Modi, one particularly interested him. New Delhi: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi often urging bureaucrats to come up with new ideas, recently an innovative concept from a young bureaucrat left him impressed. During his interaction with the 2015 batch IAS officers, a presentation on rapid response for accident victims by one officer caught his attention. Highly-placed sources said at this particular meeting, out of eight presentations shortlisted to be shown to Mr Modi, one particularly interested him. The officer had, in collaboration with Google, prepared a software that can instantly determine the location of the caller from the accident site and on a real-time basis send out an SMS to the affected person informing him/her about the actual time the nearest ambulance will take to reach the spot. This way, sources said, the ambulance will reach the spot in a span of minutes, avoiding wastage of crucial time and helping save the life of a critically injured victim. Normally if a call is made via the medical emergency number 108, operational in 21 states across India, it takes time for an ambulance to reach the accident spot, which may prove fatal in many cases. However, with the help of this software, a call from the accident site will be tracked by the call centre that in turn will send an SMS immediately to the affected person, telling him how long the ambulance will take to reach the location. Simultaneously, the nearest available ambulance will also be directed by the call centre to reach the spot by giving it accurate geographical details about the location of the accident. Sources told this newspaper that the Prime Minister was impressed with the presentation and praised the officer for being imaginative. While nothing is final as of now, sources said the proposed concept could even become part of a larger policy if it is approved by the PMO. In 2015, Mr Modi started the concept of making newly-recruited IAS officers undergo training in Central ministries in New Delhi for three months before they join their respective state cadres. The idea is to give them an opportunity to be a part of and experience firsthand how policies are drafted in Central ministries. They are also given a chance to come up with new ideas of their own, which if liked by the PMO could become part of a larger policy framework in future. Some of the best presentations prepared by young bureaucrats on new ideas or concepts are shortlisted and shown to the Prime Minister during his interaction with them, prior to their departure for their respective cadres. The bemused Chinese soldiers hit it right when they burst out it was a Ni Hao or a Chinese hello, how are you. Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman acknowledges a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence who were taking pictures on her arrival at Nathu La. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Going by the gracious and good-natured exchanges at the Nathu La border post with China, one would have found it difficult to guess that the Indian and the Chinese armies were engaged in a bitter standoff in nearby Dokala till just a month and a half back. But it was soft diplomacy at its best when defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman greeted Chinese military officials with an Indian customary namaste at the Nathu La border during her official visit to the place. Greeting them with a customary namaste, she asked the PLA officials if they knew what it meant. Cutting short an Indian Army official who tried to explain to the Chinese what it meant, she told him, Let them explain, they know what it is. The bemused Chinese soldiers hit it right when they burst out it was a Ni Hao or a Chinese hello, how are you. And after that, it was namaste all the way as the PLA officers smartly folded their palms and blurted namaste. The Chinese PLA Captain who was doing the translation introduced himself as someone with royal antecedents to which the minister promptly said, So we have a king to do the translation which brought good cheer among the men from both sides. The defence ministerIndias first full-time lady defence ministeralso waved at Chinese soldiers posted across the border at Nathu La and even tweeted a photo where she was seen smiling and waving at, what she said was, a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence who were taking pictures [of Sitharaman] reaching Nathu La. Ms Sitharamans scheduled aerial survey of Doklam and other forward posts along the Indo-Sino border in Sikkim was cancelled due to inclement weather. However, she made her aerial survey of Gangtok and surrounding areas from the new Greenfield Pakyong Airport in Sikkim, read statement after her return from the Nathu-la Border during the afternoon, said a statement issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Sikkim. Another issue that the SJM has highlighted is that for a permanent solution, public stockholding to be allowed without limits. New Delhi: In a letter to Union commerce minister Suresh Prabhu, RSS-affiliate Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) on Sunday raised concerns over issues, including e-commerce, agriculture and investment facilitation, which it feels is being pushed in the negotiations of the World Trade Organisations (WTO), whose mini-ministerial meeting began in Morocco from Sunday. Supporting the governments proposal on eliminating the Aggregate Measure of Support (AMS) in the agriculture sector, the SJM has said that while agriculture is a key issue for India and the majority of its population, developed country subsidies, in particular the AMS, are hurting farmers in India. SJMs national co-convenor Ashwini Mahajan has asked the government to push on this proposal, while making it very clear that the development subsidies we get cannot be touched as these represent an important tool to support farmers in developing countries. More than 100 developing countries support us in this endeavour. India can create a good atmosphere in WTO in support of billions of small farmers in the world. Another issue that the SJM has highlighted is that for a permanent solution, public stockholding to be allowed without limits. It has asked the government not to accept very difficult compliance conditions, including those set out under the Peace Clause, which makes it almost impossible to use. On the e-commerce issue, the SJM feels that it is a complex and unknown area where the entire future of the country is potentially impacted. It can restrict future economic policy-making and curb the governments ability to regulate giant e-companies. India should not be giving away a critical raw material like data for free to large corporations in the West to profit from affecting future manufacturing policy space. The SJM said it is also extremely worried about proposals on investment facilitation that are being pushed in the negotiations as what starts off as simple facilitation can end up as crucial commitments on investor protection and market access. Co-authored by Sangh-mitra Maurya, the book titled Moditva ke Maine (Meaning of Moditva) focuses on the rise of Narendra Modi. Lucknow: A new book by senior UP minister Swami Prasad Mauryas daughter in which she praises Yogi Adityanath may end up embarrassing him and also open a way for criticism because they speak of his controversial past and alleged statements. Co-authored by Sanghmitra Maurya, the book titled Moditva ke Maine (Meaning of Moditva) focuses on the rise of Narendra Modi. While Mr Maurya refused to comment, other ministers said that it was a deliberate attempt to malign the image of Yogi Adityanath. The book claims that Yogi Adityanath is an ardent follower of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and points back to controversial statements made by Yogi Adityanath and explores his past. For instance, the book recalls a video recording made in August 2014, in which Mr Adityanath is shown telling supporters that if they (Muslims) convert one Hindu girl, we will convert 100 Muslim girls. Mr Adityanath, at that time, had declined to comment on the video, saying it was for the media to find out whether the truth. The authors also recall him as allegedly saying that if he had his way, he would place idols of Hindu gods and goddesses, Gauri and Ganesh, in all the mosques of the country. After the lynching of Modh Ikhlaq in Dadri, Mr Adityanath is quoted as having said, I have read that Akhlaq had gone to Pakistan. Once he returned from Pakistan, his activities changed. Has the government found out why this man went to Pakistan? He is being glorified. The book claims that Yogi floated in controversies while his popularity continued to soar. The authors, Sanghmitra Maurya and Deepak K.S. attribute most of the controversies around him to the period when he had floated the Hindu Yuva Vahini for a crusade against religious conversions. Also, it has several quotes attributed to the chief minister. These include Those opposing yoga should quit India, Those opposing Surya Namaskar should be drowned in the sea and There is a demographic imbalance in the country because of the high reproductive rate among Muslims. The authors have quoted him as allegedly lamenting in February 2015 that Aryavrat (land of the Aryans) made Aryans. We will turn all to Hindus in India. We will fly the saffron flag all over the world. No non-Muslim can enter Mecca. No non-Christian can go to Vatican City but we welcome them all. The authors, meanwhile, also have a word of caution for Mr Adityanath when they say that He must now introduce good governance in the state, otherwise his negative image would continue to haunt the people. Accused threatened to kill boy, beat up man; no arrests yet. The men took turns to rape her after tying up her husband. (Representational image) Lucknow: A 30-year-old woman in Muzaffarnagar district was allegedly gangraped by four men in front of her husband and their toddler son. The incident took place on Friday. The woman and her husband, 35, had taken their baby to a pediatrician and were returning home on a motorbike in Muzaffarnagar when they were waylaid by four men, who were carrying weapons, in a car. The suspects told them that the Ganga canal bridge on the main route was damaged and suggested a back road. The victims took the detour and it was there that they forced the motorcycle to pull over, beat up the husband and dragged the three to a sugarcane field, the police said. Read: UP: Victim takes rapists ear to cops to prove rape They stopped the couple, snatched the boy from them and beat up the man. Then they dragged the woman to a sugarcane field. The men took turns to rape her after tying up her husband. They threatened to kill the boy who cried through her ordeal. After they were done, they warned the couple against raising an alarm and fled. Four men dragged me to a sugarcane farm and raped me at gun-point. They threatened to kill my child, also tied and beat up my husband, the victim told the police. The family later screamed for help and a few farmers from a nearby village rushed to rescue them. The police took the family to the hospital for treatment and the victim was sent for medical examination. A search for the accused is on, a senior police officer said. Circle officer, Bhopa, Rijwan Ahmad, said that on the basis of the FIR, a case had been registered under sections 323, 376 D and 506 of the Indian Penal Code. Ajay Sahdev, SP Rural, Muzaffarnagar, said, We are waiting for her medical report. A case has been registered against the four and investigation is underway. The BJP has been targeting Himachal chief minister Virbhadra Singh who is facing corruption charges and is currently out on bail. New Delhi: Its corruption versus sluggish economy in poll-bound Himachal Pradesh. Fighting to retain power in the state, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the economic front in an attempt to blunt the BJPs attempts to woo voters by highlighting alleged corruption under the Congress government. Mr Gandhi, kicking off the partys election campaign with a rally in Mandi district where he announced Virbhadra Singh as the partys CM face again, claimed that the Modi governments economic policies were responsible for causing unemployment. There are no jobs, the Prime Minister has hurt the economy by first implementing demonetisation and then introducing a seven-slab GST, said Mr Gandhi. Mr Modi visited Himachal three days ago and targeted the state Congress on corruption issues by saying that the entire government is on bail. The BJP has been targeting Himachal chief minister Virbhadra Singh who is facing corruption charges and is currently out on bail. Hitting back at the Prime Minister, Mr Gandhi on Saturday raked up the issue of unemployment and alleged that the NDA government had failed to fulfil the promise of providing jobs to two crore people. The ground situation is that 30,000 job-seekers are being added every 24 hours but only 450 persons are getting jobs a day while our competitor China is giving jobs to 50,000 people every day, said Mr Gandhi. The Congress V-P also criticised the hasty implementation of GST and said that in Gujarat alone 30 lakh young men and women have lost their jobs due to GST. Mr Gandhi also settled the partys leadership debate in the poll-bound state by backing chief minister Virbhadra Singh. Virbhadra Singhji has done tremendous development in Himachal Pradesh as six-time chief minister. He will be the CM for the seventh time. He will have full backing of the party, said Mr Gandhi. In the run-up to the Assembly polls, expected around December, state Congress chief Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had emerged as a challenger to the chief minister who, at one stage, had threatened not to contest elections if Mr Sukhu was not removed. CPI(M)s Sitaram Yechury claimed that it is the latest in a series of cases of corruption under the Modi government. New Delhi: The BJP on Sunday vehemently rejected assertions made against party president Amit Shahs son, Jay Shah, which appeared in a section of the media, even as the Opposition demanded a probe into the news report which claimed that turnover of Jays company saw a significant rise after the Modi government came to power in 2014. In a statement issued, Jay described the article as absolutely false imputation in a slanted article and said that he would file a Rs 100 crore defamation case in the matter. Describing the issue as a case of crony capitalism, the Opposition, including the Congress, Left and AAP, demanded an investigation. The BJP, however, asserted that Jays business are fully legitimate and conducted in a lawful manner on commercial lines, which is reflected in his tax records and through banking transactions. Today, we ask a question to the Prime Minister, the pradhan sevak... Now, what do you have to say about crony capitalism? Will you give direction to the CBI to probe the matter? Will you ask the ED to arrest these people, asked senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal. CPI(M)s Sitaram Yechury claimed that it is the latest in a series of cases of corruption under the Modi government. Union minister Piyush Goyal, who was fielded by the BJP after Opposition parties started attacking party president and the Modi government, rejected the charges and said it was not avoiding the issue but has gone on the offensive, as he mentioned about the defamation case in the matter. The Congress, however, questioned why a Union minister defended Jay from an official platform when he should be defending the government. Rawats assertion assumes significance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already pitched for simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha are due in mid-2019, along with the next general polls. New Delhi: Favouring simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, the Election Commission on Sunday said all political parties need to be brought on board before such an exercise is carried out. The EC has always been of the view that simultaneous elections will give enough time for incumbent government to formulate policies and implement programmes continuously for a longer time without interruptions caused by imposition of model code of conduct, Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat said. He said bringing all political parties on board is an imperative for holding the simultaneous polls. Mr Rawats assertion assumes significance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already pitched for simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. Conducting the two polls together will be possible only when necessary changes in the Constitution and Representation of the People Act are carried out, Mr Rawat said. It will be feasible to seek logistical support and conduct simultaneous elections only after the constitutional and legal framework are in place, he said. Commission may conduct such elections after six months (after constitutional and legal changes are made), the Election Commissioner said. Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha are due in mid-2019, along with the next general polls. Mr Rawat said holding simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha polls will require 24 lakh each Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) Machines. We need two set of EVMs - one for Lok Sabha and another for the Assembly polls, he said. Orders have already been placed for more number of EVMs and VVPAT machines and new inventory has started coming in. The governments policy think tank Niti Aayog has also favoured conducting simultaneous two-phase Lok Sabha and Assembly elections from 2024 in national interest. All elections in India should happen in a free, fair and synchronised manner to ensure minimum campaign mode disruption to governance, the Niti Aayog had said in its Three Year Action Agenda, 2017-18 to 2019-20 report, released recently. COLUMBUS For those who havent noticed, the weather is awfully gloomy as of late. What normally accompanies this type of environmental bliss is a severe increase of mental and physical exhaustion. Everything has been making me tired lately. No matter how much Ive been wanting to traipse about Columbus as I promised last week, it just didnt happen. To be fair, I made a list of nine things to do. That can take some time, folks. So I did what I normally do when I need to coil down for the evening: I picked up a book. I brought quite a trunk load of my books up here from the parental's house so that was a good start. The only problem is I like the same type of books, the things you shouldnt read at bedtime. Guess when I usually start reading. I selected my anthology of Hans Christian Andersen that I havent cracked open in a while and got to work. When I was little, my folks had me watch this movie based on Andersens life. The movie was made in the 1950s and everyone was as happy as happy can be, especially Andersen. The actor who depicted him seemed to enjoy what he was doing. He reminded me of Dick Van Dyke in "Mary Poppins" as the chimney sweep. A warm, smiling face that is always on the move to help people in times of trouble and woe. He just seemed like someone youd want to meet and hug. I knew "Thumbelina," "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" and "The Little Mermaid" were the works of the Danish happy man. I know to assume the original stories are far different than the movie adaptations that Disney produced for us, so I decided to discover more. Im not sure if Im glad I did or not. I read two stories per day this week and noticed a trend. The trend was so strong that I skipped around the huge tome to make sure I wasnt missing something. I wasnt. These stories, no matter what the point is, always end the same. Normally, an animal has a wonderful few pages of life and nothing can possibly go wrong. Then comes a fairy with a different agenda. I dont know why its normally a fairy, but it is. The fairy usually takes something mindful away from the animal, which allows all hope to seep from the readers heart. Lives are lost in ways I wish not to publish, vengeance is often won by a haunting party, then thats the end of the story. This is all very vague, I realize. But I dont want to describe a very eloquently written "Happy Tree Friends." So I got curious and researched Andersen. Every picture I could find of him showed a bright, smiling face with odd features. He wasnt necessarily ugly, but his nose and chin jutted out in a way one wouldnt normally see. The good thing is he always looked happy. I could see no glint in his eye that would warrant such violent fairy or animal death in his stories. I cant be too surprised, I just accidentally picked up the perfect book so close to Halloween. So I dug deeper. What in the world happened to this guy? He fell in love. Well, thatll do it. Andersen fell head over pointed heels with this woman who was always very kind to him. Since he wasnt a chiseled young man with a law degree or whatever was favorable at that time, she just thought of him as a friend. Wishing to get out of the friend zone, Andersen wrote the stories where a brave soldier sacrificed himself to keep the integrity and life of a woman who couldnt possibly love him. Case and point: "The Steadfast Tin Soldier." Andersen's lady still wasnt getting with the program. She wrote in her journal that she thought of him as a brother. Im not sure which is a lower blow the love of your life considering you a family member or twentysomethings reading your diary online in the middle of the night a good century after it was written. Either scenario is mildly unsettling. Not many of my other books are happy stories. I have a couple of Lizzie Borden books, half of the "Red Dragon" series (thats where Hannibal Lecter is) and a lot of Emily Dickinson, Kate Chopin, Flannery OConnor and, of course, Poe. I gotta have Poe. Sometimes we have these subconscious things about ourselves that make no sense. I didnt grow up in a dungeon overlooking the River Thames, but I sure like to read about that sort of thing. I was normally exposed to pleasant people growing up. I think I like the darker stories and people because I never experienced it in real life. Im absolutely not complaining about this at all. But it makes me curious the reason why some stories were written. I think this is a safe thing. Im not going up to abandoned houses looking for answers, Im looking through books while sprawled on my bed. Nothing can hurt me there, right? Oh, by the way. I got a different car the other day. I think Im going to name it Margot and Im picking it up on Sunday. Details to come next week. Shah alleged that since the CPI(M) government had come to power in Kerala, over 120 BJP workers had been killed. New Delhi: Continuing his tirade against the CPI(M)-led Kerala government over the political killing of Sangh Parivar and BJP cadres and supporters, BJP chief Amit Shah on Sunday alleged it was being done to instill fear among people and prevent the saffron party from expanding in the southern state. Hitting back, the CPI(M) said the BJP was trying to divert public attention from the growing discontent against the Narendra Modi government. Mr Shah was in Kerala on October 3 to launch a 15-day Janraksha Yatra against red terror and the rise of jihadi elements under CPI(M) rule. Addressing party workers at a similar yatra by its Delhi state unit, Mr Shah reiterated his allegations that the political killings in Kerala were being carried out on the orders of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Mr Shah asserted that the more the Left parties indulge in the politics of violence, the more will the lotus (BJP symbol) bloom. He also said that wherever the CPI(M) was in power, that state witnessed such killings. Soon after Mr Shahs statements attacking the Kerala government, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury claimed the BJP campaign was a flop show. He alleged that without resorting to violence and communal polarisation, the RSS and BJP can never expand their social base, and it was trying to do the same in Kerala. He said the BJP protest near the CPI(M)s office on Sunday was unprecedented in Indian democracy and a reflection of the tendencies of fascism coming to the fore in Indian politics, with the BJP ruling at the Centre. To Mr Shahs allegation about political killings under CPI(M) rule, Mr Yechury countered by claiming that the Sangh was responsible for starting political violence in Kerala. Earlier, Mr Shah alleged that since the CPI(M) government had come to power in Kerala, over 120 BJP workers had been killed. They were killed brutally, asserted Mr Shah. Questioning the very nature of the brutal killing of RSS and BJP cadres in Kerala, Mr Shah asked when a man could be killed with a bullet, why are the BJP workers being hacked into pieces? He then tried to explain that it was done to send the message that if anyone supports or joins the BJP, they would be killed, and that brutality was being used to instill fear in the minds of people so that they do not support the BJP. Mr Shah was joined by Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, national vice-president and Delhi in-charge Shyam Jaju, the partys national office-bearers, MPs, MLAs, MCD leaders and state office-bearers. Asserting that the party cadre were not scared of sacrificing their lives for the nation and party ideology, Mr Shah said: Our workers wont tolerate killings but they will not reply to violence with violence as we are not Communists. We will spread awareness against these political killings. He said most of the political killings had taken place in Kannur, the Kerala CMs home district. In Kerala, when BJP people are killed, no arrest is made. All the murders are being done on the orders of the chief minister, Mr Shah alleged, as he cautioned both the Communists and the Congress that while Communism has ended in the world, the Congress has ended in India. He reminded them that the BJP, which started with only 10 members, was now the worlds biggest party, with over 11 crore workers. The BJP president also hit out at human rights groups for their selective outrage. saying: Violence is violence. And I challenge the champions of human rights who take out protests to condemn the killings of a Communist worker... why do they remain mute when our workers are killed? Why cant we see you taking out candle marches for our workers? Selective protests for the Communist workers has exposed you people. Health officials in many countries recommend vaccination during pregnancy. Vaccinating mothers against whooping cough during pregnancy may prevent 9 out of 10 severe cases of this potentially fatal respiratory infection in their babies, a US study suggests. The bacterium Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough, which gets its nickname from the sounds patients make as they gasp for air during intense coughing fits. Pertussis is highly contagious and easily spread when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. About half of babies under age 1 who catch pertussis require hospitalization for serious complications like pneumonia or brain disorders. For the study, researchers examined data on 251 infants who developed whooping cough before 2 months of age and a control group of 537 babies who didnt catch pertussis as newborns. Overall, researchers estimate that giving pregnant women the Tdap booster vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis prevented about 78 cases of whooping cough in their babies for every 100 mothers vaccinated. The vaccine effectiveness rate was 90 percent when researchers looked only at severe cases requiring hospitalization. Our evaluation adds to the growing body of evidence that vaccination during pregnancy is effective at protecting infants from whooping cough in the early months of life, a period when infants are more likely to have severe or even deadly whooping cough infections, said lead study author Tami Skoff of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. Health officials in many countries recommend vaccination during pregnancy, as well as a series of three shots for infants starting sometime between ages 6 weeks and 3 months. Some countries also recommend that women get vaccinated during each pregnancy because effectiveness of the shot wanes over time. In early 2013, the CDC recommended that all pregnant women get the Tdap shot, regardless of whether they previously had received this vaccine. The study examined data collected from 2011 through 2014 in California, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York and Oregon. Researchers compared records on babies with whooping cough to records for similar babies who were born at the same hospital but didnt contract pertussis. Most of the women who got vaccinated received their shots during the third trimester of pregnancy, and the vaccine was 78 percent effective at preventing whooping cough for their babies, the study team reports in Clinical Infectious Diseases. When women got vaccinated in the second trimester, the vaccine was 64 percent effective. When women got the vaccine at any point prior to pregnancy, the shot was 51 percent effective at preventing infant pertussis, the study also found. One limitation of the study is that most women who got vaccinated received their shots around the same time, making it impossible to pinpoint meaningful differences in vaccine effectiveness based on when during pregnancy vaccination occurred, the authors note. Even so, the study results suggest third-trimester vaccination is highly effective at preventing infections in babies too young to receive the vaccine, said Annette Regan, a public health researcher at Curtin University in Australia who wasnt involved in the study. We know that most women say they would accept a whooping cough vaccine if their health provider recommended it to them, but unfortunately we also know that clinicians do not always recommend vaccine to their patients, Regan said by email. The results of this study really highlight why its important for clinicians to recommend whooping cough vaccine to every expectant mother, Regan added. 23 percent of suicide victims age 50 or older shared suicidal thoughts with another person in the month before their death, the study found. 23 percent of suicide victims age 50 or older shared suicidal thoughts with another person in the month before their death, the study found. (Photo: Pixabay) More than one in five older adults who commit suicide disclose their intention to kill themselves before taking their own lives, a US study suggests. Overall, 23 percent of suicide victims age 50 or older shared suicidal thoughts with another person in the month before their death, the study found. Disclosure rates were higher among the elderly, and more common when people had chronic health problems or suffered from depression. Many older adults who commit suicide without sharing their intentions in advance may have been reluctant to discuss these feelings because they were afraid how doctors or family members might react, said lead study author Namkee Choi, of the University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work. Some older adults at risk of suicide may not want to disclose their suicide intent if they think family members and healthcare and social service providers may force them into inpatient treatment or dismiss their disclosure, Choi said by email. Healthcare providers, especially primary care physicians who frequently see older adults with health problems and depression, should routinely assess suicide risk along with access to guns and other means of suicide, Choi added. For the study, Choi and colleagues examined data on 46,857 suicide deaths among adults 50 or older in US states participating in a national reporting system from 2005 through 2014. Overall, 10,971 people in the study had disclosed an explicit intent to take their own lives, shared an indirect interest in doing something to end their pain and suffering, or attempted suicide at least once in the month before they died by suicide. This didnt include people who shared their plans to kill themselves right before they did it, because this didnt provide time to intervene to stop the suicide, researchers note in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. People who did share their intentions before committing suicide were more likely to be older, white, married and military veterans, the study found. Individuals who disclosed suicidal thoughts were also more likely to have depression and to have chronic health problems, the study also found. Most often, people who shared suicidal thoughts told an intimate partner or other family member, and not a health professional. People were less likely to share their intentions to commit suicide when they planned to use a gun or try to hang or suffocate themselves than when they were considering other methods, the study also found. One limitation of the study is that researchers lacked data to distinguish between verbal disclosure of suicidal thoughts and unsuccessful suicide attempts, the authors note. Even so, the findings highlight a need for health care providers to discuss suicide with older adults in a way thats sensitive and encourages conversation, said Dr. Linda Ganzini, a psychiatry researcher at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland who wasnt involved in the study. One myth is the idea that there are talkers and doers, that is if people talk about suicide, they are less likely to attempt suicide, Ganzini said by email. The opposite is true, Ganzini said. One of the most important warning signs for suicide attempts is talking about wanting to die. Families should take talk of wanting to die seriously and take steps to obtain mental health treatment. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center offers free online training in suicide prevention and links to local resources where families may go for help, said Anthony Fulginiti, a social work researcher at the University of Denver who wasnt involved in the study. Being able to articulate ones pain is hard to do, Fulginiti said by email. Being able to react in a way that doesnt make a person feel alienated is hard to do. So we have to practice if are going to get better at it. This is likely to help shape spaces where more disclosures happen. Irregularities have also been found in the working of central procurement agency constituted by the Kejriwal government. A BJP delegation submits a memorandum to L-G Anil Baijal on the irregularities in government hospitals, in New Delhi on Saturday. New Delhi: A Delhi BJP delegation, led by its president Manoj Tiwari, on Saturday submitted a memorandum to lieutenant governor (L-G) Anil Baijal and drew his attention towards the large-scale irregularities in the government hospitals and mohalla clinics under the health department. He also demanded appropriate inquiry and action in this regard. Mr Tiwari was accompanied by BJP national secretary Sardar R.P. Singh, state general secretary Ravinder Gupta and head of partys media relation department Neelkant Bakshi . The Delhi BJP memorandum claimed that the diagnostic machines such as MRI are are out of order for the past one year. In Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital and in Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital and Dr B.R. Ambedkar Hospital, many pathological equipments are not working. Irregularities have also been found in the working of central procurement agency constituted by the Kejriwal government. There is also shortage of paramedical staff, pharmacists and doctors in many government hospitals, health centres and operating mohalla clinics. Patients do not get necessary medicines. Only cheap medicines are available and for other life-saving drugs, the patients are asked to purchase from the open market, said the BJP delegation. Mr Tiwari has requested Mr Baijal that he should seek a report on the hospitals and mohalla clinics under the health department from the Delhi chief secretary and hand-over the inquiry report about the irregularities to the anti-corruption department or an appropriate investigating agency. After meeting with the L-G, the Delhi BJP chief said that the newspaper reports and the sting operations by television news channels confirm that the charges of irregularities against the health department. The party delegation also urged that the L-G should get the scam investigated by an appropriate agency. He claimed that the L-G assured of proper inquiry in the form of a special audit in the said matter. The minor brother of the man was named as an accused in the Akhlaq murder case. The CISF personnel deployed at the spot doused the fire and rushed the man to the NTPC hospital. (Photo: PTI/Representational) Noida: A man set himself afire in front of gate number one of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Dadri as he was reportedly upset over the termination of his services as a labourer there, the police said. The CISF personnel deployed at the spot doused the fire and rushed the man to the NTPC hospital. Subsequently, his relatives took him to the Safdarjung Hospital, where the doctors said he had suffered 80 per cent burns. Neeraj, a resident of Bishada, poured petrol on his body and set himself afire near gate number one of NTPC, Dadri, the police said. The minor brother of the man was named as an accused in the Akhlaq murder case. The police said Neeraj, who was working as a contract labourer at the NTPC complex for the last two years, was the sole breadwinner of the family. Five days ago, his services were terminated by the contractor along with four others as they were found drunk. According to police, the accused suspected the victim of having a bad eye on his brother's wife. On October 4, the police received information from Jag Parvesh Chandra Hospital that a person named Akash was declared 'brought dead'. (Photo: File/Representational) New Delhi: A man along with his accomplices allegedly killed his 22-year-old nephew as he suspected him of having a bad eye on his brother's wife, the police said. They have been arrested. On October 4, the police received information from Jag Parvesh Chandra Hospital that a person named Akash was declared "brought dead". The victim's uncle Umesh told police that his nephew had been residing with him since his parents had passed away, the police said. During investigation, Akash's friends and family members were interrogated. It was found that on October 4, he, along with Abhimanyu, Saurav and Rahul were present in Umesh's office in Brahmpuri, Deputy Commissioner of Police (northeast) A K Singla said. The officer said Akash, Abhimanyu, Saurav were consuming wine and Rahul was doing smack. However, Akash left the place when his maternal uncle Chaman, the main accused, came there. He went out as he never consumed alcohol in his presence, he said. Suspecting Akash of having an eye on his brother Umesh's wife and that he quarrelled with his father over property, Chaman hatched a conspiracy along with Abhimanyu, Saurav and Rahul to kill him, they said. The police said Chaman asked Abhimanyu and Saurav to consume liquor with Akash. Soon after, Chaman and Rahul met Akash in a lane, and Rahul shot the victim in the head, killing him on the spot, they said. Hazare declared his decision after two days of meetings with followers at his village, Ralegan Siddhi, in Ahmednagar on Sunday. Mumbai: Veteran social activist Anna Hazare has decided to launch a protest in the national capital in January or February 2018 to agitate for the formation of Jan Lokpal in the country. Mr Hazare declared his decision after two days of meetings with followers at his village, Ralegan Siddhi, in Ahmednagar on Sunday. Mr Hazare was in Delhi last week, when he gave indications about the agitation. Mr Hazare held meetings at Ralegaon Siddhi for the past two days to plan the rotest. A press release said it was decided in the meeting that Mr Hazare would lead the agitation in Delhi either in January or February, for the formation of Jan Lokpal. Though we have not decided the details of agitation, this will be a nationwide protest. Members from all states were present for the meeting. Anna himself guided the meeting about the protest. This time we will not stop until Lokpal is formed in the country, said Sanjay Pathade, member of the Jan Andolan Office. Mr Pathade is coordinating the protest and the Jan Andolan Office is supporting Mr Hazare and working with him. Mr Hazare had recently said, Government is not responding to our demands seriously. Mr Hazare has been consistently demanding the formation of Jan Lokpal since 2012 to keep a check on corruption. He first went on hunger strike in the summer of 2012 when the then UPA 2 (United Progressive Alliance) government had accepted the demand in principle. Later in the same year, Mr Hazare launched a hunger fast in the month of August, which enjoyed huge popular support across the country. The UPA government in its last legs passed the Lokpal bill. However, the new government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not appointed a Lokpal. The reason given from the governments side is technical. According to the Lokpal Act, a committee of the Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Chief Justice of India or an SC judge nominated by him, should be formed and select the Lokpal. However, as there is no Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha at present, the committee could not be formed and the Lokpal could not be appointed. The central government cited the same reason in an affidavit it filed in the Supreme Court when replying to a public interest litigation. I have written many letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding formation of Lokpal. But he never replies. What option do we have than to go in public again? Mr Hazare had said in Delhi. The 3 women pilots, Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh are set to script history by flying military jets. The three women were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis. (Photo: PTI) Hindon (UP): The first three women fighter pilots of the country are likely to fly the MiG-21 Bison jets, one of the potent combat aircraft in the IAF's armoury. The three women pilots -- Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh are set to script history when they will fly military jets after completing a strenuous training programme within three weeks. "The present consideration is to put them to Mig 21 Bison squadron. Our opinion is that it will sharpen their skills as the aircraft has more manual features than other sophisticated aircraft," Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said on Sunday. He indicated that after honing their skills in flying Mig 21 Bisons, the three women can fly other jets. The IAF chief was talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event to celebrate the Air Force Day. The three women were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis. A senior IAF official involved in training of the three women pilots said they will steer the combat jets in November. Currently, the three women pilots are flying Hawk advanced jet trainers. The IAF has already selected the next batch of three women trainee pilots for fighter stream. The Modi government finds itself in a chakravyuh it is unable to fight its way out. One of the few talking points of the Narendra Modi government is that Indias foreign exchange reserves have scaled $400 billion. It is seventh in global ranking China being the biggest foreign reserves holder, with $3 trillion, a trillion dollars down from its high point of $4 trillion in 2015; followed by Japan ($1.25 trillion) and Switzerland ($800 billion), mostly due to other peoples money in its banks. The other four ahead of India Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Russia and Hong Kong are in the $400-500 billion range. Despite this, the Indian economy is not at a place where it wants to be. The Modi government finds itself in a chakravyuh it is unable to fight its way out. The government is unable to make or attract the investment needed to make the economy buoyant again. India enjoyed a decade of unprecedented growth from 2004-14 that seemed to have lost steam in the past year. For the sceptics, Indias average economic growth rose to 7.7 per cent in the 10-year UPA government, compared with 6.2 per cent in the previous decade. The slowdown of the last two UPA years was largely due to a huge decline in the proportion of capital investment expenditure. That unfortunately still continues in the Modi era. Growth in India still largely depends on government investment. The decline in its investment is not because it lacks ideas, but because it lacks cash. The Modi government has continued with the UPAs high subsidies and was further hit by a 23 per cent increase (Rs 1.03 lakh crores) in salaries following the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations. The Modi promise was that he would set right this trend and again begin a new cycle with government-led investment. He promised us 100 new cities, a nationwide grid of high-speed rail networks, a national river-linking programme and many other transformational projects. A hundred new cities have now become 100 smart cities, which means little more than free wi-fi networks. The nationwide grid of fast trains has now become an exorbitant and apparently uneconomical single bullet train linking Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Similarly, all other feasible and exciting promises are now mere caricatures of what were promised. The picture thus remains bleak. Then came the twin black swan events. Demonetisation was a body blow to the daily wage unorganised sector that makes up 40 per cent of Indias GDP. The unorganised sector also accounts for 90 per cent of the total employment of around 450 million. The loss of jobs due to demonetisation and the hasty implementation of GST is still not empirically confirmed. Estimates vary. The construction and food retail sectors seem to have taken a massive hit and the ballpark estimation of loss of jobs is at around 20-30 million. GSTs hasty implementation forced companies to reduce production in the run-up to its July 1 implementation as dealers reduced inventory. The announcement of rates was hasty and the many mismatches between input and output rates compounded the confusion. Of the Rs 95,000 crores collected in the first month, as much as Rs 65,000 is due to be refunded. The government doesnt seem to have the cash to do so. In a belated effort to reverse these trends, the government plans to loosen its fiscal deficit target of 3.2 per cent of GDP to enable it to spend up to Rs 50,000 crores. This is a tiny sum for an economy of over Rs 150 lakh crores. What we need is a huge cash infusion to boost investment. The option of meaningfully slashing subsidies, with Mr Modis term on the slope towards elections, is not politically feasible. There is that old saying that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Mr Modi should now show toughness and imagination, tempered with realism. He must revive the national mood and generate optimism. He now needs a plan to drive investment. He doesnt have to go far to find the money to fund this plan. The government is sitting with foreign reserves of over $400 billion, with around $135 billion alone sitting in US banks earning next to nothing. These reserves are equal to about 80 per cent of our foreign debt. Even after providing a quarter of reserves to cover the expensive short-term hot money of NRI investors, each taking a pound of flesh for mostly foreign bank-financed investment in their mother country, we will have $300 billion in hand. How much can be freed from the other $300 billion for investment is now the big question. Kaushik Basu of the World Bank says Indias foreign reserves neednt be more than the current account deficit (CAD), or about $80 billion. Just holding enough reserves to cover CAD or exports for a few months would be about enough. This nonsense of holding reserves to at least cover six months imports is plain arbitrary and concocted by those who devised the Washington Consensus. This consensus assures New York banks plenty of cheap money to finance American domestic consumption and extravagances. The Chinese have now realised the stupidity of financing the US cheaply with their reserves and have run it down by about $1 trillion. Clearly, running them down by around $100 or Rs 6.5 lakh crores can be contemplated. The government could establish an India Infrastructure Investment Fund and start shifting meaningful fractions from the foreign reserves into this fund. Think of it as a Indian Sovereign Fund investing in India. A board of well-regarded experts, who can allocate investments on merit to prevent the usual leakages and political misuse, could administer the fund. This fund must also mandate the minimum level of local procurement and investment to boost Make in India. It is probably our best hope to revive the investment spirit to get the economy out of the hole it finds itself in. And Mr Modi too. The writer, a policy analyst studying economic and security issues, held senior positions in government and industry. He also specialises in the Chinese economy. Officials said Tillerson planned to depart for Pakistan later this month and will be followed by Mattis. Islamabad: US President Donald Trump will send two of his top aides, secretary of state Rex Tillerson and secretary of defence Jim Mattis, to Pakistan this month to discuss the future of the relationship between the two allies amid rising frustration in Washington over Islambad harbouring terror groups. Officials said Mr Tillerson planned to depart for Pakistan later this month and will be followed by Mr Mattis. Mr Trump has talked tough on Pakistans terror links recently, saying in an August address, We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (Photo: AP) But, in the six weeks since Mr Trump signalled that tougher tone, there have been precious few signs that the equations in South Asia has changed. Mr Mattis told Congress this week that he would try one more time to see if we can make this work, refering to the US relationship with Pakistan. Pakistans foreign minister Khawaja Asif, currently on a visit to Washingotn, lashed out at hollow allegations about Pakistan harbouring terrorists, saying that such talk was not acceptable. That is not the way you talk to 70-year-old friends, Mr Asif said. Instead of accusations and threats, we should cooperate with each other for peace in the region, he added, confirming Mr Tillersons visit. A September meeting in New York between US vice-president Mike Pence and Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was said to be cordial, despite Mr Trumps fire and brimstone rhetoric. Donald Trump's comments seemed to be a further suggestion that military action was on his mind. The US President has previously said the United States would'"totally destroy' North Korea if necessary to protect itself and its allies from Pyongyang's nuclear threats. (Photo: AFP) Washington: US President Donald Trump, on Saturday said only one thing will work in dealing with North Korea after previous administrations had talked to Pyongyang without results. Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid, Trump said in a tweet. Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid...... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2017 ...Hasnt worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, making fools of US negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work! ...hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2017 Trump did not make clear to what he was referring, but his comments seemed to be a further suggestion that military action was on his mind. The president has previously said the United States would totally destroy North Korea if necessary to protect itself and its allies from Pyongyangs nuclear threats. Earlier this week, during a meeting with top US military leaders and their spouses, Trump said it was the calm before the storm. Asked for clarification then on what he meant, Trump said, Youll find out. Speaking to reporters on Saturday ahead of a trip to North Carolina, Trump said he had nothing more to clarify. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders referred to Iran and North Korea the following day when asked about Trumps calm before the storm comments. Asked on Saturday about Trumps tweet, Sanders said she had nothing to add to the presidents comments. The Pentagon referred a question for clarification to the White House and said the Defense Departments job was to present the president military options and carry out orders. Trump repeatedly has made clear his distaste for dialogue with North Korea. On Sunday he dismissed the idea of talks as a waste of time, a day after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Washington was maintaining open lines of communication with North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns government. Trump said on Saturday that he had a good relationship with his secretary of state despite some disagreements. We have a very good relationship. We disagree on a couple of things. Sometimes Id like him to be a little bit tougher, but other than that we have a very good relationship, he said. A Russian lawmaker on Friday was quoted saying North Korea was preparing to test a long-range missile that it believes can reach the west coast of the United States. Anton Morozov, a member of the Russian lower house of parliaments international affairs committee, was part of a Russian delegation that visited Pyongyang from Oct. 2-6, according to Russian RIA news agency. North Koreas nuclear weapons and missile programs have driven up tensions in the region and around the world in recent months, particularly after it conducted a test explosion of what it said was a hydrogen bomb. Sitharaman on Saturday visited the Nathu La area on the China-India border and interacted with Army and ITBP officials. The Doklam standoff began on June 16 over the PLA's plans to build a road in the area claimed by Bhutan after which Indian troops intervened to stop the construction as it posed a security risk to the 'Chicken's Neck' - the narrow corridor connecting India with its northeastern states. (Photo: Representational/PTI) Beijing: China on Sunday referred to the 1890 UK-China treaty which it claims demarcated the Sikkim sector of the China-India border as it urged New Delhi to abide by its provisions, a day after Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made her maiden visit to the Nathu La post. Reacting to Sitharaman's visit to the area, the Chinese foreign ministry on Sunday said "the Sikkim section of the China-India border has been demarcated by the historical boundary. "It is the best testimony to this fact. We urge the Indian side to face the facts, abide by the provisions of the historic boundary treaty and the relevant agreement of the parties, and work together with the Chinese side to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas," it said in a written response to PTI, to a query about Sitharaman's visit. The ministry did not directly name the 1890 Britain-China treaty which Beijing often referred to during the Doklam stand-off stating that it has defined the Sikkim section of the boundary with Tibet, therefore the border in that area has been settled. Sitharaman on Saturday visited the Nathu La area on the China-India border and interacted with Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police officials. Nathu La is the last post separating the border between the Sikkim on the Indian side and Tibet on the Chinese side. Sitharaman's trip was the first high level visit to the area after the 73-day standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at Doklam in the Sikkim sector of the border which ended on August 28 following a mutual agreement between India and China. Of the 3,488-km India-China border which stretches from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. The two sides have so far held 19 rounds of Special Representatives' talks to resolve the dispute. The Doklam standoff began on June 16 over the PLA's plans to build a road in the area claimed by Bhutan after which Indian troops intervened to stop the construction as it posed a security risk to the 'Chicken's Neck' - the narrow corridor connecting India with its northeastern states. China, which earlier opened the Nathu La route for Indian pilgrims to visit Kailash and Manasarovar, closed it after the Doklam standoff and is yet to reopen it. Anti-corruption court likely to frame charges againt Nawaz Sharif on October 9. Islamabad: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is not expected to appear before the accountability court for hearing of a corruption case on October 9, sources said. The court is likely to indict Mr Sharif on this date. Mr Sharif flew to London on October 5 to be with his wife Kulsoom Nawaz who is recovering post cancer surgeries. According to sources, the return date on Mr Sharifs ticket was that of January, indicating that he might not return for court hearings. Earlier, he was elected as the president of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) over a month after his disqualification as the premier. The Central Executive Committee of the political party re-elected the ousted PM as the president following an amendment in the electoral rules that previously barred any disqualified leader to lead a front. Sources said that he would not attend the hearing of an assets beyond means case against him in an accountability court on October 9 for being in London at the time. The former Premier attended the last two hearings in Islamabad and flew to London after his visa was extended. Mr Sharif was disqualified as the Premier on July 28 this year by the apex court in a corruption case pursued by Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf, Jamaat-e-Islami and Awami Muslim League after Panama Papers published a leak in April 2016. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was sworn in the days that followed and a new cabinet was put in place. PML-N won the by-polls that were held in disqualified premiers constituency, NA-120 on September 17. Kulsoom Nawaz was nominated the ruling partys candidate opposite those of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf, Pakistan People s Party and other parties. Kulsoom Nawaz won the election whilst fighting cancer in London and the electioneering was conducted by her daughter Maryam Nawaz. Kim Yo-Jong becomes an alternate member of the party's powerful politburo presided over by her brother Kim Jong-Un. The promotion was announced along with those for dozens of other top officials at a party meeting led by the leader on Saturday. (Photo: File) Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has promoted his sister to a senior ruling party post, state media said Sunday, and praised the country's nuclear weapons programme which has sparked international alarm. Kim Yo-Jong becomes an alternate member of the party's powerful politburo, the decision-making body presided over by her brother, the official KCNA news agency said. The promotion was announced along with those for dozens of other top officials at a party meeting led by the leader on Saturday. It came as the regime faces growing global pressure to curb its weapons drive following recent nuclear and missile tests. Tensions soared as Kim traded verbal threats with US President Donald Trump, who tweeted on Saturday that "only one thing will work" to tame the isolated nuclear-armed state. The sister, in her late 20s, has frequently been seen accompanying her brother on his "field guidance trips" and other events and is known to have been involved in the party's propaganda operations. Both were born to the late former ruler Kim Jong-Il and his third partner, former dancer Ko Yong-Hui. The family has ruled North Korea since its creation in 1948. The current ruler came to power after the death of his father in December 2011. Since then he has overseen four of the country's six nuclear tests -- most recently in September -- while cementing his grip on power through a series of purges, including those targeting his uncle and half-brother. The uncle, Jang Song-Thaek, was executed in 2013 for treason and the half-brother Kim Jong-Nam was killed by a toxic nerve agent in a Cold War-style assassination at a Kuala Lumpur airport in February. Both the North's missile and nuclear weapons capabilities have made significant progress under the current Kim, despite a growing layer of UN sanctions. During Saturday's party meeting, Kim acknowledged the country faced with "ordeals" under a "stern" situation, but claimed that its economy had grown this year despite ever tighter sanctions. He described the North's atomic weapons as a "treasured sword" to protect it from aggression. "The nuclear weapons of the DPRK (North Korea) are a precious fruition borne by its people's bloody struggle for defending the destiny and sovereignty of the country from the protracted nuclear threats of the US imperialists," Kim was quoted as saying. According to a Khama Press report, the statement said that the Taliban represents the Afghan nation and asked American forces to withdraw. However, the Taliban has not commented over anything regarding the repeated calls by the government and the international community to participate in peace talks. (Photo: AP) Kabul: Afghanistan's insurgent group Taliban has said, in a statement, that it is not tired of war even as the United States-led invasion that toppled the group's regime has entered into its 17th year. The statement further said that the Taliban represents the Afghan nation and called on the American forces to withdraw, the Khaama Press reported. However, the group has not commented over anything regarding the repeated calls by the government and the international community to participate in peace talks. The nation has neither become tired and nor will be tired of the war, the statement further read, insisting that it was not feeling disappointed and has higher morale for the continued war. Earlier in September, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the US said they would not abandon Afghanistan. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg joined Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and US Defence Secretary James Mattis at the news conference after holding a closed door meeting, and reaffirmed the alliance's commitment to Afghanistan, saying 'the NATO wants to ensure the country doesn't become a safe haven for terrorists again'. "We will not abandon Afghanistan to a merciless enemy trying to kill its way to power," Mattis said. The secretary praised the accomplishments of the Afghan security forces since they assumed responsibility for the nation two years ago. "With our new conditions-based South Asian strategy, we will be better postured to support you as you turn the tide against the terrorists," he said. Although, Taliban emphasised that the group was fully committed to force the American forces out of the country. Afghan President Ghani called on the insurgents to join the peace process for the success of the Afghan-owned peace process. Urging countries in the region to help eradicate terrorism, Ghani called on "India, Russia and other countries in the region to come together to help mobilise against the fight against terrorism." In addition, Ghani stated his government had drawn up a four-year military plan that has been approved by the NATO. In the month of August, Taliban had sent an "open letter" to Trump, calling on the US to leave Kabul rather than increase the number of troops to end America's longest war of 17 years in Afghanistan. Through a letter, the Taliban militants urged Trump to interact with Afghans "generously" instead of imposing war, study the "historical mistakes" of his predecessors and withdraw troops from Afghanistan completely. Merkel met for private talks with her Bavarian CSU allies led by Horst Seehofer. Berlin: Two weeks after winning elections with a reduced majority, German Chancellor Angela Merkel took a first step on Sunday toward forming a government by trying to unite her conservative camp, which is bitterly divided over refugee policy. Ms Merkel met for private talks with her Bavarian CSU allies led by Horst Seehofer, who blames her open-door policy that has brought over one million asylum seekers since 2015 for the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Mr Seehofer who after a vote drubbing faces internal challengers, and state elections in 2018 has revived his calls to cap the national refugee intake at 200,000 a year, a demand Ms Merkel has consistently rejected as unconstitutional. In an opening salvo on Sunday, the CSU published a 10-point list of demands, including a refugee upper limit, a broad return to the conservative roots of the centre-right alliance, and a committment to healthy patriotism. The talks were expected to last deep into the night, with Bavarian interior minister Joachim Herrm-ann conceding the situati-on was not easy. Trump was expected to take new action against Irans Revolutionary Guards and the Iranian backed Shia militant group Hezbollah. Tehran: Irans President Hassan Rouhani has defended the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, saying that not even 10 Donald Trumps can roll back its benefits to his country. Mr Rouhanis comments on Saturday came as US President Donald Trump appeared to be stepping back from his campaign pledge to rip up the deal, instead aiming to take other measures against Iran. Addressing students at Tehran University, Mr Rouhani said: In BARJAM (Persian acronym for the nuclear deal) we achieved interests which are non-returnable and nobody can roll them back. Neither Trump nor even tens of Trumps in the world, because they are non-returnable. He added, This was an international victory for us. Iran accepted curbs on its contested nuclear program as part of the agreement. In return, Iran has benefited from the lifting of sanctions against Irans oil exports among others. Mr Trump was expected to take new action against Irans Revolutionary Guards and the Iranian backed Shia militant group Hezbollah. By David Glance, Director of UWA Centre for Software Practice, University of Western Australia Wikimedia, CC BY-SA The Wall Street Journal has published allegations that the Russian government stole highly sensitive information from a contractor at the National Security Agency (NSA). All with the aid of antivirus software from the Russian company Kaspersky Lab. The sources of this allegation were people familiar with the matter. The same, or other, individuals familiar with the matter, talked to the Washington Post and further elaborated the story. The NSA employee (not contractor as reported by the WSJ) was a US citizen working with the Tailored Access Operations, the group developing hacking tools for the NSA. He had taken code and other classified material home on a laptop in 2015. Allegedly, the Kaspersky antivirus software that was running on the employees laptop identified the software as malware and sent it back to Kaspersky for analysis something that is not unreasonable for the antivirus software to do. The reports claimed that it was the Kaspersky softwares actions in quarantining the malware for analysis that alerted Russian secret services of the presence of secret NSA material on this employees laptop. Armed with this information, the Russians hacked the laptop and stole all of the other information on it. Both the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post ignored the more obvious question: why the employee had taken classified information home on his laptop. They state that he did this for an unspecified reason, but that he wasnt intending to share this information with foreign governments. The reports provide no information about how an NSA employees laptop could be hacked so easily, nor why it took a year for the hack to be disclosed. There is equally no evidence given of Kaspersky Lab working directly for the Russian secret service. The only evidence of Eugene Kasperskys ties with the Russian secret service are that he was a member of the Communist Party and that he attended a technical university run by the KGB and worked for military intelligence for four years after that, leaving in 1991 to form what would become Kaspersky Lab. The news reports come after a recent vote by the US Senate to ban Kaspersky software from use by the US government and its agencies. This move has been led by Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen who has made the blacklisting of Kaspersky Lap her cause celebre. Shaheen wants classified information about Kaspersky Lab to be released to the public. Needless to say, Eugene Kaspersky has denied all collusion with the Russian government and has reiterated that they have been open about how their software works. Other countries have not followed suit with a ban of Kaspersky Lab software, even though allies would have had access to some, or all, of the information known to the NSA. The French army is considering reducing its reliance on Kaspersky, but this was happening before the US ban. Making claims of links between Russian companies and the Russian government is nothing new. Another Russian company in the spotlight of US media is one referred to by the media as the Internet Research Agency. It was allegedly behind the purchase of US$100,000 worth of political ads on Facebook. Facebook removed references to Russia when it published a report on the use of its platform to disseminate fake news and ads during the US Presidential election. This was because it felt it did not have sufficient evidence to make the link. The Internet Research Agency first came to the medias attention during the military dispute between Russian and Ukraine. In 2014, media site Buzzfeed received documents and emails from an anonymous source detailing how the agency was going to mount a campaign of bloggers and commenters to post pro-Russian comments on western media sites and socialise them through Facebook and Twitter. Much of the subsequent media coverage on the Internet Research Agency however has come through interviews with disgruntled ex-employees, especially Lyudmila Savchuk, who has waged a campaign against the company for the past two years. In the case of Facebooks report of the ads purchased from an entity in Russia, again, there is no evidence linking it back to anyone in particular. The motives for the fake posts, other than as an effort to sow social division, are not clear. The amount of money spent is relatively small and so the effectiveness of the ads has to be questioned. The amount pales in insignificance compared to the US$11 million spent on Facebook ads by all US campaigns during the election, for example. It is not possible to dismiss the possibility that Kaspersky Lab is somehow aiding Russian secret services through the use of its software. Making these claims on the basis of anonymous sources and the fact that the software is from a Russian company seems to be stretching credulity. The absence of facts may not help Kaspersky Lab however, and it is increasingly likely that it will become a casualty of the US medias ongoing search for the smoking gun that proves Russia meddled with the US Presidential election. Originally published in The Conversation. State police say a crash involving a farm tractor and a sport-utility vehicle killed two people in Pennsylvania. Police in Chambersburg said the crash occurred Saturday afternoon on Route 316 in Quincy Township, Franklin County. Trooper Brent Miller said there were two confirmed fatalities. Police said Saturday night that a northbound vehicle drifted into the southbound lane and hit the other vehicle, killing the driver and passenger. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump is heading to Harrisburg Wednesday to make his case for an overhaul of the nation's tax code. Details of a specific location for the trip have not been released. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Friday the plan "is really a jobs bill." Trump's trip Wednesday to the state capital is aimed at building his case that tax cuts would help drive the economy. Trump has promised Americans "the largest tax cut in our country's history." But for the poorest Americans households, Trump's plan would amount to an average tax cut of about $60 a year, according to the Tax Policy Center. Middle-income families would get about $300 on average. Most of the cuts would go to the wealthiest Americans. Trump last year became the first Republican presidential candidate to win Pennsylvania since 1988. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission located and recovered the body of a missing kayaker Sunday morning. Body of missing kayaker found in waters near Bull Frog Creek Mark Fancher went missing Saturday afternoon Officials investigating incident as fatal boating accident The body of Mark Fancher was located around 9:15 a.m. in the waters near shore between Bull Frog Creek and Kracker Avenue, in Gibsonton. Fancher, 44, was reported missing Saturday afternoon after a good Samaritan called in about an unoccupied kayak floating in Tampa Bay, near Apollo Beach. FWC, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and the U.S. Coast Guard were actively searching for Fancher throughout the day Saturday and overnight. Fancher was a resident of Lithia. His family released a statement Sunday afternoon. "As we mourn the loss of Mark, we are thankful for the time we had with him. He was a good husband, a good father, a good son, a good brother, and a good friend. He will be greatly missed, but we take comfort in knowing we will see him again." Officials are investigating the incident as a fatal boating accident. The Port Richey Police Chief is reflecting on a milestone in his career--but it didn't begin in the Bay area. Port Richey Police Chief reflects on career milestone Gerar Decanio brought two decades of experience to PD Decanio started at NYPD in 1981 Decanio hopes to bring stability to Port Richey PD Gerar Decanio brought two decades of experience to Port Richey, including time with the NYPD. Decanio became a police officer in New York City in 1981. At 64 years old, the former detective is showing no signs of stopping--now bringing nearly 40 years of experience to Port Richey. "Only difference between the City of NY and the City of Port Richey is the size and the population. So the problems we have here are smaller than the ones there, but it's just the size," Decanio said. For instance, homelessness is a similar issue, something he said he is working with the City Code Enforcement to try and fix. "If it worked up there, it's got to work here," he said. The chief said he certainly could be retired by now. Not only is he working a full time job running the Port Richey Police Department, he sometimes works as a volunteer firefighter. "I change uniforms, and go from here to the firehouse," Decanio said. "Then you're there all night?," Decanio was asked. "Yeah, all night. Then go home for a few hours of sleep and go back to the PD in the morning," he answered. "Just have to make sure I don't wear the wrong uniforms to the wrong place, that's all," Decanio said with a laugh. Decanio said he does it to give back to the community. In fact, community policing is a major strategy he uses as chief in addition to an open door policy with his officers. "It's just something I like to do. And it's just giving back a bit to the community," he said. Decanio is the third chief in the last four years in Port Richey. He is hoping his time as chief will bring more stability to the department. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Brian Johnson is greeted each morning by the sounds of dozens of dogs barking as he loads plastic dummy ducks into launchers around his man-made pond. As the sun begins to rise, Johnson brings dogs out one at a time so he can work with them on their retrieving skills. With the press of a button, the plastic ducks fly through the air. Johnson gives a command and the dog takes off, sprinting and splashing to snag it. Johnson began training dogs in college and has since turned it into a full-time family business called DuckDogTrainer.com. He and his brother, Kyle, train the dogs, and his son Noah makes sure they're fed and have clean kennels. > > RELATED: People foods that are toxic to pets As Tropical Storm Harvey dropped torrential rain on his property in Winnie, Johnson began loading dogs from his kennel into his custom dog truck and trailer to take to higher ground on his property. A foot of water flooded the kennels, but the dogs stayed dry in the truck. Brian, Noah, Kyle, took turns wading through the water to care for the dogs and let them out several times a day. The trio didn't miss a day of training as Harvey battered Southeast Texas and flooded Johnson's "man cave" on the first floor of his home. "The dogs thought it was fun because everything was flooded," he said. "It was like a great big rice field." It remains to be seen how the flooding will affect hunting this year, but Johnson said he heard from folks who did well hunting teal last month. > > MORE: These dog breeds bark less than other breeds Johnson said the sign of a good duck dog is "a dog that has heart and loves to retrieve. A dog without that drive is destined to be a pet, he said. "If I throw a ball, and the dog looks the other way and has no interest, that's probably not going to be a good dog [for hunting]," he said. "If that's his desire, we'll let him be a good pet. We'll teach them obedience and make them be the best pet they can be." Dogs are constantly coming and going from his training program, but sometimes Johnson finds himself a little attached. Such was the case with a dog named Coal that he sold to a client in San Francisco. "After selling that dog, I was just heartbroken," Johnson said. He has since become close friends with Coal's owner and was able to hunt with him in Oregon last year. RPelham@BeaumontEnterprise.com Nearly 1,500 people attended the inauguration Saturday of Margee Ensign as Dickinson Colleges 29th president, including civic, government and religious leaders from three African nations and senior leaders from 15 colleges and universities. The ceremony was held in conjunction with Dickinsons Homecoming & Family Weekend as part of a broader, weekend-long focus on community engagement and service. In her inaugural address, Ensign highlighted the critical importance of providing a useful education for the common good and shared the stories of several Dickinson alumni whose life work exemplifies that mission. Dickinson has never been an ivory tower, Ensign said during her speech. Dickinson is a place where students and faculty go out into our local neighborhood, out to the far reaches of the globe, to learn firsthand about problems and to work for the common good. Dickinson College is an integral part of our community, and our relationship dates back to the Revolutionary War, said Carlisle Mayor Timothy Scott. We hope to continue that special relationship and strengthen it under your leadership. More than 60 delegates of colleges, universities and other institutions are part of the academic procession. They include Frances Donnelly Wolf, First Lady of Pennsylvania, an alumna and trustee of Franklin & Marshall College; the presidents of Lafayette College, Susquehanna University, New College of Florida and Rosemont College; and Ambassador of Rwanda, Mathilde Mukantabana. Board of Trustees Chair John Jones presided over the ceremony, which was highlighted by a keynote address from Vice President Emeritus of the Republic of Uganda Gilbert Bukenya, who met Ensign when she spoke before the Uganda Parliament and has known her for 23 years. This college could not have chosen anyone better than Dr. Ensign, said Bukenya, a physician, consultant, researcher and educator who has contributed significantly to global public health and fought for human rights and democracy for the last four decades. Under her stewardship, Dickinson College will stride into new frontiers that will remain memorable in the annals of its history. Dermot Ahern said there had always been an understanding that the British government would agree to an Irish Language Act Former Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern has said he believed that an Irish Language Act would be created by Stormont politicians after the restoration of devolution in 2007. Mr Ahern was one of the architects of the St Andrews Agreement which led to political powersharing in Belfast. He told BBC Northern Ireland's Sunday Politics show: "There was always an understanding that the British government agreed to an inclusion and commitment to an Irish Language Act. "But the quid pro quo would be that there would be reciprocal attention given to the whole issue of Scots-Irish." Northern Ireland has been without a first and deputy first minister since January and a functioning executive since March. The institutions collapsed when late Sinn Fein deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned over the DUP's handling of a botched renewable heat scheme. That rift exposed more deep-seated differences between the two main parties, including over the Irish language. That issue is now the main obstacle in the way of a return to devolved government. Sinn Fein insists it will not re-enter a coalition executive in Belfast without an Act to protect Irish speakers. The DUP would agree to a wider cultural Act, which also incorporates protections for the Ulster Scots culture, but it will not sign off on a free-standing piece of legislation which focuses solely on Irish. Talks to restore powersharing have rumbled on for months without a breakthrough. A 48 year old man has been arrested following a stabbing incident in Belleek. A 48-year-old man has been arrested following a stabbing incident in Belleeks. Police received reports that two males had been stabbed on the Main Street area after midnight on Saturday. Their injuries are not believed to be life threatening at this time. The males, both of whom, are 43-years-old were given first aid at the scene before being transferred to hospital. Detective Constable David Skillen said:"Upon arrival officers found that one man had sustained a stab wound to the neck and another had been stabbed in the hand. "The suspect was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. He remains in custody at present." Witnesses can contact police by calling 101, quoting reference number 23 08/10/17 The PSNI said registering on a DNA database is now mandatory for new officers Registering on a DNA database has become mandatory for all new officers, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said. Serving members who attend crime scenes, searches or deal with seized items have also been asked to give samples of hair or saliva for a special "elimination" list excluding them from investigations if their information is inadvertently picked up as potential evidence. The safeguard is designed to protect officers from having their details loaded on the system as an unresolved crime scene profile and speed up the investigatory process. They will be kept separately from the database used to solve crime and destroyed once the officer leaves policing. The PSNI said: "Police officers' DNA elimination profiles will be held during the full time of police service and for 12 months after a police officer leaves the service. "This is to enable elimination screening for cases that may take several months to process through the usual forensic channels." The measure centres on the profiles of officers deemed at risk of contaminating crime scenes and evidential materials during their work. Newly published PSNI guidance added: "Subscription to the Police Elimination Database (PED) will be mandatory for all new officers. "A sample may be taken during the PSNI student officer training programme." DNA profiling techniques have developed and high investigative value is placed on the technology, the force said. Unattributed DNA profiles taking during checking of a crime scene are usually added to the DNA intelligence databases; and in serious crime may well form the bases for extensive further investigative processes like mass screening. The PSNI added: "The purpose of a DNA elimination database is to reduce to a minimum the risk of such actions being taken, on what are in fact contaminant DNA profiles from police personnel." The Police Federation for Northern Ireland was consulted on the changes and said they were designed to improve the overall efficiency of crime scene investigations. Chairman Mark Lindsay said: " Anything that helps towards early detection or apprehension is to be welcomed. "These changes will also mean less frustration for investigating officers who will deliver professional policing with a more streamlined and robust system in place." A teenager stabbed to death in a brutal street attack has been named as Saif Abdul-Majid (PA) A teenager stabbed to death in a brutal street attack has been named as Saif Abdul-Majid. The 18-year-old died on Friday from multiple stab wounds in a street in Neasden in north-west London, Scotland Yard said. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and bailed in connection with the murder of Mr Abdul-Majid, who was from Ealing in the west of the capital. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference The victim was found badly wounded at 3.50pm in Tanfield Avenue and died at the scene. A police spokesman said: Despite the efforts of attending officers and London Ambulance Service crews, he died at the scene. A post-mortem examination determined cause of death as multiple stab wounds. Jamie Harron, a 27-year-old Scottish electrician, faces three years in jail after touching a man in a bar to avoid spilling his drink (PA) A Scot facing a three-year jail sentence in Dubai after putting his hand on a man in a bar so he did not bump and spill drinks, has appeared in court. Campaign group Detained in Dubai said Jamie Harron, 27, had expected to be arrested at the hearing on Sunday for failing to appear at a previous court date, which the group claimed was moved without notification. The electrician was not arrested but was told to remain in the city for future court hearings. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference His representatives said legal troubles began when he was arrested for alleged public indecency and drinking alcohol at the Rock Bottom Bar on July 15. He is said to have been moving through the crowded bar holding a drink, with his hand in front of him to avoid spillage, when he touched a man on his hip to avoid impact. Detained in Dubai said he was then locked up for five days in Al Barsha prison, before being released after bail with his passport confiscated. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference Mr Harron, from Stirling, had been working in Afghanistan and was on a two-day stopover in Dubai when the incident happened. He is said to have since lost his job and has spent more than 30,000 in expenses and legal fees. Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai, said: Jamie is relieved he wasnt arrested [at the latest hearing]. It was expected that he would have to spend some time in prison. She said a further court date was expected in about two weeks, although no firm date has yet been set and Mr Harron expects the court process to be drawn out. Hes concerned. Hes already been there three months. It seems to be never-ending for him and hes frustrated, she added. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was providing consular assistance on the matter. A woman has been charged by police after being arrested while trying to scale the front gates of Buckingham Palace (Nick Ansell/PA) A woman has been charged by police after being arrested while trying to scale the front gates of Buckingham Palace. Jessica Davey, 35, will appear in court on Monday accused of being drunk and disorderly over the incident at the central London landmark on Saturday, Scotland Yard said. Davey, from Ilbert Street in Queens Park, west London, was remanded in custody ahead of her appearance at Westminster Magistrates Court. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference Officers arrested her outside the Queens official London residence at around 5.40pm on Saturday. Dozens of people ride stationary bikes in New Yorks Times Square, one of the alleged targets of a 2016 foiled terror attack, Sept. 27, 2017. A 37-year-old Filipino doctor provided funds to support a 2016 foiled plot to carry out bombings and shootings in crowded areas, including concert venues, in New York City, U.S. authorities said Friday. Russell Salic, who was arrested in April 2017 in the Philippines, is awaiting extradition to the United States as federal authorities unsealed the charges against him and two men for allegedly plotting to attack targets in New York, including its subway system. Authorities said the thwarted attacks were to be carried out by the suspects under the name of the Islamic State during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan last year. The plot was foiled when an undercover FBI agent posed as an IS supporter and communicated with the three suspects through electronic messaging apps accessible on cellphones, according to a statement issued by the Manhattan U.S. Attorneys office. Salic (alias Abu Khalid) wired about $500 to the undercover agent in the United States to help fund the terror plot, the statement said. It said the Filipino doctor, who allegedly maintained an active pro-militant social media presence, also conveyed that he had previously sent money to other countries in support of IS. For example, on May 9, 2016, Salic informed the [FBI undercover agent] that he was desperate to travel to Syria to join ISIS, the statement said, using another acronym for IS. Salic, an orthopedic surgeon, also expressed his belief that he could safely send money to support the attacks from the Philippines, where he claimed to be at the time, without attracting law-enforcement scrutiny, the statement also said. He allegedly told the agent that it would be a great pleasure if we can slaughter people in New York, adding that he would be praying to Allah for the success of the operation when the planned attacks were imminent. Salic faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, which carry penalties of life imprisonment. Authorities had also filed charges against Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, 19, a Canadian citizen who purchased bomb-making materials and secured a cabin in the New York area; and Talha Haroon, 19, a U.S. citizen living in Pakistan, who allegedly travelled around that country to meet with explosive experts. Communicating through Internet messaging applications, these three men allegedly plotted to conduct bombings and shootings in heavily populated areas of New York City during the Islamic holy month of Ramadhan in 2016, all in the name of ISIS, the statement said. El Bahnasawy, who bought 40 pounds of hydrogen peroxide, which prosecutors alleged could be used to make an improvised explosive device, has pled guilty to terrorism-related offenses, the statement said. He was taken into custody when he traveled from Canada to New York City on May 21, 2016, while preparing to execute the plan, the statement said. It said El Bahnasawy and Haroon declared their allegiance to IS in electronic communications with the FBI agent and expressed intentions of imitating the 2015 attacks in Paris and the series of bombings that ripped through the Brussels airport and a metro train in 2016. More than 128 people died and 180 were injured when four gunmen wielding AK-47s stormed into a concert hall in the Paris attacks, while 31 people died in the Belgium bombings. Multiple locations identified El Bahnasawy and Haroon identified multiple locations and events in and around New York City as targets of the planned attacks, including the New York City subway system, Times Square, and certain concert venues, according to the statement. It said that on May 1, 2016, El Bahnasawy sent the undercover agent multiple images of maps of the New York City subway system containing markings that depicted plans for attacking the subway system, including by identifying the subway lines in which explosives would be detonated. Court documents, referenced by the statement, said that on May 12, 2016, El Bahnasawy sent the FBI agent an image of Times Square and stated: We seriously need a car bomb at times square Look at these crowds of people! That same day, according to court documents, El Bahnasawy also expressed his desire to shoot up concerts [because that would] kill a lot of people. The documents said El Bahnasawy described the plan to attack concerts as follows: We just walk in with guns in our hands. Thats how the Paris guys did it. Authorities unsealed the charges against the three men as investigators remained stumped about what drove a reclusive 64-year-old gambler to rain down bullets Sunday night at a country music concert from his 32nd-floor hotel suite in Las Vegas, killing 58 and wounding hundreds before taking his own life. Investigators said the gunman, Stephen Paddock, wired $100,000 to his girlfriend Marilou Danley in the Philippines days before the attack. But in a statement read by her lawyer after she came back to the United States, Danley said it never occurred to her that her boyfriend was planning violence against anyone. Philippine troops stand near the center of fighting in the southern city of Marawi, Sept. 17, 2017. A Filipino doctor charged in a foiled New York City terror plot is a known supporter of Islamic State-backed militants who have taken over the southern Philippine city of Marawi, officials said Sunday, as the government prepared legal proceedings seeking his extradition to the United States. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said Russel Salic, an orthopedic surgeon, was undergoing preliminary investigation before the Department of Justice over kidnapping and murder charges that were unrelated to the New York plot. U.S. authorities have sought the extradition of Salic, who is accused of plotting terror attacks in New York City. Philippine officials said Salic was a well-known physician who aided the Maute group, a ragtag band of militants fighting alongside Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of one of the factions of Abu Sayyaf and the acknowledged local chief of the Islamic State (IS). The Philippines shares information and extends full cooperation with partners on matters pertaining to terrorism, and in the case of Dr. Salic, will include initiating extradition proceedings being requested by the United States, Abella said. The preliminary investigation of the case against Mr. Salic will continue while extradition proceedings are being processed, he said. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said Salic has been in custody since April, and will only be extradited once the investigations here are completed. "It only means that we have to begin the extradition proceedings being requested by the US. We have a process to be followed and this has been done many times in the past, Aguirre said. Salic was one of three foreigners named by the American government as having allegedly plotted to carry out attacks in New York City in summer last year. Salic (alias Abu Khalid) allegedly wired $500 to an undercover agent in the United States to help fund the planned attacks. Authorities said the thwarted attacks were to be carried out by the suspects in the name of the Islamic State during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan last year. The plot was foiled when an undercover FBI agent posed as an IS supporter and communicated with the three suspects through electronic messaging apps accessible on cellphones. U.S. court documents said the Filipino doctor, who allegedly maintained an active pro-militant social media presence, also conveyed that he had previously sent money to other countries in support of IS. Salic is separately facing charges of kidnapping and murder filed by five residents of southern Iligan city, north of Marawi. Two other people were also abducted by the armed men and beheaded six days later by the Maute group, and Salic has been named as one of the masterminds or leaders of the group. Salic is a known associate of Cayamora and Farhana Maute, the parents of the Maute brothers who are involved in the Marawi siege. The two were earlier arrested and Cayamora, the father, recently passed away in prison due to natural causes. At least 765 militants and 155 soldiers and policemen and 47 civilians have been killed since May 23, when the militants launched their daring siege of Marawi. ein Google-Unternehmen Google-Dienste anzubieten und zu betreiben Ausfalle zu prufen und Manahmen gegen Spam, Betrug und Missbrauch zu ergreifen Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. 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Sofern relevant, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auerdem, um Inhalte und Werbung altersgerecht zu gestalten. Wir verwenden Cookies und Daten, umWenn Sie Alle akzeptieren auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auch, umWahlen Sie Weitere Optionen aus, um sich zusatzliche Informationen anzusehen, einschlielich Details zum Verwalten Ihrer Datenschutzeinstellungen. Sie konnen auch jederzeit g.co/privacytools besuchen. The Chancellors last term in office begins | Von: NIKOLAUS BLOME Horst, its time, CSU old hand Peter Gauweiler called out to head of the party, Horst Seehofer, in the Suddeutsche Zeitung. Time to go. Gauweiler has given a voice to (among others) the CSUs base. Potential successors are already standing by. Things are different with the CDU. No significant voice publicly calls for Angela Merkel to step down. The proverbial elephant is in the room, however it is the question: WHAT WILL BECOME OF MERKEL? Lesen Sie auch It will take a while, but it has begun, The beginning of the end, Something is happening. Such statements about the Chancellors future could already be heard in 2016 after the CDUs defeats at local elections. They were voiced by critics of her refugee policy. In the spring of 2017, the Merkel-CDU started to win local elections again. Whats new is that, after the weak federal election result, Merkel supporters are now also talking like this on the quiet. For one thing is certain, even for them: Merkels last term in office has begun. Even though there is no clear candidate for succeeding Merkel in sight (yet) thinking about the future of the CDU requires thinking about the party WITHOUT Merkel. And because of the AfD, quite a few people are currently thinking about the future of the CDU. This can be seen at the Junge Unions (the CDUs youth organization) Germany Day. Head of JU Paul Ziemiak says: I think that there is space for new and fresh heads in the government, party, and parliamentary group next to the Chancellor. Lesen Sie auch Merkels trump card within the party there being no alternative is losing its value. High-ranking CDU members say that even a timely agreement with Seehofer over a common stance for the coalition talks with the FDP and the Greens will not change this basic mood. Neither will the fact that she will be elected as Chancellor again, securing the CDUs power. The day after the election One sentence by Merkel in particular had contributed to this. I do not see what we should do differently, she said on the day after the election. In Lower Saxony, this statement comes back to bite us again and again, says one CDU-politician who is currently campaigning in the county. Indeed, Merkels statement must have sounded like involuntary derision to all CDU politicians who lost their mandates; whose regional associations lost ten or more percent of the votes and whose base is now angry. Approximately 2.5 million voters left the CDU for the AfD and FDP. Can there still be more of the same? With most of the same established CDU ministers? On 22-23 October, the CDU wants to reflect on the federal election. One person who will not be able to protect Merkel from criticism by young, conservative, and disappointed party members, as he used to in critical moments, is Wolfgang Schauble the partys grey eminence. The following day, he will be elected to be the President of the Bundestag. PS: Sind Sie bei Facebook? Werden Sie Fan von BILD.de-Politik! An East Berlin man faces multiple charges after police said he robbed a Fulton Bank in Silver Spring Commons in Silver Spring Township Friday. Silver Spring Township police said a man walked into the Fulton Bank at 6520 Carlisle Pike around 3:30 p.m. Friday and placed ammunition on the bank tellers desk, and demanded cash. The masked man did not seem to have any other weapons, according to police. The suspect, later identified as 42-year-old Christopher Lee Mortoff of East Berlin was pulled over in a maroon Kia SUV near Interstate 81. According to police, Mortoff fled the bank with cash and first traveled from the Silver Spring Commons parking lot to Route 114 westbound prior to the traffic stop. Mortoff is currently in Cumberland County Prison and faces charges of simple assault, making terroristic threats, robbery and theft by unlawful taking. He was unable to post $300,000 bail and is awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for Wednesday. Witnesses of the bank robbery are asked to contact either Lt. Leroy Hippensteel or Det. Andrew Bassler with the Silver Spring Township Police Department by calling 717-697-0607. PR Newswire BARCELONA, Spain, Oct. 8, 2017 BARCELONA, Spain, Oct. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Blockchain music company VOISE is excited to announce a date for the launch of its full alpha version of a decentralized platform for downloading and streaming music from global artists. Timed for Oct. 18 after a successful tokenswap, VOISE has already been well received by renowned independent artists, such as Grammy-nominated Carolyn Malachi and DJ sensation Jinco. Decentralized music pioneer VOISE is closely approaching the launch of its eagerly awaited platform, with an Alpha version set to launch on Oct. 18 with ready-to-test features sure to please music fans and artists. After successfully reconciling its recent coinswap, VOISE tokens will expand its listing on major exchanges as preliminary work on the platform continues. VOISE will be listed on one of the top 10 exchanges in terms of volume within the next week. The global music industry and the Internet Last year, the global music industry collectively breathed a huge sigh of relief. After almost two decades of steadily declining revenue from album sales, largely due to piracy and falling prices, the industry finally caught a break in 2016. Multiple major record labels recorded their highest profits in years despite the continuing trend of falling CD sales thanks to online streaming. 2016 was the second consecutive year for growth of streaming revenue, and 2017 is likely to show similarly positive numbers. With more than 110 million paying subscribers online, and more labels and musicians still adapting to these new ways of consuming music, there is every reason to believe that the music industry is in rebound. Yet some old issues remain, particularly for independent artists, who still struggle with the high costs of distribution if they do it themselves, or who are forced to accept the high commissions (between 15 to 40% of revenue generated) as a result of uploading their music to major platforms for paid downloads. It becomes even worse if artists choose a streaming service as these take even larger cuts. VOISE a blockchain-based platform for music artists and listeners VOISE believes that the heart of the problem lies in the current model of unfair distribution of revenue. Its decentralized platform addresses this directly, seeking to give all revenue generated from music content to the creators, the music artists. Recognizing the steep learning curve of previous attempts at technically complex decentralized and blockchain-based music platforms, VOISE will also focus on simplicity. Its platform will be easy to use and will accept fiat payments, so as to provide an inclusive environment for mainstream users. VOISE will unite both crypto enthusiasts and average music consumers in their common love for music. And now, the very first glimpse of the VOISE platform is close at hand and a countdown has already started on the VOISE homepage. On October 18, VOISE will launch its Alpha platform that will feature a full-fledged list of features. VOISE Alpha features for music lovers and creators From the homepage, users will be able to directly access music, whether choosing from popular music from the top downloads, or sampling the latest clips from latest uploads. Users can also find new and old music by searching in thematic sections, categorized by favorite genres and artists. All music purchased will also be listed in a My Collections folder for easy access. A wallet section will also be available, allowing users to deposit and withdraw either in VOISE tokens or ETH. The VOISE Alpha platform will also host Radio DAO, a streaming service for future announcements for the VOISE community. Top artists will be promoted via Radio DAO and it will feature a unique community voting concept where users will select their favorite radio service and share any profits obtained. Music artists can also access the VOISE Alpha platform to upload songs and albums at their own price. Alternatively, they can set a 0 price to let users download it for free and accept donations instead. Artists can also access a profile section to provide details of their music ad add links to social media. Fans will be able to follow and donate to their favorite artists via their profiles. And much more down the road The VOISE community can look forward to even more exciting developments as work continues on the music platform of the future. The successful tokenswap in September with a good rate already positions VOISE for future listings on major exchanges. VOISE tokens are gaining recognition, having been added to CoinMarketCap, Livecoin and CoinExchange, with $800,000 daily trading volume and currently trading at 800 satoshis. VOISE has also updated its development roadmap, which will see upcoming work on attracting more collaborators for the platform, building more partnerships in the music industry, an artist verification system and search engine. Recognizing South Korea as an emerging market, VOISE also has plans to reach out by creating a South Korean music community to attract investment. It has also initiated efforts to seek partnership with the Ethereum Enterprise Alliance, the world's largest open-source blockchain alliance connecting Fortune 500 enterprises with Ethereum experts. About VOISE VOISE is a blockchain-based content distribution and monetization platform for the music industry. It introduces the multibillion-dollar global music industry to cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Trade VOISE with BTC at: https://www.coinexchange.io/market/VOISE/BTC Learn more about VOISE at:VOISE on Telegram: http://t.me/voisecomJoin VOISE Slack channel: https://voise.herokuapp.com/VOISE on BitcoinTalk: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1846376.0Follow VOISE on Twitter http://twitter.com/voisecom Media ContactContact Name: Isaac RodriguezContact Email: [email protected]Location: Barcelona, Spain Related Links VOISE Bitcoin PR Buzz View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/voise-blockchain-music-artist-platform-close-to-launching-full-alpha-on-october-18-300532946.html SOURCE VOISE A corner lot in one community holds a whole lot of history. And, in coming weeks, a special park honoring that legacy will be put in place. Farmington Parks and Recreation Director Chris Conway had a special report for the Farmington City Council during a recent meeting. Conway presented plans drawn together by the citys tree board for the development of a park on the location of the former African Methodist Episcopal Church near downtown. Farmington Library Director Travis Trokey said research shows the former church, once located on the lot at the corner of Franklin and Third Streets, was built in 1887 before being torn down in 2004. Trokey said the information on the date the church was built came from an historic survey of the downtown area conducted in 2003 using Sanborn Maps from that era maps created in the 19th century to assess fire insurance liability for communities. In 2014, the city adopted an ordinance acknowledging the donation of the lot from brothers Bill and Charles Matthews. At the time, then-mayor Mit Landrum told the council the land was the site of the first African Methodist Episcopal Church west of the Mississippi. The gift of the land was given by the brothers for the city to develop the site into a memorial park in honor of the African-American families who played an integral part in the history and development of Farmington. Currently, all that remains at the site are the concrete steps once leading to the front door. Conway said the board discussed the design of the park by request of Mayor Larry Forsythe. The memorial park will be a passive park meaning, there are no recreation-type swings or other items typically associated with a park. A member of the tree board is a landscape architect and helped create an initial design. The design uses both Ivory Silk trees and boxwoods. People walk by they can sit and reflect, he said. Whats neat about the design of the park is that the trees are going to outline the foundation of the original church. The boxwoods are going to be planted in the altar area of the church. They are to symbolize (altar location), he said. They are going to be staggered in a way to see the depiction. Two stone benches are to be placed within the treeline as well. Next to the original steps will be a stone marker, containing a design approved by the Matthews family. It will be a nice little park and a beautification project for what has been a vacant lot, he said. It will look nice Im really excited to see how this turns out. Conway said members of the Matthews family came out to visit with the board when they were visiting the future park to discuss possibilities for the location. One special moment from the visit, Conway said, was when a daughter of one of those gentlemen donating the land came out to visit. We walked around the site and Bill Matthews daughter came out, Conway said. We also picked up the cornerstone from the church. It has been placed it in storage for use in a future Farmington museum. Conway said it was being kept in a neighboring home after the church was demolished due to unsafe conditions. They brought (the cornerstone) out that night, we put it in my truck and now weve got it tucked away for safe keeping, he said. Conway said the tree board typically meets on an as-needed basis. He said it was under the mayors urging the group take the reins for this project. He wanted this to be a passive park, and (the mayor) saw the landscaping as a major part of this park design, Conway said. (Forsythe) thought it would be appropriate (for the tree board to design) I think he made the right call on that and what came of it is a nice design. To symbolize it with beautiful landscaping, I think, is going to do it justice. Forsythe said they are looking to an October date for a dedication ceremony for the park. In the six months since the Friends In Action Clubhouse moved to its brand new facility in Farmington, everybody involved with the center, located next door to the El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant on Walden Drive, say the extra space and special features were well worth more than a decade of waiting. "Our new facility is around 4,500 square feet, compared to the old one that was only 2,500 square feet," said Community Support Specialist Mike Hunt. "So we almost doubled in size and it's definitely a more efficient use of space. The old facility was more of a retrofitted house in a residential area of Park Hills. This is much more conducive to the work that we do." The clubhouse is a psychosocial rehabilitation center in Farmington that provides a place for those with severe mental illness to socialize, participate in activities, build life skills and gain independence. It is operated by BJC Behavioral Health. In 2015, FIAC was accredited by Clubhouse International, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating sustainable solutions for mental illness. It evaluates more than 300 clubhouses worldwide to make sure they are strictly following international standards. Along with several offices and a reception center, the new clubhouse features a large meeting/social room, state-of-the-art industrial kitchen, restroom/shower facilities, art studio, snack area and exercise area with equipment donated by Parkland Health Center and Behavioral Health physicians. There is even a floral shop where members learn the art of flower arrangement. The items are available for purchase by the general public, with proceeds going to the clubhouse. The shop is accessible through a separate entrance at the center. According to Hunt, FIAC has an active membership of about 200 people and serve approximately 100 of that total every month. The center's average daily attendance is more than 30 members, but he said the center's goal is to raise that number to 50. "In our old facility, when you had 30 people there, it was crowded. There wasn't room to do anything and it was really loud. It just didn't work out well. There is much better space management in this facility, so we can complete the things we need to do in a more efficient way. "We're in a more centralized location, so we're more accessible to a lot more people. We have a good handful of our members who drive in and they would drive in anyway but being in Farmington we have some who ride their bikes and some that walk in. We have an integrated campus with our clubhouse and our outpatient clinic across the street." Hunt went on to explain that clubhouse members, residents and staff can access the nearby BJC Behavioral Health Services outpatient clinic on Maple Street by walking over a bridge without ever having to go out in traffic. In addition, the clubhouse is located next door to the Friendship House Apartments. While the complex's residency is overseen by East Missouri Action Agency, Hunt said many of the apartment residents are clubhouse members. Asked what members do at the clubhouse, Hunt said, "Our program is designed to help people become independent and to regain self-esteem and self-worth through their accomplishments. The clubhouse is a place where people can feel needed, wanted and respected. "We accomplish that by having meaningful work that we engage in during the day, which is everything we need to do to run our organization. The members are involved in every aspect of our clubhouse. "We have folks who come in every day and make lunch and work in the kitchen. We have folks who come in and work on spreadsheets for our financials. Our members work the front desk, do reception, do clerical work and help with the transportation and work in the floral shop." One of the greatest services offered by the clubhouse is finding temporary work usually running about six months for its members. Hunt said the jobs are usually entry level and ones that are difficult for employers to keep filled. Once an employer offers a position, Hunt goes to the business and learns the job himself. Then, after the clubhouse member begins working, Hunt trains them for a week or so to make sure they know how to do their job and do it well. "The clubhouse members usually do a great job because having the position is very important to them," Hunt explained. "Many of them have never had a job before and so they are proud to be working and want to do their very best." He added that some employers keep the club member on after the six-month period. "What's really great for the employer is that, if the club member can't come to work because they're sick or for some other reason, I will come over and work the shift for them at no charge. I love doing this and I love seeing our club members getting a chance to work hard and have a sense of pride." For more information about FIAC, call Hunt at 573-760-8360. Thank you for reading! To read this article and more, subscribe now for as little as $1.99. The same "largest massacre" type comments were also made about the Pulse shootings, the victims of which I believe were mostly Hispanics - not white. So while I would agree that massacres of Native Americans has been overlooked in many cases, I don't see a connection to the reporting of the LV shootings. And BTW, most of the news reports I read did not omit the word "modern" if they made the largest massacre claim at all. Fianna Fail's Brexit spokesperson, Stephen Donnelly, says the Oireachtas has been "stonewalled" over critical information affecting the island of Ireland. Mr Donnelly says a leaked Revenue report on the challenges of an open border post Brexit, shows there are elements in Government more interested in "playing party politics" than working to protect the country's economy. He said: "My colleagues and I have consistently requested, from a variety of government departments, to see reports of this nature, and we have been stonewalled." Deputy Donnelly says the leaking of the report is hugely disappointing, and the Government's failure to share its contents with business and farming groups is "bizarre and bewildering". He emphasised that businesses which are heavily reliant on the UK market need Govt support, especially the sharing of pertinent information. He said: "We have already heard of other government departments being told to stand down and stop any Brexit engagement with their UK counterparts. This needs to be revisited given this report. "The Revenue Commissioners report outlines clearly the task facing Ireland in terms of Brexit, and on the basis of this report, its very hard to come to any other conclusion that we are heading for a hard border." He pointed out that unless something changes, then Irish business and agriculture face a very uncertain future, and called for "significant Brexit initiatives" in next week's Budget. Mr Donnelly said: "Essentially what the Revenue Commissioners are saying that on current trajectory for the UK, which is leaving the Customs Union and leaving the single market, they can't see any situation in which there is a soft border. "In other words, there is going to be a hard border. "That has massive economic implications on both sides of the border. It has huge implications for the agri-foods sector, for tourism, and it has serious implications for the peace process." Sinn Fein has today called on the Government to implement a targeted investment and recruitment campaign to get the country's hospitals back on track. With more than half a million people on waiting lists and warnings of dangerous overcrowding at Accident and Emergency departments, the Health Minister has promised increased funding in the budget for the National Treatment Purchase Fund. A four-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee has called on developed countries to ban paedophiles and suspected sex offenders from foreign travel in the same way as suspected terrorists. Father Shay Cullen, an Irish missionary who has been rescuing street children in the Philippines since 1974, said hundreds of thousands of sex tourists travel to the country from Europe, including the UK and Ireland, the US and Australia. The Columban priest missed out on the Nobel prize last week, but praised the decision to award it to a campaign for the abolition of nuclear weapons. "The whole moral fabric of society and protection of human rights and the dignity of women and children is breaking down," Fr Cullen said. "One thing right now I would say to any government is to pass a law that would ban all convicted sex offenders from travelling abroad. That would be a very good thing they could do." "Why not? The international and Irish sex tourists, why are they coming here raping our children?" We are not the one to develop anybody or anything. Development is growing in people. Shay Cullen #weltkirche pic.twitter.com/ltYzN8Dev8 Rapha Breyer (@RaphaBreyer) June 21, 2017 Fr Cullen revealed that on Friday his team had rescued a 12-year-old girl who was pregnant after being raped by a neighbour. On Thursday, a five-year-old girl was also rescued after being raped by her father. The missionary's Preda Foundation (People's Recovery, Empowerment and Development Assistance) has helped vulnerable children in the Philippines for more than 40 years. Independent TD in Ireland Maureen O'Sullivan is examining if there are constitutional blocks to revoking passports of known or suspected sex offenders. The UK has official counter-terror orders which can force restrictions on overseas travel. In the last year Fr Cullen has been an outspoken critic of Filipino president Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs which has left about 8,000 people dead, about half of whom are characterised as "drugs personalities", while the deaths of others are unexplained. "I hope the nomination of the Nobel Peace Prize will highlight our work on human rights and protecting children and protecting young people from the death squads," Fr Cullen said. Based in Olongapo city, the missionary also rescues children detained illegally in jails and victims of human trafficking. Speaking from the Preda Foundation offices, he described life in the Philippines. "It's dire. It's very sad. We have thousands, hundreds of thousands of sex tourists coming here to abuse women and children," Fr Cullen said. "The abuse of children at this extent is terrible - incest is growing here because of the sex tourism." Fr Cullen welcomed his own Nobel nomination, put forward by a committee in the German Bundestag, but he heralded the decision to award it to the International Campaign To Abolish Nuclear Weapons. "My God, it brings up the debate of weapons of all kinds, and war and killing and murders that's going on in Yemen, Syria and the threats, including from North Korea," he said. "It's amazing. It's good that they got it and not some big politicians." There were 318 candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize, of which 215 are individuals and 103 are organisations. The identities are traditionally kept secret. Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel used his will to establish five Nobel Prizes after his death in 1896 with many believing he wanted a legacy beyond "inventor of dynamite". Former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave will be remembered today at the Defence Forces Veterans' Commemoration Day at the Curragh. The Minister with Responsibility for Defence Paul Kehoe and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett will be in attendance for what is now an annual event. Update 11.32am: A City Councillor says reports that people are rejecting social housing are a distraction from the real problem. Figures obtained by the Sunday Independent show that more than one in four social homes in the city were turned down. Chair of Dublin City Council's Housing Committee Daithi Doolan has rubbished the claims. "We're not in a crisis because people are refusing homes," he said. "I would publically ask the journalist to come with me to one of my advice clinics I hold on a weekly basis and hear the real stories, the traumas of people languishing on housing lists for years, people in cramped conditions in emergency accommodation. "And then we have a splash headline, cheap headline, saying 'one in four rejected'. I don't know how true this is, I've no evidence to back this claim up." Earlier: More than one in four people offered a social house in Dublin have rejected it, it has been reported today. The Sunday Independent reports that of the 1,009 houses offered to people on the waiting list last year, 300 either turned them down or did notrespond to the offer. The majority rejected the properties because they were "not suitable" for them. Reasons included the houses being too big or too small, but the paper reports that some have also said they disliked the interior. A wealthy businessman who says he and his former ''wife'' were never legally married may still have to pay out even if a judge rules in his favour, according to a specialist lawyer. Asif Aziz, who is in his 40s, says he and Tagilde Aziz, who were both born abroad, obtained a ''fake'' marriage certificate so a child they had adopted could get a passport. He wants a British High Court judge to rescind a divorce pronouncement. Mrs Aziz, who is in her 50s, disputes his claim and says they were married. She says they were together for 20 years and she is entitled to a ''fair share'' of a 1.1 bn marital pot. Mr Justice Moor is expected to decide whether the marriage was valid after analysing evidence at a trial in the Family Division of the High Court in London later this year. The judge has been given detail of the dispute at a preliminary hearing. Mrs Aziz says a Muslim ceremony of marriage took place in Malawi in 2002. Mr Aziz, founder of London-based property business Criterion Capital, says no ceremony took place but a marriage ''certificate of convenience'' was issued. Specialist divorce lawyer Hetty Gleave, who is based at Hunters Solicitors, says Mrs Aziz may get a payout in any event. "Even if Mr Aziz is successful in proving that his marriage was not recognised in Malawi, and so is invalid in this country, he should not assume that Mrs Aziz is not entitled to any financial relief," she said. "As long as she has sufficient evidence after 15 years to show that they both intended to be married and lived their life as man and wife, then her financial claims against him remain open." She added: "It would be a cold-hearted judge who did not look with tender sympathy on such an applicant after such a long relationship." Latest News Clawbacks, commissions discussed at FBAA conference Over 700 brokers attend successful Gold Coast event CBA becomes an official partner of FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Bank's sponsorship boosts its strong support of female sport in Australia Pre-population of fields with relevant data A shortlist of applications to quickly link pricing requests Displays of associated client application statuses so brokers can identify when contracts have been issued and when adjustments are required Regional lender Bankwest has launched a new pricing tool to its digital broker platform which allows brokers to receive real-time responses when requesting personalised home loan rates for clients.The tool, which is available on the banks Home Lending Portal, has been created through broker feedback and rolled out across Bankwests third party network.The response from brokers who have trialled the tool has been very gratifying, said Bankwest general manager of broker sales Stewart Saunders.We were keen to get this tool right first time and deliver something which continues to evolve and improve brokers experience of Bankwest, he said.We held focus groups and did broker site visits everything we could do to try to understand what they wanted and how we could help.The pricing tool supplies brokers with real-time decisions on discretionary rates for prospective clients by using a structured approach to pricing approvals. While standard decisions will be automated, more complicated ones will be sent to a Bankwest business development manager instead.That was something the brokers told us they really appreciated the fact that theres also a human point of reference, so we made sure we took this into consideration, Saunders said.The pricing tool will be linked to the Home Loan Portal, which was rolled out in July , and includes the following features:In combination, this has led to a reduction in manual data entry, improved response times, and increased transparency for brokers.Aside from the positive feedback weve received, were very pleased with the speed with which we have been able to roll this out to the broker community. Its been about five months from first inception, through a couple of iterations to full deployment now, Saunders said.The pricing tool will make it significantly easier and faster for brokers by streamlining internal processes, giving brokers direct access to submit requests, and allowing brokers to more quickly advise customers about their potential home loan rates, he told Australian Broker.Typical requests will receive an initial response within seconds of submission. More involved deals will generally be responded to within our service level agreement.The development of the Home Lending Portal reflects how Bankwest views its relationship with brokers, said general manager of customer transformation Jarod Avila.At Bankwest, our brokers are important to us so were continuing to invest in them. Were on a journey to create a world class home loan experience; making it simpler and easier to support them in growing their business.The Home Lending Portal, the Application Tracker and now this Pricing Tool have all been designed with their needs and goals in mind, as we continuously evolve and improve our broker offering.Bankwest has a pipeline of further developments to roll out with the next development being speed to response for pricing request for broker customers, Saunders said.In November we will be integrating the home lending portal with the Bankwest broker website which we have rebuilt from the ground up and will now be a one stop shop for our brokers to be able to access all information and systems in one place, from one login.The other exciting aspect to our home lending portal is that the changes we are making are based on broker feedback and we are continuing to refine the platforms we provide brokers based on what will make their lives easier. How you can help Give A Christmas to Lower Bucks families in need iStock/Thinkstock(BILOXI, Miss.) -- Gulf Coast residents are waking up to a wet, windy -- and in some cases, powerless -- Sunday morning, but it's still not as devastating as they expected: Hurricane Nate was downgraded to a tropical storm around 4:30 a.m. ET. The storm, moving north-northeast at 23 mph with maximum winds of 70 mph, is moving farther inland over Mississippi and Alabama. "Even though Nate has made landfall and will weaken today, we are still forecast heavy rain from Nate to spread well inland towards the Tennessee Valley and Appalachian mountains," ABC News meteorologist Daniel Manzo said Sunday morning. As areas of heavy rain and gusty winds from whats left of Nate continued to impact parts of the Southeast Sunday, the rain will push through the Northeast on Monday. Any remaining rain will move off the New England coast by Monday night. Around 2:30 a.m. ET, a tornado watch covering most of southern Alabama and part of the Florida Panhandle was issued. It is in effect until 11 a.m. Nate had made its second landfall as a Category 1 storm around 1:30 a.m. ET Sunday along the Gulf Coast near Biloxi, Mississippi with maximum winds of 85 mph, slamming some Mississippi and Alabama communities with a storm surge of between four to five feet. Nate made its first landfall Saturday night as a Category 1 storm near the mouth of the Mississippi River on the southeastern Louisiana coast. Officials in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida were well-prepared for Nate's arrival, however, with its governors declaring states of emergency and mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders. Even though Nate's wrath was not as terrible as expected, more than 100,000 customers across Alabama and Mississippi were without power as of 6 a.m. ET. In Alabama, 87,000 customers were without power, while 46,487 customers in Mississippi were without power. Power lines were down in some communities, and in Grand Bay, Alabama, for example, power lines caught fire. Nate was the first hurricane to hit Mississippi since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Ahead of Nate's landfall, the governors of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama all issued stern warnings to residents. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency on Thursday and warned residents to prepare for heavy rain, storm surge and high winds. "No one should take this storm lightly," Edwards said at a press conference Friday. "We do want people to be very, very cautious and to not take this storm for granted." In New Orleans, the mayor said some areas outside of the levee protection system could see a 7-to-11-foot storm surge. But the National Weather Service on Saturday evening cancelled the city's hurricane warning and Mayor Mitch Landrieu ordered an overnight curfew be lifted. By Saturday night, the evening's rain ceased. In Mississippi, Gov. Phil Bryant on Friday declared a state of emergency in several southern counties in preparation for the storm. "If you are in an area that has flooded, I would recommend you evacuate that area until the storm has ended and the water has receded for your own personal safety and for the safety of the first responders that will be responding in the event you are trapped," Bryant said at a press conference Friday. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issued a statewide state of emergency that went into effect Friday morning. "It has become clear that Alabama, especially on our coast will experience some of the worst conditions from this storm," Ivey said at a press conference Friday. "Alabamans, you must prepare and be vigilant. This is serious business." Florida Gov. Rick Scott also declared a state of emergency in some counties. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. A 24-year-old man is facing a slew of felony charges for illegal straw purchase of 21 guns at gun stores, almost exclusively in Bucks County. Leonard Truesdale was arraigned on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, on 21 counts each of making false statements on firearm purchase forms, criminal conspiracy to make false statements on firearm purchase forms and selling or transferring... Families need help: Donate and Give a Christmas During the holiday season, in partnership with NJ 211, we are pleased to offer the Give a Christmas program to Burlington County residents. Unlock 30+ premium stories daily hand-picked by our editors, across devices on browser and app. Full access to our intuitive epaper - clip, save, share articles from any device; newspaper archives from 2006. Curated newsletters on markets, personal finance, policy & politics, start-ups, technology, and more. Pick your 5 favourite companies, get a daily email with all news updates on them. 26 years of website archives. Protests were held across Australia against mining giant Adanis proposed $16.5-billion Carmichael coal mine project, which has been delayed for years over environmental and financing issues. Environment groups say the mine in Queensland would contribute to global warming and damage the Great Barrier Reef. Several protests were held across Australia against Indian mining giant Adani's proposed 16.5 billion dollars Carmichael coal mine project, which has been delayed for years over environmental and financing issues. Rallies were held yesterday in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Port Douglas in North Queensland where thousands of protesters took to streets as part of a National Day of Action, accord life saveria reports. "If this mine does go ahead, it drives us into a dirty future and Australia is a country that's smarter than that," Simon Fosterling, a Bondi surf lifesaver at the Sydney protest, which attracted about 2,000 people, was quoted as saying by the ABC . "I have a two-year-old daughter and I don't want to have a conversation with her in 10 years time and the mine's gone ahead and she says to me, 'dad, why didn't you do something?'" Protesters spelled out '#STOP ADANI' by standing in formation on the sand. Sydney 'Stop Adani' campaigner Isaac Astill called the construction of the mine an international issue. "It's going to be the biggest coal mine in the southern hemisphere at a time when our climate is crumbling," Astill said. "It's an international issue and that's why we're seeing people around the world and in Australia coming out in their thousands to say no to Adani." Reports said around 2000 people rallied in Melbourne's Princes Park carrying placards reading 'Coal=CO2!!!' and 'Protect Our Future'. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy said she hoped the "big day of action" would send a strong message that taxpayers did not want their money subsidising the project. "It will affect every single living thing on Earth, that's why people in Melbourne and Sydney and Canberra and Adelaide and Cairns all care about this mine not going ahead." O'Shanassy said. Between 200-300 people turned out at Perth's Cottesloe Beach and more than 250 people rallied in Hobart, where speakers included former Greens leader Bob Brown. Meanwhile, Adani Australia CEO Jeyakumar Janakaraj said that the company was committed to create jobs in Australia and there was large support for the project in regional Australia. "We are focussed.. the project is needed in the community and we have their whole support," he said. He, however, said there was a loud minority voice against the project. Janakaraj said an Adani India festival took place last night in Townsville which attracted 20,000 people, which were an indication that the project was supported by the local community. Speaking at the festival, Minister Coralee O'Rourke welcomed the company's commitment and also praised Adani for adhering to and working with the government to deliver a job-creating project. Adani and the Queensland government have highlighted that the mine will prove beneficial for the region. This week the company announced it would base more than 1000 fly-in, fly-out workers in both Townsville and Rockhampton. However, environmental activists are concerned about the potential impacts to the Great Barrier Reef as the coal will be shipped through areas close to the national icon. There are also concerns the coal burned will contribute to climate change, which is the biggest threat to the reef. As part of its efforts to use drones to handle some of its operations, online marketplace giant Amazon Inc has filed a patent application in India for exclusive rights on multi-scale fiducials, black and white marks on any object for the self-operating aerial vehicles to identify them from different distances. The proposed drones can also be used to identify other such objects, along with aircraft, plying within Indian skies, said the company. Infosys, Indias second-largest software services firm, has focused largely on ensuring business numbers during the near two-month period since co-founder Nandan Nilekani returned to take over as chairman of the firm. Mastech Digital Inc, the information technology (IT) staffing and digital transformation company which was spun out of iGate in 2008, is expecting its digital transformation services business to grow faster than its staffing business in future. Steel Authority of India (SAIL) on Sunday said it has entered into a strategic agreement with POSCO for wide-ranging technical services for its IISCO Steel Plant (ISP) at Burnpur to assist in realising the benefits from the company's new plant. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa, on Sunday said the Indian Air Force (IAF) is prepared to fight at any time. "Notwithstanding the pace of ongoing acquisition, modernisation, indigenisation effort and our desire for peace, we are prepared to fight at a short notice should the need arise," Dhanoa said in his address on the occasion of 85th at the Hindon Air Force base. The IAF chief also said losses during peacetime is a cause of concern. He made the remark two days after five air force personnel and two army personnel were killed in a chopper crash in Arunachal Pradesh. The IAF helicopter Mi-17 V5 crashed in Tawang near the India-China border on October 6. interacted with the Chinese Army personnel at the Nathu-La border in Sikkim, on Saturday. The light-hearted exchange saw Sitharaman greeting them 'Namastey', as the Chinese troops responded with the greeting, 'Ni Hao'. Both parties discussed the meaning of their respective form of greetings. The Chinese head at the Nathu-La post also briefed her on the posts held by the army personnel present at the meet. Sitharaman also took to Twitter and said, "Acknowledged a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence who were taking pictures on my reaching Nathu La." Sitharaman was on a visit to the Sikkim state to meet the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officials at Nathu-La, where she interacted with the Vice Chief of Army Staff and another senior army official. Chief of Eastern Command Lt. Gen. Abhay Krishna briefed her about the security preparedness at the Indo-China border in the Sikkim Sector. On her arrival at the post, Sitharaman was accorded a Guard of Honour. She also offered sweets to the army personnel there. She later met with Chief Minister Pawan Chamling at his residence to discuss issues in the state. The Congress on Sunday mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement of 'Diwali coming early' after the decisions taken by the Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council, stating that Diwali is more like a 'Diwala' (bankruptcy) this year for the people of the country. Prime Minister Modi yesterday had asserted that Diwali, the 'festival of lights,' has come early for citizens due to the latest decisions taken by the GST Council. While speaking to ANI, senior Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit said, "Prime Minister Modi has made a mistake by saying that 'Diwali' has come early for citizens; it more of a 'Diwala' (bankruptcy) that has hit the country. Even if he compares the GST reforms to any other festival, it won't change the current state of the people. The commoners are still going to be in the same state of distress. This government has ruined the hope for its people and will continue to do so". Echoing similar views, another Congress spokesperson Ajoy Kumar stated that the moment the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is abolished, the country will celebrate true Diwali. "Prime Minister Modi is someone who only thinks for the rich class or businessmen, not for the middle or lower middle class. The GST reform is a true example to my earlier statement. The country will celebrate true Diwali the day when the BJP and its rule takes off from the country," he said. This statement comes after Prime Minister Modi, while addressing a public rally in Dwarka, said, "Diwali has come early for our citizens due to the decisions taken in the GST Council. We had said we will study all aspects relating to GST for three months, including shortcomings. And thus, the decisions were taken with consensus at the GST Council." He also said, "When there is trust in a government, and when policies are made with the best of intentions, it is natural for people to support for the best interests of the nation. The common citizen of India wants the fruits of development to reach him or her. Nobody wants their children to live in poverty. We want to help our people fulfill that dream and we want to fight poverty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday slammed former United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government for not bringing in a health policy and said it was former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government, which brought a comprehensive health policy, between 1998 and 2004. "The UPA government did not attach importance to the policy, but after the Democratic Alliance (NDA) came to power the policy was renewed," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing the gathering at his hometown Vadnagar. The prime minister launched the Intensified Mission Indradhanush to accelerate the progress towards the goal of full immunisation coverage. The mission will provide greater focus on urban areas and other pockets of low immunisation coverage. Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to launch Mission Intensified Indra Dhanush, an immunization program, in #Vadnagar. pic.twitter.com/JFh8qHqOlK ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2017 Speaking about the 'Intensified Mission Indradhanush', Prime Minister Modi added, "I request people to think Indradhanush as your own campaign. As much as you feel happy when you donate blood or do other charities, you should also help the poor children to get immunised. You will be blessed." He asserted that his government has helped people with heart diseases. "We brought prices of stents down. Work is constantly being done to make healthcare affordable for the poor," Prime Minister Modi stated. In a bid to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates in Gujarat, Prime Minister Modi urged the doctors to work for free on the ninth day of every month. He added, "The doctors on ninth of every month should work for free and help the mothers here. This will help poor mothers to not travel far off places for delivering babies." Prime Minister Modi also said that he met the young doctors from a medical college. "Today I met youngsters from a medical college. We, as a society, require more doctors who can serve the people," he said. Prime Minister Modi also emphasised on cleanliness and said that doctors and good food may or may not guarantee good health, but cleanliness does. Prime Minister Modi revisited history to acclaim India-China ties and said, "When the Chinese President came to India, he was welcomed in Gujarat, he told me that you and I have an important connection." Prime Minister Modi added that when he went to China, President Xi Jinping took him to his own village. "He stayed with me the whole time and he told me that Chinese philosopher, Huang Xing, when visited India stayed at my village here," he added. On the same note, Prime Minister Modi asserted that their history goes a long way and hence, promised to make the Sharmistha Lake in Vadnagar, a tourist centre. "The Sharmistha Lake is the heart of Vadnagar. We will make it a tourist hotspot," Prime Minister Modi said in his hometown. This is Prime Minister Modi's maiden visit to his hometown after becoming the prime minister of India. Speaking about the warm welcome showered by the people, Prime Minister Modi said, "When welcomed among my own people, the feeling is different and immense. Whatever I am today is due to the values I have learnt on this soil, among you all in Vadnagar. I have played here; I have grown up among you people." Prime Minister Modi added that he would go back with the villagers' blessings and assured them that he would work even harder for the nation. "I will work harder for the people of Gujarat. I will work on the ideals taught by the people of Vadnagar, I promise it," Prime Minister Modi said. Prime Minister Modi, while speaking about the archaeology and history in his village, said that the archeological excavations from Vadnagar have become the focal point of the world community. He said that Vadnagar is now the only place in the world, which has continuously been inhabited by people. Prime Minister Modi earlier visited the Hatkeshwar Temple and offered prayers there and visited his school as well. He dedicated Vadnagar's GMERS Medical College to the nation, in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and Union Minister J P Nadda. Prime Minister Modi is also set to flag off the Antyodaya Express between Udhna (Surat, Gujarat), and Jaynagar (Bihar). He will also unveil plaques to mark the laying of foundation stone, and the inauguration of various plants of Gujarat Narmada Fertiliser Corporation. He will also address a public meeting there before returning to Delhi. Albany Police Lt. Jerry Drum brought a catalog of digital scales into Capt. Eric Carters office one morning in late July. The two officers planned to order at least one precision scale in preparation for something they never had to do before: measure the exact amount of methamphetamine found on a suspect. This new normal became reality July 5, when the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2355, which is essentially written to reduce racial profiling by requiring officers to record the age, race, ethnicity and sex of every person stopped and questioned. But the measure also contains a subsection that reduces possession of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and ecstasy to a misdemeanor in some circumstances. The bill passed 36-24 in the House, and 20-9 in the Senate. Two House Republicans and four in the Senate voted for the bill. (Among mid-valley legislators, Democrats voted for the measure and Republicans voted against it.) Those in favor of the bill maintain it will create the opportunity for treatment for drug abusers, rather than simply punishing them with jail time and a felony conviction. The American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon argues that felony charges for minor drug possession create a burden on the judicial system and could damage the lives of first-time offenders. Harsh drug sentences have damaged families and ruined lives, reads the ACLU's official position. A felony conviction for small-scale drug possession can prevent people from getting housing, a job or a student loan. The current approach is also unfair. People of color possess drugs at the same rates as everyone else but are more much likely to be arrested. (That latter argument provided part of the reason for combining the two topics, racial profiling and drug convictions, in the same bill.) The Oregon State Sheriffs' Association and the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police supported the bill, while the Oregon District Attorneys Association fought it. In Linn County, Sheriff Bruce Riley broke with his association to oppose the bill. Still, Riley agrees with the spirit of the bill where it concerns racial profiling. But he disagrees with the provision on meth and other drugs. I think it sends a horrible message, he said. So much of our crime in Linn County is related to drug use. That sentiment is echoed in the attitude of patrol officers. Albany Police Officer Emily Zessin, asked how frequently she encounters methamphetamine, said, "Pretty much everybody we talk to has it." For example, during a routine patrol last month, Zessin and fellow officer Blake Miller contacted Victor Sells, who is on probation for meth possession. Sells was staying in a van with a friend near Wal-Mart when the officers found him. After a search, Zessin discovered a glass pipe with meth residue, and Sells admitted to having smoked in the past few days. Before July 5, even a trace amount on a shirt cuff would warrant a felony charge. But the law is so new that each officer now carries a flow chart designed to help them determine how to charge a suspect. The process often has officers conferring with each other over amounts and arrest criteria in the field. The golden rule is that any amount below 2 grams, considered a usable quantity, does not count as a felony, unless the suspect has a prior felony conviction, a commercial drug offense, or two prior convictions for possession of a controlled substance. Sells had all those, but because his pipe had only residue which does not qualify as a usable quantity it was confiscated and he was slapped with only a misdemeanor. Moral message Linn County District Attorney Doug Marteeny said the bill delivers the wrong message, and added that he believes it will decrease public safety. If you decrease disincentives, more people will use. That is a basic economic principle, he said. The law is a reflection of societys moral standards, so it communicates behavior standards to our youngest and most impressionable citizens. Marteeny added that by making possession of meth and heroin a misdemeanor, the law sends the message to children that possession or use of those drugs is less reprehensible." While Marteeny and Riley say they will uphold the law, they are also in a position to speak out against it. As for Carter, Drum and their fellow officers, their job is to adapt to the new law and enforce it as effectively as they can. That's where the scales come in. I want to be able to measure a grain of salt, Drum joked, referring to the new game of quantifying the amount of a controlled substance found on a suspect. Asked whether he will encounter more citizens in possession of the controlled substances, especially meth, Drum said he thinks it will be unlikely. Most of the people we arrest for these offenses have already 'punched their card,' he said, using police slang for a person with prior arrests, so well be processing them as felonies anyway. Still, one of the side effects of the bill, and one that has both Drum and Marteeny shaking their heads, is the fact that the people who do only get a misdemeanor charge will still, absent a felony conviction, be allowed to possess firearms. Would you want a meth user to be allowed to have a gun? asked Marteeny. In light of the meth and heroin epidemic, this is the wrong message to give our kids. Marteeny also talked about the effects of methamphetamine use on families, explaining how very pervasive the addiction is. If you want to say that a person using meth in his own home doesnt hurt society, I would say that when you enter a house where theres no more than a narrow path among clutter that leads from a childs bed to the TV set, where that child has a couple toys, and where all the adults in the house are using meth all day and night, I would say that behavior affects society," Marteeny said. "The drug will lead people to treat their own children like animals. 'Major turnaround' State Rep. Andy Olson, a Republican, voted against the bill. He predicts a major turnaround in terms of crimes in the state as a result of the bill, citing the fact that 85 percent of property crimes in Oregon are drug-driven. Whats going to happen to drug courts? he asked, referring to the reformatory programs that sentence drug offenders to rigorous treatment and accountability programs in lieu of criminal punishment. The carrot and the stick is gone. Asked whether those who voted in favor of the bill simply glossed over the part of it that reduces charges for drug offenses, Olson said he worked hard to prevent that. He explained that he went into detail on the House floor, talking for more than an hour before the vote, describing the problems with the bill. Further, he said, he would have voted for the bill if it hadn't included the provisions regarding drugs. I tried really hard to separate the two, he said. I would have supported the racial profiling, but could not support the drug portion. We believe in restoration and forgiveness, but I dont think 2355 gets there at all. But Albany defense attorney Forrest Reid said he believes the bottom line on the law is that it will reduce costs in the criminal justice system. We do spend a lot of money prosecuting felony drug offenders, he said. The way we have been fighting this has been very expensive and I dont think it has been very helpful. The ACLU, in its support of the bill, also argued that the states limited funding for law enforcement would be better spent elsewhere. Arresting and prosecuting people for small-scale drug cases as felonies is the wrong priority, reads the group's statement. Still, addressing the idea that the bill will direct more offenders to treatment programs, Reid said legal mechanisms already exist that let drug offenders seek treatment and avoid jail time and a felony conviction. These include a conditional discharge, which through a plea agreement lets a defendant complete an 18-month program, during which time they are required to complete treatment programs, remain accountable and obey all laws and other set rules. At the end of that time, the charges will be erased from their record. And in fact," Reid added, "during the pendency of the program, the charges wont even show up as a conviction." Marteeny echoed Reid's sentiment when he explained that a first-time felony conviction can be expunged in three years. The point, from both the DA and the defender, is that avenues already exist for defendants to clear their record. But Reid also allowed that the state's drug problem is a problem that needs a solution. "We need to do whatever we can do to rid the world of these awful drugs," he said. And Sheriff Riley said House Bill 2355 isn't likely to do that. In fact, he said, the measure is akin to legalizing marijuana in terms of creating new drug offenders. Not every marijuana user is going to be a heroin addict," he said. "But every heroin addict Ive dealt with started out with marijuana. As for Zessin, she said she doesn't like having repeated contact with illegal drug users, and can only hope they can turn themselves around. And while officers like Zessin hope, Marteeny laments that the new law will only diminish that hope, and ultimately will reduce public safety. "This legislative session has been the most unfriendly to public safety that I have ever seen," he said. India is ranked the eighth most valuable nation brand while the United States retained its top position and China took the second spot in the league of nations according to Brand Finances Nation Brands 2017. India went down one spot over the previous year, the report said, because the economy grew at its slowest pace. India switched places with Canada and its brand value dropped by one percentage point while that of Canadas rose 14 per cent. China, the fastest growing nation brand in 2017, saw valuation grow 44 per cent. The report says that China has gained because in a virtuous circle, Chinese brands and the transformed image of China as an emerging global power are reinforcing each other. India, on the other hand, has taken a hit on several fronts. Reforms must be introduced to maximise job creation, provide fiscal support and to boost economic growth. However, the less than impressive track record of implementing change renders the nations outlook unstable. This poses a threat to its future nation brand value, said David Haigh, CEO, Brand Finance. India improved its brand rating from AA- to AA though, but failed to make it into the top ten best performing or strongest brands. Brand analysts list democracy, diversity, young population and technological receptivity as the pillars of Indias brand value. Brand consultant Bharat Bambawale said that India's strategy for GDP growth should focus on services and investment. The report also said that India is seen stronger in attributes related to culture and weaker in attributes related to business. India needs rapid economic growth, accelerated employment, exponential increase in infrastructure and a do-or-die spirit of enterprise, says Sandeep Goyal, chairman, Mogae Media. According to Haigh, India has surpassed China and the US as the top recipient of greenfield foreign direct investment and the key task is to maintain this position. He also said that the real long-term growth of both the Chinese and the Indian economy has cooled off since last year, but the Chinese economy is still perceived as less risky. Bambawale says that India has to not only match, but exceed China's growth rate consistently for a decade or two, if it wants to climb the Index and reliably hold a higher position. China is the fastest growing nation brand in absolute terms US dominance as the most valuable nation brand threatened by Trumps presidency Asian nation brands boom as the West stagnates Southern European nations show double-digit growth Game of Thrones brings record growth to Iceland, brand value up 83% year on year Singapore defends strongest nation brand title as it continues to invest in its citizens Not everyone believes that India needs to pit its brand against China though. N Chandramouli, CEO, TRA, a brand insights agency says, China has a monolithic government where all decisions are implemented without opposition. India must grow, there is no doubt about it, but our pace must be measured as under a distinct set of conditions. Brand valuations are not the best indicator of a nations value or progress he believes. The report points out that the dynamic between American and Chinese nation brands is mirrored by the broader trends of Western stagnation and Asian advance. Established European nation brands, such as Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, record either a decline or a negligible growth of value. At the same time, Asian nation brands grew at breakneck speed. One of the most interesting stories among nation brands in 2017 is that of Iceland. Its tourism industry is booming, post the success of Game of Thrones that was shot in the country, helping it become the fastest growing nation brand of 2017, up 83 per cent from last year. India, on the other hand, saw a two per cent drop in tourism over the past year. Bambawale says, The gap between advertising and on-ground experience is huge. High-ticket tourists pay prices equal to anywhere in the world, so why come here when they can do better elsewhere? Backpackers add little to revenue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on his maiden visit to Vadnagar in Gujarat on Sunday after he assumed the office of Prime Minister. Office space leasing increased marginally during the July-September period in eight major cities at 10.4 million sq ft on higher demand from corporates from Europe, West Asia and Africa, according to property consultant CBRE. "Leasing activity remained strong during the quarter, with office space take-up rising marginally by 2 per cent quarter-on-quarter to touch 10.4 million sq ft," CBRE said in its report 'India Office Q3 2017'. The eight major cities covered in this report are Delhi- NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune and Kochi. The consultant noted that there was increased interest from Europe, Middle East (West Asia), Africa (EMEA) corporates for India and their share of office space leasing rose to 14 per cent during the July-September period from 9 per cent in the previous quarter. "India's prime office market is evolving at a rapid pace. Occupier strategies continue to focus on consolidation/ expansion as well as cost and greater flexibility of office space," said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman India and South- East Asia, CBRE. The co-working and shared office space formats are also gaining momentum and influencing the market to some extent, he added. "While demand for traditional office space will continue to dominate the segment, it will have to make allowance for newer formats that are slowly gaining prominence and absorbing a part of the overall pie," Magazine said. As per the report, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi-NCR led quarterly leasing activity with a share of more than 60 per cent. "Apart from Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata, all the other cities witnessed a rise in space take-up on a q-o-q basis," the report said. IT/ITeS sector continued to drive office space leasing with about 34 per cent share in the overall space leased during the quarter. The share of other sectors such as engineering and manufacturing (19 per cent) and banking, financial services and insurance (10 per cent) fell on a quarterly basis. Co-working operators remained active, with both global and domestic players expanding their operations in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR and Pune, the consultant said. On transaction size, CBRE said that the bulk of leasing was for less than 50,000 sq ft during the third quarter of 2017 calendar year. Small-sized transactions (less than 10,000 sq ft) comprised about 40 per cent of all the transactions reported during the quarter, while half of the deals concluded ranging between 10,00050,000 sq ft. The share of large-sized deals (greater than one lakh sq ft) remained at 5 per cent, same as the previous quarter. During the January-September period, office space leasing, however, declined marginally to 29 million sq ft compared to the year-ago period. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking no chances to quench dissenting voices, ahead of the crucial Gujarat assembly elections. On the first day of his visit, Saturday, he spoke about the latest revision in the goods and services tax (GST) regime as an 'early Diwali' gift to the businesses across India. This is a combo picture of the two stills taken from a video snippet posted by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, she is seen interacting with the Chinese soldiers at the border at Nathu-la in Sikkim on Saturday. PTI Photo/ Twitter @nsitharaman After the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting on Friday, exporters must be feeling relieved, happy and thankful. They have to now recover quickly from the blows and compete hard to take advantage of the opportunities that have opened up due to the smart recovery of global economy and trade this year. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will leave on an official visit to the US on Monday to participate in annual meetings of theInternational Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. The Union government plans to monetise all national highway projects built under the EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) mode immediately after completion of construction. Experts, however, say this should be done only two to three years after completion, and after estimation of traffic volumes, to get better valuation. The lowering of GST rates on man-made yarns and job works on zari items and accelerated refunds will provide immediate relief to apparel exporters, the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) said on Sunday. The GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and comprising state counterparts as members, had on Friday last cut rates on 27 items. These included lowering rates on man-made yarn to 12 per cent from 18 per cent as well as zari job work to 5 per cent from the 12 per cent earlier. "The changes will give a great relief to the apparel industry for the immediate term as the sector has been facing severe liquidity crunch after the introduction of GST," AEPC Chairman Ashok Rajani said. AEPC also demanded that the government look into the issue of embedded taxes on exports. "Since the duty structure remains inverted with fabric at 5 per cent GST, we are hopeful that the embedded taxes arising out of this inverted structure will be refunded to exporters through appropriate mechanisms," Rajani said. The Centre and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday faced a political storm after a website reported that a company run by party chief Amit Shahs son, Jay Amit Shah, recorded 16,000 times increase in turnover in only a year after Narendra Modi became the prime minister and the senior Shah the party president. Suresh Prabhus Rs 1-lakh-crore station redevelopment plan, which he drew up as railways minister, is set to go for an overhaul under Piyush Goyal, who has replaced him. Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, spoke at the welcome reception and dinner session of India Energy Forum by CERAWEEK scheduled from 8-10 October 2017 in New Delhi. Following the speech he interacted with the speakers and participants of the three day International conference being organized by CERAWEEK for the first time outside Houston in a regional format. The event is being hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Minister of Shipping and Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadhkari, and also Minster of Railways and Coal Shri Piyush Goyal, are scheduled to participate in the Ministerial Session of the Indian Energy Forum on 10th October and present their views on Indias Energy Future. . . The India Energy Forum by CERAWEEK is being led by Dr Daniel Yergin, one of the leading thinkers on oil and gas, and has brought together representatives of global and Indian oil and gas industry. It is not only recognition of the potential of Indian oil and gas sector but also has two way benefits of closer engagement between the members of global hydrocarbon business community. The India Energy Forum is being attended by galaxy of international speakers and delegates as well as a community of more than 500 delegates from International and regional energy companies, institutions and governments, including Secretary General of OPEC, CEOs of Saudi Aramco, Mubadala Petroleum, XLNG & XCoal, board level representatives from BP, Gazprom Neft, ExxonMobil, Shell, Emeron, Chevron, International Energy Agency and others. . . During the next two days, the participants of the India Energy Forum will deliberate on topics such as future of global oil and gas industry, energy markets, transformation in the changing global energy scenario, need for adopting to changing and fast evolving technologies, EVs, renewable energy, and above all what are their implications for India, how can India, which is today worlds fastest growing energy market, should adopt to these changes.. . Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, today inaugurated Saudi Aramcos ARAMCO ASIA INDIA office in Gurugram jointly with Mr Amin H Al-Nasser, President and CEO of Saudi Aramco. The office is located at Two Horizon Tower, Gurugram. . . Saudi Aramco through its subsidiary ARAMCO Asia India (AAI) established its formal business presence in India in 2016. AAI would now formally engage in crude oil and LPG marketing, engineering & technical services, and other business development activities. . . Speaking on the occasion Shri Pradhan mentioned that India is one of the biggest markets for Saudi oil and LPG. He said that he was delighted to jointly inaugurate the Saudi Aramco's Office in India which will help in strengthening the existing buyer - supplier relationship between the two sides to a strategic partnership in the hydrocarbon sector. . . ARAMCO India is planning to expand its operation by introducing hydrocarbon sector services functions, including engineering services, IT operations & security and also R&D centre in near future. Saudi Aramco intends to partner with Indian companies and set up integrated business ventures in the hydrocarbon value chain in India including to boost Make in India" activities. . . Saudi Arabia is the second largest supplier of crude to India after Iraq and it accounts for about 19% of our crude oil imports and also 29% of LPG imports respectively. During 2016-17, India imported about 39.5 MMT of crude from Saudi Arabia. . . Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, today held a meeting with Secretary General OPEC, H.E. Mr. Sanusi Mohammad Barkindo in New Delhi. Mr Barkindo is in India to attend the first CERAWEEK India Energy Forum. The two had last met in Vienna in May 2017 for the 2nd India-OPEC Institutional Dialogue. Indias engagement with OPEC is an important as India sources about 86% of crude oil, 75% of natural gas, 95% of LPG from OPEC member countries. . . The two sides discussed the current scenario of oil and gas industry of the world and exchanged notes on the recent developments. . . During the meeting, Sh. Pradhan highlighted that in todays oversupplied market, it was important for producers to understand the perspective of consuming countries and the changes that have taken place in these demand centers. In this context, he emphasized the need for a purposeful and improved dialogue among producer and consumer countries. Shri Pradhan reiterated that OPEC should work towards Responsible Pricing" which is important for India for socio-economic and developmental reasons He emphasized Indias earlier view of Asian Dividend rather than charging Asian Premium on the crude supplied to India and said that countries like India should actually be the preferred destination". He suggested that OPEC at its Ministerial meetings give wider consideration to Indias requests. . . Shri Pradhan said that India is putting a lot of emphasis on diversifying its crude oil supply sources and tapping new supply sources. In this context, he highlighted the arrival of two shipments of crude oil cargo of 1.6 million barrels from US. The three Indian public sector refineries have already placed a cumulative order 7.85 million barrel from the US. In addition, a private sector refiner has also placed an order of 2 million barrel from the US. . . Minister was accompanied by Senior Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and also CEOs of seven public and private sector refineries who together operate all 23 refineries in India processing over 235 MMT of crude annually. . . Minister extended invitation to SG OPEC to attend the 16th Ministerial Meeting of International Energy Forum scheduled to take place in India in April 2018. SG accepted the invitation. . . Group Chairman Howard Davies said details of a post-Brexit transitional deal with the European Union need to be outlined in the next five months to stop more financial-services jobs from leaving London. If there are no details by the first quarter of next year, the number of moves of people out of London will accelerate, Davies said on Sky News on Sunday. If nothing is certain by then, I think people will trigger those contingency plans requested by the Bank of England for the UK exit from the EU. A relatively small number of RBSs employees will leave Britains capital and financial hub after the U.K. quits the EU in March 2019, Davies said, with a re-balancing of financial activity in Europe. The bank is setting up a subsidiary in Amsterdam, to which 150 jobs will be moved. The gunman, who opened fire at the al-Salam royal palace in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was killed by palace guards. The attacker was identified him as Mansour al-Amri, a 28-year-old Saudi national. According to the security spokesperson for the Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry, the attacker opened fire on the western gate of Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, killing two guard members and injuring three . The victims have been identified as Agent Sergeant Hammad bin Shallah al-Mutairi and First Soldier Abdullah bin Faisal al-Subaie, the Saudi Ministry said. The gunman had driven up to the gate of the palace and opened fire on the guards. An AK-47 and thee Molotov cocktails were found on his person after the attack, the al-Arabiya news agency reported. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued a security warning to American citizens in Jeddah over the attack. "Due to the possibility of ongoing police activity, American citizens are advised to exercise caution when travelling through the area," the embassy warned in a statement. According to the national security agency, the warning came after the Saudi Police raided hideouts of a suspected terror cell linked to the Islamic State group this week, killing two people and arresting five. While the embassies of most countries promote the interests of companies back home, North Koreas are in business for themselves. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has lauded his country's nuclear weapons programme as the best way to defend its sovereignty and counter threats from the US. Speaking to the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in Pyongyang on Saturday, Kim Jong-un said "nuclear weapons of North Korea are a precious fruition borne by its people's bloody struggle for defending the destiny and sovereignty of the country from the protracted nuclear threats of the US imperialists", Efe reported citing state news agency KCNA. Kim, also the chairman of the WPK, said Pyongyang's nuclear programme, which has led to multiple missile tests this year as well as the detonation of a hydrogen bomb, was "safeguarding the peace and security in the Korean peninsula and northeast Asia". He added his country's nuclear ambitions have provided the foundations for strong economic development, despite sanctions imposed by the "US imperialists and their vassal forces" to force North Korea into abandoning its weapons programme. During the plenary session, which is held at least once a year, the North Korean leader's younger sister Kim Yo-jong was elected to the party's politburo, a sign of her rising importance and clout within the North Korean regime. Choe Ryong-hae, a close aide of the leader, joined the party's Central Military Commission, while Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho was appointed to the central committee's politburo, according to the state agency. Hurricane Nate made US landfall Saturday night as a Category 1 storm near the mouth of the Mississippi River in southeast Louisiana, the National Hurricane Center said in its latest advisory on the storm. A second landfall is likely on the Mississippi coast in a few hours after the eye of the storm passes over the Chandeleur Sound. The hurricane center said Nate has maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. Rains had already soaked coastal Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi much of Saturday. As the storm approached the Gulf Coast, officials in Louisiana and other states implored residents to finish their storm preparations and get inside. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu told residents Saturday evening to wrap up what they were doing and move to a safe place. "We're in the fight now. The storm is on us," Landrieu told his city of some 400,000 people -- 440,000 when you count the tourists this weekend. The mayor told them to keep an eye on the latest developments, but to remember that a Category 1 or 2 hurricane is still very powerful. "It's gonna to hit you hard, it's gonna to hit you fast," Landrieu said. Landrieu said he visited the city's drainage pumps facilities and was pleased with the conditions. He was not pleased that some in the low-lying city were having hurricane parties. "That troubles me," he said. Mississippi braces Jackson County in coastal Mississippi has enacted a curfew that begins at 7 p.m. CT (8 p.m. ET), several hours before the powerful northeastern side of the core is expected. Gov. Phil Bryant urged county residents to head north away from the Gulf but there was no mandatory evacuation. Bryant declared a state of emergency for six counties and any others that might be affected by Nate, the state's emergency management agency said. In Biloxi, Mayor Andrew Gilich was especially concerned about storm surge. "The storm surge is a big thing that really traps everyone," he told CNN. Gilich said he hopes Nate's direction and predicted speed "ease the blow." The National Weather Service said: "Wind and rain impacts will be confined to southeast Mississippi with the greatest impacts along the Interstate 59 corridor and coastal areas." Nate races toward land New Orleans will be on the west side of the storm, forecasters said, but the worst conditions there will last until early Sunday. Nate once was almost as fast as an Olympic sprinter, but began to lose speed as it made contact with the Gulf Coast. Hurricane warnings were in effect from Grand Isle, Louisiana, east to the Alabama-Florida border. Storm surge warnings included the coast from Grand Isle to the Okaloosa/Walton county line in Florida and the northern and western shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Evacuation orders were in place outside levees in New Orleans and Plaquemines Parish, and along the Mississippi, Alabama and Florida coasts. President Trump on Friday declared an emergency in Louisiana ahead of Nate and ordered federal assistance. In Mississippi, a dozen casinos, including the Beau Rivage and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, took the rare step of closing early as the storm moved in. Strong winds expected The storm's reach will be wide, CNN meteorologist Chad Myers said, with strong winds affecting population centers from New Orleans to Panama City, Florida. Biloxi could experience gusts of 100 mph. Nate was expected to knock down power lines and trees from Lake Charles, Louisiana, to the Florida Panhandle and possibly leave at least 1 million people without electricity. "Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion in these areas, as tropical storm conditions will first arrive in the warning area this afternoon," the hurricane center warned Saturday morning. Nate could drop 3 to 6 inches of rain, with 10 inches possible in some areas, from the central Gulf Coast north across the Deep South, the eastern Tennessee Valley and the southern Appalachians through Monday, the hurricane center said. Flash flooding is a danger. "Once it hits land, it looks like it's going to be very quick to move out of the area and then weaken," CNN meteorologist Jennifer Varian said. New Orleans braces for impact Nate would be the third hurricane to hit the US mainland in six weeks, after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma killed dozens of people and destroyed thousands of properties. The storm has already carved a path of devastation in Central America. At least 28 people were killed Thursday in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras. Hundreds were rescued from floodwaters and mudslides. Many lost power and running water. Landrieu already had ordered a mandatory evacuation of the Venetian Isles, Lake Catherine and Irish Bayou areas, which are low-lying or outside the federal hurricane-protection system that underwent a $14 billion overhaul after Katrina. He also had declared a state of emergency. Anticipating the storm and overnight flooding, Landrieu on Saturday reiterated a mandatory curfew due to start that night at 8 ET and to end when the storm passes. At least 1,800 workers were on standby to reconnect power, if needed, he said. First responders, sewer workers and residents also prepared for flooding, mindful of summer rains that exposed deficiencies in the city's unique drainage pumping system. Of the city's 120 main drainage pumps, three major and eight smaller ones were offline Friday night, city records show. Also, all 24 major pump stations had backup generators, records show, as only three of five turbines that help power the city's oldest, most powerful pumps were available for service, a city water utility spokeswoman told CNN. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency for all of Louisiana on Thursday and mobilized 1,300 National Guard troops, including some to help monitor New Orleans' drainage equipment, he said. Storm surge feared along Gulf Coast In Alabama, the Port of Mobile closed Saturday, meaning the Carnival Fantasy cruise ship would not be "making its scheduled call" there Sunday, the Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal said. The Bankhead Tunnel, a major downtown thoroughfare that passes under the Mobile River, was closed because of the hurricane, emergency officials and a reporter with CNN affiliate WPMI tweeted. In Mobile, city workers checked storm drains for debris, took measures to avert power outages and deployed critical equipment. Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who had declared a state of emergency in 29 counties, said Saturday that evacuation orders were in effect Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, with shelters open for those seeking higher ground. "This is not the time to be complacent -- do not risk your life or the life of your loved ones," he said in a statement. "Even if your home is not in the direct path of this hurricane, everyone in the Panhandle should be ready to follow your emergency plan and stay vigilant to weather alerts and updates from local officials." CNN's Carma Hassan, Nicole Chavez, Joe Sutton, Judson Jones, Sheena Jones, Siomara Germain, Natalie Gallon, Samantha Lugo and Brandon Miller contributed to this report. Singing in a favourable tune with its economic partner, Pakistan has dismissed the United States' concern over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and said that the project was for the betterment of the people in the region and beyond. "The is a development and connectivity project for the betterment of the people in the region and beyond", the Dawn quoted Foreign Office, as saying, in a statement. "The community should focus on human rights violations and heinous crimes committed by Indian occupation forces in Indian occupied Kashmir," the statement further read. The remarks by the foreign office have come after the US Defence Secretary James Mattis told the Senate Armed Services Committee, during a hearing that "the One Belt, One Road also goes through the disputed territory, and I think that it itself shows the vulnerability of trying to establish that sort of a dictate." On Saturday, China rebuffed the statement made by the Trump administration about the CPEC, citing that its OBOR initiative, which dictates the CPEC, was not directed against third parties. "We have repeatedly said that the is an economic cooperation initiative that is not directed against third parties and has nothing to do with territorial sovereignty disputes and does not affect China's principled stance on the Kashmir issue," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, in a statement. Mattis had also told that in a globalised world, there are many belts and many roads, and no one nation should put itself into a position of dictating the 'One Belt, One Road'. China came up with its One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative in 2013. The project comprises a network of railways, roads and pipelines that would connect Pakistan's port city of Gwadar in the province of Balochistan, with the Chinese city of Kashgar in landlocked Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). The human rights activists have, time and again, spoken about and highlighted the growing atrocities of Pakistan on the indigenous people of Balochistan and deteriorating human rights situation as a result of the CPEC. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said Tehran is ready for dialogue and rapprochement with Riyadh. "There is a willingness for rapprochement on both sides, and we are willing to talk to Saudi Arabia about our difference," he was quoted as saying on Saturday by Tasnim news agency, Xinhua reported. "We do not believe that Iran and Saudi Arabia should have the type of relationship they have right now," he said. However, Zarif slammed what he said Saudi Arabia's support for terrorist groups in Syria and its aggression on Yemen, as well as its treatment of Qatar. "We believe the posture in the Persian Gulf by Saudi Arabia is not a positive one, (like) the policies they pursue against Qatar," Zarif said, adding that Saudi Arabia was using claims of Iranian expansionism to justify its own attempts to exert influence in the region. "The concepts they are using to muddy the waters, policies that have brought unfortunate disastrous consequences for our region, cannot be justified by these smokescreens of exporting revolutions," he added. Iran and his regional rival Saudi Arabia are at loggerheads over their influence in the Middle East region. Saudi Arabia severed its diplomatic relations with Iran in January 2016, following demonstrations in front of the Saudi embassy in Tehran and its consulate in the northeastern city of Mashhad. Angry protesters set the diplomatic missions ablaze for the execution of top Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr by Saudi Arabia. On Saturday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi strongly dismissed what he called the recent allegations by Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir against Tehran as "baseless", official IRNA news agency reported. On Saturday, Jubeir said Iran must be criticized for its interference in the region and support for terrorist organizations. Whenever Saudis feel pressure for their aggression on Yemen and their supports to terrorism by world public opinion, they lodge "ridiculous and repeated allegations" against Iran, Qasemi said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Efforts are still underway to douse the fire that continues to rage at the Butcher Island near Mumbai even after over 36 hours. By using thermal imaging camera, the fire authorities have now got to know that now around 7000 kilolitre diesel is left in that tank, and it will take about 10 to 12 hours time to burn the remaining fuel in the tank. The temperature at the base is 60 to 80 degrees and at superficial, the burning level is 700 to 900 degrees. All surrounding tanks are being decanted from the accidental place to avoid any further unwelcome situation. The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) helmets are being used with wiser glass, which is protecting the face of the fire-extinguishing personnel. On Friday evening, a major fire broke out as two fuel storage tanks containing petrol and diesel caught fire at the Butcher Island. The island, which is located close to the Elephanta Island in Thane, has an oil terminal used by the port authorities, where crude oil is stored in oil containers. No casualties have been reported so far. According to Manohar Rao, Executive Director and Head of safety, BPCL, the prima facie cause of the fire was lightning. Rao also said that a probe into the incident will be carried out. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Mumbai Fire Brigade has confirmed that the fire, which broke out at an oil tank farm of the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) on Friday, is under control now and cooling process is underway now. Chief Fire Officer Mumbai Fire Brigade, P S Rahandale has confirmed that the fire at the Butcher Island fire has been taken under control and cooling operation is in process now. He informed that the fire was confined to state-run Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited's (BPCL) tank No 13, which exploded due to high heat. Due to tremendous heat, the affected tank defragmented at about 11:45 am on Friday. There was fear of involvement of other tanks in the fire and huge risk was also feared for the persons involved in the fire-dousing operations. Rahandale added that aggressive fire fighting operation was under taken by MFB and MPT fire fighting team with the help of three fixed monitors and two portable foam induction monitors. Simultaneously, cooling operation is in process of adjoining tank no 14, 15, 16 and 12 by using water curtain from all sides. The Chief Fire Officer commended the fire fighting teams and said it was the best operation as usually in past, huge damage to property and loss of lives have occurred in such operations. But the teams involved here made it possible to contain the fire to affected tank in a three-day day and night operation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Sunday announced that Air-conditioned (AC) nonstop buses will run on 18 routes of Chhattisgarh. This decision was taken at a meeting of the Council of Ministers held in his residence office here. Also, the air-conditioned express buses and nonstop passenger vehicles will be given a relaxation of 50 percent in monthly tax payable for one year on all the 18 routes proposed by the Transport Department under the capital bus service. This exemption has been granted under Section 21 of the Chhattisgarh Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1991. The routes which are assigned are: - Raipur to Ambikapur - Raipur to Baikunthpur - Raipur to Korba - Raipur to Bilaspur - Raipur to Janjagirkchanpa - Raigarh to Raipur - Raipur to Sarangarh - Raipur to Asmund - Gariaband from Raipur - Raipur to Dhamtari - Raipur Kanker to Jagdalpur - Raipur (Stapej Kondagaon) - Balod from Raipur - Raipur to Durg - Rajnandgaon from Raipur - Bemetra from Raipur - Mungali from Raipur - curved (Raapage Bemetara) from Raipur. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defence expert on Sunday condemned the incident, in which a terrorist opened fire at the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers in Anantnag and injured a sub-inspector, saying that the Indian Army would soon counter the terrorist and take punitive action. While speaking to ANI, defence expert Qamar Agha said, "Attacks on the CRPF have become quite frequent these days; since August 15, the number has increased. The militants in Pakistan have a large number of arms and ammunition. That is why, they are trying their level best to infiltrate into the country. So, these should be totally condemned." Echoing similar views, another defence expert Bishamber Dayal stated that terrorists would be countered soon. "This is an ongoing attempt by the terrorists, as this is an effort by them to remain viable around the borders. These attempts show that terrorists are desperate to prove their existence and are still ready to carry on their agenda and aim. I'm sure they will be countered soon," he said. Yesterday, a sub-inspector sustained a bullet injury on his right hand after an unknown militant from a car fired upon troops of 66 Bn CRPF, when they were on a road-opening duty. The firing took place around 5:50 p.m. near the Mir Bazar Police Station. The injured officer was immediately rushed to the district hospital in Anantnag. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Sunday protested against the alleged killings of his party activists in Kerala with a 'Jan Raksha Yatra' (people's protection march) here. The BJP president, while addressing the public, said that the party members are being threatened and lynched since the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) has come into power in Kerala. "Since the CPM formed its government in Kerala, more than 12 workers of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have been mercilessly murdered. Life can be taken with a bullet, but the bodies of our workers were chopped to pieces to instill fear, even then we aren't scared of sacrifice. We won't revert with violence unlike the communist party. We do not believe in the politics of violence," Shah added. Shah alleged that at least 120 BJP workers have been killed since the communists came to power in Kerala. "The chief minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, should be ashamed of himself, because maximum political killings have taken place in his own home district," he added. Shah further questioned all the human rights activists asking, "Where did they go when 12 BJP workers were brutally killed? If they are against violence, why don't they carry out a candle march for our workers?" He asserted that the BJP would challenge the left and the communists, wherever they are. "We will begin a Satyagraha. We will not resort to violence. I urge you all to join our fight against the brutal regime of the left," Shah asserted. Earlier this week, Shah had kicked off the Jan Raksha Yatra (people's protection march) from Payyannur in Kerala. According to the party, he skipped the march in Pinarayi -- the hometown of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan -- as he had to attend a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shah, after leaving his party's march against the CPM in Kerala midway, embarked upon another yatra against the left party here today. However, the president is expected to go back to Kerala on October 15, the day party's yatra ends. The party will take out the Jan Raksha Yatra every day from every state capital till October 16. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The creator of popular YouTube series 'Honest Trailers', Andy Signore, has been accused of sexual abuse. According to The Independent, the two victims, one who says she was a former intern for Signore, posted publically on the social media that Signore used his position to prey on women. Both women decided to speak up after the investigation, which detailed decades-worth of harassment accusations faced by film producer Harvey Weinstein. In a Twitter post, Emma Bower claimed that, while interning for Signore's website ScreenJunkies, he made inappropriate comments including one about masturbating over photos of her and in front of her - remarks he later tried to make out were a joke. Another woman, April Dawn, was a fan of the Screen Junkies show, who met Signore at Chicago Comic Con in 2015. Screen Junkies flew her out to Los Angeles to appear on its Movie Fights YouTube series a few months later. Dawn wrote that Signore tried to sexually assault her on multiple occasions. She claimed that she and two other women went to the company's HR department, but her complaints of alleged attempted sexual assault were not taken seriously. Defy Media, which owns the Screen Junkies channel Signore works for, issued a statement saying it has been investigating the accusations. The statement read, "We at Defy Media have no tolerance for harassment or retaliation of any kind. We have been conducting a thorough investigation into allegations made against Andy Signore and are preparing to respond to those allegations and take appropriate action." The statement continued, "Given the additional statements that were made today, we feel it is necessary to suspend Andy's employment while we continue our investigation. We will take all necessary action once the investigation is fully complete." In Dawn's Twitter statement, she said Signore threatened that if she spoke out about what had happened he would fire Dawn's boyfriend, Josh Tapia, a Screen Junkies engineer, who goes by the name JTE and has appeared in Screen Junkies videos. Signore first gained prominence online as the creator of 'Honest Trailers', a series that skewers films ranging from 'Ghostbusters' to 'Blade Runner'. Since launching in 2012, 'Honest Trailers' has amassed more than 157 million views and has enlisted stars such as Ryan Reynolds and Michael Bolton to participate. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai has alleged that US armed forces are aiding Daesh or Islamic State in Afghanistan as the extremism has increased in country after their presence. "I have seen the Afghan people come to me and tell me how the ISIS or Daesh are supplied with helicopters, how unmarked non-military colour helicopters supply these people, not only in one part of the country but in many parts of Afghanistan," the Dawn quoted Karzai as saying. Questioning that extremism has increased despite US presence, Karzai said, "The US came to Afghanistan to bring peace and stability and defeat extremism yet we have more of it today. Why? That is what we should be discussing," Karzai said. "Clearly bombings, killings, prisons and the harassment of people in Afghanistan have not worked." "Who did this under the watch of US intelligence and military in Afghanistan and how come? We have the right to ask these questions and the US government must answer." Karzai hoped that Pakistan would "recognise that it was used by the US against a neighbour for a purpose that was not human" at the time of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan". He added that now the US, under President Donald Trump's South Asia policy, is doing the same to Pakistan to "prevent integration and economic development in this region." Announcing his South Asia policy in August, Trump had called for greater troop deployment and Indian involvement in Afghanistan. The US president had also lambasted Pakistan for offering safe havens to "agents of chaos". Karzai added that the common point between Pakistan and Afghanistan regarding Trump's policy was that both countries recognise it will not help matters in Afghanistan. "We don't want to be tools in big games where we get stepped on for the objectives of others," Karzai said. "Pakistan did the same to us, but we do not want to do this to Pakistan." He said that Afghanistan wants to "extend a hand of friendship to Pakistan and join hands with the region to salvage ourselves from this conspiracy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will be on an official visit to the United States from tomorrow. During the week-long visit, Jaitley is expected to participate in several meetings, including the annual meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. One the first day of the visit, he will meet investors and participate in the round table meeting of the CEOs of United States India Business Council and Confederation of Indian Industry. On Tuesday, the Minister will deliver a Lecture on FDI: Achievements and Challenges at Columbia University. In Boston, the Union Finance Minister will hold bilateral meeting with US Commerce Secretary. He will also participate in an Interactive Seminar organised by FICCI. Jaitley will also attend the G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' Working Dinner. He is leading the Indian delegation consisting of RBI Governor Dr. Urjit Patel and Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg and Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Investigative Agency (NIA) has arrested Sheshnath Singh, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Jharkhand Police, in connection with murder of MLA Ramesh Munda in 2008. Singh was arrested on Saturday and had been sent to police custody till October 15. After investigation, it was revealed that Singh provided advance information about the movement of Munda to the Naxalites after which they chalked out the plan to kill him. The teams of NIA are also conducting searches at four locations in Ranchi in connection of the case. Munda, the sitting Janata Dal (United) MLA from Tamar, was shot by suspected Naxalites when he was delivering his speech at a school function at Bundu, located 60 kms from state capital Ranchi. Two of the MLA's bodyguards, a party colleague and a student were also killed in the attack. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has promoted his sister, Kim Yo Jong to the country's top decision-making body, the Central Committee, in a major reshuffle in his government. The announcement was made at the Second Plenary Session of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) held in Pyongyang .Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, presided over the session, KCNA reported. The sister reportedly replaces Kim Jong Un's aunt, Kim Kyong Hee, who was a key decision maker of Kim's father - the late Kim Jong Il. The most high-level appointment was the promotion of 67-year-old Choe Ryong Hae, who is known to be one of Kim's closest aides. Several vacant posts of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee were filled. Kim also described North Korea's nuclear weapons program as a "powerful deterrent" that guaranteed the Korean nation's rights to sovereignty, existence and development. "Our nuclear weapons are a priceless fruit of the Korean people's painstaking efforts to protect their destiny and sovereignty from the long-standing nuclear threats of the US imperialists", KCNA quoted Kim as saying. Kim Jong Un took stock of the complex international situation surrounding the DPRK and the pending issues before specifying present Party activities to cope with the situation, direction of economic development, and strategic tasks and ways in this regard. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States President Donald Trump has said that North Korea nuclear issue should have been handled 25 years ago and further termed the Obama-era Iran pact not in the interest of America. "North Korea should have been handled 25 years or 10 years ago. It should have been handled during the Obama administration. The truth is I was handed a mess. Not only there, I was handed a mess in the Middle East as well. Just a total mess," CNN quoted President Trump, as saying, in an extensive interview. Trump criticised Obama's decision of withdrawing from Iraq that helped in the formation of the ISIS. "That was a big mistake. That was truly one of the biggest mistakes in the history of our country," he said about the Iraq War. "Because it was like throwing a rock in the hornets nest. But Obama should have never gotten out the way he got out. That's how the ISIS formed." Trump's remarks contradict those he made in interviews before and after the invasion in which he supported the U.S. going into Iraq. Trump only began questioning the merits of the war several months later, as U.S. forces became mired in a war against Iraqi insurgents. The president also made it clear that he has not taken the decision yet about moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, saying, "We're going to make a decision in the not too distant future." "Right now, actually, we're working on a plan that everyone says will never work because for many, many years, it's never worked. They say it's the toughest deal of all. It's peace between Israel and the Palestinians. And if that doesn't work, I want to give that a shot before I even think about moving the embassy to Jerusalem." "In a few days from now, a week and a half to be exact, you'll see exactly, but I can tell you I'm very unhappy with the deal," Trump said. Trump added, "I'm very unhappy with their attitude. Iran is a bad player and they're going to be taken care of as a bad player. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress Party on Sunday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate probe on the allegations made against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah's son Jay Shah regarding the irregularity in the turnover of his company. "A company, which was facing loss in 2013-2014, how come its turnover was Rs. 80 crore in 2015-2016? We are not saying that there is any criminal offence, but a probe is needed in this regard," Congress leader Kapil Sibal said. "This matter should not be exaggerated and our Pradhan Sewak (Prime Minister Modi) should initiate probe in this matter," he added. Sibal, while talking to the media persons, here said the total assets, number of employees Jay Shah's company had, all these questions are a mystery and probe is needed to reveal the complete truth. "If he got seven crores of security from the Kusum enterprises then what was the need to take loan of Rs. 25 crores and if he is saying that the value is secured by way of goods, then what is the values of these goods?" he asked. Sibal also hit out at BJP leader and Union Minister Piyush Goyal for holding the press briefing and for defending Jay Shah on a "public platform". Sibal said being a minister, Goyal can defend the government but there was no need of him to defend Jay Shah. "If Piyush Goyal would have contacted me, I would have given him correct legal advice, that there was no point doing such press conference. Does Jay Shah inform all these things to him on regular basis? Do they share such close bond?" Sibal questioned. The Congress leader also questioned Goyal the reason behind giving loan from his ministry in the name of startups to Jay Shah and asked him to reveal the number of companies they have provided loan for the same purpose. "As far as his ministry is concerned, they gave the loan of Rs. 10.35 crore to Jay Shah then they say that we don't want start ups. We want startups, but these kinds of startups where things are unclear, should be probed," he said. "To how many startups they have given loan? Can they reveal it? If Jay Shah wants to file defamation he can do it, why is Piyush Goyal interfering in it?" he added. Sibal also mocked Goyal and asked him to take legal advice before coming to a public platform. Earlier in the day, Goyal informed that Jay Shah, will be filing a criminal defamation suit against news website 'The Wire' for alleging that Jay's company posted a turnover of Rs. 80.5 crore in 2015-16. Addressing a press conference, Goyal said, "Mr. Jay Shah will file criminal defamation suit of Rs. 100 crore against author (of article), editor and owner of news website The Wire." "We reject any allegation sought to be made against Mr. Jay Shah or any of our leaders. Mr. Jay Shah will file civil and criminal prosecution for defamation in Ahmedabad Court," he added. The BJP leader further said that the article is written to damage the reputation of party president Amit Shah. A report, written by Rohini Singh in 'The Wire', details the growth of Jay Shah's company, Temple Enterprise Private Ltd, from revenues of Rs. 50,000 in 2014-'15 to Rs. 80.5 crore in 2015-'16. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has said that Riyadh will not let anyone finance terrorism and spread the ideology of hatred. "We will not let anyone spread the ideology of hatred, to finance those kind of ideology or terrorism," Tass news agency quoted al-Jubeir as saying at a news conference for Russian media on Sunday. "Our approach to this problem has been very strict: we have dismissed several thousand of imams from mosques for extremism, we modernize our educational system in order to rule out the possibility of misinterpretation of texts," he added. He said that Saudi Arabia will cooperate with Moscow in the fight against terrorism. The Minister said that both Saudi Arabia and Russia are fighting terror groups like Islamic State, which pose a threat to countries of their origin and for others in the region. Russia and Saudi Arabia are currently in scrappy situation over the conflict in Syria. Russia has backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Government's fight against terror and has even deployed armed forces in the country. However, Saudi Arabia has openly backed groups that have used violence to topple the government of President Bashar al-Assad. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Afghanistan's insurgent group Taliban has said, in a statement, that it is not tired of war even as the United States-led invasion that toppled the group's regime has entered into its 17th year. The statement further said that the Taliban represents the Afghan nation and called on the American forces to withdraw, the Khaama Press reported. However, the group has not commented over anything regarding the repeated calls by the government and the international community to participate in peace talks. The nation has neither become tired and nor will be tired of the war, the statement further read, insisting that it was not feeling disappointment and has higher morale for the continued war. Earlier last month, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the U.S. said they would not abandon Afghanistan. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg joined Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis at the news conference after holding a closed door meeting, and reaffirmed the alliance's commitment to Afghanistan, saying 'the NATO wants to ensure the country doesn't become a safe haven for terrorists again'. "We will not abandon Afghanistan to a merciless enemy trying to kill its way to power," Mattis said. The secretary praised the accomplishments of the Afghan security forces since they assumed responsibility for the nation two years ago. "With our new conditions-based South Asian strategy, we will be better postured to support you as you turn the tide against the terrorists," he said. Although, Taliban emphasised that the group was fully committed to force the American forces out of the country. Afghan President Ghani called on the insurgents to join the peace process for the success of the Afghan-owned peace process. Urging countries in the region to help eradicate terrorism, Ghani called on "India, Russia and other countries in the region to come together to help mobilise against the fight against terrorism." In addition, Ghani stated his government had drawn up a four-year military plan that has been approved by the NATO. In the month of August, Taliban had sent an "open letter" to Trump, calling on the U.S. to leave Kabul rather than increase the number of troops to end America's longest war of 17 years in Afghanistan. Through a letter, the Taliban militants urged Trump to interact with Afghans "generously" instead of imposing war, study the "historical mistakes" of his predecessors and withdraw troops from Afghanistan completely. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States President Donald Trump has claimed that Republican Sen. Bob Corker dropped out of the re-election race in Tennessee after the former denied his request for endorsement. Trump attacked Corker in a series of tweets, saying, "Senator Bob Corker 'begged' me to endorse him for re-election in Tennessee. I said 'NO' and he dropped out. He also wanted to be Secretary of State, I said 'NO THANKS.' He is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal!" President Trump further tweeted, "Hence, I would fully expect Corker to be a negative voice and stand in the way of our great agenda. Didn't have the guts to run!" Meanwhile, Sen. Bob Corker fired back at President Trump after his criticism, calling Trump's White House "an adult day care center." Corker in a tweet wrote, "It's a shame the White House has become an adult day care center," Corker said. "Someone obviously missed their shift this morning." Earlier in September, Sen. Corker had announced that he wouldn't seek re-election when his term ends in 2018. The 65-year-old Senator is the Senate's foreign relations committee chairman, the post he took over in 2015. The lawmaker is only in his second term and was earlier considering whether to run again. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) You're out, bitch-- now go home and stop embarrassing everyone The Tim Murphy saga started unfolding Wednesday and we mentioned it as part of the coverage of the GOP's latest anti-Choice bill . The initial reports, based on Murphy's own statements to the media, were that he would not run for reelection and then retire from office in January, 2019. After he made that announcement, Paul Ryan announced that, no, Murphy is resigning his seat immediately. That opens up the southwest Pennsylvania district below Pittsburgh (PA-18), which Murphy has held since 2002, for a special election. On the surface it's a very red district. Most of the population lives in the suburbs south of Pittsburgh in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, with a substantial number of voters in Washington county and a few in rural Greene Co. Obama lost the district both times he ran, but last year Trump did slightly better than Romney, and Hillary underperformed Obama by almost 3 points. The PVI was R+10 last year and is now R+11. Less known is that there's a residual Democratic registration advantage (to the tunes of 70,000 voters) from when the unions in the area were powerful and could turn out the voters for Democrats. And labor activists would like to give it a try in the special. I looked at the 3 declared candidates-- Mike Crossey, Pam Iovino and Robert Solomon-- and none of their websites popped out as being all that exciting, although I've been told that Solomon (whose website in a landing page with no issues) was an emergency room doctor and a Berniecrat. Iovino fits the 2018 DCCC formula, non-progressive woman veteran, who describes herself as "a moderate" who volunteered in the Hillary campaign. Crossey is a labor guy, very issues-oriented who backed Hillary in the primary but who, when I spoke with him on the phone yesterday, had very mature policy positions more aligned with Bernie's. The election is likely to be in May, maybe sooner. There will be no primaries; party bosses pick the candidates in a local "convention." Now there are rumblings that a 36-year old former marine JAG 0fficer, Conor Lamb, well-connected politically and currently an Obama-appointed assistant U.S. attorney for Pennsylvania's Western District, will jump into the race next week. He would have to resign his current job to do so. Despite Lambs credentials as a drug prosecutor, Lamb plans to focus on criminal justice reform and solutions to the regions opioid crisis. Lamb comes from a prestigious Pittsburgh Democratic family. He is related to Pittsburgh City Controller Michael Lamb, a strong labor ally in the region and a major player in the Western Pennsylvania Democratic Machine. Other labor leaders and Democrats are also considering getting into the race. Other Democrats thinking about jumping in are Matt Smith, president of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, state Rep. Dan Miller and Westmoreland County Commissioner Ted Kopas. A sleepy little race is about to turn into a three-ring circus. On the Republican side, state Senator Guy Reschenthaler, a former judge and a Tea Party nut, and state Sen. Kim Ward have declared and there is speculation that state Rep. Rick Saccone will drop out of his race for the U.S. Senate and jump into this one instead. Murphy, a psychologist, was considered a more or less mainstream Republican, although from his very first race, he ran as an anti-Choice fanatic-- a real crazy person. Which makes the whole mess even messier. I mean the whole thing came out about him telling his young mistress to get an abortion on the same day he voted to take away women's right to have an abortion making him look like... an arch-hypocrite. There's some question about the truth of Ryan's statement that "This afternoon, I received a letter of resignation from Congressman Tim Murphy, effective October 21. It was Dr. Murphy's decision to move on to the next chapter of his life, and I support it." People with knowledge of what really happened say Murphy begged Ryan to let him try to weather the scandal and then Ryan said he'd have to leave because he made the whole caucus look bad. Murphy left the meeting in Ryan's office on Wednesday evening thinking they'd agreed that he could stay 'til the end of the term, which pissed off Ryan, who then put out a statement saying he had a letter of resignation (that he didn't actually have). Ryan staffers told him that Murphy staffers had told them that working for Murphy was a hellish proposition of constant abuse and that there will be lots of dirt coming out in the next few weeks about Murphy's and his (female) chief of staff's abusive behavior towards lower level staff members. Politico reported that staffers were publicly berated as "stupid" and "worthless" and forced to walk up stairs instead of taking elevators as punishment for perceived infractions. Murphy was threatened with an ethics investigation if he didn't do exactly what Ryan demanded. Boss Ryan! Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has insisted that his government will do everything in its power, including invoking Article 155 of the Constitution, to stop the Catalan Government declaring independence from the country. "We are going to prevent independence from occurring. I can tell you with absolute frankness that it will not happen," Rajoy said. The Spanish Prime Minister has also warned that the Spanish authorities would suspend the region's autonomy and take control from Madrid if necessary. "The thousands of Guardia Civil and national police officers deployed in Catalonia would remain there until things return to normal and repeated calls for the regional government to drop its independence demands," The Guardian reported. When asked if he would invoke Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, which would allow the Madrid Government to step in and take control of Catalonia, he replied, "I am ruling out absolutely nothing when it comes to the law. I will do what I have to do when the time comes and that's the most important thing at the moment. The ideal thing would be to not have to adopt drastic solutions, but to avoid that there would have to be some changes." Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution outlines how the central government in Madrid would suspend home rule or regional government in one of Spain's 17 autonomous communities. It has never been used and only contains the following two points. "1. If an autonomous community [Spanish region] were not to fulfil the duties imposed upon it under the Constitution or other laws, or were to act in a manner that gravely attacked the general interest of Spain, the government, having first notified the First Minister of the autonomous community and, in if no reply were received, with an absolute majority in the Senate, may adopt the measures necessary to oblige that [region] to forcibly comply with said duties or to protect the aforementioned general interest." "2. To execute the measures foreseen in the previous section, the government may give instructions to all of the authorities in the autonomous communities." The Spanish Congress's legal synopsis of the article describes it as an "exceptional or extreme" measure "for situations that are equally exceptional or extreme". The warning comes after Catalan President Carles Puigdemont said that the Catalan parliament would declare independence "in the coming days," as the result of an unsanctioned referendum in which more than 90 percent of those who voted backed independence. Catalans took to the streets of Barcelona to condemn the violent crackdown by Spanish security forces during the weekend referendum on independence, in which 893 people were injured. The Catalan government said it earned the right to split from Spain, claiming 90% of those who voted in Sunday's poll were in favour of independence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said that the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government has no answers over the present law and order situation in the state. "Murders, dacoities and numerous such incidents are happening in the state over which the Uttar Pradesh Government led by Yogi Adityanth has no answers," Yadav told ANI. While questioning the incumbent BJP government in the state, he asked, "Can the government say that it is successful in terms of maintaining law and order in the state? Akhilesh quoted past incidents of murder and dacoity in Uttar Pradesh and asked the state government that why the accused have not been yet identified in those incidents. "Have the accused been identified in Sitapur triple-murder case; how can a dacoity occur at a retired judge in Lucknow; A BSP candidate was murdered in Allahabad after getting good votes; there was lathi-charge in BHU, how many incidents shall I quote?" the former chief minister said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AIIMS Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) President Harjit Singh Bhatti has alleged receiving life threat calls, more than a month after he wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seeking better health services. According to Bhatti, who has filed a complaint at Hauz Khas police station, the caller threatened to kill him if he wrote against Adityanath. "I received these calls yesterday (Saturday) evening. Whoever he was directly started abusing me and warned me of killing and harming my family members," a scared-sounding Bhatti told IANS. "He (the caller) called himself a fundamentalist Hindu and said that he can't listen anything about Yogi Adityanath." Bhatti, on behalf of RDA, had written the open letter in late August after the Gorakhpur tragedy in which over 60 children had died due to alleged lack of oxygen supply and encephalitis. "I always demand betterment of healthcare and request politicians to stop spreading hatred in the name of the cow, religion or caste. His abusive language is so frightening that my whole family is under fear," said Bhatti. --IANS rup/him/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said her government was very cautious and did not respond to any provocations by Myanmar, thereby defusing tensions between the two neighbours in the wake of a mass exodus of Rohingyas from Rakhine State. "Our nearest neighbour, at one point, showed such an attitude that there will be a war with us. I alerted our army, border guards and police so that they must not get confused with any provocation as long as I don't order them," Hasina said on Saturday, Dhaka Tribune reported. She was speaking at a reception accorded to her by her Awami League party at the VVIP lounge of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on her return after her three-week visit to the US and Britain. Hasina said Myanmar wanted to create a situation to divert global attention. "We are very much alert about that." More than half a million Rohingyas have fled across the border to Bangladesh since a counter-insurgency offensive by Myanmar's army in the wake of militant attacks on security forces in late August. The UN has described Myanmar's strategy as "ethnic cleansing". During the first few days of the latest influx, Bangladesh kept its border closed but later decided to open it up to Rohingyas. "There are various quarters who would try to create a situation to divert the attention. We were very careful about that," she said. Hasina, however, thanked Myanmar for coming forward to start the discussion on taking back Rohingyas. "I think this is a special aspect. I think there's an international pressure (on them) we will be able to solve the problem gradually through discussions." International aid agencies say some 515,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh in six weeks since the end of August. On Friday, the United Nations said that is bracing for a possible 'further exodus'. An estimated 2,000 Rohingyas are arriving in Bangladesh a day, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said on Friday. --IANS pgh/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 11 people were injured on Saturday after a car ploughed into pedestrians outside London's Natural History Museum, London Metropolitan Police said, adding that it was not an act of terrorism. One person was arrested after the road traffic collision outside the museum, Xinhua news agency quoted the police as saying. "The incident is a road traffic investigation and not a terrorist-related incident," the statement added. The police said they were called at 14:21 p.m. local time to reports of a collision in Exhibition Road, South Kensington. Pictures and video shared on social media showed street damage and a large police presence in the capital's museum district, which is home to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Nearby museums were evacuated while the roads remain closed. The Natural History Museum tweeted: "There's been a serious incident outside the Museum. We are working w/ @metpoliceuk and will provide an update when we have more information." One video online showed a man being restrained on the ground in the middle of Exhibition Road. None of the four people around him were in police uniform. A black Toyota car is seen behind them with the driver's door open. Police have described the incident in the South Kensington area of London as a collision and said the motive for the incident was under investigation. "Officers are on scene, and the London Ambulance Service have been called. A man has been detained at the scene. Enquiries to establish the circumstances and motive are underway," police said. --IANS sku/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress on Sunday sought an inquiry into allegations that the turnover of a company linked to Jay Amitbhai Shah, son of BJP chief Amit Shah, increased 16,000 times after the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014. Congress leader Kapil Sibal said at a press conference here that information obtained from the Registrar of Companies had revealed that Temple Enterprises Private Ltd, a company in which Jay Shah was a Director and which had a turnover of just Rs 50,000 in 2014-15, suddenly saw a spike of 16,000 times in its turnover in a year. The Aam Aadmi Party also held a press conference and made similar allegations, saying the fortunes of Amit Shah's son rose after the BJP came to power and he became the party chief. The AAP demanded a probe into the matter. Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi took a swipe at the Modi government and said the beneficiary of demonetisation had finally been found. "We finally found the only beneficiary of Demonetisation. It's not the RBI, the poor or the farmers. It's the Shah-in-Shah of Demo. Jai Amit," Gandhi said in a tweet. Sibal said at the media briefing that Temple Enterprises had recorded losses in 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 of Rs 6,230 and Rs 1,724, respectively but showed a profit of about Rs 18,000 in 2014-15. Notably, the following year (in 2015-16), the company's turnover jumped to a whopping Rs 80 crore, he said. The Congress leader's press conference was held after the news website, The Wire, broke the story. The change in fortunes of the company came after the company received an unsecured loan of Rs 15.78 crore from KIFS Financial Services owned by a relative of a BJP Rajya Sabha member, Sibal claimed. "We can only request the Prime Minister to order inquiries into this," he said. AAP leader Ashutosh also demanded a thorough probe into the allegations and sought action. --IANS mak-rak/ps/sac/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A group of foreign tourists who were being threatened by a mob here on Sunday after being labelled "braid-choppers" were rescued, police said. Police said a group of foreign tourists including three from Australia and one each from Britain, Ireland and South Korea were held up by some youth after they reached the city's Rainawari. "The group of foreign tourists were returning from the Ladakh region when a group of youth mistook them as braid choppers and held them up in Rainawari area. However, some locals tried to rescue the tourists and called police," said a police official, adding a police team reached the area immediately and rescued the group. The Valley has been in the throes of a public outcry following mysterious incidents of braid chopping at over two dozen places during the last one month. Police has, so far, not been able to arrest a single culprit in these mysterious occurrences and senior police officers say the people are not cooperating with them during the investigations of these cases. --IANS sq/him/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Category-one Hurricane Nate intensified on Saturday as it moved over the Gulf of Mexico on its way to the US mainland. While Nate was not expected to affect Mexican territory, the National Meteorological Service (SMN) reported the storm's winds picked up speed to reach 150 km per hour, with gusts of up to 175 kph. The storm was forecast to grow into a category-two hurricane by around 7 p.m. local time, as it reached the US coast, Xinhua news agency reported. At 10 a.m. local time, the hurricane was located 555 km north of Mexico's eastern Yucatan Peninsula, and 285 km southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River in the southern United States, with a projected path leading northwest at 43 km per hour. Nate's trajectory away from Mexico led the SMN to call off a storm watch that was in effect for the eastern states of Quintana Roo, home of tourist town of Cancun, and Yucatan. As a precautionary measure, Cancun's 38,000 tourists were recommended on Friday to hunker down inside their hotels, the Cancun hotel association said in a press release. --IANS sku/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has slammed US President Donald Trump for his recent threats to "decertify" the Iranian nuclear deal. Zarif said on Saturday Trump's threats would not "help peace and security in the region" and would harm the long-term interests of the US, Xinhua reported citing Tasnim news agency. Trump has threatened to withdraw his endorsement of the nuclear deal with Iran next week, leaving its survival in the hands of a divided Congress. Trump also called the nuclear deal, reached during former US President Barack Obama's administration, "the worst ever deal" and "an embarrassment" for the US. "I think it is an ill-informed statement, because certainly, any deal would not be a perfect one for all sides; it has to be less than perfect so all sides can live with it," Zarif said on Saturday, adding the international community could never trust Washington again if it violates the deal. "The nuclear deal is the result of 10 years of posturing and two years of negotiations. Unfortunately, this administration is going back to posturing," he said. Any breaches of the deal by the US would result in Iran's partial or complete withdrawal from the agreement, the Iranian minister warned, adding that Tehran would be undeterred by threats of sanctions. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will leave on an official visit to the US early on Monday to participate in the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), a official statement here said. On the first leg of his week-long stay in the US, Jaitley will arrive in New York on Monday, where he will hold investor meetings organised by Bank of America and the Confederation of Indian Industry, a Finance Ministry statement said. Thereafter, he will take part in the US-India Business Council (USIBC)-CII roundtable of CEOs. On Tuesday, the Minister will deliver a Lecture on 'FDI: Achievements and Challenges' at New York's Columbia University, following which he will leave for Boston, it said. In Boston, he will take part in an investment roundtable on the "Indian Economy - The Road Ahead", and then deliver a talk on India's tax reforms at Harvard University, the statement added. Jaitley will leave on Wednesday for Washington DC to participate in the annual meetings of the World Bank and the IMF. During his three-day stay in the American capital, the Minister will hold bilateral meetings with the US Commerce Secretary and take part in an interactive seminar organised by industry chamber Ficci, the Ministry said. He will also attend the G-20 Finance Ministers' and central bank governors' working dinner on Thursday before attending its annual meeting on Friday, and join the Finance Ministers' meeting with multilateral development banks. According to the statement, Jaitley is likely to hold separate bilateral meetings in the US capital with the Italian and Iranian Ministers for Economy and Finance. Jaitley is to travel as the head of a delegation that includes Reserve Bank Governor Urjit Patel, Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg and Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian. --IANS bc/him/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Aaron Blake had a wake-up call for Democrats this morning in his Washington Post column and thishock of glancing at those two maps above sum it right up. Democrats, he wrote, need to give up their 2016 comfort blanket-- Hillary won by 3 million votes-- because if the two campaign were based on winning the electoral college rather than the popular vote, they both would have used different strategies and there's no telling who would have won. [I]t's totally unknowable whether Clinton actually would have won if our system went by the popular vote. That's because the campaigns were run according to the system we have-- the electoral college-- and were focused heavily on the handful of states where those votes were actually at-stake. If we had the popular vote, both sides would have campaigned in and tailored their messages to the three-fourths of the country that they barely acknowledged: An electoral-college election involves making explicit appeals to and advertising in around 10 or 12 out of the 50 states. It means Trump didn't campaign or advertise in California or Massachusetts or Washington state and that Clinton didn't campaign in Oklahoma or even Texas (despite polling within single digits there). They knew it would be wasted effort to try to turn a 30-point loss in those states into a 22-point loss, or a 14-point loss into an eight-point loss. For example, if Trump shaved 10 points off his 30-point loss in California, turned his 22-point loss in New York into a 15-point loss, and added just six points to his nine-point win in Texas, he'd have won the popular vote. And that's just three really populous states out of the many in which neither side really tried. Does it seem unlikely Trump would have won a popular-vote race? Perhaps. But it's impossible to know, because the campaign would have been run completely differently. We simply don't even know that Clinton would have won if our system was the popular vote, because it's a massive hypothetical. The most important thing for Democrats, though, is not to believe that all is well and that they were simply robbed by a bad system or a fluke. That's because they are currently in their worst position since the Great Depression in state legislatures and governor's seats. There are more than twice as many Republican governors as Democratic ones, and there are more than four times as many states with total GOP control (26) as total Democratic control (6). The maps for regaining House and Senate majorities are also both pretty daunting-- in the Senate because 30 out of 50 states are red, and in the House because of natural sorting and GOP-controlled gerrymandering. All the GOP has to do in each chamber is hold states and districts that clearly favor them. If Democrats don't win back state legislatures or some key governor's mansions in 2018, they'll again be shut out of the redistricting process after the 2020 election, and they'll face another decade of really tough state legislative and congressional maps. And even if they do get a seat at the table, the country has sorted itself in a way that's more conducive to Republican control. Democrats are two election cycles away from another potential post-census disaster, but the popular vote is telling them that they really, actually won in 2016-- that they're really, actually the majority party in the United States. That's highly deceptive at best, and dangerously comforting at worst. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says this year he will not be celebrating the festival of lights Diwali or his 75th birthday, which falls on October 11. Though he didn't give the reason, his daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's father Krishnaraj Rai passed away in March after several days of illness. "India thrash Australia in T20, Pink Panthers' extraordinary convincing win, thunderstorm cancels shoot, 30 million on Twitter, and just for your information... no Diwali celebration this year," Amitabh tweeted on Saturday night. The "Piku" star shared more details on his blog. "No, there is no celebration of any kind for the 75th and there's no possibility of my presence here in the city. They speculate...They aver, they get to know from their 'sources', details which can be completely wrong at times... one wishes to be those sources - for we, never ever know who or what they are," Amitabh wrote. --IANS dc/nn/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a first-of-its-kind initiative in flood-prone Bihar, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is helping flood-affected farmers with Index-Based Flood Insurance (IBFI). It uses an advanced modelling technique with satellite data to enable quick insurance pay-outs to those affected. "We are trying to help flood-affected farmers in some villages in Muzaffarpur with IBFI -- for the first time not only in Bihar but in the country. Never before has satellite data been used for providing insurance to flood-affected farmers" Alok K. Sikka, India representative of the Colombo-based IWMI, said. Sikka said that more than 200 farming households in villages under Gaighat block had signed up for a pilot IBFI scheme in July. These farmers, mostly marginals, are likely to get the insurance money either by October-end or early November for the damage caused to their crops. "We are experimenting with IBFI to show that it is a more reliable and credible way to safeguard rural livelihoods," Sikka added. A team from IWMI, a non-profit, scientific research organisation focusing on the sustainable use of water and land resources in developing countries, visited the farmers on Friday to collect more information from ground zero after the floods receded -- and to assure farmers that they would get their insurance money. Nathan Russell, Senior Manager, Communication and Knowledge Management at IWMI, said: "We selected Bihar for this pilot project as it is the country's most flood-prone state that suffers heavy agriculture losses every year. IBFI is going to be a unique model for farmers in flood-affected areas across India." Griraj Amarnath, research group leader of water risks and disaster with IWMI, told IANS that farmers were provided index-based flood insurance free of cost this year as it was the first such initiative to build confidence among them. "We have not asked them to pay any premium. IBFI is free of cost. These farmers have insured crops worth around Rs 5 million." Amarnath said registered farmers will receive pay-outs from insurance company directly into their bank accounts, circumventing agents and other middlemen. He said it is expected that index-based insurance will help insurers to rapidly and accurately predict a farmer's yield loss after a flood, unlike traditional insurance that involves assessment of losses on a case-by-case basis, which is time-consuming and unsustainable. Sikka said that after this year's pay-outs, IWMI will evaluate the index-based insurance product to identify issues and challenges for any improvement in coming seasons. Experts have time and again stated that crop insurance can help farmers deal with the risks and losses associated with disasters like floods or droughts. According to a Bihar Disaster Management Department official, the state this year faced one of its worst floods in the last two decades as 17.16 million people in 2,371 panchayats under 187 blocks in 19 districts had been affected. The floods claimed 514 lives. In view of the heavy damage caused by the floods, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has demanded Rs 7,637 crore as compensation from the Centre for restoration and reconstruction. Prime Minister Narender Modi, after conducting an aerial survey of the worst-affected districts in August, announced Rs 500 crore as compensation. An eight-member central team is currently visiting the flood-affected districts to assess the damage caused. It will submit its report to the Centre for final compensation to the state. (Imran Khan can be contacted at imran.k@ians.in) --IANS ik/vm/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taliban chief Hebatullah Akhundzada has told his followers not to fight against the Islamic State, citing "shared goals", a senior Aghan security official said on Sunday. The militant leader issued the order during his visit to Musa Qala district of southern Helmand province some 10 days ago, a senior security official in the region told 1TV news. Akhundzada was accompanied by the Quetta Shura, a Taliban leadership council based in Pakistan. Shadow Taliban governors from Afghanistan's northern, southern and eastern provinces also attended the meeting, according to the official. The Taliban and the IS have fought some deadly clashes in the past, with the former accusing the latter of being hypocrites and stooges of the unbelievers while the latter rejecting the former as a terrorist group seeking to occupy Afghanistan. The Taliban's acceptance of IS comes as it was under increasing pressure following the announcement of US strategy on Afghanistan in August. --IANS ahm/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Not just fiscal policy support but a structural one is needed to ease the massive debt burden which is "slowly strangulating" the telecom sector, opined experts. Industry observers stated that at stake is not only the telcos ability to employ manpower and resources for introduction of next-gen communication technology, but severe consequences for lenders and nearly 150,000 jobs. Among the solutions prescribed by experts are setting up of a Telecom Finance Corporation and giving the industry priority sector lending (PSL) status. If PSL status is allowed, then borrowing, overall cash-flow and debt management will become easier for all telecommunications service providers (TSPs), some experts told IANS. Others believe the government should look at setting up a Telecom Finance Corporation to ensure priority lending and also give the sector a tax holiday as it transitions from voice to data. According to Arpita Pal Agrawal, Partner and Leader, PwC India, the government "can additionally look at declaring the sector as a priority to facilitate the future network expansion requirements of the sector". "Government could also review the hyper-competitive situation in the sector in light of customer interest in the medium- to long-term which is best served, in a market of this size, with at least three-four operating telcos actively competing on factors such as price, quality, innovation, etc," Agrawal said. Interestingly, nearly half the sector debt is in the form of deferred spectrum liabilities to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), said Tanu Sharma, Associate Director, India Ratings & Research. "Rationalisation of spectrum pricing and elongation of DoT debt maturities could be options used by government to ease the stress on the sector." Besides high spectrum and infrastructure costs, the total levy paid out by the telecom sector is about 29 to 32 per cent -- which is one of the highest in the world. "Incentivise private or public players to invest in broadband infrastructure and allow flexibility of export of redundant active equipment," elaborated Hemant Joshi, Partner, Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP. He added: "Relax single-borrower exposure limits on banks for credit-worthy telecom companies and allow issuance of tax free bonds." The TSPs can also balance debt levels through monetising of non-core and tower assets to mitigate the pressure on their credit profiles, Sharma noted. On its part, the government has formed an inter-ministerial group (IMG) to look into the issues faced by the sector. The IMG has reportedly recommended to the Telecom Commission that the period of deferred spectrum liability payment be increased to 16 years from the current 10 years. Another recommendation by the IMG is that the telcos may be allowed to pay for the spectrum with interest calculated marginal cost of funds-based lending rate rather than the prime lending rate. At present, the sector is burdened with astronomical debt -- to the tune of nearly Rs 8 lakh crore by some estimates -- and heavy losses due to a slew of freebies which are being doled out by incumbent telecom players to retain their customer base. The grim reality that the sector faces can be gauged by the comments made by Communications Minister Manoj Sinha at the recently held India Mobile Congress: "The government is aware of the stress in the sector... We will make sure that the sector does not die." Currently, India's telecom network is the second-largest in the world after China, in terms of the number of telephone connections. As per the Annual Report 2016-17 of the Department of Telecommunications, the country had 1,124.41 million telephone connections, including 1,099.97 million wireless telephone connections with an overall tele-density of 87.85 per cent. Other estimates show that the mobile industry in India contributes 6.5 per cent ($140 billion) to the country's GDP, and employs over four million people (direct and indirect). Superstar Aamir Khan, known for producing and acting in some of the most commercially successful films like "Dangal" and "Taare Zameen Par", says test screening is necessary as it helps him to understand various aspects. "Test screening is a very important process for me because it gives me a great deal of understanding on many aspects. When you make a film, you become so close to it and subjective, you lose your objectivity. "But during test screening when I share the rough cut with a group of people who are completely out of the film business, their feedback brings a different aspect," the actor told media here on Sunday. He started this process from "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak" (1988). "I think it is very important to understand how our cine, our communication is being received, and if there is any miscommunication, we can correct that before the film releases. So we invite random people, show them the film and take feedback," said Aamir. The actor has shared his screen space with a lot of child actors in films like "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke", "Dangal" and "Taare Zameen Par" and now "Secret Superstar". "I think the responsibility is more because you have to understand that you cannot make them overwork or for long working hours. Once the right casting is done, you know that the actor will deliver, whether a child or an adult... you will get the moment right on-screen. "But filmmakers have to be little more sensitive towards the child. We have to keep short working hours, have to give them breaks in between so that they are not exhausted," he said when asked about his experience of working with children. Aamir's upcoming home production "Secret Superstar" is releasing on October 19. --IANS aru/nn/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A train driver was killed when a truck rammed into a passenger train at an unmanned crossing in Punjab's Ferozepur district on Sunday, officials said. No passenger was injured. "The incident occurred around 10.15 a.m. at an unmanned railway crossing between Jalalabad ansd Ladhuka Mandi stations as the train was headed for Fazilka from Ferozpur," Neeraj Sharma, Northern Railway Spokesperson, told IANS in Delhi. The deceased loco pilot of the DEMU passenger train has been identified as Vikas Kumar, posted at Ferozpur headquarters. "Vikas Kumar showed bravery as he tried to avert the collision. He applied emergency brakes to stop the train though he could have saved his life by jumping off but he remained there and was killed," said Sharma. The impact of the collision was such that the truck ripped through the train's engine. An inquiry has been ordered, Sharma added. --IANS aks/him/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "And they happily lived ever after" is usually an ending found -- or desired -- in fairy tales. But further adventures are always possible for the protagonists, with the journey continuing after both achievements or disappointments, as new challenges arise. This seems to explain why some of the most famous literary characters go on for quite long. Do others too? Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, Harry Potter, Philip Marlowe, Hercule Poirot, Captain Nemo, Kim, the Hardy Boys (or Nancy Drew for that matter), Bertie Wooster and Jeeves, George Smiley, Arthur Dent (of "Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy") are some prominent examples across major genres. In India, where the phenomenon is not very common yet, there is Satyajit Ray's Pradosh Chandra Mitter 'Feluda' . But what about the characters that just appear once and are in a literary limbo? Was Phineas Fogg content with his routine lifestyle after his round-the-world trip? What was the subsequent life of Jane Eyre or Elizabeth Bennet like? What did the Count of Monte Cristo go on to do after his long and elaborate revenge? What other cases did Sam Spade take up after solving the Maltese Falcon matter? All devoted readers will have favourite characters they would like to see more of, with their appetite scarcely being whetted with their sole appearance. Perhaps since we have left them soon after they have performed their quest, found the love of their life, or otherwise found closure or some measure of stability or security -- though the future ahead is still uncertain If we use only the last scenario as a yardstick, the obvious genre is of thrillers, including those in alternative futures. This may owe to the fact that this particular sphere has a number of prolific authors skilled in spinning entrancing yarns across one particular character and then for their next, create someone else entirely to replicate their narrative magic. So let us take, say, half-a-dozen cases where some masters of the art have created some unique characters but limited their appearances to one only -- so far. A good example to begin with is Len Deighton, deemed one of the top spy novelists of all time along with Ian Fleming and John Le Carre, but unique in spinning long series along with stand-alone works. And it is the latter which must be considered here. Take his chilling "SS-GB" (1978), set in Nazi-occupied Britain, and now known to a new generation through the BBC TV series. It ends with a considerable number of characters killed in pursuance of a plan to preserve King George VI's reputation and draw the US into the war, but what is the future of its hero -- Detective Superintendent Douglas Archer of Scotland Yard, who is otherwise safe but still in his country. Doubtless there will be a new set of challenges. There is Jimmy Ross of "City of Gold" (1991), set in Cairo during the middle of World War II. Being brought to Cairo for court-martial, he, by a quirk of fate and some quick thinking, is put in charge of unearthing a spy feeding information to the approaching forces of Desert Fox, Field Marshal Edwin Rommel. He performs his task at the risk of his life, but his disguise is rumbled and he is to be posted to India. It is certain his career there would be of considerable interest, as would be of most other characters in the tale. Alan Furst, who is known for his historical spy novels set before and during World War II, has made a entire career of this trend. Of the 14-set "Night Soldiers" series, only the first eponymous one ends with the war over and all the principal protagonists resettled, and all the others end up with their heroes currently safe but still in Nazi-occupied Europe or, at best, a neutral country. Virtually all his heroes' future would be of interest, but if asked to pick three, the top would be Captain Alexander de Milja of the Polish General Staff ("The Polish Officer", 1995), who escorts out his country's gold reserves and returns to help the resistance in Paris and Warsaw -- and ends up with partisans in Soviet Ukraine. Then there is Greek police detective Costa Zannis ("Spies of the Balkans", 2010), who is helped across the Turkish frontier along with his love after hair-raising adventures in Albania and Yugoslavia but is still a long way from retirement, and French film producer-turned-resistance fighter Jean Casson of "The World at Night" (1996) and "Red Gold" (1999). The subcontinent's literature also has some characters we would like to see more off -- police officers Constantine D'Souza and Akbar Khan and intelligence operative Col Tarkeen from Pakistan Police officer Omar Shahid Hamid's "The Prisoner" (2013) and a most promising but under-utilised figure from Indian mythology from Krishna Udaysankar's "Immortal" (2016). We can just live in hopeful anticipation. (Vikas Datta is an Associate Editor at IANS. The views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in) --IANS vd/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A trainee woman constable at Telangana Police Academy here committed suicide, hours after her close friend, also a woman constable, ended her life in Nalgonda district, police said on Sunday. T. Naveena, 23, selected as a constable last year, hanged herself in her hostel room late on Saturday. Naveena was reportedly upset over the suicide of her friend K. Madhavi, a serving constable at Vemulapally station in Nalgonda district, who hanging herself at her residence on Saturday morning. Madhavi, 25, was reportedly not willing to marry the man selected by her parents. Police said they were investigating if there was any link between the two incidents. Both women hailed from Nalgonda district of Telangana. According to their relatives, they were close friends since their college days. Naveena was upset after learning about Madhavi's suicide. When she did not respond to the phone calls made by her father, he asked his son, who lives in Hyderabad, to check on her. However, she ended her life before her brother could reach the academy. --IANS ms/him/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said that the Islamic State has emerged in Afghanistan in the past three to four years under the watch of US military and intelligence agencies. In an interview with Russia Today in London, Karzai said he has more than suspicions that US bases in Afghanistan are used to aid the IS. "I get daily reports by the Afghan people that unmarked military helicopters supply the IS in many parts of Afghanistan," he claimed. Karzai said that from 9/11 until today, there is more extremism in Afghanistan, despite spending billions of dollars. He stated that the Afghan people ask that if the US came to Afghanistan to defeat extremism, "why do we have more of it today". "We don't want our country to be bombed with huge, destructive weapons. We want peace," said Karzai, adding that the use of MOAB (mother of all bombs) by the US forces was an indication to North Korea to show off US power, but it was an atrocity on the Afghan people. On April 13 this year the US dropped one of its largest non-nuclear bombs on a tunnel complex reportedly used by the IS in eastern Afghanistan. It was the first time such a weapon had been used in battle. "Military action, especially by foreign forces, will not bring peace. Afghans need to evolve a consensus to reach out to everybody, including 'sons of the soil' Taliban, to seek a settlement," he suggested. The former President said the US needs to become a cooperative partner in the region, including with China, Russia, Pakistan and India, to bring peace. With regards to Pakistan, Karzai said they have to live together with Pakistan. He said there are two strong contrasts in their relationship with Pakistan: "Pakistani people welcomed us when we became refugees. But they also did the horrible activity of supporting the Mujahideen (against Soviets) which weakened our society." Karzai said he hopes the new US policy for the region sees that Pakistan was used by the US against its neighbour for an inhumane purpose. He said they want to join hands with Pakistan to "salvage us from this deep conspiracy". --IANS ahm/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States Mission to Turkey on Sunday said that it has suspended processing all non-immigrant visa applications at its diplomatic facilities in the country. A statement issued by the US Embassy in Ankara on Sunday said recent events had forced the US government to reassess the commitment of the Turkish government to the security of US facilities and staff. "In order to minimise the number of visitors to our Embassy and Consulates while this assessment proceeds, effective immediately we have suspended all non-immigrant visa services at all US diplomatic facilities in Turkey," Aljazeera quoted the statement as saying. There was no immediate reaction from Ankara. The move comes days after the arrest of a US consulate employee in Istanbul for alleged links to Fethullah Gulen -- a US-based cleric blamed by Ankara for a failed coup attempt last year. Washington said it was "deeply disturbed" by the employee's arrest. --IANS sku/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said his government was ready to pay half the grants-in-aid for the next five years to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to avoid a fare hike, provided the central government is ready to pay the other half. "As for as your suggestion regarding a grant to DMRC for meeting the gap in their operating finances, my government is willing to bear half the grant if only a matching grant is provided by the Central Government," Kejriwal said in his letter to Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Kejriwal's letter, dated October 8, further said: "As you know, the central government and Delhi Government are 50-50 owners of DMRC and its equity etc, have been shared in this proportion all along. Let an assessment be made of the financial gap likely to be created on account of the postponement of the second fare hike and we will be able to bear half of it. "Since the central government bears 100 per cent of loss for Kolkata Metro, I see no difficulty if it bears 50 per cent in case of Delhi. Thereafter, an FFC (Fare Fixation Committee) can be constituted, as suggested by you." Kejriwal, through his letter, also informed the central government to his government's readiness to take over DMRC if it wants. "If the central government agrees, Delhi government would be willing to take over DMRC. We are confident that we will be able to fund DMRC by improving the efficiency rather than effecting steep fare hikes and provide an affordable means of transport to the people of Delhi. Read Also: Don't want Delhi Metro fare hike? Pay Rs 3,000 cr a yr: Centre to Kejriwal "However, till that happens, let the spirit of partnership prevail and I do hope that you will find a mutually acceptable solution to the present impasse relating to the second fare hike which we clearly regard as anti-people," he wrote. Kejriwal's reaction came in response to Puri's suggestion to him to give over Rs 3,000 crore annually to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) if he wants to hold the proposed . Puri had said to Kejriwal through his letter dated October 6 that the Metro Act did not allow the central government to put on hold the fare hike. He also noted that the alternative to fare hike was to provide DMRC yearly grants-in-aid for the next five years: Rs 3,040 crore, Rs 3,616 crore, Rs 3,318 crore, Rs 3,150 crore and Rs 2,980 crore respectively. Puri was responding to a letter from Kejriwal on September 29 asking the central government to put the hike on hold. The AAP government has opposed the fare hike proposed from October 10. It has locked horns with the Delhi Metro Rail Corp (DMRC) over the impending second hike this year, following the recommendation of the fourth FFC. The DMRC defended its decision by saying its input costs had gone up over the years and the increase was at par with Metro rails in other cities. The Delhi assembly will meet on Monday to discuss the proposed hike. The Patna University centenary celebration event on October 14 is likely to bring two new rivals face to face. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the main event, former finance minister Yashwant Sinha is expected to be present at the function as an alumnus of Patna University. If both of them attend the event, it would be the first time the two leaders would meet since locking horns over the management of the countrys economy. Sinha is unlikely to share the dais with the PM though; those on the dais with the PM, according to the university guest list, include Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi, Governor Satya Pal Malik and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. BJP chief Amit Shah on Sunday said that " of violence" is in the nature of the communists as he lashed out at the CPI(M) over the political violence in Kerala. Addressing the Delhi leg of the 'Jan Raksha Yatra', the BJP's ongoing campaign to highlight "left atrocities" in Kerala, Shah asserted that no amount of intimidation can stop the lotus (BJP's symbol) from blooming in the Left-ruled state. He hit out at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging that the maximum killings of BJP and RSS workers have taken place in the latter's home district. "Since the Left came to power in Kerala, several workers of the BJP and Sangh (RSS) have been killed. The killings are brutal, bodies are chopped into pieces. It is done to terrorise those who support the BJP that they will meet the same fate. But the more muck of murders they spread, the lotus will bloom better," Shah said. Shah also led a march from central Delhi's Connaught Place to the CPI(M) headquarters in the Gole Market area, a distance of about 1.5 kms. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, Union Minister Alphons Kannanthanam and the party's Lok Sabha MPs from the capital were in tow. In his speech, the BJP president took on Vijayan, saying the blame for the spate of killings falls squarely on him, considering that the maximum number of such killings have taken place in the "chief minister's home district". " of violence is in their (communists') nature. It is not a coincidence that the maximum political violence is reported from West Bengal, Tripura and Kerala where the communists have been in power for long. Wherever they have been in power, they have turned the political culture into that of violence," he said. Shah also hit out at, what he called, the "champions of human rights" over their "silence" on the communist atrocities. He said their "selective protests" have exposed their bias. He asked, "Why do they not take out any march at the India Gate against the atrocities committed by the Left?" At the rally venue, the BJP exhibited a series of images, mainly the pictures of those killed, to highlight the "brutality" of the situation. "The reds think they will be able to stop thoughts and ideas from spreading through violence. I want to tell the CPI (M) and Congress that communists have disappeared from the world and Congress from India. And BJP, which was launched with 10 persons, is today the world's largest party with 11 crore workers," Shah said. Shah had started the 'Jan Raksha Yatra' from Kerala's Kannur district on October 3 and it will conclude on October 17 at Thiruvananthapuram. Police today arrested five persons for their alleged involvement in a dacoity case at a south Kolkata house inhabited by two septuagenarian sisters on October 25 just before the Durga puja. The arrested persons included the main accused who had been engaged as a water carrier to the residence of the sisters at Hindustan Park in Gariahat police station limits for over 6 years, a senior Kolkata Police officer said. The dacoity took place in the morning after the water carrier left the house. "We detained the person who had been working as a water-carrier to the house for more than six years suspecting him to be an accused. After questioning him, we found that he was involved in it along with five others," she said. Of the five, police arrested four including a taxi driver, who had helped the gang escape after the dacoity, the officer said adding that the sixth accused has been absconding and a search for him has been initiated. "After he (the water-carrier) left, there was a knock on the door. When we opened the door, five masked men barged into the room and tied both of us," Mohua Ghosh, one of the two sisters said. "They were holding knives. They took out all the jewelleries and cash from the almirahs. It seemed they had information where we keep our valuables," Rita Ghosh, the other sister, said. According to the officer, the dacoits conducted the crime for around 30 minutes. "We have recovered some of the stolen jewelleries and the cash. We are questioning the arrested men and trying to spot the sixth person who is absconding," she stated. Crime against elderly people in the city has been growing in recent times. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Air India's subsidiary AIESL has forged a partnership with Singapore Airlines' engineering arm, as AIESL seeks to get a foothold in the global MRO market besides tapping the local business. Under a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) and SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) last week, the two "will collaborate to offer line maintenance and ancillary services at various airports in India as well as engineering training". Besides, the two will offer a wider spectrum of services and customised packages to domestic and foreign airlines operating in and out of India, AIESL said. According to a recent industry report, the global aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market is estimated to reach to 85.4 billion by 2021, whereas a KPMG report last year had projected the domestic market to touch $5.2 billion by 2026. "The partnership will help us grow in the international market where we don't have any presence at present while the SIAEC will have an opportunity to tap the huge local business here with us," AIESL Chief Executive Officer H R Jagannath told PTI. The tie-up will also help AIESL adopt the best international practises and benchmarks, he said. The collaboration will draw on AIESL's extensive infrastructure and resources within India and its local knowledge and expertise in the Indian market, and SIAEC's comprehensive MRO service offerings and maintenance capabilities including the offerings and capabilities for new-generation aircraft, as per a statement. AIESL currently has around 10 hangars in different parts of the country including three at its state-of the-art MRO facility in Nagpur, which has been designed for undertaking maintenance of any type and size of aircraft, including A380. At present it has the mandate to perform maintenance work on Boeing 737 and 777 fleet besides conducting up to 4A checks on Airbus A320 aircraft as well. The MRO space provides significant growth opportunities in India, more so because there are not many players in this fast-growing segment of aviation. While does all these works within the country, most airlines send their planes overseas for maintenance, at a much higher cost. "This collaboration will complement AIESL's efforts to become a leading one-stop MRO service provider in India," Jagannath said in the statement. A senior official said the partnership will also help AIESL to enhance its brand value, which in turn may fetch higher valuation to the company if the government decides to sell Air India's subsidiaries separately. The cabinet committee on economic affairs had in June given in-principle approval for strategic disinvestment in and five of its subsidiaries. SIAEC has a client base of more than 80 international carriers and aerospace equipment manufacturers. It provides line maintenance services at 37 airports in eight countries, as well as airframe and component services on some of the widely used commercial aircraft across the world. Apart from this, it has as many as 25 ventures with original equipment manufacturers and strategic partners across eight countries including the US, Australia and Japan, as well as approvals from 27 national aviation regulatory authorities to provide MRO services for aircraft registered in the US, Europe, China and other countries. Commenting on the tie-up, SIAEC CEO Png Kim Chiang said, "SIAEC is delighted to enter into this collaboration with AIESL to expand into the India market. This collaboration will allow SIAEC to offer our integrated MRO and Technical Support solutions to airline customers. Arjun Mangalorkar trained four year old filly Aster Rose, ridden by jockey S. Narredu bagged The Threptin Fillies and Mares Stakes (Grade 3) the chief event on special race day of Pune meeting held here today. It was a good day for punters as five favourites obliged them in a card of eight events on a day. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sequoia Capital-backed premium beer maker is eyeing up to Rs 450 crore sales next fiscal as it expands its footprint in India and overseas. "We are looking at clocking Rs 400-450 crore sales in the next financial year. We plan to enter new cities in India and going deeper in the existing markets. We will also look at entering new overseas markets by early next year," Founder Ankur Jain told PTI. Bira 91, owned by B9 Beverages, began operations in February 2015 and expects to close this fiscal with sales of Rs 180 crore. The company is aiming at leadership position in the premium segment, Jain said. At present, Bira sells in seven cities in India and New York in the US. It plans to expand operations to 20 cities in India and enter new markets such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia by early next year. The company's third brewery coming up in Rajasthan will also become operational in the next quarter. "With addition of our third brewery, our production capacity will go up from 3.5 lakh cases a month to 10 lakh cases a month," Jain said. currently has one brewery in Indore and Nagpur each. When asked if the company is looking at raising fresh funds in the near future, Jain said, "We have adequate funds to support our expansion plans and we are not seeking fresh investments." The company so far has raised USD 35 million from venture capital firm Sequoia Capital. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rejecting the Congress' charge over business transactions of its chief Amit Shah's son, the BJP said today it is not avoiding the issue but has gone on the offensive, as Jay Amit Shah is filing a criminal and a Rs 100 crore civil defamation case in the matter. Union Minister Piyush Goyal told a press conference here that the BJP was "confident" that there is no wrongdoing on the part of Jay Amit Shah and also hit out at the Congress for opposing the publication of Justice Dhingra report into the controversial land transactions of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. "We are not avoiding the issue. On the contrary, we have gone on the offensive," he said. Goyal also issued a statement of Jay Amit Shah in which the BJP chief's son said he will sue a website's owner, editor and author for Rs 100 crore for an article that makes "false, derogatory and defamatory imputation against me by creating in the minds of right-thinking people an impression that my business owes its 'success' to my father Amit Shahs political position". The minister asserted that Jay Amit Shah's businesses are fully legitimate and conducted in a lawful manner on commercial lines, which is reflected in his tax records and through banking transactions. Goyal released the statement after opposition parties sought a probe following the publication of a story which said the turnover of the company of Amit Shahs son saw a huge rise after the Modi government came to power in 2014. "The article makes false, derogatory and defamatory imputation against me by creating in the minds of right- thinking people an impression that my business owes its 'success' to my father Shri Amitbhai Shah's political position," the statement said. Responding to other suggestions made in the story, Goyal said Jay Amit Shah had taken loans either from non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) or Non-funded Credit Facilities from cooperative bank on purely commercial terms strictly in accordance with law. He said he has repaid the loans by cheque on commercial rate of interest and within the time stipulated and added that he had mortgaged his family property with the cooperative bank to get the credit facilities. He said his lawyer had given details of all his legitimate transactions to the author of the story and all questions posed by the writer were answered with details since Jay Amit Shah had "nothing to hide". "Since the website has proceeded in making an absolutely false imputation in a highly slanted article thereby damaging my reputation, I have decided to prosecute the Author, Editor/ (s) and the Owner/(s) of the aforesaid website for criminal defamation and sue them for an amount of Rs 100 crore. Both the actions will be filed at Ahmedabad where I stay, carry on my business and where the cause of action has arisen," the statement said. "If anyone else republishes or re-broadcasts the imputations made in the article, such person or entity will also be guilty of the very same criminal and civil liability," it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP expects its new ally and former Maharashtra chief minister to act as a counterweight against its disgruntled ally Shiv Sena, especially in the Konkan region, where he enjoys pockets of influence. Sena has traditionally done well in the Konkan belt and Rane, despite suffering several political setbacks, including loss in the last assembly poll to a Sena nominee, remains a familiar face there. With Rane as an ally, the BJP has also sent a signal to the Sena that it had started looking beyond its traditional ally to strengthen its position in a state where it has emerged as the biggest political force following its strong show in Lok Sabha as well as assembly polls in 2014, party sources said. Its relations with Sena, which was its senior partner till 2014, have nosedived with the regional party leaving no chance to slam its central and state governments despite being a partner. Sena was opposed to the BJP accepting Rane, who was its member before joining the Congress, into its fold and sections of the BJP were also not very enthused with the prospect. The BJP had often in the past accused him of corruption and targeted his two sons, one a current MLA and another a former MP. Rane is also far from the force he once was. He had weaned away over 10 Sena MLAs when he was expelled from the party in 2005, and then became a senior minister in the Congress government. Now he has support of only one MLA, who is his son Nitesh Rane. After meeting a number of top BJP leaders, including its president Amit Shah, formed his political outfit, Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksh, and said it would join the BJP- led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). "I have decided to be a part of the NDA for the development of the state and the Konkan region," Rane had told reporters.The BJP expects its new ally and former Maharashtra chief minister to act as a counterweight against its disgruntled ally Shiv Sena, especially in the Konkan region, where he enjoys pockets of influence. Sena has traditionally done well in the Konkan belt and Rane, despite suffering several political setbacks, including loss in the last assembly poll to a Sena nominee, remains a familiar face there. With Rane as an ally, the BJP has also sent a signal to the Sena that it had started looking beyond its traditional ally to strengthen its position in a state where it has emerged as the biggest political force following its strong show in Lok Sabha as well as assembly polls in 2014, party sources said. Its relations with Sena, which was its senior partner till 2014, have nosedived with the regional party leaving no chance to slam its central and state governments despite being a partner. Sena was opposed to the BJP accepting Rane, who was its member before joining the Congress, into its fold and sections of the BJP were also not very enthused with the prospect. The BJP had often in the past accused him of corruption and targeted his two sons, one a current MLA and another a former MP. Rane is also far from the force he once was. He had weaned away over 10 Sena MLAs when he was expelled from the party in 2005, and then became a senior minister in the Congress government. Now he has support of only one MLA, who is his son Nitesh Rane. After meeting a number of top BJP leaders, including its president Amit Shah, Narayan Rane formed his political outfit, Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksh, and said it would join the BJP- led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). "I have decided to be a part of the NDA for the development of the state and the Konkan region," Rane had told reporters. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kerala unit of BJP today ridiculed the state government's stand that a National Investigation Agency probe is not needed in the Akhila case, saying it would only help anti national forces. "Avoiding NIA probe will only help anti national forces", state BJP General Secretary M T Ramesh said. He was addressing a press conference here in connection with the Jan Raksha Yatra taken out by the state BJP. The Kerala government had on Saturday told the Supreme Court that the police probe into a prominent case of alleged 'love jihad' had revealed nothing worthy of being reported to the Centre under the 2008 NIA Act. In August, the top court asked the NIA to probe charges that people with links to the Islamic State (ISIS) were behind the conversion of a 24-year-old Hindu woman, Akhila (or Hadiya), who married a Muslim man, Shafeel Jahan. Questioning CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan's remarks that organisations like Popular Front of India should not be banned legally and be handled in a democratic manner, Rameshalleged that the party is supporting the outfit in the wake of the October 11 byelection to the state assembly from Vengara constituency. On the case registered against Jan Raksha Yatris for allegedly raising objectionable slogans during the yatra in Kannur, Ramesh said BJP was not afraid of such 'threats. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today said his government's target is to increase the turnover of agriculture-based businesses to Rs 87,000 crore in the state by 2022. "The turnover of agriculture and allied business had already touched Rs 44,000 crore in the state and the target is to increase it to Rs 87,000 crore by 2022," Singh said in his monthly radio address programme 'Raman Ke Goth'. "The state government has drafted an action plan for agriculture after dividing the state in three climatic zones. As per the quality of soil in respective regions, seeds are being provided to farmers and further crop-related training imparted to them," he said. The Chief Minister asserted that his government is undertaking several measures to fulfil the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aim to double the income of farmers. Briefing about the achievement in agriculture sector, Singh said the state government had purchased 6.91 crore metric tonne paddy since 2003-2004 to 2016-2017 via co-operative societies and paid Rs 75,000 crore to the farmers against it. Bonus of Rs 2,100 crore has been allocated for farmers for procuring 69 metric tonne paddy in the last kharif marketing year. Besides, bonus is also being paid to tendupatta leaves collectors and sugarcane farmers, he added. Bonus for the paddy to be procured in the ongoing Kharif season will be disbursed next year. Farmers will get around Rs 1890 (minimum support price + Rs 300 bonus) for selling per quintal of paddy through the Co-Operative societies in this season, Singh added. The state is facing drought-like situation this year and so far as many as 96 tehsils had been declared drought-affected where steps are being taken to ensure relief to cultivators, said the Chief Minister. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre is committed to ensure that six communities demanding Scheduled Tribe status in Assam are granted the same, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said today. "Assam government has sent the proposal to include the OBC communities Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai-Ahom, Chutiya, Moran, Muttock and the Adivasi tea-tribes in the ST category and we support this", the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment told reporters here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also given the assurance that the communities will be accorded ST status and "we will definitely pursue it and ensure that it happens". "If the Schedule Tribe Commission examines and recommends it, then a Bill can be introduced in the Parliament and ST status to these communities can be granted", the Union Minister said. Besides these communities, the government would also like to provide reservation to economically backward people of certain general caste communities like the Kalita and Brahmins in Assam, Athawale said. "There are many people in these general castes who are economically backward and are in need of reservations in both jobs and education", he added. There is, however, a deterrent in this matter as the Supreme Court has fixed the maximum level of reservation at 50 per cent but "if a law is passed increasing the level to 75 per cent, then social justice can be ensured", he said. The Minister lauded the decision of the Assam government to penalise government employees who fail to take care of their aged parents by deducting 10 per cent of their salaries. "This is a very good step taken by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and other states should also follow this policy. Setting up old age homes is not a good step and children must take care of their parents," he said. In Assam, there are 4,80,065 disabled persons and the state government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 225 crore for the year 2017-18. The Assam government has also increased reservations for the disabled to five per cent in education and four percent in the job sector. Job opportunities for the disabled have been created in 54 departments of the state government with 680 disabled persons given employment but there is still a back log of 4,285, the minister added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Blaming the Congress for creating hurdles in the passage of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said the Union government would ensure that the bill was accorded constitutional status. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had worked towards giving constitutional status to NCBC, but some Congress members in the Rajya Sabha did not allow its passage," he said, speaking at a rally taken out by the Vishwakarma community here. "However, our government will pass the bill and no power on earth can stop us from doing so," he added. The Lok Sabha had passed the Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill, 2017 in April. The Congress, however, had blocked its passage in the Upper House of Parliament. Singh recalled that when he was the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, he had passed the Internal Reservation Bill for Backward Classes, in spite of opposition from the Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and Congress. He claimed that in Karnataka, even though a 30-per cent reservation had been given to the backward classes, only a handful of people in the category had benefited from the government schemes. Taking a dig at the previous Congress-led UPA government, the home minister alleged that it had given away crores of rupees to people like Vijay Mallya through bank loans, but not to the poor. In contrast, the current government had implemented the 'Mudra Yojana' for the benefit of large numbers of poor people, he said. On the Dokalam issue, Singh said India was no more a weak country but a strong one, which was in a position to resolve the contentious matter with its neighbour China. "India is no more a weak nation, but a strong country. You ought to know how India resolved the Dokalam issue with China, especially when most people across the globe were anticipating an India-China conflict," he said, adding, "If India was a weak country, it could not have been in a position to resolve the Dokalam issue with China." On Pakistan, Singh said the neighbouring country had been sending terrorists to India and the Indian soldiers had been gunning down at least five-six of them every day. "By sending terrorists to India, Pakistan has nefarious plans to divide and make our country weak," he said. Singh also said he had ordered the soldiers at the border not to fire bullets at Pakistan first, but give a fitting reply if they fired at them. "I have told my soldiers deployed at the border not to fire first at Pakistan, but give a fitting reply by firing countless bullets if they fire first," he said. The veteran BJP leader urged the people to resolve to create a "new India" by 2022, just as the people of the country had done to get rid of the British rule. "India achieved freedom five years after the Quit India movement in 1947, after the people then resolved to get rid of the British rule. If such a resolution brought us freedom, why not we resolve today to create a new India by 2022. It is possible," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had a brief conversation with Chinese soldiers during her maiden visit to the Nathu La border post in Sikkim and was even seen teaching them how to say 'Namaste'. A short video of her interaction with the Chinese soldiers yesterday was posted today by the Defence Minister's official Twitter handle, where she was seen in the clip greeting the PLA personnel with a "namaste". "Do you know what 'Namaste' means," Sitharaman was seen asking one of the People's Liberation Army personnel who appeared confused and said Namaste while trying to explain the meaning. At this point, some Indian soldiers tried to come to the assistance of their Chinese counterparts but Sitharaman asked them to let the PLA men find the meaning on their own. After some time, one of the soldiers, with a smile on his face, said "Namaste means nice to meet you." Then Sitharaman asked "What would you say in Chinese?" "Ni hao," responded the Chinese soldiers, triggering laughter on both sides. Earlier, one of the Chinese soldiers was seen introducing his commander to Sitharaman. The video has gone viral on the social media. Yesterday, Sitharaman had posted a photo of her waving at the Chinese troops. "Acknowledged a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence who were taking pictures on my reaching Nathu La," she had tweeted. The defence minister visited various forward areas along the India-China border yesterday in Sikkim including Nathu La, which is around 30 km from the Dokalam, the site of 73-day- long standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers. Her visit came amid reports that China has strengthened its military presence at the Dokalam Plateau and even started widening an existing road which is at a distance of around 12 km from the area of the conflict. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had a brief conversation with Chinese soldiers during her maiden visit to the Nathu La border post in Sikkim and was even seen teaching them how to say 'Namaste'. Two short video clips of her interaction with the Chinese soldiers yesterday were posted today by the Defence Minister's official Twitter handle. In the first clip, she was seen greeting the PLA personnel with a "namaste" while in the second video the Defence Minister wished good luck to the people of China. "Do you know what 'Namaste' means," Sitharaman was seen asking one of the People's Liberation Army personnel who appeared confused and said Namaste while trying to explain the meaning. At this point, some Indian soldiers tried to come to the assistance of their Chinese counterparts but Sitharaman asked them to let the PLA men find the meaning on their own. After some time, one of the soldiers, with a smile on his face, said "Namaste means nice to meet you." Then Sitharaman asked "What would you say in Chinese?" "Ni hao," responded the Chinese soldiers, triggering laughter on both sides. Earlier, one of the Chinese soldiers was seen introducing his commander to Sitharaman. The first video has gone viral on the social media. In the second video of her interaction with the Chinese soldiers posted by the Defence Minister's official Twitter handle this evening, Sitharaman was seen wishing good luck to the people of China. "I wish good luck to the people of your country," Sitharaman was seen telling the Chinese soldiers. Responding to her wish, one of the PLA personnel said, "thank you. India and China are great nations". Yesterday, Sitharaman had posted a photo of her waving at the Chinese troops. "Acknowledged a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence who were taking pictures on my reaching Nathu La," she had tweeted. The defence minister visited various forward areas along the India-China border yesterday in Sikkim including Nathu La, which is around 30 km from Dokalam, the site of the 73-day- long standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers. Her visit came amid reports that China has strengthened its military presence at the Dokalam Plateau and even started widening an existing road which is at a distance of around 12 km from the area of the conflict. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Delhi court has acquitted former customs commissioner Atul Dixit and two others, including his deputy, in a suspected graft case of Rs 74.6 crore arising out of alleged dubious remittances of Rs 8,000 crore. Besides Dixit, who was working as an Inland Container Depot (ICD) Customs Commissioner, the court acquitted the then deputy commissioner Nalin Kumar and businessman Sahdev Gupta who were arrested in August 2015. All the three accused were currently out on bail. The case was related to alleged fraudulent exports worth Rs 8,000 crore, using inflated price tags, by Gupta in 2013-14 to companies based in Hong Kong and Dubai. In the order, Additional Sessions Judge Virender Kumar Goyal said that the prosecution failed to establish the case against the accused beyond reasonable doubts. In its charge sheet, the CBI had alleged that garments purportedly exported were over invoiced to claim inflated duty draw back. While probing the case, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) allegedly found that companies to whom the exports were claimed to have been made denied giving any such orders whereas Rs 8,000 crore were received by Gupta in his accounts, the CBI said. Based on its investigation, the DRI had asked Dixit, a 1988-batch officer, and Kumar to block duty drawback claim of Rs 300 crore presumably made by Gupta, it said. "It is further alleged that in order to favour the private person, the said public servants deliberately did not suspend the duty drawback of the firms immediately and ensured that the amounts claimed by the firms as duty drawback are transferred to their bank accounts," the CBI said. The central probe agency claimed that there was a wrongful revenue loss of around Rs 74.61 crore to the government and corresponding gain to the private parties. During the searches, the agency had allegedly recovered Rs 85 lakh cash from the lockers of Kumar and property documents worth crores from Dixit's lockers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as 35 people have died of dengue in Tamil Nadu since January this year, a senior state government official said here today. After visiting a government hospital here to oversee the preparedness to tackle fever cases, Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan said, "Since January this year, 10,032 fever cases were reported in Tamil Nadu. Out of these, 35 people died of dengue." Action will be taken against those who dump building rubble and other materials where mosquitoes breed, he told reporters here. Asserting that dengue is fully curable, Radhakrishnan said in some cases, deaths occur due to lack of proper treatment on time. The Tamil Nadu government had faced flak following dengue deaths in some cities, including Chennai and Coimbatore, with the opposition targeting it over the spread of the fever. The government had on October 3 said it has undertaken work on a "war-footing" to address the issue and Rs 13.95 crore has been allocated for mosquito control. The government had said among the steps taken to check the spread dengue, was providing 'Nilavembu' (Anti-Pyretic to treat fever) juice across 1,500 medical centres and medical colleges and distributing 2,000 kg of Nilavembu powder among people at primary health centres. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) DMK working president M K Stalin today urged the Tamil Nadu government to appoint duly trained persons irrespective of their caste as priests in temples emulating the example of Kerala. Days after the neighbouring state recommended appointment of 36 non-Brahmins as temple priests, Stalin said "Tamil Nadu government should learn progressive lessons," from its Kerala counterpart. Stalin, the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, traced the decades old efforts of his party to appoint persons from all castes as priests in temples. Such efforts culminated in enactment of a law during his party's previous regime in 2006, he said in a statement. The Supreme Court had in 2015 upheld the law as valid after some people approached it challenging the move to appoint persons from all castes as priests, added. Accusing the AIADMK regime of not implementing the law due to "vendettta as it was brought by DMK," he said a basic feature of human rights enjoined equality for all persons irrespective of their caste. "Appointing all those who have completed training in Agamas (temple rituals) is social justice," he said and urged the state government to implement it immediately. He said DMK would resort to agitations if trained persons belonging to all castes were not appointed as priests. The Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board had last week recommended appointment of 36 non-Brahmins, including six Dalits, as priests in temples being managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board. It was the first time six people from the scheduled caste community have been recommended for the appointment as priests. The TDB manages at least 1,248 shrines, including the famous hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ABC News(WASHINGTON) -- A Massachusetts Democrat who served in the Iraq War and now serves in Congress calls for "commonsense" steps to reduce gun violence. A Virginia Republican who is also an Iraq War veteran serving in Congress cautions that in the wake of the Las Vegas massacre it's important to maintain clarity through the emotional chaos." Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts and Republican Rep. Scott Taylor of Virginia sat down with This Week co-anchor Martha Raddatz for a rare bipartisan conversation on how Congress should respond to the mass shooting a week ago in Las Vegas that left 58 people dead. Moulton, who served four tours in Iraq as a Marine Corps infantry officer, said stricter firearms laws can reduce gun violence while adhering to the Constitution. I've seen the effects of gun violence firsthand in Iraq, and I know that it has no place at our schools, on our streets, at our concerts," the Massachusetts congressman said. "You can have restrictions on guns under the Second Amendment," Moulton said to Taylor. "I mean, a great way to protect your family's home, as you know as a Navy SEAL, would be to have some land mines out in front and have some grenades stockpiled. But we don't allow that in our community ... We don't allow families to own tanks. So we have reasonable restrictions that are perfectly respectful of the Second Amendment, and we know from experience that restrictions like this, that commonsense reforms will help." But Taylor, who served as a Navy SEAL sniper in Iraq, said there is "a very high bar" to taking away people's Second Amendment rights. When you have a situation that happened, which was tragic, traumatic and everyone feels the same emotion ... it's up to leaders like us to have or to see clarity through the emotional chaos and to understand that it is a high, very high bar to be able to take some folks rights away, to try to enact policies that take their rights away but not really do anything," the Virginia congressman said. "I'm not willing to impede on people's rights based upon your political desires, I'm just not," Taylor added. The two congressmen agreed, however, that they may be able to find common ground on limitations on bump stocks, a weapons modifier that allows semi-automatic weapons to fire faster. Taylor agreed with Moulton that its reasonable to restrict bump stocks and other devices capable of turning semi-automatic weapons into automatic weapons. Still, the Virginia Republican said, even with such restrictions people who want to convert their semi-automatic firearms would find a way to do so. You can create a law that says, 'OK, you can't modify your semi-automatic to automatic,' which is already illegal, right? But you know as well as I do that it's not that hard to figure out -- if you want to figure it out and you're, you know, you're a little bit crafty, you can do it, Rep. Taylor said. The two lawmakers agreed that more conversations are needed on how to address gun violence. I hope that this conversation will continue, Rep. Moulton said. It took some courage for Scott to show up here, especially as a Republican because a lot of Republicans are not willing to have this conversation, and I'm willing to sit down as a Democrat and be reasonable. But these are the conversations that we should be having in Congress to protect the American people. Taylor responded, I'm more than willing to sit down and have conversations to figure out how we, how we can help out. But the action that we take should be reasonable and common sense, of course. And it shouldn't unnecessarily infringe on people's constitutional rights. I enjoyed the conversation and I look forward to having a lot more, Taylor added. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. A doctor from Kalyan was allegedly duped of Rs 90 lakh on the pretext of getting admission to his son in a medical college, police said today. According to a complaint filed by Dr Balkrishna Shetty last night, he wanted his son to get admission in a medical college for a post-graduate course, Thane City Police Public Relations Officer Sukhada Narkar told reporters here. "Shetty came in contact with one Prasad Gadkari, who in turn introduced him to Mahesh Muglikar. Muglikar assured Shetty that his son would get admission in a medical college," Narkar said. "Muglikar informed the victim that if he wanted to get his son admitted to a medical college in Karad in western Maharashtra, he would have to pay Rs 1.55 crore. If he wanted his son's admission to a college in Navi Mumbai, he would have to shell out Rs 1.50 crore," she said. "Later Muglikar informed Shetty that his son's admission to a medical college in Karad was not possible. The accused demanded Rs 90 lakh for getting Shetty's son admitted to the Navi Mumbai college," the official added. According to the PRO, Shetty paid Rs 90 lakh to Muglikar but his son's admission never happened. A case under sections 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered at the Kongaon police station, Narkar said, adding a probe was on. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nepal's Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said that his party does not intend to topple the Deuba government even though it has formed an electoral alliance with the CPN-UML. Addressing the Parliamentary Party yesterday, the former prime minister said the CPN (Maoist Centre), however, would quit the government if Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba wants so, the Kathmandu Post reported. Prachanda's Maoist Centre is key coalition partner of the Deuba government and it has been facing criticism for staying in the government despite forging an alliance with the main opposition. "We are not for affecting the polls by toppling the government. However, if the prime minister and his party, the Nepali Congress, ask us to leave, we wont continue in the government, he said, adding that the partys "only mission at this time is both the federal and provincial polls on the scheduled dates". Prachanda's Maoist party on October 3 announced an alliance with the country's largest communist bloc CPN-UML, ahead of key elections seen as the final step in the Himalayan nation's post-war transition to a federal democracy. The two parties, with a third smaller partner Naya Shakti Nepal, have agreed a tie up for general elections later this year, and plan to unify as a single communist party following the polls. Prachanda, however, told his party members on Saturday that there were "some procedural lapses while taking the decision of forging a left electoral alliance with the CPN-UML and the Naya Shakti Nepal. During the Maoist partys politburo meeting and political training, Prachanda, however, admitted that forging the alliance without putting the matter for discussion at any of the committees of the party, which is a routine procedure, was a mistake, the daily said. Leaders including former finance minister Barshaman Pun had questioned the leadership about what he called "a surprising and abrupt announcement". Prachanda, however, tried to defend the move, saying the decision to forge an alliance with the UML was a result of "extreme pressure and compulsion". He also made it clear that the decision of such a huge importance should have been taken after holding extensive discussions at different party committees. "But that could not happen," he said. The left alliance, leaders of both the UML and Maoist Centre have said, is a precursor to a unified "communist force". Prachanda yesterday told his party members that he himself had proposed unity between the Maoist Centre and the UML when the latter had come up with the proposal of forging an electoral alliance. Though a section of leaders expressed their dissatisfaction at not discussing the issue within the party before the announcement, all Maoist Centre leaders were of the view that there had been some problems with the partys partnership with the Nepali Congress and that a left alliance was but required. Prachanda's "pressure and compulsion" argument stems from the fact that the Maoist Centre, which has gone through highs and lows since it joined the mainstream politics in 2006, of late had been finding itself cast adrift, the daily said. Despite emerging as the single largest party in the first Constituent Assembly elections in 2008, the party lost its sheen by the time the second CA elections were held, when it faced a drubbing. The Maoists have dominated Nepal's politics for more than 20 years after waging a decade-long insurgency against government forces that claimed more than 16,000 lives. The civil war ended in Nepal in 2006 and Maoist leader Prachanda became the country's first post-war prime minister. The 240-year-old Hindu monarchy was abolished two years later. General elections next month is being seen as the final step in the country's post-war transition to a federal democracy. The country recently concluded local-level elections in two decades. Nepal has been witnessing political instability for a long time. Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, launched a prolonged agitation between September 2015 and February last year against the implementation of the new Constitution which they felt marginalised the Terai community. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The speaker of Ethiopia's lower house of parliament announced his resignation without giving any reason today. Abadula Gemeda was the speaker of the House of People's Representatives from 2010 and was previously army chief of staff and president of the country's most-populous region, Oromia. "I have submitted a letter of resignation to the House of People's Representatives and the concerned body to quit my job as the speaker of the House," he told a press conference. "I don't want to continue in this position and I have lost interest," he said, adding that he would disclose the precise reasons for his departure once his resignation is accepted. Abadula said he would stay in parliament as a member of the Oromo People's Democratic Organisation (OPDO), which he helped found. The OPDO is one of four ethnically based parties that comprise the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary and Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition, which together with its allies controls all seats in Ethiopia's parliament. Oromia was rocked by anti-government protests that started in late 2015 and soon spread to neighbouring regions, prompting the government to declare a nationwide state of emergency that was repealed in August. Last month, clashes broke out along the border between Oromia and neighbouring Somali region, killing hundreds and displacing at least 50,000 people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which manages brand AMUL, has been awarded as the best FMCG in the food sector at the 5th International Advertising Association's (IAA) Leadership Awards in Mumbai. The awards ceremony took place yesterday. "The prestigious awards instituted by the India Chapter recognises excellence towards contribution in marketing, advertising and media sectors as well as celebrate outstanding achievements of individuals and teams," said a release from Amul. Amul is India's largest food brand with annual brand turnover of Rs 38,000 crore, said the release. It is a cooperative milk federation of 3.6 million milk producers of Gujarat. Turnover of GCMMF has registered quantum growth of 238 per cent in last seven years, which implies an impressive cumulative average growth rate (CAGR) of 19 per cent during this period, it said. Further, Amul has successfully quadrupled the income of its dairy farmers in last seven years, demonstrating the efficacy of Amul model in exceeding our national goal of doubling farmer's income in six years, it said. K M Jhala, Chief Operating Officer, GCMMF received this prestigious award on behalf of 36 lakh milk producer members of Gujarat. While receiving the award, Jhala thanked International Advertising Association for acknowledging the efforts of the farmer's organisation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Sikkim High Court has dismissed a writ petition filed by a political party, seeking quashing of a 2010 notification of the state government, requiring the CBI to take its prior permission before initiating an investigation in the north-eastern state. Chief Justice Sharad Kumar Agnihotri passed the order recently, dismissing the petition filed by Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) president P S Tamang, its MLA Kunga Nima Lepcha and eight others. The court observed that the petition was "bereft of merit and deserves dismissal". The petitioners had challenged the gazette notification issued by the state government in July 2010, mandating the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to seek its prior consent, before taking up an investigation against any of its officers or public representatives. Dismissing the petition, Chief Justice Agnihotri said the court was of the view that the government had the power to give consent under relevant provisions of law and also to withdraw the same. Justice Agnihotri also upheld the power of the state government to withdraw the general consent previously given by it to the central probe agency to investigate cases. The SKM had sought the court's intervention in allowing the CBI to take up the investigation into the corruption charges against Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling, his council of ministers and some former legislators. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The first three women fighter pilots of the country are likely to fly the MiG-21 Bison jets, one of the potent combat aircraft in the IAF's armoury. The three women pilots -- Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh are set to script history next month when they will fly military jets after completing a strenuous training programme within three weeks. "The present consideration is to put them to Mig 21 Bison squadron. Our opion is that it will sharpen their skills as the aircraft has more manual features than other sophisticated aircraft," Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said today. He indicated that after honing their skills in flying Mig 21 Bisons, the three women can fly other jets. The IAF chief was talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event to celebrate the Air Force Day. The three women were commissioned as flying officers in July last year, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis. A senior IAF official involved in training of the three women pilots said they will steer the combat jets next month. Currently, the three women pilots are flying Hawk advanced jet trainers. The IAF has already selected the next batch of three women trainee pilots for fighter stream. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India is now looking for new ideas which could be useful to other developing countries as well, a senior Indian official has said, asserting that the country is taking steps to have such an ecosystem. Renu Swarup, Senior Advisor, DBT and Managing Director, Biotechnology Industrial Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) told PTI in an interview that India is formulating policies to provide innovative solutions to the developing countries. "What is important here is to see that what we support as innovations is not just innovations which are just of interest to India but innovations which can be scaled and be of importance to the other developing countries," Swarup said. Swarup was here this week leading an Indian delegation to attend the Grand Challenges Annual Meeting 2017, a global event that brought together funding and research partners. The event was addressed by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Bill Gates of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The Funders' Forum which preceded the start of the annual meeting, underscored the importance of India's role as an innovation-investor and the value that its pool of scientific and entrepreneurial talent can bring to the global network. One of the grand challenge in which India is participating on all children thriving has actually got partnerships from other countries including Brazil and South Africa, she said. There are a number of innovations mainly related to maternal and child health which are important for scale up. But under the grand challenges there are innovations which are important from the sanitation viewpoint, Dr Swarup said. BIRAC, which is a public-sector undertaking, has supported some 500 innovators as startups. For instance, the re-invent the toilet scheme, which is in line with the Swachh Bharat scheme, BIRAC is trying to fund cost-effective hygienic toilers for semi-rural, semi-urban and rural population. "Here we have got excellent results and a lot of scale up studies," said Shirshendu Mukherjee, Mission Director, PMU- BIRAC. According to Dr Swarup, Indian Government through DBT has partnered with many countries to address societal needs like better agriculture practices, improved child health, clean energy, and sanitation. Grand Challenges India exemplifies the government's focus on creating an ecosystem that nurtures and encourages innovation to make real and measurable changes to issues most relevant to the society, she said. Through this partnership, the government is able to tap in to the best and brightest minds and highest levels of expertise to ideate and collaborate with, as well as mentor Indian innovators, she added. In a press release, DBT said under this program Indian innovators have received over USD 12 million in funding to identify needs and find solutions that relate to improving agricultural practices, nutrition and the well-being of mothers and children. Some of the projects are a novel approach to reduce zinc malnutrition in rural women and children through agronomic bio-fortification of food crops by Amity University, Noida; and a community-level implementation of Domestic Solar Conduction Dryer (SCD) by Society for Science (S4S), as a low-cost method by which food produce can be dehydrated and stored for up to a year, thereby prolonging the shelf life of seasonal produce ensuring economic security to participating women farmers. Grand Challenges India funded nearly 20 projects across four programs in a period of five years. "These innovations need to be scaled up within India. And once the impact is felt within India, it makes sense to scale it globally. "The conversations that we're having with a grand challenge group now, especially the fact that you have more partners joining in from South Africa, Brazil and others gives our innovators a platform to be able to interact with other countries. This is the first step in that direction," Swarup said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India is required to set up large lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) manufacturing plants to become a global player in electric vehicles (EVs) technology market, Niti Aayog member V K Saraswat has said. As the government is looking to give a major push to use of EVs, Saraswat said the main challenge would be in reducing the cost of lithium-ion battery used in such vehicles. India is looking at having an all-electric car fleet by 2030 with an express objective of lowering the fuel import bill and running cost of vehicles. "To become a global player in electric vehicles technology, we will have to increase value addition," Saraswat told PTI. He said that just being an assembler of parts will not help and there is a need to "set up large lithium-ion batteries manufacturing plants in India". The Niti Aayog member said that at present lithium-ion battery is not manufactured in India and therefore the country has to depend on imports from Japan or China. However, he said the "quality" of imports "would be questionable". As the end goal of EVs is to fight pollution, Saraswat said when the country shifts to such vehicles, the power must be from renewable sources of energy such as solar or wind. The former DRDO chief also pointed out that the country would need to set up infrastructure for charging EVs. "Even petrol pumps should be equipped with charging stations and we will have to use renewable solar energy or bio-fuels for charging of EVs," he said. For setting up electric vehicles charging stations, Saraswat said, "We will also have to create electric distribution company and also a regulatory framework would have to be followed." To develop low-cost lithium-ion batteries in India, he said, efforts are being made to remodel the battery made by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) so that it can be used in e-vehicles. "But, it will take time to scale up production of battery made by ISRO." Saraswat's statement assumes significance as the cabinet secretariat has shifted the electric vehicles programme to Niti Aayog from the department of heavy industries. The government is aggressively trying to push the sales and production of electric vehicles in the country through schemes such as FAME India. State-run Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) last month had said it will procure 10,000 electric cars. According to Piyush Goyal, who held power portfolio till recently, India aims to become 100 per cent e-vehicle nation by 2030. Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari has asked automobile manufacturers in the country to go for eco-friendly alternative fuels, else he would 'bulldoze' them. "We should move towards alternative fuel... I am going to do this, whether you like it or not. And I am not going to ask you. I will bulldoze it. For pollution, for imports, my ideas are crystal clear... The government has a crystal-clear policy to reduce imports and curb pollution," Gadkari had said. Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co executive vice- president Daniele Schillaci had also recently pointed out that by 2025, the cost of traditional engine car and car will be almost the same. "2025 will be the tipping point, and probably after that, the growth of sales of electric vehicles will be strong," the top executive predicted. The National Green Tribunal has directed the Delhi Traffic Police to install cameras before the end of this year to monitor the speed of vehicles and to record their details on the extremely busy Outer Ring Road stretch running along Panchsheel Park. A bench headed by Justice Jawad Rahim ordered that the portion of the outer ring road which passes through Panchsheel Park should be made of smooth asphalt as recommended by IIT Roorkee in order to curtail noise pollution. The green panel also directed planting of trees and shrubs along both sides of the road to stop noise pollution. It also asked the Delhi Police to strictly implement existing ban on pressure horns and prevent entry of overloaded trucks in this area. "We direct that the installation of speed cameras has to be completed within December 2017 and immediately thereafter the violators should be challenged. We further direct that Delhi Development Authority, Delhi government and Public Works Department to report to the NGT every three months about the progress on the directions issued by this tribunal," the bench said. The tribunal had earlier issued directives for declaring Panchsheel Park in South Delhi a 'silent zone' and restricting the speed limit of vehicles to 30 kmph in the area. It had directed the traffic police to ensure no overloaded vehicles plied in the area and that no pressure horns were used. The directions came on a petition filed by former IAS officer and a resident of Panchsheel Park Omesh Saigal, who alleged that noise pollution, generated by heavy traffic flow on the Outer Ring Road, was affecting the health of people living in the area. The petition sought directions to the government or civic bodies to erect screens or walls along both sides of the road to block the noise. However, the Delhi government told the NGT that erecting high walls on both sides of the road to block noise would adversely affect aesthetics, block the view of residents and traffic. The petition had alleged that sound levels in the area were above the norms stipulated under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Clashes erupted between army troops and rebels accused of being behind the disappearance of 20 civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo's restive east, military and civilian sources told AFP. The fighting occurred in the territory of Beni yesterday, the North-Kivu province near the border with Uganda, which has suffered a wave of violence since 2014 with more than 700 civilians killed, many of them hacked to death. The killings have been blamed on a shadowy rebel group, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which is dominated by hardline Ugandan Muslims. The clashes between the ADF and army troops yesterday took place 40 kilometres (24 miles) from the Mbau-Kamango road. "The fighting is intense, with heavy and light weapons. The enemy has cut large trees to block the road. We have not yet cleared the road," said army spokesman Mak Hazukay, who did not give a death toll. On Saturday, the ADF attacked around 10 motorbike taxis on the Mbau-Kamango road, according to Beni administrator Amisi Kalonda. "About 20 people are missing. We do not know if they have died or been detained by the ADF," Kalonda said. Teddy Kataliko, a member of a local alliance of NGOs and unions working in Beni, said 22 people were missing and 10 survived the attack. For more than 20 years, eastern DR Congo has been rocked by conflict waged by both domestic and foreign armed groups which has been fuelled by the struggle for control of lucrative mineral resources but also by ethnic and property disputes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The office of Iraq's parliament speaker says Salim Jabouri is traveling to the country's Kurdish region to meet with its leader, Masoud Barzani. The move comes in the wake of the Kurdish regional vote for independence in a controversial referendum two weeks ago. Jabouri's office says the two leaders will meet today in Irbil. Baghdad, Turkey and Iran have all threatened punitive measures against the Kurdish region if it does not annul the results of September's non-binding referendum, saying they will not accept Iraq's disintegration. Iraq's landlocked Kurdish region produces up to a quarter of Iraq's petroleum output. Barzani's office says he and two of Iraq's three vice presidents agreed yesterday to restore relations with Baghdad after a meeting in Irbil. The vice presidents' offices denied any resolution. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Superstar Aamir Khan said he is upset that his and megastar Amitabh Bachchan's looks from "Thugs of Hindostan" were leaked online. The 52-year-old star said it was disheartening for the team as they wanted to release the look officially in future. "Ideally they (pictures) should not leak. It's an important film. We would have liked to present the character in a particular time in a particular way, which we will still do. If it wouldn't have leaked it would've been better. There's nothing we can do about it now," Aamir said in an interview. "Everyone has a camera today, so how much will you control? Even in 'PK', my 'ghagra' look was out on the first day of shoot. We have to deal with it, that's the reality," he added. Produced by Yash Raj Films, the Vijay Krishna Acharya- directed movie also features Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Aamir said the team has been given strict instructions to not click pictures on the sets. "We try to keep it as secret as possible. Normally, on shoots when fans come to meet me, I click a picture. But not during 'Thugs...' because the fan will put the picture on social media. "None of us are allowed to click photos in the get up. We take all these precautions." This is the first time Aamir will be seen working with Big B and the "Dangal" star is "really enjoying working with him as he is an amazing actor." Aamir said, growing up, it was a magical experience to watch the 74-year-old actor's movies. "It was an amazing experience watching Bachchan sir in the cinema halls. His aura and powerhouse performances were magical. He had a complete hold on us as an entertainer. The sway that Bachchan had, I don't think it can be recreated. "He had seven films running simultaneously in theatres. He used to clash with himself. That was a different era. The stardom which Mr Bachchan has seen, none of us will ever see." The actor is currently gearing up for the release of his production, "Secret Superstar". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Jammu and Kashmir government today launched a state-wide special campaign under Mission Indradanush from here to achieve full immunisation in the state. The focus of this campaign is to accelerate and ensure full immunisation coverage in Jammu and Kashmir, specially in areas where immunisation coverage has been low, Health Minister Bali Bhagat said. Bhagat along with Minister of State for Health Asiea Naqash launched the campaign at the Kote Bhalwal sub-district hospital, where they administered doses to children, a spokesman said. The state's campaign was started following the launch of a nation-wide intensified drive under the Mission by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Vadnagar in Gujarat today, he said. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has devised an aggressive action plan under the Mission to achieve full immunisation by 2018, the health minister said. Under the plan, all states would conduct an intensified drive under the Mission for seven days from the seventh day of every month till January, 2018, Bhagat said. "The first phase for 2017, started today, and it shall continue for four consecutive months. The drive would not be conducted on Sundays and holidays," Bhagat said. He said under the campaign, greater focus would be laid on urban areas. "This will be done through mapping of all under-served population in urban areas followed by need-based deployment of necessary staff," Bhagat said. Mobility support to field staff for deployment to such areas in urban as well as rural areas will be provided, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Jammu and Kashmir Police has been able to normalise the situation in the Valley, especially in south Kashmir, DGP S P Vaid said today. "The credit for normalising the situation in Kashmir goes to the last man, who is deployed in the field and works with the people," he said here while interacting with a group of IPS officers from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy The state's top cop highlighted the contribution of field officers and SPOs for their dedicated efforts in bringing the situation to normalcy. He said the police personnel in the field were doing a commendable job and brave men had laid their lives in line of duty. The DGP also underlined the "misuse of social media" by inimical forces across the border to fulfil their ulterior motives. "J&K Police is focusing to enhance its capabilities to counter this menace at different levels," he said. Vaid also cautioned against the impressions created by media on Kashmir, and said the same needed to be corrected. Lamenting the machinations of Pakistan, he said, "People of Kashmir want peace and prosperity since they bear the brunt and exploitation from the neighbouring country". The top cop said the state police was trying to reach out to the people and redress their grievances of day-to-day life through police-community partnership programmes. He added that the police was working as a catalyst in bringing public issues to the notice of other departments. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Congress legislator Jang Bahadur Singh today said he had left the party as he was displeased with its policies and that he had tendered his resignation. "Being displeased with the policies and ways of the party, I have tendered my resignation. The party which could bag only seven seats in last assembly election has failed to play its role as a strong opposition," he said. On whether he would join any other party, Singh said, "Wait and watch, my decision will always be related to people of my region." Singh declared to move out of the Congress after the party's vice president, Rahul Gandhi, concluded his three day visit on October 6. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Asserting that Indian capitalism is unique, an Indian-American entrepreneur has argued in his new book that India needs to focus on manufacturing to bring in prosperity for its people. "Manufacturing is an absolute must. Manufacturing at a very high level at very high quality is a total must. To really drive India forward, you need very easy ways of having export oriented manufacturing industries," author Bhu Srinivasan, told PTI in an interview. As India moves ahead on its accelerated path of development, Srinivasan argues that the country needs to "leap frog" some of the conceived western lifestyles like automobile-centric society. Srinivasan's book "Americana: A 400 Year History of American Capitalism" boldly takes on four centuries of American enterprise, revealing the unexpected connections that link them. Asked to draw a parallel, the Jamshedpur-born Indian American author said, "Indian capitalism is unique". Unlike the United States, not only because of the diversity it has but also entrepreneurs are there in every village in India. In his book, that hit the stores on September 26, Srinivasan looks at the drivers of economic development throughout American history tobacco, cotton, steamboats, railroads, the telegraph, automobiles and computing and how they shaped and reshaped life in the home, in the factory, in stores, in the office. For India to move fast and forward, Srinivasan argues that focus has to be on manufacturing. "It has to do what China did 20 years ago, 25-years ago. And if it did that it would have both the IT sector and the manufacturing base similar to China. And I think that would be very significant," he said. This would be very significant for another reason as Indians speak English, he said giving India an advantage over countries like China. "So, in many ways India can be far more a global country. It is democratic. It should be the ideal standard for many of the developing countries. Stating that capitalism and democracy are the two unique features of the United States, Srinivasan argued that it is capitalism which attracts people across the globe to the US. "Obviously, somebody coming from India to America is not coming here for liberty and freedom. We're coming here for prosperity. When you come here, that prosperity doesn't come from democracy. That prosperity comes from capitalism," he said. However, he noted that America should not be looked purely from the free market point of view because there are so many institutions that are not free market at all. "And that's what I really want to explore that what are the institutions that shaped American capitalism and how did democracy and capitalism combine for what America is today," he said. With China headed to be the world's largest economy in the world in 5-10 years from now, Srinivasan said the direction of American capitalism on "how free it is, is very much in question" given that Trump's core constituency are pushing for protectionist measures and tariff on imported goods from countries like China. Capitalism, he argues is "certainly" going to grow. "It would be the central driver in India. It would be the central driver in China," he added. "Even more so than America, India is going to embrace (capitalism). It is going to have even more market oriented reforms so that the standard of living continues to rise so dramatically," Srinivasan said. India, he said, is going to keep looking at China what it is doing in terms of being able to have very strong central government and still have free market at the same time. Having communism and billionaires at the same time, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Welfare Minister M Kandasamy today shot off a letter to the President, drawing his attention to difficulties faced by the government in administration because of the 'hindrances' posed by Lt Governor Kiran Bedi. The minister, in his letter,alleged that she was crossing the limits of powersdemarcated in the Union Territory Act and theRules ofBusiness of Government of Puducherry, 1963, among the Lt Governor, Chief Minister and Council of Ministers. All previousLt Governors and Chief Ministers had exercised the powers in keeping with the provisions of the Act and governments had functioned smoothly, he said. He listed schemes that could not be implemented by the government because of 'hindrances' placed by Bedi. One was delaying clearance of a file pertaining to the council of Ministers' decision to waive loans taken by farmers from cooperative societies, which she had forwarded to the Centre for appraisal, he said. Consequently farmers hit by drought and other natural calamities have been facing hardship and government was facing the wrath of ryots, who were resorting to agitations, he said. Kandasamy said government intended to provide 100 per cent free education to children of Dalit and Adivasi families after getting concurrence of the Finance and Law departments. However this file too was returned without any reason. He also alleged that Bedi was conniving with some NGOs working on 'anti-government mode' and was taking their complaints seriouslyto work against government's intentions. The true nature of these NGOs would come to light if the Centre brings these organisations under the scanner, he said. He said he Lt Governor was also continuously threatening secretaries and other officials that they would face probe by CBI and Central Vigilance Commission. Consequentlythey were notable to function and accomplish their duties, he said. He requested the President to instruct the Lt Governor not to involve herself in actions that are against provisions of the Constitution and Union Territories Act and Rules of Business'. The minister said Bedi's action of letting out details of certain files through social media was a gross violation of the oath of secrecy she had taken while assuming office. He reiterated what he had said on October 5 that he would stage a fast in front of Parliament against the Centre if it did not take any steps to rein in the Lt Governor He sent copies of the letter to the Prime minister, Union Home minister, Chief Minister and Puducherry Chief Secretary. A copy of the letter was made available to reporters. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre's ambitious scheme to attract top international talent in the country's research and development ecosystem has received an enthusiastic response with nearly 260 global scientists filing applications, of whom 70 would be shortlisted, a senior official said. Department of Science and Technology Secretary Ashutosh Sharma said the screening of the applicants will commence this month and the scientists shortlisted will begin their work by December. It is a pilot project and the DST eventually intends to select 1,000 scientists every year, he said. The government announced the Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty scheme in May for inviting foreign scientists in Indian research and development ecosystem. Scientists from diverse backgrounds have applied for this project. "Nearly 260 scientists have applied. Before shortlisting the names, we have to see that their expertise and our area of interests match," Sharma said. The DST will look for scientists who have experience in fields like renewable energy, water, and other technology in which India lacks expertise, he said. Scientists visiting Indian institutions under the VAJRA Faculty scheme would be provided with a lump-sum amount of USD 15,000 in the first month of residency in a year and USD 10,000 per month afterwards. The residency period of the VAJRA Faculty in India would be for a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months a year. Public funded academic institutions and national laboratories are eligible to host VAJRA faculties. "These institutions should appoint them as adjunct visiting faculty and involve them in co-guiding and mentoring of students and developing collaborative programs. The faculty can also be allowed to participate in other academic activities," Sharma said. This is a multi-purpose project, he said. "We will be able to collaborate with best scientific minds and our students pursuing their doctorate will receive their guidance. The students will also be exposed to international practises." He added the international linkages will benefit the students and the institutions where the scientist will be attached to, an important element that helps improve the global ranking of academic and research institutions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Noted journalist Bismoy Kumar Mohanty died today following a heart attack at Puri, family sources said. Mohanty was 62 and is survived by wife, a son and a daughter. Sources said Mohanty, who had gone to the seaside pilgrim town along with his wife, complained of chest pain this morning. He was taken to Puri hospital where doctors declared him dead. Owner and editor of Odia daily "Ajikali" published from Balasore, Mohanty was the president of Odisha Small and Medium Newspaper Organisation. He was also associated with a number of social and cultural organisations. His wife Bijay Laxmi Mohanty is also publisher and editor of language daily "Sambad Bahika". A pall of gloom descended on media circles here when the about Mohandy's demise spread. As his body was taken to his native place in Balasore district via Bhubaneswar for last rites, a large number of journalists and people from different walks of life paid their last respect and offered floral tributes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A tanker explosion at a gas- filling station in Ghana late yesterday, followed by a secondary blast, has left a number of casualties in the Legon suburb in northwest Accra, authorities said. Ghana's deputy information minister Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah said the fire has been controlled and firefighters are now controlling the second explosion. "It is early days yet to give any figures" on the number injured or dead, he said, adding there were casualties. Ambulances had been deployed, and those people who sustained various degrees of injury have been sent to hospitals, he said. More than 200 police personnel were also deployed to help to cordon off the area of the explosion, making it difficult to access. The filling station is near a transport terminal and close to some hostels for the University of Ghana in Accra. George Agbey, who was close to the scene of the explosion said, "There was some panic and we all just moved away from the scene. It was like refugees moving away from a war-torn zone." Videos of the explosion posted on social media showed a blazing mushroom cloud. Legon is a suburb of the capital, and is also home to the main campus of the University of Ghana. In May, an explosion at a factory in the Western Regional capital of Takoradi occurred as a tanker was discharging liquefied petroleum gas at the Ghana Household Utilities Manufacturing Company factory. That explosion killed at least six fire service personnel at the scene, and injured at least other 80 people, according to Ghana's state agency. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On average one farmer suicide is being reported every day in Madhya Pradesh since the police firing on agitators in June this year, the state unit of Congress claimed today, while releasing a list of 126 farmers who killed themselves in this period. "Since police firing killed six farmers in Mandsaur on June 6 this year, on average one farmer has committed suicide every day. As many as 126 farmers committed suicide in the past 124 days due to indebtedness and agrarian distress," Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Ajay Singh said. Singh, in a statement, demanded a farm loan waiver. "The government should immediately waive agriculture loans and pay a compensation of Rs five lakh and provide job to a family member of farmers who committed suicide," he said. Several districts in the state are reeling under drought but the BJP government has yet to make preparations to give relief to farmers, he said. "Farmers are under stress due to a drought situation across several districts. Farmers are forced to commit suicide due to frequent crop failures and apathetic attitude of the government," he added. BJP's Kisan Morcha (farmer wing) state president Ranveer Singh Rawat denied the allegation that farmers are committing suicide due to agrarian distress. "There are several reasons, like family-related or personal, when a person takes the extreme step. The BJP government has taken unprecedented steps for the welfare of farmers in the past 14 years. Congress is levelling false allegations out of desperation to get power," he said. "The state government has always helped whenever farmers faced natural calamities. Agricultural production has reached record levels. Farmers are never coerced into repaying loans which are provided at zero percent interest," he added. According to the list released by the Congress, the highest number of suicides -- 15 -- was reported in Sehore, home district of chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, since June 6. Sehore was followed by two districts in the Bundelkhand region, Sagar and Chhatarpur, where 14 and 8 farmers committed suicide, respectively. Seven farmers committed suicide in Vidisha and Barwani, six in Hoshangabad, five each in Sheopur and Raisen, four each in Shivpuri, Dhar, Satna, Tikamgarh and Morena, three each in Khandwa, Baitul and Ujjain, two each in Rajgarh, Balaghat, Neemuch, Bhopal, Chhindwara, Panna, Dewas, Indore, Mandsaur, Gwalior and Khargone and one each in Harda, Narsinghpur, Datia, Katni, Sidhi, Damoh, Jabalpur and Ashok Nagar, the Congress claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Sunday pressed oil cartel OPEC to adopt "responsible pricing" for oil and consider the world's third-biggest oil consumer as its preferred sales destination. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met OPEC Secretary General Sanusi Mohammad Barkindo to discuss "the current scenario of oil and gas industry of the world and exchanged notes on the recent developments", an official statement stated here. During the meeting, Pradhan highlighted that in today's oversupplied market, it is important for producers to understand the perspective of consuming countries and the changes that have taken place in these demand centres. Barkindo is in India to attend the first CERAWEEK India Energy Forum. The two had last met in Vienna in May 2017 for the 2nd India-OPEC Institutional Dialogue. "Pradhan reiterated that the OPEC should work towards 'responsible pricing', which is important for India for socio-economic and developmental reasons," the statement said. Reiterating the decade-old India's view that the OPEC should consider giving 'Asian Dividend' rather than charging 'Asian Premium' on the crude supplied to India, he said countries like India should actually be the "preferred destination". India sources about 86 per cent of crude oil, 75 per cent of natural gas and 95 per cent of LPG from OPEC member countries. The OPEC stands for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. The minister emphasised on the need for a purposeful and improved dialogue among producer and consumer countries. He suggested that the OPEC at its ministerial meetings give wider consideration to India's requests. According to Pradhan, India is putting a lot of emphasis on diversifying its crude oil supply sources and tapping new supply sources. In this context, he highlighted the arrival of two shipments of crude oil cargo of 1.6 million barrels from the US. Three Indian public sector refineries have already placed a cumulative order of 7.85 million barrel from the US. In addition, a private refiner has placed an order of 2 million barrel from the western nation. The minister was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and also CEOs of seven public and private refineries who together operate all 23 refineries in India processing over 235 million tonnes of crude annually. The minister extended an invitation to the OPEC secretary general to attend the 16th Ministerial Meeting of International Energy Forum scheduled to take place in India in April 2018. The secretary-general accepted the invitation, the statement said. Two days after seven military personnel were killed in a helicopter crash in Tawang, purported images of their bodies wrapped in plastic sacks and tied up in cardboard surfaced today, trigerring an outrage. This prompted the Army to come out with a tweet saying the wrapping of the bodies with local resources was an "abberation" and that the fallen soldiers are always given full military honour. "Seven young men stepped out into the sunshine yesterday to serve their motherland, India. This is how they came home," tweeted former Northern Army commander Lt Gen (Retd) HS Panag, along with the images of the bodies. Reacting to the issue, the Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information tweeted that the carriage of the mortal remains in body bags, wooden boxes and coffins will be ensured. "Fallen soldiers (are) always given full military honour. Carriage of mortal remains in body bags, wooden boxes,coffins will be ensured," it said. It said wrapping the bodies in local resources was an "aberration". The photographs were taken when the bodies were in Guwahati, as per an official. Lt Gen (Retd) Panag said proper military body bags must be used to transport bodies from forward locations until ceremonial coffins were available. Several people on twitter also expressed their anguish after the images surfaced. Five IAF personnel, including two pilots, and two armymen were killed when the Mi-17 V5 chopper crashed on Friday morning in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde today demanded that culpable homicide charge be slapped against those responsible for the deaths of farmers due to pesticide poisoning. "This is a planned murder of farmers. Not only the pesticide companies and its sellers but even the officials from the agriculture department supporting them (companies) are responsible," Munde said in a release issued here. Munde was in Yavatmal district today where the deaths have occurred. He met families of those who have died and also met those farmers recuperating in hospitals. Munde said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who hails from Vidarbha region, neither visited Yavatmal nor condoled the bereaved families. He further questioned if the Chief Minister has no time for farmers. "The government should immediately declare Rs 10 lakh compensation for families of those who have died and Rs 2 lakh for farmers admitted to hospitals due to pesticide poisoning," Munde demanded. The NCP leader further said that deaths due to inhalation of poisonous pesticides is not limited to Yavatmal but occurring in Buldhana, Akola and other districts as well. "Immediate steps should be taken to stop the deaths," he said. Munde said that the NCP has provided an assistance of Rs 10,000 to the families of the deceased and the party has taken up the responsibility to treat those suffering from severe eye infections, in Mumbai. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Filipino suspect in a thwarted jihadist plot targeting New York's subway and Times Square will face legal proceedings seeking his extradition to the United States, the Philippine justice secretary said today. Russell Salic and two others have been charged with involvement in the plan to stage the attacks in the name of the Islamic State group during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in 2016. Salic was arrested in the Philippines in April 2017 and Washington had requested his extradition, the US Department of Justice said. "It only means that we have to begin the extradition proceedings being requested," Philippine Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said in a statement without giving a timeframe. "We have a process to be followed and this has been done many times in the past." The Philippine military chief, General Eduardo Ano, said today that Salic was in the custody of the country's National Bureau of Investigation. Salic, a 37-year-old Filipino doctor, transferred USD 423 in May 2016 to the other suspects to help fund the operation, according to US court documents released on Friday. Multiple locations including New York's subway, Times Square and some concert venues were identified as targets in the plot that was foiled by an undercover FBI agent, US authorities announced Friday. The agent posed as an IS supporter and communicated with Salic and his two alleged accomplices: Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, a 19-year-old Canadian who purchased bombmaking materials, and Talha Haroon, a 19-year-old American citizen living in Pakistan. A complaint signed by the agent quoted messages sent by Salic to others involved in the plot in which he described terror laws in the Philippines as "not strict" in comparison to countries such as Australia and the UK. Salic was an orthopaedic surgeon associated with a hospital in the southern Philippine city of Cagayan de Oro, the complaint said. Today the Philippine military chief said Salic had sent funds to other nations for the IS "terrorist network". "He is providing financial support to several extremists or suspicious terrorists in the Middle East, in the US, Malaysia," Ano told reporters. "He was very active on social media, websites that groups related to ISIS have been using," Ano said using another name for IS. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched an intensive immunisation drive from Gujarat's Vadnagar, saying no child should suffer from any vaccine-preventable disease. Through the 'Intensified Mission Indradhanush' or IMI, the government aims to reach every child below the age of two years and pregnant women still uncovered under the routine immunisation programme, an official statement said. Under the IMI, a seven-day immunisation drive will be conducted each month from now till January 2018 in 173 districts and 17 cities, the statement said. These districts include 52 in eight northeastern states and 121 in 16 other states, it added. The programme will cover low performing areas in the selected districts and cities. "Let no child suffer from any vaccine-preventable disease," Modi said while launching the programme. The prime minister was on a two-day visit to Gujarat. On the second day of his visit, he held a roadshow today at Vadnagar, his birthplace, in Mehsana district, where a large number of people queued up along the route to greet him. The programme will focus on improving immunisation coverage in the districts and cities to ensure 90 per cent coverage for full immunisation by December 2018 instead of 2020, the statement said. At the function, the prime minister also inaugurated the GMERS Medical College, Vadnagar, and launched the Innovative Mobile Phone Technology for Community Health Operation (ImTeCHO) for improving coverage of community-based maternal, neonatal and infant health services. The GMERS Medical College serves nearly 400-500 outdoor patients and 80-100 indoor patients daily. Modi also lauded several healthcare initiatives of the government. "Regulating the prices of stents has immensely helped a large section of the country by reducing the cost of healthcare for middle-income group and poor families," he said. He expressed satisfaction at the success of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan under which private doctors volunteer to provide free ANC services to pregnant women on the 9th day of every month, alongside government doctors. The IMI programme is supported by 12 ministries and departments and would be monitored by the Cabinet Secretary at the level, the statement said. Speaking during the function, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said improving the health of the children is amongst the top priorities of the government. He informed that in four phases, the Mission Indradhanush has reached to more than 2.53 crore children and 68 lakh pregnant women in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone for the Rs 4,337-crore Bhadbhut Barrage project here which aims to stop the ingress of salinity along the Narmada river. Modi, on the second day of his two-day visit to poll- bound Gujarat, also flagged off a new train between Udhna in Surat and Jaynagar in Bihar. The prime minister also inaugurated various neem-related projects of the Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilisers Company Limited (GNFC), and said the idea of 100 per cent neem-coated urea, conceived by his government, has stopped its pilferage and helped in addressing the problem of urea shortage faced by farmers. Addressing a public meeting, Modi said the barrage project will solve the issue of drinking water for Bharuch, and also open up new channels for fisheries. "Thousands of bighas of land has turned infertile due to salinity of sea water, which (the land) has to be revived. We also have to provide drinking water to people. Thanks to the Gujarat government for this project. I am confident it will be completed in three years," he said. "Coming together of river and ocean is good for fisheries. The barrage will be made using scientific methods, to stop saline water, improve drinking water and make two channels for fisheries," Modi said. A bridge that will be constructed across the barrage, joining Dahej to Hazira, will help create twin industrial cities and reduce the distance between them, he said. "The bridge will reduce the journey to Hazira by 20 kilometres, and help save fuel, environment and also time. Joining Hazira with Dahej will also make them twin industrial cities," he said. Modi lauded the GNFC for its projects and said it has helped four lakh rural women who collect and sell the neem fruit and seeds. "Bharuch GNFC has bought neem fruit and seeds and helped them earn Rs 40 crore. This is extra money, wealth from waste," he said. The 100 per cent neem-coated urea project of the government has prevented theft of subsidised urea for use as a raw material in the chemical industry, the prime minister said. "Earlier I used to write letters to the central government asking for more urea due to its shortage. When I became prime minister, I also used to get letters...For the last two years, not a single chief minister has written to me for urea," he said. "Won't urea thieves conspire against me (for stopping pilferage)? But this is Modi. He has grown up on the soil of Gujarat, in the land of Gandhi and Sardar Patel," he said. Flagging off a second 'Antyodaya train' from Udhna in Surat to Jaynagar, Modi said it will help migrants from Bihar, who work in Gujarat, to go home during Diwali and Chhat Puja. "A hardworking person leaves his old parents back home and comes to work in Gujarat. But during festival season, he faces hardship going back home. To ensure that our friends from Bihar and UP can go back home easily, we have emphasised starting long-route rail service," he said. Modi said his government has started Antyodaya Express and Mahamana Express, connecting Vadodara to Varanasi, to join Gujarat with Bihar. "These trains have become a great facility for people from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh... (Mahamana Express) will help people to go on pilgrimage to Kashi Vishwanath (in Varanasi) and visit your Modi's Lok Sabha constituency," he said. Later, winding up his visit, Modi flew back to New Delhi from the Vadodara airport. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Centre-appointed committee has said privatisation of Air India will have serious consequences on Haj operations and suggested the minority affairs and civil aviation ministries prepare their response in case the proposed disinvestment goes through. The committee, tasked with proposing the 'Haj Policy 2018-22', has also suggested that the Centre engage with the Saudi Arabia government and try to get the option of undertaking global tenders for Haj air charter operations. The panel, with former Union secretary Afzal Amanullah as the convener, who has served as the Consul-General of India in Jeddah, has noted that during air charter operations the flights go with pilgrims but return empty. It would be appropriate for the two ministries to explore the possibility of using empty flights for commercial purposes to bring down the cost, it has said. The panel has also made suggestions on the food served on the planes. "Food should be non-spicy, and as far as possible, suitable to the palates of the particular region from where the pilgrims are coming." The food has to be hygienically prepared and packed. It has also recommended random inspections to check its quality by officials, it said. "Before pilgrims disembark at Jeddah or Medina, the airlines must necessarily give an extra food packet and a bottle of water to each pilgrim," it suggests. The panel submitted its report to Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in Mumbai yesterday. India has a Haj quota of 1.70 lakh pilgrims and besides air, the government is considering the option of ferrying pilgrims via the sea route also from the next year. "The privatisation of Air India, in case it happens, will have serious consequences on Haj air operations. The ministries and Haj Committee of India have to consider and plan how best to overcome the challenge that would arise in case of such an eventuality," the panel said. The committee, however, did not specify possible measures should the proposed privatisation of Air India goes through. The government has decided on strategic disinvestment of Air India and a group of ministers, headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, is working out the modalities. The committee has already many rounds of meetings. The government has also sought applications from investment bankers, law firms and other entities to act as advisers for the strategic stake sale of Air India. Airlines staff need to be formally trained about the behaviour and attitude expected of them in their dealings with the Haj pilgrims, the committee has said. It also recommended necessarily having cabin crew knowing at least two Indian languages on each Haj charter flight. The panel has also proposed reviving the option of ferrying devotees by ship to Saudi Arabia to perform the annual pilgrimage. The world's top oil exporter Saudi Aramco on Sunday opened an office in India to boost its crude sales in the world's third-largest oil consuming nation. Saudi Aramco CEO Amin H Al-Nasser opened the office of the company's subsidiary, Aramco Asia India, at Gurugram (formerly Gurgaon), an official statement said. Saudi Arabia is the second-largest crude oil supplier to India after Iraq. It accounts for about 19 per cent of India's crude oil imports and 29 per cent of LPG imports. During 2016 -17, India imported about 39.5 million tonnes of crude from Saudi Arabia. "Saudi Aramco through its subsidiary Aramco Asia India (AAI) established its formal business presence in India in 2016. AAI would now formally engage in crude oil and LPG marketing, engineering and technical services, and other business development activities," it said. Aramco India plans to expand its operation by introducing hydrocarbon sector functions, including engineering services, IT operations and security and also R&D centre in the near future. "Saudi Aramco intends to partner with Indian and set up integrated business ventures in the hydrocarbon value chain in India, including to boost 'Make in India' activities," the statement said. Speaking on the occasion, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said India is one of the biggest markets for Saudi oil and LPG. Saudi Aramco's Office in India will help in strengthening the existing buyer-supplier relationship between the two sides to a strategic partnership in the hydrocarbon sector, he said. Saudi Aramco is investing in refineries in major markets to lock in customers ahead of its initial public offering next year. In India, it is looking for investment opportunities in refining and petrochemical projects. Nasser is visiting India to attend the IHS-CERA conference beginning tomorrow, which will also be attended by OPEC Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Markets regulator Sebi has ordered forensic audit of Landmarc Leisure Corporation Ltd (LLCL) after finding prima facie evidence of misuse of books of accounts by the firm. The trading curbs imposed on the firm, which figures among 331 'suspected shell companies' under Sebi's scanner, have also been removed. In an interim order dated October 6, Sebi said "there is prima facie evidence of misuse of books of accounts/ funds by the company, even though there is no prima facie evidence of misrepresentation of financials" by LLCL. "The persons who are in control of the company and the directors of the company are prima facie liable for action by Sebi and should not be permitted to exit the company at the cost of innocent shareholders," the regulator said. As per the order, the regulator has directed BSE to appoint an independent forensic auditor to verify any misuse of the funds or books of accounts of LLCL as well as any misrepresentation including of financials and business of the firm. Also, trading in the shares of the firm has been reverted to the status as it stood prior to issuance of letter dated August 7, 2017 by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). Landmarc Leisure Corporation Ltd is among the firms against whom Sebi initiated action on August 7 by ordering trading restrictions, following receipt of a list of 331 'suspected shell companies' from the government. The ordered trade restrictions -- allowing trade only once a month and that too for only buy transactions with a 200 per cent security deposit -- were revoked in some cases a few days later following appeals filed by them with the Securities Appellate Tribunal, but Sebi was asked to continue with its probe and pass its orders expeditiously. In the interim order passed against LLCL, Sebi noted that it prima facie appears that the firm has utilised the investors' money in a manner detrimental to the interests of minority shareholders. Citing an instance, the regulator said LLCL has given assets worth Rs 15 crore to a related party "as an interest free security deposit which is outstanding for 12 years without any benefit to the shareholders of the company". Also, LLCL has claimed its transaction was an arm's length transaction but has failed to provide any explanation for the same, Sebi said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP president Amit Shah will unveil books on the personality and works of former chiefs of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) here on October 10, a statement released by the party said. A party spokesperson also said that the working committee of the UP BJP will be held on October 12 in Kanpur. A statement issued by the BJP's Lucknow unit said that "BJP chief Amit Shah will unveil the books on the personality and works of five former chiefs of RSS at the convention centre." Meanwhile, UP BJP spokesperson Manoj Mishra said that on October 11, state office bearers of the party will be holding a meeting, while on October 12, the state working committee will meet. "The working committee will be headed by UP BJP chief Mahendra Nath Pandey. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also be present on this occasion," he said. Mishra said that the main agenda of the meeting is the review of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Janam Shatabdi programme, urban local body polls and framework of future programmes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Singapore has debated the option of dual citizenship for its nationals, with some citing concepts like 'Overseas Citizenship of India' given by New Delhi to Indian diaspora as a middle path. Diplomats and academics have raised pros and cons of allowing Singaporeans to have dual citizenship, according to a report in The Sunday Times today. In 2013, the government had responded to parliamentary questions, saying that Singapore being "a small and young nation" is concerned as it could dilute citizens' commitment to the country. The issue of whether Singapore should one day consider dual citizenship has been raised from time to time in discussions about the future of Singapore citizenship. Barry Desker of the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, a prominent advocate of dual citizenship, argued that it would help Singaporeans living abroad and foreigners in Singapore who are married to Singaporeans. Singapore "may be losing good people" when Singaporeans living abroad are forced to give up their citizenship, said Professor Tan Tai Yong of Yale-NUS College in the National University of Singapore. Associate Professor Eugene Tan of Singapore Management University said that dual citizenship should not have a detrimental impact in terms of people's sense of belonging to the country. A strong opponent of dual citizenship, Professor Leo Suryadinata of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute argued that citizenship is about political loyalty and it is doubtful if a person can be loyal to two countries. "In an age of growing nationalism and the potential break-up of the European Union, global trends appear to be moving away from dual citizenship," he observed. Institute of Policy Studies researcher Debbie Soon said if Singapore were to one day be in conflict with another country, dual citizenship would be problematic because of the island state's conscription system. "But discussions on dual citizenship do not have to yield a binary yes-or-no answer," argued Associate Professor Elaine Ho of the National University of Singapore. There are in-between options that may enhance the links people have to Singapore, she noted. One is the British example of an ancestry visa, which offers foreigners who can prove ancestral links to Britain an inside track to living and working there. A similar concept is the Overseas Citizenship of India. According to Prof Tan Tai Yong the honorary citizenship, which Singapore grants to a very select group of foreigners who have made outstanding contributions to the country, is also an example of an in-between option. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hailing the contributions of soldiers and spiritual leaders, President Ram Nath Kovind today said they were the "twin pillars" on which the country rested its hope. Launching a Rs-100 crore initiative of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math to provide clean water to rural India at the math headquarters at nearby Vallikkavu, Kovind also lauded the centuries-old legacy of Kerala in accommodating different religions. "This is a state where one community has willingly given space to another," he said, addressing a function organised in connection with the 64th birthday celebrations of spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, known as "Amma" among her devotees. The president said his first visit outside New Delhi after assuming office was to meet the soldiers posted in the border town of Leh in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, who, he said, were defending the country's borders in extremely difficult conditions. "The bravery of our soldiers on the one hand and the compassion, love and wisdom of our spiritual leaders on the other are the twin pillars on which we rest our hopes," he said. Kovind praised Kerala as a state that "has done so much to defend our ethos and culture". Referring to spiritual leaders and social reformers from Kerala like Adi Shankaracharya, Sree Narayana Guru and Ayyankali, he said the southern state was "one of the leading spiritual homes in our country and composite society". "Kerala's spiritual consciousness is well beyond faith and religious distinctions, the Christian community in Kerala is one of the world's oldest," the president said. Pointing out that the first mosque to be built in India was in Kerala, Kovind said he was told that it was constructed by the Arab merchants in the seventh century, during the lifetime of the Prophet himself. He said Kerala also had a rich tradition of Jews who settled in the state 2,000 years ago. "These historical instances reflect the mutual accommodation and understanding of different faiths and religious communities in Kerala's history," he added. Lauding the contributions of Mata Amrtianandamayi, Kovind said "Amma" represented the enlightened spiritual tradition of Kerala and described her spiritual mission as a contribution to nation building. The president launched the math's 'Jivamritam' filtration system, envisaged to provide clean drinking water to one crore villagers across the country. According to the math authorities, the initial phase of the 'Jivamritam' project, aimed at installing specially designed filtration systems for clean drinking water in 5,000 villages, was entirely being funded by it. Earlier, Kerala Governor Justice (retd) P Sathasivam and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan were among those who received the president on his arrival at the Air Force Technical Area of the airport at Thiruvananthapuram. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The strategic technical command centre of the Unnamed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), operated by the NTRO and the CRPF, has been shifted to the Naxal hotbed of Bastar in Chhattisgarh in order to provide security forces an enhanced aerial surveillance to conduct anti-Maoist operations. The centre, with about three dozen flying assets of various categories, has been recently moved "lock, stock and barrel" from the steel city of Bhilai in Durg district of the state to Jagdalpur in south Bastar, in vicinity of the worst Naxal violence affected districts like Sukma and Dantewada. "The has recently been shifted and activated in the heart of the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.The idea to shift the technical command centre is to provide quick and long haul aerial reconnaissance to the anti-Naxal operations forces on ground like the CRPF, CoBRA and the state police," a senior security official involved in the operation told PTI. The base is jointly manned and operated by the officials of the Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) and the CRPF and the paramilitary force has been tasked to secure the air strip that is used to launch these 'birds', the official added. This is the second big strategic shift of assets after the two big and deadly Naxal attacks on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) men in Sukma district early this year. The first was, the official said, the shifting of the CRPF central zone from Kolkata to state capital Raipur, soon after 37 CRPF men were ambushed by Maoists in a span of less than two months. The base is now being expanded to hold more UAVs as the CRPF recently got the government sanction to have at least 300 such flying assets in its establishment, with the majority of them being tasked to conduct surveillance sorties in the Naxal violence hit states. All varieties of UAVs, be it the 'Heron' or the 'Netra' will operate from this base and a joint command centre created here sometime back receives real-time aerial feed and imagery at the base station in Jagdalpur, the official said. Security forces deployed for operations in districts of Sukma and Dantewada, he said, are being provided quick and latest updates on the movement of Naxals and they can move out and plan their task in real time. The UAVs were earlier flying to Bastar region from Bhilai, which is a well about 300 km distance and hence the amount of time taken to travel would defeat the purpose of conducting timely and precise operations. The was shifted to Chhattisgarh (Bhilai), from Andhra Pradesh, after the 2013 'Jiram valley' attack where Naxals ambushed and killed at least 25 people including senior leaders of state Congress party. A special team of NTRO and CRPF experts have now been provided accommodation in Jagdalpur area, along with those of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the state police, for operations coordination. The CRPF has deployed about 40,000 troops, including teams of its special guerrilla action force CoBRA, in Chhattisgarh and south Bastar area to conduct anti-Naxal operations. "The focus of Naxal operations is the Bastar region now. Recently, one fresh battalion of the CRPF has moved in the area.It is important to provide technical intelligence inputs and information to these units to perform better, without taking casualties on their side.The exactly does that," the official said. Japanese two-wheeler maker Suzuki Motorcycles, which had "got on the wrong bus all these years" is betting big on India now with a strategy to double the market share to 10 per cent with 1-million volume by 2020. is the largest market for the parent Suzuki Corporation and currently enjoys only about 5 per cent share in the over 17 million units a year domestic two-wheeler market dominated by Hero Motorcorp and its co-patriot Honda who between them eat up close to 70 per cent of the market pie. Like its sister concern, Maruti Suzuki that enjoys over 50 per cent of the domestic car market, even with such a low volume, India is the largest market for the group. In 2016, Suzuki managed to sell about 3,50,000 units and expects vroom past 40 per cent in sales this year to around 500,000, and 700,000 next year and 1 million in 2020, each year clocking over 40 per cent volume growth or so, says Satoshi Uchida, its managing director who took over the mantle in April 2016. "Yes, we have not been consistent with our product and communication strategy. In fact we didn't have enough products in mass market so far. I think we had got into the wrong bus here in India but now we are in the right bus and on the right route," Uchida told PTI when asked whether they had lost the India bus all these years. "We have the right strategy and plans now," he continues, "because we now know this market better. This is increasingly a scooter market in general and no longer a commuter only market." "We'll grow almost three times between this year and 2020, growing over 40 per cent each year. The mandate is to clock 1 million units and double the market share to 10 per cent," Uchida said. Sajeev Rajasekharan, executive vice-president also chipped in saying there is a clear focus on the volumes now as he admitted that they have to offer more choices to customers as well. "For this we will bringing in at least two bikes and scooters each year. The strategy will straddle between scooters, which is the volume grosser for us now and bikes where we will be having only 150-cc and above engine capacity." Uchida said the company will invest at least Rs 200 crore on new products here. Asked whether the unit which has 1 million capacity plant at Manesar in Haryana, is profitable, Uchida answered in the positive and said last year the company clocked a revenue of around Rs 3,000 crore. Currently, it has only two scooters models 125-cc Access with drum brake and Access SE with disc brake, while its bikes portfolio includes the Hayate EP, six varieties of the Gixxer 150 cc bike which also is the first bike in the country with ABS. That apart it has two racing bikes the GSX-R1000 and the imported Hayabusa. Rajasekharan said the company enjoys 5.5 per cent market share among scooters and around 5 per cent amongst bikes. In the first half of the current fiscal, he said the scooter volumes soared 65 per cent from 160,000 to 242,000 while bikes sales have also been very good. It also ships India made bikes models to Latin America, Africa and Saarc regions and more importantly to the parental home market of Japan where it sold 1000 Gixxer bikes last year. While in H1 last year export volume was 35,000 this year it inched up to 36,000 units only, Uchida said. A Swiss woman, reportedly working for an aid organisation, has been abducted in the conflict-torn Darfur region of Sudan, Switzerland's foreign ministry said today. The Swiss foreign ministry told AFP in an email it was "aware of the case of a Swiss woman kidnapped in Sudan (Darfur)." "Our local representatives are in contact with the local authorities," it said, without providing further details about the woman's identity or the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Several protests were held across Australia against Indian mining giant Adani's proposed 16.5 billion dollars Carmichael coal mine project, which has been delayed for years over environmental and financing issues. Rallies were held yesterday in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Port Douglas in North Queensland where thousands of protesters took to streets as part of a National Day of Action, according to media reports. "If this mine does go ahead it drives us into a dirty future and Australia is a country that's smarter than that," Simon Fosterling, a Bondi surf life saver at the Sydney protest, which attracted about 2,000 people, was quoted as saying by the ABC . "I have a two-year-old daughter and I don't want to have a conversation with her in 10 years time and the mine's gone ahead and she says to me, 'dad, why didn't you do something?'" Protesters spelled out '#STOP ADANI' by standing in formation on the sand. Sydney 'Stop Adani' campaigner Isaac Astill called the construction of the mine an international issue. "It's going to be the biggest coal mine in the southern hemisphere at a time when our climate is crumbling," Astill said. "It's an international issue and that's why we're seeing people around the world and in Australia coming out in their thousands to say no to Adani." Reports said around 2000 people rallied in Melbourne's Princes Park carrying placards reading 'Coal=CO2!!!' and 'Protect Our Future'. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy said she hoped the "big day of action" would send a strong message that taxpayers did not want their money subsidising the project. "It will affect every single living thing on Earth, that's why people in Melbourne and Sydney and Canberra and Adelaide and Cairns all care about this mine not going ahead." O'Shanassy said. Between 200-300 people turned out at Perth's Cottesloe Beach and more than 250 people rallied in Hobart, where speakers included former Greens leader Bob Brown. Meanwhile, Adani Australia CEO Jeyakumar Janakaraj said that the company was committed to create jobs in Australia and there was large support for the project in regional Australia. "We are focussed.. the project is needed in the community and we have their whole support," he said. "Adani is very focused to get jobs started in the next few week. There is a large support for the project in regional Australia," he said. He, however, said there was a loud minority voice against the project. He said the anti-mine protests did not reflect the correct picture of how the project was being received regionally by the local community. Janakaraj also confirmed that the early works would start in next few weeks as the company was well in advance in starting the works. He said an Adani India festival last night in Townsville attracted 20,000 people which was an indication that the project was supported by the local community. Speaking at the festival, Minister Coralee O'Rourke welcomed the company's commitment and also praised Adani for adhering to and working with government to deliver a job creating project. Adani and the Queensland government have highlighted that the mine will prove beneficial for the region. This week the company announced it would base more than 1000 fly-in, fly-out workers in both Townsville and Rockhampton. However, environmental activists are concerned about the potential impacts to the Great Barrier Reef as the coal will be shipped through areas close to the national icon. There are also concerns the coal burned will contribute to climate change, which is the biggest threat to the reef. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Stirring a hornet's nest in the ruling AIADMK, Tamil Nadu minister Sellur K Raju today praised deposed party chief V K Sasikala saying she had played a key role in ensuring continuance of the party government. "Chinamma (Sasikala) is responsible for AIADMK remaining in power.. there is no second opinion about it," he told reporters in Madurai. Raju made the comments at a time when Sasikala, serving a four-year term in a Bengaluru prison in a disproportionate assets case, has obtained five-day emergency parole and is staying in Chennai in view of the hospitalisation of her husband M Natarajan, who had undergone liver and kidney transplants. The minister's remarks are expected to cause a ripple in the ruling camp which had last month removed Sasikala and her clan, including her deputy T T V Dhinakaran, from the party. A senior party leader from southern Tamil Nadu, Raju was apparently referring to Sasikala guiding the party after the demise of late chief minister Jayalalithaa in December last year. Raju had last month contradicted the claims of two of his cabinet colleagues that no one was allowed to see Jayalalithaa during her hospitalisation last year. After senior leader O Panneerselvam revolted against her leadership and her conviction in the DA case in February last, Sasikala had kept her flock together in a resort near here and ensured election of Palaniswami as the AIADMK legislature party leader. However, the camps led by Palaniswami and Panneerselvam later merged and convened a General Council meeting last month which sacked Sasikala as the interim general secretary. Raju said since he was a minister he had to be restrained in his comments. His views should not affect the steps being taken by Palaniswami and Panneerselvam at the helm of the government and the party, he said. On the dengue situation in the state, the cooperation minister said the present government was taking rapid action to control the spread of the fever cases. The minister's comment hailing Sasikala had been greeted with enthusiasm in her camp. Sasikala and Dhinakaran loyalist C R Saraswathi lauded Raju for his remarks endorsing the jailed leader's role and dramatically claimed that, "the sleeper cells there are coming out one by one." "Sleeper cell," is a phrase often used by Dhinakaran, who has been seeking to oust Palaniswami from power, in the recent past to claim that he had supporters in the ruling camp and they woud rally behind him at the right time. Saraswathi, a yesteryear actress and party spokesperson, asked how "their" conscience was not pricking them after seeing "Chinnamma" on televison going to hospital, an apparent reference to those in the Palaniswami camp. Naturally those in the rival camp will be seized of the "thought that the government was put in place by Chinamma," she told reporters in Chennai. Only Sasikala and Dhinakaran will be able to steer the party and cadres were clear about that, she claimed. Meanwhile, Sasikala, who arrived in Chennai on October 6, visited her husband for the second day at the Gleneagles Global Health City Hospital around noon today. She was greeted by scores of party men in several locations as she travelled by a car to the hospital. Sasikala was apprised on the health condition of Natarajan by doctors at the hospital. She spent a little over two hours there, sources said. She had been granted parole with tough conditions, including one that said she should not be involved in political or any other public activity or take part in party activities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Turkish troops today exchanged fire with Syria-based jihadists as Ankara massed military vehicles on the frontier ahead of an expected operation to oust Al-Qaeda's former Syrian affiliate from Idlib province. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday announced the launch of an operation by pro-Ankara Syrian rebel forces, backed by the Turkish army, to reimpose security in Idlib. Most of the northwestern region is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group led by Al-Qaeda's former Syria affiliate, which ousted more moderate rebels in recent months. Turkey has massed special forces and military hardware including tanks on the border but the operation has yet to begin in earnest, monitors and sources on the ground said. But Turkish forces fired seven mortars over the border with the aim of easing the passage of the pro-Ankara Syrian forces, the Dogan agency reported. Turkish forces have also been seen removing parts of the security wall Ankara has built on the border so that military vehicles can pass through into Syria. Pro-government media said that the operation was now into its "second day" and it was not immediately clear what the Turkish military's next move would be. HTS jihadists this morning opened fire on Turkish forces removing part of a wall along the border between Turkey and Idlib, witnesses and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said. The Observatory reported "heavy exchanges of fire", but said the incident did not appear to mark the start of the operation Erdogan described yesterday. Turkish armoured vehicles and troops were waiting on the border, from where smoke could be seen from the mortar fire, an AFP photographer said. Television images showed locals in the Turkish border town of Reyhanli in Hatay province cheering as more armoured vehicles were driven through the town overnight. Ankara appears keen to oust the HTS from Idlib in order to create a de-escalation zone into which it can send military monitors to implement a ceasefire. Turkey, along with Syrian regime allies Russia and Iran, earlier this year agreed a deal to implement four such ceasefire zones in Syria as a prelude to talks on a peace deal. The zone encompassing Idlib is the last one to go into effect, and its implementation has been held up by fierce opposition from HTS. The group yesterday warned "treacherous factions that stand by the side of the Russian occupier" should only enter the area if they want "their mothers to be bereaved, their children to be orphaned, their wives to be widowed". Turkey earlier this year wrapped up its half year Euphrates Shield operation against jihadists and Kurdish militia in Aleppo province that involved both the Turkish army and Syrian rebels. The Hurriyet daily said the pro-Ankara forces involved in this operation, which Turkey calls the Free Syrian Army (FSA), would be the same as in Euphrates Shield. "Since summer, Turkey has been reorganising those rebels and pulling them into a new politico-military structure that is supposed to be more cohesive," said Aron Lund, fellow with The Century Foundation think tank. Turkey is working in cooperation with Russia, even though they have been at loggerheads throughout the over six-year Syrian civil war, with Moscow backing the regime and Ankara the rebels seeking to oust President Bashar al-Assad. After meeting Erdogan in Ankara on September 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the right conditions now existed to end the war that has killed an estimated 330,000 people since 2011. Turkey has also long warned it could also move against the People's Protection Units (YPG) Kurdish militia who control Afrin to the east and which Ankara considers a terror group. Erdogan yesterday warned that "new initiatives" would follow after the Idlib operation. "Today Idlib, tomorrow Afrin," said the headline in the Yeni Safak daily, describing the deployment as a "peace operation". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Turkish forces exchanged fire today with jihadists from Al-Qaeda's former Syrian affiliate on the border of Idlib province, a monitor and eyewitnesses said, a day after Ankara announced an imminent operation there. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday announced pro-Ankara rebels would lead a military campaign against the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham jihadist coalition in the northwestern Syrian province. Today morning, HTS jihadists opened fire on Turkish forces removing part of a wall along the border between and Idlib, eyewitnesses and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said. "A group of HTS opened fire on the vehicle removing part of the wall, and the Turks returned fire and also shelled the area," one eyewitness on the border told AFP. The Observatory reported "heavy exchanges of fire", but said the incident did not appear to mark the start of the operation Erdogan described yesterday. Turkish shelling hit near a camp for displaced civilians by the border, prompting some to flee the area, it said, and HTS fighters also shelled a Turkish position near the Bab al-Hawa border crossing. Turkey's NTV, a private television station, reported an exchange of fire at the border area, quoting "military sources". On its website, it said the Turkish army had fired artillery in support of the allied Syrian rebels. The campaign against HTS has been the subject of weeks of speculation, and is linked to plans to implement a so-called "de-escalation zone" in Idlib province and surrounding areas. Rebel backer Turkey, along with Syrian regime allies Russia and Iran, earlier this year agreed a deal to implement four such ceasefire zones in the war-torn country as a prelude to talks on a peace deal. The zone encompassing Idlib is the last one to go into effect, and its implementation has been held up by fierce opposition from HTS, which is dominated by Al-Qaeda's former Syrian affiliate. The group controls almost all of Idlib province after ousting rebel groups, including former allies, in an assault earlier this year. Yesterday, it warned "treacherous factions that stand by the side of the Russian occupier" should only enter the area if they want "their mothers to be bereaved, their children to be orphaned, their wives to be widowed". More than 330,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began with anti-government protests in March 2011. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Turkish prosecutors have demanded up to 15 years jail on charges of backing a terror group for 11 activists, most of whom were detained in a raid on a workshop led by Amnesty International, a report said today. The accused, who include the director of Amnesty Turkey Idil Eser, several prominent Turkish rights activists and a German citizen and Swedish citizen, have been charged with "giving help to an armed terror group", the Dogan agency said. Prosecutors have asked for jail sentences of 7.5 to 15 years, Dogan said, without specifying the request for each suspect. In the indictment, the activists are accused of seeking to create "chaos in society" similar to the anti-government protests that rocked Turkey in the summer of 2013. Ten activists were detained in July in a raid by police on a workshop session of human rights activists held on the island of Buyukada, a popular getaway spot off Istanbul. Their jailing sparked international alarm and amplified fears of declining freedom of expression under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. A month before, Amnesty International's Turkey chair, Taner Kilic, was remanded in custody on charges of links to the alleged mastermind of the July 15 failed coup Fethullah Gulen. His case has now been merged with that of the other ten activists and faces even more serious charges of "membership" of an armed terror group. Two of those held are foreigners -- German Peter Steudtner and Swede Ali Gharavi, who were leading the digital information workshop. This has stoked tensions in particular with Berlin, whose relations with Ankara have plunged as Germany sharply criticised the mass crackdown that followed last year's failed coup. Amnesty describes Gharavi as an IT strategy consultant and Steudtner as a "non-violence and well-being trainer". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray today dared his party's ruling ally BJP to "resign" from the Maharashtra government and face midterm polls. The state's ruling partners are also part of the NDA at the Centre, but relations between them are strained for quite some time. "I challenge you to resign from the government and face polls once again. We will show you the Shiv Sena's power. Even during the (Modi) wave, the BJP got votes in Sena's name," Thackeray said, addressing a rally for a local election in Nanded. Thackeray also took swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Gujarat visit. "I was watching on television today. Saw the PM campaigning for the Gujarat polls which are two months away. How did he suddenly remember his school today? Did he not feel like visiting his school before? Why before the polls?" he asked. Modi today visited Vadnagar, his birth place in north Gujarat, first time since he became the prime minister. He also visited his school. Thackeray also said people were now forwarding a joke on social media that prime minister of India 'may visit India soon', apparently referring to Modi's frequent foreign tours. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The top US envoy in Sudan said today that conditions have to be "right" for holding talks with Khartoum on removing it from Washington's blacklist of state sponsors of "terrorism". US charge d'affaires to Khartoum Steven Koutsis' remarks came a day after Washington ended its 20-year-old trade embargo on the east African country. However, the US did not drop Sudan from the blacklist, a consistent demand by Khartoum in return for cooperating with US intelligence agencies in fighting "terrorism". "This is something that both sides are keenly willing to discuss, but we have to be certain that conditions are right for discussions to remove (Sudan) from the list," Koutsis said at a press conference at the US mission in Khartoum. "The government of Sudan knows fully well what it needs to do ... and we hope that those conditions will come soon," he said, without elaborating. Later yesterday, Sudan's Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said Khartoum faces a "paradox". "We are the best country cooperating on countering terrorism and at the same time we are on the list of state sponsors of terrorism," Ghandour said in his first remarks since the trade embargo was dropped. Ghandour, who led the Sudanese team negotiating the lifting of sanctions, said it was time to start talks for removing the country from the blacklist. On Friday, Khartoum had expressed disappointment that this had not happened. "Discussion on removing from the (list of) state sponsors of terror was not part of our engagement under the five-track plan," Koutsis said, referring to the five conditions that Washington had insisted that Khartoum meet in return for ending the trade embargo. Khartoum insists that there is no reason for it to be on the blacklist as it has cooperated with US intelligence agencies in fighting terrorism in the region, a claim acknowledged even by the US State Department. Sudanese officials say that being on this list along with Syria and Iran makes it difficult to seek foreign debt relief, which has been a factor in hampering the country's economic growth. "If you want to talk to anyone, they will say 'go to the big brother'," said Ghandour. "As a foreign minister I thought what can I do? So, if you open the doors with the United States, you open the doors with others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) MDMK general secretary Vaiko today lauded Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his regime for recommendation to appoint 36 non-Brahmins as priests in temples. Hailing the move as a "historic decision," Vaiko in a letter to the Kerala Chief Minister said, "I applaud your achievement in social justice from the core of my heart." Stating that it was "a defining historic decision" to appoint 36 non-brahmin priests including six of them from Dalit community, he said "this achievement of your government has become a guiding light to the other States." On October six, 36 non-Brahmins including six Dalits were recommended for appointment as priests in temples in Kerala being managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board. It was the first time six people from the scheduled caste community have been recommended for the appointment as priests. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On his first visit to his birthplace since occupying the top post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a roadshow and visited his school here and said the town had taught him to "drink poison". At the B N High School where he studied, he smeared sand from the premises on his forehead. Modi, who once sold tea at the Vadnagar railway station, recalled his journey to Delhi from Gujarat where he was the chief minister for 13 years from 2001. He said he has managed to serve the nation with the blessings of Lord Shiva since 2001 despite some people "spewing venom" at him during these years. He was apparently referring to the attacks on him during his tenure as Gujarat chief minister after the riots of 2002 in the state. "Vadnagar has taught me to drink poison," he said, while noting that his birthplace is the land of Shiva, like Kashi (Varanasi), his Lok Sabha constituency. Modi was addressing a public meeting after inaugurating a newly-built medical college and launching an immunisation programme. Visited GMERS Medical College in Vadnagar and interacted with students. Our society needs more doctors devoted to creating a healthy India. pic.twitter.com/eKdMXmxJWR Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2017 "I started my journey from Vadnagar and now I have reached Kashi. Just like Vadnagar, Kashi is also the town of Bhole Baba. Bhole Baba's blessings gave me immense strength, and this strength is the biggest gift I have received from this land," he said. "The blessings of Bhole Baba (Lord Shiva) gave me the strength to drink and digest poison. Due to this ability, I was able to counter all those who spewed venom against me since 2001. This ability gave me the strength to serve the motherland with dedication over these many years," he said. The prime minister did his schooling in Vadnagar, an ancient town, which was once home to a Buddhist monastery and has a centuries-old Shiva temple. On the second day of his visit to poll-bound Gujarat, Modi held a roadshow here. A large number of people lined the road to greet him. There were chants of "Modi-Modi" and flowers were showered on him along the route. A welcome that will remain etched in my memorythank you Vadnagar for the enthusiasm and affection. It inspires me to work even harder. pic.twitter.com/2ub5HWf9T9 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2017 Before inaugurating a newly-built medical college in the town, he visited the Hatkeshwar Mahadev temple where he performed puja along with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. "I am touched by the immense love showered by the people of Vadnagar today. It gave me new energy to serve the nation with more zeal," Modi said, addressing a public gathering after the roadshow. I will go back with your blessings and assure you that I will work even harder for the nation: PM in #Vadnagar ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2017 "I saw many faces among the people who came to greet me. Those faces brought back many memories of my childhood," he said. Fashion jewellery brand Voylla is looking to double its retail touchpoints to 500 and achieve break-even by the end of calender year 2018. "We are looking at increasing our retail touchpoints to 500 by December 2018. We are also aiming to reach break-even by then," Voylla Founder and CEO Vishwas Shringi said. The company, founded in 2011, currently has 240 retail touchpoints -- which include exclusive stores, shop-in-shops in large multibrand outlets and kiosks -- in India. Voylla, which had raised USD 15 million in funding from private equity firm Peepul Capital last year, said it does not require fresh funding for expansion. Prior to that, the company had raised two rounds of funds in 2012 and 2013 from Snow Leopard Technology Ventures. The company, which had started a pilot project in the UAE last year to understand market preference for its overseas foray, now plans to focus only on the domestic market. Voylla recently launched what it called its most romantic collectioninspired by the Taj Mahal. It has also announced the launch of a new brand ethos 'Look The Part' to cater to jewellery requirement of women based on the different roles they play in life. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 50-year-old criminal, carrying a reward of Rs 25,000 on his head, was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force from Meerut, officials said today. Acting on a tip-off, Gautam Buddha Nagar team of the STF arrested Sanjay alias Pakodi yesterday. The STF said it has seized a country-made pistol, 4 live cartridges and a motorcycle from the criminal. Sanjay was active in western Uttar Pradesh from the past few months, they said. Western Uttar Pradesh Assistant Superintendent of Police Rajiv Narain Mishra and Deputy Superintendent of Police Raj Kumar Mishra had activated the informer network to get clues about his activities and movements. So far, the police has traced 8 cases against him involving attempt to murder, murder, robbery, rioting and Arms Act, the STF said. Five cases are that of Meerut district, two Bagpat district, and one of Ghaziabad district. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 30-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly trying to scale the front gates of Buckingham Palace in central London, Scotland Yard said today. The Metropolitan Police, however, clarified the incident that took place yesterday was not related to terrorism. The woman, believed to be in her 30s, was quickly detained by officers before she gained access to the palace grounds. She was arrested on suspicion of trespass under Section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, trespass on a designated site and is currently in custody at a central London police station, the Met Police said. Videos Circulating on social media show a woman, wearing jeans and a black top, shouting as she was led to a waiting police car. A crowd of tourists had gathered, with many of them filming the incident on their phones. The railings on the side of Queen Elizabeth IIs official London home are 21-feet-high compared to the gates which stretch to 29-feet. There have been a number of other incidents in recent years in which people have tried to get into the palace grounds. Last year, a 21-year-old man was arrested for climbing over a side wall to the palace. In 2003, a retired midwife from Leeds, Lindis Percy, , had scaled the 21-feet-high gates at the front entrance to protest against former US president George Bush, during his state visit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 20-year-old woman allegedly committed suicide here as she was depressed over the police's failure to track down her parent's killers even seven months after the incident. Angry residents blocked the Mathura-Govardhan road today by placing her body on it, the police said. The road block was lifted after the district police chief Swapnil Mamgai announced that the SHO concerned has been suspended. "The SHO of Highway police station, Girish Chandra Tewari, has been suspended and the probe has been given to crime branch with instruction to ensure early breakthrough," SSP Mamgai said. Uttar Pradesh minister Shrikant Sharma said the state government will provide financial assistance of 5 lakh to bereaved family. The victim has a 17-year-old brother and 14-year-old sister. Banwari Lal and Rani Bala were allegedly killed on March 8, when their children were sleeping in the house of neighbour as construction work was going on in their house. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BEIJING (Reuters) - China has denied responsibility for alleged cyberattacks in the United States appearing to target exiled tycoon Guo Wengui, who has levelled corruption allegations against senior Communist Party officials and applied for political asylum. In a statement provided to on Sunday, the Ministry of Public Security said an investigation had found "no evidence" of Chinese government involvement in the alleged cyberattacks. The law enforcement agency said China had also provided the United States government with evidence that Guo, who has applied for political asylum in the United States, fabricated documents used to support his claims. It said China would make an official request for U.S. authorities to investigate the matter. "The falsified official documents and the false information he fabricated are sensational and outrageous," the ministry said in a rare English-language statement. Guo did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Washington-based Hudson Institute think-tank was scheduled to host Guo last Wednesday in a rare public appearance, but cancelled the event the day before without explanation. The event would have coincided with the visit of an official Chinese delegation to the U.S. capital for a high-level law enforcement and cybersecurity dialogue between the two countries. The Hudson Institute said it had detected a Shanghai-based attack aimed at shutting down access to its website several days earlier. The suspected attack prompted a complaint from U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions during a meeting with China's Public Security Minister Guo Shengkun on Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported. The New York-based Guo applied for U.S. political asylum in September, but said this week the law firm representing him, Clark Hill PLC, had backed out after being targeted by Chinese hackers. Clark Hill lawyer Thomas Ragland, who lodged the asylum claim, confirmed he was no longer representing Guo, without elaborating. After his Hudson event was called off, Guo held a conference at the National Press Club on Thursday where he produced what he claimed were "top-secret" official documents showing China had sent secret agents into the United States. China's Ministry of Public Security said the documents shown by Guo were "clumsily forged" and "full of obvious mistakes". Guo has made wideranging corruption allegations against senior Communist Party leaders via a daily stream of Twitter and YouTube posts since the start of the year, which he says are aimed at disrupting a key five-yearly Communist Party congress which begins next week. The Chinese government has been seeking to discredit Guo, who is the subject of an Interpol red notice issued at Beijing's request, as a criminal suspect who should not be trusted. (Reporting by Philip Wen in Beijing; Additional reporting by Makini Brice in Washington and Gui Qing Koh in New York; Editing by Michael Perry) (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) While Google announced plans to open their India Cloud centre by the end of this year, niche cloud provider continues to focus on their market of developers to maintain traction. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will leave on an official visit to the US tomorrow to participate in annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank. During his week-long stay in the US, he will meet CEOs of global MNCs and foreign investors. He is also likely to hold bilateral meetings with the US commerce secretary, the Italian minister for economy and finance and the Iranian minister for economy and finance. On the first leg of his trip to the United States, Jaitley will arrive in New York on October 9, during which he will hold investor meetings organised by Bank of America and CII. He is set to participate in the roundtable meeting of CEOs of USIBC-CII. On October 10, Jaitley will deliver a Lecture on 'FDI: Achievements and Challenges' at the Columbia University, following which he will leave for Boston. In Boston, Jaitley will take part in a roundtable investment meet on 'Indian Economy - The Road Ahead'. Later, he will deliver a lecture on India's tax reforms at the Harvard University. On October 12, the minister will leave for Washington DC to participate in the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During his three-day stay in Washington, Jaitley will hold bilateral meetings with US commerce secretary and participate in an interactive seminar organised by Ficci. He will also attend the G-20 finance ministers' and central bank governors' working dinner on October 12. Next day, Jaitley will attend the annual meeting of G-20 finance ministers' and central bank governors' meeting. He will also participate in the finance ministers' meeting with multilateral development banks. Jaitley may hold separate bilateral meetings with the Italian minister for economy and finance and the Iranian minister for economy and finance. The official delegation consists of RBI Governor Urjit Patel, Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg and Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian. The finance minister will leave for India on October 15 and will arrive in the national capital the next day. Patanjali Ayurveds managing director Balkrishna said here that the company is planning to invest Rs 5,000 crore in the country in the current financial year. "We are exploring possibilities to set up units in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, the North-East, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh," he told reporters here. If all goes well, the companys food processing unit at Pithampur industrial area in Dhar district, 30 km from here, would be up and running by March, he said. "Hopefully, the food processing unit will start production by March 2018 with an investment of Rs 500 crore," he said. The plant will produce biscuits, suji, noodles and flour. It would process 1,000 tons of wheat daily, Balkrishna added. The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh has allotted 40 acres of land to Patanjali at the rate of Rs 25 lakh per acre, he said. The company would also explore the possibility of processing fruits and vegetables in the state, he said. "If the government provides us land, we will also set up a cow shelter in the state," he said. United Petroleum Front (UPF) on Saturday announced nationwide strike of dealers on October 13 to press for various demands including better margins and inclusion of petroleum products in the Goods and Services Tax. It warned that if the demands were not met at the earliest, fuel dealers will be forced to stop, indefinitely, purchase and sale operations from October 27. UPF represents over 54,000 dealers from the Federation of All-India Petroleum Traders, the All-India Petroleum Dealers Association and the Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers. The strike is to press for long-pending demands ignored by the state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) since an agreement was signed last November, it said. The demands include upward revision of the dealer margins every six months, better terms for return on investment, resolution of manpower issues, a fresh study of handling losses, and resolution of issues related to transportation and ethanol blending. The front alleged that the letters which it wrote to oil marketing companies as well as a letter from the Cabinet Secretariat dated June 28, did not elicit positive response. Dealers also want the government to bring petrol and diesel under the GST regime. They are also upset with the marketing discipline guidelines announced by OMCs, which seek to penalise dealers for shortcomings up to Rs. 2 lakh under a zero tolerance policy towards shortchanging of customers. Fuel dealers are also opposed to the daily price mechanism introduced from July 1, saying it has benefited neither the consumers nor the dealers. They are also against, citing safety concerns, a proposal of the government to allow home delivery of oil products. | BY Lynchy | Many in the ad industry on both the east and west coast will be saddened to hear of the passing of Mike Morris, the lovable sales director of both Campaign Brief and bestadsontv.com, who passed away peacefully in his sleep late last week while on vacation in Port Douglas. Mike wasnt your average sales guy he was a passionate supporter of creativity in all its forms, even from his time at New Musical Express during Punk Rocks heyday from 1979 to 1982 in London where he knew everyone and went to every gig. As he emailed Renegade Films and RocKwiz executive producer Joe Connor only a week back: Working at NME was about the coolest thing a guy of 21 could do saw every band in the world all the punk/new wave, mates with the Clash + the Stranglers, heady days to a fan (Dire Straits playing in the Nashville Rooms in West Kensington to about 50 people next day my first attempt at a live review I laughed at them, Dire indeed. 18 months later biggest band in the World! I can pick them. Born in Wales, Mike joined the Royal Navy in 1973, where he served until 1979, before joining IPC Magazines in London as a sales executive. He came out to Perth in 1982 where he took a sales role at Australian Posters, eventually rising to WA Sales Manager. It was in 1984 the year we started CB in Perth when we met Mike, who supported the fledgling mag with his regular AP Outdoor Ad of the Month a key factor in WA being the centre of Outdoor creativity in the 80s. He was a central figure in the WA industry and transferred to the national sales manager role in Sydney in 1989, two years after we set up the national edition in 1987. Mike went on to join Nettlefold Advertising in Sydney, then helped set up their Vietnam operation in the early 90s. Unfortunately, Vietnam banned outdoor posters in the mid 90s and Mike took the creative director role at BBDO Vietnam in 1996, where he stayed until 2000, when he returned to Perth. In March 2002 Mike joined CB in Sydney where he remained until his untimely death. Says CB co-publisher and editor Michael Lynch: All of us at CB will miss him greatly and were all devastated that hes gone way too soon. | BY Ricki Green | UBank, Australias leading digital-only bank, has today unveiled a unique new animated marketing campaign, built by accessing the 350,000 strong global creative community on Genero. The campaign, which is aimed at challenging Australian perceptions of the home loan process and celebrating UBanks points of difference, launched via a TVC on Sunday 8 October. For the first time, UBank leveraged cloud-based online platform, Genero, which connects brands to a creative community of more than 350,000 filmmakers, animators and editors in more than 180 countries around the world to open source ideas. UBank received more than 50 responses to the brief from creative minds locally and globally, before making a decision on who to partner with. The series of unique 15-second animations spotlight UBanks low rate home loans and no ongoing fees to home buyers across Australia in a playful and memorable way. Says Jo Kelly, CMO, UBank: As a digital only bank, our mandate has always been to disrupt traditional banking and this includes the way we communicate with our customers. We saw an opportunity to do things differently with this campaign and challenge perception of the home loan process. We are excited to be leveraging the power of the wider creative community to help us bring our brand positioning to life through animation, create a seamless look and feel and highlight the simpler, smarter solutions available to home buyers around Australia. Leveraging the speed and quality of the creative network, UBank was also able to fast track delivery of the campaign into market in less than four weeks. The short animations celebrate four of UBanks home loan differentiators: UBanks online home loan application form can be done in four minutes; UBank has no ongoing fees; UBank offers low rate home loans from 3.74% p.a.; and UBank offers variable investor home loan rates from 4.09% p.a. After launching with a TVC on Channel 9 Today Show yesterday morning, the campaign will now run through to the end of November 2018. The TVC will air across all major free-to-air networks, select tier two stations as well as digital channels. Supporting creative will appear on a number of high traffic news sites including domain.com.au, news.com.au and realestate.com.au. All digital media placements will be managed by Bohemia. Client: UBank Chief Marketing Officer: Jo Kelly Marketing Manager: Clem Hall Brand Manager: Julie Burke Media Agency: Bohemia Production Platform: Genero Director: Sarah and Lachlan Dean Producer: Sarah and Lachlan Dean Edit: Sarah and Lachlan Dean Voice Over: Jennifer Mary Sound design and production: Big Ears Audio Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 8:36AM By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla We have new Google Pixels coming! These are still premium devices and apparently in short supply (some are already out of stock). For this year, Google has made the Pixels water resistant and it has improved the quick charging functionality. New OLED displays are brighter and more saturated and the Pixel 2 XL has a lot of the display technology from the LG V30, including a semi bezel-free screen with no notches. Design has been refined with a slimmer body and more rounded corners but at the expense of a headphone jack. Google will include a USB-C adapter for headphone jacks. The Pixel 2 colours this year are rather striking and the kind of blue is really attractive. The Pixel 2 XL is more austere with a new black and white (panda) colour. The new Pixel 2 phones look and feel premium, but not at the level of a Samsung Note 8 or an iPhone 8. Still, they seem durable, are designed for one-handed use and also feature a new UI which features truly stunning live wallpapers that simulate video. There are now front-firing stereo speakers, no doubt a feature suggested by HTC which used to market these as BoomSound speakers. I didn't have much time to test the camera, but in the poorly lit demo room conditions, I don't think I could get a real sense of what it could do. Google says they can enable portrait mode photography without needing two cameras. Using their computational photography as well as machine learning, the Pixels can now recreate 'bokeh' accurately for both the rear and front camera. I have not doubt this camera is exceptional. While DXO Mark is suspect, there must be some veracity to the high rating an I will certainly look forward to testing the Pixel 2 camera at length. It is interesting to note that Google rarely discussed Android, apps or Oreo during its keynote. The whole message was that the company is going beyond the limitations of mobile. The Pixel family may be the pinnacle of Android devices in terms of hardware and software but also AI and machine learning, which is more powerful. Exclusive features like Google Lens and being able to squeeze the sides of the Pixel 2 to invoke Google Assistant set the Pixel apart from the gaggle of premium smartphones. For the Pixel 2 devices to really resonate in the market, they need to be readily available and accessible (an issue that hounded the original Pixels, something that Google VP Rick Osterloh noted during his keynote). Both Pixels look like solid, well-realized devices. IF marketed properly and made available widely, they should propel Google's mobile strategy forward nicely. "One of the challenges in this space is for the police and other front line organisations, who are coming into contact with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to be open to reflecting on rigorously reviewing their practices and procedures to make sure they're not inadvertently, or indeed overtly, discriminating against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people," Ms Taylor said. He said he did not contact the police on finding the guns because he knew he was the subject of a warrant after failing to appear at court on an earlier charge, court documents said. "The benefits [of the private sector] are you have autonomy, you can control your hours of work, you can have a lot more choice about what sort of patients you might wish to treat," Dr Saboisky said. On Monday afternoon, within half an hour of that first phone call, DFAT in Canberra made contact with its Los Angeles consulate-general, which is responsible for Las Vegas. By 6pm, Australian diplomats in the United States were calling local hospitals and police to see if any Australians had been caught up in the shooting. The British and Canadian consulates were also contacted to see if any dual nationals were involved. THIS WEEK IN CAPE BRETON: Raising the peace flag, reviewing future plans for Centre 200 and more SYDNEY During a time of conflict around the world and with racial tensions on the rise in many parts, its clear there are those who want to find a bright, positive light wherever they can. Over the next several days, the YMCA of Cape Breton will ... Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact. Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here. Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing. You are our people. You Care. We Care2. Petrol heads from all over the world continue to be impressed by the latest Honda Civic Type R, and its not hard to see why. First of all, if you dont hear it, then youll definitely see it coming from a mile away, as it has a very aggressive design, meant to underline its super hatch abilities. Moreover, the car is very agile around corners, it drives good, and it packs quite a punch from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that feeds 315hp and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, which is the sole choice. It also has the ability of going from naught to 62mph (100km/h) in 5.7 seconds, and up to a top speed of 169mph (272km/h), and it will do this while averaging 31 US mpg (37 UK mpg / 7.7 l/100 km); CO2 emissions stop at 176 g/km. The new-gen Honda Civic Type R looks very much in its element on the track, as the video that follows proves. It was shot recently at the Autobahn Country Club, in Joliet, Illinois, and the man holding the wheel ended up falling in love with the Japanese hot hatch. VIDEO What does it take for someone to rescue a flooded exotic car such as the Ferrari FF a good selling price, plenty of cash, and the necessary know-how? In the case of this particular example, listed on Copart, the former is not an option any more, as at the time of writing, the bid had already reached $59,500, and the sellers reserve was not met, so if it sells, it wont exactly be a bargain. The vendor provides absolutely no details as to how this Ferrari FF ended up in an extremely wet situation, as the only things known are that its located in Newburgh, New York, and that it has 7,367 miles (11,856km) on the clock. Its also mentioned that it runs and drives, and its value is estimated at $238,920, but FFs offered for sale commonly change hands for $200,000, and thats without being affected by water. So, despite looking like an easy flip, is this Ferrari FF worth saving, or should someone interested save their money for a different project? PHOTO GALLERY Photo: CTV Two areas of the Cariboo Region that were severely impacted by wildfires this summer will be closed to moose hunting It may be hunting season but not all critters are fair game. Two areas of the Cariboo Region that were severely impacted by wildfires this summer will be closed to moose hunting from Oct. 15th to Nov. 15th. Zones A and C in the Cariboo contain high-quality moose habitat that was severely affected by the Chilcotin Plateau Fire. In addition, the area is important to First Nations for sustenance hunting. Closure of these zones applies to all licensed hunting, including resident and guided hunters. The moose hunting closure announced today is for an area immediately north of Highway 20 and west of Williams Lake and Quesnel. The closure was recommended by ministry biologists and comes on the heels of a ban on motor vehicles for the purpose of licensed hunting within the Chilcotin Plateau and Hanceville-Riske Creek area last week. These measures were a first step to mitigate wildlife vulnerability to hunters as a result of increased access and sight lines following the burning of major tracts of forest this past summer. "This has been an unprecedented wildfire season, with parts the Cariboo particularly hard hit. With moose populations already declining in this management zone, we need to take steps now to protect wildlife and ensure healthy moose populations in the future, said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. The areas impacted by today's hunting ban will be assessed over the winter to determine what levels of sustainable hunting opportunity will be available in the coming years. A map of Zones A, B, and C of management unit 5-13 can be accessed online. Photo: The Canadian Press The Prime Minister has taken to social media to accuse opponents of "stoking national divisions" through their reactions to TransCanada's decision to cancel its Energy East Pipeline plans. Justin Trudeau says in a Facebook post Saturday that critics who attribute the proposed project's cancellation to government regulation "ignores the obvious." "Aside from its being intellectually dishonest, the reflexive stoking of regional tensions is a political dead end. The Conservative party, formerly the Reform Party, trod that road in its infancy. It was a road better left abandoned," Trudeau stated in the post. Trudeau also pointed out that when Energy East was first proposed, the global supply of crude was relatively tight. He ended the post with a warning that festering regional tensions bound the country in "paralyzing unity debates" from the 1970s through the 1990s. "Let's not go backwards, simply because speaking from anger is an easy response to disappointing news," Trudeau said. Conservative MP Michelle Rempel, who represents a Calgary riding, responded that if there are regional divisions that arise from government policy, Trudeau must take the blame. "I've watched them go the wall for Bombardier, yet my province has been suffering for two years now and there's been very little focus in doing anything for it," Rempel said in an interview Saturday. The pipeline would have carried western crude from the Alberta oilsands to the Irving Oil refinery in Saint John, NB, as well as an export terminal, but TransCanada cancelled it Thursday, citing changed circumstances. TransCanada said in a letter to the National Energy Board that it was abandoning the project because of the board's decision to allow hearings to consider greenhouse gas emissions from producing and processing the oil it transports in the pipeline. The premiers of Alberta and New Brunswick have expressed disappointment, while Quebec politicians, along with Indigenous and environmental groups, welcome the project's demise. Trudeau noted Saturday that his government has approved two major oil export pipelines that are under now under construction, and that a third is expected to move forward soon. He said Canadians "deserve better than a discussion in which leaders leap to capitalize on perceived regional slights, regardless of context or facts." "We don't get far we never have gotten far by pitting one region against another, or one group against another. We succeed when we work together, as Canadians. And that absolutely requires a give and take," Trudeau said in the post. The Conservatives have said TransCanada's decision to cancel the project is the result of what they call ''disastrous'' Liberal energy policy. Rempel said that when she in the previous Conservative government, former prime minister Stephen Harper urged ministers to make sure their policy decisions were always in the best interest of the entire country. "A strong Alberta has always been a strong Canada, just as a strong Quebec has always been a strong Canada," Rempel said. Some industry analysts have questioned the need for the Energy East project after other pipelines were green-lighted, such as TransCanada's Keystone XL project, which received U.S. approval to transport oil from Alberta to the U.S. Gulf Coast. Colton Davies UPDATE: 8:50 p.m. West Kelowna Fire Rescue said a house fire that gutted a residence on Old Raven Road on Saturday is not suspicious in nature. Assistant Fire Chief Brent Watson said crews were called shortly after 3:00 p.m. to the house fire, and were forced to compete with gusty winds, thick smoke and what he called "difficult access to the home." Fire crews said they were able to quickly knock down the flames, which were highly visible from several kilometres away when the blaze broke out. Severe damage was sustained to the home, which included the roof being fully burned off. Several occupants and pets were home at the time of the blaze and all were able to get out safely, according to fire crews. ORIGINAL: 3:45 p.m. A West Kelowna home has reportedly been destroyed due to a fire that broke out this afternoon. Fire crews were originally called to the home on Old Raven Road at about 3:15 p.m. Flames and a large amount of smoke was visible from Highway 97, several blocks away. A witness says the fire appears to be "almost out." It is not yet known if anyone was home at the time of the blaze, nor is it clear how it began. More information when it becomes available. Photo: Contributed An eight-hour standoff between a man and officers with the Vancouver Police Department ended peacefully on Saturday afternoon. VPD officers received reports of a man in a crisis at about 6:00 a.m., in a residence near Comox Street and Chilco Street. The man threw items from his apartment while in a state of distress, causing minor damage to parked vehicles below The man surrendered to the officers at about 2:00 p.m. Police said no one was injured during the standoff. Criminal charges of mischief are being recommended against the man. Photo: The Canadian Press Vice-President Mike Pence praised the heroic response by police and the resolve of the American people at a prayer service Saturday in Las Vegas before organizers released 59 white doves in memory of each victim killed in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. At the same time, federal agents started hauling away piles of backpacks, baby strollers and lawn chairs left behind by fleeing concertgoers who scrambled to escape raining bullets from a gunman who was shooting from his high-rise hotel suite. "It was a tragedy of unimaginable proportions," Pence said as he addressed nearly 300 people at Las Vegas City Hall. "Those we lost were taken before their time, but their names and their stories will forever be etched into the hearts of the American people." Investigators have remained stumped about what drove gunman Stephen Paddock, a reclusive 64-year-old high-stakes video poker player, to begin shooting at the crowd at a country music festival from his 32nd-floor Mandalay Bay hotel suite last Sunday, killing 58 and wounding hundreds before taking his own life. The unity service Saturday afternoon came after dozens of people many wearing shirts that said "Vegas Strong" marched from Mandalay Bay to City Hall. After speeches from Pence and other politicians, doves were released into the air, flying in a wide arc and then disappearing into the distance as someone shouted, "God bless America!" "On Sunday night, Las Vegas came face-to-face with pure evil, but no evil, no act of violence, will ever diminish the strength and goodness of the American people," Pence said. "In the depths of horror, we will always find hope in the men and women who risk their lives for ours." Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman told the audience that the focus needs to remain on the victims, not "that horrific senseless animal." Lisa Rhoads-Shook, whose brother-in-law was inside the Mandalay Bay when the shooting broke out, said she wanted to attend the unity service to be part of the conversation about change. "I'm so sad and it's not fair, really, for us to experience another avoidable tragedy. We have to acknowledge that there is no better time to talk about gun control," she said. "I don't think the Founding Fathers wanted the right to bear arms to become the right to build an arsenal in your home." Investigators have chased 1,000 leads and examined Paddock's politics, finances, any possible radicalization and his social behaviour typical investigative avenues that have helped uncover the motive in past shootings. But Clark County Undersheriff Kevin McMahill said there's still no clear motive. What officers have found is that Paddock planned his attack meticulously. He requested an upper-floor room overlooking the festival, stockpiled 23 guns, a dozen of them modified to fire continuously like an automatic weapon, and set up cameras inside and outside his room to watch for approaching officers. Photo: CTV A sewage pipe clogged by a 'fatberg' in Metro Vancouver. Officials in Metro Vancouver are sending a message to people in the region for properly disposing grease this Thanksgiving weekend. A campaign called 'wipe it, green bin it' was launched on Friday, to encourage people to dispose of grease in compost bins and not down the drain. Washing grease down the drain, officials said, leads to solidified grease build-ups in sewage pipes which they call 'fatbergs'. Municipalities collectively spend $2 million annually to clean up fatbergs, which involves unblocking pipes and repairing infrastructure, according to one official. Putting grease down the drain can cause big problems, not only for municipal sewers but also for household plumbing systems, Darrell Mussatto said, Mayor of North Vancouver and chair of Metro Vancouver's utilities committee. He added that preventing the build-ups in sewers is as simple as wiping grease with paper towels and putting it in green bins, as opposed to rinsing grease down the drain. Other common creators for the fat masses include lard, butter, shortening, cooking oil and meat drippings. As we celebrate Thanksgiving with fat-rich foods like gravy and roast turkey, we hope residents will use this easy method to dispose of their oil and cooking fats," Mussatto said. Using garburators is also discouraged by officials, who note that disposing material from garburators is 10-times more costly than composting materials in green bins. - with files from CTV Vancouver Blog Archive Nov 2022 (29) Oct 2022 (64) Sep 2022 (60) Aug 2022 (61) Jul 2022 (55) Jun 2022 (60) May 2022 (73) Apr 2022 (60) Mar 2022 (58) Feb 2022 (65) Jan 2022 (69) Dec 2021 (106) Nov 2021 (84) Oct 2021 (58) Sep 2021 (67) Aug 2021 (62) Jul 2021 (54) Jun 2021 (50) May 2021 (58) Apr 2021 (44) Mar 2021 (57) Feb 2021 (64) Jan 2021 (93) Dec 2020 (82) Nov 2020 (62) Oct 2020 (50) Sep 2020 (45) Aug 2020 (51) Jul 2020 (56) Jun 2020 (53) May 2020 (70) Apr 2020 (66) Mar 2020 (169) Feb 2020 (211) Jan 2020 (184) Dec 2019 (54) Nov 2019 (56) Oct 2019 (55) Sep 2019 (63) Aug 2019 (54) Jul 2019 (69) Jun 2019 (56) May 2019 (65) Apr 2019 (68) Mar 2019 (72) Feb 2019 (76) Jan 2019 (62) Dec 2018 (55) Nov 2018 (69) Oct 2018 (90) Sep 2018 (82) Aug 2018 (58) Jul 2018 (36) Jun 2018 (47) May 2018 (44) Apr 2018 (64) Mar 2018 (63) Feb 2018 (68) Jan 2018 (92) Dec 2017 (85) Nov 2017 (64) Oct 2017 (82) Sep 2017 (54) Aug 2017 (89) Jul 2017 (60) Jun 2017 (86) May 2017 (84) Apr 2017 (62) Mar 2017 (86) Feb 2017 (91) Jan 2017 (113) Dec 2016 (109) Nov 2016 (100) Oct 2016 (82) Sep 2016 (95) Aug 2016 (84) Jul 2016 (84) Jun 2016 (99) May 2016 (93) Apr 2016 (106) Mar 2016 (145) Feb 2016 (125) Jan 2016 (103) Dec 2015 (83) Nov 2015 (80) Oct 2015 (100) Sep 2015 (111) Aug 2015 (94) Jul 2015 (98) Jun 2015 (151) May 2015 (125) Apr 2015 (109) Mar 2015 (122) Feb 2015 (113) Jan 2015 (135) Dec 2014 (131) Nov 2014 (115) Oct 2014 (146) Sep 2014 (112) Aug 2014 (128) Jul 2014 (94) Jun 2014 (104) May 2014 (140) Apr 2014 (132) Mar 2014 (81) Feb 2014 (89) Jan 2014 (141) Dec 2013 (100) Nov 2013 (96) Oct 2013 (99) Sep 2013 (94) Aug 2013 (95) Jul 2013 (95) Jun 2013 (91) May 2013 (139) Apr 2013 (179) Mar 2013 (73) Feb 2013 (76) Jan 2013 (85) Dec 2012 (59) Nov 2012 (71) Oct 2012 (85) Sep 2012 (70) Aug 2012 (71) Jul 2012 (53) Jun 2012 (51) May 2012 (52) Apr 2012 (52) Mar 2012 (69) Feb 2012 (76) Jan 2012 (70) Dec 2011 (60) Nov 2011 (54) Oct 2011 (57) Sep 2011 (75) Aug 2011 (72) Jul 2011 (64) Jun 2011 (76) May 2011 (56) Apr 2011 (73) Mar 2011 (114) Feb 2011 (71) Jan 2011 (80) Dec 2010 (92) Nov 2010 (82) Oct 2010 (73) Sep 2010 (95) Aug 2010 (86) Jul 2010 (81) Jun 2010 (76) May 2010 (71) Apr 2010 (74) Mar 2010 (74) Feb 2010 (82) Jan 2010 (101) Dec 2009 (108) Nov 2009 (182) Oct 2009 (136) Sep 2009 (102) Aug 2009 (120) Jul 2009 (151) Jun 2009 (136) May 2009 (180) Apr 2009 (145) Mar 2009 (113) Feb 2009 (113) Jan 2009 (124) Dec 2008 (108) Nov 2008 (69) Oct 2008 (89) Sep 2008 (76) Aug 2008 (75) Jul 2008 (87) Jun 2008 (80) May 2008 (99) Apr 2008 (93) Mar 2008 (115) Feb 2008 (147) Jan 2008 (162) Dec 2007 (124) Nov 2007 (95) Oct 2007 (67) Sep 2007 (42) Aug 2007 (78) Jul 2007 (75) Jun 2007 (123) May 2007 (110) Apr 2007 (108) Mar 2007 (92) Feb 2007 (136) Jan 2007 (119) Dec 2006 (41) Nov 2006 (34) Oct 2006 (12) Sep 2006 (13) Aug 2006 (13) Jul 2006 (16) Jun 2006 (12) May 2006 (21) Apr 2006 (38) Mar 2006 (27) Feb 2006 (25) Jan 2006 (18) Photo: Twitter The troubled inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls continues to face shakeup. Chief commissioner Marion Buller announced Saturday that the inquiry's director of research is leaving next month and the commission's lead counsel has also resigned. The announcement came a day after the inquiry named a new executive director. Buller announced late Friday that former Assembly of First Nations adviser Debbie Reid has taken the job. Reid is from the Skownan First Nation in Manitoba. She was a special adviser to Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine when he held the job and she's also worked for the federal government. The inquiry has run into troubled waters in recent months with criticism that victims' families weren't being adequately consulted about the shape of the inquiry. One of the inquiry's commissioners and the previous executive director resigned in the wake of the criticism. There were subsequent calls for a more profound shakeup with one prominent Manitoba First Nations chief even calling for Buller to leave. The federal government gave the inquiry a budget of about $53.8 million and set a deadline for its work to be done by the end of next year. Photo: The Canadian Press "Saturday Night Live" has paid tribute to victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting and the late rock superstar Tom Petty by opening its show with country star Jason Aldean singing one of Petty's songs. Aldean performed "I Won't Back Down" during the live opening Saturday night and then introduced the show. Aldean was performing at an outdoor concert in Las Vegas last Sunday night when a gunman sprayed bullets into the crowd from a high-rise hotel, killing 58 people and injuring nearly 500. Petty died the next day in Los Angeles after suffering cardiac arrest. Photo: The Canadian Press Just 24 per cent of Americans believe the country is heading in the right direction after a tumultuous stretch for President Donald Trump that included the threat of war with North Korea, stormy complaints about hurricane relief and Trump's equivocating about white supremacists. That's a 10-point drop since June, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The decline in optimism about the nation's trajectory is particularly pronounced among Republicans. In June, 60 per cent of Republicans said the country was headed in the right direction; now it's just 44 per cent. The broader picture for the president is grim, too. Nearly 70 per cent of Americans say Trump isn't level-headed, and majorities say he's not honest or a strong leader. More than 60 per cent disapprove of how he is handling race relations, foreign policy and immigration, among other issues. Overall, 67 per cent of Americans disapprove of the job Trump is doing in office, including about one-third of Republicans. Tracy Huelsman, a 40-year-old from Louisville, Kentucky, is among them. A self-described moderate Republican, Huelsman said she's particularly concerned about the "divisiveness" she feels the president promotes on social media. "It's scary in 2017 that we are in what seems like a worse place in terms of division," said Huelsman, who did not vote for Trump in last year's election. Of all the issues surveyed by the AP-NORC poll, the president performs slightly better on the economy. But even there, 56 per cent disapprove of the job he's doing and just 42 per cent say they approve. Ninety-two per cent of Democrats and 69 per cent of independents say Trump understands the problems of people like them not very or not at all well. Even among Republicans, only 42 per cent say he understands them very well, while 32 per cent say he does moderately well. Photo: CTV Ontario's police watchdog says two people killed Thursday when a car that was being chased by police slammed into a transport truck were teens from southwestern Ontario. The Special Investigations Unit says 15-year-old Nathan Wehrle of Cambridge, Ont., and 16-year-old Taryn Hewitt of London, Ont., were killed when their car hit the truck head-on in rural Hamilton. Investigators say a car was being followed by Waterloo regional police and collided head-on with a transport truck on Highway 6, killing the male driver and a female passenger. Waterloo police previously said the force got a call Thursday morning from a concerned citizen reporting the possible abduction of a woman from Cambridge, Ont., -- but when police tried to pull the vehicle over, it didn't stop. They say police pursued the car and a short time later, it slammed into a truck, killing the two occupants of the car. The truck driver wasn't injured. Police have not said whether the reports that a woman was abducted were substantiated. Photo: The Canadian Press Chief police investigator Jens Moeller Danish divers found the decapitated head, legs and clothes of a Swedish journalist who was killed after going on a trip with an inventor on his submarine, police said Saturday. The body parts and clothing were found Friday in plastic bags with a knife and "heavy metal pieces" to make them sink near where 30-year-old Kim Wall's naked, headless torso was found in August, Copenhagen police investigator Jens Moeller Jensen said. Moeller Jensen said there were no fractures to Wall's skull and he declined to comment on the discovery of the knife. Peter Madsen, the 46-year-old Danish inventor who is in pre-trial detention on preliminary manslaughter charges, has said Wall died after being accidentally hit by a 70-kilogram hatch on the UC3 Nautilus submarine, after which he "buried" her at sea. But police have said 15 stab wounds were on the torso found at sea off Copenhagen on Aug. 21. Her arms are still missing. Wall's cause of death hasn't yet been established yet. The detention of Madsen, who has denied manslaughter charges, expires Oct. 31 when a court will decide if he will continue to remain in custody ahead of a possible trial. He is also being held on preliminary charges of the indecent handling of a corpse. Police believe the pair didn't know each other beforehand. Wall was working on a story about Madsen, who dreamed of launching a manned space mission. She was last seen alive on Aug. 10 aboard the 40-ton submarine as it left Copenhagen. The following day, Madsen was rescued from the sinking submarine without Wall and was arrested the same day. Police believe he deliberately scuttled the vessel. During their investigation, police have found videos on Madsen's personal computer of women being tortured, decapitated and murdered. The videos were considered to be real, according to prosecutor Jakob Buch-Jepsen. Photo: Getty Images A 12-year-old boy in Manitoba faces numerous charges after police allege he crashed a stolen car into a bus, sending the bus smashing into a building. Police in Brandon say the car was reported stolen from a home in the city on Friday afternoon. They say it went through a red light and struck a transit bus, causing the bus to hit a nearby building. Police say the bus had to be left where it was overnight due to fears the building could collapse if it was removed. Residents in an upstairs home in the building had to be relocated. Police say the boy will be charged with stealing a vehicle along with other highway traffic offences. Photo: Contributed The BC Wildfire Service is reminding the public to be more diligent after several abandoned campfires were discovered in the Cariboo over the past two weeks. Anyone lighting a campfire must fully extinguish it and ensure the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the site for any length of time. Failure to do so could result in a hefty fine. Temperatures in the Cariboo are expected to cool over the next few days, but little rain is anticipated, and gusty winds are in the forecast, which could blow sparks into the forest. Campfires are currently allowed in the Cariboo Fire Centre, but larger Category 2 and 3 open fires remain prohibited. Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition could be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the campfire causes a wildfire, the violator may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs. To report an abandoned campfire, wildfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone. Photo: CTV Luka Gordic's parents, Clara and Mitch Gordic. The Crown will seek adult sentences for three youths found guilty in the death of 19-year-old Luka Gordic. Gordic was swarmed by a mob and stabbed in Whistler in 2015. When the events happened, they were close to being adults, and its also a reflection of the seriousness of the charge, said Crown counsel Henry Reiner. The three men, who were all 17 at the time of the attack, were found guilty Friday in B.C. Supreme Court. One was convicted of second-degree murder, the others of manslaughter. Were happy with the judges decision, Gordics mother, Clara, told reporters. We relive this every day. Tensions were high as Gordics family and friends exchanged words in the courtroom with the families of the accused, some yelling and banging on the glass separating the accused from the gallery. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday. with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: The Canadian Press Hundreds of thousands of people marched in Barcelona in favour of remaining part of Spain. Hundreds of thousands of people rallied Sunday in downtown Barcelona to protest against the plans of Catalonia's regional government to secede from the rest of Spain. The march was the largest pro-union showing since the rise of separatist sentiment in the prosperous northeastern region that has pushed Spain to the brink of a national crisis. Barcelona police said 350,000 people participated, while march organizers Societat Civil Catalana said that 930,000 people turned out. Those numbers resemble the pro-independence rallies that Barcelona has seen in recent years. Many in the crowd who marched through the city centre under the slogan of "Let's recover our common sense!" carried Spanish, Catalan and European Union flags. Some chanted "Don't be fooled, Catalonia is Spain" and called for Catalan president Carles Puigdemont to go to prison. Sunday's rally comes a week after the Catalan government went ahead and held a referendum on secession that Spain's top court had suspended and the Spanish government said was illegal. Catalan authorities say the "Yes" side won the referendum with 90 per cent of the vote, though only 43 per cent of the region's 5.3 million eligible voters turned out in polling that was marred by police raids of polling stations on orders to confiscate ballot boxes. Puigdemont has pledged to push ahead for independence anyway and is set to address the regional parliament on Tuesday "to report on the current political situation." Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy vows that his government will not allow Catalonia, which represents a fifth of Spain's economy, to break away from the rest of the country. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Pais published Sunday, Rajoy said that he will consider employing any measure "allowed by the law" to stop the region's separatists. Rajoy said that includes the application of Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, which would allow the central government to take control of the governance of a region "if the regional government does not comply with the obligations of the Constitution." "The ideal situation would be that I don't have to find drastic solutions, but for that to happen there will have to be some rectifications (by Catalan leaders)," Rajoy said. Rallies were held Saturday in Madrid, Barcelona and other cities to demand that Rajoy and Puigdemont negotiate to find a solution to Spain's worst political crisis in nearly four decades. Pro-union forces hope to gather steam with Sunday's protest in Barcelona after a series of large businesses, including Catalonia's top two banks, announced they were relocating their headquarters to other parts of Spain. Other companies are reportedly considering leaving Catalonia to avoid being cast out of the European Union and its common market in the case of secession. "I hope that nothing will happen. Because (Catalonia) is going to lose more than (Spain) because businesses are fleeing from here already," said protester Juliana Prats, a Barcelona resident. "I hope it will remain like it has been up until now, 40 years of peace." The rally drew Spaniards from outside the northeastern region to the Catalan capital. One group held a large banner boasting "Marbella," a town on Spain's southern coast. An AP reporter spoke with another man who had come from the northern Basque Country region. Nobel Literature Prize laureate Mario Vargas Llosa and former president of the European Parliament Josep Borrell addressed the rally. "Besides Catalans, there are thousands of men and women from all corners of Spain who have come to tell their Catalan companions that they are not alone," said Llosa, who took on Spanish citizenship in addition to that of his native Peru in 1993. "We want Barcelona to once again be the capital of Spanish culture." Borrell added that: "Catalonia is not a state like Kosovo where rights were systematically violated." The most recent polls taken before the referendum showed that Catalonia's 7.5 million residents were roughly split over secession, while a majority would support an official referendum on independence if it were condoned by Spanish authorities Rajoy's government has repeatedly refused to grant Catalonia permission to hold a referendum on grounds that it is unconstitutional since it would only poll a portion of Spain's 46 million residents. Catalonia's separatists camp has grown in recent years, strengthened by Spain's recent economic crisis and by Madrid's rejection of attempts to increase self-rule in the region. Photo: Nicholas Johansen A vehicle left Highway 97C late Saturday night. UPDATE: 10:10 a.m. There are reports of a single vehicle rollover on Highway 97C just before 10 a.m. Emergency service vehicles were responding. ORIGINAL STORY: 8:09 a.m. Beware of conditions on the Okanagan Connector. Drive BC warns of compact snow with slippery sections from the junction with Highway 5A, at Aspen Grove to the Pennask Summit, and from the summit to Brenda Mine Road exit. Emergency vehicles were called out after 10 p.m. Saturday to a vehicle that had gone off Highway 97C and flipped over. Although West Kelowna fire crews were called to the scene they were turned back because no extrication was needed, said an official. Photo: The Canadian Press Hurricane Nate weakened into a storm when it hit the shore. Hurricane Nate brought a burst of flooding and power outages to the U.S. Gulf Coast before weakening rapidly Sunday, sparing the region the kind of catastrophic damage wreaked by series of hurricanes that hit the southern U.S. and Caribbean in recent weeks. Nate the first hurricane to make landfall in Mississippi since Katrina in 2005 quickly lost power, with its winds diminishing to a tropical depression as it pushed northward into Alabama and toward Georgia with heavy rains. It was a Category 1 hurricane at landfall outside Biloxi early Sunday. The storm surge from the Mississippi Sound littered Biloxi's main beachfront highway with debris and flooded a casino's lobby and parking structure overnight. By dawn, however, Nate's receding floodwaters didn't reveal any obvious signs of widespread damage in the city where Hurricane Katrina had levelled thousands of beachfront homes and businesses. After daybreak, Sean Stewart checked on his father's sailboat at a Biloxi marina. Another sailboat had sunk, with its sail still fluttering in Nate's diminishing winds, but Stewart was relieved to find his father's boat intact. "I got lucky on this one," he said. Nate didn't approach the intensity of other recent hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria that left behind death and destruction during 2017's exceptionally busy hurricane season. "We are thankful because this looked like it was going to be a freight train barrelling through the city," said Vincent Creel, a spokesman for the city of Biloxi. More than 100,000 residents in Mississippi and Alabama were without power Sunday morning, but no storm-related deaths or injuries were immediately reported in those states or in Louisiana. In Alabama, Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier said he woke up around 3 a.m. Sunday to discover knee-deep water in his yard. Although some homes and cars on the island had flooded, Collier said he hadn't heard of any reports of residents needing to be rescued. "We didn't think it would be quite that bad," he said. "It kind of snuck up on us in the wee hours of the morning." At landfall in Mississippi, the fast-moving storm had maximum sustained winds near 85 mph (140 kph), the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said. Nate was steadily weakening after making its first landfall in a sparsely populated area of Plaquemines Parish. As of 11 a.m. EDT, the centre of Nate was near Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (56 kph). The hurricane centre said the depression was moving toward the north-northeast near 24 mph (39 kph). Nate was expected to bring 3 to 6 inches of rain to the Deep South, eastern Tennessee Valley and southern Appalachians through Monday. The Ohio Valley and central Appalachians could also get heavy rain. Photo: CTV Three people died in a house fire in Quebec on Sunday. Quebec provincial police say a woman and her two young children are dead after a fire in the small town of Cap-Chat in eastern Quebec. Police say the 37-year-old woman and her two one-year-old children were pronounced dead in hospital after the fire broke out in their home in the town on the Gaspe Peninsula. They say emergency services were called to the fire at about 4 a.m. Sunday. Police spokeswoman Helene Nepton says a dozen neighbours were evacuated, none of whom were hurt. The major crimes unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire. Photo: confidentlyliving Hundreds of zombies have gathered for annual walk in New Jersey. Hundreds of undead people have gathered at the New Jersey shore to take part in an annual zombie walk. The event was staged Saturday in Asbury Park and featured a variety of mutated characters, including four undead Disney princesses and gory nurses. A zombie Donald Trump pushed a tombstone with his name on it and threw paper towels into the crowd while asking, "Does anyone need saving?" Walk organizers tout the event as one of the biggest gatherings of the undead on the planet. Most participants apply their own ghoulish makeup before arriving, but others get their look done on scene from professional makeup artists. Security was beefed up for the event following the mass shooting in Las Vegas, and organizers banned the use of prop weapons. Photo: CTV Jennifer McCrea of Calgary is seeking sickness benefits from the federal government. Federal lawyers have racked up a legal bill of more than $2.36 million fighting a group of women who allegedly were wrongly denied sickness benefits while they were on maternity leave. The costs, revealed in an access to information request filed by The Canadian Press, show the Justice Department added about $300,000 to its bill between early 2016 and last June to fight a case the Liberals once vowed to drop. That brings the total federal bill on the case to more than $2.5 million when factoring in previously released costs from a second department involved in the litigation. Jennifer McCrea, the woman at the centre of the case, and her lawyer wonder why the government can't end their case when it settled with former Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Khadr for $10.5 million and offered up to $750 million to victims of the 60s Scoop, where Indigenous children were taken from their homes and placed with non-native families. "It's the only right thing to do and I believe in the strength of our case," said lawyer Stephen Moreau. "I have yet to see a reason why they wouldn't come through on this promise, other than the fact that they're taking a long time. That's the only thing that gives me some pause." McCrea said she hasn't given up hope the Liberals will settle, as the party promised at the end of the 2015 election, but admits it may finally mean getting their day in court. "I'm upset that this is taking so long," she said. "I'm in too deep and too long to give up on it, so absolutely we intend to continue the fight. It's just very slow and painful." It was two years ago this weekend, just over a week before voting day, that the NDP and Liberals vowed to immediately drop opposition to the case if either became government. Instead, Moreau said, the Liberals, like the previous Conservative government, continue to fight every element of the case. Parliament decided in 2002 to allow those who were diagnosed with cancer, for instance, to access 15 extra weeks of employment insurance payments in addition to a year's worth of maternity leave benefits. McCrea was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2011, while she was on maternity leave with her youngest son, Logan, who was eight months old at the time. She had a double mastectomy in August 2011 and was deemed cancer-free shortly afterwards. But she was denied sickness benefits. Her claim alleges thousands of others were also denied between 2002 and 2013 when the Tories further clarified the law although the exact number of women affected isn't clear because it would require searching through millions of paper EI files. Federal lawyers are now looking to limit the potential number of additional women who may be part of the $450-million class-action lawsuit in the latest procedural wrangling. A hearing about whether to expand the definition of who is part of the class action is scheduled for early January. Photo: Twitter/MSNBC Engine looked like this before the Air France plane landed safely. Aviation investigators say pieces of an engine lost by an Air France plane that was forced to land in Labrador about a week ago have been recovered in Greenland. The debris fell from an Air France jet during a Paris-to-Los Angeles flight that was diverted to Goose Bay, N.L., on Oct. 1 following major damage to one of the plane's engines. France's BEA air accident agency says it used flight recorder data to identify a search area in Greenland for the parts. The agency says a helicopter of Air Greenland recovered pieces of the engine on Friday, which are being forwarded to French aviation investigators. The BEA says searchers are trying to find other fallen engine parts, but snowy conditions in Greenland have hampered the recovery effort. French officials say observations of the aircraft suggest the engine's fan detached during the flight. Photo: Ray Hammond The B.C. government acknowledges homelessness is on the rise. The B.C. government has admitted homelessness is on the rise throughout the province. To mark Homelessness Action Week, Oct. 8-14, a statement from the housing and poverty reduction ministers said: "We know that homelessness is on the rise in many communities throughout British Columbia. As the cold and wet winter months approach, it's especially important to make sure that people in need have a safe, warm place to go. We are partnering with non-profit housing providers to open temporary winter shelter spaces in communities throughout B.C. Temporary shelters are not a long-term solution, according to the statement from the ministers, Selina Robinson and Shane Simpson. "That's why work is underway across government to develop a Homelessness Action Plan and a Comprehensive Housing Strategy for B.C. The government has already announced that its first step will be to provide 2,000 new modular housing units for homeless people in B.C. Also promised is 24/7 staffing and support services for the new units. The first of the units will begin rolling out this winter, according to the release. Photo: Contributed RCMP are investigating yet another shots fired incident in Surrey. Surrey RCMP have been investigating a report of shots fired the Cloverdale area of Surrey. Police believe it was a targeted incident. At approximately 10:55 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to a report of shots fired at an occupied vehicle in the 17200 block of 65th Avenue. The vehicle and a nearby residence were struck. However, thankfully no one was injured during the incident, said Sgt. Steve Pebernat, watch commander. The initial investigation has revealed that a dark coloured Chevy, possibly a Malibu, was seen fleeing the scene shortly afterward the incident, heading east on 64th Avenue. No suspect descriptions were available. Officers have been conducting a neighbourhood canvass and speaking with witnesses to obtain further information. The investigation is still in its early stages but initial indications are that this is likely a targeted incident. Anyone with information on the suspect vehicle or the incident is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502. If they wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or go online. Photo: The Canadian Press North Koreans take part in political festival outside Pyongyang headquarters. A White House aide says there's no misunderstanding what President Donald Trump means when he says "only one thing will work" to rein in North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Budget director Mick Mulvaney tells NBC that Trump's "clearly telegraphing, and this should not be news to anybody," that "military options are on the table. ... They absolutely are." Trump says years of talking to the North and providing aid haven't worked. But Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy wants Trump to "stop doing hurtful things to the country's national security, like telling the North Koreans that there is no diplomatic path for them to give up nuclear weapons." GOP Sen. Ron Johnson says "there is no viable military option. It would be horrific." The senators were on CNN. Photo: CTV A man was taken to hospital after a stabbing in downtown Vancouver early Sunday. The Vancouver Police Department is recommending charges against a 21-year-old man after a male of the same age was found suffering from a stab wound. The incident took place around Granville and Nelson streets shortly before 3:30 a.m. Sunday. The victim is in hospital suffering from non-life threatening injuries, police said. Police told CTV that charges could include aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Origins and History of Unix, 1969-1995 A notorious second-system effect often afflicts the successors of small experimental prototypes. The urge to add everything that was left out the first time around all too frequently leads to huge and overcomplicated design. Less well known, because less common, is the third-system effect; sometimes, after the second system has collapsed of its own weight, there is a chance to go back to simplicity and get it really right. The original Unix was a third system. Its grandfather was the small and simple Compatible Time-Sharing System (CTSS), either the first or second timesharing system ever deployed (depending on some definitional questions we are going to determinedly ignore). Its father was the pioneering Multics project, an attempt to create a feature-packed information utility that would gracefully support interactive timesharing of mainframe computers by large communities of users. Multics, alas, did collapse of its own weight. But Unix was born from that collapse. Genesis: 19691971 Unix was born in 1969 out of the mind of a computer scientist at Bell Laboratories, Ken Thompson. Thompson had been a researcher on the Multics project, an experience which spoiled him for the primitive batch computing that was the rule almost everywhere else. But the concept of timesharing was still a novel one in the late 1960s; the first speculations on it had been uttered barely ten years earlier by computer scientist John McCarthy (also the inventor of the Lisp language), the first actual deployment had been in 1962, seven years earlier, and timesharing operating systems were still experimental and temperamental beasts. Computer hardware was at that time more primitive than even people who were there to see it can now easily recall. The most powerful machines of the day had less computing power and internal memory than a typical cellphone of today.[13] Video display terminals were in their infancy and would not be widely deployed for another six years. The standard interactive device on the earliest timesharing systems was the ASR-33 teletype a slow, noisy device that printed upper-case-only on big rolls of yellow paper. The ASR-33 was the natural parent of the Unix tradition of terse commands and sparse responses. When Bell Labs withdrew from the Multics research consortium, Ken Thompson was left with some Multics-inspired ideas about how to build a file system. He was also left without a machine on which to play a game he had written called Space Travel, a science-fiction simulation that involved navigating a rocket through the solar system. Unix began its life on a scavenged PDP-7 minicomputer[14] like the one shown in Figure 2.1, as a platform for the Space Travel game and a testbed for Thompson's ideas about operating system design. Figure 2.1. The PDP-7. The full origin story is told in [Ritchie79] from the point of view of Thompson's first collaborator, Dennis Ritchie, the man who would become known as the co-inventor of Unix and the inventor of the C language. Dennis Ritchie, Doug McIlroy, and a few colleagues had become used to interactive computing under Multics and did not want to lose that capability. Thompson's PDP-7 operating system offered them a lifeline. Ritchie observes: What we wanted to preserve was not just a good environment in which to do programming, but a system around which a fellowship could form. We knew from experience that the essence of communal computing, as supplied by remote-access, time-shared machines, is not just to type programs into a terminal instead of a keypunch, but to encourage close communication. The theme of computers being viewed not merely as logic devices but as the nuclei of communities was in the air; 1969 was also the year the ARPANET (the direct ancestor of today's Internet) was invented. The theme of fellowship would resonate all through Unix's subsequent history. Thompson and Ritchie's Space Travel implementation attracted notice. At first, the PDP-7's software had to be cross-compiled on a GE mainframe. The utility programs that Thompson and Ritchie wrote to support hosting game development on the PDP-7 itself became the core of Unix though the name did not attach itself until 1970. The original spelling was UNICS (UNiplexed Information and Computing Service), which Ritchie later described as a somewhat treacherous pun on Multics, which stood for MULTiplexed Information and Computing Service. Even at its earliest stages, PDP-7 Unix bore a strong resemblance to today's Unixes and provided a rather more pleasant programming environment than was available anywhere else in those days of card-fed batch mainframes. Unix was very close to being the first system under which a programmer could sit down directly at a machine and compose programs on the fly, exploring possibilities and testing while composing. All through its lifetime Unix has had a pattern of growing more capabilities by attracting highly skilled volunteer efforts from programmers impatient with the limitations of other operating systems. This pattern was set early, within Bell Labs itself. The Unix tradition of lightweight development and informal methods also began at its beginning. Where Multics had been a large project with thousands of pages of technical specifications written before the hardware arrived, the first running Unix code was brainstormed by three people and implemented by Ken Thompson in two days on an obsolete machine that had been designed to be a graphics terminal for a real computer. Unix's first real job, in 1971, was to support what would now be called word processing for the Bell Labs patent department; the first Unix application was the ancestor of the nroff(1) text formatter. This project justified the purchase of a PDP-11, a much more capable minicomputer. Management remained blissfully unaware that the word-processing system that Thompson and colleagues were building was incubating an operating system. Operating systems were not in the Bell Labs plan AT&T had joined the Multics consortium precisely to avoid doing an operating system on its own. Nevertheless, the completed system was a rousing success. It established Unix as a permanent and valued part of the computing ecology at Bell Labs, and began another theme in Unix's history a close association with document-formatting, typesetting, and communications tools. The 1972 manual claimed 10 installations. Later, Doug McIlroy would write of this period [McIlroy91]: Peer pressure and simple pride in workmanship caused gobs of code to be rewritten or discarded as better or more basic ideas emerged. Professional rivalry and protection of turf were practically unknown: so many good things were happening that nobody needed to be proprietary about innovations. But it would take another quarter century for all the implications of that observation to come home. Exodus: 19711980 The original Unix operating system was written in assembler, and the applications in a mix of assembler and an interpreted language called B, which had the virtue that it was small enough to run on the PDP-7. But B was not powerful enough for systems programming, so Dennis Ritchie added data types and structures to it. The resulting C language evolved from B beginning in 1971; in 1973 Thompson and Ritchie finally succeeded in rewriting Unix in their new language. This was quite an audacious move; at the time, system programming was done in assembler in order to extract maximum performance from the hardware, and the very concept of a portable operating system was barely a gleam in anyone's eye. As late as 1979, Ritchie could write: It seems certain that much of the success of Unix follows from the readability, modifiability, and portability of its software that in turn follows from its expression in high-level languages, in the knowledge that this was a point that still needed making. A 1974 paper in Communications of the ACM [Ritchie-Thompson] gave Unix its first public exposure. In that paper, its authors described the unprecedentedly simple design of Unix, and reported over 600 Unix installations. All were on machines underpowered even by the standards of that day, but (as Ritchie and Thompson wrote) constraint has encouraged not only economy, but also a certain elegance of design. After the CACM paper, research labs and universities all over the world clamored for the chance to try out Unix themselves. Under a 1958 consent decree in settlement of an antitrust case, AT&T (the parent organization of Bell Labs) had been forbidden from entering the computer business. Unix could not, therefore, be turned into a product; indeed, under the terms of the consent decree, Bell Labs was required to license its nontelephone technology to anyone who asked. Ken Thompson quietly began answering requests by shipping out tapes and disk packs each, according to legend, with a note signed love, ken. This was years before personal computers. Not only was the hardware needed to run Unix too expensive to be within an individual's reach, but nobody imagined that would change in the foreseeable future. So Unix machines were only available by the grace of big organizations with big budgets: corporations, universities, government agencies. But use of these minicomputers was less regulated than the even-bigger mainframes, and Unix development rapidly took on a countercultural air. It was the early 1970s; the pioneering Unix programmers were shaggy hippies and hippie-wannabes. They delighted in playing with an operating system that not only offered them fascinating challenges at the leading edge of computer science, but also subverted all the technical assumptions and business practices that went with Big Computing. Card punches, COBOL, business suits, and batch IBM mainframes were the despised old wave; Unix hackers reveled in the sense that they were simultaneously building the future and flipping a finger at the system. The excitement of those days is captured in this quote from Douglas Comer: Many universities contributed to UNIX. At the University of Toronto, the department acquired a 200-dot-per-inch printer/plotter and built software that used the printer to simulate a phototypesetter. At Yale University, students and computer scientists modified the UNIX shell. At Purdue University, the Electrical Engineering Department made major improvements in performance, producing a version of UNIX that supported a larger number of users. Purdue also developed one of the first UNIX computer networks. At the University of California at Berkeley, students developed a new shell and dozens of smaller utilities. By the late 1970s, when Bell Labs released Version 7 UNIX, it was clear that the system solved the computing problems of many departments, and that it incorporated many of the ideas that had arisen in universities. The end result was a strengthened system. A tide of ideas had started a new cycle, flowing from academia to an industrial laboratory, back to academia, and finally moving on to a growing number of commercial sites [Comer]. The first Unix of which it can be said that essentially all of it would be recognizable to a modern Unix programmer was the Version 7 release in 1979.[15] The first Unix user group had formed the previous year. By this time Unix was in use for operations support all through the Bell System [Hauben], and had spread to universities as far away as Australia, where John Lions's 1976 notes [Lions] on the Version 6 source code became the first serious documentation of the Unix kernel internals. Many senior Unix hackers still treasure a copy. The Lions book was a samizdat publishing sensation. Because of copyright infringement or some such it couldn't be published in the U.S., so copies of copies seeped everywhere. I still have my copy, which was at least 6th generation. Back then you couldn't be a kernel hacker without a Lions. -- Ken Arnold The beginnings of a Unix industry were coalescing as well. The first Unix company (the Santa Cruz Operation, SCO) began operations in 1978, and the first commercial C compiler (Whitesmiths) sold that same year. By 1980 an obscure software company in Seattle was also getting into the Unix game, shipping a port of the AT&T version for microcomputers called XENIX. But Microsoft's affection for Unix as a product was not to last very long (though Unix would continue to be used for most internal development work at the company until after 1990). TCP/IP and the Unix Wars: 1980-1990 The Berkeley campus of the University of California emerged early as the single most important academic hot-spot in Unix development. Unix research had begun there in 1974, and was given a substantial impetus when Ken Thompson taught at the University during a 1975-76 sabbatical. The first BSD release had been in 1977 from a lab run by a then-unknown grad student named Bill Joy. By 1980 Berkeley was the hub of a sub-network of universities actively contributing to their variant of Unix. Ideas and code from Berkeley Unix (including the vi(1) editor) were feeding back from Berkeley to Bell Labs. Then, in 1980, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency needed a team to implement its brand-new TCP/IP protocol stack on the VAX under Unix. The PDP-10s that powered the ARPANET at that time were aging, and indications that DEC might be forced to cancel the 10 in order to support the VAX were already in the air. DARPA considered contracting DEC to implement TCP/IP, but rejected that idea because they were concerned that DEC might not be responsive to requests for changes in their proprietary VAX/VMS operating system [Libes-Ressler]. Instead, DARPA chose Berkeley Unix as a platform explicitly because its source code was available and unencumbered [Leonard]. Berkeley's Computer Science Research Group was in the right place at the right time with the strongest development tools; the result became arguably the most critical turning point in Unix's history since its invention. Until the TCP/IP implementation was released with Berkeley 4.2 in 1983, Unix had had only the weakest networking support. Early experiments with Ethernet were unsatisfactory. An ugly but serviceable facility called UUCP (Unix to Unix Copy Program) had been developed at Bell Labs for distributing software over conventional telephone lines via modem.[16] UUCP could forward Unix mail between widely separated machines, and (after Usenet was invented in 1981) supported Usenet, a distributed bulletin-board facility that allowed users to broadcast text messages to anywhere that had phone lines and Unix systems. Still, the few Unix users aware of the bright lights of the ARPANET felt like they were stuck in a backwater. No FTP, no telnet, only the most restricted remote job execution, and painfully slow links. Before TCP/IP, the Internet and Unix cultures did not mix. Dennis Ritchie's vision of computers as a way to encourage close communication was one of collegial communities clustered around individual timesharing machines or in the same computing center; it didn't extend to the continent-wide distributed network nation that ARPA users had started to form in the mid-1970s. Early ARPANETters, for their part, considered Unix a crude makeshift limping along on risibly weak hardware. After TCP/IP, everything changed. The ARPANET and Unix cultures began to merge at the edges, a development that would eventually save both from destruction. But there would be hell to pay first as the result of two unrelated disasters; the rise of Microsoft and the AT&T divestiture. In 1981, Microsoft made its historic deal with IBM over the new IBM PC. Bill Gates bought QDOS (Quick and Dirty Operating System), a clone of CP/M that its programmer Tim Paterson had thrown together in six weeks, from Paterson's employer Seattle Computer Products. Gates, concealing the IBM deal from Paterson and SCP, bought the rights for $50,000. He then talked IBM into allowing Microsoft to market MS-DOS separately from the PC hardware. Over the next decade, leveraging code he didn't write made Bill Gates a multibillionaire, and business tactics even sharper than the original deal gained Microsoft a monopoly lock on desktop computing. XENIX as a product was rapidly deep-sixed, and eventually sold to SCO. It was not apparent at the time how successful (or how destructive) Microsoft was going to be. Since the IBM PC-1 didn't have the hardware capacity to run Unix, Unix people barely noticed it at all (though, ironically enough, DOS 2.0 eclipsed CP/M largely because Microsoft's co-founder Paul Allen merged in Unix features including subdirectories and pipes). There were things that seemed much more interesting going on like the 1982 launching of Sun Microsystems. Sun Microsystems founders Bill Joy, Andreas Bechtolsheim, and Vinod Khosla set out to build a dream Unix machine with built-in networking capability. They combined hardware designed at Stanford with the Unix developed at Berkeley to produce a smashing success, and founded the workstation industry. At the time, nobody much minded watching source-code access to one branch of the Unix tree gradually dry up as Sun began to behave less like a freewheeling startup and more like a conventional firm. Berkeley was still distributing BSD with source code. Officially, System III source licenses cost $40,000 each; but Bell Labs was turning a blind eye to the number of bootleg Bell Labs Unix tapes in circulation, the universities were still swapping code with Bell Labs, and it looked like Sun's commercialization of Unix might just be the best thing to happen to it yet. 1982 was also the year that C first showed signs of establishing itself outside the Unix world as the systems-programming language of choice. It would only take about five years for C to drive machine assemblers almost completely out of use. By the early 1990s C and C++ would dominate not only systems but application programming; by the late 1990s all other conventional compiled languages would be effectively obsolete. When DEC canceled development on the PDP-10's successor machine (Jupiter) in 1983, VAXes running Unix began to take over as the dominant Internet machines, a position they would hold until being displaced by Sun workstations. By 1985, about 25% of all VAXes would be running Unix despite DEC's stiff opposition. But the longest-term effect of the Jupiter cancellation was a less obvious one; the death of the MIT AI Lab's PDP-10-centered hacker culture motivated a programmer named Richard Stallman to begin writing GNU, a complete free clone of Unix. By 1983 there were no fewer than six Unix-workalike operating systems for the IBM-PC: uNETix, Venix, Coherent, QNX, Idris, and the port hosted on the Sritek PC daughtercard. There was still no port of Unix in either the System V or BSD versions; both groups considered the 8086 microprocessor woefully underpowered and wouldn't go near it. None of the Unix-workalikes were significant as commercial successes, but they indicated a significant demand for Unix on cheap hardware that the major vendors were not supplying. No individual could afford to meet it, either, not with the $40,000 price-tag on a source-code license. Sun was already a success (with imitators!) when, in 1983, the U.S. Department of Justice won its second antitrust case against AT&T and broke up the Bell System. This relieved AT&T from the 1958 consent decree that had prevented them from turning Unix into a product. AT&T promptly rushed to commercialize Unix System Va move that nearly killed Unix. So true. But their marketing did spread Unix internationally. -- Ken Thompson Most Unix boosters thought that the divestiture was great news. We thought we saw in the post-divestiture AT&T, Sun Microsystems, and Sun's smaller imitators the nucleus of a healthy Unix industry one that, using inexpensive 68000-based workstations, would challenge and eventually break the oppressive monopoly that then loomed over the computer industry IBM's. What none of us realized at the time was that the productization of Unix would destroy the free exchanges of source code that had nurtured so much of the system's early vitality. Knowing no other model than secrecy for collecting profits from software and no other model than centralized control for developing a commercial product, AT&T clamped down hard on source-code distribution. Bootleg Unix tapes became far less interesting in the knowledge that the threat of lawsuit might come with them. Contributions from universities began to dry up. To make matters worse, the big new players in the Unix market promptly committed major strategic blunders. One was to seek advantage by product differentiation a tactic which resulted in the interfaces of different Unixes diverging. This threw away cross-platform compatibility and fragmented the Unix market. The other, subtler error was to behave as if personal computers and Microsoft were irrelevant to Unix's prospects. Sun Microsystems failed to see that commoditized PCs would inevitably become an attack on its workstation market from below. AT&T, fixated on minicomputers and mainframes, tried several different strategies to become a major player in computers, and badly botched all of them. A dozen small companies formed to support Unix on PCs; all were underfunded, focused on selling to developers and engineers, and never aimed at the business and home market that Microsoft was targeting. In fact, for years after divestiture the Unix community was preoccupied with the first phase of the Unix wars an internal dispute, the rivalry between System V Unix and BSD Unix. The dispute had several levels, some technical (sockets vs. streams, BSD tty vs. System V termio) and some cultural. The divide was roughly between longhairs and shorthairs; programmers and technical people tended to line up with Berkeley and BSD, more business-oriented types with AT&T and System V. The longhairs, repeating a theme from Unix's early days ten years before, liked to see themselves as rebels against a corporate empire; one of the small companies put out a poster showing an X-wing-like space fighter marked BSD speeding away from a huge AT&T death star logo left broken and in flames. Thus we fiddled while Rome burned. But something else happened in the year of the AT&T divestiture that would have more long-term importance for Unix. A programmer/linguist named Larry Wall quietly invented the patch(1) utility. The patch program, a simple tool that applies changebars generated by diff(1) to a base file, meant that Unix developers could cooperate by passing around patch sets incremental changes to code rather than entire code files. This was important not only because patches are less bulky than full files, but because patches would often apply cleanly even if much of the base file had changed since the patch-sender fetched his copy. With this tool, streams of development on a common source-code base could diverge, run in parallel, and re-converge. The patch program did more than any other single tool to enable collaborative development over the Internet a method that would revitalize Unix after 1990. In 1985 Intel shipped the first 386 chip, capable of addressing 4 gigabytes of memory with a flat address space. The clumsy segment addressing of the 8086 and 286 became immediately obsolete. This was big news, because it meant that for the first time, a microprocessor in the dominant Intel family had the capability to run Unix without painful compromises. The handwriting was on the wall for Sun and the other workstation makers. They failed to see it. 1985 was also the year that Richard Stallman issued the GNU manifesto [Stallman] and launched the Free Software Foundation. Very few people took him or his GNU project seriously, a judgment that turned out to be seriously mistaken. In an unrelated development of the same year, the originators of the X window system released it as source code without royalties, restrictions, or license code. As a direct result of this decision, it became a safe neutral area for collaboration between Unix vendors, and defeated proprietary contenders to become Unix's graphics engine. Serious standardization efforts aimed at reconciling the System V and Berkeley APIs also began in 1983 with the /usr/group standard. This was followed in 1985 by the POSIX standards, an effort backed by the IEEE. These described the intersection set of the BSD and SVR3 (System V Release 3) calls, with the superior Berkeley signal handling and job control but with SVR3 terminal control. All later Unix standards would incorporate POSIX at their core, and later Unixes would adhere to it closely. The only major addition to the modern Unix kernel API to come afterwards was BSD sockets. In 1986 Larry Wall, previously the inventor of patch(1), began work on Perl, which would become the first and most widely used of the open-source scripting languages. In early 1987 the first version of the GNU C compiler appeared, and by the end of 1987 the core of the GNU toolset was falling into place: editor, compiler, debugger, and other basic development tools. Meanwhile, the X windowing system was beginning to show up on relatively inexpensive workstations. Together, these would provide the armature for the open-source Unix developments of the 1990s. 1986 was also the year that PC technology broke free of IBM's grip. IBM, still trying to preserve a price-vs.-power curve across its product line that would favor its high-margin mainframe business, rejected the 386 for most of its new line of PS/2 computers in favor of the weaker 286. The PS/2 series, designed around a proprietary bus architecture to lock out clonemakers, became a colossally expensive failure.[17] Compaq, the most aggressive of the clonemakers, trumped IBM's move by releasing the first 386 machine. Even with a clock speed of a mere 16 MHz, the 386 made a tolerable Unix machine. It was the first PC of which that could be said. It was beginning to be possible to imagine that Stallman's GNU project might mate with 386 machines to produce Unix workstations almost an order of magnitude less costly than anyone was offering. Curiously, no one seems to have actually got this far in their thinking. Most Unix programmers, coming from the minicomputer and workstation worlds, continued to disdain cheap 80x86 machines in favor of more elegant 68000-based designs. And, though a lot of programmers contributed to the GNU project, among Unix people it tended to be considered a quixotic gesture that was unlikely to have near-term practical consequences. The Unix community had never lost its rebel streak. But in retrospect, we were nearly as blind to the future bearing down on us as IBM or AT&T. Not even Richard Stallman, who had declared a moral crusade against proprietary software a few years before, really understood how badly the productization of Unix had damaged the community around it; his concerns were with more abstract and long-term issues. The rest of us kept hoping that some clever variation on the corporate formula would solve the problems of fragmentation, wretched marketing, and strategic drift, and redeem Unix's pre-divestiture promise. But worse was still to come. 1988 was the year Ken Olsen (CEO of DEC) famously described Unix as snake oil. DEC had been shipping its own variant of Unix on PDP-11s since 1982, but really wanted the business to go to its proprietary VMS operating system. DEC and the minicomputer industry were in deep trouble, swamped by waves of powerful low-cost machines coming out of Sun Microsystems and the rest of the workstation vendors. Most of those workstations ran Unix. But the Unix industry's own problems were growing more severe. In 1988 AT&T took a 20% stake in Sun Microsystems. These two companies, the leaders in the Unix market, were beginning to wake up to the threat posed by PCs, IBM, and Microsoft, and to realize that the preceding five years of bloodletting had gained them little. The AT&T/Sun alliance and the development of technical standards around POSIX eventually healed the breach between the System V and BSD Unix lines. But the second phase of the Unix wars began when the second-tier vendors (IBM, DEC, Hewlett-Packard, and others) formed the Open Software Foundation and lined up against the AT&T/Sun axis (represented by Unix International). More rounds of Unix fighting Unix ensued. Meanwhile, Microsoft was making billions in the home and small-business markets that the warring Unix factions had never found the will to address. The 1990 release of Windows 3.0 the first successful graphical operating system from Redmond cemented Microsoft's dominance, and created the conditions that would allow them to flatten and monopolize the market for desktop applications in the 1990s. The years from 1989 to 1993 were the darkest in Unix's history. It appeared then that all the Unix community's dreams had failed. Internecine warfare had reduced the proprietary Unix industry to a squabbling shambles that never summoned either the determination or the capability to challenge Microsoft. The elegant Motorola chips favored by most Unix programmers had lost out to Intel's ugly but inexpensive processors. The GNU project failed to produce the free Unix kernel it had been promising since 1985, and after years of excuses its credibility was beginning to wear thin. PC technology was being relentlessly corporatized. The pioneering Unix hackers of the 1970s were hitting middle age and slowing down. Hardware was getting cheaper, but Unix was still too expensive. We were belatedly becoming aware that the old monopoly of IBM had yielded to a newer monopoly of Microsoft, and Microsoft's mal-engineered software was rising around us like a tide of sewage. If you have just started your journey in an online casino or are looking for a new site to play,... NEW YORK Allow me to begin this paean to paella by extending my sympathy for the subpar examples you have almost certainly endured in the past. When it comes to food, I tend to abjure rule-making as a limit to experience. But when it comes to restaurant-prepared paella even and perhaps especially in Spain you really should just say no. It is not impossible that a dining establishment could create a good paella, but such a thing is rare: The dish cannot be easily prepped in parts ahead of time, nor does it keep its luster long after initial completion. This is why better restaurants will require you to call some time ahead, or be prepared to wait for about 40 minutes, for fresh paella. (Run in terror from any menu that features it in a fast-foody looking picture.) Of course, even an honest eatery will charge at least $25 for the dish a pretty penny that could, theoretically, be worth it, but that is far more likely to have bought you a warmed-over wasteland of Zatarain's boxed rice strewn with sad, sandy mussels and peas wrinkled in self-disgust. The thing I am subtly hinting at in all this restaurant-bashing is that you should be making paella at home. It is, after all, the Spanish equivalent of barbecue food, what denizens of towns like Cordoba lazily cook up over grills and open fires when they escape to their family mountain picnic hut for perol on Sundays and holidays. This cultural detail contains another clue: Though paella can be wonderfully fancy and expensive when gilded with lobster tails and rabbit haunches, a cheaper, rustic version is in some ways more traditional. Indeed, assuming you have a few Spanish staples in your pantry, the version that I will advance here could feed four for less than $10. So let's talk about that version. I favor a mar i muntanya approach, a bracing mixture of creatures from the sea and the mountain (i.e., the land) that, chintzy "surf and turf" platters aside, is relatively uncommon in America but is a specialty of Catalan cuisine. In this instance, we will use chicken, squid and sausage, easily procured proteins that, when combined, are as novel as they are inexpensive. I also want to advocate for reconceptualizing paella as a delightful weeknight meal rather than a showpiece reserved for large groups and special occasions. Adorned and scaled appropriately, it can absolutely be the latter thing. But the approach presented here is meant to provide two to four people with a hearty summer dinner without requiring exceptional effort or time on the part of the cook. And did I mention you can cook it on the grill? In fact, you will probably obtain a better socarrat a layer of crispy, caramelized rice on the bottom that way. Note, though, that the heating instructions in the recipe below were tested on a gas range. If you don't get a great socarrat, don't worry it's really just extra icing on the paella cake. Paella, Mar i Muntanya Style (adapted from Jose Pizzaro's Seasonal Spanish Food) Yield: 4 servings Time: About 1 hour 1 1/2 cups chicken stock Large pinch saffron 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and/or drumsticks Salt and black pepper 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 or 3 large garlic cloves, minced 7 ounces diced fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes 4 ounces Andouille sausage or Spanish (not Mexican) chorizo, sliced 1/4 cup dry sherry or white wine 5 ounces squid, bodies rinsed and sliced into rings, tentacles reserved for garnish 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon pimenton de la Vera (dulce) or other smoked paprika 1 cup paella rice, such as Calasparra 1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas Sherry vinegar to taste Chopped fresh parsley for garnish 1 small lemon, cut into half circles, for garnish 1. Put the stock in a small saucepan over low heat. Put the saffron in a small bowl and add 1 tablespoon warm water; set aside. 2. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season on both sides with salt and pepper. Put 4 tablespoons of the olive oil in a 9- to 10-inch paella pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook until browned on the bottom, 5 to 7 minutes. Flip and cook until browned on the other side, another 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with aluminum foil. 3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add onion to the paella pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add the tomatoes with their juices, sausage, and wine. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the mixture is reduced to a stew-like consistency, 4 to 5 minutes. 4. Add the squid rings and 1 tablespoon of the pimenton and stir well. Add the warmed stock and saffron with its soaking water and stir; bring the mixture to a simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the rice in an even layer and press gently to submerge, but don't stir the pan will be quite full at this point. Cook the paella over medium high heat, without stirring, until much of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. 5. While the paella is cooking, toss the squid tentacles with the remaining 1 teaspoon pimenton and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Put the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squid tentacles and cook, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes; the tentacles will curl and contract quickly in the pan. Remove from the heat, cover with foil and, set aside until ready to serve paella. 6. Gently nestle the chicken into the rice mixture (pour over any juices as well) and sprinkle the peas evenly over the top. Carefully cover the pan with foil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of one of the chicken pieces reads 165 degrees F and all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and allow the paella to rest under the foil for 5 minutes or until ready to serve. 7. To serve, splash the paella with sherry vinegar and garnish with parsley, lemon slices, and the cooked squid tentacles. --- Anderson edits Slate's food and drink sections and writes the recipe column You're Doing It Wrong. Follow her on Twitter. bc-howto-paella (TPN) Bail was denied Saturday for a reputed gang member accused of firing multiple shots at Chicago police after locking himself inside the basement of a South Side residence the day before, according to Cook County prosecutors. Chicago police body cameras captured William Jones firing multiple shots at officers inside the basement of a home in the 7600 block of South Lowe on Friday afternoon after police tried to question him and another man, prosecutors told Judge Mary C. Marubio at the Leighton Criminal Court Building. Advertisement Jones and the second man fled into the home's basement and locked the door behind them, leading officers to search the rest of the home before coming back to the basement, prosecutors alleged. After getting permission from the homeowner to search the rest of the home, police searched the home's upper floors before proceeding down a "blackened" rear stairwell toward the basement, Assistant State's Attorney Bob Groebner said. Advertisement One of several officers announced their office before opening the basement door and entered but were met with gunfire as Jones fired two shots from a .40-caliber handgun, Groebner said. Jones then fired multiple shots at the approaching officers, who retreated and returned fire, though no one was struck. Chicago police's SWAT unit staged a barricade incident at the scene. Jones allegedly threatened to shoot police officers, but later surrendered. Only Jones was in the basement and the whereabouts of the second man wasn't clear. Police recovered two .40-caliber handguns and 17 spent shell casings, according to Groebner. Jones, 24, of the 7700 block of South Union Avenue, was later charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated battery/discharging a firearm at a police officer and two counts of unlawful use of weapon by a felon. Jones, who is already on probation, is a member of the Gangster Disciples street gang, according to his arrest report. He is scheduled to return to court next week. wlee@chicagotribune.com Twitter @MidNoirCowboy Updated Oct. 12, 2017 9:10 a.m. Two men were killed and 10 people were wounded in Chicago shootings between Sunday morning and early Monday. In the most recent killing, a 24-year-old man was walking in a South Side alley with several other men when someone came up and shot him in the head around 12:40 a.m. Monday in the East Chatham neighborhood, police said. Advertisement Joshua Williams was pronounced dead on the scene in the 8300 block of South Ingleside Avenue. He had lived in the 7700 block of South Saginaw Avenue, the medical examiner said. No one was in custody. Advertisement On Sunday evening, a 30-year-old man was fatally shot on the West Side in the 1300 block of North Mason Avenue in the Austin neighborhood about 7:25 p.m., according to police. Oscar Carter suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where he was pronounced dead. Carter was standing outside a vehicle when another vehicle drove up and someone inside fired shots, hitting him, before the vehicle drove off, police said. He lived in the 100 block of North Karlov Avenue, the medical examiner said. About 8 p.m., about a mile east of the Mason Avenue killing, a 24-year-old man was seriously injured in a shooting in the North Austin neighborhood, police said. The man suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition. The man was in the 1400 block of North Latrobe Avenue when he heard shots and felt pain, police said. In other shootings: On the South Side around 1:45 a.m. Monday, a 20-year-old man was wounded in the Bridgeport neighborhood while driving north in the 3300 block of North Morgan Street, police said. He was shot by someone who pulled up next to him in a black SUV, according to police. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where his condition was stabilized. On the Southwest Side around 1:15 a.m., a 34-year-old man was found in a vehicle in the 4300 block of West 79th Street in the Scottsdale neighborhood with a gunshot wound to the abdomen, police said. He was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition. On the South Side around 11:20 p.m. Sunday, a 23-year-old woman was shot in the neck in the Englewood neighborhood, police said. The woman was standing on a porch with a man in the 6500 block of South Sangamon Street. Three men began beating the man on the porch, police said, and a gun discharged, striking the woman. She was taken to Stroger Hospital, where her condition was stabilized. Around 11:20 p.m. on the West Side, a 34-year-old woman was shot in the buttocks in the 1000 block of North Massasoit Avenue in the South Austin neighborhood, police said. The woman reported that she heard shots and felt pain. She was taken to Stroger Hospital, where her condition was stabilized, according to police. Also in the South Austin neighborhood, a 27-year-old man was shot in the leg while he was walking on the sidewalk around 10:40 p.m. in the 300 block of South Leamington Avenue, police said. The man reported that he heard shots and felt pain. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where his condition was stabilized. Around 10:40 p.m. in another West Side area, a 21-year-old man was shot in the hand while standing in a gas station parking lot in the 100 block of North Western Avenue in the West Town neighborhood, police said. A man charged with defacing a Christopher Columbus statue in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood also shouted obscenities as the statue's pedestal was defaced, prosecutors said Sunday. Kyle Miskell, 30, of the 2200 block of West 23rd Place, appeared Sunday at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, charged with felony criminal damage to government property and criminal defacement of property. Miskell was part of a group of three masked men who rode bikes to Arrigo Park, 801 S. Loomis St. on the West Side, about midnight Friday. The three spray-painted the head and hands of the statue. On the statue's pedestal, they sprayed several other messages, including: "All colonies are burning"; "Muerte al estado"; "f--- Columbus; and an anarchy symbol, according to prosecutors and court documents. While he was defacing the statue, Miskell shouted obscenities, including "F--- Columbus," "F--- the USA," and "Die Columbus!" Advertisement Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Chicago park district worker Jose Troche finishes up removing red paint that was sprayed yesterday on the Christopher Columbus statue Monday October 9, 2017, in Arrigo Park at 801 S. Loomis St. in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune) An off-duty Chicago police officer saw the three and identified himself, sending the suspects back to their bikes. The officer managed to track down Miskell and, when he fell off his bike, hold him until Monroe District officers arrived. Miskell was arrested just before 12:10 a.m. Saturday, but the others escaped. Miskell was found with a can of red spray paint. He also was wearing rubber gloves, a ski mask, a bandana and black socks over his sneakers. Miskell was ordered held in lieu of $3,000 bail. Advertisement Columbus Day is Monday. Stephon Williams, 25, was charged with exposing himself to a minor in the 1200 block of West 79th Street on Oct. 6, 2017. (Chicago Police Department) A man accused of exposing himself to a 12-year-old girl and two teen girls last week on the South Side was released on home monitoring Sunday. Stephon Williams, 25, of the 100 block of East Chestnut Street in the Gold Coast neighborhood, is charged with felony exploitation of a child and felony indecent solicitation in the incident about 10:05 p.m. Friday in the 1200 block of West 79th Street. Advertisement The three girls one age 12 and two age 14 were walking to a Walgreens store in Gresham when a man about twice their age asked them for money, a judge explained during bond court Sunday. When they turned him down, he "asked if they wanted to suck something" instead and exposed himself to them, according to prosecutors said. At the time of the incident, the girls quickly walked away but returned with one of their mothers. All three identified the man who solicited them for oral sex, prosecutors said. Advertisement Responding officers located and arrested a man in the 8000 block of South Racine Avenue soon after He wasn't wearing underwear beneath his clothing when he was arrested, prosecutors said. Williams was granted electronic monitoring and house arrest and ordered not to have contact with the victims, their families or any minors. A judge denied bail for a West Humboldt Park construction laborer accused of sexually abusing a young female relative for four years starting when the girl was only 5. Fugitive trackers with Chicago police and the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Fugitive task force arrested Enrique Diaz-Villanueva, 35, on Thursday afternoon at his job in suburban Hillside. He was later charged with predatory criminal sexual assault, a Class X felony, punishable by six to 60 years in prison, prosecutors said. Advertisement In court, prosecutors gave graphic details on incidents where Diaz-Villanueva touched, fondled or coerced the girl into sex acts beginning when she was 5 and ending only last month. One of the incidents was witnessed by the girl's younger brother when he walked into his sister's room, Assistant Cook County State's Attorney Bob Groebner said. Late last month, the girl's mother confronted Diaz-Villanueva after seeing him leave her daughter's room, prosecutors said. The couple quarreled and Diaz-Villanueva broke a television in the home. The girl's mother told a neighbor to call police and Diaz-Villanueva fled the home. Advertisement In denying bail, Judge Mary C. Marubio said she weighed the alleged crime's impact on the young girl, the length of time it occurred and the weight of the evidence before determining Diaz-Villanueva was a "real and present threat" to the public. The judge did leave room for Diaz-Villanueva to have his bail reconsidered at a hearing next week. wlee@chicagotribune.com Twitter @MidNoirCowboy Grower James Walker tends to newly transplanted cannabis at PharmaCann LLC, a medical marijuana cultivation center, on Jan. 23, 2017, in Dwight, Ill. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune) Some medical marijuana patients in Illinois say the drug has allowed them to reduce or eliminate their use of other prescription medication, a new study reports. The study by DePaul and Rush universities was small, with 30 participants, and involved only those who volunteered to respond to the topic, so researchers conceded the results might be biased in favor of marijuana. But it's believed to be the first peer-reviewed, published research of medical marijuana patients in Illinois. Advertisement And it provides direct anecdotal evidence of what has been suggested by previous studies, that marijuana may contribute to reduced use of opioid drugs, lead author Douglas Bruce said. "One of the most compelling things to come out of this is that people are taking control of their own health, and most providers would agree that's a good thing," said Bruce, assistant professor of health sciences at DePaul. "But the lack of provider knowledge around what cannabis does and doesn't do, the difference in products and ingestion methods and dosing, is all kind of a Wild West." Advertisement The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared opioid abuse an epidemic. Overdoses from prescription opioids like methadone, oxycodone and hydrocodone killed more than 15,000 people in 2015, and President Donald Trump called it a "national emergency." And the study results come as the Medical Cannabis Alliance of Illinois, a trade group of growers and sellers, is starting a push for legislation allowing marijuana for any condition for which a doctor would give opioid drugs. "This study confirms exactly what we know from patients," said alliance Chairman Ross Morreale. He also founded Ataraxia, which runs a cultivation center and a dispensary. "A patient could use both (marijuana and prescription drugs) and see what works that's between the doctor and the patient." But Kevin Sabet, a former White House adviser on drug policy who now runs Smart Approaches to Marijuana, which opposes broad legalization of medical marijuana, said the study "reeks of problems." "One of the worst I've seen in a while," he said via email. "It was an uncontrolled observation of 30 people who were mixing pot with other drugs." Since marijuana contains numerous compounds, some of which have medicinal properties, Sabet said they should be isolated, tested and approved individually through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, like any other legal drug. Bruce, the study's lead author, responded that Sabet has his own bias against marijuana. "There's power in people telling their stories in a way you can't get in a survey," Bruce said. "It's important to do qualitative research to understand how people are using cannabis, then figure out how to measure it." Advertisement Illinois is one of 29 states that have legalized medical marijuana, despite a federal prohibition on the drug. About 25,000 people have been certified as having at least one of about 40 serious medical conditions that qualify them to receive medical cannabis in Illinois. Patients bought about $8 million worth of marijuana in August, the most recent month reported by the state. The most common conditions for which cannabis was certified were fibromyalgia and cancer, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported. Those were followed by post-traumatic stress disorder, which was just added to the list of qualifying conditions last year. In the DePaul-Rush study, the average age of participants was 45 and typically used marijuana to treat pain, seizures or inflammation. The patients, who were anonymous, reported concerns about side effects, addiction and tolerance with prescription drugs, and said they believed marijuana managed certain symptoms better and was faster-acting and longer-lasting. The researchers concluded that more patient study is needed to determine what doses relieve symptoms and to assess patients' medical conditions. Advertisement One medical cannabis patient who did not participate in the study but said she used marijuana to get off prescription drugs was Shea Evans, 26, of Chicago, who works for Modern Cannabis dispensary in Chicago. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Evans said she was diagnosed with lupus and fibromyalgia in 2011, was prescribed a fleet of 18 drugs, including opioids and sleeping pills, and within a year developed a dangerous dependency on painkillers such as Percocet. "Medical cannabis is the reason I'm opiate free now," Evans said. "It really gave me my life back and makes my pain manageable, without inebriating me or forming another dependence." Study participants quoted in the report struck a common theme in their deep dissatisfaction with many of their prescription medications. One 58-year-old man called the side effects of his seizure medicine "frightening to say the least. I would not like the way I felt taking it." One patient said she used to take 180 Vicodin a month. Another took ibuprofen by the hundreds over time. A woman with HIV and cancer said marijuana was helping her after years of trying to get off the anti-inflammatory prednisone. And a 33-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis said marijuana helped relieve "unbearable" pain to let her sleep, in contrast to her prescription medicine, which made her feel like a "zombie." Advertisement rmccoppin@chicagotribune.com Twitter @RobertMcCoppin Richard Spencer, who in August led white nationalists and white supremacists in a torchlight march across the University of Virginia campus that touched off a weekend of clashes that turned deadly, returned Saturday night to Charlottesville, Virginia. Spencer, a white nationalist, posted video on social media of followers carrying torches to the statue of Robert E. Lee in Charlottesville, which the city has sought to remove. Spencer did not immediately return a message seeking comment Saturday night, but he posted video on social medial WVIR-TV reported that Spencer and his group arrived at the park about 7:45 p.m., and departed 15 minutes later. Spokesmen and officials with the Charlottesville police department did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday night. Spokesmen for the University of Virginia, which is celebrating its bicentennial this weekend, did not immediately respond for requests for comment. An increase in our real estate taxes. A new sweetened beverage tax. Tax on liquor. Tax on cigarettes. Chicago and Illinois have some of the highest taxes in the country. What will officials tax next? Why don't these politicians address the problem instead of increasing and creating new taxes: unrealistic, greedy pensioners and pensions. It seems the politicians are afraid to stand up to the pensioners and unions for fear of not being re-elected. Advertisement We need politicians with spines. Bruce Dempsey, Chicago Harrison, a 1-year-old liver spotted dalmatian, is very close to being eligible to being shown in a championship dog show. His owner, Shannon Dobbins, of Paw Paw, presented him at the Stone City Kennel Club's all breed conformation show in Joliet on Sunday. 53: The Scottish terrier, Sean Connery, enjoys a grooming from his owner, Liz De Souza, of Madison, Wisc., at the Stone City Kennel Club's all breed conformation show in Joliet on Sunday. (Frank Vaisvilas/Daily Southtown ) They're all loveable, but only a few dogs could be selected as the best of their breed this weekend in a dog show organized by the Stone City Kennel Club. The New Lenox-based club held its first all breed dog show this year at Joliet Junior College's Weitendorf Agricultural Educational Center after previously having it at the Grundy County Fairgrounds. Advertisement Lee Cera, president of the club, said the venue was changed because the facilities at the JJC center were much better, and organizers could keep the dogs inside in case of inclement weather. Mary Cwikla, coordinator at the college center, said the facility hosts other animal shows throughout the year, such as those for lambs, pigs and rabbits, so hosting a dog show was "a natural fit." She said she hopes the kennel club hosts its show annually at the center. Advertisement About 900 dogs were judged during the two-day "conformation" show. Cera said the dogs were judged based on how well they conform to their breed. Siberian huskies, for example, are bred to pull so one characteristic that's judged is the dog's chest strength and appearance. Cera said the club, which also trains dogs in New Lenox, organizes more than a dozen dog shows a year, including "fun" ones that involve agility and search and rescue demonstrations. Bobby, a 3-year-old papillon, won best of show at the Stone City Kennel Club's all breed conformation show in Joliet on Saturday. (Frank Vaisvilas/Daily Southtown ) But she said some of the dogs judged this weekend are considered the best in their breed in the country and will go on to be presented at the granddaddy of dog shows. "Many of these dogs here will be at Westminster," Cera said. Chris Jones of Maple Park plans to present her dog, Bobby, at the Westminster Dog Show in February. Her 3-year-old papillon breed won best of show Saturday in Joliet. Advertisement Jones said she bred and raised papillons for more than 30 years with her mother, who recently passed away. "They're a big dog in a small package," she said. "And they're one of the top obedient dogs." Although the show was competitive, many of the owners on Sunday said it was about having fun. Victoria Mourning of Algonquin presents her dachshund, Lovely, at the Stone City Kennel Club's all breed conformation show in Joliet on Sunday. (Frank Vaisvilas/Daily Southtown ) Liz De Souza of Madison, Wis., and owner of a Scottish terrier named Sean Connery, said she comes to the show to meet and talk about dogs with other dog lovers. "Dog show people are kind of family," she said. Dog lovers from around the country attended the show, including veterinarian Carol Ecker of Granger, Ind., who brought five of her corgis. Advertisement Ecker was one of the first women to graduate from Purdue's veterinary college in 1964. Many of the judges at the Joliet show also judge at the Westminster Show, including Roger and Paula Hartinger of Cincinnati. The couple has been judging at dog shows for more than 40 years. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > "This is an equal opportunity sport," Roger said. "It's open to everybody." He said owners come from all backgrounds, ethnicities, ages and physical conditions. "We think it's good for families," Roger said. Advertisement The Stone City Kennel Club will host a few other shows this year at its New Lenox facility at 13606 W. Laraway Road, including an obedience trial next month. Cera said the club practices positive training versus negative. The Scottish terrier, Sean Connery, enjoys a grooming from his owner, Liz De Souza, of Madison, Wisc., at the Stone City Kennel Club's all breed conformation show in Joliet on Sunday. (Frank Vaisvilas/Daily Southtown ) "They have to love it and see us as a partner, not as somebody who's going to hurt them," she said. Frank Vaisvilas is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. Gail Bordens National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration concludes Saturday with a performance by Grammy-nominated Guitarra Azul, which means blue guitar in Spanish. The six-piece Chicago bands music is described as a mix of rumba, flamenco and Latin jazz, according to the librarys website. Guitarra Azuel performs at 2 p.m. (Gloria Casas/The Courier-News ) Adriana Riano emptied bags of diced onions, green peppers and tomatoes into small glass bowls as she prepared a culinary demonstration of Columbian papas chorreadas, or as she calls them dripping potatoes, at Gail Borden Public Library's "Nuestra Casa, Our Community" celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The Columbian-born Riano works as a program manager with Oak Forest River Forest Food Pantry where she helps show people how to make traditional Hispanic recipes with a healthy twist. Her mom recruited her to do a demonstration for the library's 8th annual celebration Saturday. Advertisement It was the first time the library has done a food demonstrations and tastings, Riano said. Different areas within the library became "rooms" of a casa, or home, with cuentos or stories, crafts, food and musica. There were other activities and displays, like a photo exhibit by photographer Gil Feliciano. Advertisement The theme, "Nuestra Casa, Our Community," reflects how the library feels like home for many Hispanics as does the city of Elgin, said Karina Nava, the city first management fellow, during a brief welcoming ceremony. Latinos' adopted homeland and hometown have a place in their heart, Nava said. "You have made a choice to come to Elgin, and Elgin is your home," Mayor David Kaptain said. "The City Council supports all the activities for Hispanic Heritage Month." He read a proclamation making Sept. 15-Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Elgin. Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month is important because Hispanics need to learn about their culture and teach others about it, Illinois District 22 Sen. Cristina Castro said. The month commemorates Hispanics of many different Latin countries, she said. Younger Latinos should be proud of their culture despite the negative perception about Latinos in the national dialogue, Castro said. "We should be proud and showcase it and show the narrative at the national level is not true," she said. "Thank you for the Gail Borden Library. They have put on this event for many years, and thank you for doing so," Castro said during the opening ceremony. "It is imperative we continue to celebrate our culture and our heritage. This is nuestra casa. The library has always been welcoming to many different cultures and will continue to do so. "As we move forward and celebrate who we are, we will continue to fight those folks who don't have a voice," she said. "I can tell you, as a state senator, I will continue to fight for those DACA students and for our immigrants." The state legislature is working on passing bills that would offer protection for DACA immigrants, she said. "This is your home," Castro said to applause. "We feel there are folks who are misguided and are attacking good, hardworking people who just want to live the American dream." Advertisement "This is nuestra casa and today, nuestra casa is your casa," said Tina Viglucci, Gail Borden Library's outreach coordinator. Gail Borden's National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration concludes Saturday with a performance by Grammy-nominated Guitarra Azul, which means "blue guitar" in Spanish. The six-piece Chicago band's music is described as a mix of rumba, flamenco and Latin jazz, according to the library's website. Guitarra Azuel performs at 2 p.m. Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News. Veteran Sam Casali of Skokie gets a medical screening from Perrin Palmer during a military retiree event at Naval Station Great Lakes Saturday, Oct. 7. (Yadira Sanchez Olson / Lake County News-Sun) A variety of entitlement benefit programs are available to those who have served the country was the message delivered to military retirees at an appreciation event hosted at Naval Station Great Lakes Saturday. Invited to the annual function were military retirees who live near and far, from all branches of the armed forces. Prominent speakers and a resource fair informed them and their families about what programs they may qualify for and can enroll. Advertisement The collaborative effort of the Lovell Federal Health Care Center and Naval Great Lakes was also a way to say "thank you" for their time served, organizers said. "We need to make sure that we do everything we can to support you and your families," said Capt. Bradford Smith, Lovell commanding officer and deputy director. Advertisement A resource fair at Naval Station Great Lakes informed military retirees from all branches of the armed forces about benefits and programs available to them on Saturday, Oct. 7. (Yadira Sanchez Olson / Lake County News-Sun) At the resource fair, cookbooks for healthy meals and free flu vaccinations, blood pressure and hepatitis C screenings were performed. On Saturday, before showing a "Readying Warriors and Caring for Heroes" video showcasing the only health care center in the nation's amenities, Smith said the facility is a revolutionary idea that combines the Department of Defense with Veterans Affairs and allows care for everyone, "from the brand new recruit, to the oldest retiree." Other speakers had advice they said could be passed on to those who will one day be military retirees. "When you make a decision to leave the service, make a copy of all medical and personal records, because you don't know what happens after you leave; there can be hiccups and human errors" said Hughes Turner, Chicago regional office director of the Department of Veterans Affairs. "It makes things easier when you have to process claims years later," Turner explained. A newly developed initiative Turner said the department recently rolled out is the Decision Ready Claim that allows increase requests of disability claims to be processed faster, in 30 days or less. Turner said the department is always looking for ways to improve its resources with a budget of $21 million that serves 647,000 veterans that fall under the Chicago operations umbrella. Jon Maresh of Pleasant Prairie, Wis. was 24 years old and right out of college when he joined the Army. The retiree said he has been "overwhelmed" by the great care he's received at Lovell. Advertisement On Saturday, Maresh received a flu shot and had his blood pressure checked by a Lovell nurse. He also learned about the Space Available Program, where eligible veterans can fill unused seats on military aircrafts that fly across the world, free of charge. "I'd like to take advantage of this," Maresh said of the aircraft passenger program. Government employment assistance and legal aid while navigating the judicial system when in need of a second chance were other types of support discussed at Saturday's event. Yadira Sanchez Olson is a freelance reporter with the News-Sun. A Valparaiso man was shot and killed in Gary early Sunday morning. The Lake County Coroner's Office said in a release that it was dispatched to Jefferson Street and 24th Avenue around 12:14 a.m. There, officers determined Michael Austin Brown, 20, suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Advertisement The coroner's office said Brown was pronounced dead at 12:49 a.m. Brown's death was ruled a homicide, according to the release. The Gary Police and Fire Departments, as well as the Lake County Sheriff's Department, responded to the scene. Additional details from the Gary Police Department were not immediately available Sunday. Advertisement Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. All votes in the CO-3 election won't be counted until the end of this week Adam Frisch attending new member orientation in D.C., with the official outcome of the race between him and Boebert unclear Total assets of China Investment Corporation (CIC), the country's sovereign wealth fund (SWF), surpassed 900 billion U.S. dollars as of August. The figure is more than triple the original capital of 249 billion U.S. dollars when the fund was founded a decade ago. It has grown quickly to become the world's second-largest SWF, only after the Government Pension Fund of Norway, whose assets reached one trillion dollars last month. CIC has generated an annual return of 14.35 percent, with that from overseas investment at 5.51 percent. "Compared with other financial institutions, our biggest advantage is that we are backed by the Chinese market," CIC's general manager Tu Guangshao said. By the end of 2016, almost half of CIC's overseas investment was in public equities, followed by alternative assets, fixed incomes, cash and others. Around two-thirds of the investment was externally managed. Tu said CIC's growth in the next 10 years will depend on its efforts to invest in China's economic transformation and push forward the global march. "CIC will devote itself to serving as a bridge linking businesses and markets at home and abroad," Tu said. More than 70,000 officials at or above the county-head level have been investigated for suspected corruption since the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress in 2012, the top anti-graft body of the CPC said Saturday. The anti-graft campaign continues to gain momentum and win applause from the public, according to a statement on the website of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI). Five years ago, China's new leadership launched a high-profile anti-corruption campaign, which has led to the downfall of a number of high-level officials, known as "tigers," and lower-level "flies" who serve at the grassroots level. Among the tigers felled in the campaign were Zhou Yongkang, a former member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee; Bo Xilai, former Party chief of Chongqing Municipality; Xu Caihou and Guo Boxiong, both former generals and vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission; as well as Ling Jihua and Su Rong, former vice chairmen of China's top political advisory body. According to the CCDI, 1.34 million township-level and 648,000 Party members and officials in rural areas were also punished during that period. The CPC, the world's largest ruling Party, released an "eight-point" rule on austerity in late 2012 to reduce undesirable work practices. The CCDI now has a monthly reporting system on the implementation of the rules within provincial-level governments, central Party and governmental agencies, centrally administered state-owned enterprises and central financial institutions. China also worked with the international community to hunt corruption suspects who had fled overseas via the "Sky Net" manhunt and other operations. By the end of August, 3,339 fugitives were captured from more than 90 countries and regions, with 628 of them being former officials. About 9.36 billion yuan (around 1.41 billion U.S. dollars) was recovered, the CCDI said. Among the top 100 fugitives listed on an Interpol red notices, 46 have been arrested, it said. Amid high pressure, the number of corrupt officials who fled overseas saw a drastic decrease in 2016. A total of 19 fugitive suspects fled China in 2016, compared with 31 in 2015 and 101 in 2014. In the past five years, the CPC Central Committee has tirelessly addressed "si feng," or "the four forms of decadence" -- formalism, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance. By the end of 2016, 155,300 violations against the eight-point code on frugality and maintaining close links with the masses had been investigated. Among the violations, 78.2 percent took place in 2013 and 2014, 15.1 percent took place in 2015, and 6.7 percent in 2016, indicating marked decreases each year. Moreover, the CCDI has shown that it is serious about tackling corruption within its own ranks, which it refers to as "darkness hiding beneath the light." By the end of 2016, 17 disciplinary officials were investigated and 7,900 others were punished, it said. A survey by the National Bureau of Statistics showed 92.9 percent of people were satisfied with the anti-corruption campaigns in 2016, 17.9 percentage points higher than in 2012. Flash Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)'s meeting in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, on Oct. 7, 2017. Erdogan announced on Saturday that Turkey was conducting an anti-terror operation in Syria's Idlib. (Xinhua) The Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) is bracing to enter Syria's northwestern province of Idlib in the next hours, activists said Saturday. Ibrahim Idlilbi, the media advisor of the FSA, said it will enter Idlib in the next few hours, adding that the Turkish forces will be in the second line to enter Idlib. The factions included in the Euphrates Shield operation, which are based in different areas in northern Syria, have upped readiness to the maximum over the past three days in anticipation of the entry to Idlib, where Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which includes the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, is in control of much of Idlib, he added. The battles against the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, Arabic for the Levant Liberation Committee, is linked to the "awareness of the group, if the committee disbanded, there will be no battles, but if it insisted on confrontation, the response will be very hard," Idlilbi noted. Activists also said around 1,500 FSA fighters reached the Turkish city of Antioch which is near the Syrian cities of Salqin and Harem in the northwestern countryside of Idlib. Earlier in the day, the Turkish army removed parts of the wall it built between Idlib and the Turkish territory. The removed wall is adjacent to the Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing. Meanwhile, the HTS said entering Idlib by the Turkish-backed rebels "will not be a picnic." The al-Qaida-linked group said its fighters and suicide bombers are awaiting the fighters of the Euphrates Shield. Entering Idlib by the Turkish-backed rebels and possibly Turkish forces comes in the context of the de-escalation zone deal, which was concluded between Russia and Turkey in the recent sixth round of Astana talks on Syria. The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the movement of the Turkish army and Turkish military vehicles was spotted on the border between Idlib and the Turkish territory. The Turkish army was opening passages enough for the entry of military vehicles into Idlib. Earlier in the day, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Turkey was conducting an anti-terror operation in Syria's Idlib. "Today a landmark operation is underway in Idlib, and it will continue," Erdogan said at the ruling Justice and Development Party's meeting in Turkey's western province of Afyonkarahisar. "We won't allow a terror corridor along our Syrian border," he said, adding that the operation aims to provide security for Idlib. The Turkish president said the operation in Idlib is the follow-up of the Euphrates Shield Operation in northern Syria, which was launched on Aug. 24, 2016, in a bid to clear Turkey's border of the Islamic State (IS) militants and other terrorists. The Turkish army is backing the FSA from within Turkey's borders, while Russian forces are providing air support to the operation, he said. Last month, Erdogan said Turkey would deploy troops in Syria's northwest Idlib as part of a de-escalation agreement brokered by Russia in August. Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference dated to Intl Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances 1 min read (One more participant Zakrevska has been added) On Wednesday, August 30, at 11.00, the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency's press center will host a press conference dated to the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. The participants will include Director of Amnesty International Ukraine Oksana Pokalchuk and coordinator of CrimeaSOS NGO Tamila Tasheva, victims' lawyer Yevhenia Zakrevska. Representatives of the Crimean Prosecutor's Office and the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry are expected to participate in the press conference (8/5a Reitarska Street). Admission requires press accreditation. More information by phone: (093) 004 2851 (Dzhemil Mamutov). Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. License for publishing multimedia online 0108263 Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Miao people compete in a tug-of-war in Hongshui village, Guangxi Rongshui Miao autonomous county, on Saturday to celebrate the year's good harvest. Many tourists joined in, as they traveled there for the weeklong National Day holiday. [Long Linzhi/China Daily] Mid-Autumn Festival at same time as National Day helped to boost record With a record-high number of trips made during the past eight days, the National Day holiday, one of the most important times of a year in China, has inspired big changes in the way people travel. Usually, the National Day holiday runs from Oct 1 to 7 and is dubbed "Golden Week". This year, the holiday was prolonged to eight days, as it coincided with Mid-Autumn Festival. The longer duration of the holiday enabled more people to take trips. Statistics from the China National Tourism Administration showed that 705 million trips were made during the eight-day National Day holiday this year, 663 million of them in the first seven days, up 12 percent from the seven-day holiday last year. Five years ago, 428 million trips were taken during the seven-day holiday. But the increasing number of trips is not the only change in the past several years. Rail travel, particularly on high-speed trains, has enabled more people to travel during the holiday. Estimates from China Railway Corp, the national rail operator, showed that about 40 percent of trips during the holiday were made by train, including on the Fuxing, the high-speed train developed by China that was put into operation in June and travels at speeds up to 350 km/h. At the same time, the free-of-charge policy on expressways during public holidays, which first went into effect during the 2012 National Day holiday, made it cheaper and more convenient for people taking road trips. This encouraged more people to travel by car. Yang Pei, 46, a resident of Dezhou, Shandong province, took his wife and daughter on a road trip to Tianjin during the holiday. On other days, a road trip between his hometown and the North China municipality would cost travelers 210 yuan ($32) to pass the toll stations on the expressways. "With the 'free pass' policy on holidays, our only cost during this trip is gasoline, which is about 300 yuan," he said. "It's very economical because traveling by high-speed train would cost a family of three twice as much." In addition, tourists in China also used shared bikes more frequently during the holiday, which added convenience in urban areas and helped the environment. As of the end of July, more than 16 million bikes will have been put into operation nationwide. According to Ofo, one of the major bike-sharing companies, the usage frequency of its bikes increased by 15 percent during the National Day holiday. Carbon emissions were reduced by about 78,000 metric tons, it said. Zhang Min, a Beijing resident who traveled to Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, said shared bikes helped her when she was sightseeing in the city. "It's really comfortable to ride a bike and appreciate the scenery in the mild autumn weather, not to mention that I don't have to call an expensive taxi or wait for the always-crowded bus," she said, adding that the occurrence of new things has given people more choices in their outing. Once again, a federal judge has declared that the longstanding clergy housing allowance violates the establishment clause of the First Amendment. Offered only to ministers of the gospel, the 60-year-old tax break excludes the rental value of a home from the taxable income of US clergy. Its the most important tax benefit available to ministers, according to GuideStone Financial Resources. Its also the biggest: American ministers currently avail themselves of the tax break to the tune of $800 million a year, according to the latest estimate by the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation. Wisconsin district judge Barbara Crabb first ruled against the housing allowance in 2013, finding that the second part of Section 107 of the IRS tax code provides a benefit to religious persons and no one else, even though doing so is not necessary to alleviate a special burden on religious exercise. Her ruling sen[t] shockwaves through the religious community, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability stated at the time. But an appeals court overturned her decision in 2014, ruling that the atheist plaintiffs from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) was not sufficiently harmed by the tax break to challenge it in court. The most fascinating turn in the legal fight was when the Department of Justice defended the housing allowance by arguing that atheist leaders qualify as ministers of the gospel and could claim the exemption for themselves. However, the IRS disagreed. The FFRF changed how it compensates its leaders to match the housing allowances that churches give pastors, and sued again when its co-presidents were denied the tax break. On Friday, Crabb ruled in their favor again. I adhere to my earlier conclusion [that the allowance] violates the establishment clause, wrote Crabb, because it does not have a secular purpose or effect and because a reasonable observer would view the statute as an endorsement of religion. Although defendants try to characterize [the allowance] as an effort by Congress to treat ministers fairly and avoid religious entanglement, the plain language of the statute, its legislative history and its operation in practice all demonstrate a preference for ministers over secular employees, she wrote. Crabb has now asked the parties to advise her on what relief should occur. I am reluctant to make a definitive determination regarding the appropriate remedy because none of the parties developed an argument in favor of a refund, a particular injunction or both or otherwise developed an argument regarding what the court should do, she wrote. Crabbs ruling would only apply to pastors in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana if upheld by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which likely must now rule on the actual merits of the case. (The part of Section 107 which excludes the rental value of actual parsonages from being taxed is not being challenged.) The Seventh Circuit previously reversed Crabbs ruling that the National Day of Prayer was also unconstitutional. Southern Baptist blogger William Thornton offered one of the first assessments of Crabbs latest ruling, as didForbes contributer Peter J. Reilly. The merit of the housing allowance is debated by pastors because of its potential for abuse. However, the Commission on Accountability and Policy for Religious Organizations (CAPRO) advised that Congress should not apply a dollar limit to the clergy housing exclusion ... because attempting to do so would create more challenges than it would solve. CT previously examined whether pastors homes are really that different from everyone elses. According to the 2018 Compensation Handbook for Church Staff, 81 percent of fulltime senior pastors receive a housing allowance, while 11 percent receive a parsonage allowance. For fulltime solo pastors, 67 percent receive a housing allowance, while 27 percent receive a parsonage allowance; among part-time solo pastors, 59 percent receive a housing allowance, while 10 percent receive a parsonage allowance. CT reported in 2011 how challenges to the housing allowance were standing on shaky ground, but the FFRF breathed new life into its lawsuit by restructuring its compensation. CT also noted the irony of the federal government challenging atheists to apply for clergy tax breaks. Church Law & Tax offered 10 takeaways on Crabb's previous ruling. Such housing allowances first came under scrutiny in 2002 when the IRS challenged Rick Warren on his exemption, leading Congress to revise the law. Some quirky reasoning later allowed one prominent pastor to claim two parsonages. CT has asked experts whether Congress should change the housing allowance, editorialized on parsonage allowances, and looked at the history of clergy housing tax breaks. A Houston Police Officer crashed into a civilian's car and a fence as he was driving east on Bellaire Boulevard early Sunday. The condition of the officer and civilian driver are not known, assistant chief James Jones said at the scene. A Houston man is charged with deadly conduct following an accidental shooting incident on Plum Grove Road early Saturday morning. According to the Liberty County Sheriff's Office, the alleged shooter, Ruben Torres-Guerra, 34, and the shooting victim, Jose Ramirez, 46, both of Houston, were part of a work crew and were performing work on a property on Plum Grove Road near Gulf Road. 8-YEAR-OLD DIES: Child's shooting ruled accidental, self-inflicted Torres-Guerra allegedly began firing at a tree with a .45 automatic when he accidentally shot Ramirez through his right arm and into his abdomen. Ramirez was airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston with critical injuries. His condition at this time is unknown. Torres-Guerra was arrested and transported to the Liberty County Jail. In addition to the deadly conduct charge, for which he was given a $12,000 bond, Torres-Guerra is being held for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate TV star Mario Lopez fired back at a San Antonio chef and restaurateur on his national radio show today saying he never called asking for a free meal. The comments came after a Facebook post by Jason Dady pointed to a certain celebrity calling his new restaurant Range and asking for a free meal in exchange for a single Instagram post promoting it. Dady never actually named the celebrity, but liked another post suggesting Lopez was the culprit. He then posted a GIF, or moving image, of the actor during his Saved by the Bell days. Haters gonna hate, Slaters gonna slate, the GIF read around a grainy old pic of Lopez, who played A.C. Slater on the popular show in the late 80s and early 90s. After a mySA.com story reporting these posts landed Lopez back in the Hollywood buzz, as the Extra host put it, Lopez decided to publicly broach the controversy on his iHeart Radio program, On with Mario Lopez. He explained that his schedule left little time for anything other than crashing at his hotel, attending the Ultimate Womens Expo alongside Charo and eating a quick meal on the way to the airport at this Mexican restaurant I always go to (Mi Tierra). Circling back to the buzz created by the Facebook posts by Dady, Lopez completely distanced himself from the incident. This ones funny, he said on the broadcast. Either this guy got punkd someone phone-pranked him or he has a shady publicist and theyre trying to get press. Its really, really funny. Told of Lopezs radio comments, Dady found it the opposite of funny. I just have a problem that hes using his platform to try to separate himself from it and forcing me to respond, Dady said in a phone chat, emphasizing that up until then, he has had no comment for the media. Its funny that I have a shady publicist when our publicist had nothing to do with it, absolutely zero. It all came from one Facebook post on my personal page, he added. He said that he wouldnt have posted the incident in the first place had it not been for the rudeness of the man who requested the meal on behalf of Mario Lopez. We called back to decline, he wrote on Facebook, and literally got hung up on. Dady mentioned the mans name, but attempts to confirm it via email and a phone call were unsuccessful. Dady was willing to let all the media attention die a natural death until hearing of Lopezs broadcast today. Weve been saying all week that this is hilarious. We cant even believe this became a story, but its the day and age of social media that we live in. I was a little taken aback by his response on the radio show. It again basically accepted zero responsibility that he has people that are making these phone calls on his behalf ... vs. just owning it and saying Hey, maybe it was a miscommunication. Maybe he didnt represent it to the restaurant the way I would have done it, and Im sorry. Instead, Lopez decided to disparage our PR team, and I think thats incredibly ridiculous, Dady said. The ball is now in Lopezs court, if he cares to pick it up. At the suggestion of Jimmy Villarreal, a talent booker in L.A. who provided a link to Lopezs radio segment as well as the stars number, attempts were made to reach the star. They were not successful. jjakle@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Bates joins The Strong Firm Bret L. Strong, founder and managing shareholder of The Strong Firm P.C., recently hired Kristen Bates as an associate attorney. Her practice areas of focus include representing the legal needs of businesses, banks, mortgage servicing companies, lenders and borrowers in all aspects of financial matters both from a transactional and litigation perspective. Prior to joining The Strong Firm P.C., she served as an associate attorney with Hughes Watters Askanase for seven years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, magna cum laude, from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctor from University of Houston Law Center and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Western, Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas. Among her professional affiliations, she is a member of the Houston Association of Young Bankruptcy Lawyers, and she has volunteered her time and expertise to numerous consumer law organizations as well as Wonderful Women Role Models. Tebbe on board with J. Beard Jeff Beard, CCIM, president of The J. Beard Real Estate Company, LP, announced the recent addition of Dana Tebbe to the firm's commercial property management team. In her role as a commercial property manager for The J. Beard Property Management Company, Tebbe manages a diverse portfolio of office and retail throughout The Woodlands and surrounding areas. She joins the firm with several years of property management experience among large commercial property real estate companies. Tebbe earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Houston and she has a Texas real estate license. The J. Beard Real Estate Company, LP, headquartered in The Woodlands, is a commercial real estate brokerage firm that offers services which encompass leasing, brokerage, site acquisition, commercial property management, development, consulting, and landlord/tenant representation. Realtor Knott attends invitation-only seminar Carol Knott, a veteran top producer with RE/MAX Integrity, recently attended an exclusive business development seminar expressly designed for the top tier of producers in the statewide RE/MAX network. Knott was one of only 250 individual or team members from among over 5,000 RE/MAX agents in Texas asked to attend the two day conference in the Texas Hill Country this fall. Knott and her team, who have closed over $9,000,000 during the first six months of 2017, said she was honored to be invited, and that the Top 500 Elite Retreat was an invaluable aid to expanding her business. "The speakers are always fantastic, and the level of networking among other very accomplished real estate professionals helps me learn the most effective technologies and client-conveniences that allow me to service a larger, more diverse clientele," said Knott, a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame. Knott specializes in helping buyers and sellers in the following neighborhoods and subdivisions: The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Tomball, Magnolia, and throughout Montgomery and Harris Counties. She believes in giving back to her community and is involved in The Woodlands United Methodist Church and The Woodlands Kiwanis Club, chairing the local community Prayer Breakfast in May each year. Additionally, she and her team support many charities with special emphasis on Texas Sentinels, an organization which supports wounded veterans. 07 October 2017 - 17H40 07 October 2017 - 17H40 AFP | Thousands of Polish Catholics held hands along the country's borders Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo took to Twitter on Sunday to condemn silence on gun violence one week after a gunman shot into a Las Vegas country music festival crowd, killing 58 people and injuring hundreds more. "When will we stand up and say enough?" he wrote, sharing a Washington Post article profiling the Las Vegas victims. "On this Sabbath Sunday I can say I've spoken out against gun violence, can you? If not now, then when?" Iranian President Hassan Rouhani defended the nuclear deal with Western powers Saturday and said that U.S. President Donald Trump could not undermine it. Under the 2015 deal, Iran agreed to limit its disputed nuclear programme in return for the easing of economic sanctions. However, Trump is expected to announce soon that he will decertify the deal, a senior administration official has said, in a step that potentially could cause the accord to unravel. "In the nuclear negotiations and agreement we reached issues and benefits that are not reversible. No one can turn that back, not Mr. Trump or anyone else," Rouhani said at a ceremony at Tehran University marking the start of the university academic year, according to state media. "Even if 10 other Trumps are created in the world, these are not reversible." Trump, who has called the pact an "embarrassment" and "the worst deal ever negotiated", has been weighing whether the deal serves U.S. security interests as he faces the Oct. 15 deadline for certifying that Iran is complying with its terms. The prospect of Washington reneging on the deal has worried some of the U.S. allies that helped negotiate it, especially as the world grapples with another nuclear crisis, North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile development. If Trump does not certify that Iran is in compliance, the U.S. Congress will have 60 days to decide whether to reimpose sanctions waived under the deal. U.N. inspectors have verified Iranian compliance with the terms. Rouhani said Saturday that if the United States violated the deal then it would hurt its own reputation in the international community. "If America carries out any violations today, the whole world will condemn America. They will not condemn Iran," Rouhani said, according to state media. "Then they will say why did you trust America and sign an agreement with them?" Separately, former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami has been forbidden from attending "public political, cultural and promotional ceremonies", for a period of three months, two of his lawyers told the Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA) on Saturday. Khatami has long been a lightning rod of criticism for hardliners who accuse him of fomenting unrest in the protests that followed the disputed election of president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009. Local media are forbidden from quoting Khatami in articles or publishing his image. The new restrictions were issued by Iranian security forces, Khatami's lawyers told ILNA, and there does not appear to be any judicial mechanism to dispute the restrictions. In the lead-up to the presidential election last May, Khatami posted a message online encouraging his supporters to vote for Rouhani. Rouhani made a reference to the new restrictions placed on Khatami during his speech Saturday but did not name him. "If anybody repeats that people should come to the ballot box, they should be punished?" he said, according to ILNA. Khatami's lawyers told ILNA that the restrictions began on the first day of the Iranian month of Mehr, which is Sept. 23. Search Keywords: Short link: CONNEAUT, Ohio -- Residents of an apartment complex in Conneaut are in shock over the death of a 1-year-old girl Saturday. Wyatt Durey, who has lived in the apartment complex on Clark Street near Chestnut Street for three years, said he woke up this morning to a crime scene unit outside of his apartment. "It's just too close to home," he said. "It's devastating, we're all a close family." Foul play is suspected in the death of the 1-year-old girl, authorities say. The girl's 22-year-old mother and her 37-year-old boyfriend were interviewed, according to a news release from Conneaut police. Authorities received a call about an unresponsive infant shortly after 5 a.m. Saturday. Police found a hysterical woman screaming "help my baby," according to the news release. The baby was suffering from cardiac arrest and taken to University Hospitals Conneaut Medical Center, said Keith Stewart, investigator with the Ashtabula County Coroner's Office. She was later pronounced dead, the release says. Neighbor Brittini Osborne, Durey's girlfriend, said she is shocked something like this happened. "We're all a close family around here," she said. "It's shocking to see this go on around your neighborhood." The girl was a blue-eyed, brown-haired baby, she said. "She was just learning about life," Osborne said. "She was very beautiful." Nothing like this happens around their neighborhood, she said. It is generally quiet and peaceful. Ericka Smith also lives in the apartment complex. She said doesn't know the girl's mother that well, but would play with the girl when she was outside. "Every day she would be walking outside and wave," she said. "She always had a smile on her face. She was a happy baby." She said she also is shocked this happened where she lives. Investigators have not released any details on why they suspect foul play. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing. If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Saturday's crime and courts comments section. Egypt strongly condemned the terrorist attack on security guards at Saudi Arabia's Salam royal palace in Jeddah on Saturday, the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday. The incident occurred on Saturday morning when a man drove up to the palace gates and began shooting at the guards. The man, who was identified later as Mansour al-Amri, a 28-year-old Saudi national, was killed by return fire. According to the Saudi interior ministry, the attack left two palace guards dead and three others injured. "Egypt is extending its condolences, government and people, to the families of those killed, and wishing a speedy recovery to those who were injured," the Egyptian ministry statement read. The ministry also expressed Egypt's solidarity with and support for Saudi Arabia, as well as any action necessary to foil terrorist plans and protect Saudi national security and the security of its citizens. "In this regard, Egypt is reaffirming that the international community should work together to combat terrorism," the statement concluded. Search Keywords: Short link: CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Ohio Route 2 westbound ramp at West 3rd Street in downtown Cleveland is closed Sunday afternoon after a wrong-way crash. Two vehicles crashed, leaving four or five individuals hurt, Cleveland police spokeswoman Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia said. Their current conditions are unknown. The ramp is an exit nearest FirstEnergy Stadium, where the Browns are taking on the New York Jets Sunday afternoon. It's unclear when the ramp will reopen. The Ohio Department of Transportation's traffic site OhGo.com showed slow traffic in the area about 1:40 p.m. This post will be updated. If you'd like to comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section. OLMSTED FALLS, Ohio - Werewolves. Ghosts. Monsters. Yes, Halloween is here in the community. Drive around the streets and it's difficult not to find a home - or homes - frightfully decorated for the faint of heart. What is scarier - the monster or his giant hands on the garage door? Jim Walsh is one of those homeowners. He and his family moved to Olmsted Township 44 years ago. They have been creating outdoor Halloween displays every year since then, he wrote in an email. This year you will see witches and bats flying above a haunted house as well as Bigfoot prowling the grounds and a red-eyed monster swooping over trick-or-treaters. Like his Christmas yard decorations, they are created from the Winfield Collection wood patterns. A swinging ghost greets visitors along Crestwood Lane. "Halloween has always been a tradition at our house. When our kids were small. people lined up on the sidewalk on Halloween night for our haunted house in the garage," he wrote. "I like to keep the tradition going with outdoor Halloween decorations." Do you have a spooky - or friendly - scene in your neighborhood? Drop me an email at jdumound@yahoo.com to give the community a heads up so we all may enjoy it. Italian dining - The annual St. Mary of the Falls Spaghetti Dinner is from 1-4:30 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Parish Hall. The meal includes homemade meatballs, spaghetti, salad, roll, butter, dessert and refreshments. Of course, Fr. Wally's famous sauce is the highlight. Advance sale tickets are adults, $8; seniors, $5; children 5-12, $4 and those under 5, free. Add $2 at the door for adults and seniors and $1 for kids. Tickets are available after all Sunday Masses or at the parish office. Take-out is available. The parish's website is stmaryatthefalls.org. Veterans train ride - Once again the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers military veterans a day of their own. A free Veteran's Day Train ride is set for Nov. 10. Each veteran may receive up to four free tickets. There are two train boarding locations on that day. Boarding will occur at the Rockside Station with an 8:45 a.m. ceremony. The train will depart at 9:30. The station is at 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence. The other location is Akron Northside Station, 27 Ridge St., Akron. This afternoon run has a 1:45 p.m. ceremony and a 3 p.m. departure time. Military identification is required. Tickets are available at cvsr.com. Blood drive - The American Red Cross joins with Symphony at Olmsted Falls for a 1-7 p.m. Oct. 12 Blood Drive at Symphony's Elm Street facility. This health community has appreciated the help of those who donated in the past. More than 125 lives have been saved, according to a news release, due to generous volunteers giving blood at their blood drives. Each donor has a chance to win a $100 gift card and enjoy special refreshments, thanks to Symphony. Fresh veggies - Local farmers Tom and Pat Kaskey have an abundance of vegetables they grow on their Ashtabula farm. They are selling their produce from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Second Thyme Around located on Mill Street. They also sell outside their Brookside Drive residence when noted when the sign is displayed. Their produce is fresh, tasty - and well priced. Kind kid award - Connecting for Kids, an organization that provides resources for families, is celebrating kindness with its facebook posts, newsletter items and other means throughout October. Due to this, it is seeking nominations for the Kind Kid Award. The honor will go to a child under 13 who demonstrates kindness and compassion to peers. The nomination should include one or more specific examples of those acts of kindness. The nomination deadline is Nov. 1 The online form is at the group's website, connectingforkids.org. Each candidate will receive a certificate to reinforce her or his actions. The winner will be honored at the group's Feb. 23 Winter Fundraiser. To learn more about Connecting for Kids, go to its website, email info@connectingforkids.org or call 440-250-5563. Olmsted Township dates - Olmsted Township's final branch clipping collection is Oct. 25 - so get out and trim those bushes. The annual Olmsted Township Fire House Halloween/Open House is from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 29. You're invited to drop by, enjoy cider and donuts, kids' activities and costume prizes. Fire safety and other pertinent information will be available during that time. Trick-or-Treat hours for Olmsted Township and Olmsted Falls is from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31. Neighboring news - Berea offers its annual Harvest Fest from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 14 in its downtown area and 5-7:30 p.m. at Jason Malone Park, 630 Woodmere Drive. Kids may come dressed in their costumes and meet lovable characters, trick-or-treat at downtown stores, inflatable corn maze, face painting, magic tricks and more. The evening at the Jason Malone Park includes a hay maze, hay rides, inflatables, games, food vendors, magician/juggler, corn box, fireworks and the movie, "Moana." There is no admission at either event. Fall fest -There is still time to make a reservation for the Oct. 18 Senior Luncheon at the Baldwin Wallace University's The Colony restaurant. Sign up deadline is Oct. 16. Call Julie, 440-235-3099. The annual All Saints Lutheran Church's Fall Fest is from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 21. Stop by and enjoy the fun. It's free. To include news, tidbits, honors or activities in Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township, contact Joanne DuMound at jdumound@yahoo.com. She also is on Twitter, @JoanneDuMound. The column's online version at cleveland.com/olmsted has direct links for many news items. Egypt's state security prosecution ordered on Sunday the detention of 13 suspected members of the militant group Hasm in Menoufiya governorate pending investigations into charges of violent crimes against police and state institutions. On Saturday, Egypt's interior ministry said it arrested 14 militants in Menoufiya governorate whom it has identified as members of Hasm, including a leading member of the group. According to the ministry, the suspects were plotting terrorist attacks against police targets. While 13 suspects were charged in the case, the status of the 14th is not yet known. Police arrested the suspects during a raid, where they confiscated three shotguns, explosive materials, three motorbikes, and EGP 160,000. The prosecution is charging the 13 suspects with forming an unlawful group with the aim of obstructing the enforcement of the law and the constitution, preventing state institutions from doing their duties, as well as several terrorism-related charges. The Hasm militant group has claimed responsibility for a number of deadly attacks against Egyptian security personnel in recent months, mostly targeting police checkpoints. Egyptian security forces have arrested dozens of suspected Hasm members in the past few months. Authorities say Hasm is linked to the banned Muslim Brotherhood group. Search Keywords: Short link: Related US Embassy in Saudi Arabia cautions citizens after unconfirmed reports of foiled attack in Jeddah Two Saudi guards were shot dead and three others injured on Saturday morning after a man drove up to the gate of the royal palace in Jeddah and began shooting, the interior ministry said in a statement carried by state news. The Royal Guards killed the gunman, who was identified in the statement as Mansour al-Amri, a 28-year-old Saudi national. Search Keywords: Short link: We've talked once or twice before about times when family programming slipped beyond the confines of sanity. But in the same way there's no shortage of horrifying moments in your actual childhood, there are still more creeptacular moments in family friendly shows for us to discuss. Thanks to agitated writers, tone-deaf producers, and our brains' remarkable ability to repress upsetting memories, you may be surprised to recall how ... 6 Boy Meets World Had Not One But TWO Murder-Filled Dream Episodes Boy Meets World is generally remembered as a sweet coming-of-age story -- because apparently all of the Savage boys need to televise their awkward journey through puberty. It wasn't exclusively pleasant, though. Consider the episode "And Then There was Shawn," which opens with the school getting a creepy new janitor. DisneyABC Domestic Television Seen here wearing the skin of a different creepy janitor. Presumably after the writers had to scrap a draft wherein this janitor molests kids, gets burned to death, and returns to haunt their dreams, the show instead opted for a different, no less insane take: They have him show up dead one day. Its not clear to me what President Trump and the Republicans hope to accomplish with all their talk of reforming the U.S. tax code when it appears theyd much rather prefer a straight tax cut. But given that straight tax cuts would fly in the face of anti-debt hysteria Republicans unloaded on President Obama for years, they have to pretend they want to govern responsibly. Mick Mulvaney, the White House budget director, said last week that tax reform was never meant to be deficit-neutral. If it is, he told Bloomberg, youre never going to get the type of tax reform and tax reductions that you need to get to sustain 3 percent economic growth. U.S. Rep. Mark Walker, another deficit hawk, told the Times that worrying about deficits was a great talking point under Obama, but its a little different now that Republicans have both houses and the administration. Baffled, I asked a couple of tax scholars to help me understand. Joel Slemrod, a professor of business economics at the University of Michigan, and co-author of Taxing Ourselves: A Citizens Guide to the Debate Over Taxes, said the Republicans are between a rock and a hard place. They cant lower rates without paying for them. But they cant pay for them unless they eliminate very popular tax deductions, or loopholes. I applaud their ambition, he said. But politically, its more complicated. It depends on whose ox gets gored. One of those oxen is the deduction for state and local taxes. This would affect high-tax Democratic states like ours. The plan so far is to double the standard deduction in hopes of offsetting the impact, but in states like Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts, where property and income taxes are among the highest, thats not going to compensate for much. Because of this, voters in those states, especially upper-middle class voters, are raising the temperature on Republicans. I read Slemrod the quote above from Mulvaney, the presidents budget director. He said, well, that sounds like part of the picture, but deficits are not pro-growth, he said. Every dollar added to the national deficit reduces business investment by about 33 cents. If you multiple 33 cents for every dollar, the prospects for the economy look dimmer than otherwise. Slemrod suggests the Republicans dial it back. Not everything can be done now. Besides, he said, the GOPs rhetoric is not in sync with the details so far. This is not middle-class tax relief, he said, noting the proposed elimination of the estate tax on individuals worth more than $11 million. That proposal can hardly be described as a middle class tax cut. What if the GOP were more honest about lowering rates for the wealthy? I asked. Would that be worth it? Slemrod said weve been here before. We used to call that trickle-down economics, he said. The evidence for that is weak. They should instead focus on lowering the tax on business investment. John Witte agrees. Hes a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Wisconsin and author of The Politics of Loopholes. (Hes also a constituent of U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan.) Witte said the GOP should focus on one big thing: taxing corporations according to a territorial tax system. Right now, American companies pay taxes on income earned abroad. They are taxed twice by the U.S. and by their host countries. Witte said that except for France, the U.S. is alone among Western countries in doing this. So what? Witte said the status quo encourages corporations to hoard cash in offshore tax havens or to engage in complex financial schemes, like lending themselves money to reduce their liabilities. These schemes, involving trillions of dollars, have a distorting influence on the economy, Witte said. Once you lower corporate rates, there are fewer incentives to do that. As it is, the Republicans are proposing something Witte has never seen: eliminating personal deductions. Thats when you claim yourself and your dependents on your tax forms, about $4,000 per person. Depending on the household, the standard deduction would not suffice even if it were doubled, he said. Again, the biggest hurdle to tax reform is probably the loophole for state and local taxes. Slemrod said thats political dicey. Witte said thats constitutionally dicey. It has been argued in the past, he said, that without it, Americans in 43 states would be taxed twice. Because seven states dont tax income, getting taxed twice would amount to unequal treatment before the law. Theres a long way to go before we get real tax reform, if we ever get it, because real tax reform would mean that the Republicans know what they want to do and why. John Stoehr is a fellow of the Yale Journalism Initiative. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said on Sunday that Turkish forces had exchanged fire with Tahrir al-Sham, a Syrian militants alliance, near the village of Kafr Lusin on the border between the countries. On Saturday Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Syrian rebels backed by Turkish forces would launch an operation in that area, which is mostly controlled by Tahrir al-Sham. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said on Sunday that Turkish forces had exchanged fire with Tahrir al-Sham, a Syrian militants alliance, near the village of Kafr Lusin on the border between the countries. On Saturday Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Syrian rebels backed by Turkish forces would launch an operation in that area, which is mostly controlled by Tahrir al-Sham. Search Keywords: Short link: TORRINGTON In August of 2017, the renowned childrens choir Chorus Angelicus took its talents overseas, performing concerts in famous churches and basilicas in and around Madrid, Spain. The Junior and Senior choirs of Chorus Angelicus were invited by the Escolania de El Escorial, the boys choir of the world-famous Monasterio de San Lorenzo de el Escorial, to help celebrate the Jubilee Feast of their Patron Saint, San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence). The Escolania, a storied and historic choir, has been active since the inception of the monastery in the late 1500s. Dr. Gabriel Lofvall, Artistic Director of Chorus Angelicus, said, Tours bring forth the very best in our choristers: there is something magical and highly educational about spending days together making music, going places, sharing meals, playing games, and, all in all, just having to negotiate the everyday affairs in the company of other vocal peers. First of all, rehearsal quality and efficiency increases dramatically. Being outside the typical setting of our Monday-Thursday schedule, we all seem to be more relaxed and ready to embrace the practice experience with so much more dedication and focus, he said. Secondly, not being preoccupied with outside activities, our brains just capture the music in a wonderfully organic way: learning difficult pieces of music becomes easier. Thirdly, and equally important: we get to know each other. Office manager Sarah Eyre said one of the Board of Directors primary goals for 2017 was to have the choir tour internationally, which they had not done in 13 years. Through our participation and investment in high caliber events, such as ACDA Eastern Division Conference, and the creation of new audio and video recordings, our choirs have been able to greatly expand their audience reach, she said. With this tour, we are thrilled that international audiences were able to enjoy the music of Chorus Angelicus while our choristers created lifelong memories. A group of 2 choristers from Chorus Angelicus went to Spain, including three recent alumni of the program. In an effort to make the trip accessible to all interested, fundraising efforts were undertaken and the Paul Butcher Memorial Campership Fund provided scholarships for choristers in need. The Paul Butcher Memorial Campership Fund was set up in 2013 to offer camp and tour scholarships for children in need who participate in the Chorus Angelicus Choir programs and, thus, to give them access to a positive, life-changing experience through music and friendship. The Archdiocesan Youth Choir of Hartford and the Escolania de El Escorial joined our choristers to spend eight days immersed in music workshops, rehearsals, and performances in and around the Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial. The highlight of the tour was an unforgettable performance in the visually and acoustically stunning Basilica of El Escorial, with a standing-room-only audience of over 1,200. Those interested in joining the ranks of this dynamic and prestigious childrens choir should come experience a rehearsal on Monday or Thursday evening at Trinity Episcopal Church in Torrington, CT. Boys and girls, grades K-12, who love to sing are encouraged to join. For more information about Chorus Angelicus, call 860-496-8841. So Im sitting at my desk in the Capitol Press Room. Its up on the fifth floor of the State Capitol, a mysterious, 1878 building that has a life of its own. Behind me are panels of stained glass that date all the way back. Morning light shines through the panes with blues and oranges and yellows echoing the 19th Century. Above is a dropped ceiling thats very 1970s. Lets just say the room, filled with reporters desks, phones, three TVs and relics including generations of computer technology stashed under tables, is a contemporary museum. On a nearby column is a photo of Elvis Presley, obviously blasted on pills, shaking hands with President Richard Nixon, before the fall. Over my right shoulder is a time-lightened front page of a November 1995 Connecticut Post with the headline No Dice, after the state Senate that year voted 24-10 against a Bridgeport casino. Yes, the Capitol is a place where ideas and creatures go to die. A couple times a year, a poor bat or sparrow somehow gets in and the custodial crew gets out their big net, with hopes that they might catch the poor scared beasts before they expire. In this fiscal year from hell, while lawmakers cannot cobble enough support for a budget that the socially liberal, fiscally conservative Gov. Dan Malloy will sign, I expected maybe a plague of locusts, or at least a thunderstorm of toads. What I have is yellow jackets. One just fell on my head. Theyve been dropping on my desk for a few days now, falling, dazed through a ceiling fan, then either flying off without stinging, or finding the sole of my shoe. The body count is 20 or so up in the fluorescent light, for those that cant drop through the fan. Its getting dark on Friday afternoon now and the Capitols long-suffering custodial crew has been on a search and destroy mission in the rather large, open-air attic above the press room. Its a metaphor for this never-ending budget battle. Getting stung by a yellow jacket is a more pleasant option, at this point, than one more hour-long stakeout of Malloys office, as the battling budgeteers go through another days charade. The House vote in the predawn of Saturday, Sept. 16, for a two-year, $40-billion budget that Malloy was never going to sign, could have just as easily been voted on in June, before the new fiscal year kicked in. Instead, were pushing mid-October and the General Assembly still hasnt done its job. In fact, House Republicans, who really, really want to override Malloys veto, never even opened their mouths last week when Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz gave them the chance. The mostly GOP budget passed 77-73, with five House Democrats. No way, at this point, could the Republicans muster the 101 votes needed, at least now. So in a smart, if cynical, political move, House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, kept her options open for another day, maybe when the loss of state aid that usually flows in October starts hurting more towns shut out by Malloys bare-bones executive order to keep minimal governmental operations from grinding to a halt. If the Republicans had the votes to override my veto they would have done it, because there was no reason not to have done it, Malloy said. So they didnt have the votes. and the Democrats made a suggestion, and then a discussion took place in the governors office and people have specific assignments on work that needs to be gotten done. When the Republicans, or the Democrats who voted for the GOP budget for that matter, failed to put in a motion the override, House Majority Leader Matt Ritter took a big chance and offered Republicans a chance to do a partial budget around the 13th. Both sides, despite Republicans saying theirs was a no tax-increase budget, would raise about $850 million in revenue. If they agreed to a partial, short-term fix, at least towns would get some additional state aid, presumably. Malloys quick to point out that of the $20-billion annual budget, about $5.2 billion is municipal aid, school aid; as well as payments for teacher pensions that up to now, the state has paid for towns and cities. There are also competing ideas about a cap on annual spending, a cap on bonding and other major budget implications. I think theres a recognition that we have to get to the point where were going line item by line item after we tackle some big controlling issues like pension changes, whether theyre legal or illegal, Malloy said. Like can you take the teachers 2 percent and not put it in a special fund? Is it legal for the state to offset its contribution to post-employment benefits, while paying for that, while raising the employee contribution. Those are definite legal questions that need to be resolved. Malloy has been mostly diplomatic while trying to get Democratic and Republican lawmakers on some road toward compromise. He has his own metaphor. Without putting lipstick on it, Im trying to admire the pig, he quipped. Ken Dixon can be reached in the Capitol at 860-549-4670 or at kdixon@ctpost.com. See twitter.com/KenDixonCT. His Facebook address is kendixonct.hearst. Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car I dont know if perfect is attainable, especially considering weve got the world of options when it comes to modern vehicles. Were spoiled and, as such, we have very specific needs and wants. Driving-wise, the 2022 Acura MDX is one of my favourite ... Hundreds of thousands of flag-waving demonstrators packed central Barcelona on Sunday to rally against plans by separatist leaders to declare Catalonia independent following a banned secession referendum. Catalans calling themselves a "silent majority" opposed to leaving Spain broke their silence after a week of mounting anxiety over the country's worst political crisis in a generation. The crowd waved both Spanish and Catalan flags and chanted "Viva Espana! Viva Catalonia!" as they made their way through the streets of Barcelona under a clear blue sky. "We have perhaps been silent too long," Alejandro Marcos, 44, told AFP. "It seems that the one who yells the most wins the argument. So we have to raise our voices and say loud and clear that we do not want independence." Around 350,000 people attended the rally, municipal police said, while organizers put turnout at between 930,000 and 950,000. Some protesters called for the region's separatist president Carles Puigdemont to go to jail for holding a vote on independence in defiance of the Spanish government and courts. "The unity of Spain cannot be voted on or negotiated -- it must be defended," read one sign in the crowd. Others called for dialogue. The slogan for the demonstration -- organised by the Societat Civil Catalana, the main anti-independence group in Catalonia -- was: "Enough, let's recover good sense!" Recent polls had indicated that Catalans are split on independence, though leaders said police violence during the referendum turned many against the state authorities. City police said 700,000 people joined a pro-independence protest in Barcelona two days after the vote. On the eve of the rally, Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy issued a stern warning to Catalan leaders who have said they could declare independence this week. He did not rule out moving to stop that by suspending Catalonia's regional autonomy -- a move that could risk sparking unrest. "I rule out absolutely nothing that is allowed for under the law," he said in an interview with El Pais newspaper. "The ideal would be not to have to take drastic measures," he said. "I would like this threat of a declaration of independence to be withdrawn as quickly as possible." Tensions soared after police cracked down on voters during the banned October 1 independence referendum, prompting separatist leaders to warn they would unilaterally declare independence. Tentative signs emerged Friday that the two sides may be seeking to defuse the crisis after Madrid offered a first apology to Catalans injured by police during the vote. But uncertainty still stalks the country as Catalan leaders have not backed off from plans to declare the region independent. Puigdemont is scheduled to address the regional parliament on Tuesday evening. It remains unclear what he plans to say, although some separatist leaders hope he will use the opportunity to declare independence. Rajoy assured Catalan leaders that there "is still time" to backtrack and avoid triggering a tough response from the central government in Madrid. With its own language and cultural traditions, demands for independence in Catalonia date back centuries but have surged during recent years of economic hardship. The latest crisis has raised fears of unrest in Catalonia, a northeastern region about the size of Belgium that is home to 7.5 million people and accounts for a fifth of Spain's economy. Spanish police caused international shock by beating voters in the October 1 referendum. At Sunday's rally, demonstrators cheered and applauded when a national police helicopter flew over and some people shook the hands of national police officers to thank them for their efforts to stop the referendum. But protesters jeered members of Catalonia's regional police force, the Mossos d'Esquadra, which had largely ignored a court order to close polling stations and seize ballot boxes. Dozens of protesters surrounded two Mossos vans and called the officers standing on guard in front of them "traitors". Nobel literature prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa warned in an address to the crowd at the end of the rally that "passion can be destructive and ferocious when it is fueled by fanaticism and racism." "The worst of all, the one that has caused the most ravages in history, is nationalist passion," he added. The Catalan government on Friday published final results from the referendum indicating that 90 percent of voters backed the proposal to break away from Spain. Turnout was 43 percent as Catalans who reject independence largely boycotted the polls. The vote was not held according to official electoral standards as there were not regular voter lists, electoral commission or observers. Protesters piled off the morning train from Madrid at Barcelona's Sants station to join the protests on Sunday. "I'm tired of being quiet," said Susana Cerezal, 41, who came to the demonstration from the town of Figueras near the border with France. Search Keywords: Short link: Over breakfast in Manchester last week at the Tory Party Conference, I was searching the papers for something, anything, to read that wasn't about my older brother for some light relief, really when my eye fell on this. 'Shameless Tory universities Minister tells struggling students to 'live frugally',' a headline in a Lefty red-top wailed. Just proving the old saying: if it's not one thing it's your brother. I then read in the Mirror that Jo Johnson MP had told a fringe meeting that in order to make ends meet, students could work, they could save, they could borrow from their parents I then read in the Mirror that Jo Johnson MP had told a fringe meeting that in order to make ends meet, students could work, they could save, they could borrow from their parents. 'Some students want to live very modestly and have a frugal existence, focusing on their studies,' he said. Now, I spent much of last week avoiding being sucked into what the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, memorably termed 'the Boris Vortex'. But I have to stick my oar in here for Bro Jo. I know that student fees have trebled and grants have been cut and the loans system isn't perfect. I really do know, as it happens. My two out of three children who studied in the UK have left university with debts running into tens of thousands, are on low incomes, and have no immediate prospect of paying them off. It's not ideal for them and millions like them. But since when has 'frugal' been a trigger term or the notion of budgeting because you don't have a lot of cash to splash, offensive even 'shameless'? When I grew up, I remember going shopping with my mother for new clothes twice: once was in Debenhams in Taunton, the second was in the school uniform department of Harrods. I remember eating out in the UK only once (but only spag bol, as it was the cheapest thing on the menu). We slept in the car rather than spend money on hotel rooms when travelling. My parents were born in the war, money was tight. It was fine. Anyway, look at Her Majesty the Queen. She doesn't have to cut her cloth as we did, but she still scrapes leftovers into Tupperware, she upcycles cushion covers from old sofas, she saves on heating bills by using two-bar electric fires in draughty sitting rooms, and relaxes by doing her own washing-up. She is in fact so frugal trying not to say mean or tight that 'Elizabeth and Henry VIII would be appalled', the former curator of the Royal palaces, Simon Thurley, said last week. Thurley attributes Her Majesty's famed thrift to 'a generational thing'. But I can't be alone in longing for this admirable quality to become a national habit as our finances worsen, and one that percolates down to our student cohort, including my own beloved children, who all seem to tend more to the Tudor when it comes to consumption. I have to bite my tongue when the endless packages from Amazon and Asos arrive, and the pizzas and curries are Deliverooed (I lived on baked potatoes for four years when I was a student). I want to frogmarch them to the full fridge and bursting wardrobes and show them all the stuff that's there (including parmesan rinds I save for soup and the food past its sell-by that I insist, after giving it a quick sniff, is perfectly edible). I also wonder where the money's coming from for all this new stuff, while berating myself privately for not instilling the regal virtue of frugality into them from an early age. A second-year student was big enough to blog in the brief flurry that followed Jo's remarks that the Minister had a point. 'During my first year of uni, I met many people who couldn't look after their money,' she admitted. 'Continuous nights out were followed by expensive takeaways or lavish shopping sprees, and when they ran out of money they dipped into that huge overdraft or went crying to the bank of mum and dad.' Ouch. This sounds all too familiar, I'm afraid High heels gave Kylie her perfect bottom all I got was bunions Kylie Minogue's legendary bottom was back in the news this week when she slapped down internet trolls who falsely claimed recent pictures of her had been Photoshopped. Kylie once told our own Event mag that she acquired her perfect posterior by wearing high heels all the time. Well I've tried high heels, too, Kylie (if not your lame gold hot pants) and all they've given me is backache and bunions Kylie once told our own Event mag that she acquired her perfect posterior by wearing high heels all the time Stop gushing, Barack, and get a room! I wish the Obamas were back in the White House. Or even the Clintons. But I still find myself rather resenting the way Barack gushes how much he digs Michelle every five minutes. For their 25th wedding anniversary he released a soupy video in which he hailed her grace and determination and drooled that she 'looked so good'. Get a room, you two! Makes me feel my husband's way of marking our 25th this year was much more relatable. He forgot it completely. A brother and sister duo have found an ingenious use for the tonnes of coffee grounds thrown away by cafes every day - by turning them into beauty products. William and Anna Brightman, from south London, launched nature-friendly beauty brand Optiat - an acronym for 'one person's trash is another's treasure' - in April 2016 in a bid to tackle coffee waste and are now on track to turn over 1.5million in 2019. Sourcing Arabica grounds from over 50 local London coffee shops, they repurpose used coffee that would otherwise be discarded and transform them into natural body exfoliators that are rich in antioxidants. William, 26, first came up with the idea for his business venture when he received a cafetiere from his girlfriend at Christmas. Family affair: Brother and sister William and Anna launched their nature-friendly beauty brand Optiat - an acronym for 'one man's trash is another's treasure' - last year After making several cups of coffee with his brand new cafetiere, he realised that the used coffee grounds would have to be simply thrown away each time. After doing some research, he learned that more than 500,000 tonnes of coffee grounds are consumed each year in the UK alone and sent to the landfill as waste. William also discovered that used coffee grounds are high in antioxidants, can act as a natural microbead-free exfoliator, and the caffeine promotes blood flow - which has added skincare bonuses such as reducing the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. After deciding to develop a skincare line, he enlisted the help of his younger sister, and the pair used their life savings, plus investment from their parents and from William's girlfriend (now wife) to launch the business. Trying out the samples: The duo repurpose used coffee grounds which would otherwise be discarded and transform them into natural body exfoliators that are rich in antioxidants Lightbulb moment: William, 26, first came up with the idea for Optiat when he received a cafetiere from his girlfriend at Christmas Brainwave: After making several cups of coffee with his new cafetiere, William realised that the used coffee grounds would have to be simply thrown away each time They also secured a loan Virgin Start-Up Loan which them vital funds to meet the minimum order quantities that the packaging manufacturer required to make the coffee scrub tubes. The pair run their business from the top floor of their parents' house in Dulwich, south-east London, and use the living room as a warehouse for their stock. Their products are stocked in eight countries across Europe and are listed in the likes of Whole Foods, Planet Organic, Fenwick Bond Street and As Nature Intended in the UK. William and Anna have made around 200,000 of sales in their first full year of trading and are now looking for an extra 300,000 investment to expand their business. Research: After doing some research, William learned that more than 500,000 tonnes of coffee grounds are consumed each year in the UK alone and sent to the landfill as waste Wonder ingredient: The brother and sister duo discovered that used coffee grounds are high in antioxidants, can act as a natural microbead-free exfoliator, and promote blood flow The pair are forecasting sales of at least 1.5million by 2019 and hope to one day roll their products out across the Middle East, Far-East Asia and the USA. Optiat coffee scrubs combine moisturising ingredients such as shea butter and almond oil with natural essential oils that are free of parabens and synthetic fragrances to make a variety of scents. William and Anna have since expanded their range and taken hemp husks from an organic co-operative farm in the Oxfordshire countryside to make their organic facial exfoliators. Like their coffee scrubs, the masks use biodegradable ingredients which aren't harmful to the environment such as plastic microbeads. The packaging is also recyclable, with glass vials, aluminium caps and an outer tube made from recyclable card. Anna (pictured) told MailOnline: 'Whilst a lot of attention has historically been focused on what food we put inside our bodies, people are beginning to scrutinise more closely what they are putting on their bodies too' William enlisted the help of Anna (pictured), and the pair used their life savings, plus investment from their parents and from William's girlfriend (now wife) to launch the business Adding to their range, the Brightmans have recently developed exotic scented soaps made from brewed chai tea spices. Anna, 24, told MailOnline: 'Our research has shown that as part of the health and wellness trend, people are now turning their focus to the products they put on their skin. 'Fed up with chemicals, ocean-killing microbeads and animal-testing, they want natural and sustainable alternatives that they can trust. We believe that we offer a range of natural, eco-conscious beauty products that people can love.' She added: 'Whilst we cant make our coffee scrubs organic certified, owing to the fact not all the cafes and bars we collect coffee grounds from use Certified Organic coffee beans, we recognise the importance of organic certification.' A woman who wanted to cheer herself up with beauty products while awaiting a liver transplant developed her own range of false eyelashes in hospital, and her first collection was a sell-out. Latoya Isiguzo, 29, from London was distraught when a rare autoimmune disease left her unable to walk further than a metre and in need of a transplant. She liked to put on make-up to make herself feel better and at the very least would don false eyelashes every day, but when she lost a pair it got her thinking about developing her own instead of paying up to 60 to buy them from the US. Focusing on building her brand kept her motivated when she was feeling down and she was out of hospital within a week of having her transplant - which is practically unheard of. Latoya launched her luxury lash brand RLBEAUTYLONDON earlier this year and her first collection sold out within 24 hours. Latoya Isiguzo, 29, set up her eyelashes brand RLBEAUTYLONDON while she was in hospital awaiting a liver transplant and her first collection was a sell-out While in hospital, Latoya would put on make-up or false eyelashes at the very least to make herself feel better as she battled a rare autoimmune condition that caused her liver to fail In 2014, Latoya was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis an autoimmune disease that causes liver disease that has no known cause and is not related to alcohol consumption. At the time she was in her first professional job after finishing law school and was thriving in her career. 'I was progressing fast and started getting noticed by the right people in the company for my good performance,' she recalled. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) This rare autoimmune disease causes the bile ducts inside and outside the liver to shrink due to inflammation and scarring. As a result the bile accumulates in the liver causing inflammation and scarring. A damaged liver can re-grow without scarring, but in patients with PSC the process goes wrong, leading to cirrhosis The cause of the disease remains unknown and it can be managed with medication, but in cases of advanced cirrhosis a transplant is necessary. Source: British Liver Trust Advertisement 'It was one of colleagues who noticed that my eyes looked slightly yellow. I now know it was jaundice, which is one of the signs that you may have an issue with your liver.' On her colleague's advice, she went to her GP who sent her to A&E immediately. She called work to say she'd be back that afternoon. 'Little did I know I'd never had a proper day at that office again,' she said. After months of tests, Latoya received a diagnosis and was told that the only cure would be a transplant, but that her condition could be managed with medication for at least 10 years. However, she deteriorated quickly and was on the waiting list for a transplant within a year. 'The whole process affected me so much. especially because I was so driven to succeed in my work and my career,' she said. 'I had so many dreams and aspirations and I couldn't do anything. I was stuck in hospital and my life was on hold. Love Island's Shannen Reilly McGrath looking glamorous in RLBEAUTYLONDON lashes Made In Chelsea's Georgia Toffolo wore Latoya's lashes during an appearance on This Morning 'I lost a lot of my independence which affected me a lot at the peak of my illness I couldn't even walk one metre because I was so weak. I lost loads of weight and lost my appetite. I missed birthdays, summer fun with friends and family and just going out and enjoying life.' Aside from visits from loved ones, Latoya kept her spirits up by maintaining her beauty regime. 'Before going to hospital I always took pride in my apperance so the thought of sitting in bed, sick with the horrid hospital gowns and no make up made me feel worse. 'So everyday I would wake up take a shower and get dolled up as much as I could. There were days when I couldn't manage a full face but I would always wear lashes to feel glam.' Latoya created a range of big, full and wispy lashes similar to those she used to import from the US but couldn't find on the high street in the UK Latoya would wear lashes she'd imported from the US as she couldn't find anything like them on the high street here. 'They were voluminous lashes - big, full and wispy. They were being worn by all the celebrities and I wanted to mimic their beauty looks. 'Then one day I lost a pair. I was so gutted because I couldn't get dolled up and I would have to spend a lot of money purchasing another pair which were flown in from the US. 'They were so expensive and when they arrived I would have to pay expensive taxes. A 30 pair of lashes would end up costing me 50-60 after I paid for shipping and taxes. Latoya's debut collection of lashes sold out within 24 hours of launching 'My brain started ticking. I started thinking about the amount of woman in the UK that felt the same as me. Why weren't there beauty brands here in the UK that sold the celebrity style lashes I was so used to. 'Straightaway I asked the nurse for pen and paper and I started brainstorming. And that's how RLBEAUTYLONDON came about. 'I wanted to create a brand that offered Luxury lashes here in the UK for half the price but also without the burden of tax and expensive shipping rates. 'I used to get visits from my boyfriend and family and they would think I was crazy, they wondered how I could be so sick but had enough energy to work on my laptop and start planning what would be RLBEAUTYLONDON. The entrepreneur hopes to inspire other women to follow their dreams by showing them that they can succeed even if life doesn't work out as planned In May 2015, Latoya had her transplant and was out of hospital in a week, even though the average recovery time is at least a month. She set about getting samples, testing them on friends and family and doing a photoshoot for her website, which she launched in early 2017. Her first collection sold out withing 24 hours and her lashes have been worn by celebrities such as Made In Chelsea's Georgia Toffolo and some of the Love Island girls. A model wearing Latoya's striking Tiffany lashes from the RLBEAUTYLONDON range 'I am hoping to inspire people,' Latoya admitted. 'Sometimes after my family had left for the night and I was on my own I felt lonely and felt sad that this had happened to me. 'I was kept upbeat by the idea of getting back on my feet and building a really successful business, getting my career back. I was so driven to get well and be a success. 'I'm hoping to let everyone know two things. One is that you should never take your health for granted as it is your biggest wealth. But also that it doesn't matter if you life doesn't pan out as you thought there's always second chances. Do you ever stare at the selfies that celebs post online and wail: Why can I not walk in stilettos across cobbles like Cara Delevingne, instead of staggering around like Dick Emery? Why cant I have Bella Hadids BMI (if not her IQ)? How on earth does Victoria Beckham extend her right leg at a 90-degree angle to her body and keep a straight face? Reality star Kendall Jenner, left, is posing in pink. Celeste, right, is giving her the bird Rihanna displays a perfect beach bod, left, if no sense of irony, while Celeste is in need of a life guard Beyonce is able to float above water, left, but Celeste is about to make more of a splash Celeste, a 35-year-old comedienne and mother-of-four, first had the idea of becoming her own downward-dogging doppelganger two years ago Dear readers, please take heart. These people might do selfies, but they sure as hell dont do self-aware, and luckily, as a sort of 21st Century answer to Spitting Image, a very funny saviour has now burst on to the internet to prick the balloon (and squash the pink flamingos) of their over-plump faces by posing in a selection of parodies that expose the yacht-frequenting, non-carb-eating A-list for the humourless narcissists they really are. Celeste Barber, a 35-year-old comedienne and mother-of-four, first had the idea of becoming her own downward-dogging doppelganger two years ago, when she posed as Kim Kardashian et al, then sent the photos to her sister, who persuaded her to share them with a wider audience on Instagram. Her following quickly mushroomed to 2.5 million fans, who are now more able to be at home with their own muffin tops as Barber apes a constantly evolving roster of preening posers, including her favourite targets the Kardashians, and a wide range of stick- thin supermodels. Katy Perry expertly performs the crab, while Celeste prompts two small onlookers to ask: 'Why does Mummy drink?' Supermodel Bella Hadid, left, shows the love - Celeste remembers yesterday's lunch Model Gigi Gorgeous, above, likes a balanced life while Celeste struggles to hold on Barbers fame has landed her a TV series in her native Australia but, more importantly, she has become a feminist icon, though this is something she never set out to do. She says: It was always, like, this is how celebrities get out of the pool and Im like, No, this is how you get out of the pool I get miffed with fashionistas thinking they are better than other people. Amen to that. Liz Jones joins the fun with daft double takes of poser Posh When it comes to their wedding day, brides are often willing to spend thousands of dollars on their dream gown. And while it may make them happy on the big day, the impact on their bank account can be felt for months or even years afterwards. But according to Love Find Co. founder and Australian stylist, Sophie Wesley, the perfect look can be created for much less than the average $2,535 women are spending. And with Bride To Be Magazine revealing the average cost of a wedding in Australia is now a staggering $65,482, this is likely to be welcome news for brides to be across the nation. According to Love Find Co. founder and Australian stylist, Sophie Wesley (pictured), the perfect look can be created for much less than the average $2,535 women are spending 'Gone is the notion that you are bound by strict traditions, instead a more flexible and individual style of wedding is emerging, powered, of course, by social media,' Sophie said 'Gone is the notion that you are bound by strict traditions, instead a more flexible and individual style of wedding is emerging, powered, of course, by social media,' Sophie said. 'The traditional ball gown, fishtails and A-line style wedding dresses now sit alongside boho kaftans, figure hugging lace dresses and embellished bridal dress options. 'The scope of price is also varied with high street and online based fashion labels creating off the rack wedding dress options at a fraction of the price of custom made dresses.' Here, Sophie shares her top tips for finding the perfect budget-friendly dress and her favourite designers with FEMAIL. 'The traditional ball gown, fishtails and A-line style wedding dresses now sit alongside boho kaftans, figure hugging lace dresses and embellished bridal dress options,' she said FAME AND PARTNERS 'Australian fashion brand Fame and Partners is an e-commerce made-to-measure occasionwear brand wants to bridge the gap between luxury and fast fashion,' Sophie said. 'Founder Nyree Corby believed the modern bride still wants to look great on her big day, but would rather spend money on a longer honeymoon or a deposit on a house. 'The Fame and Partners bridal dresses starts at just $379 and go up to $1,629, while their bridesmaid dresses start at $269. 'Each dress has customisable options to suit individual styles.' The Victoria dress on the left costs $629 while the Josephine gown on the right costs $1,069 This glam Bessette gown costs $1,249 BHLDN 'If you are getting married, then you would of heard of BHLDN - a treasure trove of wedding related fashion and decor for every aspect of your wedding,' Sophie said. 'Wedding dresses start at $320 from designers including Christos Costarellos, Watters and Anais Anette, 'There are also Bridesmaid dresses from $180 as well as Mother of the Bride dresses, bridal jewellery, flower girl and tie options to ensure your entire bridal party is covered.' The Andora gown costs $650 - as does the the Peridot gown (right) This chic Elle gown costs $900 LOVE FOUND TRUE 'Australian label Love Found True is for the feminine and daring bride after a non-traditional bride look,' Sophie said. They offer dresses as well as skirt and top options and these looks are perfect for any type of wedding. Dresses range in price from $550 - $3,187. The Blossom dress (left) costs $880 and the Willow dress (right) costs $695 The Penelope dress (left) costs $1,110 and the Alerah Midi dress (right) costs $1,155 FOR LOVE & LEMONS 'This American label by Laura Hall & Gillian Rose Kern launched its Bridal Capsule Collection in June 2017 following the success of their capsule bridal lingerie collection a few years ago,' Sophie said. 'The collection features a range of feminine pieces perfect for the non-traditional bride and ranges in price from $319.25 - $855.12.' They explain: 'Around this time of year, we get a lot of feedback from our customers saying they'd like to see more bridal options from us. 'They asked for dresses for the ceremony, rehearsal dinners, honeymoons, receptions, etc. So this year we knew we wanted to create a really special capsule for the For Love & Lemons bride that can take her through her whole weekend of festivities feeling simply gorgeous.' This Isabella Halter Maxi dress costs just $319.25 The Viviana Lace Midi dress (left) costs $319.25 and the Marguerite bridal gown (right) costs $855.12 REFORMATION 'Another American fashion label moving into the wedding market is cult online shop Reformation,' Sophie said. 'Shipping directly to Australia, brides can choose dresses from approximately $356 - $648 and $356 - $568 for bridesmaid dresses.' The Thistle dress (left) costs $388 and the Freesia dress (right) costs $488 ASOS 'Online retailer ASOS have both the bride and groom covered,' Sophie said. 'With wedding dresses from $155 - $498, you arent limited by budget to be a fashionista. 'They also have your bridesmaids covered with dresses ranging from $69 - $257, as well as offering shoes and jewellery to match.' The Oversized Sleeved Wrap Front Maxi Dress (left) costs $237.18 and the Tulle Maxi Prom Dress (right) costs $296.48 Advertisement He's a senior member of the Serbian royal family, while she's a graphic artist who regularly shows off her love of travel on Instagram. And now Prince Philip of Serbia has married fiancee Danica Marinkovic in a lavish wedding ceremony in Belgrade on Saturday. Danica, 30, looked stunning in an elegant white gown with billowing sleeves and a sweeping train, which was adorned with a large bow at the front. The happy couple wore elaborate crowns as they exchanged their vows during a traditional ceremony at the city's cathedral. Scroll down for video Prince Philip of Yugoslavia has married his fiancee Danica Marinkovic in a lavish wedding ceremony in Belgrade, Serbia The couple looked delighted as they were showered with rose petals by well-wishers on leaving the cathedral on Saturday The loved-up pair shared a kiss in front of crowds after tying the knot in a grand ceremony at the capital's cathedral Philip, who has twin brother Prince Alexander, is the second eldest of Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavias three sons Philip, 35, looked dashing in a morning suit, which he wore with a white waistcoat and speckled navy tie. The pair both looked delighted as they were showered with rose petals on leaving the church as husband and wife, before sharing a kiss in front of crowds of well-wishers. Other European royals also attended the grand event, including Queen Sofia of Spain and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. Philip announced that he was engaged to his girlfriend earlier this summer, while sharing a photograph of the couple beaming on the steps of Belgrade's Royal Palace. Danica, 30, looked stunning in an elegant white gown, which featured billowing sleeves and a long sweeping train at the back Philip had announced that he was set to marry graphic designer Danica earlier this summer, sharing a picture of the couple on the steps of Belgrade's Royal Palace The couple exchanged a loving look as they were greeted by crowds on leaving the cathedral as husband and wife A statement from the palace read: 'Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander, Crown Princess Katherine and Princess Maria da Gloria Orleans-Braganza have great pleasure to announce that HRH Prince Philip is engaged to Ms. Danica Marinkovic, daughter of Mr. Milan Marinkovic Cile and Mrs. Beba Marinkovic.' Philip, who has a twin brother, is the second oldest child of Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavias sons. The senior Serbian royal was educated in the UK and now works in finance in London. Philip and Danica posed with their guests, along with a group of children in traditional dress, outside Belgrade cathedral The couple both wore elaborate crowns as they exchanged their vows during the traditional ceremony on Saturday Danica, who is known for her love of fashion, looked every inch the beautiful bride in a classy gown adorned with a large bow Philip meanwhile looked dapper in his morning suit, which he wore with a white waistcoat and pinstripe trousers The happy couple, who announced their engagement earlier this summer, shared a kiss following the stunning ceremony Philip and Danica posed with their guests outside the cathedral, including Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden (second from right), Queen Sofia of Spain (third from right) and Prince Alexander of Yugolsavia (far right) Meanwhile, Danica - whose father is a respected impressionist painter who has worked with designer Roksanda Ilincic - is no stranger to the high life, with photos showing her enjoying a never-ending series of sun-kissed holidays in Seville, Milan and Croatia. Born in Belgrade, she is officially a French citizen and, like Philip, studied in the UK, graduating from the Chelsea College of Arts in London before embarking on a successful career as a designer. Serbia - formerly part of Yugoslavia - is now a republic but its once-exiled royal family have lived in Belgrade's Royal Palace since 2001. The couple flashed wide smiles as they were greeted by crowds of well-wishers on leaving the cathedral while arm-in-arm The newlyweds were driven away from the cathedral and on to their reception in a vintage car following the ceremony Danica, who wore her hair up in a chignon, showed off her elegant earrings as she smiled at cameras while leaving in the car The grand ceremony was attended by Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden (left) and Queen Sofia of Spain (right) Victoria looked elegant as ever in a pale pink frock, while Sofia opted for a green jacket accessorised with a pearl necklace Victoria, left, was seen carrying a candle during the ceremony. Philip is the son of Prince Alexander of Yugolsavia, pictured right with Queen Sofia The Swedish royal was accompanied by Prince Peter Karadjordjevic, the elder brother of Philip, as she arrived at the cathedral Philip and Danica later enjoyed a lavish reception at The White Palace, which is located in the grounds of the Royal Palace The pair were seen welcoming their guests at the high table, before enjoying their first dance together as husband and wife Danica beamed as she and her husband took to the dancefloor, as their guests gathered to watch the special moment Philip and Danica were joined by their parents Crown prince Alexander (second from right, Princess Maria da Gloria (third from left, Milan Cile Marinkovic (third from right) and Beba Marinkovic (far right) in raising a glass Both families looked delighted as they toasted the couple's happiness. Danica - whose father is a respected impressionist painter who has worked with designer Roksanda Ilincic - is no stranger to the high life The newlyweds looked over-the-moon during the speeches at their wedding reception on Saturday night Princess Victoria of Sweden looked in high spirits as she sat down to enjoy the evening meal with Prince Peter Karadjordjevic Philip looked delighted as he looked up at the sky after officially tying the knot with his graphic designer bride Danica The prince, who was educated in the UK and works in finance, looked emotional during the ornate church ceremony The prince has previously described his father as a 'best friend' of the Prince of Wales and has met William and Harry Philip and Danica posed for a portrait at the White Palace. Danica's mother Beba and Princess Katarina Karadjordjevic also posted for a picture Danica and Philip looked delighted as they posed with family members and other guests for pictures outside the cathedral Danica showed off the long sweeping train at the back of her gown as she and Philip exchanged their vows at the altar Danica, who was born in Belgrade, is officially a French citizen and also studied in the UK, graduating from the Chelsea College of Arts in London German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU) have agreed on the divisive issue of a refugee cap with her conservative Bavarian allies, two conservative sources told Reuters, removing a hurdle to coalition talks with other parties. The agreement came on Sunday evening after leading members of the CDU held talks with the Christian Social Union (CSU) ).Merkel aims to build a nationally untested coalition between her conservative bloc, the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) and Greens after winning a fourth term as chancellor in a Sept. 24 election but losing much support to the far-right. Search Keywords: Short link: She rarely puts a foot wrong in the fashion stakes, and Crown Princess Mary certainly looked the part during a reception with the Japanese royals. The Danish royal looked chic in a patterned coat as she and Crown Prince Frederik met with Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako in Tokyo on Sunday. The mother-of-four completed her elegant ensemble with a white pussy bow blouse underneath, teamed tailored black trousers and black and white pumps. Mary, 45, and husband Frederik, 49, are visiting Japan in order to mark 150 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Princess Mary embraced Crown Princess Masako in Tokyo as she and husband Prince Frederik arrived in Tokyo on Sunday During their four-day visit, they will enjoy a luncheon with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, as well as meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Frederik previously visited the country in March 2015, but this is the first time he will meet the Japanese prime minister. Masako, 53, was seen embracing Mary as she welcomed her and Frederik to the country. The Japanese royal looked smart in a pale pink blazer, accessorising her look with a graphic print scarf and an oversized clutch bag. The Danish royals, pictured with Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, are visiting Japan to mark 150 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries The Danish royals' visit to Japan comes after they hosted Naruhito in Denmark in June. The Japanese Crown Prince met with Frederik's mother, Queen Margrethe, as well as the Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen. He also enjoyed a visit to the Hans Christian Andersen's museum, in Odense, central Denmark, as well as a night at the theatre. Earlier this year, the Japanese parliament passed new legislation that allows Prince Naruhito's father, Emperor Akihito, to abdicate. He is expected to give up the throne in late 2018. Mary, 45, looked stylish in a patterned coat which she teamed with a pussy bow blouse and tailored black trousers Advertisement While summer is all but a distant memory for most of the population, the Queen was enjoying the last Sunday of her annual summer break in the Scottish Highlands this morning. Joined by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall - but not Prince Philip, the Queen appeared in high spirits as she made the short journey from her Balmoral residence for the church service in nearby Craithie. Her Majesty, 91, looked resplendent in a bright turquoise hat with a pale grey trim that co-ordinated perfectly with her tweed jacket. A final visit this season to Craithie church: the Queen was greeted by well-wishers as she arrived this morning at the church service close to Balmoral And not far behind were the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall - known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay while in Scotland - who will stay at their Birkhall home until next week With autumn already in full swing, the Queen saw off any mid-morning chilly weather with a longer mid-blue skirt and a pair of black gloves. Flanked by Royal Guards, the fleet of cars also included Charles and Camilla, who've spent recent days with the Queen on the Balmoral Estate. Dozens of well-wishers turned out to bid farewell to the Queen ahead of her return to England later this week. The Royal Guard - Balaklava Company, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland - provided a guard of honour for the Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall The 91-year-old monarch wore a turquoise hat with grey trim and matching tweed jacket, with a triple-tiered string of pearls around her neck The Queen is expected to head south on Tuesday after a long summer break in the Scottish Highlands Tradition: the armed guards flank the road up to the hill-side church in Craithie as the royal cortege passes them by Crathie Church lies next door to Balmoral and the Queen has been a regular presence at services since she began her annual break in the last fortnight in July. Her final trip to the church this season warranted the Royal Guard - this year Balaklava Company, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland - providing a guard of honour as the cars made their way up to the hill-top church. The Queen will return to England on Tuesday while Charles and Camilla - known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay while in Scotland - are expected to stay a week longer at their Birkhall home on the Balmoral Estate. Time flies! The Queen was pictured arriving at Crathie Church back in July, marking the first Sunday of her annual break You again! Her Majesty's time in Balmoral this summer also saw her meet Shetland pony Cruachan 1V, the regimental mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland...the raven-haired pony nibbled on the Queen's bouquet when she toured Stirling Castle in July Meanwhile, Prince Philip, who has stepped down from public duty did not attend the service. The Queen's Consort announced in May he would be retiring from royal engagements, a decision which was fully supported by the Queen and was said not to be medically related. The Duke of Edinburgh has carried out around 22,220 solo engagements, been on 637 foreign trips and given 5,493 speeches since 1947. While running by Lake Geneva, Dana Zelicha realised she had to change her life. I was looking at the beautiful scene, she says, and gazing at the swans and thinking: What the hell am I doing with my life? As a marketing executive for a multinational tobacco company, Dana was spending her working days selling toxic products. In Tel Aviv and then in Cape Town, she had been getting by on Red Bull and cigarettes. Then she was posted to Switzerland, and life slowed down. I had to face myself, she says, with a wry smile. And she didnt like what she saw. What Im seeing today in London is a glamorous dynamo. She talks fast. She smiles a lot. She is evangelical about the changes she has made in her life. Mindfulness expert Dana Zelicha (pictured) revealed her tips for intentionally achieving your goals. She has previously worked with women in companies such as McKinsey Citibank After that run by the shores of Lake Geneva, she gave up smoking. She cut down on her drinking. She looked round the office and saw that many of her colleagues were miserable. They were just waiting for the day to end, she says. She had been so focused on getting higher and higher and achieving more that she hadnt noticed that she was, too. Shortly afterwards, she discovered mindfulness and resigned. This is the point in the story where the frazzled ex-executive usually goes off to make jam in a country cottage or run yoga retreats on a mountain, talking only to her llamas. Dana did not do this. She came to London to do an MSc in Organisational Psychology at the London School of Economics and now works with businesses to help their staff develop and grow. She can, she says, help executives gain a winning mindset. Danas method centres on setting out your intentions: for your day at work, your life, your next career steps, and then making sure that what you actually do backs up those intentions. And shes clear that it works. She gives her clients questionnaires to monitor their progress. It is, she says, about allowing people to flourish and thrive. She has worked with women in companies including management consultants McKinsey Citibank and Zara to help them cope with the challenges of work in an increasingly frantic world. And perhaps most helpfully, taught them how to get a pay rise. Because after all, what most of us really want is more money. The average salary in the UK is around 27,000 with the gender pay gap predicted to take 62 years to close (stock image) The BBC might prefer it if we conveniently forgot that the top women at the Corporation seem to be paid an awful lot less than the top men, but its a story thats so shocking in terms of figures that it keeps resurfacing. The Corporations highest-paid star, Chris Evans, earns more than four times as much as its highest-paid woman, Claudia Winkleman. (He earns 2.2 million a year. She earns between 450,000 and 500,000.) The recent annual report revealed that just a third of the Corporations top-earning on-screen talent presenters earning more than 150,000 are women. Some of its highest-profile female presenters, including Newsnights Emily Maitlis and Radio 4s Sarah Montague, dont even make it on to the list of top earners. While the men were embarrassed by how much they earned, the women were embarrassed by how little. Most of us would, of course, be thrilled to earn anything like this. The average salary in this country, lets remember, is around 27,000. But the gender pay gap is real. If things carry on at this rate, according to the Fawcett Society, it will take 62 years to close it. If youre a cleaner, a nurse or a bartender, you might just about earn the same as a man. But if you work in construction, youre likely to earn about 45 per cent less. And if youre a finance director or a manager, you can expect to earn 36.5 per cent less. Female managers earn about 40,000 a year, compared with more than 71,000 for men. Dana believes her acronym 'PAYRISE' can help with achieving goals such as a pay rise at work (file image) If that isnt enough to make you want to storm into your bosss office and demand a pay rise right now, I dont know what is. But most of us dont have the courage to storm anywhere and, even if we did, it isnt usually a strategy that works. The trick, says Dana, is to be rational and calm. She teaches courses in mindfulness, so she knows all about being calm. I have a tool, she says. Its called PAYRISE. An acronym which, at least, sounds hard to forget. She talks me through it. You have to Pick your time, she adds. Research shows its best to talk to your boss when he or she is feeling relaxed, perhaps after lunch, or on a Friday afternoon. WHY SAYING 'PAY RISE' IS YOUR SECRET WEAPON... P ick your moment. Timing is absolutely everything. A ccomplishments. List them and dont be modest. Y et. Ask yourself why it hasnt happened yet. Are you sabotaging yourself? R esearch. Research. Research. I ntentions. Be clear as to what exactly it is that you want. S ee whats going on around you. You have to understand the context in which youre operating. If cuts are going on in the company, now is not the time to ask for a rise. E NTER the room, after having done all the above and taking a deep breath. Advertisement Not, in other words, when they are just about to present their quarterly figures to the board. We are all less open to suggestions when were feeling stressed. Before asking, she continues, list your Accomplishments and reflect on them. Some of us are better at listing the things were bad at than the things were good at, but, says Dana, we need to take a cool look at all the positive things we achieve. If we dont blow our own trumpet, we can be pretty damn sure that nobody else will. And you have, she says, to look at your limiting beliefs. (The Y stands for Yet, she explains, which I cant help thinking is cheating.) Shes certainly right that we all have limiting beliefs. Sometimes, we dont really believe we deserve to be paid more. Sometimes, we think we do, but feel that theres no point asking, because we wont get it. Its a bit like that famous statistic about men and women applying for jobs. Men apply when they meet only 60 per cent of the criteria, according to the Harvard Business Review, but women only apply if they meet 100 per cent of them. You dont need a man to do the maths. Next, says Dana, you have to do your Research. You have to network a little bit, she says, and see whats going on in the market in your area. You have to set your Intention. What do you want to get? And also, what are your plans and goals for the company? What can you bring to the table? You have to remember that, in fact, its about what you can do for them and not what they can do for you. AT this point, says Dana, you have to See whats going on. Are you feeling anxious? Unless youre a robot, the answer is probably yes. What can you do to get yourself into the right frame of mind for the meeting? Sure, a nice double vodka might hit the spot, or perhaps a Valium, but you need to be firing on all cylinders, while also doing your best to feel calm. And then, says Dana, you take a deep breath and Enter the room. And you keep every part of your anatomy crossed. If the answer is yes, hooray! If it isnt, then you work out whether its a definite no, or a not now and wait for the best time to try again. Whatever you do, dont give up. In common with other newspapers, an article on September 1, reporting evidence from the inquest into the death of transgender teenager Leo Etherington, said that he had been refused permission to change his name officially at school. We are happy to clarify that the name change request was made two years before Leos death, and although names cannot be legally changed before the age of 16, the school allows students to be called by chosen alternative names. To report an inaccuracy, please email corrections@dailymail.co.uk. To make a formal complaint under IPSO rules go to www.dailymail.co.uk/readerseditor. You can also write to Readers Editor, Daily Mail, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT or contact IPSO directly at ipso.co.uk Gianni Versace in 1991 with some of his supermodel superstars You cant beat vintage Versace for pure, unadulterated glamour. And you can now get your hands on some of the most iconic pieces ever made by designer Gianni Versace (pictured above in 1991 with some of his supermodel stars). Online store Farfetch has partnered with William Vintage the Marylebone shop beloved by Amal Clooney, Victoria Beckham and Rihanna to bring together a 500-piece collection to celebrate the designer on the 20-year anniversary of his death. Unveiled this week, the edit will include designs from 1977 through to his final A/W 97 show, as well as rare pieces from the Warhol-inspired 1991 pop art collection. Utterly indulgent, of course, but if youre after a one-off collectors item, then this is not a launch to be missed. The William Vintage Gianni Versace archive collection is available exclusively at williamvintage.com, farfetch.com and in store from Tuesday. We love: Bag, 355, MyTheresa x Ganni, mytheresa.com, from Wednesday Were lusting after this Pringle floral jumper, 1,095, pringlescotland.com Its time to get cosy and what better excuse than The Campaign for Wools Wool Week? Activities taking place include yoga, craft workshops and guest speakers, all celebrating the versatility of wool. Theres an impressive roster of retail partners on board this year, including Front Row favourites Wool and the Gang and Pringle of Scotland. campaignforwool.org Grab your passport and head to Marrakech to visit the new museum devoted to the work of legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. It opens on 19 October. For more info, go to museeyslmarrakech.com. What to wear when you're there? See below... In May I booked a hotel in Thailand through Expedia for a holiday this December and specifically chose the website as it had a 'free cancellation' policy. This is because our plans weren't concrete so I wanted to make sure I was able to cancel if we decided we weren't going to be away. I then realised we would be at a wedding somewhere else so logged onto Expedia to cancel the hotel and found there was no option. Jitesh was told his hotel room had free cancellation before Wednesday 13 December I called Expedia and was shocked to hear it would cost me 1,670 to cancel the hotel when the original cost was 2,400. This was because apparently it was not the hotel's policy to allow cancellations for the dates I had booked (the 21st to the 25th of December). This is stated in the terms and conditions, I was told, in the small print on the final reservation page. While this clause may be in the small print, to make sure I wasn't going mad I checked the booking page again and it clearly says 'free cancellation before Wed 13 Dec'. Therefore I find it very unfair I'm now not allowed to cancel without paying a large sum and Expedia won't budge on the issue. Am I to blame for carelessness here or is this a clever way for Expedia to bend the rules? Jitesh Patel, via email. Rebecca Rutt, of This is Money, replies: When you book a holiday online through a website such as Expedia, if there are any clauses that mean you aren't allowed to cancel, or it will cost you to do so, these should be made clear. Jitesh Patel booked a holiday with free cancellation but was then charged In your case you booked a holiday well in advance but chose to book with Expedia because you weren't sure of your plans and wanted to make sure you would be able to cancel without it costing you. The web page you used clearly shows a sign saying 'free cancellation' therefore I find it hard to understand why Expedia is not backing down. While it may say in the terms and conditions that free cancellation isn't allowed - this directly contradicts the message being shown on the initial booking page and therefore it is misleading. I got in contact with the website to try and find out what had happened. After sending your details to the company and the screen shots of your booking, you were then contacted by Expedia. Having previously been told by the firm that you could not cancel the booking without the hefty fee, you were then told you could cancel the booking but you would be charged the outstanding amount by the hotel (of 1,670) and then you would need to request a refund from Expedia for this amount. You told Expedia, quite rightly, you didn't expect to have to pay anything extra and eventually it agreed to waive the fees completely and you have been allowed to cancel without a charge. A spokesperson got in contact with us and explained there had been a website error when you booked. When I booked my holiday it said there was free cancellation - so why is it now charging me? They said that although the terms and conditions stated you couldn't cancel without a charge, the text stating 'free cancellation' on the first page of your booking, which it says was an error, was misleading. They commented: 'While the Terms and Conditions about the Christmas period being non-refundable were visible in the booking process we do believe it could have been clearer and that the pop up stating free cancellation caused confusion, we've therefore waived the cancellation fee and the customer is happy with the outcome, we apologise for the inconvenience caused to Mr Patel.' While this is a positive outcome, I think it's rather shoddy that Expedia only agreed to waive these fees after we had been in touch and had previously told you it was not possible. Your other option if you had still been unable to cancel would have been to contact your local Trading Standards office. It may have been able to help and investigate if you had been misled by the wording on the booking page. If it ruled a mistake had been made you would have been allowed to cancel and get a full refund and it may also have forced Expedia to make changes to the website. There are more details about this on both the Citizens Advice and Trading Standards websites. We round up the Sunday newspaper share tips. This week, Midas runs the rule over EasyJet and whether the airline can benefit from the woes of its rivals. It also updates on Revolution Bars. Meanwhile, the Sunday Telegraph takes a look at Reckitt Benckiser and the Sunday Times at Intercontinental Hotels Group. Easyjet: The airline has seen its share price climb almost 10% in the past month MAIL ON SUNDAY Holidaymakers were plunged into chaos this week as airline Monarch announced it had gone into administration. The closure of the business, which could affect up to 850,000 travellers, came hot on the heels of the debacle at Ryanair, which has seen up to 50 flights a day cancelled and 34 routes scrapped. Amid all the turmoil it is, perhaps, understandable that budget carrier EasyJet has seen its share price climb almost 10 per cent to 1263p over the past month, on the basis it is well placed to cash in on its rivals' woes. >> Read the full Midas column here It is almost a year ago that this column tipped Revolution Bars Group as a buy at 175.5p. It had an ambitious expansion plan, it was investing in existing sites and it had positive feedback from staff and customers alike. But all this was doing little to woo the market. The good news flowed as freely as the drinks until May this year, when the group warned that rising costs including the new living wage, rising business rates and the apprenticeship levy were taking their toll. The shares plunged to 111p. >> Read the full Midas Update column here THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH There has been barely a murmur over at Reckitt Benckiser as Adrian Bellamy reaches the big 2-0 as a board member of the Nurofen maker and its predecessor company. That's because it is a milestone that non-executives are never meant to reach. He recently announced a hand over next May to Mattel chairman Christopher Sinclair. It is impossible to ignore Reckitt's emergence as a 50billion health and hygiene superpower in the time that Bellamy has been in the boardroom. But as the old guard takes its leave, there is a suspicion that Reckitt's best years could be behind it. Trading at 18 times next year's forecast earnings, Reckitt has long-term potential but this is not the right time to buy. Avoid for now. IHG: The owner of the Holiday Inn brand has been one firm who have benefited from the EU referendum result THE SUNDAY TIMES Britain's vote to leave the EU has hardly been the toast of City boardrooms though some FTSE 100 bosses have slept more soundly than others in the past year. Intercontinental Hotels Group, which owns the Holiday Inn brand, has been one of the main beneficiaries of the vote, leaping from 27.23 a share in June 2016 to 40.93 at Friday's close. The jump has been partly driven by investors flocking to dollar earnings to cut their exposure to the falling pound. US revenues made up more than half of the company's turnover in the first six months of the year. Analysts at Cenkos Securities have questioned the sustainability of IHG's share price, which trades off a p/e ratio of about 21 times. After an outstanding run for IHG, investors should consider whether now is the right time to check out. CALLED OFF A sale of fashion chains Oasis, Warehouse and Coast has been cancelled. It previously emerged the only offer made to owner Kaupthing, an Icelandic bank, had come from Emerisque Brands, whose chief executive is a fugitive. HIGH TARIFFS The US Commerce Department has sided with aerospace giant Boeing and ratcheted up tariffs on jets made by its Canadian rival Bombardier to nearly 300 per cent. It follows accusations Bombardier received illegal subsidies and dumped planes at absurdly low prices. A sale of fashion chains Oasis, Warehouse and Coast has been cancelled STRONG GROWTH Output in manufacturing and services in the UK continued to grow in September. Lloyds Bank said its business activity index, which registers growth as anything above 50, was 54.1 on average. This was up from 54 in August. BAR BRAWL A bidding war for Revolution Bars is back on after the firms biggest shareholder, Artemis Investment Management, withdrew its non-binding letter of support for a proposed 100m takeover made by Stonegate Pubs. WHEELER DEALER Metals tycoon Sanjeev Gupta, 45, has vowed to revive British bicycle manufacturing after acquiring Scottish-based firm Shand Cycles UK. Gupta now plans to expand manufacturing capacity at Livingston, West Lothian. BANK BACKING The Bank of England has been asked by HSBC to give John Flint the nod to be its new chief executive. Flint, 49, long considered the frontrunner to replace Stuart Gulliver, has been formally approved by HSBCs board. Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below. Mrs S.W. writes: Phone company Talkmobile is closing down its pay as you go accounts and advising customers to transfer to Vodafone. There must be lots of people like my husband who have unused credit on their phones and are losing money as a result. Tony replies: Talkmobile announced the pay as you go closure several months ago and it took effect on August 31, just after you first contacted me. But why anyone should lose money because of this remains hard to understand. Lines crossed: Martin Freeman in the TV advertising campaign for Vodafone, which also owns Talkmobile Talkmobile is owned by Vodafone, which runs a similar pay as you go service. You might think that since the two businesses are so closely related, it would be simple to switch every customer's unused credit from one to the other, but this is not what has happened. When customers were warned of the closure, they were given three months' notice to make enough calls or send enough texts to use up all the money they had paid to Talkmobile in advance. Anyone who had less than 20 in credit by the deadline saw this transferred into Vodafone's 'Big Value Bundle' a mixture of data, call time and texts that came with an expiry date, unlike the original Talkmobile scheme. Customers with more than 20 in credit were supposed to be treated on a case by case basis, and allowed to transfer their unused credits to Vodafone if it was clear they rarely used their mobile phone and were unlikely to go on a binge of calls and texts before the end of August. Your husband had 22 in unused credit on a phone he liked to have around but rarely used. After receiving warning texts from Talkmobile, he went through with the transfer to Vodafone. So I asked Vodafone to have a look at his account, and also to explain why any customer should lose even a penny in credit. Your husband then received a call from Vodafone, insisting he had already been given a 10 credit. When Talkmobile customers were warned of the closure, they were given three months' notice to make enough calls or send enough texts to use up all the money they had paid in advance Not so. This was 10 he had paid up front when he opened the account, and Vodafone has now apologised and credited him with 25. The phone company told me it had no idea of the identities of most of the Talkmobile pay as you go customers. It explained: 'We would not be able automatically to issue new Vodafone SIM cards to all our customers as we would not have an address to send them to. Nor could we make the assumption that they want to transfer to Vodafone rather than to another operator.' The bottom line then, is that after the closure was announced, it was up to customers to contact Talkmobile and Vodafone and say what they wanted to happen, rather than the other way round. So how much have customers who took no action lost in unused credits? There was no estimate from Vodafone, though it did tell me: 'When the process is completed, any unused credit remaining will be given to charity.' HSBC won't accept my power of attorney to transfer an Isa Mrs A.B. writes: In January I was diagnosed with breast cancer and in February I had a bad fall. I decided to cancel the Isa shareholdings that my husband and I have had for more than 20 years, and to put the money into our joint account. This was done for my Isa, but HSBC asked for a copy of the power of attorney allowing me to act for my husband, who has severe dementia. I supplied a copy, but after several weeks I was told the bank branch had been closed and nobody knew anything about the matter. I started the process again with another branch, but after weeks they said the power of attorney was not correct, even though my solicitor said it was fine. I wrote again, this time with a copy of my driving licence, but nothing happened. The money is needed for my husband's care. All this has upset me terribly. Tony replies: When things like this go wrong, it can be hard to find someone in any big business who will take control of the situation and put it right. That seems to be exactly what has happened here. HSBC has not offered any explanation of what went wrong. But after I contacted the bank's head office, staff moved quickly. You were telephoned with an apology, your husband's Isa savings were moved into your joint account and HSBC has added 500 to make up for the distress you suffered. The bank has also sent you flowers. HSBC told me: 'The issue has now been resolved. We apologise to Mrs B for the delay.' If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TS or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned. Embattled British airline Monarch is racing to sell lucrative landing spaces before it risks losing them altogether. Legal experts say the firm, which entered administration last Monday, may lose the right to sell its airport slots if its operating licence is revoked in the coming weeks. This would strip Monarch of some of its most valuable assets, piling pressure on administrators at KPMG to reach a deal quickly. Embattled British airline Monarch is racing to sell lucrative landing spaces before it risks losing them altogether The companys slots at Gatwick are already subject to a bidding war between EasyJet and British Airways. They are thought to be worth as much as 60 million. Monarch also holds slots at Luton, Birmingham and Manchester. Aviation lawyer John Steel QC said the uncertainty around the airlines operating licence meant administrators would need to move quickly. If Monarchs licence was revoked, its slots would be handed back to independent body Airport Coordination Limited, Steel claimed. Blair Nimmo, a joint administrator at KPMG, said he was comfortable Monarch would complete a deal by the deadline. The company, which owns the Cleopatra brand, said its production had risen by 3 billion cigarettes from 2015-16 to 2016-17 Egypt's Eastern Company for Tobacco revealed on Sunday that it has produced a total of 83 billion cigarettes in the 2016-17 fiscal year, compared to 80 billion in the previous fiscal year, Al-Ahram Arabic news website reported. According to financial report sent by the company to the Egyptian stock market today, its sales in the local market totaled EGP 36.7 billion in 2016-17, compared to EGP 28.5 billion in the previous year. Exports, meanwhile, reached EGP 103.5 billion in 2016-17, compared to EGP 66.6 billion in 2015-16. While the revenue figures show an increase in terms of Egyptian pounds, the gains in real terms must factor in the devaluation of the Egyptian pound at the end of 2016. In January 2016, the US dollar was valued at around EGP 8, while in January 2017, it cost EGP 18, due to the Egyptian government's decision to devalue the currency. The company has also produced 16,800 tons of sheesha tobacco during 2016-17, less than the 17,600 tons of the previous year. The company's overall production for 2016-17 totals EGP 37.8 billion, an increase on the EGP 31.6 billion from 2015-16. Around 20.2 percent of Egyptians over the age of 15 are smokers, according to figures for 2016 released by state-run statistics agency CAPMAS. Of Egypt's total population of 93 million, an estimated 12.6 million people are smokers, according to the data. The over-15 age group represents approximately 62 percent of the total population. Around 23.8 percent of those aged 25 to 44 are smokers. The average annual spend on smoking for households where all members smoke is EGP 3,968, with an average monthly spend of EGP 331. Search Keywords: Short link: The rising cost of university education is prompting more young people to venture abroad. Studying in many European Union countries is free and in some cases living costs may also be cheaper. Popular European destinations for students heading overseas include France, Spain and Germany, but America is still the favourite. A period of studying abroad is mandatory for many courses, including modern languages. But those taking other subjects including medicine, business and history can also seize the opportunity to broaden their horizons. The rising cost of university education is prompting more young people to venture abroad Some will spend a semester or year overseas often during the third year of their course while others will go to a foreign university for their full degree. According to the Unesco Institute for Statistics, 31,000 UK students were enrolled in programmes at institutions outside the UK in the academic year spanning 2015 and 2016. Separate figures from Universities UK show that some 7 per cent of UK full-time undergraduates spend time studying, working or volunteering abroad as part of their degree. There are potential benefits to studying abroad, such as increased self-confidence, improved communication skills and greater employability. Michael Peak, senior education adviser at the British Council, says: 'Studies show that graduates with international experience fare better in the job market and tend to achieve better degree results.' Students also get to learn languages, immerse themselves in other cultures and make friends from all over the world. IF thinking about studying abroad, you need to find out whether your university offers an exchange programme or whether you can join an organised programme, such as Erasmus+. You also need to check if you can apply for a scholarship or funding to support you financially through your studies. The Erasmus+ programme, managed by the Erasmus+ National Agency, is a partnership between the British Council and Ecorys UK. It sends 15,000 UK higher education students to study and work abroad for between three and 12 months each year. I SPENT A YEAR IN FRANCE - AND EVEN GOT A JOB AS A NANNY Budget: Elizabeth Maitland enjoyed her second year in France Elizabeth Maitland spent a year in France as part of her three-year history degree at Cardiff University. This was made affordable by taking part in the Erasmus+ scheme. The 22-year-old, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, went to university in Nantes from September 2015 until June 2016. As this was her second year, she kept her degree to three years. She says: 'Under the Erasmus+ scheme, I had my tuition fees capped at 15 per cent (around 1,350), and the fees were covered by my tuition loan. In addition, I received a maintenance grant as well as an Erasmus grant of around 300 a month.' Elizabeth had to complete a lot of paperwork including opening a French bank account. She says: 'I needed a local account so my housing benefit known as CAF could be paid in. 'This money really helped as rather than paying 270 a month for my halls of residence, I only had to pay 150.' Elizabeth took a number of steps to keep down her living costs, such as buying a monthly travel card for the trams and buses, shopping at the local supermarket for food, and only going out once a week. She says: 'I was sensible with my budgeting and made extra money by working as a nanny for a French family. Indeed, I was able to make savings during my year in France.' Elizabeth took out a medical insurance policy offered by Cardiff University, and also an EHIC a free European Health Insurance Card. She bought contents insurance for her belongings, costing around 50 for the year. She adds: 'During my time abroad, I met people from different backgrounds, experienced student life in France and became a good French speaker. My confidence has dramatically improved.' Elizabeth graduated in July this year and is currently based in Colombia, South America, doing a one-year language assistant programme run by the British Council. This scheme provides non-means tested grants of around 300 (268) to 400 per month, depending on the destination. Unlike a student loan, these grants do not have to be repaid. You also do not have to pay tuition fees in your host country. If away for a full year you may benefit from a significant discount from your UK university. Visit erasmusplus. org.uk. In addition, you may be able to get a grant from the Government to cover some of your travel expenses. Visit gov.uk/travel-grants-students-england. While there are concerns about Erasmus+ post-Brexit, for now at least, things remain as they are. Peak says: 'As the UK continues to be a full European Union member, successful applicants this year will be awarded funding for the duration of their project, so organisations and participants should continue to prepare for the application deadlines in 2017 as usual.' That said, the future remains uncertain as Brexit could potentially restrict the movement of British students. Peak adds: 'We cannot speculate on future scenarios following the UK's exit from the European Union, but the Government has said that UK participation in some programmes may continue, subject to negotiation.' If you want to study abroad, but not in a European Union country, British Council programmes include Generation UK China and Generation UK India, Study USA and Study China. Some receive financial support from the Government. It is also worth checking out what scholarships are available such as Commonwealth Scholarships, the Fulbright Awards for students studying in the US, and the Generation UK-China academic scholarship. There are plenty of opportunities to do a postgraduate degree, such as a masters or PhD, overseas. Some postgraduate degrees automatically incorporate a work placement abroad. UK postgraduate students can get support for certain international study opportunities, such as the Joint Master Degree (part of the Erasmus+ programme), and the Japanese MEXT Scholarship Programme. For more information visit britishcouncil.org, studyabroad.com and topuniversities.com. Deadlines for the Erasmus+ scheme and other Study Abroad opportunities will depend on where and when you are going. TIPS TO SAVE WHILE STUDYING OVERSEAS CURRENCY If you need to transfer money abroad, do not turn to your bank as this could prove costly due to poor exchange rates and hidden fees. Try a currency specialist instead such as FairFX, Caxton FX and TransferWise. Fair FX's Ian Strafford-Taylor says: 'Set up a currency tracker to alert you to the best time to buy currency. Parents sending money to their children overseas should do the same.' CARDS A good option when studying abroad is to buy a prepaid card which can be pre-loaded with currency. This allows you to lock in exchange rates in advance to get the best value for money. Top picks include FairFX, Caxton FX, WeSwap, Revolut and Monzo. Andrew Hagger, of financial website Moneycomms, says: 'If you are set on taking a credit card, Halifax Clarity remains the number one choice, with no fees for purchases or cash transactions.' BANK ACCOUNT If you are abroad for only a short stint, it may be simpler to go on using a UK bank account, but make sure you have online banking so you can manage your money wherever you are. If you are away for a year or more, you may want to open a foreign bank account. BUDGETING Trying to budget in a foreign country may be tricky especially with currency fluctuations and different living costs from the ones you are used to. But it is still worth creating a monthly budget to help you stay on track. INSURANCE Some universities offer a travel insurance policy as part of a year abroad package, which may include medical cover. If you are organising your own travel cover, sort this in advance. Kevin Pratt, of comparison website MoneySupermarket, says: 'Insurance is vital for medical expenses cover. This will pay for the cost of repatriation in the event of severe illness, injury or death. In addition, you need to check any policy covers you for all the activities you want to take part in, such as winter sports.' Also make sure you have sufficient cover for your belongings. CHEAP FLIGHTS Shop around for a good deal on your flights home, using websites such as Skyscanner, Kayak and Momondo. Universities each set their own internal deadlines, but most require applications to be submitted between this autumn and next spring. ONE of the best ways to keep down costs when studying abroad is by choosing an affordable des- tination. The good news is that a number of European (and other international) universities still offer free or low-cost courses. New findings from currency specialist FairFX reveal that the most affordable European countries to study in include Italy, Germany, Finland, Austria and Sweden. Further research by FairFX shows two of the best-value European universities to study in are in Italy. Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa and Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, also in Pisa and in spectacular surroundings filled with statues and classical architecture. They not only provide free tuition but also cover living costs for the lucky few able to secure a place. Experience: Sarah Cole will spend three years studying abroad Ian Strafford-Taylor, of FairFX, says: 'Students considering completing a degree in a different country should think about living costs as well as tuition fees and the impact of exchange rates on their expenses.' Sarah Cole knows just how important financial planning is when studying abroad, having spent a year of her undergraduate degree in San Diego in the US. The 22-year-old is now abroad again and has just started a two-year masters degree in Denmark. Sarah, from King's Lynn, Norfolk, went to San Diego State University as part of the Study Abroad programme affiliated to the University of Hertfordshire. This meant she did an extra year, extending her undergraduate degree in astrophysics from three to four years. She says: 'I did not have to pay tuition fees, which made the year affordable. The experience boosted my CV as I got to meet new people, experience life and university in a different country and become more independent.' Now that Sarah is studying for her masters in mathematical modelling and computation at the Technical University of Denmark, just north of Copenhagen, she gets no financial help or support from the UK. She says: 'On the plus side there are no tuition fees for higher education for European students in Denmark. 'Student housing is also afford- able, and I live close to campus, so I do not have to spend much on transport. 'Nonetheless, supermarkets and other living costs are pretty expensive, so I am careful with spending as I need to make my savings last.' Advertisement A young man from western Sydney with a passion for fashion has revealed how he went from staring wistfully at beautiful clothes in magazines to walking the catwalk in Milan for his favourite brand. Elias El-Indari, 25, went from being a 'daggy dresser' in high school to starting a fashion blog at university - after he realised 'it's okay for men to like going shopping'. 'People used to come up to me and ask me about the clothes I was wearing and where I got them from - there were no male fashion bloggers in Sydney at the time, so I decided to have a go,' he told Daily Mail Australia. Elias El-Indari, 25, pictured, went from being a 'daggy dresser' in high school to starting a fashion blog at university The successful blogger started with relatively unknown brands but when he moved to Dubai, big labels approached him Elias - pictured left as a teenager, and right during a summer shoot for his blog - claims 'every man can look good and feel comfortable in what they're wearing - no matter what they look like' The blog started from his parents' Greenacre home in February 2013 - now he runs it from Dubai and more than 60,000 people check it out every month. 'My father is very traditional Lebanese, so when I first started he couldn't understand,' Elias revealed. 'He kept saying ''Why are you always dressing up and taking photos?'' and didn't really get it when I told him that it was the new big thing. 'Now I own two homes in Sydney, I am making great money from the blog and my dad has surpassed my mum - by a long shot - as my biggest fan. But it did take him three years to understand. 'It meant a lot to me - the only person I look up to, the only person I needed to accept this, has. As the eldest child, and a boy, in a Lebanese family you have big shoes to fill and I didn't want to make him upset.' Elias went from wearing the clothes of local, relatively unknown designers, to wearing some of the world's biggest brands in just a few years. The 25-year-old (pictured, left) admits he was a 'daggy dresser' when he was at high school but found his style at university, where he studied marketing His father, pictured left, and mother, right, are his 'biggest fans' but it took his dad a little bit longer to accept his son could do well in the fashion industry 'I am short, hairy, and Lebanese which means I have a big nose, but that doesn't matter because you don't have to be a tall, blond man to dress well and care about how you look,' he said And he says he keeps doing it because men deserve to know they can all look good - they just need to wear the right clothes. 'I am short, hairy and Lebanese, which means I have a big nose, but that doesn't matter because you don't have to be a tall, blond man to dress well and care about how you look,' he said. 'I look back now and see how I dressed as a teenager - oh my goodness, I was so daggy. 'My best advice is for men to look after themselves - keep themselves well-groomed and wear a well-fitted suit. At the end of the day if you look good, you feel confident. Within the first year of Elias starting his SMF blog, he had 10,000 followers - despite most of the photos being cut off at the shoulders. 'My best advice is for men to look after themselves - keep themselves well-groomed and wear a well-fitted suit. At the end of the day if you look good, you feel confident' The blogger now owns 90 pairs of shoes, 20 suits and a lot of cool, casual outfits. Pictured above: What he took with him on a recent trip to Paris The blogger says he doesn't just stick to one style because he doesn't want to limit his audience 'I left my face out for a long time because it didn't matter if I was an Arab, if I was English - I could be anyone, which is the whole point.' Four years on, the blogger - who has a bachelor and masters' degree in marketing - is wearing clothes he 'could only dream of' during his time as the only male intern at a fashion magazine. 'But I don't just wear the designer brands - you can look good on any budget, it doesn't matter if you are in a pair of jeans and a Zara T-shirt.' Elias' favourite moment from his last few years running the blog came in January when he was invited to walk the catwalk for Dolce and Gabbana. 'I have been to every fashion show in Europe since I moved to Dubai - always trying to keep at the forefront,' he said. 'But to be invited to be in one - it was amazing.' And strutting down the slippery runway didn't disappoint. Elias' favourite moment from his last few years running the blog came in January when he was invited to walk the catwalk for Dolce and Gabbana The 'boy from Punchbowl' said he was the only Australian, Lebanese and Arab on the catwalk Elias with his two sisters at a wedding. The blogger says he still visits Australia a lot because his friends are getting maried 'It was such a crazy, euphoric feeling. I can take a photo in front of a crowd or in a busy street - but it doesn't compare to when all the lights and cameras are on you as you are walking down the strip for one of the world's biggest brands.' The self-made model smiled as he showed off the suit - despite walking alongside straight-faced models. 'I was the only smile on the runway - but they did say they wanted us to be ourselves,' he explained. Elias' biggest fan base is still in Australia with about 20,000 people turning to his site for advice every month. The 'boy from Punchbowl' still calls Australia home but said he isn't likely to come back to live anytime soon. 'I am still working full-time in Dubai as well as having my blog, which makes good money on its own. Elias pictured as a child growing up in Sydney's western suburbs. He now owns two properties in Sydney and plans to expand his portfolio 'My parents know I have a 10-year plan so I won't be settling down anytime soon - I want to get more experience in business before going out completely on my own. 'And I want to get into the European market with my blog - there is still work to be done.' Elias has two younger sisters and feels like he is doing his family proud - even though he decided to go against the grain and get into fashion instead of becoming a 'tradie' or going in to a male-dominated occupation. More than 37,000 people follow the young Australian on Instagram, where he hands out fashion advice and posts photos of outfits from his blog. Vice President Mike Pence praised the heroic response by police and the resolve of the American people at a prayer service in Las Vegas on Saturday. The event was capped off after organizers released 58 white doves in memory of each victim killed in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history earlier in the week. At the same time, federal agents started hauling away piles of backpacks, baby strollers and lawn chairs left behind by fleeing concertgoers who scrambled to escape raining bullets from a gunman who was shooting from his high-rise hotel suite. Vice President Mike Pence, speaks at the culmination of a faith unity walk, held to help the community heal after Sunday's mass shooting, at Las Vegas City Hall on October 7, 2017 58 white doves are released in honor of the victims of last Sunday's mass shooting, at the culmination of a faith unity walk at Las Vegas City Hall on October 7, 2017 'It was a tragedy of unimaginable proportions,' Pence said as he addressed nearly 300 people at Las Vegas City Hall. 'Those we lost were taken before their time, but their names and their stories will forever be etched into the hearts of the American people.' Investigators have remained stumped about what drove gunman Stephen Paddock, a reclusive 64-year-old high-stakes video poker player, to begin shooting at the crowd at a country music festival from his 32nd-floor Mandalay Bay hotel suite last Sunday, killing 58 and wounding hundreds before taking his own life. Investigators believe a note found on a nightstand in Paddock's hotel room contained a series of numbers that helped him calculate a more precise aim, accounting for the trajectory of shots being fired from that height and the distance between his room and the concert, a law enforcement official said Saturday. The official wasn't authorized to discuss the details of the ongoing investigation publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The unity service Saturday afternoon came after dozens of people - many wearing shirts that said 'Vegas Strong' - marched from Mandalay Bay to City Hall. ice President Mike Pence speaks following a unity prayer walk Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, in Las Vegas Laurie Beaton, right, hugs a mourner after a memorial service for her husband, Jack Beaton at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Bakersfield, Calif., on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 Mourners console each another after the memorial service for Jack Beaton at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Bakersfield, Calif., on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 After speeches from Pence and other politicians, doves were released into the air, flying in a wide arc and then disappearing into the distance as someone shouted, 'God bless America!' 'On Sunday night, Las Vegas came face-to-face with pure evil, but no evil, no act of violence, will ever diminish the strength and goodness of the American people,' Pence said. 'In the depths of horror, we will always find hope in the men and women who risk their lives for ours.' Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman told the audience that the focus needs to remain on the victims, not 'that horrific senseless animal.' Lisa Rhoads-Shook, whose brother-in-law was inside the Mandalay Bay when the shooting broke out, said she wanted to attend the unity service to be part of the conversation about change. 'I'm so sad and it's not fair, really, for us to experience another avoidable tragedy. We have to acknowledge that there is no better time to talk about gun control,' she said. 'I don't think the Founding Fathers wanted the right to bear arms to become the right to build an arsenal in your home.' Investigators have chased 1,000 leads and examined Paddock's politics, finances, any possible radicalization and his social behavior - typical investigative avenues that have helped uncover the motive in past shootings. But Clark County Undersheriff Kevin McMahill said there's still no clear motive. What officers have found is that Paddock planned his attack meticulously. He requested an upper-floor room overlooking the festival, stockpiled 23 guns, a dozen of them modified to fire continuously like an automatic weapon, and set up cameras inside and outside his room to watch for approaching officers. The stepson of Karen Ristevski says his father's alibi doesn't add up as her car's fuel gauge had been faulty for more than two years and it couldn't have 'corrected' itself from a bump in the road. Anthony Rickard told the Herald Sun his father, Borce Ristevksi, was a 'tight arse' and refused to have the car fixed by an auto electrician because it cost too much money. The alleged revelations cast further doubt on the veracity of Borce's alibi, after the fuel gauge claim was previously disputed by a Melbourne mechanic who serviced the car. 'It couldn't have been corrected by a bump. The Calder (Freeway) is a smooth road ... there's not a bump that's going to be hard enough to some- how fix (the gauge) itself after two or three years of it not working,' Mr Rickard said. The stepson of Karen Ristevski says his father's alibi doesn't add up as her car's fuel gauge had been faulty for more than two years and it couldn't have 'corrected' itself from a bump Karen Ristevski (pictured left) disappeared from the home she shared with her husband Borce (right) Anthony Rickard (pictured) told the Herald Sun his father, Borce Ristevksi, was a 'tight arse' and refused to have the car fixed by an auto electrician because it cost too much money Mr Ristevski has told police he took the Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 coupe for a drive to test the faulty gauge on the day his wife Karen disappeared last year. But the mechanic, who was interviewed by detectives last Friday, says he been servicing Ms Ristevski's coupe for years and had never noticed an issue with the fuel gauge. Mr Ristevski had claimed he was on a drive along the Calder Freeway to test the gauge when it suddenly corrected itself on June 29 last year. Mr Rickard further revealed that Mr Ristevski simply told his wife to keep the car topped up, because fixing the gauge was too expensive. But whilst he did support the faulty fuel gauge story, Mr Rickard said also that he doubted the gauge would have 'corrected itself' on the Calder Rd by a bump, as his father claimed. Ms Ristevski (right) was last seen at her Avondale Heights home in June 2016 by husband Borce 'It couldn't have been corrected by a bump. The Calder is a smooth road ... there's not a bump that's going to be hard enough to some- how fix it itself after two or three years of it not working,' Mr Rickard said Mrs Ristevski's body was found in bushland in Mt Macedon Regional Park on February 20, and the Mercedes has remained a focus in her murder investigation Mr Ristevski told police he and his wife had gotten into an argument about money before she left their Avondale Heights on June 29, 2016. He then claimed to have gone for a drive to the Calder Park Raceway, before hitting a bump which caused the faulty fuel gauge to correct itself. Mr Ristevski told police he then did a U-turn and returned home. Mrs Ristevski's body was found in bushland in Mt Macedon Regional Park on February 20, and the Mercedes has remained a focus in her murder investigation. The Melbourne mechanic said that neither Mr Ristevski, nor Mrs Ristevski, ever raised the problem with him. 'I told the detective, in the last three years I haven't touched that car and he's (Borce) never asked me to fix any faulty fuel gauge,' he said. Ms Ristevski's body was discovered in bushland (pictured) near Mr Macedon in February 2017 Police released CCTV footage earlier this year of a black Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 coupe being driven towards Mt Macedon on the day Ms Ristevski disappeared. Using an identical model to the Mercedes, detectives recreated the route they think Ms Ristevski's murderer took to Mt Macedon on August 30. The mechanic told The Herald Sun Mr Ristevski visited him a couple of weeks ago for a repair on a Volkswagen. He said Mr Ristevski told him police still possessed the Mercedes. 'Borce said he had started working for a road crew as a traffic controller just to get himself out the house,' he said. President Donald Trump appeared to inch closer to war with North Korea on Saturday, tweeting that 'only one thing will work' when it comes to dealing with Kim Jong-un's regime. 'Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid,' Trump said. 'Hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, making fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!' The president declined later to tell reporters what he meant by his observation on Thursday evening during a photo op with military leaders and their spouses that they might be experiencing 'the calm before the storm.' Asked what would constrain North Korea a moment later, Trump said, 'Well, you'll figure that out pretty soon.' President Donald Trump appeared to inch closer to war with North Korea on Saturday, tweeting that 'only one thing will work' when it comes to dealing with Kim Jong-un's regime As the president was wooing Republican Party donors on Saturday evening in North Carolina, an interview he taped with Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas and an opponent of Trump's in last year's presidential primary, was airing on Trinity Broadcasting Network. Trump called Kim 'Little Rocket Man' in the conversation and reiterated his frustration with previous U.S. presidents, who he said left him 'a mess' in North Korea and foreign policy other arenas. He smacked former Democratic Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama for their treatment of the present leader's father, Kim Jong-il, 'cause it's the same thing.' The North Korean leaders have the 'same attitude, Trump said, although, 'I think this one's the worst of the group.' Trump sat down for the interview with Huckabee, father to the president's press secretary, on Thursday. It aired during the first episode of the Republican's new television show. The interview occurred hours before Trump said at a jovial photo-op with military brass that the gathering could represent 'the calm before the storm.' Friday afternoon, during an event with American manufacturers, Trump was pressed to explain what he meant. 'You'll find out,' he said, winking. On Saturday evening, the president insisted there was 'nothing to clarify' as he left the White House on his way to Greensboro for a Republican National Committee fundraiser. The president has previously said the United States would destroy North Korea if necessary to protect itself and its allies. He has also derisively referred to North Korean ruler Kim Jong-un as 'Little Rocket Man.' Kim is seen in the above file photo taken on September 29 At a White House press briefing on Friday Trump spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders insisted, 'You'll have to wait and see.' Sanders said that while Trump's words are vague, he's not trying to sow confusion. 'I wouldn't say necessarily that he's trying to throw people off, but he's not trying to broadcast or telegraph his exact actions,' she said. 'I think we've seen what a failure it is when an administration does that.' Sanders cautioned that Trump 'certainly doesn't want to lay out his game plan for our enemies.' But she also refused to say which to which enemy the president had issued his cryptic warning. 'We've got a lot of bad actors in the world: North Korea, Iran, there's several examples there,' she said, adding that 'I haven't been specific about anything.' Before Trump created a national 'calm before the storm' storm, he had been in discussion with top defense officials about the threat from North Korea and how to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. 'In North Korea, our goal is denuclearization,' he said. The president on Thursday also had tough words for Iran, saying the country had not lived up to the spirit of an agreement forged with world powers to curb its nuclear program. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is seen in the above file photo 'We cannot allow this dictatorship to threaten our nation or our allies with unimaginable loss of life. We will do what we must do to prevent that from happening. And it will be done, if necessary, believe me.' During his speech to the United Nations General Assembly last month, Trump said the United States would 'totally destroy' North Korea if needed to defend itself or US allies. The president on Thursday also had tough words for Iran, saying the country had not lived up to the spirit of an agreement forged with world powers to curb its nuclear program. A senior administration official said on Thursday that Trump was expected to announce soon he would decertify the landmark agreement. Trump has filled top posts within his administration with military generals, including his chief of staff, retired General John Kelly, and national security adviser, Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster. McMaster, who normally dresses in civilian clothes at the White House, wore his uniform for the meeting. Without being specific, Trump pressed the leaders to be faster at providing him with 'military options' when needed. 'Moving forward, I also expect you to provide me with a broad range of military options, when needed, at a much faster pace. 'I know that government bureaucracy is slow, but I am depending on you to overcome the obstacles of bureaucracy,' he said during their cabinet room meeting. He has taken a leave of absence from his company as an investigation launches A lawyer for Harvey Weinstein donated $10,000 to New York City District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr after Vance's office decided not to prosecute Weinstein over sexual assault allegations. According to the International Business Times, the contribution came from David Boies, who has represented Weinstein publicly in many of the producer's high-profile legal battles, in April 2015. While a spokesperson for Vance told the news organization that Boies didn't represent Weinstein during that criminal investigation, the site points out that Boies has done work for Weinstein since at least 2005. David Boies (left), a lawyer for movie mogul Harvey Weinstein (right), donated $10,000 to a New York City District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr after Vance's office decided not to prosecute Weinstein over sexual assault allegations Boies, who has represented Weinstein publicly in many of the producer's high-profile legal battles, made the contribution in April 2015 (Pictured, from left to right: David Boies, wife Mary Boies and Harvey Weinstein at the TIME 100 Gala in April 2011) A spokesperson for Vance (pictured, March 2016) told the International Business Times that Boies didn't represent Weinstein during that criminal investigation 'David Boies did not represent Harvey Weinstein in 2015 during the criminal investigation,' Joan Vollero, communications director for Vance, told the International Business Times about Boies's campaign contributions. Edward Evans, a spokesperson for the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner, also said in a statement: 'David Boies has been a supporter of the District Attorney since long before 2015, including before he was first elected, and has never spoken to him about Harvey Weinstein.' The revelation about Vance dropping the Weinstein investigation comes on the heels of another recent report describing how Vance decided against prosecuting Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr after another lawyer contribution. In 2010, Vance was looking into whether Donald Trump's children misled prospective buyers in a failed Manhattan Trump Soho project, according to a report by ProPublica and WNYC. Vance then overruled his own attorneys and declined to pursue felony fraud charges against the two after Trump's personal attorney, Marc Kasowitz, gave Vance's campaign $25,000. Vance's campaign spokesperson Steve Sigmund told the International Business Times that just before Kasowitz met with Vance about the case, Vance's campaign returned the $25,000 donation. Vance is already under scrutiny after he decided against prosecuting Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr (pictured, January 2017) after another lawyer contribution Vance was looking into whether Donald Trump's children misled prospective buyers in a failed Manhattan Trump Soho project. After declining to press charges, Trump's personal attorney, Marc Kasowitz (pictured, June 2017), gave Vance's campaign $25,000 On Thursday, The New York Times published a report detailing how multiple women accused Weinstein of engaging in 'sexual harassment and unwanted physical contact.' Weinstein issued an apology, but attorney Lisa Bloom told the Times that the movie producer 'denies many of the accusations as patently false'. The Weinstein Companys board is planning to investigate the sexual harassment complaints against Weinstein as he takes a leave of absence. On Thursday, The New York Times published a report detailing how multiple women accused Weinstein of engaging in 'sexual harassment and unwanted physical contact.' Among the accusers are actress Ashley Judd (left, with Weinstein in 1997) and Italian model Ambra Battilana (right, 2014) Among the allegations was an incident two decades ago in which actress Ashley Judd recalled that Weinstein asked if he could give her a massage or she could watch him shower. More recently, in 2015, Italian model and aspiring actress Ambra Battilana filed a police report after alleging that the producer grabbed her breasts - asking if they were real - and put his hand up her skirt. Twenty-five thousand operations are cancelled every year because hospitals are so full, an investigation by The Mail on Sunday has found. A lack of beds is forcing the cancellation of 100 operations every working day across the NHS in England a figure that has risen 35 per cent in just five years. Dozens of trusts have seen bed-related cancellations double since 2012, with one soaring seven-fold. Even urgent heart and cancer ops are being delayed, sometimes repeatedly, due to the shortage. The consequences can be fatal. Last night Professor Derek Alderson, president of the Royal College of Surgeons, said 'major log-jams' on wards were bringing hospitals to a standstill, warning: 'Large numbers of patients are suffering.' An investigation has found that 25,000 operations are cancelled every year because of a lack of hospital beds. File image And Dr Taj Hassan, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: 'The beds crisis is spiralling from chronic to acute. There's no doubt our bed occupancy rates are too high nowhere near where they should be to be prepared for winter. 'We just don't have enough beds in to cope with the demands of emergency or pre-planned care.' He said 5,000 extra beds were needed. But there are plans afoot to strip out thousands more so the money can be reinvested in 'community care'. The Mail on Sunday calculated around 25,000 planned operations were cancelled due to bed shortages last year, after sending Freedom of Information requests to England's 153 NHS hospital trusts. We asked them to provide a breakdown of last-minute cancellations by cause: lack of beds, operating theatre capacity, staffing, and equipment failures. We requested five years of annual data. CASE STUDY 1: Star Wars actor died waiting Mr Bonehill (pictured) was found dead after his life-saving op was cancelled Star Wars actor Richard Bonehill was found dead in his car after his potentially lifesaving heart operation was cancelled twice due to bed shortages. He needed surgery on a leaking heart valve, which had been scheduled to take place at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, on January 5, 2015. But it was cancelled after the hospital was put on 'black alert' meaning bed capacity had been reached. The procedure was rescheduled for a fortnight later. However, by then the alert was still in force, and the second date duly cancelled. Mr Bonehill, 65, of St Ives, Cornwall, who played a stormtrooper in The Empire Strikes Back, smuggler Nien Nunb in Return Of The Jedi and appeared in Doctor Who, was found dead in February. At an inquest last year, cardiac consultant Mr Clinton Lloyd said: 'His heart muscle was not working well and his valve was leaking severely when he came to see me. There is a risk with cardiomyopathy that there can be sudden death.' The coroner ruled Mr Bonehill died of natural causes. Advertisement By Friday, 92 had responded with full figures for 2016/17. They reported 15,370 bed-related last-minute cancellations in total. Scaled up to account for trusts which failed to give details, it can be estimated there were 25,500 bed-related cancellations in English hospitals last year. Prof Alderson said cancellations were 'devastating' for patients and 'demoralising' for staff. 'It's incredibly frustrating,' he explained. 'On the day a surgeon has to cancel a major case, which might have taken hours, they can end up sitting twiddling their thumbs. It's a massive waste of resources.' The consequences for patients can be devastating and sometimes fatal, as demonstrated by endless case studies. File image As a whole, beds account for a third of last-minute cancellations; operating theatre capacity 28 per cent; staff shortages or sickness 14 per cent, equipment eight per cent and the remaining 'other'. Dr Hassan said the findings 'absolutely support' the belief that a scarcity of beds is at the heart of the NHS's problems. Last month the King's Fund think-tank found Britain had just 2.6 hospital beds per 1,000 people. France has 6.1, Germany 8.1. An NHS England spokesman said: 'The fact is that the number of cancelled operations remains low at just one per cent in the context of the millions of operations performed in the NHS each year.' CASE STUDY 2: Bruce's distress that cancer op was rebooked Bruce Knight (pictured right) and wife Val (left) have been left distressed by his cancelled tumour procedure Cancer patient Bruce Knight was all ready to go into theatre when he was told: 'Sorry, there's no bed free.' The 74-year-old had needed an urgent operation for a tumour in his pancreas, and was booked in for surgery at University Hospital Coventry on January 18 this year. His wife, Val, pictured right with Bruce, explained: 'Bruce was ready, he had his gown on, he'd spoken to the surgeon. Then the anaesthetist came in and told him sorry but the operation would be cancelled as there weren't enough beds in the high dependency unit.' The couple then had to endure an agonising wait to see if the eight-hour operation could be rescheduled in the right 'time window' to fit in with his other cancer treatment. It was eventually rebooked for February and doctors discovered they could not remove the tumour in any case. Mrs Knight explained: 'They said the radiotherapy and chemotherapy had basically bound it in place. But Bruce is improving.' Advertisement A Muslim imam who claims shaking hands with women is sexual harassment has described the awkward moment he mistakenly shook hands with a female Buddhist monk. Sheikh Zaindaine Johnson, a surfer convert to Islam from Queensland, told a mosque about meeting other religious leaders at Parliament House in Brisbane. The 44-year-old Sharia law-supporting imam, who now preaches at Logan south of Brisbane, described the 'funny story' of being put into a room. Scroll down for video Sheikh Zaindine Johnson says he was 'blown away'shaking hands with female Buddhist monk The Queensland imam said he didn't realise a female Buddhist monk was a lady (stock image) 'You know, I'm a pretty friendly guy. So I start shaking hands with all the religious leaders, talking to them,' he said. 'And then all of a sudden I'm shaking hands with the Buddhist and I said, 'Hi, how are you, sir?'. Animating his sermon, Sheikh Zainadine impersonated the Buddhist monk's high-pitched voice, evoking laughter from his Friday night audience. 'She says, 'Good thank you.' I'm like, what? It was a lady 'cos she shaves her head and I didn't realise it was a lady. I thought it was a man,' he said. 'I shook the hand and then when she answers, 'Good thank you'. 'I was just blown away. Wow, that just came from left field. I had no idea.' Sheikh Zainadine Johnson tells of mistakenly shaking hands with a female Buddhist monk Sheikh Zainadine Johnson has said shaking hands with women is 'sexual harassment' for him The revelation he shook hands with a woman comes six weeks after he told a Facebook discussion it was sexual harassment to force Muslim men to shake hands with women. 'Isn't that sexual harassment? I mean really I feel sexually harassed when they try to force me,' he said in August. 'It's my body and I should have the right to decide who can touch and who can't. 'You see it as innocent however there are many men who feel a whack on the bum is innocent . And that is classed as sexual harassment.' Sheikh Johnson, a red-headed former bass guitarist with Brisbane rock band Grinder, became an imam at the Logan Mosque in May after being sacked from his post on the Sunshine Coast. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas in November 1963 A mahogany speedboat that belonged to John F. Kennedy sold for $75,000, and a flight suit that belonged to CIA operative Francis Gary Powers sold for $2,750 Saturday at a New York auction of Kennedy-era memorabilia. The sale at Guernsey's included a wide array of Camelot-era lots, including documents, photos, stationery and even inscribed sterling silver baby toothbrushes. A rocking chair that Kennedy used in the White House, specially made for him because of a back injury, sold for $30,000. A second rocking chair used by both Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, who served after Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, sold for $10,000. Among the more romantic items was the 17-foot speedboat, a 1961 Century Resorter. Kennedy used the vessel when he was at home in Hyannis, Massachusetts. John F. Kennedy's speedboat, Restofus, was sold on Saturday October 7, 2017, for $75,000 A rocking chair that Kennedy used in the White House, specially made for him because of a back injury, also sold for $30,000. The nautical history starts with family patriarch Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., who had a boat named 'Tenovus,' a reference to the number of Kennedy family members at the time: ten of us.' Later, when he won the speedboat in a church raffle, it got the name 'Restofus,' a nod to the 'rest of us' in the expanding family. That became JFK's personal boat. After the nation's 35th president died, the boat went to his brother, Edward M. Kennedy, and then to other owners. A blue bathing suit that belonged to first lady Jacqueline Kennedy sold for $1,800, and two pairs of swimming trunks owned by President Kennedy sold for $3,500 and $1,800. The core of the sale came from the collections of Henry Hirschy, who was a Navy aide in the White House during the Kennedy administration; Mary Gallagher, who was Jacqueline Kennedy's personal secretary, and Powers. In one of the landmark episodes of the Cold War, Powers was captured in the Soviet Union after his spy plane was shot down in 1960. The U.S. initially tried to cover it up, inventing a story about a NASA weather plane going off course, and was embarrassed when the Soviets produced Powers alive. A rocking chair that Kennedy used in the White House, specially made for him because of a back injury, sold for $30,000 Tourists are often confused by Australian slang after landing in the country for their first visit. So one helpful writer has created a cheat sheet to help new arrivals avoid any embarrassing misunderstandings with the locals. The sheet, found in an Australian travel book, lists a dozen common words with the corresponding slang next to them with the heading 'speak like a local!' A helpful guide found in a travel book purports to tell tourists the meanings of a dozen common Australian slang Visitors would have heard many tales about Australia's many venomous creatures, but they probably didn't know a snake was known as a 'crikey mikey' The list starts off innocuously enough with the well-known 'mate' used to mean friend, but gets progressively stranger from there. According to the guide, tourists are called 'freshies', shoes are 'chubbers', and every tourist's favourite Australian animal, the kangaroo, is a 'bouncy mouse'. Weirder 'translations' included 'dogereedo' for a puppy, 'koala log' for a cigarette, 'mother onion' for the Moon, and something awesome is 'dangarang'. The tourist would likely have arrived on a 'sky gator' and if it was winter pulled on a 'sleeve urwin', a play on late wildlife entertainer Steve Irwin meaning a sweater. According to the guide, tourists are called 'freshies', shoes are 'chubbers', and every tourist's favourite Australian animal, the kangaroo, is a 'bouncy mouse' Weirder 'translations' included 'dogereedo' for a puppy, 'koala log' for a cigarette, 'mother onion' for the Moon, and something awesome is 'dangarang' Visitors would have heard many tales about Australia's many venomous creatures, but they probably didn't know a snake was known as a 'crikey mikey'. But before they start using these slang terms in conversation with Australians, they should probably stop - or 'didgeri-don't' - and realise it's a cleaver prank. As many Australians who came across the sign after it was posted online pointed out, no one actually uses any of those terms, with the exception of 'mate'. The joke was created in the longstanding tradition of convincing tourists to believe odd things about Australia, just like the legendary deadly dropbears. The tourist would likely have arrived on a 'sky gator' and if it was winter pulled on a 'sleeve urwin', a play on late wildlife entertainer Steve Irwin meaning a sweater It was drawn up by notorious prankster Obvious Plant who slipped in into the travel book to bamboozle Americans headed to Australia. Australians laughed at the joke online and hoped tourists would be fooled into using them for the amusement of locals. 'I'm tired of these motherf**kin Crikey Mikeys on this motherf**kin Sky Gator,' one Redditor commented, referencing a famous line from the film Snakes on a Plane. Remittances from Egyptian expats were 40 percent higher in August than in the same month last year, registering $1.7 billion this year compared to $1.2 billion in August 2016, the Egyptian Central Bank said Sunday. A total of $16.3 billion in remittances was sent to Egypt between November 2016, when Egypt floated its currency, and August this year. The period following the flotation saw a $2.4 billion increase in remittances, estimated at 17.35 percent compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year. In November, the central bank floated the currency and agreed a $12 billion loan with the International Monetary Fund to support its reform program. Egypt's foreign reserves registered $36.535 billion at the end of September 2017. Around 9.4 million Egyptians live abroad, of a total Egyptian population of 104.2 million. Egyptians working abroad send back billions of dollars a year in remittances, an important source of hard currency. Search Keywords: Short link: A daring French tourist has taken a selfie on top of a smouldering Balinese volcano despite heavy smoke rising from the crater and a serious eruption warning in place. Karl Kaddouri climbed to the top of Mount Agung, which has been on the brink of eruption for three weeks now, and filmed a short video looking down at the billowing smoke. The caption on the video read: 'Last week it was 100 tremors, 500 in the last few days which indicates an imminent outbreak. Karl Kaddouri climbed to the top of Mount Agung, which has been on the brink of eruption for three weeks now, and filmed a short video looking down at the billowing smoke (pictured) 'So 120 people evacuated from different villages within a 12-mile radius. Warnings from different embassies. Since then, fleeing tourists and cancellations. No favorable conditions. 'Yesterday I was alone, in the rain, in the parking lot of the temple.' Daily Mail Australia has deciphered some of the French phrases and believe he is saying: 'I'm making just a small video to explain to you two to three things. In fact, I am following the formula to get out of one's comfort zone. What does that mean or how do we get there? 'I am at about 100 metres. It makes lot of noise, can you hear? To get out of your comfort zone, I cannot imagine a better way than this,' he says in the video 'I am at about 100 metres. It makes lot of noise, can you hear? To get out of your comfort zone, I cannot imagine a better way than this,' he continues. 'Okay, I am going to go down because I have been allowed to come up to here and I am going to respect it. I'm not going to act like a fool.' Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho says the volcano is 'very dangerous' and could explode anytime. It's been at its highest alert level since September 22, sparking a great exodus of more than 140,000 people from the surrounding area. Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho says the volcano is 'very dangerous' and could explode anytime (pictured) Last week, four Hindu priests also angered authorities by posting a video of the crater after climbing the peak to pray. The Mount Agung volcano is located 75 kilometres from the resort hub of Kuta. It has been shaking since August, threatening what could be its first eruption since 1963 which killed more than 1,100 people. The Mount Agung volcano (pictured) is located 75 kilometres from the resort hub of Kuta But authorities are not discouraging tourists from visiting Bali at this time, claiming businesses will be severely disrupted if holidaymakers don't arrive. Balinese Governor Mangku Pastika declared if the airport is closed because of the volcano, he will extend visas and provide accommodation for those stranded. He also said for those who needed to get out urgently, a means would be provided. 'If they really have to go then they have to go through Surabaya or Lombok, we will provide transport,' he said. A British Army medic whose bravery was depicted in an award-winning war movie has revealed how he was told to 'man up or leave' the Forces after suffering post traumatic stress disorder. Corporal Paul 'Tug' Hartley, 37, saved the lives of three horribly wounded comrades trapped in a Taliban minefield. His valiant attempts to treat them featured in Kajaki: The True Story, which won a Bafta award for its portrayal of one of the most dramatic and bloody incidents of Britain's war in Afghanistan. Corporal Paul 'Tug' Hartley (pictured), 37, fought bravely against the Taliban in Afghanistan Corporal Hartley received the George Medal for his gallantry and became a poster boy for the Royal Army Medical Corps. But now he has revealed how 'callous' top brass ended his military career when he admitted he was mentally ill. The father-of-three said he hoped he would receive his bosses' support when he confided in them about his psychological issues. Instead, they gave him his marching orders. He said: 'After the incident at Kajaki, I had dinners with the Duke of Gloucester. I was a hero who they wheeled out for special events. But when I needed help, I was told to lie. His valiant actions were portrayed by Game Of Thrones actor Mark Stanley (pictured) in the Bafta-winning film Kajaki: The True Story 'My condition, which was rapidly worsening at the time, was all due to what had happened there. 'I was getting flashbacks to being in the minefield, seeing my mates' bodies covered in blood. 'I was becoming violent and causing difficulties at home with my wife. 'But my commanders' response was sort yourself out and soldier on, because if you've got post traumatic stress disorder, you'll have to be medically discharged. 'So I lost my military career, just like that.' The film captured the incredible tension on September 6, 2006, as Cpl Hartley, played by Game Of Thrones actor Mark Stanley, rescued soldiers who had lost legs in two huge blasts. Corporal Hartley suffered flashbacks and became violent as part of his post traumatic stress disorder. He is pictured with his George Medal With enemy gunmen closing in, the medic plotted a route through the minefield by throwing his kit bag on the ground and, when it did not explode, jumping on it. Eye witnesses said it was the bravest thing they had ever seen. Then a UK helicopter arrived but without a winch to pull up the injured soldiers. Its backdraft set off another mine. Eventually a US chopper picked the men up, but by then Para commander Corporal Mark Wright had succumbed to his injuries. The 37-year-old was awarded for his bravery with military medals (pictured) Cpl Hartley, from Hereford, told how within months of coming home he was suffering nightmares, rowing with his wife and drinking heavily. So he sought help from his medical unit commanders. He said: 'When I saw my commanders in January 2008, they basically gave me the choice of hiding my illness or leaving. 'I knew covering up my symptoms wasn't a viable option and insisted that I had to receive treatment. Our meeting ended quickly after that. 'The Army's treatment of me was callous. I was sick but they booted me back into civilian life. Paul Hartley is pictured with his wife Dawn and the medals he won for his efforts at war 'I wasn't even allowed to attend the medical board hearing which decided my fate. 'Almost a decade later, not enough has changed. Soldiers are suffering in silence because they know they'll be treated as I was if they're honest about mental illness.' Since 2012, more than 1,800 Services personnel suffering from PTSD have been medically discharged. Soldiers with less severe cases receive treatment and are encouraged to continue their military careers. Former head of the British Army General the Lord Dannatt has called for the Government to uphold pledges to support troops made as part of the Armed Forces Covenant. An Army spokesman said: 'The Army works hard to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, encouraging those who need help to come forward to receive the care they deserve.' Fresh evidence that Boris Johnson backed Brexit because of his bitter rivalry with David Cameron emerged last night. Days before his decision to support quitting the EU in the referendum, Mr Johnson said he could not bear the idea of being on the same side as Tory rival Mr Cameron, who led the Remain campaign, The Mail on Sunday has learned. The extraordinary disclosure came as Mr Johnson was accused of wrecking Theresa Mays hopes of achieving unity at last weeks party conference by challenging her stance on Brexit. Fresh evidence that Boris Johnson backed Brexit because of his bitter rivalry with David Cameron emerged last night It is the strongest indication yet that Mr Johnsons shock decision to back Brexit appears to have been strongly influenced by his view of fellow ex-Etonian Mr Cameron. His I cant bear to back Cameron on the EU comment was made in mid-February last year four months before the referendum at a meeting with Labours Lord Adonis in Johnsons final days as London Mayor. After discussing Londons Crossrail project, sources say former Labour Transport Minister Adonis asked Mr Johnson whether he planned to back Brexit. When Mr Johnson asked the peers view, Lord Adonis is said to have replied: Obviously the right thing to do is to lead in Europe. The biggest British failure in Europe has been our failure to show leadership since Margaret Thatcher. You are obviously the right person to do that. Johnson reportedly answered: Yes, but Im not sure I can bear the thought of backing Cameron. His I cant bear to back Cameron on the EU comment was made in mid-February last year four months before the referendum at a meeting with Labours Lord Adonis in Johnsons final days as London Mayor Adonis, who at the time was an official adviser to the Cameron Government on infrastructure, is understood to have told him: I should have thought there might be a higher purpose at stake. Days later, Johnson announced he would lead the Brexit campaign. The move came after Mr Cameron had repeatedly pleaded with him to support him in the referendum. Mr Johnson said he had decided to support Brexit after a huge amount of heartache because the last thing I wanted to do was to go against David Cameron. However, this is in stark contrast to his comment to Lord Adonis. Twenty-four hours after Mr Johnson backed Brexit, a furious Mr Cameron took a swipe at ambitious Johnson in the Commons, saying as Prime Minister he had no other agenda other than making the right decision for Britain. Mr Johnson yesterday tried to prove his loyalty to Mrs May by releasing a WhatsApp message he sent to Tory MPs, in which he wrote: We have just had an election and people are fed up with all this malarkey. Ordinary punters I have spoken to thought her speech was good and anyone can have a cold. Circle the wagons turn the fire on Corbyn and talk about nothing except our great policies and what we can do for the country. Neither Mr Johnson nor Lord Adonis was available for comment last night. A Maryland man has been arrested after police say he attempted to board a school bus and clung to the front of the moving vehicle after the driver refused to let him in. Baltimore County Police said Saturday the man tried to stop the bus Thursday after a bottle was allegedly thrown out of it, striking his vehicle. When the bus driver refused to let him in, police say he jumped on. The incident took place around 3:15 p.m. 'in the area of Putty Hill and Hoerner avenues in Parkville,' officials confirmed to WBAL. A Maryland man has been arrested after police say he attempted to board a school bus and clung to the front of the moving vehicle after the driver refused to let him in Baltimore County Police said Saturday the man tried to stop the bus Thursday after a bottle was allegedly thrown out of it, striking his vehicle The school bus was driving students from Loch Raven Academy at the time. The bus driver was hesitant to let the furious man in as he was concerned for the safety of the students. 'Allegedly, a bottle of some sort was thrown out of the bus toward that vehicle. At that point, the driver of that vehicle got out of his vehicle,' Sgt. Andrea Bylen said. 'At that point, the school bus driver, concerned for his safety and concerned for the safety of the students on board.' The school bus was driving students from Loch Raven Academy at the time The incident took place around 3:15 p.m. 'in the area of Putty Hill and Hoerner avenues in Parkville,' according to a report The statement said the driver headed slowly to a police precinct for assistance, but the video from the news station shows the man clinging on. Court records show Leverne Doran faces four charges including disorderly conduct. The records don't list an attorney and a message left at a number listed for Doran wasn't immediately returned. 'We happened to have an off-duty officer who was present in the area who assisted and intervened quickly,' Bylen told the news station. 'He came over, separated all of the parties, and at that time, the suspect was arrested on scene without incident.' Brexit Secretary David Davis wanted Theresa May to sack Boris Johnson for his eve of Tory conference Brexit revolt, it emerged last night Brexit Secretary David Davis wanted Theresa May to sack Boris Johnson for his eve of Tory conference Brexit revolt, it emerged last night. The Mail on Sunday has established that Mr Davis made it known to senior party figures that he believed the Foreign Secretary should be fired for setting out his red lines on Brexit in a newspaper article, and then again in a pre-conference interview. Mrs May refused to do so on the grounds that it could backfire by causing an even bigger Conservative split. The disclosure that Mr Davis wanted his fellow Brexiteer kicked out of the Cabinet came as some observers expressed surprise at Mr Daviss partying at last weeks conference. According to well-placed sources, he was high spirited at a number of events. Mr David attended a reception held by the partys powerful 1922 committee on Sunday evening. One source said: Davis looked as if he had enjoyed a good dinner. He was throwing his arms around, with his entourage trailing in his wake. No 10 was then irritated by remarks which Mr Davis made to journalists the following day during which he said he planned to retire in 2019 and leave Mr Johnson to steer the UK through the Brexit transitional period. Mrs May laughed off his bar room comments as a joke on Tuesday. But outgoing Mr Davis was not finished with his conference socialising. Later that evening, he downed bubbly at the Spectator magazines party in the Midland Hotel, alongside fellow Cabinet Ministers, newspapers editors and diplomats. The disclosure that Mr Davis wanted his fellow Brexiteer kicked out of the Cabinet came as some observers expressed surprise at Mr Daviss partying at last weeks conference A friend of Mr Davis said: David enjoys socialising. For anyone to criticise that is pathetic. Its not as if he is like Juncker a reference to the famously bibulous European Commission chief. There is no suggestion Mr Davis drank excessively. Earlier this year Mr Davis apologised after private text messages emerged in which he insulted Diane Abbott following a late-night encounter between the pair in a Commons bar. A spokesman for Mr Davis said that the Boris claim was tittle- tattle and there was no suggestion that he had over-indulged during the conference. A pregnant woman was dropped from a BBC television debate on abortion after being told that she might upset others taking part. Former nurse Sarah Costerton was interviewed as a potential panellist for a new BBC2 programme called Abortion On Trial, hosted by presenter Anne Robinson. Mrs Costerton said programme-makers had seemed keen for her to participate but after being told her pregnancy might distress other participants or restrict what they felt able to say, she was informed that she would not be required. Former nurse Sarah Costerton, pictured here with three-year-old daughter Beth, was dropped from Abortion on Trial The married mother of three said: They were worried it would inhibit people speaking freely or cause upset; that me being pregnant would offend people who opted for a termination. Thats what was said. She said the programme-makers had given no explanation for not selecting her, but added: It seemed that me that being pregnant was a stumbling block. She said that she did not see how a debate could fully represent all views on abortion if none of the participants was pregnant, and the programme makers had missed an opportunity by not inviting her to take part. Abortion On Trial, which is due to be broadcast on October 16, is billed as a debate among nine people with conflicting views about terminations to mark 50 years since the passing of the Abortion Act. It was filmed over a weekend at Anne Robinsons country home in Gloucestershire. The anniversary has triggered a fierce national debate over the future of the law, with pro-choice campaigners intensifying their efforts to force decriminalisation of abortion, which many fear will result in abortion on demand. Mrs Costerton, from south London, was at first considered for the programme because she refused to have the abortion suggested by doctors when she discovered her second daughter, Beth, now four, had Downs syndrome. She said she was disappointed by the programme-makers attitude to her third pregnancy because they appeared to give priority to the sensitivities of one set of women over the feelings of others. She said: I was angry because it feels like there is extra protection given to the feelings of women who have been through a termination. The comments I have had about my daughter having Downs syndrome are unbelievable and the Downs community has to put up with feeling offended every day. Abortion on Trial, presented by Anne Robinson, dropped the pregnant mother-of-three, who says her pregnancy was a stumbling block Mrs Costerton, 43, said: Sympathy always goes to the woman who has had the termination and society expects everyone to feel this way. Anyone who does not fully endorse that faces being lambasted as Right-wing, anti-choice and anti-women. If women who had terminations are willing to go on the television and testify to that and explain their reasoning, me sitting there pregnant shouldnt make any difference or be offensive. Mrs Costerton went through with her pregnancy with Beth after blood tests showed her daughter had a one in two chance of being born with Downs syndrome, a decision she said she and her husband David never regretted. A spokesman for the BBC said: Abortion On Trial marks the 50th anniversary of the Abortion Act and asks whether the legislation reflects the views of modern Britain. As in the making of any programme, production spoke to a wide range of potential contributors and its simply not true that anyone was not included on the grounds that their story might offend. The contributors represent a breadth of views and perspectives and include the mother of a child with Downs. Convicted 'playboy rapist', Simon Monteiro, told the New South Wales state parole board it's 'in the public interest' that he be released from prison. Mr Monteiro, 50, was given a 12-year sentence in 2009 for bashing and raping his girlfriend in their Sydney home. The sentence had a non-parole period of seven years and nine months, but he remained behind bars after refusing to participate in a program for sex offenders. Now, it is believed he has undergone a 'therapeutic program' to address his offending and is seeking parole. Convicted 'playboy rapist', Simon Monteiro, has told New South Wales state parole board it's 'in the public interest' that he be released from prison In a hearing to the State Parole Authority last month, Mr Monteiro, who represented himself, failed to convince the parole board he is fit to be released. The 'playboy rapist' will have to wait until December 12 for a full psychiatric review of his mental health, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. The parole board were unwilling to allow Mr Monteiro to return to the public out of 'the need to protect the safety of the community'. They were waiting to determine the exact nature of any mental health issues, which 'remained largely unclarified'. The attempt to convince the parole board comes after more victims of the convicted rapist petitioned for him to be kept behind bars (pictured Goulburn jail) The attempt to convince the parole board comes after more victims of the convicted rapist petitioned for him to be kept behind bars. His victims and advocates for his victims have amassed more than 30,000 signatures on a petition calling for him to stay in prison. 'Simon Monteiro, a man described in court as a dangerous and vindictive rapist, has provisionally been granted parole,' the petition states. 'We, as victims of Simon's and advocates of rape victims, are urgently petitioning in the interests of the safety of women everywhere. The post notes that prison staff and psychologists have described Monteiro as 'belligerent, agitated, self-entitled and abusive.' It adds: 'We are calling for a reform of the parole system to ensure that offenders who are not truly reformed and continue to pose a risk to the community are not released, even if their sentence is up. His victims and advocates for his victims have amassed more than 20,000 signatures on a petition calling for him to stay jailed 'We call for the safety of victims and future victims to be paramount. 'We implore the State Parole Authority, the NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman, the NSW Corrective Services Minister David Elliott and the NSW Commissioner Peter Severin to ensure Simon is not released. 'He is manipulative, vindictive and dangerous. Far too many women have been sexually assaulted and their lives put at risk by dangerous men released on parole. We fear Simon's release may result in the same outcome.' One of Monterio's victims, Kim Gentle, previously said that his assault on prison staff, including threatening to sexually assault a prison guard's wife, are all tell-tale signs Monteiro should not be set free. In 2003 Monteiro (left) met art dealer Kay Schubach (right) in a cafe and went on to try and strangle her to death in her Point Piper apartment 'His release into society not only puts me at risk again but also many of his past victims,' Ms Gentle wrote in a submission to the parole board. She describes him as a 'narcissist' with a history of committing offences while out on bail. Monteiro met Ms Gentle in 2001 when he assaulted her, stalked her and finally tried to suffocate her with a pillow on her 31st birthday. However, for that crime his penalty was downgraded to a good behaviour bond after appeals. In 2003 he met art dealer Kay Schubach in a cafe and went on to try and strangle her to death in her Point Piper apartment. She didn't tell police at the time because she feared for her life but went on to write a book called Perfect Stranger in a bid to stop the recidivist from getting away with his crimes. It wasn't until 2009, after Monteiro raped his then-girlfriend and destroyed her home, that he was handed a jail sentence. While imprisoned he has been a critic of prison conditions, serially complaining and also demanding a cell by the coast, a soft-bristled toothbrush and an orthopedic mattress. His sentence will expire in 2020. With Theresa May on the rack, Tory MPs are hotly if discreetly debating who could replace her, with long-time favourite Boris Johnson circled by a challenger from north of the border. Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson appeared to go out of her way to rule out a leadership bid at the Tory conference in Manchester, and yesterday she urged party rebels to put up and shut up and fall into line behind Theresa May. But privately, supporters of the charismatic Scot say she could yet be persuaded to throw her hat into the ring even though it would mean winning a Commons seat to become eligible to stand. The kick-ass one: Ruth Davidson, Scottish Tory leader (left). The fearless one: Amber Rudd, Home Secretary One said: Its not a short-term option as she needs to get into the Commons first but I dont think Ruth has shut the door on an eventual challenge. The 38-year-old former kickboxer, who is engaged to her female partner, saved the Prime Ministers political career at the General Election by winning 12 seats in Scotland. It allowed Mrs May to cling on to power by governing with the help of the DUP. She is also seen as determined to stop Mr Johnson from becoming leader, viewing him as toxic to the partys prospects. But if Ms Davidson does not stand, her preferred candidate would be another Boris-baiter Home Secretary Amber Rudd. Ms Rudd famously humiliated Mr Johnson during the EU referendum campaign, branding him as not the man you want driving you home at the end of the evening. The smooth one: Michael Fallon, Defence Secretary (left). The fogeyish one: Jacob Rees-Mogg MP for North East Somerset The privately educated former investment banker faces two big hurdles: as an ardent pro-Remainer, she would face stiff opposition from Brexiteers and she has a wafer-thin majority of just 346 in her Hastings and Rye seat. But Ms Rudd, 54, is now the beneficiary of a local Vote for Rudd social media campaign featuring the slogan Fearless. That was exactly how Tory activists regarded another potential contender, Jacob Rees-Mogg, when he confronted Left-wing activists disrupting a Brexit fringe meeting at the party conference. Mr Rees-Mogg has repeatedly disowned ambitions for the top job, with some MPs believing he is more likely to back a Mr Johnson bid. But the profile of the Somerset MP has rocketed over the summer, leading to a Moggmentum campaign that he should stand for the leadership. MPs yearning for a safe pair of hands candidate are increasingly talking up the talents of Defence Secretary Michael Fallon not for his charisma but for his coolness under fire when a media storm breaks. First serving as a Minister under Margaret Thatcher, Mr Fallon, 65, was one of a small number of Conservatives who unsuccessfully tried to persuade Mrs Thatcher not to resign as Prime Minister. Many Brexiteers, though, would prefer another veteran Minister 68-year-old Brexit Secretary David Davis. Prince Charles urged Prime Minister Tony Blair to scrap the planned hunting ban in a private letter revealed for the first time today by The Mail on Sunday. The Prince lauded hunting as romantic and environmentally friendly and effectively branded opponents class warriors in the letter, sent in 2002, three years before the ban came into effect. The disclosure of the Princes attempts to influence Government policy will strengthen the hand of critics who have accused him of meddling in matters of state. But others argue the Prince has a right to privacy when raising concerns. Prince Charles wrote to Tony Blair saying protesters against hunting were motivated by antipathy In his letter obtained by this newspaper under Freedom of Information laws the Prince told Mr Blair he was bewildered that the Government was responding to calls for a ban from protesters who he said were motivated by antipathy to the type of person who they think goes out hunting. The Prince added that hunting was something which is genuinely environmentally friendly, which uses no modern technology, which does not pollute the countryside, which is completely natural in that it relies entirely on mans ancient and, indeed, romantic relationship with dogs and horses. The Prince said hunting was the best way to ensure the welfare of the fox. He wrote: There are a number of former hunt saboteurs and passionate opponents of hunting who have come to the conclusion that the welfare of the actual fox is best ensured by a continuation of hunting... Their fellow opponents are chiefly driven by agendas other than the welfare of the fox namely their antipathy to the type of person who they think goes out hunting. It has taken The Mail on Sunday more than two-and-a-half years to obtain the letter. At the time of the correspondence, the Labour Government was trying to steer the complex ban on hunting through Parliament after Mr Blair was voted into power in 1997 on a manifesto commitment to a free vote on a hunting ban. Eventually, in 2004, the Commons Speaker invoked the Parliament Act to ensure the bill became law, despite the opposition of peers. The law came into effect in 2005. Prince Charles is a keen supporter of fox hunting after taking up the sport aged 26. He has been criticised in the past for what some have called his attempts to meddle in decision making. Some say Prince Charles has a right to privacy despite his letter to the prime minister being seen by critics as an intervention in policy Last month, The MoS revealed the Prince had written to the Environment Agency to lobby against cuts to flood defences on land owned by the Duke of Norfolk. Last night an eminent constitutional expert, who asked not to be named, said of the hunting letter: It was very unwise for him to write it. But Oxford politics professor Vernon Bogdanor said: The rights of the Monarch are to be consulted, to encourage and to warn. He is not the Monarch so has no right to be consulted but he has the right to encourage and to warn. And Royal biographer Hugo Vickers said: The Prince should be allowed to raise issues of concern to him in confidence. We dont have a right to know everything and Ministers are not obliged to act on the correspondence. A spokesman for Clarence House said: The Prince is well known for his understanding and concern for rural communities and their livelihoods. This letter shows his efforts to ensure their voice was being heard in what was an important debate at the time. The Prince is fully aware that while he has every right to advise, it is Ministers who decide. In this case, he was simply encouraging the Government to take the views of the countryside on board before reaching a decision. Mishap: James Stunt and Petra Ecclestone He's already going through a tough time thanks to his acrimonious divorce battle with Formula 1 heiress Petra Ecclestone. And now James Stunt has been received a fresh blow as his prized 16 million wine collection has been put at risk by a mystery mishap that caused the state-of-the-art system designed to keep it under the perfect conditions to fail. The 35-year-old tycoon is said to be alarmed by the incident at the 88 million mansion he shared with Petra in Los Angeles. Despite being a teetotaller, Mr Stunt has an extensive cellar, including whats believed to be Americas largest collection of claret from the exclusive Petrus estate, priced around 4,000 a bottle. His collection is kept in a climate-controlled vault in the vast property, which is the largest single home in Hollywood. But in a freak accident the electricity supply maintaining those perfect conditions was interrupted. James has been alarmed by the incident and is telling friends hes worried about the wine, a source told The Mail on Sunday. He is being urged to have it tested. Rumours swirled about the cause, but a source said: It wasnt Petra. It may have been an electrical problem or a member of staff pressing the wrong switch, its just not clear at the moment. But it is a concern. Some of his wines are kept in a cabinet designed by Viscount Linley, the Queens nephew, while his enviable collection in Los Angeles and London also features other bottles of rare first-growth clarets, including large stocks of Romanee-Conti and Le Pin wine. Mr Stunt and Ms Ecclestone's 88million home in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles Mr Stunt also has six 19th Century Chateau Lafite Rothschild wines. Other bottles from that estate and that era have been sold for up to 175,000. Mr Stunt declined to comment on the incident, but experts said prolonged exposure to high temperatures could ruin the wine. A bottle of 1982 Petrus grand cru Temperature problems can destroy the value of fine wines, says Jorn Kleinhans, managing director of cellar management group The Sommelier Company Older wines are much more prone to any adverse conditions. An old wine is like an old lady standing close to the edge of a cliff it doesnt take much to push her over the edge. Wine is best stored at 55F (12C) with high humidity. It can survive being raised to 80F (27C) for a few hours, but at 90F (32C) youll have damage very quickly.. Last month, 19 days in Los Angeles were warmer than 80F, including five days that topped 90F. However Paul LaRussa, founder of Premium Cru Wine Cellars, had a better prognosis. If the cellar is below ground, away from exterior walls, and has been properly insulated, even without cooling it could take weeks or even months to become warm enough to cause damage to wine, he said. Just because the cooling system fails it doesnt mean that the wine will automatically be ruined. Mr Stunt and Ms Ecclestone bought their mansion from film producer Aaron Spellings widow Candy for 50 million in 2011, the same year they married. They are currently going through a bitter battle over their 5 billion fortune, which could be the biggest divorce settlement in celebrity history. A full hearing has been scheduled for this month. Assyrian Behind 'voter Fraud' Report Warns of 'Romanticized Image' of Kurds On September 25, the day Kurds cast their historic 'yes' vote for the independence of their autonomous province from Iraq, a Chicago-based activist Reine Hanna published a damning 114-page report, with allegations of 'land grab', 'electoral fraud" and a carefully designed 'patronage system' by Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) against the minority Assyrian population in their region. An Assyrian herself, the 25-year-old Hanna made her first visit to her ancestral homeland in Iraq late last year to write a report for the Brussels-based organization, Assyrian Confederation of Europe (ACE). Funded by the Assyrian community, which is estimated to be around 1.5 million globally, ACE lobbies for the ethnic group. With the assistance of Matthew Barber, a PhD student at the University of Chicago, Hanna's extensive report titled "Erasing Assyrians: How the KRG Abuses Human Rights, Undermines Democracy, and Conquers Minority Homelands" details grave violations. KRG 'violations' Being assisted by two British Assyrians, Max J. Joseph and Mardean Isaac, Hanna interviewed about a hundred Assyrian men and women living in Iraq's northern autonomous region of Kurdistan and the Christian heartland of the Nineveh Plain, as well as many internally displaced people (IDPs). Assyrians are an ethnic group, who consider the northern Nineveh Plain in Iraq as their native homeland. Most Assyrians, who belong to different Christian denominations and have a population of about 300,000 in Iraq, want to remain part of the country but aspire for political autonomy. Complicating their political aspirations is the fact that The Nineveh Plain is currently a disputed territory between the Federal Government of Iraq and the KRG. The ACE report seeks to raise awareness over the plight of Iraqi Christians and to expose the excesses of Kurdistan government, which has managed to project a very favorable view of its politics to an international audience, such as its 'brave women soldiers' fighting ISIS militants. "This report is for the public, who have this very superficial and romanticized image of what the [Kurdistan Regional Government] KRG is," Hanna told Al Arabiya English. "It is meant to speak the truth and to show some of the things happening, like the removal of the mayors. These are not random acts but part of a long-term strategy." In July, the provincial Nineveh Council dismissed the mayor of Alqosh -- a town in the Nineveh Plain -- and replaced him with a local political leader close to the KRG's President Masoud Barazani-led Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) political party ahead of the referendum. System of patronage Putting in place Assyrians with KDP links in power has long been part of a decade-long strategy to create a "system of patronage" to carry out policies in line with KRG, Hanna claims. "We are witnessing this patronage system that the KDP put into effect a decade ago. We are seeing its effect now," she avers. "The only Assyrians, who were advocating for the 'yes' vote, were those of the KDP patronage system." Despite being born and raised in Chicago, Hanna is proficient in the neo-Aramaic dialect her forefathers spoke. Her family left her town of origin in the early 1930s, following the Simele massacre, when the Kingdom of Iraq's army quelled an autonomy-aspiring Assyrian movement. "Most of the people I spoke with believed that the Kurdish referendum has nothing to do with minorities and it was a conflict between Kurds and Arabs," she added. The Assyrians long-sought desire to rule autonomously has already been granted by the Iraqi constitution ratified in 2005, which promises Christians their own province in the north. In addition, the Iraq's Interior Minister in 2006 also agreed upon the creation of a police force drawn from the Nineveh Plain's local population. However, the plan for Christians to have their own province was stalled after the ISIS ran over the region in 2014, and the Interior Minister's order was blocked twice by the Nineveh Deputy governor, KDP member Khasro Goran. "It is wrong that the KRG is taking advantage of our community's plight to pursue their nationalistic goals," she said. Land grabs The report states that over "130 illegal village and farmland seizures" of Assyrian lands have taken place under the rule of the KRG. It states that Assyrians have used "all available legal and political means," including frequent appeals to KRG courts and other bodies, against these illegal actions but to no avail. The reported states that from 1991 to 2016 "not a single order" was "honored" to return land to its "original Assyrian inhabitants." These land grabs have come in "various forms," including "encroachment by neighboring Kurdish villages upon the most arable portions of Assyrian farm, the confiscation of lucrative orchards, the illegal construction of homes on Assyrian property, or entire villages seized through outright aggression," the report states. "I have spoken privately with someone who is part of the Chaldean Syriac Assyrian Popular Council, created by the KDP. He agreed with everything I have said in the report. He testified to all the repression in the KRG and the discrimination," Hanna claims. When asked about the 'patronage system', Hanna asserts that "his response was that we [Assyrians] do not have the strength to continue pursuing our own projects, this is what it is." While lamenting the sentiments of being "second-class citizen" and that most Assyrians have "internalized" their hurt following decades of 'political repression', Hanna said: "Majority of Assyrians would say that they have enjoyed peace more in the north as opposed to the south [rest of Iraq], "but that does not mean that the north is some kind of paradise that the KRG is trying to portray." However, Hannah agrees that Kurdistan is a more "tolerant region" compared to the rest of Iraq, where a deadly church bombing killed 58 Iraqi Christians in 2010. Still, Assyrians want to continue to be part of Iraq. Mysterious phone calls Hanna also makes allegations of "electoral fraud" in the stronghold Christian stronghold of Ankawa during the Kurdish referendum, where "the majority were members of the Chaldean [Catholic] church." "We talked to a number of people in Ankawa and they said that the turnout for the referendum was very low," Hanna said. "However, towards the middle of the day people started receiving phone calls, one household after another. They were pressured and threatened to participate, and so many went to the polls." She added: "We talked to many people in Ankawa. There is no way that the town could swing from a 'no' to 'yes' vote. The same thing happened in Alqosh where the results were tampered with and exaggerated." Hanna also made other claims of voter fraud: "I spoke with one individual who uploaded a post on Facebook opposing the referendum and overnight it was deleted. The following day there was a new post of the same individual urging people to vote yes," she said. "He later told me that he was directly approached by Asayish [Kurdistan intelligence and security agency] and was threatened with violence and told to remove his post." Asked what kind of violence these people are threatened with, she replied "the threats are vague." She added: "I heard instances when someone was told 'you will pay for this with your blood'. There were also other instances, not necessarily related to referendum. A man, who was critical of KRG officials for not paying salaries, was literally taken from his family store by the Asayish officers to the top of a mountain and was warned at gunpoint never to speak against the KRG ever again." Hannah surmised: "This is the type of culture that has been created in the KRG". The young Assyrian also fears possible human rights violations not only against her own community but also against Kurds, who might not necessarily agree with their government. Directed by Thomas Morgan, the documentary film Soufra follows a group of Palestinian refugee women living in a camp in Lebanon. The film had its world premier last month at the El Gouna Film Festival, winning two awards The young Egyptian film editor Mohamed El-Manasterly moved to the USA three years ago after winning an Emmy for Best Picture Editing on The Square, which was directed by Jehan Noujaim and nominated for Best Documentary at the 2014 Oscars. He returned to Egypt to co-write and edit Soufra, a documentary by American director Thomas Morgan. Soufra had its world premiere at El Gouna Film Festival, which ran between 22 and 29 September, winning the Cinema For Humanity Audience Award, as well as a special award by Mentor Arabia for Best Arab Feature Documentary. The film is an inspirational documentary that tracks the hard journey of a group of desperate female refugees in the Lebanese Bourj El-Barajneh camp until they achieve their dream of setting up a food-truck project. Ahram Online met with El-Manasterly during his short stay in Egypt following the El Gouna Film Festival, which he said was "a two-months vacation after three years away from Egypt. I am very homesick, missing everything and everyone." Ahram Online (AO): Soufra is not your first film dealing with a humanitarian issue in the Arab world. It's also not the first film that you've made in cooperation with a human-rights activist director. Both Thomas Morgan, the director of Soufra (2017), and Chris Temple, the director of Salam Neighbor (2015), are passionate about raising awareness of human-rights and social-justice issues. Do you go after such films? Mohamed El Manasterly (MM): Salam Neighbor, which featured two filmmakers who fully embedded themselves in a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, had a vision to be an eye opener for the American audience on the refugee crisis. In this sense, Soufra shares the same cause, though in a more inspirational way. I believe The Square (2013) was the reason why I was chosen as the editor for Soufra or Salam Neighbor, not only in the sense that I won a Primetime Emmy award for the outstanding Picture Editing for Nonfiction Programming, but because The Square was really a film that had the ability to approach both the Arab and the foreign audience. This point is shared also in both of the other two films. There are few editors in the USA who are fluent in Arabic and English and who have that link between the two cultures. I believe I belong to this group. AO: And what was your recipe for cultural fusion in Soufra? MM: You should tell a simple, emotional story that could be understood by everyone everywhere. Too many details are confusing and distracting. I believe that is how we introduced Mariam Shaar in Soufra. She was a normal woman and a human being who has the same dreams, frustrations and needs as any other woman, no matter where she lives. Everyone can relate to Mariam, a Palestinian refugee in a camp in Lebanon. AO: How did you contribute to the script of Soufra? MM: Of course, I was not there in Lebanon during the shooting. But when Thomas decided to have me on his team, there were 600 hours of material shot over two years, and we wanted to make a 70-minute film in six months. It was a very interesting journey, watching and arranging the story from the material, and the good thing about working with Morgan is that he is accommodating of other visions and point of views. For example, they, Morgan and the producer, wanted to load the film with more details about the Arab Spring and its sequence of events, because they believed the western audience needs to know all the details. For me, this could have negatively affected the simple human story of Mariam. At the end of the day, we reached a common understanding about the general idea of what we want this film to say. It is a human story where politics and geography exist in the background. We wanted to introduce a successful model. Mariam secured a stable living not only for herself but for many ladies around her. This is inspiring. It is about hope and not a tragedy. AO: Going back to The Square, your first feature-length documentary, did you expect the film to have such an impact or success? MM: The Square was a life-changing experience. I was a young Egyptian man in Tahrir Square, like thousands of other Egyptians, when I met Jehan Noujaim, the film director, who was shooting a film about the square. I offered to give a hand with the editing, since I was already an editor on TV programs for many channels. She agreed and this is how everything started. We did three years of shooting and editing, until the moment came when we decided we had the ending scene of the film. We were working day and night with passion, because we felt this should be our contribution to the revolution. I believe this was the spirit that captured the minds and souls of the audience. Unlike many other films, which were made about the revolution quickly, The Square was more sensible in terms of its vision and its ending. This made sense for the non-Egyptian audience who were not in the square themselves. AO: Why did you decide to move to the USA following your Emmy award? MM: A few months after we finished the editing of The Square, I was told that The Square was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 86th Academy Awards and that I should travel immediately. It was a surprise in every sense. After that, I won one of the three Emmy awards given to The Square. Everything was inviting me to use the opportunity to serve my dream as a professional film editor. But there is also another reason for my stay in Los Angeles in particular. It has weather similar to that of Egypt, in contrast to the very cold city of New York, which I cannot stand living in. [Laughs.] AO: And did your dream came true? MM: Although I am homesick for Egypt and I missed my family and friends, professionally speaking, I am not the same person I was three years ago. I had the opportunity to work with many people from different backgrounds and cultures where film production is huge, which means more experience and a wider vision. Now I am very excited to work between the two worlds, to bridge Egyptian cinema, especially the emerging movement of filmmaking, with international cinema. AO: How will you do this "bridging"? MM: I want to keep telling stories about our Arab countries and about the Arabs. I am looking forward to producing films that could connect Egypt with the USA. I have a small editing company in the USA and I intend to produce or co-produce documentary films about the Arab countries and about Egypt by Arab and Egyptian filmmakers. Now we are in a phase of searching for the right stories. We, the Arabs and the Egyptians, need to introduce ourselves to the world as we truly are. They do not know who are we. I lived there and I can see how they feel astonished when they deal in person with an Egyptian. Because they realize that they did not really know us. Cinema should be the bridge. AO: In what way does the work atmosphere in Egypt and the USA differ for you? MM: I have to mention that I am one of many Egyptian editors and filmmakers who have skills and who spend long hours working professionally and doing great work in Egypt. What happened to me is that I found the chance to develop my skills and to get involved in many networks, and this what is lacking in Egypt. Artists in Egypt work in isolated islands where they do not have the opportunity to meet the others and to cooperate with the others. The Square was an opporunity, but I was ready for it, and I am pretty sure that many of my colleagues in every field in Egypt are ready for the opportunities when they come. AO: Do you have any advice to give to young aspiring film editors and filmmakers? MM: Is it is a tough and long road, but my tip is that you should never give up. Keep working, no matter the quality, because every working experience is a learning experience. You will never learn if you do not move forward. Search Keywords: Short link: Theresa May has suspended two of her MEPs for supporting a Brexit-blocking resolution as she prepares for a critical EU summit later this month. With face-to-face talks due to resume tomorrow between Brexit Secretary David Davis and Michel Barnier, the EUs chief negotiator, Downing Street tried to flex its muscles by removing the whip from South West MEP Julie Girling and Richard Ashworth, who represents the South East. The pair had backed a resolution in Strasbourg that called for trade talks not to begin until Britain makes major concessions over Northern Ireland, the EU divorce bill and European Court. With face-to-face talks due to resume tomorrow between Brexit Secretary David Davis and Michel Barnier, the EUs chief negotiator, Downing Street tried to flex its muscles by removing the whip from South West MEP Julie Girling and Richard Ashworth, who represents the South East Mr Davis has also written to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn urging him to remove the whip from 18 Labour MEPs who backed the same resolution. It comes as No 10 grows increasingly worried about the impact of the Brexit negotiations on Mrs Mays political future. Mr Davis is believed privately to put the chance of the UK failing to secure a deal from Brussels as high as 40 per cent but if major concessions are made by the Government at the summit, such as paying a high divorce bill, it could push Brexit-supporting MPs into the arms of leadership plotters. If just one third of the 60 Tory MPs in the hard-Brexit European Reform Group joined Grant Shappss predominantly Remain-backing group of rebels, it could trigger a leadership contest. Ms Girling and Mr Ashworth broke ranks with the 21-strong group of Conservative MEPs to back the resolution, which was tabled by the European Parliaments Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt. A Government source said the MEPs had behaved totally irresponsibly because it will give a boost to those in Brussels hoping to delay progress on Brexit negotiations. It was passed by 557 votes to 92, with 29 abstentions. The source said: Regardless of how you voted in the referendum, it is surely in everyones interests both in Britain and in Europe that talks can progress on trade and our future relationship. Brexiteer Ministers are increasingly concerned that Olly Robbins, Mrs Mays Europe adviser, who recently moved from Mr Daviss department to a permanent berth at No 10, wants to cave in to Brussels demands in order to get the EU to declare sufficient progress has been made, allowing trade talks to take place. Mr Davis has mixed feelings about Mr Robbinss move to Downing Street: the pair had clashed frequently, and Mr Davis had been concerned that Mr Robbins was acting as a No 10 spy in the camp. But now his move has led to concerns within the Department for Exiting the European Union that it is being marginalised as No 10 tightens its grip on the process. Mr Robbins has started trying to poach officials from Mr Daviss team to join the new powerbase. There is some justice in Theresa May's ghastly humiliation last week. She did much to help kill the Tory Party. It is only fitting that she should be bruised by its flailing death throes. When she dubbed her own movement 'The Nasty Party' all those years ago, she was helping a powerful liberal faction which wanted to crush all that was still conservative in the Tory organisation. Her 2002 speech was full of modish calls for diversity and embracing the 21st Century. Rather than fighting against the sticky menace of Blairism, she and the Tory liberal faction had chosen to embrace it and copy it. Theresa May (pictured) 'deserves' the humiliation she suffered at the Conservative Party Conference, says Peter Hitchens They didn't understand how revolutionary New Labour was, because they knew nothing about Left-wing politics and less about economics. They didn't necessarily even like it. But they thought that copying it was the easy path back to office. The steep and rugged pathway, of actually fighting for conservative, patriotic ideas, didn't appeal to them at all. As it happened, it wasn't that easy. It would take years of copying the Blairites, of picking up hints on politics from Peter Mandelson, of stamping out pockets of conservative resistance, to turn the Tories into New Labour. They even found their own Blair in David Cameron. And all this finally bore fruit on February 28, 2008, when the then Director-General of the BBC, Mark Thompson, and his chief political commissar, Caroline Thomson, went to Westminster to meet Mr Cameron. The BBC still refuses to say what took place at this meeting. I think Mr Cameron persuaded the new priesthood of the liberal establishment that he and his party were now fully Blairised. For BBC coverage of the Tories, which had been savagely hostile since the mid-1990s, softened noticeably and began to turn favourable. There was only one problem with this the voters. Actual Tories were dying out and not being replaced. The comprehensive schools, brilliant at teaching their pupils what to think and useless at teaching them how to think, had been turning out Labour voters for decades. Try as the experts might to bend and twist the opinion polls, it was plain that the Tories could not win a majority in 2010. No amount of money or friendly media coverage could do it. The Tories duly lost the 2010 Election, their fourth defeat in a row. They had spent eight long years of grovelling to The Guardian, and got no reward. They should have collapsed and split. Alas, nobody noticed. The Tories entered a shameful coalition with the Liberal Democrats, a party which despises and opposes almost everything conservative in Britain. Millions of Tories seemed to think that being in office was more important than what you did when you got there. The Prime Minister (pictured) suffered multiple mishaps, including a persistent cough They were so pleased to see a nominal Tory in Downing Street that it took them years to notice that he was if anything less conservative than Gordon Brown, the man he replaced. And so we bumbled on, drifting deeper into debt, starting the disastrous Libyan war, solving none of Britain's urgent problems and making many of them worse, until a tide of hedge-fund money, pouring into Tory funds, gave them an actual majority in 2015. This was a dreadful accident. And it finally exposed the problem. What the Tory establishment wanted, and what its supporters wanted, were two completely different things. Above all, this highlighted the linked issues of mass immigration and the European Union. Ukip rose and grew. Mr Cameron, who has never understood the power of the European issue, airily promised a referendum on the EU. He did so to save his party, not to help the country. I am sure he never intended to win the 2015 Election, and hoped a second coalition would get him out of his pledge. Instead, his promise may well have destroyed Britain as we knew it. We are now in a permanent constitutional crisis over Europe, as a pro-EU Parliament mechanically and sulkily goes through the motions of leaving the EU it wants to stay in. And it has exposed the emptiness of the Tory Party, which made a bonfire of what was left of its 'nasty' principles and sought to survive through big money and by sucking up to the BBC. Mrs May went to the podium on Wednesday as the empty leader of an empty party. She had nothing to say. The stupid slogan stuck to the wall behind her was so ashamed of itself it fell down. The special ill luck which befalls doomed leaders provided the cough, the attention-seeker with the P45 and the embarrassing, desperate standing ovation. There is no saviour. Making feeble jokes about Caracas or raising the ghost of Lady Thatcher will not fill the gaping void. The Tories have nobody left who really believes in anything. Meanwhile, the other side is full of people who know what they are fighting for and cannot believe their luck. Once upon a time, it didn't matter that the Tories had no ideas. But in modern Britain, faced with a Labour Party which intends to revolutionise the country, they had a choice. They needed to understand and fight this dangerous enemy. Or they could stop thinking, and become just like their foes. They chose the second weak and cowardly course. I shan't be crying for them. They have at last got what they have long deserved. If anyone is going to save us from Jeremy Corbyn, it won't be them. This is NOT how frazzled Army wives look, Jessica Jessica Raine in new BBC show The Last Post In our transgender, metrosexual era, it gets harder and harder to remember what men and women used to be like. For me, the new BBC Sunday night soap opera The Last Post is almost unwatchable. In 1960s Aden, did the Royal Military Police really look like male models dressed up as parking wardens? Did their harassed, frazzled wives really look as if they had spent all afternoon at the Aden branch of Vidal Sassoon, as Jessica Raine does? If you want a real, poignant true-life drama about male and female courage, stoicism, patriotism and grief, turn instead to the amazing series on the Vietnam War, screened absurdly late on Monday nights on BBC4. It is, among other things, astonishingly fair. More than once, while watching this rare example of real, serious television, I have found myself weeping. If we would only learn from this terrible episode, how much happier we would be. Yet todays governments behave as if they had never heard of it. Once the BBC would have screened this in prime time. Now it lacks the character or courage. Its never tough to pick on the dead The spirit of justice seems to be dead in many parts of this country. I always disliked Ted Heath but I am revolted by the police treatment of him, and by some public reaction to it. The police do not decide guilt or innocence. No man should be condemned without a hearing and we are all innocent until proven guilty. Have we forgotten these ancient British rules? I hope not. Now I gather that the Church of Englands hierarchy are trembling in their cassocks about a report (soon to be published) into their disgraceful smearing of the late Bishop George Bell, a man of real courage and principle who makes them look like pygmies. To appear as if they were tough on todays real paedophiles (which they arent), these prelates condemned Bishop Bell on the basis of a solitary uncorroborated allegation made decades after the alleged crime. Blackening the names of dead men to boost your own reputation is a pretty wretched thing to do. We can only punish it with contempt. But we should punish it all the same, or nobody is safe. If you want to comment on Peter Hitchens, click here Police chiefs fear they will be hit with a 400 million bill for a disastrous Government project to replace their crucial radio systems. Secret documents obtained by The Mail on Sunday show that senior officers have been privately warned that further delays to the overdue scheme could cost them the equivalent of the annual pay and training costs for 8,000 constables. The 4 billion upgrade to emergency services communications is already years behind schedule, and there are growing concerns that critical elements of it cannot work. Police chiefs fear they will be hit with a 400 million bill for a disastrous Government project to replace their crucial radio systems (File photo) Incredibly, the technology does not even exist to operate the new generation of radios in police helicopters, while hundreds of extra phone masts must be built before the network can be used in rural areas. Police leaders fear these unresolved problems will push the start date for the Emergency Services Network (ESN) back again, leaving them with a huge bill for keeping the existing Airwave radio system switched on as they pay for the development of its replacement. Chiefs in the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the North West have written to the Home Office expressing their concerns. One recent letter sent by Police and Crime Commissioners in Yorkshire to Policing Minister Nick Hurd states: The concern is that there will be pressure for the service to agree to start transition before everything is ready, in order to save money. This may put officers and the public at risk. We seek reassurance that any increased costs as a result of delays will not fall locally to PCCs. The 4 billion upgrade to emergency services communications is already years behind schedule (File photo) The idea behind ESN is to give police and firefighters the ability to share photos and videos of incidents on new digital handsets. But the scale of the plan, and the fact it has never been tried anywhere in the world, means its introduction has already been pushed back repeatedly. Earlier this year, the Home Office admitted the transition period would have to continue until September 2020, nine months after the expected national shutdown date for Airwave. But a key part of the Airwave infrastructure is due to stop working six months earlier in March 2020, in what MPs on the influential Public Accounts Committee described as a potentially catastrophic blow to the ability of our emergency services to carry out their job and keep citizens safe. A restricted document written for the National Police Chiefs Council this summer claims it would cost 403 million or 7,800 constables if forces had to pay for an extra year of running Airwave. Last night, the national police lead for the project, Deputy Chief Constable Richard Morris, said: The Government has a contingency plan in place and has extended all Airwave contracts to December 31, 2019. The Home Office said: Emergency services will only transition when they are satisfied with the new network. There was a moment when Theresa May's enemies finally thought they had her cornered. 'I've spoken to George [Osborne] about it,' one coup leader told me confidently, 'and his main piece of advice was to be patient. He was involved in the IDS plot and said it took a month after his conference speech before he was ousted. It's a mistake to go unless you have a sense of inevitability.' Unfortunately for the former Chancellor, the conspirators failed to take his advice. Flushed out by the whips office, Grant Shapps took to the airwaves, and promptly cracked under questioning. Asked how many rebellious names he had garnered, he admitted to no more than 30. Theresa May (pictured) can stay as Prime Minister if she remains resilient, says Dan Hodges Which was the equivalent of Guy Fawkes striding up to James I's courtiers and saying: 'You might want to check out the House of Lords basement.' At that moment, any chance of Shapps's plot succeeding vanished. For now, Mrs May is safe. Unless she decides she simply cannot take any further humiliation. Downing Street insiders who saw her immediately following her speech-from-hell angrily reject reports she broke down in tears. Entering the green room set aside for what had become a redundant celebratory team drink, they were met by a PM who was chastened, but stoical. 'She smiled at us and shrugged, as if to say, 'I'm sorry I let you down,' ' one No 10 official said. 'We all felt awful. It was us who had let her down.' If the saying 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger' were true, Mrs May would have morphed into the Incredible Hulk. For a national figure who suffers from a combination of 'red-light syndrome' an aversion to performing in front of the TV camera a fear of public speaking and a significant health condition, the ordeal of Wednesday has few parallels. Watching from the side of the stage as her conference literally fell apart around her, the thing that struck me was not the political impact of the moment, but her own physical courage. Former aides of David Cameron are perplexed at Theresa Mays catastrophic coughing fit. David used to get conference colds all the time, one tells me, and we used to give him lemon tea. Worked every time. For want of a teabag, the kingdom was lost. Advertisement But, sadly, courage is not enough. I wrote that last week represented the Prime Minister's opportunity to slap her party and bring it to its senses. It concluded with that party having to prop her up, then manhandle her back to the sanctuary of Downing Street. Mrs May can go on, but this cannot go on. 'She's just continuing with the job' is a nice sound-bite, but it is not a serious strategy for a politician whose authority has been eviscerated in such a pitiless way. First, she must set a clear end-date to her premiership. The normal rule is that a pre-resignation renders any Prime Minister a lame duck. But without one she is a dead duck. As recent briefings have exposed, it's when her troops believe she really does intend to lead them into the next Election that they start losing their heads. Plus, there's a precedent. After the Curry House Coup of 2006, Tony Blair's pre-resignation ended his party's infighting, and ushered in a period of stability. Dan Hodges says Theresa May should sack Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (pictured if she wants to remain in the job) A commitment to making the delivery of Brexit the final act of her career would neuter her critics and underline her conference message that public service remains her sole motivation. Then she should sack Boris Johnson. The view in Downing Street is that last week represented 'Peak Boris' his serial disloyalty destroying any chance of him mounting his own challenge. This is true, and it provides an opportunity to be exploited. By packing him off to spend more time with his Kipling, Mrs May would clear the way for a wide-ranging reshuffle. Or rather, the full-scale blood transfusion at the top of Government that is so desperately required. Over the past few days, the 'Peloton' the pack of young MPs who represent the party's future have had the Prime Minister's back. But their support is conditional on her sending the signal that she is preparing to pass on the baton. 'She needs to bring the kids through, to see if they can hack it,' said one junior Minister. Will Cable star in Coalition II? Vince Cable is plotting a dramatic return to Government. After the Lib Dems disastrous 2015 Election performance, Tim Farron and other senior colleagues vowed their party would not enter into a new coalition deal with Labour or the Conservatives. But according to friends of Cable, pictured, he is contemplating a formal reversal of that position. Vince is 74, an ally tells me, and hes impatient. There are things he wants to do for the country and he doesnt want to spend the next 20 years inching towards power. He thinks that if we want to be relevant as a party, then we have to be prepared to serve. Im told his thinking on the issue has firmed up over the past week, as Tory infighting has reopened the possibility of an early Election. The Government could collapse at any time, an insider said, and we need to be ready. If Cable does shift his partys stance, he will leave open the possibility of a deal with Jeremy Corbyn, Theresa May or her successor. When Cable claimed he could be the next PM he was roundly mocked. But if theres another hung parliament, he could have the last laugh. Advertisement 'If she sticks with the old guard, people are just going to say, 'What's the point in all this?' ' Finally, she must address the policy vacuum that is leading to her party's slow-motion implosion. There was frustration among Tory modernisers that her speech or those elements that could be deciphered failed to contain any fresh or radical initiatives. But this totally misses the point. Whatever Mrs May says cannot appear fresh or radical because Mrs May is the person saying it. Asking the Prime Minister to relaunch the Tory Party is like asking Des O'Connor to launch the latest iPhone. He might be a national treasure, but there is an unbridgeable disconnect between medium and message. Conservative renewal must be outsourced. The Prime Minister should establish a policy commission independent of Downing Street that can begin laying the groundwork for the next Tory manifesto. It could tap into the network of centre-Right external think-tanks such as Bright Blue, The Social Market Foundation and the Centre for Policy Studies, and engage the party's planetary brains such as David Willetts, George Freeman and Oliver Letwin. This in turn would leave the Prime Minister free to manage the country through the labyrinthine maze of the Brexit negotiations. For some in the party, this is insufficient. They want her gone, and now. But as the events of the past 72 hours have shown, the fundamentals of their plight have not changed. There is no alternative candidate, no mechanism for her removal and no mainstream appetite for forcing her departure. So it's Mrs May who must make the first move. As we saw on Wednesday, her courage and resilience are formidable. She must now deploy them to commence her long goodbye. Britain's most dangerous prisoner Charles Bronson will be allowed to marry his actress fiancee next month. Bronson, 64, will wed former Emmerdale star Paula Williamson, 37 after a prison governor granted permission to an in-house wedding. The pair will exchange vows at Wakefield high security prison on November 14 with a wedding breakfast to be held at a nearby hotel afterwards. Bronson, 64, will wed former Emmerdale star Paula Williamson, 37, next month in an in-house ceremony at Wakefield high security prison There will be some conditions to the jailhouse ceremony however. Bronson will have to remain handcuffed to a warden throughout. And the violent prisoner will not be allowed to attend the after party, with his new wife forced to spend her wedding night alone. The Mirror was told by a source: 'Paula and Charlie are delighted that they've finally set their wedding date and can become Mr and Mrs Salvador. 'Their only regret is that they aren't allowed a honeymoon a conjugal visit to consummate their marriage or conceive the child they both dream of.' Bronson has spent the last 43 years behind bars at Britain's most secure prisons because of his repeated violence. Despite his criminal convictions, his doting fiancee of six months said she firmly believes he has 'strong morals and a heart of gold', the Mirror reported. Miss Williamson played small roles in Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. The Mandalay Bay gunman who killed 58 people in Las Vegas on Sunday wrote detailed notes on how to murder as many people as possible. Authorities say that Stephen Paddock, 64, may have also driven to the Nevada desert to practice his shooting two days before conducting the killing spree that wounded nearly 500 others. In an interview with '60 Minutes,' four officers who were the first to storm into Paddock's rented hotel room reveal new details about the deadliest shooting in American history. Members of the law enforcement team who were the first to enter Stephen Paddock's hotel room after he opened fire on a crowd in Las Vegas (Pictured: Officers Casey Clarkson (L) and Matthew Donaldson on the top row. Bottom row are officers Dave Newton (L) and Sgt. Joshua Bitkso - October 2017) Mandalay Bay shooter wrote detailed notes on bullet trajectory and how to maximize kills before shooting The note was first discovered by Officer Dave Newton from the Las Vegas Police Department's K-9 unit, lying face-up on Paddock's nightstand. 'I could see on it he had written the distance, the elevation he was on, the drop of what his bullet was gonna be for the crowd,' Newton said. 'So he had that written down and figured out so he would know where to shoot to hit his targets from there.' Stephen Paddock (pictured) , 64, is blamed for America's deadliest shooting incident in history The Route 91 Harvest Music Festival played to over 20,000 people at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, where Paddock had reserved a suite on the 32nd floor. The room looked down on the crowd across the street and was an estimated 400 feet away, according to Las Vegas officials. Newton said it was very 'eerie' to enter the room and find the lifeless body of a man who had just minutes before unleashed a rain of carnage upon hundreds of innocent people. Authorities also revealed on Saturday that Paddock may have driven to the Nevada desert to prepare for Sunday's attack. FBI investigators work outside the Route 91 music festival site beside the Mandalay Bay resort Hotel after a gunman fired and killed 58 people (Pictured: October 2017) Investigators work at a festival grounds across the street from the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017, in Las Vegas authorities began cleaning up the area where the shooting occurred, clearing away the personal belongings of thousands of concert goers Investigators said that they have found surveillance footage showing Paddock driving towards a secluded area on the outskirts of Mesquite, Nevada where locals are known to practice shooting. Paddock was a resident of Mesquite, about a 90 minute drive to Las Vegas, and split much of his time between there and Las Vegas hotel rooms. Records show that Paddock began stocking an arsenal of weapons in 2016, buying 33 of his 47 guns since last October, including AR-15-style rifles, according to the Wall Street Journal. More than a dozen high-powered assault weapons were found in Paddock's room following Sunday's massacre, including guns modified with 'bump stocks', an alteration that allows guns to fire bullets at a faster rate. Meanwhile, authorities began cleaning up the area where the shooting occurred, clearing away the personal belongings of thousands of concert goers lucky enough to have escaped with their lives. Workers board up a broken window at the Mandalay Bay hotel, where shooter Stephen Paddock conducted his mass shooting along the Las Vegas Strip (Oct. 6, 2017) People look at the makeshift memorial which has popped up at the famed ''Welcome to Las Vegas'' sign (Pictured: 06 Oct 2017) FBI agents could be seen piling backpacks, baby strollers and lawn chairs left on the Sunset Strip throughout the week, according to CBS News. Vice President Mike Pence speaks at the culmination of a faith unity walk, held to help the community heal after Sunday's mass shooting, at Las Vegas City Hall on October 7, 2017 Investigators said they will try to return everything left behind to their rightful owners over the next few weeks. Vice President Mike Pence was also in Las Vegas Saturday, there to attend a ceremony honoring the victims killed or wounded in the attack. 'On Sunday night, Las Vegas came face to face with pure evil,' Pence said at the Las Vegas City Wide Unity Prayer Walk. 'But no evil, no act of violence will ever diminish the strength and goodness of the American people.' 'It was a tragedy of unimaginable proportions,' Pence added. Federal and local law enforcement officials are still stumped as to Paddock's motive for the heinous shooting spree, with Clark County Undersheriff Kevin McMahill saying investigators have 'looked at literally everything' and still have come up empty. Saturday Night Live ditched its traditional comedic cold open on Saturday in favor of a solemn tribute by country music star Jason Aldean to both the victims of last Sunday nights massacre in Las Vegas as well as late rocker Tom Petty. Aldean was invited onto SNL where he paid homage to the victims before playing a rendition of I Wont Back Down, the 1989 hit single by Petty. Saturday Night Live ditched its traditional comedic cold open on Saturday in favor of a solemn tribute by country music star Jason Aldean to both the victims of last Sunday nights massacre in Las Vegas as well as late rocker Tom Petty Aldean was invited onto SNL where he paid homage to the victims before playing a rendition of I Wont Back Down, the 1989 hit single by Petty Petty died this week from cardiac arrest. He was 66 years old. This week we witnessed one of the worst tragedies in American history, Aldean said. Like everyone, Im struggling to understand what happened that night and how to pick up the pieces and start to heal. So many people are hurting. There are children, parents, brothers, sisters, friends. Theyre all part of our family. So I want to say to them: We hurt for you. We hurt with you. But you can be sure that were gonna walk through these tough times together every step of the way. Because when America is at its best, our bond and our spirit its unbreakable. Aldean and his band then began their cover version of Pettys hit. Aldean was in the middle of performing on stage at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas last Sunday night when Paddock opened fire. Allegations: Bishop George Bell A celebrated bishop whose reputation was destroyed when the Church of England labelled him a paedophile is set to have his good name restored, The Mail on Sunday has learned. An official review of the handling of abuse allegations against the late Bishop George Bell will criticise the original Church investigation as flawed and unfair, it is understood. Bishop Bell the wartime Bishop of Chichester who died in 1958, was praised for speaking out against Hitler in the 1930s and he was granted the Anglican equivalent of a Saints Day, an annual commemoration. But to the fury of devotees, his character was blackened when the Church declared two years ago that on the balance of probabilities he had sexually assaulted a child in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Senior Church officials apologised and paid 15,000 compensation to the anonymous complainant, known only as Carol, who said she had been molested during visits to the Bishops Palace in Chichester. But insiders said the review, commissioned last year after criticism of the Churchs handling of the case and which was led by top lawyer Lord Carlile, is believed to be critical of the investigation, although it does not rule on the bishops guilt or innocence. Lord Carlile handed his report to the Archbishop of Canterbury last week. The Church of England said it would issue a response when it was published. Victoria's left-wing Labor premier has declared Australia's political leaders should stop debating civil liberties following a series of foiled Islamic terror plots in Melbourne. Daniel Andrews made the call, after a National Security Summit in Canberra last week agreed to give national intelligence agencies the power to access driver's licences. The premier, who hails from Victoria's Socialist Left faction, said civil liberties were a boutique issue following a series of foiled terror plots and a June terrorist attack in Melbourne. Victoria's left-faction Labor Premier Daniel Andrews says debating civil liberties is a 'luxury' Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews signs a new national security agreement in the presence of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull 'There is not the luxury of effective political leaders to have an esoteric debate,' he told the ABC's Insiders program on Sunday. 'That debate may be important but it is not something we, as leaders of this country can use as an excuse not to act.' Mr Andrews singled out the terrorist attack in bayside Brighton in June and a 2015 plot to behead a police officer on Anzac Day as reasons why police needed more resources. 'Each of those plots and the ultimate tragedy of Brighton, they chip away too,' he said. Somali-born gunman Yacqub Khayre shot dead a reception at a Melbourne serviced apartment Teenager Sevdet Besim has been sentenced to 10 years' jail for plot to behead a police officer 'They chip away at our safety, our sense of security and when you are confronted with clear evidence we have a probable threat level, a probable threat level.' Last week, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, state premiers and territory chief ministers unanimously agreed to give the Australian Federal Police and national intelligence agencies more power to access drivers' licence photographs to help them prevent terrorist attacks. This was part of the Council of Australian Government's first National Security Summit at Parliament House in Canberra where new security fences are being installed. Dimitrious 'Jimmy' Gargasoulas has been charged with six counts of murder in Melbourne Gargasoulas, 26, allegedly drove his neighbour's Holden Commodore into Bourke St crowds Victoria's Daniel Andrews says political leaders don't have luxury of civil liberties debate Mr Andrews has made the strongest call to crack down on civil liberties following the June terrorist attack at Brighton, in bayside Melbourne, where 29-year-old Somali-born gunman Yacqub Khayre shot dead a reception at a serviced apartment during a siege. In September last year, Sevdet Besim, 19, was sentenced to 10 years in jail for planning to behead a police officer on Anzac Day in 2015, after declaring allegiance to Islamic State. Meanwhile, Dimitrious 'Jimmy' Gargasoulas, 26, has been charged with six counts of murder for allegedly driving his neighbour's 1990s Holden Commodore into crowds in Melbourne's busy Bourke Street Mall in January. Three-month-old Zachary Bryant was among those killed. Rosalynn McGinnis (left) with Henri Piette -when he threw her a quinceanera for her 13th birthday Police arrested a man in Mexico after he was accused of raping his underage stepdaughter, marrying her, and keeping her captive for nearly two decades. Officials arrested 62-year-old Henri Michele Piette Thursday after he was charged with first-degree rape and other offenses last month for the disturbing crimes, NewsOK reported. The rape was first said to have taken place at victim Rosalynn McGinnis' residence in Wagoner, Oklahoma - where she lived at the time with her mother and the stepfather. McGinnis, who is now 33, told People Piette kidnapped her from school at the early age of 12 years old after her mother left him following the sexual abuse. McGinnis told investigators Piette previously 'married' her in a van already at 11 and even gave her a ring, court affidavits said, according to the local newspaper. He kidnapped McGinnis under her will and took her to Mexico with him where she would be held under captivity for 19 years of her life. Scroll down for video McGinnis told her story in an interview with PeopleTV this week, after she escaped captivity in Mexico in June 2016 McGinnis, now 33, told People Piette kidnapped her from school at the early age of 12 years old after her mother left him following the sexual abuse McGinnis told investigators Piette 'married' her in a van already at 11 and even gave her a ring The victim - who finally fled in June 2016 - has since come forward to share her story after she successfully escaped with eight of her children. The ninth child previously escaped, but is now reunited with the family. While the bizarre story does not clarify whether or not the victim's children were Piette's, an FBI agent said in the court affidavit McGinnis was introduced to Piette's 'other children as their new mother.' The agent added that the family 'began traveling to numerous locations throughout the United States and abroad including ... Texas, Montana, Idaho, New Mexico, Arizona and Mexico.' While being held captive in Mexico, McGinnis revealed she was repeatedly 'raped, beaten and tortured' while living in a remote village. McGinnis was just 12 years old at the time she was kidnapped and held captive 'McGinnis stated that she was sexually assaulted multiple times a day almost every day while she was with Piette,' the court affidavits said. It wasn't until she had been recovering from gallbladder removal surgery last year that she decided she needed a way out once and for all. As she was recovering, Piette reportedly ordered her to complete strenuous housework and other chores. That's when McGinnis knew a change needed to be made for the sake of her children and self. 'I knew that if I didn't get out of there, I'd either go insane or I would end up dying and leaving my kids with that man,' she told People in this week's issue. McGinnis fled the country with her eight children (six of them pictured above in 2010) 'She grabbed what few funds she had earned and, that June, paid for a taxi to take her and her children to Oaxaca City, Mexico, where she made a call that would change her life,' the report said. In June of last year, McGinnis was able to get in contact with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. The family then made their way to the U.S. Embassy and fled the country. FBI officials confirmed Piette 'has resided in Mexico and Central America for a very long time and has deep ties to criminal organizations in Mexico,' according to NewsOK. Jack Thorp, the Wagoner County District Attorney, said in a statement Friday the 'excellent work' of FBI officials 'has aided in the capture and extradition of the fugitive Henri Piette.' The complicated investigation will play out further in coming months. Angelina Jolie was once allegedly asked to participate in a bizarre plot to arrest Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony along with then-husband Brad Pitt. According to a report published by the Sunday Times of London, Luis Moreno Ocampo, the former chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court, asked the activist actress act as bait in a 'honeytrap'. The information was first obtained by French investigative website Mediapart on Friday and made available to the British newspaper. Moreno Ocampo reportedly approached Jolie in the spring of 2012 and attempted to cast her and her husband at the time, Brad Pitt, as her 'co-star' in a plot to take Kony into custody in the Central African Republic, where he was based. Angelina Jolie (left) was once allegedly asked to participate in a bizarre plot to arrest Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony (right) along with then-husband Brad Pitt. The activist actress would act as bait to help take Kony into custody in the Central African Republic, where he was based. Luis Moreno Ocampo, the former chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court, wanted to use Jolie as bait in a 'honeytrap' and have Pitt be her 'co-star' (pictured together, November 2015) 'Forget other celebrities, she is the one,' Moreno Ocampo wrote in an e-mail. 'She loves to arrest Kony. She is ready. Probably Brad will go also.' Moreno Ocampo wanted to embed Jolie and Pitt with US Special Forces close to Kony's stronghold, according to the report. He even told her that American troops 'are eager to get Kony . . . [and] after meeting you, they will do it.' The former prosecutor claimed Jolie had herself suggested she could lure Kony to dinner in a plot to arrest him, the report said. At one point, Jolie wrote back saying: 'Brad is being supportive. Let's discuss logistics. Much love Xxx.' However, the plan never proceeded with Jolie not replying to several of his emails. Moreno Ocampo wanted to embed Jolie and Pitt with US Special Forces close to Kony's (pictured) stronghold, according to the report. However, the plan never got underway Moreno Ocampo also tried to recruit George Clooney (left) for help flying spy satellites over Libya 'to put pressure on [Muammar] Khadafy's generals' and asked Sean Penn (right) take part in potential investigation into the Palestinian conflict Moreno Ocampo also tried to recruit film stars George Clooney and Sean Penn to participate in his various quests as well as the wife of the founder of eBay. He allegedly asked Clooney for help flying spy satellites over Libya 'to put pressure on [Muammar] Khadafy's generals.' Penn was invited by the prosecutor to a New York hotel where he was propositioned to take part in a potential investigation into the Palestinian conflict. The actor is said to have replied: 'While you make the decision on Palestine, I'm embroiled in a decision weather [sic] or not to get a steam in the hotel spa.' The hunt is on for a 43-year-old man in relation to a double stabbing in a bar and a suspicious house fire. Detectives are appealing for public assistance to help locate Damen Stephens after a number of possibly related incidents occurred in Melbourne's south over the weekend. Investigations are currently underway after a dubious house fire broke out on Gilmour Road in Bentleigh about 1.10am on Saturday morning. Detectives are appealing for public assistance to help locate Damen Stephens (pictured) Police would also like to speak to Stephens after two men were stabbed at a bar on Fitzroy Street in St Kilda at 9pm that same day. A 44-year-old Essendon North man and 29-year-old St Kilda man were both stabbed during the altercation and taken to hospital. There injuries are not considered life-threatening. Damen Stephens on security footage Police have released images of Stephens in the hope someone will recognise him and can provide information on his current whereabouts. He is described as being about 180cm tall, with a thin build, bald head, unshaven face, glasses and was last seen wearing a long-sleeved dark top like the one seen in the Victorian police picture. Authorities are asking the public not to approach Stephens if they do see him. Instead they are being encouraged to contact triple zero instead. Saturday Night Live ditched its traditional comedic cold open on Saturday in favor of a solemn tribute by country music star Jason Aldean to both the victims of last Sunday nights massacre in Las Vegas as well as late rocker Tom Petty. Aldean was invited onto SNL where he paid homage to the victims before playing a rendition of I Wont Back Down, the 1989 hit single by Petty. Petty died this week from cardiac arrest. He was 66 years old. This week we witnessed one of the worst tragedies in American history, Aldean said. Saturday Night Live ditched its traditional comedic cold open on Saturday in favor of a solemn tribute by country music star Jason Aldean to both the victims of last Sunday nights massacre in Las Vegas as well as late rocker Tom Petty Aldean was invited onto SNL where he paid homage to the victims before playing a rendition of I Wont Back Down, the 1989 hit single by Petty Petty (seen above in this 2012 file photo) died this week from cardiac arrest. He was 66 years old Like everyone, Im struggling to understand what happened that night and how to pick up the pieces and start to heal. So many people are hurting. There are children, parents, brothers, sisters, friends. Theyre all part of our family. So I want to say to them: We hurt for you. We hurt with you. But you can be sure that were gonna walk through these tough times together every step of the way. Because when America is at its best, our bond and our spirit its unbreakable. Aldean and his band then began their cover version of Pettys hit. Aldean (above) was in the middle of performing on stage at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas last Sunday night when Stephen Paddock, 64, opened fire on the 22,000 people in the crowd from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino People scramble for shelter at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after apparent gun fire was heard last Sunday in Las Vegas Aldean was in the middle of performing on stage at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas last Sunday night when Stephen Paddock, 64, opened fire on the 22,000 people in the crowd from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The father-of-two released a statement on social media on Tuesday asking the nation to come together and heal. 'Over the last 24 hrs I have gone through lots of emotions. Scared, Anger, Heartache, Compassion and many others,' he wrote. 'I truely (sic) dont (sic) understand why a person would want to take the life of another. Something has changed in this country and in this world lately that is scary to see. 'This world is becoming the kind of place i (sic) am afraid to raise my children in. At the end of the day we arent (sic) Democrats or Republicans, Whites or Blacks, Men or Women. 'We are all humans and we are all Americans and its time to start acting like it and stand together as ONE! That is the only way we will ever get this Country to be better than it has ever been, but we have a long way to go and we have to start now. 'My heart aches for the Victims and their families of this Senseless act. I am so sorry for the hurt and pain everyone is feeling right now and there are no words i (sic) can say to to take that pain away. 'Just know u all are in my heart and my prayers as we all go through this together. Time to come together and stop the hate! #stopthehate #prayforlasvegas'. People attending the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival crouch down as a gunman opens fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Aldean, the father-of-two, released a statement on social media on Tuesday asking the nation to come together and heal. 'Over the last 24 hrs I have gone through lots of emotions. Scared, Anger, Heartache, Compassion and many others,' he wrote Authorities are still investigating what caused Paddock to open fire on concertgoers causing the worst mass shooting in US history Authorities are still investigating what caused Paddock to open fire on concertgoers causing the worst mass shooting in US history. It took police 72 minutes to zero in on Paddock's hotel room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino across the street from the festival. They say he had cameras set up in the hallway so he would know when authorities arrived. Paddock continued to fight even as police breached his room - firing through the front door at officers. But by the time the SWAT team finally made it into the room, Paddock had killed himself. Paddock lived in 27 residences in Nevada, Florida and Texas as an adult, but other than that he had apparently lived a quiet and unremarkable life. The retired accountant had worked as an internal auditor at Lockheed Martin for three years in the late 1980s, and was a manager and investor in apartment complexes located in Mesquite, Texas and California, which made him millions, his brother said, according to the Las Vegas Sun. Local police said they had no run-ins with the man, not even traffic violations, and his brother described him as 'just a guy who lived in Mesquite who drove down and gambled in Las Vegas and... liked burritos'. And now photos have emerged of two of the 23 rifles found inside Las Vegas shooter Stephen Paddock's hotel room, which he used to rain down death on a crowd of 22,000 attending a music festival on Sunday. The startling pictures, obtained by Boston 25, show two semi-automatic AR-15-style assault rifles. The devastated husband of Australian woman Kelly Clarke, who tragically died during their honeymoon in Fiji, has been told he has to raise $61,000 to bring his wife's body home. Mrs Clarke, 24, died on Friday night two days after she had been rushed to hospital after feeling sick on Wednesday. Her husband Chase Kelly, 28, remains in Fiji with his wife's parents as they await a forensic report following Ms Clarke's death. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Mr Clarke said he had received a quote to fly his wife's body back to Australia. Kelly Clarke, 24, died on Friday night in Fiji, where she was on her honeymoon with her husband, just two days after she had been rushed to hospital after feeling sick The couple were married in April but held off their honey moon so they could be in Fiji for a friend's wedding 'We've got a quotation to get her back in a private plane ... for $61,000,' he said. 'I'm just with her parents at the moment, they've flown over, they're trying to get money off their mortgage.' Doctors initially thought the young honeymooner had caught Typhoid and started her on treatment - before putting her into a coma on Friday when her condition continued to deteriorate. But her devastated husband revealed the blood tests have come back negative for the disease. Doctors initially thought the young honeymooner had caught Typhoid and started her on treatment 'She was vaccinated in 2015 when she went to Thailand so they've ruled out Typhoid but the commissioner here has put in a report for a forensic autopsy to find out the cause of death,' he said. Mrs Clarke, who was a nurse, had told her husband she was 'scared she was going to die' before tragically passing away on Friday. 'She said over the phone she was scared she was going to die and I just told her I loved her, what else could I say?' Mr Clarke said. 'I told her to be strong, that I was coming straight back and to rest up because she needed her strength.' Mr Clarke described his wife as intelligent, beautiful and caring. Tam Brown, Mrs Clarke's sister,a nanny living in Sydney, opened a GoFundMe on Friday morning when the family realised she was not getting better in Fiji. Mr Clarke described his wife as intelligent, beautiful and caring Mrs Kelly's family managed to raise $14,300 for a medivac to get her to Australia, but unfortunately the team arrived after she had passed away 'I just told her I loved her, what else could I say?' Mr Clarke said of the final conversation before his wife passed away The page managed to raise $14,300 in just 21 hours - but the young woman tragically died before an Australian Medevac team were able to get to her. The fundraiser has since surpassed the goal of $30,000, raising $33,580 for Mrs Clarke's family and husband. The young woman's brother, Murray, posted a loving tribute to his sister after she died. 'Kelly has passed away,' he wrote. 'She went into cardiac arrest five times in the last hour and the medivac team didn't make it in time. 'You (were a) beautiful girl and amazing sister you will be deeply missed,' he wrote. Tributes continue to flow for the young woman. The couple were married in April but held off their honey moon so they could be in Fiji for a friend's wedding 'You (were a) beautiful girl and amazing sister you will be deeply missed,' her brother wrote 'We are so devastated to hear this news. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Kelly was a beautiful girl,' said one friend 'We are so devastated to hear this news. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Kelly was a beautiful girl,' said one. 'The world has lost a beautiful caring soul. Thinking of you all at this very sad time. Strength and love to the family,' said another. 'I am sincerely sorry to hear of such a sudden and tragic loss. My thoughts are with you and the family. This is utterly heartbreaking. Sending my deepest condolences and love to you all,' another wrote. The couple were married in April but held off their honey moon so they could be in Fiji for a friend's wedding. The young woman pictured with her father on her wedding day in April 'The world has lost a beautiful caring soul. Thinking of you all at this very sad time. Strength and love to the family,' said another friend Australian police ran the world's biggest child sex abuse website for almost a year to catch hundreds of paedophiles. During this time, detectives shared dozens of images of children being abused and posted hundreds of messages posing as paedophiles to maintain their cover. Queensland Police unit Taskforce Argos took over 'Child's Play' last October when its founders were arrested, and spearheaded the international covert operation. Queensland police at Taskforce Argos, including investigator Paul Griffiths (pictured) ran the world's biggest child sex abuse website for almost a year to catch hundreds of paedophiles The site at its height had more than 1 million profiles - double the 427,000 it had in January, three months after the police started running it. About 4,000 of those were active users and included about 100 'producers' who rape children or film others doing so, and distribute the photos and video. But despite allowing paedophiles to share thousands of child porn images, and even sharing it themselves, police say it was worth catching their targets. 'We have one goal and that is to stop the sexual abuse of children. We will do whatever we can within our legislative authority to achieve that,' taskforce leader Jonathan Rouse told VG. 'Sharing any such image is an abuse of that child. However, it is something we can justify as being for the greater good and to prevent ongoing abuse of children. 'I hope they understand that we are trying to catch as many offenders as possible.' The Norwegian newspaper uncovered the undercover police Operation Artemis three months after they took over Child's Play. Inspector Rouse and his colleague Paul Griffiths met VG's reporter in a Brisbane pub and were shocked their involvement was discovered. They took over after Child's Play founder Benjamin 'WarHead' Faulkner, 26, was arrested in the U.S. in September 2016 Artemis was more than a year in the making, after Argos and other agencies identified its admins as Benjamin 'WarHead' Faulkner and Patrick 'CrazyMonk' Falte. Police waited months for the pair to meet, as they sometimes did, after Faulkner, 26, drove from North Bay, Canada, to Manassas, New York, to meet Falte, 27, who travelled from Nashville. There they raped a four-year-old year provided by one of their users, who filmed the whole abuse as he had done on other occasions. The pair were arrested early the next morning on October 3, 2016, and gave up the usernames, passwords, and encryption keys police needed. 'He could hardly wait to talk. On the web, they sound tough and talk about how they're ready if the cops come,' Mr Griffiths said. 'But when a police officer kicked the door off its hinges, pointed a weapon at him and ordered him to lie on the floor, it became clear to this Canadian that he was a long way from home.' From there, Argos officers including Mr Griffiths assumed their identities, posting as them and managing their massive, perverted empire. Argos is headed up Inspector Jonathan Rouse (pictured), who said the taskforce would do anything in its power to catch paedophiles The Brisbane team was given the job not just, because it was one of few in the world with the skills, but because there were less restrictions on their methods under Australian law. With permission from a judge, investigators could break the law by posting images and messages and continue to run the site. But assuming the identities of twisted child sex offenders affected even seasoned operators who have hunted hundreds of paedophiles. 'Anyone who says they haven't cried in this job is lying. You give a part of yourself the job, and that part becomes a friend of those you're investigating,' another Argos member who declined to be named told VG. 'When we were done with one of our recent operations, it felt like I had locked up all my friends.' The other founder was Patrick 'CrazyMonk' Falte, 27, and both were jailed for life last month for running the site and raping a four-year-old girl Mr Griffiths said to convince thousands of users he was Faulkner and Falte he had to study the punctuation they used, as well as the emoticons and other characters. Even the typos they regularly made needed to be replicated along with vocabulary, tone, and style of writing. 'You need to understand how he feels. It's destructive. Really difficult. I have been working in this field for 22 years,' he said. 'Seeing pictures has no effect on me anymore. But to sit online and talk like one of these guys... Every time I've done it, I feel like I have to take a shower afterwards.' They had to work fast as every day without a post from Faulkner, the site's leader, made its members increasingly nervous. 'Did anybody hear from WarHead within the last 7 days? I'm waiting for a pm from him. Nothing happens,' one wrote. Finally Argos was confident they could convince its users, and made a post to explain Faulkner's absence as reassure users. 'Phew, what a month that was!. A month of my life that I won't get back. Although technically most of the really screwed up s**t happened in October, not September, hence my late foray into this month,' they wrote. 'Sorry again about the late arrival but I did ask the Staff team to step in and cover for me in my enforced absences.' The next big test was the monthly update, which was mandatory because missing it would signal that Child's Play was compromised. Assuming the identities of twisted child sex offenders affected even seasoned operators who have hunted hundreds of paedophiles It also had to include with at least two child abuse images, which the team wrestled with providing but ultimately did. 'My main motivation is to identify the children and get them out of their horrible situation. That's how I manage to work with it,' Mr Griffth said. Argos wrote a post about upgrades to the site to make it more secure, ending with a chilling paragraph they knew would be convincing. 'I hope that some of you were able to give a special present to the little ones in your lives, and spend some time with them. It's a great time of year to snuggle up near a fire, and make some memories.' The team was at peace with what they had to do between last October and when the site was shut down in September when Faulkner and Falte were convicted. During that time, a thread posted two weeks after they took over with images of an eight-year-old girl being raped was viewed 770,617 times. Hetty Johnston, founder of child protection group Bravehearts, said she supported Argos' tactics because 'this is a war' Inspector Rouse and Mr Griffiths said their work used techniques that were never applied before and had unforeseen results, but was worth it to catch criminals. Hetty Johnston, founder of child protection group Bravehearts, said she supported their tactics because 'this is a war'. 'I support this 100 per cent because the images that police would use would not be images that they create, they would be existing images,' she told The Guardian. 'And the idea is to get to people who are currently sexually offending against children.' Ms Johnson said Inspector Rouse's work was groundbreaking despite the 'tough questions' it raised. 'He should be Australian of the year, what he has to do, what he has to view, would send most of us absolutely stark raving mad,' she said. But the mother of a girl officers distributed across the site did not agree because it hurt her even more. 'My daughter should not be used as a bait. If they are using her images, then she should be paid or compensated for their use. It is not right for the police to promote these images,' she said. A similar operation by the FBI in 2015 of a site one-fifth of Child's Play's size made 870 arrests and saved 259 children after agents ran it for just two weeks Faulkner and Falte were on September 15 both given life sentences for raping the four-year-old girl and running Child's Play. Police refused to say how many paedophiles were arrested or will be arrested as a result of Artemis, but Griffiths has a list of 60 to 90 main targets. Another country said it had a list of 900 people to arrest, with some of them already behind bars, and hundreds of children were identified. A similar operation by the FBI in 2015 of a site one-fifth of Child's Play's size made 870 arrests and saved 259 children after agents ran it for just two weeks. Queensland Police said Argos operations led to 1,000 arrests and saved 500 children from abuse since 2003. 'As these methodologies are used successfully and form a fundamental part of the work Argos performs, the QPS will not comment further on their use,' it said. Child protection legislation was strengthened last year, which 'increased the police capability to infiltrate and prosecute the networks offenders create to facilitate the sexual abuse of children'. A French tourist is fighting for her life after jumping into a campfire three times while reportedly high on hallucinogenic drugs at an Australian music festival. The woman, 21, was airlifted to hospital from the Mushroom Valley Festival in north Queensland in the early hours of Sunday morning. It is believed she stumbled into bushland towards another campsite where she repeatedly fell into the fire, causing horrific burns to 40 per cent of her body. A French tourist is fighting for her life after jumping into a campfire three times while high on hallucinogenic drugs at the Mushroom Valley Festival (pictured) in north Queensland It is believed the woman stumbled into bushland towards another campsite where she repeatedly fell into the fire (stock image) The reveller also suffered severe cuts from a barbed wire fence she climbed to reach the campsite, the Brisbane Times reported. Rescue teams arrived by helicopter at around 2.30am and flew her to the Mackay Base Hospital where she remains in a serious condition. The festival's organiser, who was made aware of the woman's injuries at around 11pm on Saturday, said the incident was out if his control. 'We were presented with a situation and we dealt with it in the most professional manner that we could,' Ben Irving told the Townsville Bulletin. The woman, 21, was airlifted to hospital from the Mushroom Valley Festival in north Queensland in the early hours of Sunday morning Organisers of the three-day event stress a strict no drug policy on the festival's website 'Accidents happen all the time and that was something that we couldn't have controlled. 'All we can do is create the safest space we can and have all the services that we can to keep people safe. It's still hard to control everybody and an incident like that, especially if they've left the festival.' Organisers of the three-day event stress a strict no drug policy on the festival's website. Madeleine McCann (pictured), then three, vanished in May 2007 while on holiday with her family in Portugal Madeline McCann's parents have been bombarded with hate mail after police were given an extra 154,000 in the continued hunt for their daughter. The Home Office announced it was adding money to Scotland Yard's 12million search budget in order to trace a 'critical witness' to the youngster's disappearance 10 years ago. But just days after her parents Kate and Gerry took to the official 'Find Maddie McCann' website to say they have been inundated with abuse. They posted: 'We've been barraged with hate via Facebook.' Mr and Mrs McCann spoke out just two months ago begging people to stop trolling them, saying it was 'so awful and upsetting'. A family friend told The Sun today: 'Kate and Gerry are angry and upset that people continue to write false and malicious things against them. 'Every time a positive story appears the trolls kick in with even more abuse. It's been going on for 10 years. 'They are extremely grateful for the continued support by the Home Office and the Met Police, and they receive many positive messages from wellwishers. Scroll down for video An extra 154,000 was added to Scotland Yard's 12million Operation Grange to find Madeleine (pictured) in order to track down the woman, but it has resulted in her parents being trolled with horrific abuse online 'But the trolling spoils it and whilst they try and ignore it they can't always.' One of the site's supporters Sarah Godwin also urged people to stop the abuse. She posted on Facebook: 'I agree it should be stopped and spreading their horrible negativity isn't good for anyone. 'I believe there is a huge majority of people who support the McCann's, I'm one of them. 'What is always helpful to remember when we read disgusting, ignorant and hate-full comments is that there is really only a very small number of people who react like that.' The website's anonymous digital coordinator posted on Wednesday: 'We've been barraged with hate via Facebook and are sure others have too. Help ProPublica investigate hate speech on Facebook.' Others defended Mr and Mrs McCann and condemned the 'vile abuse'. Angela Johnstone replied: 'About time something was done about the abusive comments people make. 'They hide behind the safety of being on facebook. They would never have the guts to say it to someone's face. Cowards the lot of them.' Pamela Gurney added: 'Only the police can get those answers so we must support them while the investigation is ongoing. 'We all want the answers to where Madeleine is, of course we do, but how Google and Facebook can help is another matter. 'At present they fail Madeleine by allowing such dreadful platforms to arise.' Kellie Howe posted: 'Funding extended, thankfully! I am not sure why we have to ask for additional funding when she is still a missing child who needs our help but I am thankful the home office is not giving up on her.' While Cindy Murphy said: 'Any normal, well adjusted human being would never write some of the horrid things I've read online. 'It says far more about the writer than the victim. Sending only love and hope to Madeleine's family.' Her parents Kate and Gerry (pictured) insist they must continue as there is 'absolutely nothing' to suggest their daughter has been harmed, but begged trolls to stop saying abuse is 'awful and upsetting' Colin Kavanagh added: 'Too much hate campaigning on here by sicko's out to spread their evil opinions without proof of any kind which should be stopped, and even blocked by Facebook.' Police think the female witness, who is thought to be East European, could hold clues to the then three-year-old's disappearance. The sought-after woman is believed to have lived near the holiday flat in Praia da Luz on the Algarve, from which Madeleine vanished in May 2007, before leaving the country after her husband died. An extra 154,000 was added to Scotland Yard's 12million Operation Grange to find Madeleine in order to track down the woman. 'She may have see or heard something which to her may seem insignificant but to us could prove vital. If she recognises herself she should contact police. She has nothing to fear. This is just to eliminate her from enquiries,' a source told The Sun. A further source told the newspaper that Operation Grange, launched in 2011, described the woman as a 'critical line of enquiry'. Police still believe that Madeleine may have been taken during a burglar that had 'gone wrong'. Her parents Kate and Gerry insist they must continue as there is 'absolutely nothing' to suggest their daughter has been harmed. Not one piece of forensic evidence linked to the little girl has been found since she vanished from her family's Praia da Luz holiday apartment. Madeleine had been left alone sleeping with her younger twin siblings while her parents were dining in a nearby tapas restaurant And despite trawling through thousands of tip-offs and potential sightings, police have not confirmed that a single one was her. Last year, then-commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said the squad was expecting to mothball their work within months. It is understood police chiefs have a working theory on what happened to Madeleine but may be unable to reveal it publicly because it implicates an individual or individuals. The Portuguese investigation of Madeleine's disappearance was criticised by the British authorities as being not fit for purpose. Scotland Yard began an investigative review into the disappearance in 2011, on the orders of then-Prime Minister David Cameron. Three-year-old Madeleine vanished from a holiday apartment in Portugal's Praia da Luz in May 2007 However, The Sunday Times understands Met detectives have been relying on Portuguese transcripts of key interviews with British witnesses, rather than conducting their own. Operation Grange has conducted no formal witness interviews with Gerry or Kate McCann or the seven friends they dined with on the night Madeleine disappeared. Speaking a few weeks ago, a spokesman for the family said the McCanns remain 'extremely thankful' to police for requesting extra funding. Their representative, Clarence Mitchell, said: 'They are very encouraged there remains work to be done that requires them seeking an extra budget. 'They are grateful to all those officers who are still working on the case and are actively looking for Madeleine. 'They appreciate everything the police have done and are doing to get a resolution after all this time.' Scotland Yard has insisted it will not reduce the small team left on the case any further as the 'inquiry has not reached a conclusion'. Theresa May (pictured today in Maidenhead) has hinted at a sweeping reshuffle that could demote Boris Johnson as she insisted she 'didn't come into politics for an easy life' Ruth Davidson today urged Theresa May to make sure the right people are doing the 'right job' in Cabinet amid hints from the PM Boris Johnson could be demoted. The Scottish Tory leader slammed the 'unfortunate shenanigans' which dominated the Tory conference and its aftermath. Mr Johnson began the gathering facing calls for him to be sacked over a major Brexit essay and the week ended with a failed putsch from former Tory chairman Grant Shapps. The Prime Minister used a newspaper interview to underline her power to hire and fire, triggering speculation of a dramatic reshuffle within weeks. Ending a week in which her conference speech descended into chaos, ailing Mrs May said she was determined to bring the 'best people' into the Cabinet. Meanwhile, the three Brexiteer ministers - Mr Johnson, Trade Secretary Liam Fox and Brexit Secretary David Davis - in the Cabinet have all issued endorsements of the Prime Minister. Ms Davidson told the BBC's Andrew Marr: 'The make up of her Cabinet is entirely within her purview and people serve in Cabinet at the pleasure of the Prime Minister, whoever it is. 'You have seen some unfortunate shenanigans this week in terms of a couple of people trying to push. 'But the pushback has been pretty strong. We are behind the Prime Minister and she is the best person to lead us forward.' Ruth Davidson (pictured on the BBC today) urged Theresa May to make sure the right people are doing the 'right job' in Cabinet amid hints from the PM Boris Johnson could be demoted Ms Davidson told the BBC's Andrew Marr she was concentrating on the 2021 elections to the Holyrood parliament at which she hopes to become First Minister She added: 'I am not going to play fantasy cabinet. IS THAT A YES? RAAB SAYS IT'S 'RUDE' FOR HIM TO ANSWER ON LEADERSHIP HOPES Justice Minister Dominic Raab today refused to answer whether he had leadership ambitions - insisting it would be rude to do so. The junior minister, who was a senior Vote Leave campaigner, is touted by some as a future Tory leader. But questioned on his long-term ambitions by the BBC Sunday Politics, Mr Raab said it was 'tittle tattle'. Failing to rule out a future run, he said: 'I don't talk about leadership contests, past or present. 'We are focused on the one thing your viewers would expect: getting behind the Prime Minister, as the overwhelming majority of Conservative MPs are, keeping the economy firing on all cylinders, and getting on with Brexit.' Asked again: 'When you come on shows like this, I think it is totally self indulgent and frankly rude and unprofessional to even get drawn on any of that stuff. 'I don't touch it.' Advertisement 'The Prime Minister knows exactly what talent she has in her ranks - what I believe is a great deal of talent - on the green benches. 'You have to have the right person in the right portfolio doing the right job. 'One of the things that has really angered me is people seem to have forgotten we are really lucky to be able to serve our country as politicians. It's all about delivering for the country,it is not about private ambition.' Ms Davidson demanded Mr Johnson be held to his vow to back 'every syllable' of the Premier's Florence speech. And she rebuffed speculation she would be interested in the top job her self. Amid continued calls for her to move to Westminster, Ms Davidson told Marr she was concentrating on the 2021 elections to the Holyrood parliament at which she hopes to become First Minister. She said: 'I would say kindly to my colleagues my job is important. They saw in June that gettting 13 colleagues elected meant we still have a Conservative in No 10. 'What I have here is a pretty big job and I know what I am trying to achieve in the future here.' In a separate interview with ITV's Robert Peston, Ms Davidson insisted her more important mission was protecting the Union. She said: 'My commitment is to the United Kingdom. My priority is the UK single market, that is absolutely my primacy.' Mrs May attended church with husband Philip in Maidenhead today amid continued speculation about her future at No 10 The Prime Minister paid tribute to the support of her husband in an interview to mark the end of a disastrous Tory conference Former Tory chairman Grant Shapps was outed as a rebel ringleader this week, prompting a new declaration of loyalty today from Mr Johnson. DAVIDSON DEFENDS UNIVERSAL CREDIT AFTER MAJOR ATTACK Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson today defended the universal credit reform after it was attacked by Sir John Major. The ex-PM today branded the idea 'unforgiving' and called for it to be halted. But Ms Davidson told Andrew Marr: 'There had been a situation where you could have to wait up to six weeks for money if you find yourself in a situation where you first require Universal Credit. 'That's been scrapped and it's now going to be moved up to payment in advance to five days. 'Now I think that will make a huge difference.' Advertisement But the Foreign Secretary's latest intervention - in which he brands plotters 'nutters' will do little to quell speculation he is ready oust Mrs May from No 10. Trade Secretary Liam Fox also made a major intervention in defence of Mrs May today, praising her 'great inner strength'. Brexit Secretary David Davis also backed the PM as the Cabinet's 'three Brexiteers' rallied around their leader. Ex-PM Sir John Major also spoke out against the plotters today in a major intervention in today's Mail on Sunday. The next crucial date in the Government's agenda is a summit of EU leaders from October 19 at which Mrs May wants agreement for the start of trade talks. The aftermath of the crunch gathering in Brussels could offer a window for the reshuffle. In the new interview, Mrs May said: 'It has never been my style to hide from a challenge. There is an important job to be done and I am getting on with that. 'I'm the PM and part of my job is to make sure I always have the best people in my cabinet, to make the most of the wealth of talent available in the party.' The ailing Prime Minister said she was determined to bring the 'best people' into the Cabinet - seen as a hint Boris Johnson (pictured today in Stansted Airport) could be moved from his job as Foreign Secretary Mrs May insisted her current Cabinet was 'terrific' and insisted she was focused on the job if delivering Brexit and a sweeping domestic agenda. She added: 'For me leadership is not gossip and game-playing, it's not about who is in favour and who is out: it's about doing your best for working people day in and day out.' HESELTINE: MAY HAS 'INSOLUBLE' PROBLEM Theresa May has an 'insoluble' problem at the heart of her government, Michael Heseltine warned today. The former deputy PM said the Prime Minister should sack Boris Johnson to try and restore her authority - but admitted it was a 'high risk plan'. He warned the Foreign Secretary would not go 'quietly'. Lord Heseltine said the situation meant Mrs May was assailed from all sides and was 'boxed in'. He questioned: 'How can the Government survive with that sort of dialogue in the background?' Advertisement Brexiteer MP Nadine Dorries told ITV's Robert Peston Mr Johnson should keep his job. She said:'If I was the Prime Minister the person I would be demoting or certainly sacking would be Philip Hammond. The MP added: 'I don't think he's been totally on board, I think he's been deliberately trying to make the Brexit negotiations difficult, stall them'. Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry said Mrs May 'doesn't have enough authority' to lead her party and country through the Brexit process. She told Sky News' Sunday with Niall Paterson: 'It doesn't really matter who their leader is, they don't know which way they are going, they don't know what it is that they want to achieve. 'There's definitely a chunk of them that want to have no deal at all, which would be definitely contrary to British interests.' Ms Thornberry said Labour had always had conversations with the EU and had a clear position on Brexit. Mrs May's new intervention came after she coughed and spluttered through a crucial speech to the Tory conference on Wednesday (pictured) Mrs May's speech was interrupted by a prankster (left) and the PM was embraced by her husband as consolation at the end of the disastrous address (right) To add to the indignity, even the stage set at Tory conference abandoned the Premier (pictured) Mrs May had hoped Wednesday's speech would reboot her authority after months of vicious infighting over Brexit after June's general election. But she coughed and spluttered through the 65-minute address, was confronted with a P45 by a prankster on stage and the set began collapsing behind her. Mrs May denied reports she had cried over the disaster on the drive from Manchester back to London on Wednesday afternoon. She said: 'One minute journalists are accusing me of being an ice maiden or a robot, then they claim I'm a weeping woman in dire need of a good night's sleep! 'The truth is my feelings can be hurt, like everyone else, but I am pretty resilient. 'I am blessed to have a wonderful husband, great friends and family and a talented team around me.' Insisting the debacle had to be kept 'in proportion', the Premier added: 'I had to give a long speech with a bad cough, a somewhat shaky set and a so-called comedian intent on getting his 15 minutes of fame. 'Was it uncomfortable? Certainly. But let's not get carried away!' Mrs May said it was 'frustrating' the work that went into the speech was wasted but she added: 'I didn't come into politics for an easy life, I came into politics to make a difference, to sweep away injustice and to give a voice to those who have been ignored for too long.' Mr Johnson, who yesterday privately urged Tory MPs to 'circle the wagons' in defence of Mrs May slammed plotters in a Sunday Telegraph piece today. Former Tory chairman Grant Shapps (file image) was outed as a rebel ringleader this week, prompting a new declaration of loyalty today from Mr Johnson The Foreign Secretary made no mention of his own explosive interventions over Brexit that destabilised Mrs May on the eve of conference. Mr Johnson said: 'For heaven's sake: in the last three years we have had two elections and a referendum. They certainly don't want to see a Tory leadership contest that would inevitably trigger further demands for an election. 'What people want is for us all in government to get on with delivering priorities. At the end of this conference season, it is obvious that Tories under Theresa May have the better plans to take this country forward.' Admitting the plots against the PM were real, he added: 'From what I can see the Tory herd has refused to be so goaded. 'We have sniffed the air and turned sensibly away from the cliff. 'Let's get on with it, get behind the Prime Minister, and govern as dynamic one nation Conservatives in the interests of the whole country.' A sinkhole has swallowed cars and caused major traffic delays in Perth. A water main burst causing the gaping hole on Kingsley Drive in Kingsley at about 3am on Sunday. The water was knee deep in some areas as the sinkhole swallowed two cars, 9 News reported. Scroll down for video A sinkhole has swallowed cars and caused major traffic delays in Perth One property was completely flooded and many others suffered water damage, authorities said. Local resident Betty Walker told 9 News she was woken up by a council ranger who told her the water was creeping up to her home. 'I would have woken up to a flood if they hadn't woken me up,' she said. 'I said (to my son) you might have to come and get me out in a boat.' The SES spent Sunday morning sandbagging properties to protect them from rising water. The Water Corporation said it would pay for any damages not covered by insurance. A water main burst causing the gaping hole on Kingsley Drive in Kingsley at about 3am on Sunday Kevin Scroop, 43, is accused of slitting his partner's throat after they had an argument at their house in Glendenning on Saturday A Western Sydney man who is accused of slitting his partner's throat was formally denied bail at Parramatta Local Court on Sunday afternoon. Kevin Dean Scroop, 43, was seen arguing with his partner Rachel Lee shortly before he allegedly attacked her. When appeared in court via video link on Sunday he begged to be told how the mother-of-five was doing. 'Can you please tell me how she is? I've been asking all night I've got no idea how she is,' he said. The magistrate did not answer him. Ms Lee is currently in a critical but stable condition after undergoing surgery in Westmead Hospital. Ms Rachel Lee, 42, is fighting for her life in hospital after her partner allegedly slit her throat Scroop and Lee were reportedly at their Glendenning house when he allegedly attacked her It is alleged that he cut her throat after an argument about 4pm on Saturday at their Glendenning house. A neighbour reported seeing the couple together, and then heard 'obscene language, unusual language', according to the Daily Telegraph. 'I got up from the bedroom and I came out and I could see (the woman) and him walking down,' the witness said, adding that the woman was clearly distraught. Neighbour Alison Anderson said it was clear that Ms Lee had been 'really badly, seriously hurt' The woman allegedly attacked by Scroop is critical but stable after surgery at Westmead Victim Rachel Lee's daughter Amy arrived at the scene of the alleged crime on Sunday It is believed that the woman knocked on an neighbour's door for help before she was attacked, but nobody was home. Blood splatters could apparently still be seen this afternoon at the property next door to where the alleged domestic violence attack unfolded. Neighbour Alison Anderson said that it was clear she had been 'really badly, seriously hurt' and 'was just lifeless'. A 'terrified' child was inside the house at the time, according to 9NEWS, who ran outside and clung onto Ms Anderson after the horrific attack. The victim's daughter Amy returned to the scene of the crime on Sunday, after being told that her mother's injuries as so bad that she may be left a paraplegic. Police were active at the crime scene until late on Saturday night and Scroop will remain locked up until his appearance at Blacktown Local Court on Wednesday Friends of the victim have described her as a 'devoted mum', while Ms Anderson said that she is 'a nice person' who would 'help anyone'. Blair Dalton, 34, was allegedly strangled to death by boyfriend Lance Pearce on September 26 This is the fourth alleged domestic violence attack to occur in Sydney in the past fortnight: Russell Brian Wood, 26, has been charged with murdering his estranged girlfriend Sarah Brown. Central Coast mother Blair Dalton, 34, was allegedly strangled and beaten by her former partner Lance Michael Pearce, who was later found dead in his cell. And an elderly man was allegedly stabbed to death by his son Steve Bojnovic in Sydney's south west. Sarah Brown, 34, was allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend at 2am on September 30 A 10-year-old French schoolgirl was rushed to hospital after reportedly being assaulted by her classmates - simply because she was Jewish. The pupil, who attends a school in Paris's 18th arrondissement, was insulted and beaten by her classmates for several days in a row. She was taken to hospital by her mother where she was treated for injuries to her ribs and abdomen, requiring a 10-day recovery period. A 10-year-old French schoolgirl was rushed to hospital after reportedly being assaulted by her classmates - simply because she was Jewish (stock photo) The mother reported the incident to France's anti-Semitism watchdog, the BNVCA (the National Bureau for Vigilance Against Antisemitism), who published details of the incident on October 3rd. The watchdog has now called on police to investigate the alleged anti-Semitic incident. The mother claims the school failed to take appropriate measures to protect her child, or to punish the bullies. The BNVCA has also contacted the Paris Local Education Authority who confirmed that they would take the incident seriously and would transfer the child to a school of her choice. The incident was reported on October 3rd by France's anti-Semitism watchdog, the BNVCA (the National Bureau for Vigilance Against Antisemitism) but has only come to light in the last few days (stock photo) News of the attack comes less than a month after it was reported that a Jewish family was beaten, tied up and robbed in what the government described as an intentionally anti-Semitic act. The Interior Ministry denounced the violence and offered support for the family and the Jewish community, saying that racism and anti-Semitism 'have no place in the French nation'. Leading Jewish group CRIF said the family in Livry-Gargan, outside of Paris, was held in their home while assailants robbed it. In a statement, CRIF President Francis Kalifat urged the authorities to step up security and take stronger measures against perpetrators of such acts. French Jews were last year leaving the country at an unprecedented rate, amid rising anti-Semitism and fears of further Islamic extremist attacks. More than 8,000 Jews left France for Israel in 2015, forming part of the largest mass movement of Jews since the formation of Israel since 1948. A 22-year-old Queensland man's life was thrown into disarray after his car veered off the road with him asleep behind the wheel earlier this year. Brad Knight had just moved north with his new fiance Erin, and the pair were looking forward to enjoying the next chapter of their lives together, The Courier Mail reported. Now, two months on, Brad has woken up from his induced coma and is able to breath on his own, make noises and wiggle his toes - but there is a long road to travel for the diesel fitter. 'He's awake but he's not there,' his cousin Shay Paton said. Brad Knight (left) is fighting for his life after a horror crash left him in a vegetable state The 22-year-old fell asleep behind the wheel, and his car veered off the road in early August Two months on, the diesel fitter (pictured with his family) remains in bed at Townsville Hospital, trying desperately to regain his brain function Brad was put into the induced coma on the side of the road where he crashed. He had serious damage to his brain, spinal injuries, internal punctures and broken ribs. His fiancee Erin Walz told The Courier Mail as time has gone on, Brad has left doctors amazed with his progress. 'Once he got to the hospital, the doctors didn't have much hope for him from day dot, they didn't think he would make it beyond the two-week mark but he has and he's improved, so we're hopeful,' she said. The Queensland man has made great strides in recovering from his horrific injuries, but it is not enough to get him out of his bed in Townsville Hospital and into a rehabilitation program. The Queensland man had only just become engaged to his fiancee Erin (right) before the crash The pair had moved up north, but will need to move home as Brad recovers from the crash His cousin, Shay Paton, says things 'aren't looking promising' but that the family are hoping for a miracle For Brad to be able to transfer to Brisbane to begin the arduous recovery process, his brain function needs to return. At the moment, he is still a 'vegetable', Ms Paton said. 'Right now things arent looking promising, its honestly heartbreaking,' she said. 'You hear of miracles happening every day so we are hopeful, we are praying hell get better.' In preparation for the expensive process, Brad's friends and family have been donating to a GoFundMe, set up by Ms Paton to help pay for his hospital bills, moving bills and rehab bills. 'The bills don't stop, the ongoing costs don't stop, and moving their lives back home and setting up to help with the recovery process won't stop,' she wrote. A GoFundMe has been set up to help Brad pay off his growing hospital bills as well as the cost of his rehabilitation Brexir Secretary David Davis (pictured on Wednesday at Tory conference) has insisted Britain is ready for a no-deal exit from the EU Billions of pounds will be released to help Britain prepare for a no-deal Brexit if talks look set for failure in January, it was claimed today. Theresa May was said to be building the war chest in the hope it will persuade Brussels Britain really is prepared to walk away without a deal. The PM has repeatedly insisted that 'no deal is better than a bad deal' amid fears the EU wants to punish Britain for voting to leave the bloc. EU leaders are gathering in just 10 days time for a crucial summit on the Brexit talks. They are widely expected to postpone the start of trade talks and demand more from Britain on the divorce bill, Irish border and citizens' rights. The Sunday Telegraph revealed the Treasury plans for the extra spending. It said it would be targeted on making sure Britain's customs checks work without the single market and other measures. A source told the paper: 'Billions of pounds will be unlocked in the New Year if progress has not been made. 'We have to plan for a no deal.' Sources at No 10 and in the Brexit department told MailOnline today the reports were 'speculation' but did not deny the claim. Brexit Secretary David Davis has repeatedly said Britain is ready to leave the EU without a deal. He told the Tory conference this week he remained optimistic of a 'good deal'. Chancellor Philip Hammond (centre) is building a war chest for a no deal Brexit that could be unlocked in the new year, it was claimed today He said: 'If the outcome of the negotiation falls short of the deal that Britain needs we will be ready for the alternative. 'That is what a responsible Government does. Anything else would be a dereliction of duty. 'So there is a determined exercise underway in Whitehall devoted to contingency arrangements so that we are ready for any outcome. 'Not because it is what we seek, but because it needs to be done.' A koala that found itself trapped 300 metres offshore was rescued by members of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard on Sunday afternoon. They spotted the stranded creature at 10am, and while returning from rescuing a broken down vessel at Warneet, Western Port. According to 9NEWS the soaked koala was clinging onto slippery ropes that were attached to a mooring pole. A koala became trapped 300 metres off shore and was noticed by the Volunteer Coast Guard The volunteers on the Australian Coast Guard boat made a detour to save the trapped creature The coastguards used a rescue board to guide the koala to safety aboard their boat. The volunteers then wrapped the marsupial in an orange towel, took it back to the shore and released is safely into bushland on Quail Island. Australian Volunteer Coast Guard has since posted a photo to their Twitter page, and captioned it, 'Coast Guard Koala Patrol to the rescue, we dont just help boats!!' The koala was wrapped in an orange towel and take back to shore on the Coast Guard's boat Political correctness is becoming a 'very dangerous' threat to creativity and innovation, world leading fashion designer Marc Jacobs has warned. The American businessman launched a stinging attack on those who looked to restrict freedom of expression following criticism of his own fashion show last year, where he used a cast of predominately white models to wearing dreadlocks in New York last year. Speaking to around 400 students at the Oxford Union, Jacobs said: I think it's very dangerous to say: "You can't use this, you can't look at that, you can't borrow from that, you can't be inspired by that". 'You know, "stay in your own lane". I don't really understand that mentality and I think it's a very dangerous way of thinking.' Marc Jacobs (left) came under fire for using a cast of predominately white models wearing dreadlock wigs (right) at a fashion show last year Critics of Jacobs, who is the lead designer for his own fashion label, accused him of 'cultural appropriation' for not using black models since he was using a hairstyle typically linked with black culture. But he doubled-down on his response, claiming that creative types should not be subjected to 'border control' of what can or cannot be deemed acceptable, as he argued his own range took inspiration from a wide range of sources including rave culture and musicians such as Boy George. Jacobs said: 'I didn't feel like I was doing anything wrong. I was expressing myself - these were my references and my reasons for being inspired to do it. 'I wasn't saying that this was the origin of dreadlocks, and yet it caused this whole thing.' 'What I did learn from that experience is to have some responsibility to be sensitive, especially when people say "this feels like appropriation", then at least listen to what they have to say. 'Because I reacted out of anger, I felt attacked for doing something that I thought was my right to do. I do feel that creative people shouldn't have any kind of border control on what it's okay to look at, what it's okay to be inspired by, so I stand by that.' Jacobs sparked outrage on social media after responding to criticism of his show last year when told his critics they were speaking 'nonsense' and asked why they 'don't criticise women of colour for straightening their hair'. Marc Jacobs said political correctness was 'dangerous' to creativity during a speech at the Oxford Union Jacobs' response only brought a new flood of criticism, specifically in regards to his comment about women of color choosing to straighten their hair. Marc Jacobs said something incredibly ignorant, commented one user on Instagram. People of color who straighten their hair are ASSIMILATING to the white dominant culture because were never allowed to wear our natural hair in schools and jobs. Until girls here can wear their Afrocs and locs to school without being kicked out (use Google, learn something) stop saying hair is hair and other nonsense quotes. If youre all about stopping negativity listen to us who are offended! Another woman of color noted that she had natural straight hair and asked Jacobs if this meant she wasnt appreciating my culture. Most black womens natural hair isnt good enough for the corporate or business world so we must stripped and cut down our natural hair for chemically straightened hair, she continued. Declaring your sex could be optional in the next census under proposals aimed at recognising transgender people. The Office for National Statistics is considering making the gender question voluntary in the 2021 national survey for the benefit of intersex and non-binary people. It would mean anyone filling out the form would not be obliged to answer male or female and could simply leave it blank. Last night, there were concerns it could leave civil servants without a precise figure for the number of men and women living in the country. It is vital to have accurate data on the make-up of the population to plan for the future and allocate resources. The 'sex' question in the next census could be made voluntary after claims it discriminates against transgender people In the most recent census in 2011, 4 million people declined to answer the only voluntary question: What is your religion? Critics said the proposed move could harm women as public officials might be denied a clear picture of how they are faring around the country. Tory MP Philip Davies said: The world is going mad and political correctness is taking over the country. Labour MP Jess Phillips added: I think sex is important to monitor eliminating it means we cannot see effects of certain things on womens lives. Im more than happy for other categories to be included such as non-binary options. The tentative suggestion that the gender question is made optional was contained in a report compiled by in-house ONS researchers which was published last month. The ONS, which organises the census, said it was one of several proposals put forward and no decision had been made. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with transgender people and focus groups with non-trans people. They concluded that the existing census question, which requires respondents to say whether they are male or female, was considered to be irrelevant, unacceptable and intrusive, particularly to trans participants, due to asking about sex rather than gender. The option of adding a third choice of other was considered problematic as it was thought to homogenise trans people and differentiate them from the rest of society. A final option, a two-step design with separate sex and gender identity questions, was thought to be too confusing. The 'tentative' recommendation has been made in an Office for National Statistics (ONS) report on gender identity. Germaine Greer (pictured) said biological women are 'losing out everywhere' It is a criminal offence not to complete the census, or to give false information. More than 100 people were convicted in 2011. The proposal was last night greeted with horror by feminists, who saw it as part of a growing trend to remove all mention of the biological female sex. Writer and academic Germaine Greer said biological women were losing out everywhere. Im sick and tired of this. We keep arguing that women have won everything they need to win. They havent even won the right to exist, she told The Sunday Times. Stephanie Davies-Arai, a feminist activist, added: Womens biological sex is being erased and that terrifies me. Once you stop gathering information, that skews everything for women. Others said it would hamper the Governments ability to make provisions for women and spot trends in society. In other countries, gender imbalance statistics have led to some shocking but important conclusions. For example, the gender imbalance in China led experts to conclude that its one-child policy may have led some couples to opt for sexually selective abortions. Laura Perrins, co-editor of The Conservative Woman website, said: This proposal is potentially dangerous. It is important to know how many women there are of child-bearing age to plan maternity services. One of the markers of a modern nation state is functioning bureaucracy that keeps accurate statistics. This move threatens this. Chris McGovern, a former head teacher who has advised previous governments on the history curriculum, added: For historians, census statistics are a major source for information about the past. For the present government, they are important for understanding the sort of society we are living in. If one is going to have an accurate picture of social history or indeed contemporary society, one does need to know the gender balance. We have capitulated to political correctness and we are no longer interested in hard data we are more interested in protecting peoples feelings. Any proposed changes to the census will be contained in a Government white paper in the spring, which will then go out to consultation. Kim Yo Jong, 30, Kim Jong Un's sister, has been promoted to the powerful Central Committee in a party shake-up Kim Jong Un has overseen a major shakeup of North Korea's government as he promoted dozens of close aides to positions of power. Among the new promotions is Kim Yo Jong, 30, his sister, who has been elevated to a position within the powerful Central Committee. The promotion marks a return to favour two years after she was fired as Kim's propaganda chief due to a series of security blunders at rallies around the country. On one occasion Kim was nearly hit in the face with a guitar by an over-enthusiastic musician as he toured a farm, while on a second occasion he was man-handled by fans at a concert. Kim Yo Jong's new job will be as an alternative member of the Central Committee - the chief decision-making body over which Kim presides. 'It shows that her portfolio and writ is far more substantive than previously believed and it is a further consolidation of the Kim family's power,' said Michael Madden, a North Korea expert at Johns Hopkins University's 38 North website. Kim Jo Yong will become one of 11 alternative members of the Central Committee politburo, alongside Ri Yong Ho, North Korea's ambassador to the UN (pictured, Kim Jong Un with the four other standing members of the politburo) Kim announced her promotion at a Korean Worker's Party conference ahead of the anniversary of the party's founding on Tuesday Kim made the announcement at the Korean Worker's Party conference in Pyongyang, which is taking place ahead of the anniversary of the party's founding on Tuesday. The most high-level appointment was the promotion of 67-year-old Choe Ryong Hae, who is known to be one of Kim's closest aides. Choe, already vice-president of North Korea's ruling party, was handed a position on the Central Military Commission. He was also thought to have fallen out of favour with Kim after mishandling a power plant project in 2015, but now seems to have regained popularity with Kim. Kim Jong Sik and Ri Pyong Chol, two of the three men behind North Korea's rocket programme, were also promoted as Kim praised the country's nuclear weapons. North Korea's nuclear weapons are a 'powerful deterrent firmly safeguarding the peace and security in the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia,' Kim said, referring to the 'protracted nuclear threats of the U.S. imperialists.' Kim also promoted Kim Jong Sik and Ri Pyong Chol, two of the three men in charge of North Korea's banned rocket programme Kim speaks to the Central Committee, over which he presides, underneath a banner which reads 'Let's turn our party & our society over to Kim Il-sungism & Kim Jong-ilism' North Korea is due to celebrate the founding of the Worker's Party of Korea on Tuesday, and is believed to be preparing another missile test for the occasion Ri Yong Ho, North Korea's delegate to the UN who branded trump 'President Evil' in a speech to the General Assembly, has also been made a full vote-carrying member of central government. Kim was pictured giving a speech to his politburo in Pyongyang amid rumours that the country is preparing for another missile test. Anton Morozov, a Russian lawmaker who recently returned to Moscow after a visit to Pyongyang, said the regime informed him of the test while showing him calculations that prove the weapon can range the US West Coast. He also said the regime assured him that they have a nuclear warhead capable of fitting on a missile and the technology to bring it back down to earth intact. A likely date for any missile test would be on Monday, ahead of the party founding anniversary and on Columbus Day, a public holiday in the US. North Korea often times its missile launched to coincide with American public holidays to ensure maximum media coverage. Advertisement Far-Right thugs in Barcelona screamed sieg heil and performed the Nazi salute in praise of police officers who tried to brutally suppress the Catalan referendum last week, MailOnline can reveal. The gang of fanatical Fascist unionists spent the afternoon drinking with police after todays demonstration at the H3 bar next door to the main police station in the city. They regularly broke into Fascist chants and songs in praise of the police, who they believe were correct in taking extreme measures in trying to stop Catalans from voting last week. MailOnline entered the pub and caught them on camera lifting their right arms in a Nazi salute in celebration of police. We also filmed a number of thugs performing the Fascist gesture in the street in full sight of about 20 officers who failed to respond. Scroll down for videos MailOnline photographed a far-right activist doing a fascist salute outside Barcelonas central police station, which is the headquarters of Spanish officers Far-Right thugs in Barcelona screamed Sieg Heil and performed the Nazi salute at a bar in Barcelona Explosive pictures from yesterday's anti-independence protest in Madrid appeared to show a number of Falange thugs lining up by the Spanish colours, giving a fascist salute Fascistas persiguen, pegan y patean en el suelo a un fotografo en Barcelona.https://t.co/EB3dfopTY4 pic.twitter.com/PGxYNfkhD3 Juan Miguel Garrido (@Juanmi_News) October 8, 2017 A far-right mob were seen attacking a photographer. The confrontation was caught on camera and uploaded to the internet by a local newspaper Desperate Catalan officials banned protestors from carrying fascist symbols in a barely-concealed warning to radical Spanish nationalists that aggression would not be tolerated. Pictured are far-right protesters making fascist salutes yesterday Separatist leaders begged their supporters to stay at home amid concerns that the huge march could easily descend into violence, justifying even more brutal crackdowns on the region by Madrid Organisers the Societat Civil Catalana claimed 950,000 marched today but police put the figure at 350,000 Demonstrators challenge Catalan Mossos d'Esquadra regional police officers at the end of the march in Barcelona today The overall mood of the demonstration, which hundreds of thousands are understood to have attended, soured after a cordial start The Spanish flag was carried by the enormous crowd as the march moved through the streets of the Spanish capital It comes as the 'million-strong' anti-independence protest in Spain exploded in violence when a far-right mob was filmed attacking a photographer in the moments after the demonstration. It follows similar scenes in Madrid yesterday where thugs gave the same salute beside a banned fascist flag. Other pictures show heavily tattooed young men displaying symbols and flags from the Franco era, which are banned in Spain if they are used to incite violence. Organisers the Societat Civil Catalana claimed 950,000 marched but police put the figure at 350,000. This afternoon, Ines Arrimadas, leader of the anti-independence Catalan opposition, sent a controversial tweet asking people not to show Fascist flags in front of the press. She later deleted the tweet. Dominating the streets of Catalonia's capital, Barcelona which has been simmering with tension since the vote demonstrators waved Spanish flags, chanted 'Viva Espana' and broke into coordinated waves of applause that echoed along the broad avenues of the city. Separatist leaders begged their supporters to stay at home amid concerns that the huge march could easily descend into violence, justifying even more brutal crackdowns on the region by Madrid. People with Spanish and Catalan flags gather for a rally called by the 'Societat Civil Catalana' (Civil Catalan Society) in downtown Barcelona Separatist leaders begged their supporters to stay at home amid concerns that the huge march could easily descend into violence Protesters hold up a 'no Catxit' banner, in reference to Brexit, during the pro-union demonstration A demonstrator shouts slogans as they march to protest Catalonia's president Carles Puigdemont will address the Catalan Parliament on 10th October to discuss the result of the referendum that was held last week People on a rooftop wave Spanish flags during a march in downtown Barcelona to protest the Catalan government's push for secession The pro-unity rally marched through the centre of Barcelona in response to last weekend's disputed referendum Last night, desperate Catalan authorities banned protesters from carrying fascist symbols in a barely-concealed warning to radical Spanish nationalists that aggression would not be tolerated. In a provocative move, protesters planned to meet before the march at the headquarters of the Guardia Civil, the national police, to show their support for officers who were on Sunday accused of unprecedented brutality against Catalans. Police in riot gear and armoured cars were deployed to Barcelona in large numbers to maintain order, many of whom are understood to have been ferried in from Madrid. There were also unconfirmed rumours that special forces have been sent to secure sites such as airports in case the crisis escalates next week. Spain's prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, has vowed to keep 4,000 extra police in Catalonia until the crisis ended. Unionist media in Spain have maintained that riot police were the victims of a sophisticated disinformation and fake news campaign by the pro-independence camp. The slogan of the demonstrations, 'seny' - meaning 'sanity' - represented a demand for a return to the traditional Catalan qualities of passion tempered by common sense. Catalonia's importance Losing Catalonia is almost unthinkable for the Spanish government. It would deprive Spain of about 16 percent of its people, a fifth of its economic output and more than a quarter of its exports. There is widespread opposition to a Catalan breakaway among people in the rest of the country. The political stand-off has pushed banks and companies to move their headquarters outside Catalonia. The board of Catalonia-based infrastructure firm Abertis will meet on Monday to discuss moving its head office elsewhere in Spain, a source familiar with the matter said. Concern is growing in EU capitals about the impact of the crisis on the Spanish economy, the fourth largest in the euro zone, and on possible spillovers to other economies. Some European officials are also worried that any softening in Spain's stance towards Catalan independence could fuel secessionist feelings among other groups in Europe such as Belgium's Flemings and Italy's Lombards. Until this weekend, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has remained vague on whether he would take the unprecedented step of triggering Article 155 of the constitution, the so-called nuclear option which enables him to sack the regional government and call a local election. However, asked if he was ready to do so, Rajoy told El Pais newspaper on Saturday: "I don't rule out anything that is within the law ... Ideally, we shouldn't have to take drastic solutions but for that not to happen there would have to be changes." Advertisement A woman with the Spanish flag painted on her face is pictured cheering at the demonstration in Barcelona It followed a day of protests in 50 cities across Spain yesterday, during which anti-independence activists took to the streets of Madrid while pro-dialogue protestors, dressed in white, demonstrated outside Barcelona town hall The independence stakes are high, since Spain is the fourth-biggest economy in the eurozone and Catalonia is a substantial source of the country's tax revenues Police in riot gear and armoured cars were deployed to Barcelona in large numbers to maintain order, many of whom are understood to have been ferried in from Madrid Dominating the streets of Catalonia's capital, Barcelona which has been simmering with tension since the vote demonstrators waved Spanish flags They also chanted 'Viva Espana' and broke into coordinated waves of applause that echoed along the broad avenues of the city It came as Mr Rajoy said he was considering suspending Catalan autonomy altogether in order to prevent a unilateral declaration of independence. In a combative statement, the leader said: 'I don't rule out absolutely anything that is within the law.' Former prime minister Felipe Gonzalez added oil to the flames by saying that he would have clamped down on Catalan autonomy already. A number of Franco-era Spanish flags, which feature a black bird motif behind the familiar Spanish coat of arms, were seen yesterday at the march in Madrid. It is legal to own the flag in Spain but not to use it to stir up unrest. Madrid maintains that last week's referendum was illegal, and holds constitutional powers to remove Catalan autonomy under legislation known as 'Article 155'. Many demonstrators have urged the government to implement the move without delay. Mario Vargas Llosa, the renowned Peruvian writer, was due to give a speech to the crowd today. Police in riot gear and armoured cars were deployed to Barcelona in large numbers to maintain order, many of whom are understood to have been ferried in from Madrid There were also unconfirmed rumours that special forces have been sent to secure sites such as airports in case the crisis escalates next week Former prime minister Felipe Gonzalez added oil to the flames by saying that he would have clamped down on Catalan autonomy already Spain's prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, has vowed to keep 4,000 extra police in Catalonia until the crisis ended Madrid maintains that last week's referendum was illegal, and holds constitutional powers to remove Catalan autonomy under legislation known as 'Article 155' Mario Vargas Llosa, the renowned Spanish writer, was due to give a speech to the crowd today. He is not pictured The wave of unrest followed Catalonia's controversial referendum last weekend which backed secession despite brutal police attempts to quash it It followed a day of protests in 50 cities across Spain yesterday, during which anti-independence activists took to the streets of Madrid while pro-dialogue protestors, dressed in white, demonstrated outside Barcelona town hall. The wave of unrest followed Catalonia's controversial referendum last weekend which backed secession despite brutal police attempts to quash it. Police wielding batons tried to seize ballot boxes in scenes more reminiscent of Franco-era fascism than a modern European democracy. Many fear that Sunday's brutality may be a foretaste of what is to come. Populist politicians in Catalonia are agitating for separation from Spain while a weak Madrid government and a cack-handed king make the situation worse. On Friday, the Catalan government revealed final results of the banned referendum. There was a huge majority to secede, although fewer than half the eligible 5.3 million voters cast ballots after opposition parties told their supporters to stay at home. Surveys show support for independence doubled after the financial crisis in 2008 that struck Spain hard, but there was never a majority in favour Catalonia pays billions more to Madrid than it gets back, provoking nationalist claims of 'robbery' The scale of the crisis, Spain's most serious since a failed coup in 1981, has been brought home by banks and other firms already starting to move legal bases from Barcelona to ensure that they remain inside the European Union Although Catalonia is one of the richest regions, with lower unemployment than most of Spain and thriving tourism, it still has more than one-third of young people without jobs Carles Puigdemont, the Catalan leader, has said the result is binding. Now Europe waits anxiously to see if he will make a unilateral independence proclamation this week, sparking fears of spiralling confrontation with the darkest historical echoes. Puigdemont said in an interview to be broadcast on Catalan television later on Sunday that a law passed by the Catalan parliament preparing the way for the October 1 referendum calls for a declaration of independence in the event of a 'yes' vote. 'We will apply what the law says,' he said, according to advance excerpts of the interview released by TV3. Puigdemont said he had not been in contact with the Madrid government for some time because Spain refused to discuss independence. He added: 'What is happening in Catalonia is real, whether they like it or not. Millions of people have voted, who want to decide. We have to talk about this.' The scale of the crisis, Spain's most serious since a failed coup in 1981, has been brought home by banks and other firms already starting to move legal bases from Barcelona to ensure that they remain inside the European Union. The stakes are high, since Spain is the fourth-biggest economy in the eurozone and Catalonia is a substantial source of the country's tax revenues. The violent police response, followed by King Felipe's fierce condemnation of attempts to break 'the unity of Spain' in which he ignored their actions, has only inflamed the long-running sore of Catalonian nationalism. Surveys show support for independence doubled after the financial crisis in 2008 that struck Spain hard, but there was never a majority in favour. Catalonia pays billions more to Madrid than it gets back, provoking nationalist claims of 'robbery.' Although one of the richest regions, with lower unemployment than most of Spain and thriving tourism, it still has more than one-third of young people without jobs. Many Catalans believe they are being restrained by a backward nation. It is impossible to ignore ghosts from the past in a region that was the home of the defeated revolutionary forces in the 1930s civil war that led to a fascist dictatorship under General Franco, which only ended on his death in 1975. Several people on the streets quoted an infamous refrain by a 19th Century Spanish general 'You have to bomb Barcelona at least once every 50 years' while a popular television comedy show made jokes about a sleeping Franco returning to the fray. Ramon Tremosa, an economist and Catalan MEP, joked drily that 'at least they are only beating us, not shooting us.' Nicola Sturgeon arrived at SNP conference this afternoon after defiantly insisting her party was in good health despite an electoral hammering. As the party gathered in Glasgow for the first time since losing 21 seats on June 8,the SNP chief said her party was still 17-points clear in the polls. Ms Sturgeon insisted her independence dream was strengthening every day Brexit draws closer in defiance of polls which suggest there might not be a majority for independence in the next Scottish Parliament. Her deputy at Holyrood John Swinney today called on the SNP delegates to 'rededicate' to the cause of independence. The Scottish First Minister has also promised today to pay any fees charged by the Home Office for EU citizens in Scotland who want 'settled status' after Brexit. In a round of TV interviews to mark the start of conference, a defiant Ms Sturgeon took a dig at the BBC for focusing on negative poll numbers. Nicola Sturgeon arrived at SNP conference this afternoon (pictured) after defiantly insisting her party was in good health despite an electoral hammering As the nationalists gathered in Glasgow for their annual conference, the SNP leader insisted to the BBC's Andrew Marr (right today) the party was in good health Asked if she would apologise for the setbacks, Ms Sturgeon told the BBC's Andrew Marr: 'I think the BBC needs a reality check - there was an opinion poll published in Scotland yesterday. The SNP is 17 points clear of our nearest rival. 'We are polling at a higher level a year after the last Scottish election (as last time). When I became SNP leader we had six SNP MPs in the House of Commons. 'We have 35 MPs today. The 2015 election was an exceptional election, an exceptional result in the immediate aftermath of the referendum.' Told she was showing no contrition to her party, the SNP leader added: 'I regret every seat we lost and we reflect very, very carefully on that. 'The Tories are back in third place in Scottish polls. 'All in all the SNP is in a very, very strong position. My job as SNP leader, as First Minister of Scotland, is to make sure that trust we have we retain.' As the SNP conference opened in Glasgow today, SNP Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: 'We meet today to rededicate ourselves to the cause of Scotland. 'We rededicate ourselves to Independence the best possible future for Scotland. As the nationalists gathered in Glasgow for their annual conference, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon (left with with deputy first minister John Swinney today) insisted the party was in good health In his speech to conference (pictured), Mr Swinney said the SNP was 'rededicating' to the cause of independence Ms Sturgeon (pictured on the podium today) will make her speech to the SNP delegates on Tuesday afternoon and is expected to set out her next steps on independence 'We rededicate ourselves to a future filled with possibilities for our young people and for our nation. SNP MP: MOD IS 'HORROR' AT HEART OF WHITEHALL Stewart McDonald accused defence chiefs of 'conning' young people into signing up The SNP defence spokesman today declared the Ministry of Defence was an 'absolute horror' at the centre of what was wrong in Westminster. Stewart McDonald accused defence chiefs of 'conning' young people into signing up in a policy debate about banning the Army from recruiting people before they turn 18. The Glasgow South MP told party conference: 'The MOD are the absolute horror in the belly of the beast at Westminster. 'When it comes to the issue of targeted ads and recruitment, we won't do it like them.' Mr McDonald spoke against the policy motion, insisting it would anger veterans who support the SNP, but said this was not a defence of the MOD or Britain's 'military projectionism'. Advertisement 'That's what the programme for government does. 'It lays out a vision for our country founded on the belief that our nation can make progress, can take on the best and hold our own, can rise to the challenges we face, and turn them to our advantage.' Theresa May and Ruth Davidson used the Tory conference to claim they had 'saved the Union' after defying Ms Sturgeon's call for a new independence referendum over Brexit. The SNP leader dropped the plans after the general election but insisted today her demand was undimmed. Ms Sturgeon refused to completely rule out a new attempt to call the referendum before 2021 - insisting a timetable should be put in place when the Brexit deal becomes clear next year. She said: 'People watch the chaos engulfing the UK right now and as people look ahead they can see the damage that is likely to be done by this unfolding disaster. 'It is not just Brexit but this incompetent, chaotic approach to Brexit being presided over by Theresa May. 'With Scotland being taken down that path against our will, the case for Scotland's future being in Scotland's hands and us being more in control of the decisions that shape our destiny - I think that case becomes stronger by the day. 'It's a case I and the SNP will continue to make.' Ruth Davidson (left on the BBC today) and Theresa May (right in Maidenhead today) claim to have saved the union from Ms Sturgeon's advances STURGEON: EXTREME POSITIONS DO NOT HELP CATALANS Ms Sturgeon said she wanted to respect the will of Catalonia but stopped short of backing an illegal referendum (pictured are protests in Barcelona today) Nicola Sturgeon today demanded the Catalan people be allowed a legal chance to express their view on independence. The SNP leader stopped short of endorsing an illegal referendum but said the Scottish Government would recognise the statements made. Speaking to the BBC's Andrew Marr, Ms Sturgeon said: 'We'd recognise the decisions and the statements that were made, but I'm not going to speculate here on what will happen in Catalonia before it happens. 'I'm not in control of that. It's not for me to decide what is the right future for Catalonia.' She added: 'My view is that is shouldn't be resolved by both sides going further to extreme positions. 'It should be resolved by both sides coming together to try to find a way forward in this that respects all of these principles - the rule of law, democracy and the right to choose.' Advertisement Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Parliament would cover any fees charged by the Home Office for people who wish to stay. Writing in the Sunday Herald, she said: 'If the UK Government imposes charges on EU citizens forced to apply for settled status, the Scottish Government will ensure that devolved public bodies meet these costs for those working in our public sector.' Ms Sturgeon spluttered during the interview with Marr - in which she revealed her fears at a similar disaster when she addresses the party faithful on Tuesday. She said: 'I would defy any politician to have watched her speech and not feel a sense of sympathy and perhaps a sense of ''but for the grace of God there go I''. 'But I don't think the speech itself was the problem for Theresa May.' Elsewhere at the conference today, a senior SNP MEP claimed the party needs to work with Labour to try to fend off the "unprecedented attack" on devolution from the Tories at Westminster, a leading nationalist said. MEP Alyn Smith called on activists to "put the badges to one side" and work with other parties, as well as civic Scotland and the trade unions in a "united front against this assault". The SNP Scottish Government and the Labour-led Welsh Government have worked together to produce a list of amendments to the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill that they say must be passed before the devolved administrations will approve the legislation. And Mr Smith said while SNP activists could have "all sorts of sport" about Labour's leadership contest in Scotland, they should be careful what they say about their political rivals. SNP delegates gathered in Glasgow today (pictured) for the first day of the annual party conference A Las Vegas prostitute who was hired by murderer Stephen Paddock has spoken out about their 'violent' sex sessions and how he bragged about having 'bad blood'. The woman, who spoke anonymously, said she would spend hours drinking and gambling in Sin City with Paddock, who she described as 'paranoid' and 'obsessive'. If he hit a winning streak, he would take her back to his room for 'really aggressive and violent sex' including living out rape fantasies, she said. A prostitute who was hired by Vegas gunman Stephen Paddock has told how he harbored rape fantasies and got her to take part in 'violent' sex session The 27-year-old, who was not named, described Paddock as 'paranoid', 'obsessive', and said he ranted about conspiracy theories including 9/11 being 'an inside job' (pictured, the hotel from which Paddock carried out his killings) Police are questioning Las Vegas prostitutes as they try to ascertain a motive for the worst mass shooting in American history. A note with a number of phone numbers on it was found in Paddock's hotel room which police are using to make inquiries Paddock also boasted about his bank-robber father, saying that 'the bad streak is in my blood' and 'I was born bad', according to texts seen by the Sun on Sunday. The 27-year-old woman said Paddock, 64, would often rant about conspiracy theories including how 9/11 was orchestrated by the US government. The escort, who said Paddock paid her $6,000-a-time for their meetings, also had texts in which he described tying her up 'while you scream for help'. She spoke out after family members revealed that Paddock often consorted with prostitutes who were laid on by hotels while he paid regular visits to the city. Officials close to the investigation into the shooting revealed that Paddock may have hired an escort in the days before the massacre. A receipt from Paddock's hotel room showed two people ordered room service in the days before the attack. Family members revealed that Paddock often sought the company of prostitutes while in Vegas as they said his relationship with girlfriend Marilou Danley was 'not warm' Paddock shot 58 people dead and wounded more than 500 when he opened fire on the Las Vegas Strip using an arsenal of 23 weapons Temporary graves have sprung up along The Strip honoring some of the victims of the tragedy, which took place a week ago Meanwhile investigators said they are interviewing other call girls in the hope of ascertaining a motive for the worst mass shooting in American history. In Paddock's room, officials found a piece of paper containing a number of phone numbers but they reiterated no suicide note was found. Law enforcement have said they are 'confident' Paddock carried out the Mandalay Bay massacre from his hotel room alone. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Undersheriff Kevin McMahill said on Friday that investigators are sure no one else was in the room before he shot dead 58 and injured almost 500 on Sunday. Earlier, NBC News had reported a mysterious charger that did not match any of Paddock's cellphones - raising the possibility that another person had been with Paddock beforehand. However, later police said that they have now matched all the cell phones and all the chargers and that they belong to Paddock. Paddock boasted about having 'bad blood' because of his father Benjamin, who was once wanted by the FBI for bank robbery Benjamin was nicknamed 'Big Daddy', 'Chromedome' and 'Old Baldy' and described by FBI agents hunting him as 'psychopathic, armed and dangerous' It was earlier revealed that Benjamin Paddock, Stephen's father, was an FBI most-wanted bank robber and confidence man known as 'Big Daddy'. Nenjamin was captured in Las Vegas in 1960 - then escaped and lived on the run for a decade. He was described as psychopathic, armed and dangerous and suicidal - and the public were told not to approach the man known as 'Chromedome' and 'Old Baldy'. Stephen was just seven years old and living in Arizona when his father Benjamin Paddock was nabbed by the FBI for a series of bank robberies. At the time, Stephen's mother tried desperately to shield her young son and his three siblings from the devastating news that their father was living a double life as a bank robber and con-man. 'We're trying to keep Steve from knowing his father is held as a bank robber,' a neighbour told the Tucson Daily Citizen on July 29, 1960. 'I hardly know the family, but Steve is a nice boy. It's a terrible thing.' Theresa May's disastrous conference speech is missing from the Conservative Party's YouTube page, it emerged today. The Prime Minister coughed and spluttered through the speech on Wednesday, while she also endured a stage invasion and a collapsing set. Speeches from the rest of the Cabinet at conference are available to few on the YouTube page but the newest content from the Prime Minister is her Florence speech a fortnight ago. Theresa May's disastrous conference speech is missing from the Conservative Party's YouTube page despite the party uploading content from the rest of the Cabinet (the YouTube page is pictured today) Mrs May's performance has gone down as one of the least successful in party conference history - despite her facing expectations of a make or break moment. In a signal of popularity within the Cabinet, Mr Johnson's speech has been viewed many more times than his colleagues. On Sunday morning - four days after the conference ended on Wednesday - the Foreign Secretary's speech had been viewed more than 14,000 times. His nearest rival is the popular Ruth Davidson on 13,000-plus views. Lingering in the relegation zone is Culture Secretary Karen Bradley. Just 397 people have clicked to view her speech. Swaggering lags posed for brazen snaps of themselves showcasing a banquet of takeaway foods that hard-up families would struggle to afford outside prison. The pictures, which were shot on a contraband mobile phone, show the group of prisoners showing off with the smuggled food. The inmates also snapped pictures banned alcohol, drugs and a range of takeaway feasts inside the jail. In a one video of lags preparing chicken and lamb cuts, a masked member of the gang gloats for the camera: 'Listen lads, when you make it down here this is the grub you'll be having.' Other images show prisoners posing with takeaway meals that have been smuggled behind prison walls, including from KFC-style chain Chicken Cottage And after the feast there were two bottles of vodka to wash it down, as well as bags of what appears to be cannabis and on the 'karaoke night'. The images will pile on pressure to Britain's beleaguered prison system which costs the taxpayer at least 40,000 per prisoner every year. It comes amid growing concerns over overcrowding, violence, staffing numbers and drug use behind bars. Victims' rights campaigner, Harry Fletcher, was furious when he saw the shameful images. 'This will appear completely wrong to victims of all crime', he told The Sunday Mirror. An outraged source who was sent the image told the newspaper: 'These pictures look more like something from a students union than a prison. It really is holiday camp stuff. Whats worse is some prison staff are so hard up they can barely afford to take their families for a Nandos. 'So it is particularly galling to see these criminals enjoying a slap-up dinner. They are clearly better off than many people outside. And you have to ask how they got the money to buy all this stuff.' A brazen lag shows off two large Pizza Hut pizzas. Other members of the gang fried up chicken and cuts of lamb for the 'karaoke night', which also including lashings of vodka to follow as well as what seemed to be bags of cannabis A main meal with two sides at Nando's costs 10.70, while takeaways can be picked up from restaurants or ordered out for delivery through the app Deliveroo. It comes after footage emerged last year of convicted robber and arsonist Dominic Usher eating McDonald's cheeseburgers in prison. Another clip shows him rejecting a prison curry before showcasing his burgers, and a third shows him snorting white powder inside the jail. Other footage shows lags partying, singing and seemingly smoking drugs using an asthma inhaler as a home-made pipe. It was reported that the simplest method of prisoners to smuggle in drugs is by bribing of threatening staff. Synthetic cannabis, known as Spice, also plagues with prison system, with dozens of videos regularly shared on social media showing 'zombie' prisoners writhing around their cells A source told the BBC in March that there was a working assumption suggesting that three to five staff in every jail were corrupt equating to around 600 across England and Wales, with the total number of workers being 33,000. Synthetic cannabis, known as Spice, also plagues with prison system, with dozens of videos regularly shared on social media showing 'zombie' prisoners writhing around their cells. Other harrowing clips show vicious assaults and beatings unfolding without a staff member in sight. The growing problem has led to calls for airport-style to be introduced at jails throughout the UK. In this footage, one inmate sits next to him and screams as he beings to deteriorate rapidly before telling viewers not to do drugs Peter Clarke, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, told last month of how he is being inundated with complaints from prisoners. One told him that 'Spiceheads were out of control' and making life 'a nightmare'. Mr Clarke wants all visitors and staff to be scanned on their way into facilities because some were already 'virtually unmanageable'. New methods of smuggling are also hampering efforts to clamp down on drugs behind bars, including the use of drones to drop packages over prison walls. Last month, the Independent Monitoring Board for HMP Wandsworth - Britain's largest prison - released a scathing report on security. HMP Wandsworth: Staff shortages also prevented education and training from taking place, which is 'vital to the process of rehabilitating prisoners', the report said It noted that sniffer dog searches were only conducted on only 10 out of 31 days in one month and there was a shortage of CCTV operators. It added that a 'severe shortage' of warders affected 'almost every aspect of prison life'. Staff shortages also prevented education and training from taking place, which is 'vital to the process of rehabilitating prisoners'. A Prison Service spokesman said: 'This behaviour is completely unacceptable. 'Those who break prison rules will be punished and can face extra time behind bars. 'We are taking decisive action to find and block mobile phones in prison, including a 2million investment to block mobile phone signals.' The two women kidnapped and assaulted at Salt Creek in South Australia have spoken publicly about the incredible series of events that allowed them to survive their horrific ordeal. Beatriz, from Brazil, and Lena Rabente, from Germany, told 60 Minutes they took a ride with Roman Heinze early last year from Adelaide, hoping to go to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road. The girls said they had someone else lined up to take them, but they had car trouble the day before, so the girls called Heinze instead. Hours after departing Adelaide in the 61-year-old's 4WD, the group set up camp in the isolated dunes at Salt Creek in South Australia's Coorong National Park, and the women's nightmare began. Scroll down for video Lena Rabente and Beatriz (pictured) have relived the horrific ordeal they experienced when Roman Heinze kidnapped and tortured them at Salt Creek Lena told an amazing story of survival, revealing she climbed on to the roof of Heinze's 4WD while he was driving it in an attempt to escape As Lena slept in the car, Heinze told Beatriz there were kangaroos behind the dunes, and convinced her to come and look at them with him. There, he pushed her in the sand, used a knife to cut off her bikini, and tied her up before sexually assaulting her. '[At first] I thought it was just a joke I didn't get, but then I realised it wasn't a joke - it wasn't,' Beatriz said. The Brazilian woman told the program she then tried to convince Heinze to go back to the camp, telling him 'all he had to do was ask', and that the attack was not necessary. When they came close to the camp, Beatriz thought she had succeeded, but Heinze suddenly changed his mind and began to drag her away. The women managed to escape the frightening ordeal, and Heinze (pictured) was found in his car further down the beach, all on the same day Heinze answered an ad the women posted on Gumtree requesting a lift from Adelaide to Melbourne early last year (pictured: camp site at Salt Creek) 'At this moment, I thought, that's my final chance 'Cause if we go far away, I don't know what's going to happen,' she said. 'And that's when I screamed for Lena - I had just one chance.' Despite the odds, Lena was awoken by the scream, and began to search for her friend. She found her nearby, naked and bound. 'She was lying in the sand dunes, and Roman was standing over her,' she explained. The German woman tried to scream for Heinze to release her friend, and made a mad dash for his car to phone for help. He followed, telling Lena she could get her bag - but when the woman reached into his car, he beat her over the head with a hammer, causing blood to pour out of her skull. 'I was like 'oh my god, that's it, he's going to bury me in the sand',' she said. 'I thought "that's the end" because the smash was so hard.' Heinze lured Beatriz away after the group set up camp and Lena went to sleep. He cut off her bikini with a knife and tied her up before raping her In an interview with 60 Minutes, Lena (left) said she 'felt like James Bond' as she moved to distract Heinze from her friend, who laid naked and bound on the beach Lena was hit three more times before she managed to escape, beginning a frantic dash for her life that would last hours. Managing to find Beatriz in the sand before Heinze reached the pair, she untied her friend, and the pair went their separate ways. Petrified by the thought of her attacker returning, Beatriz then sat in thick bushes as Lena ran from Heinze, who was now travelling by car. Dashing in all different directions, Lena dashed for nearly a kilometre, making sharp turns as her attacker pursued her in his 4WD. As she tired, Heinze began to hit her with his bumper bar, causing her to fall - but every time, she would get back up and continue to run. 'I was so determined that I didn't want to die. Not here, not now,' she said. Lena said she was 'determined' not to die in the horrific ordeal Eventually tiring, Lena made a drastic decision that saved her life. She ran at the car, launching herself on to the bonnet before climbing on to the roof. 'I thought, I'm safe on the roof, he can't get on the roof,' she said. 'I felt a bit like, in a movie - it felt like James Bond.' Heinze tried desperately to get Lena off the roof of his car. She kicked towards his face as he tried to hit her with the hammer again and again. Meanwhile, the German woman's head is still gushing blood from the initial blow. She described it to the program as 'blood rain'. When Lena tried to escape, she was hit over the head with a hammer. Blood fell from her head like 'rain', she said. Later, when she was on the roof of Heinze's car fearing for her life, blood poured on to the metal (pictured) Heinze then returned to his car and started driving erratically in an attempt to throw her off as she clings on for dear life. Meanwhile, a car approached Beatriz, who took the opportunity to repay her friend's favour, and save Lena from their attacker. She ran towards the car, stark naked, screaming for help. Inside the car, a group of men called a nearby roadhouse, who notified police. Beatriz begged the men not to take her back to the entrance of the isolated beach, instead she asked they help find Lena, who was still on the roof of Heinze's car. Heinze was caught and arrested after his 4WD became bogged in a sand dune (pictured). He was jailed for 22 years The man eventually lured her down, throwing away his weapons in the process. Now barely conscious, Lena got into the front seat, and the pair began to travel down the beach - straight past Beatriz and the men who rescued her. Though she was on the brink of consciousness, Lena jumped out of Heinze's car and ran for the men - who later revealed they could not tell if she was a man or a woman, such were the extent of her injuries. Police, alongside the roadhouse owner, began to search for an escaping Heinze. They found him bogged in the sand of the dunes, with his hands on the wheel of the car. He was arrested, and did not put up a fight. Had the girls not been saved, they would certainly have lost their lives in the isolated sand dunes of Salt Creek, Heinze's ex-girlfriend told the program. Sylvia Clark saw Heinze on the news and had a 'meltdown', she said. His ex-girlfriend, Sylvia Clark, said she had 'no doubt' the women would have been murdered if there had been nobody else on the beach She had recognised his 4WD, and recalled him talking of plans to go to Salt Creek. 'I just thank god that there was someone on the beach, because there's no way in this world that those girls would have got away otherwise,' she said. 'I have no doubt in my mind that he would have killed them.' Heinze later confessed to assaulting another female backpacker in September 2014, had contacted another 13 backpackers and had pornographic videos found on his phone. He was jailed for 22 years, and is now expected to appeal the severity of his sentence. University students on a night out have sparked outrage after wearing high visibility tabards plastered with controversial graffiti including 'I love Vegas concerts', 'I love rape' and drawings of Nazi swastikas. Students belonging to the Camborne School of Mines society (CSM) from the University of Exeter's Falmouth campus were on a night out when they were snapped wearing the hi-viz jackets, which also had 'F*** the Syrians' and other offensive symbols written on them. The Las Vegas jibe comes less than a week after 58 people were killed and more than 500 people were injured when Stephen Paddock opened fire from the 32 floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel into a crowd of revellers at a country music festival. On an open Facebook group called 'Penryn Campus Fitfinder', some unrepentant students have anonymously tried to defend the actions of the CMS social event as 'banter'. One post read: 'Any falmouth (sic) students that can't handle a bit of csm banter need to grow up. We've been here for over 125 years and aren't going any time soon snowflakes.' Those on the night out in Penryn were later urged to take down any photos from social media and 'destroy' their hi-viz jackets in a desperate attempt to avoid any further backlash, the Tab reported. Students belonging to the Camborne School of Mines society (CSM) from the University of Exeter's Falmouth campus were on a night out when they were snapped wearing the hi-viz jackets One screenshot revealed a message to the private Facebook group 'Geolo-G's', which read: 'Whatever you do, do not wear your high vis from last night to your practical. 'I hope you enjoyed the evening but to stay safe do not wear anything from last night again.' A second message, from another society member, said: 'Right guys. Last night was great fun but it's definitely going to receive some consequences. Please destroy any high-vis tops you have (you can make new ones next year). If you have any photos or videos, delete them NOW. This is for your best interest and us as a committee.' Students were spotted with their jackets turned inside out after facing heavy criticism in Penyrn Students belonging to the CSM group have apologised for the group's actions. One student wrote on the Penryn Campus Fitfinder page: 'I am a CSM student studying engineering geology. I have lived in Cornwall all my life. 'Like the rest of you, I am utterly dismayed with the actions of last nights social. 'There is a small cohort of students who are ruining it for us all. It's an embarrassment for me to tell people I'm CSM.' 'Yet having grown up in Cornwall, knowing a lot about CSM traditions, old Cornish miners, and their associated mining towns history. '"I love rape" is not "banter" or a part of Cornish culture. Those disgusting quotes do not represent CSM or anything Cornish for that matter. 'I and the other 80 per cent of CSM students who didn't attend were not a part of last nights antics. Please do not tarnish us all with the same brush. 'There are so many great characters, that like me are disgusted with last night. 'The PPE social does not represent the heritage of Cornish mining, the passing century's of Cornish miners would not be proud of those quotes. 'Welcome to the 21st century CSM, stop pissing people off, bring your traditions with you and behave or risk loosing them altogether! Students who went on the night out were encouraged to 'destroy' their jackets Students belonging to the CSM social group have apologised for the actions of the group on Facebook 'I will continue to be proud of CSM and its history, as my interpretation of the traditions and heritage clearly differs from those laughing about it last night. 'On behalf of the majority of CSM students. Rape and shooting kids isn't a joke. Apologies.' A CSM student, who asked not to be named, apologised for the actions of those involved, saying: 'We are aware that students on the CSM social last night had offensive comments written on hi-vis jackets. We apologise for any offence caused from this on what is usually a light hearted and fun traditional night for CSM students.' A University of Exeter spokesman said: 'The University of Exeter and the Falmouth and Exeter Students Union (FXU) have a zero-tolerance policy towards racist, misogynist or similarly highly-offensive behaviour of any form. 'As soon as we were made aware of this incident we sought immediately to identify the students and organisers involved and demanded that all offensive material be removed. 'An investigation was launched immediately and the consequences for anyone found to have breached our code of conduct will be determined by our disciplinary processes. 'We take the welfare and well-being of all our students, and our relationship with the local community, very seriously and are extremely disappointed by these unacceptable actions displayed by a small number of students, and we apologise unreservedly for the offence caused.' There has been a social media backlash against the students who wore the offensive jackets Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., smacked back at President Trump after the president suggested the senator wasn't running for re-election because the president wouldn't endorse him. 'It's a shame the White House has become an adult day care center,' Corker tweeted. 'Someone obviously missed their shift this morning.' As he was leaving the White House this morning to spend another day at his Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Va., the president dashed off three tweets bashing Corker, who has become exceedingly critical of the president. 'Senator Bob Corker "begged" me to endorse him for re-election in Tennessee. I said "NO" and he dropped out (said he could not win without my endorsement),' Trump wrote. 'He also wanted to be Secretary of State, I said "NO THANKS." He is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal!' 'Hence, I would fully expect Corker to be a negative voice and stand in the way of our great agenda. Didn't have the guts to run!' the president said. An early supporter of Trump's in the U.S. Senate, Corker knocked the president this week, hinting that he thought Trump was unstable. Scroll down for video President Trump (left) said on Twitter Sunday that retiring Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn (right), 'begged' him for an endorsement, which he would not give Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., smacked back at the president Sunday morning, saying the White House had 'become an adult day care center' President Trump alleged that Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., 'begged' him for an endorsement and he said 'NO' This week, Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., told reporters that Secretaries Mattis and Tillerson along with Chief of Staff John Kelly 'separate the country from chaos,' a clear dig at President Trump Without the Trump stamp of approval, the president suggested Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., 'Didn't have the guts to run' for another term. He'll step down when his term runs out in 2019 President Trump was still at it by dinnertime Sunday, tweeting that Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., had no record except the Iran deal, which the president hates 'I think Secretary Tillerson, Secretary Mattis and Chief of Staff Kelly are those people that help separate our country from chaos,' Corker said Wednesday. Tillerson's future with the administration has been in question after an NBC News report came out that said he had almost resigned in July and called the president a 'moron' at a Pentagon meeting. The secretary of state was forced to trot out and make a public comment on the allegations, though didn't deny he had called Trump such a name. Beyond just suggesting that the trio of Tillerson, Kelly and Mattis are the adults in the room, Corker seriously questioned Trump's job performance in the aftermath of the racial violence in Charlottesville, in which Trump had faulted 'both sides' as white supremacists and counter-protesters tussled in the Virginia town. 'The President has not yet been able to demonstrate the stability nor some of the competence that he needs to demonstrate in order to be successful,' Corker said in August. CNN reported that Trump and Corker had made up since then and the president wanted him to run again. But 11 days ago, the Tennessee Republican announced his retirement. CNN reported Sunday that Trump was ready to give Corker his endorsement that day and had remained committed to him running until this week. 'The president called the senator early last week and asked him to reconsider his decision not to seek re-election and reaffirmed that he would have endorsed him, as he has said many times,' a source said. After Corker's day care comment, Trump went after the Republican again. 'Bob Corker gave us the Iran Deal, & that's about it. We need HealthCare, we need Tax Cuts/Reform, we need people that can get the job done!' Trump tweeted late Sunday afternoon. Before Trump's tweets Sunday, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders had already taken on Corker for his 'chaos' remark. 'I think the president is the one that's keeping the world from chaos,' she said at the press briefing Friday. 'He has an incredible team around him that's helping him lead that effort,' she went on. 'He's had tremendous accomplishments on the international stage by working with allies and confronting enemies.' 'We're gonna continue doing that we're gonna continue doing that as a team with the president leading that effort,' Huckabee Sanders added. A spokesperson for Corker did not respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment. David Gray, 35, was allegedly caught abusing the child in a bathroom stall at a Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Orlando on Friday morning by another customer A man in a wheelchair has been arrested for sexually assaulting a two-year-old girl in the bathroom of a Florida Chick-Fil-A. David Gray, 35, was allegedly caught abusing the child in a bathroom stall at the restaurant in Orlando on Friday morning by another customer. Police said the customer saw the child's reflection with Gray in the stall and thought she was being touched inappropriately. The customer wasn't completely sure so he told police he flushed the toilet to let Gray know he was also in the bathroom. Gray, who was in a motorized wheelchair at the time, started panicking when he heard the flush, according to police. The witness claims he then saw both Gray and the girl naked from the waist down. Gray allegedly got dressed quickly and tried to leave the bathroom. When he was confronted by the customer, Gray allegedly pulled out a stun gun and said: 'I'll f***ing kill you.' A customer claims he saw both Gray, who was in a motorized wheelchair, and the girl naked from the waist down in the bathroom stall. He was arrested on Friday (above) Police said another witness told them Gray goes to that Chick-Fil-A at least twice a week with children and a woman The customer followed Gray out of the restaurant and called police. Police said another witness told them Gray goes to that Chick-Fil-A at least twice a week with children and a woman. Gray works as a day care provider at a woman's home close to the restaurant. He was arrested and charged with sexual battery on a child under the age of 12, lewd or lascivious molestation, child abuse, exposure of sexual organs and various other charges. Two officers held him under the arms as they helped him walk from the police station after his arrest. Gray is being held at Orange County Jail and was denied bail. A suspected U.S. drone strike has killed five alleged Al Qaeda fighters in Yemen's central Marib province, according to the country's tribal leaders. They say the men were traveling Sunday in the Saud area of Rawan district when a missile hit their car, engulfing it in flames. They spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. A suspected U.S. drone strike has killed five alleged Al Qaeda fighters in Yemen's central Marib province, according to the country's tribal leaders The attack comes four days after a U.S. drone strike killed an Al Qaeda commander in Yemen. Shroum Al-Sanaani, military commander of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) was killed in a targeted attack whilst travelling on a motorcycle in the Al-Bayda province in a district called Nekla, which is a stronghold of AQAP. President Trump introduced new rules in March that permit the military and CIA to launch strikes and raids without congressional approval. U.S. drone strikes in Yemen have killed 1,238 people since 2002. Yemen fell into chaos following its 2011 Arab Spring uprising that removed longtime autocrat Ali Abdullah Saleh, now allied with Shiite rebels from the north who occupy much of the country and are fighting his successor. A Saudi-led coalition has been battling the rebels and Saleh's forces since March 2015. Al Qaeda has taken advantage of the security breakdown to seize territory and expand operations in impoverished Yemen, which sits along strategic oil shipping routes. Pakistani women living in the UK are 'shockingly badly integrated', a Cabinet Office survey is set to reveal. The findings of the UK's first disparity audit, published in full on Tuesday, hope to shed better light on how people from different backgrounds are treated in regards to their access to healthcare, education, employment and the criminal justice system. For women of Pakistani origin, the audit has revealed a particularly 'shocking' situation. The UK's first disparity audit will reveal that Pakistani women who do not speak English or go to work are 'living in an entirely different society and are shockingly badly integrated' (file pic) A source close to the Cabinet Office told The Sunday Times: 'Other communities have integrated very well, but the audit shows that Pakistani women who don't speak English or go out to work are living in an entirely different society and are shockingly badly integrated.' The findings coincide with an independent report from the Women's Budget Group and the Runnymede Trust, also due to be published this week, which will reveal those hardest hit by cuts to benefits and public services are likely from Asian families. Asian households will be 11,678 worse off overall by 2020, compared with a fall of 6,199 across the decade for white families. The audit was launched last August by Theresa May on the back of a pledge to address injustices in UK society. In her major review on integration, Dame Louise Casey said it would be 'no bad thing' to provide English lessons for immigrants At the time she said: 'This audit will reveal difficult truths, but we should not be apologetic about shining a light on injustices as never before. 'It is only by doing so we can make this country work for everyone, not just a privileged few.' Earlier this week, the findings of a review on employment showed significant divisions between white Britons and black and ethnic minority people. The results, to be released on a new website, Ethnicity Facts and Figures, revealed white Britons are more likely to own their home and have a job than minorities but less likely to go to university if they attend state school. The 'unprecedented' audit of the record of schools, hospital, employers and courts and other services also showed nine in 10 headteachers are white British. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people is nearly double that of white British adults, 8 per cent compared to 4.6 per cent. While two in three white adults own their home, only two in five of householders from any other ethnic group do. The latest survey findings follow in the wake of Dame Louise Casey's major review on community integration, published in December 2016. Dame Louise, the Government's integration tsar, said Britain needed to be less shy in setting out rules and expectations for immigrants and called for introducing an oath of allegiance. She added that it would be no bad thing to accompany it with lessons in the British way of life, as well as helping migrants to develop their English language skills. An independent report from the Women's Budget Group and the Runnymede Trust will reveal those hardest hit by cuts to benefits and public services are likely from Asian families Speaking to MPs earlier this year, she likened integration to a bloody big motorway with a slip road of people coming in from the outside. People in the middle have got to accommodate and be gentle and be kind to people coming in the outside lane but we are all heading in the same direction... of course they have to adjust a little bit but the majority moves in the same direction, she said. Dame Louise also criticised the Governments approach to integration, saying there had been too much of a saris, samosas and steel drums policy, rather than real leadership. Ashley Leigh Lewis Weber, 31, has confessed to two counts of having consensual sex with a minor at least 15-years-old A married former high school history teacher has pleaded guilty to having sex with her 16-year-old student. Ashley Leigh Lewis Weber, 31, has confessed to two counts of having consensual sex with a minor at least 15-years-old. While both counts do hold year long prison sentences, the residing judge suspended one of them. The former Freeman High School teacher, of Henrico, Virginia, was also charged with using a communication device to propose sex, but that was dropped due to her pleading guilty to the other charges. She is expected to serve a mere six months. According to Prosecutor Stacey Davenport, Weber met the student during the 2015-2016 school year. She had taken the boy up to her parent's home, over the summer, where the two had sex. He was 15 at the time of the encounter. The Freeman High School teacher, of Henrico, Virginia, turned herself into police back in August. Authorities first learned of the possibility Weber had an inappropriate relationship with a student on June 12, according to the WTVR . Henrico police were called to the school on a suspicious situation report. Weber, a teacher at Freeman High School (pictured) in Henrico, Virginia, turned herself into police in August She was granted $5,000 bond on the three charges and said she would be staying with her mother while on bond. Courtroom testimony revealed that police allowed Weber to go to the hospital for an examination before she was taken to jail. Weber has been employed with the Henrico County Public Schools system since 2009, according to spokesman Andy Jenks. 'Ms Weber is not a year-round employee, and we have few details about the allegations other than what has been publicly reported,' he told the station. Jenks said it would be 'inappropriate' to comment further on Weber's charges and did not reveal whether she will return to the school when classes begin in the fall. She has been ordered not to contact the victim. Is it time to say 'arrivederci' to Christopher Columbus? A movement to abolish Columbus Day and replace it with Indigenous Peoples Day has gained momentum, with Los Angeles in August becoming the biggest city yet to stop honoring the Italian explorer. Austin, Texas, followed suit on Thursday. It joined cities, including San Francisco, Seattle and Denver, that had previously booted Columbus in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day. But the gesture to recognize indigenous people rather than the man who opened the Americas to European settlement has also prompted howls of outrage from some Italian-Americans, who say eliminating their festival of ethnic pride is culturally insensitive, too. Scroll down for video Ahead of Monday's celebrations, the debate over Columbus Day has flared anew. Pictured: A model of the Santa Maria, one of Columbus' three ships, in the 1996 New York City parade Italian-Americans have upheld Columbus as a countryman and symbol of ethnic pride. Pictured: A bust of Columbus on a float in New York's 2015 Columbus Day parade 'We had a very difficult time in this country for well over a hundred years,' said Basil Russo, president of the Order Italian Sons and Daughters of America. 'Columbus Day is a day that we've chosen to celebrate who we are. And we're entitled to do that just as they are entitled to celebrate who they are.' It's not about taking anything away from Italian-Americans, said Cliff Matias, cultural director of the Redhawk Native American Arts Council, which is hosting a 'Re-Thinking Columbus Day' event Sunday and Monday in New York City. 'The conversation is Columbus,' he said. 'If they're going to celebrate Columbus, we need to celebrate the fact that we survived Columbus.' In Los Angeles, activists who succeeded in convincing the city council to abolish Columbus Day said they also wanted to change the way the history of European colonization is taught in schools. 'It matters, the stories that we tell and don't tell about our histories,' Angela Mooney D'Arcy, executive director of the Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples, told Equal Voice News. 'From my perspective, it's not a matter of reconciliation, it's about who's telling the history and what history is being told,' she said. Demonstrators with the Mexica Movement marches with other demonstrators to a statue of Christopher Columbus during a protest against Columbus Day in Grand Park, Los Angeles on October 11, 2015. Some activists view Columbus as a symbol of genocide for native peoples Someone vandalized a statue of Christopher Columbus in Central Park last month with blood-red paint on the hands and the words 'Hate will not be tolerated' on the pedestal The debate over Columbus' historical legacy is an old one, but has became more emotionally charged after a similar debate in the South over monuments to Confederate generals flared. In Akron, Ohio, a September vote over whether to dump Columbus opened a racial rift on the city council that was so heated, conflict mediators were brought in to sooth tensions. Five black members voted to rename the holiday and eight white members voted against it, following a debate that devolved into shouting. 'The first voyage of Columbus to the Americas initiated the trans-Atlantic slave trade. It would lead to the kidnapping, deaths, and slavery of tens of millions of African people,' said Councilman Russel Neal, who is black. But Councilman Jeff Fusco, who is Italian-American, said, 'It's a celebration of Italian heritage. It's very similar to other days throughout the year that we celebrate for many other cultures.' New York Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed a committee to evaluate whether monuments should be removed, prompting a backlash. The city's 2006 Columbus Day parade is seen A statue of Columbus with a protest sign at the Protest and March Against Columbus is seen in 2014 in Los Angeles In New York City, where 35,000 people are expected to march in Monday's Columbus Day parade, vandals last month doused the hands of a Christopher Columbus statue in blood-red paint and scrawled the words 'hate will not be tolerated.' Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed a committee to evaluate whether monuments to certain historical figures should be removed, prompting a backlash from his fellow Italian-Americans, who vowed to defend the Columbus statue that has stood over Manhattan's Columbus Circle for more than a century. This statue of the explorer has stood above New York's Columbus Circle since 1892 Many Italians who migrated to the US initially had a rough time. In 1891, 11 Italians were lynched in New Orleans by a mob that held them responsible for the death of a local police official. At the end of the 1800s, Italians began to link their heritage more with Columbus. Italian-American businessman and newspaper owner Generoso Pope was among those who worked to get Columbus Day recognized as a federal holiday in 1934. 'It was one of the things that would allow them to become Americans symbolically,' said Fred Gardaphe, a professor of Italian-American studies at Queens College. Indigenous Peoples Day began to gel as an idea in advance of the 500th anniversary of Columbus' first voyage to the Americas. South Dakota began celebrating Native American Day on the second Monday of October in 1990. Berkeley, California, got rid of Columbus Day in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day in 1992. Many places that have adopted Indigenous Peoples Day since then, including Alaska, have sizable Native American populations. A few cities have compromised. Salt Lake City officials declared Tuesday that they would keep Columbus Day but celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day on the same day. States and municipalities aren't legally bound to recognize federal holidays, though most do. Columbus Day is already one of the most inconsistently celebrated. Boys wave Italian flags while riding a float in last year's Columbus Day Parade in New York Places that choose to replace it with Indigenous Peoples Day may give their own workers or schoolchildren a day off, teach in schools about Native Americans instead of Columbus, issue proclamations or mark it in other ways. There is no question that Columbus' arrival in the New World under the sponsorship of Spain was bad for the indigenous people of Hispaniola, the island he colonized that is now split between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Many of the native people of the island were forced into servitude. Multitudes died of disease. Spain repopulated the workforce with African slaves. Columbus is celebrated in Latin America, too. A massive monument to the explorer, the Columbus Lighthouse, opened in 1992 in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic. Puerto Rico commemorates Discovery Day on November 19, marking the day Columbus landed there. Ralph Arellanes, chairman of the activist group Hispano Round Table of New Mexico, said that as a Hispanic, he supports Columbus Day. 'It was the marriage of two peoples creating a new people, in a new land,' he said. Though Columbus 'wasn't a saint,' he said, he believes Anglo-Americans like President Andrew Jackson should be held more responsible than the Spanish for the hardships Native Americans faced. Arellanes also said he doesn't understand why Italians claim Columbus for themselves when Columbus was sailing for Spain. The young Australian woman who suddenly died from a 'mystery illness' while on her honeymoon in Fiji had 'severe pneumonia,' her family has revealed. Kelly Clarke, 24, was with new husband Chase when she fell ill and was rushed to hospital on Wednesday with what was initially thought to be typhoid. Her family has since revealed she died of bilateral pneumonia, Nine News reported on Sunday night. Kelly Clarke, 24, was with new husband Chase when she fell ill and was rushed to hospital on Wednesday with what was initially thought to be typhoid Her husband Chase Clarke (pictured) said: 'I spoke to her and she told me she was scared she was going to die' Ms Clarke, a recently-graduated registered nurse at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, initially complained of stomach pain. Within half an hour, her condition had deteriorated to the point where her husband Chase knew she had to go to hospital. 'From the first time she said she was sick, to the critical point I took her to the hospital would have been 20 minutes,' Mr Clarke told Nine. 'I spoke to her and she told me she was scared she was going to die. I told her I loved her, we're going to get out of here, everything's going to be OK. Within half an hour, her condition had deteriorated to the point where her husband Chase Clarke knew she had to go to hospital Ms Clarke, a recently-graduated registered nurse at The Children's Hospital at Westmead in Sydney, initially complained of stomach pain Mr Clarke described the agonising decision to direct medical staff to cease working on his wife 'She'd gone into septic shock, she was panting heavily, she could barely speak to me... I couldn't explain how much pain she had... It just happened so quickly.' The Sydney woman died on Friday night while waiting for a medical evacuation team to arrive. Ms Clarke's sister started a fundraiser after the family was told it could cost $61,000 to bring her body home. The page has raised over $47,000 in just two days. Her brother Murray Shaw said Ms Clarke went into cardiac arrest five times within an hour and died. 'We are so shocked,' Mr Shaw wrote in a Facebook post. 'You beautiful girl and amazing sister you will be deeply missed.' Ms Clarke, 24, died on Friday night in Fiji, where she was on her honeymoon with her husband The young Australian couple (pictured together on their wedding day) were married in April 'You (were a) beautiful girl and amazing sister you will be deeply missed,' her brother wrote Mr Clarke described the agonising decision to direct medical staff to cease working on his wife. 'I said stop and pushed everyone away and me and her mother just held her,' he said. In a statement provided to Nine, the family described Ms Clarke as 'an amazing human being'. The Children's Hospital offered condolences. 'Kelly was a dedicated nurse who loved working with children and will be greatly missed by her colleagues and patients,' a spokeswoman said in a statement. Doctors initially thought the young honeymooner had caught Typhoid and started her on treatment Ms Clarke's sister started a fundraiser after the family was told it could cost $61,000 to bring her body home Mr Clarke described the agonising decision to direct medical staff to cease working on his wife Friends and relatives paid tribute to Ms Clarke on social media, with one co-worker remembering 'an amazing woman, a brilliant nurse and such a kind and gentle soul'. 'She was one of the most beautiful, caring, giving people I have ever been lucky enough to meet,' another person wrote. A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said it was providing consular assistance 'to the family of an Australian woman who passed away in Fiji'. Friends and relatives paid tribute to Ms Clarke on social media, with one co-worker remembering 'an amazing woman, a brilliant nurse and such a kind and gentle soul' 'We are so devastated to hear this news. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Kelly was a beautiful girl,' said one friend In a statement the family described Ms Clarke as 'an amazing human being'. The young woman pictured with her father on her wedding day in April A California woman got a snappy surprise when she found a four-foot-long alligator in her backyard on Thursday. Karen Davis-Brown saw the reptile at her home in Petaluma, California, and called Animal Services, but didn't specifically tell them that there was an alligator because she couldn't believe her eyes. 'He looked real but it was just too weird,' Davis-Brown told ABC7. 'I wasn't going to tell him there's an alligator in the backyard, because who would believe that.' Karen Davis-Brown found an alligator in her backyard on Thursday in Petaluma, California Davis-Brown almost didn't think it was real, but she immediately called Animal Services When Animal Services arrived they found the four-foot-long alligator in the koi pond 'Quite a few cops showed up wondering if we were crazy people,' she said. Petaluma Animal Services found the alligator in the koi pond, according to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. An officer caught the reptile with a net and duct-taped its mouth shut. The alligator named 'Darth Gator,' had escaped from the home of Bonnie Cromwell, the head of an animal rescue and education group called Classroom Safari. The reptile was captured using a net and its mouth was duct-taped immediately It had escaped from the home of Bonnie Cromwell, the head of an animal rescue and education group called Classroom Safari, while she was trying to relocate it to a new facility At the time of its escape Cromwell was moving it to another facility. In California alligators are not allowed to be kept as pets without a permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Animal Services said Classroom Safari has a permit, but the Department of Fish and Wildlife will investigate whether the animal was properly stored. In California alligators are not allowed to be kept as pets without a permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife A New York City man died a week after he was attacked with a hammer by teenagers who wanted to steal his bicycle, police say. Charles DelToro, 53, was found dead in his home by his wife, Victoria, on October 4, reports the New York Daily News. Six days earlier, he was allegedly attacked by five teenagers - who have not been identified - whose motive was to take the man's bicycle. An initial autopsy found he had broken ribs and a broken thumb. Charles DelToro, 53, was found dead on Wednesday, six days after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of teenagers who tried to steal his bicycle. Pictured is a stock image of police tape The autopsy did not conclusively prove whether or not the alleged September 28 attack contributed to or caused his death. The incident started when the teenagers allegedly robbed DelToro's 16-year-old grandson, who has not been named. The group stole the grandson's bicycle and the 16-year-old then fled for his home, it is alleged. At the home, the teenagers allegedly attacked DelToro with a hammer wrapped in cloth in order to steal his bicycle. His wife, Victoria, told the Daily News: 'He wouldn't give (his bike) up. And it cost him his life.' DelToro reported the attack to the police and checked into a hospital, which gave him painkillers and sent him home, his wife told the Daily News. A mother pulled her infant from an SUV seconds before a train struck it in western Pennsylvania. Police said Amber Lee Brown was trying beat an oncoming train at an intersection in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. As the train warning lights were flashing but gate was not yet down, Brown allegedly failed to yield the right of way when turning left and was hit by another SUV just after 1pm. Both vehicles were stuck on the train tracks. Several witnesses were able to push the second SUV off, but Brown's Ford wouldn't move. A woman's SUV got stuck on the train tracks in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, after an accident on Saturday. She pulled her child from the vehicle seconds before it was hit by a train, police say Police in Westmoreland County told Trib Live that the mother 'was able to free her infant child from the rear of the vehicle within seconds of the train impacting her vehicle'. The baby, believed to be about a year old, suffered head lacerations. Police will likely file multiple traffic violations against Brown. The UK's former organ transplant chief said he was 'horribly opposed' to Government plans for everybody's organs to be automatically considered for donation. Professor Chris Rudge even said he would 'opt-out' himself if Theresa May's plans went ahead. His comments come after the Prime Minister announced last week a consultation on the rules in England, which currently require people to 'opt in'. Rudge, who was the national clinical director for transplantation at the Department of Health from 2008 to 2011, said: 'I think I would opt out because organ donation should be a present and not for the state to assume that they can take my organs without asking me. All Britons may soon have to opt out if they do not want their organs to be donated after death 'No one knows better than me the problems of thousands of people waiting for a transplant. Part of me really wants to help them but part of me really objects to the opt-out system. 'I am so horribly opposed to a change in the law and I wouldn't like to be put in that position. 'Changing the system may take away people's faith and trust in organ donation.' Professor Rudge's comments come after the Prime Minister announced last week a consultation on the rules in England, which currently require people to 'opt in' Professor Chris Rudge even said he would 'opt-out' himself if Theresa May's plans went ahead The Roman Catholic Church has also raised fears that the proposals could 'endanger the positive ethos of donation'. Bishop John Sherrington, who speaks for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, said: 'It is important that there is a positive ethos of donation as a free gift with informed consent, which could be endangered by a proposal to move from voluntary donation to presumed consent.' DOES THE SYSTEM WORK? After the decision was made in Wales two years ago, figures showed an immediate rise in the availability of organs. Between December 2015 and June the following year, half of the transplants in Wales came from patients whose consent had been deemed. But critics hit back and warned that there is a lack of proof that an opt-out system actually helps to increase the number of donor organs. Spanish officials implemented the system in 1979 and saw rates of donor organs increase after 10 years, the BBC reports. But Sweden, which adopted a similar scheme 20 years ago, still has one of the smallest stocks of donor organs in Europe. Advertisement Rudge's wife, Mary, a former nurse, also spoke of her sadness about the proposal, and said she would refuse to give permission for her husband's organs to be donated. 'I would say, 'No, you cannot have them.' That, for a family that has been rooted in transplantation for 40 years, is just terrible,' she said. Brian Burnell, 77, a retired engineer from Southampton, has been registered as an organ donor for more than 20 years and always carries a donor card. As a keen cyclist he is aware that, if he died in an accident, he might be a candidate for organ donation. Burnell would opt out of organ donation, if presumed consent were introduced. 'The state is never going to own my body,' he said. 'It's mine to do with as I choose. Donating organs is a gift, and an intensely personal one.' But Claire Keegan, whose son, Max, 10, is on the kidney transplant waiting list, believes presumed consent will save more lives. Max has a rare mitochondrial disease that is damaging his kidneys, and has been on dialysis for more than three years. Keegan, 41, from Wiltshire, said: 'These organs are available and nothing is happening with them. The legacy of these individuals could be that their organs could give somebody a life.' Kidney Care UK said it hoped an opt out system would increase the number of donations. The parents of a British man arrested in Dubai for brushing an Arab man on the hip have spoken of their fears as he faces a lengthy spell in jail. Jamie Harron, 27, was expected to be jailed for 30 days on Sunday when he appeared at court after missing a previous hearing because the date was changed at the last minute. While Jamie, from Stirling, escaped prison at that hearing, he is still facing up to three years behind bars after being charged with public indecency. Speaking about his ordeal on Sunday, Jamie, an electrician, said it has 'broken me financially and emotionally'. Jamie Harron, 27, is facing three years behind bars in Dubai for public indecency. His parents Graham and Patricia (pictured) have told how they cannot sleep with worry and have ruined themselves financially trying to get him justice Jamie said the experience has left him 'broken financially and emotionally' and he fears the ordeal will never be over Mother Patricia and father Graham, a caterer, say they have been left unable to sleep while worrying about their son. Speaking to NGO Detained in Dubai, Graham said: 'Patricia and I have not been able to relax for a moment. We never dreamed we would have to face something like this. 'We can't believe that this nightmare has gone on for three months. Jamie is a good boy. He has never been a problem and never in trouble. 'We are a very close family and it is killing us to think of him spending even three nights in jail, let alone three years.' The family say their finances have been left in tatters by the ordeal, which has cost them around 32,000 so far. The problem was made worse when Jamie was sacked from his job amidst the proceedings, forcing him to rack up large credit card debts. Jamie was expected to be jailed on Sunday after he missed a previous court hearing because it was rescheduled at the last minute, but was allowed to remain free Graham also blasted the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for promoting Dubai as a holiday spot to British tourists, and failing to mention the risks faced by visitors. 'People have to stop visiting that country,' he said. 'Since Jamie was arrested, I have researched and found that this is more common than any of us think. 'It is unacceptable the FCO actually promotes the UAE to British tourists.' Jamie added: 'The whole thing is like a horrible dream and I just dont know when it is going to end. I thought it would be over by now but it feels like it will never be. 'I am lucky I have friends to stay with but this has broken me, financially and emotionally. I am in debt because of the legal fees and wont even be able to afford to appeal the case if it doesnt go in my favour.' Jamie, an electrician, had been having a drink at the with friends at a popular venue for young people in the Tecom area of Dubai when the incident took place. Mr Harron and friend had just bought their first drink when they noticed a Jordanian man who was looking over at them from the edge of the dance floor in a 'confrontational' manner. They decided to move to avoid any aggravation, but Mr Harron had to walk past the man, and as he passed, he placed his hand on the right hand side of the top of the man's hip to ensure that when passing they didn't bump and spill drinks 'in a move familiar to most UK patrons of crowded pubs'. While the man showed no sign of agitation as Jamie and his friend passed, he later became very animated before the police appeared outside. The electrician said he lightly touched an Arab man on the hip in a packed bar as he squeeze past, and was subsequently charged with public indecency The man went out to meet them, and he began animatedly talking with them, pointing at Mr Harron, who got up and went to see what the problem was. The man, his friends and the police were all speaking in Arabic, the accuser occasionally shouting in English, 'He's been drinking, and he touched me improperly, I will get you deported, do you know who I am?' The police asked Mr Harron to apologise which he 'gladly did'. But his accused was 'not mollified' and demanded police arrest him. After days in Al Barsha prison, where he was not allowed to wash himself or brush his teeth, prosecutors told Mr Harron he was charged with drinking alcohol and 'public indecency.' When he was released to stay with friends his passport was seized by police. Detained in Dubai said Mr Harron had been to Dubai many times on holiday and 'knows and respects' the country's laws. A spokesman for the group said: 'Jamie denies this latter charge vehemently, restating that his only intention was to avoid spilling a drink. 'Tourists who consume alcohol at licensed venues can still be arrested for having alcohol in their system. Most tourists are not aware of this fact. A number of British nationals have been caught out by this contradictory application of the law. Jamie said the experience has left him 'broken, financially and emotionally' and said he is in so much debt he will not be able to afford to appeal the case if the verdict goes against him Rock Bottom Bar (pictured) is popular with British ex-pats even though it is illegal to have alcohol in your system in Dubai 'When Jamie was in his prison cell the night of the arrest, his friend accompanied him to the police station. The accuser and his friends were also there. The accuser's friends were telling him to just drop the matter, and that he had taken it too far. Jamie's friend was sitting next to them all and heard the whole discussion. 'Jamie's friend is acting as his witness, as is the sympathetic security worker of the pub where the incident happened. The bouncer saw the whole incident and confirms Jamie's version of events.' Jamie's lawyer said: 'This is another example of how vulnerable tourists are to arrest and detention in Dubai and at how drawn out and legal proceedings are. 'We have received a wave of new cases of British nationals detained in Dubai and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office need to increase travel warnings to citizens intending to visit or live in the country. 'If Jamie is sentenced to prison, he faces human rights violations and torture. The English High Court has ruled against extradition to the UAE based on the 'very real risk of unfair trials and torture' but the UK government has refused to increase warnings, largely due to their financial and diplomatic ties with the UAE. 'Both Jamie and his family are anxious for him to be back home in Stirling as soon as possible.' His case follows that of Edinburgh plasterer Billy Barclay, 31, who was released this week after being held for trying to swap a 20 note, which he did not know was forged, at a bureau de change in Dubai. The New South Wales Liberal party has discussed implementing gender quotas to increase the number of women in senior positions in parliament. A debate about enforcing gender quotas of 40 percent for women was held at the NSW Liberal Party State Executive meeting on Friday night. At the meeting its understood party acting president Kent Johns said he planned to put forward options to increase the number of females in local, state and federal parliament. Acting New South Wales Liberal party president Kent Johns (pictured) has discussed implementing gender quotas These options are set to be discussed further at the next meeting of State Executive on October 27 in Newcastle, The Daily Telegraph reported. Mr Johns also told State Executive he had previously discussed the issue of gender quotas with Federal Liberal Party President Nick Greiner. A source present at the meeting said: 'Johns said if we can't boost female numbers then we are going to have to look at mandating or having a quota of 40 per cent that must be set.' 'He also used another suggestion of having a loading of 20 per cent in preselections, where women get a 20 per cent extra votes.' Outgoing young Liberal Party President Alex Dore opposed the gender quota plans but was shouted down by embers of State Executive Hollie Hughes New South Wales Liberal party acting president Kent Johns discussed the issue of gender quotas with Federal Liberal Party President Nick Greiner (pictured) The recommendations will then be presented at the Liberal Party state council in November and voted on by over 600 members. In response to the comments, outgoing Young Liberal President Alex Dore tried to move a motion opposing gender quotas. It's understood he was shouted down by two female members of State Executive, Hollie Hughes and Women's Council President Chantelle Fornari-Osmond. Attorney Lisa Bloom reportedly received an email from Bob Weinstein on Friday saying that his brother Harvey 'should get professional help for a problem that really exists' after being accused of sexual harassment from several women. Not long after Bloom appeared on Good Morning America on Friday, Bob sent her an email saying that she was giving his brother 'poor counsel,' according to New York Times reporters Johanna Barr and Jodi Kantor who initially broke the story about the shocking and rampant claims of sexual harassment against Harvey. 'Perhaps, Harvey as he stated in the NY Times, to the world, should get professional help for a problem that really exists,' Bob wrote in the email to Bloom, the Times reported. The latest email revelation reported by the Times comes after Bloom announced she was stepping down as the movie mogul's attorney. It also comes after rampant speculation among 'insiders' that Bob leaked the details that led to the explosive New York Times story about his brother's alleged sexual harassment of a number of women, according to Page Six. Scroll down for video Attorney Lisa Bloom received an email from Bob Weinstein (left) on Friday saying that his brother Harvey (right) 'should get professional help for a problem that really exists' after being accused of sexual harassment from several women, the New York Times reported Bob (left) sent Bloom (right) the email not long after she appeared on Good Morning America on Friday. There is rampant speculation among 'insiders' that Bob leaked details that led to the explosive New York Times story about his brother Harvey Jodi Kantor, one of the New York Times reporters who broke the story tweeted on Saturday about the new evidence against Harvey, who co-founded The Weinstein Company with his brother Bob Bob, who co-founded The Weinstein Company with his brother and who currently serves as a board member, has reportedly been trying for years to unseat Harvey Weinstein as the sole head of the studio. 'Bob's wanted Harvey out for years,' a former staffer told Page Six. The source claimed that 'the two brothers are becoming increasingly suspicious of each other.' Harvey Weinstein announced on Friday that he was taking an indefinite leave of absence as co-chairman of The Weinstein Company. He is seen above leaving his New York home on Friday It has even been suggested that Bob 'may have even fed this story' to the Times as a means of orchestrating Harvey's downfall. 'Bob wanted Harvey to get what's coming to him,' Page Six quoted a source as saying. The brothers jointly own 42 percent of The Weinstein Company, according to The New York Times. Harvey announced on Friday that he was taking an indefinite leave of absence. A statement issued by four board members said that The Weinstein Company will be run in the meantime by Bob and David Glasser, the president and COO. By all appearances, if the rumors of a fraught relationship between the brothers is true, that means Bob wins this round. 'There has always been a love-hate relationship between the brothers,' says a former Weinstein employee. The New York Times reported that Harvey Weinstein, 65, had reached eight previously undisclosed settlements with women who made allegations of sexual harassment and unwanted physical contact The Weinsteins broke into show business together. In the 1970s, they produced rock concerts in Buffalo. They then used profits from their concerts to found Miramax, which at the time was a small independent film distribution company. They're seen above in New York in 1989 'There have been times they wouldn't speak for months. Let's just say they have an 'inconsistent' relationship.' Page Six quoted another source who agreed with the assessments among insiders about a fraternal rift. 'Bob's trying to take over and push Harvey out,' the source said. Bob has denied talk that he plotted his brother's fall from grace. 'These assertions are untrue,' he told Page Six. The New York Times reported that Harvey, 65, had reached eight previously undisclosed settlements with women who made allegations of sexual harassment and unwanted physical contact. The alleged victims included an actress, a model and two assistants and their allegations spanned almost 30 years, the newspaper reported. On Friday, former New York broadcast anchor Lauren Sivan told Huffington Post that the influential producer once trapped her in the hallway of a restaurant during a private event and masturbated in front of her until he ejaculated. On Friday, former New York broadcast anchor Lauren Sivan told Huffington Post that Harvey Weinstein once trapped her in the hallway of a restaurant during a private event and masturbated in front of her until he ejaculated The Weinsteins broke into show business together. In the 1970s, they produced rock concerts in Buffalo. They then used profits from their concerts to found Miramax, which at the time was a small independent film distribution company. In the 1980s and 90s, Miramax gained a reputation for releasing critically acclaimed films. The studio's string of successes eventually led to its acquisition by the Walt Disney Company in 1993. In 2005, the Weinstein brothers announced they would leave Miramax to form their own production company, The Weinstein Company. After Harvey Weinstein announced Friday he was taking an indefinite leave as co-chairman, the film production company said it will conduct an internal investigation into the Times' report of sexual harassment allegations against one of the most powerful men in Hollywood. The Weinstein Company board of representatives said in a statement that it takes 'extremely seriously' the accusations made in the Times story that said Weinstein had made eight settlements with women who had accused him of unwanted physical contact and sexual harassment over three decades. Two octogenarians who waited 70 years for their honeymoon were stuck on board a plane for 13 hours - only to get off at the exact same place they departed from. Geoff Bliss, 84, and his wife Sheila, 80, both from Weston-super-Mare, first met as teenagers but only tied the knot last month as pensioners. Yet their planned 7.20am flight from Bristol to Madeira's Funchal Airport on Monday soon ended up as a nightmare as they were forced to endure a 13 and a half hour trip - which ended back in Bristol. Their flight, which was scheduled to only take three hours and 40 minutes from Bristol, failed to land twice at their destination and had to make to stops to refuel. The easyJet plane also ran out of food, leaving the newlyweds with just a packet of peanuts to eat each which the plane charged customers for. Geoff Bliss, 84, and new wife Sheila, 80, married on September 30 and were due to travel to Madeira for their holiday Mr Bliss said that their holiday had been 'totally ruined' by the disaster and that his wife had 'refused point blank' to ever go on a plane again. He said: 'Our friends and neighbours all said, "What the hell are you doing back here? You're supposed to be on holiday". 'I felt the way they handled things wasn't very good. My wife has refused point blank to ever go on a plane again.' The flight was forced to turn around due to strong winds which made it incapable of landing. Mr Bliss said: 'We made one attempt to land but it was just so dangerous he had to abort.' The plane was forced to re-route to Tenerife - more than 300 miles away from Madeira - where it began to refuel. Yet when landing in Tenerife, passengers like Sheila, who suffers from arthritis in her knee, were made to sit on board the plane as it headed back to its intended location. The plane then re-routed in Faro, Portugal, one hour and fifteen minutes away - but the collapse of easyJet rival Monarch meant that passengers were again kept on the plane as there were no hotel vacancies. Yet the couple, from Weston-super-Mare, arrived back at Bristol Airport after flying 3,713 air miles due to a series of blonders The pilot then got the call to bring customers back to Bristol airport, where they were offered another flight at 5.30am the next morning - yet Sheila and her husband could not face another repeat and decided to go home. In total, the couple ended up totting a staggering 3,713 air miles of what was supposed to be a 1,480 trip in total - and could have flown to Mexico, Singapore or even Mauritius in that time. A spokesman for easyJet said: 'EasyJet can confirm that, like other airlines, some of its flights to and from Funchal early this week have been unable to land or depart. My wife has refused point blank to ever go on a plane again 'This has been due to high winds at the airport gusting above the limits of the aircraft. 'This meant that some inbound flights had to divert to Faro, Porto Santo and the Canary Islands and flights due to depart from Funchal had to be delayed overnight. 'Three flights on Monday from London Gatwick, Edinburgh and Manchester had to be diverted before returning to the UK. 'This meant the flights and return sectors had to be cancelled. Passengers on cancelled flights were booked on to the next available flights. EasyJet has apologised for the delay and said that 'did everything possible to minimise the disruption for our customers' 'EasyJet did everything possible to minimise the disruption for our customers, securing over 500 hotel rooms for those who required them. 'EasyJet will be reimbursing anyone who sourced their own accommodation and expenses. 'Our ground staff were on hand throughout to keep customers informed and they were provided with refreshments whilst in the airport. 'Arrangements were made in Porto Santo to transport passengers to and from Funchal by chartering a ferry. 'The safety of its passengers and crew is the airline's highest priority. 'Whilst this is outside of our control we would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of the weather conditions.' Airbnb paid only 200,000 corporation tax last year even though the home-sharing website generated more than 600million of rental income for British landlords. The website books commissions from landlords and renters in Britain through a subsidiary in Ireland, but it does have two offshoots in England. One of them, Airbnb Payments UK, handles cash transfers between guests and landlords outside America, Chine and India. Following a slump in reported profits the firm paid 188,000 in UK corporation tax last year, which is down 196,000 in 2015. Airbnb books commissions from landlords and renters in Britain through a subsidiary in Ireland, but it does have two offshoots in England The news will likely add to growing concern surrounding how nations can extract taxes from US giants that dominate the digital economy. It comes after the European Commission ordered Luxembourg to reclaim 224million from Amazon over a tax deal. Airbnb is valued at around 23.7billion and Britain is one of its most significant overseas markets. The San Francisco company added: 'The overwhelming amount of money generated by the Airbnb platform stays with local hosts and their communities, and is subject to local tax' Property owners in the UK generated a total of 657million in rental income last years, the company says. A spokesman for the company told The Sunday Times: 'We follow the rules and pay all the tax we owe'. The San Francisco company added: 'The overwhelming amount of money generated by the Airbnb platform stays with local hosts and their communities, and is subject to local tax.' The mother of a baby born with her brain outside her skull has told of the heartbreaking moment she cradled her dying daughter as she lost her desperate eight-month battle for life. May Rose Gibney was born with encephalocele, an incredibly rare form of spina bifida which affects about 1 in 10,000 births every year. It meant her brain developed a sac-like protrusion at the back of her head. A team at the John Ratcliffe Hospital, Oxford, performed a last-ditch eight-hour operation in August on May Rose after medics in home of Northern Ireland said they could only offer palliative care. Analee Gibney has told of her heartache after daughter May Rose died in her arms following an eight month battle for life after being born with rare condition encephalocele May Rose developed a sac-like protrusion at the back of her head. She underwent an eight-hour operation in August at a hospital in Oxford but died last week May Rose survived the operation but died last week. Grieving mother Analee, 24, said: 'She stayed strong for me, she waited until she knew I was going to be OK and then she said goodbye. 'I looked at her (last weekend) and I knew she wasn't fit for it, wee love. It had become too much for her.' May Rose, from Moy, Co. Armagh, had encephalocele, a form of spina bifida, which occurs when the neural tube - a structure that goes on to form the brain and spinal cord - fails to close completely during pregnancy. The result is an opening in the midline of the upper part of the skull, the area between the forehead and nose, or the back of the skull. Usually encephaloceles are found right after birth, but sometimes a small encephalocele in the nose and forehead region can go undetected. Ms Gibney said: 'Last Friday she opened her eyes, her eyes had always been closed, and she kept them open all weekend, I believe she was saying, this is it, it's time, she was saying goodbye to me. 'The last thing she saw before the slipped away was her mummy.' May Rose was nestled in her mother's arms when her face turned purple, before all the colour drained away and she stopped breathing Heartbreak: Ms Gibney held her desperately ill daughter in her arms as her life ebbed away She had been suffering breathing difficulties and a week ago doctors sent her home from hospital with instructions for Ms Gibney to keep her comfortable and to give her Calpol if necessary. May Rose was nestled in her mother's arms when her face turned purple, before all the colour drained away and she stopped breathing. Ms Gibney and her partner administered CPR for 20 minutes before the ambulance arrived but despite the best efforts of paramedics, May Rose died. Ms Gibney said: 'I can't believe she's gone, she completed me, I don't think I will ever get over this. I know I haven't accepted that it has happened because I keep looking for her. 'During the wake I had been outside and when I came indoors I automatically asked "how's the child?" 'She completed me, and now all that's left is a massive hole in my life.' May Rose was laid to rest after a funeral service at St Malachy's Church, Ballymoyer in Co. Armagh. Ms Gibney and her partner administered CPR for 20 minutes before the ambulance arrived but despite the best efforts of paramedics, May Rose died Ms Gibney said: 'My heart has been just ripped out in the most painful way. Rest in peace Mama's girl, I love you always my Chubs' Since the death the grieving mother has visited the baby's final resting place every day, bringing along her favourite toys. Ms Gibney said: 'I sing to her and I talk to her, and I tell her everything is going to be OK. It was her who was strong, not me. 'She was in my arms, poor pet. I'm heartbroken.' And she expressed her gratitude for the support the family had received from well-wishers who helped raise money to pay for potentially life-saving operations. The cash will now be used to help raise awareness for children with similar conditions. Ms Gibney added: 'My heart has been just ripped out in the most painful way. Rest in peace mama's girl, I love you always my Chubs.' Award-winning actor Nathan Lane has spoken for the first time about an altercation he had with embattled film mogul Harvey Weinstein 17 years ago. The incident in question occurred at a birthday party Weinstein threw for Hillary Clinton back in October 2000. Lane was the master of ceremonies for the 53rd birthday party, which also served as a gala for Clinton given she was running for a US senate seat in New York at the time. Weinstein apparently lashed out at Lane later in the night over a joke the actor had made about Mayor Rudy Giuliani's comb-over. Scroll down for video Award-winning actor Nathan Lane (above) spoke out for the first time on Saturday night about an altercation he had with Harvey Weinstein at Hillary Clinton's gala birthday in 2000 Multiple witnesses saw Weinstein throw Lane up against a wall, yelling 'this is my f***ing show, we don't need you', according to the Vulture. Lane, now 61, alluded to the incident for the first time on Saturday night when he was speaking with Michael Schulman at the New Yorker Festival after news broke that Weinstein had sexually harassed female employees and movie stars. 'You can't hurt me, I don't have a film career,' Lane said he told Weinstein when the film mogul threatened to destroy him all those years ago. On that same night in 2000, Weinstein also reportedly lashed out at an assistant who was supposed to be minding his reserved couch while he was onstage speaking. Lane (standing to the left of Clinton) was the master of ceremonies for the 53rd birthday party, which was organized by Weinstein (far left). Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Molly Shannon, Chelsea Clinton, Bill Clinton, Cher, and Robert De Niro were also in attendance Lane, now 61, alluded to the incident for the first time on Saturday night when he was speaking with Michael Schulman at the New Yorker Festival Instead, the assistant momentarily let Jimmy Buffett, Harrison Ford and screenwriter Melissa Mathison take a seat. 'Yeah, it's your fault, you're fired!' he told the assistant before yelling at the assistant's managers. A bombshell New York Times report on Thursday revealed Weinstein's alleged long record of misconduct. The report said he had reached at least eight settlements with women including one who said she was coerced into giving him a massage while he was naked. Weinstein is said to have asked a young Ashley Judd to watch him shower and paid Rose McGowan $100,000 under a settlement for an incident shortly before her breakthrough role in 'Scream'. The 65-year-old has since expressed regret for his inappropriate behavior towards women stretching back decades, saying 'I own my mistakes.' He said his wife Georgina Chapman, 41, and his five children were standing by him. Harvey Weinstein arrives at his home in NYC's West Village on Thursday night after revealing he has had 'really tough conversations' with his family after the allegations of sexual harassment against him A gang has been jailed for more than 35 years for bundling a man into their car in front of his terrified family and threatening him with rape if they did receive 2,000. A trial heard father-of-two Daniel Wilson was beaten up and thrown into a truck in his pyjamas after his captors turned up at his front doorstep claiming to be police officers. Nigel Collins, 38, Alex Callcut, 31, Tyssen Newland, 36 and Ross Bright, 30, were jailed after Mr Wilson was driven to a gym in London and threatened with rape if he did not tell his wife to pay a 2,000 ransom for his release. Tyssen Newland (left) was jailed for 14 years, while Nigel Collins (right) was sentenced to 10 years by a judge at Cambridge Crown Court Sofia Wilson told Cambridge Crown Court of how she helplessly watched her husband being beaten up and kidnapped on the evening of December 18 2016. She said she was carrying her son in her arms as she and her screaming six-year-old daughter watched him forced into a dark-coloured Mitsubishi Warrior in Cambridgeshire. Speaking of the moment Calcutt stopped Mr Wilson closing his door with his foot, she said: 'I was at the door and I said you're definitely not the police, you look like you're here to kill somebody. 'The bigger one was so angry, he was just punching him, kicking him and just doing anything to get him out of the house and my daughter was screaming and screaming and screaming. 'I said, "please I've got my children" and one of them said "I've got a wife and kids". 'I followed them out, I had my child in my arms still and they dragged him across a lawn, across a road to where they were parked.' Collins and Calcutt covered Mr Wilson's head with a jumper and bundled him into the truck outside the family home where Newland was waiting in the backseat. The trio told the terrified father, aged in his 20s, he owed them 20,000 and "you're going to tell people you owe the money" before beating him around the head. He was forced to call members of his family to pay a 2,000 ransom as Collins, of Ilford, east London, drove them to The Unorthodox Gym in Dagenham, London. They met Bright, who led the group inside, before Mr Wilson was threatened with rape and brutalised as the gang demanded his release ransom. Jurors were shown the bloodied grey Marvel t-shirt, white socks and blue shorts he was wearing that night after they later pushed him out of the car with his head still covered. The court heard he suffered a broken nose, black eye and bruises on his face. The foursome were identified after he went into a nearby pub and asked the landlord for help who called the police. Bright and Newland pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap while Collins and Callcut denied the charge and were found guilty following a trial. A fifth person, 38-year-old Nina Siaperas, who is also known as Nina Cranstoun, of in Ilford, East London, who also denied conspiracy to kidnap, was cleared by jurors. Alex Callcut (left) was also handed a ten-year stretch, while Ross Bright (right) was given three-and-a-half years Mrs Wilson was accused of lying after the trial heard she later did not tell police she got her brother take 2,000 in cash from her home to his captors the day after the attack. She claimed she was trying to keep her brother 'out of it' after she was accused by defence counsel of knowing 'there was more than meets the eye' over the money. Newland, of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, was sentenced to 14 years in prison; Callcut, of Romford, and Collins, of Ilford, were both given 10 years; and Bright, of Romford, was jailed for three-and-a-half years. All four men have been made subject of a life-long restraining order prohibiting them from contacting the victim or his family. Detective Chief Inspector Jerry Waite, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: 'Mobile phone evidence shows the defendants met on December 18 in the afternoon at the Unorthodox Gym before Newland, Collins and Callcut set off to Peterborough. 'The length of the sentences issued today just shows the severity of this crime which was clearly an organised kidnapping which has had a detrimental effect on not only the victim but also his family.' An eleven-month-old baby died in hospital after drinking herbal oil meant to be used as a chest rub. Leila Landim spent more than a week in intensive care after grabbing camphor oil from the head of her mother's bed and pulling it towards her face. Jessica Landim, 23, from Toxteth in Liverpool, described how her little girl suffered seizures and foamed at the mouth in the terrifying moments after. Jessica Landim and her eleven-month-old baby daughter Leila, who sadly died after drinking camphor oil Ms Landim said: 'She started coughing in a desperate way - I thought she was choking. 'She was having mini-seizures, her lips turned blue and really big. Then her tongue was rolling around out of her mouth, and she was only breathing every five to 10 seconds. 'There was lots of oil on her clothing. She was foaming at the mouth too, and looking through me. I was shaking, it's indescribable how you feel - I still can't stand still.' Leila Landim spent more than a week in intensive care after grabbing and drinking camphor oil She warned other parents: "These are household essentials, and I don't think people realise how serious it can get - we didn't. Paying tribute to her 'beautiful baby girl', law student Ms Landim said: 'She had the biggest smile, and that she isn't smiling now, it's not right. 'To me, she's still alive. She'll always live - whether it's just in my heart, she will live on.' For most parents, being complimented about how cute your children will fill your with joy. Yet for one young mother who lost one of her twins, it cannot help but come with a sense of sadness. Tracey Kirby's three-year-old boys Henry and James, from Bedfordshire, never got to meet their sibling Cayden after he passed away in the womb. Doctors believe that Cayden, whose name means little fighter, passed away from a cardiac arrest after his heart gave up. And the 34-year-old mother and her partner Paul know exactly what Cayden would look like today as is Henry's identical twin. Ms Kirby is speaking out now ahead of Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from tomorrow until October 15, and raise awareness of Tamba (Twins and Multiple Births Association), a UK based charity. Ms Kirby told Mirror Online: 'It's hard, especially on birthdays and special occasions, because I do always wonder what it would be like if Cayden was here with us. Tracey Kirby with her two children James (left) and Henry (right) 'Obviously Henry is his identical twin, so I know what he would have looked like too, which makes things hard. I wonder whether the boys feel something missing you hear of that multiple bond starting in the womb so it would make sense if they had that feeling of loss.' She said she still struggles to this day with the loss of her young son and that some people struggle to understand the true pain they have endured. 'There is a saying in our community that it doesn't get easier, you just get better at dealing with it. 'But it still hits me when people call the boys twins they'll always be triplets. 'People think they're being kind when they say "oh, but you still have two", but there isn't a day goes by where we don't think about Cayden.' Ms Kirby and her son Paul, 30, found out they were expecting triplets - two identical twins and a singleton - but after 19 weeks they were told the identical twins suffered from TTTS (twin to twin transfusion syndrome). The condition affects the flow of blood from the placenta to the babies, which puts both babies at risk. Ms Kirby said: 'The idea of selective reduction [terminating one or more foetuses in the pregnancy] was discussed, but it just wasn't something I was willing to do,' said Tracey. 'I just thought 'I'm going to do the best I can for the three of them'. If we went for the selective reduction, there was still a chance I could have a miscarriage so to us it wasn't an option.' At around 18 weeks, the couple found out all of their babies were boys. Tracey Kirby with her husband Paul and their two sons James (right) and Henry (left) After undergoing surgery to help correct the blood flow in TTTS babies, something which comes with its own risks, she saw a video during the procedure which gave her a glimpse of her babies which most mothers do not get. She recalled: 'You see them properly on the screen, it's amazing. 'I'll never forget seeing Cayden when he was alive. His skin was really red from all the blood while Henry was quite pale, so we could make out who was who quite easily. Henry pictured as a baby with his blue teddy bear James, just a couple of days old, with his very own blue toy 'I remember Paul looking at the screen and saying how amazing it was to see them so close you could see their little finger nails and they both had blond hair.' She then underwent an agonising two week wait but was eventually told by a doctor that Cayden had not survived. 'At first I just couldn't understand, we'd heard him that morning,' she explained. 'But he said Cayden had died the day before. It was just such a complete shock. I'd been on such a massive high going into the appointment, I couldn't believe it. 'They said he'd probably had a cardiac arrest with all that extra blood pumping into his body. 'The local midwife was so apologetic afterwards but I told her she'd actually made things better. 'For those few hours between appointments, I had a little part of my pregnancy where I really enjoyed it and I was happy.' Tracey Kirby had to carry Cayden knowing that he was not going to survive. James and Henry (right) are now three-years-old Tracey carried her three sons, including tragic Cayden, for seven more weeks.' She said: 'I knew [Cayden] was in there and with his brothers and I just wanted to keep things that way. 'I saw a bereavement specialist and we started discussing the funeral. 'I thought about the birth and I knew the survivors would be whisked off to neonatal straight away, so I knew I wanted to have my cuddles with Cayden. 'Those seven weeks I had him in my tummy and I treasured that. I knew once they were born he would be gone. I liked that he was in me and he was safe. For the rest of my pregnancy I could talk to all three of them and I was happy they were all together.' Tracey was given support from Tamba's Bereavement Support Group and now helps other mothers who are going through the same pain she suffered. She said: 'This booklet will be a real help to people. When you first go through something like this you feel so alone, that's how I felt. 'When I found out about the support and Tamba's bereavement group I found it so helpful. It's a comfort, but also sad of course, that you're not the only one.' A mountain lion who was tracked by scientists in thousands of stunning photos and hours of video was found dead last week in the Verdugo Mountains in California. The mountain lion known as P-41, was found by residents near Shadow Hills, according to a National Park Services official. The 10-year-old male had been dead for several days and the carcass was decayed. The cause of death is unknown and a necropsy will be conducted in the next few weeks by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. However experts speculate it could be due to rat poison or complications from the La Tuna fire, which burned more than 7,000 acres last month. P-41 was found dead in by residents near Shadow Hills, California The decayed carcass was found days after death and a nacrospy will be conducted in the coming weeks The 10-year-old male mountain lion was photographed by amatuer scientists Johanna Turner and Denis Callet P-41 has been tracked with a GPS collar since 2015 The mountain lion was collared by biologist Jeff Sikich in 2015 and his movements were tracked until this summer when the GPS collar failed. Sikich said, 'P-41 had already overcome a number of challenges to survive in a relatively small home range with habitat fragmented by roads and development.' Amateur scientists Johanna Turner and Denis Callet photographed the 130-pound animal using motion sensored cameras. Turner told the LA Times that she photographed P-41 thousands of times and has hundreds of hours of video. She provided the images to the National Park Service for research and some were even featured in a 2015 Times article. Her last photo of P-41 was taken on August 3. Turner used motion-sensored cameras to capture more than 1,000 photos of P-41 Turner also said she has hundreds of hours of video of the mountain lion Though Turner never photographed P-41 in person, she said he would interact through the camera Turner described her interaction with the mountain lion through the camera though she never saw him in person. 'If I put a camera in a new spot, sometimes if he wasn't in the mood to get a flash bulb, he would come up, stop, look around and leave,' she said. 'I would get pictures of his butt.' 'We are grateful to the resident who reported the dead mountain lion,' said Julianne Taylor, a scientist with the Department of Fish and Wildlife. 'It's important to understand the mountain lions' entire life history, which includes mortalities and cause of death.' The National Park Service has been studying mountain lions in and around the Santa Monica Mountains since 2002. Ivana Trump still won't call Marla Maples by name decades after her affair with the Donald Trump ended his first marriage to the mother of his three oldest children. The 68-year-old Czech Republic native made the revelation about Maples during an interview with CBS about her new book, 'Raising Trump'. 'I don't talk about her. She's a showgirl. Never achieve anything in her life,' Trump said of Maples, who stared in The Will Rogers Follies on Broadway in 1991. She then implied that Maples gets the blame for her marriage ending. 'Well, she was flirting... and I think she was flirting and and she got away with it,' Trump said. When asked if she blames Donald now for their marriage ending, Trump replied: 'I'm not sure, because Donald would get 1,000 business cards in the pocket every night. He could choose any girl he wanted to have. 'So I'm not sure if she was. There could be another one, could be another one. I really don't know.' Scroll down for video Ivana Trump still won't call Marla Maples by name decades after her affair with the Donald Trump ended his first marriage to the mother of his three oldest children The 68-year-old Czech Republic native (left) made the revelation about Maples (right) with Donald in 1993) during an interview with CBS about her new book, 'Raising Trump' 'I don't talk about her. She's a showgirl. Never achieve anything in her life,' Trump said of Maples, who stared in The Will Rogers Follies on Broadway in 1991. Maples is pictured above with her cast members from the show Though it does not seem like she will forgive the president's second wife anytime soon, she does get along with his third, Melania Trump. In explaining the difference between Maples and Melania Trump, Ivana said: 'One is nobody. And the other one is First Lady.' Also during her wide-ranging interview with CBS, she revealed that her ex-husband offered her the ambassadorship to the Czech Republic but she turned it down so she could keep up her jet-set lifestyle and summers in Saint-Tropez. The Czech native had long been rumored for the post and floated the idea herself in a 2016 interview with the New York Post. 'I was just offered to be the American ambassador to Czech Republic and Donald told me. He said, 'Ivana, if you want it, I give it to you,' she told the network. 'But I like my freedom. I like to do what I want to do, go wherever I want to go with whomever I want to go. And I can afford my lifestyle,' she explained. She then implied that Maples gets the blame for her marriage ending. 'Well, she was flirting... and I think she was flirting and and she got away with it,' Trump said. Above Donald Trump and his then-wife Ivana smile as they attend a formal party, early 1980s Though it does not seem like she will forgive the president's second wife anytime soon, she does get along with his third, Melania Trump. In explaining the difference between Maples and Melania Trump, Ivana (above) said: 'One is nobody. And the other one is First Lady.' 'Okay, why would I go and say bye-bye to Miami in the winter, bye-bye to Saint-Tropez in the summer, and bye-by to spring and fall in New York? I have a perfect life,' she said. Trump had put out the idea herself during the campaign when she notably backed her ex and said nice things about him during his run. The Czech native and former model told the Post:'I will suggest that I be ambassador for the Czech Republic,' she told the paper. '[That] is where I'm from and my language and everybody knows me. I'm quite known all around the world. Not only in America. I have written three books, and they were translated in 40 countries in 25 languages. I'm known by the name Ivana. I really did not need the name Trump,' she said. Trump nominated Stephen B. King, a Wisconsin political operative, to the post in July. Trump said the president is still a big part of her life and that they speak 'maybe once a week,' and that he is 'still asking me for advice.' She said he asked her: 'Should I tweet, should I not tweet.' But she gave a simple reply: 'I said, I think you should tweet.' 'It's a new way, a new technology. And if you want to get your words across rightly, without telling the New York Times, which is going to twist every single word of yours, this is how you get your message out,' she said. Defending the practice, which has gotten the president in hot water when he lashed out at members of his own administration or 'Rocket Man' King Jong-un of North Korea, she said: 'Well, it's a tweeting president. This is his new way, how to put the message across. And he's right.' Trump, 68, has previously said she raised the three children she shares with the president, Donald Jr., Eric, and Ivanka virtually alone. A heartbroken mother lost her 'cheeky and mischievous' three-year-old daughter after a surgeon accidentally cut one of her arteries during an operation to remove a tumour. Caitlyn Parry was rushed to intensive care after the surgery in March 2010 but doctors were unable to save her. Her mother Sian, 37, of Mold, north Wales, knew the toddler 'was gone' when medics told her she was critical. She told the Liverpool Echo: 'I think I might have woken every child in the hospital by screaming when she died. 'She was just at the beginning of her life, a cheeky, mischievous, happy soul and a lively character. 'She didn't die from cancer - she died from a surgeon that cut her arteries.' Caitlyn Parry (pictured), three, died after her arteries were cut during an operation to remove a cancerous tumour in March 2010 The three-year-old was diagnosed with cancer in February 2010, but had been 'doing well' before her operation Her mother told the newspaper Caitlyn had seemed to be coping okay with chemotherapy after the shock cancer diagnosis in February 2010. She added: 'I'd been concerned about her from about six months old, as her heart was racing at night, she was always thirsty and her chicken pox left a purple bruise. 'But I was told I was being over-anxious. Eventually I put my foot down and got a scan in February. 'After the surgery and with more chemotherapy planned, they had said she'd be 97-98% towards being clear of it.' But after Caitlin's death she says she has suffered from depression. She told The Echo: 'We've got no trust in the NHS now, so find hospitals hard and I question everything and everyone in my life. Her mother Sian (pictured), 37, said: 'I think I might have woken every child in the hospital by screaming when she died' 'It's been a struggle for my eldest daughter Danielle , as she felt the little one was the priority and like Caitlyn meant more to me.' A report by Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool found two major arteries were divided during the operation to remove a Wilms tumour - a cancerous growth in the kidney most commonly found in children. The hospital apologised and reportedly reached a settlement with Caitlyn's family, but Ms Parry has said she had to fight to discover the truth. The report allegedly said the surgeon had mistakenly believed the arteries were feeding into the tumour. Toddler Caitlyn is pictured with her now heartbroken mother Sian, of Mold, north Wales A second surgeon was also reportedly supposed to be present but had been unable to attend because of another operation. The report said 'it would have been better' if the second surgeon had been present, and no such conflict should have occurred. It found 'no evidence of recklessness or carelessness' and stated that the operation had been carried out in a 'controlled and competent fashion'. An Alder Hey Children's Hospital Trust spokesman said: 'This settlement relates to treatment received in 2010. 'We deeply regret what happened to Caitlyn and we have apologised to the family for failures in care that the Trust acknowledged following a full investigation. 'Alder Hey cares for many complex patients and we always strive to maintain the highest standards. 'When we do not meet those standards, we work with our teams to investigate, learn and improve practice.' The three-year-old was described as 'cheeky and mischievous'. Pictured is her grave Wynn said that the hotel has a policy that says if a room is on 'do not disturb' for more than 12 hours, staff are supposed to investigate Paddock was reportedly holed up in his suite at the Mandalay Bay for three days When asked about Paddock's motive for the killing spree, Wynn said that his previous behavior suggested Paddock was 'a rational man' He said that Paddock had been staying at his hotels in Vegas for 11 years Steve Wynn was interviewed on 'Fox News Sunday' one week after after Stephen Paddock killed 58 people from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel Casino magnate Steve Wynn said that gunman Stephen Paddock seemed like 'a rational man' and was known to the staff. The billionaire CEO of Wynn Resorts was interviewed on 'Fox News Sunday' one week after after Paddock killed 58 people from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas. Wynn said Paddock and his girlfriend were well-known to his staff because he had been staying at the hotel for 11 years. 'He's been staying in Las Vegas since '06, a frequent visitor, once or twice a month, to this hotel and others,' Wynn said. Casino magnate Steve Wynn was interviewed on 'Fox News Sunday' one week after after a gunman killed 58 people from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas. He said that gunman Stephen Paddock seemed like 'a rational man' and was known to the staff Wynn said Paddock never raised a red flag. 'The most vanilla profile one could possibly imagine,' he said. 'Every historical review of his behavior indicates that he was a rational man' Paddock was holed up in his suite at the Mandalay Bay for three days before the shooting According to Wynn, Paddock never appeared to be a problem. 'The most vanilla profile one could possibly imagine,' he said. 'A modest gambler at least by our standards, you know, nothing serious, paid promptly, never owed any money anywhere in Las Vegas. He didn't fit the profile of a problem or compulsive gambler.' When asked about Paddock's motive for the killing spree, Wynn said that his previous behavior suggested Paddock was 'a rational man'. 'This is a man who behaved rationally, privately, a little introverted, liked to play video poker. But he was a rational man,' Wynn said. 'Every historical review of his behavior indicates that he was a rational man, so was his girlfriend. And yet he prepared over an extended period of time, a totally irrational act,' he said. Employees who knew Paddock were stunned that he went on the murderous rampage. 'This behavior, according to my employees, is as stunning, as unexpected as anybody, any of them have ever met,' Wynn said. 'Now, this sounds like someone either totally demented - a behavior which he never evidenced - or someone who's sending a message,' he said. Paddock opened fire on the Route 91 Harvest Festival killing 58 and injuring almost 500 in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history Employees who knew Paddock were stunned that he went on the murderous rampage. 'This behavior, according to my employees, is as stunning, as unexpected as anybody, any of them have ever met,' Wynn said Wynn said that he reassessed the security at his casino in 2015 when he developed a counter terrorism program Paddock was reportedly holed up in his suite at the Mandalay Bay for three days. Wynn said that the hotel has a policy that says if a room is on 'do not disturb' for more than 12 hours, staff investigate. In this case, though, that did not happen. Wynn said that he reassessed the security at his casino in 2015 when he developed a counter terrorism program. 'We had to recruit and expand security by tens of millions of dollars to cover every entrance, to retrain the entire workforce - from housekeeping and room service - and people are in the tower and observing people,' Wynn said. 'We had to cover every exit and every aspect of the building to see if we could identify and preempt any kind of terroristic or violent action. It is never perfect, of course, but what you can do, to use local vernacular: you can change the odds,' he said. Wynn also said that guests are not allowed to have guns in the hotel. 'We don't allow guns in this building unless they're being carried by our employees and there's a lot of them,' he said. 'But if anybody's got a gun and we find them continually, we eject them from the hotel.' A school pupil with Type 1 Diabetes was banned from going on a school trip treat for students with perfect attendance because a hospital appointment blotched her otherwise perfect record. Children at Blackmoor Park Junior School, in Liverpool, will be eligible to go to the cinema if they attend school 100% of the time over the next half-term. But medical appointments are not exempt - meaning Olivia Harkins, seven, who has Type 1 Diabetes, will miss out because she had to see her consultant at Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Her mother, Liz, accused the school of discrimination and said Olivia was devastated. Olivia Harkins (pictured with her mother, Liz), who has Type 1 Diabetes, will miss out because she had to see her consultant at Alder Hey Headteacher Colin Richardson said the school was working with parents to ensure children did not miss lessons 'unless it is absolutely necessary'. Mrs Harkins, 47, from West Derby, said: 'It was her first clinic on Thursday since she moved to junior school and it only runs during school hours. 'We don't get a say in what time she has to go, we just get a letter with Olivia's appointment time. 'Even if she had the first appointment of the day, it would still be during school time. 'The school sent out the letter about the cinema trip last week and, at first, I didn't really pay that much attention. Olivia was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in February after falling ill during the half-term break 'I thought it probably wasn't going to apply to Olivia - when I spoke to the teachers and found out it did, I was absolutely gobsmacked. They are discriminating against children who are sick.' Olivia was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes - which means her pancreas doesn't produce any insulin - in February after falling ill during the half-term break. She spent a week in hospital and now has to have insulin injections eight times a day. Her mum said she is still adjusting to life with the condition and wears a monitor to check her blood sugar levels. She also has to prick her fingers several times a day to ensure her levels are stable and regularly wakes in the night. But she said Olivia, who has two older brothers James, 16 and Daniel, 12, was still determined to make it to school. Mrs Harkins said: 'Olivia is devastated she's going to miss out on this trip. She's never off school and they know she has Diabetes. 'She's got a monitor attached to her which goes off constantly throughout the night and she can be up two to three times a night. She gets up in the morning absolutely shattered but she still wants to go to school. 'I can appreciate they want to get attendance up but why penalise kids who are genuinely ill? It's not a dentist appointment - it's completely different. Diabetes is a serious condition.' The attendance reward days letter said: 'Attendance is a priority for us at Blackmoor Park Junior School. If the children miss school, then they are missing out on so much more than lessons. 'We would like to reward those children who attend school 100% of the time throughout the next half-term. 'All children who achieve 100% will be taken on an afternoon out of school to watch a film at the cinema. 'We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the initiative. If it continues, figures will be reset to ensure that all have an opportunity to be rewarded for the next half-term.' The reward days letter said: 'Attendance is a priority for us at Blackmoor Park Junior School. If the children miss school, then they are missing out on so much more than lessons' Pupils who are late, are picked up early or take a dance or music exam in school time will also miss out on the cinema trip. Mrs Harkins added: 'My daughter went into class yesterday and told the teacher that I was picking her up. The teacher said: 'You do know that's going to affect your 100% attendance?' 'Children should not be punished if they have a genuine medical condition. I just can't believe it.' Mrs Harkins and husband Christian have made a formal complaint to the school and asked to meet with headteacher Colin Richardson. Blackmoor Park Junior School (pictured) head teacher, Colin Richardson, said the school was working with parents to ensure children did not miss lessons 'unless it is absolutely necessary' In a statement, Mr Richardson said: 'In partnership with parents, we are making a real effort to make sure that children do not miss lessons unless it is absolutely necessary. 'This has had a really positive effect, and attendance for this term so far has risen from 95 percent last year to 97 percent this year. 'All pupils who get 100 percent attendance and are in for every lesson during a half-term are rewarded with a trip to the cinema. 'This is just one element of the work we are doing to improve and reward attendance rates and there will be plenty of opportunities for those who haven't been successful this half-term to be rewarded at some point in the future.' A woman has been charged with being drunk and disorderly after she tried to climb the gates of Buckingham Palace yesterday as crowds gathered to film and jeer at her. Jessica Davey, 35, of Queen's Park, west London, was charged today with being drunk and disorderly contrary to Section 91 of the Criminal Justice Act 1967. She will appear in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow morning. Police officers 'observed her climbing the front gates of the palace' at 5.40pm and rushed to pull her down. As crowds gathered to capture the incident on camera, two male officers pulled her to the ground, handcuffing her and dragging her into a police car. Ms Davey, who appeared distressed, was heckled by one onlooker who shouted: 'Queen and country yeah! Yeah, yeah, yeah! 'F*** yeah!' Jessica Davey (pictured) was caught trying to scale the gates of Buckingham Palace yesterday evening. She was caught on camera being dragged away by officers After her unsuccessful attempt, the 35-year-old (pictured), with brown hair and dressed in a black top and blue jeans, was dragged away by two male officers and arrested with trespassing. She has since been charged with being drunk and disorderly As stunned crowds gathered, they jeered and applauded as the officers pulled her towards a parked police car A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'At 1740hrs on Saturday, 7 October officers in the area of Buckingham Palace observed a woman climbing the front gates of the palace. 'The woman, believed to be in in her 30s was quickly detained by officers before she gained access to the palace grounds.' She was arrested on suspicion of trespass under Section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 and was held at a central London police station. The Met insisted at the time it was not a terror-related incident. Aidila Razak captured the moment on video. The clip shows two male officers grab Ms Davey as she clings half way up the railings and pull her back down to the ground. Ms Davey (pictured) was half way up the gates when officers managed to catch her A video shows two male officers pull Ms Davey back down to the ground as crowds gather to watch and take pictures A crowd of people gathered, before moving closer to take pictures and videos with their smartphones. Ms Davey, a brunette, was dressed in blue jeans and black long-sleeved top. Malaysian journalist Ms Razak claims that 'the police arrived and cuffed her within seconds'. Meanwhile in Kensington, west London, police are investigating after a taxi driver drove into crowds of people outside the Natural History Museum this afternoon. Eleven people were injured after the suspected Uber driver 'mounted the pavement and mowed down pedestrians' at 2.20pm. At 6.19pm in north London Euston Station was evacuated after a passenger reported some 'suspicious activity'. Crowds of people ran out of the station in panic but it was declared a false alarm half an hour later. Shocked onlookers took to social media to tell people what happened. One called Erika wrote: Just watched this guy get arrested for trying to climb the Buckingham palace gates Reports of child sex abuse committed by other children have rocketed by 71 per cent in four years with experts blaming the rise of online porn. Data released under the Freedom of Information Act shows the number of peer-on-peer offences reported to police among under-18s rose from 4,603 in 2013 to 7,866 last year. Among under-tens, the figure has more than doubled in some areas. The Daily Mails Block Online Porn campaign has called for automatic blocks on pornography to protect under-18s. Reports of child sex abuse committed by other children have rocketed by 71 per cent in four years with experts blaming the rise of online porn. It will be explored in Panorama It is feared a rising number of youngsters are watching hardcore porn on their smartphones and tablets and may be seeking to act out what they have seen on their friends and classmates. Parents are often unaware because, even if porn-blocking software is installed at home, many pupils can view it on friends devices. The data, obtained by the BBCs Panorama, came from 38 of the 43 police forces across England and Wales. It showed there were almost 30,000 reports of children sexually assaulting other youngsters in the last four years. The investigation found 2,625 of the reported sexual offences, including 225 alleged rapes, happened on school premises, including primary school playgrounds. Almost three-quarters of all cases 74 per cent reported to 36 forces between April 1, 2013 and May 31, 2017 resulted in no further action. And figures from 30 forces show reports of sexual offences by children aged ten and under have more than doubled from 204 in 2013-14 to 456 in 2016-17. One girl said that at the age of 13 she was sexually assaulted by a boy in a toilet at a family party. She said: It made me feel disgusting. Sarah Hannafin, policy adviser at the National Association of Head Teachers, said: Young people now have got access to inappropriate content. Its not just pornography its dating sites, social media, and a lot of that content normalises negative attitudes and negative behaviours. Some children told the programme how they felt let down and isolated after reporting abuse. One said: Its not what actually happens that has the worst effect on you, its what comes after it. Its the being disbelieved, its the people failing you. Abused children and their parents also spoke of struggling to get help from schools or the authorities. One victim said: There was no talk about the police or telling his parents or taking it further, it was only really, stay away from him in lessons. Another childs parent said: I couldnt believe that were in the 21st century in Britain and we are allowing sexual abuse to continue, and for victims to go unsupported. One girl to feature in the Panorama investigation said that at the age of 13 she was sexually assaulted by a boy in a toilet at a family party. She said: It made me feel disgusting' Government guidance tells teachers they have a legal duty to report allegations of sexual assaults on children by adults. But Panorama claims there is no such duty when a child is accused, with schools told to follow their own child protection procedures. A Department for Education spokesman said: Sexual assault is a crime and any allegation should be reported to the police. Schools should be safe places and they have a duty to protect all pupils and listen to any concerns. An investigation by the Press Association earlier this year revealed that hundreds of pupils had been excluded from school in the past four years after being involved in sexual acts, including watching and sharing porn. 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli wrote a letter to a friend detailing his experience at a Brooklyn prison. He's reading, playing chess, shooting hoops and helping out other inmates with remedial education. 'Things are not that awful here,' Shkreli wrote in the letter to Lisa Whisnant that was shared with the New York Daily News. 'There are some bright sides. I am teaching these prisoners some new things and hopefully some ways to change their lives.' The securities fraud convict is in the Brooklyn prison awaiting his sentencing in January. He faces up to 20 years in prison. 'Pharma Bro' Martin Shkreli wrote a letter to a friend detailing his experience at a Brooklyn prison as he awaits awaiting his sentencing in January for securities fraud 'Things are not that awful here,' Shkreli wrote in the letter to Lisa Whisnant, pictured above with him in 2015. He's reading, playing chess, shooting hoops and helping out other inmates with remedial education Whisnant first heard of Shkreli when he made headlines for increasing the price of the life-saving anti-infection drug Daraprim by 5,000% overnight in 2015. 'I thought there must be more than this,' she said to the Daily News. She wrote him a letter to get his side of the story. To her surprise, he replied, saying that insurance companies would shoulder the extra cost and that he offered the drug cheap to Medicaid recipients. The two have been in touch ever since. Whisnant said she turned over the letter because she wanted the world to know Shkreli was OK. 'I've heard a lot of sorrowful, plaintive stories here,' he wrote in the letter. 'One guy was just in my room, crying. Supposed mobster.' The inmate writes that one of the downsides is the uncomfortable bed and snoring bunkmate. He thanked her for sending books on his wish list: A smattering of literature, ancient Roman philosophy and tomes on coding. 'They are useful for me but also my fellow inmates,' wrote Shkreli. He asked for extra copies of '48 Laws of Power' and 'Who Moved My Cheese?' Both self-help books are 'big here,' he wrote. Whisnant first heard of Shkreli when he made headlines for increasing the price of the life-saving anti-infection drug Daraprim by 5,000% overnight in 2015 Shkreli is awaiting sentencing at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, pictured After he was convicted on two counts of securities fraud in August, Shkreli posted $5million bond pending sentencing. A judge revoked his bond after a Facebook post offering $5,000 for a strand of Hillary Clinton's hair. The post reads: 'The Clinton Foundation is willing to KILL to protect its secrets. So on HRC's book tour, try to grab a hair from her... Will pay $5,000 per hair obtained.' Prosecutors also cited several other Twitter and social media postings by Shkreli that they said were harassing to women. Shkreli caught the Secret Service's attention after he wrote a Facebook post that read: 'The Clinton Foundation is willing to KILL to protect its secrets. So on HRC's book tour, try to grab a hair from her... Will pay $5,000 per hair obtained' Prosecutors also cited several other Twitter and social media postings by Shkreli that they said were harassing to women. On August 31 he posted a picture of him holding a computer chip with the caption that reads: 'How about this chip? 10 million deleted HRC emails? Oh well' On August 31 he posted a picture of him holding a computer chip with the caption that reads: 'How about this chip? 10 million deleted HRC emails? Oh well.' Shkreli apologized about his social media postings in a letter, saying that he 'used poor judgment' and 'never intended to cause alarm or promote any act of violence.' 'I wanted to personally apologize to this Court and my lawyers for the aggravation that my recent postings have caused,' Shkreli wrote. 'I understand now, that some may have read my comments about Mrs. Clinton as threatening, when that was never my intention when making those comments.' Shkreli was convicted in August of defrauding investors of two hedge funds he ran, MSMB Capital and MSMB Healthcare. He was acquitted of stealing from a drug company he later founded, Retrophin Inc, to pay them back. Though he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years, Shkreli will likely serve much less, in part because none of his hedge fund investors lost money. Shkreli's lawyer, Ben Brafman, told the Daily News he was very proud of his client's behavior behind bars. 'He is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances,' Brafman said. 'He is even helping other inmates, teaching math and other remedial subjects.' A pair of robbers hunting like predators for their prey sprayed acid in the face of a shopkeeper before punching and kicking her to the ground, a court heard. When Quyen Bui, 51, tried to scream for help, Sadik Kamara, 24, sprayed industrial-strength drain cleaner into her mouth, causing horrific internal burns. Kamara and his accomplice Joshua Jordan, 20, carried out their brutal attack without saying a word before fleeing from the mini-supermarket to rob another woman ten minutes later, the court was told. Sadik Kamara, 24, sprays industrial strength drain cleaner into the mouth of Quyen Bui, 51 CCTV footage of the attack showed Mrs Bui grappling with her assailants who sprayed her at least four times, including in her right eye, as she reached for the alarm. They fled empty-handed 30 seconds after the alarm was triggered. Two other accomplices also attacked Mrs Bui when she tried to leave the shop in Hackney, East London, before all fled in a waiting car. Just over a mile away, Kamara and Jordan dragged another Vietnamese woman to the ground before spraying her with an identical bottle of drain cleaner and robbing her, Wood Green Crown Court was told. When Mrs Bui was taken to hospital, she found herself being treated alongside the second victim, Thi Le Nguyen, whose Michael Kors handbag containing 575 in cash, her bank card and mobile phones was stolen. The robbers were later arrested after Kamara called for an ambulance, claiming he had been cleaning late at night and accidentally squirted acid in his eye. His injuries were found not to be serious. Prosecuting, Benn Maguire said: These men were preying on women to attack and rob. The gang rushes behind the till during the horrific attack in Hackney, east London 'They selected lone females at night and to instill fear in the minds of their victims they sprayed acid into their faces. When the victims attempted to shout for help they sprayed into their mouths, no doubt to silence their shouts for help. It was a vicious and cowardly attack to disable their victims. Consider the extreme pain, the fear, the horror these women must have experienced. He added: Having fled the scene of the first robbery, the defendants and other gang members drove around like predators searching for their prey. It may be no coincidence the victims of the attacks were Vietnamese women. One conclusion is that they were petite and easy to overpower. Reporting the attack at the mini-supermarket, Bui told police: The first man sprayed chemical in my face when he entered my shop. I looked up, thought they were robbers and pressed the alarm button straight away. I then tried to escape and call for help. The first man kept spraying me. Mrs Bui grapples with one of the thugs as they try to swipe cash from the supermarket's till I pushed the first man and the second man out, lifted the (counter) gate and ran out. But a third and fourth man blocked me. One of them punched my right shoulder. I fell down, then they kicked me hard. As the gang fled, Mrs Bui poured water over her face, which prevented serious injury, but she was still left with chemical burns to her mouth. She has worked in the supermarket run by her son for ten years, but was so traumatised she considered giving up work. Meanwhile, nail technician Miss Nguyen, describing how she was attacked as she got out of a taxi, said: They pressed my neck down into the ground and sprayed the chemical to my face. I was so scared. One of the two guys snatched my bag. Both defendants admitted the first robbery on March 10 and Kamara pleaded guilty to applying a corrosive liquid to burn, disfigure or cause bodily harm to Mrs Bui. Jordan denies the second charge, and both deny attacking Miss Nguyen. Three accomplices have never been traced. The trial continues. The Dutch student accused of a cruel 'pull a pig' stunt today said his 'victim' invented their romance and insisted they never had sex or arranged to meet in Amsterdam. Sophie Stephenson broke down in tears as she claimed Jesse Mateman tricked her into flying to The Netherlands after a holiday romance in Spain. Sophie, 24, from Stoke said he then sent her a text to say 'You've been pigged' when she landed in Amsterdam. But today 21-year-old student Jesse denied her claims, saying: 'We actually met in Barcelona, but I never had a romance with her. 'I've been in a hotel room with her, but I never slept with her. We are not and never were in love, as suggested.' Jesse told Mail Online he had now hired a lawyer to fight back against the story that has gone viral around the world. 'She's made it up': Dutch student Jesse Mateman, pictured, who is accused of cruel 'pull a pig' prank says his alleged victim has invented their holiday romance in Barcelona. Miss Stevenson (left) says she forked out 350 on a flight to see holiday romance Jesse Mateman after the couple met in Barcelona, during August Holiday fling...? Sophie says she slept with 'heartless' Jesse, top left, during her stay in Barcelona - and claims he bombarded her with text messages to get her to fly to see him in Amsterdam, a claim he denied today. 'There was no romance with Sophie. We did not sleep together and I did not message her everyday. That is just fantasist rubbish and it is ruining my life.' He denied messaging Sophie at all after meeting her in Spain. He told MailOnline: 'After Barcelona, I did not have any telephone contact with her, he added. 'The messages contained in those tabloids are either made by Sophie or by the newspapers, because I did not send them. ' Jesse said he had no idea she would be in Schiphol [Amsterdam] after she claimed they had arranged to meet. 'In fact, I wonder if Sophie has been at Schiphol at all. I have no idea,' he went on. Her mother Julie Stevenson said her daughter is 'in absolute bits' after falling victim to the alleged 'stunt' that sees creepy men compete to chat up women they deem to be 'the fat ugly girl'. Julie told MailOnline: 'It is a good job this lad lives in Holland because if he was here I'd string him up. He would call her everyday and Sophie was so excited and would go off and take the call.' 'He said he wanted to come and visit her in Manchester and was planning a visit. He then said he could not wait and asked if Sophie would come over to Amsterdam. 'Sophie said as she was getting on the plane he was calling her and telling her he couldn't wait to meet her at the hotel. 'It just shows you the lengths he was going to to make a fool of my daughter.' The text sent by Mateman (pictured), allegedly read: 'You were pigged' and added two pigs and a laughing face emojis before adding, 'It was all a joke' Distraught: Sophie Stevenson, 24, from Stoke, claims she flew 400 miles to meet her lover in Amsterdam only to be told she was the victim of a cruel 'pull a pig' prank. This mock-up shows the conversation between Miss Stevenson and her cruel prankster lover Sophie said she forked out 350 on the flight after being invited to the Dutch capital by her Jesse, who she met in Barcelona in August. The alleged prankster, from the southern town of Doetinchem, Netherlands, has faced a backlash in his home country, where he was attacked as 'a male-chauvinistic pig'. Julie added: 'He has shattered her confidence and most nights she just sits there in tears. It is breaking my heart to see how this has affected her. Why would any man do that to a woman. It is just heartless. 'She let me know she had arrived and about three hours later she called from the hotel to say he wasn't there. She thought something might have happened to him and said she would wait. 'After about six hours she rang me howling down the phone in tears and told me about the pig text message he had sent her. 'I couldn't believe it and felt devastated for Sophie as she had so been looking forward to the trip. I told her to get on the first plane home. 'She has been humiliated by that man and I don't know why. 'Why would he go to such lengths to string her along for all this time.' Meanwhile Sophie's father Andrew told the Sun: 'As soon as I heard I wanted to go over there and find him. Miss Stevenson said she 'felt sick' when she received the messages revealing her holiday romance was all a joke So angry: Julie Stevenson told MailOnline she wanted to 'string up' Jesse Mateman after the cruel prank that left her daughter at the airport 'She is a beautiful, confident, gorgeous girl and how dare that b*****d do anything like this.' Julie said her daughter and Dutchman Jesse Mateman had bonded while on holiday in Barcelona and getting caught up in the terror attack. She told MailOnline: 'They felt they had a connection because of what happened in Barcelona, but he was probably planning this all along. My daughter really thought he had some feelings for her, but instead he has been planning this all along. 'It hurts me so much to see her so dejected. It is going to take a lot to build up her confidence. Something should be done to this man to make him stop. You have to wonder if there are others he has tricked or what he will do next time.' On her arrival in Amsterdam, Mateman sent Ms Stevenson the message: 'You were pigged' and added two pigs and a laughing face emojis before adding, 'It was all a joke.' Heartbroken Miss Stevenson replied: 'How could you be so cruel though!' The humiliated bar supervisor from Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, had been excited to be reunited with Mateman and travelled some 500 miles only to be brutally dumped. The 24-year-old broke down in tears as she came to terms with her rejection alone in a foreign country. Claims: Sophie says her confidence has been shattered by the alleged cruel prank. Mateman was messaging her minutes before her departure - but when she arrived in Amsterdam he ignored her calls. They had slept together after meeting when they were caught up in the Barcelona terror attack which killed 13 people and injured 130, on August 17. Miss Stevenson said: 'All my friends and family cannot believe someone could be so cruel. It's one thing to have a joke, but this goes well beyond banter.' Holed up with their pals in the Pension Solarium - a one minute walk from the attack in August - the group struck up a relationship and Miss Stevenson and Mateman paired off. She said: 'I went to Barcelona with my friend Michelle and we arrived the day before the terror attack. We were staying really close to where the attack happened. 'On that day, we were so lucky, we'd just nipped out to buy some drinks and food and were sitting on the terrace when we started hearing gunshots. 'When we looked over we saw people running everywhere, it was really scary. 'The hotel was on lockdown after that and everything was shut for the day, so we stayed in and that's when we met Jesse and his three friends. 'We were there for four more days, and felt safe while we were with them, so we hung out loads. 'It was a proper holiday romance for Jesse and me. We slept together in Barcelona and when I came back to the UK, we carried on talking every day. 'We talked about having a long distance relationship.' Back in the UK, Miss Stevenson carried on messaging and calling Mateman, and they discussed giving things a go. The pair planned for her three-day visit and she spent 350 on a hotel and flights, travelling from Manchester to Amsterdam on September 29. She said: 'We had talked about me coming to visit, and he knew I'd booked flights, that I'd paid for a hotel and he was going to meet me when I arrived at 5pm on Friday. 'We were talking up until I got on the plane. But when I arrived, he wasn't there to pick me up. 'I called him a bunch of times, and he didn't answer. I waited at the airport for two hours and I hadn't heard anything, I was really starting to panic about being abandoned. 'There was a free shuttle bus to the hotel, so I made my way there and six hours later he finally messaged me - on Snapchat.' 'Pranked': Sophie said she forked out 350 on the flight after being invited to the Dutch capital by her Jesse, who she met in Barcelona in August. Mateman swiftly blocked Miss Stevenson after his alleged taunting messages. She added: ''Pulling a pig' is where a guy tries to pull the fat ugly girl. When I saw that message, I wanted to be sick. 'I was in a foreign country, on my own and the guy that I liked had just abandoned me. 'I replied and said 'how could you be so cruel' and all he did was block me.. I just couldn't believe it. 'I had no way of contacting him. I was petrified being in Amsterdam all on my own. 'I was so upset about what happened that I changed my flights so I could head home the next morning. 'I am furious that this happened and it's so dangerous. I want people to know what happened to me so that this never happens to anyone else.' Miss Stevenson, who has been unable to contact Mateman since the incident, said her friends and family are mortified. She said: 'Given the circumstance of how we met, you'd think that he'd be slightly more sensitive. I can't believe this has happened to me.' A man who calls himself Champagne Torino on Facebook has been taunting the police department of Redford, Michigan A man wanted on 'existing warrants' taunted a Michigan police department on Facebook by offering to turn himself in if their next post received 1,000 shares. The next post from the Redford Police Department, posted on Friday evening, did indeed receive more than 1,000 shares. The culprit, called Champagne Torino on Facebook, has not turned himself in as of Sunday, the Detroit News reports. The dispute between Torino and the Redford Police Department began on Friday. The police department posted about a home invasion. Torino posted a comment: 'You guys suck!' It appears that this is not the first time Torino has posted cruelly about the police department. Its reply read: 'Michael, given your veiled threats to residents and officers on other threads, and your inability to engage in constructive dialogue on this page, this is your one warning. If it continues you will be blocked.' The dispute began on Friday after Torino commented on a press release about a home invasion saying: 'You guys suck!' Torino sent the department a private Facebook message promising to turn himself in on his 'existing warrants' and to bring doughnuts if the department's next post was to receive 1,000 shares Later that evening, Torino sent a private message to the department. Screenshots posted by the department show that he wrote: 'If you're (sic) next post gets a thousand shares I'll turn myself in along with a dozen doughnuts. And that's a promise.' The following post from the department read: 'CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!' and it outlined the situation. The Friday post read: 'As you can see below, if we can have this post SHARED 1000 times, he will turn himself in to RTPD on his existing warrants, clean up blight on public school property, and bring us a dozen donuts. Donuts!!!! He promised us donuts! You know how much we love Donuts!' The post has received nearly 4,000 shares as of Sunday. It reached 1,000 shares in a bit over an hour on Friday evening. In a follow up post, the department wrote: 'It is amazing the support we get from the community. After the police department's post received more than 1,000 shares, it posted a bitmoji of a police officer doing a mic drop As of Sunday, Torino had not turned himself in. The police department wrote: 'He may or may not be a man of his word' 'Mr. "Torino" gave us a challenge. That challenge was accepted. He may or may not be a man of his word. It is our experience everyone gets caught at some point. 'He has drawn a lot of attention to himself, and that makes it hard to hide from reality. The important thing to be seen here is the support of the community, and the desire to help. 'Our jobs would be next to impossible without that partnership. 1000 shares in just over an hour!' As investment bankers, Deepali Sharp and her husband Kristian lived a millionaire lifestyle that most of us can only dream of. The couple ate out every night at exclusive restaurants, both drove a top-of-the-range Porsche and they always travelled first class. But their gilded world was thrown into sharp relief when their first child was stillborn. Inspired by the medical care theyd received, they gave up their jobs and used their savings to train as doctors. Former London Investment Bankers Deepali and Kristian Sharp, with their children Sachin, 13 and Amika, 11, as well as their Labradoodles Georgia and Teddy Mr Sharp in the doctor's room at Wishaw General Hospital, where he trained as a doctor (left). Deeply Sharp pictured during her medical training at Glasgow Royal Infirmary during the night shift (right) The couple pictured on holiday in Antigua celebrating leaving Investment banking in 2004 Now, they have finally qualified as GPs and although they have given up their designer clothes and exotic holidays, they say they are happier than ever. Until our son was tragically born dead I could always cheer myself up by going shopping, says Deepali, 44, but losing our son made me realise how empty my life really was. Now my old life seems a dream. But while we can no longer afford a millionaire lifestyle, Kristian and I are both so much happier. When Deepali became pregnant for the first time in 2002, life seemed easy and free of cares. Her husband, 42, worked as a credit derivatives trader for Merrill Lynch, and the pair divided their time between a multi-million pound town house in central London and an exclusive apartment in New Yorks East Side. Pictured on their Medical Graduation from Nottingham University in July 2010 with children Amika and Sachin Mr and Mrs Sharp on their wedding day in 2000 Pictured on an engagement trip to Lucknow, India, in 1999 (left) and pictured in more recent times (right) Deepali said: Until then my only worries were whether to buy Prada, Gucci or Nicole Farhi. Once Kristian wasnt sure which designer handbag to buy me so he bought five and they each cost around 500 each. Initially, all seemed well during her pregnancy, but at 20 weeks their unborn son was diagnosed with a serious heart defect. At six months he was stillborn. The bereft couple tried to carry on. But suddenly our old lives just seemed so shallow and empty, Deepali said. To fill the void, Kristian began helping out at a local hospice in the evenings. Meanwhile, Deepali volunteered at the HIV unit of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. She said: Wed both been so moved and impressed with the doctors whod cared for me when I was having our son and throughout our ordeal that it seemed a way of giving something back. However, she soon found herself becoming more interested in medical issues. On holiday in the Turks and Caicos Islands, when they very first met, back in 1996 I would talk to doctors about the various options for treatments available. I found it fascinating. One day one of them said, maybe you ought to become a doctor yourself. Her husband was supportive, and so she decided to enroll at Nottingham University to study for a medical degree. She added: By then Id had our second child, Sachin I even breastfed him in the lunchtime during my entrance exam. Deepalis enthusiasm inspired Kristian so much that a year later he too decided to give up work and joined her training as a doctor. A three-year-old Sachin playing with his sister, who is aged nine months at the time of the photograph Another picture of the couple during the holiday to the Caribbean where they first met Two years later she gave birth to their daughter, Ambika. She recalls: By now wed both moved to Nottingham, using money saved from our previous jobs to put ourselves through medical school. 'The only leftover from our previous lives was our Porsches. Training to be doctors was tough for the couple, but in 2010 they finally qualified, completing their GP training last year. They have now settled in Glasgow with their two children, now aged 11 and 13. Reflecting on how their lives have changed, Deepali said: These days I shop for bargains in ordinary supermarkets and buy all my clothes from high street stores. Travelling first class would be unthinkable we always book package holidays away. But we look at our lives and we are so happy and content. I feel so lucky we know what its like to have so much money because we know for sure that money is not the route to true happiness. We know all the designer clothes and jewellery in the world doesnt make you happy. And we feel richer than ever. A woman has unleashed a bizarre expletive-laden rant after weaving in and out of traffic and crashing into another car on a busy highway. The 25-year-old woman was filmed as her Nissan Patrol came to rest on the side of the Bruce Highway at Elimbah, in Queensland's south-east, just after 2pm on Sunday. The woman tells a witness to the crash to 'get the f*** away from me' and 'I haven't done drugs in ages' when he tries to help her. Scroll down for video Filmed by a bystander attempting to help her following the crash, the woman (left and right) can be heard shouting 'get the f*** away from me' and 'I haven't done drugs in ages' In the footage, shared online on Sunday, more witnesses can be seen to approach the car before they are also abused by the woman. One female witness can be heard saying: 'Look at what you've done, look at the view behind you' referring to the damage she allegedly caused in the crash. The driver continued her expletive-laden rant, shouting : 'F*** off you idiot'. The 25-year-old driver, who appeared to be trapped in her car, allegedly collided with a white Jeep at Elimbah about 2pm. The crash caused the jeep to roll and clip a third vehicle before coming to rest in the southbound lanes. Queensland man Paul Dossetto, who shared the video to Facebook on Sunday, said he saw the woman driving 'erratically' before the crash. In the footage, shared online on Sunday, more witnesses can be seen to approach the car before they are told off by the woman 'She pulled over into the right hand shoulder lane, and passed us at a great speed,' he said. 'It's the most frightening driving I've seen in my entire life. 'I hope the man in the white jeep is okay.' When emergency crews arrived at the crash site, the door of the Jeep needed to be removed in order to free the male driver, Nine News reported. The driver of the white Jeep, aged in his 30s, reportedly suffered a skull fracture. The man was taken to the Royal Brisbane Hospital in a critical but stable condition. The driver and passenger of the third vehicle were not injured. The driver (pictured) continued her expletive-laden rant, shouting : 'F*** off you idiot' The female driver of the white Nissan was also taken to hospital with minor injuries The female driver of the Nissan was also taken to hospital with minor injuries. She was required to undergo drug testing. Both lanes of traffic were at a standstill following the crash, with Queensland Police forced to close the road for several hours. One witness also claimed a dog died in the crash. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating, with officers urging anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to phone Crime Stoppers. A German backpacker attacked at Salt Creek has revealed the chilling words her 61-year-old kidnapper uttered when she interrupted him sexually assaulting her traveling companion. Lena Rabente, 24, and fellow backpacker Beatriz, from Brazil, took a ride with Roman Heinze early last year from Adelaide, hoping to go to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road. But after stopping to camp at the remote beach in South Australia, Lena awoke to find Beatriz, naked and bound with rope, laying in the sand with the Heinze standing over her. 'I shouted at him something like "leave her alone, get away from her, let her go" and he turned around to me and he said something really strange that I didn't get immediately in that moment,' Lena told 60 Minutes. 'He said something like "I just wanted to try her",' the 24-year-old recalled. Scroll down for video A German backpacker attacked at Salt Creek has revealed the chilling words her 61-year-old kidnapper uttered when she interrupted him sexually assaulting her traveling companion Lena Rabente (left), 24, and fellow backpacker Beatriz (right), from Brazil , took a ride with Roman Heinze early last year from Adelaide , hoping to go to Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road But after stopping to camp at the remote beach in South Australia, Lena awoke to find Beatriz, naked and bound with rope, laying in the sand with the Heinze standing over her Lena and Beatriz, 25, spoke publicly for the first time on Sunday about their horrific ordeal and their struggle to survive. Lena said Heinze, 61, began beating her over the head with a hammer after she interrupted him attacking Beatriz. Heinze, who was now travelling by car, then chased Lena on the sand dunes for nearly a kilometre. Dashing in all different directions, Lena made sharp turns as her attacker pursued her in his 4WD. As she tired, Heinze began to hit her with his bumper bar, causing her to fall - but every time, she would get back up and continue to run. 'I was so determined that I didn't want to die. Not here, not now,' she said. Eventually tiring, Lena made a drastic decision that saved her life. She ran at the car, launching herself on to the bonnet before climbing on to the roof. 'I thought, I'm safe on the roof, he can't get on the roof,' she said. 'I felt a bit like, in a movie - it felt like James Bond.' Lena Rabente and Beatriz (pictured) have relived the horrific ordeal they experienced when Roman Heinze kidnapped and tortured them at Salt Creek Lena told an amazing story of survival, revealing she climbed on to the roof of Heinze's 4WD while he was driving it in an attempt to escape The women managed to escape the frightening ordeal, and Heinze (pictured) was found in his car further down the beach, all on the same day Heinze tried desperately to get Lena off the roof of his car. She kicked towards his face as he tried to hit her with the hammer again and again. Meanwhile, Lena's head is still gushing blood from the initial blow. She described it to the program as 'blood rain'. Heinze then started driving erratically in an attempt to throw her off as she clings on for dear life. Further down the beach a car began to approach Beatriz, who had fled to nearby bushes after Lena had been able to untie the rope binding her hands and ankles. She ran towards the car, stark naked, screaming for help. Inside the car, a group of fishermen called a nearby roadhouse, who notified police. Beatriz begged the men not to take her back to the entrance of the isolated beach, instead she asked they help find Lena, who was still on the roof of Heinze's car. Heinze was caught and arrested after his 4WD became bogged in a sand dune (pictured). He was jailed for 22 years Heinze answered an ad the women posted on Gumtree requesting a lift from Adelaide to Melbourne early last year (pictured: camp site at Salt Creek) Heinze eventually lured Lena down from the roof of his car by throwing away two hammers and a knife he had inside. Now barely conscious, Lena got into the front passenger seat, and the pair began to travel back down the beach - straight past Beatriz and the men who rescued her. Though she was on the brink of consciousness, Lena jumped out of Heinze's car and ran for the men - who later revealed they could not tell if she was a man or a woman, such were the extent of her injuries. Police, alongside the roadhouse owner, began to search for an escaping Heinze. They found him bogged in the sand of the dunes, with his hands on the wheel of the car. He was arrested, and did not put up a fight. Had the girls not been saved, they would certainly have lost their lives in the isolated sand dunes of Salt Creek, Heinze's ex-girlfriend Sylvia Clark revealed. Ms Clark saw Heinze on the news and had a 'meltdown', she said. In an interview with 60 Minutes, Lena (left) said she 'felt like James Bond' as she moved to distract Heinze from her friend, who laid naked and bound on the beach Taxi drivers will face a hefty fine for refusing to take patrons travelling a short distance from the airport, as cops crack down on the infuriating habit. Melbourne Airport became the host of authority watchdogs on Friday with dozens of taxi drivers handed a penalty totaling $396. Plain-clothed Hume Highway Patrol members posed as unsuspecting passengers of the public after receiving 'lots of complaints' about the issue. Taxi drivers will face a hefty fine for refusing to take patrons travelling a short distance from the airport (stock image) In a Facebook post now 'liked' by 7,400 people the police warned cab drivers that this was just the beginning of their sting In a Facebook post now 'liked' by 7,400 people the police warned cab drivers that this was just the beginning of their sting. 'Dozens of penalty notices were issued to taxis refusing to take fares. In addition numerous other offences were dealt with including driving a taxi while suspended and offensive behaviour from a taxi driver,' the post read. 'Message to any taxi drivers not doing the right thing at the airport... we will be back, promise!' Facebook commenters were quick to praise the Victorian police for their efforts and mentioned times they were also left in the lurch. Plain-clothed Hume Highway Patrol members posed as unsuspecting passengers at Melbourne airport Uber appeared to be the next best option for those not able to get a taxi (pictured) A taxi driver commented below the thread to say they had never left people on the taxi rank because of how long or short their fair was (pictured) 'The only way I could get from Craigieburn station to my house by cab was to call up and say I'm going to Oakleigh... when the driver arrives and says 'where abouts in Oakleigh?' I used to say 'I said locally, not Oakleigh,' one disgruntled man wrote. 'Brilliant! Thankyou from all the residents of Gladstone Park who can never get home because the taxi drivers refuse us because our homes are too close,' another added. One woman stated that this kind of behaviour was exactly why Uber was becoming a preferred mode of transport from the major city airports. Facebook commenters were quick to praise the Victorian police for their efforts and mentioned times they were also left in the lurch One woman stated that this kind of behaviour was exactly why Uber was becoming a preferred mode of transport from the major city airports 'This is why Uber is winning the business. Happened to me when l was in the city and needed to go 5 kms early morning and by myself. Walked the whole way. Keep it going guys good job. The true story behind why they are loosing business is starting to be exposed,' she said. A taxi driver commented below the thread to say they had never left people on the taxi rank because of how long or short their fair was. 'These other drivers give us a bad name,' they wrote. It's not clear whether other states will take a similar measure. The Armed Forces are preparing for a potential war with North Korea, sources have revealed. Officials have been instructed to draw up plans for how Britain would respond if war broke out with Pyongyang amid heightening tensions between the West and dictator Kim Jong-Un. One option involves deploying Britains new aircraft carrier due to be handed over to the Navy later this year to the region before she has undergone flight trials. Details of the secret operation plan have emerged after Donald Trump warned that only one thing will work when it comes to dealing with North Korea, which has continued nuclear and rocket tests despite widespread condemnation. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspecting military plans with his generals The US President said that, over 25 years, talking with North Korea hasnt worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of US negotiators. In return Kim said his nuclear weapons were a powerful deterrent that guaranteed North Koreas sovereignty. The UKs contingency plans have been mapped out in recent months amid fears these tensions could escalate into war. Under one scenario, HMS Queen Elizabeth, along with 12 F-35B fighter jets, would be brought into service early to join US warships off the Korean peninsula. The 65,000-ton carrier, which has a 700-strong crew, could be escorted by Type-45 destroyers and Type-23 frigates. A senior Whitehall source said: We have plenty of ships to send the Type-45 destroyers, the Type-23 frigates. Britains new aircraft carrier could be pressed into service early if things turn south. Under one scenario, HMS Queen Elizabeth, pictured, along with 12 F-35B fighter jets, would be brought into service early to join US warships off the Korean peninsula Ministers had refused to say whether the UK had a plan should conflict erupt with Pyongyang. But military planners are examining options including tactics similar to those used to defend the Falklands. In 1982, aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious was rushed into service early for the war with Argentina. HMS Queen Elizabeth is not due to enter service until 2020, but she will be commissioned at the end of this year. Navy sources said she could technically then be sent to war. While Kims threats have focused on the US, British officials fear the UK would be dragged into any war with the regime, which has been sanctioned by the UN. Last week Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon told the Tory Party conference: North Koreas illegal testing underlines just how irresponsible it would be to scrap the deterrent that protects us. It is all very well Jeremy Corbyn saying he would never use nuclear weapons but Manchester and London are closer to Pyongyang than Los Angeles. Sir Michael Fallon has said North Korea's missile testing 'underlines just how irresponsible it would be to scrap the deterrent that protects us' He also said the public should not be squeamish about sending soldiers to fight in foreign countries again, despite the loss of life in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sir Michael said this meant deploying ships, planes and even troops on the ground if asked for help. Ahead of next months Budget, he called for more cash for defence, warning that threats to Britain had intensified. HMS Queen Elizabeth is conducting sea trials in Portsmouth. She will then carry out tests on mission systems before being handed over to the Navy. After that date, the ship will carry out more tests, including trials with stealth fighter jets. A Navy source said: In the Falklands we had to react to an event and HMS Illustrious was accelerated to respond. This was a reaction to protect British territory, however. In this case [North Korea], the UK would be part of a united global coalition. We would see what support we could give. As well as missiles, North Korea has also tested a hydrogen bomb a far more devastating weapon than conventional atomic bombs. An autistic three-year-old Bronx boy was hospitalized after his mother's boyfriend punched him in the face. Police said on Sunday that the unidentified man struck the tot in the face around 10.40pm on Saturday inside the woman's apartment on University Avenue near West Tremont Avenue in Morris Heights. The young boy was taken to St Barnabas Hospital to be treated for his injuries - the extent of which has not been released. Authorities say he is expected to survive. An autistic three-year-old Bronx boy was hospitalized after his mother's boyfriend punched him in the face. The young boy was taken to St Barnabas Hospital (pictured) to be treated for his injuries, but authorities say he is expected to survive It's not known what led to the attack but an investigation has been launched His abuser ran off after the incident and police say he remains at large. It comes just two days after a Wisconsin mother was accused of killing her four-year-old autistic son. Amelia DiStasio, 23, of Milwaukee, was charged with first degree intentional homicide after her son, Antonio, was found in the bathtub of the family home covered in burns on September 28. His hands were tied behind his back with seven belts, and his head was covered with a garbage bag, according to a criminal complaint obtained by WDJT. An open bottle of canola oil was also found in the bathroom, and a pile of clothes were still smoldering when the fire department arrived. One resident told police she heard the boy yelling: 'Please mommy, stop! I won't do it again!' the night before the murder, according to the criminal complaint. Puffing on a pipe and clad in a distinctive peaked cloth cap, this Victorian sailor may look somewhat familiar to fans of crime fiction. And considering who one of his travelling companions was, we can reasonably use our powers of deduction to suggest that this pipe smoker may have provided a spark of inspiration for one of the world's most famous detectives. For while the man on the far right of this photo is one Dr William Henry Neale, the man on the far left is none other than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Pictured far left is the brains behind Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and far right Dr William Henry Neale while they were serving on The Hope in July 1880 The picture was taken in July 1880 while the Sherlock Holmes author was serving on the Arctic whaler The Hope, several years before his detective stories catapulted him to international fame. The young Conan Doyle had taken time out from his medical studies at Edinburgh University to spend six months travelling on The Hope around Siberia as the ship's surgeon. He later wrote that the voyage had had a major impact on him, and used the experience in his ghost story Captain of the Pole-Star and two non-fiction articles, The Glamour of the Arctic and Life on a Greenland Whaler. During the journey, The Hope came across the Eira, the ill-fated yacht of explorer Benjamin Leigh Smith, which sank on a subsequent voyage after being crushed by two icebergs. It could well be the case that Dr William Henry Neale was the inspiration for Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes character. Recently the London-based crime tales have been brought back to life by BBC drama Sherlock, where Benedict Cumberbatch (pictured) plays the detective Dr Neale, with his pipe and deerstalker-esque cap, was the Eira's surgeon. The remarkable image has come to light as Russian divers announced this week they believe they have discovered the wreck of the Eira. It was not until 1886 that Conan Doyle began writing his first Holmes tale, going on to write 56 short stories and four novels. In them, he described his main character Holmes as wearing both an 'ear-flapped travelling cap' and a 'close-fitting cloth cap'. Holmes was also reported to smoke both clay and briar pipes. While Conan Doyle never specifically referred to Holmes's hat as a deerstalker, the original illustrations by Sidney Paget that accompanied his stories in The Strand magazine, including The Hound of the Baskervilles, depicted Holmes in his now iconic headwear. This is unsurprising considering the deerstalker was the most typical countrywear of the period matching both descriptions. Australia's dole bludger capital isn't Byron Bay in northern New South Wales or the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. In fact, it's a suburb on Melbourne's northern outskirts which doesn't have any picturesque views of the ocean. Craigieburn, 26 kilometres north of central Melbourne, is where the welfare bill has more than doubled in five years, from $22.9 million to $50.4 million, as an additional 2,027 people went on the dole. Craigieburn on Melbourne's northern outskirts is where the welfare bill has doubled since 2012 This outer Melbourne suburb is where social security payments have skyrocketed to $50m TOP 10 WELFARE SUBURBS 1. Caboolture, north of Brisbane 2. Blacktown, western Sydney 3. Mildura, north-west Victoria 4. Frankston, south-east Melbourne 5. Deception Bay, north of Brisbane 6. Werribee, south-west Melbourne 7. St Albans, north-west Melbourne 8. Dubbo, central-west NSW 9. Auburn, western Sydney 10. Dandenong, south-east Melbourne * Department of Human Services data on welfare recipients failing to turn up for job interviews. Advertisement Now, Human Services Minister Alan Tudge has declared enough is enough. 'While the vast majority of people do the right thing, the unfortunate reality is that some people deliberately defraud the system, while others inadvertently fail to update their records,' the Melbourne-based Liberal MP told the Herald Sun. During the past year alone, another 709 people in Craigieburn have started receiving either the Newstart unemployment benefit of the Youth Allowance, the newspaper said. The Turnbull Government last year established Taskforce Integrity, bringing together the resources of the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Human Services, which administers Centrelink, to investigate Craigieburn and surrounding suburbs. Mr Tudge said the taskforce would target the small number of welfare recipients who claimed more social security than they were entitled to. 'Those people will be identified and potentially prosecuted,' he said. Craigieburn falls within the Labor-held seat of McEwen. Human Services Minister Alan Tudge is cracking down on those who abuse welfare Conservative MPs last night demanded Theresa May sack Philip Hammond for dragging his feet over Brexit as part of a reshuffle to reassert her authority. The Prime Minister yesterday vowed she would not hide from a challenge amid speculation she could oust Boris Johnson in a shake-up of her Cabinet after she saw off a botched coup in the wake of her conference speech. But last night Brexit-supporting MPs urged her instead to remove the Chancellor, who they accused of being overly pessimistic about Britains departure from the EU and constraining efforts to relaunch her premiership. Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond and his wife Susan Williams-Walker arriving at the Conservative Party Conference last week In her first interview since her conference speech was blighted by a persistent cough and a prankster who handed her a fake P45, Mrs May yesterday admitted it was an uncomfortable time but insisted she never considered abandoning the address because she is not someone who gives up. She fuelled rumours she could seek to bolster her position by holding a reshuffle in the coming weeks as she suggested she was prepared to either sack or demote Mr Johnson. Asked what she might do with the Foreign Secretary, Mrs May told The Sunday Times: It has never been my style to hide from a challenge and Im not going to start now. Brexit-supporting MPs urged Mrs May (pictured at church yesterday) to remove the Chancellor Im the PM, and part of my job is to make sure I always have the best people in my Cabinet, to make the most of the wealth of talent available to me in the party. However, last night Mrs May faced growing pressure to use a reshuffle to remove Mr Hammond, who is nicknamed Spreadsheet Phil for his dry demeanour, before next months Budget. Critics of the Chancellor have accused him of limiting the ambition of the Governments domestic policy agenda and attempting to keep Britain closely tied to the EU for years after Brexit. Ahead of the June election, Mrs May had planned to sack Mr Hammond, and Downing Street aides held long discussions about how she would handle his ousting, but she scrapped the idea after losing her majority. Yesterday, Nadine Dorries, who is a supporter of Mr Johnson, became the first backbencher to publicly call on the Prime Minister to revive her plan. She told ITVs Peston on Sunday: If I were the Prime Minister, the person I would be demoting or certainly sacking would be Philip Hammond. She very much wanted to do that before the election was called because I dont think hes been completely on board. 'I think hes been deliberately trying to make the Brexit negotiations difficult, stall them, obfuscate the issues, I just dont think hes been 100 per cent on board. Another Tory MP added last night: The backbenchers are livid with Hammond because he pushed and shoved over the summer to water down Brexit. 'But also, everybody thinks he is too pessimistic. We want to be upbeat and we just dont think hes helping. So there is a lot of anger. In her first interview since her conference speech was blighted by a persistent cough (pictured taking a lozenge from Mr Hammond) Ruth Davidson refuses to rule out Tory leadership bid (in 2021) Ruth Davidson said yesterday that a Scot absolutely could become Tory leader as she left the door open to a bid to become prime minister after 2021. The Scottish Conservative leader ruled out moving to Westminster right now, insisting she had a job to do in Scotland at the moment. Miss Davidson said she planned to fight Nicola Sturgeon to become first minister in the Holyrood elections in four years time, but she refused to rule out a move south of the border afterwards. Asked if a Scot could ever again lead the Tories, Miss Davidson told the BBCs Andrew Marr Show: Oh absolutely, without a doubt. Ruth Davidson said yesterday that a Scot absolutely could become Tory leader as she left the door open to a bid to become prime minister after 2021 But she added: Ive got a job at the moment. I am not looking past 2021. Im trying to build a party that was third, in some cases fourth when I became leader, to be a credible government of Scotland. Ive come a long way in that, Ive got a long way still to go. I know what my job is and this is my job right now, but you know Im looking to 2021 and Im not looking past it cause theres quite a few things in the in-tray right now. Advertisement A senior Tory backbencher said both Mr Johnson and Mr Hammond were on probation, and there would be a tit for tat battle with a push for the Chancellor to be removed by Brexiteers if the Remoaners succeeded in getting rid of the Foreign Secretary. Referring to how Mr Hammond handed Mrs May a cough sweet as she struggled to give her conference speech on Wednesday, he added: The Chancellor is not just there to provide Strepsils. The authority sits with the PM and if he is not willing to help deliver her agenda on Brexit or at home, she should remove him. But an ally of Mr Hammond last night rejected the criticism. He said: Just last week Nadine was calling on her fellow MPs to turn their fire on the Labour party and Jeremy Corbyn. Nadine Dorries became the first backbencher to publicly call on the Prime Minister to revive her plan of sacking Philip Hammond It would be helpful for her to heed her own advice. Former prime minister Sir John Major yesterday hit out at the disloyal behaviour of some Tories who are driven by their own personal agenda comments viewed as a slapdown to Mr Johnson, who overshadowed both her Brexit speech in Florence last month and the start of the partys conference. Sir John urged the Tories to unite or risk the neo-Marxist Jeremy Corbyn taking power. However, Mr Johnson used a Sunday Telegraph column to pledge loyalty to Mrs May, and said the partys MPs have sniffed the air and turned sensibly away from the cliff. Addressing plotters hoping the PM will step down, he wrote: What do you think you are doing, you nutters? Former deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine said it would be a high-stakes gamble for Mrs May to sack the Foreign Secretary, who it is thought would leave Cabinet if asked to move to another role. I think that if she wants to assert her authority she would have to sack him, but of course its a high-risk policy because he will be on the back benches and he wont go quietly, he told BBC Radio 4s The World This Weekend. When asked where Mrs May should put Mr Johnson, he told Sky News: Mongolia, somewhere like that. Culture Secretary Karen Bradley last night played down the need for a change in personnel around the Cabinet table. She told BBC Radio 5 Live: We had a reshuffle after the referendum result when we saw a change of leader, thats less than 18 months ago. Mrs May yesterday showed she was carrying on with business as usual, posting pictures of herself campaigning in her Maidenhead constituency on Twitter. Out on the doorstep again this weekend, she wrote. A really good chance to show how we truly are building a country that works for everyone. The co-leader of the Green Party is to tell members today that it will be the most influential party in 21st century politics despite having only one MP. In his speech at the partys conference in Harrogate, Jonathan Bartley will say where we lead, others follow, claiming the Greens have set the agenda on issues such as the living wage and opposing austerity. The party failed to add to its single MP in the general election and saw its vote share fall from the 2015 result. Jonathan Bartley will say where we lead, others follow, claiming the Greens have set the agenda on issues such as the living wage and opposing austerity But Mr Bartley will say: Our London Assembly members forced a living wage. Our MEPs stood up for refugees when others stood back. 'And in Parliament, we have consistently kept climate change on the agenda. And you know what, I believe we will be the most influential party in 21st century politics. Under Jeremy Corbyn, Labour has squeezed the space on the Left for the Greens, contributing to the partys poor performance at the election. But Mr Bartley, who leads the party alongside MP Caroline Lucas, will claim the Greens have shaped the debate on fracking and austerity and suggest other parties only flirt with changing the economy and the welfare system. He spent more than a decade in hiding after his 'blasphemous' novel led a Muslim leader to put a price on his head. But almost 30 years after writing The Satanic Verses, Sir Salman Rushdie has risked angering Islamists again by saying he could not face reading the 'unenjoyable' Koran. Asked if Islam's central text should be edited to make the religion seem 'more humane', the Man Booker prize winner replied: 'Editing the Koran seems like a mug's game. 'It's not a very enjoyable book because most of it is not narrative. 'The big difference between the Old Testament, the New Testament and the Koran is that the Koran has the least narrative of them. 'Only about a quarter of the book is stories. Sir Salman Rushdie (pictured) has risked sparking outrage with Islamists again by slating the Koran as 'not a very enjoyable book' because its lack of narrative content 'A third of the book is fulminations against the unbeliever and how they will rot in hell. Another third of the book is laws, how you should behave. 'So no I wouldn't edit it because then I'd have to read it, and I don't want to do that.' Sir Salman, who was speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival at the weekend, added that he thinks the world would be a better place without any religion 'because it is an absurdity that gets people killed.' The 70-year-old spent years living under 24-hour police protection after the publication of his 1988 novel, which was inspired in part by the life of the Prophet Mohammed. It provoked protests across the world from outraged Muslims who claimed it insulted the prophet and accused Sir Salman of mocking their faith. The row culminated in February 1989 with Sir Salman being condemned to death by Iran's Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who issued a fatwa a legal pronouncement by an expert in religious law calling for his execution. Sir Rushdie is pictured with his book The Satanic Verses, which caused outrage among Muslims, with one leader putting a price on his head, in 2007 He offered a million US dollars to anyone who would murder the author. Sir Salman later blamed the presence of his police guards part of one of Britain's most costly and elaborate protection operations for the breakdown of his marriage to American author Marianne Wiggins. Though he issued an apology in Iran in 1990 which was rejected Sir Salman later condemned Islamic fundamentalism as a 'project of tyranny and unreason which wishes to freeze a certain view of Islamic culture in time'. During his appearance at the literary festival, Sir Salman, whose latest novel The Golden House is set in his home city of New York, also commented on the presidency of Donald Trump. The Indian-born writer said: 'There is a lot of us who were worried about the travel ban and America is a difficult country to get in and out of if you come from certain places or have certain types of ethnicity. [But] They can't stop me now because I have got a passport and New York is not Trumpistan.' The Tories pledge to introduce a cap on social care costs by 2020 has been officially abandoned. David Cameron promised to bring in an upper limit of about 75,000 on the amount people must pay towards their own care. But a senior Government source has said the cap will not be introduced until well into the next decade at the earliest. The Tories pledge to introduce a cap on social care costs by 2020 has been officially abandoned (file photo) This means the scandal of enormous care bills eating away at the hard-earned inheritance people were hoping to leave to their children will continue. Ministers are also considering radical plans to encourage all workers to set aside a proportion of their wages each month to pay for their own future social care needs. The scheme similar to auto-enrolment for pensions would effectively bring in an expectation that everyone should build up a personal care fund. The plan is being considered as part of a consultation document on the future of social care, which had been expected by the end of the year. But it is understood the publication of the green paper has been delayed until next summer. In the long term, Whitehall wants younger and middle-aged people to accept that they will have to contribute towards their social care, rather than expecting the state to pay via taxation. But in the short term, officials must deal with a demographic crisis, with the population of over-80s set to double in 20 years. David Cameron promised to bring in an upper limit of about 75,000 on the amount people must pay towards their own care Chancellor Philip Hammond is understood to be looking at ways of asking these older people to pay more towards their care out of their accumulated wealth. He is believed to think that, in the spirit of fairness, retirees should pay more, rather than asking younger people who cannot afford to buy a home to dig into their pockets. Details of the Governments new social care policy come after a minister suggested that people should start to look after their own relatives rather than relying on the state. Dr Phillip Lee, a justice minister and GP, told the Tory conference last week that British families were guilty of shirking their duty by outsourcing the care of elderly relatives. He said the UK had become far too selfish. At present people have to pay the full cost of their social care until they reach their last 23,500. The cost of their care is taken off the value of their home after they die, denying thousands of children their inheritance. TIMELINE OF BROKEN PROMISE JULY 4, 2011 A report by economist Sir Andrew Dilnot recommends a cap on sky-high care costs. It says an individuals lifetime contribution towards their social care bill should be capped at 35,000. After the ceiling is reached, individuals should be able to apply for full state support. Sir Andrew also says the means-tested threshold, above which people are liable for full care costs, should be increased from 23,250 to 100,000. APRIL 14, 2015 Prime Minister David Cameron pledges in his election manifesto to bring in a care cap of 75,000, which should start in 2016. JULY 17, 2015 Just weeks after the general election, the Government announces the policy to cap care costs in England will be delayed until 2020. The move came after councils write to ministers asking for a delay because of the enormous pressures they face. The Department of Health says it is still firmly committed to the cap. MAY 17, 2017 Theresa May tries to tackle the issue at the general election campaign. The Tory manifesto sets out plans to quadruple to 100,000 the amount Britons can keep before having to pay for care. But it also says the care cap will be scrapped and many pensioners will have to pay for care in their own home for the first time. MAY 22, 2017 After the proposals are branded a dementia tax and provoke an angry backlash, Mrs May performs a U-turn and says the Tories still intend to introduce a cap to care bills. TODAY The Tories abandon their pledge. Advertisement The idea of a cap came in a report by economist Andrew Dilnot in 2011, and four years later Mr Cameron pledged to implement it in his 2015 election manifesto. The cap of 75,000 was due to start last year but the Government announced there was not enough money, and delayed it until 2020. Social care dominated this years general election campaign, where it contributed to the loss of Theresa Mays majority. When her manifesto was launched, the Prime Minister originally said Mr Camerons pledge to introduce a cap would never be implemented. The policy sparked such a backlash that she was forced to reinstate the cap. But a Government source said it was now clear that the cap would not be introduced before 2020 a revelation which will spark dismay among families struggling with costs that can reach six figures. Baroness Altmann, a former pensions minister, said she was shocked at the delay to the implementation of the cap. Delaying the cap again just seems to be unjust, she said. This is a real crisis. The Government has got to take some action to protect families from the unfairness of the care lottery. A Government source suggested the introduction of a care cap could be kept on track only if Labour agreed to cross-party talks something it has refused to do. A convicted rapist has been granted joint custody of his eight-year-old son, who was conceived when he allegedly raped the boy's mother in 2008 when she was just 12. Christopher Mirasolo, from Brown City, Michigan, was granted joint legal custody and parenting time after a positive paternity results confirmed he is the father. And now, the victim's attorney is seeking protection for the alleged victim and her son under the federal Rape Survivor Child Custody Act. A hearing is scheduled for October 25, according to The Detroit News. The case was initially reported by a local radio show The Steve Gruber Show, and is thought to be the first of its kind in Michigan, if not the United States. The victim, who is not named, claims that the paternity test came after she was surveyed about the yearly child support she receives. Christopher Mirasolo, from Brown City, Michigan, was granted joint legal custody and parenting time after a positive paternity results confirmed he is the father The case was initially reported by a local radio show The Steve Gruber Show, and is thought to be the first of its kind in Michigan, if not the United States. The victim, who is not named, claims that the paternity test came after she was surveyed about the yearly child support she receives. Pictured is the Sanilac County Court where he was granted custody 'This is insane,' the victim's attorney Rebecca Kiessling told the News. The victim, who is now 21, claims that Mirasolo forcibly raped and threatened to kill her nine years ago. The now 27-year-old was 18 when the attack allegedly happened in September 2008. Kiesling said that the victim was with her 13-year-old sister and another friend when they snuck out of their home one night to meet up with a boy and his older friend. That older friend was Mirasolo, and he asked them if they wanted to go for a ride. Thinking they would go to a McDonalds or somewhere similar they got in, but Mirasolo allegedly took their phones and threw them out before driving them to Detroit to steal gas and then back to Sanilac County. There he allegedly kept them captive for two days in an empty house before finally releasing the 13-year-old in a park. She said he threatened to kill them if they told anyone what had happened. Judge Gregory S Ross made the decision to grant Mirasolo custody, and then disclosed the victim's address to him and ordered her to add his name to the child's birth certificate A month later the 12-year-old realized she was pregnant and Mirasolo was arrested. 'She (the victim) and her family was told first-time sex offenders weren't sent to prison because people come out worse after they go there,' Kiessling told the News. 'Nothing has been right about this since it was originally investigated. He was never properly charged and should be sitting behind bars somewhere, but the system is victimizing my client, who was a child herself when this all happened.' Though the assault could have carried a life sentence or one no less than 25 years, Mirasolo was given a plea for attempted third-degree criminal sexual conduct and sentenced to a year in prison. He didn't serve the full year, though, and was let out after six months to care for his sick mother. Judge Gregory S Ross made the decision to grant Mirasolo custody, and then disclosed the victim's address to him and ordered her to add his name to the child's birth certificate. All of that was done without the victim's consent or a hearing, Kiessling claims. 'An assistant prosecutor on this, Eric Scott, told me she granted her consent, which is a lie,' Kiessling told the News. 'She has never been asked to do this and certainly never signed anything.' The rape victim's family suggested she abort the child or give it up for adoption, but she did neither and said 'she didn't want the baby to be a victim, too.' 'She dropped out of school, went to live with relatives out of state and worked jobs to try and support herself.' 'I think this is all crazy,' the victim told the News on Friday. 'They (police and other officials) never explained anything to me. I was receiving about $260 a month in food stamps for me and my son and health insurance for him. I guess they were trying to see how to get some of the money back.' Kiessling said that the victim was told she is not allowed to move 100 miles from her current address 'without court consent'. She was also allegedly told she had to 'come home immediately' or risk being found in contempt of court. Those matters and others will be addressed at the hearing later this month. This wasn't Mirasolo's only rape charge. In March 2010, Mirasolo raped a girl between the ages of 13 and 15 but was only jailed for four years, Kiessling said. Mirasolo's attorney Barbara Yockey said it's unclear what his future involvement will be with his son and declined to discuss any of his past cases when approached by the News. 'Chris was notified of the paternity matter and an order of filiation was issued last month by the court saying he had joint legal custody and reasonable visitation privileges,' she told the News. Ryanair safety workers have been filmed horsing around just yards from the planes they're supposed to be checking. Footage given to The Sun Online by a whistleblower shows the employees playing a prank at the airline's maintenance depot at Prestwick Airport, near Glasgow. The video appeared to show one of the workers being held down and sprayed with glitter. Photographs showed staff drawing on each other's faces with marker pen while one man was seen strapped to a table. There is no indication that the workers' actions are putting passengers or crew members in danger but the material comes as Ryanair is still reeling after an admin blunder forced the cancellation of thousands of its flights. The whistleblower told The Sun: 'This was not a one-off. These things were going on for years and continue to do so today.' Transport Select Committee member and Tory MP Steve Double has called for an investigation by Ryanair into the 'deeply concerning' pictures and has said the firm's CEO Michael O'Leary should be questioned MPs over the matter. He said: 'I'd expect Ryanair to look into this urgently.' Ryanair is still reeling after an admin blunder forced the cancellation of thousands of its flights Steve Double has said Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary, pictured, should be questioned MPs over the matter Yesterday, Ryanair announced that its chief operations officer Michael Hickey, will depart amid the crisis that has seen 715,000 customers' flights cancelled due to a miscalculation of pilots' holiday dates. Mr Hickey's job was to schedule the pilots' shifts. After the cancellations sparked customer outrage and a wave of negative media coverage across Europe, Ryanair has been scrambling to appease its pilots and promised them significant improvements in pay and conditions on Thursday. Ryanair has said reports it had a pilot shortage were false and that less than 260 of its 4,200 pilots had left so far this year amid some being poached by rival Norwegian Air Shuttle . In a separate statement on Friday, it said it had hired 210 new pilots in the past 12 weeks, bringing to 822 the number who have joined since the start of the year. A Ryanair spokesman said: 'This incident happened over four years ago, was investigated and dealt with at the time, and the persons involved no longer work for Ryanair engineering. 'Having removed the persons involved, it has not recurred in recent years.' The mood among Tory MPs returning to Westminster after the conference season has not been so volatile nor the party atmosphere so febrile in decades. Riven by talk of plots and counter plots against Theresa May, the air is thick with allegations of treachery and double talk from so-called loyalists. Despite the collapse of the attempted coup last week by former Tory chairman Grant Shapps, which was triggered by the Prime Ministers calamitous party conference speech, the crisis shows little sign of abating. Which explains why, with the blessing of 10 Downing Street, Sir John Major rode to the rescue yesterday urging Tory MPs to rally behind the valiant Mrs May. Riven by talk of plots and counter plots against Theresa May (pictured with her husband, Philip at church yesterday), the air is thick with allegations of treachery and double talk from so-called loyalists Sir John, who himself saw off a leadership challenge from a Cabinet colleague, said: The country has had enough of the self-absorbed disloyal behaviour we have witnessed for weeks. The plotting has drained Mrs Mays authority further and led to a plethora of unflattering descriptions by MPs of her position a paddle boat in a storm, the lamest of lame ducks, and worse. In the next few days she will seek to stamp her authority on the Parliamentary Party, relying heavily on the increasingly influential Tory Chief Whip Gavin Williamson, who played a critical role in buying more time for Mrs May. Mays own master of the dark arts Soon after the disastrous election, Gavin Williamson, the MP for South Staffordshire, won plaudits for his pivotal role in securing the DUP deal which allowed the Tories to form a minority government. Now the Prime Minister is indebted to him again. At the Tory conference, Williamson became alarmed by the chatter among MPs about a potential putsch. Gavin Williamson (left) outed Shapps as the MP behind the plot to overthrow May - and is now being compared with fictional Chief Whip Francis Urquhart (right), from House Of Cards He knew the scheming centred on Grant Shapps who fell out with Mrs May in 2014 when he was party chairman and had her senior aides Nick Timothy and Stephen Parkinson both hoping to become MPs struck off the parliamentary candidates list. Williamson, 41, came up with the master stroke of outing Shapps as the MP behind the plot. On Friday, The Times reported authoritatively on its front page that Shapps was the ringleader. Shapps knew it was pointless to deny it, and was visibly shaken as MPs rushed to denounce him. Grant Shapps (pictured) fell out with Mrs May in 2014 when he was party chairman after he struck two of her closest aides off the parliamentary candidates list It was a brilliant operation which flushed out Shapps and showed he had no one publicly supporting him, said one Cabinet Minister. Gavin is becoming our own Francis Urquhart, steeped in the black arts of political intrigue. Urquhart was the fictional Chief Whip in the political thriller House Of Cards and Williamson, a comprehensive-educated Yorkshireman, who was elected in 2010, is himself now being talked up as leader material. A war of words on whatsapp Yet Williamson still has a job on his hands. He will be examining messages posted by a group of MPs on the WhatsApp social media site. Some called for loyalty to the PM while others named and shamed the so-called plotters. James Cleverly, MP for Braintree and a backer of Boris Johnson, used revoltingly lurid language to urge fellow MPs to stop accusing each other. All this nonsense is just political masturbation. It might feel nice for the person doing it, its really distasteful for everyone who is forced to watch and it achieves nothing other than a bit of a mess. So, please. Lets not be w*****s. Nadine Dorries accused Bob Neill (left) and Owen Paterson (middle), who have both denied the charge, and James Duddridge (right) of being part of the plot to oust Mrs May James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, replied: Far to [sic] graphic Cleverly. Then outspoken backbencher Nadine Dorries effectively accused Duddridge of being anti-May and supporting Shappss abortive coup attempt: As your name is supposedly on the [Shapps] list, perhaps you can deny that is the case. There was no response, so she added: You read my message three minutes ago. How long does it take to type not true? Other Tory MPs pointed out that Dorries was hardly loyal to David Cameron and George Osborne when she called them: Two arrogant posh boys who dont know the price of milk. Dorries (pictured) also rounded on three MPs who had called for Boris Johnson to resign But she was unrepentant and accused two more MPs of plotting former ministers Bob Neill and Owen Paterson, who have both denied the charge. For good measure, Dorries rounded on Tory MPs Anna Soubry, Heidi Allen and Sarah Wollaston, telling them to shut up and withdraw their calls for Boris Johnson to resign. Meanwhile, Tory MP Alec Shelbrooke mocked Shapps by referring to the police investigation into alleged electoral fraud in the 2015 Tory campaign which Shapps ran. There are fewer signatures on your list than the files sent to the Crown Prosecution Service after the election campaign you ran as chairman. Shapps, whose constituency dinner on Friday was addressed by former Cabinet minister Andrew Mitchell also named as an anti-May plotter had his name added to the WhatsApp group so he could see for himself the level of abuse he was receiving from his fellow MPs. Typical of the messages was one saying: Shut the F Up. Is Boris certain for the chop? Meanwhile, with Brexit dominating the agenda, the PM is expected to seek to reassert her authority with a Cabinet reshuffle after the European Council meeting on October 19 and 20. In an interview yesterday, Mrs May hinted that Boris Johnson could be demoted for overshadowing the party conference with his call for a hard Brexit. He was also undermined by claims at the weekend that former Labour Transport minister Lord Adonis had been told by him that he only voted for Brexit to spite David Cameron. In an interview yesterday, Mrs May hinted that Boris Johnson could be demoted for overshadowing the party conference with his call for a hard Brexit Johnson reportedly told him: Im not sure I can bear the thought of backing Cameron. To which Adonis replied: I would have thought there might be a higher purpose at stake. Days after the alleged conversation, Johnson announced he would lead the Brexit campaign to the fury of Cameron who believed he was a Remainer. Meanwhile, Brexit Secretary David Davis has reportedly also urged Mrs May to sack Johnson because of his interventions on the EU talks which are the Brexit departments, not the Foreign Offices remit. Davis was so frustrated by the antics of Johnson that he joked to colleagues he would make his keynote conference speech on Syria. How would Boris like that? Davis said. Brexit Secretary David Davis has reportedly also urged Mrs May to sack Johnson because of his interventions on the EU talks In the end he contented himself with a joke at Johnsons expense. We train the best diplomats and put them to the test by sending them to work for the Foreign Secretary. Davis enjoyed the gag so much he asked Johnson: Did you hear my joke? They loved it. While denying he called for Johnson to be sacked, one thing is definitely true. When the so-called comedian Simon Brodkin breached security and clambered up on the stage to interrupt the PMs speech, Davis seriously considered punching him. Davis, a former SAS reservist whose nose has been broken five times, said: I didnt because if hes a disability campaigner it wouldnt look too good if Id decked him. As for Johnson, who returned yesterday from an overseas visit, he sent a WhatsApp message to Tory MPs saying: We have JUST HAD AN ELECTION and people are fed up with all this malarkey. Get behind the PM. Ordinary punters I have spoken to thought her speech was good and anyone can have a cold. Circle the wagons, turn the fire on Corbyn and talk about nothing except our great policies and what we can do for the country. Not everyone was impressed. One Tory minister said: Boris should start by practising what he preaches. Does Rudd have HER eye on No 10? But there is speculation Amber Rudd is also positioning herself for a tilt at the leadership Another Cabinet minister known to have poor relations with Boris is Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary. She ordered him to get to his feet to join a standing ovation to give the PM time to recover her composure after the comedian farce. Rudd is in talks with the Australian election strategist Sir Lynton Crosby to help defend her marginal seat in Hastings and Rye, where she has a majority of just 346. But there is speculation she is also positioning herself for a tilt at the leadership. Her brother Roland Rudd, who runs the City PR company Finsbury and was a lynchpin of the Remain campaign, held a champagne party for the first time at the Tory conference. The Home Secretary was the star turn. Money men back May . . . for now Paradoxically, the attempted coup has strengthened Mays hand. Shapps has done her a favour, said one. The plotters have been scattered. And theres another indicator that will reassure her. When Iain Duncan Smith became the most recent Tory leader to be ousted in 2003, the trigger was when rich donors went public with their misgivings about his leadership. But the money men are backing Mrs May for now. At a suite in the conference hotel last week, some of the richest supporters pledged support for Mrs May. They included financier Michael Spencer, who has given more than 5 million to party funds. Lord Ashcroft, the former treasurer who stopped giving under Cameron but has given 500,000 since he quit, also sent a message of support. The Midlands Industrial Council, whose members employ more than 40,000 people and have given millions to the party, last night sent a letter to No. 10. At this time we need unity, cohesion and a positive message delivered by a stable Government, it says. The electorate made its decision over Brexit and expects it to be implemented. Theresa May . . . is the best person to be Prime Minister. A national drive to recruit thousands of volunteers to fill key police roles was branded a recipe for disaster last night. Chief constables are spending 600,000 on drumming up an army of free labour to carry out scores of specialist roles. Among the posts are jobs supporting elderly crime victims, monitoring CCTV networks, undertaking mounted patrols and even hostage negotiation. Chief constables are spending 600,000 on drumming up an army of free labour to carry out scores of specialist police roles They want members of the public to step up, saying it takes the efforts of everyone to make our neighbourhoods safe. But critics warned that well-meaning amateurs can never replace professional, highly trained police officers. One accused senior officers of trying to run policing like Poundsavers, highlighting that volunteers are unregulated and can withdraw their labour at any time. There are already around 38,000 people working in more than 200 different voluntary roles across England and Wales. But the number of special constables, who have full police powers of arrest but are only paid expenses, are at their lowest since 2006. In September 2015, then Home Secretary Theresa May said she would extend the powers chiefs can give volunteers, but these measures are yet to come into force. The latest move is the result of years of discussions between police chiefs, the Home Office and volunteer leaders. They have established a national network of co-ordinators for specials and other volunteers to boost their ranks with people of all ages and backgrounds. Critics have warned that well-meaning amateurs can never replace professional, highly trained police officers (file photo) A new Citizens in Policing website includes dozens of vacancies from a CCTV operator in Norfolk to supporting elderly victims of crime in Lincolnshire. Other roles include volunteers on horseback in Suffolk and administrative roles supporting officers specialising in child protection, domestic abuse and vetting. Ben Priestley, of Unison, which represents thousands of civilian police staff, said the public should be very worried. He said: Well-meaning amateurs are a dangerous replacement for experienced police staff. Volunteers have no employment contracts, so in an emergency they dont have to turn out, and are impossible to hold to account if something goes wrong. Roles such as CCTV monitoring, criminal investigation support and vehicle maintenance were previously done by trained staff. With the UKs threat level currently at severe, it is naive at best to think using volunteers in this way can ever be a replacement for operational policing. Ken Marsh, of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said the move is a recipe for disaster. Ben Priestley, of Unison, (pictured) which represents thousands of civilian police staff, said the public should be very worried We have to be very careful with specialist roles. If personnel are not trained and maintained correctly we will leave ourselves open to all sorts of disasters, he said. Where will it end? You cannot run a police service as if it is Poundsavers. Steve White, who leads the Police Federation of England and Wales, said volunteers must support police, not replace them. He said: The role of volunteers has never been more important and driven by the same desire to protect others, officers will continue to welcome their support, but this is not a long term sustainable solution. The move was agreed at a recent meeting of chief constables where members were told volunteers benefit forces by up to 100million a year. Around 48 policing organisations will contribute up to 12,000 a year to establish the network, which includes nine regional co-ordinators. Announcing the network, North Yorkshire Chief Constable Dave Jones said he is hugely grateful to those who already give their time for free. However, it appears that theres an awful lot of people who are simply unaware of the scale of opportunities that exist, he said. Our Step-Up campaign is about raising awareness of the exciting and numerous opportunities available, which range from cyber-related and hostage negotiation roles through to animal welfare and victim support posts. Our message is simple, with over 200 different roles, theres something for everyone, regardless of your age, gender or skills set. c.greenwood@dailymail.co.uk Sir Edward Heaths main accuser is a jailed paedophile with mental health problems who has falsely confessed to murder. His bombshell claim that as an 11-year-old boy he was raped by Sir Edward led to a 1.5million inquiry into paedophile allegations against the former prime minister. Yesterday, after it emerged that the accuser was a habitual liar and predatory sex offender, Mike Veale, the police chief in charge of the two-year inquiry, was accused of misleading the public. Wiltshire Police last week revealed that the rape claim was the most serious of seven sexual abuse allegations considered so credible that police would have interviewed the former Conservative leader had he still been alive. Child abuse claims: Former Conservative prime minister Sir Edward Heath in the 1960s The forces Operation Conifer report, which the Wiltshire Police chief constable defended last Thursday, concluded that there was no undermining evidence in relation to the rape claim, unlike many of the other allegations against Sir Edward which police investigated. But now it has emerged that the man is a convicted sex offender who has previously falsely confessed to a murder. The criminal, who is in jail for sexually assaulting a teenage boy, was on remand when he told Wiltshire Police in 2015 that Sir Edward picked him up while he was hitchhiking on the A2 and raped him in a flat in Mayfair in 1961. Despite the seriousness of his allegations to Wiltshire Police, the complainant, who has anonymity under the law, declared earlier this year: I do not believe for one minute that Ted Heath was a paedophile. When he first made his allegations to the Metropolitan Police in 2015, child abuse detectives dropped their investigation within three months after concluding that there were no lines of inquiry that could proportionately be pursued. But later that year he went to Wiltshire Police. The Daily Mail has learnt that he is writing a book behind bars detailing his allegations against Sir Edward, who died in 2005 aged 89, and has spent two years doing research. Sir Edward died in 2005 aged 89 The complainant, who once worked at a childrens home, has been banned from having contact with children for the rest of his life because of his appalling history of sex attacks on youngsters. Described by a judge as predatory sex offender, he has multiple convictions for grooming and indecently assaulting boys, child pornography and gross indecency dating back four decades. More than a decade ago he falsely confessed to a murder. On several occasions, he has gone on the run and once led police on a 100mph motorway chase. He is known to have mental health problems and has received psychiatric help. Yet last week Wiltshire Police presented his evidence as credible. The claim was one of nine allegations about the Tory MP eight of which proved to be groundless that the force received before it controversially launched an appeal for victims outside Sir Edwards home in August 2015. Last week Mr Veale told a press conference he did not know if any of those seven credible complainants were criminals, but added: Some of the victims are challenged. Sir Edwards friends and former colleagues have called for a judge-led inquiry to evaluate his guilt or innocence and have dismissed the investigation as a whitewash with no corroborating evidence. Yesterday Sir Edwards godson Lincoln Seligman said: This accuser was known to be a liar, a paedophile and had falsely confessed to a murder. Yet his accusation is the main plank of the chief constables list of allegations. I understand that the rape allegation had, after investigation, been dismissed by the Met. How can Mr Veale say that this evidence is not grossly undermined. It beggars belief. Last night Wiltshire Police said: We will not be drawn on any further operational detail, as to do so would potentially place victim anonymity at risk. The spokesman added that, since August 2015, the force had been in charge of investigating all allegations against Sir Edward, and had reviewed any activity that has been undertaken by any other force relating to Sir Edward before this. ... But STILL police boss calls for fresh probe into 'state cover-up' By Arthur Martin for The Daily Mail Faces grilling: Police boss Mike Veale The embattled police chief in charge of the Sir Edward Heath investigation yesterday called for a new inquiry into discredited claims of a VIP child sex ring in Westminster. Mike Veale said a fresh investigation was needed to lance the boil of sinister claims that a paedophile ring was covered up by the Establishment. He made the claims despite an inquiry into such allegations against high-profile politicians and military leaders by Scotland Yard collapsing last year after it was revealed that the key claims were made by a fantasist. Mr Veale, chief constable of Wiltshire Police, also faces the prospect of being grilled over his own conduct after Sir Edwards supporters prepared to submit an official complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission against him and his officers over the way they conducted the inquiry. They accused Mr Veales force of mounting a fishing expedition as part of an unsatisfactory and prejudicial investigation into the former prime minister. Lord Hunt of Wirral, chairman of the Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation, also called for the Government to appoint a judge to lead a review of the investigation. Sir Edwards reputation has been unfairly tarnished, he said. But Mr Veale defended his investigation into Sir Edward yesterday and called for someone to look into the potential for cover-up or a conspiracy by the Establishment. He said: If any, if even one bit of this is true, what did the Government know, the Civil Service, the security services? Those questions need to be answered. In the last two years Ive spoken to people who genuinely believe... there are too many people making too many assertions... around the Establishment. The boil needs to be lanced one way or another. If there is nothing to hide, open the doors. They have recently made their relationship public. And Lindsay Shookus was spotted looking in high spirits as she strolled through New York City on Saturday - despite news of her boyfriend Ben Affleck checking into a treatment center in California this week. The TV producer, 37, ran errands while lugging around multiple canvas tote bags in her hand. Out and about: Lindsay Shookus was spotted all smiles while walking down the street in New York City on Saturday Lindsay stepped out in light-washed jeans and a blue sleeveless blouse. The former Saturday Night Live Producer teamed her casual ensemble with white laced-up sneakers. The 37-year-old wore her wavy blonde hair down around her shoulders, while hiding her face behind reflective-lens sunglasses. Lindsay's boyfriend Ben was no where in sight, as the Emmy-winner enjoyed her day out in NYC. Busy bee: The TV producer, 37, ran errands while lugging around multiple canvas tote bags in her hand Casual: Lindsay stepped out in light-washed jeans and a blue sleeveless blouse Ben was recently seen back in The Big Apple on Friday night, after being spotted at a treatment center in Los Angeles. The Justice League actor is reportedly still seeking help for his ongoing addiction with alcohol. It was just seven months ago that the actor announced he had completed a stint in rehab. Affleck announced in March that he had entered and completed a treatment program. The actor wrote in a Facebook post: 'I have completed treatment for alcohol addiction; something I've dealt with in the past and will continue to confront. I want to live life to the fullest and be the best father I can be.' Back in the same state! Ben was recently seen back in The Big Apple on Friday night, after being spotted at a treatment center in Los Angeles Out in the open: Affleck announced in March that he had entered and completed a treatment program Putting their best foot forward: As for Lindsay, the news of Ben's addiction doesn't seem to phase the New York native Happy times: The two have recently been seen multiple times together, after Affleck finalized his divorce from ex-wife Jennifer Garner Doing her own thing: Jen and Ben share three children, who they amicably co-parent in Los Angeles As for Lindsay, the news of Ben's addiction doesn't seem to faze the New York native. The two have recently been seen multiple times together, after Affleck finalized his divorce from ex-wife Jennifer Garner. Jen and Ben share three children, who they amicably co-parent in Los Angeles. They have daughters Violet, 11, Seraphina, 8, and son Samuel, 5. Lindsay - who resides in New York - also has a daughter who she shares with ex-husband SNL alum Kevin Miller. VIsiting: Ben was seen leaving the SNL live taping on Saturday evening Heading home: The actor headed to his hotel in the city Their relationship has made them the talk of town. But the constant controversy didn't seem to bother Scott Disick, 34, and Sofia Richie, 19, as they were spotted enjoying a romantic date in Los Angeles on Saturday. Lionel Richie's daughter kept things quite simple for the outing, opting for a tank top seemingly depicting a piano's keyboard down the front. No problem: The constant controversy surrounding their relationship didn't seem to bother Scott Disick, 34, and Sofia Richie, 19, as they were spotted enjoying a romantic date in Los Angeles on Saturday She tied it at her navel, revealing just a glimpse of her flat midsection. A pair of high-waisted light-wash jeans clung to her svelte figure, while she rounded out her look with a pair of white sneakers. Accessories included a small black purse, long chain necklace and thin-frame shades. Her platinum locks were parted on the right and pulled back into a tight, low bun. Simple chic: Lionel Richie's daughter kept things quite simple for the outing, opting for a tank top seemingly depicting a piano's keyboard down the front Beau Scott also kept things quite laid-back, opting for a midnight blue t-shirt, camouflage trousers and his own pair of white sneakers. He also hid his eyes with a pair of vintage-style sunglasses. While both lovebirds were initially laden down with beverages, the couple soon joined hands during their walk. Though the duo themselves seem happy enough, the unexpected pairing has apparently taken a toll on their outside relationships. Cute: While both lovebirds were initially laden down with beverages, the couple soon joined hands during their walk Sofia used to be close friends with Kourtney Kardashian's boyfriend Younes Bendjima, regularly appearing in his Instagram snaps. But rather understandably, now that Sofia Richie is dating Kourtney's ex-boyfriend Scott, who is also the father of her three children, their friendship isn't the same. According to US Weekly, Sofia and model Younes are 'not really speaking anymore.' The website adds that they also unfollowed each other on social media. With her family: Meanwhile, Kourtney was with her three children; Mason,seven, Penelope, sive, and Reign Disick, two With mother I go! The mom carried her little cutie inside In the past: Sofia Richie is now no longer friends with model Younes Bendjima, who is the boyfriend of Kourtney; Sofia on the right in red and Younes in the green look Emotional: But rather understandably, now that Sofia Richie is dating Kourtney's ex-boyfriend Scott, who is also the father of her three children, their friendship isn't the same (Younes and Kourtney pictured together in September) The teenager's dad, Lionel Richie, who is also unhappy about the situation, spoke out in disapproval about Sofia's new relationship with the reality personality. He talked to US Weekly on Wednesday while at the American Idol auditions in New York City; the 68-year-old will serve as a judge on the singing competition show. Lionel said: 'Have I been in shock?! I'm the dad, come on.' Sofia and Scott went public with their romance in late September, however they were linked as far back as May. She recently detailed an experience of loaning money to a man who suddenly fled with the cash. And now Mel Greig has lodged an official complaint with police, claiming she was scammed out of $1000. The 35-year-old filed the complaint on Friday, claiming to have lent the man $1000, only to never see him again, The Sunday Telegraph reported this week. 'He lures you in so easily': Mel Greig lodged a police complaint after claiming to have been scammed into lending $1000 to a man after a date Mel was contacted via Facebook by the man in mid-2017, following her divorce to Steve Pollock. The radio host then went on a dinner date with the former DJ from Sydney's northern beaches, not knowing he was charged with assaulting an ex-girlfriend a month earlier, the newspaper reported. She alleged he then recited a convincing story to her through tears about someone withdrawing $15,000 from his bank account, and not being able to afford a solicitor for a court case the next day. Mel claimed she then lent him $1000, never saw him again, and then learnt his court case actually relates to him allegedly hitting his ex-girlfriend in the head. According to the publication, he appeared in Manly Local Court on Thursday but was granted an adjournment. Taking action: The 35-year-old filed the complaint on Friday, claiming to have lent the man $1000, only to never see him again Reaching out: Mel was contacted via Facebook by the man in mid-2017, following her divorce to Steve Pollock 'He puts in so much effort and he lures you in so easily,' Mel told The Sunday Telegraph earlier this week. Several other women have come forward claiming the same man borrowed money from them in a similar fashion. A Sydney doctor - who chose to remain anonymous - claimed the male told her he lost his cards and had $14,000 withdrawn from his account. 'When he asked to borrow some money to tide him over until he could get some money off his dad who lived out of town, I did so without hesitation,' she said, according to The Sunday Telegraph. Unaware: The radio host went on a dinner date with the former DJ from Sydney's northern beaches, not knowing he was charged with assaulting an ex-girlfriend a month earlier, The Sunday Telegraph reported The claims come after Mel - writing for Yahoo7 Be last month - claimed that she had loaned money to a man she had been dating, only for him to flee with the cash. The blonde radio star recalled that she had naively let the man move into her home temporarily after the first date, as he was struggling to find somewhere to stay. Things allegedly went awry, with Mel saying: 'The third day in, I get a phone call from him in tears saying his bank account had been hacked and he had no access to money because his account was now locked.' She added: 'He asked to borrow money, and given all of his possessions were in my house and he wasn't going anywhere, I said yes and I loaned him the money.' She been jet-setting across countries, making her way through Europe, Boston and Los Angeles. But on Saturday, Karlie Kloss returned to New York, clad in a timeless, high-fashion ensemble. The 25-year-old was both an in-demand celebrity at various fashion week shows in Milan, London and Paris. Looking chic! On Saturday, Karlie Kloss, 25, returned to New York, clad in a timeless, high-fashion ensemble Karlie kept warm in a black sweater and matching bottoms. The gorgeous blonde brought stark contrast to her look with a long-sleeve, gray coat. Karlie wore her medium-length locks down and tousled. For make-up, the supermodel kept her faced bronzed and neutral. Stylish standout: The gorgeous blonde brought stark contrast to her look with a long-sleeve, gray coat Since late last month, Karlie has been making the fashion week rounds throughout Europe, before heading to Los Angeles. The coding aficionado walked in the Alberta Ferretti show, and attended a countless amount of parties in Milan and Paris. Following her adventure in the French capital, the Vogue cover girl headed to Boston for the Forbes Under 30 Summit then to Los Angeles for the Levi's party. Since late last month, Karlie has been making the fashion week rounds throughout Europe, before heading to Los Angeles. She is seen with Romee Strijd in LA on Friday Although Karlie is one of the most sought-after models today, the Illinois native originally believed she would become an ER doctor like her father. 'I thought that would be my path,' she revealed to Forbes at their annual Under 30 Summit. But the star's other interests have allowed her to move past the fashion world, and into the tech universe. Karlie is the founder of Kode With Klossy, a summer camp that teaches teen girls to code. 'It's exciting. I really want to keep growing it,' she began. 'I love being a part of these girls' journeys.' She will be celebrating her 20th birthday on Sunday. And Bella Thorne opted for a more conservative outfit than usual for her last day as a teenager while hanging out with friends in Studio City on Saturday. The actress, 19, was accompanied by her gal pal Tana Mongeau while having brunch in the small Los Angeles suburb. Scroll down for video Looking spooktacular: Bella Thorne opted for a more conservative outfit than usual for her last day as a teenager while hanging out with friends in Studio City on Saturday Bella looked festive for the upcoming holiday in black and white striped trousers and a black long-sleeve shirt that ironically had the words 'teen witch' printed on the front. The former Disney Channel star wore a pair of visible pizza socks and black Vans sneakers. The red-head wore her long locks in two braids under a black beanie, and bared a fresh face with no make-up. The soon-to-be 20-year-old wasn't the only one dressed up in a Halloween-inspired outfit, her pal Tana was also sporting a shirt that read 'Creep' in a festive font. Caught in the moment: The actress, 19, was accompanied by Tana Mongeau while having brunch in the small Los Angeles suburb Be-witching: Bella looked festive for the upcoming holiday in black and white striped trousers and a black long-sleeve shirt that ironically had the words 'teen witch' printed on the front Bella and her friends were seen laughing while looking at the Famous In Love star's phone, which was encased in an Ullu cover, while walking back to their car. Saturday morning was exciting for the Florida-born beauty as she was name one of the top 10 actors ranked on social media. Bella is currently ranked at number 10 according to The Hollywood Reporter. She follows behind Nina Dobrev, Kevin Hart, and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson- who is ranked at number one. Perfect match: The soon-to-be 20-year-old wasn't the only one dressed up in a Halloween-inspired outfit, her pal Tana was also sporting a shirt that read 'Creep' in a festive font Putting her best fashion foot forward? The former Disney Channel star wore a pair of visible pizza socks and black Vans sneakers Dead homies: The red-head wore her long locks in two braids under a black beanie, and bared a fresh face with no make-up Bella was previously ranked at number 13 but gained popularity after sharing her GQ Mexico photo shoot details, which the actress 'specifically asked for no re-touching on this photo' to promote body positivity. Before the almost birthday girl stepped out for a meal with friends, she shared a selfie with the caption: 'Last selfie as a teenager? Let's go #20 TOMORROW we RAGE!!!' Bella also shared a lengthy Instagram story that featured multiple videos with Tana and others. Last one: Before the almost birthday girl stepped out for a meal with friends, she shared a selfie with the caption: 'Last selfie as a teenager? Let's go #20 TOMORROW we RAGE!!!' Always together: Bella also shared a lengthy Instagram story that featured multiple videos with Tana and others In the Instagram videos Bella and Tana play seductively with Halloween props, and feed into the dating rumors. In an other series of videos posted, the couple are seen smoking and talking about what they're 'into'. Her videos comes after the former Disney starlet had strongly suggested there was a new lady in her life when she re-tweeted photos of herself kissing the YouTube star. The tweet rehashed an early post from 19-year-old vlogger Tana, who previously wrote 'I want to date @BellaThorne,' and today added a sassy followup which read 'Dreams do come true kids.' She had first confirmed she is bisexual during a Twitter exchange with a fan in 2016. After sharing a photo of her kissing a female, Bella was asked if she is bisexual, to which she simply replied: 'Yes.' New girl: In the Instagram videos Bella and Tana play seductively with Halloween props, and feed into the dating rumors Couple alert: In an other series of videos posted, the couple are seen smoking and talking about what 'they're into' Adorable: Bella posted a photo of Tana sleeping on her Instagram But now wanting a girlfriend, the acting talent admitted she is often confused by girls that take an interest in her. Speaking to Harper's Bazaar, she said: 'Ive done other stuff with girls, but I want to actually date a girl... I cant tell if a girl is hitting on me or she just wants to be friends. 'I dont want to flirt with a girl if she thinks Im just being her friend. What if I kiss a girl and shes like, "Oh, Im just your friend dude, I cant believe you just crossed that boundary." Im confused on what they want from me.' Bella has previously dated the likes of Scott Disick, Gregg Sulkin, Tyler Posey and Charlie Puth. Into it: Bella admitted she is often confused by girls that take an interest in her Are you in love? Besides Tana, Bella has previously dated the likes of Scott Disick, Gregg Sulkin, Tyler Posey and Charlie Puth Their looks: Bella and her pal were both in Halloween-inspired make-up Bright: Bella's hair was extra blonde, while her eye look was full of colors It would have been the most shocking of sights for the famously staid Monarch two men locked in a passionate embrace, in defiance of the harsh laws and morals of Victorias reign. Tonight, ITV drama Victoria will broadcast its first gay kiss, with the dashing Edward Drummond finally getting caught up in a moment of ardour with Lord Alfred Paget, as the Royal court travels to Scotland. Eight million viewers have been watching the slow build-up in the mens feelings over the past few weeks. Tonight, ITV drama Victoria will broadcast its first gay kiss, with the dashing Edward Drummond finally getting caught up in a moment of ardour with Lord Alfred Paget And in one scene tonight, a woman asks Lord Alfred what he thinks of the view. Heavenly, he replies before the camera cuts to show him staring at Drummond. However, their happiness could be short-lived because their lakeside tryst is spotted. Both are real historical figures. Lord Paget, played by Jordan Waller, was an equerry to the Queen, while Drummond, played by Leo Suter, was Prime Minister Robert Peels private secretary. Daisy Goodwin, the shows writer, admitted she had been creative in her interpretation of history. Monarch of the Glen: Queen Victoria, played by Jenna Coleman in the series, visits Scotland Some people might get very cross with me, she said. But if it did happen, we would never know. The word homosexual did not exist in those times. There were as many gay people as there are now, but they didnt define themselves as straight or gay or bisexual. Goodwin said it was difficult to say how the Queen herself played by Jenna Coleman on screen would have reacted to the kiss. Famously she didnt believe there could have been such a thing as lesbians, she said. But I think Victoria was a lot more tolerant than she was made out to be. Victoria is on ITV at 9pm tonight. Pixie Lott's fiance Oliver Cheshire arrived fashionably late to the wedding of PR guru Nick Ede to his partner Andrew Naylor in Shoreditch on Saturday, after he helped pin down the driver responsible for mowing down 11 people in London that afternoon. The model, 29, looked effortlessly dapper in a fitted black suit and open white shirt as he greeted the grooms and posed for snaps, seemingly unfazed by his heroic act earlier in the day. The Dolce & Gabbana model - who has been dating Pixie for just under seven years - seemed in good spirits on the night as he attended the star-studded bash. Scroll down for video Hero's welcome: Pixie Lott's fiance Oliver Cheshire arrived fashionably late to the wedding of PR guru Nick Ede to his partner Andrew Naylor in Shoreditch on Saturday, after he helped pin down the driver responsible for mowing down 11 people in London that afternoon The outing came after Oliver pinned down a taxi driver who had injured 11 people after mounting a pavement and running over pedestrians outside London's Natural History Museum. Oliver was sat in his Jaguar in Kensington when the man, said to be an Uber driver, ploughed into his vehicle. He immediately leapt into action and helped apprehend the man, who he said was screaming on the ground. Cute couple: The Dolce & Gabbana model has been dating Pixie Lott for just under seven years Police have tonight ruled out terrorism and described the crash as a 'road traffic incident'. A man aged in his 40s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving and was taken to hospital for treatment before being taken to a north London police station for questioning. It comes as the country's current terror threat level stands at severe following a string of attacks this year and many witnesses feared the worst as panic ensued following the crash. Loving life: The model, 29, looked effortlessly dapper in a fitted black suit and open white shirt as he greeted the grooms and posed for snaps, seemingly unfazed by his heroic act earlier in the day Looking good: Oliver seemed in good spirits on the night as he attended the star-studded bash Oliver told MailOnline the cab driver had three female passengers in his car at the time of the crash. He said: He was driving down the pavement and hit 11 to 12 people. Then the guy was screaming. He looked at me and I was really in shock. I got out of my car and grabbed him three of us grabbed him and someone phoned the police. 'The girls in his car said he was an Uber driver.' Leggy: Jessica Wright, 32, was also at the wedding and showed off her hourglass curves in a metallic ruched bodycon dress as she posed with Denise Van Outen, 43 Glamour: Carol looked fabulous in a black lace dress as she joined Gemma Oaten at the bash Work it: Representing Essex yet again, former TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh, 26, was also seen rubbing shoulders with fellow stars at the wedding Happy: Loose Women presenter Andrea McLean, 48, attended with handsome fiance Nick Feeney Newlyweds: Presenter Zoe Hardman attended with her hunky new husband Paul Doran Jones Beyonce Knowles-Carter, her husband Jay-Z, and their daughter Blue Ivy glammed up for the New Orleans wedding of their friends Lawrence 'Law' Parker and Dr. Jessica Clemons on Sunday. The 36-year-old pop diva could easily upstage any bride, but she looked particularly regal in her cleavage-boosting pink caped dress selected by stylist Marni Senofonte. Law is the CEO of record label Supreme Street, and his 29-year-old 'Queen' - wearing a Pronovias Raciela gown - is a psychiatry resident at NYU Langone Medical Center. Scroll down for video Reunited: Beyonce Knowles-Carter, her husband Jay-Z, and their daughter Blue Ivy glammed up for the New Orleans wedding of their friends Lawrence 'Law' Parker and Dr. Jessica Clemons on Sunday Elegant: The 36-year-old pop diva could easily upstage any bride, but she looked particularly regal in her cleavage-boosting pink caped dress selected by stylist Marni Senofonte In footage obtained by 'Beylite' on Instagram, the Carter family could be seen posing for pictures and celebrating the bride and groom at their Musical Legends Park reception. The 47-year-old rap mogul (born Shawn Carter) donned a classic tuxedo sans necktie while their five-year-old princess sparkled in a white sleeveless dress with her hair in a topbun. Despite whispers of infidelity seemingly confirmed on their respective records, the hip-hop power duo will be celebrating a decade of marriage next April. That same day, the Houston-born Texan's mother Tina Knowles-Lawson shared a childhood snap of her daughter resembling her granddaughter Blue at the hairdresser. Beyonce, JAY-Z & Blue at a wedding in New Orleans. A post shared by Beylite (@beylite) on Oct 7, 2017 at 3:25pm PDT Congrats! Law (R) is the CEO of record label Supreme Street, and his 29-year-old 'Queen' (L) - wearing a Pronovias Raciela gown - is a psychiatry resident at NYU Langone Medical Center Down in Louisiana: The Carter family could be seen posing for pictures and celebrating the bride and groom at their Musical Legends Park reception 'If Beyonce don't look like Blue on this photo! Getting her braids done by Toni,' the 63-year-old momager gushed on Instagram. On September 28, Beyonce dropped her remix for J. Balvin and Willy William's song Mi Gente with proceeds being donated to hurricane relief for Puerto Rico, Mexico, and other affected areas. The 22-time Grammy winner penned a forward to Afshin Shahidi's book Prince: A Private View, which hits shelves October 17. Beyonce, JAY-Z & Blue at Lawrence Parker's wedding in New Orleans. A post shared by Beylite (@beylite) on Oct 7, 2017 at 3:36pm PDT Dancing: The 47-year-old rap mogul (born Shawn Carter) donned a classic tuxedo sans necktie while their five-year-old princess sparkled in a white sleeveless dress with her hair in a topbun Next year! Despite whispers of infidelity seemingly confirmed on their respective records, the hip-hop power duo will be celebrating a decade of marriage next April The All Night songstress had frequently collaborated with late pop legend, who overdosed on Fentanyl at age 57 last year. 'Truth be told, the word "icon" only scratches the surface of what Prince was and what he remains to me,' Queen Bey wrote - according to EW. On Friday night, both Knowles' husband and younger sister Solange headlined the Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park with separate performances. 'If Beyonce don't look like Blue!' That same day, the Houston-born Texan's mother Tina Knowles-Lawson shared a snap of her daughter resembling her granddaughter Mother-daughter duo: Beyonce just dropped her remix for J. Balvin and Willy William's song Mi Gente with proceeds being donated to hurricane relief for Puerto Rico and Mexico 'The word "icon" only scratches the surface': The 22-time Grammy winner penned a forward to Afshin Shahidi's book Prince: A Private View, which hits shelves October 17 The 21-time Grammy winner officially kicks off his 34-date 4:44 Tour on October 27 at California's Honda Center in Anaheim. Beyonce has been in full-on nesting mode after welcoming twins Rumi and Sir on June 17, and they dropped $26M for a seven-bedroom mansion in East Hampton with views of Georgica Pond - according to TMZ. The billionaire couple also reportedly own a $6.85M duplex in downtown Manhattan as well as an $88M mansion in Bel-Air. Family feud: On Friday night, both Knowles' husband and younger sister Solange headlined the Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park with separate performances It was a simple enough challenge to make a breakfast classic. But an omelette making challenge on Saturday Kitchen descended into chaos as cook Donna Hay's pan caught on fire live on-air. The Australian cookery author was facing off against Spanish chef Jose Pizzaro as they battled it out to cook a three egg omelette as quickly as possible. Scroll down for video Chaos: An omelette making challenge on Saturday Kitchen descended into chaos as cook Donna Hay's pan caught on fire live on-air Wow: The Australian cookery author was facing off against Spanish chef Jose Pizzaro as they battled it out to cook a three egg omelette as quickly as possible Donna expressed some trepidation before the challenge as she watched her smoking pan, even saying to host Donal Skehan, 'Have we got medics standing by, my pot is roasting?' But the situation quickly turned as the pan went up in flames as Donna shouted out 'It's on fire, Jose I'm on fire!' Donal quickly came over to save the day, taking the fiery pan off the hob as Donna carried on whisking her eggs. She calmly said: 'We've never had an omelette on fire before. Nervous: Donna expressed some trepidation before the challenge as she watched her smoking pan, even saying to host Donal Skehan, 'Have we got medics standing by - my pot is roasting?' Oh no: But the situation quickly turned as the pan went up in flames as Donna shouted out 'It's on fire, Jose I'm on fire!' Superman: Donal quickly came over to save the day, taking the fiery pan off the hob as Donna carried on whisking her eggs 'Ok, we're back in business.' Showing she was ever the professional Donna wasn't deterred in her cooking efforts, tipping her eggs into the burnt butter to make a 'flambe' dish Donal said: 'The fire alarm will be going off there Donna, we'll have to give you a special award for that.' Neither chef was to take the crown however as Jose's efforts were labelled a 'loose omelette.' A confident Donna said: 'No-one has ever made you flambe omelette, that's how special I am' before Donal announced both dishes 'were going in the bin.' She split from her husband Karl Stefanovic in September last year. But as Cassandra Thorburn returned to public life following months of uncertainty, Today co-host Lisa Wilkinson reportedly snubbed her at an awards ceremony. According to Fairfax Media on Sunday, an attendee at The Australian Women's Weekly Women Of The Future Awards said that despite Lisa being an emcee at the event, she didn't so much as even acknowledge her Today co-host's ex-wife. Ouch! As Cassandra Thorburn (left) returned to public life following her split with Karl Stefanovic, he ex-husband's Today co-host Lisa Wilkinson (right) reportedly snubbed her at an awards ceremony, according to The Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday 'Everyone was watching to see what Lisa would do, but she completely ignored Cassandra,' the insider told the publication. The source added: 'It felt a bit awkward.' At the event held on Wednesday Cassandra walked the red carpet in a chic pink dress, looking happy and relaxed. Her attendance at the event has reportedly been part of a celebration, after finalising her divorce from her ex-husband and raising a toast in support of women in media. Second snub: Lisa posted a photo her Instagram at the event, but Cassandra was nowhere to be seen in the shot Lisa posted a photo her Instagram at the event, but Cassandra was nowhere to be seen in the shot. It's unclear whether Lisa purposefully ignored Karl's former wife, however the pair have known each other a long time. Lisa has had close to a decade of contact with the former journalist, as Karl's co-host on the long-running Channel Nine morning program since 2007. Not friends anymore? Lisa has had close to a decade of contact with Cassandra, as Karl's co-host on the long-running Channel Nine morning program since 2007 After the high-profile separation from Cassandra, the 57-year-old blasted Australian tabloids for their treatment of Karl, claiming the reports were 'a lot of lies.' Cassandra and Karl married in 1995 but shockingly separated last year, before the high-profile TV personality began dating designer Jasmine Yarbrough. The pair have three children together, Jackson, 18, Ava, 12, and River, 10. Unexpected: Cassandra and Karl married in 1995 but shockingly separated last year She recently sparked rumours she has married long-time beau Jason Statham after eagle-eyed fans spotted she was wearing two rings on her finger. But Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 30, ensured no one would be looking at her hand as she showed off her sensational figure to celebrate the 5 Year Anniversary Collection of her Rosie For Autograph Marks & Spencer collection. Oozing glamour in the sultry snapshots, the 30-year-old model dazzled in an array of lingerie as she posed up a storm for the cameras. Scroll down for video Glam: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 30, showed off her sensational figure to celebrate the 5 Year Anniversary Collection of her Rosie For Autograph Marks & Spencer collection In one sizzling snapshot, the blonde bombshell showed off her enviably toned abs in a mint green bra with a feminine lace trim that she teamed with matching briefs. With her golden locks styled in loose waves, the stunning star's pretty features - which were accentuated with a neutral make-up palette - were framed by her cascading tresses. Adding to the glamour, Rosie donned a pair of diamond chandelier style earrings as well as a myriad of rings. Turning heads: Oozing glamour in the sultry snapshots, the 30-year-old model dazzled in an array of lingerie as she posed up a storm for the cameras Meanwhile, Rosie caused fans to speculate whether she had finally married Jason in a recent Instagram snap. The couple announced they were engaged in January 2016, after six years of dating. The British model was truly radiant in the selfie - but it was the two rings on her wedding finger that caught attention, sparking confusion over whether she and the actor, 50, had tied the knot. Tied the knot? Rosie caused fans to speculate whether she had finally married Jason Statham in a recent Instagram snap, which saw her sport two rings (above) In the selfie, the model is seen posing playfully for the camera, as she sips on an iced beverage in the sunshine. Sporting a sweeping of shimmering eye shadow and bronzer, and leaving her hair in loose, tousled curls, Rosie proved the striking natural beauty that shot her to fame as she documented her day for fans. However despite the stunning snap, eagle-eyed fans instead turned their focus to her left hand holding the drink - which showed two rings on her fourth finger. Rumour has it: The two rings on her wedding finger in the snap caught attention, sparking confusion over whether she and the actor, 50, had tied the knot (pictured in August last year) Confused: However despite the stunning snap, eagle-eyed fans instead turned their focus to her left hand holding the drink, and began to question whether she and Jason were engaged Followers immediately began to question whether Rosie had secretly married her actor beau, after an engagement of almost two years. Numerous users took to the comments to question the matter, with one writing: 'They got married?! I thought they were just engaged' Before another added excitedly: 'Two rings on her wedding finger!' However it is unclear whether either band is her famously dazzling engagement rock, reportedly worth a whopping 243,000. Happy: The pair announced they were engaged in January 2016, after six years of dating (pictured in April this year) MailOnline has contacted Rosie's representatives for comment. Rosie and Jason announced their engagement in January 2016, after six years of dating. The pair then announced they were expecting their first child together in February this year, with a stunning bikini snap shared by Rosie - displaying her growing bump for all to see. Bumping along nicely: The pair then announced they were expecting their first child together in February this year, with a stunning bikini snap shared by Rosie (above) Two became three: Their son Jack then arrived in June, with the model writing proudly on Instagram: 'Our little man arrived! Jack Oscar Statham 8.8lbs on Saturday June 24th' (above) Their sweet son Jack then arrived in June, with the model writing proudly on Instagram: 'Our little man arrived! Jack Oscar Statham 8.8lbs on Saturday June 24th' Rosie had previously discussed her desire to start a family with her beau, telling The EDIT in 2015: 'Having a family is something I think about for sure, and whether I'd live here in America or in England. But it's not always as simple as that.' Before she added: 'I have no idea what will happen, but it'll be interesting to find out, right? And nothing will be perfect, I'm sure.' She's the Australian actress whose character Sarah Adams in TV series A Place To Call Home has finally found happiness. But Marta Dusseldorp has revealed things are destined to take a turn for the worse when the series kick starts again on Sunday. The 44-year-old told The Courier Mail the show's creator Bevan Lee has something in store for her character Sarah now that she's in a 'good place'. Scroll down for video 'He doesn't let you stay there for too long': Marta Dusseldorp teases drama for her character in new season of A Place To Call Home 'Yes, Bevan Lee he doesn't let you stay there for too long,' Marta told the publication. 'There is no way he's going to leave Sarah happy.' Season five of the Aussie drama set in the 1950s is set to premiere on Foxtel on Sunday night. Marta will reprise her role as nurse and mother Sarah Adams, which the actress said has been a thrilling opportunity. 'I was surprised to be cast initially ... but I've been thrilled to have gotten the chance to play such a complicated character,' she said. 'There is no way he's going to leave Sarah happy': The 44-year-old said the show's creator Bevan Lee has something in store for her character Sarah Adams now that she's in a 'good place' Making a return: Season five of the Aussie drama set in the 1950s is set to premiere on Foxtel on Sunday night Marta received a Logie nomination for Best Actress for her performance in A Place To Call Home. Meanwhile, the hit drama received a win in the peer-voted category of Most Outstanding Drama. The actress paid tribute to Bevan, who wrote all but two episodes in the last season. She said she sent the writer a message, saying the greatest aspect of the award was for him to have recognition for his contribution to Australian television over 30 years. 'I've been thrilled to have gotten the chance': Marta will reprise her role as nurse and mother Sarah Adams, which the actress said has been a thrilling opportunity Marta also hinted that her character wasn't the only one who will potentially have their world turned upside down when the Foxtel show returns to screens. Plenty of taboo subjects will be touched on, including mental illness. Regina (played by Jenni Baird) will be part of the dramatic plotline taking place this season, with the character locked inside an asylum. She's rumoured to be one of the former Bachelor contestants to take part in Channel Ten's new spin-off Bachelor in Paradise. And on Sunday, Elora Murger was flaunting what she will be showing much more of if she scores the spot, with a revealing post to her Instagram on Sunday. Dressed in a skimpy white bikini, the 27-year-old flaunted her peachy behind as she was snapped adjusting her thin thong. 'If she's moody grab her booty': Former Bachelor contestant Elora Murger flaunted what she will be showing much more of if she scores the spot on Bachelor in Paradise, with a revealing post to her Instagram on Sunday 'If she's moody grab her booty,' she flirtatiously captioned. Elora was pictured south of Sydney at the beachside suburb of Cronulla standing in the rock pools and posing for pictures. The self-proclaimed 'Tahitian Goddess' showed off her tanned complexion, while her sizable tattoos were exposed on the bottom half of her body. One of the designs sprawled across her legs and buttocks, and extended all the way up towards her stomach, while a smaller tattoo was positioned on her right wrist. Twice a star? Elora may be showing off more of her desirable figure very soon, with the busty brunette heavily rumoured to take part in Bachelor in Paradise Will she? Although Elora hasn't confirmed she has signed up to take part in the new series, her time on The Bachelor proved to be popular with fans, making it to the last six from 22 girls who were vying for the heart of Matty 'J' Johnson Elora may be showing off more of her desirable figure very soon, with the busty brunette heavily rumoured to take part in Bachelor in Paradise. Last week,Channel Ten confirmed rumours that US reality television spin-off Bachelor In Paradise is being given the go ahead in Australia, with a local version in the works. Osher Gunsberg, who hosts The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, will front the series. Although Elora hasn't confirmed she has signed up to take part in the new series, her time on The Bachelor proved to be popular with fans, making it to the last six from 22 girls who were vying for the heart of Matty 'J' Johnson. As well as Elora, personalities tipped to be involved include: Nikki Gogan, Keira Maguire, Zilda Williams, Sarah-Mae Amey, Leah Costa and Michael Turnbull. Other former Bachelor and Bachelorette stars have denied they will make an appearance, with Richie Strahan and Blake Garvey being the most vocal about declining a return to the franchise. It's been reported that Kim Cattrall was the reason behind the cancellation of a potential Sex And The City 3. And in a new report says that while the cast of the hit series did truly 'care' for each other, a source placed Kim behind the drama - reiterating the exclusive story Daily Mail TV broke almost two weeks ago. 'She is the one who creates the drama,' a source told People of Cattrall. The drama: A new report states that the cast mates of Sex And The City 'genuuinely cared for each other' but Kim Cattrall (pictured here in May) 'creates the drama' The source said that the stars - which also include Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis - 'genuinely did care about each other', and worked hard to ensure any drama among them was kept away from their fans. However, the source added: 'Its amazing Kim is saying she wasnt negotiating because she was absolutely asking for many demands, some of which have already been quoted. 'When she said the relationship was toxic, its interesting because she is the one who creates the drama, but she wont take honest responsibility for her actions.' In a story broken by Daily Mail TV it came out that the franchise, which had a third movie in the works, has come to a crashing end because of the English-Canadian star's 'diva demands' and decision to pull-out of talks. Blast from the past: Kim and starred alongside Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon for SATC the series from 1998 until 2004 and SATC the film in 2008 and its sequel in 2010; seen filming SATC film in 2007 in NYC Confessing: Cattrall took a seat opposite Piers Morgan for a taping of the ITV series 'Life Stories' where she opened up about Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristen Davis for the first time, call her relationship with the women 'toxic' Then Thursday ten days ago, Sarah spoke toExtra about the possibility of the third film in the future, to which she said: 'It's over...we're not doing it.' The star, who was on the carpet with husband Matthew Broderick for the New York City Ballet Gala, added: 'I'm disappointed. We had this beautiful, funny, heartbreaking, joyful, very relatable script and story.' On Monday, Kim sat down with Piers Morgan for a taping of the ITV series Life Stories. Kim told Morgan that she has a different life and different priorities than her three SATC co-stars, which made having a relationship with them 'difficult.' Kim and Sarah Jessica starred alongside Kristin and Cynthia for SATC the series from 1998 until 2004 and SATC the film in 2008 and its sequel in 2010. Kim, who played publicist Samantha Jones in the franchise, told him: 'They all have children and I am 10 years older and since specifically the series ended, I have been spending most of my time outside of New York so I don't see them.' Children: Kim, who played publicist Samantha Jones in the franchise, told him: 'They all have children and I am 10 years older and since specifically the series ended, I have been spending most of my time outside of New York so I don't see them.'; (pictured Tuesday) 'There is genuine affection there': Kim also said that she would not rule out a reconciliation with Sarah; (pictured 2015) Adding: 'The common ground that we had was the series and the series is over.' Kim said that she's since 'moved on' and that she is focusing on making decisions for herself and 'not my career.' The former HBO star said after reports came out that she was the reason why there will be no SATC 3 film, no one from the cast tried to reach out to her. She explained that in a 'healthy relationship or a transaction for a job in my business,' if asked about being able to take part in something you can say 'yes but thank you very much but I'm sort of over here right now.' Kim said 'you should get a "great, good luck to you, I wish you the best," but that's not what happened here, this is, it feels like a toxic relationship.' She told Piers there's no chance she would ever play Samantha again: 'For me it's over, it's over with no regrets, I just wish that Sarah had been nicer.' They met when he choreographed dances for the 2010 film, Black Swan. And on Saturday, Natalie Portman supported husband Benjamin Millepied as he hosted the annual gala put on by the L.A. Dance Project. In 2012, the The French father-of-two co-founded the dance company along with Matthieu Humery, Nicholas Britell, Nico Muhlyar and Charles Fabius. By his side: On Saturday, Natalie Portman, 36, supported husband Benjamin Millepied as he hosted the annual gala put on by the L.A. Dance Project Natalie, 36, looked elegant in a boat neck, tea-length gown. The Israel-native accessorized with large dangle earrings, rings and a bracelet. The Oscar-winner wore her medium-length locks down and in waves. The beauty wore a neutral, bronzed eye and a soft, autumn-inspired lip. His biggest fan: Natalie looked adoringly at her hubby of five years Alone time: The couple are parents to son Aleph, six, and daughter Amalia, eight months Classic beauty: Natalie looked elegant in a boat neck, tea-length gown Also in attendance was the former Parks and Recreation Rashida Jones, 41. The gorgeous star wore a draped, silver-and-black dress. Rashida paired her look with a bold, red lip. Gina Rodriguez, 33, stopped by with boyfriend Joe LoCicero. The Jane the Virgin star looked lovely in a navy dress with a mesh overlay. Stunning: The Oscar-winner wore her medium-length locks down and in waves. The beauty wore a neutral, bronzed eye and a soft, autumn-inspired lip Pals: Also in attendance was Rashida Jones, 41 Hot metal: The gorgeous, former Parks and Recreation star wore a draped, silver-and-black dress. She paired her gown with a bold, red lip Date night: Gina Rodriguez, 33, also stopped by with boyfriend Joe LoCicero Isla Fisher, 41, was chic in a three-quarter sleeve, navy dress. The beautiful red head wore her shoulder length locks down and in soft, loose curls. Ellen Page, 30, came out in support of dancer Emma Portner, who was named the first 'artist in residence,' according to an Instagram post by company founder Benjamin. Flattering color: Isla Fisher, 41, was chic in a three-quarter sleeve, navy dress Happy for her: Ellen Page, 30, came out in support of dancer Emma Portner, who was named the first 'artist in residence,' according to an Instagram post by company founder Benjamin She's invited! Iconic actress and dancer Jennifer Grey, 57, was a shoe-in for the guest list In their element: She was joined by famed director and choreographer Kenny Ortega Iconic actress and dancer Jennifer Grey, 57, was a shoe-in for the guest list. She was joined by famed director and choreographer Kenny Ortega, 67. Also out for the big night were dancer couple. Mikhail Baryshnikov, 69 and wife Lisa Rinehart. She regularly showcases her stunning looks on social media. And Pia Miller, 33, has turned heads once again as she flaunted her flawless physique in a skimpy bikini. The Home And Away star took to Instagram on Sunday to share an image of herself drying off after a relaxing swim. Flawless! Home And Away star Pia Miller (pictured) stunned again as she flaunted her flawless figure in a revealing bikini that accentuated her ample assets She could be seen climbing out of the water wearing an orange bikini that showcased her glowing skin and ample assets. Her natural pretty looks were on display as she smiled for the camera, while her dampened brunette locks were swept to one side. Fans of the Chilean-born actress took to the comments section to compliment the genetically blessed star, with one writing: 'You girl are seriously flawless in every photo.' 'Oh Pia Pia ...[the] most beautiful girl in the world!' another said. Her Sunday swim post followed up a very chic selfie she took while travelling in the back of a car two weeks ago. Sunday swim: The Home And Away star took to Instagram on Sunday to share an image of herself drying off after a relaxing swim The 33-year-old looked gorgeous in the close-up picture of her wrinkle-free visage and beautiful makeup. Her big brown eyes were accentuated with lashings of mascara, bold kohl-rimmed eyeliner and strong brows. Meanwhile her pout was emphasised with a nude pink lipstick. Wearing a white outfit, Pia accessorised the look with a pair of gold hoop earrings. All glammed up! Her Sunday swim post followed up a very chic selfie while travelling in the back of a car two weeks ago The model-turned-actress is certainly not shy when it comes to put her curves on display. Her Instagram is flooded with images showing off her sun-kissed glow in attire that leaves little to the imagination. Pia, who is rumoured to be 'killed off' by Home And Away newcomer Sam Frost has reportedly scored a mysterious new gig. The came to light after she was spotted filming scenes in the Sydney suburb of Manly last week. Gal Gadot hilariously parodied the Kardashians on Saturday Night Live this week. The 31-year-old Wonder Woman actress played Kendall Jenner in an imaginary E! show called Kendalls Model House. The spoof centered around Kendall - played by Godot - complaining around a bowl of fruit with her model friends Bella and Gigi Hadid. Spoof: The spoof centered around Kendall - played by Gal Godot - complaining around a bowl of fruit with her model friends Bella and Gigi Hadid Wonder host: Gadot, 31, hosted this week's episode of Saturday Night Live 'Im under a lot of pressure,' whined Gadot. Adding: 'Youre so much prettier than mewait, which one am I?' The model then resorted to asking her Amazon Alexa: 'Which one am I?' 'Turn your brain off with our new line of fall programming,' invited the voiceover, which was promoting an imaginary selection of new spinoffs on the E! channel. Another spinoff celebrated 'all those moments on the Kardashians when Kanye clearly doesnt want to be on camera'. Imposter: Gadots monologue began with a quip about her Israeli accent. Gadot then took a selfie with the Wonder Woman of Times Square who promptly demanded $5 The comedy marked Gadots first SNL hosting experience in the famed Studio 8H. The Israeli beauty played a number of roles - including a female warrior, who was approached by two lesbians (played by Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon). 'Who else here is a les?' asked McKinnon, who requested a show of hands amongst Gadots sisters. Kendall doll: The Wonder Woman actress played Kendall Jenner in an imaginary E! show called Kendalls Model House. ASk Alexa: The model then resorted to asking her Amazon Alexa: 'Which one am I?' Mixing it up: She played Gigi Hadid as well Hilarious: Another spinoff celebrated 'all those moments on the Kardashians when Kanye clearly doesnt want to be on camera' It caused much disappointment when the saucy warriors said they were all heterosexual. 'Its like were in a porn but the plumber is genuinely there to fix the pipes,' lamented Bryant. 'Lay your heads on my t*ts,' she suggested, before leaning in to passionately smooch unsuspecting McKinnon. Actress: The Israeli beauty played a number of roles - including a female warrior, who was approached by two lesbians (played by Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon) Laying: 'Lay your heads on my t*ts,' she suggested, before leaning in to passionately smooch unsuspecting McKinnon The show had opened on a serious note with country star Jason Aldean, who paid tribute to the victims of the Las Vegas massacre. We hurt for you and we hurt with you, and you can be sure that we are going walk through these tough times together, every step of the way, because when America is at its best our bond and our spirit, its unbreakable, said the 40-year-old country star, who then performed Tom Petty's hit Wont Back Down. Gadots monologue began with a quip about her Israeli accent. Tribute: The show had opened on a serious note with country star Jason Aldean, who paid tribute to the victims of the Las Vegas massacre First: In the first skit, Gadot had dinner with her internet date Kenan Thompson, who was playing the recently-released O.J. Simpson 'Im from Albuquerque,' she joked. She then spoke in Hebrew joking: 'The writers clearly know nothing about Israel, in every sketch they have me eating hummus, I mean I eat hummus, but come on! 'I think they believe Im the actual Wonder Woman, she added. Gadot then took a selfie with the Wonder Woman of Times Square who promptly demanded $5. Lemonade: Gadot then played a saucy, lemonade selling mirage in the desert Thirsty: 'Hey there you big sexy guy, she cooed at Kenan Thompson, who was lost and thirsty In the first skit, Gadot had dinner with her internet date Kenan Thompson, who was playing the recently-released O.J. Simpson. 'I did have a little nickname for a while, The Juice,' he said wryly, before tucking into a steak and a burger. 'I feel like I havent eaten a decent meal in years,' he chuckled as Gadot remained unaware of his identity. The Voice: Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton were spoofed as well 'For some reason they gave me a plastic knife,' he complained before rushing his date out of the door. 'Still got it,' he winked. Pete Davidson, aka Chad, encountered a magical world at the back of his wardrobe, which he abandoned to play video games. When Cecily Strong offered to gift him with her virginity, he immediately dropped his trousers. Nerd: Pete Davidson, aka Chad, encountered a magical world at the back of his wardrobe, which he abandoned to play video games Trousers: When Cecily Strong offered to gift him with her virginity, he dropped his trousers Gadot then played a saucy, lemonade selling mirage in the desert. 'Hey there you big sexy guy, she cooed at Kenan Thompson, who was lost and thirsty. 'Man, this lemonade stand is getting pretty sexy,' he grinned. British pop star Sam Smith then performed his new hit, Too Good at Goodbyes. Real Housewife: Leslie played Nene Leaks Fixer upper: A sketch about a pervert auto worker was shown Michael Che and Colin Josts Weekend Update centered around the gun control debate. 'Between people who want common sense gun control and people who are wrong,' said Jost. Che speculated that the 'whiny' people who own multiple guns probably have small penises. They also joked about Trumps much maligned visit to Puerto Rico. 'Nothing says I understand the gravity of the situation like a billionaire tossing six rolls of paper towels to hurricane victims, sighed Jost. Guest: Sam Smith was the musical guest Update: Michael Che and Colin Josts Weekend Update centered around gun control debate Pete Davidson, who has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, dropped by to discuss mental health. 'If youre in the cast of a late night comedy show it might help if they, you know, do more of your sketchesI mean, come on, the show is like eight hours long,' he joked. He also requested being able to kiss the host and have his rap videos aired. Debate: Che speculated that 'whiny' people who own multiple guns have small penises Mental: Pete Davidson, who has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, dropped by to discuss mental health In a storybook skit called The Maiden and the Mice, Gadot played the maiden. Her rodent friends made her a raggedy dress to wear to the ball, which she hated. 'We can add more hairballs if you want?' they suggested. 'Were working on a budget of zero dollars,' protested Aidy Bryant. Judging: Kate played Ruth Bader Ginsburg Reform: She pointed out the voter district reform The Justice League actress then played a one-eyed spy who was attempting to blackmail the authorities. Her video was interrupted by Cecily Strong and Aidy Bryant, who were running a low quality chat room Sexy Chat Now. Sam Smith then performed Pray with gospel backing. Spy games: The Justice League actress then played a one-eyed spy who was attempting to blackmail the authorities Interrupted: Her video was interrupted by Cecily Strong and Aidy Bryant, who were running a low quality chat room Sexy Chat Now Godots final role on the variety was a talk show host who was helping Aidy Bryant with her terrible teen. Kenan Thompson was brought in for a live adoption. 'The birth of a family,' beamed the proud Godot. SNLs 43rd season continues next week on NBC. Final: Godots final role on the variety was a talk show host who was helping Aidy Bryant with her terrible teen Live adoption: Kenan Thompson was brought in for a live adoption. 'The birth of a family,' beamed the proud Godot She locked lips with Chris Pine as Steve Trevor in the Wonder Woman films. But on Saturday, Gal Gadot kissed comedian Kate McKinnon in an SNL spoof of the superhero film. The skit saw Kate, 33, and Aidy Bryant, 30, play two lesbian women arriving to the land of Themyscira, an island inhabited only by beautiful women. Locking lips: On Saturday, Gal Gadot, 32, kissed comedian Kate McKinnon, 33, in an SNL spoof of the superhero film But to their disappointment, none of the ladies were actually lesbian. Kate and Aidy continued to discuss their disappointment. Gal tried to comfort the women and suggested kissing one of them to see if she would 'feel something.' 'I know, maybe I should try and kiss one of you and see if I feel something,' she offered. How it began: The opening of the skit saw lesbians Aidy Bryant, 30, and Kate arrive to the island of Themyscira Smiling at first: The women were initially happy to have arrived to the piece of land, which is of course, only inhabited by women Bummer: Kate and Aidy continued to discuss their disappointment Aidy opted out, saying that she would be too emotionally involved. Kate said that the two were 'not guinea pigs' and were not there for her 'to experiment on,' unless Gal wanted to. She halfheartedly volunteered, and Gal kissed her. After the kiss ended, Gal concluded: 'I'm sorry, I feel nothing.' The disappointed Aidy and Kate decide to leave the island and head off to their next destination, the land of Lesbos. 'Maybe I should try and kiss one of you': Gal tried to comfort the women and said she wanted to understand how they felt He is making a return to the small screen for the first time since the early 1990s. And after 20 years away from television series, Hugh Grant ensured he was going to make history as he got to work on the set of new BBC drama A Very English Scandal in London on Saturday. Hollywood heartthrob Hugh, 57, was the spitting image of disgraced MP Jeremy Thorpe as he sported the politician's trademark trilby hat and long coat. Scroll down for video Historic role! Hugh Grant looked dapper in a three-piece suit complete with tails as he returned to television after 20 years to film BBC drama A Very English Scandal in London on Saturday The actor caught the eye in his navy blue garment which he wore over his smart three-piece grey suit. A stern-looking Hugh slipped into character with ease as he thrust his hands in his pockets while filming an intense scene. A Very English Scandal tells the story of Liberal Party member Thorpe, who fell from grace after he was put on trial for conspiracy and incitement to murder in connection to an attempted hit on his ex lover, Norman Scott - played by Ben Whishaw in the drama. He was later acquitted on all charges. He passed away in 2014, aged 85. Double take! Hollywood heartthrob Hugh, 57, (L) was the spitting image of late disgraced MP Jeremy Thorpe (R) as he sported the politician's trademark trilby hat and long coat Jeremy was MP for North Devon from 1959 to 1979 and leader of the Liberal Party between 1967 and 1976. Despite his acquittal, the high-profile trial marked the end of his political career. In one scene shot this week, Grant was spotted popping open a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne on set with fellow actress Patricia Hodge. The Miranda actress plays Thorpe's mother, Ursula, in the three-part programme. Stellar cast: In one scene shot this week, Grant was spotted popping open a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne on set with fellow actress Patricia Hodge, who plays his mother Ursula The series also features Monica Dolan, Jason Watkins and Adrian Scarborough and is written by former Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies. It is set to be a skyrocketing success with Amazon already snapping up the rights to air the drama in the US. Hugh is making a huge comeback to the small screen since he starred in comedy television series The Nanny in 1996. The actor is best known for his stellar acting career in major Hollywood movies from Bridget Jones Diary to Notting Hill. He first gained experience in television throughout the 1980s on shows including The Detective and Jenny's War. She's the former Home And Away star who now calls America home. And on Saturday, Isla Fisher attended the Los Angeles Dance Project Gala with her husband Sacha Baron Cohen, 45. Wearing a figure-hugging blue dress that showcased her trim physique, the 41-year-old flaunted her enviable assets. Busting out! On Saturday, Isla Fisher attended the Los Angeles Dance Project Gala with husband Sacha Baron Cohen in a figure hugging dress that showcased her enviable assets Isla's mid-length dress featured a low-cut v-neck that showcased her ample cleavage. Ensuring all eyes were on her dress, the author kept the rest of her look low key. Isla teamed her ensemble with a pair of shiny silver pumps. Baring all: Isla's dress featured a low-cut v-neck that showcased her ample cleavage Final look: Isla teamed her ensemble with a pair of metallic silver pumps and was seen with band-aids on her each of her feet Stylish: Sacha dressed more casually for the evening, sporting a white button-up shirt and skinny denim trousers Although they looked good, the shoes seemed to cause the red-haired beauty some trouble as she sported plasters on each foot. Isla styled her shoulder-length hair into loose waves. Her makeup was also kept simple, with winged eyeliner and a matte red lip. Beauty: Isla kept her makeup simple with winged eyeliner and a matte red lip Sacha dressed more casually for the evening, sporting a white button-up shirt and skinny jeans. Keeping warm, the Borat actor added a leather jacket to his look. The couple also found time to take a photo with renowned French dancer Benjamin Millepied. He is usually found in the driver's seat - testing out an array of fancy vehicles in countries across the globe. But Richard Hammond was ushered into the back seat of a cab, as he made an incredibly bleary-eyed exit from Italian celebrity chef Gino DAcampo's restaurant launch in Camden, London on Saturday. The 47-year-old former Top Gear presenter seemed to have let loose at the event which was evident in his worse for wear demeanour at the end of the night. Scroll down for video Making pour decisions? Richard Hammond, 47, was ushered into the back of a cab, as he made a bleary-eyed exit from Italian celebrity chef Gino DAcampo's restaurant launch in Camden, London on Saturday Richard was dressed to impress in a crisp white shirt, black blazer and matching trousers for the event. However, he struggled to keep his composure as he exited the newly launched upscale eatery. Richard eventually reached an awaiting cab, where he got comfortable by slouching in the back seat. The British star was joined by his wife of fifteen years, Mindy Hammond, who put on a chic display in a plunging black jumpsuit. You Ale-right there? The former Top Gear presenter struggled to keep his composure as he exited the newly launched upscale eatery Time to head home: Richard eventually reached an awaiting cab, where he got comfortable by slouching in the back seat Style queen: The British star was joined by his wife of fifteen years, Mindy Hammond, who put on a chic display in a plunging black jumpsuit His glamorous wife seemed to be in high spirits as she posed alongside her man in towering open-toe heels and carried her olive green outerwear in her hand, as well as a clutch. This comes after Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May gave their loyal fans a first look at the adrenaline fuelled next series of their hit show. Images from new book: The Grand Tour: Guide To The World show the tearaway former Top Gear trio getting their cars stuck in deep mud in Mozambique, visiting the picturesque Swiss Alps and a military tank spinning in circles on a lawn in Dubai. A grinning Richard is seen behind the wheel of a bright red buggy, in a picture taken just before his near-fatal crash in Switzerland. James, 54, and Jeremy, 57, are also seen laughing out loud as they comically pull Richard along on a small boat in another playful snap. Looking good: His glamorous wife seemed to be in high spirits as she posed alongside her man in towering open-toe heels Fashionista: Mindy carried her olive green outerwear in her hand, as well as a clutch Richard has been recovering from a crash in Switzerland that was so horrific Jeremy and James feared he had died. The star, who sustained brain injuries after a 288mph rocket car accident in 2006, was airlifted to hospital in June after flipping a 2million electric supercar which then burst into flames as he filmed the show in Switzerland. Hammond thanked his doctors after getting back behind the wheel for the first time since the crash last month. He has since posted two videos of himself driving cars to his three million followers on Twitter. Recovery: This comes after a grinning Richard was seen behind the wheel of a bright red buggy to promote the new series of The Grand Tour, in a picture taken just before his near-fatal crash in Switzerland Back on form! Richard has been recovering from a crash in Switzerland that was so horrific Jeremy and James feared he had died The new series will see the group travel all over the world, and visit destinations including Switzerland, Croatia, Dubai, Mozambique and New York Despite cheating death in multiple serious accidents, Richard said it hasn't deterred him from driving supercars. He told The Express: 'It's fine. We're all back at it. We were ahead anyway so we've been able to take advantage of that. 'We're all full functioning. We're all briefly functioning at the same time.' She's built up the a business empire across reality television, fashion, beauty and hair products as well as books. Now Katie Price, 39, has her eyes set on a new venture as she plans to produce and sell coffins which are embellished with pink jewels, according to The Sun. Detailing the project, a source told the publication: 'Katie knows how to make money and these crystallised coffins may be her best idea yet. Scroll down for video Business savvy! Katie Price, 39, has her eyes set on a new venture as she plans to produce and sell coffins which are embellished with pink jewels 'Anybody that has a good sense of humour or an obsession with pink crystals will love them.' Katie's jewel-adorned coffins will feature sculptures of gravity-defying cleavage on the lid, complete with crystals for nipples for a hint of sparkle. The slogan 'Ashes to ashes, bust to bust' will be emblazoned across the side of the starry casket. Beautiful pin-up Katie is certain the kooky designs will be a success as they will give people an extra special send off. The glamour model explained to the publication: 'Im bringing out coffins, crystallised coffins, Im bringing out Katie Price coffins. 'Would you want to put someone in a wicker basket or in a crystallised one?' Ashes to ashes: Beautiful pin-up Katie is certain the kooky designs will be a success as they will give people an extra special send off MailOnline has approached Katie Price's representatives for comment. It comes as the star is reportedly letting her estranged husband stay in the house, after his recent affair was exposed. She looks to be taking her mind off domestic issues as she will reportedly be filming scenes for her reality show My Crazy Life in Miami. The location of the shoot will be sure to upset Kieran Hayler, 30, after Katie was forced to apologise over her flirty texts to DJ Tom Zanetti when she was last out there earlier this year. Awkward! Katie Price, 39, looks to be taking her mind off domestic issues next month, as she will reportedly be filming scenes for her reality show My Crazy Life in Miami A TV insider told The Sun: 'Katie had a great time filming in America when she was there this summer. 'She is flying back next month and hopes to have more adventures all of which will be aired on the new series of her show.' In August scenes from her reality show saw her apologising to husband of four years Kieran, after she told DJ Tom Zanetti she loved him and wanted to marry him in a series of flirty texts as they filmed a video for his new single together. Memories: The location of the shoot will be sure to upset Kieran Hayler, 30, after Katie was forced to apologise over her flirty texts to DJ Tom Zanetti when she was last out there earlier this year Kieran blasted Katie in a heated row, claiming she 'didn't give a f**k about what I thought.' And finally admitting her shortcomings, Katie conceded: 'I'm really sorry, 'I know I've put you through it and my judgement was wrong. You've come out of this a bigger man I have I let you get on with it and do it and it's backfired.' As they built bridges over the long-running sensitive topic, he added: 'It's a great feeling when she walks through the door and says sorry. Forgiven? Katie Price is 'giving husband Kieran Hayler a second chance' by allowing him to stay in their marital home following his latest cheating scandal This comes following reports Katie is 'giving husband Kieran Hayler a second chance' by allowing him to stay in their marital home following his latest cheating scandal. The serial philanderer left mother-of-five Katie heartbroken after she discovered his six-month affair with their children's nanny, just three-years after it emerged he bedded two of her closest friends. But the ex-glamour model is reportedly reluctant to kick Kieran a self-confessed sex addict out of the sprawling property they share because of his willingness to take on many of their domestic chores. A source told Sun Online: 'The thing is, Katie needs Kieran around he cooks for the kids, he feeds the animals, he does the school run and he looks after (Katie's oldest child) Harvey. He's basically unpaid help, so if she kicked him out, things would be chaos. 'However much she hates him for cheating on her, she can't cope without him.' Cheat: The serial philanderer left mother-of-five Katie heartbroken after she discovered his six-month affair with their children's nanny, just three-years after it emerged he bedded two of her closest friends MailOnline has contacted Katie's representatives for further comment. The report comes shortly after Katie insisted she has no intention of getting back together with her troubled husband. According to Now Magazine, she decided to work on her marriage with Kieran because she couldn't 'face another divorce'. Hitting back: Katie previously revealed that she has no intention of getting back together with her estranged husband Kieran An insider told the publication: 'She can't function alone and is adamant they can make it work. She's got her experiences of divorce and simply can't face going through that again.' In light of the reports, Katie has vehemently denied the claims with her spokeswomen insisting that the pair have no immediate plans to get back together and instead they will both focus on their children. She said: 'Kate and Kieran are currently living in their marital home. 'Of course their marriage is on the rocks and right now there is no future for them however they are currently dealing with their situation privately and in their own time. 'Kieran is getting help and is in therapy. Despite recent speculation from 'sources' they are both acting in the best interest of their children and family, Katie's main priority is her mum, her health, the children and her work.' Boudoir: His comments come after Katie had made her affections for Chris known on Loose Women last month, when she brazenly told him: 'If I wasn't married you would be my type on paper, 100 percent to a tee!' The TV personality revealed in August she was splitting from the former stripper after discovering he embarked on a lengthy affair with the family nanny Nikki Brown. However Nikki, 40, later came forward to deny the accusations, and claim Katie simply wanted to place blame on someone else for the split. Kieran has since spoken to The Sun about his troubles, confessing he was a sex addict who needed professional help. The father-of-two, who married Katie in 2013, admitted: 'This wasn't a big love affair... I'm a sex addict and needed a thrill. 'I didn't fancy Nikki. If our nanny had been 80 I'd probably have tried to manipulate her into having sex too.' In the past: The TV personality revealed in August she was splitting from the former stripper, 30, after discovering he embarked on a lengthy affair with the family nanny Nikki Brown Help: Kieran has since spoken to The Sun about his troubles, confessing he was a sex addict who needed professional help They're smitten with each other after rekindling their romance this summer. And Brooklyn Beckham and Chloe Moretz looked truly loved up as they stepped out hand in hand in Dublin on Saturday. Brooklyn, 18, who recently moved to New York to study photography, beamed at his stunning girlfriend as they strolled through the Irish capital together, where she is currently shooting for her new film, The Widow. Scroll down for video Loved-up: Brooklyn Beckham, 18, who recently moved to New York to study photography, beamed at his stunning girlfriend Chloe Moretz as they took a stroll in Dublin on Saturday The 20-year-old Kick Ass star looked chic in a long striped buttoned coat, covering her blonde locks under a dark beanie. Layering up against the chilly Irish air, the film star slipped a black sweater on beneath the cosy coat. She completed her look with stylish loose-fitting trousers, comfy white trainers which matched those of her boyfriend, and a casual shoulder bag. Stylish: The 20-year-old Kick Ass star looked chic in a long striped buttoned coat, covering her blonde locks under a dark beanie Cute couple: Layering up against the chilly Irish air, the American film star (right) slipped a black sweater on beneath the cosy coat - while her boyfriend (left) looked handsome as ever All smiles: The couple looked delighted to be together again after the actress's time in Dublin meant their blossoming romance has been kept long distance Brooklyn took the opportunity to showcase his high fashion sense in a denim jacket which sported various eye-catching badges. The keen photographer, whose book of snaps What I See came out last month, opted for a simple white tee and dark jeans to go with the loud jacket. Finishing off the look with a flourish, Brooklyn opted for a brown flat cap which allowed his brown locks to be tucked out of his face. On the same day Chloe shared a video with her 13.5million Instagram followers of her cheeky chappy giving her a tender kiss on the cheek as she beamed at the camera. Back together, hats for sure! Finishing off the look with a flourish, Brooklyn opted for a brown flat cap which allowed his brown locks to be tucked out of his face Keeping it cheap: The 18-year-old photographer popped into Tesco with his girlfriend, showing that despite being the son of one of the most famous couples in showbusiness, he's keep his feet firmly on the ground Happy: Brooklyn took the opportunity to showcase his high fashion sense in a denim jacket which sported various eye-catching badges Now that the British teenager has moved to New York City to study, he's been able to meet up with the beauty regularly. Yet Brooklyn recently admitted that he has a few 'fangirls' at Parsons School of Design in NYC, where is studying photography. He confessed in an interview with The Cut that he sometimes has to ask his more enthusiastic fans to calm down when they run into him. He said: 'I like people from school but there are a few fangirls in the school Sometimes, I have to be like, "I'm going to be with you for like, four years, so chill." I choose you: Although Brooklyn has mentioned having lots of 'fangirls' at Parsons School of Design in NYC, where is studying, he only had eyes for Chloe on their romantic outing Stylish pair: The keen photographer, whose book of snaps What I See came out last month, opted for a simple white tee and dark jeans to go with the loud jacket 'I mean, it's gotten better. They understand and they respect it, but it's just at the beginning, it's such a shock to them, so it's fine.' And Brooklyn, who as the eldest child of David and Victoria Beckham has spent his entire life mixing in celebrity circles and is often seen at star-studded events, said he's not interested in hanging out with famous people, saying "I don't hang out with all those famous, annoying people." Meanwhile, Brooklyn Beckham and Chloe were still playing out their love story on social media on Sunday night, as he complained that he was 'missing [his] girl'. Having a laugh: The adorable pair looked at ease as they giggled and chatted on their walk Love is in the air: The smitten duo couldn't keep their eyes off each other on the cute outing Window shopping: Brooklyn eyed up some edible treats as the pair nipped to the supermarket Out and about: Now that the British teenager has moved to New York City to study, he's been able to meet up with the beauty regularly Underneath a throwback shot of one of their favourite pastimes, the actress then commented with a love heart and a wilting flower. His cryptic message read: 'These nights are my favourite [love heart]. Missing my girl.' Chloe very much confirmed that she was the girl he was pining for, when she left her comment beneath it. The black and white post, which was liked by Joanne and David Beckham, appears to show Brooklyn stroking Chloe's leg while they watch old fashion western films in front of the TV. They were first seen together again at the end of August, following claims that they had been 'getting very close'. Check him out: It looked like Brooklyn acted the gentleman and paid for the shopping Decision time: They were first seen together again at the end of August, following claims that they had been 'getting very close'- and Saturday's outing confirmed the romance is back on Back on: Chloe and Brooklyn (here in May 2016) previously dated in 2014 and were on and off while they shared a transatlantic relationship Trying again: The duo will no doubt find things easier now that Brooklyn lives in NYC Then, two weeks ago, Chloe left a love heart beneath a picture of Brooklyn, in which there appeared to be a two-person shadow on the wall behind him. Fans were furiously speculating that it was Chloe's shadow in the image, despite his brief fling with model Madison Beer, 18, in July. They had previously dated in 2014, before splitting the following year and going on to reunite in the summer of 2016, with Chloe confirming: 'We're in a relationship. It's fine. It's no biggie.' Months later she and Brooklyn had split again, but the Carrie star has fuelled rumours of a romantic reunion once more. He recently described his sweet little girl as 'beautiful, vindictive and vicious.' And Russell Brand looked every inch the doting dad as he sweetly held onto his ten-month-old daughter Mabel while out in Primrose Hill, North London on Saturday. The reformed party animal, 42, and his wife Laura Gallacher, 30 - who welcomed their first child last November - looked like they were in bliss as they enjoyed the casual family day out. Scroll down for video Daddy day care! Russell Brand, 42, looked every inch the doting dad as he sweetly held onto his ten-month-old daughter Mabel while out in Primrose Hill, North London on Saturday Out and about: The reformed party animal and his wife Laura Gallacher, 30 - who welcomed their first child last November - looked like they were in bliss as they enjoyed the family day out Russell, who hinted this week that his given away much of his fortune, ensured that all of his focus was on adorable little Mable as he kept her close to his chest. Sporting his signature unkempt mane, the comedian looked trendy in a black jacket, simple grey tee and printed trousers. Russell looked to be in his element as he kissed Mabel's hand while she sweetly played with her father's chunky necklace. The cherubic tot was clad in an adorable pair of dark purple dungarees and a blue onesie. Doting: Russell ensured that all of his focus was on adorable little Mable as he kept her close to his chest and placed a sweet kiss on her hand Casual: Sporting his signature unkempt mane, the comedian looked trendy in a black jacket Happy: Russell looked to be in his element held on to Mabel while she sweetly played with her father's chunky necklace While Russell held onto the young one, his other half Laura, who he wed earlier this year, engaged him in lively chatter as she stood nearby. Laura proved to be casually clad as well in a simple black top and tied half of her locks into a chic top-knot for practicality. The family proved to be relaxed and happy as they took time out of their hectic schedule to enjoy the day off. Sweet: The cherubic tot was clad in an adorable pair of dark purple dungarees and a blue onesie First born: Mabel was born in November of last year Together: While Russell held onto the young one, his other half Laura, who he wed earlier this year, engaged him in lively chatter as she stood nearby Stylish: Laura proved to be casually clad as well in a simple black top and tied half of her locks into a chic top-knot for practicality Reformed party animal: Russell proved how much his life has changed as he held on Mable Proving his priories had truly changed, Russell multi-tasked as he held onto Mabel's milk bottle, as well as a number of other essentials. Appearing to contradict reports that hes worth 10 million, Russell recently said: I live hand to mouth. I gave people too much money, I gave too much to charity. 'I bought too many good things, I didnt look at the contracts. Now Ive got to work for the rest of my life. Russell has recently been on a work trip to the States where he has been promoting his new book. Speaking on Megyn Kelly Today on Tuesday, Russell, who appeared on the show to talk about his recovery from drugs and sobriety, couldn't resist talking about his little girl as he labelled her 'beautiful, vindictive and vicious.' Doting dad: Proving his priories had truly changed, Russell multi-tasked as he held onto Mabel's milk bottle, as well as a number of other essentials Lovely: Laura also couldn't resist placing a supportive hand on her daughter Everything she needs! The blonde harboured all of her essentials for the day in a bright pink bag Trendsetter: Russell teamed his look with printed trousers and lace-up trainers Russell, who is promoting his new book Recovery: Freedom From Our Addictions, has openly discussed his marriage to Laura as well as fatherhood to baby Mabel months, in the past. Speaking on ITV's Lorraine recently, he said: 'Its so extraordinary to find such comfort and peace in a way things are obvious, getting married, having baby, I feel very relaxed, surprised but relaxed I was watching my wife singing to our daughter, I thought wow this is happening, I am the father in this relationship, it felt beautiful. Apple of his eye: Russell couldn't help but lovingly dote over the little one Low-key: The family proved to be relaxed and happy as they took time out of their hectic schedule to enjoy the day off 'She's beautiful, vindictive and vicious': On Tuesday, Russell lovingly referred to his little girl Mabel as somewhat of a handful Priorities: Speaking on Megyn Kelly Today, Russell, who appeared on the show to talk about his recovery from drugs and sobriety, couldn't resist touching upon his family with the sweet statement When asked by Lorraine if he would have more children, Russell responded 'Oh yeah! The actual birth bit is brilliant, surprising, amazing. I saw how mental it was my wifes birth was a crazy world, I was on the periphery. 'The midwifes were dominating, I was scuttling around, jealous of the oxygen she was on.' Russell also admitted that fatherhood had settled him down as he spoke sweetly of his little girl to Stellar Magazine recently: 'She grabs my face, closes her fist and twists it. I quite like that. Nothing she does annoys me.' 'It's just that you can't ever go, "Would you mind being on standby for an hour so I can do something else?" It's a total lack of control: she'll punch and I'll surrender'. New project: Russel has also been promoting his new book Recovery: Freedom From Our Addictions Loving: Russell has openly discussed his marriage to Laura, 30, who he wed last month as well as fatherhood to baby Mabel, 10 months, in the past 'Nothing she does annoys me': Russell also admitted that fatherhood had settled him down as he spoke sweetly of his little girl to Stellar Magazine recently: The Rock Of Ages actor admitted that even though he may have been viewed as a Lothario in the past, he's long been broody. 'Ive always loved being around kids; sort of obsessively, really. I have strong relationships with all my mates kids. 'If I go to their house I sometimes spend more time with them. Because I enjoy play quite a lot and kids are willing to just put on stupid voices and muck around,' he concluded. Russell was previously married to American songstress Katy Perry from 2010-2012. Dad duties: The Rock Of Ages actor has even admitted that even though he may have been viewed as a Lothario in the past, he's long been broody The world teeters on the brink in the newly released trailer for the star-studded Justice League. The highly anticipated film brings together the DC heroes Batman (Ben Affleck), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), The Flash (Ezra Miller), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Cyborg (Ray Fisher) along with a very impressive supporting cast Mera (Amber Heard) from Aquaman and Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg), Lois Lane (Amy Adams) and Alfred Pennyworth (Jeremy Irons) will also appear in the movie. Next step: Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman returns to the screen as the world teeters on the brink in new Justice League trailer Dreaming of a dark future: Batman assembles an army of superheroes in the new movie It's Bruce Wayne! Ben Affleck is seen in his role as the superhero With plot details deliberately kept scarce, the full-length trailer gives fresh insight into the follow up to Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. And it certainly seems that the outlook is bleak for the post-Superman world. The trailer opens with a grieving Lois Lane, dreaming of getting engaged to Clark Kent in Kansas. The Flash: With plot details deliberately kept scarce, the full-length trailer gives fresh insight into the follow up to Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice Dark: It certainly seems that the outlook is bleak for the post-Superman world Directed by Zack Snyder and Joss Whedon, Justice League hits cinemas in November Worth a second look: GOT's star Jason Momoa as Aquaman She wakes to a starkly different reality - an empty bed, as we hear doomsday-like TV reports of a world falling apart thanks to war and terrorism. We see flashes of epic battles - getting a look at the Parademons - before we hear Bruce Wayne telling Diana Prince he's been dreaming of a dark future for the world. They then set bout recruiting an army of superheros to fend off the Parademon invasion. Hometown life: The trailer opens with a grieving Lois Lane, dreaming of getting engaged to Clark Kent in Kansas Where is he? She wakes to a starkly different reality - an empty bed, as we hear doomsday-like TV reports of a world falling apart thanks to war and terrorism Called to battle: We hear Bruce telling the assembled heroes: 'Divided, we are not enough. The world needs Superman, and I made him a promise, which is why Ive brought you together.' We hear Bruce telling the assembled heroes: 'Divided, we are not enough. The world needs Superman, and I made him a promise, which is why Ive brought you together.' Directed by Zack Snyder and Joss Whedon, Justice League hits cinemas in November. Heroes needed: The future without Superman is a dark one Tina Lawson posted a sweet throwback photo on Saturday that showed her daughter Beyonce sitting at the hair salon. 'If Beyonce don't look like Blue on this photo!!! Getting her braids done by Toni,' gushed Tina, 63, in her caption, adding a heart emoji. Blue Ivy is Beyonce's five-year-old firstborn child by her husband Jay-Z, with whom she welcomed twins Sir and Rumi this summer. Scroll down for video 'Getting her braids done by Toni': Tina Lawson posted a sweet throwback photo on Saturday that showed her firstborn daughter sitting at the hair salon 'If Beyonce don't look like Blue on this photo!!!': Tina gushed in her caption about the resemblance between her daughter and granddaughter Tina and her then-husband Mathew Knowles helmed a Houston hair salon while bringing up Beyonce, now 36, and Beyonce's sister Solange, who's now 31. In a New York Times profile of Tina this year, Beyonce said: 'My mother has always been invested in making women feel beautiful, whether it was through someone sitting in her hair chair or making a prom dress for one of the girls at church.' Foreshadowing her daughters' showbiz careers, Tina's salon was named Headliners. Seen this February: Blue Ivy is Beyonce's five-year-old firstborn child by her husband Jay-Z When Beyonce chatted Solange for Interview magazine early this year, Solange similarly showed praise on their mother's influence. 'I think all of our family - you and mom - were all very intuitive people. A lot of that comes through our mother, her always following her gut, and I think that spoke to me really loudly at a young age and encouraged me to do the same.' Tina's Instagram page on Saturday also played host to a video in which she indulged in what her caption called: 'My Corny Joke time'. Family resemblance: Beyonce is pictured with little Blue Ivy last August 'Hello. Did y'all hear about the guy who stole the calendar? Well, he got 12 months,' Tina cracked, adding: 'Got you,' with a laugh. Tina had married Mathew - who went on to manage Beyonce and Solange - in 1980. She filed in 2009 for a divorce that was finalized in 2011. Since 2015, Tina's been married Richard Lawson of Poltergeist fame. Father and daughter: Jay-Z - who's pictured with Blue Ivy this February - and Beyonce welcomed twins Sir and Rumi She's the Married At First Sight star turned social media star thanks to her newfound fame. And in Monday's New Idea, it's been claimed that Nadia Stamp has her sights set on The Bachelorette's Jarrod Woodgate. A friend allegedly told the publication that the 36-year-old considers him to be 'the perfect catch.' What would Sophie say? Magazine claims Married At First Sight's Nadia Stamp, 36, sees The Bachelorette's Jarrod Woodgate, 31, as 'the perfect catch' 'Nadia is said to be smitten with Jarrod and has no problem with his assertive, or even clingy personality,' a friend of Nadia was claimed to have told the publication. 'Nadia loves a man's man and someone who wants to look after you. Jarrod has old- school manners and an established career. She sees him as the perfect catch,' they went on to say. The magazine published a screenshot from Nadia Stamp's Instagram Story, that saw a blond man holding onto her waist, as she lent her body backwards. Insider: 'Nadia is said to be smitten with Jarrod and has no problem with his assertive, or even clingy personality,' a friend of Nadia was claimed to have told the publication The friend continued: 'Nadia loves a man's man and someone who wants to look after you. Jarrod has old- school manners and an established career. She sees him as the perfect catch' The caption 'I asked if he could lift...' was followed by 'Next minute', referring to the male's attempts to show off his dance moves, in particular 'the dip'. Only a fraction of the male's face, believed to be Jarrod's, was visible in the shot. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Nadia for comment. Reality stars unite: This is not the first time Nadia has been linked to fellow reality stars, the most recent being The Bachelorette's Harry Farran (pictured), 24 What have we here? Earlier this year, the brunette babe sparked romance rumours when she was pictured with former Bachelorette star Jake Ellis This is not the first time Nadia has been linked to fellow reality stars, the most recent being The Bachelorette's Harry Farran, 24. Nadia, dressed in a flirty white ensemble, was pictured getting cosy with the hunky restaurant manager, nestling her body in close. And the buxom babe sparked romance rumours earlier this year, when she shared snaps to social media of herself with former Bachelorette star Jake Ellis, and Channel Nine's Richard Wilkins. Famous face: February this year saw Nadia take to Instagram, dressed in a flirty black lace number and posing with Channel Nine's Richard Wilkins They regularly discuss public affairs on their popular morning show. But it appears Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson aren't exactly politically-inclined, with the radio hosts revealing on Friday they both aren't enrolled to vote. The high-rating media personalities joked how they are 'both going to get fined' for their civic inaction during a discussion on The Kyle & Jackie O Show. Scroll down for video Apathetic: It appears Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson aren't exactly politically-inclined, with the radio hosts revealing on Friday they both aren't enrolled to vote Kyle, 46, kicked off the chat by announcing he would not vote for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in the next federal election. He launched into a rant about Mr. Turnbull, appearing to forget he had previously admitted he doesn't vote anyway. 'The good thing about [Opposition Leader] Bill Shorten is that he likes to come on this show and talk to people who might vote for him,' he began. 'The good thing about [Opposition Leader] Bill Shorten is that he likes to come on this show and talk to people who might vote for him,' he began '[This is] as opposed to Malcolm Turnbull, whos too scared to even take a phone call,' he added. 'Thats fine. He doesnt want to talk to anyone who listens to this show, we wont vote for him. Simple as that. I wont anyway,' he declared. 'Yeah, well, you dont vote so...,' co-host Jackie O retorted. '[Mr. Turnbull] doesnt want to talk to anyone who listens to this show, we wont vote for him. Simple as that. I wont anyway,' he declared 'Yeah, well, you dont vote so...,' co-host Jackie O retorted 'Shh! Youre going to get me fined!' Kyle quickly responded. 'Youve already said it before! Its okay when you say it, not when I say it,' she offered. 'Well, you dont vote either! Sucked in! Were both going to get fined now. See you in court,' he proclaimed. It's not secret that The Block's Ronnie and Georgia don't get along with their co-stars. And now Woman's Day are reporting that things are almost at 'breaking point' for the pair. The publication reports that Georgia felt 'bullied, betrayed and abandoned' on set and ostracised from her female co-stars Elyse Knowles, Hannah and Sarah. 'The Block almost broke me': Tensions flare for Ronnie and Georgia as the mother-of-three struggles with feeling 'bullied' from her female co-stars 'The girls made no secret of the fact they didn't want to work with Georgia,' a source told the publication. They added that while Georgia and Hannah appeared to play nice and end their feud on screen, off screen things were different. Hannah and Sarah also had weekly gossip sessions when the cameras were off, which didn't help Georgia feel included. Struggles: Georgia says she felt 'bullied, betrayed and abandoned' on set and ostracised from her female co-stars Elyse Knowles (pictured), Hannah and Sarah 'The Block almost broke me,' Ronnie reportedly said. During an episode of the show this week, Georgia is left crying over thoughts their house might not make it to auction because of defects. 'I can't be on camera right now - for f**ks sake!,' she reportedly says on the show. A Nine spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'At this late stage of the competition, friendships and relationships are going to be tested in high stress situations.' Playing nice? They added that while Georgia and Hannah (seen) appeared to play nice and end their feud on screen, off screen things were different Cause of conflict: Ronnie and Georgia fought with their rivals to get their pool in, arguing with Clint and Hannah and Jason and Sarah about using their backyards to get it installed The latest clashes to rock The Block are over the pools that were installed in their backyards last week. Ronnie and Georgia fought with their rivals to get their pool in, arguing with Clint and Hannah and Jason and Sarah about using their backyards to get it installed. Meanwhile, Elyse and Georgia's feud stems from the time when she and Ronnie took money from their budget. Rivals: Meanwhile, Elyse and Georgia's feud stems from the time when she and Ronnie took money from their budget Cardinal George Pell leaves a hearing relating to charges of historical sex abuse at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on October 6, 2017 Around 50 witnesses could be called to a hearing in March to determine if there is enough evidence for Vatican finance chief Cardinal George Pell to stand trial on sex abuse charges, a court heard Friday. The 76-year-old, a top adviser to Pope Francis, is accused of multiple historical sexual offences relating to incidents that allegedly occurred long ago. He is the most senior Catholic cleric to be charged with criminal offences linked to the church's long-running sexual abuse scandal. The exact details and nature of the allegations against Pell have not been made public, other than they involve "multiple complainants". A frail-looking Pell returned to the Melbourne Magistrates Court Friday for a largely administrative matter in which March 5 was set for the start of a four-week committal hearing to decide if there is enough evidence from the prosecution for the case to go to trial. Many of the details cannot be reported for legal reasons. But Magistrate Belinda Wallington said all witnesses would be allowed except five, meaning some 50 could be called up, including former choirboys. "It is appropriate to allow people's memories to be further explored," she said. His barrister Robert Richter suggested it was "impossible" that some alleged incidents occurred at a Melbourne cathedral. "We propose to demonstrate ... that what was alleged was impossible," he told Wallington. Pell has not had to enter a plea yet, but at his first appearance at the same court in July he instructed his lawyer to make clear he intended to plead not guilty. Pell has not had to enter a plea yet, but at his first appearance at the same court in July he instructed his lawyer to make clear he intended to plead not guilty "For the avoidance of doubt and because of the interest, I might indicate that Cardinal Pell pleads not guilty to all charges and will maintain the presumed innocence that he has," Richter said at the time. Pell, a former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop, was not required to attend the hearing Friday. But Australia's most powerful Catholic again opted to appear, having previously vowed to defend himself and clear his name after a two-year investigation led to him being charged on June 29. - Leave of absence - At his first court appearance, he had to battle through a crush of national and international media as he walked the short distance from his barrister's office to the court's main entrance. Hunched over and looking weary, he again made the same slow trek to and from the court on Friday but with a much heavier police presence and less media, making no comment. He did not react as several protesters called out abuse on his way in. He was also heckled with screams of "nowhere to hide" as he left. But he also had supporters, including Carmen Zahra who said: "We know that he is a man of integrity." Pell has been granted a leave of absence by the Pope, who has made clear the cardinal would not be forced to resign his post as head of the Vatican's powerful economic ministry. But the scandal has rocked the church. Australia's Catholic leaders have previously spoken out in support of him, describing Pell as a "thoroughly decent" man. Supporters have set up a fund to help him pay his court costs, according to the Institute of Public Affairs, a high-profile conservative Australian think tank. The allegations coincide with the final stages of Australia's Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse, ordered in 2012 after a decade of pressure to investigate widespread allegations of institutional paedophilia. The commission has spoken to thousands of survivors and heard claims of child abuse involving churches, orphanages, sporting clubs, youth groups and schools. Pell appeared before the commission three times, once in person and twice via video-link from Rome. Map of Syria locating Idlib province where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Syrian rebels would stage a military operation Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate was once a key ally for many rebels but they are now abandoning it as the jihadists face a Turkey-backed operation in its stronghold. The Fateh al-Sham Front, formerly known as Al-Nusra Front, is the most powerful faction in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, which remains largely beyond the control of the regime. It heads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham coalition, which brought together an array of sympathetic rebel and jihadist groups and holds sway across Idlib after ousting rival factions earlier this year. But the coalition has been hit by successive defections in recent months, leaving Fateh al-Sham isolated just as neighbouring Turkey appears to be readying an offensive against the jihadists with help from Syria rebel fighters. "People used to adore Al-Nusra, but now they're waiting for the Turkish army to enter and finish them off," an opposition activist told AFP on condition of anonymity. On Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Syrian rebels would stage a military operation in Idlib "to ensure security". The operation is linked to a deal agreed earlier this year by rebel backer Turkey and regime allies Russia and Iran to implement four so-called "de-escalation zones" in Syria. Under pressure and increasingly weak, most rebel groups have acquiesced to the ceasefire zones, but Tahrir al-Sham fiercely opposes it. A Syrian rebel commander told AFP on Saturday that the Ankara-backed operation in Idlib aimed to drive Tahrir al-Sham from the entire province. - Wave of defections - Tahrir al-Sham, which is listed by the US and others as a "terrorist" group, counts an estimated 10,000 fighters among its ranks, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor. It is the regular target of regime and Russian air strikes, with Moscow alleging this week that the group's leader Abu Mohamed al-Jolani was seriously injured in a raid, a claim the group denied. And it has seen its ranks rapidly depleted in advance of the expected Turkish operation, with its coalition now effectively reduced back down to Fateh al-Sham. Ahmed Abazeid, a Syrian researcher at the Turkey-based Toran Centre, said the Tahrir al-Sham coalition was always "essentially a sham". "The decision-making and leadership remained in the hands of Al-Nusra Front," he added. "A Turkish intervention has been on the table for a long time," he said, adding that Turkey had been working to encourage defections in order "to isolate the group associated with Jolani". The first move, however, came from Tahrir al-Sham's side, with the jihadists in July launching a massive assault on its most powerful ally, Ahrar al-Sham, and evicting it from all but a few parts of Idlib. Soon after, the prominent Nureddine al-Zinki faction abandoned Tahrir al-Sham, and at the end of September, the faction serving as the coalition's elite force, Jaish al-Ahrar, also jumped ship. They cited "the increasing number of painful internal incidents", and their departure prompted further defections from Tahrir al-Sham. - Jihadists seen as 'risky' ally - The schisms and defections mean Tahrir al-Sham "has shrunk and is now confined to its primary component", said Sam Heller, a Syria expert at the Century Foundation think-tank. He said the defections could be read as "opportunistic in anticipation of a Turkish intervention". Charles Lister, a Syria expert at the Middle East Institute, said the conflict had "entered a new stage", with jihadists now seen as a toxic ally for rebel groups. "Being attached in any way to groups like Tahrir al-Sham is becoming an increasingly risky choice," he said. "Syrians are being forced to embrace a more pragmatic approach to their revolution." Tahrir al-Sham, however, has indicated little interest in compromise, with the group's leadership making it clear "that they would fight to the death against any external intervention", he added. An uptick in Russian and regime strikes on Idlib in recent weeks has already resulted in a soaring civilian death toll and fears that the upcoming confrontation could prove extremely bloody. Internally, meanwhile, Tahrir al-Sham is facing additional divisions, said Abazeid. On one side is a "current that believes it is necessary to engage with Turkey and other countries and no longer be designated" a terrorist group, he said. But a more hardline Al-Qaeda current opposes any compromise and wants to "confront Turkey and the remaining rebel factions... and considers that moderation brings no results". Nicole Hockley, seen here at a 2013 news conference with husband Ian, has worked to prevent the sort of gun violence that claimed the life of their six-year-old son at a Connecticut school, and of 58 people in Las Vegas Dylan Hockley was all of six years old when Adam Lanza burst into his elementary school in Connecticut nearly five years ago and shot him dead, along with 19 other young children and six adults. Since then, Dylan's mother, Nicole, has waged a determined and tireless fight against gun violence. She co-founded the group Sandy Hook Promise, named for the school where the killings, which stunned Americans, took place on December 14, 2012. Knowing the huge political obstacles to serious gun control in the US, the organization works on prevention, and particularly on mental health issues and spotting warning signs that can presage violence. When she awoke on a recent morning to learn of the horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas -- the worst in modern US history -- she said, "I got incredibly angry and grieving for what was going on. I began crying -- and then I got to work." The news sparked an "emotional roller-coaster" in Hockley, taking her back to the day of her young son's death, just as news of every shooting does. But it also provoked a sense of "frustration that although we are... slowly making progress, things are moving very slow and every day people die in preventable acts," she told AFP in a phone interview. There is on average one mass shooting in the United States every day, and 33,000 people are killed by firearms each year, 22,000 in suicides. - Outrage, then action- But Nicole Hockley is determined to fight the "apathy" and weary sense of defeatism that seems to have settled over many Americans in the face of the country's politically powerful gun lobby. "The violence seems to be accelerating, but our movement is accelerating, too, and it's continuing to gain momentum," she said. "Every time there is another senseless shooting it gets more people involved, more people outraged. "The key is for that outrage to be followed by action, and we need to give people tools," Hockley said, acknowledging anti-gun violence campaigners have not always done that very well. "I've heard people say for the last five years, 'Oh, if Sandy Hook didn't change things, nothing is going to change things.'" But, she continues, "a lot of change has happened. People need to open their eyes and see that they can do a lot." One option is outlined on her group's website: learn to recognize the signs that someone might be close to turning violent, such as a fascination with weapons, excessive and inexplicably aggressive reactions, having been the victim of harassment or violence and publicly displaying weapons. If mystery persists over what drove Stephen Paddock to kill 58 people and wound nearly 500 as he fired down on an outdoor concert from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel, Hockley insists that "the signs haven't come out, but they will." - 'There were signs' - "This is someone who started stockpiling weapons very strategically a year ago. He had a plan," Hockley said. "When there is a plan, there's linkage, so there were signs and signals. (In the Sandy Hook shooting) it was not until we had the police report, and it took many months to display all the signs that were missed." The National Rifle Association and much of the Republican Party have long opposed even the slightest regulation of guns. But the NRA and some Republicans now say they are open to at least considering controls over so-called bump stocks, which Paddock used to enable his semi-automatic rifles to fire almost as rapidly as a fully automatic weapon. "Any step forward is positive," Hockley sid, "but banning or regulating bump stocks is a small reaction to an incredibly large problem." "We need to think bigger and to stop focusing on the gun and to focus as much on the person holding the gun to prevent them from hurting themselves or others," she added. Hockley pointed to "extreme-risk protection orders," an option gaining ground in California Connecticut, Nevada, Washington state and 20 other states. Under such orders, if someone sees a person displaying "at risk" behavior, he or she can ask a court to direct police to deprive the person temporarily of access to weapons and ensure the person receives appropriate psychological care. "It's something incredibly helpful in cases of suicide or domestic violence -- or potentially homicide and mass shooting," Hockley said. Boko Haram kidnapped almost 300 schoolgirls in the northeastern Nigerian town of Chibok in 2014 More than 2,300 suspected members of the jihadist group Boko Haram were expected to appear in court in Nigeria from Monday in unprecedented mass trials to be held behind closed doors. The defendants have all been picked up and held in detention since the start of the conflict eight years ago, which has left at least 20,000 dead in the country's remote northeast. To date, just 13 people have been put on trial and only nine convicted for their links to the Islamist insurgency, according to official figures. The most high-profile current case is that of Khalid Al-Barnawi, a leader of the Boko Haram offshoot Ansaru, who is charged with the abduction and murder of 10 foreign nationals. Nigeria's justice ministry announced the start of the trials at the end of last month, saying four judges had been assigned and that defendants would have legal representation. Some 1,670 detainees at a military base in Kainji, in the central state of Niger, will be tried first followed by 651 others held at the Giwa barracks in the capital of the northeastern state of Borno state, Maiduguri. "It's the first significant trial of Boko Haram suspects," said Matthew Page, a former US State Department analyst and a specialist on Nigeria. But he told AFP that while "positive" it was still a "very small step", as many of the detainees had been held in custody for years, without access to a lawyer or ever having appeared before a judge. - 'Wrong signal' - How the long-awaited trials will be held also raises questions, particularly about transparency. A justice ministry source said no media would be allowed on security grounds and that although civilian courts, they would be held in military facilities. Umar Ado, a defence lawyer based in Nigeria's biggest northern city, Kano, said that was "as good as denying the public the right to know how the trial is carried out". "It sends the wrong signal that justice is not served or the process is compromised," he added. There have also been questions about the ability of Nigeria's justice system to handle so many cases at once and even of simple procedural details such as whether defendants will be tried on their own or together. The justice ministry itself has already highlighted the potential pitfalls facing judges, such as poor investigation techniques, lack of forensic evidence and "over-reliance on confession-based evidence". - International pressure - To what extent those on trial are connected to the group will likely come under scrutiny. "There are good reasons to believe that large numbers of the detainees have very little or no connection at all to the group," said Matthew Page. Amnesty International said in a damning June 2015 report that more than 20,000 people had been arbitrarily arrested as part of the fight against Boko Haram. It highlighted appalling conditions at military detention facilities and claimed at least 1,200 people had been summarily killed and 7,000 died in custody since 2011. The group's spokesman in Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said: "Nobody knows exactly how many people are detained, if they are still alive and where they are." President Muhammadu Buhari, who was elected in 2015, has promised to look into repeated accusations of human rights violations, including against high-ranking officers. At least two commissions of inquiry have been established but the army announced in June this year that no action would be taken against top brass accused by Amnesty. Such revelations have made Western countries cautious about responding to repeated Nigerian requests for more military support in the conflict, particularly in terms of weapons and other hardware. The US administration of former president Barack Obama blocked a nearly $600 million deal with Nigeria for 12 fighter planes after a botched air strike that killed more than 100 civilians. The deal finally went through in August. Britain's foreign minister, Boris Johnson, said on a recent visit that London was considering a Nigerian request for more military hardware. Amnesty's Sanusi believes the mass trials of Boko Haram suspects were the result of international pressure on the Nigerian government as it "desperately wants to procure arms". Liberia is preparing to hold presidential and legislative elections in October Liberia will hold presidential and legislative elections on October 10. Here are the key points explaining how the election will work and when the results will be known. - US model - Africa's first republic was founded by freed slaves from the United States and retains many similarities with the US political system, though there are significant variations. Presidential and vice-presidential candidates run on a joint ticket for six-year terms. Voters will also elect 73 seats to the House of Representatives (lower chamber), also for six years. No race will be held for the Senate (upper house) this year. Elections are overseen by the autonomous National Elections Commission (NEC). - Run-off - Liberia operates a two-round voting system for presidential elections. If no single candidate gets more than 50 percent of votes in the first round, the two candidates with the highest number of votes will face a run-off. A run-off is highly likely this year as there are 20 candidates in a crowded field and the incumbent, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, cannot run having served the maximum two terms. The House of Representatives use a first-past-the-post system, where the representative with the highest number of votes is elected. - Timings - Polling stations open at 8am (0800 GMT) and close at 6pm (1800 GMT) for Liberia's 2.1 million registered voters. - Observers - The European Union, African Union and regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have all deployed observer missions to ensure the elections are held in free and fair circumstances. Disputed results caused violence in the last election in 2011 and this will be the first vote entirely overseen by Liberia's police and army, without the support of UN peacekeepers. - Results - Official provisional results are expected within 48 hours, though the electoral commission has until October 25 to issue its final confirmation of the results and to announce a run-off if necessary for the presidency. According to the constitution the run-off is held on the second Tuesday following the final result announcement: November 7 in this case. Just minutes before an evening curfew in the city known as "The Big Easy", happy people continued to saunter through the streets, dance in bars and dine in restaurants A hurricane could not deter revelers Thursday on popular Bourbon Street in New Orleans' historic French Quarter. Just minutes before an evening curfew in the city known as "The Big Easy," happy people continued to saunter through the streets, dance in bars and dine in restaurants. Some establishments held 'hurricane parties.' Mayor Mitch Landrieu could barely contain his irritation, admonishing those who did not heed the curfew or evacuation orders for several low-lying areas. "They're putting themselves... in harm's way," Landrieu said. "I know we're in New Orleans, and everybody thinks that everything is kinda easy, but there are a lot of things that can happen." Officials warned that once the winds picked up, Hurricane Nate could blow debris, knock out electricity, and bring rain to the flood-prone area. But many businesses in the French Quarter, where some buildings have stood since the late 18th Century, planned to weather the storm -- window shutters at the ready when the winds pick up. "The plan is to stay open through the whole thing," said David Ihrig, 47, bartender at Johnny White's Corner Pub. "The French Quarter is notorious for holding up." Ihrig planned to remain through the night, but said his customers fell into two camps: those who were scared by the official warnings and retreated to hotel rooms, and those who refused to stop the party. Samantha Jordan, 21, firmly fell in the latter camp. She and her college friends from the nearby southern state of Georgia were on a weekend trip. "Our parents wanted us to leave, but we decided to stay," Jordan said. "We scheduled the event way before, so we couldn't change it." If any event is hard to change, it's a wedding. Musician Marques Green, 23, and his group "One Shot Brass Band" were scheduled to perform in two of them Thursday night -- both went on as planned. "This city is full of resilience in every aspect," Green said. "No storm is going to stop the tradition and the culture of the city of New Orleans." But Aviva Bollinger, 44, who was visiting from Chicago, said she planned to heed officials' warnings and leave the French Quarter in the evening. "You can have fun and when the curfew lifts you can come back and have more fun," she said. "Everyone's safety is more important." Saudi guards eye the border with Yemen near the deserted village of al-Khubah in Saudi Arabia's southern Jizan province on October 3, 2017 Gas masks lie abandoned among rusting debris in a shell-pocked Saudi military outpost on the border with war-torn Yemen, an enduring flashpoint in more than two years of fighting against Huthi rebels. The post in Al Khubah, a deserted village framed by barren mountain ridges, is one of several border guard bases the rebels have targeted since a Saudi-led coalition began its military intervention in Yemen in 2015. The Iran-backed insurgents' hit-and-run incursions and rocket barrages have not jeopardised Saudi control of the vast frontier, but they have underscored how the raging conflict in Yemen is spilling across the border, threatening scores of villages like Al Khubah. "The Huthis thought we will withdraw," Saudi border guard Colonel Mohammed al-Hameed said as he gave AFP a rare tour of the battered base. "But we are still very much in control," he added, broken glass and bullet casings crunching under his feet. Saudi guards stand in a building near the Yemeni border on October 3, 2017, which was reportedly hit in cross-border shelling by Huthi rebels The base showed signs of close-range combat. The scorched walls were scarred with shrapnel and the metal ceiling was pitted with bullet and shell holes. A cat prowled behind a mountain of wrecked furniture. Gas masks had been procured for fear of potential chemical attacks, Al-Hameed said. He described the Saudi base on the edge of the frontier as an "arrowhead", directly exposed to Huthi mountain posts on the other side that give the rebels a strategic vantage point. The rebels, well-versed in the region's rugged topography, have mounted numerous cross-border raids in retaliation against Saudi airstrikes on their Yemeni strongholds. - 'Liars, liars, liars' - Saudi Arabia led a 2015 intervention in Yemen to prop up the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi after Huthi rebels forced him into exile. But two years later, the kingdom appears to be in a quagmire. Hoping for a quick victory against what it saw as Iranian expansionism in its backyard, it has so far been unable to remove the Huthis from capital Sanaa. It has also been hit repeatedly by the rebels' cross-border incursions, raising fears the conflict could drag out yet further. "It's been extraordinarily difficult to prevent Yemeni infiltrations across the border," Lori Boghardt, from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told AFP. Saudi border guards keep watch along the frontier with Yemen near the deserted village of al-Khubah in the southern province of Jizan on October 3, 2017 "The Saudis are not just trying to protect civilians and... infrastructure from the tens of thousands of projectiles and ballistic missiles being launched over the border," she said. "There's also the broader strategic issue of trying to secure the basic territorial integrity of the kingdom." The rebels have posted numerous propaganda videos purporting to show their incursions into Saudi territory, including one inside Al Khubah showing border guards beating a hasty retreat. "The Huthis are liars, liars, liars," Al-Hameed said, claiming there had only been a handful of Saudi casualties and no fatalities in rebel assaults at the site. Saudi Arabia does not officially disclose military fatalities, but state media has frequently featured funeral notices for "martyred" soldiers. Unofficial figures show that cross-border attacks by rebels have killed at least 140 soldiers and civilians in Saudi Arabia since March 2015. Given Saudi Arabia's large military presence along the border and its superior air power, the Huthis would struggle to hold any territory they might seize. Saudi border guards patrol an area of the southern province of Jizan close to the border with Yemen on October 3, 2017 But their campaign of incursions represents a public relations win, experts say. "The definition of military success for the under-resourced Huthis is significantly different from that for the Saudis," said Adam Baron, a Yemen expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations. "Even if faced with high casualties, the Huthi breach into Saudi territory is a way to tell their supporters: 'Look, we are beating back the mighty enemy, we are invading their territory'." - 'Where is the war?' - Ordinary Saudi civilians have also been affected by the fighting. Thousands of residents have been evacuated from border towns across the southwest to create a buffer zone. In the frontier provinces of Jizan and Najran, thousands of mortar shells and crude rockets have slammed into schools, mosques and homes. But a constant refrain among border guards is that life remains normal. "City hall. Normal. Hospital. Normal. School. Normal," Al-Hameed said as he drove past the sites en route to Al Khubah. "You are near the war but you will say 'where is the war?' We have successfully sealed the border." But around a bend, the convoy entered what looked like a ghost town. Thousands of residents living in border communities have been moved to safer ground. Crashing mortar shells have left large craters in the ground. "Huthis are a cancer," Al-Hameed said. "If you have power, target us. Why kill civilians, women and children?" Saudi Arabia has faced repeated accusations of targeting civilians in Yemen. Saudi border guards patrolling the border with Yemen on October 3, 2017 stand in a building which was reportedly hit in shelling by Yemeni Huthi rebels The United Nations last week put the Saudi-led coalition on its annual blacklist over the deaths and maiming of children in Yemen. But for border guards, the threat emanating from Yemen is existential. Al-Hameed ducked slightly as he got out of his armoured vehicle, for fear of Huthi snipers and fighters lurking in the hills. He described the area as a "kill zone". But, he added, "as you can see, we are in full control here". No caption Populist lawmaker Winston Peters is set to pick a winner in New Zealand's deadlocked general election this week after again finding himself cast as kingmaker thanks to the country's quirky electoral system. It is the third time since New Zealand adopted the mixed member proportional (MMP) voting system in 1996 that an election has hinged upon the whim of the 72-year-old maverick. At the most recent poll on September 23, neither of the major parties -- National and Labour -- won the 61 seats needed for victory even with the help of political allies. It means they both require a coalition with Peters to gain the outright majority needed to form a government under the MMP system. True to form, Peters has given no indication of whether he prefers conservative Prime Minister Bill English's National Party or opposition leader Jacinda Ardern's centre-left Labour. He has a self-imposed deadline of Thursday, October 12 to decide, although there is no guarantee he will stick to it. The unpredictable powerbroker has backed both parties in the past and is in a position to drive a hard bargain in return for his support. "I'm a very reasonable person but I don't sell myself or my principles out," he said before the election. - Tail wags dog - The sight of English and Ardern, who between them won 81 percent of the vote, scrambling to woo Peters, who attracted just seven percent, has rankled some. "Winston Peters, with seven percent of support, has 100 percent of the power to anoint the next prime minister," an editorial in leading current affairs magazine "The Listener" said. "For a country that values fairness, that feels intuitively wrong." Another criticism has been that voters who chose parties based on their campaign platforms now have no idea what policies will emerge from the backroom talks. While best known as an anti-immigration campaigner, Peters has a grab-bag of other pet policies he has described as "bottom-lines" for his support. They range from revamping the central bank and slashing migrant numbers to more offbeat demands such as showing All Black Tests on free-to-air television and ensuring government offices use carpets made of New Zealand wool. Some, such as axing parliamentary seats reserved for indigenous Maori, have been jettisoned but there is uncertainty about the issues on which Peters is prepared to dig in his heels. A further complicating factor is Peters' notoriously thin skin and ability to hold a grudge. He insisted before the election that personal bias would have no role in coalition negotiations, only to issue a bizarre warning to English and Ardern last week. "Don't send along the wrong people (to coalition talks)... if you were in a commercial or another setting, you'd be very careful as to who you sent," he said. "You wouldn't want somebody's past behaviour and obnoxiousness to be a part of the problem, would you?" - 'We can't win' - It means slights and gripes involving Peters, some dating back decades, have come under scrutiny in case they sway the thinking of the grumpy septuagenarian. Pundits with long memories pointed out that English seconded a motion to expel Peters from the National Party in 1992 and the pair have never been close. On the other side of the political fence, the Greens angered Peters this year when they labelled his fiery anti-immigration rhetoric racist, prompting him to warn at the time there would be consequences. Peters once famously said he "did not care about the baubles of office", but his track record suggests otherwise. He supported National in 1996 in return for being made deputy prime minister and Labour in 2005 when it gave him the plum job of foreign minister. Peters said he would face criticism regardless of who he supports. "The whole thing has been depicted as one man holding the country to ransom," he told reporters, defending his democratic credentials. He added: "We just can't win. You can't win with the public, you can't win with the media, you can't win with the commentariat." Phillip Mabelane, paging through a newspaper from the period, has been battling for 40 years for an investigation into the truth behind his son's 1977 death under apartheid Time is running out for 95-year-old Phillip Mabelane. For 40 years he has waited to discover the truth of how his son died at the hands of police during South Africa's apartheid era. Now the reopening of a similar case has given him hope that he may finally learn what really happened. In February 1977, Mabelane heard that a detainee had died in unusual circumstances. "I heard the news report that a detainee jumped from the 10th floor" of Johannesburg police headquarters, he told AFP, his back upright, his head shaven, sporting a white goatee. A few hours later, two policeman were hammering on the door of his modest Soweto home. The victim was his 23-year-old son Matthews, an anti-apartheid activist who had been arrested two weeks earlier as he crossed the Botswana border. Since then, Phillip has been haunted by a single question: "How can someone jump from the 10th floor when you have done nothing bad?" "Matthews loved life, he loved jazz, he loved music, he loved girls, he was a socialite. He could not have committed suicide," said Lasch, 63, his brother. "Matthews was pushed." The Mabelanes never believed the official version which exonerated the police, as in all similar incidents of the era. Between 1963 and 1990, human rights activists say 73 people died in police detention, sometimes in circumstances strikingly similar to those of Matthews' case -- for example Ahmed Timol. In 1971, fellow activist Timol also plunged to his death from the 10th storey of the same police station. This year, after battling for years, Timol's family convinced prosecutors to re-open the inquest into the death -- a legal first in South Africa. The court probing the case will deliver its long-awaited verdict on October 12. - 'Timol inquest gave us hope' - The result could set an important precedent for other South African families whose loved ones also fell victim to the brutal apartheid system but, like the Mabelanes, have been denied the truth. Former Anti-Apartheid Activist Mohamed Timol, brother of late Ahmed Timol, was another relative seeking the truth at an inquest earlier this year into former Apartheid security member Joao Rodrigues In the Timol case, witnesses described in detail to a Pretoria court the extreme violence meted out against opponents of the regime. Torture at police headquarters included electric shocks, testicles crushed "like pepper" and jaws and skulls fractured by savage beatings. Lasch listened attentively to the hearings from the public gallery, stunned by what he heard. "There was a modus operandi" among the police, he said. "The Timol inquest gave us hope... We never thought that it would happen, that the truth would come to the surface." Since then, the family have pressed on with efforts to secure a proper investigation of Matthews' death -- despite their modest means. Among their leads is a UN report from 1979 of which two-and-a-half pages deal with Matthews' death. The document quotes the police inquiry into the death which claimed that Matthews "forced the window open" and climbed on to a ledge. - 'Forced to climb out' - "The police were unable to stop him but called to him to come back... he lost his balance and fell to his death," the police investigation said. But the UN found that "it would be absurd to suggest that he attempted to escape through a window of the 10th floor". "There is a strong, and in the circumstances irresistible, inference that he was forced to climb out of the window because he was being tortured," said the official UN conclusion. Matthews' corpse was never subject to an autopsy, but when the Mabelanes retrieved his body they discovered his blood-soaked trousers contained a disturbing message, Lasch said. "Brother Lasch, tell mother and my other brothers that the police will push me from the 10th floor. I bid you farewell," said the message written in the garment's lining. In their despair and in fear of the apartheid system, the family did not hold on to the trousers. "Nobody could think that today, 40 years down the line, we could ever think of going to court and request an inquest to be opened," Lasch said. "I wish I would have kept it." Gathering evidence so long after the incident has also proved challenging. The Mabelane family, like dozens of others who have suffered similar trauma, feel that they have been failed by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, in power since the end of white-rule in 1994. "The government and the ANC have not done anything for 20 years," said Yasmin Sooka, director of the Foundation for Human Rights in South Africa, which has helped finance the Timol family's campaign for justice. "That is why we have been looking at these cases privately." Sooka's organisation recently decided also to champion the case of Matthews Mabelane. Apartheid-era security member Joao Rodrigues testifying earlier this year into the inquest into the suspected 1971 murder of Ahmed Timol in custody in a case whose verdict is due on October 12, giving hope to relatives of Matthews Mabelane, who died in 1977 Time is against them. The policemen involved are elderly, if not dead. But most importantly, Phillip Mabelane prays that justice will be done while he is still alive. Indonesia has seen a surge of cash into its technology sector over the past two years, helping support dozens of homegrown start-ups ranging from ride hailing apps to e-commerce firms. Big-name investors including Expedia and Alibaba are pumping billions of dollars into Indonesian tech start-ups in a bid to capitalise on the countrys burgeoning digital economy and potential as Southeast Asias largest online market. Indonesia has seen a surge of cash into its technology sector over the past two years, helping support dozens of homegrown start-ups ranging from ride hailing apps to e-commerce firms. And with a population of more than 250 million, a swelling middle class and growing availability of cheap mobile devices, firms from across the world are piling in. "We believe that Indonesia is poised for a huge leap forward for its digital economy, following China's growth and becoming the leading tech destination in the Southeast Asia region," Adrian Li, a partner in Jakarta-based Convergence Ventures, told AFP. Last year $631 million in disclosed venture capital was ploughed into the country, according to research firm CB Insights, up from $31 million in 2015. But that figure has already been shattered in 2017, with $3 billion worth of deals clinched as of September 2017, said Meghna Rao, a tech industry analyst at the firm. Motorbike on-demand service Go-Jek secured $1.2 billion from Chinese tech giants JD.com and Tencent Holdings in May, according to data from Crunchbase. Tokopedia -- a marketplace that allows users to set up online shops and handles transactions -- won $1.1 billion in capital from Chinas Alibaba in August. Motorbike on-demand service Go-Jek secured $1.2 billion from Chinese tech giants JD.com and Tencent Holdings in May, according to data from Crunchbase. In another sign of confidence, Koison became Indonesia's first e-commerce service to go public in October. "While it's too soon to say that this investment is indicative of a larger pattern of Indonesian startups pulling in many big ticket investors, it is part of a growing clutch of mega-rounds," Rao said. - A golden opportunity - Internet use is growing faster in Southeast Asia than any other region in the world, with 124,000 users coming online every day over the next five years, according to a 2016 report from Google and Singapores Temasek Holdings. By 2020 an estimated 480 million people are expected to be connected to the internet, up from 260 million in the region last year. Willson Cuaca,'s venture capital firm East Ventures specialises in early-stage investments. Indonesia's mobile-first market will comprise more than half of Southeast Asias e-commerce market by 2025, with an estimated value of $46 billion, the Google report said. "When you do startup business in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, the cost, effort and time that you spend is almost even. But when you go to Indonesia (growth) is unlimited -- the market is so big," said Willson Cuaca, whose venture capital firm East Ventures specialises in early-stage investments. As a result, big names like US venture capitalist Sequoia Capital, Japan's Rakuten Ventures and travel company Expedia -- as well as Chinese tech giants -- have all made investments in the country. - Navigating challenges - Indonesian president Joko Widodo has been a vocal supporter of digital innovation, most notably in his plan to create 1,000 local tech start-ups worth $10 billion by 2020. But the sector still faces a number of challenges. A limited pool of engineering talent to draw from, low rates of internet penetration outside densely populated Java, bureaucratic delays, and poor quality infrastructure are all obstacles to growth. For e-commerce companies, the large number of "unbanked" Indonesians limits the scope of online transactions, and logistics problems make it hard to move goods. Internet use is growing faster in Southeast Asia than any other region in the world, with 124,000 users coming online everyday over the next five years, according to a 2016 report from Google and Singapore's Temasek Holdings. While young entrepreneurs and small businesses are flocking to co-working spaces springing up in major centres, it is a decidedly different scene in most parts of the country. Farid Naufal Aslam, the chief executive of Aruna, an e-commerce company that links fishermen to buyers, said navigating Indonesia's disparate communities is a challenge too. "One of the biggest challenges faced is on social approach," Aslam, 23, said. "Indonesia is a unique country with diverse communities and different customs in each region." Yet many venture capitalists and entrepreneurs remain optimistic. "The window of opportunity is there," Cuaca said. "As long as you can innovate and solve real problems using technology, you can be successful." Financier Nelson Peltz accuses Procter & Gamble of operating with excessive cost, being weak on innovation and missing the boat on key shifts in consumer behavior A costly months-long battle over the direction of one of America's biggest companies culminates on Tuesday with a shareholder vote at Procter & Gamble headquarters in Cincinnati. The fight pits the maker of Gillette razors and Olay soap against activist investor Nelson Peltz, 75, a billionaire hedge fund chief who has pitched himself as the outsider needed to reignite P&G, the largest company by market capitalization ever to face a proxy battle. The grizzled veteran of high-profile boardroom brawls accuses the company of operating with excessive cost, being weak on innovation and missing the boat on key shifts in consumer behavior. Peltz, whose firm Trian Partners holds 1.5 percent of P&G shares, attributes declining market share in key businesses to P&G's "slow moving and insular culture." His campaign has been fortified by support from respected proxy advisory services, including Glass Lewis, which said a new voice might help reinvigorate a giant that appears to suffer from a "degree of complacency." P&G counters that Peltz's campaign is based on an outdated perspective on the company and ignores key hires of outsiders as well as progress since its decision in 2014 to divest dozens of underperforming products in order to target giant brands that resonate best with consumers. Company executives also say Peltz's campaign seems to be motivated mostly by short-term gain to the potential detriment of long-term performance. "We strongly recommend you give us the opportunity to finish this transformation," chief executive David Taylor said on an October 3 investor conference call. Whoever wins, the battle has been costly. P&G has estimated that it will spend $35 million to try to keep Peltz off the board, while Trian has said it expects to spend $25 million, according to securities filings. - Outlook is improving - P&G has reported revenue declines for the last three years, pointing to the drag from the strong dollar that has caused it to underperform against European rivals Unilever and L'Oreal in some key benchmarks. But macro conditions are improving for P&G due to the declining dollar, said CFRA Research analyst Joe Agnese, who praises some of Peltz's ideas but also sees benefit in giving management more time. "The environment is improving for them with or without him. And that's why I think it's not a big negative if he's not voted onto the board," Agnese said. "But I do see that having a diverse board with different ideas is a positive also." Taylor, who joined P&G in 1980, assumed the top spot in November 2015, replacing A.G. Lafley, who was brought back to the company out of retirement in 2013 to take over from Bob McDonald, another long-time P&G executive whose selection in 2009 board members now concede was a mistake. - Debate on big brands - Among his charges, Peltz has hit P&G for misreading US shaving, where P&G stalwart Gillette has lost market share to upstart digital companies such as Dollar Shave Club, which was acquired last year by Unilever. In China, P&G was slow to perceive a shift among consumers to "trading up" to premium diapers. Part of the problem, according to Peltz, is that P&G is to slavish towards big brands at a time when they are in decline and small and local brands are ascendant. "Consumers used to trust big brands," Trian said in an investor presentation. "Many millennials now distrust big brands and seek out purpose-led brands." P&G has acknowledged some missteps, conceding that it did not perceive the shift in China. But it has unveiled its own direct-to-consumer shaving program under Gillette. The company pushed back on Peltz's attacks on big brands, saying that the best-known names dominate smaller format markets in urban areas, a key growth venue. Better known names are also more likely to appear on the first page of major e-commerce sites, Taylor said. Taylor rejected the depiction of P&G as weak on innovation, saying launches of major new incontinence and detergent performed better in consumer surveys as sub-brands under "Always" and "Downy," rather than as new product launches. Taylor said he respected Peltz, but that much of the activist's thinking appeared to be framed by his experience with companies like PepsiCo and Heinz. "What he most of the time talked about are food examples, which are very different from the business we are in," Taylor said. "I think he's projecting food onto our business." New York's Times Square was one of the alleged targets of a jihadist plot A Filipino suspect in a thwarted jihadist plot targeting New York's subway and Times Square will face legal proceedings seeking his extradition to the United States, the Philippine justice secretary said on Sunday. Russell Salic and two others have been charged with involvement in the plan to stage the attacks in the name of the Islamic State group during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in 2016. Salic was arrested in the Philippines in April 2017 and Washington had requested his extradition, the US Department of Justice said. "It only means that we have to begin the extradition proceedings being requested," Philippine Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said in a statement without giving a timeframe. "We have a process to be followed and this has been done many times in the past." The Philippine military chief, General Eduardo Ano, said on Sunday that Salic was in the custody of the country's National Bureau of Investigation. Salic, a 37-year-old Filipino doctor, transferred $423 in May 2016 to the other suspects to help fund the operation, according to US court documents released on Friday. Multiple locations including New York's subway, Times Square and some concert venues were identified as targets in the plot that was foiled by an undercover FBI agent, US authorities announced Friday. The agent posed as an IS supporter and communicated with Salic and his two alleged accomplices: Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, a 19-year-old Canadian who purchased bombmaking materials, and Talha Haroon, a 19-year-old American citizen living in Pakistan. A complaint signed by the agent quoted messages sent by Salic to others involved in the plot in which he described terror laws in the Philippines as "not strict" in comparison to countries such as Australia and the UK. Salic was an orthopaedic surgeon associated with a hospital in the southern Philippine city of Cagayan de Oro, the complaint said. On Sunday the Philippine military chief said Salic had sent funds to other nations for the IS "terrorist network". "He is providing financial support to several extremists or suspicious terrorists in the Middle East, in the US, Malaysia," Ano told reporters. "He was very active on social media, websites that groups related to ISIS have been using," Ano said using another name for IS. Salic is also under investigation in the Philippines over kidnapping and murder charges and those probes will continue pending a decision on the extradition proceedings, the presidential palace said. "The Philippines shares information and extends full cooperation with partners on matters pertaining to terrorism," presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement. The restive south of the mainly Catholic nation is home to a decades-old Muslim separatist insurgency and to extremist gangs that have declared allegiance to IS. Armed militants flying the black IS flag have been besieging the southern city of Marawi since May, leaving more than 950 people dead. The fighting, which is still raging despite artillery and air strikes and US military assistance, has left the once-thriving city in ruins and thousands of civilians displaced. At least three people were killed and dozens injured after a tanker truck carrying natural gas caught fire in Ghana's capital, Accra, triggering explosions at two fuel stations, emergency services said Sunday. Ghana National Fire Service spokesman Billy Angalate said two of the victims died at the scene of the incident in the Legon area of the city on Saturday night, and the third in hospital. "In all, 35 people were affected. Out of the 35, three of them died, the rest are at the hospital. Five them, as at 1:00 am (0100 GMT), were sent to the intensive care unit," he told AFP. The fire and explosions, which gutted a liquefied gas filling station and a nearby petrol station, sent local residents running from their homes. Ghana's capital was the scene of a similar fire and explosion at a petrol station in June 2015 which killed more than 150. Angalate said one of the dead on Saturday died after jumping from a flyover at the busy Atomic Junction roundabout, where there are three fuel stations, transport services and restaurants. It is also near a high school and the University of Ghana campus. The country's deputy minister of information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said the government deployed about 12 fire trucks and 200 police personnel to cordon off the scene and manage traffic. "A lot of people quickly rushed away, which is what saved a lot of lives but also caused a lot of panic," he added. The latest incident sparked outrage among some Ghanaians on social media about the safety of filling stations, many of which are located near schools, hospitals and businesses. A petition was created addressed to President Nana Akufo-Addo, demanding better regulation and inspection of existing and proposed facilities. They include siting them at least 50 metres from homes and 100 metres from schools and hospitals. Abena Awuku, a Ghanaian living in the Netherlands, proposed the measures on the change.org site, saying fuel stations were "all disasters waiting to happen and the time to act is now". "There was a similar incident two years ago and we were fed lies and empty promises about regulations going to be put in place but then we had to witness this," she told AFP later. "These deaths could have easily been prevented, so let's prevent them from ever occurring again in the future." This undated picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency in March 2015 shows leader Kim Jong-Un with sister Kim Yo-Jong (2nd L) North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has promoted his sister to a senior ruling party post, state media said Sunday, and praised the country's nuclear weapons programme which has sparked international alarm. Kim Yo-Jong becomes an alternate member of the party's powerful politburo, the decision-making body presided over by her brother, the official KCNA news agency said. The promotion was announced along with those for dozens of other top officials at a party meeting led by the leader on Saturday. It came as the regime faces growing global pressure to curb its weapons drive following recent nuclear and missile tests. Tensions soared as Kim traded verbal threats with US President Donald Trump, who tweeted on Saturday that "only one thing will work" to tame the isolated nuclear-armed state. The sister, in her late 20s, has frequently been seen accompanying her brother on his "field guidance trips" and other events and is known to have been involved in the party's propaganda operations. Both were born to the late former ruler Kim Jong-Il and his third partner, former dancer Ko Yong-Hui. The family has ruled North Korea since its creation in 1948. The current ruler came to power after the death of his father in December 2011. Since then he has overseen four of the country's six nuclear tests -- most recently in September -- while cementing his grip on power through a series of purges, including those targeting his uncle and half-brother. The uncle, Jang Song-Thaek, was executed in 2013 for treason and the half-brother Kim Jong-Nam was killed by a toxic nerve agent in a Cold War-style assassination at a Kuala Lumpur airport in February. Both the North's missile and nuclear weapons capabilities have made significant progress under the current Kim, despite a growing layer of UN sanctions. During Saturday's party meeting, Kim acknowledged the country faced with "ordeals" under a "stern" situation, but claimed that its economy had grown this year despite ever-tighter sanctions. He described the North's atomic weapons as a "treasured sword" to protect it from aggression. "The nuclear weapons of the DPRK (North Korea) are a precious fruition borne by its people's bloody struggle for defending the destiny and sovereignty of the country from the protracted nuclear threats of the US imperialists," Kim was quoted as saying. South Africa's bowler Kagiso Rabada (left) delivers a ball to Bangladesh Mahmudullah to take his 100th Test match wicket during the third day of the second Test match in Bloemfontein on October 8, 2017 Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada led a ruthless bowling performance as South Africa completed an innings and 254 run win on the third day of the second Test against Bangladesh at Mangaung Oval on Sunday. It was the biggest win in South Africa's Test history, surpassing the innings and 229 run victory over Sri Lanka in Cape Town in 2000/01. Rabada took five for 30 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 172, a slight improvement on their first innings of 147 in reply to South Africa's 573 for four declared. Rabada, 22, who had match figures of 10 for 63, became the youngest of 16 South Africans to take 100 Test wickets. He was playing in his 22nd Test. Only Vernon Philander (19) and Dale Steyn (20) of his compatriots have achieved the feat in fewer matches. It was Rabada's third 10-wicket haul in Tests. He took his tally of Test wickets in 2017 to 54, the most by any bowler this year. It was another poor performance by Bangladesh on a pitch which had bounce but was not especially bowler-friendly. A small group of Bangladesh supporters cheered during a bright fifth wicket stand of 43 between Mahmudullah, who top-scored with 43, and Liton Das, who made 18. But their team gave them little else to applaud. Rabada and Duanne Olivier were aggressive from the start of play, when Bangladesh resumed on seven for no wicket. They sent down numerous short-pitched deliveries and three batsmen were struck on their batting helmets, including captain Mushfiqur Rahim, who had lengthy treatment on the field after ducking into a bouncer from Olivier with his score on 11 soon after the mid-morning drinks break. He was hit on his helmet near the temple area. South Africa's wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock (centre) makes an unsuccesful LBW appeal against Bangladesh batsman Mushfiqur Rahim (right) during the third day of their second Test match in Bloemfontein on October 8, 2017 Rahim was dazed and lay down next to the pitch while the Bangladesh team physiotherapist and South African team doctor attended to him. He carried on batting for another 50 minutes until he was leg before wicket to Wayne Parnell for 26 in the last over before lunch. Rahim was stretchered off the field after being hit behind the left ear by a bouncer from New Zealand's Tim Southee in Wellington in January but was released from hospital the same day. Mominul Haque was hit by a bouncer from Rabada two balls before hooking the same bowler to be caught at deep square leg for 11, while Mahmudullah was hit by Olivier before he had scored. A tanker truck carrying natural gas caught fire in Ghana's capital, gutting a liquefied gas filling station and a nearby petrol station Ghana's government on Sunday promised to tighten safety at fuel stations across the country after seven people were killed and scores more injured when a tanker truck carrying natural gas caught fire in the capital and triggered explosions. The fire and blasts in the Legon area of Accra on Saturday gutted a liquefied gas filling station and a nearby petrol station, sending local residents running from their homes, as huge fireballs lit up the night sky. The head of the Ghana Standards Authority, Alex Dodoo, said there had been eight gas explosions in four years, including in June 2015, when a similar fire and explosion at a petrol station in Accra killed more than 150 people. In December last year, a gas tanker caught fire in the La Trade Fair area of Accra, creating a fireball that caused 13 deaths and damaged a nearby school. More than 100 others were injured in May this year in a similar blast in the western city of Takoradi. "This is a time for concrete action," Dodoo was quoted as saying by Citi FM radio after Saturday's incident. "Fixing it and making sure that it doesn't happen again is a responsible thing to do." - 'Comprehensive programme' - Information minister Mustapha Abdul Hamid said in a statement: "At least seven people have been confirmed dead and 132 injured, out of which 64 have been discharged and 68 are still receiving treatment. "An investigation has been launched into the cause of the explosion and shall be followed up with firm action to forestall future similar recurrences." President Nana Akufo-Addo said cabinet ministers will meet Thursday and will likely come out with a "comprehensive programme" and policy to prevent any more explosions. "I would like everybody involved in the industry to recognise we will all have to make adjustments to be able to guarantee the safety and the security of our people so these things do not happen again," he said. But the OccupyGhana pressure group feared nothing would change once the messages of condolences and anger passed. According to the Ghana Standards Authority, there have been eight gas explosions in four years, including one in June 2015 in Accra that killed more than 150 people "One would have thought that after the June 3 (2015) disaster there would have been a massive clampdown on how filling stations are sited in residential areas," the group's spokesman, Nana Sarpong Agyeman-Badu, told AFP. "We have not really done much or learnt anything. We all go back to sleep and the issue will come back up again, we will talk about it then go back to sleep. "I am pretty sure in the next couple of weeks we will see back and forth -- people going around shutting down filling stations -- and then we go back to as we were." The National Petroleum Authority announced in May this year that LPG outlets would no longer be allowed to refill cylinders on site to prevent explosions. Instead, they would only be allowed to sell cylinders refilled at bottling plants. The NPA said the energy ministry would roll out the policy "soon" but it was not immediately clear if the new measures were in place. Sarpong Agyeman-Badu said civil servants who handle fuel station applications "should also be made to answer questions (about) how these people are able to get the permits". - Online petition - The busy Atomic Junction area of Legon is home to three fuel stations, transport services and restaurants. It is also near a high school and the University of Ghana campus. Dominic Osei, a local businessman, said there were too many natural gas filling stations near petrol stations. "All of them too are flammable," he said. "So, as soon as there is a small or a lighter mistake, then... there will be a disaster in the country." Outraged Ghanaians also took to social media to express concerns about safety. Outraged Ghanaians have taken to social media to express concerns about the safety of filling stations, many located near schools, hospitals and businesses A petition to President Akufo-Addo has been set up demanding better regulation and inspection of existing and proposed facilities, including siting them at least 50 metres (165 feet) from homes and 100 metres from schools and hospitals. Abena Awuku, a Ghanaian living in the Netherlands, proposed the measures on the change.org site, saying fuel stations were "all disasters waiting to happen and the time to act is now". "There was a similar incident two years ago and we were fed lies and empty promises about regulations going to be put in place but then we had to witness this," she told AFP later. "These deaths could have easily been prevented, so let's prevent them from ever occurring again in the future." A drone strike killed five suspected Al-Qaeda militants in the Yemeni province of Marib, east of the capital Sanaa, security officials said A drone strike on Sunday killed five suspected Al-Qaeda militants in the Yemeni province of Marib, east of the capital Sanaa, security officials said. One official said a US drone had probably carried out the strike, which targeted a car in the province's Saoud district. The United States considers the Yemen-based Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to be the radical group's most dangerous branch. AQAP has flourished in the chaos of the country's civil war, which pits the Saudi-backed government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi against the Huthi rebels. A long-running drone war against AQAP has intensified since US President Donald Trump took office in January. An air raid he ordered that month killed a US Navy SEAL and several Yemeni civilians in Baida province, just south of Marib. More than 8,000 people have been killed since a Saudi-led coalition joined the Yemen war on Hadi's side in 2015. Rescuers including members of the Syrian Civil Defence, also known as White Helmets, carry a victim of a reported air strike on a vegetable market in Maaret al-Numan in Idlib province on October 8, 2017 At least 11 civilians including two children were killed on Sunday in air strikes on a market in northwestern Syria, a monitor said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes on the market in Idlib province's Maaret al-Numan were probably carried out by regime forces. Much of Idlib province, including Maaret al-Numan, is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group led by Al-Qaeda's former Syria affiliate. Idlib is one of four so-called "de-escalation" zones under a deal brokered by Russia, Turkey and Iran in May. However, the HTS is not party to the agreement. Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said "military aircraft" had targeted the market in Maaret al-Numan, blaming the regime for the strike. "At least 11 people were killed including two children," he said. "There are around 20 wounded and the toll of victims could rise." The Observatory relies on a network of sources inside Syria, and says it determines whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used. Flames rise from the wreckage of vehicles following a reported air strike on a vegetable market in Maaret al-Numan in Syria's north-western province of Idlib on October 8, 2017 The Observatory said that on Friday and Saturday, at least 13 civilians died in suspected regime air strikes around Khan Sheikhun, the site of a deadly April chemical attack. Despite months of relative calm in Idlib, Syrian regime and Russian forces have in recent weeks carried out air raids across the province, killing dozens of civilians, according to the Observatory. Pro-Turkey Syrian rebels are also preparing for an operation to oust HTS jihadists from Idlib province. Turkish forces fired seven mortar rounds across the border into Syria on Sunday, the Dogan news agency reported a day after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the operation. Ankara has massed forces and tanks on its border with Syria but the assault has yet to begin in earnest, monitors and sources on the ground said. A Syrian refugee living in the remote Rukban camp in no-man's-land on the border between Syria and Jordan, shelters in the rain during a visit to a medical clinic in Jordan on March 1, 2017 Aid deliveries to thousands of Syrians stranded on their war-torn country's desert border with Jordan must pass through Syria, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Sunday. "They are Syrian citizens on Syrian territory. Syria must therefore assume this responsibility and not Jordan," Safadi said during a meeting with ambassadors from European Union countries. Aid to them "must pass through Syrian territory", he said. Some 45,000 displaced Syrians, mostly women and children, have been stuck for months on the Syrian side of the frontier near the Rukban border crossing. "Conditions on the ground now make it possible to send aid to the Rukban camp via Syria," Safadi said. His comments came as Syrian government forces have made major advances against the Islamic State group, regaining swathes of the country with Russian air support. Jordan, which shares a 370-kilometre (230-mile) border with Syria, is part of the US-led coalition fighting IS in Syria and Iraq. A suicide bombing claimed by IS in June last year killed seven Jordanian soldiers in no-man's land near the Rukban crossing. Soon afterwards, the army declared Jordan's desert regions that stretch northeast to Syria and east to Iraq "closed military zones". United Nations agencies in August expressed "deep concern" for the safety of camp residents. The UN refugee agency says it has registered more than 650,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan since the conflict began. However, Amman says it is hosting 1.3 million Syrian refugees, and has repeatedly called for more assistance to do so. More than 330,000 people have been killed in Syria and millions displaced since the country's conflict erupted in March 2011 with anti-government protests. US President Donald Trump intends to tell Congress that Tehran is not honouring its side of the nuclear deal, US officials say German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said Sunday that he feared US President Donald Trump would quit the Iran nuclear deal next week. Trump is a stern critic of the 2015 accord, which he has called "the worst deal ever", and US officials say he intends to tell US Congress next week that Tehran is not honouring its side of the bargain. "The United States is likely to quit the Iran agreement next week -- that is my great concern," Gabriel was quoted as saying by national news agency DPA. However Gabriel said Germany remains committed to the agreement, which Berlin helped negotiate, to stop Iran from building a nuclear bomb. Gabriel, speaking at a state election campaign event, said his question to Washington was: "What good will come of us treating Iran as though it is developing nuclear weapons after all? ... Nothing." Trump has called the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran "the worst deal ever" He accused the US administration of "replacing the rule of law with the law of the strongest". "And that is a great danger for us because if the United States of America takes that course then the world will change," he said. Trump is expected to announce that he is "decertifying" Iran's compliance with the agreement it signed to limit its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. US officials insist this will not sink the deal itself but open the way for Congress to possibly develop new measures to punish other aspects of Iran's behaviour. Resumed sanctions could derail the accord negotiated with Tehran by former president Barack Obama and other major world powers. Congress requires the president to certify Iranian compliance with the deal every 90 days. The next date certification date is October 15. Under the law, Congress would then have 60 days to decide whether to reimpose sanctions lifted by the deal. Sudan's Transport Minister Makkawi Mohamed Awad says he expects cooperation with Boeing and Airbus to resume Sudan's national carrier aims to revive its fleet by procuring new components from Boeing and Airbus after Washington lifted its 20-year-old trade embargo on Khartoum, a minister said Sunday. Sudan Airways, one of the oldest airlines in Africa, has 12 of its 14-strong fleet of aircraft grounded after failing to source spare parts from Boeing and Airbus because of the sanctions imposed in 1997. But on Friday, Washington lifted the embargo after months of diplomatic negotiations with Khartoum. The airline is now expected to be a key beneficiary of the move. "We expect our cooperation with Boeing and Airbus to resume as we had excellent relations with them before the sanctions," Transport Minister Makkawi Mohamed Awad told AFP. Awad said the airline had been "severely impacted" by the sanctions as it had only Boeing and Airbus planes. "One by one all our planes stopped flying until the entire fleet was grounded because we were unable to get spare parts," he said. "You go to Khartoum airport and you will find all our planes parked." Sudan Airways declined to give access to AFP to photograph its aircraft on the ground. The top US envoy in Khartoum, Steven Koutsis, told reporters on Saturday that the US Department of Commerce had already addressed the issue of spares that Sudanese airlines or the country's railways need. "Only a few parts that have what we call dual use technology will remain prohibited," he told reporters. Washington imposed the sanctions over Khartoum's alleged support for Islamist militant groups. Osama bin Laden, the slain Al-Qaeda founder, lived in Sudan between 1992 and 1996. The sanctions had put restrictions on international banking transactions, exchange of technology and spare parts. Combined with other cumbersome trade regulations, they hampered Sudan's economic growth, especially sectors such as transport. With the lifting of the sanctions, Awad was optimistic that the airline will also be able to resume flying international routes, including to Europe. "Sudan Airways still owns air slots to Europe, Asia and Africa. We can get our operating licences back now that the sanctions have been lifted," he said. Israeli and Palestinian activists from the Women Wage Peace movement demonstrate in Jerusalem on October 8, 2017 at the end of a two-week march to demand a peace deal Thousands of Israeli and Palestinian women arrived in Jerusalem Sunday at the end of a two-week march through Israel and the West Bank to demand a peace deal. The Women Wage Peace movement organised the march, which began on September 24 and included participants who have themselves been affected by violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Several thousand activists joined the march over the two weeks. Several thousand women, mostly Israelis, arrived in Jerusalem late on Sunday, mostly dressed in white and carrying placards calling for peace. One of the organisers, Marie-Lyne Smadja, said the march was meant to "give voice to those tens of thousands of Israeli Jewish and Arab women of the left, centre and right, and their Palestinian partners, who hand in hand together took this road towards peace." "Israeli women want to prevent the next war if possible and try as soon as possible to reach an agreement between Israelis and Palestinians," she said. Huda Abuarquob, another organiser and a Palestinian from Hebron in the occupied West Bank, said: "This march is not just another protest, but a way of saying that we want peace, and together we can obtain it." The march comes at a time when many analysts see little hope for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal. Israeli and Palestinian activists from the Women Wage Peace movement demonstrate in Jerusalem on October 8, 2017 at the end of a two-week march to demand a peace deal Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas is 82 and unpopular, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads what is seen as the most right-wing government in his country's history. In 2015, Women Wage Peace members fasted in relays over 50 days, the length of the 2014 war between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. "The men who have power believe only in war, but with the strength of women we can bring something else, something new," said Amira Zidan, an Arab Israeli mother of one of the organisation's founders. Sunday's arrival in Jerusalem coincides with the week-long Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which commemorates the Jews' journey through the Sinai after their exodus from Egypt. Earlier Sunday, thousands of Jews gathered at Jerusalem's Western Wall for a priestly blessing held during the holiday each year. Nearly 520,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh since late August, many by boat across the Naf river A boat packed with Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state capsized late Sunday night near the coast of Bangladesh, leaving at least two people dead and scores missing, officials said. Coast guard and border guard officials said the boat was overloaded with about 100 people when it sank in the mouth of the Naf river that separates Myanmar from its South Asian neighbour Bangladesh. "It capsized near (the coastal village of) Galachar with nearly 100 people. We recovered two dead bodies. Two people were rescued alive," area coast guard commander Alauddin Nayan told AFP. Nayan said some 40 people in the boat were adult Rohingya Muslims fleeing their villages in Rakhine. "The rest were children," he said, adding that the coast guard had launched a search and rescue operation. Border guard boats rescued 11 more Rohingya including three women and two children after scouring the estuary of the Naf river, Abdul Jalil, a Border Guard Bangladesh official, told AFP. "We spoke to several survivors. One of them said the boat was carrying on average 80-100 people including 30-35 males," he said. Since the boat capsized near the Myanmar side of the border, Jalil said many may have swum to the Rakhine coast. The coast guard said the boat sank at around 10:00 pm (1600 GMT). Local media quoted a survivor as saying the boat sank due to high waves and bad weather. - Dangerous journey - Last week more than 60 Rohingya refugees were feared dead after a boat carrying them from Myanmar capsized in rough weather in the Bay of Bengal just off the Bangladesh coast. The bodies of 23 people were retrieved, but the death toll was expected to surge to around 60, with many of the dead likely to be young children too weak to swim through the churning water. Rohingya refugees are transported by truck to a refugee camp after crossing the Naf river. Around 150 Rohingya have drowned while trying to reach Bangladesh in small fishing boats that coastguards say are woefully inadequate for the rough seas Around 150 Rohingya, many of them children, have drowned while trying to reach Bangladesh in small fishing boats that coastguards say are woefully inadequate for the rough seas. Nearly 520,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Rakhine state for Bangladesh since late August, many by boat across the Naf river. The refugee crisis erupted after Rohingya militant raids on Myanmar police posts on August 25 prompted a brutal military backlash. The United Nations has said the army campaign could be "ethnic cleansing" while Myanmar military leaders have blamed the unrest on Rohingya. Myanmar's government refuses to recognise the Rohingya as a distinct ethnic group and considers them illegal migrants from Bangladesh. While the worst of the violence appears to have abated, insecurity, food shortages and tensions with Buddhist neighbours are still driving thousands of Rohingya to make the arduous trek to Bangladesh. Bangladesh has made the journey even more difficult with a clampdown on boats running refugees across the Naf river. Authorities have destroyed at least 30 wooden fishing vessels whose captains are accused of smuggling Rohingya and illegal drugs into the country. South Africa and Chad on Sunday signed an agreement that will see the re-introduction next year of critically endangered black rhino to the central African country, decades after it was last seen there. Environment ministers from the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding 'which will allow for the translocation of six black rhino from South Africa to Chad,' said a government statement. The last time a rhino was spotted in Chad was in 1972, according to official documents Chad submitted to South Africa. Scroll down for video There are around 5,000 black rhino left in Africa with South Africa's population sitting at 1,893, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Pictured is a black rhino THREATS FACED BY BLACK RHINOS According to the IUCN, black rhinos face a variety of threats, but the main threat is poaching for the international rhino horn trade. Rhino horn has two main uses, traditional (and more recently new non-traditional) use in Chinese medicine, and ornamental use (for example, rhino horn is used for making carved handles for ceremonial daggers in some Middle East countries). In recent years that has been an increase in prices for rhino horn, which has coincided with an increase in poaching in some areas. This increase has coincided with newuse of rhino horn to supposedly treat cancer ( a non-traditional use) and one for which there is no supporting evidence of its effectiveness. Advertisement The animals should be airlifted to Chad's Zakouma National Park 'sometime next year.' 'We are looking at around March, April or May,' environmental affairs ministry spokesman Albi Modise told AFP. Black rhino are officially listed as critically endangered but are still native to the mainly eastern and southern African countries of Angola, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. They have been re-introduced to several other southern African countries. There are around 5,000 black rhino left in Africa with South Africa's population sitting at 1,893, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. South Africa is also home to around 20,000 white rhinos, about 80 percent of the worldwide population, but the country has suffered record poaching in recent years. Poachers have killed more than 7,100 rhinos in Africa over the past decade for their horns. The horn is highly prized in China and Vietnam where it is coveted as a traditional medicine and aphrodisiac. Sir David Attenborough with a three month old blind black rhino at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya. Black rhino are critically endangered but are still native to eastern and southern African such as Angola, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe South Africa's Environment Minister Edna Molewa and Chad counterpart Ahmat Mbodou Mahamat signed Sunday's deal in Pretoria. According to the IUCN, black rhinos face a variety of threats, but the main threat is poaching for the international rhino horn trade. Rhino horn has two main usesL traditional (and more recently new non-traditional) use in Chinese medicine, and ornamental use (for example, rhino horn is used for making carved handles for ceremonial daggers in some Middle East countries). An aerial view shows El Fashir in North Darfur, where a Swiss aid worker was reportedly abducted near her residence by unidentified armed individuals A Swiss humanitarian aid worker has been abducted in Darfur, officials said on Sunday, just weeks after the United Nations began downsizing its peacekeeping force in Sudan's war-torn region. The kidnapping, the first such reported incident since the UN began to reduce its troop numbers in Darfur, comes just days after Washington lifted a 20-year-old trade embargo on Khartoum. The Swiss foreign ministry told AFP in Geneva in an email that it was "aware of the case of a Swiss woman kidnapped in Sudan (Darfur)". "Our local representatives are in contact with the local authorities," it said, adding that the case was being investigated. The foreign ministry did not provide any details on the identity of the abducted woman or the circumstances surrounding her kidnapping. The UN's top aid official in Sudan, Marta Ruedas, also confirmed the abduction to AFP. The Swiss national had lived in Sudan for many years and was "abducted by unidentified armed perpetrators near her residence in the Agricultural Research Centre area of El Fashir late last evening," Saturday, Ruedas told AFP. "She is not a UN staff member, but she has long collaborated with the UN on a number of initiatives." Ruedas said the aid worker has been actively involved in humanitarian work in El Fashir, the capital of North Darfur state. "We certainly hope that this is able to be resolved positively," Ruedas said. The Sudanese government has not confirmed or officially commented on the incident. But social media reports indicated the abducted woman had been working for a Swiss non-governmental organisation providing aid to children. The kidnapping came despite repeated claims by Sudanese officials that Darfur -- a region the size of France -- was now safe as the long-running conflict there had ended. - Safety concerns - But several aid workers in Darfur had expressed concerns about their safety following the decision to withdraw some UN forces from the region. Aid workers working in Darfur are often escorted to remote areas by UN peacekeeping troops, and they feared that their security would be comprised following the downsizing of the forces. Just weeks ago UNAMID, a joint African Union and the United Nations peacekeeping force, began reducing the number of its troops in the region, citing a fall in violence there. The UN force had been deployed after a brutal conflict erupted in Darfur in 2003, which the UN says has killed about 300,000 people and displaced more than 2.5 million. The conflict erupted after ethnic minority rebels took up arms against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir's Arab-dominated government. They accused Khartoum of marginalising the Darfur region economically and politically. Most of the displaced live in camps, after escaping fighting between government forces and rebels. The latest abduction adds to an already lengthy list of foreign and Sudanese aid workers who have been kidnapped in the region in recent years. Earlier this year three UN refugee agency workers were abducted by armed men in West Darfur state. The workers, two Nepalese and a Sudanese, were later released. Sunday's incident also comes days after Washington lifted its two decades-old trade embargo on Khartoum. Although the embargo was imposed for Khartoum's alleged support for Islamist militant groups, Washington had argued that the conflict in Darfur was a key factor in maintaining the sanctions all these years. Sudanese officials, including Bashir, have repeatedly claimed that the conflict in Darfur is over. But experts say that militias in search of resources often turn on each other in the region, and sometimes against the government. Khartoum had in recent years insisted that UN peacekeepers leave the region, saying the conflict there had ended. Former soldier Chelsea Manning told an audience at The New Yorker Festival "things are really scary right now" Chelsea Manning, a former soldier jailed for leaking classified information to Wikileaks, said Sunday she has been "afraid" since being released from prison, but does not plan to lay low. "I'm afraid. But I'm out here because I'm afraid," the ex-analyst told an audience at The New Yorker Festival in New York. "I've had people telling me, 'Maybe you shouldn't be so vocal.' And that's the reason why I'm out here," she said, explaining that she "can't imagine doing anything else right now." Sentenced to 35 years in prison in 2013 for leaking over 700,000 classified documents related to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Manning served seven and was freed in May after Barack Obama commuted her sentence days before he left office "I had this image of going (back) to a life that I had before. And that's not possible. And I realize now that that's OK," she said. "Things are really scary right now and I don't want to be retiring right now." Seven years after embarrassing Washington with the leak, which included over 250,000 diplomatic cables, Manning also expressed her belief that governments are too secretive. "Why do we have governments to keep secrets? They keep secret from the public mostly. There's this excuse that governments use -- 'it protects this' -- that's being used as a blanket," she said. "Where I think the line should be? I think we need to decide, not the government." Manning also urged the general public to be cognizant of personal data protection online. "I think we do understand it," she said, referring to the uncontrollable circulation of personal data on the internet, adding the problem is "hoping that someone is going to fix it for us." "They're not going to fix it for us," she insisted. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman has defended the arrest of a US consular staffer that preceded visa restricitons announced by the two countries The United States and Turkey on Sunday scaled back visa issuing services in each other's countries in a deepening diplomatic row sparked by the arrest of a Turkish staffer at the American mission in Istanbul. The American embassy in Ankara said that "recent events" forced the US government to reassess Turkey's "commitment" to the security of US mission services and personnel in the country. In order to minimise the number of visitors while the assessment is carried out, "effective immediately we have suspended all non-immigrant visa services at all US diplomatic facilities in Turkey," it said. Non-immigrant visas are issued to all those travelling to the United States for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work or study. Immigrant visa services are only for those seeking to live in the US permanently. Turkey responded by suspending "all visa services" for Americans in the US, saying the measures also apply to visas issued online and at the border. In an apparent attempt to mock the US announcement, the Turkish embassy in Washington issued two statements that were almost word-for-word copies of that from the American embassy in Ankara. - 'Deeply disturbed' - The statements said concerns over US commitment to the security of Turkish diplomatic facilities and personnel necessitated the restrictions, but the fact that they only apply to Americans and also include visas issued at the border and online indicate the move is punitive rather than security-based. The first statement from the Turkish embassy said the restrictions apply to "visas in passports" while the second replaced that wording with "sticker visas". It was unclear if that meant that visas already stamped in passports would not be accepted. Beyond its mention of "recent events", the American embassy statement made no explicit mention of the arrest by Turkish authorities of a local Turkish staffer working at the US consulate in Istanbul. The employee was remanded in custody by an Istanbul court late Wednesday on accusations of links to the group of US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, blamed by Ankara for last year's failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The staffer has been formally charged with espionage and seeking to overthrow the Turkish government. The US embassy on Thursday said it was "deeply disturbed" over the arrest and rejected the allegations against the employee as "wholly without merit". It also condemned leaks in the local press which it said came from Turkish government sources that were "seemingly aimed at trying the employee in the media rather than a court of law". But Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin has defended the arrest, saying "there must be serious evidence" and pointing to a phone call made from the Istanbul consulate to a key suspect on the night of the coup. - 'Scandalous decision' - For Soner Cagaptay, Director of the Turkish Program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy in Washington DC, the situation signifies the unfolding of an historic crisis in US-Turkey relations. "The idea is that this step would convince the Turkish elites to persuade Erdogan to stop harassing US citizens in Turkey -- I think Erdogan will do the opposite and escalate," he told AFP. The pro-government Yeni Safak daily described it as "a scandalous decision from the United States". Turkish officials had expressed hope of a new page in Ankara-Washington relations under President Donald Trump. Turkey has pressed Washington for the extradition of Pennsylvania-based Gulen, who denies any link to the coup bid -- but the lack of movement on the issue has further strained ties. Meanwhile, members of Erdogan's security detail were indicted by US authorities after clashes with protesters during an official visit this year, infuriating the Turkish president. American pastor Andrew Brunson, who ran a church in the western city of Izmir, has been held by Turkish authorities since October 2016 on charges of being a member of Gulen's group. Erdogan suggested last month that Turkey could release him in exchange for Gulen but Washington showed little interest in the proposal. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - In the chaos and heat of the San Juan Airport, four Virginia Beach women searched for a man they barely knew. "Taxi Tony" is what they called him. He gave two of the women a ride in his cab on this devastated island days earlier and, after learning how Hurricane Maria affected his home and neighborhood, the women promised him some supplies. Be back at the airport at 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 2 they told him. And so Susan Sarrett, Becky Bump, Joy Haycox and Kathy O'Hara boarded a 5:50 a.m. flight out of Norfolk International Airport bound for San Juan. They brought 16 large plastic bins packed with dry goods, fans, wet wipes, Vienna sausages, three generators and dozens of other items dropped off at the Lynnhaven Dive Center in the days after word went out about their informal humanitarian mission. Some of those items were slated for "Taxi Tony," but there were other names on their list, too. The diving community already connected the women. Now, so has their ongoing effort to help those in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. It began when Haycox traveled to the U.S. Virgin Islands through San Juan to help deliver supplies for an animal rescue mission. Sarrett accompanied Haycox for part of the trip. Serendipity presented them with Sonia Morales, a United Airlines employee. When the connection Haycox expected to meet at the airport didn't show up, Morales stepped in. "She had a couple of boat connections," Haycox said. This is where serendipity and social media mix. The women became friends on Facebook and, as Maria bore down on Puerto Rico, it was Morales' turn to ask for help. Could they send her a camp stove? Motivated by the request, Sarrett put out calls on Facebook and through her daughter's school to gather supplies. She and O'Hara, along with Sarrett's daughter Tinsley, flew to Puerto Rico for a quick weekend visit to deliver the first of the supplies. "Taxi Tony" shuttled them to their hotel and back. The women gave him bottled water and beef jerky. "You'd have thought we gave him filet mignon," Sarrett said. The women reunited with Morales on Oct. 2 as she worked in baggage claim. In between many hugs they presented her with generators, a small air conditioner and other supplies to distribute. Though Maria dumped some water in her home, Morales said she made it through OK, though the camp stove, which Sarrett sent overnight the Sunday before the storm, never did arrive. Neither had Tony. Maybe he's stuck in line somewhere, the women thought, trying to fill up on gas, which remains a hot commodity. And so O'Hara and Sarrett scoured lines of vehicles outside the airport while Morales asked other airport employees for help. How do you find a man whose last name you don't know and who you can't contact because phone service here remains mostly inoperable? About the only thing they did know about Tony was that he drives a pink-and-white-painted cab with a racy advertisement splashed across it for "Lips," a gentlemen's club. After several hours and with dozens of items to give away before their afternoon flight - around the same time President Donald Trump was scheduled to arrive - the women had to give up. A new driver shuttled them - and their plastic bins - to Guaynabo, a municipality about 12 miles outside the city, where several of the goods were slated for a surprise delivery to a friend's elderly mother. They rode through congested city streets lined by countless downed trees and made worse without working traffic signals, laughing and joking while keeping an eye out for what they called the "Lips van." Nothing. And so they pulled into the gated community where Leila Carles lives. Her son, Ricardo Melendez, co-owns Norfolk's Todd Rosenlieb Dance Center and was a mentor to Haycox's sons. During the surprise visit, Melendez video chatted with Carles, who is 84, and his sister, Sandra Melendez, using Bump's phone, which was receiving service. Melendez called the experience "fantastic." Prior to that, they'd been able to send text messages on occasion, but phone calls would lose connection, Melendez said. "To see their smiles, though tired, brought a sense of ease I haven't felt since the hurricane hit," he wrote in a text message. Neighbors gathered as the women presented Carles with the contents of their bins - Ensure nutrition drinks and strawberry jelly got the nod. One mentioned that a security guard sitting in his work vehicle a few yards away could use some help. The women summoned him over. Maria ripped the roof off the home that Reinaldo Pagan, 55, shares with his mother, who is 94 and cannot walk, he said. Water soaked their beds, and they moved to the bottom floor, where Pagan's sister lives. The women loaded him down with food and batteries. Sarrett reached into one of the bins and pulled out a tarp. Can anyone use it, she asked? "Oh, I can use one," Pagan said. "I've definitely got something I can cover up." Soon the sun started to go down, and the women retreated to a hotel that Morales was able to secure for them using her endless stream of connections. Two weeks after Maria tore through here and plunged this nation into darkness, the women plan to continue spreading light. They were fresh out of supplies by the time they reached the hotel, but learned that some of its workers could use help. Sarrett and some of the others began hatching a plan on the ride to the airport Oct. 2 for a return trip to Puerto Rico, perhaps with other friends in tow. A little while later, a passenger who had shared that ride spotted a "Lips van" in traffic. BANGKOK (AP) - They couldn't award it to Kim Jong Un or Donald Trump. That much was certain. But the granting of the Nobel Peace Prize to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons opened itself to a clear interpretation across Asia: When it comes to the nuclear-saturated war of words on the Korean Peninsula, attention must be paid and treaties must be signed. And it must be done in a preventative way, at top speed, before something happens that can't be undone. Looming in the background of the award announcement Friday was the sometimes scalding, sometimes tepid, never silent geopolitical scuffle this year between the young leader of the third-generation Pyongyang regime and the always voluble president of the United States. Beatrice Fihn, Executive Director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), poses at the headquarters of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017. ICAN is the winner of this year's Nobel Peace Prize. (Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP) Even the Nobel committee's language keyed in on that. It sounded like a plaintive cry to push parties to the negotiating table - to fix something that's already cracked before it's completely, irreversibly shattered. The head of the group listed an assortment of the world's nuclear nations when she spoke after the win. But it was easy to find significance in the two she mentioned before all others - North Korea and the United States. And this was the immediate assessment from a Nobel historian: "The panel wants to send a signal to North Korea and the U.S. that they need to go into negotiations." The prize, Oeivind Stenersen suggested, was also "coded support" of the Iran nuclear deal. This year's Geneva-based winner, known as ICAN, was cited "for its work to draw attention to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons and for its ground-breaking efforts to achieve a treaty-based prohibition of such weapons." From the vantage point of the Korean Peninsula and its surrounding countries, where people shudder weekly at volleys of intemperate words and missile or bomb tests, such a treaty seems a distant dream. And few of the key players seem anywhere near a Nobel Peace Prize. North Korea just conducted its sixth and by far largest nuclear test, moving closer to its goal of mounting a nuclear warhead on an intercontinental ballistic missile. It has repeatedly threatened to obliterate the United States from the map. Such bellicose language from the North is common. It has spent years issuing over-the-top dispatches through its propaganda apparatus promising to destroy the United States. In recent months, however, Pyongyang's invective has been matched almost blow by blow for the first time by equally aggressive language from Washington under the Trump administration, or at least Trump himself. The U.S. president has shown no hesitation in cutting through the niceties of diplomatic lingo to excoriate the North and threaten to wipe it out of existence. He has dubbed Kim "Little Rocket Man" and said his regime may not be long for this world. The U.S., of course, has one of the world's largest nuclear arsenals, even after significant reductions since the Cold War. It remains the only nation on the planet to use nuclear weapons during a war. In the past four weeks alone, Trump has used words like these, in a recent tweet: "Just heard Foreign Minister of North Korea speak at U.N. If he echoes thoughts of Little Rocket Man, they won't be around much longer!" And Kim, who bestowed upon Trump the rarely used insult "dotard" and pronounced him senile, has used words like these: "Now that Trump has denied the existence of and insulted me and my country in front of the eyes of the world and made the most ferocious declaration of a war in history that he would destroy (North Korea), we will consider with seriousness exercising of a corresponding, highest level of hard-line countermeasure in history." Public posturing, sure. But not exactly language that points the way toward common ground, either. The tension in word and deed between Washington and Pyongyang has faded slightly in recent days as the in-the-moment news cycle marches forward, but history shows that to be temporary. Another early-morning missile test, another intemperate remark or worse will put it right back on center stage. The awarding of the $1.1 million prize to ICAN helps that happen, too, though even the group's executive director, Beatrice Fihn, said she "worried it was a prank at first" when she got the call from the Nobel committee. Against this backdrop - and in Northeast Asia, a region that remains the only place where nuclear weapons were used against a civilian population during a war - the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize in this manner implies one key point. The influential body, which often uses the prize to set the agenda of where the light gets shone, is saying to Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump, among others: We've got our eye on you, and the world needs to look harder, too. ___ Ted Anthony, the Bangkok-based director of Asia-Pacific news for The Associated Press, has traveled to North Korea multiple times since 2014. Follow him on Twitter at @anthonyted FILE - in this Sept. 13, 2017 file photo activists of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) protest against the conflict between North Korea and the USA with masks of the North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un, right, and the US president Donald Trump, left, in front of the US embassy in Berlin, Germany. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons wins the Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee honored the Geneva-based group "for its work to draw attention to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons and for its ground-breaking efforts to achieve a treaty-based prohibition of such weapons." (Britta Pedersen/dpa via AP) LAS VEGAS (AP) - After five days of scouring the life of Las Vegas gunman Stephen Paddock and chasing 1,000 leads, investigators confessed Friday they still don't know what drove him to mass murder, and they announced plans to put up billboards appealing for the public's help. In their effort to find any hint of his motive, investigators were looking into whether he was with a prostitute days before the shooting, scrutinizing cruises he took and trying to make sense of a cryptic note with numbers jotted on it found in his hotel room, a federal official said. So far, examinations of Paddock's politics, finances, any possible radicalization and his social behavior - typical investigative avenues that have helped uncover the motive in past shootings - have turned up little. Members of the FBI walk among piles of personal items at the scene of a mass shooting Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, in Las Vegas. Stephen Paddock opened fire on an outdoor music concert on Sunday killing dozens and injuring hundreds. (AP Photo/John Locher) "We still do not have a clear motive or reason why," Clark County Undersheriff Kevin McMahill said. "We have looked at literally everything." The FBI announced that billboards would go up around the city asking anyone with information to phone 800-CALL-FBI. "If you know something, say something," said Aaron Rouse, agent in charge of the Las Vegas FBI office. "We will not stop until we have the truth." Paddock, a reclusive 64-year-old high-stakes gambler, rained bullets on the crowd at a country music festival Sunday night from his 32nd-floor hotel suite, killing 58 and wounding hundreds before taking his own life. McMahill said investigators had reviewed voluminous video from the casino and don't think Paddock had an accomplice in the shooting, but they want to know if anyone knew about his plot beforehand. Investigators believe Paddock hired a prostitute in the days leading up to the shooting and were interviewing other call girls for information, a U.S. official briefed by federal law enforcement officials said. The official wasn't authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The official also disclosed that Paddock took at least a dozen cruises abroad in the last few years, most of them with his girlfriend, Marilou Danley. At least one sailed to the Middle East. It is unusual to have so few hints of a motive five days after a mass shooting. In previous mass killings or terrorist attacks, killers left notes, social media postings and information on a computer - or even phoned police. "The lack of a social media footprint is likely intentional," said Erroll Southers, director of homegrown violent extremism studies at the University of Southern California. "We're so used to, in the first 24 to 48 hours, being able to review social media posts. If they don't leave us a note behind or a manifesto behind, and we're not seeing that, that's what's making this longer." What officers have found is that Paddock planned his attack meticulously. He requested an upper-floor room overlooking the festival, stockpiled 23 guns, a dozen of them modified to fire continuously like an automatic weapon, and set up cameras inside and outside his room to watch for approaching officers. In a possible sign he was contemplating massacres at other sites, he also booked rooms overlooking the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago in August and the Life Is Beautiful show near the Vegas Strip in late September, according to authorities reconstructing his movements leading up to the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. His arsenal also included tracer rounds that can improve a shooter's firing accuracy in the dark, a law enforcement official told AP. It wasn't clear whether Paddock fired any of the illuminated bullets during the high-rise massacre. Paddock bought 1,000 rounds of the .308-caliber and .223-caliber tracer ammunition from a private buyer he met at a Phoenix gun show, a law enforcement official not authorized to comment on the investigation said on condition of anonymity. Tracer rounds illuminate their path so a gunman can home in on targets at night. But they can also give away the shooter's position. Video shot of the pandemonium that erupted when Paddock started strafing the festival showed a muzzle flash from his room at the Mandalay Bay resort, but bullets weren't visible in the night sky. Investigators are looking into Paddock's mental health and any medications he was on, McMahill said. His girlfriend, Danley, told FBI agents Wednesday that she had not noticed any changes in his mental state or indications he could become violent, the federal official said. Paddock sent Danley on a trip to her native Philippines before the attack, and she was unaware of his plans and devastated when she learned of the carnage while overseas, she said in a statement. ___ Associated Press writers Regina Garcia Cano and Josh Hoffner in Las Vegas; Brian Melley in Los Angeles; Jacques Billeaud in Phoenix; and Don Babwin and Michael Tarm in Chicago contributed to this report. ___ For complete coverage of the Las Vegas shooting, click here: https://apnews.com/tag/LasVegasmassshooting. A memorial displaying 58 crosses by Greg Zanis stands at the Welcome To Las Vegas Sign on Thursday, October 5, 2017, in Las Vegas. Each cross has the name of a victim killed during the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival this past Sunday. Dozens of people were killed and hundreds were injured. (Mikayla Whitmore/Las Vegas Sun via AP) Nancy Hardy, of Las Vegas, touches a flower on a cross placed in honor of mass shooting victim John Phippen, of Santa Clarita, Calif., Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, in Las Vegas. A gunman opened fire on an outdoor music concert on Sunday killing dozens and injuring hundreds.(AP Photo/Gregory Bull) WASHINGTON (AP) - Just 24 percent of Americans believe the country is heading in the right direction after a tumultuous stretch for President Donald Trump that included the threat of war with North Korea, stormy complaints about hurricane relief and Trump's equivocating about white supremacists. That's a 10-point drop since June, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The decline in optimism about the nation's trajectory is particularly pronounced among Republicans. In June, 60 percent of Republicans said the country was headed in the right direction; now it's just 44 percent. The broader picture for the president is grim, too. Nearly 70 percent of Americans say Trump isn't level-headed, and majorities say he's not honest or a strong leader. More than 60 percent disapprove of how he is handling race relations, foreign policy and immigration, among other issues. FILE - In this Sept. 19, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump addresses the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, at U.N. headquarters. Just 24 percent of Americans say the country is heading in the right direction after a tumultuous stretch for Trump. That's according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) Overall, 67 percent of Americans disapprove of the job Trump is doing in office, including about one-third of Republicans. Tracy Huelsman, a 40-year-old from Louisville, Kentucky, is among them. A self-described moderate Republican, Huelsman said she's particularly concerned about the "divisiveness" she feels the president promotes on social media. "It's scary in 2017 that we are in what seems like a worse place in terms of division," said Huelsman, who did not vote for Trump in last year's election. The assessments come after a turbulent summer for Trump that included a major White House shake-up, bringing the departure of his chief of staff, top strategist and press secretary. While the installment of retired Marine Gen. John Kelly as chief of staff has ushered in more day-to-day order in the West Wing, the president has still stirred up numerous controversies, including when he blamed "both sides" for the clashes between white supremacists and counter-protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia. Trump has also raised the specter of a military conflict with North Korea over its nuclear provocations. He's derided North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, as "rocket man," including during a speech at the United Nations, and has downplayed the prospects that diplomatic negotiations with Kim could yield results. Despite his electoral success, Trump struggled as both a candidate and now as president to broaden his base of support beyond his ardent supporters. The loyalty of his core backers has been enough to keep Republican lawmakers largely in line, but party operatives are closely watching Trump's support among GOP and independent voters ahead of next year's midterm elections, when the balance of power in Congress will be at stake. To be sure, lawmakers have their own problems to worry about. Americans have even less esteem for Congress than Trump, with just 18 percent saying they approve of the job being done by the House and the Senate. Republicans took another hit last month when they failed - for a second time this year - to pass an overhaul of the nation's health care law. GOP leaders tried to rush votes on the complicated legislation, leaving many voters unsure of what was in the package. "They never seemed to present a bill to people that you could actually look at the details of and the pluses and minuses of it," said Dennis Cronin, a 67-year-old independent from Wenham, Massachusetts. The GOP failure on health care has irritated Trump, who promised voters that repealing "Obamacare" would be easy. Americans aren't happy with his progress on health care either; 68 percent disapprove of his handling of the issue. Of all the issues surveyed by the AP-NORC poll, the president performs slightly better on the economy. But even there, 56 percent disapprove of the job he's doing and just 42 percent say they approve. On Friday, the Labor Department announced that the U.S. shed 33,000 jobs in September because of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, which closed thousands of businesses in Texas and Florida and forced widespread evacuations. It marked the first monthly hiring drop in nearly seven years. Ninety-two percent of Democrats and 69 percent of independents say Trump understands the problems of people like them not very or not at all well. Even among Republicans, only 42 percent say he understands them very well, while 32 percent say he does moderately well. The AP-NORC poll of 1,150 adults was conducted Sept. 28-Oct. 2 using a sample drawn from NORC's probability-based AmeriSpeak panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4.1 percentage points. Respondents were first selected randomly using address-based sampling methods, and later interviewed online or by phone. ___ Online: AP-NORC Center: http://www.apnorc.org/ ___ Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC and Emily Swanson at http://twitter.com/el_swan Simona Halep will take over the top ranking after reaching the China Open final on Saturday, and Rafael Nadal will play Nick Kyrgios for the men's title. Halep beat French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4, ensuring that when the WTA rankings are updated on Monday she will be the first women's No. 1 from Romania. Halep could have reached No. 1 earlier but was upset in the French Open final by Ostapenko in their first career meeting. Simona Halep of Romania celebrates defeating Jelena Ostapenko of Lativa to secure her world number one ranking after the women's singles semi-final match in the China Open tennis tournament at the Diamond Court in Beijing, China, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) "Of course it's the best moment in my life, and I want just to keep it," Halep said in Beijing. "And I have a few more dreams in my career. I tell you one, only one. To win a Grand Slam." Halep only had to reach the final this week - and not lose to Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the final - to knock Garbine Muguruza from the top spot. Muguruza retired during her opening match on Monday because of a cold. Top-seeded Nadal defeated third-seeded Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 in the semifinals, his tour-leading 60th match win. Dimitrov's only victory against the Spaniard in 10 matches came last year in the China Open quarterfinals. On Saturday, his backhand cross-court winner secured the second set, on a second set point, on Nadal's serve in the 10th game. But Nadal took immediate control of the third set, racing to 4-0. Kyrgios didn't drop his serve in ousting second-seeded Alexander Zverev of Germany 6-3, 7-5 in the other semi. The Australian had an impressive 70 percent first-serve percentage and posted 11 aces to none for Zverev, who is normally known for his serving prowess. Nadal and Kyrgios are tied at two matches apiece in their head-to-head, but the Australian won their latest outing in August in straight sets in the Cincinnati quarterfinals. Nadal is one of three players, along with Roger Federer and Zverev, to win five titles this year. He won the China Open 12 years ago. "It's very important for me to continue with the positive feelings after winning the U.S. Open," Nadal said. "To be back here and be in the final with that very tough draw I had since the beginning is a great effort." Looking for her second title of the year after winning in Madrid, Halep will play Caroline Garcia of France in the Beijing final. Garcia beat Petra Kvitova 6-3, 7-5 in the second semifinal. Ostapenko entered the semis without dropping a set. But Halep dominated the first set, breaking Ostapenko's serve in the first game at love. She cemented her lead with another break in the seventh game for 5-2 to serve out the set. In the second, Halep surrendered a 3-2 lead with a service break in the sixth game, but went on to break serve again in the ninth. At 40-0 in the final game, Halep won with a clean forehand winner down the line. Garcia, who saved a match point against Svitolina, is on a 10-match winning streak. Garcia lost in straight sets to Halep in the Montreal quarterfinals in their last meeting. "That's the kind of match I want to play, against the top players," Garcia said of Sunday's final against Halep. "She's a very tricky player." Simona Halep of Romania celebrates after beating Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia in their women's singles semifinal in the China Open tennis tournament at the Diamond Court in Beijing, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017. Halep achieved the women's world #1 ranking with the victory. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Rafael Nadal of Spain gestures to the crowd during his men's singles semifinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria in the China Open tennis tournament at the Diamond Court in Beijing, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Rafael Nadal of Spain serves the ball to Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria during their men's singles semifinal match in the China Open tennis tournament at the Diamond Court in Beijing, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Nick Kyrgios of Australia celebrates his win with a selfie after a men's singles semi-final match against Alexander Zverev of Germany in the China Open tennis tournament at the Diamond Court in Beijing, China, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Nick Kyrgios of Australia hits a return shot against Alexander Zverev of Germany during their men's singles semifinal match in the China Open tennis tournament at the Diamond Court in Beijing, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Caroline Garcia of France returns a shot from Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during a women's singles semi-final match in the China Open tennis tournament at the Diamond Court in Beijing, China, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Caroline Garcia of France serves a shot against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during a women's singles semi-final match in the China Open tennis tournament at the Diamond Court in Beijing, China, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) TULSA, Okla. (AP) - Three hung juries in the case of a white former Oklahoma police officer charged with fatally shooting his daughter's black boyfriend had one thing in common besides unwillingness to convict: Each had only one African-American juror. Race has been an undercurrent in ex-Tulsa officer Shannon Kepler's first-degree murder case, which is headed for a fourth trial. Criminal law experts and U.S. Supreme Court cases point to the importance of racial identity and policing when it comes to jury selection, which is set to start Monday. Kepler, a 24-year veteran of the force, was off duty in August 2014 when he fatally shot 19-year-old Jeremey Lake, who had just started dating Kepler's daughter. Kepler doesn't deny pulling the trigger but says he did so only because he thought Lake was armed. No weapon was found on or near Lake's body. FILE - In this Friday, June 30, 2017 file photo, ex-Tulsa police officer Shannon Kepler, left, arrives with his legal team for afternoon testimony in his trial in Tulsa, Okla. Kepler is headed for a fourth trial in less than a year in the 2014 fatal shooting of his daughter's black boyfriend. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File) Officers across the U.S. involved in fatal shootings of black residents have recently faced similar trials. In the past year alone - including in Tulsa - juries were unwilling to vote for a conviction or prosecutors were unwilling to charge officers in cases from Baltimore to St. Louis. In May, a jury acquitted now-former Tulsa officer Betty Jo Shelby in the killing of an unarmed black man, which roiled the city's black community. "I don't see how race cannot play a role," said Kris McDaniel-Miccio, a professor at Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver and a former Bronx-based prosecutor. "I don't think there's any way to get around it because of what has happened in this community." The racial makeup of the juries in Kepler's previous trials prompted criticism from at least one civil rights group. Tulsa activist Marq Lewis with We the People Oklahoma said Kepler's defense attorneys have been booting potential jurors based on skin color. "The last three juries somehow felt that Jeremey was a bad person because he was black," Lewis said. "They couldn't bring themselves to believe this off-duty officer would literally shoot someone in cold blood without thinking somehow the black guy is sinister and he's done something bad." Richard O'Carroll, Kepler's defense attorney, has denied race played a role in Lake's killing. O'Carroll did not return messages this past week seeking comment on the case. Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler declined to comment specifically on the racial makeup of the past juries, but acknowledged "frustration" with the results of the trials. "I know I had citizens who put in a lot of effort and worked very hard and I know from their perspective they are frustrated as well," Kunzweiler said. Another racial element was recently added to the case when Kepler argued that he couldn't be tried by state prosecutors because he's a member of an American Indian tribe. A judge determined the fourth trial could move forward in state court. Kepler says he's 1/128th Muscogee (Creek). Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-1 that prosecutors violated the Constitution by excluding African-Americans from an all-white jury that convicted a black Georgia death row inmate of killing a white woman. The decision emphasized rules set by the court in 1986 to prevent racial discrimination in jury selection. Seating more jurors of color - especially in cases involving police who have fatally shot people - could be a factor in how a jury ultimately votes, said Bridgette Baldwin, professor of law at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts. "The life experience is different," said Baldwin, who is black. "I may not be scared of a young male with a hoodie on because I've been socialized to be around these types of individuals. You see things differently, you hear things differently, you process things differently." McDaniel-Miccio, the Denver law professor, said the Kepler case illustrates what the U.S. is trying to address when it comes to race, police and the justice system. "How many generations do we have to have pass before we come to the honest realization that there is a distinct racial and ethnic asymmetry in this country?" she said. "We live in a world where we should believe that when something like this happens, they will be facing justice and they will be held accountable if they broke the law - no more, no less." ___ Sign up for the AP's weekly newsletter showcasing our best reporting from the Midwest and Texas: http://apne.ws/2u1RMfv JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Dozens of men, including several foreigners, were arrested in a raid of a gay sauna in Indonesia's capital, police said Sunday, as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people face increased hostility in the world's most-populous Muslim nation. Police spokesman Argo Yuwono said Friday's raid in downtown Jakarta will lead to seven people being charged under Indonesia's pornography law, including the sauna's owner and staffers. They face penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines. Yuwono said the other 51 men will be released if they are found to not be criminals or carrying drugs. Homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia except in Aceh province, but the country's LGBT community has come under siege recently. Police have set up a special task force to investigate activities by gays and a case before the country's top court is seeking to criminalize homosexual sex. A coalition of legal reform groups condemned Friday's raid and "arbitrary" arrests, as it did a similar raid in May when police detained 141 men for questioning. During that incident the coalition said police violated the rights of those arrested by photographing them naked and facilitating the spread of those images on social media. "We treated them well," Yuwono said of Friday's raid. "They came out from the scene with proper clothes and their faces were covered." He said police were still working to identify all of the men and question witnesses. The United Nations has previously called on Indonesian authorities to release people detained on the basis of their sexual orientation and to combat anti-gay stigma in the country. TOKYO (AP) - David Goffin atoned for his defeat in the Japan Open final last year by winning it on Sunday, beating Adrian Mannarino 6-3, 7-5. The victory extended Goffin's winning streak to nine matches, including four in Shenzhen last week when he won his first title in more than three years. He lost last year's Tokyo final to Nick Kyrgios. The Belgian stands at No. 8 in the ATP Race to London rankings. With the injured Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka ruled out, 10th place will be good enough to secure a place at the end-of-season showpiece. David Goffin of Belgium poses with the trophy after beating Adrian Mannarino of France during their men's singles final match of the Japan Open tennis tournament in Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi) Mannarino started slowly in his attempt to win a first ATP title. Goffin broke in the fourth game with a forehand winner down the line, and again in the seventh. The Frenchman posted his first victory over a top-five opponent when defeating Marin Cilic in the semifinals. As in that match, he gained a foothold in the middle of the second set, breaking Goffin to lead 4-2. However, Goffin immediately broke back, and again in the 11th game before serving out to love for the title. "I've been serving well for a few weeks," Goffin said. "During the rallies he was hitting the ball really flat, and that combined with the surface meant the bounce was really low. It was tough on the legs to stay with him in the rallies. "When we started the second he became more aggressive and my return was not enough. He started to serve better so I needed to do something more aggressive because the first six games he was really comfortable. I read his serve a bit better, and then I took control of the rallies." Goffin has 33 hard-court wins this year, joint-top on the tour with Rafael Nadal, who played the China Open final later Sunday. Mannarino leaves Japan having equaled his 2015 career-best 28 wins in a season. Also, Japan Davis Cup duo Ben McLachlan and Yasutaka Uchiyama surprised hot favorites Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares 6-4, 7-6 (1) to claim the doubles crown. David Goffin of Belgium celebrates after winning over Adrian Mannarino of France during their men's singles final match of the Japan Open tennis tournament in Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi) David Goffin of Belgium returns a shot to Adrian Mannarino of France during their men's singles final match of the Japan Open tennis tournament in Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi) TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - The chief of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard said Sunday the U.S. should move its military bases farther from Iran's borders if it imposes new sanctions against Tehran, the official IRNA news reported. The Sunday report quotes Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari as saying: "If new sanctions go into effect, the country should move its regional bases to a 2000-kilometer (1,240-mile) radius" out of the range of Iranian missiles. Currently, U.S. military bases are located in countries neighboring Iran, including Bahrain, Iraq, Oman and Afghanistan, less than 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Iran's borders. Jafari rejected the idea of negotiating with the U.S. over regional issues and said if the United States designates the Revolutionary Guard a terrorist group, the Guard - which has suffered significant casualties fighting the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq - will also consider the U.S. army a terrorist group. He said such moves by the U.S. will eliminate "any chance for engagement forever." President Donald Trump appears to be stepping back from his campaign pledge to tear up the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, instead aiming to take other measures against Iran and its affiliates. New actions expected to be announced by the White House in the coming days will focus on the Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah, the Shiite militant group blamed for sowing discord in the Middle East and seeking Israel's demise. They include financial sanctions on anyone who does business with the Revolutionary Guard, as well as millions of dollars in rewards for information leading to the arrest of two operatives of Iran-backed Hezbollah. On Saturday, Iran's president defended the nuclear deal and said not even 10 Donald Trumps can roll back its benefits to Iran. BEIRUT (AP) - Adnan Hassan, a Syrian Kurd, finally has hope for himself and his people. Two years ago, Islamic State militants nearly wiped out his hometown, Kobani, along Syria's border with Turkey and killed 10 members of his family. Now with the militants driven out and going down in defeat, a new university is opening in the town, and Hassan will be its professor for Kurdish language and literature. It is the first university in the self-administered Kurdish areas, and the first in Syria to teach Kurdish. The future of his people, Syria's largest ethnic minority long ostracized by the government, could not look better, he said. In this picture taken on Sept. 22, 2017 and provided by the Press Office of the Kurdish Self-administration Office in Kobani, Kurdish citizens, right, receive ballot papers to elect new local councils of the three Kurdish-administered areas in northern Syria, known as Rojava, at a polling station, in Kobani, Syria. While While Iraq's Kurds have sparked confrontation with their drive for independence, Kurds in Syria are making major advances toward their more modest goal, entrenching their self-rule.(Rania Mohammed, Press Office of the Kurdish Self-administration Office in Kobani via AP) "We are living a dream and we are waiting for this dream to come true." Across the border, Iraq's Kurds have sparked a major confrontation with their neighbors and Baghdad by holding a referendum for outright independence. Syria's Kurds, meanwhile, are making major advances toward their own, less ambitious goal: winning recognition for the self-rule they seized during Syria's war. They say their aspirations for a federal system in Syria may now find more international and domestic support, and they are positioned as a player Damascus must reckon with in any final resolution of the conflict. Perhaps more importantly, they have land. Backed by the U.S. in the fight against IS, Kurdish forces control nearly 25 percent of Syria. They hold most of the northern border with Turkey and have expanded into non-Kurdish, Arab-dominated areas. The Americans have set up bases there to provide battlefield support for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, as well as the training and advising of security forces and the new civilian administrations in liberated areas. The Kurds have also maintained close ties with Russia and are confident they can fend off Turkey, which is vehemently opposed to a Kurdish entity on its border. The ruling Kurdish Democratic Union Party, the PYD, heads a de facto self-rule administration in the Kurdish-majority region of northern Syria known as Rojava. As part of their efforts to promote a federal system, they elected new local councils late last month. By early 2018, they hope to elect their first regional parliament, representative of Kurds, Arabs, Assyrians and Turkmen. "In Rojava, we have a federal project. In (Iraqi) Kurdistan, it is the long awaited state. The two complement one another in realizing the Kurds' aspiration for a dignified life," Hassan said. It is a remarkable turnaround. Syria's Kurds were about 10 percent of the pre-war population of 23 million, but Damascus had long suppressed any expression of their identity in the majority Arab nation. Jubilant Syrian Kurds celebrated their neighbors' independence referendum by flying Iraqi Kurdish flags alongside the flags of their own militia from cars honking down the streets late into the night. But the surge in Kurdish power in both Iraq and Syria doesn't mean the two sides are about to join: They remain divided by political rivalries. The referendum in Iraq's Kurdish region sparked furious opposition from Iraq's government, as well as Iran and Turkey, who fear it will fuel secessionist movements among their own Kurdish minorities and dismantle the map of the Fertile Crescent in place since World War I. There was also a backlash from the Arabs. Lebanon's Hezbollah accused the U.S., Saudi Arabia and Israel - the only state to support Kurdish independence - of manipulating Kurds to start another war. Syrian Kurdish leaders say their vision is for a federal system across Syria that would maintain unity while giving considerable autonomy to various regions. They depict their proposal as a way out of the country's intractable 7-year-old civil war. In a first, President Bashar Assad's government said it may be ready to talk to the Kurds. Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem recently noted Syria's Kurds want "some form of self-administration" within Syria unlike Iraqi Kurds' push for independence. "This is something negotiable and can be discussed. When we are done with fighting Daesh, we can sit with our Kurdish sons and find a formula for the future," he said, using the Arabic acronym for IS. llham Ahmed, a senior Kurdish official in the political wing of the SDF, said the government statement can be a starting point toward negotiations, underlining that the federal proposal is not for the Kurds alone. The Kurds "have become the dark horse that can't be overlooked or excluded like in the past. We will be participating practically in the political process and we will be influential." The Syrian government is far from ready to share power, bolstered by battlefield victories and unwavering Russian and Iranian backing. Still its position is not secure, with local cease-fires on various fronts liable to crumble and a growing presence of regional and international forces on its territory. The Kurds represent an indisputable interlocutor amid a fragmented opposition, otherwise dominated by Islamists. But Syria's Kurds could face a looming confrontation with Turkey. Ankara views the Syrian PYD as an extension of Turkey's own Kurdish insurgency led by the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, and is determined to avert Kurdish power next door. Last year, its troops captured a pocket of territory inside Syria to prevent a contiguous Kurdish hold along the frontier. Turkish forces, with Syrian allies, have skirmished with Kurdish forces holding the northwestern town of Afrin. And Turkey announced Saturday it was launching an operation in the nearby Idlib province, controlled by al-Qaida-linked fighters, in part to push Kurdish expansion there. Meanwhile, a race is on between the U.S. and the Kurds on one side and the Syria-Russia-Iran alliance on the other for the oil-rich, eastern province of Deir el-Zour. Each side is fighting to take back as much territory as it can from IS. That race could determine the borders of a Kurdish-administrated area. The drive is also a competition between the Americans and Iran to grab influence in Syria. "The United States can limit Iran's freedom of action in the region by becoming a major patron for the Kurds," while trying to be "polite with Turkey," Joshua Landis, a Syria expert and professor at the University of Oklahoma, said recently to Syria Direct. Syria's PYD is ideologically affiliated with the Turkish Kurdish PKK, inspired by its leader Abdullah Ocalan. For almost 20 years, Ocalan found refuge in Syria until Damascus expelled him in 1998. He has been imprisoned in Turkey since but is omnipresent in northern Syria. Affectionately referred to as "Apo," or uncle, Ocalan's vision mixing Marxism, social egalitarianism and a revolution of women who share leadership roles with men remains common parlance among Kurdish fighters and officials. Graffiti about women's liberation and the imprisoned Ocalan are pervasive. Washington found in the secular-leaning, disciplined fighters its main leverage in Syria. It advised them to rebrand to distance themselves from the PKK. U.S. Army General Raymond Thomas, head of Special Operations Command, described it as a "stroke of brilliance" to include democracy in their new name: the Syrian Democratic Forces. Mazloum Kobani, the Kurdish commander who leads the SDF and coined the name, warned that without Washington's political support for the federation idea, gains in the fight against IS may be lost. He said the government and its allied Shiite militias remain a "threat." "We don't want to fight with anyone, but we will defend ourselves," he told the Al-Monitor news site in September in his first comments to the press. The challenges are also internal as Kurdish communities remain split. The ruling party of Iraq's Kurdish zone has long cultivated ties with Ankara, the main enemy of Syria's PYD. Land-locked Iraqi Kurdistan depends on Turkey for access to the outside world for its oil. When the PYD first set up its self-rule administration early in Syria's war, Iraqi Kurds closed their border with Rojava. Some believed the rivalry would ease with Turkey's opposition to the Iraqi Kurdish referendum. But Iraqi Kurds are unlikely to further aggravate Ankara by softening their stance toward their Syrian counterparts. Days after the referendum, Syrian Kurdish officials from Europe trying to attend a PYD conference in Syria were denied entry at the Iraq crossing. The PYD's internal rival, the once powerful Kurdish National Council, has allied with the Iraqi Kurds' ruling party and refused to participate in the self-administration project. Many of its members now live in Iraq's Irbil. Khaled Ali, an opposition member in Irbil, said his family had to take one of their youngest members out of Rojava before high school fearing he would be recruited by the militia. "There is excessive militarization of society," he said. Still, confidence in the future is palpable in Rojava. Resources have poured in to rebuild destroyed towns like Kobani. Oil revenues from fields seized from IS and the government have boosted the administration's coffers. Hassan, the 29-year old Kurdish teacher, said the new Rojava University will open in November with 400 students. Kurdish language teaching will be as high a priority as training engineers and doctors. While he is concerned some of his colleagues who rose to power may "become corrupt," he believes the administration will correct course, guided by Apo's views and "the sacrifices of martyrs." And maybe work with other Kurdish parties. "This administration would be weakened if it remained alone." In this picture taken on September 25, 2017 and provided by Rojava Photo, Syrian Kurds citizens wave their parties and Kurdistan flags as they tour by their cars celebrating after the Iraqi Kurds in Erbil held the independence referendum, in Qamishli, north Syria. While Iraq's Kurds have sparked confrontation with their drive for independence, Kurds in Syria are making major advances toward their more modest goal, entrenching their self-rule.(Baderkhan Ahmed, Rojava Photo via AP) FILE - In this March 21, 2016, file photo, Syrian Kurd Nazdan, who fled her home in Qamishli, Syria, wears traditional clothes as she dances and waves a Kurdish flag, during a celebration of Nowruz day, in Beirut, Lebanon. While Iraq's Kurds have sparked confrontation with their drive for independence, Kurds in Syria are making major advances toward their more modest goal, entrenching their self-rule.(AP Photo/Bilal Hussein, File) FILE - In this Friday, July 28, 2017 file photo, a Kurdish man mourns as he sits next to the grave of his friend who was killed while fighting against Islamic State militants in Raqqa, at a cemetery in Kobani, Syria. While Iraq's Kurds have sparked confrontation with their drive for independence, Kurds in Syria are making major advances toward their more modest goal, entrenching their self-rule.(AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File) In this picture taken on September 22, 2017 and provided by the Press Office of the Kurdish Self-administration Office in Kobani, a Kurdish man, right, reads a paper before he ballots his vote to elected new local councils of the three Kurdish-administered areas in northern Syria, known as Rojava, at a polling station, in Kobani, Syria. While Iraq's Kurds have sparked confrontation with their drive for independence, Kurds in Syria are making major advances toward their more modest goal, entrenching their self-rule.(Rania Mohammed, Press Office of the Kurdish Self-administration Office in Kobani via AP) In this picture taken on September 25, 2017 and provided by Rojava Photo, Syrian Kurds wave their parties and Kurdistan flags as they tour by their cars celebrating after the Iraqi Kurds in Erbil held the independence referendum, in Qamishli, north Syria. (Baderkhan Ahmed, Rojava Photo Twitter page via AP) In this picture taken on Sept. 22, 2017 and provided by the Press Office of the Kurdish Self-administration Office in Kobani, Kurdish citizens wait outside a polling station to elect new local councils of the three Kurdish-administered areas in northern Syria, known as Rojava, at a polling station, in Kobani, Syria.While Iraq's Kurds have sparked confrontation with their drive for independence, Kurds in Syria are making major advances toward their more modest goal, entrenching their self-rule.(Rania Mohammed, Press Office of the Kurdish Self-administration Office in Kobani via AP) Jared Donaldson of the U.S. scored an early birthday present in beating Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay 6-7 (7), 6-4, 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters first round on Sunday. Donaldson, who turns 21 on Monday, saved all eight break points he faced. He broke Cuevas' serve once in each of the last two sets. The 56th-ranked Donaldson plans to celebrate his birthday by going to Disney Shanghai on Monday, before experiencing a first career meeting against No. 1 Rafael Nadal in the second round. "I want to get a picture with Mickey, Pluto the dog, and Daffy Duck," Donaldson said, laughing. On a less lighter note, Donaldson said of playing Nadal: "You want to play against the best and see how your game stacks up. Playing against someone like Rafa is really special. If I lose, it will allow me to know what was my game lacking, what I need to improve on to beat guys like him." Gilles Simon of France, a 2014 Shanghai finalist, posted a 6-3, 6-4 win over Chinese wild card Wu Yibing, who won the U.S. Open junior boys' title last month. CAIRO (AP) - Thousands of migrants have been found trapped in camps in Libya the past days after they were caught amid the fighting over the northwestern city of Sabratha, officials said Sunday. Sabratha, a city on the western side of Libya's Mediterranean coast that used to be the main launching point for migrant boats, has witnessed heavy clashes over the past two weeks. Hundreds were killed in the fighting and officials said that it was triggered by an Italian deal with one of the rival militias to stem the flow of migrants from Libya across the Mediterranean. Over 4,000 migrants, including pregnant women and children, were found in the past two days in different locations in town, said Saleh Graisia, the spokesman for Anti-ISIS Operation Room. The group is now in control of the city of Sabratha. Graisia accused the al-Ammu militia - which struck a deal with Italy and Libya to stop trafficking - of storing the migrants to smuggle them later. It wasn't immediately possible to reach al-Ammu for comment. Essam Karrar, the head of the Sabratha Civil Society Federation, said 1,700 migrants were found at the western edge of Sabratha, which used to be under control of al-Ammu, while the rest were scattered elsewhere. He said al-Ammu intended to deport the migrants. The city is now "healing its wounds" after the fighting shattered families and brothers raised guns against each other. "We the people in Sabratha were only tools in the hands of Europeans," he said. The deal with Italy led to a dramatic drop in migration from Sabratha but some in Libya feared the salaries and supplies would enrich the militias and make them more powerful. The boost to one side threw off the balance of power in Sabratha, triggering a backlash from other local militias. MOSCOW (AP) - Russian civil society organizations say that more than a dozen supporters of opposition leader Alexei Navalny have been detained in Moscow while holding small demonstrations. The detentions come a day after protests called for by Navalny were held in cities across the country to mark President Vladimir Putin's 65th birthday. The Interior Ministry said Sunday that 136 people were arrested in Saturday's demonstrations and that all had been released from custody. The Open Russia group and OVD-Info, which monitors political arrests, said that Sunday's detentions took place in Manezh Square, adjacent to the Kremlin, and outside the nearby building of the Duma, the lower house of parliament. The reports' figures on detentions differed and there was no immediate statement from police. WASHINGTON (AP) - Seeking momentum for gun restrictions, Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Sunday said only broader legislation would be effective in outlawing "bump stocks" like the device used by the Las Vegas gunman. But the National Rifle Association urged more limited regulations that stopped short of a ban. It was a sign of a rocky road ahead for action by Congress even with growing bipartisan support for regulating or banning the devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into rapid-fire guns. "Regulations aren't going to do it. We need a law. It can't be changed by another president," said Feinstein, D-Calif., a longtime advocate of stricter gun control measures who introduced legislation to outlaw bump stocks. She lamented the stratified lines of debate in "a gun-happy country." In this Oct. 4, 2017, photo, a device called a "bump stock" is attached to a semi-automatic rifle at the Gun Vault store and shooting range in South Jordan, Utah. The National Rifle Association announced its support Ton Oct. 5 for regulating the devices that can effectively convert semi-automatic rifles into fully automated weapons and that were apparently used in the Las Vegas massacre to lethal effect. It was a surprising shift for the leading gun industry group, which in recent years has resolutely opposed any gun regulations. Immediately afterward the White House, too, said it was open to such a change. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) The debate over how to regulate bump stocks comes in the aftermath of the shooting at a Las Vegas music festival last week that killed more than 50 people and injured 500, America's deadliest in modern history. The NRA, some senior congressional Republicans and the Trump administration have expressed openness in restricting bump stocks, but lawmakers remain divided over whether to rely on legislation or push for an executive branch order. Bump stocks are accessories that substitute for the regular stock and grip of a semi-automatic rifle and allow the weapon to fire continuously, some 400 to 800 rounds in a single minute. Bump stocks were found among the weapons used by sniper suspect Stephen Paddock and explain why victims in Las Vegas heard what sounded like automatic-weapons fire. The bump stock device, which retails for around $200, causes the gun to buck back and forth, repeatedly "bumping" the trigger against the shooter's finger. Technically, that means the finger is pulling the trigger for each round fired, keeping the weapon a legal semi-automatic. Because it creates a significant rocking motion it also means that the gun is "spraying" bullets and it's difficult to hit a target. Adding to the uncertainty over the devices, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said last week it was in no position to re-examine its 2010 judgment that bump stocks were legal and that Congress would have to act. On Sunday, the NRA reiterated its support for limited regulation, saying too much public focus was being spent on restricting devices rather than preventing bad human behavior. A leader of the gun rights group insisted it was ATF's responsibility - not Congress' - to reconsider the agency's 2010 decision allowing the sale of bump stocks. "We think ATF ought to do its job, look at this, and draw a bright line," said Wayne LaPierre, CEO of the National Rifle Association. He said the group has been clear in supporting current law that bans fully automatic firearms and is concerned that action by Congress could "fuzz the line" such as by imposing new restrictions on semi-automatic weapons. Feinstein said her legislation banning bump stocks had attracted "Republican interest" although the 38 co-sponsors so far were all Democrats. The No. 2 Senate Republican, John Cornyn of Texas, has said he's open to legislation and that he'd spoken with Judiciary Committee Chuck Grassley, who was interested in holding a hearing. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., who heads the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee, said Sunday he would be willing to support bump stock restrictions either by fiat or by a new law. "However that gets fixed, I'll support it," he said. Seeking broader consensus, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said that if Republicans were willing to pass a bill banning bump stock devices - like those used by the Las Vegas hotel sniper - he would support the legislation, even if it was not accompanied by any other restrictions of weapons purchases. Murphy, an ardent supporter of gun control after the 2012 mass shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, said he would be willing to hold off for his broader goal, the institution of background checks for weapons buyers, if the Senate agrees on a narrower bump stock ban. Feinstein spoke on NBC's "Meet the Press" and CBS' "Face the Nation," LaPierre also was on CBS and Murphy and Johnson were on CNN's "State of the Union." THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) - Greek police say they have arrested eight migrant traffickers who smuggled 49 migrants through Greece's land border with Turkey. The arrests of the traffickers, six Bulgarians, a Syrian and a Pakistani, were made Saturday in northeastern Greece, most close to the border. The biggest case involved two Bulgarians who had stashed 17 Syrians in a crypt inside a tourist bus. In two other cases, police chased down two vehicles to arrest four Bulgarian smugglers. In one, a lone driver carried five Pakistanis, three Syrians and three Somalis in a van. In the other, a Bulgarian driver and two accomplices crashed a bus carrying 10 migrants from Syria, Pakistan and Bangladesh into a railing. No one was hurt. Such incidents occur almost daily, although police say they increase during weekends. A father who faced being jailed in the United Arab Emirates over an alleged counterfeit 20 note said he was looking forward to seeing his children and eating good food after landing in Glasgow. William Barclay, known as Billy, was stopped on his return to Dubai International Airport in September after an incident in 2016 when he tried to exchange money at the Al Hamra Mall in Ras Al Khaimah. The 31-year-old plasterer from Edinburgh was told he could face up to a year in jail in the UAE, a 1,000 fine and deportation back to the UK. Shortly after 8pm on Thursday he was met at the airport with a kiss and hug from his partner Monique after charity Detained in Dubai helped secure his release. Mr Barclay said: Its a massive relief. Im stuck over there running out of money, just worrying about looking at potentially a year in prison for a being a victim of something that should never have happened. My main focus now is just to get back to my two kids and my partner Monique, whos fought hard to get me home, along with all my family. The worst part was obviously prison, being locked up and away from your family. I couldnt go back to that country, not after the way theyve treated me. After the second time, what theyve done to me is horrendous. William Barclay He had been accused of being in possession of counterfeit cash last year and questioned by detectives for 12 hours before being told no charges would be brought and was allowed to continue his family holiday. Despite his ordeal, Mr Barclay, his wife Monique and two children returned to the country on September 15 this year and he was stopped at the airport. Authorities arrested him for possessing counterfeit money and he was taken from his family and questioned by Ras Al Khaimah police for three days. He was then released but his passport was confiscated and he stayed in a 120-a-night hotel awaiting the outcome of the case against him. Mr Barclay added: I was just glad to get out, see my family that was the most important thing. I didnt know if my family was safe, I didnt know if they made (it to) the hotel. Nobody would let me call them. On Wednesday, it was confirmed the case against him had been dropped and he would be able to return home. The father-of-two maintains his innocence and that he has no idea how he came into possession of the counterfeit cash. He also criticised how the UK embassy handled the situation, claiming he had no help. The first thing Mr Barclay said he was looking forward to at home was seeing his children, having some good food and relaxing. Friends of former Conservative prime minister Sir Edward Heath have called for a judge-led inquiry into the handling of allegations that he raped and indecently assaulted boys as young as 10. Wiltshire Polices investigation, Operation Conifer, concluded that seven of the claims would have been sufficiently credible to justify questioning Sir Edward under caution. But a further 35 allegations - including the murder of children and satanic or ritual abuse - did not meet the threshold for a formal interview. Friends of Sir Edward, who was prime minister between 1970 and 1974, called the report deeply flawed and said they would be making a formal complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. Mike Veale, chief constable of Wiltshire Police Former cabinet minister Lord Hunt of Wirral said: It is clear there is an urgent need for an independent judge-led inquiry to review the findings of Operation Conifer. Sir Edwards reputation has been unfairly tarnished. No living person would be subject to a process which involves a trawl for accusations, followed by the publication of those accusations with no independent assessment of the evidence, or any details of the supposed place, time and circumstances of the alleged assaults. The fundamental principle that someone is innocent until proven guilty should apply to the dead as well as to the living, and no convincing evidence whatsoever against Sir Edward Heath has been produced. Lord Hunt, chairman of the Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation, described Operation Conifer as a two-year, 1.5 million fishing expedition. The Operation Conifer Summary Report is now available on our website: https://t.co/XgfHiefasa pic.twitter.com/o5Vzs5hXvK Wiltshire Police (@wiltshirepolice) October 5, 2017 Only seven (allegations) were regarded as sufficient even to meet the minimal standard of credibility and justifying a police interview if Sir Edward had still been alive - and the validity of some of these is now being seriously questioned, he said. In view of the wholly unsatisfactory and prejudicial nature of the report, we will be writing to the Government, seeking the appointment of a retired judge to review the material collected through Operation Conifer, and other relevant material which we and others may wish to submit. Otherwise, Sir Edwards reputation will be left forever in limbo, unjustly tarnished. Sir Edward was the most high-profile political figure linked to child sex abuse allegations that swept across Westminster. Operation Conifer was launched in 2015 and co-ordinated inquiries by 14 police forces after Sir Edward was named as a suspect in an investigation into historical child sex abuse. Statement from Chief Constable Mike Veale following the Operation Conifer Summary Closure Report publication https://t.co/rqMXRMqFgY Wiltshire Police (@wiltshirepolice) October 5, 2017 Sex workers, close protection officers from the Met, government drivers, civil servants and British intelligence services were spoken to. Sir Edwards private papers, including letters and diaries, were also examined. The inquiry has proven controversial since it began when a senior police officer made a television appeal outside Sir Edwards former stately home, Arundells, urging potential victims to come forward. Police have since apologised for holding the press conference there. Lord Hunt said he would seek access to the full report and wanted to know why so many government officials, private secretaries and police protection officers, with intimate knowledge of Sir Edwards movements during the periods under investigation, were not interviewed. He added: We are now preparing a substantial complaint that we will want to have considered by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, covering the entire period from the crass and prejudicial, televised launch of the investigation outside Sir Edward Heaths former home on August 3 2015, up to the extravagant launch of the summary report on October 5 2017. Trustees of the foundation and friends of Sir Edward have been heartened by the support we have received since the reports publication and remain firmly convinced of his innocence. This stain on his character and legacy must, in all justice, be removed. Former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave left Ireland a better place, one of his closest friends told his funeral. Mr Cosgrave was leader of the Republics Government during some of the most turbulent years of the Northern Ireland conflict and has been described as a courageous voice against terrorism. In his public life, the late statesman was a figure of great integrity and a true patriot, Monsignor John Wilson told mourners. Liam Cosgrave He said: Liam left our country a better place as a result of his life and his lifes work. Mr Cosgrave died on Wednesday aged 97. His son Liam said: Affection, kindness, love and loyalty dad gave to us in abundance. Current premier Leo Varadkar and his predecessors Enda Kenny and Bertie Ahern were among those who attended the simple service at the Church of the Annunciation in Rathfarnham in south Dublin on Saturday. Ten military policemen had carried his remains into the church in the middle-class surroundings near where he built his political power base as part of a dynasty stretching back to the states foundation. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar arrives for the funeral of Liam Cosgrave (Niall Carson/PA) Born in 1920, the Dubliner had a 40-year political career and was part of the government which saw Ireland become a Republic in 1949. He also oversaw Ireland joining the United Nations, addressed the US Congress in 1976 and signed the Sunningdale Agreement in Northern Ireland which led to a short-lived powersharing executive in Belfast in 1972. Attendees represented the establishment worlds of politics, the judiciary and security forces, befitting of a man dubbed the law and order Taoiseach. His son said: I would like to acknowledge the great support given by members of An Garda Siochana down the years to the Cosgrave family and to dad in particular. He was a great supporter of theirs, and they returned it tenfold. My father had a great affinity for the Army and it is great to see them here with him to the very end. Liam Cosgrave brought Ireland into the United Nations in 1955 - a legacy that continues to shape our foreign policy. Ar dheis De.... pic.twitter.com/F4WWGdXcfU Niall Burgess (@NBurgessDFAT) October 5, 2017 Others present included former Irish premiers John Bruton and Brian Cowen, European agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan and chief justice Frank Clarke. President Michael D Higgins was represented. It was a relatively low-key and private funeral, with few of the trappings associated with similar state occasions. The hearse carried no flowers, and there was little sign of public grief. Mr Cosgrave said his father eschewed eulogies and he would not do anything to upset him. He took great interest in the welfare of his grandchildren Barry and William. His son added: One of the last things to bring a smile to his lips was being told last Monday that William had passed his driving test at the first attempt, albeit by a short head. Mr Cosgrave was a devout Catholic, and family friend of 50 years Monsignor Wilson presided over the service. Former taoiseach Enda Kenny. (Niall Carson/PA) He said: Liam Cosgrave loved his family, he loved his country, he loved his faith. He was a patriot in the very best sense of that term. He said he had great humility. Integrity was the hallmark of his private life and his public life. Mr Cosgrave was buried in Goldenbridge Cemetery, Inchicore, beside his father WT Cosgrave, a key figure in the foundation of the Irish Free State and an officer in the 1916 Rising. His wife Vera died last year. He was Taoiseach from 1973-77. He was at the head of government on the worst day of atrocities in the Troubles the Dublin-Monaghan bombings on May 17 1974 when loyalists killed 33 people, including a pregnant woman at full term. Six people have been killed in explosions at a fuel station in Ghana. The blasts happened at Atomic Junction, near the Legon suburb in north-west Accra, Ghana National Fire Service spokesman Billy Anaglatey said. As we speak, six people are dead due to this fire, he said, adding that 35 were injured by the Saturday-night explosions. Four of the 35 are in a critical condition in the intensive care unit of the 37 Military Hospital. The cause of the explosions is being investigated, said Mr Anaglatey. On Sunday morning, burned steel frames showed where the station was razed by the explosions. Some people said there were flames in the skies, l looked and saw the flames and was convinced something terrible had happened, said James Appiah, a resident of North Legon, about half a mile from the explosion. A tanker explosion was followed by a secondary blast, authorities said. The filling station is near a transport terminal and close to some hostels for the University of Ghana. Firemen at the site of Saturday's explosion in Accra (Richmond Brentuo/AP/PA) Legon is a suburb of the capital and is also home to the main campus of the University of Ghana. In May, an explosion at a factory in the Western Regional capital of Takoradi happened as a tanker was discharging liquefied petroleum gas at the Ghana Household Utilities Manufacturing Company factory. That explosion killed at least six fire service personnel at the scene, and injured at least another 80 people, according to Ghanas state news agency. BUENOS AIRES, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Argentina's flagship air carrier Aerolineas Argentinas has discontinued its weekly flight to Caracas, Venezuela, citing "operational reasons," the company said in a statement. The company had told Reuters in August that it would no longer be selling tickets for the flight because of security concerns as violence and political uncertainty increased in Venezuela. Aerolineas offered to re-route passengers to Bogota in neighboring Colombia free of charge. The move further isolates Venezuela from international travel routes after carriers including Deutsche Lufthansa AG , Air Canada and United Continental Holdings Inc have pulled out. The airlines have cited factors including weak demand, a payment dispute with socialist President Nicolas Maduro's government, and security concerns for their crews on the ground. Months of anti-Maduro protests earlier this year resulted in at least 125 deaths. (Reporting by Luc Cohen; editing by Grant McCool) A team of US Marine Corps conducted a two-week medical training to 70 selected Sri Lankan Marine Corps from September 11 to September 21, at the Welisara Naval Base. The medical training was aimed at increasing effectiveness when responding to disaster situations and to conduct humanitarian relief programmes. US Navy Commander Adolfo Granados, the group surgeon assigned to the 3rd Marine Logistics Group, said the Health Engagement-17 between the Navy Marines of the two nations was of paramount importance. This programme helps enhancing partnership between the two nations. Since the Sri Lankan marines passed out only recently, it is important for both countries to understand, what Marine Corps is all about, he said. Intractability, he said, was important to the US as they were trying to build partnership in this region. "This programme helps enhancing partnership between the two nations. Since the Sri Lankan marines passed out only recently, it is important for both countries to understand, what is Marine Corps, is all about." US Navy Commander - Adolfo Granados When we have partner nations like Sri Lanka, we need to understand each of our Marine Corps and how each of our Navy works. So when we come together as partners, we can be more effective in developing partnerships, he said. Commenting on the medical response training, Commander Granados said the group of Sri Lankan Sailors and Marines had undergone training well and now they could train their own sailors and marines. They have demonstrated quite a mastery of the materials and are teaching very well. Seven members of our team who are here, taught to a group of 20 of Sri Lankan Marine Corps. They are teaching their own members now. What we want to do is expand the training to more Sri Lankan sailors and marines so they can train their own. That way, our intractability with the Lankan Navy will be greater in the years to come, he said. "We hope to expand the training in the coming years. We trained 20 Marines who would train others in the future." Commander T.P. Malalgama The training included basic life savings and trauma combat care methods. Commander Granados said the training was not only essential for combat situations but any disaster situations as well. Sri Lanka had floods recently. So the skills acquired by the Sri Lankan navy sailors could be used for such tougher situations. Learnt skills will help them in any kind of disaster situation and humanitarian relief situations, he said. Commander T.P. Malalgama of Sri Lanka Navys Medical Unit said the US training was provided to Sri Lankan Marines belonging to several units, including the Medical and Rapid Deployment Squadron. He said the training expected to treat the casualties not only at war conditions but also during emergency disaster situations . The first training session with the US, he said was launched in 2015 in Punewa camp as a concept of now Navy Commander. Two Indian medical doctors had taken part in the training as observers this year. We hope to expand the training in the coming years. We trained 20 Marines who would train others in the future, he said. "The Combat Application Tourniquet is one such equipment. We can, in any situation, treat the injured and save lives by preventing blood loss using this device" Dr. lieutenant Rathnasekara The Sri Lankan Marines were new to the Navy and the first batch graduated only in February this year. Meanwhile, Doctor Lieutenant Rathnasekara, shed insight as to how the training was conducted. Mainly, the training was conducted under two phases. Initially, the US marines medical team taught us how to give first aid and respond at battle or disaster situations. Under the second phase, we were taught by Special Boat Squad and Medical Battalion Marines. We taught them how to provide first aid as Navy is mostly the first respondent in disaster situations. We can train our Marines to save more people, he said. Dr. Rathnasekara said the medical unit, keep updating regularly and the US team was in possession of advanced techniques and equipment. The Combat Application Tourniquet is one such equipment. We can, in any situation, treat the injured and save lives by preventing blood loss using this device, he said. Pics by Damith Wickramasinghe Sri Lanka Navy arrested 10 Indian fishermen and seized a trawler for poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters last night. The arrest was made by the naval personnel onboard SLNS Prathapa and Fast Attack Craft on routine patrol at the IMBL north of Sri Lanka, about 10 nautical miles north of Kovilan Point. The arrested fishermen, the trawler and fishing gear were brought to the naval base SLNS Elara in Kareinagar and the fishermen were handed over to the Assistant Fisheries Director in Jaffna for onward legal action, the Navy said. ctober is analogous with political upheavals and cataclysmic political events from Mahatma Gandhis birth, Indira Gandhis assassination, to the birth of modern Russia, China and the American industrial enterprises with the Ford Model T entering the Market. Harvard University and the American Air force are products of October, so was the emergence of new a potent iteration of terrorism that the world is dealing with the Beirut bombings in 1983. October of 2017 Started off on the back of a black September, where violence, political instability brought misery to many in the world. Nearly a thousand Syrians died in September, Rohingya refugee flows outwards reached peak half million. Kurds in Iraq and Catalans went for referendums in the name of self-determination and Stephen Paddock, a white lone-wolf gunman in Vegas managed to kill and injure more people in the United States, the worst mass shooting in its history. German elections brought back Merkel to power yet her victory came at a price, a weakened Germany and with it uncertainty of its status as the indispensable nation in Europe. These events generated a plethora of opinion pieces from a multitude of scholars and analysts, they range from the mass shooting in Vegas, the Catalan and Kurdish referendums to Brexit miseries for Britain. The Rohingya refugee crisis rounds up the chaos and the massive disinformation surrounding all such incidents, where narratives and counter narratives are competing to gain traction isolating the victims. This article attempts to piece together a set of characteristics that seems to explain underlying structural transformations of the world that the above events are being symptomatic. Whilst some attention will be given to these unconnected occurrences, the thrust of the analysis is to explore and identify what connects them. Since the primacy of the Western world order and the knowledge and institutional foundations of western dominance in global affairs, the fundamental building block of the system was the Nation State. Ever Since French revolution of 1789 and the German unification of 1848 the former as the first nation state and later the fully fledged modern nation state, the primacy of defining both domestic and international politics has been based on this modern functional state. From modern economics, political science and to the working of global economic institutions the stability of the functional state has been critical for progress and prosperity.While the decolonization of the 60s created most of the nation states of the developing world, their stability and coherence has been a perpetual debate that captured the efficacy of democracy to global security. Even from the newly established nation states from India in 1947 to Kenya in 1960s there has been no effort to push back on the fundamental building blocks of this vital political unit. The Geo Political West has been enormously successful because of their ability to create states that brought progress to its citizens while Afro Asian states and Central and South America embarked on state buildingexpecting progress and prosperity. This has been achieved through a series of domestic and global political initiatives as well as common institutions and to a greater extent a free market system protected by a series of international financial and economic institutions. The recent events indicate two colliding interests, in the case of the Kurds in Iraq to Catalonians in Spain to create States that they believed would bring them more prosperity. In both cases out of the votes cast nearly 90% of the vote was for independence. A few years ago, almost all States voted for a Palestinian Statehood during the UN General Assembly session, but most of these states shy away from accepting an independent Kurdistan or Independent Catalonia with exceptions like Israel when it comes to the Kurds. "The common feature in all these occurrences from the Vegas to Spain are the connections between state and citizen have become increasingly distant, leading to the loosening of the social bonds that hold the nation together" The global power elite are struggling to understand the fluidity of citizenship and identity, while refugees and stateless is top on the agenda the reverse goes for thepolitical movements driven by self-determination. In the case of Spain, the Spanish Constitution of 1978 which clearly argues for the indivisible status of the Spanish State, thus the Catalonian referendum is seen as an attempt to sabotage this continuity by mainstream Spain. Joseph Nye argues that such absolute demands will be a source of violence. The new state making process has put further pressure to a global system that revolves around state stability and balances of power. Americas gun laws are back in scrutiny, in a country where 3% of the population own nearly 50% of the guns sold in the United States representing a moral and legal crisis. Whilst the Vegas shooter seemed to have planned his attacks so meticulously the attacks are not even labelled as domestic terrorism. Instead it has been an exercise of trying to understand the personal motives, what is missing in this quest is the failure of domestic institutions and influence of the State. Three of the worlds most established states United States, United Kingdom and Germany are going through a set of internal political and social crises that may create conditions of global instability thanks to the stalling of smooth functioning of the State machinery. The National Security State of the United States is in a deep crisis, Vegas shooting seems like a culmination of shootings and crimes that has been on the rise in the United States. The US presidency has been under scrutiny for many months, President Trump has decided to decertify the Iranian nuclear agreement which would set the Americans on a collision course with Europe that may even lead to trade wars between the two. British Premier Theresa May with no real parliament majority and under siege from her own party was trying to project building a country that would work for everyone during the conservative party conference last week. The descent of the British State and its impending alienation represent greater irony of the two states, one the liberal cradle and the other the fulcrum of Western political order. The common feature in all these occurrences from the Vegas to Spain are the connections between state and citizen have become increasingly distant, leading to the loosening of the social bonds that hold the nation together. These events signify a deep rooted problem in the nation State centric global order. 2017 was the year many pundits expected some sort of return to normalcy after a decade of crisis and chaos in the global system with the shocks that rocked the Western economic primacy in the aftermath of world economic crisis. Whilst the State as a fundamental building block of the current order is in a slow decay, the institutions that provided stability and were in some cases extensions of State sovereignty in the global forums are facing a similar plight. Many public institutions globally have lost their ability to adapt, adjust to the rapid changes in demands as well as technological disruptions. Economist Mohammed El-Erian points out that too many inherently influential institutions have lagged in identifying and implementing reforms and thus run the risk of failing. Such institutional failure will be catastrophic especially in states such as USA, The UK and Germany already reeling from political shocks. According to Adrian Turner 2017 has been more about normalizing the delusion of stable world order. The United Nations which is under heavy attack from many quarters including in the latest speech from US president Donald Trump, a recent Pew institution study points out, the institution remains quite unpopular globally. In a time when the institutions are needed especially with economic, political, and social fluidity. Events of September leading to October are a clear symbolism of that business as usual in any part of the world is over. States, citizens and national interests are becoming opaque and combustible, Sri Lanka is trying hard to reimagine our own political identities and seek stability through a complex constitutional reform process. This is a bold move in a global order fraught with contradictions emanating from the very DNA it has been built upon. s is well known, corruption has become a pervasive social issue in the country in recent years, cutting across all segments of the countrys elite: political, business, professional, bureaucratic, military, judicial, civil society, intellectual, media, etc. While liberally minded politicians and civil society activists continue to emphasize the need to enforce the law as the only remedy to deal with this problem, in this article, I argue that law enforcement alone is not going to stamp out corruption because it does not address its root causes. In other words, there are many other measures that need to be taken, in addition to taking all measures necessary to enforce the law effectively. Many people engage in corrupt activities because, on the one hand, there is often a compelling reason for them to do so and, on the other, there are possibilities and opportunities to engage in corrupt practices. In this article, I wish to deal with these aspects in some detail in order to provide a broader framework for analysis and intervention. Economic and social pressure in general pushes people to live beyond their means. It is widely assumed that many poor may be compelled to steal other peoples belongings including agricultural crops when they cannot meet their day to day needs and those of their families. Yet, the usual response of many people in modern societies when the regular income of a person or a family is not sufficient is to borrow money from either formal or informal sources. But, in consumer societies, many people borrow money to meet growing consumer wants such as eating out, buying modern gadgets, taking a holiday, etc. "The people with money naturally demanded better quality private services in health and education" Introduction of credit cards in the recent past has continued to facilitate this behaviourto this day. So, today, we talk a great deal about consumer credit. There are many companies whose only business is supplying consumer credit. On the other hand, borrowing money for long term investment purposes helps people to cope with unexpected economic and social pressures in the future. For instance, getting a life insurance policy or buying a house on mortgage is usually a sound investment as it helps a family in many ways in the long run. This is done within their means because mortgage amount is determined taking the regular income of the person into account. But, many people are also compelled to borrow money for various other investments due to diverse circumstances. In Sri Lanka, the lack of an efficient and comfortable public transport service has persuaded most people to buy all sorts of transport equipment, often on credit. Proliferation of leasing and finance companies has made such borrowings easier, leading to widespread indebtedness across society. Look at the numbers of all kinds of vehicles registered at the RMV. In recent years, many people have also begun to invest in commercial properties such as land and apartments hoping that their assets will grow in value over time. This has contributed to skyrocketing of land and property prices in recent years, making it virtually impossible to buy housing property in urban areas. As is well known, post-1977 economic reforms prepared the ground for many social and economic changes in the country. The rise of an unprecedentedly privileged political class is one of these changes. They began to lead a lifestyle that often sets them apart from their predecessors whose lifestyles were not very different to those of other citizens. For instance, it was common for politicians, even ministers to travel in public transport and live in common accommodation in Colombo provided by the government. Today, not even local government politicians would step into public buses or travel by train. Moreover, when politicians contested elections under the old electoral system where campaigning involved did not cost very much. But, all these changed for the worse after 1978 with the introduction of proportional electoral system. The consequences of this are well known. "In recent years, many people have also begun to invest in commercial properties such as land and apartments hoping that their assets will grow in value over time. This has contributed to skyrocketing of land and property prices in recent years, making it virtually impossible to buy housing property in urban areas" On the economic front, liberal reforms created opportunities for making money, either through private businesses, government contracts, overseas employment, etc. Liberalization of imports made consumer goods including luxury items like cars and household appliances freely available in the market, persuading people to find money to have access to these items. Traffic jams in Colombo and other cities soon became common place and public transport became the last resort, even for ordinary people. It is widely assumed that many politicians and others had resorted to rent seeking as a way of getting the money needed to support their new lifestyles. The people with money naturally demanded better quality private services in health and education. The result was the proliferation of private hospitals, private colleges and international schools. The upwardly mobile people wanted to use such services rather than government hospitals and public schools. Many began to send their children overseas for higher education. They had to find the money, if they did not already have it. This was easier for people who had moved into private businesses, modern professions like medicine and law, consulting or in overseas employment but not for politicians, public servants and those who were connected to them. The wealth the former accumulated allowed them to spend money lavishly, to build modern houses, buy luxury cars, go for expensive holidays, etc. The latter groups had the same consumer aspirations but did not have the means to do so, so, they had to find the money in some in other way. This is the genesis of widespread corruption among politicians and state sector employees. They could resort to corruption because they pulled the strings within the state sector, be it awarding contracts, setting and changing rules, issuing permits, imposing sanctions, etc. etc. "All of the above point to a colossal failure of the state in the hand of corrupt and mediocre politicians to effectively respond to diverse issues that arise out of economic and social change" The post 1977 government decided to register international schools under the Companies Act, and did not bring them under the supervision of public educational authorities; private health institutions were allowed to run without any government supervision and the Health ministry had little or nothing to do with them; full time government doctors were allowed to engage in private clinical practice, though the these same doctors were given all kinds of incentives at public expense to keep them as state employees such as duty free cars, professional allowances, government scholarships to go for overseas training, etc. There are many other examples that can be cited but I cannot do so for want of space. There are two key issues arising out of the discussion so far. Firstly, the elected peoples representatives, and public officials who are expected to enforce state policies, rules and regulations themselves have become their violators for their own personal benefit. Secondly, when public policies are inadequate to deal with emerging issues, political leaders are expected to bring in new policies to address or contain them. But, the legislators as well as the executives themselves have succumbed to the same pressures that others have come under and sought to find private solutions for their personal problems instead of devising public responses to emerging social and economic issues. Transport sector is a clear case in point. All of the above point to a colossal failure of the state in the hand of corrupt and mediocre politicians to effectively respond to diverse issues that arise out of economic and social change. There is no simple legal remedy to this situation. In other words, we need to address a whole range of problems that have contributed to widespread corruption in the country. Given the fact that corruption has many negative social and economic consequences, we have no choice but adopt effective policies and other interventions to address its root causes and enforce the law to arrest the persisting trends. Space does not permit me to elaborate on these diverse interventions. President Maithripala Sirisena, addressing the National Vap Mangul Ceremony, said today that the duty on agricultural technology equipment would be removed soon. The National Vap Magul Ceremony was launched near the Thibbotuwawa Tank in Kekirava this morning under the patronage of President Sirisena. President Maithripala Sirisena said the previous governments did not have clear Housing or Agricultural Policies and as a result the country is witnessing the destruction of vast swathes of paddy and coconut lands to be used for housing projects. He said this had contributed to a shortage of coconuts and rice forcing the government to import these commodities. The President said politicians and public servants have permitted businessmen to purchase these lands for housing projects and this is why it was vital for the government to introduce housing and agricultural policies to stop this kind of destruction before it gets even worse. The President said most other countries in the world have such policies so that and houses can be only built in areas demarcated for housing construction. In Sri Lanka millions of metric tons of food items such as paddy, rice, vegetables, fruits and other crops are destroyed by monkeys, elephants, wild boars and peacocks. The damage they cause is huge, he said. The President said in the wake of the National Food Production campaign, the government would not permit any state institution to have uncultivated land and all heads of government institutions are required to identify such lands and use them for food, vegetable, fruits or alternative crop cultivation and provide a monthly report on the progress. "There are cultivatable lands belonging to the rich people in Colombo. They sometimes do not even visit those lands. The Ministry of Agriculture, Mahaweli Development Authority and other State institutions involved in food supply will cultivate 800,000 hectares with paddy in the Mahaweli zones alone during the Maha season. To ensure the success of this campaign, the 2018 Budget will give tax relief to farmers for the purchase of agricultural equipment and machinery like tractors, water pumps, etc.," he said. "This campaign is not a government endeavour or a party effort. It is a national movement aimed at improving the per capita income of farmers and their social status, to double the annual food production and put an end to food imports. The huge drought flash floods that devastated this country during past one and half years have severely affected food production compelling the government to import 500,000 metric tons of rice. The high price of coconuts has also been brought down with the involvement of the CWE. But if we do not find a sustainable solution to successfully handle food production notwithstanding whether there were floods or droughts, Sri Lanka would never be able to achieve self sufficiency in food and sustainable development," he said. The President said this was a good opportunity for those who display posters, stage protests, launch strikes and picketing against the government and disrupting public life because they can join this noble campaign and become partners of development and contribute to the welfare of the people and farmers in particular. He said the history of mankind involved a constant struggle with the nature. "Floods, droughts and landslides are not restricted only to Sri Lanka. Other countries in the world have suffered more from natural disasters. The US, EU countries and Asia have been devastated by natural disasters this year leaving thousands of people in various degrees of destitution or degradation," the President said. Agriculture Minister Duminda Dissanayaka and Deputy Minister Wasantha Aluwihare also spoke. (Sandun A. Jayasekera reporting from Kekirawa) President Maithripala Sirisena has arrived in Tirumala - the sacred abode of Lord Venkateswara - on his third visit as the head of the state on Saturday, Indian media reported. Accompanied by his wife Jayanthi Pushpa Kumari and other Sri Lankan officials, Sirisena reached Tirupati from Bengaluru by road. After an overnight stay, he and his family were expected to participate in 'Suprabhatha" recitation ritual inside the temple early today, temple sources told PTI. He would leave soon after offering prayers to Lord Venkateswara, the sources said. This is his third visit to the Tirumala hills as Sri Lankan president. He previously visited in February 2015 and last year in August. peaking at the United Nations General Assembly recently, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that sovereignty should be the guiding principle in affairs among nations. Such statements aside, the United Nations, the United States and the international community continue to wield their policy of intervening in countries and dictating terms for their internal governance. The strategically placed Indian Ocean island Sri Lanka, is a case in point. Influenced by the wealthy LTTE-proxy Tamil Diaspora lobby, the United Nations adopted the United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution (sponsored by the U.S. and Sri Lankan governments) in Geneva on October 1, 2015. The Resolution calls for accountability and an international investigation of human rights violations in the final stage of the Sri Lankan armed conflict and international monitoring of transitional justice and reconciliation. Clause 16 calls on the Sri Lankan government to devolve power on the basis of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution and uphold its commitment to political settlement, reconciliation and human rights. High level US government officials have admitted a direct link between the U.N. Council Resolution and a new Constitution for Sri Lanka. They have offered assistance to draft and monitor its adoption claiming a shared responsibility to help this process through. On the other hand, former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon admitted the grave and systematic failure of the UN to carry out its own duties and uphold humanitarian interests during the final phase of the Sri Lankan armed conflict. Despite the questionable legitimacy of the United Nations to intervene and monitor Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan government is rushing ahead with proposals for comprehensive constitutional reform to meet its obligations to the Geneva Resolution and the tight timeline set by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Constitutional Reform In March 2016, the Sri Lankan Parliament adopted a resolution to establish a Constitutional Assembly (comprising all the Members of Parliament sitting as a separate body) to develop a new Constitution. The Steering Committee of the Constitutional Assembly released its Interim Report on September 21, 2017. The Report is based largely on the expansion of the 13th Amendment and the recommendations of the Constitutional Reform Sub-Committee on Centre-Periphery Relations. The 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution was passed on November 14, 1987 following Indian intervention and the signing of the Indo-Lanka Accord. The Accord was intended to resolve the ethnic problem of Sri Lanka while preserving its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The 13th Amendment was introduced to create Provincial Councils for devolving political power. However, the Indian intervention, the Accord and the 13th Amendment turned out to be massive failures. What ensued in the remaining decades was not conflict resolution but conflict escalation, violence and the emergence of the terrorist LTTE as the sole representative of the Tamils. Following the military defeat of the LTTE in May 2009, the LTTE-proxy lobby and the international community have intensified the demand for a political settlement based on the 13th Amendment. "The Interim Report of the Steering Committee of the Constituent Assembly replaces the current Constitution and the clause which states that The Republic of Sri Lanka is a Unitary State with Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is an aekiya rajyaya / orumiththa nadu, consisting of the institutions of the Centre and of the Provinces which shall exercise power as laid down in the Constitution" The current Sri Lankan government came to power in January 2015 with a mandate to abolish the Executive Presidency and reform the electoral system. It did not have a mandate to introduce a new constitution or change the governance structure from a unitary to a federal state. In the eyes of most local people, action on the ethical crises facing the government, such as, the Central Bank bond scam, take precedence over constitutional change. Yet, reforms which extend devolution well beyond the 13th Amendment and impinge on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country have been put forward. There is a lack of transparency in the constitution-making process and a dearth of information among the Sri Lankan public about the new Constitution. The Interim Report is vague and elusive on many important subjects. It says that the National List (pertaining to the authority of the Centre) will include subjects necessary to ensure sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, it does not provide an itemized National List. As such, the public are in the dark as to whether defence and national security, finance and foreign trade, minerals and mines, immigration and citizenship, census and statistics, posts and telecommunications, ports and harbours, aviation and airports, etc. that are in the National List under the 13th Amendment are still retained by the Centre or devolved to the Provinces in the new Constitution. The Interim Report introduces a Constitutional Court, a body which does not exist under the 13th Amendment for arbitrating disputes between the Centre and the Provinces but does not give details on its composition and functioning. The lack of information on these and other vital issues, makes it even more important to try and understand the constitutional reforms now being rushed through and their implications for the future of our country. Maximum Devolution The Interim Report of the Steering Committee of the Constituent Assembly replaces the current Constitution and the clause which states that The Republic of Sri Lanka is a Unitary State with Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is an aekiya rajyaya / orumiththa nadu, consisting of the institutions of the Centre and of the Provinces which shall exercise power as laid down in the Constitution. This initial clause alone carries serious ambiguities. It resuscitates the use of the colonial English name for the island, Ceylon, the official use of which was abandoned in 1972. The clause circumvents the controversial English terms, unitary and federal by duplicitous use of Sinhala and Tamil terms even in the English text. The Sinhala and Tamil terms used carry different meanings: the Sinhala aekiya rajyaya can be translated as unitary state while the Tamil orumiththa nadu can be translated as united country or a country formed by amalgamation. By giving divergent interpretations of the identity of the state to the two linguistic communities, the clause lays the ground for new ethnolinguistic conflicts instead of truth and reconciliation that the new Constitution purports to deliver. The objective of the proposed new Constitution is to grant maximum devolution by dismantling the powers of the central government. The reforms invoke the principle of subsidiarity defining it as whatever could be handled by the lowest tier should be vested in it. Three tiers of government - the Central Government, Province and Local Authorities are identified. The Province is promoted as the primary unit of devolution and the functioning of Local Authorities is brought almost entirely under the Provincial Councils. The Central Government is called to adopt a participatory process with the Provincial Council. The Report further states that National Policy shall not override statutes enacted by a Provincial Council in respect of matters in the Provincial List. In other words, the Central government becomes subservient to the Provincial Council at the regional level. The Interim Report upholds the possibility of two or more Provinces forming a single unit. It recognizes the Northern and Eastern Province as a single Province although the two Provinces were demerged after their temporary merger by India was ruled unconstitutional, illegal and invalid by the Sri Lankan Supreme Court in October 2006. The reintroduction of that controversial merger would appease Tamil separatists and their allies. However, it is bound to generate protests from Sinhala and Muslim communities in the Eastern Province who have always opposed a north-east merger which encompasses nearly one third of the island and has no historical or demographic basis. The proposal to establish exclusive Community Councils to protect minorities in different geographical areas is also likely to aggravate communalism and ethnic conflict rather than human rights, reconciliation and political settlement. "The 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution was passed on November 14, 1987 following Indian intervention and the signing of the Indo-Lanka Accord. The Accord was intended to resolve the ethnic problem of Sri Lanka while preserving its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The 13th Amendment was introduced to create Provincial Councils for devolving political power" Under the 13th Amendment, the Governor, as the representative of the Central Government in each Province retains extensive executive powers including the right to dissolve a Provincial Council. Under the new proposals, however, the Governor is reduced to a nominal status and the authority of the Centre is greatly reduced. The Concurrent List in the 13th Amendment pertains to subjects shared among the Centre and the Provinces, such as, protection of the environment and archaeological sites, prevention of the spread of contagious diseases and pilgrimages (across regions). However, the Concurrent List is abolished in the new Constitution to weaken the authority of the Centre. The constitutional reforms would require the Central government to request lands for national projects from the Provincial Administrations. When disputes arise between the Centre and the Provinces over land, they would be arbitrated by a tribunal made up of representatives from the Central Government and the Provinces. Any appeals to tribunal decisions would be made to the Constitutional Court. In further weakening the Centre, a National Land Commission with equal representation of the Central Government and the Provinces and representatives of all the major communities will be appointed to oversee land and water policies. When the Central Government or a Provincial Administration is found to be contravening the directions of the Commission, the matter would be referred to the new supreme arbiter, the Constitutional Court, not the judicial bodies of Sri Lanka including the Supreme Court. The guidelines and declarations of the Commission shall be final and conclusive and shall not be questioned in any court or tribunal save and except the Constitutional Court. No other court or tribunal shall have jurisdiction to inquire into, or pronounce upon, or in any manner call in question, the validity of such guidelines or direction, on any ground whatsoever. The Interim Report states that powers devolved should not be taken back unilaterally from the Provinces by the Centre. In other words, Sri Lanka becomes a federal state where governance is constitutionally divided and the central authority cannot withdraw devolved powers at will. Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity? The new Constitution provides the framework for each Province to become constitutionally independent and to have the freedom to secede from the federal union. Federalism leading to eventual statehood was the vision of S.J.V.Chelvanayagam, the founder of what was known as the Federal Party in English but, Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi or the Tamil State Party in Tamil. Although it is only Tamil politicians claiming to represent the Northern Province (while living in the south) that have been clamouring for separation, the proposed federal structure is likely to encourage other politicians to take up secession as well. It is likely to revive the call for a separate Muslim political entity in the Eastern Province which emerged during the failed 2002 Norwegian facilitated peace process. Constitutional guarantees against break-ups have not stopped secessionist efforts in numerous other regions in the world, such as Kosovo, Catalonia, Iraq and even Tamil Nadu. The political destabilization and fragmentation engendered by the new constitution could result in several warring mini-states on the island. Broadening Perspectives While conflict and violence have always existed, altruism and cooperation among ethnic and religious groups have been the dominant f It is time for Sri Lankan people from all ethnic, religious, social class and political backgrounds to understand the geopolitical threats facing the country and to stand up for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ultimately, even more important is the need for the people to come together to protect the ecological integrity and sustainability of the island which is severely threatened by climate change, rising sea levels, frequent droughts, floods, landslides and so on. Dangerous constitutional reforms that benefit a handful of people with narrow, short-term internal and external interests need to be resisted. A strong central government with the ability to respond to common threats to the security and the islands environment is needed. Not a mono-ethnic, corrupt Centre that is servile to external interests, but an ethical leadership drawn from all groups and committed to efforts to share power and resources. It is time to look outside the box for genuine local and creative solutions. Unity amidst diversity requires the ethics of inter-dependence and partnership and a transformation of consciousness. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a gathering of company secretaries on the occasion of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, (ICSI), on October 4, he brushed off the criticism of the Opposition as hollow pessimism. Even senior leaders of the BJP who have been critical of the government's performance weren't spared and were referred to as Shalya - a character in Mahabharata who sided with the "Kauravas". Nevertheless, given that the economy is in a precarious condition with many people looking at pink slips, it was hard to comprehend how the prime minister expected us to be upbeat and optimistic. Even as industry honchos were lamenting the grim state of the economy at World Economic Forum's India Economic Summit, railway minister Piyush Goyal showed the path to eternal optimism. His bizarre claim that job losses are a "good sign" and will result in the youth taking to entrepreneurship has left most rational people baffled. In the bid to be optimistic, it would be foolish to not see the reality and opt for course correction. The minister has not explained how the entrepreneurs will be supported and whether the government's policies will be conducive to small businesses. It is common sense that for any business to be established, access to credit is vital. Khakhra economics has put India in jeopardy. Photo: PTI However, over the past year, credit growth has plunged to a 60-year low and this has been attributed by many to demonetisation. Whatever the reasons, the resultant credit crunch has impacted small and medium enterprises (SMEs) the most. There are upwards of 45 million SMEs in India and they account for close to 40 per cent of the GDP. With this sector being asphyxiated by a lack of credit, the growth prospects of India's economy are in jeopardy. A few days earlier, on Gandhi Jayanti, the secretary for rural development, in a presentation to a few start-ups, stated that as a part of the Mission Antyodaya, the government is planning to link Panchayats with private firms to boost the rural economy. He elucidated on how the gram panchayats can boost their businesses. He nevertheless clarified that the firms will not receive any subsidies or financial incentives from the government. With a bruised banking system and no incentives from the government for entrepreneurs, it is hard to see any rationale in the minister's claims. With no job creation, the incomes of people will become meagre and hence they will become frugal in their spending. Low spending translates to a low demand and, therefore, there will be no incentive to produce. As such, the "entrepreneurs" that the minister talks about are unlikely to succeed, even if they overcome the many bottlenecks of the Indian economy. The tragedy is that much of the problem lies in the leadership which appears clueless about how to handle the economy. And, of course, a tad too optimistic about its own abilities. The Indian economy withstood the global financial crisis, and was even looked up to as an engine of growth that will pull the world economy out of the recession. However, today, as the global economy recovers, India continues to bleed. JP Morgan research estimates that the world unemployment rates are at a low of 5.5 per cent, which is about what it was pre-2008. Unemployment rates have been falling even in developing countries like Brazil and Russia since 2014, but the converse is true for India. These trends reveal that there is a leadership deficit in the government and it is high time it took criticism seriously to make amends. Given that India has more than 50 per cent of the population under the age of 25 years and 65 per cent below the age of 35 years, it is extremely important for the government to ensure there are enough jobs available. Else, with a large population that is young, unemployed and frustrated, the government may be looking at possible civil strife. It would be in the interest of the entire nation if the government focussed on pertinent matters rather than looking for petty electoral gains, as it appears to have done with its recent decision regarding the reduction of GST rates. Meanwhile, as ordinary citizens, we could mull over what the railway minister said once again and try to be optimistic. Let's look at the glass as half full. And when the government of the day becomes jobless, we can go on to say, "losing your jobs was a very good sign". The increasing trust deficit between Kabul and Islamabad (read Rawalpindi) has been more pronounced in recent times. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's address to the United Nations General Assembly was clearly directed towards Pakistan, compelling the neighbouring country to take recourse to the "right to respond". He made similar comments during his recent visit to India. India and Afghanistan signed, among a slew of agreements, one for training the Afghan police in India. New Delhi is already involved in training the Afghan army, and providing it military equipment and economic aid. No member of the Afghan government has ever said a kind word for Pakistan. In their view, Pakistan is a terror-supporting nation. The Afghan leadership has been buoyed by the direct warning given to Pakistan by US President Donald Trump on curbing terror groups. Its reinforcement by US defence secretary Jim Mattis who said that the US would be closely watching Pakistan's choices in the new Afghan policy only added to the neighbouring country's woes. Mattis' visit to Delhi, during which India agreed to participate in the development and training of Afghan security personnel, caused greater worry in Pakistan. Jim Mattis' statement to the senate committee that India turned down boots on the ground, solely due to considerations of Pakistan security, cut no ice. As a counter, Pakistan prime minister Shahid Abbasi said that Pakistan would never accept any Indian role in Afghanistan. His words, "We don't foresee any political or military role for India in Afghanistan. I think it will just complicate the situation and it will not resolve anything," clearly reflect the thoughts of the deep state. His other comments reflected the perception that Afghanistan and Kashmir are linked, as a resolution on Kashmir would bring peace to the region. There was a similar echo when the Pakistan foreign minister met the US secretary of state recently. In this melee and worry, the Pakistan army chief rushed to Kabul last week with offers of training for Afghan army and police, aiming to counter the growing Indian influence. He was also seeking to identify common measures to enhance security cooperation, including joint operations, against terror groups. Both nations have accused each other of supporting terror groups. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan (along with India) of permitting the existence of the Islamic State, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Kabul claims Pakistan supports Taliban and the Haqqani network. Pakistan feels that it is being singled out by Trump and Mattis due to US' failure in Afghanistan. Pakistan foreign minister, Khawaja Asif, said that it alone cannot take responsibility for Afghanistan's peace and security, nor would it permit the Afghan battle to be fought on its soil. At the same time, he admitted that the Haqqani network was a liability, but the country lacked assets to tackle it. The BLA and the TTP, both based in the mountains of Afghanistan, often cross the Durand Line, which remains unrecognised by Afghanistan, to target minorities and security personnel in the western provinces. Pakistan claims that these are supported by India and the Afghan intelligence agencies. With Indian presence and involvement only likely to increase in Afghanistan, the worry in Pakistan is rising. It has never reconsidered its flawed Afghan policy, nor even attempted to rectify it; instead, Pakistan has been blaming Afghanistan, India and the US for its ills and sufferings. Pakistan's approach towards its western neighbour should have been more friendly and cooperative, especially since the US walked in post 9/11. Had it cooperated, India would have been kept at arm's-length, the Durand Line issue would have been nearing resolution and anti-Pakistan terror groups could have been struggling to survive. With Pervez Musharraf in the driver's seat, Pakistan felt that it could control the future of Afghanistan and make the state subservient. Therefore, it continued to support terror groups operating in Afghanistan without any long-term analysis. It provided sanctuary to Bin Laden and the Taliban leaders, only seeking to continue to exercise control over them. With the passage of time and regular change in the Taliban leadership, the group began creating its own identity and source of funding through production and distribution of opium. This made Pakistan's material support needless. Thus, they became liabilities, which Pakistan is now unable to handle. Had Pakistan handled Afghanistan with positivity, the return of Afghan refugees into their nation would have been easier. It took the difficult path, left the nation in turmoil and, hence, prevented their return. It remains burdened with them and would, in time, have to accept them as Pakistan nationals as even the second generation has grown up and settled in the country. Its flawed approach towards a fledging state, after NATO intervention, only opened doors for India to get in. Once India got a foothold, it went ahead seeking to further consolidate its base. Its developmental projects have earned it goodwill among the masses and provided it a free run within the country. Attacks on Indian consulates have only enhanced hatred towards Pakistan and sympathy for India. Training their army and police personnel exposes Afghans to India's soft power, its freedom and ethics, making them strong allies. This would further alienate them from Pakistan. In fledgling democracies, where the elected governments are ineffective and terrorism is a daily battle, the army has a strong foothold, as it possesses the power to hold the nation together. The same holds true for Afghanistan too. An alienated Afghan army would never accept any goodwill from Pakistan. No inputs flowed from either side on the outcome of the visit of their army chiefs. This proves, probably, that no significant breakthrough was made. The only result was a panicky seven-hour conference of the army chief with his corps commanders. Pakistan is treading on slippery ground, solely because of its own flawed policies. It needs to change tack, but cannot as those it needs to control are beyond its influence. It may beg for time or seek to deflect the blame, but would never be able to make meaningful changes. Award-winning documentary filmmaker and fine-art photographer Miguel Gandert shows his work highlighting his mestizaje heritage, and the fusion and tension of the relationship between Spanish Colonial and Native Cultures of the Americas. Runs through 12/29. Querer means to want, to desire, to be in a place, with its people. In folk terminology, querencia is such a place, the center space of desire, the root of belonging and yearning to belong, that vicinity where you first beheld the light. Querencia, in collective terms, is homeland. ~Enrique Lamadrid, Nuevo Mexico Profundo Miguel Gandert tells stories. He tells stories of his homeland, New Mexico (and beyond), its people and the cultural practices that distinguish communities from each other while simultaneously revealing their kinship. You will have to form your own words, however. Ganderts stories are told through penetrating, black and white photos. A primary focus of his work is his own mestizaje heritage and the fusion and tension of the relationship between Spanish Colonial and Native Cultures of the Americas. Miguel Gandert, a native of Espanola, NM, is an award-winning documentary and fine-art photographer and filmmaker. His photographs have been shown in galleries and museums throughout the world and are in numerous public collections including the Smithsonian Museum of American Art, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the National Museum of American History and Art at the Smithsonian. Querencia: Rituals of the Rio Arriba opens Friday, October 6 at the New Mexico Humanities Council, 4115 Silver Ave SE, Albuquerque. An artists reception will be 6:00 pm 8:00 pm with an artist's discussion at 7:00 pm. The exhibit closes December 29, 2017. By hiring an attorney to investigate the citys preparation for and response to the white supremacist rallies in recent months, Charlottesvilles City Council could elect to invoke attorney-client privilege to avoid disclosing facts that could make the city liable. The citys decision to hire a private attorney has been the subject of criticism from people who believe the city is attempting to avoid accountability. In particular, state and city officials have been criticized for not doing more to prevent the injuries that demonstrators and counter-protesters inflicted on each other at the Unite the Right rally Aug. 12. In some cases, they have been accused of intentionally allowing violence to play out that day. The city is currently facing one lawsuit alleging that law enforcement was ordered to stand down during the Aug. 12 rally that has warped the national reputation of the community. Within three weeks following the rally but before the federal lawsuit was filed, the director of the Virginia Municipal League Insurance Programs contacted City Attorney Craig Brown and Mayor Mike Signer about anticipated claims against the city. Councilor Bob Fenwick and two other sources said the city was warned that the insurance provider could deny coverage if the city does not exercise discretion in what it reveals at the outcome of former U.S. Attorney Tim Heaphys investigation. In response to a Freedom of Information Act request from The Daily Progress, the city provided two heavily redacted messages from P. Steven Craig, VMLIP managing director. The first letter, sent to Brown on Aug. 28, quotes statements made by Signer and City Manager Maurice Jones about the investigation. Signer, per the agreement with Heaphys law firm, Hunton & Williams, said the investigation will produce a comprehensive factual summary and legal analysis of what occurred on Aug. 12, as well as what happened during a July 8 Ku Klux Klan rally and an unexpected white nationalist rally in May. The report, he said, also will include a list of recommendations for improved handling of future political rallies likely to instigate violence. The letter to Brown quoted that statement by Signer and also referenced a similar formal statement Jones made announcing the investigation. A day later, on Aug. 29, Craig emailed the entire council, attaching a letter addressed to the mayor. Signer said he wants the city to be completely transparent about whatever Heaphy discovers in his investigation and that Heaphys final report to the council should be made available to the public. "I don't believe public officials should ever be muzzled from speaking candidly to their constituents about their concerns, he said. Councilors Kristin Szakos and Wes Bellamy declined to comment for this story. The City Council and I have been very clear in communicating that the goal of this review is to provide an honest, independent assessment of the events of this past summer, Jones said. We have every intention of releasing the final report to the public. * * * An portion of the letter to Signer reveals VMLIP requested that city officials cooperate with a request regarding a condition of coverage in the citys insurance policy. Craig said it would be inappropriate to comment on the letter to Signer, and he declined to discuss the condition of coverage that was referenced. At the moment, the VMLIP is providing insurance coverage in the case thats been filed against the city, a lawsuit from Robert Sanchez Turner. The 33-year-old, represented by Verona-based Nexus Caridades Attorneys, is accusing city Police Chief Al Thomas and Virginia State Police Col. W. Steven Flaherty of ordering officers to not break up the street fighting during the rally. Local and state officials have denied that law enforcement officers were told to stand down on Aug. 12. Turner said he was assaulted by neo-Nazis and white supremacists while officers from the local and state departments did nothing to stop the violence against him and other people that day. The suit seeks an unspecified amount in punitive damages from Thomas, Flaherty and the city of Charlottesville. We are defending the city on the Turner claim under a reservation of rights, Craig said in an email last week. A reservation of rights is a notice that insurance providers give to clients if they are unsure whether the facts of a case could trigger exclusions in an insurance policy, said Peter Kochenburger, director of the University of Connecticut School of Laws graduate programs. A reservation of rights isnt particularly startling, Kochenburger said, explaining that its a fairly normal part of liability insurance claims. In most liability policies, the duty to defend is considered very broad. In instances where the provider is not sure about the potential for coverage, they still have to defend the claim, he said. However, if the facts of a case later reveal that a client did something to trigger an exclusionary clause in the policy, the insurance carrier can call upon its previous notice and waive coverage. In some insurance policies, clients are obligated to not admit fault in a case as a condition of coverage but can still settle a case within the limits set by the policy, he said. John Rappaport, a University of Chicago law professor who gained media attention last year for his research on the insurance industry and police misconduct, noted that the citys insurance provider is a nonprofit organization that represents various municipalities throughout the state. He agreed that the VMLIPs recent correspondences with the city arent surprising, speculating that they may be acting cautiously. They might have other cities calling them, saying, Charlottesville is going to sell us out, and that theyll all have to pay for it, essentially, Rappaport said. However, Rappaport said its possible that VMLIP might be sympathetic to the citys stated desire to be accountable to the public. He added that it also prove could beneficial in court and result in smaller settlements if any cases come to that end. Youve seen that dynamic in the medical industry with malpractice insurance, he said. It used to be that insurers would tell you to not apologize [or] admit liability, but theyve actually done a 180 on that. Its a nationwide controversy, and the desire for transparency is understandable. In many ways, thats a great thing because people want their government to do that, but it can be contradictory to the defense of a lawsuit you cant defend yourself with one arm tied behind your back, Kochenburger said. Kochenburger said he thinks its possible that the insurer will provide coverage without the city having to compromise its integrity because neither party is a private corporate entity. They know who their clients are its not Acme Bubble Gum. * * * In an interview last week, Fenwick said hes confident the city will prevail in keeping insurance coverage regardless of how much information is disclosed following Heaphys investigation. VML doesnt want a reputation for bailing out on cities around Virginia, he said. Earlier this year, the organization declined to provide coverage in a lawsuit the city is facing over the councils decision to remove the citys statue of Robert E. Lee. (The Aug. 12 rally was billed as a protest to that decision.) However, Fenwick said the city recently succeeded in compelling VMLIP to cover the city in that case. Brown said the attorneys VMLIP appointed to represent the city in its case against Nexus have been working on the statue lawsuit since June. Craig confirmed that the VMLIP is representing the city in the statue suit. We received advice from our coverage counsel and determined we could provide coverage, he said. With the Turner case, Fenwick said the city will insist VMLIP provides coverage. Kochenburger said refusing to provide coverage could make VMLIP liable to a lawsuit from the city. He said there are thousands of cases every year claiming that insurance providers wrongfully declined coverage to their clients. If they decline to cover, and if thats done incorrectly, the penalties can be quite harsh, he said. And thats intentional. We want insurance companies to defend clients. Rappaport said its likely that the insurance company is simply seeking to protect itself by preserving a way out of coverage if things become dire, but its possible it will cover the city even if the city publicly shares everything from Heaphys final report. There are a lot of factors here, and coverage is not a totally rule-bound decision, he said. It may depend on the attitudes of other cities in the [insurance] pool and what the investigation turns up. Councilor Kathy Galvin also expressed confidence that the city will receive coverage and live up to the promise of a transparent investigation into the controversial events this spring and summer. I fully expect a completely transparent and unbiased report that will inform us on questions of accountability, and that our insurance will cover any future settlement or judgment, if that occurs, she said. I do not see those outcomes as mutually exclusive. New Delhi:Union finance minister Arun Jaitley will leave on a week-long official visit to the US on early Monday morning where he will meet US CEOs and participate in the annual meetings of the World Bank and IMF. RBI governor Urjit Patel, economic affairs secretary Subhash Chandra Garg and chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian would accompany the minister. On the first leg of his US visit, Mr Jaitley will visit New York where he will attend a meeting with the investors in partnership with Bank of America and CII. Thereafter, the minister will participate in the roundtable meeting of CEOs of USIBC-CII. He will deliver a lecture on FDI: Achievements and Challenges at Columbia University on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Mr Jaitley will participate in the roundtable investment meet being organised in Boston on Indian Economy. Later in the evening, he will deliver a lecture on Indias tax reforms at Harvard University. Mumbai: Parineeti Chopra was new to 'Golmaal Again', but the actor said her cast members made her feel welcome and a part of the team. The movie, directed by Rohit Shetty, features Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Kemmu, Parineeti and Tabu in prominent roles. The 'Ishqzaade' actor said she was completely star-struck by her co-actors. "There was this bond between them and they understood each other... They knew exactly what to do. As I was new, I thought I might just mess this up, I didn't know what to do. "But within 10 minutes of being on the sets, I was welcomed. These people are so mad that I realised why I was cast for this film... because I am like them. I really found friends for life and that is my biggest takeaway from the film," Parineeti told reporters here at the Jio MAMI Movie Mela, where the entire 'Golmaal Again' team was present. Shetty is known to be a prankster on the sets, but Parineeti said her co-star Ajay Devgn was equally bad. "Ajay and Rohit are the worst and most dangerous people on the sets. They play so many pranks on the sets and you are not allowed to misbehave. I was new and I did not know them that well. I had to be careful and look around. "Once Rohit sir told me to do something bizarre in terms of a survey. I initially questioned it, but he later convinced me to do it and I realised later that they were pulling my leg," Parineeti said. 'Golmaal Again' is the first full-fledged comedy film for Parineeti. The actor said she always thought it was easy until she came on-board this film. "To do this kind of comedy and this kind of film, to speak in a language that keeps the whole country, (entertained) is very tough. Now, I have realised that as cliche as it sounds, comedy is a serious business." When Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro first burst onto the silver screen, it became one of the foremost films to attempt a dark satire on Indian politics and red tapeism. A prolific group of actors, screenplay writers and makers came together to make the film a smashing success a cult classic. From Naseeruddin Shahs struggling photographer to Satish Shahs corrupt police inspector, the role of every single character was woven with perfection. However, the man who created the hard-hitting storyline and helmed the film as director Kundan Shah is no more. The director suffered a heart attack and passed away in the early hours of October 17, leaving the industry grieving. Veteran actress Neena Gupta recalls the early days of struggle together on the sets of Jaane Bhi Do fondly. We were all strugglers in those days. I think it was Kundans first project as well and we had a tremendously fun time working together on the film. It was more like being a part of a theatre group than the kind of atmosphere you find at a film shoot today. We all knew each other as we were all trying to make our mark in the industry at the time. Kundan was one of the most focused people I have met. I remember once we were on a lunch break and he finished his food in five minutes and was ready to go back to shooting. Half of us hadnt even started eating! That was just the kind of focus and dedication he had, she smiles. Producer Ramesh Turani, who also worked with the director, regrets the loss of such an inspiration to the film industry. I got the news in the morning and I was in a state of shock. He was an iconic filmmaker its a huge loss for our industry. I have worked with so many directors but I havent come across anybody who is as sorted as this man was. He was so clear-headed and was so experienced. He would make sure producers are not in loss and make the film in a tight budget, he sighs. Perhaps almost as iconic as Jaane Bhi Do was SRKs movie Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa. Suchitra Krishnamoorthi, whose real breakthrough into Bollywood was with this movie, found herself shocked and saddened when she got the news as soon as she got into town from New Delhi. He will always be special to me. I was very new when we did Kabhi Haa Kabhi Naa. He had a rough manner with actors. I used to cry a lot on sets but over the years, I got to know him, and I was very close to him. I used to go to his office sometimes. He was a good man. I was very much in touch with him over the years. In fact, I had promised him that I would take Kaveri (daughter) to his house and have lunch with him but that never happened. It just goes to show you that in life you should never defer things when you are supposed to do them, she laments. Perhaps a bit out-of-place in the world overrun with new media, public relations and social media, Shah was an old soul, confesses Neena. He wasnt very PR savvy or up-to-date with social media. But he was a one-of-a-kind director. Its sad that he wont be making any more films, she elaborates. Suchitra adds that she will remember him as a genius filmmaker in the industry. He was a genius film maker he had many more stories in him. He will be well remembered as he has left his mark with some of Indias classics. Its really sad but he went peacefully, in his sleep. Its a good way to go, she says. Mumbai: Despite being away from films since the success of Mardaani in 2014, Rani Mukerji still shows how popular she is when she gets spotted with her daughter Adira or when she was seen at Durga Puja pandals recently. Her numerous hits and critically acclaimed performances in the last two decades cant be forgotten by the fans so easily, and not just in India, her work has now been lauded even on an international platform. Rani was recently honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award by the government of Mauritius during the Mauritius Cinema Week, which is being celebrated as a run-up to the celebration of 50 years of the countrys independence from British rule. The honorable Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth presented the award to the actress. On the appreciation, Rani said, I am humbled, thankful and proud that Mauritius has given me such honor and love with this Outstanding Contribution to Cinema Award. This festival brings some really good cinema and also provides a rare chance for French and Indian cinema to be celebrated together. Many of my films like Bichhoo, Hello Brother and Kuch Kuch Hota Hain have been shot here. I love the pristine natural scenery and vibrant culture of Mauritius. I am thankful that those of Indian origin have given me such affection. We share a common history of colonialism and struggle for independence. In the years to come, I hope we also find common ground in our arts and cinema. Along with India, the festival celebrates the countrys cultural and historical ties to France as well and even French actress Emmanuelle Beart was also felicitated with the same award. Rani is set to make a comeback on screen after the birth of her daughter with her home production Hichki set to release in February. Washington: Scientists have discovered for the first time that bacterial composition of tissues in women with breast cancer differ from those of healthy people, a finding which could offer a new perspective in the battle against the deadly disease. Researchers found that breast tissues of healthy women contain more of a bacterial species Methylobacterium. Bacteria that live in the body, known as the microbiome, influence many diseases. Most research has been done on the "gut" microbiome, or bacteria in the digestive tract. It has been long suspected that a "microbiome" exists within breast tissue and plays a role in breast cancer but it has not yet been characterised. Research from Cleveland Clinic in the US took the first step towards understanding the composition of the bacteria in breast cancer by uncovering distinct microbial differences in healthy and cancerous breast tissue. "To my knowledge, this is the first study to examine both breast tissue and distant sites of the body for bacterial differences in breast cancer," said Charis Eng, chair of Cleveland Clinics Genomic Medicine Institute. "Our hope is to find a biomarker that would help us diagnose breast cancer quickly and easily," said Eng. "In our wildest dreams, we hope we can use microbiomics right before breast cancer forms and then prevent cancer with probiotics or antibiotics," he said. The study examined the tissues of 78 patients who underwent mastectomy for invasive carcinoma or elective cosmetic breast surgery. In addition, they examined oral rinse and urine to determine the bacterial composition of these distant sites in the body. In addition to the Methylobacterium finding, the team discovered that cancer patients urine samples had increased levels of gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus and Actinomyces. Further studies are needed to determine the role these organisms may play in breast cancer. "If we can target specific pro-cancer bacteria, we may be able to make the environment less hospitable to cancer and enhance existing treatments, said Stephen Grobymer, head of Surgical Oncology at Cleveland Clinic. "Larger studies are needed but this work is a solid first step in better understanding the significant role of bacterial imbalances in breast cancer," said Grobmyer, also the director of Breast Services at Cleveland Clinic. The study, published in the journal Oncotarget, provides proof-of-principle evidence to support further research into the creation and utilisation of loaded nanoparticles targeting these pro-cancer bacteria. Police chased the bus and managed to get into it and stop it. The head constable suffered injuries. Kurnool: Nandikotkur police on Saturday arrested a man who was fleeing with a bus that is hired with AP State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) at Nandikotkur. A cop who intercepted the attempt of the thief was left with injuries and was rushed to Kurnool general hospital for treatment. According to Sub Inspector of Nandikotkur police station, M. Lakshmi Narayana, Srinivasulu of Pagidiyala village tried to flee with the bus that was parked at Nandikotkur bus depot. The bus driver who noticed the absence of the bus immediately brought to the notice of the police, he stated. The police chased the bus and after going a furlong from the Jupad Bunglow police station managed to get into the bus and stopped it. Meanwhile a head constable, Ramana suffered injuries while trying to intercept the bus at the police station. He was immediately rushed to Kurnool general hospital for better treatment. A case has been filed and the investigation is on, the SI said. Poonawalla was arrested on Saturday for killing his live-in partner Shraddha Walker on May 18 in the Mehrauli area of the national capital. The police confiscated the phone and handed it over to the American Embassy. Bengaluru: A 39-year-old American woman was arrested by the Kempegowda International Airport police after she was found carrying a satellite phone, which is banned in India. The woman was produced before the court and released after levying a penalty. The police confiscated the phone and handed it over to the American Embassy. The woman has been told to collect it from the embassy after producing appropriate documents. The woman has been identified as Pearl Angela Mecenas, a resident of California. According to the police, the incident took place on October 3 evening, when she arrived at the KIA to take a flight to Mumbai, and leave for US from there. When the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) checked her handbag, they found the satellite phone and questioned her. As she did not give convincing answers, she was detained and interrogated. Later, a complaint was registered with the KIA police, who arrested her. She was booked under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act and produced before a magistrate, an official said. When questioned, she said that she was using the satellite phone in the US and had brought it to India, where its use is prohibited. However, it needs to be investigated why the phone was not found when she entered India, the official added. The Cyberabad police recently rescued 34 women physios from Thailand and deported them. (Representational Image) Hyderabad: While the police is struggling to check the flesh trade syndicate in the city and its surroundings, a new challenge has emerged in the form of foreign women. The police has to control trafficking of women from foreign countries. The Cyberabad police recently rescued 34 women physios from Thailand and deported them. A few days ago, the Rachakonda police rescued two women from Tanzania who were involved in a flesh trade. In fact, it is a new trend. Help from the intelligence bureau is sought to prevent illegal activities by foreign nationals after they arrive in the country, said a senior official from Cyberabad. Women from Nepal and Bangladesh are brought to the country and forced into prostitution by intermediaries. These women are trafficked via road and sent to various cities in the country. Last month, the Rachakonda police rescued a Bangladeshi woman following a raid at a house. The rescued women are shifted to rescue homes and later send back to their country after producing in the court. Recently, the police found a South African drug trafficking ring engaged in a flesh trade. "We rescued two Tanzanian women after raiding a place in Sainikpuri. We are still trying to trace the organisers," said an official of the special operations team of Rachakonda. A few years back, the commissioner's task force busted a flesh trade racket from an apartment at Masab Tank and rescued a woman from Uzbekistan. The police has also rescued women from Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Haryana, Mumbai, Kolkatta, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Noida. Ms Jameela Nishath, a social activist, said that several young women are lured with lucrative jobs in the Middle East. (Representational Image) Hyderabad: Anti human trafficking activists said that more Telangana women are pushed into flesh trade with lucrative jobs in offices and restaurants. Domestic violence, poverty due to natural calamities and economic crisis due to aspiration for fame and money are the social factors which drive women to the prostitution racket. Dr Padma Shri Sunita Krishnan of Prajwala said that flesh trade has increased several folds with women from both the Telugu states trafficked to other Indian states and foreign countries. She noted that the victims are exploited with lucrative job offers in offices, restaurants and palatial houses. With the families not accepting them back, they are an easy prey for the organised syndicate running the flesh trade racket. The problem is that victims are not coming forward to report. In fact, women from the city and other districts are trafficked to foreign countries under the pretext of fancy jobs,she pointed out. Ms Jameela Nishath, a social activist, said that several young women are lured with lucrative jobs in the Middle East. In turn, they are trapped by the flesh trade syndicates in the GCC countries. Unless, the traffickers here are not apprehended, the problem will grow, she said. Lucknow: In a shocking incident, a student of class V lost his eyesight after being slapped by his class teacher in Muzaffarnagar district. The student Saffan Khan is a student of the Sharadan Public School on Meerut Road in Muzaffarnagar. The student had reportedly gone to get his notebook from his classmate during the class and this angered the teacher who slapped the student. The family of the boy alleged that the moment the child was slapped, the membrane of his eyes burst and slowly he started losing sight. The family claims that when they tried to complain to the school administration, they were treated with abusive behaviour. A complaint against the teacher has been filed by the parents of the minor. Saffans parents said that their son that he is unable to see properly through his right eye. He has lost 90 per cent sight in his right eye. Meanwhile, they have registered a case against the teacher and investigations have begun, said police. It may be recalled that in a similar case, a school teacher had slapped a boy 40 times in two minutes in Lucknow for not responding to the attendance call. The incident came to light after the boy came home and his parents noticed that his face was swollen. The teacher was later dismissed. IAF chief said a peaceful resolution of the issue would be in the interest of both the countries. New Delhi: The Indian Air Force is capable of effectively countering any threat from China and Pakistan simultaneously in a two-front war, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa said on Thursday, and indicated existing tension between Chinese and Indian troops in Dokalam. Noting that the Chinese troops were present in the Chumbi Valley in the Dokalam Plateau, the IAF chief said a peaceful resolution of the issue would be in the interest of both the countries. The two sides are not in a physical face-off as we speak. However, their forces in Chumbi Valley are still deployed and I expect them to withdraw as their exercise in the area gets over, Dhanoa told reporters ahead of IAF Day, which is marked on October 8. Indian and Chinese troops were locked in an over two-month-long standoff after India stopped the construction of a road by China in Dokalam. Ready for surgical hits too: Dhanoa On concerns over Pakistans tactical nuclear weapons and whether the IAF would be able to disarm Islamabad of its nuclear arsenals if necessary, Chief Marshal Dhanoa said his force had the capability of locating, fixing and striking across the border. Asserting that the IAF was capable of a two-front war to counter China and Pakistan, he, however, said the possibility of such a scenario was low. Asked whether the IAF was ready for a surgical strike across the border, he said it was ready to deal with any challenge and a call on such an operation would have to be taken by the government. Surgical strike is a decision that has to be taken by the government. The IAF has the capability to carry out the full spectrum of air operations, he said. Some AIADMK leaders, including ministers, had recently come up with contradicting claims over access to Jayalalithaa during her hospitalisation. (Photo: PTI/File) Pudukottai: Tamil Nadu minister Vellamandi Natarajan on Sunday said he did not see late chief minister Jayalalithaa during her hospitalisation last year and offered to depose before the one-man inquiry commission set up to probe her demise. "I did not see Amma (Jayalalithaa) when she was in the Apollo Hospital. We could go only up to the second storey of the hospital. After that no one was allowed (into her room)," he told reporters in Pudukottai. Natarajan, the Tourism Minister, said he was ready to record this before the inquiry commission. "I will tell this truth to the commission, if they summon me and ask me. In fact all the ministers are ready to depose before the commission," he added. The state government had last month named retired Madras High Court judge justice A Arumugasamy as the one-man commission of inquiry to probe the circumstances leading to the hospitalisation of Jaylalalithaa on September 22, 2016 and treatment provided till her demise on December 5 last. Some AIADMK leaders, including ministers, had recently come up with contradicting claims over access to Jayalalithaa during her hospitalisation. While senior Minister Dindigul Srinivasan was the first to say that they did not see Jayalalithaa, some of his ministeral colleagues backed his stand while a few others had said they had met the then party supremo in hospital. Hyderabad: Air Marshal Jayarao Jayakumar (retd), a former Vice Chief of Air Staff, is a true blue Hyderabadi. He grew up in West Marredpally and schooled at Mahbub College. Born in 1936, he joined the Joint Services Wing at Clement town in Dehradun the precursor to the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, Pune when he was 16 and was selected the best all round cadet. He joined the IAF College at Jodhpur where he won the Dasgupta Trophy for being the most promising pupil pilot, while still in his teens. Adding to his list of many firsts, he was the first in the IAF to be awarded an A & D grading. He was the commanding officer of 29 Squadron at Jodhpur, which was adjudged as the best squadron. He headed the Pathankot-based 18 Wing. He was also posted at Bangkok as the military naval & air attache. As Commandant of the College of Air Warfare, he developed the framework for computerised wargaming to validate the Air Force plans, said a member of the IAF Association. After a stint at the Central Air Command at Allahabad command he became Vice Chief of Air Staff. He retired in April 1994, after serving 38 years, and settled in Hyderabad. Chennai: Slain don, Sridhar Dhanapals daughter S. Dhanalakshmi petitioned the Kancheepuram district administration on Saturday to help bring her fathers body home. The 45-year-old don is believed to have committed suicide in Cambodia on Wednesday. Dhanalakshmi, flanked by her advocates arrived at the district collectorate on Saturday with a petition along with the death certificate from a hospital there. According to the certificate produced by them from the Khema International Polyclinic, Sridhar received emergency care from the medical team on October 4 at 10.05 pm and passed away at 10.35 pm. The cause of death was mentioned as sudden cardiac arrest. Sridhars family members who visited Cambodia were facing issues in facilitation to bring back the body as the Indian embassy officials demanded proof of Sridhars arrival into Cambodia. The fugitive, who has over 43 cases and a warrant against him, used a fake Sri Lankan passport to travel to the South East Asian country, according to an advocate assisting Dhanalakshmi. After he went hiding in August 2016, our family was not aware of his whereabouts until my younger brother, Santosh called me last Wednesday to inform about our fathers death in Cambodia, Dhanalakshmi mentioned in her petition. She sought the help of the district collector and district superintendent of police to help her family to bring back Sridhars body to Kancheepuram, where they intend to perform the last rites. Hyderabad: The temple is a Hari Hara Kshetra where Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu reside in one place. This temple was built in 1219, says Yadavalli Venkateshwarlu, the only priest in the temple. One of the pillars of the mandapam is cited as proof. The legend has it that Bhulumalle Narsaiah built this mandapam in 1219. The temple has supernatural powers, which is stronger than that of Tirumala, he claimed. Most people in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad are not aware of this 800-year-old temple, located nearby. Jodimetla is a village on the Uppal-Warangal road with many colleges and it is easy to miss the turn which leads to Venkatapur village. Anuraag Group of Institutions serves as a popular landmark. Recently, a signboard has been put up at the Jodimetla junction, showing the temple location. It lies near the Talakunta lake which is also connected to Tirumala as Rathotsavam starts by chanting Talakunta Venkateshwara Govinda, Govinda. That is because Lord Venketeswara rested here along with his consort Lakshmi enroute to Tirumala, Venkateshwarlu, says and adds, He is called Balaji here. The Balaji is swayambhu and is embedded in a rock around which the temple is built. A view of the sweet water lake or a koneru known as Mahanandi which irrigates 45 acres of the temple land. The priest said that he is a Smartha or a Shaivaite and the temple is a Hari Hara Kshetra where Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu reside in one place. There must be a story behind the Shiva temple. However, the priest pleaded his ignorance about it. Though the Shiva linga and Swayambhu Vishnu existed together, the temple is called Sri Balaji Venketeswara Swamy Devasthanam. Lord Vishnu is present here as Mohini and is standing on the left side of Shiva, who is the ultimate personification of manhood, forcing Lord Vishnu to take the avataar of a woman. The temple icon does not show all these intricacies. In fact, it is dark that it is not visible unless some light is flashed on it. There is also a sweet water lake or a koneru known as Mahanandi. Both the lake and the koneru help irrigate 45 acres of the temple land. Though none of the produce comes to the temple, people are engaged in growing paddy. None of them are connected with the temple either. Most of it is usurped land. There are four villages surrounding the temple Tenugudem, Venkatapur, Malla and Koremulla. The priest has developed facilities for drinking water for the devotees. Venkateshwarlu narrated various miracles he has witnessed from 2000. Once a lady visited to the temple and offered wheat as an offering to the Lord. She told the priest that it was for her health and a vow. She had been diagnosed with blood cancer and had two children. When she told me her story, I felt sorry and prayed to the Lord, says Venkateshwarlu. While she continued with her medication, she also conducted all the pujas, including a yagam. Her medication was expensive and one capsule cost Rs 25,000, says the priest. Later, the lady came with her family and said that she had been totally cured of her ailment. Now, she drives a vehicle and comes on her own to worship in the temple, the priest adds. Another person wanted to start a real estate business and prayed at the temple and promised to make a wooden statue of Lord Venketeswara if his business succeeded. Soon, he decided to go to Tirumala and decided to put some money in the hundi and went in search of an ATM. To his luck not one of them was working and some of them did not have cash to dispense. He then realised that he had actually vowed to donate this to the temple at Venkatapur and came back and made his donation. He also helped in developing the temple. He has now promised to donate Rs 20,000. One day, a police inspector came to the temple in uniform. Venkateshwarlu told him about the various miracles. The priest told him to return to the temple with his family. Within the next ten days, the inspector returned and merely told the priest that the temple was powerful and he gave a donation of Rs 10,000. He prayed to the idol before leaving. I do not know what he asked for and why he was donating. I gave him the receipt and saw him go happily, says the priest. This temple, as all ancient temples are, is located in a forest. Even when I came in 2000, I had to walk. There were snakes and other insects, he says. At present, there is a mud road leading to the temple. The temple itself has a dilapidated look and snakes move around freely within the temple compound. Venkateshwarlu plans to improve the temple and says that a devotee will get his wish fulfilled if asked in full faith. Wing Commander, T.J. Reddy (VSM) (retd)(centre) along with two of his sons who also served in the Indian Air Force, (left) Wing commander T. Manohara Reddy (retd) and (right) Wing commander T. Srinath Reddy (retd). Hyderabad: It is a rare coincidence that four members belonging to two generations of the same family served in the Indian Air Force. Wing Commander T.S. Reddy (retd) and his three sons retired as wing commanders. While the father participated in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars, the three sons took part in the Kargil War of 1999. The family that hails from Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh has settled in Hyderabad. He is president of the IAF Association (TS & AP). There is one similar instance that of four brothers in the IAF but they were from one generation. Wg Cdr T.J. Reddy (retd) joined the IAF in 1963 and worked in the Air Defence Fighter Control during the 1965 and 1971 wars. His sons, Wg Cmdr T.M. Reddy (retd) and Wg Cmdr T.S Reddy (retd) worked in the same wing during the Kargil War. His third son, Wg Cmdr T. Vasudeva Reddy (retd) was a logistics officer in the IAF. Speaking to this newspaper, Wg Cmdr T.M. Reddy said, The family could meet only during weddings, I remember when my elder brother was getting married, I had just joined the force, I was a guest for one day at the wedding. Wg Cmdr T.S. Reddy was among the five most feared fighter controllers according to the Pak Air Force Intelligence. Chennai: Out of jail on a five-day parole, beleaguered AIADMK leader V. K. Sasikala on Saturday visited her husband M Natarajan at the Gleneagles Global Health City, where he is recovering after undergoing liver and kidney transplants. Arriving there shortly after noontime, she was with him for about two hours and also verified his condition from senior doctors, hospital sources said. Sasikala, who was removed from the AIADMK last month after the factions led by Chief Minister K Palaniswami and now Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam united, reached Chennai late Friday night after being released on the parole from the Parapana Agrahara central jail in Bengaluru, where she had been lodged in February after the Supreme Court upheld her conviction by a special court in a disproportionate assets case. On the way to the hospital from the T'Nagar house of sister-in-law Ilavarasi's daughter Krishnapriya, where she will stay during the parole under police escort, Sasikala stopped her car briefly in front of a Ganesha temple at Kotturpuram to pray from inside the vehicle-she had visited the temple a few times with Jayalalithaa. In stark contrast to her public appearances post-Jayalalithaa and prior to the imprisonment, when party loyalists would crowd around her hailing her as 'Chinnamma', the present outing to the hospital was fairly low-key. Of course, there were a few welcome banners at Krishnapriya's place and some loyalists who turned up despite the police discouraging crowds. The police ensured that none, barring close family, gained entry into the hospital along with Sasikala. Among those who could not make it into the hospital but was immensely happy just seeing and speaking briefly to Chinnamma was her most robust supporter Nanjil Sampath. He told reporters that he advised her to recite 'Sundara Kandam' from Ramayana and that would make her feel better. "It will bring her relief", said Sampath, adding that efforts were on to get the parole extended so that Chinnamma could spend some time with her husband during such a critical time. "He (Natarajan) should remain in the intensive care unit for at least one week", he argued. Asked about some party leaders meeting Sasikala, despite the parole conditions banning such meetings, Sampath quipped: "She should not meet anyone, but others can meet her". The parole conditions allow Sasikala to only visit the hospital to see her husband during daytime with a woman DSP escort (from Bengaluru) and to stay at Krishnapriya's house-that's the address she gave in her parole application and that's where she had stayed for three months when Jayalalithaa banished her in December 2011. Natarajan remains critical post-surgery: Health of M. Natarajan, husband of suspended AIADMK general secretary V. K. Sasikala remains critical due to combined liver and kidney transplantation surgeries, said hospital authorities at Gleneagles Global Health City on Saturday.In a statement issued by Dr K Ilankumaran, Director, Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, said that Natarajan remains on ventilator support through tracheostomy performed on Friday. Dr K. Ilankumaran said, Considering his age associated co-morbidities, patient's condition was stable during the surgery and he is recovering well in the liver intensive care unit. As in combined liver and kidney transplant surgeries, his condition will be critical for the next few days. He is under close observation and monitoring. The BJP leader further said that the article is written to damage the reputation of party president Amit Shah. In picture: Amit Shah (right) and his son Jay Shah (centre). (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Rejecting the Congress' charge over business transactions of its chief Amit Shah's son, the BJP on Sunday said it is not avoiding the issue but has gone on the offensive, as Jay Amit Shah is filing a criminal and a Rs 100 crore civil defamation case in the matter. Union Minister Piyush Goyal told a press conference in Delhi that the BJP was "confident" that there is no wrongdoing on the part of Jay Amit Shah and also hit out at the Congress for opposing the publication of Justice Dhingra report into the controversial land transactions of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. "We are not avoiding the issue. On the contrary, we have gone on the offensive," he said. Goyal also issued a statement of Jay Amit Shah in which the BJP chief's son said he will sue a news website's owner, editor and author for Rs 100 crore for an article that makes "false, derogatory and defamatory imputation against me by creating in the minds of right-thinking people an impression that my business owes its 'success' to my father Amit Shah's political position". The minister asserted that Jay Amit Shah's businesses are fully legitimate and conducted in a lawful manner on commercial lines, which is reflected in his tax records and through banking transactions. Goyal released the statement after opposition parties sought a probe following the publication of a news story which said the turnover of the company of Amit Shahs son saw a huge rise after the Modi government came to power in 2014. "The article makes false, derogatory and defamatory imputation against me by creating in the minds of right- thinking people an impression that my business owes its 'success' to my father Shri Amitbhai Shah's political position," the statement said. Responding to other suggestions made in the story, Goyal said Jay Amit Shah had taken loans either from non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) or Non-funded Credit Facilities from cooperative bank on purely commercial terms strictly in accordance with law. He said he has repaid the loans by cheque on commercial rate of interest and within the time stipulated and added that he had mortgaged his family property with the cooperative bank to get the credit facilities. He said his lawyer had given details of all his legitimate transactions to the author of the story and all questions posed by the writer were answered with details since Jay Amit Shah had "nothing to hide". "Since the website has proceeded in making an absolutely false imputation in a highly slanted article thereby damaging my reputation, I have decided to prosecute the Author, Editor/(s) and the Owner/(s) of the aforesaid news website for criminal defamation and sue them for an amount of Rs 100 crore. Both the actions will be filed at Ahmedabad where I stay, carry on my business and where the cause of action has arisen," the statement said. "If anyone else republishes or re-broadcasts the imputations made in the article, such person or entity will also be guilty of the very same criminal and civil liability," it said. In this combo picture of the two stills taken from a video by defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman, she is seen interacting with the Chinese soldiers at the border at Nathu La in Sikkim on Saturday. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Going by the gracious and good-natured exchanges at the Nathu La border post with China, one would have found it difficult to guess that the Indian and the Chinese armies were engaged in a bitter stand-off in nearby Doklam till just a month-and-a-half back. But it was soft diplomacy at its best when defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman greeted Chinese military officials with an Indian customary namaste at the Nathu La border where she was on an official visit to on Saturday. Greeting them with a customary namaste, she asked the PLA officials if they knew what it meant. Cutting short an Indian Army official who tried to explain to the Chinese what it meant, she told him: Let them explain, they know what it is. The bemused Chinese soldiers hit it right when they burst out it was a Ni Hao or a Chinese hello, how are you. And after that, it was namaste all the way as the PLA officers smartly folded their palms and blurted namaste. Captain of IAF, Sachin Tendulkar (L) being greeted by Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa during the 85th Air Force Day parade at Hindon Air Force base in Ghaziabad on Sunday. (Photo: PTI) Hindon (UP): The Indian Air Force is up and ready to fight a war at a short notice and can respond to any security challenge to the country in the most befitting manner, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa said on Sunday. Underscoring the technology thrust in the IAF, Dhanoa said the force was focused to become a technology intensive force in the next few years. We are in the process of acquiring new combat systems, upgrading and modernising our existing inventory of aircraft and weapons system with an aim to equip them with the latest avionics technology, he said. In this regard, he also mentioned the mid-life upgradation of various fighter jets, including the Mirage 2000, the MiG-29 and the Jaguar fleet. The acquisition of 36 Rafale aircraft in the next few years and an early decision on the indigenous fighter jet project will significantly enhance our operational capability," he said. Separately, in a message published in an IAF booklet, Dhanoa said the uncertainties in the current environment in the region may require IAF to act in varied challenging situations. The IAF also presented an impressive parade with its jets and helicopters giving a glimpse of the forces lethal strike capability. The Air Chief Marshal also conferred Vayu Sena Medal to a number of IAF personnel. Women shout slogans and block a road during a protest against braid choping incidents in the Valley, at Habakadal in Srinagar. (Photo: PTI) SRINAGAR: As Kashmir Valley continues to witness protests against increased incidence of braid-chopping a group of six foreign tourists was on Saturday night detained by angry residents in Srinagars Rainawari area on suspicion of being involved in the crime. However, the police immediately rushed to the area and rescued them, said an official release issued here on Sunday. It said that the station house officer of the Rainawari police station, G.P. Singh, was alerted by the Police Control Room (Kashmir) and some sources that six foreign tourists have been rounded up by some people in Rainawaris Kanikachi Latti Mohalla on the suspicion of being braid choppers. A police team rushed to the area and rescued the detained tourists with the help of some locals. The police investigations revealed that the tourists including three Australians and one each from South Korean, Ireland and England (four males and two females) were travelling from Leh to Srinagar in a Tavera vehicle driven by one Aabid Hussain, a resident of Jammus Doda district. Meanwhile, the security across the Valley has been tightened in view of a strike call issued by an alliance of key separatist leaders for Monday against the growing number of braid-chopping incidents. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Mother of a Nimisha Fathima, Bindu, who was suspected to have joined the so-called ISIS, has moved the Supreme Court seeking a probe by a central agency into the religious conversions. She said she got the last message from her daughter on June 4, 2016. But she did not reveal her location. I still only had unconfirmed information that Nimisha is in Sri Lanka and involved in the carpet business, said Ms Bindu. Ms Nimisha was reported missing in July 2016. Her husband Yahiya and his brother Isa and Isas wife Maria, all converts from Christianity, were also among those disappeared. The state had told the Supreme Court that the probe into the conversion did not reveal any offence that warranted a probe by the NIA. Mr Goutham Rao, president, Private Engineering College Managements, said, We are implementing the pay scales but there will be differences in house rent allowance and dearness allowance. (Representational Image) Hyderabad: An association of teachers in private engineering colleges has alleged that they were facing problems with their pay scales, service rules and job security. There are no well defined employment norms due to which teachers could be sacked any time. There are also cases where appointment letters have not been given to faculty members, it said. Mr P. Rama Krishna Reddy, president of JAC Private Engineering Colleges Teachers Association, wanted the government to appoint a special officer to monitor the quality of engineering education in affiliated engineering colleges as per the recommendations of the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE). He said most colleges were not implementing pay scales as per norms prescribed by the AICTE, or the University Grants Commission. JAC convener N. Siva Sankara Reddy said the government should use the Education Act, 1982 to get managements to enforce uniform service conditions and welfare for faculty. Mr Goutham Rao, president, Private Engineering College Managements, said, We are implementing the pay scales but there will be differences in house rent allowance and dearness allowance. He said if the teachers wanted salaries according to pay scales they should also consider student fees as per the Admission and Fee Regulatory Committee. The Cuban Revolution made him a legend. Eight years later he was dead. But before he was shot dead in Bolivia on October 9, 1967, Che Guevara had already imprinted himself on the psyche of millions of youngsters the world over. His was the face that launched a thousand revolutions. His cigar-chewing profile, his unkempt hair and straggly beard, his tilted beret, his military fatigues, his passionate address at the United Nations, his lifelong hatred of imperialism, his secret mission to the Congo in 1965, all these and more are intimately familiar to generations of idealists in Gods Own Country and elsewhere. Che was an Argentine doctor who discovered a far nobler profession that of the eternal search for justice, equality, and freedom. Revolution was his export commodity, and guerrilla warfare his chosen methodology. Guided by the noble goal of redeeming an entire continent, Che effectively transcended nationality. Rejecting power and privilege he wholeheartedly embraced the hard life. And he died for his beliefs. Much has been written by and about Che. Was he a coldblooded killing machine as his detractors in the West insisted? Or the most complete human being of our era as Jean Paul Sartre said? Did he persuade Russia to park nuclear warheads on Cuban soil? Did Che Guevara and Fidel Castro bring the world to the brink of World War III? The Motorcycle Diaries gives us the first glimpse of Ches daredevil spirit and his penchant for adventure. But nothing in the book prepares the reader for the grand metamorphosis that created the worlds best known guerrilla fighter. Reminiscences of the Cuban Revolutionary War, one of Ches masterpieces, was penned in 1963. Talking of his first days on Cuban soil, when all but 15 of the 82 guerrillas who had made the perilous sea crossing from Mexico had already been killed in combat, he wrote, I immediately began to think of the best way to die, since in that minute all seemed lost. I remembered an old Jack London story in which the hero, aware that he is about to freeze to death in Alaskan ice, leans against a tree and prepares to die with dignity. That was the only thing that came to my mind. Ches efforts at dentistry are recounted with rib-tickling humour. Besides the meagreness of my skill, we had no anaesthetic, so I frequently used psychological anaesthesia a few harsh epithets when my patients complained too much about the work going on in their mouths. Theres more: In the midst of the smoking ruins we found nothing but some cats and a pig; they had escaped the destructive fury of the invaders only to fall into our gullets. If Che hadnt become a guerrilla commandant he could easily have been a best-selling author. He was such a prolific writer and he had so much to say. Ches sparkling wit is surpassed only by his keen social consciousness and sharp intellect. Chile produces 20% of the worlds copper, and in these uncertain times of potential conflict copper has become vitally important because it is an essential component of various types of weapons of destruction. He adds tongue in cheek, The biggest effort Chile should make is to shake its uncomfortable Yankee friend from its back... A chronic asthmatic from early childhood, Ernesto Guevara de la Serna had to decide whether to be a victim or a survivor. He decided he would overcome. He practised sports, swimming and riding. In 1947 he evaded military service by having cold shower before turning up at the barracks for his medical examination, knowing full well that it would trigger a severe asthmatic attack. Quite predictably, he was declared medically unfit! When the Revolution triumphed Che became head of the National Bank of Cuba. There is an amusing story relating to his appointment. During a core group meeting Castro enquired whether any of the attendees were economists. Che raised his hand. Castro remarked, I didnt know you were an economist. Che replied, Oh, I thought you said communist. And thats how he landed the job. Ches appeal has not faded with the passage of time. He remains an enduring icon, a universal symbol of resistance to oppression. Everywhere in the world we come across Che Guevara T-shirts, key chains, mugs, and dozens of saleable products, churned out by a predominantly capitalist system. After all, no country has produced another like him. Kochi: Ernakulam District Congress Committee general secretary Raju P. Nair has demanded a comprehensive probe on the alleged RSS links of the controversial Yoga Centre at Kandanad. Addressing a press conference at Ernakulam Press Club on Saturday, he said the petition moved in the High Court by A.V. Krishna Kumar, a former employee of the Yoga Centre, revealed close links between the RSS and the Centre. His allegations that women were brought to the Centre through Hindu Helpline of the VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) and brutally assaulted for re-conversions to other faiths are serious. The former employee had also alleged of sexually assaulting them and taking their nude pictures, said Mr Nair. The role of Pratheesh Viswanathan, who allegedly orchestrated police raid at Kerala House for serving beef dishes and who was the catalyst in bringing the BJP and the SNDP Yogam together in the state, in reconversion of women exposes the close links between RSS and the Yoga Centre, according to the Congress leader. The state government should initiate a detailed probe into the activities and financial sources of Pratheesh Viswanathan and also the dubious functioning of the controversial Yoga Centre, demanded Mr Nair. Rights Panel seeks report State Human Rights Commission has meanwhile asked the district police chief to conduct an inquiry into the complaints of sexual harassment at the Yoga Centre and submit a report within a month. The Commission acting chairman P. Mohandas gave the instruction based on a complaint submitted by a native of Andhra Pradesh, who was an inmate of the Centre from March 30 to May 1. The woman complained that she was regularly assaulted by a team led by Manoj Guruji, the owner of the Centre for reconverting to Hinduism. KOCHI: Petrol and diesel pumps across the state will be closed on October 13 as part of a one-day nationwide token strike by petroleum dealers against the governments policy of revising the fuel prices everyday leading to unprecedented increase in prices. If the government and the oil marketing companies fail to address the issues raised by the dealers, an indefinite closure of the pumps will begin from October 27. A decision was taken in this regard during a meeting of United Petroleum Front held in Mumbai on Saturday, comprising national bodies of the petroleum dealers in the country. The main demands of the dealers included a reduction in the price of petroleum products in proportion to the fall in crude oil price, putting an end to excess profiteering by oil marketing companies, reversal of the government policy of protecting private oil companies and black laws in the marketing guidelines for dealers, said R. Sabarinath and M.M. Basheer of Kerala State Petroleum Traders Association. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Mother of a Nimisha Fathima, who was suspected to have joined the so-called Islamic State (IS), has moved the Supreme Court seeking a probe by a central agency into the religious conversions. Attukal native Bindu, Nimishas mother, filed a petition at the apex court to implead in the case of the conversion of Hadiya (Akhila), to Islam from Hinduism recently. Ms Nimisha was reported missing since 2016, and she was suspected to be among 21 persons reportedly joined the IS in Afghanistan. Ms Bindu said it was high time that an in-depth probe was conducted into the dubious religious conversions taking place in the state. Even a year after my daughter went missing, the investigators could not even trace her exact whereabouts. Hence I am also moving the Supreme Court so that more girls do not fall into such traps, she told DC. She said she got the last message from her daughter on June 4, 2016. But she did not reveal her location. I still only had unconfirmed information that Nimisha is in Sri Lanka now and involved in the carpet business. Her husbands family in Palakkad also maintains so. But I have no idea, said Ms Bindu. Ms Nimisha was reported missing in July 2016. Her husband Yahiya and his brother Isa and Isa's wife Maria, all converts from Christianity, were also among those disappeared. Even as the court earlier ordered an NIA investigation into the alleged presence of love jihad in the state following Hadiyas case, the state government stated before the Supreme Court the other day that the probe by state police into the conversion did not reveal any offence that warranted a probe by the anti-terror sleuths. KOZHIKODE: BJP state general secretary M. T. Ramesh said here on Sunday that since the CBI was probing the Marad case, the agency should also question P. K. Kunhalikkutty (Malappuram MP and Muslim League leader) over funding for the massacre. Mr Ramesh while addressing the media here said that the earlier allegations by the BJP about the role of the MP were also strengthened by the revelations by WikiLeaks. "Since the CBI has started investigations into the Marad case, they should also investigate the role of Mr Kunhalikkutty. The WikiLeaks report quotes M. K. Muneer. Marad was the first experiment for Jihadi terror. E. Ahmed (late MP and former Union Minister) also had a role in it. The Marad Judicial Commission had clearly underlined the role of the CPM and Muslim League workers," he said. The BJP leader added that the massacre was led by the NDF and it was supported by the CPM and IUML. "The stance of the CPM not to ban the Popular Front is a proof that they are supporting Jihadi terrorism," he said. Mr Ramesh added that the he did not support the provocative slogans raised during the Janaraksha Yatra. BJP district president T.P. Jayachandran also attended the press conference. Kannur: Though the Janaraksha Yathra of BJP has left Kannur district, the CPM bastion, the fire and fume are yet to subside. On Saturday, a CPM worker submitted a complaint against BJP's former state president V. Muraleedharan to Thalassery DySP for the live streaming of visuals in which BJP cadres were seen shouting provocative slogans against CPM Kannur district secretary P. Jayarajan during the roadshow on Friday. The complaint submitted by Rashid Cheerayi was handed over to Panoor police. Mr Jayarajan told reporters earlier in the day that his party would move legally against the BJP men who shouted threatening slogans when the rally moved from Panur to Kuthuparamba. He also showed the visuals of BJP workers shouting provocative slogans referring to his physical handicap and warning of worse to come. BJP president Amit Shah flagged off the Yatra against red and jihadi terror and walked nine kilometres on Tuesday at Payyanur. Though he had promised to come back for the much-publicised walk through Pinarayi village of the chief minister, he failed to turn up. According to Mr Jayarajan, the visuals of workers raising the angry slogans were found on the Facebook page of Mr Muraleedharan. They behaved in an undemocratic manner while crying for the freedom of organisational activities, he added. In a counter bid, the CPM will hold a protest on Monday with the living victims of RSS violence. BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan, who is leading the show, described the visuals as fabricated by CPM to tarnish his rally. At no point, the participants raised such slogans against Mr Jayarajan, he added. "Those who approached the police should also submit evidence." Hyderabad: TD president and AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday told the partys Telangana state unit that he would decide on any alliance or seat adjustment for the 2019 election at an appropriate time. He directed them not to air their views on the subject till then. Mr Naidu who was here to attend a wedding reception in the evening, met TS TD leaders for three hours at his residence in the morning. When he was told that different views were being expressed by party leaders on the possible alliances, he said unless the TD leaders improved the party image and strengthened the organisation, it would be difficult for other parties to look to the TD for alliances. BJP president Amit Shah pays homage to party workers who were allegedly murdered in Kerala, during Jan Raksha Yatra in New Delhi on Sunday. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: BJP chief Amit Shah on Sunday alleged that politics of violence is in the nature of the communists as he led a march to the CPM office here over political killings in Kerala which was criticised by the Left party. Leading the Jan Raksha Yatra, the BJPs ongoing campaign to highlight Lefts atrocities in Kerala, Mr Shah alleged that the Left workers were killing and terrorising BJP and RSS workers in the southern state which is ruled by the CPM-led government. Mr Shah led the march from central Delhis Connaught Place to the CPM headquarters in the Gole Market area, a distance of about 1.5 km. In his address, Mr Shah said that no amount of intimidation can stop the lotus (BJPs symbol) from blooming in the Left-ruled state. He hit out at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging that the maximum killings of BJP and RSS workers have taken place in the latters home district. Since the Left came to power in Kerala, several workers of the BJP and Sangh (RSS) have been killed. The killings are brutal, bodies are chopped into pieces. It is done to terrorise those who support the BJP that they will meet the same fate. But the more muck of murders they spread, the lotus will bloom better, Mr Shah said. Politics of violence is in their (communists) nature. It is not a coincidence that the maximum political violence is reported from West Bengal, Tripura and Kerala where the communists have been in power for long, he said. Soon after Mr Shah led the march to the CPM office, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury at a press meet, said that the BJP campaign was a flop show. Responding to Mr Shahs charge that the Left workers were killing and terrorising BJP and RSS workers in Kerala, Yechury alleged that the Sangh was responsible for starting political violence in Kerala. Lights are reflected in the Srisalam dam, where the water stood at 883 feet, against the full reservoir level of 885 feet on Sunday. (Photo: DC) Hyderabad: The Telangana state government has placed a fresh indent with the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) for allocation of 100 tmc ft of water to meet drinking water and irrigation requirements. The state has sought 10 tmc ft for Kalwakurthy, and 50 tmc ft to irrigate the Rabi crop in the Nagarjunasagar Left Canal zones 1 and 2 (for 4.5 lakh acres in Nalgonda and Kham-mam districts), according to Nagarjunasagar dam chief engineer S. Suneel. The state has sought another 40 tmc ft for drinking water requirements up to June 2018 for Hyderabad city, and Nalgonda and Khammam districts, as well as for Mission Bhagiratha schemes, Mr Suneel said. This fresh indent excludes the allocations already made to the state by the KRMB, Mr Suneel said. This means Telangana state has already used 30 tmc ft (under the Jurala project), around 90 tmc ft for minor irrigation and 12 tmc ft from the Nagarjunasagar dam which comes to 132 tmc ft. The fresh indent takes the total to 232 tmc ft against the state's total allocation of 299 tmc ft. According to chief engineer of Srisailam dam C. Narayana Reddy, Andhra Pradesh, whose total allocation is 512 tmc ft in the water year, has used only 32 tmc ft (under Pothireddypadu, Handri-Neeva and Nagarjunasagar Right Canal) and has demanded that AP should get more than Telangana state on pro-rata basis. He also said Andhra Pradesh would submit a revised indent to the KRMB keeping in mind its water needs till the next monsoon. With 204 tmc ft available at Srisailam (storage up to river bed of the dam) and around 20 tmc ft at Nagarjunasagar (up to 510 ft level), how the KRMB will make fresh allocations remains to be seen. The KRMB which was supposed to meet on October 15 has postponed the meeting to after the Diwali festival in view of the continuous inflows into Srisailam. The KRMB will take stock of the availability of water at Srisailam and Nagarjun-asagar dam and make allocations between the two states. Notwithstanding the KRMBs earlier orders, both states have been continuing their releases into the projects. KRMB has asked both the states to place fresh indents before it before October 10 on the water sharing. One of the few talking points of the Narendra Modi government is that Indias foreign exchange reserves have scaled $400 billion. It is seventh in global ranking China being the biggest foreign reserves holder, with $3 trillion, a trillion dollars down from its high point of $4 trillion in 2015; followed by Japan ($1.25 trillion) and Switzerland ($800 billion), mostly due to other peoples money in its banks. The other four ahead of India Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Russia and Hong Kong are in the $400-500 billion range. Despite this, the Indian economy is not at a place where it wants to be. The Modi government finds itself in a chakravyuh it is unable to fight its way out. The government is unable to make or attract the investment needed to make the economy buoyant again. India enjoyed a decade of unprecedented growth from 2004-14 that seemed to have lost steam in the past year. For the sceptics, Indias average economic grow-th rose to 7.7 per cent in the 10-year UPA government, compared with 6.2 per cent in the previous decade. The slowdown of the last two UPA years was largely due to a huge decline in the proportion of capital investment expenditure. That unfortunately still continues in the Modi era. Growth in India still largely depends on government investment. The decline in its investment is not because it lacks ideas, but because it lacks cash. The Modi government has continued with the UPAs high subsidies and was further hit by a 23 per cent increase (Rs 1.03 lakh crores) in salaries following the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations. The Modi promise was that he would set right this trend and again begin a new cycle with government-led investment. He promised us 100 new cities, a nationwide grid of high-speed rail networks, a national river-linking program-me and many other transformational projects. A hundred new cities have now become 100 smart cities, which means little more than free wi-fi networks. The nationwide grid of fast trains has now become an exorbitant and apparently uneconomical single bullet train linking Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Similarly, all other feasible and exciting promises are now mere caricatures of what were promised. The picture thus remains bleak. Then came the twin black swan events. Demonetisation was a body blow to the daily wage unorganised sector that makes up 40 per cent of Indias GDP. The unorganised sector also accounts for 90 per cent of the total employment of around 450 million. The loss of jobs due to demonetisation and the hasty implementation of GST is still not empirically confirmed. Estima-tes vary. The construction and food retail sectors seem to have taken a massive hit and the ballpark estimation of loss of jobs is at around 20-30 million. GSTs hasty implementation forced companies to reduce production in the run-up to its July 1 implementation as dealers reduced inventory. The announcement of rates was hasty and the many mismatches bet-ween input and output rates compounded the confusion. Of the Rs 95,000 crores collected in the first month, as much as Rs 65,000 is due to be refunded. The government doesnt seem to have the cash to do so. In a belated effort to reverse these trends, the government plans to loosen its fiscal deficit target of 3.2 per cent of GDP to enable it to spend up toRs 50,000 crores. This is a tiny sum for an economy of over Rs 150 lakh crores. What we need is a huge cash infusion to boost investment. The option of meaningfully slashing subsidies, with Mr Modis term on the slope towards elections, is not politically feasible. There is that old saying that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Mr Modi should now show toughness and imagination, tempered with realism. He must revive the national mood and generate optimism. He now needs a plan to drive investment. He doesnt have to go far to find the money to fund this plan. The government is sitting with foreign reser-ves of over $400 billion, with around $135 billion alone sitting in US banks earning next to nothing. These reserves are equal to about 80 per cent of our foreign debt. Even after providing a quarter of reserves to cover the expensive short-term hot money of NRI investors, each taking a pound of flesh for mostly foreign bank-financed investment in their mother country, we will have $300 billion in hand. How much can be freed from the other $300 billion for investment is now the big question. Kaushik Basu of the World Bank says Indias foreign reserves neednt be more than the current account deficit (CAD), or about $80 billion. Just holding enough reserves to cover CAD or exports for a few months would be about enough. This nonsense of holding reserves to at least cover six months imports is plain arbitrary and concocted by those who devised the Washington Consensus. This consensus assures New York banks plenty of cheap money to finance American domestic consumption and extravagances. The Chinese have now realised the stupidity of financing the US cheaply with their reserves and have run it down by about $1 trillion. Clearly, running them down by around $100 or Rs 6.5 lakh crores can be contemplated. The government could establish an India Infrastructure Investment Fund and start shifting meaningful fractions from the foreign reserves into this fund. Think of it as a Indian Sovereign Fund investing in India. A board of well-regarded experts, who can allocate investments on merit to prevent the usual leakages and political misuse, could administer the fund. This fund must also mandate the minimum level of local procurement and investment to boost Make in India. It is probably our best hope to revive the investment spirit to get the economy out of the hole it finds itself in. And Mr Modi too. Theres a template for a coup and it goes something like this. The government is paralysed, Nawaz is on the warpath, the boys have had enough, the chief moves in. Good enough for before, good enough for again. Throw in a bit of anti-US and anti-India hysteria and you may even wonder why we havent already had a coup. But the story has deviated a bit. No one seems to be cheering on the only chap who can pull the trigger. Whats really needed is an institutional intervention, folk are suggesting. This is bigger than any individual, folk are cautioning. Many will have to work together if the country is to be saved, they are advising. Its as if no one wants the chief to become chief executive. Something is off. Rewind to Kayani and his ascent some 11 years ago; a reluctant transfer of military power by Musharraf in the midst of a desperate struggle to cling to political power. It took a while for Kayani to settle in and assert control. There were the snide remarks about the son of a JCO not being the best fit for the most prestigious post in the land. There were questions about whether a direct move from the ISI to GHQ was a sound idea. There were murmurs of favouritism for political reasons and debates about whether Musharraf had been conned. Kayani eventually overcame all of that. But he had to work at it. Hard. He declared a Year of the Soldier. He won over the troops with pay raises and focusing on military matters. He cultivated the media. He developed a professional mystique the thinking soldier. And he eventually figured out how to navigate institutional factions and political circles to the point that pulled off the greatest of cons, a second term for himself. More than a decade later, the stain of the second term and political tumult at the time of his ascension have obscured the reality: Kayani had an uncertain start as chief. But then came Raheel. And the script was replayed. Raheel too took a while to settle in and assert control. His pedigree was impeccable but his intellect was questioned. Why had a mediocre general superseded at least one perfectly good candidate and been picked ahead of a couple of quality options? As the original dharna neared, the doubts deepened and the dissent threatened to spill out into the open. Rumours of a cabal of generals trying to pressure their boss into doing their bidding were unleashed. Like Kayani before him, Raheel eventually overcame all of that. But he too had to work at it. Hard. After an uncertain 10 months or so, Raheel figured out that to be king you had to make sure people knew you were king and feared you as a king. The cult of Raheel began to be born. Operation Zarb-i-Azb was its crown jewel and ThankYou-RaheelSharif its tagline. And now to the problem. The same thing has happened with Bajwa. He came in under a cloud of suspicion. How had number six been elevated to number one? Why were Nawaz and Co. so sure he would be their man? To the suspicions was added a bit of aggravation. There had been an heir apparent. He was thought to have Raheels support and was a favourite of the troops. He had the right credentials, the right reputation and the right approach. But he was wronged; humiliatingly superseded for no other reason than civilian cherry-picking. Most of all for the unlucky Bajwa, hes had to deal with the shadow of Raheel and the seemingly never-ending strength of his faction. The problem: the chief doesnt seem to be overcoming his uncertain start. Theres a political war out there, a foreign crisis brewing in Afghanistan and DC, and institutions under attack. Thats the kind of stuff out of which reputations are made. Chief becomes more assertive, a fawning public and braying media exhorts him to do more and then the chief either decides to let democracy continue out of the goodness of his heart or goes in for the kill. Except, this time no one seems to be cheering on the only chap who can pull the trigger. Its as if no one wants the chief to become chief executive. Its as if we still have a new chief; a fresher still finding his feet. Something is off. And it may not be good for any of us. The best-case scenario is a chief who is sure he cant take over, whether he wants to or not. Were clearly no longer in that terrain. The next best thing is a chief who is sure he can take over, but doesnt want to take over. If we were blessed, thats where wed be right now. By arrangement with Dawn Although a relative newcomer in politics, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman made the cut as a minister in the Modi government primarily because of her stint as BJP spokesperson in the run-up to the 2014 elections. Ms Sitharaman, along with Meenakshi Lekhi and Smriti Irani, was at her aggressive best while demolishing the Congress-led UPA government. Predictably, she was constrained from donning the party spokespersons hat after she became a minister except when she was specially called to the BJP headquarters to speak on a specific subject. Ms Sitharaman has grown in stature after she was elevated to Cabinet rank and moved from the commerce ministry to the high-profile defence ministry. It was, therefore, baffling to see Ms Sitharaman participate in a television debate last week on the ongoing battle between the RSS and the ruling Left Front in Kerala. Not only was the defence minister shouted down by the other panelists, what made it worse was that she was pitted against second-rung spokes-persons from the Opposition. At one point, questions were even raised about the par-ticipation of a minister in the debate, to which a defensive Sitharaman maintained that she was there as a political worker of her party. Ms Sitharaman is unable to decide which role she wants to play: minister or party spokesperson. Even at the best of times, there is a scramble for rooms among the office bearers in the Congress headquarters on Akbar Road. The senior general secretaries are usually allotted a room in the front portion of the main building while the others have to do with space at the rear. However, the space crunch has got much worse after Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi decided that general secretaries were overburdened with the charge of too many states and that each office bearer should look after one state or department. The result is that there is no room for the growing tribe of office bearers, necessitating the sharing of office space. So one finds that veteran leader Kamal Nath had to accommodate new Rahul Gandhi-appointee Avinash Pande in his room while Ambika Soni and Karan Singh now have to make space for their senior colleagues Ashok Gehlot and Sushil Kumar Shinde. Returning to the party fold after a gap, senior leader Kishore Chandra Deo was horrified to find that he would have to share a room with a far junior functionary Asha Kumari. Party general secret-ary B.K. Hariprasad now has R.P.N. Singh, another Rahul favourite, as his office mate. With most offices converted into virtual common rooms, their occupants prefer to work from their homes. This appears to be best as there have been occasions when the occupants have landed up at the same time. R.P.N. Singh, who likes holding forth in his new office, had to hurriedly vacate the place on several occasions when Mr Hariprasad arrived for some pre-scheduled meetings. Its little over six months since he took charge but Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat is already feeling the heat. There is disenchantment with his performance as people in the hill state tend to compare him with the more high-profile Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Although there is no move to replace Mr Rawat, his detra-ctors and other CM hopefuls believe they stand a chance. Parliamentary affairs minis-ter Prakash Pant, a strong contender, has become very active, making innumerable trips to the capital on the pretext of an official meeting or a discussion on a pending project. The real purpose is to fraternise with BJP bosses. Well aware of Mr Pants gameplan, Mr Rawat is taking no chances. Each time Mr Pant visits Delhi, the beleaguered CM follows a few days later. It is to be seen how long this game lasts. It is well known that Makhan Lal Fotedar, a one-time confidante of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, who died recently, did not have the same equation with Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Although he was a permanent member of the Congress Working Committee till the last, he did not enjoy her confidence. And this goes back many years ago. Fotedar had lobbied hard with Digvijay Singh, when he was Madhya Pradesh CM, for a Rajya Sabha nomination from his home state. Mr Singh was powerless to help his old friend as he had instructions from Mrs Gandhi that Fotedar should not be accommodated. Mr Singh expressed his helplessness to Fotedar but the latter understood the real reason. He is learnt to have sobbed like a baby in Mr Singhs presence at this humiliation. The road right in front of Samajwadi patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadavs bungalow on Lucknows Vikramaditya Marg has caved in for the third time in recent weeks. The road that caved in created a 20-feet-deep pit and prevented Mr Yadav from moving out of his bungalow. PWD officials rush in to fill up the gaping hole but the road keeps caving in again and again. While the PWD department says that the sewer line running beneath the road needs to be replaced, the estimated cost for this is Rs 28 crores, which the Yogi Adityanath government has not yet sanctioned. SP leaders, on the other hand, are coming up with their own theories depending on their loyalties over the caving in of the road. Akhilesh loyalists claim that unless the Samajwadi patriarch stops speaking against Akhilesh Yadav, the road would not allow him to travel smoothly. The Shivpal faction sees this as a bad omen for netaji. He will not be able to travel f ar if he continues to play politics in the family, said one leader. Either way, the road in politics and the one outside his house, does not seem to be in good condition for Mulayam Singh Yadav right now. Admit card for Lord Ganesh Education has been under the lens ever since the toppers scam rocked Bihar. The states education system once again became the subject of ridicule after a university released an admit card bearing a picture of Lord Ganesh. A student of J.N. College, which comes under Lalit Narayan Mithila University (LNMU) in Darbhanga district, Krishna Kumar Roy, was shocked to see the photograph and signature of Lord Ganesh on the admit card that was issued to him by the university. Miffed by this, Roy, a first-year B.Com student, said he had to submit all the documents again to get the faulty admit card fixed. After I got the admit card I was shocked to see the picture of Lord Ganesh. After I urged the authorities to fix the mistake they asked me to submit all the documents once again. I had to suffer due to the carelessness of the university, Roy told reporters. The university, however, distanced itself from the controversy and blamed the cyber cafe from where the student got the admit card printed. The student had downloaded the admit card from the official website of the university after they released it. Roy claimed that the authorities had mistakenly changed his photograph with Lord Ganesh. The university not only changed the photograph but also had the signatures of Lord Ganesh. It seems that Lord Ganesh himself was going to sit for exams instead of me, Roy told reporters. After the incident, the university authorities have been asked to verify the documents which were downloaded from the website. In the winds of change blowing across Europe, the Catalonian demand for independence from Spain is a straw in the wind. We have had a series of elections in European nations recently with populists and extreme factions gaining ground, the extreme rights advance of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) marking a danger signal. Much as Frances young and dynamic President Emmanuel Macron is flying the flag of Europe and hopes to rejuvenate the European Union with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the EU one of the post-World War II success stories needs a new direction and inspiration to surmount its blues. Essentially, the sub-nationalism displayed by Catalans, a prosperous part of Spain, was exacerbated by Spanish PM Mariano Rajoys decision to send the national police to frustrate a referendum, which had been declared unconstitutional by the courts and the political establishment. The police tried to manhandle those going to vote deepening divisions, for which Madrid belatedly apologised. The King weighed in on the side of the Madrid authorities in a speech that Catalans saw as being biased. There are calls for an outside mediator to bring peace even as Mr Rajoy is threatening to end Catalonias autonomy. Madrid says Catalans must first nullify their referendum result in favour of leaving though all accounts suggest that the majority still favours staying in Spain. The point of the Spanish crisis as the populist and extreme movements in other European countries is the romance of the European Union that brought the countries together and attracted former Communist countries into the fold is over. Even as the EU has got over the economic crisis it had faced in recent years and is now looking up, it needs to be fired by a new ideal missing from the agenda. While Ms Merkel is busy with the task of building an uneasy coalition to govern, President Macron is pressing on the accelerator to chart a new European course. In a landmark address in Paris, he proposed a common eurozone budget with corporate tax receipts from across the continent, a carbon tax at the EUs borders, the conversion of 70 seats in the European Parliament that will become free on Britains exit into pan-EU seats and a common defence policy with a common intervention force, a common defence budget and a common doctrine for action. Clearly, President Macron is not short of ideas nor limited in his ambition. But he realises, as does the rest of Europe, that the key to future changes lies with Ms Merkel, whose hand has been weakened by the depleted majority of her Christian Democratic Party and the rise of the AfD. But the initial responsibility is the success or otherwise of Mr Macrons bold labour reforms and his ability to bring down his countrys economic deficit to reasonable levels. In a sense, therefore, the success of a new EU horizon will depend upon Ms Merkels ability to manoeuvre through her countrys new political landscape before tackling major problems of Europes future. Particularly after Britains impending exit, the Franco-German axis will be the main motor that will drive a revitalised EU. As an aside, France will be the only EU country after Brexit to possess an independent nuclear capability and a seat in the UN Security Council. There was a time after the end of World War II when the horrors and tragedies of combat brought about a yearning for unity. The last war is now a fleeting memory for the young in particular, brought up in a largely borderless Europe able to take up employment wherever they fancy. They take such blessing for granted. What Europeans are now expressing is a desire to distinguish themselves from the European stereotype. It expresses itself in the form of Catalonian independence in one country, the AfD in another. The danger, of course, is that in the latter case it brings back memories of a particularly evil phase in German history. It might be fun for the young to sport themselves as neo-Nazis as a sign of protest but there are too many reminders of the harm the Nazis and Adolf Hitler did to make this acceptable. Thanks to Ms Merkels generosity in accepting more than a million mostly Muslim refugees from Syria into Germany, religious differences have come to the fore. If India cant absorb 40,000 Rohingya refugees because they are Muslim, imagine Ms Merkel absorbing such large numbers. Germany, after all, is a Christian country and you dont have to be a neo-Nazi to protest against changing the character of the nation. The anti-Muslim bias accentuated by the proclamation of an Islamic State with its brutal practices (now under retreat) prevails in many EU countries, particularly among former Communist EU members who have refused to take a single Muslim refugee, despite the quotas allotted to them. Apart from the religious element that has crept into European politics, this new feature has exacerbated expressions of sub-nationalism. We are seeing the beginning of a new phase in EU politics which will make it that much harder to promote pan-European solutions. For many Europeans, the traditional roadblock is Germanys tight money policy, which has made the country rich and prosperous. But most German legislators believe that their hard-earned prosperity should not be squandered by the foolish or extravagant policies of fellow EU states. It is an argument that will continue. Beyond this quibbling lies the future course the EU will take. As we have seen, President Macron is not lacking in ambition and bold ideas in revitalising the EU. The problem is whether the rest of the EU is ready to take the plunge, aided by Ms Merkel. At the very least, it will be a long haul, with many twists and turns. But the short answer must be that the EU is too valuable an institution to be allowed to wither and die. Homeless people move along with their belongings as sanitation employees perform a homeless sweep in New Orleans, in advance of approaching Hurricane Nate, Saturday. (Photo: AP) New Orleans: Hurricane Nate slammed into the southeastern tip of the US state of Louisiana on Saturday and headed toward Mississippi after leaving dozens dead and causing widespread flooding in Central America. Officials urged residents to evacuate some vulnerable areas before the storm made landfall on Saturday evening, and residents scrambled to make last-minute preparations ahead of the third hurricane to hit the southern US in less than two months. But US President Donald Trump said federal officials were ready for the fast-moving storm, urging residents of the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida on Twitter to "listen to your local authorities & be safe!" "The center of Hurricane Nate is now making landfall at the mouth of the Mississippi River," the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said at 7:00 pm Saturday (0000 GMT Sunday). "On the forecast track, the center of Nate will make a second landfall along the coast of Mississippi tonight. After landfall, the center of Nate is expected to pass over portions of Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee late tonight through Sunday night," the NHC said. If it moves as forecast, the worst of the storm will bypass New Orleans, which was ravaged by deadly Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Heading north The storm, a Category One hurricane on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale, with winds swirling at up to 85 miles (140 kilometers) per hour, had slowed slightly from its earlier pace, heading north at about 20 miles per hour, the NHC said. The forecast warned that "the combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline." Alabama Governor Kay Ivey tweeted that she had asked Trump for a presidential declaration of emergency, "to ensure we have all possible resources in place to respond to #HurricaneNate." Trump earlier issued an emergency declaration allowing federal aid to be sent to help mitigate the storm's impact. New Orleans issued a mandatory curfew for Saturday from 6:00 pm, and mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders were issued for certain low-lying areas. Multiple shelters were opened for evacuees, and officials urged residents to finish preparations before evening, including stocking up on several days' supply of food and water. Stocking up on supplies "I lived through Katrina and I know what that was like," said Jackie Daigre, 69, who was buying groceries at a busy Walmart store, where the shelves of bottled water were picked almost completely bare. Officials said the recent hurricanes, devastating as they were, actually helped with preparations for Nate, since emergency supplies and assets deployed for the earlier storms were still in place. Still, the resources of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been stretched. National Guardsmen were prepared to ride out the storm in the city's huge Superdome arena, ready to respond once Nate passes over, the nola.com news website reported. The city's levee system has been considerably fortified since Katrina claimed some 1,800 lives in the region, but authorities warn that it has not completely eliminated flood risks. Unlike Hurricane Harvey, which dumped record amounts of rain as it hovered over neighboring Texas for a week, fast-moving Nate was expected to pass through quickly along a northerly path. Still, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards warned that Nate could cause unexpected damage. Power outages expected "Anyone in low-lying areas... we are urging them to prepare now," he said. In neighboring Mississippi, lines formed at gas stations in areas along the potential path of the storm. Off the coast, some oil and gas rigs in the Gulf of Mexico have been evacuated. With widespread electrical outages expected, New Orleans-area power provider Entergy prepositioned repair crews to go to work once the hurricane passed, and warned that outages could last up to a week. The United States is recovering from two major hurricanes: Harvey, which tore through Texas and then Louisiana in August, and Irma, which slammed Florida in September. Another powerful storm, Hurricane Maria, ripped through the Caribbean in late September, devastating several islands, including Dominica and Puerto Rico, a US territory. When Nate struck Central America on Thursday and Friday, at least 31 people were killed and others were still missing. Intense rains forced thousands from their homes, uprooting trees, knocking out bridges and turning roads into rivers. The president has previously said the United States would'"totally destroy' North Korea if necessary to protect itself and its allies from Pyongyang's nuclear threats. (Photo: AP) Washington: US President Donald Trump, on Saturday said only one thing will work in dealing with North Korea after previous administrations had talked to Pyongyang without results. Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid, Trump said in a tweet. Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid...... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2017 ...Hasnt worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, making fools of US negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work! ...hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2017 Trump did not make clear to what he was referring, but his comments seemed to be a further suggestion that military action was on his mind. The president has previously said the United States would totally destroy North Korea if necessary to protect itself and its allies from Pyongyangs nuclear threats. Earlier this week, during a meeting with top US military leaders and their spouses, Trump said it was the calm before the storm. Asked for clarification then on what he meant, Trump said, Youll find out. Speaking to reporters on Saturday ahead of a trip to North Carolina, Trump said he had nothing more to clarify. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders referred to Iran and North Korea the following day when asked about Trumps calm before the storm comments. Asked on Saturday about Trumps tweet, Sanders said she had nothing to add to the presidents comments. The Pentagon referred a question for clarification to the White House and said the Defense Departments job was to present the president military options and carry out orders. Trump repeatedly has made clear his distaste for dialogue with North Korea. On Sunday he dismissed the idea of talks as a waste of time, a day after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Washington was maintaining open lines of communication with North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns government. Trump said on Saturday that he had a good relationship with his secretary of state despite some disagreements. We have a very good relationship. We disagree on a couple of things. Sometimes Id like him to be a little bit tougher, but other than that we have a very good relationship, he said. A Russian lawmaker on Friday was quoted saying North Korea was preparing to test a long-range missile that it believes can reach the west coast of the United States. Anton Morozov, a member of the Russian lower house of parliaments international affairs committee, was part of a Russian delegation that visited Pyongyang from Oct. 2-6, according to Russian RIA news agency. North Koreas nuclear weapons and missile programs have driven up tensions in the region and around the world in recent months, particularly after it conducted a test explosion of what it said was a hydrogen bomb. ISIS had claimed Paddock was one of their soldiers who carried out the attack on its behalf after converting to Islam six months ago (Photo: Representational Image/AFP) Las Vegas shooter Stephen Paddock who gunned down 59 people at a music festival last week had visited the Middle East on a cruise last year, a police has revealed. The official confirmed that Paddock went on several voyages over the past few years and one was to the region, The Sun reported. ISIS had claimed Paddock was one of their soldiers who carried out the attack on its behalf after converting to Islam six months ago. However, police had dismissed the claims. The CNN had reported that the cruises included stops at ports in Spain, Italy, Greece, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Paddocks girlfriend, Marilou Danley, had accompanied him on nine of the cruises. Meanwhile, a note discovered in Paddocks hotel room from where he opened fire featured hand-written calculations on where he needed to aim to increase his accuracy and number of kills, US network CBS reported. The note, however, has not shed any light on the gunmans motives. The UKs Office for National Statistics (ONS) is proposing to make the sex question in the next census (Photo: AP) The UK is set to become one of the first countries in the world not to require its citizens to identify their sex as part of its census forms. The UKs Office for National Statistics (ONS) is proposing to make the sex question in the next census scheduled for March 2021 voluntary after protests that it discriminates against transgender and other non-binary people who do not identify as male or female, The Sunday Times reported. The change will leave Britain without an accurate figure for the number of men and women living in the country. The proposal was greeted with horror by some feminists, who see it as part of a growing trend to remove all mention of the biological female sex. Germaine Greer, UK-based Australian feminist writer and academic, said biological women were losing out everywhere. Im sick and tired of this. We keep arguing that women have won everything they need to win. They havent even won the right to exist, she told the newspaper. In a report last month, the ONS had said the existing census question, which requires respondents to choose whether they are male or female, was irrelevant, unacceptable and intrusive, particularly to trans participants, due to asking about sex rather than gender. An option to add a third choice of other was rejected as irrelevant. The Doklam standoff began on June 16 and ended on August 28 with the withdrawal of both Chinese and Indian troops from the site. File photo of Indian soldiers at Nathu-La. (Photo: PTI/File) Beijing: China on Sunday referred to the 1890 UK-China treaty which it claims demarcated the Sikkim sector of the China-India border as it urged New Delhi to abide by its provisions, a day after Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made her maiden visit to the Nathu-La post. Reacting to Sitharaman's visit to the area, the Chinese foreign ministry on Sunday said "the Sikkim section of the China-India border has been demarcated by the historical boundary. "It is the best testimony to this fact. We urge the Indian side to face the facts, abide by the provisions of the historic boundary treaty and the relevant agreement of the parties, and work together with the Chinese side to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas," it said in a written response to PTI, to a query about Sitharaman's visit. The ministry did not directly name the 1890 Britain-China treaty which Beijing often referred to during the Doklam stand-off stating that it has defined the Sikkim section of the boundary with Tibet, therefore the border in that area has been settled. Sitharaman on Saturday visited the Nathu La area on the China-India border and interacted with Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police officials. Nathu La is the last post separating the border between the Sikkim on the Indian side and Tibet on the Chinese side. Sitharaman's trip was the first high level visit to the area after the 73-day standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at Doklam in the Sikkim sector of the border which ended on August 28 following a mutual agreement between India and China. Of the 3,488-km India-China border which stretches from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. The two sides have so far held 19 rounds of Special Representatives' talks to resolve the dispute. The Doklam standoff began on June 16 over the PLA's plans to build a road in the area claimed by Bhutan after which Indian troops intervened to stop the construction as it posed a security risk to the 'Chicken's Neck' - the narrow corridor connecting India with its northeastern states. China, which earlier opened the Nathu La route for Indian pilgrims to visit Kailash and Manasarovar, closed it after the Doklam standoff and is yet to reopen it. Prison inmates were tortured for exposing how politically influential convicts were getting VIP comforts at Parappana Agrahara jail, the State Human Rights Commission has confirmed. The commission has issued a notice to Krishna Kumar, then chief superintendent of the citys central jail, after Soumendu Mukherjee, inspector general of police (SHRC), submitted a 72-page report on what transpired on July 16. That day, a row erupted among the top brass after D Roopa, then deputy-inspector general (prisons), alleged HNS Rao, then director general of police (prisons), had received a bribe of Rs 2 crore to provide undue privileges for V K Sasikala, Tamil Nadu politician convicted in a disproportionate wealth case. Meera C Saksena, chairperson of the State Human Rights Commission, told DH, We took up a suo motu case and ordered an inquiry after the media reported some prisoners had been beaten up badly." During his investigation, Mukherjee met the battered inmates, moved to other prisons a day after they spoke out about the irregularities. Telling footage CCTV footage examined by Mukherjee showed the inmates limping as they were being transferred out of Parappana Agrahara jail. It also showed some prisoners being taken away on wheelchairs. His report says the prisoners were treated inhumanly not just for revealing what was happening, but for protesting when Roopa was transferred out of her prisons posting. The protesters were taken to a room, lined up and thrashed, the report has found. Some of them were in a bad shape, and yet they were moved to other prisons, Meera said. In the wee hours of July 17, 32 prisoners from Parappana Agrahara were taken to prisons in Ballari, Kalaburagi and Belagavi. Officers there resisted it as the prisoners had not been medically examined, but the inmates were forcibly lodged there, Meera said. Krishna Kumar, the jail officer in the dock for the thrashing, is now posted in Kalaburagi. He has to appear before the commission on October 23 to give his statement. It is a detailed investigation. I visited Parappanana Agrahara and other prisons, Mukherjee told DH. He refused to reveal details of his report, saying it was up to the government to act on it. Bribe was Rs 2 crore: Top cop The trigger for the July brutality was DGP D Roopa submitting a report on VIP privileges being afforded in jail to Sasikala, sacked AIADMK general secretary, and Abdul Kareem Telgi, kingpin of the fake stamp paper scandal. Providing additional privileges to convicts is a violation of prison rules. Roopa alleged her boss H N S Rao had taken a bribe of Rs 2 crore to spare Sasikala prison hardships. Narcotics was widely in use inside Parappana Agrahara. Of 25 inmates surveyed, 18 tested positive for drug use, Roopas report said. Battered twice In one case, a prisoner was brutalised in two prisons in quick succession. Krishna Kumar beat up Shivakumar in Parappana Agrahara and packed him off to Kalaburagi. When he was transferred there, Krishna Kumar used the opportunity to torture Shivakumar again, according to the State Human Rights Commission. The Indian Air Force is prepared to fight a war at a short notice and is fully geared up to respond to any security challenge to the country in the most befitting manner, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Sunday. The IAF chief also said that the uncertainties in the present geo-political environment in the region may require the IAF to fight a short and swift war. We are prepared to fight at a short notice should the need arise, he said while addressing an event at the air base here on the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the IAF. The comments came amid Chinas muscle-flexing in the Dokalam Plateau and the continued cross-border terror activities by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. The IAF chief spoke on a variety of issues, including the possible security challenge facing the country, stating that the focus was to transform the IAF into a technology-intensive force in the next few years to significantly enhance its overall prowess. The Mi-17 helicopter crash in Tawang, killing seven military personnel, may have been caused due to disengagement of the chopper's tail rotor, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said today. Five IAF personnel, including two pilots, and two army men were killed when the Mi-17 V5 medium-lift chopper crashed and burst into flames on Friday last near Tawang. "Prima facie it appears that the tail rotor of the chopper had come off. It will not be proper for me to say why it came off as a court of inquiry has already been ordered to probe the crash," the IAF chief said. The IAF chief also paid homage to the seven military personnel killed in the crash. Dhanoa said there was no technical problem in the engine of the aircraft as the Mi 17 V5 fleet is still flying. "I think there is no problem in the machine as the chopper is flying even today," he said. The IAF chief was talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event to celebrate the Air Force Day. The Russian-manufactured helicopter was carrying supplies to a forward post of the Indian Army in the mountainous region near the Sino-India border. Earlier, in a message published in an IAF booklet, Dhanoa said IAF's assets are scarce and expensive and the force cannot afford to lose them on account of any "careless, ignorance or unprofessionalism." "Supervisors are entirely responsible for the safe and professional conduct of operations and must involve themselves wholeheartedly with the task at hand," the IAF chief said in the message dated September 10. The booklet, featuring feats of award winning air warriors, was released today. The Mi-17 V5 is a Russian built medium-lift military transport chopper. An Advanced Light Helicopter of the IAF had crashed at Saglee in Papum Pare district on July 4, claiming the lives of of all four on board. Hurricane Nate slammed into the Mississippi coast on Sunday with destructive winds and torrential rains that flooded streets and highways throughout the region as the fast-moving Category 1 storm made landfall. The fourth major storm to strike the United States in less than two months, Nate killed at least 30 people in Central America before entering the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and bearing down on the U.S. South. It has also shut down most oil and gas production in the Gulf. Nate comes on the heels of three other major storms, Harvey, Irma and Maria, which devastated Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico, respectively. However, with winds of 85 miles per hour (135 km per hour), which makes it a Category 1 storm, the weakest in the five-category ranking used by meteorologists, Nate appeared to lack the devastating punch of its predecessors. "The only thing you can do is prepare," said Gulfport, Mississippi, resident Emmett Bryant. "Here there's nothing really you can do when the storm comes unless you're going to leave. And I don't plan on leaving." Hurricane Nate is expected to weaken as it moves further inland on Sunday and is likely to become a tropical storm later in the day. The storm's centre will move inland over Mississippi and across the deep south, Tennessee Valley and Central Appalachian Mountains through Monday, the National Hurricane Center said. Before then storm surges of up to 11 feet (3.4 m) on the Mississippi-Alabama border were possible, the NHC said. Nate made its initial landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi river on Saturday evening and then made a second landfall early on Sunday near Boloxi, Mississippi, where its 46,000 residents were warned that the highest storm surge could reach 11 to 12 feet. The storm surge brought flood waters over Highway 90 and up to oceanside casinos in Biloxi, while flood waters swept over streets in communities across Mississippi and Alabama, according to reports on social media. "We have a restaurant and one of our main bars open so they have been ok so far," said Chett Harrison, the general manager at the Golden Nugget hotel and casino in Biloxi where 300 guests were hunkered down. "No one has tried to leave, thank goodness because everything is flooded around us," he told a local CBS TV affiliate. In Hancock County, Mississippi, northeast of New Orleans, rain and wind were gaining intensity and many streets were washing over. Conditions were likely to worsen in the next few hours, said Brian Adam, director of emergency management for the county. The county evacuated people from low-lying areas and imposed a curfew. On Saturday states of emergency were declared in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, as well as in more than two dozen Florida counties. In Alabama Governor Kay Ivey urged residents in areas facing heavy winds and storm surges to take precautions. Some 5,000 people in southern Alabama were without power due to Nate, Alabama Power said. Rainfall of 3 to 6 inches (7.6 cm to 15.2 cm), up to a maximum of 10 inches, was expected east of the Mississippi River from the central Gulf Coast into the Deep South, in the eastern Tennessee Valley, and southern Appalachian mountains, the NHC said. Rainfall in the Ohio Valley and into the central Appalachians could be 2 to 5 inches with a maximum of 7 inches. NEW ORLEANS THREAT DOWNGRADED New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu lifted a curfew in the city on Saturday evening that was originally scheduled to last until Sunday morning. He said in a statement on social media, however, that there was still a serious threat of storm surge outside levee areas. Plaquemines Parish, a low-lying area south of New Orleans, evacuated some 240 residents who were not protected by its levee system as the storm approached. "While it appears we're being spared ... our hearts go out to Mississippi," said Amos Cormier, president of the parish. Major shipping ports across the central U.S. Gulf Coast were closed to inbound and outbound traffic on Saturday, as Nate intensified and storm surges of up 11 feet were expected at the mouth of the Mississippi River. The storm has curtailed 92 percent of daily oil production and 77 percent of daily natural gas output in the Gulf of Mexico, more than three times the amount affected by Harvey. Workers had been evacuated from 301 platforms and 13 rigs as of Saturday, said the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. Before heading north into the Gulf, Nate brushed Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, home to beach resorts such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen, the NHC said. The storm doused Central America with heavy rains on Thursday, killing at least 16 people in Nicaragua, 10 in Costa Rica, two in Honduras and two in El Salvador. Thousands were forced to evacuate their homes and Costa Rica's government declared a state of emergency. (Additional reporting by Chris Kenning, Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee, Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles, Oswaldo Rivas in Managua, Vanessa Johnston in Biloxi, Mississippi,Erwin Seba and Gary McWilliams in Houston; Editing by Christian Schmollinger, Greg Mahlich) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today slammed the previous Congress-led UPA over the state of healthcare sector in the country, alleging that it had failed to bring a health policy during its 10-year rule. He also said that the previous government did not pay attention to increasing the number of seats in medical colleges. "The last health policy was announced during Atalji's (former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee) regime around 15 years back. After that, such a government assumed power which used to hate development. It did not have any empathy for the people," Modi said. "As a result, a new health policy was introduced after almost 15 years by our government," he said addressing a gathering after inaugurating a medical college here in his hometown. The prime minister also criticised the earlier government over the issue of seats in medical colleges which, according to him, were much less than the requirement of doctors in the country. "Due to the rules formulated by the past governments, very few students were able to secure admission in the medical colleges. Thus, we have taken up the task of opening one medical college for (every) three to four Lok Sabha constituencies across the country," Modi said. "Since we also need good professors for such colleges, we have also increased 6,000 seats in PG medical courses in the last one year. Though some people criticised the move, we remained firm because we understand that we will need good professors for producing good doctors," he said. The prime minister said due to the relentless efforts of his government, the prices of stents as well as medicines have drastically reduced. "The prices of stents were around Rs 1.5 lakh to almost Rs 2 lakh (each). Someone would get a heart attack by just hearing such a high price. We then called the manufacturers and asked them not to rob the poor by charging such high price. Today, the stents are available at just 40 per cent of the original price," he said. "Similarly, we were also concerned about the prices of medicines. That is why we have started a mission to sell generic medicines at subsidised rates," Modi said. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman came across an unexpected row of Chinese soldiers during a visit to Nathu La on the India-China border. Unfazed, Sitharaman turned towards the Chinese soldiers and waved at them with a wide smile on her face. Indian Army personnel surrounding her also smiled at them. In a video shared by the official Twitter handle of the Defence Ministry of India, Sitharaman was seen teaching Chinese soldiers posted near the Sikkim border how to say namaste, the traditional form of greeting in India. Sitharaman interacted with the Chinese soldiers during a flag meeting ceremony later. She was introduced to a Peoples Liberation Army commander and captain posted at the China-India border with the help of a Chinese interpreter. Sitharaman then pressed her hands together and greeted the soldiers with a smile. The Chinese soldiers returned her greeting by saying namaste. Acknowledged a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence who were taking pictures on my reaching Nathu La, she tweeted. Nathu La is close to the Doklam plateau, the site of the recent 70-day-long standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies. Recent media reports have suggested that Chinese soldiers remain in the vicinity of the Doklam standoff site. India has denied any change in the status quo. The Ministry of External Affairs, in a recent statement, denied that the India-China "disengagement agreement", which brought the Doklam standoff to an end, was violated. Incidentally, Sitharaman was scheduled to undertake an aerial survey of the Doklam region and forward border posts in Sikkim during her visit to Nathu La. But the Sikkim government said in a statement that this was not possible due to bad weather conditions, Sitharam, who was in Sikkim for a day, travelled to Nathu La by road and interacted with the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officials. This was her maiden visit to the Eastern Command after taking charge as defence minister last month. She was accompanied by Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen Sarath Chand and GOC-in-C Eastern Command Lt Gen Abhay Krishna. Lt Gen Krishna briefed her about the Armys security preparedness along the India-China border. A defence ministry statement said Sunday that Sitharaman reviewed the operational readiness first-hand at the Tezpur airbase where the Sukhoi fighter aircraft and other IAF assets are stationed. Thereafter, she visited the Gajraj Corps HQ where she was briefed on the overall security situation in Assam and the Kameng Sector of Arunachal Pradesh and the operational preparedness of the Corps. She also visited Solmara Military Station, Tezpur where she interacted with the officers and jawans over a cup of tea. Since she took charge last month, Sitharaman has been travelling to several Army and Airforce stations in forwarding areas as part of her familiarisation exercise. She had visited the Northern Command areas in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Siachen camp on Vijayadashami day. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has promoted his sister to a senior ruling party post, state media said today, and praised the country's nuclear weapons programme which has sparked international alarm. Kim Yo-Jong becomes an alternate member of the party's powerful politburo, the decision-making body presided over by her brother, the official KCNA news agency said. The promotion was announced along with those for dozens of other top officials at a party meeting led by the leader on Saturday. It came as the regime faces growing global pressure to curb its weapons drive following recent nuclear and missile tests. Tensions soared as Kim traded verbal threats with US President Donald Trump, who tweeted yesterday that "only one thing will work" to tame the isolated nuclear-armed state. The sister, in her late 20s, has frequently been seen accompanying her brother on his "field guidance trips" and other events and is known to have been involved in the party's propaganda operations. Both were born to the late former ruler Kim Jong-Il and his third partner, former dancer Ko Yong-Hui. The family has ruled North Korea since its creation in 1948. The current ruler came to power after the death of his father in December 2011. Since then he has overseen four of the country's six nuclear tests -- most recently in September -- while cementing his grip on power through a series of purges, including those targeting his uncle and half-brother. The uncle, Jang Song-Thaek, was executed in 2013 for treason and the half-brother Kim Jong-Nam was killed by a toxic nerve agent in a Cold War-style assassination at a Kuala Lumpur airport in February. Both the North's missile and nuclear weapons capabilities have made significant progress under the current Kim, despite a growing layer of UN sanctions. During yesterday's party meeting, Kim acknowledged the country faced with "ordeals" under a "stern" situation, but claimed that its economy had grown this year despite ever- tighter sanctions. He described the North's atomic weapons as a "treasured sword" to protect it from aggression. "The nuclear weapons of the DPRK (North Korea) are a precious fruition borne by its people's bloody struggle for defending the destiny and sovereignty of the country from the protracted nuclear threats of the US imperialists," Kim was quoted as saying. Reportedly upset over the suicidal death of a close friend a constable, a trainee constable of Telangana police committed suicide by hanging herself from the ceiling of her hostel room the State Police Academy on Saturday. Twenty three year old Naveena who got selected last year is undergoing training at the academy located on the outskirts of the academy. On Saturday Naveena learnt that her close friend Kotha Madhavi (25) has committed suicide by hanging herself in her room at Vemulapally in Nalgonda district. District police say that love failure could be the reason behind her death. Madhavi belongs to Rajapet village of Thipparthy mandal of the district. She attended her duties normally and returned to her room. Neighbours found her body hanging and called police. According to Naveens family members both the girls were friends since days of Intermediate and are emotionally attached to each other. So much so that they used to buy same colour dress and even footwear. According to Naveensa father Narsing he was worried that his daughter will certainly be upset over her friends death. But never expected that she would resort to such a drastic step. I was trying to contact her but she was not lifting her phone. Then I called by son who also lives in Hyderabad. Around 11.30 the local DSP called and said that Naveena is no more, he said. Narsingi police Inspector GV Ramana Goud, said that fellow trainee constables who saw her hanging in her room alerted the academy police. . A case of death under suspicious circumstances (section 174) has been registered and investigation is on. A 47-year-old man arrested at the scene of a car collision near Natural History Museum in central London has been released pending investigation, Scotland Yard said today. The Metropolitan Police had confirmed the incident, which injured 11 people, as a "road traffic collision" and not terrorist related soon after it created panic in the busy tourist spot in the British capital. "Because of where this collision occurred and the number of pedestrians involved, I fully appreciate the concern and alarm this incident caused. Enquiries have established that this incident is not terrorist related and I'd like to thank those who came to assist the injured. Thankfully there are no serious injuries with the majority now discharged from hospital, said Detective Constable Darren Case from the Met Police Roads and Transport Policing Command. He also made an appeal for eyewitness in the area who saw what happened, or who have any pictures or moving footage that could help police gain a greater understanding of what happened. Eleven people were found at the scene with varying but non-life threatening injuries and nine of them were taken to hospital for treatment. This included the driver of the car involved, who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving. British Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted her thanks to first responders and members of the public, adding: "My thoughts are with the injured." London Mayor Sadiq Khan also tweeted soon after the incident yesterday: "For Londoners and visitors planning to visit our excellent museums and attractions in the area, please be assured they will be open as usual tomorrow [Sunday]." Besides the Natural History Museum, the Exhibition Road area is also home to the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The current terror threat in the UK is at "severe" - the second highest level - meaning an attack is highly likely. The incident caused concern due to a recent string of terror attacks involving car collisions by Islamic State (ISIS) linked terrorists across Europe. Opposition parties led by the Congress on Sunday demanded an investigation into a media report about a company owned by BJP chief Amit Shahs son recording a huge jump in its turnover after the Modi government assumed power. Shahs son Jay and the BJP rubbished the report describing the news story as false, derogatory and defamatory and said would file a Rs 100 crore defamation case against the writer of the reporter as well as editor and owners of the web portal that published it. While senior Congress leader told a press conference that it was a case of crony capitalism, party vice president Rahul Gandhi took a dig on Twitter, we finally found the only beneficiary of demonetisation. Its not the RBI, the poor or the farmers. Its the Shah-in-Shah of Demo. Jai Amit. Sibal quoted from the report and filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) to claim that Jay-owned Temple Enterprises turnover rose by 16,000 times during 2015-16 at around Rs 80 crore over the previous year. He also alleged that Kusum Finserve LLP in which Jay had 60% stake, also got a contract in Madhya Pradesh in wind power sector despite the company being engaged in stock trading. CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said these were serious allegations as the BJP leaders son is accused of accumulating wealth in a clandestine manner. Trinamool Congress Derek OBrien said, BJP is ever so quick to use CBI/ED against other political parties. Why not now when it comes to one of their own, son of their party president?. CPIs D Raja demanded a high level SIT probe monitored by the court. Defending himself, Jay said in a statement, the article makes false, derogatory and defamatory imputation against me by creating in the minds of right-thinking people an impression that my business owes its success to my fathers political position... My businesses are fully legitimate and conducted in a lawful manner on commercial lines, which is reflected in my tax records, and are through banking transactions. Rejecting the Congress' charge over business transactions of its chief Amit Shah's son, the BJP said today it is not avoiding the issue but has gone on the offensive, as Jay Amit Shah is filing a criminal and a Rs 100 crore civil defamation case in the matter. Union Minister Piyush Goyal told a press conference here that the BJP was "confident" that there is no wrongdoing on the part of Jay Amit Shah and also hit out at the Congress for opposing the publication of Justice Dhingra report into the controversial land transactions of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. "We are not avoiding the issue. On the contrary, we have gone on the offensive," he said. Goyal also issued a statement of Jay Amit Shah in which the BJP chief's son said he will sue a news website's owner, editor and author for Rs 100 crore for an article that makes "false, derogatory and defamatory imputation against me by creating in the minds of right-thinking people an impression that my business owes its 'success' to my father Amit Shahs political position". The minister asserted that Jay Amit Shah's businesses are fully legitimate and conducted in a lawful manner on commercial lines, which is reflected in his tax records and through banking transactions. Goyal released the statement after opposition parties sought a probe following the publication of a news story which said the turnover of the company of Amit Shahs son saw a huge rise after the Modi government came to power in 2014. "The article makes false, derogatory and defamatory imputation against me by creating in the minds of right- thinking people an impression that my business owes its 'success' to my father Shri Amitbhai Shah's political position," the statement said. Responding to other suggestions made in the story, Goyal said Jay Amit Shah had taken loans either from non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) or Non-funded Credit Facilities from cooperative bank on purely commercial terms strictly in accordance with law. He said he has repaid the loans by cheque on commercial rate of interest and within the time stipulated and added that he had mortgaged his family property with the cooperative bank to get the credit facilities. He said his lawyer had given details of all his legitimate transactions to the author of the story and all questions posed by the writer were answered with details since Jay Amit Shah had "nothing to hide". "Since the website has proceeded in making an absolutely false imputation in a highly slanted article thereby damaging my reputation, I have decided to prosecute the Author, Editor/ (s) and the Owner/(s) of the aforesaid news website for criminal defamation and sue them for an amount of Rs 100 crore. Both the actions will be filed at Ahmedabad where I stay, carry on my business and where the cause of action has arisen," the statement said. "If anyone else republishes or re-broadcasts the imputations made in the article, such person or entity will also be guilty of the very same criminal and civil liability," it said. China today referred to the 1890 UK-China treaty which it claims demarcated the Sikkim sector of the Sino-Indian border as it urged New Delhi to abide by its provisions, a day after Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made her maiden visit to the Nathu La post. Reacting to Sitharaman's visit to the area, the Chinese foreign ministry today said: "the Sikkim section of the China-India border has been demarcated by the historical boundary". "It is the best testimony to this fact. We urge the Indian side to face the facts, abide by the provisions of the historic boundary treaty and the relevant agreement of the parties, and work together with the Chinese side to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas," it said in a written response to PTI, to a query about Sitharaman's visit. The ministry did not directly name the 1890 Britain-China treaty which Beijing often referred to during the Dokalam standoff stating that it has defined the Sikkim section of the boundary with Tibet, therefore the border in that area has been settled. Sitharaman yesterday visited the Nathu La area on the Sino-Indian border and interacted with Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police officials. Nathu La is the last post separating the border between the Sikkim on the Indian side and Tibet on the Chinese side. Sitharaman's trip was the first high-level visit to the area after the 73-day standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at Dokalam in the Sikkim sector of the border which ended on August 28 following a mutual agreement between India and China. Of the 3,488-km India-China border which stretches from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. The two sides have so far held 19 rounds of Special Representatives' talks to resolve the dispute. The Dokalam standoff began on June 16 over the PLA's plans to build a road in the area claimed by Bhutan after which Indian troops intervened to stop the construction as it posed a security risk to the 'Chicken's Neck' - the narrow corridor connecting India with its northeastern states. China, which earlier opened the Nathu La route for Indian pilgrims to visit Kailash and Manasarovar, closed it after the Dokalam standoff and is yet to reopen it. Fourteen new patients of pesticide poisoning were admitted in various hospitals of the district today, said a senior district official. Two have been admitted to GMC Hospital, while 12 others are in the government rural hospitals, said Resident Deputy Collector of Yavatmal Narendra Fulzele. Additional chief secretary Sudheer Shrivastav, who is heading the probe panel to investigate deaths due to pesticide poisoning, visited village Sawargad of Kalamb tehsil today and interacted with farmers and farm labourers. He left for Mumbai later in the day. On Saturday Shrivastav held a joint meeting of the officers of various departments and directed them to be alert and ensure that such incidents are not repeated again. According to the Superintendent of Police M Rajkumar, two new FIRs have been filed against Krishi Kendra owners -- one in Ladkhed of Darwha and one in Mukutben which takes the number of FIRs so far filed to seven. NCP leader Dhanajay Munde who visited the GMC Hospital, declared Rs 10,000 assistance to the families of the 19 deceased on behalf of the party. He demanded for Rs 10 lakh compensation to each deceased from the government. Suggestions poured in for 'Vision 2025' with officials of various departments and the public urging for a Heritage Authority to preserve and promote heritage structures in the city and also a separate authority for conducting Dasara celebrations and metro rail service. The government has formed teams based on five themes Urban Infrastructure and Smart Cities; Social Justice, Healthcare and Education; Agriculture and Rural Development; Industrial Development, Services, Employment and Skill Development; Governance, Law and Justice. Each team has 20 members, including officials, citizens and members of various organisations. Even individuals can submit their suggestions for Vision 2025. Satellite towns Members of Urban, Infrastructure, Smart Cities suggested separate bodies to maintain and promote heritage structures and an authority for Dasara celebration. At present, a high power committee is headed by the Chief Minister and comprises ministers, Mysuru Deputy Commissioner and others. The members also documented metro rail project in Mysuru. The members also proposed developing Koorgalli, Hootagalli, Metagalli, Belakavadi industrial areas on the lines of Electronic City in Bengaluru and also recommended developing Nanjangud, Bannur, T Narasipur and Srirangapatna as satellite towns. 'Restore old charm' Bhamy V Shenoy of Mysore Grahaka Parishat (MGP) said that Vision Mysore 2025 should be developed to bring back the traditional charm and restore the fame of Mysuru as the cultural capital of Karnataka. The heritage structures and architecture of buildings such as Krishna Rajendra Hospital (K R Hospital), Town Hall, Lansdowne Building should be preserved, they stated. When any heritage building is razed, the exterior should be maintained like Amsterdam city. Even new buildings should be encouraged to be designed with Mysurus architecture, which adds to the old charm of any city, he suggested. Members of Social Justice, Healthcare, Education proposed the appointment of teachers to schools before the commencement of the academic year and also develop e-libraries and ensure education for all sectors. Asphalt roads The farmers suggested asphalting of 4,795.88 km road and development of 1,350 villages in the district. They also recommended solid waste management units at 263 villages, and skill development training programmes for non-agriculture people in rural Mysuru. The members also suggested minimising tobacco cultivation area and encourage horticulture crops. City Police Commissioner Dr A Subramanyeshwar Rao, who spoke about governance, law and justice suggested the establishment of a police university and 75% reservation for students of the varsity in police recruitment. Mysuru Central Jail Superintendent P V Anand Reddy suggested that jails must be designed to meet the present day needs. Mysuru Industries Association secretary Suresh Kumar Jain aired an idea to form separate clusters for various industrial sectors. The Vision-2025 document project will run for a period of five months and people can submit suggestions through social media platforms such as facebook, twitter and WhatsApp. Log on to: www.navakarnataka2025.in With Director General and Inspector General of Police Rupak Kumar Dutta set to retire on October 31, the race for his successor has begun. Three top IPS officers eligible for the post are DGP (Fire & Emergency Services, Home Guards, Civil Defence and State Disaster Response Force-SDRF) Neelamani N Raju (1983 batch), DGP (Criminal Investigation Department) H C Kishore Chandra and DGP (Anti Corruption Bureau) M N Reddi (both 1984 batch). The change of guard is likely to be smooth as the government has decided to avert recurrence of any embarrassment at the time of appointing the new head of the state police force, said sources in the Home Department. With Neelamani favouring a posting in the Central government, the race has narrowed down to the two batchmates, Kishore Chandra and Reddi. Karnataka wont see a woman DGP as Neelamani is likely to be appointed as DG (NHRC) , stated a top IPS officer. She felt let down after the government preferred Dutta for the top post in 2016. Soon after Duttas appointment, she submitted a representation to the state government expressing her willingness for a Central assignment. The representation has been forwarded to the Union government and the Centre may appoint her as DG (NHRC), the officer stated. The government may not pick her as she has not served in Karnataka for long. She was away from the state for 23 years and the government may not take the risk of considering her for the post when the elections are round the corner, sources said. Reddi, who started his career as as SP of KGF and Mandya districts, went on to become Bengaluru Police Commissioner and DGP (Intelligence). He improved the the IT city polices image by using social media platforms effectively. Reddi has backing of an influential minister from Bengaluru city. He also shares cordial relations with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and many of his Cabinet colleagues, the sources said. Meanwhile, Vokkaliga MLAs in the Congress are mounting pressure on the chief minister to appoint Kishore Chandra, who hails from the community. If appointed, he will be the first officer from the dominant Vokkaliga community to be DG&IGP, said an officer. Kishore Chandra belongs to chief ministers home district of Mysuru and by appointing him Siddaramaiah can win the hearts of the Vokkaligas ahead of the polls, said sources. Showers in wee hours of Sunday again led waterlogging and tree fall incidents in some areas of the city. The city railway station and Kempegowda Bus Station (KBS) were looking like a lake after the rain, due to severe waterlogging. The bus and train services were disrupted on Sunday morning. Vehicular movement was also affected as several roads were flooded on Sunday morning Bannerghatta NICE road was submerged under nearly two feet water. Several low-lying areas were inundated, with many drains overflowing. Areas such as HSR Layout, Koramangala, Bomanahalli, Madiwala, BTM Layout in Southeast Bengaluru, Basaveshwaranagar, Chamarajpet, Seshadripuram, Vidyaranyapura, K R Market and Malleshwaram were worst hit by the rain. Residents were seen struggling to drain out the muddy water from their houses. In Vyalikaval, a huge tree fell and more than 10 vehicles parked near it were damaged. There was no power supply till afternoon in the area because of the tree fall. Incidents of tree fall were also reported from Malleswaram, Vidyaranyapura and Cubbon Park. Roof sheets of the railway bridge at Anand Rao Circle, near Kino theatre underpass, collapsed due to the rain. However, there were no casualties. The road was closed till BBMP cleared the sheets. Ravi Kumar, a motorist said, Luckily these sheets feel when there was no one commuting beneath the underpass. Whenever there is rain, many people stand under this bridge to take shelter and, it is very dangerous. Railways and other authorities concerned should act immediately on the issue. The rains which started around 2 am on Sunday night continued till early morning. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city received 48.2 mm of rainfall on Sunday morning. HAL airport recorded 0.1 mm rainfall and Kempegowda International Airport 18.1 mm. Lorry owners in Karnataka and neighbouring states have decided to join the two-day strike from Monday called by All India Motor Transport Congress to protest against "unscientific" Goods and Services Tax (GST) and hike in diesel prices. In a release, South Zone Motor Transporters' Welfare Association General Secretary G R Shanmugappa said the GST has led to double taxation with owners and transporters paying tax for the same vehicle. The association has also demanded a cut in diesel prices and removal of 347 toll plazas to mitigate the problems of the transporters. A woman riding pillion was killed on the spot and the rider injured after they fell off their two-wheeler while trying to negotiate a pothole-ridden road at Pantharapalya near Nayandanhalli on Sunday morning. The woman was run over by an oncoming truck. The victims have been identified as Radha (47), a native of Ramanagara, and her nephew Ravi Kumar (24). The Byatarayanapura traffic police have arrested truck driver Ramesh and seized the vehicle. Last week, a deadly pothole on BGS flyover on the busy Mysuru Road claimed the lives of a couple and left their six-year-old granddaughter injured. Radha was residing in Shyampura near DJ Halli with her husband Anjanappa and three children. According to the police, Radha and Kumar were going to Ramanagara to meet a relative on Sunday. Around 10.30 am, they were travelling on the flyover near Pantharapalya. The stretch, which is full of potholes, has become unmotorable following heavy downpour. While trying to negotiate a bad road, Ravi took a right turn. At the same time, a truck loaded with bricks and heading towards Rajarajeshwari Nagar hit the bike. Radha slipped and fell off the vehicle in the middle of the road. She came under the wheels of the truck and died on the spot. Ravi sustained injuries and was admitted to hospital, a police officer said. The driver tried to flee from the scene, but passersby caught hold of Ramesh and thrashed him, and handed him over to the police. He has been booked under relevant sections for causing death and injuries due to rash and negligent driving. A 17-year-old pre-university student was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a toilet in his college hostel on Saturday evening. Police said the deceased has been identified as Sarthak Puranik, a resident of Dharwad. He was studying in the Sri Chaitanya PU College in Bellandur for the past two years and was staying in the hostel. According to the police, the incident, which took place between 7.30 pm and 8 pm on Saturday, came to light when the student failed to return from the washroom after several hours. On realising that the toilet was locked from the inside, the other hostel residents peeped through the window and found that Puranik had collapsed and was unconscious. They informed the police, who broke open the door and rushed Puranik to a hospital, but the doctors declared him brought dead. The cause of death is unclear and we are waiting for the postmortem report, a police officer said. The body was handed over to Puraniks parents after the postmortem on Sunday. We have certain doubts regarding the boys death as it does not look like a suicide. The doctors who conducted the postmortem have collected viscera samples from the body and have sent it to the forensic science laboratory for examination. We cant come to a conclusion without the postmortem and FSL reports. Puraniks parents have not made any allegations against anybody, an investigating officer said. The mother of a woman from Thiruvananthapuram, who reportedly joined the IS after converting to Islam, has approached the Supreme Court seeking a probe by a national agency into forced religious conversions in the country. Bindu Sampath, mother of Nimisha (Fathima), a resident of Attukal here, stated that Kerala was emerging as a hub of IS and jihadi activities. She sought an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Research and Analysis Wing or Intelligence Bureau into forced religious conversions. Nimisha was identified, in mid-2016, as one of the 22 Keralites who went missing from Kasaragod and Palakkad districts to join the IS. She converted to Islam after marrying a man from Palakkad, identified as Isa. Bindu had later met her at Isas home in Palakkad. Nimisha, who was pregnant when she went missing, is reported to have given birth to a girl child in Afghanistan. Isa himself had converted, along with his brother, from Christianity to Islam. Isas brother Yahya and his wife Miriam were also among the missing. Bindu said her appeal was in response to reports of more girls being lured intoreligious conversion and used in anti-national activities. Bindus move assumes significance ahead of the Supreme Courts next hearing of the Hadiya case. The NIA is investigating the conversion of Akhila (Hadiya), a trained homoeopath, to Islam followed by her marriage to a Muslim man, Shafin Jahan. In May, the Kerala High Court annulled their marriage, leaving Hadiya in custody of her parents. The Kerala governmeny, however, contends that there is no need for the NIA to step in. The Kerala Police are competent to conduct the investigation in such crimes and would have reported to the Central government if any scheduled offences were found to have been committed during such investigation as per the provisions of the NIA Act, it told the SC on Friday. Abolishing subsidy for Haj pilgrims and allowing women above 45 to travel in a group of at least four without a male member are some of the key highlights of a proposed Haj policy drafted by a committee appointed by the Centre, sources said. The proposed Haj Policy 201822 by the panel headed by former secretary Afzal Amanullah also recommends bringing down the number of embarkation points (EPs) from which pilgrims can take flights to Saudi Arabia from the present 21 to nine Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Cochin. Suitable Haj houses will be built at these EPs to which states and districts will be tagged properly. The draft was submitted to Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi here on Sunday. Till now, women pilgrims were not allowed to travel without a male mehram. The term mehram refers to a man whom a woman cannot marry at anytime in her life (like her father, brother or son). By Evan Halper 4 October 2017 (The Los Angeles Times) Interior Department manager Joel Clement figured his new bosses in the Trump administration might disapprove of his climate-change-focused work protecting Alaskan villages from rising seas. But the reassignment slip Clement received in June stunned him. He was not only removed from his post as director of policy analysis, he was deposited into a new job auditing fossil fuel company leases. Approximately 50 such slips went out to the departments most experienced and highly paid managers. Other recipients interviewed were just as puzzled as Clement. It seemed to them that they were getting moved for the sake of getting moved often to jobs unrelated to their skills. On Wednesday, Clement joined those who have quit in frustration. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke may have shed some light on his thinking last week when he told a petroleum industry group that he believes nearly a third of his workforce is disloyal to the Trump agenda. I got 30% of the crew thats not loyal to the flag, he said, in a remark first reported by the Associated Press.Most new administrations move quickly to reorient the federal workforce toward their agenda, but they usually rely on the deep expertise of top-level managers such as Clement to move the stubborn levers of bureaucracy. The Trump administration approach has been different.Ive talked to a lot of folks who have been around the federal government for decades and they say transitions can be tough, but what this group is doing is remarkable, said Clement, who filed a whistler-blower complaint over the reassignment. They have moved me into an area I know nothing about. It might as well be Chinese.Clements old job has yet to be filled. The Alaskan villages he has advocated for, he said, are on the verge of getting washed away.The administrations actions have signaled deep suspicion of many of the civil servants on the government payroll, particularly when their work has involved confronting climate change or enforcing the environmental protections and other regulations the White House is working to roll back.Some reassignments have come after media on the right demanded them, as was the case of a high-level State Department staffer whose involvement in the Iran nuclear deal was highlighted by Breitbart. Scores more diplomats at the department have been largely idled by an administration projecting ambivalence about their work.At the Environmental Protection Agency, longtime civil servants some with doctorates in environmental work say they have been frozen out because their voluminous administrative records are out of sync with a Trump political agenda that holds that much of what they do is junk science.The work of the EPA science arm has now been disconnected from the agencys decision-making, said Jeff Ruch, executive director of the advocacy group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. Its like a bureaucratic Dunkirk over there. They are just stuck waiting on the beach.Betsy Southerland left her post in August as director of science and technology at the EPA Office of Water, after she said the administration all but ignored her teams work. Just before she left, her division had compiled what she called excruciatingly detailed briefings explaining the environmental damage and public health risks that would result from an industry demand to suspend restrictions on wastewater dumped by power plants.We thought we could present this heavy-duty technical record and convince [EPA Administrator Scott] Pruitt he should not repeal everything, she said. We could show that what industry was saying was just not based in fact. But it fell on deaf ears. It all went to naught. [more] By Alessandro Speciale and Eric Roston 5 October 2017 (Bloomberg) Banks, insurers, and other financial institutions must do more to take into account the risks posed by climate change to their business, a Dutch Central Bank study said. As global warming increases the risk of extreme weather events, regulators are giving more attention to its economic and market implications, with estimates showing that a single high-impact storm could cause damages of as much as 60 billion ($71 billion), according to the report published on Thursday. The Netherlands, which is largely below sea level, runs an inordinate risk of being affected by such events. Dutch insurers will have to deal with an increasing claims-burden as a result of climate-related damage, the central bank said in the report. This in turn may lead to shock-induced price rises in premiums. Furthermore, climate change is making it more difficult to estimate the likelihood of extreme weather.Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, chairman of the G20s Financial Stability Board, is spearheading an initiative to standardize financial-sector guidelines on how to disclose risks arising from climate change. Carney in late 2015 appointed former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to lead the task force on climate-related financial disclosures, which issued its final recommendations in June. (Bloomberg is the founder and majority owner of Bloomberg LP, the parent company of Bloomberg News.)Historical data used to assess Northern Europes future climate may become less effective as climate change accelerates, in turn rendering inaccurate current insurer pricing policies. In some extreme cases, insurance companies may be offering policies on things that, given the effects of climate change, should no longer be insured. [more] By Rebecca Leber 3 October 2017 (Mother Jones) The former Federal Emergency Management Agency chief has some advice for the Trump administration after back-to-back hurricanes in the past month: You have to look at climate change science if you want smarter disaster relief.Drawing on eight years of experience leading FEMA under President Barack Obama, Craig Fugate warned on Tuesday that flood-prone areas cant simply rebuild to the past using historical data on 100-year flood risk. Instead, he said at an event at the liberal Center for American Progress, the country needs to build to future risk.The situation is especially critical now that Congress will be appropriating billions in aid to Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Climate change is helping make these disasters bigger and nastier, but Fugate said they are only natural hazards that become natural disasters when were pricing risk too low. Were putting vulnerable populations and your tax dollars at risk. Fugate refused to discuss President Donald Trumps or FEMAs response in Puerto Rico in his remarks or in conversations with the press on Tuesday, but his discussion of the Obama administrations response to Superstorm Sandy in 2013 presented a stark contrast. He recounted how Obama gave him a specific charge after Sandy, saying that we need to start talking about climate adaptation to better cope with the new risks posed by rising global temperatures.EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt had the opposite response after the hurricanes, saying a discussion of a cause and effect isnt helping. When Trump was asked about climate change after Harvey, he said only, Weve had bigger storms.Just 10 days before Harveys record rainfall in Houston, Trump reversed Obamas 2015 executive order to hold federal infrastructure spending to higher elevation standards in floodplains. Building even a foot or two above the existing standards saves money, and potentially lives, in the long-term, Fugate said. Putting more money in the front end, we save the taxpayer in the long run, he said. He also criticized the federal flood insurance program for pricing risk so low that it encourages overdevelopment in vulnerable areas, shifting the losses from flooding to the federal taxpayer. [more] By Casey Suglia 23 September 2017 (Romper) The Earth is warming up and the weather is changing. Say what you will, but this year has shown that global warming and climate change cant be stopped if world leaders and citizens keep ignoring it. Its frustrating to know that people especially those with power to make actual change refuse to believe science when so many people are asking them to listen, and that includes kids. Although President Donald Trump wont listen to it, this girls letter to Trump telling him climate change is real could have the power to make him and other people want to listen.The letter, written by an 11-year-old Austrian girl, was reportedly handed to Trump during the United Nations General Assembly last week yes the same United Nations General Assembly where Trump taunted North Korea and called Kim Jung Un rocket man. Instead of speaking to the world in a way that, according to CNN, no American President has ever done, maybe Trump could have paid attention to the letter gifted to him by Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, according to NDTV.In a Facebook post, Van der Bellen shared the letter penned by the 11-year-old named Paula from Vienna that was directed towards Trump, informing him about climate change. In the letter, Paula wrote: My name is Paula, I am 11 years old, and I live in Austria. I am writing this letter to you because I have something important to say. I would be glad if you could take a moment of time. Mr. President, climate change is real. People can see it all over the world. When our climate changes, we are all affected. You and me. People in the United States, in Austria, in China, Norway, in big cities and on small islands. You and other world leaders please work together to find solutions to climate change. Now is the time to save our future. We only have one planet earth. Thank you for reading my letter, Mr. President. [more] By Steve Hanley 29 September 2017 (CleanTechnica) Phoenix, Arizona, is Americas fifth largest city. As you fly in to Sky Harbor airport, the city stretches from horizon to horizon beneath you. Its hot in Phoenix. Always has been. The people who live there laugh about it, calling it a dry heat because there is so little humidity in the air. Be that as it may, living in Phoenix without air conditioning is almost unthinkable.Its citizens transition from air conditioned homes to air conditioned cars to air conditioned offices, courts, shopping centers, and churches. For people who say they revel in dry heat, they make it a point to stay out of it as much as possible. Many of the locals rely on evaporative coolers instead of traditional air conditions. But the evaporative equipment depends on ultra low humidity below 10% on most days. Clouds in the sky are reasons to be concerned because they signal higher than normal humidity in the air.Phoenix requires two things not found naturally in the area electricity and water. Without both, the Phoenix of today would never have happened. Despite its abundant sunshine, Arizona has depended for decades on electricity generated by burning coal. Utilities companies in Arizona have been slow to transition to renewables, although lower prices are driving them to look in that direction.Heat is one factor that will make Phoenix less hospitable to human habitation in the foreseeable future. Its currently the fastest warming big city in the US, meteorologist and former Arizona native Eric Holthaus tells Vice. A study by Climate Central finds that Phoenix will likely be three to five degrees hotter in the summer months by 2050. The average number of 100 degree days will increase from 40 a year today to more than 132 a year. To put that in some perspective, New York City currently experiences two 100 degree days a year. Climate Central expects that number to increase to 15 a year by 2050.In 2015, 85 Phoenix Maricopa County residents died from causes associated with the heat. In 2016, 130 did so. Arizona State University climatologist David Hondula tells Vice that those deaths cannot be directly tied to climate change, but he warns that increasing temperatures will require Phoenix, which is located within the county, to step up its game when it comes to social service programs, homeless shelters, the opioid epidemic, and other intermediating factors. If were not paying attention to those at the same time were keeping an eye on the thermometers, we might really miss some drivers and some threat magnifiers.Heat is not the only factor making the Phoenix area less hospitable to humans. Hondula says that lack of water could be more of a problem than rising temperatures. As much as 20 percent of the river could dry up by 2050, he says. The majority of the drinking water for the area comes from the Colorado River the same source that much of southern California depends on. []Phoenix is a cautionary tale for why rational people should begin planning now for the effects of climate change. But will they? [more] 7 October 2017 (United Nations) Having seen first-hand the destruction wrought by the recent hurricanes in the Caribbean, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday called for the full mobilization of the international community to support the people of the affected areas, while stressing the need to accelerate climate action.I have just witnessed a level of devastation that I have never seen in my life, Mr. Guterres told a press conference following a visit to storm-battered Barbuda.I have been in areas torn by conflict. In my own country, I have seen earthquakes, Ive seen storms [] I have never seen such a high-level of devastation like the one that I witnessed in Barbuda, he stated.This must make us think seriously, added Mr. Guterres, who arrived today for a two-day visit to Antigua, Barbuda and Dominica to survey the damage and to assess what more the UN can do to help people recover from the back-to-back, category 5 hurricanes that struck the region recently.The Secretary-General cited a clear link between the level of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, including CO2, the temperature of the water and the intensity of the rainstorms and of the different hurricanes in the region and in other parts of the world.Hurricane Irma, which struck the region in early September, had winds of 300 km per hour for 37 hours the longest such period ever recorded.So the link between climate change and the devastation we are witnessing is clear, and there is a collective responsibility of the international community to stop this suicidal development, stated Mr. Guterres.And for that, it is essential that the Paris Agreement on climate change is fully endorsed and respected but also to recognize that the commitments made in Paris are not enough, he said.Mr. Guterres also stressed the need to mobilize resources, including through innovative financial mechanisms, so that people can rebuild their lives, noting that middle-income countries such as Antigua and Barbuda cannot do it alone.This is an obligation of the international community, because they are suffering the effects of climate change but they have not contributed to it.In Barbuda, the Secretary-General walked through Codrington town and met with some of the returnees. The islands 1,600 residents were evacuated to Antigua before Hurricane Irma struck last month. In Antigua, many of the displaced are staying in shelters, while others with family and friends. Some residents have been traveling back to Barbuda to check on their homes and lands.Since the disasters struck, the UN and partners have delivered relief by both air and the sea, reaching thousands across the region with food, water purification tablets, water storage tanks, tents, school kits, mosquito nets and cash assistance. They also launched a $113.9 million appeal to cover humanitarian needs for the immediate period ahead. The UN family is also supporting those staying in the shelters. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Big deal: Biyani's Future buys Shoppers Stop arm HyperCity In one of the biggest deals in the Indian brick-and-mortar retail space, Kishore Biyani's Future Retail will acquire Shoppers Stop's arm HyperCity Retail India Ltd for Rs655 crore. It is expected that Future will dovetail HyperCity into its retail chain Big Bazaar. Under the deal announced on Thursday, the transaction value of Rs655 crore will be paid by Future Retail through allotment of shares worth Rs500 crore to HyperCity's existing shareholders, in addition to Rs155 crore in cash. For Future Retail, it means adding 19 stores, largely in prime locations in the top five metro cities of India, and 1.4 million sq. ft of retail space. For Shoppers Stop, it lets go of a difficult business that was yet to turn a profit and had nearly Rs400 crore of debt. While the deal value looks muted, Shoppers Stop gets rid of a pain point and can focus on maximising gains from its relationship with Amazon, Moneycontrol points out. For Future Retail, 1.3 million square feet addition (close to 30 per cent of Future Retail's existing area) helps it to augment capacity in one stroke and position its offerings in a premium format, thereby paving the way for a speedier turnaround of beleaguered HyperCity. ''We will continue with what Hypercity has built Hypercity has built a formidable business in terms of top line. We think we can add something to it. They have a customer base which is quite interesting and which we believe will be addition to our customer base. There are some geography and very good locations,'' Biyani told Times Now in an interview. In its intimation to BSE, Future Retail said the equity component of the deal includes issue and allotment of 9,310,987 shares (1.9 per cent of Future Retail's share capital) at a price of Rs535 per share, amounting to Rs498 crore. HyperCity's debt, amounting to Rs265 crore, would be transferred to Future Retail. After making adjustments for cash and cash equivalents, the enterprise value of HyperCity is roughly Rs916 crore, implying an EV/Sales multiple of 0.79. While the deal value is at a discount to the valuation of Future Retail (1.57x EV/Sales) and Shoppers Stop (0.98x EV/Sales), both companies stand to benefit by virtue of this development. With HyperCity now off its books, Shoppers Stop's efforts will be solely directed at its forte of retailing home accessories and apparel. Furthermore, the recent tie-up with Amazon will enable Shoppers Stop to enhance its online brand visibility, among the other benefits, as stated in one of our previous reports. The retail major's consolidated financials, negatively impacted by HyperCity's performance over the years, could witness some relief on back of better EBITDA and bottom-line margins (debt repayment to be effected through proceeds received from sale of HyperCity and investments from Amazon). While Amazon succeeded in joining hands with Shoppers Stop to build its brick and mortar store presence across India, they are likely to leverage this relationship in product categories that are closely identified with Shoppers Stop. Amazon has been scouting for a partner for foraying into food and grocery retailing, and it may be interesting to see who fits their bill. HyperCity's impetus is clearly greater on metros catering to the upwardly mobile population, whereas Big Bazaar, the flagship brand of Future Retail, is oriented towards the mass affluent category. The product categories and pricing of these two formats are different. The cash outgo for the deal is only Rs155 crore and Future Retail can fund this easily from its internal sources without resorting to additional debt, according to Moneycontrol. Future Retail's plan is to rename a few HyperCity stores to Big Bazaar Gen Nxt in the immediate future owing to a good brand following. Secondly, the company aims to actively commence Fashion Big Bazaar sales from the remaining HyperCity stores to cash in on the growth prospects in the value fashion segment. Indian Railways is embarking on a massive programme to ensure safety of the entire network, and there is no budget constraint when it comes to passenger safety, railway minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday. Speaking at the International Conference on Technological Advancements in Railway and Metro Projects, Goyal also called for innovation in making the railways safer. ''Personally, I believe a budget is a limitation, it holds you back. Allocation of a budget doesn't allow scientists to flourish as he wants to. Budgets restrict innovation,'' said Goyal as he called for out-of-the-box thinking to improve rail safety features like as signaling systems and fog vision for locomotive pilots. Goyal said the Railway Board chairman Ashwani Lohani and his team were working on some futuristic ideas even as he urged researchers to come up with new ideas and innovations to make the passenger experience ''delightful and satisfactory.'' ''Time has come to go in for new technology. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) can work in combination to see what can be done in a smarter and faster way and we need to fast track the measures to make passenger travel comfortable,'' Goyal said. The Minister was speaking at the International Conference on Technological Advancements in Railway & Metro Technologies inaugurated by Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu here. Stressing on the importance of R&D, the minister said one has to think of new ideas and go beyond the ordinary to find solutions, but added there will not be any budget constraints for those who are willing. Citing the example of Japan that has developed so fast, the minister said the growth was due to nee-based research, innovations and new ideas. However, he said, there should be an eco-system that encourages researchers and scientists to think out of the box. The minister said the Railways has a duty to plan and carry forward the commitment the government has made to the people of the country to make ''Indian Rail safe, secure, punctual and improve the amenities and facilities for passengers''. Chairman Railway Board Ashwani Lohani in his address said there was a need to bring in new technology in several areas in the railways that would improve the national transport. Lohani said, the outcome from the deliberations would give new ideas and innovations that would be implacable. Niti Aayog member V K Saraswat said this conference holds importance as railways world over was galloping and Indian Railways was also moving with a moto of ''speed, scale and safety''. He also called for a big push in R&D in the Railways and rigorous implementation of the R&D programes. The International Conference on Technological Advancements in Railway and Metro Projects (IC-TRAM 2017) has been organised by the Defence Infrastructure Planning & Management Council (India) and IMR Media. The conference will bring up new technological ideas and innovations at a time the Railways has embarked on building Dedicated Freight Corridors, extending rail network to difficult and inaccessible terrains of the North-East, using alternative fuels to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and so on. The Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) has been named runner-up in The Sunday Times Institute of Technology of the Year Award for 2018, in the annual Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018. Athlone Institute of Technology was named Institute of Technology of the Year and NUI Galway was named The Sunday Times University of the Year 2018. Paul Hannigan, LYIT president said, It is timely that the Institute ranked so highly in the Sunday Times guide as we emerge from the difficult years of the recession and look forward confidently to the future. "The staff at LYIT have worked hard over the years to ensure the success of the Institute regardless of the external environment," Mr. Hannigan said. "Students continue to choose LYIT as their preferred location and this year, 2017/18, sees record numbers of first years enrolled at the Institute. We are delighted to see our student engagement activities have been highlighted by the Sunday Times this year, as we believe this is what differentiates us from others," he said, adding this was the third time that LYIT has featured so highly in the rankings. The Sunday Times guide is one of the most comprehensive, independent guides to Irish undergraduate courses, and assesses each third-level institution in Ireland under a number of criteria, including new developments, facilities and links with industry and research. LYIT's cross-border relationships with North West Regional College and Ulster University boost regional access to higher education, innovation and job creation. LYIT has also significantly increased the number of students enrolled from Northern Ireland over the past three years. LYIT also offers an MA in Learning and Teaching, reflecting the priority that LYIT places on this. Just over half of its academic staff has a pedagogical qualification, up from 30 per cent three years ago. The broader education community in the region has also benefitted from this programme. The Letterkenny institute has also enjoyed considerable success in the Irish Survey of Student Engagement (ISSE). The student response rate for the ISSE stands at 34 per cent in 2016-17, against a national rate of just 27 per cent. A total of 86 per cent of students would choose Letterkenny again if they were starting their studies afresh, compared to 82 per cent nationally, and 88 per cent evaluated their student experience as excellent or good, compared to 83 per cent nationally. A student participation scheme for class representatives, first tried out in 2016, has resulted in a 66 per cent increase in active contributions at class representative council meetings. Looking ahead, Mr. Hannigan said, The Institute is now entering a new strategic planning phase, and this will chart the future of the Institute over the next five years. LYIT is ambitious for its future and looks forward confidently to achieving its objectives with the support of all staff, students and stakeholders. The streets of Ballyshannon exploded with colour and light last night, Saturday, for the annual Ballyshannon Carnival Parade. This years theme, Away With The Fairies!, paid tribute to Ballyshannons most famous literary son, William Allingham (1824-1889), with a carnivalesque interpretation of his most famous and best loved poem, The Fairies. Earlier in the evening, the Donegal town Community Band made a special trip to the Abbey Arts Centre, Ballyshannon, where they played for the Cuban Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Mr. Hermes Herrera Hernandez, and his wife, Mrs Ana Rosa Rojas. The ambassador was at the Abbey Arts Centre to launch "Celebrating Cuba From the Blue Stacks to the Carribbean", an exhibition of the work of Donegal photographer Emer O'Shea, who visited Cuba in 2016. Later, the community band led off Carnival 2017 in the town, which delivered a dazzling show to the crowds that attended. For Carnival Night, the streets of Ballyshannon were brought to life by Dark Daughter Productions, LUXe landscape theatre company, Workhouse Studios, Ballyshannons Unstoppable Street Band and Stagecraft, against a special carnival soundscape created by local electronic music wizard, Slowplacelikehome. They were joined by up to 200 performers, including students and performers from many local adult community groups. Here are some of the scenes from last night's festivities: The Dark Fairies at the Ballyshannon Street Carnival on Saturday night. Photo: Thomas Gallagher Little Fairies at the Ballyshannon Street Carnival on Saturday night. Photo: Thomas Gallagher Street entertainers at the Ballyshannon Street Carnival on Saturday night. Photo Thomas Gallagher We are a nation of laws which create order and in America are voluntarily followed, with the penalties being enacted after being convicted of breaking that law. The day we allow warrant-less tracking of citizens legal transactions is the day we cease to be a free America. Having a dog auction was the right of the city since they owned the dogs by lawful court order. That being said, this auction selling dogs for a profit (You can only invest a profit on capital expenditures such as a new shelter) should officially end any snide comments that some people make about breeders making money from selling dogs. This whole thing raises many questions. The most asked question has been what happened to all of the puppies. It looked like there were only eight puppies younger than eight months in the auction listings. If this was a large scale "puppy mill" -- a derogatory slur used freely against any breeder that doesn't meet your ideals -- with more than 60 dogs that were constantly breeding (as claimed in news conference after news conference) producing three to 12 puppies in a litter from each female, there should have been a lot more puppies. Do the math. It's no wonder people just cant figure out how only eight puppies and four juveniles constitutes a large scale puppy mill when the numbers look more like an animal hoarding case where people got in over their head. Why did DPD try them in the court of public opinion with salacious selected crime scene photos/videos when all Americans are innocent until proven guilty? Or are we reverting to mob rule like the Old West -- string em up first and get the facts later? Yes, they have been proven guilty of animal cruelty, not because of a public outcry but because our existing laws work. Why was this animal abuse case "discovered" earlier this year after two years of barking dogs that were allowed to suffer in a nice subdivision? Animal abuse is animal abuse and needs to be promptly dealt with. However we still live in a free country, as long as we keep it that way, with the right to adopt or shop for the animal that's best for your family. The facts are 5 percent or fewer of the animals in shelters are purebred. The rest are oops dogs from irresponsible owners. We breed German Shepherds to enhance the lives of our owners. We have donated to the Wiregrass Humane Society and believe breeders and shelters both play a vital role in our society. No animal deserves to be abused by their owner, a shelter/rescue, or a breeder anymore than passion for a cause gives one the right to act illegally/unethically, take away the rights of another, or promote vigilante justice. Norman Horton Newville Since 1997, DR1 has been covering the Dominican Republic in English. A site overhaul had long been due. Here is the beta version of the first phase of the new DR1. We have upgraded the website with user-friendly software to serve our community better. We have kept the up-to-date content. Now it is your turn to give the new DR1 a test run! We are tough-skinned. Go ahead and tell us what we are doing right, wrong, and what we need to change asap or work on next. Tell us what you would like to see less or more of, and what we shouldnt change! Imagine we have bought a new house for DR1. The house comes with: New server that ensures DR1 can handle peaks in traffic New DR1 Forums Improved Search New DR1 Calendar DR1 News and DR1 Calendar are integrated into the DR1 Forums New DR1 Wiki for frequently asked topics New Trending Topics emails We now need to furnish the house. It is YOUR DR1! We invite you to collaborate in adding valuable content. What content or services should we add? Check out the new resources, but get creative, too. You can contribute and play a key role in helping people connect, enjoy and be productive in the Dominican Republic. Dolores Vicioso, founder Write to support@dr1.com Last week I wrote about a 2-day strike by nurses working for Duke LifePoints UP Health System hospital in Marquette, Michigan, a protest against profound under-staffing that is leading to dangerous conditions for patients and the nursing staff who care for them. Theyve also been working without a contract with their new for-profit employer since July. Yesterday, nurses ended their strike and showed up to work only to find the doors locked: At 6:59 AM, striking Marquette RNs returned to work. They were met by Duke LifePoint with locked doors #UPnurses https://t.co/eqUURbQ55X pic.twitter.com/LGU0f8sgzb MI Nurses Assoc. (@minurses) October 7, 2017 Throughout the strike, the UPHS nurses received widespread support from the local community, labor unions from around the state, and from numerous Democratic legislators. Heres a video shot by state Rep. Jon Hoadley with what appears to be the entire Democratic caucus showing their solidarity: @jonhoadley behind the camera, getting the caucus fired up in support of Michigan nurses https://t.co/aqtpObqAVV pic.twitter.com/9twjaBPZHY MI House Democrats (@MIHouseDems) October 5, 2017 Duke LifePoint claims that the contract they signed to hire scab nurses during the strike requires them to be hired for five days and that the nurses will be able to return to their jobs on Tuesday: A lock-out is a situation that occurs when an employer takes preemptive action to prevent employees from working. This is not happening at UPHS Marquette. As previously shared, we retained a nationally respected staffing agency to secure highly qualified replacement nurses during the MNAs declared two-day work stoppage. A minimum commitment of five days is required to secure this level of nursing coverage, which therefore means we expect to be fully staffed with replacement nurses Saturday, Sunday and Monday Oct. 7, 8, and 9. After these dates, our regular nursing staff will be back at work as usual. The truth is a lock-out is a lock-out. Duke LifePoint has refused to bargain with nurses in good faith, forcing them to take action to compel them to come to the bargaining table. Also, Duke LivePoints signing of a five-day contract when they knew the nurses were only striking for two days is nothing short of a petulant act of revenge or punishment. As I said in my first post, its time the UPHS nurses were treated with respect and dignity, not as expenses to be minimized in order to maximize corporate profits. And would be nice if Duke University that lends its name to this organization would show some damn leadership and direct them to start treating the men and women who save lives and heal sick and injured patients with the respect they deserve. [CC image credit: ~kawaii-bubble-wrap | deviantART] Latest News IGNOU admission 2022 July session registration ends today, find details here Candidates who register for the first time need to create an account and then go ahead with the registration Delhi University to release NCWEB 2022 Special cut-off today Selected candidates need to apply for admission against the DU NCWEB special cut-off from November 16-17 NTA extends last date for IIFT MBA programme application form submission The correction window will open from November 26 to 30, 2022 San Juan, Puerto Rico Can Puerto Ricos schools get back on their feet in just over a month after the island was devastated by Hurricane Maria? The U.S. territorys top school official is making a push to do just that. Theres been little sleep for Puerto Ricos Secretary of Education Julia Keleher as she and her staff work the phones and back channels from a busy command center here to get as many schools open as possible within the next two weeks. Doing so could bring much-needed solace and stability to the commonwealths 350,000 students and their families in the aftermath of one of the worst storms to hit the commonwealth in recent memory. That could mean very different things for communities depending on where they are. On Monday, Keleher said the goal was to have 165 schools open by Tuesday. That includes the initial 22 schools that opened their doors to students last week for basic academic activities, emotional support, and to give them and their families basic necessities after the hurricane. Thats still a far cry from getting the nearly 1,200 public schools in Puerto Rico back online. And it will be a challenging task for all viable schools to reopen by Oct. 23, the date Keleher has set for school leaders and in public statements. A schools leaders cant just decide to open if they want to: First, the school needs to be structurally sound, relatively free of debris, and have water for sanitation purposes. Many schools could be torn down as a result of the devastation from the storm. And its unwise to think that schools will reopen at a smooth, geometric pace. Some, like those in mountain towns like Utuado , will probably take many more weeks or months before they can open back up for something resembling normal activities. But Keleher said that after looking at additional data on schools over the weekend, she thinks there are 227 more schools that can open once workers clear away debris. Another 577 could reopen once they get cisterns for holding water, she added. Keleher is also juggling interagency work. For example, on Monday, she met with a coordinating committee trying to use various community hubs, including schools, as Stop and Go centers where residents can get everything from a clean meal to a washing machine and WiFi service. Its an initiative begun by Puerto Ricos first lady, Beatriz Areizaga. Keleher is getting help from the Council of the Great City Schools and is also lining up aid from school officials in the Miami-Dade school district and from the University of North Carolina to provide support for educators. We understand that if our teachers arent well, theyre not going to be able to take care of our students, said Keleher, whos been Puerto Ricos schools chief since January and took over a system with a massive debt and that had to close a large number of schools recently. As for the U.S. Department of Education, Keleher said she appreciates the funding flexibility that Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has provided. What else do Keleher and her department need to help schools recover? Congress could also waive requirements around adult and special education. And Keleher said she looks at the funding package given to schools in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina and says something similar would be appropriate for her schools. Those restart funds were huge [after Katrina], Keleher said in an interview here with Education Week. If were strategic about it, its only going to advance our reforms quicker. Reality on the Ground Strategy cant change the realities. At a minimum, about 35 instructional days will be lost if schools begin something like regular academic work later this month. For many, that lost time could extend for months. And the delay, however long, will have a tremendous domino effect. To name just one example, college entrance exams for many students were slated to start the week of Oct. 9. Right now, activities at schools that are open consist of providing students the opportunity to talk about their experiences during the hurricane and giving them both an emotional outlet and a positive support system. In addition, other schools are providing supplies to students and their families. Students at one middle school, for example, were cutting out paper images of hands and writing what they would do to help others affected by the hurricane. Some of Kelehers most difficult moments have come when shes watched poor families in remote areas move into shuttered school buildings with all of their possessions, seeking shelter. Its the most vulnerable of the vulnerable, Keleher said. Thats kind of heartbreaking, but its inspiring. It makes one very committed. In order to operate, Keleher told us, schools have to have running water and be structurally sound: Nothing on school grounds can look like its about to crash down on top of people. Power isnt a necessityif a school has a generator, thats more than enough. But that means plenty of schools with no air conditioning when the temperature is still reaching into the sticky high 80s and low 90s. Supporting Students These are the sorts of conditions, along with an uncertain future, that are driving teachers, among others, to leave the island and seek a better future for them and their children. How does Keleher deal with that dynamic? Shes more committed than when she began in January, but shes also flexible. My main objective is that every child in Puerto Rico gets a quality education. If my system provides that, great. If another system in a state is going to provide that, thats great too, she said. What Im committed to is to work collaboratively with the leaders of those systems so that our students get a little briefcase, and they can go. So that we help them. Thats what were here for. The adults can figure out whats important to adults later. ... I need to make sure if that kid goes, that kid has everything he or she needs to adapt. The Puerto Rican education department itself isnt back at home yet: Keleher and her top staffers have relocated from their normal headquarters to the islands convention center, cheek by jowl with military personnel, aid workers, and other Puerto Rican government officials. On Saturday, Keleher was working with her chief of staff, Carmen Denton, and Ruben Huertas, her top legal adviser, to get data to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about the state of individual schools. The engineer corps, in turn, would then make decisions about which schools would get priority. So far, her department had gathered information about roughly 85 percent of the territorys public schools. The week following the storm, she only had information about a third of the schools. In Humacao and in Caguas, some of the hardest-hit areas, theres still missing data on the schools. Keleher is also negotiating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to use schools as warehouses for food to distribute to communities, beyond the meals and other necessities already being provided to surrounding neighborhoods. And she was wrangling with federal authorities about reimbursement for funds. That sort of bureaucratic jujitsu is possible even in this situation, Keleher said, but only if the demands of paperwork are met and rules are followed. The "Just a Dream " rapper finally spoke up on the " rape allegation" made against him. According to authorities, a woman had claimed to have been raped by him on Saturday night, October 7, in his tour bus which was parked at a Walmart in Washington, where he's been performing. He said he's completely innocent and a victim of targeting and he will not perform on Saturday night, reported TMZ. The rapper said he was extremely shocked at the "false allegation" and that he would be cleared of charges once the facts are out. He claimed that he's been targeted by the accuser and he had apologized to his dear ones for the humiliation and for getting framed into a situation like this. He also guaranteed that he will take legal action against the "defaming claim" and assured that he has not been charged with a crime yet. Earlier Nelly's lawyer had said that Nelly was the victim of a completely fabricated allegation. "Our initial investigation clearly establishes the allegation is devoid of credibility and is motivated by greed and vindictiveness. I am confident, once the scurrilous accusation is thoroughly investigated, there will be no charges. Nelly is prepared to pursue all legal avenues to redress any damage caused by this clearly false allegation." Nelly is on a tour with Florida Georgia Line and was supposed to perform Saturday Night with Ridgefield, Washington. However, he had canceled the performance on Saturday due to the incident. The 42-year-old rapper was arrested on Saturday morning and released in the evening. Nelly tweeted, "In other words y'all know damm well I ain't do no dumm S^*t like this..!! Love ..!!!!". Emma Stone landed in a potential deal with the popular French fashion house Louis Vuitton as their ambassador on Saturday. The Oscar-winning actress will be the face of Louis Vuitton for the next two years, which is seen as a major deal with the company. According to Harperbazaar, Stone's contract is estimated to be worth $6 to $10 million dollars, which is remarkable for a 28-year-old actress. The lucrative deal was officially announced when Nicolas Ghesquiere, Vuitton's creative director took to his official social media page with the photograph of him and Stone with a message. "I am truly happy #emmastone is joining #louisvuitton today as a new ambassador," he wrote. I am truly happy #emmastone is joining #louisvuitton today as a new ambassador A post shared by (@nicolasghesquiere) on Oct 7, 2017 at 9:14am PDT I am truly happy #emmastone is joining #louisvuitton today as a new ambassador a London, https://t.co/qe7rkKkeUl Nicolas Ghesquiere (@TWNGhesquiere) October 7, 2017 He also expressed his excitement over the news and posted another image of them together. Nicolas speaking about his admiration for Stone revealed about the Vuitton's outfit she was wearing for a red carpet event. "#LouisVuitton is delighted to announce Emma Stone as the latest ambassador for the Maison. A muse and friend of Louis Vuitton Women's Artistic Director @NicolasGhesquiere, Emma prepares to walk the red carpet for her latest movie #BattleoftheSexes in a #LVSS18 gown," he said ahead of the show. Written by ACM *Strasbourg/CoE/Angelo Marcopolo/- Russian MEPs' eventual Return at the CoE on Monday, starting with full Rights, is not only Possible, but might even have Saved, perhaps, outgoing PACE President Agramunt from Resigning, after a controversial Threat to be Dismissed by Critics Next Week, as it apparently results from the Replies that Experienced CoE Assembly's Secretary General, Wojciech Sawicki, gave to an "Eurofora" Question (See Infra): Indeed, Russian MEPs Nowadays Can, in real practice, freely Participate to CoE Assembly's Meetings, and Vote, without any precondition, for at least "2 or 3 Days", regardless of any eventual sanctions that some might, perhaps, attempt to impose again to them, Later-on, with uncertain results this time, he practically said. Because some Old Sanctions, (f.ex. No Represantation in Top Organs of the Assembly, + No Right to Vote, etc), which had been imposed in the Past Years of 2014 and 2015, (on pretext of the Ukranian Conflict) do Not Exist Legally anymore, for the Years 2016 and 2017, etc., when it's Russia itself who prefered Not to Send here its MEPS, unless it's Guaranteed that they woN't be Threatened, no more, to face such Restrictions, he observed, in substance. To a subsquent Question raised by a Collegue from "Reuters", about those Previous PACE Resolutions, which had asked Sanctions as long as Russia did Not Change its stance on some key issues around Eastern Ukraine and Crimea peninsula, Sawicki simply replied that these are, obviously, "Political" matters, which "May Change", in one way or another, and, at any case, they doN't Exist, nowadays, as a Legal reality, no more. He didn't need to go now as far as to remind, also the Fact, that, Meanwhile, it's also the Aftermath of the Minsk Peace Agreements (after 3/2015), as well as the Recent Need for PanEuropean and International Unity against a growing Series of Deadly Islamist Terrorism Attacks throughout Europe, USA, and elsewhere in the World, the Need to Find a Peaceful Solution in Syria, (added also, even to an obvious Economic/Technological Waste by those Divisions of the Past, etc), which may motivate Political Leaders to take some New Decisions. Concerning "Eurofora"s Question (Comp. Supra), Sawicki explained that, even if some might, perhaps, attempt to Challenge again the Credentials of Russian MEPs, then, PACE has to Follow a Legal Procedure, (f.ex.: initial Vote in Plenary, Referal to a Committee, Nomination of a Rapporteur, Hearings, Drafting a Report, initial Vote in Committee, Debate in Plenary, Final Vote, implementation by the Executive Organs, etc), which would durate 2 or 3 Days, may be more. And, Meanwhile, all the Russian MEPs, at any case, could Benefit from, and fully Use, all their Participation, Speech and Voting Rights, at least on a "provisory" basis, Until Final Decisions by the PACE. On this Basis, one may logically Speculate that, IF something similar had happened until now, then, given also the Big Number of Russian MEPs, as well as the Fact that it does Not seem obvious at all, whether those who seek to Dismiss PACE's President Agramunt might, eventually, find, or not, a Sufficient Number of Critical MEPs to Vote for Impeachment. A fortiori, when they Need a Reinforced Majority of 2/3, as well as a "Quorum" of Participants, etc... Therefore, embattled Agramunt might have decided Not to Resign, (as he felt obliged to do, and really did Later-on, Today), but to seize such a Chance for, eventually, defeating that controversial threat to be dismissed by critics. It's true that PACE's Rules, normally require for the concerned National Parliament to send to the CoE the List of its MPs, asking for their Accreditation, at least "1 Week" Earlier, according to the Rules. But this goes Only "IF Possible", i.e. it's Not an absolute Obligation. Moreover, that UnPrecedented, initial Harassment that Faced Agramunt as PACE's President, former Chairman of the ChristianDemocrat/EPP Group, since the Spring 2017, after Visiting Syria, (Together with the Chairman of the Liberal Group, the Head of PACE's Legal/Human Rights Committee;, and Other Top MEPs from various Countries), to Meet there the Syrian President Assad, transported by a Russian AirPlane thanks to his Russian Collegues, MEPs from the Duma and Long-Time former PACE Members, (even if he Later presented his Excuses, for not having previously Warned the Assembly), seemed Less and Less Controversial, as things Evolved Recently : F.ex., New French President Macron, has notoriously declared, last June in Brussels, that an eventual Peace Deal with Assad, could be an Option, since "Nobody said yet Who might be his Successor", as he put it, (obviouly pointing at the Fact that he had Started to Win that War against Islamist Terrorist armed gangs)... And the recent Death of Historic German former Long-Time Chancellor Helmut Kohl, spectacularly Honored by Many European and International Leaders, etc, last July 2017 at EU Parliament in Strasbourg, (See "Eurofora"s NewsReport from the spot, at:...), Reminded the Fact that he had, notoriously Criticized some controversial attempts to Isolate Russia, (f.ex. its Exclusion from the "G8" Summits, modified into "G7" Summits, etc), as Contrary to Europe's best interests, already Since the Publication on 2015 of his Book "Out of Concern for Europe", (presented together with EU Commission's President, Jean-Claude Juncker). The Warm Welcome, by Chancellor Angie Merkel, just a few Days later-on at the G20 Summit in Hamburg, of the 1st and exceptionaly Long, Meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin, and New USA President Don Trump, (See "Eurofora"s NewsReport from the "G20", at: ...), also Helped Open a New Horizon. As for that too Long recent Series of Deadly Islamist Terrorist Attacks, cowardly Targetting innocent Civilian People, throughout all Europe, Canada, USA, and Other areas in the World, naturally Stimulated the Consciousness of the Need for a Rapprochment to Russia in a Joint Fight to put an End to ISIS a.o. Even the latest German Elections, at the End of September 2017, by Boosting mainly 2 Parties notoriously Opposed to Cold War-Mongering against Russia and/or attacks against Assad's elected Government in Syria, (the Rightists of "AfD" and the Centrist "Liberals"), obviously Added in that same Direction, (as also the Forthcoming Austrian Elections may do). For all those reasons (and more, without Time to develop now), it's Not Only PACE's Legal/Human Rights Committee's Criticism against a too Hasty Adoption of an Unpecedented ("a posteriori") Mechanism for Destitution of PACE's Presidents, last June, which makes really feel, that, all that Big Fuss and Harsh Harassment against Spain's Agramunt, looked, more and more, Excessive and, particularly, ... Out-Dated ! + A Fortiori Today, in the Middle of October 2017, when arrived the Last PACE Plenary Session of Agramut's normal Presidential mission, (who was due, at any case, to pass the hand to a Successor at the Next PACE Plenary Session, on January 2017: => What was the use for all that Fuss, until Now, so Late ? What might be the Real Reason for Insisting to Attack so Hard, even withOut cystal-clear, nor Sufficient Justifications, and with Questionable and contested Methods, a veteran European Politician who had argued that he was Trying to Help for concord with Russia and Peace in Syria, (and was scheduled to leave soon, anyway) ? Even his eventual Successor (as Initially Scheduled : from January 2018), Chairman of the Socialist Group, Italian MEP Michele Nicoletti, both when he spoke earlier to "Eurofora", already since June, (See: ...), and Now, through an Important Report that he will present Next Week at the October 2017 PACE Session, clearly Indicates that Time might have probably come, to Find a way to boost CoE's Unity and Peace by eventually bringing Russian MEPs back in CoE's PanEuropean Parliamentary Assembly, particularly if they agree so together with CoE's Highest Political body : its Committee of Ministers, (where Moscow still remains fully and actively represented, since 1996). It's true that, Meanwhile, Russian Authorities had felt obliged, de facto, to ask for a consequent Change of CoE Assembly's Rules of Procedure, able to Guarantee that accredited MEPs from CoE's Member States won't be Threatened anew by so Harsh Threats for too Heavy "Sanctions", such as, f.ex., Exclusion from PACE's Top Governing Bodies, "Freezing" of their Voting Rights, etc. Pending that, they also recently, withheld, for the 1st Time in History, the 2/3 of the Funds that Moscow regularly Paid to the CoE since 1996, as one of its Biggest Payers. But, according to various converging sources, it seems that one or another Practical Deal, mutually acceptable for a workable Solution, might be Not Excluded a priori Nowadays. Particulary in view of an eventually Forthcoming New CoE's PanEuropean Summit of Heads of State/Government, (the Only one Since its 2005 Summit in Warsaw, under Polish Chairmanship of the CoE : Comp. "Eurofora" co-Founder's NewsReports, published then at "TCWeekly", from Warsaw), possibly on 2009, i.e. prepared under France's Chairmanship, (as back on 1997's CoE Summit in Strasbourg : Comp. our NewsReports from that event, ibid). Why, then, some Exceptionally Wasted so much Energy and Time, in Destabilizing the Out-going PACE President, Spanish MEP Pedro Agramunt, former Chairman of the ChristianDemocrat/EPP Group, (that some might Attempt to Weaken) ? Placed by Facts in front of such an Unprecedented and uselessly Harsh (also for the Human Persons involved) Mystery, all that makes Wonder : - Was it, perhaps, (at least Partly), because, by another Surprizing "Coincidence", all that Fuss obviously Risking to Destabilize, these days, Agramunt's ChristianDemocrat/EPP Political Group (the Biggest in PACE), curiously Culminated Exactly around the Same PACE Plenary Session, Next Week in Strasbourg, during which is also due to be Debated and Voted even a Controversial Report and Resolution on the Most "Hot" Bio-Ethical Issue in Our Times' Society ? >>> I.e. that of "Genetic" Manipulations on Human Beings, which notoriously raises Serious Concerns for all Humanity... Indeed, PACE scheduled that for Thursday Afternoon, (i.e. just after an Exceptionally Important Meeting between MEPs' Leaders, and COE's Highest Political body: its Committee of Ministers, due to Deal also with relations of the PanEuropean Organisation with Russia, in the foreseable Future). It's well known, indeed, that ChristianDemocrat/EPP MEPs used to be, traditionally, among the Stronger Defenders of BioEthical Values, (Together with seveal "Conservatives", but elso Original, Historic "Greens", not so much recently, and Various Other Exceptional Individual Personalities). As for Many Other MEPs among the Socialists, Liberals, Leftists, etc, (recently appearing often less regarding on such BioEthical matters, rightfully or wrongly), do they really Ignore Today, that certain World-Famous, Historic Writers, such as, f.ex., Aldus Huxley and G.H.Wells, etc, who have notoriously launched some among the Strongest Warnings on BioEthical Issues, in fact, initially, used to be among their Best Forgotten Friends (in Humanity) ? (../..) ------------------------------------------- It is only fairly recently that the shippers and movers have been requesting a certificate for change of residency and not all of the French consulates are fully up to date on this development. You may have to contact the consulate directly - or ask when you are in contact with the consulate to obtain your long stay visa for France. Cheers, Bev When John Wayne filmed his classic Alamo in 1960 at Brackettville with a cast of nearly 1,000, many from San Antonio made the 128-mile trip to be an extra in the epic. When it came time for the movie premiere in San Antonio, it was promoted like any major Hollywood movie. Many people at that time thought it would automatically be premiered in downtown San Antonio, at the then-finest Majestic Theater. It seats over 2,300 and would have been the obvious choice. Houston Street could have handled the searchlights that lit up the skies and the crowds and hoopla that go with premieres. Instead the movie was premiered at a smaller, neighborhood theater, the Woodlawn, which seats about 1,250. There must be a story behind this obvious mishandle, and I hope you can shed some light. Larry Gee The Woodlawn Theater, at 1920 Fredericksburg Road, isnt exactly across the alley from the Alamo but had other qualities that made it the right place for the premiere. Small but special, it was an Art Deco movie palace designed by John Eberson, architect of the Majestic as well as many other atmospheric theaters. The Woodlawn was hailed as the newest and most lavish of neighborhood theaters when it opened Aug. 17, 1945. Operated by the Interstate Theater Circuit, as was the Majestic, the Woodlawn boasted 1,400 seats and free parking a full block of paved, floodlighted parking lot in which attendants will be on duty at all times, says the San Antonio Express, Aug. 13, 1945. The deluxe suburban theater (had) the finest furnishings available as well as the most expert construction, and its dedication, hosted by Interstate executives and San Antonio Mayor Gus Mauermann, was broadcast over local radio. At the same time, Waynes $12-million Alamo one of the most expensive films ever made at that time had some special requirements. More than three hours long, it couldnt be combined with another title into a double bill and would require premium pricing, since it couldnt be shown at the frequency of a standard, 90-minute picture. Theaters that booked The Alamo had to commit to showing a single film for the duration of the run. Most important was the process in which the film was shot Todd-AO, a phrase used in advertising and advance publicity as if it were part of the movies title, The Alamo in Todd-AO. Printed on 70mm film stock, the process allowed for improved sound quality, probably was important to Wayne because of the soundtrack, which featured realistic battle sounds as well as Alamo Suite, an original composition by Dmitri Tiomkin. Shot through wide-angle lenses, Todd-AO films also were intended to be shown on curved screens. Typically, they were booked as road shows that opened in exclusive arrangements with single theaters in large cities for limited showings over unusually long bookings. Tiomkins musical score was performed Oct. 22, 1960, by the San Antonio Symphony, conducted by the composer in Municipal Auditorium, one of the many events of the four-day premiere festivities breakfasts, brunches, luncheons, dinners, receptions, dances, concerts and a trail ride, all leading up to the showing of the movie. The Alamo Premiere Committee of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce announced that most of the $45,000 cost of the promotional events would be paid for from sales of 600 gold-plated premiere movie tickets at $50 each. That premiere audience was exclusive, with additional complimentary tickets given to movie stars and United Artists executives, politicians, national media, local society folk and the cream of Texas wealth. When they arrived at the premiere, the Woodlawn was a glittering spectacle (as) searchlights splashed the redecorated marquee, says the San Antonio Light, Oct. 25, 1960. Inside, the theater sported a new gold look which cost thousands, including a new screen equipped to handle the Todd-AO film process. When asked why the Woodlawn was chosen, actor/producer Wayne said it was the only theater that agreed to renovate itself with the necessary equipment to show the film, as John Farkis reports in Not Thinkin' ... Just Rememberin': The Making of John Wayne's The Alamo. Although the Broadway Theater also had Todd-AO and 70-mm equipment, that upscale neighborhood theater already was showing the widescreen epic Ben-Hur. Another technical detail had to do with projection: The Todd-AO angle had to be 9 degrees, and the Woodlawn booth was already throwing its film from a seven-degree angle. So the theater made further modifications at a cost of $50,000. The Majestic, with 3,700 seats at the time, the Texas Theater (2,732 seats) and the Aztec Theater (2,500) were not picked for the premiere because they cant afford to devote themselves to one long-run movie for the next six to 12 months, according to columnist Paul Thompson in the Express, Aug. 27, 1960. Most San Antonians couldnt get into the premiere, but were invited to buy tickets by mail, offered for showings from the first night through Dec. 31 only at the Woodlawn, until the following year, when a shorter version of the film was shown elsewhere, including drive-in theaters. GOOD, OLD-FASHIONED WRITING: Youths may try their hands at the art of calligraphy (beautiful writing) and the making of quill pens at a craft workshop to be held 1-5 p.m., Oct. 15, in the historic Stilwell House, Building 626 at Fort Sam Houston. Preservation Fort Sam Houston is the sponsor; for details, contact the group at stilwellhouseevents@gmail.com. historycolumn@yahoo.com | Twitter: @sahistorycolumn | Facebook: SanAntoniohistorycolumn This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Gov. Greg Abbott told a group of conservative Hispanics that they were the future of Republican politics in the state, signaling in a Saturday speech his intention to once again court Latino votes in the 2018 race. The first Hispanic governor must be a Republican, Abbott told the audience of about 200 in San Antonio. We are running to win the next generation, he added. You are that next generation. The governors remarks came at a Hispanic Leadership Conference hosted by his reelection campaign at the Norris Conference Centers. It featured a series of panels, closed to reporters, on political outreach, appointments and the media. Abbott connected with Hispanics when elected in 2014, garnering an estimated 44 percent of their vote. He ran ads on Spanish-language television channels that featured his wife Cecilia, who would become the first Hispanic first lady of Texas, and his mother-in-law, who immigrated to Texas from Monterrey, Mexico. Abbott invoked that history again Saturday, joking that his ability to win over the Latino electorate was due to support from his wifes large extended family. But much has changed in the years since, including the governors support this year for Senate Bill 4, the controversial legislation that would criminalize so-called sanctuary cities and allow police officers to ask people about their immigration status. Now disputed in court, the bill became a flashpoint in the politics of immigration, with Democrats saying it was a show me your papers law that encouraged racial profiling. If you are a Republican candidate for governor or a Republican candidate for high office in Texas, you have to rebuild your connection to the Hispanic community every election cycle, said Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University. You can woo Hispanics in a campaign, but then in governing you alienate some of those same Hispanics, including conservative Hispanic leaders. The governor shied away from any mention of Senate Bill 4 on Saturday, instead focusing on the shared values between the Latino community and conservatives, including commitment to religious faith and freedom. It is essential that your voice be heard, Abbott said. He also accused Texas Democrats of trying to use race as a way to divide us. Prior to his speech, about three dozen Texas Democrats and progressive organizers gathered outside the conference to criticize the governors track record with Latinos. Manuel Medina, chairman of the Bexar County Democratic Party and an unsuccessful San Antonio mayoral candidate this year, said Abbott needs to be challenged on various aspects of his tenure as governor, including his positions on public education, health care and immigration. When it comes to Latinos, theres too many of yall now, Medina said, pretending to speak from the governors point of view. Were going to ask you for your papers. Thats his record on immigration. Political experts say it is unclear whether SB 4 will hurt Abbott much in 2018. He remains highly popular among his core base of white voters, has amassed tens of millions of dollars in campaign funds and faces no serious Democratic opponent, said Mark Jones, a political science fellow at Rice University. Damage to Abbotts reputation with Latinos because of SB 4 is likely marginal, Jones said. Plus, hes entering his reelection campaign with higher-than-typical ratings among Hispanics. When Abbott won three years ago, his support from those voters was about 10 points higher than the one-third of Hispanics who usually vote for Texas Republicans, Jillson said. Furthermore, data indicate Abbott would still win handily even if his support among Latinos takes a hit next year. White voters alone place him as having 46 or 47 of the overall vote, Jillson said. However, looking to the future, the states conservatives are keenly aware of Texas rapidly changing demographics, including its ever-growing Hispanic population, a fact that Abbott alluded to during his remarks. The key thing is that Anglo votes alone, if you have strong support within the Anglo community, are almost enough, he said. But thats not the case getting 10 years, 20 years from now. If Texas Republicans can continue making inroads among Hispanic voters, the conservative stronghold on statewide offices will continue for the foreseeable future, said David Crockett, a political science professor at Trinity University. Abbott did pretty well with the Latino vote when he ran the first time. He would certainly love to replicate that, Crockett said. If they can replicate that, Republicans would be virtually unbeatable. lcaruba@express-news.net | Twitter: @LaurenCaruba This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter banked left and Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan stared at this islands mountainous landscape, his chin resting on one hand. He said little inaudible under the roar of rotors but even after seeing the devastation for six days, it still amazed him, he acknowledged later. Rural roads now were visibly clear of mudslides and debris two weeks after Hurricane Maria chewed up the island, a major hurdle overcome for military and civilian disaster response teams. That afternoon, Buchanan huddled with his staff on more pressing problems, listening to a situation report that had a grim streak to balance the progress made. Fixing the islands shattered power grid, they agreed, would take months. The more urgent question was how fast they could shore up a dam in danger of collapsing northwest of San Juan. The territorial government had ordered 70,000 people downstream to evacuate, but it wasnt clear how many had left. As a temporary stop-gap, Army and Marine helicopters were dropping concrete barriers and sand bags into a weakened area near the dam to prevent erosion. The Air Force needed to fly in large pumps and pipes to help divert the water and relieve pressure caused by heavy rains from the hurricane and subsequent daily cloudbursts. It was Wednesday afternoon. Buchanan and his staff needed to know the size of the pumps and pipes so the right cargo planes could get them to Puerto Rico in time to save the dam. Lets be relentless in making that happen, he said. As commander of U.S. Army North at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Buchanan leads American military forces responding to the devastation here and in the Virgin Islands. If relatively obscure to many people, Army North now is in a critical role. Its the very mission this command was built for. Moving resources Buchanan leads the Joint Force Land Component of the U.S. Northern Command, which is responsible for the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas and the Arctic Circle. In that capacity, hes coordinating the movement of military units, equipment and supplies to Puerto Rico from Texas and elsewhere. He arrived Sept. 28 amid a growing military footprint. Just how long hell head that mission isnt clear, but it might be awhile. This disaster is the biggest his command ever has faced and its already the third one this year. Buchanan, who served multiple tours in Iraq, was deeply involved in the militarys support of FEMA and the Texas National Guard after Hurricane Harvey struck the Gulf Coast in August, then oversaw the flow of troops and supplies to Florida in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Army North also has assisted the U.S. Virgin Islands, struck first by Irma, then Maria. When Buchanan headed to the commonweath, some stories made it sound as if he were directing the entire operation. Hes more of a facilitator, using the Pentagons airlift assets to deliver vital equipment, fuel trucks and generators, food, water and medical care to back up FEMA and the local government. The National Guards deputy adjutant general, Brig. Gen Jose Reyes, is the one moving troops around the island. But Army North has resources no one else has, particularly medical units such as critical care air transport teams and lots of cargo planes, including C-5M Super Galaxy jets that have flown out of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. The command has roughly tripled its number of personnel and Black Hawks in its first two weeks in Puerto Rico. By Friday there were more than 12,000 troops on the ground, with more en route. Now Playing: Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan gets a briefing during a helicopter tour of Puerto Rico a few days ago. The battle rhythm in Buchanans second-floor convention center suite is more like a busy corporate office than the big, sleepless circus tent that division commanders use in war. From there, his staff reaches out to units and private companies across the United States. Buchanan is 58, of Sierra Vista, Arizona. As the face of the U.S. militarys response to the crisis, he stands in his utility uniform with Puerto Rico Gov Ricardo Rossello at daily news conferences. Ive got a lot of experience on deployments and Ive learned that Im not really paid for my back strength anymore, Im paid for my mind, and if I cant keep my mind sharp then Im doing everybody a disservice, Buchanan said. For me, that means I have to get a decent nights sleep, and so I try to get seven hours a night. This is more than I used to get, but Im older than I used be and that makes the difference for me. Tide of troubles The Pentagon response since his arrival here is helping, but many of the islands 3.4 million people have been mired in misery since Maria made landfall Sept. 20. Nine in 10 households have no electricity. Drinking water is in short supply. The specter of epidemics still looms. News reports have detailed stories of impoverished people drinking filthy water and scrounging for food, especially in Puerto Ricos interior, where roads were cut off until last week. There is desperation in middle-class neighborhoods just a 25-minute drive from Buchanans headquarters. Divorced, diabetic, out of money and blood pressure medication, Mariantoinette Dominguez, 36, was rationing her insulin and preparing for a flight to Orlando, Florida, to start over. Ive been here 18 years and I love Puerto Rico, but its time to leave, Dominguez said in her warm, humid apartment as her boys, 5 and 12, played outside in the town of Carolina. I cant take this. In San Juan, the return of a semblance of normalcy is measured by traffic jams and the citys vibrant night life. Yet if clubs and restaurants are back in business, internet connectivity is spotty and limited to guests at the biggest hotels. Power plants are in good shape, but the electrical grid is mostly down. Cops, not lights, direct traffic in parts of the city. Hotels and hospitals run on large generators. Taxi driver Frank Perez is back at work, but not all is well in his world. His home was flooded in the storm, though he did get help from FEMA. Five hundred, Perez said, raising his fingers. Some residents said they had seen no FEMA officials. The fact that Puerto Rico is surrounded by water doesnt help recovery efforts. Buchanan noted that Harvey dumped heavy rainfall on the Beaumont and Orange areas after hovering over Houston. With parts of Interstate 10 under water west of Beaumont people headed east, toward Louisiana, where Fort Polk soldiers came to their aid. The problem here is, there is no Louisiana. Were surrounded by a thousand miles of ocean, he said. Saving the dam Guajataca Dam is a good example of that problem. In Wednesdays staff meeting, Buchanans team worked to procure the right pumps and pipes needed to divert water from the reservoir, brainstorming questions that sometimes had no immediate answer. The team was told that the dam was operating as it should but that erosion underneath the spillways concrete slabs had caused them to fall, one after the other. If the erosion compromised the dams integrity, 100,000 people could lose their only source of drinking water, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jose Sanchez told Buchanan. Sir, actually, thats really the fear, of losing the dam, Sanchez said. Now Playing: Jose Sanchez (left) of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers briefs Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan on Puerto Rico's power situation. Video: Brandpoint The logistics of getting pipe to Puerto Rico were as daunting as actually installing it. There was an assumption but not 100 percent certainty that the pipes should be 24 inches in diameter. Army Col. James DeLapp, an engineer, said 10,000 feet of the pipe would be needed, prompting a brief discussion about how many planes would be needed to fly it in. I think once we get the materials in hand, this would probably be a week to 10 days to do, DeLapp said. Buchanans team then turned its attention to the pumps. They considered trucking them to the area versus flying them in, perhaps with a CH-47 Chinook or MH-53 Super Stallion. That prompted a few nuts-and-bolts questions. How much does it weigh? asked Buchanan, an infantryman by trade. DeLapp didnt know. Lets find out, Buchanan said. Two minutes later, the lights briefly went out in the room, a common occurrence for the relatively few buildings that have power in Puerto Rico. Rossello, the governor, has estimated that only a quarter of the island might have its lights on by the end of the month. Choosing which pumps to buy, signing the contracts, lining up Air Mobility Command to fly them to Puerto Rico and installing them is in Army Norths hands, and had not been finalized by the end of the week. How long the dam could hold was a matter of conjecture. In all, 500 barriers will be used to shore up the section that is eroding and more than 1,800 bags of sand and rock will shore up the base of the spillway. Sanchez said the goal is to finish that part of the project in two weeks. Asked if a disaster could be averted for that long, he replied, Everythings possible. The weather still is a wild card. Hurricane Maria brought a lot of rain to the region along with 155-mph winds that ripped trees out of the ground and stripped branches of foliage, leaving entire mountain ranges looking like muddy wastelands. The rain hasnt stopped. Brief, intense downpours occur regularly, with 1 to 2 inches a day and sometimes twice that, swelling the lake. Another slide popped up on the screen as the briefing continued. Tropical Depression Nate, it said. The storm ahead. Buchanan can call on more troops if necessary, but the operation in Puerto Rico is all-consuming and far from over. He cant say when it will end. Over time, the U.S. government will hand over more responsibility for recovery operations to state and guard authorities. Ships and helicopter support coming from those vessels probably will leave first, followed by some Army aircraft. Military hospitals might stay the longest. Now Ill just give you a window. For Texas, on the federal-military side, we were probably involved for two weeks. Im trying to remember, but that was at most about two weeks. Weve already been in the Virgin Islands for more than a month right now, Buchanan said. And so for here, its going to be awhile. I dont have the exact timeline, but its based on the conditions, not a time. When the work is done, well go back. sigc@express-news.net DALLAS The first reaction by many Texans to Saturday evenings announcement by Jeffrey Payne as the first officially declared Democratic candidate for Texas governor is likely to be: Who? But Payne, a businessman who owns a gay bar in Dallas, among other ventures, is focused on the what. And what Payne sees before him is the potential for a Democratic outsider to finally begin turning the tide against Republicans in Texas politics. He sees a lot of anti-incumbent sentiment among Texans fed up with what they see as dysfunction in Austin. He sees a lot of anti-Donald Trump backlash. Even so, Paynes chances of an upset against popular Republican incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott are a long shot at best, in a state where Democrats have not won a statewide race in two decades and where conservatives still rail against gay men like Payne. But in a year when the Republican party is engaged in a civil war between tea party conservatives in control and moderates who think they have gone too far to the right, Payne and his supporters insist a November surprise is possible. I am tired of politics as usual in Texas, said Payne, 49, making his first run for public office without the support of Democratic Party leaders and facing Abbotts whopping $41 million in a race where he pledged to invest $2.5 million of his own money. He has some good ideas, even though hes a Democrat, said Shareen Natali, 43, a Dallas business owner among the several dozen supporters at Paynes announcement at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. With all the disgusting things in Washington and Austin, I am increasingly thinking both parties are the problem, she said, describing herself as a recovering Republican. Payne moved from Maine to Louisiana with his father after his mother committed suicide when he was 3. He ended up in an orphanage in Ruston, Louisiana, then a foster home at age 15. He earned a degree in business from Louisiana Tech University, operated a jewelry store in Lake Charles, and became a mediator for the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in New Orleans. Payne said he loved Dallas so moved there when he lost his house, his car and his job to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Payne worked at a flooring company and sold cell phones, eventually managing the store. And he won the Dallas gay communitys International Mr. Leather contest in 2009 I looked a lot better then, he said. By 2011, he was a part owner of a Dallas leather bar, The Eagle. He eventually bought out his partners, and now operates it along with a court-reporting company and a land development and related property management firm. He supports increased funding for public education, perhaps through higher taxes on business to lessen the reliance on too-high property taxes; he supports abortion rights; opposes the sanctuary-city law and supports the Dream Act as a part of immigration reform; opposes Trumps wall, and thinks legislative redistricting should be in the hands of a citizens commission, not lawmakers. But hes also a staunch Second Amendment supporter I have a gun to protect my home and supports cutting waste in government as a way to fund important programs. Im not a candidate who fits in a box, he said. But that box hasnt worked for Democrats in Texas for 24 years. Its time to think outside that box. Australia is the largest live exporter, there are more than 100 other countries that compete with us for that trade but we are the only country which imposes strict animal welfare practices, Mr Crean said. Twelve first-time exhibitors have signed up to participate in FESPA Eurasia 2017 to be held in Istanbul during December 7-10, demonstrating the shows importance in the Eurasian specialty print market. The show continues to get the sustained support of international and regional exhibitors with 15 per cent of repeat exhibitors increasing their stand space.12 first-time exhibitors have signed up to participate in this years exhibition including: textile inks manufacturer, Promar; OKI distributor, Makpas; digital printing distributors Erke Reklam and Bitmeyen Kartus; display specialist, GTA Display, wire mesh manufacturer, Maishi Group; and Zibo Paper. Meanwhile, 15 per cent of exhibitors have increased their stand space for the 2017 event, based on their successful participation at past events. Twelve first-time exhibitors have signed up to participate in FESPA Eurasia 2017 to be held in Istanbul during December 7-10, demonstrating the show's importance in the Eurasian specialty print market. The show continues to get the sustained support of international and regional exhibitors with 15 per cent of repeat exhibitors increasing their stand space.# Returning exhibitor, Silven Said, foreign trade specialist at Mirage Group comments: FESPA Eurasia is a very important event in the local exhibition calendar and quite different to other FESPA events. We exhibited at FESPA in Hamburg earlier this year and have also signed up to exhibit at FESPA 2018. This year is the second time weve exhibited at FESPA Eurasia 2017, we believe it is the most innovative and important show for the digital printing market as it brings together both regional and international exhibitors.Underlining FESPAs commitment to the region, the FESPA Eurasia team and ARED (FESPAs Turkish national Association) hosted a networking evening in Istanbul for over 100 representatives of prospective and existing exhibitors earlier in September. The event celebrated the launch of the FESPA Eurasia 2017 campaign, with its Dare to Be Different strapline. Guests also received a comprehensive update on the progress of the exhibition, as well as insight into FESPAs organisational strategy and objectives.Aykon Yilmaz, general manager from Emirtrans commented on the event: The networking evening was a great event and a fantastic opportunity to meet with industry peers. Hearing from FESPA and ARED directly about the latest market trends and information about the exhibition was beneficial to us and a great occasion to ask questions and strengthen relationships.Michael Ryan, group exhibition manager at FESPA, comments: Working closely with our exhibitors is fundamental to the success of all FESPA events worldwide. This years FESPA Eurasia networking evening was a timely opportunity to show our Eurasia exhibitor community how the show is developing and to communicate directly with our stakeholders, providing a valuable touchpoint between FESPA and the local Eurasian specialty print community.FESPA Eurasia sales manager, Betul Binici comments: Over the last four years we have succeeded in building the event, increasing both our exhibitor and visitor numbers. In turn each FESPA exhibition presents the Eurasian specialty print market with inspiring new products and solutions.As an organisation dedicated to generating funds for reinvestment into the printing sector, the support of our exhibitors is helping FESPA to drive the long-term development of the regional market, for example by funding educational programmes at Turkish colleges and by hosting regional events. We look forward to another prosperous FESPA Eurasia event in December. (SV) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India What makes us human? Is it the fact that we can love, hate or experience jealousy? Is it our dreams or is our memories? Or is it something just as simple as the fact that we can stand in the rain and feel every drop against our skin? There is no single answer, but there is a better one. Maybe the fact that we can ask these questions and search eternally for an answer without really finding one is the most human quality of all. The search for an identity, of knowing who we are and why are we here is one of biggest philosophical dilemmas there is. Ridley Scott's 1982 cult classic Blade Runner held a grimy mirror to this dilemma and we saw an unpleasant, rain-drenched and neon-soaked reflection and it enamoured us no end. Blade Runner didn't try to answer what it meant to be human, but in turn, through allegory and origami, the film compounded that question. What did it mean to be human amidst beings that are 'more human than human'? It isn't too hard to see why Replicants fascinated us. Because they were us. Walking, talking, dying beings grappling with their existence and its meaning. They were eager to forge an identity before time ran out. Ah, to feel alive before you die. Read on Firstpost Blade Runner 2049 movie review: Ryan Gosling is perfectly cast in this visual masterpiece Towards the end of Blade Runner, Rutger Hauer's Roy Batty, the leader of the rogue Replicants, indulges in a dying soliloquy, now considered as one of the finest monologues ever in films. "I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die." We, embodied by the puzzled Harrison Ford looking on in that scene, were explicably empathetic towards Batty and the cause of the Replicants. Nobody wants to vanish away without a trace. As the rain lashed down, the score swelled and Batty bowed out, Blade Runner, reached an emotional high point that its sequel Blade Runner 2049 never really does, but it is no less mesmerising or confounding. It perpetuates the themes and motifs of the original film, while also smartly subverting some, and in the end stands quite well as its own film and as a sequel to one of the greatest of all time. It is a tricky task. How do you follow a masterpiece? You make another one. Only time will tell if Denis Villeneuve has made a masterpiece, but he sure has done justice to an enduring classic. And he sure had help. The first thing one must mention when one talks about Blade Runner 2049 is that it is one of the best shot films you will ever see. Its haunting landscapes truly feel like the futuristic cousin of the stunning environments of Blade Runner: grey buildings, packed like sardines, housing equally grey lives. The never-ending storm, incessantly trying and failing to wash away the decay. Monolithic neon perversions, staring down at seedy streets and seedier men. Eyes talk more than tongues as bleak alleyways and rising wisps of steam and smoke can only hide so much. Pleasure playgrounds turned to radioactive nightmares drenched in a sunset glow, but there is no sun. Humans, Replicants living in sub-human squalor, crushed beneath the weight of social hierarchies. Those higher up, live in pristine, symmetrical chambers made of straight lines. It is nothing new, of course. We saw it all first on Blade Runner. But to say it is improved is an understatement of considerable magnitude. Roger Deakins has weaved magic on the screen. And you find yourself asking, is it a trick? How did they shoot that? But of course, a magician never reveals his secrets. In one ridiculous shot, embers from a fire rise and dance in the wind and dissolve into Los Angeles. In another, Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford have a surreal encounter in a Las Vegas casino as a malfunctioning Elvis Presley hologram croons "Can't Help Falling in Love" in the background. You will often find yourself picking your jaw off the floor. And if the King is there amidst the radioactive ruins, so is the Voice. In a room full of whiskey and dread, Frank Sinatra lights up his cigarette and sings "One for My Baby, and One More for the Road" as Gosling listens in rapt attention to a man from a world he has never known. Together, Villeneuve and Deakins have conjured a world so utterly devastating and magnificent at the same time, that it breaks your heart and then preciously picks up the pieces one by one. The latter, a cinematographer of unparalleled brilliance and body of work, has been nominated for an Academy award 13 times but is yet to give a speech on the stage. If the Oscars do not acknowledge his genius this time around, it would only serve as proof for the sham the awards are. Yes, Blade Runner 2049 owes a lot to its predecessor. But it also indulges in subtle subversions, in addition to call-backs and nods to the 1982 film. In Blade Runner, the central mystery that has puzzled the audience for 35 years, is a question about the identity of the eponymous Blade Runner Rick Deckard himself. Is Deckard a Replicant? Subtle clues answer the question in varying degrees, depending upon which cut of the film you have seen. But, the answers are vague too. You never really know, even though you know. Blade Runner 2049, however tells you that its eponymous protagonist, Ryan Gosling's K, is a Replicant, right off the bat. This subversion almost feels like a slap, but it warms well on your cheek with time. K, short for KD9-3.7, a newer model, is not just a Replicant, but a Replicant who reads. From Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island to Vladimir Nabokov's Pale Fire, the allusions in Blade Runner 2049 run deeper than they seem. K finds himself at the centre of an explosive mystery which could shake the foundations of an already weathered world. And within that mystery, he also finds what he has secretly yearned for ages: his soul. He is a Replicant built to obey and meant to 'retire' his own kind without asking questions about it. His lover is a holographic artificial intelligence, whom he cannot touch, kiss or make love to. And his name is a serial number. Still, he yearns to be more, to be human, to be special. And the film is a long meditation on that yearning. In a way, K is a coming together of both Batty and Deckard, if they weren't already one and the same. Villeneuve has peppered the film with subliminal symbols and sub-surface meanings and it will take multiple viewings to uncover all of them, just like it did with the first film. Blade Runner itself owed a lot of its imagery and symbolism to many films that came before: Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal, Orson Welles' Citizen Kane and John Huston's The Maltese Falcon to name a few. And in turn, it went on to stamp an unparalleled influence on films that followed: Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira, Mamoru Oshi's Ghost in the Shell, and basically every science fiction and neo-noir film made since. You'll find traces of Spike Jonze's Her and Nicolas Winding Refn's neo-noir masterpiece Drive in the DNA of Blade Runner 2049. The latter, which also featured Gosling as a nameless, largely silent protagonist, has a more notable presence in the film, if you look closely. Some symbols and allusions are apparent, some not so much. When K meets Deckard for the first time, the latter has a companion: a shaggy dog. You could read into that in as many ways as you want. And the scene is followed by yet another clever subversion of a moment in the original film, which, in turn, echoes that famous scene from the James Bond reboot Casino Royale, where a waiter asks Daniel Craig's Bond whether he would like his Vodka Martini shaken or stirred and he replies, "Do I look like I give a damn?". The film also references itself on more than one occasion, re-invoking visuals and context. Early on in the film, Gosling's K gifts an 'emanator' for his holographic live-in girlfriend, Ana de Armas' Joi. The device enables the holographic Joi to temporarily attain a corporeal body. Virtual made real. In a stunning moment in the film, Joi goes out on the terrace, closes her eyes, stretches her arms and soaks it all in as raindrops lash against her new-found physical form. Now, if that isn't human, what is? Later on, that moment is invoked again when K, grasping with the nature of his identity, stretches his palm out and feels the snow dreamily falling down on him. Like humans do. Clearly, Villeneuve took on an incredible test, a 'Voight Kampff' test, if you may. In fact, if you pay attention to his past work, he might have been the only candidate who could have passed. If there were any doubts about Villenueve's credentials as one of modern cinema's most original, visionary and confounding filmmakers, they are now lost in lashing rain, in thick smoke and in large neon faces looking upon a bleak world. Enemy, Prisoners, Sicario and more recently Arrival, are distinctly human tales, that grapple with humanity's nature in their own ways. Often, that struggle reveals dark corners that we don't want to see even if they have been staring at our faces all this while, even if what we eventually find is not what we were looking for. But only that struggle, that search matters. For K, that search is purpose. It is meaning. It is a name, not a serial number. And by the end, you realise that a Replicant has become a real human being and a real hero. Mumbai: Filmmaker Boney Kapoor on Saturday said the need is to create a single window clearance system across India to get shooting permissions while Mukesh Bhatt, who has filmed widely in international destinations, said shooting in Indian locations is cumbersome. They spoke at the PHD Chamber Global Film Tourism Conclave: Promoting Destinations through Films, organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) here. A report released jointly by the PHD Chamber and its knowledge partner BnB Nation also said the Indian film industry is in for a 11.5 per cent year-on-year growth and its revenue realisation is likely to touch $3.7 billion by 2020. The industry is likely to reach the figure against its compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 10 per cent in the last couple of years, read a statement. According to the report, the film industry faces multiple challenges on regulatory fronts such as about 70 approvals and licenses from as many as 30 authorities for shooting films in India. The report also indicates that the growth of the industry could be higher if its regulations are minimised. Due to hurdles in obtaining licenses, India has lost at least 18 big budget movies to other locations in the last four years, the report said. Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi was the chief guest at the event, which was also attended by Maharashtra's Tourism Minister Jayakumar Jitendrasinh Rawal, apart from film industry veterans like Kapoor and Bhatt. While narrating their experiences of film shootings in India, most producers demanded a curb on the lengthy process of approvals and permissions to shoot. The effort of the conclave was to draw the attention of the filmmakers to promote film tourism. Anil Khaitan, Senior Vice President, PHDCCI, said, "Films are a great source of showcasing any country's culture, heritage and vast economic potential". Elaborating on regulations, the report indicates that central clearances for shooting of foreign feature films in India require the prior approval of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), whereas in the case of a documentary, approval of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is required. The script of the film has to be approved by the MIB, which is a time-consuming process. The ministry may also depute a liaison officer to facilitate the shooting; and for location-specific permissions, filmmakers require approvals from authorities at specific locations prior to shooting. The report recommends introduction of soft loans, providing filmmakers a short-term loan without charging interest to meet their short-term needs. This would encourage producers to shoot in that particular location, and would catalyse the growth of the industry. Safety is also a major concern which needs to be addressed by the government, the report said; adding that inadequate infrastructure acts as the biggest hindrance to the Indian film tourism industry. Bad road conditions, poor connectivity, inadequate air and sea port capacities and lack of development of modes of transport like railways and alternates like inland water transport and domestic aviation have been causing delays in the film tourism industry operations. Due to this, costs per film in the Indian film industry increase and ultimately disturb the planned budget. Therefore, there is an urgent need for investment in infrastructure linking roads, railways and airports, to curtail the losses, the report said. Washington: Grammy Award-winning rapper Nelly was arrested on Saturday after a woman accused him of raping her in his tour bus, police in the northwestern state of Washington, said. But the rapper was released without charges on Sunday, reports International Business Times. He took to Twitter to express shock over the rape allegation. Let me say that I am beyond shocked that I have been targeted with this false allegation. I am completely innocent. I am confident that once the facts are looked at , it will be very clear that I am the victim of a false allegation. Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo) October 7, 2017 I do want to apologize to my loved ones for the embarrassment and for putting myself in a situation where I could be victimized by this false and defaming allegation. Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo) October 7, 2017 I also want to thank my fans for their unwavering support. They know me. I assure you I will be vindicated. And I assure you, I will pursue every legal option to address this defaming claim. Thank you Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo) October 7, 2017 In other words y'all know damm well I ain't do no dumm S^*t like this..!! Love ..!!!! Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo) October 7, 2017 To be absolutely clear. I have not been charged with a crime therefore no bail was required. I was released , pending further investigation. Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo) October 7, 2017 Just before 4 am local time on Saturday, a woman had called the emergency 911 line "to report that she was sexually assaulted by a male, who is known as the rapper Nelly," police in Auburn, said. After police investigated the incident, "at 4.37 am Nelly was taken into custody and booked" at the local jail, the police statement read. The alleged assault reportedly took place on the tour bus hours after Nelly had performed at the White River Amphitheatre just east of Auburn. A lawyer for Nelly had vehemently denied the charges. Nelly - born Cornell Haynes Jr - "is the victim of a completely fabricated allegation," the unnamed lawyer had told the TMZ celebrity news site. The allegation "is motivated by greed and vindictiveness," the lawyer had said, adding that Nelly "is prepared to pursue all legal avenues to redress any damage caused." According to TMZ, Nelly, whose schedule has him performing Saturday evening with country duo Florida Georgia Line in the city of Ridgefield, a two-hour drive to the south of Auburn, was booked on a charge of second-degree rape. Throughout his career Nelly has received 12 Grammy nominations and won three Grammy awards, including for the best rap solo performance in 2003. I have developed a pretty well thought out manner in which I consume world news nowadays, especially news pertaining to the US. I read the news online in the morning, watch CNN in the afternoon, and then for the really nuanced, non-partisan, and empowering take of all thats happening, I watch what really matters: the late-night talk/comedy shows. It wasnt always like that; 10 years ago, I would watch The Colbert Report or The Daily Show with Jon Stewart for the laughs their observations and political satire, although very incisive and so darn hilarious, were not my biggest sources of thought-provoking journalism. But over the past couple of years (and especially the past few months), while I do watch Anderson Cooper, Don Lemon and Christiane Amanpours take on current events and the world at large, I find myself coming back to the handful of late-night hosts who have, perhaps unwittingly, become the watchdogs of democracy and social awareness. Anyone who watched Jimmy Kimmels three-day evisceration of the Republican administrations Graham-Cassidy repeal of Obamacare last month, or watched his teary-eyed opening monologue after this weeks utterly senseless shooting in Las Vegas (which happens to be Kimmels hometown), knows that this isnt just late-night comedy anymore. For that matter, for anyone who watched any of the late shows this week and the earnest urgency with which Trevor Noah, Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, and even Jimmy Fallon talked about an issue as important as gun control (when every politician in the White House was, expectedly, shying away from calling it out), its clearly not about just comedy any longer. In 2017, late night talk/comedy shows are the new face of journalism and the voice of resistance against the Trump administration specifically and against prejudice in general. Someone once said, all that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing, and each of these good men (and some women) have decided to step up! There was a time when the job of a late-night talk show host and comedian was simple: make sure that the American people had something funny and light-hearted to watch at the end of their workday. Of course politics and politicians were the easiest to make fun of, and presidents the obvious targets, but it was all done in good humour and no heavy debates. For years, Johnny Carson poked fun at sitting presidents, including Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan; but he did it with an almost zen-like non-partisan approach. Carsons politics (he was liberal) stayed in his living room, not on national media. A punchy one-liner about Dubya here, a harmless zinger there thats how I remember David Lettermans years of hosting The Late Show during George W Bushs eight-year presidency. Or the way Jay Leno ridiculed Bill Clinton, whom he targeted more than any other politician during his two decade stint hosting The Tonight Show. As Charles Bramesco wrote in The Guardian, An average weeks topical material would engage with important political developments, but in a harmlessly jocular capacity. Even when punchlines took aim at a specific figure, they were little more than wisecracks, a way for the viewer to vicariously blow off some steam by sharing frustration with this lawmaker or that. The lack of any impactful, dare we say radical ideology was a function of network-mandated nonpartisanship; while most late-night fixtures leaned to the left, they could always be relied on to mock with equal opportunity. The Republicans got painted as dim-witted bullies, but the Democrats were ineffective and ineffectual you choose which ones more embarrassing. All that changed on 8 November 2016, and in a way, it had been brewing for a while already. When then-candidate Donald Trump appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in September last year, nobody was expecting a hard-hitting interview. Expectedly, they talked about bogus, inconsequential stuff (I think Trumps hypocrisy with the polls, and Fallons observation that Trumps voice had become more bass-ish, were key topics), and then Fallon ventured where no man in his right mind would ever want to (for fear of finding out its fake!): he asked to ruffle Trumps hair. Trump allowed him, and the next thing we know was a liberal tweetstorm denouncing Fallon and The Tonight Show for trying to normalise a vicious, privileged, racist, sexist, and xenophobic man. For trying to make him seem like just a harmless grandpa with funny hair. What Trump (and the people who supported him) stood for when he ran for President and what he (and the people, including those in his administration, who support him) now stands for, as President, doesnt qualify as normal anymore. This is not the equivalent of George W Bush and joking about his lack of intellect or efficiency, and this isnt about Clinton and his sex scandal. This isnt even about Dick Cavett (who, early in his career, was a writer for The Tonight Show and wrote some really funny jokes for both Carson, and before him, Jack Parr) moderating a debate in 1971 between future senator and presidential candidate John Kerry (a decorated Vietnam War veteran turned war protester) and fellow veteran John O'Neill (who supported the US governments policies in Vietnam) over the Vietnam War, in a debate that went so horribly for the pro-war side and so infuriated President Nixon that he was heard (in the Watergate tapes) explicitly asking his staff if there was any way they could screw Cavett! Ineptitude, sex scandals, and a Watergate-like fiasco are all up there in the list of things an American President shouldnt be accused of and can/ought to be made fun of for; but what Trump and his cronies have come to represent is a disheartening threat to the very idea of decency and common sense within humans. This is a President that thinks white supremacists are good people, this is a conservative and male-heavy administration thats consistently anti-women and anti-minorities (see: Planned Parenthood funding, the repeal of Obamacare birth control mandate, the transgender ban in the military, DACA, the travel ban...the list is endless). This is also a government thats casually making the free media seem like their enemy, openly doubting the patriotism and integrity of media persons who disagree with their policies. When the President has a youre fake news rhetoric for anyone who looks remotely like they may not want to blindly agree with his every word, you know it isnt normal. You know somethings horribly, terribly wrong. Which is why Sean Spicers brazen attempt at being normalised with his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and his awkward AF skit at the Emmy awards this month, saw the backlash it did. This is someone who lied to the American people about alternative facts, was paid to spread the Presidents lies, was fired from his position as White House press secretary, and now seemed like he wanted to be accepted for just being a normal guy. As if! The jokes about Spicer were plenty when he was in office (side note: Sean Spicer Facts is legit fun!), and of course his ineptitude was legitimately hilarious (as was Melissa Mccarthys impression of him on SNL), and of course well still make memes about him and laugh out loud at the grand debacle that was his tenure at the White House, but Stephen Colbert inviting Spicer on stage at the Emmys was a step too far it was as if, as Frank Bruni wrote in The New York Times, Colbert was abetting Spicers image overhaul. And that just wasnt funny! Which is how things stand right now:comedy and jokes are all fine, but audiences want more than just mind-numbing, background-noise fun in their late shows. And boy, are our good men (and women, hello Samantha Bee) delivering! Theres Kimmel taking on the policy makers head on, calling them out by name and picture, urging the people to call their local Congress person. Hes a reluctant, unwitting voice of conscience, but he probably helped kill the Graham-Cassidy repeal of Obamacare, more than anything else did! Theres Colbert (notwithstanding the Spicer-Emmy goof up), taking Trump head on in an incredibly acerbic-yet-hilarious manner: Theres Trevor Noah on The Daily Show, being funny yes, but addressing everything from racism and sexism to Donald Trump Jr.s ridiculousness. Hes helped, in part, by correspondents Roy Wood Jr., Michelle Wolf, and his deep sense of disbelief at the utter absurdity of everything thats going on in the US, which he turns into perfectly delivered jokes that are hard hitting as well: Seth Meyers and Late Night with Seth Meyers are the dry, sardonic, and grown-up act that follows the childishness that is The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Meyers is consistently on point with his take on the politics, with wit yes, but with more humility and astute observations: Nobody else does better outraged rants than Samantha Bee on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. Shes always been a sharp observer, but its her mad outrage thats more fulfilling to watch as a viewer, and its what makes her observations stick better as well: Perhaps the best use of their comedy platform to dig deep into topics as varied as gun control and maternity care to student debt and the use of forensics in criminal investigations, is made by Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. That might explain Olivers consecutive Emmy wins in this category, but with the extent of investigative journalism that goes into one episode of Last Week Tonight, thats hardly undeserved. In fact, its the opposite of that its absolutely deserved, and much needed! Liberal, yet continually nonpartisan, Last Week Tonight has managed to elevate itself by being almost scientific in its objectivity. Plain facts, delivered with a dash of humour its exactly what we need. We all have our favourites, a host and their style that we specifically like. Theyre all different, and thats what makes it all even more enthralling. Being fun, wacky, witty is all fine, but comedy just isnt enough anymore. In 2017, being anti-political isnt an option for a late-show host. After all, if the best comedy writers are in the White House (I think Seth Meyers said that), then the comedians have to step up and do the serious business of keeping the country running! Port Louis: Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's hit film Rang De Basanti is being screened at the Mauritius Film Festival on Saturday and Sunday. Mauritius is celebrating 50 years of independence next year and the inaugural film festival is a part of the celebrations. Rang De Basanti is one of the films that is being screened at the gala, which is focused on films that champion the theme of 'freedom' and 'independence'. Mehra has been invited as a guest of honour by Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth to be part of the celebrations. He will also be a part of a Film Directing Masterclass with actor and director Justin Chadwick. "It's a rare honour to be invited for the inaugural Mauritius film festival. Rang De Basanti has been chosen to be showcased among a prestigious selection of movies from around the globe like Gandhi, Amistad, 12 Years A Slave and Mandela to name a few. The event celebrates 50 years of Independence of the island country and the movies selected celebrate the human spirit," Mehra said in a statement. His Rang De Basanti, starring Aamir Khan, Kunal Kapoor, Siddharth, Sharman Joshi, R Madhavan, Atul Kulkarni, Soha Ali Khan and Waheeda Rahman, adopted a unique format to tell the story of a freedom that people have taken for granted. Editor's note: In a prolific career spanning nearly four decades, Satyajit Ray directed 36 films, including feature films, documentaries and shorts. His films have received worldwide critical acclaim and won him several awards, honours and recognition both in India and elsewhere. In this column starting 25 June 2017, we discuss and dissect the films of Satyajit Ray (whose 96th birth anniversary was this May), in a bid to understand what really makes him one of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th century. What happens when one of the greatest filmmakers our country has ever had decides to make a film out of a story written by one of the most loved and respected writers from our literature and asks two of the finest actors to have ever graced our screens to act in it? Read on to find out. In Hinduism, theres a belief that after the death of the body, the soul tends to remain within the periphery of the place of death, and unless it is freed from its earthly ties and granted peace and passage by a representative of God, it continues to remain in the mortal world, to be tormented for all eternity. This deliverance by an agent of God is considered a holy necessity, and in the early years of the previous century, the great writer Munshi Premchand himself wove a beautiful tale around this practice, to be adapted for the screen by Satyajit Ray several decades later. That film, which Ray made for Doordarshan in 1981, was Sadgati (Deliverance). The film tells the story of a poor low-caste village couple named Dukhi and Jhuria (played brilliantly by Om Puri and Smita Patil). Dukhi and Jhuria are chamars an untouchable caste shunned by the members of the upper caste for their involvement with the traditional practice of tanning. Dukhi and Jhuria want to give away their daughter a girl hardly into her teens in marriage. In order to have the almanacs read and an auspicious date and time announced for the marriage, Dukhi goes to the village priests house and invites him back to his hut. On seeing an opportunity to get some free labour in return, the brahmin priest makes Dukhi carry out a series of strenuous tasks under a scorching and unforgiving sun. The poor man, who has just come out of a bout of fever, completes all the tasks without uttering a single word of protest. Weak and shivering, with an empty stomach and a mid-day sun over his head, Dukhi is then asked to chop a massive chunk of wood into fine splints. Drained and exhausted, Dukhi attacks the monstrous log with a blunt axe and the last remaining strength in his body, but can hardly make a dent. When the brahmin priest reprimands him for not being able to do his job properly, and threatens to announce an inauspicious date and time for the young girls marriage, Dukhi is scared, and chops away at the log blow after blow after blow until he finally collapses and dies right at the spot. The priest now finds himself in a spot, because theres a corpse lying near his house, that no one would touch. The chamars refuse to take the body away, and accuse him of working Dukhi to death. The other brahmins accuse him of causing them much inconvenience because the corpse is lying on the way to the village well, and none of them want to see a dead chamar on their way to the source of their drinking water. As the skies burst open, the rains make matters worse, because the corpse starts to decompose sooner than expected. Left with no other option, the priest then delivers the corpse to its rightful place, tugging it along the roads of the village with the help of a rope in the early hours of the morning, and dropping it heartlessly amidst the decaying carcass of cattle in the outskirts of the village. While Premchands story is a scathing account of the tragic lives of untouchables in this country, and of the horrors of superstition and blind submission to the self-proclaimed voices of God, Rays handling of the subject lends a sense of failure and dejection to the entire affair even when Dukhi is alive as if its all over, and as if nothing can be done to help the poor man. Even as Dukhi seethes in rage and directs his fury at the log instead of his oppressor, muttering expletives at the lifeless piece of wood, we cant help but accept that we have failed him, in all possible ways. We feel as if his mere existence, his entire life, all up to this point, has been a lie that he was born a slave and that he would die a slave, never to question his master, never to stand up to him, or face him, or look him right in the eye to show that he resents him and everything that he stands for. It is with this sense of hopelessness that Dukhi collapses to his death. The failure is so impactful, that we hardly even get a chance to pay any attention to the other injustice happening right in front of our eyes the marriage of a young girl child. Smita Patil plays Jhuria with the feminine grace and anxious uncertainty that is so apt for a poor, rustic, helpless, untouchable woman. Her crude and tragic lament at her husbands death rings in our ears, even as the rain continues to wash her tears away. Mohan Agashes performance as the cruel brahmin priest is haunting, and he fills the role with just the right amount of vileness, careful not to turn his character into a caricature at any time. Om Puri looks as if he was born to play Dukhi his silent submission to his fate so vivid, so tragic that it makes our hearts ache. When, long after the film is over, you are finally able to separate yourself away from the story and look at Sadgati as a film, you realise why these actors are considered to be some of the greatest in Indian cinema. And in the end, there is something that needs to be said, because one cant help but wonder. The story of Sadgati was written almost one hundred years ago. The film itself was made 40 years ago. But even today, the evil shadow of untouchability and caste crimes hover over us. Even today, in a free state such as ours, poor, ignorant, helpless people from lower castes are beaten to death, maimed and lynched in public, humiliated and raped and stripped of their basic right the right to live. All because they belong to a so-called lower caste. There is no dignity for them, no justice whatsoever, and certainly no deliverance. Bhaskar Chattopadhyay is an author and translator. His translations include 14: Stories That Inspired Satyajit Ray, and his original works include the mystery novels Patang, Penumbra and Here Falls The Shadow. Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government today issued orders to hike theatre ticket prices by 25 per cent against the backdrop of the film industry bodies not releasing any new movies to protest the levy of 10 per cent local body tax in the state. As per a government order, it was decided to raise the price of film tickets by 25 per cent following representations by various film industry associations. The maximum ticket price in multiplexes and air-conditioned theatres in Chennai would now be Rs 160 while the minimum will be Rs 50. The new ticket prices come into effect from 9 October. The government had formed a high level committee to examine the film fraternity's issues following their indefinite stir in July against the implementation of the goods and service tax. In July, ticket prices were revised from the base price of Rs 120 and one ticket cost Rs 153 inclusive of 28 per cent GST. An additional Rs 30 was charged as convenience fee if tickets were booked through the internet taking the total price of one ticket to Rs 183.50. For those tickets that were priced at Rs 100 or less, the GST was fixed at 18 per cent. The strike was later withdrawn. However, the Tamil Film Producers Council and exhibitors recently decided not to release any movies from 6 October to protest implementation of 10 per cent local body tax on top of the 28 per cent GST. Following this, seven new movies were not released on 6 October. The industry bodies have demanded that the 10 per cent tax introduced last month, be scrapped. As per the recommendations of the committee, the government hiked the ticket prices by 25 per cent over the existing base price, the government order said. For multiplex and air-conditioned theatres in Chennai, the maximum ticket price would be Rs 160 while minimum Rs 50. For non-ac theatres, a maximum of Rs 120 per ticket will be charged and minimum of Rs 40, it said. For multiplexes and ac theatres that are located outside Chennai city, the maximum price will be Rs 140 while minimum will be Rs 50. For non-ac theatres, the maximum ticket price would be Rs 100 and minimum Rs 30. For those ac theatres operating under municipal corporations, the maximum ticket price will be Rs 50 while minimum Rs 10; non-ac (Rs 30 and minimum Rs 7). The maximum ticket price in ac theatres in municipalities will be Rs 40; minimum Rs 30; non ac theatres (maximum Rs 30, minimum Rs four; town panchayats ac theatres (maximum Rs 25; minimum Rs 15); non ac theatres (maximum Rs 25; minimum Rs 4) Theatres operating under village panchayats will charge a maximum of Rs 15 per ticket in ac theatres while it will be minimum of Rs 7; non-ac theatre (Rs ten maximum; minimum Rs 4), the order said. According to the government order, the committee comprises additional chief secretaries and secretaries of various departments besides members of the Film Producers Council and Tamil Film Chamber of Commerce. New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind and prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the air warriors and extended greetings on the occasion of 85th Air Force Day. "On Air Force Day, I salute the valour, commitment and dedication of our brave air warriors. They safeguard our skies," Kovind tweeted. We salute our #IndianAirForce officers & jawans on the occasion of #AirForceDay . pic.twitter.com/wVDjF0SFvX Ram Nath Kovind (@iamRamKovind) October 8, 2017 In a tweet, Modi said, "On Air Force Day, best wishes to our courageous air warriors and their families. Their determination and prowess ensure that our skies are safe." On Air Force Day, best wishes to our courageous air warriors & their families. Their determination & prowess ensure that our skies are safe. pic.twitter.com/rK6I9JfHLJ Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2017 Union minister of state for defence Subhash Bhamre also greeted air warriors and their families. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrating the 85th anniversary at Hindon Air Force base in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad district on Sunday where a series of scintillating air display will be organised. Beijing: China on Sunday referred to the 1890 UK-China treaty which it claims demarcated the Sikkim sector of the Sino-Indian border as it urged New Delhi to abide by its provisions, a day after defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman made her maiden visit to the Nathu La post. Reacting to Sitharaman's visit to the area, the Chinese foreign ministry Sunday said "the Sikkim section of the China-India border has been demarcated by the historical boundary". "It is the best testimony to this fact. We urge the Indian side to face the facts, abide by the provisions of the historic boundary treaty and the relevant agreement of the parties, and work together with the Chinese side to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas," it said in a written response to PTI, to a query about Sitharaman's visit. The ministry did not directly name the 1890 Britain-China treaty which Beijing often referred to during the Dokalam standoff stating that it has defined the Sikkim section of the boundary with Tibet, therefore the border in that area has been settled. Sitharaman on Saturday visited the Nathu La area on the Sino-Indian border and interacted with army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police officials. Nathu La is the last post separating the border between Sikkim on the Indian side and Tibet on the Chinese side. Sitharaman's trip was the first high level visit to the area after the 73-day standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at Dokalam in the Sikkim sector of the border which ended on 28 August following a mutual agreement between India and China. Of the 3,488-km India-China border which stretches from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. The two sides have so far held 19 rounds of Special Representatives' talks to resolve the dispute. The Dokalam standoff began on 16 June over the PLA's plans to build a road in the area claimed by Bhutan after which Indian troops intervened to stop the construction as it posed a security risk to the 'Chicken's Neck' - the narrow corridor connecting India with its northeastern states. China, which earlier opened the Nathu La route for Indian pilgrims to visit Kailash and Manasarovar, closed it after the Dokalam standoff and is yet to reopen it. Monsoon is the lifeline for approximately 88 crore people living in India who are dependent on farming. Both excess and deficient rainfall take a toll on the farmer's yield. As per the final long-range forecast issued by the government's official weather prediction agency, Indian Meteorological Department, this year "seasonal rainfall over the country as a whole was expected to be 98 percent of its long period average (LPA) in 2017. In actual, the year ended with an all India average rainfall of 95 percent of its LPA a deficiency of 5 percent. The year 2016 also had a monsoon rainfall deficiency of 3 percent, though within normal limits. It is significant to note that both the years 2016 and 2017 ended with All India Summer Monsoon Rainfall on the negative side of the LPA after two consecutive monsoon deficient years 2014 and 2015, says Dr Kanti Prasad, consultant at Weather Risk Management Services, weather scientist and former deputy director general of India Meteorological Department. Weather Risk Management Services (WRMS) is a private sector organisation which provide weather and climate services (like IMD) to help farmers plan their farming activities during various cropping seasons. In the monthly rainfall scenario during 2017, the country had normal monsoon during the months of June and July with All India average rainfall of +4 percent in June and +2 percent in July. However, the months of August and September turned out to be deficient with rainfall departures as -13 percent and -12 percent respectively due to prolonged break monsoon conditions. The corresponding figures in 2016 were -11 percent for June (due to delayed onset), +7 percent for July, -9 percent for August, and -3 percent for September. In the spatial rainfall distribution during the monsoon season in 2016, the rainfall was fairly well distributed over the country except for a few isolated pockets of deficient rainfall, whereas rainfall distribution in 2017 shows a continuous belt of deficient rainfall extending from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh to East Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha. In 2016, out of 36 meteorological subdivisions, seasonal rainfall was normal in 23 subdivisions (72 percent of total area of India) and was excess in four subdivisions (13 percent of total area). It was deficient in the remaining nine subdivisions. In 2017, out of 36 meteorological subdivisions, seasonal rainfall was excess in five subdivisions, normal in 25 and deficient in six subdivisions. In 2016, withdrawal of monsoon commenced from West Rajasthan on 15 September (with a delay of two weeks) and withdrew completely from the entire country on 28 October. During 2017 withdrawal of monsoon was significantly delayed. It commenced from West Rajasthan towards the end of September on 27. The delay in withdrawal happened due to cyclonic activity over northwest India during the third week of September this year. According to a study carried out by the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, there will be changes in the atmosphere like winds and moisture which are likely to be responsible for changes in wet and dry spells in the upcoming years. After studying trends of monsoon rains of around 60 years, the researchers have warned of extreme weather conditions in future. The phenomena of increased intensity of rains in future can be attributed to global warming and India is not the only country affected by it. In fact, every country including the United States and Europe are witnessing such abnormal rains. It is said that the intensified rains will be the order of the day and people have to deal with such heavy rains with better urban management techniques. Research suggests that the rainy days will come down in future but the quantum of rain might not go down drastically due to heavy downpours. Technology is available these days, to predict such rains over a region but not finding out specific places receiving such downpours. The author is a consultant at Weather Risk Management Services and former Deputy Director General India Meteorological Department. Kolkata: A special team of the West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) raided a resort in Sikkim's Namchi area following information about the presence of absconding GJM chief Bimal Gurung there but he managed to escape, a senior official said on Sunday. The CID team raided the resort last night based on inputs that the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief and some other party leaders were staying there. "Yes, on Saturday we raided a resort in Sikkim following inputs, but Gurung escaped. We are trying to track him down," ADG CID Rajesh Kumar told PTI. Gurung was booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in August for his alleged involvement in bomb blasts in the Darjeeling hills. He is on the run since. The West Bengal Police had last month issued a lookout notice against him, a senior police official said. An arrest warrant has also been issued against Gurung. Mumbai: Abolishing subsidy for Haj pilgrims and allowing women above 45 to travel in a group of at least four without a male member are some of the key highlights of a proposed Haj policy drafted by a committee appointed by the Centre, sources said. The proposed Haj Policy 2018-22 by the panel headed by former secretary Afzal Amanullah also recommends bringing down the number of embarkation points (EPs) from which pilgrims can take flights to Saudi Arabia from the present 21 to nine. The draft was submitted to Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Saturday. Naqvi said the next Haj pilgrimage will be in line with the new policy, which he described as "better, transparent and one ensuring the safety of pilgrims". Sources in the minority affairs ministry said the policy has been drafted in light of a 2012 Supreme Court order asking the Centre to abolish the Haj subsidy gradually by 2022. Referring to that Naqvi said, "The Supreme Court decision clearly talked about abolishing the subsidy. We are trying our best to see that after the abolition of the Haj subsidy, the poor pilgrims are burdened least." A ministry source said, "The highlight of the policy is abolishing the subsidy. Besides, it proposes another major reform, of allowing women aged above 45 to undertake the journey without male Mehram in a group of four." Till now, women pilgrims could not travel without a male Mehram. The term Mehram refers to a male a woman cannot marry at any time in her life (i.e. father, brother or son etc) Women aged below 45, however, will have to be accompanied by male Mehrams, according to the policy. It proposes to increase the quota for Mehrams from 200 to 500. The cut in funds meant for a subsidy will be used for educational empowerment and welfare of Muslims, the source said. The policy suggests sending pilgrims by ship, relatively less expensive than flights. The policy says the Saudi government will be consulted regarding Haj travel by ship and thereafter floating an EOI (expression of interest) to gauge the market for such travel. The committee also suggested formally ascertaining willingness of Saudi Arabia to the proposal of transportation of pilgrims by ship for the pilgrimage. Also, it said, the security concerns that are present, particularly regarding Somalian piracy and instability in Yemen and adjacent areas need to be factored in. According to the policy, the nine EPs will be Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Cochin. It also proposes to build suitable Haj houses at these EPs "to which states and districts will be tagged properly". "EPs are being reduced keeping in mind ship journeys. It proposes inviting global expressions of interest from vessel owners having a capacity of 4,000 plus passengers...Even if 10 such trips are made to Saudi Arabia, 40,000 to 50,000 pilgrims can easily be ferried," the source added. The draft policy also recommended that the Haj Committee of India be exempted from Income Tax, Goods and Services tax (GST) and other local taxes. The air charter services provided for the benefit of pilgrims too should be exempted from service tax/GST. The proposed policy aims at rationalising distribution of the Haj quota between the Haj Committee of India and private tour operators in the ratio of 70:30 for the next five years. It also stresses on breaking the cartel of contractors with a transparent bidding process. India has an annual Haj quota of 1.70 lakh devotees. The policy also proposes to ensure the stay of all Indian Haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia within Mina. Sources said the report will be examined in the ministry and shared with all concerned for implementation of the accepted recommendations from Haj 2018 onwards. Hindon (Uttar Pradesh): The Mi-17 helicopter crash in Tawang, killing seven military personnel, may have been caused due to disengagement of the chopper's tail rotor, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Sunday. Five Indian Air Force personnel, including two pilots, and two army men were killed when the Mi-17 V5 medium-lift chopper crashed and burst into flames on Friday near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. "Prima facie it appears that the tail rotor of the chopper had come off. It will not be proper for me to say why it came off as a court of inquiry has already been ordered to probe the crash," the IAF chief said. The IAF chief also paid homage to the seven military personnel killed in the crash. Dhanoa said there was no technical problem in the engine of the aircraft as the Mi 17 V5 fleet is still flying. "I think there is no problem in the machine as the chopper is flying even today," he said. The IAF chief was talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event to celebrate the Air Force Day. The Russian-manufactured helicopter was carrying supplies to a forward post of the Indian Army in the mountainous region near the China-India border. Earlier, in a message published in an IAF booklet, Dhanoa said IAF's assets are scarce and expensive and the force cannot afford to lose them on account of any "careless, ignorance or unprofessionalism." "Supervisors are entirely responsible for the safe and professional conduct of operations and must involve themselves wholeheartedly with the task at hand," the IAF chief said in the message dated 10 September. The booklet, featuring feats of award winning air warriors, was released on Sunday. The Mi-17 V5 is a Russian built medium-lift military transport chopper. An Advanced Light Helicopter of the IAF had crashed at Saglee in Papum Pare district on 4 July, claiming the lives of all four on board. New Delhi: The Indian Air Force is prepared to fight a war at a short notice, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Sunday. Addressing IAF personnel on the occasion of Air Force Day, Dhanoa said the Air Force was fully geared up to face any security challenge to the country. "We are prepared to fight at a short notice," he said, talking about the security scenario. He also said that the Air Force was acquiring multi-spectrum strategic capabilities and remained committed to building a "joint manship" with the Indian Army and the navy. Dhanoa said security of all Air Force stations have been enhanced to combat any threat, including sub-conventional threats, after the terrorist attack on the IAF base station in Pathankot last year. In January 2016, terrorists sneaked in from across the border and attacked the Pathankot air base. The attack claimed the lives of seven security personnel while four terrorists were killed. The Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh, the largest seminary in India, issued a bizarre fatwa on Saturday which bans women from plucking, trimming, shaping their eyebrows and cutting hair, according to media reports. Darul Ifta, the edict-issuing authority of the seminary, termed all these activities as "un-Islamic" and asked Muslim women to refrain from them, ANI reported. "Darul Uloom Deoband has issued a fatwa against Muslim women cutting their hair and shaping their eyebrows," Maulana Kazmi of Darul Uloom Deoband said. Supporting the fatwa, he added that women were also prohibited from going to the beauty parlours. "Darul Uloom should have given this fatwa long ago. Women are now prohibited to go into s beauty parlour and getting a haircut in a parlour is prohibited for women. Beard for men is important and in the same way hairs are important for women. Shaving the beard is prohibited for men, in the same way cutting the hair is prohibited for women. We respect the fatwa of Darul Uloom," he told Times Now. Adding to it, Maulana Mufti Arshad Faruqui, head of the Darul Ifta, said that grooming the eyebrow to look beautiful is against the tenets of Islam, according to The Telegraph. The fatwa came in response to a query by a Muslim man in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, asking if women were allowed to cut hair and groom eyebrows in Islam. It has sparked off a controversy as women activists all over are questioning the misogynistic fatwa. Women activist Mariya Alam told ANI, "Darul Uloom is also becoming the part of world's conspiracy against Muslims, where they are portrayed as extremists, terrorists and are believed to torture women." "Islam is not about putting restrictions on women but about empowering women," Alam added. This is not the first time that the Darul Uloom Deoband has been in the news for such fatwas. In 2013, it issued a fatwa banning photography, while in 2010, it said that women and men cannot work together unless the women are "properly" clothed. Jaish-e-Mohammad has made a deadly comeback into militancy in Kashmir with a lethal fidayeen squad that it named after Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. The Afzal Guru Squad first surfaced with a series of devastating raids in mid-2014 on army installations along the Line of Control and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir. Inside the Indian Army bases, the squad left their signatures in blood. They left a terse messageit is revenge for Afzal Guru. The attacks were repeated with increased lethality. The first raids were carried out by members of the squad against army bases in Mohra and Tangdhar in north Kashmir, then in Kathua and Samba in Jammu division. The most devastating attack took place at the Pathankot airbase; putting the brakes on a fragile Indo-Pakistan bonhomie. The announcement of the formation of the Afzal Guru Squad was made by Jaish-e-Mohammad founder and militant cleric Maulana Masood Azhar, whose enmity with India dates back to three decades. Azhar had travelled to India only once on a Portuguese passport in 1993 and was arrested in south Kashmir within months. He was then the general secretary of the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. After spending the next seven years in Indian jails, Azhar was released along with two other militants, British-Pakistani Omar Saeed and Kashmiri Mushtaq Zargar - in exchange for hostages of the hijacked Indian Airlines plane IC-814 in December 1999. Within months after his release, he introduced Jaish-e-Mohammad to Kashmir with a car bomb, driven and exploded by a 17-year-old Srinagar boy Aafaq Shah at the gates of Army 15 Corps headquarters. Jaish-e-Mohammads deadly comeback changed the equations on the ground in Kashmir as the militant group initiated a wave of attacks against government installations and security forces. However, the change in the foreign and internal policy of Pakistan in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks brought Jaish-e-Mohammads campaign of blood and fury to a halt. By the turn of the next decade, Jaish-e-Mohammads footprint in Kashmir was erased. In February 2013, a shock announcement of the hanging of north Kashmir resident Afzal Guru in New Delhis Tihar jail gave a new lease of life to Jaish-e-Mohammad. Guru, allegedly a close associate of December 2001 Parliament attack mastermind Ghazi Baba, became Jaishs new icon. A year later, on 26 January, 2014, Azhar released Gurus lengthy commentary on Kashmir that he had penned in Tihar jail and in which he had made an advocacy for the Taliban. At the inauguration, Azhar made a dangerous announcement: the Afzal Guru Squad. The latest attack carried out by the Afzal Guru Squad took place at a paramilitary base in the highly fortified Humhama area outside Srinagar city. The three attackers who penetrated the headquarters of 182 Battalion of Border Security Forces last week were part of a batch of seventeen militants who had infiltrated into the Kashmir valley in the midsummer this year and established bases in south Kashmir. Seven to ten members of the batch which includes at least one more fidayeen squad are still untraceable. Six to seven members of the group are still alive and we need to neutralize them, said Inspector General of Police, Munir Khan. The entry of Jaish-e-Mohammad with its Afzal Guru Squad into the militancy in Kashmir has come at a time when militants of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba have come under intense pressure following the back-to-back killing of their senior leadership. The group, when its formation was announced had more than 300 hundred fidayeen ready to carry out attacks in India, according to a speech delivered by Azhar in January 2014. The attack in Humhama on the BSF camp came after three militants from AGS carried out a similar attack on District Police Lines (DPL) on 26 August, that left eight personnel of the Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) dead, in southern Kashmir district. This is the revenge for Afzal Guru, read a message on a pillar of one of the damaged buildings of District Police Lines. The life of a member of the Afzal Guru Squad, according to senior police and intelligence officials, once the member leaves the base camp in Pakistan, is not more than 24 hours in Kashmir. Military intelligence officials have observed that the preference in the initial stage of the group was to carry out attack close to the Line of Control. In most of attacks the members of the group would leave their marking on a bag or on a wall after carrying out the attack. However, after the attack in Humhama and the second one in DPL Pulwama, the group seems to be slowly moving towards the hinterland, and more importantly Srinagar. They are not here to publish their pictures on Facebook or upload videos as Kashmiri militants would do, they come here to die and it is very difficult to stop them from doing so, a military intelligence official told Firstpost recently. The biggest attack the group carried out in the Kashmir valley was the one in Uri that left 19 Army soldiers dead, as also the four attackers. Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Police has been able to normalise the situation in the Valley, especially in south Kashmir, DGP SP Vaid said on Sunday. "The credit for normalising the situation in Kashmir goes to the last man, who is deployed in the field and works with the people," he said here while interacting with a group of IPS officers from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy. The state's top police highlighted the contribution of field officers and SPOs for their dedicated efforts in bringing the situation to normalcy. He said the police personnel in the field were doing a commendable job and brave men had laid their lives in line of duty. The DGP also underlined the "misuse of social media" by inimical forces across the border to fulfil their ulterior motives. "J&K Police is focusing to enhance its capabilities to counter this menace at different levels," he said. Vaid also cautioned against the impressions created by media on Kashmir, and said the same needed to be corrected. Lamenting the machinations of Pakistan, he said, "People of Kashmir want peace and prosperity since they bear the brunt and exploitation from the neighbouring country". The top cop said the state police was trying to reach out to the people and redress their grievances of day-to-day life through police-community partnership programmes. He added that the police was working as a catalyst in bringing public issues to the notice of other departments. Jammu: Police have arrested another militant involved in the deadly terror attack on the SSB party in Banihal belt of Jammu and Kashmir last month, taking the total number of arrests to four, a senior police officer said on Sunday. "Nazir Ahmad, a resident of Verinag in south Kashmir, was arrested in connection with the 20 September attack on the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel which left a head constable dead and another injured," said Senior Superintendent of Police, Ramban, Mohan Lal. Gazanfar Iqbal Khan and Mohammad Arif Wani, both residents of Banihal, were arrested on 22 September in connection with the attack and two service rifles, including an AK assault rifle and an INSAS rifle, snatched during the attack, were recovered from them. A third terrorist involved in the attack, Aquib Wahid of Banihal, was arrested on 25 September and a pistol along with some ammunition was seized from him. "The questioning of the trio led to the arrest of Ahmad who provided the weapon to them," Lal said. "Some more arrests are expected in the coming days as their interrogation is still going on," he said. He said Hizbul Mujahideen had recruited the Banihal youth to set up a base in the otherwise peaceful Chenab Valley. Two police personnel, including a woman inspector, were injured on Sunday when they opened fire at two goons to prevent them from escaping in Karnataka's Kalaburagi, media reports said. The Inspector General of Police (North Eastern Range) Alok Kumar has lauded Sub-Inspector Akka Mahadevi's act and said, "It's the first time a lady cop did that. We'll recommend her for the chief minister's medal and provide cash reward to the other police personnel." He added that the two history-sheeters will be booked and the police would ensure that they don't come out of the jail at least for a year. Kalaburagi (Karnataka): 2 cops, including a lady inspector, injured when they opened fire on 2 rowdy-sheeters to prevent them from escaping pic.twitter.com/o0bAkXoMhH ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2017 It's the first time a lady cop did that. We'll recommend her for CM's medal & provide cash reward to the other cop: IGP, North Eastern Range pic.twitter.com/P1xyCzC9H0 ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2017 We'll book 2 rowdy-sheeters under Guna Act & make sure that they don't come out of the jail at least for a year: IGP, North Eastern Range ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2017 According to The Hindu, Kumar said that the two arrested repeat offenders Chetan and Shivakumar were involved in eight criminal cases, including an attempt to murder, dacoity and kidnap. After receiving a tip-off, a police team led by Inspector James Menenjes chased the attackers before opening fire. Mahadevi who is stationed at RG Nagar opened fire at Chetan after he attacked police constable Prahlad Kulkarni with a weapon injuring his arm, while Menenjes shot Shivakumar on his leg. The injured personnel were shifted to a private hospital and the accused were admitted to the District Government Hospital. A case has been registered at the rural police station. Mumbai/New Delhi: The role of bank executives, directors and government officials has come under the scanner for alleged violations at the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines as multi-agency probes against fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya gather steam, regulatory and banking sources said. With the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) submitting a detailed report on the misdoings at Kingfisher Airlines, which went belly up in 2012, the government, regulators and banks are set to initiate strict actions to zero in on the guilty. Sources said the probe agency has red flagged a slew of violations of companies law by Mallya, Kingfisher Airlines and officials, including serious corporate governance lapses. The role of independent directors and whether they failed in discharging their duties during their tenure at the airline has come to the fore, they added. Besides, sources said the role of bank executives in extending loans without requisite due diligence to the airline as well as the possibility of some government officials conniving with Mallya are being looked into in detail. Indian authorities have been working on ways to bring back Mallya, wanted for Kingfisher Airlines' default on loans worth nearly Rs 9,000 crore and some other matters, back from the UK, where he has been based for a long time. Sources said all banks where the SFIO has found lapses with respect to loans extended to the defunct airline are under the scanner. "The company's balance sheet was never strong and its credit rating was lower than what was required for sanctioning loans. Still, the banks went ahead and sanctioned them by deviating from the loan procedures," one of the sources said. The investigators have also found that banks considered only one valuer's report for the valuation of Kingfisher brand and based on that loans were given to the carrier, according to sources. Regulations require that at least two different valuation reports should be considered before deciding on giving loans on the basis of brand. Corporate affairs ministry officials were not available for comments on the SFIO report while queries sent to Mallya did not elicit any immediate response. Sources said agencies have also asked for certain details from banks who have exposure to Kingfisher Airlines as authorities tighten the noose around Mallya. The 61-year-old flamboyant businessman was arrested in London earlier in October in a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate, before being released on bail by Westminster Magistrates' Court. Mallya, already out on bail on an extradition warrant executed by the Metropolitan Police earlier in 2017, was released on the same bail conditions as before to appear for his trial on 4 December. Yavatmal: Fourteen new patients of pesticide poisoning were admitted in various hospitals of the district on Sunday, said a senior district official. Two have been admitted to GMC Hospital, while 12 others are in the government rural hospitals, said Resident Deputy Collector of Yavatmal Narendra Fulzele. Additional chief secretary Sudheer Shrivastav, who is heading the probe panel to investigate deaths due to pesticide poisoning, visited village Sawargad of Kalamb tehsil on Sunday and interacted with farmers and farm labourers. He left for Mumbai later on Sunday. On Saturday, Shrivastav held a joint meeting of the officers of various departments and directed them to be alert and ensure that such incidents are not repeated again. According to the superintendent of police M Rajkumar, two new FIRs have been filed against Krishi Kendra owners one in Ladkhed of Darwha and one in Mukutben which takes the number of FIRs so far filed to seven. NCP leader Dhanajay Munde who visited the GMC Hospital, declared Rs 10,000 assistance to the families of the 19 deceased on behalf of the party. He demanded for Rs 10 lakh compensation to each deceased from the government. Auto refresh feeds "There were lots of possibilities of development in the tourism sector here, but earlier the UPA government had an indifferent attitude towards Gujarat because of the BJP government in the state... I clearly remember," Modi said at a public gathering. PTI Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had also gone to Saurashtra region and had targetted the Modi government. The prime minister, during his two-day visit, will travel through Saurashtra, which sends the highest number of legislators to the 182-seat Gujarat Assembly. "Because of Narmada's water, new employment opportunities will come up in Surendranagar. It will also become an important place for education," said Modi in Rajkot. Modi also said that his government helped in the development of dairy industry in Surendranagar. "The day is not far when this (Rajkot) airport will have international services," he said. "This Narmada project will become a sukh-sagar in the future," he added. "We needed to take only 4 percent of land from farmlands for this airport. 96 percent of barren land was taken for this airport," said Modi, talking about the greenfield airport in Rajkot, which was inaugurated by the prime minister earlier. We needed only 4 percent of farmland for the Rajkot airport: Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting his home town of Vadnagar and inaugurate a Rs 500 crore government hospital and a medical college. Modi spent his formative years in Vadnagar before leaving home to pursue a life in public service. Modi is also scheduled to dedicate the redeveloped Sharmistha Lake to the people and inaugurate other public works, including the facelift of the Vadnagar railway station, where he is once said to have sold tea as a school boy, reports IANS. Apart from being an RSS worker, Dwarka-resident Adhunik is also a member of the administrative committee of the famous temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met his old friend and long-time RSS pracharak Haribhai Adhunik during his visit to the famous Dwarkadhish Temple. While leaving the temple after offering prayers this morning, Modi walked towards Adhunik upon spotting him standing with some people in the temple courtyard. While opening his speech, Modi remembered his childhood days when he sold tea at the railway station in his hometown Vadnagar. "You all are IITians. But I am the one who is just a 'teaian', a chaiwala" Modi said, evoking laughter from the audience. The prime minister is in the poll-bound home state for a third time in less than a month. Last time around, he inaugurated the Sardar Sarovar Dam project. Before that he had welcomed Japan's Shinzo Abe to his home state during his state visit. While Modi has visited Gujarat quite often in the last three and a half years, this is prime minister's first visit to Vadnagar after he took power in May 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said yesterday's changes in the GST regime giving relief to small and medium businesses have been hailed across the country as they kindled the festive mood of Diwali a fortnight before it is celebrated. In the afternoon, he will reach Bharuch and lay the foundation stone for Bhadbhut Barrage to be built over Narmada River. Modi will also flag off the Antyodaya Express between Udhna (Surat, Gujarat) and Jaynagar (Bihar). He will address a public meeting in Bharuch before returning to Delhi. Under attack over the Gujarat model of development, Modi took a swipe at the Congress over economic progress under its governments, saying for them it meant installing a hand pump and asking for votes in return. According to News18, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would pass by his school and also the old railway station where his father's tea stall was located. The hoardings also highlight several achievements of Modi's three-year rule at the Centre. Modi will be pass by his old school, railway station Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Rs 1,200-crore Devi Ni Mori International Buddhist complex near Shamlaji in Aravalli district, also in North Gujarat, News18 reported. After addressing a public gathering in his hometown Vadnagar, Narendra Modi is also expected to address a public gathering in Bharuch, a key town in South Gujarat, The perception in the BJP, that is ruling Gujarat since 1995, and rightly so is that Modi alone could dwarf all caste contradictions and anti-incumbency in the state just by a few visits with his "vikas purush" (development man) positioning. That the prime minister is on a veritable foundation stone-laying spree during this visit is also to forcefully drum home the message of development. The BJP's biggest and the most loyal vote bank in Gujarat has been the urban middle class and GST has hit them the most, coming as it did after the sledgehammer impact of demonetisation. Rupani has also announced that petrol and diesel prices will come down in the state, though he has not given a timeframe. While visiting his school, an emotional Narendra Modi smeared his forehead with the sand of Vadnagar and kneeled his head to the ground. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a Rs 500 crore modern six-storey Civil Hospital associated with the local medical college. He interacted with the medical students in the college in their own classroom. This hospital is set to cater to lakhs of patients in North Gujarat and south Rajasthan, which borders the region. Every nook and every corner of the town was choc-a-bloc with people to receive him. The massive crowds made an emotional Modi hold a roadshow that was not part of the itinerary. Modi hung out of his Range Rover SUV through the route and waved at the surging crowds. Hundreds of school students were mobilised by the local unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party to attend Modi's public address in his hometown Vadnagar, where he has come for the first time after becoming the prime minister in 2014. The students are attired in saffron or white dresses, with saffron caps. The T-shirts have the logo "Welcome NaMo." printed on them. When Modi reached his school, he got down from his car impromptu leaving all security barricades aside and he went inside, followed by the crowds. Before entering the school, he sat down on the floor and bowed down at the entrance. By Saturday afternoon itself, the prime minister had laid foundation stones of as many as six infrastructure projects: Signature sea link bridge from Dwarka to the popular island pilgrimage centre, Bet Dwarka, four-laning of Dwarka-Porbander highway as well as Gadu-Porbander road, four laning of Rajkot-Morbi state highway, six laning of major Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway and Rajkot International Airport. Saurashtra is like Uttar Pradesh of Gujarat for it sends the maximum number of MLAs, 52, to the 182-member state Assembly and is the BJPs bastion for two decades. Congress getting an unusually positive response to Gandhi in this region is a matter of concern for the BJP, which depends completely on the persona of Modi. In Gujarat, to kickstart Congress' campaign under the theme, "Yuva Rojgar, Kisan Adhikar", Gandhi delineated the party's national theme for 2019 as he said while addressing village meetings, that the country faced two burning issues, one is the lack of jobs for lakhs of youth; and the other is the farmer plunging into deeper crisis". "Once Carriappa went to his village, where he said that the experience of being welcomed by natives is something which cannot be compared," Modi said. "I feel the same," said Modi. "Whatever I am today, it is all because of Vadnagar and its people," says Narendra Modi. "I will work harder for the people of Gujarat. I will work on the ideals taught by the people of Vadnagar, I promise it," Modi said. Modi said that the archeological excavations from Vadnagar have become the focal point of world community. He said that Vadnagar is now the only place in the world which has been continuously been inhabitant by people. Modi said that Vadnagar was a major Buddhist learning centre in the ancient times. "I request people to think Indradhanush as your own campaign. As much as you feel happy when you donate blood or do other charities, you should also help the poor children to get immunised. You will be blessed," says Modi. Slamming the UPA government for not bringing in a health policy, Modi said it was the Vajpayee government between 1998 and 2004, which brought a comprehensive health policy. He said that the UPA did not attach importance to the policy while it was after NDA came to power that the policy was renewed. In a bid to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates in Gujarat, Modi urged doctors to work for free on the ninth day of every month. "This will help poor women to not travel far off places for delivering babies," Modi said. "Sharmistha lake is the heart of Vadnagar. We will make it a tourist hotspot," says Modi in his hometown. "Immense love showered by people of Vadnagar gives me new energy to serve the nation with more zeal," PTI quoted Modi as saying while promising to work even more harder for the people of Gujarat. There were chants of "Modi-Modi" and flowers were showered on him at several places along the route of the roadshow. The locals told mediapersons it was a matter of great pride that the "son of the soil" was the prime minister and was visiting the town after a long time. Recalling Modi's childhood, Pankaj said, "He used to focus on his studies and when free, he used to sell tea at the railway station. During the Indo-Sino war, he reached the station and gave tea and food to soldiers." Pankaj Modi, a relative of the prime minister spoke to News18 on the mood in the town and said, "Gaon ka beta aa raha hai. Mood is ecstaitc in Vadnagar." Modi launched the "Intensified Mission Indradhanush" to accelerate progress towards the goal of full immunization coverage. "I am happy that I have got to inaugurate projects relating to the health sector, particularly Intensified Mission Indradhanush," said Modi. "Work is constantly being done to make healthcare affordable for the poor," he added. "Coming back to one's hometown and receiving such a warm welcome is special. I go back with your blessings and assure you that I will work even harder for the nation," said Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Gujarat. Whatever I am today is due to values I have learnt on this soil, among you all in Vadnagar," he added addressing a public meeting in Vadnagar. Read more here . Modi will lay the foundation stone for Rs 3,000-crore Bhadbhut barrage project over river Narmada, as well as a Rs 650-crore Dahej-Ghogha Ro-Ro ferry service near Bharuch in South Gujarat. After that, Modi will fly off to New Delhi from Vadodara, CNN News18 reported. This is where Modi addressed people of his hometown in Vadnagar Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Antyodaya Express, which will run between Udhna in Gujarat to Jaynagar in Bihar. Interestingly, he flagged off the train via a video link. "Workers come to Gujarat to work but then on holidays, he has to reach home. But there are so many difficulties, especially for those from UP, Bihar. So, we have launched the train. This part of Deen Dayal Upadhayay's dream of Antyodaya," Modi said. "Whether it is Diwali or Chhat Puja, the train is a gift from the West of India to the people from UP and Bihar. Now they can connect with us.," Modi said. "Urea subsidy used to reach chemical companies and not the farmers. These companies, who used to get the urea at cheap rates, used to sell products in the market. But the farmers were deprived of urea. The central government used to be looted," Modi said. "I have taken birth in the land of Gandhi and Sardar. So it does not matter how many thieves come and go, but ultimately truth and sincerity will win," Modi said in an apparent dig at the Opposition. While claiming that the Sarovar dam was a result of government's sheer political will, Modi reiterated that the river Narmada is an integral part of Gujarat's economic and social life. "Government of India is taking steps towards the empowerment of fishermen. We do not want our fishermen to live in poverty, we want to create more opportunities for them," Modi said in his Bharuch address. "Due to the rules formulated by the past governments, very few students were able to secure admission in the medical colleges. Thus, we have taken up the task of opening one medical college for (every) three to four Lok Sabha constituencies across the country. Since we also need good professors for such colleges, we have also increased 6,000 seats in PG medical courses in the last one year. Though some people criticised the move, we remained firm because we understand that we will need good professors for producing good doctors," Modi said. The prime minister also criticised the earlier government over the issue of seats in medical colleges which, according to him, were much less than the requirement of doctors in the country. "Workers come to Gujarat to work but then on holidays, he has to reach home. But there are so many difficulties, especially for those from UP, Bihar. So, we have launched the train. This part of Deen Dayal Upadhayay's dream of Antyodaya," Modi said. "Whether it is Diwali or Chhat Puja, the train is a gift from the West of India to the people from UP and Bihar. Now they can connect with us.," Modi said. "Urea subsidy used to reach chemical companies and not the farmers. These companies, who used to get the urea at cheap rates, used to sell products in the market. But the farmers were deprived of urea. The central government used to be looted," Modi said. "I have taken birth in the land of Gandhi and Sardar. So it does not matter how many thieves come and go, but ultimately truth and sincerity will win," Modi said in an apparent dig at the Opposition. We decided that 100% neem coating of urea has to be done so that it can only be used in farming & not in chemical factories: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/TUUt9Eykdm While claiming that the Sarovar dam was a result of government's sheer political will, Modi reiterated that the river Narmada is an integral part of Gujarat's economic and social life. "Government of India is taking steps towards the empowerment of fishermen. We do not want our fishermen to live in poverty, we want to create more opportunities for them," Modi said in his Bharuch address. Gujarat's strides in animal husbandry have helped farmers. I told @CMOfficeUP @myogiadityanath to send a team to Gujarat and study the Pashu Arogya Melas. They did that and organised a similar one in Varanasi, which I had the opportunity to visit & see how it helped farmers: PM "Due to the rules formulated by the past governments, very few students were able to secure admission in the medical colleges. Thus, we have taken up the task of opening one medical college for (every) three to four Lok Sabha constituencies across the country. Since we also need good professors for such colleges, we have also increased 6,000 seats in PG medical courses in the last one year. Though some people criticised the move, we remained firm because we understand that we will need good professors for producing good doctors," Modi said. The prime minister also criticised the earlier government over the issue of seats in medical colleges which, according to him, were much less than the requirement of doctors in the country. On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit his hometown Vadnagar in North Gujarat to inaugurate a Rs 500-crore civil hospital and a medical college. Modi is also scheduled to dedicate the redeveloped Sharmistha Lake to the people and inaugurate other public works, including the facelift of the Vadnagar railway station, where he is once said to have sold tea as a school boy. Modi on Saturday said Diwali had come early because of the relaxation in GST rules that brought some relief to small and medium businesses. Modi sounded the poll bugle for the assembly elections to be conducted later this year in Gujarat by addressing a gathering in the temple town of Dwarka after laying the foundation stone for a four-lane signature bridge costing Rs 900 crore linking Dwarka with the island religious tourist centre of Bet Dwarka. "Today, everywhere it is being said that Diwali has come 15 days ahead due to the decisions taken in the GST Council (on Friday). I am happy," he said at the beginning of his two-day Gujarat visit. Modi said the decision to relax the GST provisions for small traders, businessmen and exporters was in keeping with the Centre's promise to review the working of the new tax regime from time-to-time. "We had said we will study all aspects relating to GST for three months, including the shortcomings. And thus, the decisions were taken with consensus at the GST Council," he said. Accusing the previous UPA government at the centre of stalling development projects in Gujarat, Modi recalled the difficulties the state faced when the Congress ruled the country and he was the state chief minister. "Despite my best efforts, I could not make them (UPA government) to wake up from their slumber," said the prime minister. Modi stressed that his government would continue giving priority to development by enhancing connectivity and took a dig at his critics, especially in the wake of a viral social media campaign "Development has gone crazy", targeting his government. Modi said development would continue to be the driving force of his initiatives. "This generation may have suffered poverty but we would take development to such heights that future generations do not get to see poverty. The world's attention is being drawn to India. People are coming to invest here. All this will bring opportunities for the people of India." He also announced the setting up of the country's first and biggest Marine Police training institute at Mojak in Devbhoomi Dwarka district of the state. "I would like to give a gift to the people of Gujarat that will benefit the entire country. For security of coastal area, we are working to modernise Marine Police (who look after coastal security till 5 km from the shore). "To help train policemen from across the country, a Marine Police training and research institute will be set up near Mojak," Modi said. Modi at Rajkot Modi on Saturday said that the present central government is the first since independence that has formulated a National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) for providing air connectivity to smaller cities. Modi talked about the NCAP at a foundation stone laying ceremony held here for development of a new airport. According to state-run Airports Authority of India (AAI), Modi who addressed a gathering at the ceremony, highlighted the importance that an airport plays in achieving development goals of a region and a state. "He (Modi) also brought to light the fact that for the new greenfield airport coming up between Rajkot and Surendranagar districts, 96 per cent of the land used was barren land of government of Gujarat," the AAI statement said. The Gujarat government had proposed a greenfield airport at Hirasar, Rajkot as the existing airport faces capacity constrains with no further scope for expansion. The initial development phase cost of the new airport has been pegged at Rs 1,405 crore. Commenting on the new airport project being handled by AAI, Civil Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju said: "Since the existing airport has no scope of further expansion and is not positioned well to meet the potential traffic demand, the new airport being constructed by AAI will surely meet the futuristic demands of Rajkot and will further add to the infrastructural development of this expanding city." The existing Rajkot airport currently witnesses around 100 movements per week and handled over 4 lakh passengers during 2016-17. During his two-day trip, Modi is expected to address as many as six public meetings, launching various schemes and projects at five places in three regions of the poll-bound state. With inputs from IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed as many as six public meetings launching various schemes and projects at five places during his two-day tour of poll-bound Gujarat, his home state, less than a month after inaugurating the ambitious Sardar Sarovar Narmada Project. The two-day tour, which concluded on Sunday began with prayers at the Dwarkadheesh Temple in Dwarka on Saturday, following which Modi laid the foundation of a sea-link bridge between the coastal town of Okha and Bet Dwarka Island. Located about a couple of kilometres away from Dwarkadheesh Temple, Bet Dwarka is frequented by thousands of pilgrims coming to this temple town of Lord Krishna. Bridge between Okha & Bet Dwarka not only connects people but also connects us with our rich history & culture. It will also boost tourism. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2017 Further, in the day, the prime minister recalled the difficulties Gujarat faced when the Congress-led UPA ruled the country while laying the foundation stones for the bridge linking Okha and Bet Dwarka. "Despite my best efforts, I could not make them (UPA government) wake up from their slumber," Modi said. The prime minister stressed that his government had given priority to development. Modi further took a swipe at Congress and said that for them, progress only meant installing a hand pump and asking for votes in return. "The definition of development has changed. Earlier, leaders used to install a hand pump and ask for vote in its name for three elections," Modi said. The prime minister also spoke about his government's decision to relax the GST rates and allowing small entrepreneurs, businessmen, traders and the exporters to file their returns quarterly instead of every month. He said that the GST Council made reforms so that the business class can be protected from red-tapism. Referring to newspaper headlines, the prime minister said he was happy that the changes made by the GST Council which met on Friday had been welcomed all over the country as if Diwali had come early. "You all must be busy preparing for Diwali, and in Gujarat, Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially among businessmen," Modi said while addressing a public gathering. On the visit to the Dwarkadheesh Temple, Modi met his longtime friend and RSS pracharak Haribhai Adhunik. Apart from being an RSS worker, Dwarka-resident Adhunik is also a member of the administrative committee of the famous temple. The old friends talked for a while before Modi left. Next on the prime minister's itinerary was another stone-laying ceremony when he inaugurated Rs 1,400-crore Rajkot International Airport on the outskirts of the biggest city in Saurashtra. Construction of an airport will boost connectivity to & from Rajkot & Surendranagar. Talked about our commitment to make aviation affordable Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2017 The proposed site for the airport at Hirasar, measuring 2,534 acres, will be developed at a cost of Rs 1,405 crores. The airport will be located near the National Highway (NH-8B) connecting Ahmedabad and Rajkot. The airport will have a rainwater harvesting system, solar power system and a green belt along its periphery to act as a noise barrier. Further, Modi then went on to inaugurate the new building of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) near Gandhinagar. On Sunday, the second leg of the tour began with a visit to Modi's birthplace, Vadnagar. The prime minister held a roadshow in Vadnagar in Mehsana district as he arrived at his birthplace. A large number of Vadnagar residents queued up along the route to greet Modi who was visiting his birthplace for the first time after becoming the prime minister in 2014. Acknowledging the overwhelming response, Modi stood on the step of his moving SUV and waved at people all along the route from the helipad on the outskirts of the city to a newly-built medical college. I go back with your blessings and assure you that I will work even harder for the nation: PM @narendramodi to the people of Vadnagar pic.twitter.com/9hWUprRcT3 PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 8, 2017 In another instance, PMO India tweeted "Coming back to one's hometown and receiving such a warm welcome is special. Whatever I am today is due to the values I have learnt on this soil, among you all in Vadnagar." Later, the prime minister laid the foundation stone for Rs 3,000-crore Bhadbhut barrage project over river Narmada, as well as a Rs 650-crore Dahej-Ghogha Ro-Ro ferry service near Bharuch in South Gujarat before flying off to New Delhi from Vadodara. With inputs from agencies Bharuch (Gujarat): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the Rs 4,337-crore Bhadbhut Barrage project which aims to stop the ingress of salinity along the Narmada river. Modi, on the second day of his two-day visit to poll-bound Gujarat, also flagged off a new train between Udhna in Surat and Jaynagar in Bihar. The prime minister also inaugurated various neem-related projects of the Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilisers Company Limited (GNFC), and said the idea of 100 percent neem-coated urea, conceived by his government, has stopped its pilferage and helped in addressing the problem of urea shortage faced by farmers. Neem coating of urea helped farmers and stopped corruption as well as theft: PM @narendramodi PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 8, 2017 Addressing a public meeting, Modi said the barrage project will solve the issue of drinking water for Bharuch, and also open up new channels for fisheries. "Thousands of bighas of land has turned infertile due to salinity of sea water, which (the land) has to be revived. We also have to provide drinking water to people. Thanks to the Gujarat government for this project. I am confident it will be completed in three years," he said. "Coming together of river and ocean is good for fisheries. The barrage will be made using scientific methods, to stop saline water, improve drinking water and make two channels for fisheries," Modi said. A bridge that will be constructed across the barrage, joining Dahej to Hazira, will help create twin industrial cities and reduce the distance between them, he said. "The bridge will reduce the journey to Hazira by 20 kilometres, and help save fuel, environment and also time. Joining Hazira with Dahej will also make them twin industrial cities," he said. Modi lauded the GNFC for its projects and said it has helped four lakh rural women who collect and sell the neem fruit and seeds. "Bharuch GNFC has bought neem fruit and seeds and helped them earn Rs 40 crore. This is extra money, wealth from waste," he said. The 100 percent neem-coated urea project of the government has prevented theft of subsidised urea for use as a raw material in the chemical industry, the prime minister said. "Earlier I used to write letters to the central government asking for more urea due to its shortage. When I became prime minister, I also used to get letters...For the last two years, not a single chief minister has written to me for urea," he said. "Won't urea thieves conspire against me (for stopping pilferage)? But this is Modi. He has grown up on the soil of Gujarat, in the land of Gandhi and Sardar Patel," he said. Flagging off a second 'Antyodaya train' from Udhna in Surat to Jaynagar, Modi said it will help migrants from Bihar, who work in Gujarat, to go home during Diwali and Chhat Puja. Antyodaya Express makes it easier for people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to go home for Chhath Puja: PM @narendramodi PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 8, 2017 "A hardworking person leaves his old parents back home and comes to work in Gujarat. But during festival season, he faces hardship going back home. To ensure that our friends from Bihar and UP can go back home easily, we have emphasised starting long-route rail service," he said. Modi said his government has started Antyodaya Express and Mahamana Express, connecting Vadodara to Varanasi, to join Gujarat with Bihar. "These trains have become a great facility for people from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh... (Mahamana Express) will help people to go on pilgrimage to Kashi Vishwanath (in Varanasi) and visit your Modi's Lok Sabha constituency," he said. Later, winding up his visit, Modi flew back to New Delhi from the Vadodara airport. New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency has arrested a Jharkhand Police assistant sub-inspector in connection with the case of killing of MLA Ramesh Munda, allegedly by Naxalites in 2008. Investigations have revealed that ASI Sheshnath Singh provided prior information about the movement of Munda to Naxals, who then attacked and killed him, an NIA spokesperson said in New Delhi. Singh has been sent to policy custody till 15 October, he said. The NIA teams are also conducting searches at four locations in Ranchi today in connection with the case, the spokesperson said. Munda, who was a Janata Dal (United) MLA, was killed allegedly by Naxalites when he was delivering a speech at a function in Bundu in his assembly constituency Tamar on 9 July, 2008. His two bodyguards were also killed in the attack. Gurugram: Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday said that no licenses would be issued for new meat shops in residential areas of the city, according to an official statement. Khattar presided over a monthly meeting of the District Public Grievances Committee here on Sunday. "No licenses will be issued for new meat shops in the residential areas of Gurugram," the chief minister told the meeting, according to the release. A three-member committee will be constituted to deal with issues related to sewer and water problem in old Gurugram, Khattar said, adding two machines would be purchased by the year-end for sewer-cleaning. The cleaning would be done by renting machines till the purchase is complete, he said. Meanwhile, hearing complaints of the people during a Janta Darbar at the Swantrata Senani Zila Parishad Hall here, Khattar asked the police to register complaints even in minor cases, saying they should not bother about increase in the number of FIRs as their truthfulness will be out during investigation. He also said that since the entire Gurugram district lies in the Dark Zone an area where groundwater level has fallen beyond a parameter permission for digging new tubewells cannot be granted. He, however, said a master plan would be prepared to provide adequate amount of drinking water to the residents. The demand for a new tubewell had come from a farmer of the Bhora-Kalan village during the Janta Darbar an occasional meeting of the chief minister with people during which he hears their problems. The chief minister also said Real Estate Regulatory Authority was being constituted in the state and its chairman and members would be appointed by the end of this month. "One can file a complaint in RERA authority even if the real estate project is not registered under RERA," he said. He also announced that a commission would be formed to hear and solve all disputes of cooperative group housing societies here. Earlier, speaking after launching the 'Intensified Mission Indradhanush' round in four districts Faridabad, Palwal, Mewat, Gurugram Khattar said the state government has decided to start Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in December. Two top aides of jailed Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh have had their testicles removed, Haryana Police found out after their arrest, media reports stated. The revelation, if proved true, could substantiate the charges of mass castration of male Dera followers. The two top aides of Gurmeet Lawyer Daan Singh and Rakesh Kumar were arrested over the widespread violence carried out by followers of the sect after their leader was convicted of rape in late August. Ram Rahim's adopted daughter Honeypreet is also imprisoned under the same charges. Haryana Police has also informed CBI, which is investigating the mass castration case against the Dera chief, and a medical board has been set up to determine the circumstances under which the testicles of Singh and Kumar were removed, and if there is any natural explanation for the missing body parts, the daily further reported. The medical examination of the two will be conducted on Monday. The 50-year-old Dera head, who is undergoing imprisonment for the rape of two of his female followers has several other cases pending against them, including that of castrating 400 of his male followers. In July 2012, Hansraj Chauhan of Fatehabad district of Haryana had filed a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court alleging that he along with 400 disciples were castrated at the Dera premises after being drugged. However, according to The Economic Times, several of the castrated followers told the court that the castrations were with consent. Gurmeet had also rejected the allegations of forced castration, saying that he was ready to be beheaded if the charges against him were proved. Since 2014, CBI has been investigating the case, The Indian Express wrote. India Today reported that the castrations were done apparently to avoid sexual advances of the male disciples towards their female counterparts, and the followers were persuaded to undergo castration on the pretext of union with God. In a phone conversation with The Quint, Chauhan said that it was in 2000, when Gurmeet felt that followers at his Dera should be prohibited from getting married or having normal sexual life, and asked two doctors to oversee the castration operations of some of his devotees. Gurmeet is also facing trial for murders of Sirsa-based journalist Ram Chander Chatrapati who published the newspaper 'Poora Sach' and former Dera manager Ranjit Singh. Chatrapati had written about alleged illegal activities going on in the Dera. Chatrapati was shot in 2002. Singh, who was believed to be privy to a number of wrong things happening inside the sect headquarters, was shot dead in July 2003. New Delhi: Former JNU Vice Chancellor SK Sopory has said that the varsity's scrapped sexual harassment watchdog was working well and people had full faith in it, a view also expressed by a large section of students and teachers who have deplored the administration's move. Heading the central university between 2011-16, Sopory was instrumental in strengthening the GSCASH (Gender Sensitisation Committee Against Sexual Harassment) by making it compliant with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013. "GSCASH was a robust and independent body which was functioning well in JNU. About three years back, it was also made compliant with the Work Place Act 2013, after due discussions and that was approved by the Executive Council. All stakeholders have developed full faith in its functioning, possibly barring a few individuals," he said. On 18 September, JNU administration replaced GSCASH with Internal Complaints Committee(ICC) a body which has members predominantly nominated by the administration, attracting criticisms from wide circles. Sopory was popular among students and teachers for restoring JNUSU elections after a break of four years and for being easily accessible to students union and JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA). He stressed that an administration like JNU needs to take decisions without "getting influenced by others" to avoid an atmosphere of conflict and mistrust that could impact research output. "Conflicts must be resolved and demands must be listened to. The administration should give critics patient hearings instead of getting swayed by praises. One has to be careful of those faculty or students who end up praising all your actions," Sopory said. Asked about the turbulent student agitations in the prestigious university and the challenges during his tenure, Sopory said, students listened to reasoning, so did all others. "Despite agitations against me, I used to listen to their issues and attempted to resolve them," he said, adding that discipline was to be enforced with "love and compassion". "If improvement of research and teaching is the main aim, then everything else can be sorted out. JNU has worked with that aim all through despite harbouring different political and social viewpoints," he said. Sopory also attributed JNU's credentials to its students and faculty and pitched for continuing to offer support to them. "JNU's credentials are achieved mainly by hard work of faculty and students and we need to continue supporting them," he said. Commenting on the recent supersession of five seniors and appointing a junior candidate as dean for School of Social Sciences, he said, "Ever since this rule of rotation of headship came into existence, the university has followed the accepted principle of shifting the responsibility to the next senior person...This is done unless and until there is any inquiry going on against him or her for financial irregularity or sexual harassment or any other serious matter." New Delhi: The strategic technical command centre of the Unnamed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), operated by the NTRO and the CRPF, has been shifted to the Naxal hotbed of Bastar in Chhattisgarh in order to provide security forces an enhanced aerial surveillance to conduct anti-Maoist operations. The Centre, with about three dozen flying assets of various categories, has been recently moved "lock, stock and barrel" from the steel city of Bhilai in Durg district of the state to Jagdalpur in south Bastar, in vicinity of the worst Naxal violence affected districts like Sukma and Dantewada. "The UAV base has recently been shifted and activated in the heart of the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. The idea to shift the technical command centre is to provide quick and long haul aerial reconnaissance to the anti-Naxal operations forces on ground like the CRPF, CoBRA and the state police," a senior security official involved in the operation told PTI. The base is jointly manned and operated by the officials of the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) and the CRPF and the paramilitary force has been tasked to secure the air strip that is used to launch these 'birds', the official added. This is the second big strategic shift of assets after the two big and deadly Naxal attacks on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) men in Sukma district early this year. The first was, the official said, the shifting of the CRPF central zone from Kolkata to state capital Raipur, soon after 37 CRPF men were ambushed by Maoists in a span of less than two months. The base is now being expanded to hold more UAVs as the CRPF recently got the government sanction to have at least 300 such flying assets in its establishment, with the majority of them being tasked to conduct surveillance sorties in the Naxal violence hit states. All varieties of UAVs, be it the 'Heron' or the 'Netra' will operate from this base and a joint command centre created here sometime back receives real-time aerial feed and imagery at the base station in Jagdalpur, the official said. Security forces deployed for operations in districts of Sukma and Dantewada, he said, are being provided quick and latest updates on the movement of Naxals and they can move out and plan their task in real time. The UAVs were earlier flying to Bastar region from Bhilai, which is a well about 300 km distance and hence the amount of time taken to travel would defeat the purpose of conducting timely and precise operations. The UAV base was shifted to Chhattisgarh (Bhilai), from Andhra Pradesh, after the 2013 'Jiram valley' attack where Naxals ambushed and killed at least 25 people including senior leaders of state Congress party. A special team of NTRO and CRPF experts have now been provided accommodation in Jagdalpur area, along with those of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the state police, for operations coordination. The CRPF has deployed about 40,000 troops, including teams of its special guerrilla action force CoBRA, in Chhattisgarh and south Bastar area to conduct anti-Naxal operations. "The focus of Naxal operations is the Bastar region now. Recently, one fresh battalion of the CRPF has moved in the area. It is important to provide technical intelligence inputs and information to these units to perform better, without taking casualties on their side.The UAV base exactly does that," the official said. Ballia: Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar has warned that parents who fail to send their wards to schools will be locked up in police stations without food and water. In a video that has gone viral on social media, the 'divyangjan' empowerment minister is reportedly seen addressing a party gathering and speaking vociferously against those who failed to send their kids to schools. The term 'divyangjan' is used to refer to physically challenged persons. "I am going to enact a law of my choice. If wards of poor do not go to school, their parents will be forced to sit in police stations for five days. They will neither be given food nor water," Rajbhar said at Rasda area in Ballia on Saturday. "If you (parents) do not send them (children) to school, you will be picked up by police..Till now your leader, your son, your brother was trying to make you understand. If you do not pay heed, I will continue to make you understand for six months more," he said. Drawing parallels from mythology, the minister said like Lord Rama had to take up arms to build a bridge to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from Ravana after his pleas to the ocean to pave way for him went in vain, "stern steps were required against the parents unwilling to send their kids to schools". "I am even ready for capital punishment for this," Rajbhar added. As the video stoked a controversy, the minister on Sunday stood firm on his statement. "I stick to my statement. What wrong am I saying if I am threatening to send them to jail? Why are they not sending children to schools when the government is providing all facilities for education," he asked. On asked whether he had talked to the chief minister regarding the matter, Rajbhar answered in the negative. Editor's note: Under the norms of the caste system, Dalits were denied the pen. Before the advent of Dalit literature in India, much of Dalit history was oral in nature. Their lives were not available to them in written form, and even when available, it was a depiction by those who had no experiential connection with Dalits. It was Dr BR Ambedkar who stressed on literary assertion as a means to struggle against the caste system. Thus began the ceaseless movement of literary assertion by Dalits, who went on to write powerful stories about their lives. It marked a resurrection of their experiential world, which had been appropriated by the pens of Savarnas. Poems, stories, novels, biographies, autobiographies produced by Dalits established a new body of literature in which, for the first time, the downtrodden took centrestage. People who had been denied what humanity considers the basics, started to transform the lives of others like them, through the written word. As this movement of literary assertion by Dalits grew stronger, the unseen side of India the side that is brutal and inhumane became visible to the world. Maharashtra was at the forefront of this revolution that has, over the last six decades, helped transform the worldview about Dalit lives. Almost all of the writers who shaped the early theoretical discourse of Dalit literature were from Maharashtra and in this series, we revisit the lives and works of 10 distinguished Dalit writers from the state and their impact on the literary world. In this first column, we look at the literary legacy of Shankarrao Kharat. *** During the late 1940s, Shankarrao Kharat was working with Dr BR Ambedkar, editing journals on the one hand and fighting legal battles on the other, for Dalits. Dr Ambedkar said to him, We have doctors, engineers, lawyers and many educated people in our community but we dont have writers. Our community's literature needs to be established all over India. You must take on this responsibility. That moment led to the birth of a writer in Shankarrao Kharat. Since then, Kharat was unstoppable, writing six novels, eight short story collections, an autobiography, and several non-fiction books all focused on the issues important in the Dalits struggle. Today, not many people know about Shankarrao Kharat outside Maharashtra. However, if one can examine his body of work and its literary potential, its merits and its scholarly importance, his stature as a literary voice only grows. Born into a family of mahars (ex-untouchables) in the village of Aatpaadi in the district of Sangli in 1921, Kharat became the vice chancellor of Marathwada University in Aurangabad (later renamed Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University BAMU after Dalits/Ambedkarites fought for it for 17 years, being murdered, raped, humiliated, and socially ostracised because of this demand). Kharat also witnessed this tumultuous period but his weapon to fight against such caste-brutalities was his pen and the spirit of literature. Indeed, he wasnt a person of anxious temperament although he lived through the time in Maharashtra when the practice of untouchability was not just apparent, but also direct and sanctioned by the prevalent public law of caste-society. But Kharat was a man with a vision a vision lucidly manifested in his body of literature, evocative of Dalits quest for education and regaining their humanity. Kharat's books, both fiction and non-fiction, occupied a unique space in the domain of literature in Marathi, including Tadipaar (1961), Saangawa (1962), Titawicha Phera (1963), Sutakaa (1964), Daundee (1965), Aadgaavache Paani and Gaavshiv (1970), Haatbhatti (1970) Gaavcha Tinopal Guruji (1971), Zopadpatti (1973), Masaledaar Guest House (1974), Footpath No 1(1980), Maaze Naav (1987), Dr Balasaheb Ambedkaranchya Ssahawasaat (1961), Dr Ambedkars Dharmaantar (1966) and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkaranchi Aatmakatha (1990). However, his autobiographical novel, Taral Antaral, first published in 1981, was the most celebrated work among the public and proved itself to be a seminal piece of writing in the realm of Marathi literature by a Dalit. You wont find a glimpse of rage or anger in his narratives although a reader cannot fail to detect how difficult and humiliating it was to be born and grow up as a mahar in a Maharashtrian hamlet. Before readers would start reading his seminal work and jump to any conclusions, he cautioned them with these words: "Taral-Antaral is my autobiography. In fact, it is the story of my life. But alongside, it is the story of an untouchable. It is the story of my community, too. It is the story of changes that took place and taking place in the psychological, social and cultural life of a person, a village, and a community. Now the dawn is here. But when the sun will rise? It can not be seen yet. The answer to this is the gruesome struggle one has to go through." What did he intend to convey to readers through this cautionary note? The characters in his novels and stories were rebellious not in an angry/reactionary way, but rather, engaged in continuous struggle to find meaning in life, thus bringing a revolution within. Kharat's ability to portray his characters patiently and with great poise was the strength of his narrative style. But Kharat's literary stature wasn't just due to that. He didn't just make readers aware of the issues/milieu he wrote about he intelligently invited them to be active participants in the struggles of his characters. As a result, readers could connect to his characters not out of pity but out of a realisation that changes needed to be brought about in their personal and social world. This was a strength of his narratives that Kharat maintained throughout his writing career. Apart from his fictional writings, his non-fictional historical work that proved to be a magnum opus, was Maharashtratil Maharancha Itihaas (The History of Mahars in Maharashtra). This book stands on its own merit as it was passionately researched and splendidly written. The tragedy with the literary politics in India is that such works always went unnoticed. However, writers like Kharat wrote not only to tell stories, but also to resurrect the buried and appropriated histories of communities who were never given a space in the literary imagination of the country. Until the arrival of Dalit literature in India, this literary imagination was so dehumanised in this country that in it, Dalits only appeared as objectified entities rather than as human beings with the ability to assert and create life. While exposing this tragedy of the dominant imagination in India to the dominant castes, Kharat was both intelligent and generous. He didnt complain; instead he appreciated positive efforts. In Maharashtratil Maharancha Itihaas, he writes: "Mahars are the aboriginal inhabitants of India. Mahars have existed in India since very ancient times. Mahar is one of the important castes in India in terms of its huge population. The ancient history of Mahars was of valour, bravery and prosperity. Mahars were the original rulers of the country. Maharashtra is the last kingdom of Mahars. The kingdom of Mahars ended in the country of Maharashtra. Such was the bright history of Mahar-Caste. But in this country, Brahmins who call themselves intellectuals have suppressed and buried this glorious history of Mahars over the period of centuries. Although this glorious history was buried by Savarna intellectuals, but, a few of these Hindu Savarna thinkers, historians and intellectuals have honestly tried to interlink the history of Mahars from ancient times. Of course, anybody would appreciate such genuine efforts." Kharat was undoubtedly one of the pioneers of Dalit literature in India, whose engagement with writing wasnt only about a personal pursuit but genuinely a social movement with the larger objective of annihilation of caste. Through his narratives, Kharat invited people to join the movement of building a just and equal society in which people who were kept out of the literary imagination of this country, could be humanised. Yogesh Maitreya is a poet and translator. He is the founder of Panther's Paw Publication, an anti-caste publishing house. He is pursuing a Phd at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. Salman Rushdie burst onto the literary scene in 1981 with his novel Midnights Children, immediately recognised as a work in the magical realist mode, a kind of fiction writing made popular by Latin American writers like Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Magical realism is mistakenly taken to be fantastic and equated with fairy tales and myths, but it is realistic in the sense that its world is a godless one with no reassuring interventions as there would be in fairy tales, in which good inevitably triumphs. The magical element in this kind of fiction is more in the nature of metaphor and an instance illustrating its magic would be Marquezs short story A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings, about a decrepit angel discovered by a farmer on his field after a storm, who effects miracles of a wholly useless sort; a blind man duly blessed by him does not regain his eyesight but grows three new teeth! Rushdie writes in the same vein, but where magical realism has faith in its metaphors, Rushdie is openly satirical. Marquezs novel One Hundred Years of Solitude (1967), for instance, describes a ruthless military leader Colonel Aureliano Buendia in the fictional country Macondo, whose deputies carry out his commands even before he has given them, and implied is the devoted following a fearsome leader builds up, persons so deeply sensitive to even body language that they fulfill his unspoken wishes. In Rushdies Shame (1983), a Pakistani policeman is so effective at spotting criminals that he arrests them even before they have thought up crimes; implied here is something more derisive. Magical realism, when the term is not used loosely, is a kind of political fiction that emerged when there was opposition to imperialism; it depends on a clear polarisation of the socio-political space, the good and the bad in politics clearly identifiable. Marquez, for instance, takes a political position broadly aligned with the radical movements then sweeping the world, movements and initiatives united by opposition to the Vietnam War that culminated in the Paris riots of May 1968. Gunter Grasss The Tin Drum (1959) is realistic and also uses fantastic elements but is not usually seen alongside Marquezs novels as magical realist, and the reason may be that it is not aligned with radicalism. Where Marquezs novels are a political affirmation of sorts, Grass novel is essentially a denunciation. Magical realism relies on metaphor which has local roots and it is the strangeness of some of it in translation (like Amarantas sadness bubbling and gurgling away on the porch in One Hundred Years of Solitude) that attracted a worldwide readership to their authors writing. But Rushdie writes in English, lived in India only briefly in his childhood and his metaphors only mimic the local. Midnights Children perhaps attracted attention largely because of the scale of what Rushdie was attempting dealing with the whole of the subcontinents history from even before 1947 as fiction, which had no parallel in decades of English writing. But where Latin American practitioners of the craft knew their space well enough not to invoke it explicitly but still catch its flavour, Rushdie drew his India from painstaking research at the British Museum. Still, being positioned in the West, he has been described as the sub-continent finding its voice and it was perhaps the confidence he drew from such praise that prompted him to dismiss contemporary Indian writing not in the English language as of small literary value. In any case, while Rushdie has genuine love for Bombay/Mumbai because of a childhood spent there, he does not have comprehensive knowledge of India but still takes his place on international forums as its literary voice. His lack of understanding of Indias ways may be gathered from The Satanic Verses (1988), which fetched him a fatwa, introducing a Bollywood star who plays Hanuman in a film and creating a new fashion in Mumbai young men wearing tails on their trousers! Despite Rushdie knowing England more intimately, he refrains from writing about it but continues to depend on India for his subjects. It is because Rushdies fiction is so dependent on library research that what one finds in his novels is not fancy at work as much as dressed up or disguised fact. Needless to add, the characters/events thus dressed up are immediately recognisable as actual news from India, past and present. Rushdie, even his earlier books, conveys the sense of someone who has read rather than lived and this is also true of The Golden House Rushdie writes epic novels, but his most recent one The Golden House is marked by an uncharacteristic lack of ambition. It is set in New York and begins on the day when Barack Obama first took charge as President. The story is related in the first person and the narrator is Rene, an aspiring film-maker, and the objects of his curiosity are his new neighbours a man from a faraway country initially not named, and his three sons. The man could be a king perhaps uncrowned and his wife is noticeably absent. The man and his sons go by the names of Roman emperors and these are evidently assumed; their real names are not revealed. The family is fabulously wealthy and Renes curiosity is aroused adequately for him to contemplate making a mockumentary about them concluding in the discovery of their story. They are apparently Muslim but it does not show in their practices, and they have taken the surname Golden. The Murray House which they just acquired and occupied has thus become the Golden House. So much mystery is created about the Goldens in the first few pages that when it is revealed that they are from India, a business family from Mumbai to be precise, one finds oneself feeling distinctly cheated. This is not because, being Indian oneself, such a revelation can hardly be exciting. India, to be quite forthright, is not an exciting subject even to the West and the reason is that it is unthreatening. India perhaps last excited Europeans between the 16th and 18th centuries when its wealth or those of its maharajas/nabobs was famed, explorers looking to reach it and traders wanting access. In todays world, the spaces that excite the West are those likely to threaten its safety, and spaces like the Muslim world, North Korea and China provide greater scope than India. When one looks at the Indians in Hollywood films, for instance, they are rarely more than low-ranking geeks and even a Pakistani character is likely to draw more spectators/readers than an Indian. The Golden House moves between New York and Mumbai and much of it must owe to Rushdies familiarity with New York where he has lived since 2000, especially its intellectual scene and its art galleries. The first sign of trouble for the novel comes when he makes the Goldens with links to the underworld and the construction business in Mumbai take to New Yorks intellectual/artistic life as ducks take to water. Rushdie has read widely and much of the novel is given to literary allusions and I cannot claim to have recognised many of them. But each allusion does not take us forward to deeper understanding and what emerges is essentially a literary conceit. Since the narrator is a film-maker, Rushdie puts in a whole lot of references to films and film-makers as well. These I did recognise and would roughly characterise as unadventurous since they refer mainly to art-house classics. One may therefore presume that Rushdies allusions, though wide-ranging, come from fairly conventional reading and are not more than exhibitions of pedantry. This becomes conspicuous when the children of the Mumbai businessman with underworld connections quote Lord Byrons Don Juan or British social anthropologists. Rushdie, even his earlier books, conveys the sense of someone who has read rather than lived and this is also true of The Golden House. Apart from the Goldens and the narrator, there are an Indian-American activist-filmmaker named Suchitra Roy (the narrators love interest), a Russian gymnast named Vasilisa (who marries the father Nero Golden), a Somali sculptress Ubah Tuur who loves the second son, and the part-Indian, part-Scandinavian Riya who is attached to the youngest Golden. All these characters are arbitrarily put together with no sense of their plausibility. If one had any appreciation of the conditions in countries like Somalia or Ethiopia, one would not invent a woman artist born and bred there who sets the New York art world on fire and discusses artistic matters with the sophistication of The New York Review of Books. I am not discounting the possibility of people from Somalia being artists here, merely asking whether what is art in Somalia will also become art in New York. Magical realism is a political genre and it is in its political viewpoint that Rushdies novel really runs aground. There is little sense of the political world today to be found in The Golden House and it is only when we realise this that we understand the excessive attention lavished on the undeserving Goldens. Words (his own and those of others) cascade endlessly out of him and the allusions and elaborate character descriptions are simply there to distract us from the smallness of the space left for political insights. Much has happened in India between 2008 and 2016, the interval covered by the novel, but Rushdie sticks determinedly to issues like Haji Mastan and Dawood Ibrahim (duly given other names), the Bombay blasts and 26/11; it is as though he is wary of taking risks. Rushdies naming of political figures is amusing but not inventive; as an instance he renamed Bal Thackeray Raman Fielding in The Moors Last Sigh (1995) and H Fielding and WM Thackeray are both novelists taught in English literature courses. Raman Fielding gets passing mention in The Golden House as well. When Rushdie writes about America, the only noticeable magical element is his depiction of Donald Trump as the Joker from Batman and Hillary Clinton as Batwoman. Rushdie was quite vicious about Indira and Sanjay Gandhi in Midnights Children and one senses the weariness his numerous controversies must have brought him. But, more importantly, one also understands the difficulties in exploring politics through fiction today because of something that banishes magical realism to literatures past, makes its strategies bankrupt. Magical realism is a political genre and it is in its political viewpoint that Rushdies novel really runs aground. One of the factors contributing to the success of magical realism as a form was the existence of the liberal media which could be trusted to be reasonably truthful/objective. At one time, what the BBC reported was the truth and the New York Times really printed stories/analyses, the veracity of which could be relied upon. It was the underlying belief in an unvarnished truth available to the reader somewhere which enabled writers like Marquez and Rushdie to produce fanciful distortions of fact as literature that still corresponded to an artistic truth. To substantiate the proposition, no one ever disputed the truth in Midnights Children because it was founded on liberal history writing that its readers would endorse. Such an unbiased liberal view of politics and current history is no longer available and the result is that all writing proceeds by being prejudiced, by taking sides and picking facts to substantiate beliefs. Why this has happened is uncertain, but a reason could be the gradual entering of other interests into the media, its growing use for motivation, advertisement and propaganda. When Rushdie lampoons Donald Trump but praises Hillary Clinton, he is being naive since both of them come to the pubic only as prejudiced media creations and not as anything in themselves. There is no underlying truth told about either of them in/by any media institution/platform which can be relied upon to tell us what they really are. This situation corresponds to what is termed post-truth and it evidently makes political schools of fiction writing (like magical realism) unsustainable. Artistic truth in the production of political fiction has apparently been compromised. MK Raghavendra is a film scholar and author of seven books including The Oxford India Short Introduction to Bollywood (2016). He is deeply interested in social, political and cultural issues in India, an interest that informs his books on film. New Delhi: BJP chief Amit Shah on Sunday said that "politics of violence" is in the nature of the communists as he lashed out at the CPM over the political violence in Kerala. Addressing the Delhi leg of the 'Janaraksha Yatra', the BJP's ongoing campaign to highlight "left atrocities" in Kerala, Shah asserted that no amount of intimidation can stop the lotus (BJP's symbol) from blooming in the Left-ruled state. He hit out at Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging that the maximum killings of BJP and RSS workers have taken place in the latter's home district. "Since the Left came to power in Kerala, several workers of the BJP and Sangh (RSS) have been killed. The killings are brutal, bodies are chopped into pieces. It is done to terrorise those who support the BJP that they will meet the same fate. But the more muck of murders they spread, the lotus will bloom better," Shah said. Shah also led a march from central Delhi's Connaught Place to the CPM headquarters in the Gole Market area, a distance of about 1.5 kilometres. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, Union minister Alphons Kannanthanam and the party's Lok Sabha MPs from the national capital were in tow. In his speech, the BJP president took on Vijayan, saying the blame for the spate of killings falls squarely on him, considering that the maximum number of such killings have taken place in the "chief minister's home district". "Politics of violence is in their (communists') nature. It is not a coincidence that the maximum political violence is reported from West Bengal, Tripura and Kerala where the communists have been in power for long. Wherever they have been in power, they have turned the political culture into that of violence," he said. Shah also hit out at, what he called, the "champions of human rights" over their "silence" on the communist atrocities. He said their "selective protests" have exposed their bias. He asked, "Why do they not take out any march at the India Gate against the atrocities committed by the Left?" At the rally venue, the BJP exhibited a series of images, mainly the pictures of those killed, to highlight the "brutality" of the situation. "The reds think they will be able to stop thoughts and ideas from spreading through violence. I want to tell the CPM and Congress that communists have disappeared from the world and Congress from India. And BJP, which was launched with 10 persons, is today the world's largest party with 11 crore workers," Shah said. Shah had started the Janaraksha Yatra from Kerala's Kannur district on 3 October. It will conclude on 17 October at Thiruvananthapuram. New Delhi: The CPM on Sunday criticised the 'Janaraksha Yatra' being led by BJP chief Amit Shah over the political killings in Kerala, saying it was aimed at diverting public attention from the "growing discontent" against the Modi government. Soon after Shah led a march to the CPM office in New Delhi, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury addressed a press conference, claiming that the BJP campaign was a "flop show". He said the BJP protest near the office of CPM was "unprecedented" in Indian democracy and a reflection of "tendencies of fascism" coming to the fore in Indian politics with BJP ruling at the Centre. CPM lambasts Amit Shah's 'Janaraksha Yatra' march in New Delhi, says gimmick to shroud discontent against govt Responding to Shah's charge that the Left workers were killing and terrorising BJP and RSS workers in Kerala, Yechury alleged that the Sangh was "responsible for starting political violence" in Kerala. The 'Janaraksha Yatra', the BJP's ongoing campaign to highlight "left atrocities" in Kerala, was launched by Shah from Kannur district on 3 October and it will conclude on 17 October at Thiruvananthapuram. "The BJP president had to flee from Kerala as there was no response from the people. Here (in Delhi), he just flagged the protest march at Connaught Place but did not arrive at the (protest) meeting venue which is an indication that he himself realises that it is a flop," Yechury said. Factors such as "communal polarisation", "failures" of Modi government to fulfill its promises, are the reasons behind the BJP's protests, the CPM leader said. "They (BJP) want to divert attention from the growing discontent of Indian people against Modi government's performance in last three years. It has betrayed every single promise. The Modi government says they are the ones who are anti-corrupt. Today an exposure has come.... Is this fight against corruption," Yechury said. He alleged that without resorting to violence and communal polarisation, the RSS and BJP can never expand their social base. "It is this that they are seeking in northern Kerala having strong Muslim population," Yechury alleged. "The politics of communal polarisation has completely disrupted social harmony in the country...The private armies of 'Gau rakashaks' (cow vigilantes), targeting dalits and Muslims, moral policing...this is generating discontent among the people," he said, adding the BJP was seeking to divert public attention from it through the campaign. Referring to today's BJP march to the CPM office, Yechury said, "We are not going to be cowed down by these sort of threats and will raise democratically our voice against their violence, communal polarisation and anarchy." How many people, especially the aam aadmi whom every political leader swears by, understand cash to GDP ratio? Or for that matter, what is current account deficit or how rising forex reserves benefit people? Data on such fiscal measures were presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last Wednesday. In a lecture mainly targeting the middle class supporters, Modi cited rising sale of passenger cars since June along with figures of commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and FMCGs to put forth his defence against criticism that the economy under Modi was beginning to flounder. The attempt here is not to engage with the debate's economic dimension and pass a judgement on whose presentation is more credible, instead, this is an exercise to examine the political dimension of Modi's lecture and ponder over reasons behind his defensive posture. For a leader who played on the front foot, especially since 2012 when he began his prime ministerial bid, why is Modi on the back foot now? After having declared that he required no formal advisors, why the resurrection of the Economic Advisory Council? For someone who is not known to bow to pressure, why were fuel prices reduced within days of Yashwant Sinha's criticism? Also, why were alterations in GST regulations made in a week of Mohan Bhagwat speaking for traders and small businesses? For someone who rarely accepted erring, why did Modi say that he neither claims to have answers for every problem, nor does he consider that critics are always wrong? Modi won the elections in 2014 on the back of support from diverse social and economic groups, most significantly the professional middle class which was never a traditional backer of BJP. Among them were countless economic Right-wingers who previously supported Congress despite the party's economic populism because the BJP's, especially Modi's, hard Hindutva stance was off-putting. Modi's posturing as a development man, the 'policy paralysis' during UPA's last years backed by an unprecedented publicity campaign, brought supporters in hordes including the paragons of economic and social liberalism. His assertions generated hope as he brought a whiff of fresh air. His statement to students at Delhi's Shri Ram College of Commerce in February 2013 and the reaction was symptomatic of the discourse that Modi triggered. Standing on the podium, Modi picked up a half-filled glass and said he neither saw it as half-filled or half-empty, but he saw it half filled with water and half with air. Modi's ingenuity impressed the attendees. Support from such diverse quarters made Modi the alternative. Nothing he said was questioned and his credibility was at an all-time high. He could have asked anything and voters were willing to hand it over to him. This included enabling him to realise the objective of Mission 272+. But barely seven months after a stunning victory in Uttar Pradesh which led supporters to claim that 2019 was a "settled affair" and for Omar Abdullah to declare that instead of the next hustings, the opposition must prepare for 2024, the scenario has altered dramatically. In Gujarat, where a BJP victory should have been a routine affair, the party is exhibiting anxiety. Not that the opposition in Gujarat is sensing victory, but a bare majority for BJP in Modi's home state will be no triumph. The BJP must get close to Shah's target of 150 seats out of 182 to regain political dignity in the state after a series of setbacks. At the national level, the loudest murmurs are heard from the section that campaigned most passionately in 2014, the middle class, and this includes traditional supporters of BJP. On the social media, once Modi's bastion, not a single day goes by that a message ridiculing him is not widely circulated. In Gujarat, during Navratri, messages making fun of Vikas projected as a personification of Modi became so unbridled that Amit Shah responded alleging that it was the handiwork of Congress. Even if the accusation is correct, there is no denying that opposition parties cannot mount successful campaigns on social media without public support. The mood has altered though whether or not it is irrevocable is difficult to state at this stage. Shah's charge notwithstanding, the truth is that Congress is far from revival and its vice-president, Rahul Gandhi continues to suffer from a severe crisis of credibility. He remains a butt of jokes in the social media and among conversations in the middle class. The absence of a serious challenge, ironically, is more bad news for Modi. From being considered the rightful claimant to the prime ministerial seat in 2014 and being assessed as the only alternative to being seen as the best bet because there is no alternative is a major decline in Modi's following. This is bad news. After having wooed the masses consistently since 2014 and especially since last year's demonetisation, Modi made a concerted bid to woo the middle class back. As per the party's calculation, if the drumbeaters return, a significant part of the perception battle would be won. But in the process, the masses are being ignored and in his ICSI speech, Modi provided little evidence that his government has improved their condition. Part of the problem is that the interests of masses and the middle class are often at a crosspath and a political leader or party must choose the core constituency. Modi's vacillation stems from insecurity and the realisation that he is close to missing a chance to consolidate an impressive mandate. There's still almost two years to go for the script to change and for the government to deliver enabling Modi to get his mojo back. But the inverse is also possible. Moreover, two years is also sufficient time for the opposition to get its act together. The next few months are critical for Modi. But, after having already gone on the defensive, can he turn aggressive and reclaim lost political territory? The Opposition, especially the Congress, has its task cut out: All it has to do to channelise people's dissatisfaction is to focus on government's delivery record with promises made. Modi's task is more arduous. This is a vital change since 2014 and all in the past two months. As farmers in the heartland say, "fasal kharab hone mein der naheen lagti (it does not take time for the crop to go bad)! Ballia: Union minister Giriraj Singh targeted Rahul Gandhi claiming the Congress vice-president did not have knowledge of the history or geography of the country and was only fond of reading scripts. The UP state Congress reacted sharply to his comments alleging that since no development was visible during the BJP rule, its leaders were making "absurd" statements. "Like film actors, Rahul is fond of reading written scripts. He does not have knowledge of history and geography of India," Singh, the minister of state for micro, small and medium enterprises, told reporters. The BJP leader, known for making controversial remarks, also claimed that a Ram Temple will be constructed in Ayodhya. "It will be constructed 200 percent. Hindus and Muslims will jointly build it. The ancestors of both are the same though religion has changed," he said responding to a question. Singh claimed that the opposition did not have any issues left and accused Rahul Gandhi of falsely claiming in foreign countries that job opportunities had decreased in the country. "The reality is that under the PM Mudra scheme, 9 crore persons have got jobs," he said. Attacking the Congress, he said if the party's policies had been good, its base would not have shrunk. "If the policies of Congress, which ruled the country for over 60 years, had been good, why would it have got reduced to 20 percent of the area when the BJP has spread in 75 percent of the area," he said. Singh referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Na khaunga na khane dunga" (Won't indulge in corruption nor will I allow anyone) remark and claimed that the past three years had proved this. When asked about the minister's comments on Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and spokesman Devendra Pratap Singh said that the "tall claims" of BJP stand exposed as there was no development palpable anywhere due to which its leaders were making absurd statements. "People are fast losing trust in the BJP. It will be visible in the next elections when people will give them a befitting reply for their misdeeds," the Congress leader said. New Delhi: The government has rejected an Election Commission (EC) proposal to bar candidates, who have failed to clear dues such as government house rent, electricity and power bills, from contesting elections. The poll watchdog had written to the law ministry urging it to amend election laws to include failure to clear dues of public utilities as a disqualification from contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. According to the EC, barring candidates will require amendment to the chapter-III of the Representation of the People Act which deals with electoral offences. A new clause ill have to be inserted therein for disqualification "on the ground of being a defaulter of public dues". But in its brief response sent to the EC in May, the law ministry said the proposal is "not desirable", a senior functionary said. The law ministry feels that the ban would not be desirable as the authority issuing the no-dues certificate or the no-objection certificate to a candidate could be biased and may not give the required papers, the functionary said. The ministry also felt that in cases of dispute on the dues, the matter could be referred to a court and may take time to settle. In such cases, it would not be desirable to deny the candidate with the no dues certificate. The poll panel's move seeking change in election law is the outcome of a July, 2015 Delhi High Court order which had asked the EC to "also consider the possibility, if any, of putting any impediment to a defaulter of public dues contesting election, to ensure quick recovery of the said dues". Based on the judgment, the commission had recently made it mandatory for candidates contesting polls to furnish a 'no dues certificate' from the agency providing electricity, water and telephone connections to their accommodation. In the recent Assembly polls, some of the candidates could not file their nomination as they had not provided a 'no dues certificate', the then Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi told PTI in March. But the EC wanted a legal backing to bar people without a no dues certificate from contesting polls. Based on the same judgement, the EC had recently asked all recognise national and state parties to submit an annual report to the Commission declaring that there are no dues pending in the form of rent for occupying government premises, telephone, electricity and water bills. The report for a particular financial year should be submitted to the commission latest by 30 June of the following year. Launching a scathing attack against the editors and owners of The Wire for publishing an article on Amit Shah's son Jay Shah's business, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union railway minister Piyush Goyal declared to initiate "civil and criminal defamation proceedings against the news publication suing them for Rs 100 crore". The article in question, authored by Rohini Singh and published on The Wire website, "The Golden Touch of Jay Amit Shah" alleged that as per filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), Jay Shah's business boomed over 16,000 times within a year of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's electoral win in 2014. Addressing a press conference, Goyal said that the defamation case will be filed at Ahmedabad where Jay carries out his business. Regarding the title of the report, Goyal retorted: "The name 'Jay Amit Bhai Shah' is used in the title. By giving this mischievous title they (The Wire) are trying to defame Amit Shah. The use of the figure '16,000' is just an attempt to sensationalise the matter." Defending Jay's business transactions in question, Goyal said, "It is a totally malicious and defamatory article. Jay carries out a fully legitimate and lawful business on commercial lines which are reflected in income tax (filings) and transactions in banks." As per The Wire report, Jays company, Temple Enterprise Private Ltd, jumped from its revenue of Rs 50,000 in 2014-2015 to Rs 80.5 crore in 2015-2016. According to the RoC filings, quoted in the report, the company is engaged in wholesale trade, primarily of agricultural products like desi chana and coriander seeds. The report also said that the company received an unsecured loan of Rs 15.78 crore from a financial services firm owned by Rajesh Khandwala, promoter of KIFS Financial Service and the in-law of Parimal Nathwani, a BJP-supported Rajya Sabha MP and senior executive of Reliance Industries. Responding to it, Goyal further elaborated, "Mischievous efforts were made by putting photographs of Rajesh Khandwala and Parimal Nathwani together. Khandwala is an old family friend of Jay's. KIFS is a registered NBFC as well." "We thoroughly reject these baseless allegations and the deplorable effort to attribute motives," said Goyal. Furthermore, Goyal said, "All loans were fully paid along with interest after deducting tax at source. Jay responded to the author's questionnaire with full transaction details as he had nothing to hide." Goyal also said Rs 80 crores was not a "huge turnover" in the commodity business. "Agricultural commodity trading has high value, low margin. Any new business is bound to grow," he added. Congress, Left, Trinamool Congress demand probe Training their guns at the Narendra Modi government by citing the news story's content, the Congress, the Left and the AAP demanded an investigation, with Congress leader Kapil Sibal alleging that it was a case of "crony capitalism". Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi took a swipe at Modi and pressed him to "say something" on claims made in the report. He used the word "shahzada" to describe Shah's son. At election meetings in 2014 Modi had often targeted Gandhi calling him "shahzada" (prince). In a tweet, he said: We finally found the only beneficiary of Demonetisation. It's not the RBI, the poor or the farmers. It's the Shah-in-Shah of Demo. Jai Amit https://t.co/2zHlojgR2c Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) October 8, 2017 Gandhi further tweeted: , - '' | ? Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) October 9, 2017 At a press conference on Sunday, Sibal, citing the RoC filings, also alleged that a firm Kusum Finserve LLP in which Jay Amit Shah had a 60-percent stake, had got a contract in Madhya Pradesh in the wind power sector, despite the company being engaged in stock trading. Sibal also alleged that a company owned by Jay Amit Shah got a loan of Rs 25 crore from a cooperative bank without sufficient collateral security, besides a loan of Rs 10.35 crore from the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), a public sector firm under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, which was headed by Goyal. To a query on whether there was any wrongdoing, Sibal said, "I am talking about crony capitalism. Offence will come to light when we get to know why the loan was sanctioned. We know who the CBI and ED will investigate and who the agencies will not investigate. The issue is whether the prime minister is honest enough to say that investigate the son of Amit Shah." Later in the evening, Sibal wondered why Goyal, a Union minister, had to defend Jay Shah. "From an official platform, he (Goyal) defended Jay Shah. He should be defending the government," the former law minister told reporters. He also questioned Goyal's defence of the cooperative bank which had extended the loan to Jay Shah. He said the bank, and not a Union minister, should defend the loan. In Kolkata, party spokesperson Gaurav Gogoi said Modi should prove that he is above party politics and demanded a probe into the claims made in the report. CPM's Sitaram Yechury claimed that it was the latest in a series of cases of corruption under the Modi government. "Today, we ask a question to the prime minister, the pradhan sevak.... Now, what do you have to say about crony capitalism? Will you give direction to the CBI to probe the matter? Will you ask the ED to arrest these people," Sibal asked at a press conference. "BJP ever so quick to use CBI/ED against other political parties. Why not now when it comes to one of their own; son of their party president? Media now needs to be fearless," Derek O'Brien, TMC Parliamentary Party leader in the Rajya Sabha, said in a statement. O'Brien's statement came as several opposition parties demanded a probe into claims in a media report that a company owned by BJP chief Amit Shah's son saw a massive rise in its turnover after the BJP came to power in 2014. Goyal also lashed out at Congress for its remarks following the publication of the article, and said, "I wish the Congress would come clean and not stop the Justice SN Dhingra Commission report and tell the truth about the Congress family. We do not take umbrage under falsehoods as the Congress is known to do over and over again." "The article makes false, derogatory and defamatory imputation against me by creating in the minds of the right-thinking people an impression that my business owes its 'success' to my father Shri Amitbhai Shah's political position.... My businesses are fully legitimate and conducted in a lawful manner on commercial lines, which is reflected in my tax records, and are through banking transactions," Shah's son said in the statement. Several other BJP leaders came to the defence of the party chief and his son, with general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya insisting,"If there is no honesty in Amit Shah's home, there cannot be honesty anywhere". In Coimbatore, Union minister Ananth Kumar said the allegations against Jay Shah were "foisted falsely". "Congress does not have any issue and so is out to tarnish the image of Amit Shah. Instead, they should give a clarification on son-in-law model of doing business," Uttar Pradesh minister Siddharth Nath Singh said. The Dhingra Commission report earlier found that businessman, son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and brother-in-law of party vice-president Rahul Gandhi, Robert Vadra made illegal profits of Rs 50.5 crore from a land deal in Haryana in 2008 without spending a single penny. Issuing a strong caveat to The Wire, Goyal said, "They are requested not to publish anything in this (Jay Shah's business) regard which would not be just libelous but also defamatory." Meanwhile, NDTV reported that government lawyer Tushar Mehta may represent Jay in the matter. "I have taken permission from the Law Ministry on 6th October for this issue. I am being consulted in this case. I may even appear for the case in court," Mehta, who is the additional solicitor general, told NDTV. With inputs from PTI As poll-bound Gujarat inches closer to election day, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is set to embark on another tour of the state on Monday as part of its political campaign that began over a month ago. Rahul's visit comes amid a series of speeches by Prime Minister Narendra Modi across Gujarat, taking forward the campaign for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is also the ruling party at the Centre and the state. On Sunday, Modi made a number of election promises and laid foundation stones as he returned to his hometown of Vadnagar, launching the "Intensified Mission Indradhanush" scheme to accelerate progress towards healthcare goals. Gandhi's visit will start from Ahmedabad, from where he will head to Khatraj Chokdi in Kheda district for a corner meeting. He will also pay a visit for darshan at Santram Mandir and hold a corner meeting in Nadiad and Anand district. Overall, the Congress-vice president will hold three corner meeting apart from interacting with local leaders traders, entrepreneurs and professionals in Vadodara. Earlier, on 4 September, Rahul Gandhi participated in a direct dialogue with party members from across all 182 constituencies, in keeping with the party's focus on strengthening and revving up the organisation's ground machinery. The following is the schedule that Rahul is likely to follow on Monday: 11 am : Welcome by workers at Hathijan Circle, District: Ahmedabad 11.30 am : Corner meeting, Khatraj Chokdi, District: Kheda 12 pm: Welcome by Amul Plant workers, Jibhaipura, District: Kheda 12.45 pm: Darshan at Santram Mandir and Corner meeting at Nadiad, District: Kheda 1.30 pm: Visit to Sardar Patels birthplace Nadiad, District: Kheda 3:30 pm: Interaction with Representatives of Mahila Milk Cooperatives, Dedarda Village, District: Anand 4 pm: Corner meeting at Shiv Ground, Rathore Chowk, Broad City, District: Anand 7 pm: Interaction with traders, entrepreneurs, and professionals at Sayaji Hall, Vadodara After three successive defeats in Gujarat in 2003, 2007 and 2012, the Congress is aiming to reverse course, a task perhaps made a tad easier in light of the fact that Modi no longer stands as a chief ministerial candidate for BJP. Congress' chances in the state first seem to have strengthened after Ahmed Patel's election to a Rajya Sabha seat in August, a high-stakes contest seen by many as a battle for prestige between the BJP and Congress. Since then, the party has conducted multiple events to advance its Gujarat campaign. Chennai: DMK working president MK Stalin on Sunday urged the Tamil Nadu government to appoint duly trained persons irrespective of their caste as priests in temples emulating the example of Kerala. Days after the neighbouring state recommended appointment of 36 non-Brahmins as temple priests, Stalin said "Tamil Nadu government should learn progressive lessons," from its Kerala counterpart. Stalin, the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, traced the decades old efforts of his party to appoint persons from all castes as priests in temples. Such efforts culminated in enactment of a law during his party's previous regime in 2006, he said in a statement. The Supreme Court had in 2015 upheld the law as valid after some people approached it challenging the move to appoint persons from all castes as priests, added. Accusing the AIADMK regime of not implementing the law due to "vendettta as it was brought by DMK," he said a basic feature of human rights enjoined equality for all persons irrespective of their caste. "Appointing all those who have completed training in Agamas (temple rituals) is social justice," he said and urged the state government to implement it immediately. He said DMK would resort to agitations if trained persons belonging to all castes were not appointed as priests. The Kerala Devaswom Recruitment Board had last week recommended appointment of 36 non-Brahmins, including six Dalits, as priests in temples being managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board. It was the first time six people from the scheduled caste community have been recommended for the appointment as priests. The TDB manages at least 1,248 shrines, including the famous hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala. Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday dared his party's ruling ally BJP to "resign" from the Maharashtra government and face midterm polls. The state's ruling partners are also part of the NDA at the Centre, but relations between them are strained for quite some time. "I challenge you to resign from the government and face polls once again. We will show you the Shiv Sena's power. Even during the (Modi) wave, the BJP got votes in Sena's name," Thackeray said, addressing a rally for a local election in Nanded. Thackeray also took swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Gujarat visit. "I was watching news on television today. Saw the prime minister campaigning for the Gujarat polls which are two months away. How did he suddenly remember his school today? Did he not feel like visiting his school before? Why before the polls?" he asked. Modi on Saturday visited Vadnagar, his birthplace in north Gujarat, first time since he became the prime minister. He also visited his school. Thackeray also said people were now forwarding a joke on social media that prime minister of India 'may visit India soon', apparently referring to Modi's frequent foreign tours. PTI An India-aided technology park at Bir Zeit University in Palestine has become a full-time member of an international network of science parks. India has made a commitment of USD 12 million worth of investment in the Palestine-India Techno Park which is a part of New Delhis broader framework of capacity building in Palestine. Chair of the Board of Directors and President of Birzeit University, Abdellatif Abuhijleh, Chief Executive of the Palestine-India Techno Park (PTP), Laith Kassis, and PTP board member Alaa Alaa Eddin attended the 34th World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation in Istanbul, a statement from the university said. The technology park is now the member of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP), a leading global network of such initiatives. As a part of the conference, the participants took part in a specialised training that tackled issues on the design, creation, and management of science and technology parks. "This is a platform for accumulating knowledge, gaining experience, and sharing it all in a professional atmosphere. We need to focus on learning how other countries manage and govern their technology parks, such as understanding the role of the private sector in empowering and developing the work of the parks," Abuhijleh was quoted as saying. The Bir Zeit University head also stressed at the need to provide such projects the funding needed to conduct research, network with markets, and build concrete systems that support entrepreneurship, in cooperation with local institutions, partners from the private sector, and higher-education institutions, in addition to funders, researchers, and students. The Palestine-India Techno Park plans to connect with Palestinian academics and institutions from the private and public sectors, in addition to non-governmental organisations, to launch new projects that can benefit the local economy. It will also try to attract new foreign investments in the fields of technology and knowledge production, said the press release. Besides the technology park, India has invested in opening educational institutions, extended scholarships to hundreds of Palestinian youngsters and launched several other programmes to support capacity building in Palestine. PTI NASA scientists have discovered evidence for ancient sea-floor hydrothermal deposits on Mars which may offer clues about the origin of life on Earth. Researchers examined observations by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) of massive deposits in a basin on southern Mars. They interpret the data as evidence that these deposits were formed by heated water from a volcanically active part of the planets crust entering the bottom of a large sea long ago. "Even if we never find evidence that there has been life on Mars, this site can tell us about the type of environment where life may have begun on Earth," said Paul Niles of NASA's Johnson Space Center in the US. "Volcanic activity combined with standing water provided conditions that were likely similar to conditions that existed on Earth at about the same time - when early life was evolving here," said Niles, co-author of the research published in the journal Nature Communications. Mars today has neither standing water nor volcanic activity. Researchers estimate an age of about 3.7 billion years for the martian deposits attributed to seafloor hydrothermal activity. Undersea hydrothermal conditions on Earth at about that same time are a strong candidate for where and when life on Earth began, researchers said. Earth still has such conditions, where many forms of life thrive on chemical energy extracted from rocks, without sunlight, they said. However, due to Earth's active crust, our planet holds little direct geological evidence preserved from the time when life began. The possibility of undersea hydrothermal activity inside icy moons such as Europa at Jupiter and Enceladus at Saturn feeds interest in them as destinations in the quest to find extraterrestrial life. Observations by MRO's Compact Reconnaissance Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) provided the data for identifying minerals in massive deposits within Mars Eridania basin, which lies in a region with some of the red planets most ancient exposed crust. "This site gives us a compelling story for a deep, long- lived sea and a deep-sea hydrothermal environment," Niles said. The researchers estimate the ancient Eridania sea held about 210,000 cubic kilometres of water. The mix of minerals identified from the spectrometer data, including serpentine, talc and carbonate, and the shape and texture of the thick bedrock layers, led to identifying possible seafloor hydrothermal deposits. The area has lava flows that post-date the disappearance of the sea. The researchers cite these as evidence that this is an area of Mars crust with a volcanic susceptibility that also could have produced effects earlier, when the sea was present. IANS US President Donald Trump's 2016 election campaign received help from handpicked Republican-supporting Facebook employees, revealed the man who directed the digital aspects of the campaign. In an interview given to CBSNews, Trump campaign digital director Brad Parscale said he used carefully-curated political advertisements on Facebook to directly reach voters with messages they cared most about. The majority of the digital ad budget was spent on Facebook ads, particularly in reaching the rural voters, where infrastructure was a key issue, he added in the report on Saturday. "I started making ads that showed the bridge crumbling that's micro targeting I can find the 1,500 people in one town that care about infrastructure. Now, that might be a voter that normally votes Democrat," Parscale told CBSNews host Lesley Stahl. Parscale said the campaign would average 50,000 to 60,000 different ad versions every day, some days peaking at 100,000 separate iterations changing design, colours, backgrounds and words all in an effort to refine ads and engage users. Both campaigns Republican and Democrat used Facebook's advertising technology extensively to reach voters, but Parscale claimed that the Clinton campaign didn't go as far as using "embeds". According to Parscale, certain Facebook employees, who he called "embeds", showed up for work in his office multiple days a week to teach him every aspect of the technology. Facebook is currently facing intense scrutiny over the presence of Russian ads on its platform during the 2016 American presidential election and along with Twitter, is set to appear before the US Congress on November 1 to testify. An estimated 10 million people in the US saw the Russian ads that were present on Facebook during the 2016 presidential election, the social media giant said while finally handing over nearly 3,000 Russian political ads worth $100,000 to the US Congress. "Twitter is how Trump talked to the people, Facebook was going to be how he won," Parscale was quoted as saying. PTI The Telangana government today launched a computerised ticketing portal for all the cinema halls in the state. State Cinematography Minister T Srinivas Yadav launched the portal, tsboxoffice.in, developed by the Telangana State Film Development Corporation (TSFDC). The portal acts as a single platform for all new and existing cinema halls and online ticketing websites to sell tickets, a state government release said. It facilitates transparency and provides accurate data on sale of tickets and tax collection as per the GST regime, it said. The state government also announced an online system of giving permissions for shooting through a single window. As per the single window system, all permissions would be given in seven days and permission is deemed to have been given if not given in seven days, the release added. PTI After fixing the contentious domestic mobile call termination rates, the telecom regulator is all set to meet the operators this month to review international termination charge, a senior TRAI official said. The meeting with international long distance operators and the access providers is likely on 16 October. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will ask the operators to give a presentation on the global practices, factors affecting such rates and suggest suitable methods for deriving the international termination charges. TRAI will come out with a separate regulation on the international termination charges, currently pegged at 53 paise per minute, the official said. The issue had formed a part of the consultation paper on Interconnection Usage Charges or IUC but was carved out for separate deliberations by the regulator. Last month, TRAI decided to slash the charge paid by an operator for terminating a domestic mobile call on a rival network -- also called mobile termination charge -- to 6 paise a minute, from 14 paise. It had further said no such charge would apply from 1 January, 2020. The new IUC regulation - which caused a furore in the industry - came into effect from 1 October. The consultation paper on IUC, of which international settlement rates and termination charge overhaul is a part, had sought stakeholder views on approach that should be taken for prescribing such charges in the country, and whether they should be kept uniform for all terminating networks. Another issue it raised was on sustainability of standalone ILDOs (international long distance operators), given the presence of integrated service providers (having both international long distance and access service licenses), and remedy for the same. The international settlement rates or international termination charge to be paid to the Indian access provider is decided domestically. "During discussions, operators have submitted that the termination charge for international calls fixed by the authority, puts the Indian access providers in a hugely disadvantageous situation vis-a-vis foreign service operators, as termination charges in some other countries are 8 to 10 times higher than international termination charges in India," the TRAI paper had said. On the other hand, some operators are of the view that there is no extra cost involved in terminating the international call, and, therefore, termination charges for domestic and international calls should be same, it had pointed out. Washington: US president Donald Trump has said that diplomatic efforts with North Korea have consistently failed, adding that "only one thing will work." Trump has engaged in an escalating war of words with North Korean strongman Kim Jong-un, trading insults amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals. "Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid," Trump tweeted Sunday. It "hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of US negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!" The US has not ruled out the use of force to compel Pyongyang to halt missile and nuclear tests, and Trump has threatened to "totally destroy" the country. The mercurial American president also told journalists at a recent gathering with military leaders to discuss Iran, North Korea, and the Islamic State group that this "could be the calm before the storm," declining to clarify his remarks. Last week, as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson flew home from meeting with top Chinese officials, Trump tweeted that his envoy was "wasting his time" in trying to probe North Korea's willingness to talk. The message came after Tillerson had revealed there were back channels between US and North Korean officials. New Orleans: Hurricane Nate made landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi River as a Category 1 storm packing winds of 85 miles per hour on Saturday night, threatening parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama with torrential rain and potential flooding. Nate, the fourth major storm to strike the United States in less than two months, killed at least 30 people in Central America before entering the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and bearing down on the US South. It has also shut down most oil and gas production in the Gulf. Nate comes on the heels of three other major storms, Harvey, Irma and Maria, which devastated Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico, respectively. But as a Category 1, the weakest in the five-category ranking used by meteorologists, Nate appeared to lack the devastating punch of its predecessors. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) downgraded its warning for New Orleans to a tropical storm. But Nate was expected to regain some strength and make a second landfall along the coast of Mississippi to the east. The only thing you can do is prepare, said Gulfport, Mississippi, resident Emmett Bryant. Here theres nothing really you can do when the storm comes unless youre going to leave. And I dont plan on leaving. The hurricanes center was expected to pass over portions of Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee late Saturday through Sunday night, eventually weakening to a tropical depression. Before then, storm surges of up to 11 feet (3.4 m) on the Mississippi-Alabama border were still possible, the NHC said. The center of Hurricane Nate was expected to make landfall on the Mississippi Coast by midnight on Saturday and weaken significantly, the NHC said. The storm was about 60 miles (95 km) east of New Orleans with a maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km per hour), the center said. In Hancock County, Mississippi, northeast of New Orleans, rain and wind were gaining intensity and many streets were washing over. Conditions are likely to worsen in the next few hours, said Brian Adam, director of emergency management for the county. The county evacuated people from low-lying areas and imposed a curfew. Earlier in the day, states of emergency were declared in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, as well as in more than two dozen Florida counties. In a statement, the City of Biloxi, Mississippi, warned its 46,000 residents that the highest storm surge would occur between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. and could reach 11 to 12 feet. In Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey urged residents in areas facing heavy winds and storm surges to take precautions. Some 5,000 people in southern Alabama were without power due to Nate, Alabama Power said. Rainfall amounts of 3 inches to 6 inches (7.6 cm to 15.2 cm), up to a maximum of 10 inches were expected east of the Mississippi River from the central Gulf Coast into the Deep South, in the eastern Tennessee Valley, and southern Appalachians, the NHC said. Rainfall in the Ohio Valley and into the central Appalachian mountains could be 2 inches to 5 inches with a maximum of 7 inches. NEW ORLEANS THREAT DOWNGRADED New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu lifted a curfew in the city on Saturday evening that was originally scheduled to last until Sunday morning. He said in a statement on social media however, that there was still a serious threat of storm surge outside levee areas. Plaquemines Parish south of New Orleans evacuated some 240 residents who were not protected by its levee system as the storm approached. While it appears were being spared ... our hearts go out to Mississippi, said Amos Cormier, president of Plaquemines Parish, a low-lying area south of New Orleans. Major shipping ports across the central US Gulf Coast were closed to inbound and outbound traffic on Saturday, as Nate intensified and storm surges of up 11 feet were expected at the mouth of the Mississippi River. The storm has curtailed 92 percent of daily oil production and 77 percent of daily natural gas output in the Gulf of Mexico, more than three times the amount affected by Harvey. Workers had been evacuated from 301 platforms and 13 rigs as of Saturday, said the US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. Before heading north into the Gulf, Nate brushed Mexicos Yucatan peninsula, home to beach resorts such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen, the NHC said. The storm doused Central America with heavy rains on Thursday, killing at least 16 people in Nicaragua, 10 in Costa Rica, two in Honduras and two in El Salvador. Thousands were forced to evacuate their homes and Costa Ricas government declared a state of emergency. Tehran: Iran's official IRNA news agency is quoting the chief of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard as saying the US should move its military bases farther from Iran's borders if it imposes new sanctions against Tehran. The today report quotes General Mohammad Ali Jafari as saying: "If new sanctions go into effect, the country should move its regional bases to a 2000-kilometre radius, the range of Iranian missiles." Currently, US military bases are located in countries neighbouring Iran, less than 500 kilometres (310 miles) from Iran's borders. Jafari also said that if the United States designates the Guard as a terrorist group, the Guard will also consider the US army a terrorist group. Revolutionary Guard troops are currently fighting the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. Baghdad: The office of Iraq's parliament speaker says Salim Jabouri is traveling to the country's Kurdish region to meet with its leader, Masoud Barzani. The move comes in the wake of the Kurdish regional vote for independence in a controversial referendum two weeks ago. Jabouri's office says the two leaders will meet today in Irbil. Baghdad, Turkey and Iran have all threatened punitive measures against the Kurdish region if it does not annul the results of September's non-binding referendum, saying they will not accept Iraq's disintegration. Iraq's landlocked Kurdish region produces up to a quarter of Iraq's petroleum output. Barzani's office says he and two of Iraq's three vice presidents agreed on Saturday to restore relations with Baghdad after a meeting in Irbil. The vice presidents' offices denied any resolution. A few days ago, an American in Las Vegas killed 58 strangers at a concert. He shot into the crowd for over an hour and wounded over 500 people. The police said this was not an act of terrorism because he acted alone. The killer was a Christian. Would the police have said the same thing if he was Muslim? I don't think so. Not much is known about the man's motives and so this conclusion that this was not terrorism needs to be examined, along with the wider issue of how we understand terrorism. My dictionary defines terrorism as "the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims." If we look at this definition, many acts of violence can be defined as terrorism. Communal violence fits this perfectly because it is unlawful, aimed to intimidate, aimed at civilians and has political aims. However, most of us do not see communal violence as terrorism. The massacre of Sikhs in 1984 is called a riot. The Muzaffarnagar violence against Muslims was a riot. The Mumbai violence in which hundreds of Muslims were killed after the Babri Masjid was brought down were riots. The retaliatory bomb attacks that followed were called terrorism. The massacre of 97 Muslims in Ahmedabad's Naroda Patiya in 2002 was a riot. The massacre of 30 Hindus in Ahmedabad's Akshardham the same year was a terrorist attack. The second problem is the line "aimed at civilians". The majority of attacks in Jammu and Kashmir are against the armed forces and not civilians, but we consider them terrorist attacks. American law defines terrorism as "the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives." This definition aligns more or less with the dictionary one. As I said before, not much is known about the Vegas shooter's motives. Absent that, it is unclear how the police was convinced this was not a terror attack because his political or social objectives were unknown. India's law against terror is called The Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). It was legislated by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 2002. Like many laws in India, it is poorly drafted and the language is all over the place. It defines terrorism as "whoever (a) with intent to threaten the unity, integrity, security or sovereignty of India or to strike terror in the people or any section of the people does any act or thing by using bombs, dynamite or other explosive substances or inflammable substances or firearms or other lethal weapons or poisons or noxious gases or other chemicals or by any other substances (whether biological or otherwise) of a hazardous nature or by any other means whatsoever, in such a manner as to cause, or likely to cause, death of, or injuries to any person or persons or loss of, or damage to, or destruction of, property or disruption of any supplies or services essential to the life of the community or causes damage or destruction of any property or equipment used or intended to be used for the defense of India or in connection with any other purposes of the Government of India, any state government or any of their agencies, or detains any person and threatens to kill or injure such person in order to compel the government or any other person to do or abstain from doing any act." That isn't all. It continues: "(b) is or continues to be a member of an association declared unlawful under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), or voluntarily does an act aiding or promoting in any manner the objects of such association and in either case is in possession of any unlicensed firearms, ammunition, explosive or other instrument or substance capable of causing mass destruction and commits any act resulting in loss of human life or grievous injury to any person or causes significant damage to any property, commits a terrorist act." The crucial words are "unity, integrity, security and sovereignty". Our fear of Indian disintegration, a wholly unfounded fear, is what primarily drives the definition. Why such strange words like dynamite (which is a mining explosive never used in terrorism) were specifically included but not RDX or C14 or another modern explosive is not known. Probably because the bureaucrat writing the law got his knowledge of explosives from watching Bollywood movies. The POTA definition is at once wide and broad and very narrow, which is a good indication that not much thinking went into it. This does not surprise me because we have many laws that are poorly drafted and sweeping. All states have them. Without any crime being committed, Tamil Nadu can lock you up for a year without trial under the "Tamil Nadu Prevention Of Dangerous Activities Of Bootleggers, Cyber Law Offenders, Drug-Offenders Goondas, Immoral Traffic Offenders, Forest Offenders, Sand-Offenders, Sexual-Offenders, SlumGrabbers Act, And Video Pirates Act, 1982." To repeat, no crime needs to be committed. The government can jail you for a year if they suspect you will or may commit a crime. How does the government know someone is going to be a sand-offender or video pirate? Perhaps it has employed soothsayers and astrologers to predict the future. To return to the issue of defining terrorism, I think we all know the real logic. The linguist and writer Noam Chomsky, talking about American atrocities across the world, said: "When we do it, it's counter-terrorism. When they do it, it's terrorism." Similarly, when we do it, it's a riot or individuals acting alone. When Muslims do it, it's terrorism. Dhaka: Bangladesh police were on Sunday searching for a man who defied a ban and married a Rohingya refugee, hundreds of thousands of whom have fled across the border to escape violence in Myanmar. More than half a million Rohingya refugees have flocked to Bangladesh since an army crackdown began on 25 August in Myanmar's Rakhine state, a process the UN has described as ethnic cleansing. Shoaib Hossain Jewel, 25, and his 18-year-old Rohingya bride Rafiza have been on the run since marrying last month, said the police in Jewel's hometown of Singair. "We heard he married a Rohingya woman. We went to his home at Charigram village to look for him," Singair police chief Khandaker Imam Hossain said. "But we did not find him there and his parents don't know where he has gone," he said, adding they were investigating the case. In 2014, Dhaka banned marriages between Bangladeshis and Myanmar's Rohingya Muslim refugees following claims that members of the persecuted community were attempting to wed to gain citizenship in the mainly Muslim nation. Jewel's father Babul Hossain said citizenship was not the motive this time and defended his son's marriage to Rafiza. "If Bangladeshis can marry Christians and people of other religions, what's wrong in my son's marriage to a Rohingya?" Hossain said. "He married a Muslim who took shelter in Bangladesh." The Dhaka Tribune newspaper said Jewel, a teacher in a madrassa or religious school, fell in love with Rafiza after her family fled the latest bout of violence in Myanmar and took refuge at a cleric's house in Singair. In a police crackdown, the family was forced to move back to the main refugee camp in the southeastern district of Cox's Bazar some 265 miles from Singair. A lovestruck Jewel rushed to Cox's Bazar, running from one camp to another in search of Rafiza. He finally found her and asked her parents for their daughter's hand in marriage. Their wedding in Cox's Bazar was the first known one between a Bangladeshi and a Rohingya refugee since the August flare-up, the newspaper reported. Deadly attacks by Rohingya militants on Myanmar police posts on August 25 sparked a ferocious backlash against the community, which has suffered decades of discrimination in mainly Buddhist Myanmar Dhaka: Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has said her government was very cautious and did not respond to any provocations by Myanmar, thereby defusing tensions between the two neighbours in the wake of a mass exodus of Rohingyas from Rakhine State. "Our nearest neighbour, at one point, showed such an attitude that there will be a war with us. I alerted our army, border guards and police so that they must not get confused with any provocation as long as I don't order them," Hasina said on Saturday, Dhaka Tribune reported. She was speaking at a reception accorded to her by her Awami League party at the VVIP lounge of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on her return after her three-week visit to the US and Britain. Hasina said Myanmar wanted to create a situation to divert global attention. "We are very much alert about that." More than half a million Rohingyas have fled across the border to Bangladesh since a counter-insurgency offensive by Myanmar's army in the wake of militant attacks on security forces in late August. The UN has described Myanmar's strategy as "ethnic cleansing". During the first few days of the latest influx, Bangladesh kept its border closed but later decided to open it up to Rohingyas. "There are various quarters who would try to create a situation to divert the attention. We were very careful about that," she said. Hasina, however, thanked Myanmar for coming forward to start the discussion on taking back Rohingyas. "I think this is a special aspect. I think there's an international pressure (on them) we will be able to solve the problem gradually through discussions." International aid agencies say some 5,15,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh in six weeks since the end of August. On Friday, the United Nations said that is bracing for a possible 'further exodus'. An estimated 2,000 Rohingyas are arriving in Bangladesh a day, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said on Friday. Kathmandu: Nepal's Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has said that his party does not intend to topple the Deuba government even though it has formed an electoral alliance with the CPN-UML. Addressing the Parliamentary Party on Saturday, the former prime minister said the CPN (Maoist Centre), however, would quit the government if prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba wants so, the Kathmandu Post reported. Prachanda's Maoist Centre is key coalition partner of the Deuba government and it has been facing criticism for staying in the government despite forging an alliance with the main opposition. "We are not for affecting the polls by toppling the government. However, if the prime minister and his party, the Nepali Congress, ask us to leave, we wont continue in the government, he said, adding that the partys "only mission at this time is both the federal and provincial polls on the scheduled dates". Prachanda's Maoist party on 3 October announced an alliance with the country's largest communist bloc CPN-UML, ahead of key elections seen as the final step in the Himalayan nation's post-war transition to a federal democracy. The two parties, with a third smaller partner Naya Shakti Nepal, have agreed a tie up for general elections later this year, and plan to unify as a single communist party following the polls. Prachanda, however, told his party members on Saturday that there were "some procedural lapses while taking the decision of forging a left electoral alliance with the CPN-UML and the Naya Shakti Nepal. During the Maoist partys politburo meeting and political training, Prachanda, however, admitted that forging the alliance without putting the matter for discussion at any of the committees of the party, which is a routine procedure, was a mistake, the daily said. Leaders including former finance minister Barshaman Pun had questioned the leadership about what he called "a surprising and abrupt announcement". Prachanda, however, tried to defend the move, saying the decision to forge an alliance with the UML was a result of "extreme pressure and compulsion". He also made it clear that the decision of such a huge importance should have been taken after holding extensive discussions at different party committees. "But that could not happen," he said. The left alliance, leaders of both the UML and Maoist Centre have said, is a precursor to a unified "communist force". Prachanda on Saturday told his party members that he himself had proposed unity between the Maoist Centre and the UML when the latter had come up with the proposal of forging an electoral alliance. Though a section of leaders expressed their dissatisfaction at not discussing the issue within the party before the announcement, all Maoist Centre leaders were of the view that there had been some problems with the partys partnership with the Nepali Congress and that a left alliance was but required. Prachanda's "pressure and compulsion" argument stems from the fact that the Maoist Centre, which has gone through highs and lows since it joined the mainstream politics in 2006, of late had been finding itself cast adrift, the daily said. Despite emerging as the single largest party in the first Constituent assembly elections in 2008, the party lost its sheen by the time the second CA elections were held, when it faced a drubbing. The Maoists have dominated Nepal's politics for more than 20 years after waging a decade-long insurgency against government forces that claimed more than 16,000 lives. The civil war ended in Nepal in 2006 and Maoist leader Prachanda became the country's first post-war prime minister. The 240-year-old Hindu monarchy was abolished two years later. General elections next month is being seen as the final step in the country's post-war transition to a federal democracy. The country recently concluded local-level elections in two decades. Nepal has been witnessing political instability for a long time. Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, launched a prolonged agitation between September 2015 and February last year against the implementation of the new Constitution which they felt marginalised the Terai community. Tokyo: Japan's prime minister Shinzo Abe said that his government fully supports the US stance on pressuring North Korea over its nuclear weapons programme, with all options on the table. In a televised debate among leaders of major political parties, Abe said North Korea had failed to deliver on past promises to give up its pursuit of nuclear technology made during "six-party" talks with Japan, China, the US, Russia and South Korea. "They used the framework of the dialogue to earn time so that they could develop their nuclear technology," Abe said. "As the result, their nuclear capability has reached to this level and we cannot afford being deceived by them again." Abe did not specifically comment on a tweet during the weekend about North Korea by US president Donald Trump. Trump said that 25 years of negotiations had not worked, with "agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of US negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!" Abe did say his government supports the US stance that more pressure is needed and all options are on the table. Concerns over North Korea are a top issue in a Japanese parliamentary election scheduled for 22 October. Beirut: At least 11 civilians including two children were killed on Sunday in air strikes on a market in northwestern Syria, a monitor said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes on the market in Idlib province's Maaret al-Numan were probably carried out by regime forces. Much of Idlib province, including Maaret al-Numan, is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group led by Al-Qaeda's former Syria affiliate. Idlib is one of four so-called "de-escalation" zones under a deal brokered by Russia, Turkey and Iran in May. However, the HTS is not party to the agreement. Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said "military aircraft" had targeted the market in Maaret al-Numan, blaming the regime for the strike. "At least 11 people were killed including two children," he said. "There are around 20 wounded and the toll of victims could rise." The Observatory relies on a network of sources inside Syria, and says it determines whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used. The Observatory said that on Friday and Saturday, at least 13 civilians died in suspected regime air strikes around Khan Sheikhun, the site of a deadly April chemical attack. Despite months of relative calm in Idlib, Syrian regime and Russian forces have in recent weeks carried out air raids across the province, killing dozens of civilians, according to the Observatory. Pro-Turkey Syrian rebels are also preparing for an operation to oust HTS jihadists from Idlib province. Turkish forces fired seven mortar rounds across the border into Syria on Sunday, the Dogan news agency reported a day after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the operation. Ankara has massed forces and tanks on its border with Syria but the assault has yet to begin in earnest, monitors and sources on the ground said. Beirut: Turkish forces exchanged fire Sunday with jihadists from Al-Qaeda's former Syrian affiliate on the border of Idlib province, a monitor and eyewitnesses said, a day after Ankara announced an imminent operation. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday announced pro-Ankara rebels would lead a military campaign against the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) jihadist coalition in the northwestern Syrian province. On Sunday morning, HTS jihadists opened fire on Turkish forces removing part of a wall along the border between Turkey and Idlib, eyewitnesses and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said. "A group of HTS opened fire on the vehicle removing part of the wall, and the Turks returned fire and also shelled the area," one eyewitness on the border told AFP. The Observatory reported "heavy exchanges of fire", but said the incident did not appear to mark the start of the operation Erdogan described on Saturday. Turkish shelling hit near a camp for displaced civilians by the border, prompting some to flee the area, it said, and HTS fighters also shelled a Turkish position near the Bab al-Hawa border crossing. Turkey's NTV, a private television station, reported an exchange of fire at the border area, quoting "military sources". On its website, it said the Turkish army had fired artillery in support of the allied Syrian rebels. The campaign against HTS has been the subject of weeks of speculation, and is linked to plans to implement a so-called "de-escalation zone" in Idlib province and surrounding areas. Rebel backer Turkey, along with Syrian regime allies Russia and Iran, earlier this year agreed a deal to implement four such ceasefire zones in the war-torn country as a prelude to talks on a peace deal. The zone encompassing Idlib is the last one to go into effect, and its implementation has been held up by fierce opposition from HTS, which is dominated by Al-Qaeda's former Syrian affiliate. The group controls almost all of Idlib province after ousting rebel groups, including former allies, in an assault earlier this year. On Saturday, it warned "treacherous factions that stand by the side of the Russian occupier" should only enter the area if they want "their mothers to be bereaved, their children to be orphaned, their wives to be widowed". More than 3,30,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began with anti-government protests in March 2011. Kabul: Former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai has said that the Islamic State has emerged in Afghanistan in the past three to four years under the watch of US military and intelligence agencies. In an interview with Russia Today in London, Karzai said he has more than suspicions that US bases in Afghanistan are being used to aid the Islamic State. "I get daily reports by the Afghan people that unmarked military helicopters supply the Islamic State in many parts of Afghanistan," he claimed. Karzai said that from 9/11 until today, there is more extremism in Afghanistan, despite spending billions of dollars. He stated that the Afghan people ask that if the US came to Afghanistan to defeat extremism, "why do we have more of it today". "We don't want our country to be bombed with huge, destructive weapons. We want peace," said Karzai, adding that the use of MOAB (mother of all bombs) by the US forces was an indication to North Korea to show off US power, but it was an atrocity on the Afghan people. On 13 April this year the US dropped one of its largest non-nuclear bombs on a tunnel complex reportedly used by the Islamic State in eastern Afghanistan. It was the first time such a weapon had been used in battle. "Military action, especially by foreign forces, will not bring peace. Afghans need to evolve a consensus to reach out to everybody, including 'sons of the soil' Taliban, to seek a settlement," he suggested. The former president said the US needs to become a cooperative partner in the region, including with China, Russia, Pakistan and India, to bring peace. With regards to Pakistan, Karzai said they have to live together with Pakistan. He said there are two strong contrasts in their relationship with Pakistan: "Pakistani people welcomed us when we became refugees. But they also did the horrible activity of supporting the mujahideen (against Soviets) which weakened our society." Karzai said he hopes the new US policy for the region sees that Pakistan was used by the US against its neighbour for an inhumane purpose. He said they want to join hands with Pakistan to "salvage us from this deep conspiracy". Khartoum: The top US envoy in Sudan said on Sunday that conditions have to be "right" for holding talks with Khartoum on removing it from Washington's blacklist of state sponsors of "terrorism". US charge d'affaires to Khartoum Steven Koutsis' remarks came a day after Washington ended its 20-year-old trade embargo on the east African country. However, the US did not drop Sudan from the blacklist, a consistent demand by Khartoum in return for cooperating with US intelligence agencies in fighting "terrorism". "This is something that both sides are keenly willing to discuss, but we have to be certain that conditions are right for discussions to remove (Sudan) from the list," Koutsis said at a press conference at the US mission in Khartoum. "The government of Sudan knows fully well what it needs to do ... and we hope that those conditions will come soon," he said, without elaborating. Later yesterday, Sudan's foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour said Khartoum faces a "paradox". "We are the best country cooperating on countering terrorism and at the same time we are on the list of state sponsors of terrorism," Ghandour said in his first remarks since the trade embargo was dropped. Ghandour, who led the Sudanese team negotiating the lifting of sanctions, said it was time to start talks for removing the country from the blacklist. On Friday, Khartoum had expressed disappointment that this had not happened. "Discussion on removing from the (list of) state sponsors of terror was not part of our engagement under the five-track plan," Koutsis said, referring to the five conditions that Washington had insisted that Khartoum meet in return for ending the trade embargo. Khartoum insists that there is no reason for it to be on the blacklist as it has cooperated with US intelligence agencies in fighting terrorism in the region, a claim acknowledged even by the US State Department. Sudanese officials say that being on this list along with Syria and Iran makes it difficult to seek foreign debt relief, which has been a factor in hampering the country's economic growth. "If you want to talk to anyone, they will say 'go to the big brother'," said Ghandour. "As a foreign minister I thought what can I do? So, if you open the doors with the United States, you open the doors with others." Facebook and Google once aimed to connect the world. Now they would be happy just to reconnect part of it. In the wake of Hurricane Maria, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg pledged to send a connectivity team to help restore communications in ravaged Puerto Rico. Google parent company Alphabet offered to send its Wi-Fi balloons. They were among several tech companies proposing disaster response ideas, most aimed at getting phone and internet service up and running. Some of these plans, of course, are more aspirational than others. BATTERY POWER Tesla CEO Elon Musk often takes to Twitter to mull over ideas, but on Friday his musings about sending his companys solar-powered batteries to help restore Puerto Ricos power attracted the attention of the islands governor. Lets talk, said Gov. Ricardo Rossello in a Friday tweet . Musk agreed. Hours later, he announced he was delaying the unveiling of Teslas new semi-truck and diverting resources, in part to increase battery production for Puerto Rico and other affected areas. The need for help in restoring power and communication after Hurricane Maria is great: The Puerto Rican energy authority reported Saturday that about 88 percent of the island is still without power. The Federal Communications Commission said Saturday that 82 percent of cell sites remain out in Puerto Rico; 58 percent are out of service in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FCCs daily status report also shows significant wireline, TV and radio outages remain in both U.S. territories. The agency formed a task force this week and approved an advance of $77 million to support carriers working to restore telecommunications services. VAGUE PROMISES But many offers of help from big companies remain somewhat vague. Google parent company Alphabet has proposed launching balloons over the island to bring Wi-Fi service to hard-to-reach places, as it has in other parts of the world. The FCC announced Saturday that its approved an experimental license for Project Loon to operate in Puerto Rico. But that doesnt mean it will able to get them in the air anytime soon. Were grateful for the support of the FCC and the Puerto Rican authorities as we work hard to see if its possible to use Loon balloons to bring emergency connectivity to the island during this time of need, said Libby Leahy, a spokesman for Alphabets X division. But there are limitations, she said Saturday. To deliver signal to peoples devices, Loon needs be integrated with a telco partners network the balloons cant do it alone, she said, adding that the company is making solid progress on this next step. COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS Cisco Systems has sent a tactical team and says it is working with local government, emergency responders and service providers to facilitate restoration and recovery efforts. The company, along with Microsoft and others, backs the NetHope consortium, which specializes in setting up post-disaster communication networks and has field teams now operating in Puerto Rico and several other Caribbean islands. Communication is critical during a disaster, Zuckerberg said after the hurricane hit, announcing that employees from his companys connectivity team the same group working to build high-altitude drones that can beam internet service down to Earth were heading to Puerto Rico. But with its aircraft still in the testing phase, the company said Friday that the engineers its sent to Puerto Rico are focused on providing support to NetHopes teams. SMALLER ORGANIZATIONS Much of the ground work is being spearheaded by nonprofit organizations and small firms with expertise in rural or emergency communications. Lexington, Massachusetts-based Vanu Inc., which sets up wireless communications networks in rural parts of the United States, Africa and India, is sending dozens of its small, solar-powered cellular base stations to volunteer crews on the ground in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Aid workers are pairing Vanus devices with other technology, such as inflatable satellite antennas. After setting up a network on the island of Vieques, off the main island of Puerto Rico, one team watched from a roof as local residents started getting text alerts from family members who had been trying to get in touch. They noticed everyone in the plaza pulling their phones out, said CEO Vanu Bose. You dont have to announce youve lit up coverage. People know right away. Not all energy stocks are created equal, especially now that renewable energy and electric vehicles are becoming a meaningful part of our energy mix. Renewable energy generation is rising and it may be a matter of a few years before the world hits peak oil consumption if EVs keep improving at the rate they have. With that backdrop, I think the renewable energy yieldco NextEra Energy Partners (NYSE: NEP) and its dividend yield of 3.8% is a much better dividend stock than ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) with the same yield. Big oil is in trouble The chart below shows a lot of information about ExxonMobil's business over the last five years. The first note is that its net income has dropped by over 75% and at the same time the company has been increasing its dividend. Naturally, the payout ratio -- or percentage of earnings paid out as a dividend -- has shot higher. What happens when a company has a higher dividend payment than what you're earning? They have to take on debt, which is exactly what ExxonMobil has done. The problem is that I don't see ExxonMobil's business getting much better from here. EVs are just starting to take off and countries like France, the U.K., and China have all discussed plans or have targets for eliminating gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles. If the current payout ratio is unsustainable and the technology and policy environment is working against your business model the future doesn't look very bright. Renewables are gaining steam Renewable energy is a big reason big oil is in trouble and it's growing globally at a rapid rate. NextEra Energy Partners is a company that owns renewable energy projects that have long-term contracts to sell electricity to utilities and then uses that cash flow to pay down debt and dividends. It's similar to owning a bond rather than a traditional energy stock. On top of the stable operations for existing projects, NextEra Energy Partners can use its stock and new debt to fund project acquisitions, much like an MLP. If acquired projects have a rate of return higher than the cost of debt plus equity, they're additive to the dividend. As a result of this strategy, over the next five years, NextEra Energy Partners expects to raise its dividend 12% to 15% annually. The advantage of a yieldco like NextEra Energy Partners is that it has stable cash flows, visibility to future growth, and is being propelled by a booming renewable energy industry. That's a great place for energy investors to be today. NextEra Energy Partners is the better stock right now Given where their businesses stand today and where energy trends are headed in the future, I think NextEra Energy Partners is the much better stock for dividend investors. ExxonMobil isn't even generating enough cash to sustainably pay its dividend today, compared to NextEra Energy Partners' plans for 12% to 15% growth over the next half-decade. Sometimes the biggest names aren't the best investments. And in this case, ExxonMobil loses out to the much smaller NextEra Energy Partners in this dividend battle. 10 stocks we like better than NextEra Energy PartnersWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and NextEra Energy Partners wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of September 5, 2017 Travis Hoium owns shares of NextEra Energy Partners. The Motley Fool owns shares of ExxonMobil. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Many investors see private equity investments as a gateway to the most lucrative opportunities in the financial markets. The professionals who run private equity companies raise substantial amounts of capital from investors, sometimes use the money as collateral to borrow more capital, and then go out to buy companies that are particularly attractive. Private equity typically purchases entire companies rather than taking a partial equity interest, and companies whose stock is publicly traded prior to a private equity buyout are typically no longer available in the public markets after the buyout. Therefore, to invest in private equity, you have to ask the following questions: Do you meet the Securities and Exchange Commission's definition of an accredited investor who can invest in private equity funds? If so, is there a private equity fund accepting new money that will take you on as an investor? If not, are you willing to participate indirectly by investing in a private equity management company? What the SEC wants The SEC wants only qualified investors to be able to invest in private equity. Private equity investments aren't subject to the same level of disclosure requirements as publicly traded companies, and so public policy dictates that only those investors who have the level of sophistication to be what the SEC calls accredited investors can participate. In defining the SEC standard, "sophistication" basically means money. In particular, accredited investors must have: Income of $200,000 for singles or $300,000 for joint couples in each of the past two years; A net worth of more than $1 million, not including your home's equity; or Being an officer, director, or general partner of the company in which you're investing. Those who qualify under any of those standards can satisfy the SEC. But that doesn't mean you'll necessarily be able to get into the private equity investment you want. Finding a match Being an accredited investor might be a necessary condition to be part of a private equity deal, but it's not sufficient to gain admittance into the private equity fund of your choice. Different private equity funds have different standards for participation, along with different levels of capital commitment. Highly successful established private equity fund managers typically have no problem attracting capital for future investments, and so a new investor might find it impossible to break into the fund's ecosystem. By contrast, if it's too easy to get into a private equity fund, an investor should be cautious. Newly established funds have to build a reputation, but some longtime providers have developed bad reputations that make them more willing to accept less experienced investors just to get the capital they need. That will rarely be the right fit for you, especially if it's your first foray into the private equity world. Investing in private equity managers Because of the uncertainty of investing in private equity funds, some investors prefer instead to buy shares of the companies that manage the funds. You can find some such companies, such as KKR (NYSE: KKR) and Blackstone Group (NYSE: BX), publicly listed on major exchanges. When times are good for private equity funds, their managers also participate by taking a cut of their profits, and that benefits shareholders. However, investing in a manager doesn't let you drill down on particular fund focus areas, leaving you exposed to the success or failure of the management company as a whole. That can lead to a better diversified portfolio, but it makes it impossible to generate the truly massive returns that a well-focused private equity fund can produce when its investment philosophy proves to be fortuitous. Private equity has a reputation for high-end treatment and wealth generation, and it's an exclusive area into which many investors can't go. Even if you qualify, take a close look at private equity to ensure that the funds you pick fit well with your expectations and financial needs. 10 stocks we like better than Wal-MartWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, the Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Wal-Mart wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of September 5, 2017The author(s) may have a position in any stocks mentioned. Dan Caplinger has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends KKR. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. As Las Vegas police appealed to the public for help in uncovering a wealthy retiree's motive for massacring 58 people at an outdoor concert this week, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visited Las Vegas on Saturday stressing unity and offering solace. "We are united in our grief, in our support for those who have suffered and united in our resolve to end such evil in our time," Pence said, joining Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and other local leaders at a City Hall commemoration for victims of the shooting that followed a prayer walk through the city. Participants trod seven miles (11 km) along four separate paths to City Hall for an event where security was high. President Donald Trump paid a visit to Las Vegas earlier in the week. Las Vegas' Democratic Congresswoman Dina Titus was the only speaker who touched on the subject of gun violence and politics, saying, "Let us also pray for those who have power that they will have the wisdom, the courage, and the resolve to find ways to end the gun violence that plagues our nation." The commemoration came as Clark County Undersheriff Kevin McMahill said investigators remain largely in the dark about what drove retired real estate investor and high-stakes gambler Stephen Paddock to carry out the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. "We have looked at everything, literally, to include the suspect's personal life, any political affiliation, his social behaviors, economic situation, any potential radicalization," McMahill told reporters late on Friday. "We have been down each and every single one of these paths, trying to determine why, to determine who else may have known of these plans." McMahill said investigators had uncovered "no nexus" between the Mideast-based militant group and Paddock, even though the militant group had repeatedly claimed responsibility for the attack. In an unusual bid to cast a wider net for tips, the FBI and police have arranged with communications company Clear Channel to post billboards around Las Vegas urging citizens to come forward with any information they believe might help investigators. The billboards will bear the slogan, "If you know something, say something," and carry a toll-free number to an FBI hotline, said Aaron Rouse, special agent in charge of the Las Vegas FBI office. Paddock, 64, unleashed a torrent of gunfire onto an outdoor music festival from the windows of his 32nd-floor hotel suite overlooking the concert on Sunday night, then shot himself to death before police stormed his room. In addition to the 58 people who died, nearly 500 were injured, some by gunfire, some trampled or otherwise hurt while running for cover. Unlike so many other perpetrators of deadly mass shootings before him, Paddock left behind no suicide note, no manifesto, no recordings and no messages on social media pointing to his intent, according to police. McMahill said investigators remained certain Paddock acted alone in the shooting. But police have said they suspect he had help before the killings, based on the large number of guns, ammunition and explosives found in the hotel suite, his home, his car and a second home searched in Reno. Authorities have said that 12 of the weapons recovered from Paddock's hotel suite were equipped with so-called bump-stock devices that enable semi-automatic rifles to be operated as if they were fully automatic machine-guns. Paddock's ability to fire hundreds of rounds per minute over the course of his 10-minute shooting spree was a major factor in the high casualty count, police said. The bloodshed might have lasted longer, with greater loss of life, but for a hotel security officer who was sent to check an open-door alarm on the 32nd floor, and discovered the gunman's whereabouts after the shooting started, McMahill said. The security officer, Jesus Campos, was struck in the leg as the gunman strafed the hallway with gunfire from behind his door, apparently having detected Campos via surveillance cameras Paddock set up outside his hotel suite. Campos, though wounded, alerted the hotel's dispatch, "which was absolutely critical to us knowing the location as well as advising the responding officers as they arrived on that 32nd floor," McMahill said. "He's an absolute hero." In a new disclosure, authorities said two bullets Paddock fired struck a large jet fuel storage tank at the edge of the city's main airport, about a block from the concert grounds, indicating an apparent attempt by the gunman to create even greater havoc. There was no explosion or fire from the two rounds, one of which penetrated the tank, as jet fuel in storage is almost impossible to ignite with gunshots, airport officials said on Friday. Paddock's girlfriend, Marilou Danley, 62, was questioned by the FBI on Wednesday and said in a statement she never had any inkling of Paddock's plans. Danley, who returned late on Tuesday from a family visit to the Philippines, is regarded by investigators as a "person of interest." The Australian citizen of Filipino heritage is cooperating fully with authorities, her lawyer said. (Reporting by Alexandria Sage and Sharon Bernstein in Las Vegas; additional reporting by Susan Heavey, Richard Cowan, Doina Chiacu, Amanda Becker and Jeff Mason in Washington, Chris Kenning, Karen Freifeld and Jonathan Allen in New York, Keith Coffman in Denver and Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Writing by Scott Malone and Steve Gorman; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Jeremy Gaunt) Looking for income? Dividend stocks are a great place to find it. And the good news is that big payouts can be found throughout the stock market, regardless of industry or sector. Whether you're seeking high yields or secure payouts, or maybe even hoping for some price appreciation, you'll find what you're looking for among General Electric (NYSE: GE), Boeing (NYSE: BA), 3M (NYSE: MMM), Total SA (NYSE: TOT), and Williams Partners (NYSE: WPZ). Let's take a closer look at these five stocks that each reward shareholders with more than $2.5 billion in dividend payouts each year. General Electric GE has been paying a dividend for more than a century while growing into one of the largest industrial conglomerates in the world. It's by far the largest company in terms of market cap on this list, at $210.2 billion, and naturally, pays a big annual dividend, for a massive total $8.8 billion in payouts. (The yield is currently 4%.) It used to pay a lot more, though. In 2008, GE paid out more than $12 billion in annual dividends, but then the financial crisis hit and the company, which had invested heavily in its GE Capital consumer-credit arm, was hammered by the stock market, forcing then-CEO Jeff Immelt to cut the dividend by almost two-thirds. Luckily for dividend investors, GE has now disposed of its GE Capital unit, and is refocusing on its industrial roots. But new CEO John Flannery has been focusing on cutting costs, which could mean cuts to the dividend. Flannery will provide an investor update on Nov. 13, and dividend investors should pay attention to what he says before jumping in. Boeing and 3M Airplane manufacturer Boeing and materials-science company 3M operate in very different industries, but their recent fortunes have been surprisingly similar. Not only are their total dividend payouts almost identical, but both have seen their stock prices soar in recent years. In the last five years, 3M's share price has risen 125.7%, while Boeing's has skyrocketed an astonishing 264%. That price appreciation has wrought a bit of havoc on their dividend yields, leaving them just above 2%, but don't let that scare you. Boeing is incredibly profitable and churning out gobs of free cash flow. The Dividend Aristocrat 3M has been slowly and steadily growing its dividend -- and its business -- for years, making it an excellent bet for stability. Both are solid choices for income-focused investors. Total SA Of course, no list of high-paying dividend stocks would be complete without an integrated oil major. But French company Total is one of the smaller of these -- with a market cap of $133.1 billion -- and only pays out about $2.6 billion in annual dividends. This is a drop in the bucket compared to, for example, rival ExxonMobil, which pays out a massive $12.5 billion annually. Although it may be smaller than some of its integrated peers, Total has consistently been an outperformer. Its second-quarter earnings results were impressive, and the company is sitting on a massive cash hoard of $28.7 billion. Its current yield of 5.1% is also impressive, although investors should be aware that due to currency fluctuations, the payout in dollars tends to jump around from quarter to quarter. Total looks like a good choice for investors ready to buy into the energy industry. Williams Partners While companies like GE, Boeing, and 3M are household names, you shouldn't be surprised if you've never heard of Williams Partners. With a market cap of $37.6 billion, the company is much smaller than any of the others on this list. But it still pays out $2.53 billion per year in dividends, just enough to be included here. Williams Partners is a natural-gas pipeline operator, a master limited partnership controlled by parent Williams Companies (NYSE: WMB). Together, the companies claim to own the fastest-growing interstate pipeline system in the U.S. That growth is important, because almost all of Williams Partners' income -- 97% -- is fee-based, meaning the company collects a fee from each customer that uses Williams Partners' pipelines. That results in a steady income stream that grows as the company adds more pipelines. Income investors should be aware that Williams Partners cut its quarterly dividend this year, from $0.85 per share to $0.60 per share. But with an impressive current yield of 7.5% and the company projecting solid growth of 5% to 7%, Williams Partners is definitely worth considering as an income investment. Investor takeaway As you can see, a company's total annual payout doesn't actually tell us much about the company. It could be a major company with a decent yield, like GE and Total; a major company with a lower yield like Boeing or 3M; or a smaller company with a big yield, like Williams Partners. That's why it's important for income investors to do the legwork and look into all aspects of a company they're considering investing in. But these five big-paying companies certainly deserve a place on your watch list. 10 stocks we like better than General ElectricWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and General Electric wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of September 5, 2017 John Bromels owns shares of General Electric. The Motley Fool owns shares of ExxonMobil. The Motley Fool recommends 3M and Total. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Oil companies in the U.S. have staged a remarkable comeback this year. Production, for example, which declined by nearly 1 million barrels per day at the low point last year, has roared back this year and is right back up near the 2015 peak. At the current trajectory, the country is on pace to produce an average of 9.8 million barrels per day in 2018, which would surpass the previous record of 9.6 million barrels per day set in 1970. The driver of that rapid rebound in output -- other than the stabilization of oil prices around $50 a barrel -- was the ability of shale drillers to capture efficiency gains and push through technological innovation. However, there are several signs within the industry that it might not be able to go much further on either front, which suggests that the weight that has been holding back crude prices might soon lift. Losing the Midas touch Last quarter, shale darling Pioneer Natural Resources (NYSE: PXD) stunned investors by unveiling a downward revision to its production growth guidance. The company, which had previously done nothing but outperform expectations, said it fell behind when drilling some wells as a result of "unexpected changes in pressure" in the red-hot Spraberry/Wolfcamp oil field in Texas. As a result, Pioneer Natural Resources had to change its well design, which solved the issue. However, that fix would tack an additional $300,000 to $400,000 to each well and increase its drilling time by five days, which reversed some of the prior efficiency gains that had been fueling its remarkable success. While the company said it was looking for ways to chip away at the added expenses and time, it will cut into drilling returns in the near term. It would also mean Pioneer's production comes it at the bottom end of its guidance range. Meanwhile, several other shale drillers announced failed experiments as they tried to find the most productive way to unlock the oil and gas trapped in shale, which caused them to change their plans. QEP Resources (NYSE: QEP), for example, recently stated that it "experienced higher than anticipated production decline from a group of pilot wells that were completed in deeper benches of the Three Forks Formation in the Williston Basin, and, as a result, we have modified our development plans going forward." On top of that, QEP said it "experienced some delays in our Permian Basin well completions as a result of the continuing evolution of our tank-style development methodology." Likewise, Sanchez Energy (NYSE: SN) noted that several wells that it completed within a trial program underperformed its expectation. As a result, Sanchez said it "returned to our standard well completion design." While both companies saw these delays as temporary hiccups, it suggests that shale drillers might be reaching the end of their ability to increase output through innovation. Equipment and labor shortages are holding back growth In addition to the growing number of technical issues, the rapid ramp-up in drilling activities this year seemed to hit the ceiling last quarter, which, according to reservoir optimization specialist Core Labs (NYSE: CLB), was the result of a transitory shortage in labor and well-completion equipment. Core expects these issues to persist through the end of the year and to cause the country's inventory of drilled uncompleted wells to increase, because companies haven't been able to keep pace with drilling. Oil-field service giant Halliburton (NYSE: HAL), likewise, noted that "current customer demand has outpaced the supply of completions equipment." However, while that's bad news for producers, Halliburton saw it as being a positive for its bottom line, because it "should create a runway for a strong utilization through the second half of the year." In a sense, Halliburton and its oil-field service peers are taking advantage of the opportunity to claw back some of the pricing concessions they gave customers during the downturn by purposefully holding back on adding more equipment until utilization and margins are at a more normalized level. Shale drilling costs are thus more likely to increase than decrease in the near term. Shale's weight on the oil market might be lifting One of the pressures holding down the price of oil over the past year has been the rapid improvement in shale drilling from efficiency gains and innovation. But the pace of change seems to be slowing, given the rise in technical issues the industry has encountered this year. Add to that the likelihood of higher costs as service providers try to rebuild their profitability, and it's looking less likely that shale can keep growing at a breakneck pace. Oil prices could therefore rise much faster than most anticipate, which could be a boon for investors in top-tier oil stocks. 10 stocks we like better than HalliburtonWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Halliburton wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of September 5, 2017 Matthew DiLallo owns shares of Core Laboratories. The Motley Fool recommends Core Laboratories. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Grammy-winning rapper Nelly was released on Saturday hours after he was arrested in Washington state when a woman accused him of raping her on his tour bus. Nelly was released without charges pending further investigation into the incident, the rapper said in a tweet on Saturday. Auburn police spokesman Commander Steve Stocker said Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., was arrested in his bus outside a Walmart. He will have his first appearance before a judge "at some point," Stocker said. Nelly was scheduled to perform in Ridgefield, Wash., on Saturday night. KATHY GRIFFINS NEIGHBOR FILES FOR RESTRAINING ORDER, CLAIMS COMEDIAN SPY ON HIM Nelly performed at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, Wash., on Friday night. He's on tour with Florida Georgia Line and missed his Saturday night performance with the group. Nelly's attorney, Scott Rosenblum, called the rape claim a "completely fabricated allegation." "Our initial investigation clearly establishes this allegation is devoid of credibility and is motivated by greed and vindictiveness. I am confident, once this scurrilous accusation is thoroughly investigated, there will be no charges. Nelly is prepared to address and pursue all legal avenues to redress any damage caused by this clearly false allegation," Rosenblum said in an email. IN NEW BOOK, IVANA TRUMP WRITES OF CONTENTMENT In a series of tweets, Nelly also defended himself, saying he was "targeted with this false allegation" and is "completely innocent." "I am confident that once the facts are looked at , it will be very clear that I am the victim of a false allegation," Nelly wrote on Twitter. "I do want to apologize to my loved ones for the embarrassment and for putting myself in a situation where I could be victimized by this false and defaming allegation," he tweeted before thanking his fans for their "unwavering support." He added: "They know me. I assure you I will be vindicated. And I assure you, I will pursue every legal option to address this defaming claim. Thank you." Nelly is a three-time Grammy winner, including for the song "Hot in Herre," which won the best male rap solo performance award in 2002. The song has been sampled and re-recorded by other artists and is ranked No. 21 on a Rolling Stone magazine list of top summer songs. Nelly is also known for the hits "My Place" and "Over and Over." He appeared in the 2005 film "The Longest Yard." The following year he shared a Grammy for the song "Shake Ya Tailfeather" with Murphy Lee and Sean Combs. Click for more from Q13Fox.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. What a s--- show! A Long Island winery lost its liquor license Thursday after it allegedly hosted a rowdy party where patrons reportedly got into fist fights, had sex in public and defecated on neighbors properties. Vineyard 48 in Cutchogue was ordered by the New York State Liquor Authority to suspend its alcohol sales and consumption, Newsday reported. Vineyard 48 has amassed a disturbing record of repeatedly serving patrons far beyond the point of extreme intoxication, straining police resources and wreaking havoc on their neighbors and the surrounding community, Christopher R. Riano, the liquor authoritys authority counsel, wrote in a news release. Peter Sullivan, Vineyard 48s attorney, told Newsday the allegations were not true and the order would be reversed quickly. MCDONALDS CUSTOMER CLAIMS SHE FOUND MAGGOTS IN QUARTER POUNDER The State Liquor Authority decided to order the suspension after a boozy party disturbed some of the neighbors who lived nearby, the New York Post reported. Some 400 customers reportedly had defecated and urinated on the homeowners premises due to long lines at the restrooms. Security prevents people from going onto adjacent properties unless they live there, Sullivan said. Newsday reported that Southold Town Police were getting calls from neighbors about two patrons engaging in sexual acts in view of their backyard bordering Vineyard 48. The liquor authority stated that police went to the winery due to an altercation involving 400 disorderly, heavily intoxicated patrons who were pushing, shoving and screaming at one another. Sullivan denied the allegations and said he had proof to debunk them. TACO BELL BRINGS BACK NAKED CHICKEN FOR A LIMITED TIME, EXPANDS BREAKFAST MENU For example, they allege that there were 400 drunk patrons [fighting] and we have videotape showing that its six people a son and his mom and a drunk girl and two girlfriends yelling at each other, Sullivan told the New York Post. Authorities said the wild party was not the only incident where patrons at the winery lost control. The disturbing incidents of September 30 are only the most recent in a long line of resident complaints and police encounters at Vineyard 48, the news release stated. The vineyard has gotten in legal trouble previously, Newsday reported. In 2016, Southold Police reported alcohol overdoses and physical altercations on the vineyards property. Next week, the vineyard will have a hearing on the matter. McDonald's is receiving major backlash after a failed attempt at bringing back a cult-favorite sauce. As previously reported, McDonalds had agreed to bring back the discontinued Szechuan sauce following pleas from Cartoon Networks adult cartoon, Rick and Morty. McDonalds announced last week that for one-day only, the fast food restaurant would carry the Szechuan sauce for customers at participating locations. BURGER KING ITEM HITS GROCERY STORES That one day Saturday, October 7 Rick and Morty and Szechuan sauce fans gathered outside McDonalds restaurants nationwide. Thousands lined up hours before the packets were allowed to be sold, all clamoring for the sweet plum sauce. However, McDonalds failed to mention in any of their widespread promos that only 20 packets of the highly anticipated sauce would be available at the stores. The Huffington Post reported that some locations listed online as participating stores didnt actually have the sauce packets at all or some had sold out before the authorized selling time. Once the fans realized that the sauce had been sold out after waiting in line for hours, they were outraged. So much so that the police had to be called to disband an angry crowd surrounding a McDonald's in Wellington, Fla. At another McDonalds, a mob chanting, we want sauce, formed, and the police had to push them back. Other locations, adults left angry and kids left crying. The disgruntled customers took to Twitter to vent their frustrations at the chain, claiming false advertising and calling for both a class action lawsuit and a boycott. The latter became a trending hashtag for the day, #boycottMcDonalds. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS McDonalds responded to the outrage, issuing a public apology on their Twitter account. The best fans in the multiverse showed us what they got today, McDonalds tweeted. We hear you & were sorry not everyone could get some super-limited Szechuan. Fans werent buying it, and accused the hamburger joint of just wanting the publicity. The fast-food giant later released a second apology on Facebook, and promised that there would be more sauce on the horizon. "...Our super limited batch, though well-intentioned, clearly wasn't enough to meet that demand," reads the statement. "...So, we are going to make this right. ... Szechuan Sauce is coming back again this winter." A teacher at Wyoming's Jackson Hole High School on Thursday gave her students a multiple choice quiz that referenced shooting President Trump. Click here for a free subscription to Todd's newsletter: a must-read for Conservatives! The online quiz was based on George Orwell's novel, "Animal Farm," according to the Jackson Hole News & Guide. The full question read: "Napoleon has the gun fired for a new occasion. What is the new occasion?" * He was shooting at Trump * His birthday *For completion of the windmill *To scare off the attackers of Animal Farm. To continue reading Todd's column from ToddStarnes.com, click here. Reporters continue scratching their heads about what President Trump meant when he spoke of the calm before the storm Thursday as he was hosting a dinner for military commanders and their spouses. It seems clear to me that he was sending a powerful message to North Korea and Iran: change your behavior now, or prepare to face new but unspecified painful consequences. North Korea and Iran are taking the measure of President Trump to see how far they can push him and how much they can get away with. The North Koreans continue testing nuclear weapons and long-range missiles and threaten to launch a nuclear attack on America and our allies that could kills millions. Iran is likely engaging in activities that could contribute to the design and development of its own nuclear explosive device. If these worrisome actions by the two rogue nations persist, there will be a storm. And as candidate Trump said during his campaign for the White House, he will not tell our enemies what kind of storm to expect only that he will not allow current trends that endanger our national security and that of our allies to continue unabated. The president must make some difficult decisions: whether to continue to rely on economic sanctions that dont appear to be working against North Korea; and whether to refuse to certify Iranian compliance with the bad nuclear deal and demand that additional constraints be placed on the Islamic Republics dangerous and provocative activities. President Trump faces an Oct. 15 deadline to decide whether to certify Iranian compliance with the nuclear agreement, which is designed to keep it from developing nuclear weapons for the next few years. News reports say he is expected to refuse to make that certification. U.S. policy toward both Iran and North Korea is closely related, because we must prevent Iran from joining the nuclear club and becoming another, even more dangerous version of North Korea. The sad reality is that even if Iran were to comply with the letter of the nuclear agreement, it will still be able to develop the capability to build up a vast nuclear arsenal within a relatively short time. This is the fundamental flaw of the agreement. And Iran claims that the nuclear deal permits it to refuse to allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect military facilities. This has led the IAEA to conclude that it cannot assure the world that Iran is not even now designing and developing a nuclear arsenal with missiles capable of delivering them to American allies in the Mideast and Europe, and soon the U.S. itself. All the Iranians need to do to become a nuclear power is to start spinning centrifuges. The nuclear agreement, which was reached with the Obama administration in 2015, will allow them to do that in a few years. So whether we like it or not, a storm is coming. Whether that storm will be diplomatic, economic or military depends on the leaders of North Korea and Iran. If they choose to negotiate constraints on their increasingly dangerous activities, they can avoid the other more painful options. Our military options are and should always be a last resort. They are the worst possible options other than Iran developing a nuclear arsenal and North Korea developing a nuclear delivery system that can reach our population centers and wipe out major American cities. With fanatical dictators like those in control of North Korea and Iran, we cannot rely on containment and deterrence as acceptable policies to prevent them from using nuclear weapons, as we have done for years with the Soviet Union (and now Russia) and China. So President Trump cannot afford to wait and do nothing as Iran and North Korea grow ever stronger, ever more menacing and become greater and greater threats. He must do something now. The nature of what is done, and what kind of storm it may be, is up to our enemies. I hope they choose wisely. Do people who are overweight or obese deserve health care? In the United Kingdom's socialized health care system, the answer appears to be "no." And if Democrats get their way, the same could be true in the United States. To save money, the U.K. National Health Service recently announced it will ban obese patients from many surgeries for up to a year. Such rationing is standard in single-payer health care systems. Americans will face the same fate if Democrats can enact Medicare for All here. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., recently introduced his Medicare for All bill backed by 15 other Democratic senators. His call to create such a single-payer health care system was a major part of his failed campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination last year. Known as "lifestyle rationing," the new British policy debunks the myth that single-payer systems deliver truly universal health care. In addition, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is urging Democrats to make single-payer a centerpiece of their upcoming campaigns. Known as "lifestyle rationing," the new British policy debunks the myth that single-payer systems deliver truly universal health care. The rule applies to patients with a body mass index of 30 or higher. It would hit a 5-foot-10 man who weighs more than 209 pounds, or a 5-foot-4 woman who weighs more than 174 pounds. These patients will have to wait a year, or lose 10 percent of their weight, before they can receive elective surgeries like hip or knee replacements. The National Health Service in Britain believes such discriminatory rationing is the "best way of achieving maximum value from the limited resources available." Of course, overweight people aren't the only ones denied care in single-payer systems. The bureaucrats who run them have little choice but to ration care for everyone. When patients pay virtually nothing for health care, they have little incentive to limit their consumption. If someone feels even slightly under the weather, he or she can immediately go to the doctor and demand medicine, rather than simply rest up and hydrate. So patients flood doctor's offices and hospitals. With no market forces at work to regulate demand, the only way for the government to keep costs under control is to forcibly limit the supply of medical services. Single-payer systems do so by offering doctors and hospitals relatively paltry sums for their services. The average general practitioner in the United Kingdom earns about $130,000 per year. By contrast, a general practitioner in America earns over $200,000 annually, on average. This combination of lower pay and seemingly limitless demand for care is causing many British doctors to leave the medical field or go elsewhere to practice. There are 7,000 fewer doctors in the United Kingdom today than in 2005. In just the first month of this year, nearly 300 doctors applied for certificates to work overseas. In addition, fewer medical students are completing their educations. In 2016, half of junior doctors left the National Health Service after their first two years of training. That is an abrupt increase from 2011, when less than three in ten junior doctors exited. As a result, the National Health Service is in the midst of an unprecedented staffing shortage. More than 30,600 positions are currently vacant. Almost 40 percent of those openings are for nurses and midwives. So patients wait. More than 4 million are standing by for surgery the highest figure in a decade. The single-payer system in Canada is hardly better, particularly for patients seeking specialist care. According to the Fraser Institute, the median wait time between referral from a general practitioner and treatment by a specialist in 2016 was 20 weeks the longest on record. America's own experiment with single-payer the Veterans Health Administration in the Department of Veterans Affairs is a national embarrassment. A federal investigation found that more than 200 veterans died while waiting for care at a Phoenix VA facility in 2015. The same is true of almost 100 veterans at a Los Angeles VA hospital between October 2014 and August 2015. These horror stories are worth remembering now that the apparent failure of the GOP's health care reform effort has revived calls for single-payer in the United States. Some U.S. doctors appear to be falling in line behind liberal icons Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. According to a new survey from Merritt Hawkins, a physician recruiting firm, 42 percent of doctors strongly support single-payer. Fourteen percent are somewhat supportive. Supporters of single-payer health care should realize the error of their ways, because single-payer isn't a shortcut to universal health care. As the experiences of other countries prove, it's a pathway to grotesque rationing, long waiting lines and needless suffering. A legislative response to mass killings is elusive on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers cannot settle on a solution. However, there are lots of alternatives when it comes to potentially curbing gun violence. Background checks. Banning so-called bump stocks or regulating them. Increasing open-carry provisions. Or just leaving things the way they are. But would any fix the problem? Taking action on any plan entails compromise. So far, the sides just arent willing to do that. And in a paradoxical twist, the butchery in Las Vegas last week may give Republicans the chance to pass controversial firearm legislation of their own, which Democrats vehemently oppose. Lets start with Rep. Carlos Curbelo, the Florida Republican who is rolling out a ban to bar bump stocks. After so many years of trying to reach a bipartisan compromise on gun legislation, it looks like we may have a breakthrough here, Curbelo said recently on the Fox Business Channel. But closely parse the statement by the National Rifle Association on the bump stock issue. The NRA believes that devices designed to allow semi-automatic rifles to function like fully-automatic rifles should be subject to additional regulations, said the NRA. At first blush, some perceived the statement as a departure from the NRAs usual hardline stand. But the group says it may be in order for additional regulations for bump stocks, not a prohibition. Thats where the compromise part gets hard. Would lawmakers like Curbelo -- and probably a host of Democrats -- be willing to compromise on bump stocks if it didnt prohibit them but just imposed more regulations? Must it be a full-on ban? Would the NRA accept something beyond beefed-up regulations? And as long as were talking about bump stocks, wouldnt Second Amendment-defending Republicans insist that Democrats compromise on something, too? How about permitting expanding concealed carry permits across state lines? What about the sportsmans bill to make it easier to obtain suppressors and silencers? Isnt that what compromise in Congress is all about? Accepting half-loaves? Horse-trading? A background check is a compromise. There are many more things (congressional) members want to do, said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Theyre going to say, If you give them a bump stock, its going to be a slippery slope. I certainly hope so. In other words, Democrats would insist on increased gun and accessory regulations beyond bump stocks. The NRA may worry that new policies would encroach on what they view as an absolute right on guns. They would argue that if Democrats are going to score some legislative success after the Las Vegas massacre, in which 58 were fatally shot and hundreds of others injured, shouldnt Republicans get something as well? The first response from some politicians has been to call for more gun control. Banning guns from law-abiding Americans based on the criminal act of a madman will do nothing to prevent future attacks, the NRA statement also said. The U.S. is now embarking on the most intense conversation on gun violence since the slaughter at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., in 2012. Yet there are political and parliamentary truths that may again thwart any movement Democrats demand on firearms. After the murders at Sandy Hook, Pelosi charged Rep. Mike Thompson, a fellow California Democrat, with leading their partys task force on gun violence. Thompson has long been around firearms, serving in the Army during Vietnam. Hes also a hunter and former co-chairman of the Congressional Sportsmens Caucus. Yet Thompsons seen almost zero activity on the gun front since Pelosi tapped him for the task force. If this majority believes that a bump stock prohibition is enough, they've been smoking something, Thompson fumed. It doesnt even come close. But lets say for a moment that there was legislation on the floor banning bump stocks. Would Democrats vote nay because they demand more on guns? What about accepting half a loaf? I believe we need to prohibit bump stocks, and if thats the bill thats in front of me, Ill vote for that, Thompson also said. The NRA is dug in. Republicans control the House and Senate. The NRA is closely-aligned with Republicans. That factor alone could be enough to disrupt any measure from hitting the floor of either body. We dont believe bans have ever worked on anything, NRA Executive Director Chris Cox on Fox News Fox News Sunday. What we have said has been very clear: that if something transfers a semi-automatic to function like fully-automatic, then it ought to be regulated differently. Congress could consider gun legislation. But that could come at a price for what Democrats are pushing with firearms control. Heres a look at an incongruous political and legislative reality on guns. Since June, House Republicans have tinkered a bill to make it easier to obtain suppressors that silence weapons. There is also a push to ease restrictions on concealed-carry permits across state lines. So, lawmakers do what lawmakers do: horse trade. Republicans could find some consensus on their side of the aisle on regulation of bump stocks -- not an outright ban. And then they throw in the provisions on silencers and concealed carry. Would Democrats vote for that? Maybe a few would. But Republicans could say they acted after Las Vegas and ask why Democrats wouldnt come along to vote yes. Naturally, most Democrats would find the silencers and concealed carry add-ons as poison pills -- provisions that make the bill too toxic for them to vote aye. Yet ironically, something on bump stocks could make it easier for Republicans to include measures on silencers and concealed carry. Potential bump stock regulation actually gives the GOP a sheath of political cover. Then theres the Senate. Two rounds of 60 votes are necessary to extinguish a filibuster on legislation. Think a gun bill of any sort -- bump stocks or no bump stocks -- can score 60 yeas when there are only 52 Republicans in the Senate? Could Republicans make such a vote challenging for moderate Democratic senators facing re-election next year in states where firearms are important? Maybe. Consider the pressure the NRA could apply to Democratic Sens. Jon Tester, Montanna; Heidi Heitkamp, North Dakota; and Joe Manchin, West Virginia, to name a few. But that still doesnt get you to 60 votes. Hence, the gun issue remains in legislative stasis. This is one reason why Democrats never get anywhere on the gun issue. But, theres also a daunting political reality facing Republicans on firearms. President Trump repeatedly berates Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on Twitter about eliminating the 60-vote threshold to kill filibusters on legislation. McConnells repeatedly resisted this entreaty. But lowering the bar would mean Republicans could muscle through any bill they want -- including something on guns. Altering the filibuster rules also means this: Democrats could very well draw up firearms legislation that actually gets all 48 of their members on board -- plus a few Republicans. Its doubtful the NRA would embrace such a package. But a bill like that could certainly score 51 yeas rather than the 60 needed under current Senate operations. Moreover, what happens when Democrats again reclaim control of the Senate and Republicans cannot block them on gun bills? Democratic Sens. Dianne Feinstein, California, and Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, both from Connecticut, could then have their way with far more intrusive gun legislation than is politically possible now. Pelosi said a few days ago she hopes theres a slippery slope on guns. Dropping the filibuster rule to 51 yeas would certainly grant Democrats the opportunity to do what they want with guns. Caveat emptor, President Trump. Solutions to gun violence? Few. Sure lots of alternatives though. And thats why for now, Congress could again decline to move on gun legislation. Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Sunday gave her strongest indication so far that shell seek re-election, amid speculation the senior California Democratic senator will retire amid a potential 2018 challenge from her partys progressive wing. "I'm ready for a good fight. I've got things to fight for," the 84-year-old Feinstein said on NBCs Meet the Press. Im in a position where I can be effective. And, hopefully, that means something to California." Feinstein, who had a pacemaker implanted in January, joined the Senate in 1992 after winning a special election. She is now the oldest U.S. senator and would be 91 at the end of another six-year term, if re-elected in November 2018. The senator has been pressed recently by reporters about whether shell run again. Well, we will see, won't we?" she also said Sunday, when asked about another Senate campaign. Progressives are purportedly frustrated enough about her views on President Trump, DACA and single-payer health care to mount a challenge for her seat. She recently upset progressives when the Trump administration announced in September the dismantling of DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the Obama-era executive order that protects young illegal immigrants from deportation. Feinstein said she supports DACA, but acknowledged the administrations argument that the order is on shaky legal ground. Her analysis came several days after being criticized at a town hall meeting in San Francisco for expressing optimism about Trump becoming "a good president. The remark resulted in so much Democratic backlash that she issued a clarification about being under no illusion about Trump. California Democrats until recently appeared on a nearly endless wait to rise in political circles -- with Feinstein and fellow Democrat Barbara Boxer as the states long-standing U.S. senators and fellow party member Jerry Brown serving four straight terms as governor. However, Boxers retirement allowed former state Attorney General Kamala Harris last year to win that Senate seat. And Brown leaves in January after his fourth, and final, term. Feinstein also has continuously expressed reservations about the so-called single-payer health care plan championed by many progressives, including Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, a 2016 Democratic presidential candidate and a potential 2020 challenger. The Associated Press contributed to this report. National Rifle Association official Chris Cox on Sunday defended the influential groups call last week to look into whether a gun device used in the Las Vegas shooting massacre complies with federal law -- arguing the move was not a call for a weapons ban and that gun-rights advocates welcome the effort. There were NRA members who were shot [in Las Vegas]. There were members who were murdered, Cox, the NRA's executive director, told Fox News Sunday. What were getting from NRA members is grief and fear, the same way other Americans are grieving. Fifty-eight people were killed and more than 500 others were wounded in the Oct. 1 Las Vegas massacre, executed by a gunman with a cache of weapons and a device that converts a semi-automatic rifle into a full-automatic one. The NRA statement last week in part called on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to immediately review whether these devices comply with federal law. The NRA believes that devices designed to allow semi-automatic rifles to function like fully-automatic rifles should be subject to additional regulations. The statement also called the mass shooting by Stephen Paddock evil and made clear, as the NRA has long argued, that banning guns from law-abiding Americans, based on the criminal act of a madman, will do nothing to prevent future attacks. Cox on Sunday reiterated those points, saying, What we saw last week was pure evil. We dont believe that bans have ever worked on anything. He also said the ATF needs to do its job and that devices like the so-called bump stock that Paddock used should be regulated differently if they indeed convert semi-automatics into fully-automatics. Cox also argued the country needs to look at the broader picture," including the connection between mental illness and the perpetrators of mass killings, including those without the use of guns. Republicans and other politicians in conservative parts of the country have largely voted in line with the influential lobby groups positions on Second Amendment rights. However, Democrats largely support tougher gun laws. Cox on Sunday argued Democrats including Hillary Clinton and California Sen. Dianne Feinstein and liberal Hollywood try to politicize mass shootings as a way to limit gun ownership in the United States. The talking points might change for Dianne Feinstein, but the underlying agenda never does, he told Fox News. Hillary Clinton ran as the most pro-gun control candidate in American history and she lost. She gets an award for hypocrisy because she will never spend a moment, a breath, without armed security surrounding her the rest of her life. But her life is no more valuable than the single mom living in Chicago working the late shift who wants to own a gun and carry it to defend herself. The son of a Pennsylvania mayor was charged with assault last week after he punched and stomped the politician, who says her son is battling an opioid addiction. Police said the son of York Mayor Kim Bracey attacked her at her campaign office on Sept. 30, the York Daily Record reported. The reports quoted police as saying Brandon Anderson, 30, of York, was charged with punching his mother in the face, knocking her to the ground, and then stomping on her back, head and face while she was down. "Like thousands of families, our family is confronting the fact that my adult son is battling an opioid addiction," Bracey said. "No family is immune from this epidemic -- which is why we must do everything in our power to solve it." She also asked for privacy. Bracey is running for a third term as mayor. A person who witnessed the attack intervened when Anderson tried to hit the mayor with a wooden flag pole, the York Daily Record reported Saturday. A Biker for Bracey event was taking place at the campaign office the day of the alleged attack, according to the paper. Bracey's Facebook page shared a photo showing her with bikers who attended the event. A Democratic campaign operative who said he was speaking on Braceys behalf said the mayor was doing okay physically but said the family was shaken, the paper reported. After a week behind bars, Anderson was released on bail Friday, the York Dispatch reported. Cops didnt say what, if anything, provoked the alleged attack. Looking to break the logjam in Washington on repealing and replacing ObamaCare, President Donald Trump said Saturday evening that he was willing to pursue a temporary deal to get a new health care plan in place. In remarks on the South Lawn of the White House before leaving for a fundraising trip to North Carolina, the president referred to a popular GOP proposal that would have the federal government turn over money for health care directly to states in the form of block grants. If we could do a one-year deal or a two-year deal as a temporary measure, you'll have block granting ultimately to the states, which is what the Republicans want, he said. That really is a repeal and replace. Meanwhile, in an interview taped earlier this week and aired Saturday night on Trinity Broadcasting Network, the president assured host Mike Huckabee that We'll have health care before the election. Earlier Saturday, Trump said he had spoken with the Senate's Democratic leader on Friday to gauge whether the minority party was interested in helping pass "great" health legislation. Democrats said they willing to hear his ideas, but were not willing to scrap the 2010 Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare. Trump's latest overture to Democrats followed GOP failures so far to fulfill the party's years-long promise to repeal and replace the ACA, despite controlling the White House and Congress since January. The president tweeted that he called Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Friday to discuss the ACA, which Trump said was badly broken, big premiums. Who knows! Trump said he wanted to see if the Dems want to do a great HealthCare Bill. Schumer said through a spokesman Saturday that Trump "wanted to make another run at repeal and replace and I told the president that's off the table." Schumer said if Trump "wants to work together to improve the existing health care system, we Democrats are open to his suggestions." Trump has suggested before that he would be open to negotiating with Democrats on health care, but there have been no clear signs of a compromise between the two parties. Schumer said a starting point could be negotiations led by Sens. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Patty Murray, D-Wash., who have been discussing a limited bipartisan deal to stabilize state-level markets for individual health insurance policies. People covered under the health law represent about half of those who purchase individual policies. Trump irritated GOP leaders in Congress when he reached a deal with Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on a spending bill and the debt ceiling. The president has referred to those two Democrats as "Chuck and Nancy." But the Trump administration announced Friday that it would allow more employers to opt out of no-cost birth control to women by claiming religious or moral objections. The move was one more attempt to roll back Obama's health overhaul, prompting Democrats to question whether Trump is committed to avoiding sabotaging the law. Trump floated the potential talks as he approved an emergency declaration for a large part of Louisiana and ordered federal assistance for the state as Hurricane Nate approached the central Gulf of Mexico. The president headlined a fundraiser on Saturday night in Greensboro, N.C., to benefit his Trump Victory joint fundraising committee with the Republican National Committee. The event was expected to raise $2 million, with donors paying up to $35,000 per couple to serve as co-hosts. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Hurricane Nate made landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi River Saturday evening as a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 85 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center said that Nate was expected to make a second landfall along the coast of Mississippi later Saturday night and then pass over parts of Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. The storm had weakened slightly and was moving north at 20 mph. Cities along the Mississippi coast such as Gulfport and Biloxi were on high alert. Some beachfront hotels and casinos were evacuated. Rain began falling on the region Saturday and forecasters called for 3 to 6 inches with as much as 10 inches in some isolated places. Nate was expected to pass to the east of New Orleans, sparing the city its most ferocious winds and storm surge. Mayor Mitch Landrieu lifted a 7 p.m. curfew approximately 90 minutes after it took effect, but warned residents to "shelter in place and use caution due to strong tropical force winds." Waterside sections of New Orleans, outside the city's levee system, were under an evacuation order. About 2,000 people were affected. But not everyone was complying. Gabriel Black stayed behind because an 81-year-old neighbor refused to leave. "I know it sounds insane, but he has bad legs and he doesn't have anybody who can get to him," Black said. Storm surge threatened low-lying communities in southeast Louisiana, eastward to the Alabama fishing village of Bayou la Batre. "If it floods again, this will be it. I can't live on promises," said Larry Bertron as said as he and his wife prepared to leave their home in the Braithwaite community of vulnerable Plaquemines Parish. The hurricane veterans lost one home to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and were leaving the home they rebuilt after Hurricane Isaac in 2012. Governors in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama declared states of emergency. The three states have been mostly spared during this hectic hurricane season. "This is the worst hurricane that has impacted Mississippi since Hurricane Katrina," Mississippi Emergency Management Director Lee Smithson said Saturday. "Everyone needs to understand that, that this is a significantly dangerous situation." Officials rescued five people from two sailboats in choppy waters before the storm. One 41-foot sailboat lost its engine in Lake Pontchartrain and two sailors were saved. Another boat hit rocks in the Mississippi Sound and three people had to be plucked from the water. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards urged residents to make final preparations quickly and stressed that Nate will bring the possibility of storm surge reaching up to 11 feet in some coastal areas. "It's going to hit and move through our area at a relatively fast rate, limiting the amount of time it's going to drop rain," Edwards said. "But this is a very dangerous storm nonetheless." On Alabama's Dauphin Island, water washed over the road Saturday on the island's low-lying west end, said Mayor Jeff Collier. The storm was projected to bring storm surges from seven to 11 feet near the Alabama-Mississippi state line. Some of the biggest impacts could be at the top of funnel-shaped Mobile Bay. The window for preparing "is quickly closing," Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hastings said. Florida Gov. Rick Scott warned residents of the Panhandle to prepare for Nate's impact. "Hurricane Nate is expected to bring life-threatening storm surges, strong winds and tornados that could reach across the Panhandle," Scott said. The evacuations affect roughly 100,000 residents in the western Panhandle. The Pensacola International Airport announced it will close at 6 p.m. Saturday and remain closed on Sunday. However, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport was open Saturday. At 8 p.m. EDT Saturday, Nate was about 10 miles southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River. The storm is expected to quickly weaken as it cuts a path through the Southeast on its way to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, which could see impacts from Nate early next week. The Associated Press contributed to this report. An illegal immigrant in New Jersey is accused of raping a 6-year-old girl then jumping out of a second-floor window after her father walked in during the assault, police said. Edgar Mendoza, 32, is accused of breaking into a Trenton, N.J. home at about 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 19 and molesting a 6-year-old girl while she was in bed, according to the Trentonian. Her father realized something was amiss when he noticed an upstairs light was turned off, according to the Star Ledger. When the father entered the bedroom, he found Mendoza on the young girls bed, police said. Mendoza leapt from the second-story window and ran off, police said. The father called police. TEXAS WOMAN BLASTS 2-YEAR-TERM FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO KILLED HUSBAND, 2 KIDS IN CRASH Two adults and two children were in the home at the time of the assault, according to the Trentonian. Mendoza, originally from Guatemala, faces charges of burglary, endangering the welfare of a child, sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault, the newspaper reported. Detectives stopped Mendoza after the attack and the girls father identified him, police said. Detectives later discovered the girl had been sexually assaulted, the Trentonian reported, and she was taken to the hospital for treatment. ICE TO CALIFORNIA: 'NO CHOICE' BUT TO ARREST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS DESPITE SANCTUARY STATE LEGISLATION Mendozas cell phone was found near the home, police said. Mendoza agreed to remain in jail while his criminal case moves through the courts. Due to my situation here, the fact that I dont have my papers and the fact that I am facing those charges, I think I am going to have to be detained, Mendoza said during the hearing, according to the Trentonian. Some law enforcement officials believe that Las Vegas shooter Stephen Paddock was suffering from an undiagnosed mental illness when he gunned down 58 people from a high-rise sniper's nest during a country music festival, ABC News reported Saturday. One source told the network that Paddock displayed anti-social traits common to other mass shooters. Others point out that Paddock appeared to have trouble forming meaningful relationships and was seen by some acquaintances as disconnected or standoffish. However, Paddock's girlfriend told FBI agents Wednesday that she had not noticed any changes in his mental state or indications he could become violent, a federal official told the Associated Press. Investigators have spent the past week trying to pin down a specific motive for why Paddock targeted the Route 91 Harvest Festival before taking his own life Sunday evening. They have investigated whether Paddock was with a prostitute days before the shooting, scrutinized cruises he took and tried to make sense of a cryptic note with numbers jotted on it found in his hotel room. Three police officers who responded to Paddock's hotel room at the Mandalay Bay have told CBS' "60 Minutes" that the note included handwritten calculations about where he needed to aim to maximize the carnage. "I could see on it he had written the distance, the elevation he was on, the drop of what his bullet was gonna be for the crowd," Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Officer Dave Newton told the newsmagazine. "So he had that written down and figured out so he would know where to shoot to hit his targets from there." Clark County Undersheriff Kevin McMahill told reporters Friday that investigators had pursued over 1,000 leads, but admitted "We still do not have a clear motive or reason why." "We have looked at literally everything," McMahill added. It is unusual to have so few hints of a motive five days after a mass shooting. In previous mass killings or terrorist attacks, killers left notes, social media postings and information on a computer or even phoned police. "The lack of a social media footprint is likely intentional," Erroll Southers, director of homegrown violent extremism studies at the University of Southern California, told the Associated Press "We're so used to, in the first 24 to 48 hours, being able to review social media posts. If they don't leave us a note behind or a manifesto behind, and we're not seeing that, that's what's making this longer." What officers have found is that Paddock planned his attack meticulously. He requested an upper-floor room overlooking the festival, stockpiled 23 guns, a dozen of them modified to fire continuously like an automatic weapon, and set up cameras inside and outside his room to watch for approaching officers. In a possible sign he was contemplating massacres at other sites, he also booked rooms overlooking the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago in August and the Life Is Beautiful show near the Vegas Strip in late September, according to authorities reconstructing his movements leading up to the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. His arsenal also included tracer rounds that can improve a shooter's firing accuracy in the dark, a law enforcement official told AP. It wasn't clear whether Paddock fired any of the illuminated bullets during the high-rise massacre. Paddock bought 1,000 rounds of the .308-caliber and .223-caliber tracer ammunition from a private buyer he met at a Phoenix gun show, a law enforcement official not authorized to comment on the investigation said on condition of anonymity. Tracer rounds illuminate their path so a gunman can home in on targets at night. But they can also give away the shooter's position. Video shot of the pandemonium that erupted when Paddock started strafing the festival showed a muzzle flash from his room at the Mandalay Bay resort, but bullets weren't visible in the night sky. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Texas student claims in a lawsuit that her high school sent her home last week for not standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. India Landry says the expulsion violated her First Amendment rights. The 17-year-old has not stood for years in class because she doesnt believe the flag represents justice for everyone, Fox & Friends reported Sunday. The Windfern High School senior says she was expelled Monday for not standing for the pledge when she was in the principals office. DETROIT TEACHER ON LEAVE AFTER ALLEGEDLY PHYSICALLY FORCING STUDENT TO STAND DURING PLEDGE They were making rude comments saying, This isnt the NFL, you wont do this here', India told KHOU-TV. The lawsuit was filed Saturday against the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District and the principal of Indias school in Houston, the Associated Press reported. India is now allowed back in school, and says she will continue to sit for the pledge. A group of white nationalists, led by so-called "alt-right" leader Richard Spencer, held a torchlit rally at a tarpaulin-covered statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee Saturday. WVIR reported that approximately three dozen people gathered in Emancipation Park, carrying tiki torches and chanting "you will not replace us" and "we will be back." The Daily Progress newspaper reported that demonstrations involving fewer than 50 people do not require a permit and the park is open to the public until 11 p.m. "While we prefer protesters get permits like any other event," city spokeswoman Miriam Dicker told the paper in an email, "such assemblies are protected by the First Amendment and we do not interfere unless we perceive a legal or safety issue. There were no immediate reports of arrests or injuries. Spencer dubbed the event "Charlottesville 3.0," a reference to two other rallies centered on the Lee statue. The first one took place on May 13. A second rally on Aug. 12, dubbed "Unite the Right," led to violent clashes and three deaths. The rally drew condemnation from Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer and Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe. After the August rally, Charlottesville's City Council voted to remove the Lee statue and a second statue, of Confederate Gen. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. A lawsuit opposing the statues' removal is currently being heard. FEMA Administrator Brock Long said on Sunday that as his agency responds to the crisis in Puerto Rico, it's also "filtered out" San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz, adding: "We don't have time for the political noise." More than two weeks after Hurricane Maria lashed the island, killing 36 people, Cruz tweeted Sunday: "Increasingly painful to undestand the american people want to help and US Gov does not want to help. WE NEED WATER!" She later wrote, "Power collapses in San Juan hospital with 2 patients being transferred out. Have requested support from @FEMA_Brock NOTHING!" "We filtered out the mayor a long time ago," Long told ABC News' Martha Raddatz on "This Week" Sunday, after Raddatz mentioned the tweets. "We don't have time for the political noise. The bottom line is, is that we are making progress everyday in conjunction with the governor." SAN JUAN MAYOR DONS 'NASTY' SHIRT FOR INTERVIEW ON TRUMP'S PUERTO RICO RESPONSE Cruz and President Trump have traded shots in the weeks after the monster storm made landfall. Late last month, the mayor appeared on television in a black shirt with white letters that read, "HELP US, WE ARE DYING." Cruz argued that federal aid had been slow to reach Puerto Rico following Maria, which knocked out power to the entire island. Trump tweeted the following day: "Such poor leadership ability by the Mayor of San Juan, and others in Puerto Rico, who are not able to get their workers to help." He added that Cruz was "very complimentary only a few days ago," but "has now been told by the Democrats that you must be nasty to Trump." Later, Cruz wore a short emblazoned with the word "NASTY" for an interview with Univision. Trump visited the island last Tuesday. Afterwards, while Cruz said she hoped new channels of communication with the White House would "put in motion what is needed" to save lives, she also said Trump sometimes was more a "miscommunicator in chief" than a commander in chief. "In regards to the power failure, we are restringing a very fragile system everyday," Long explained. "As we make progress, simple thunderstorms pass through, knock the progress out." Rebuilding the island, he said, "is going to be a greater conversation for the Congress in conjunction with the governor." When hospitals have power failures, intensive care unit patients are being flown to the USNS Comfort, according to Long. "As far as the political noise, we filter that out, keeps our heads down and continue to make progress and push forward restoring essential functions for Puerto Rico," Long said in the interview. Hurricane Nate made a second landfall early Sunday in Mississippi, the first hurricane to make landfall in the state since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, after cutting a deadly path through Central America that left at least 21 people dead. Nate roared ashore with maximum sustained winds near 85 mph, but weakened later to a tropical depression as it moved inland, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. As of 11 a.m. EDT, the NHC said Nate was centered about 40 miles southwest of Birmingham, Ala. and moving north-northeast near 23 mph. The storm originally made landfall in southeast Louisiana in a sparsely populated area. The storm is now expected to bring 3 to 6 inches of rain from the central Gulf Coast into the Deep South, along with the threat of isolated tornadoes from the Florida Panhandle and eastern Alabama across western and northern Georgia, according to the NHC. Mississippi hit with flooding, power outages As Nate pushed ashore, the hurricane spawned storm surge in coastal areas, flooding the parking structure of the Golden Nugget casino in Biloxi and pushing water several blocks deep into the city. "It kind of surprised us," Mike Kovacevich, who lives two blocks north of U.S. 90, told Biloxi officials on their Facebook page. "We didn't expect to be this deep. It come in pretty good a lot of water." Around 28,000 customers from multiple utility companies are without power in southern portions of the state, but officials from Mississippi Power, which covers all three counties on the state's Gulf Coast, told Fox News they expect to fully restore power by Sunday night. Following Hurricane Nate, our dedicated team at Mississippi Power is actively assisting our customers and restoring service," Mississippi Power CEO Anthony Wilson said. "The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority. We know how important electrical service is to restoring quality of life after a storm and we are working hard for our customers and their businesses. On Belle Fontaine Beach, a narrow strip of land between the Mississippi Sound and a coastal marsh that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, one resident told the Associated Press said it wasn't as bad as he thought. "This is my first hurricane," John Adams said hours before the storm made landfall. "So far, it's kind of a fizzle." Governors in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama declared states of emergency. The three states have been mostly spared during a hurricane season that has spawned devastating storms such as Harvey, Irma, and Maria. "This is the worst hurricane that has impacted Mississippi since Hurricane Katrina," Mississippi Emergency Management Director Lee Smithson said Saturday. "Everyone needs to understand that, that this is a significantly dangerous situation. Nate sends floodwaters into coastal Alabama In Alabama, the storm's rising water flooded homes and cars on the coast and inundated at least one major thoroughfare in downtown Mobile. Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier told the AP he woke up around 3 a.m. Sunday to discover knee-deep water in his yard. Although some homes and cars on the island had flooded, Collier said he hadn't heard of any reports of residents needing to be rescued from the floodwaters. Collier added water levels appeared to be falling as dawn approached. Storm surge also flooded Water Street in downtown Mobile and a ground-level causeway across Mobile Bay. Alabama Department of Transportation traffic cameras show water still standing on both those routes before dawn Sunday. Alabama Power said as of 8 a.m. there are 71,000 customers without service with most "in the Mobile area, but the effects are moving north." New Orleans spared worst from Nate The hurricane passed to the east of New Orleans, which placed the most ferocious winds and storm surge away from the city. Nate's quick forward speed lessened the likelihood of prolonged rain that would tax the city's weakened drainage pump system. The city famous for all-night partying was originally placed under a curfew, effective at 7 p.m., but the mayor lifted it about an hour after it had begun when it appeared the storm would pass by the city. Streets in the famed French Quarter were not nearly as crowded as they typically are on a Saturday night, and Mayor Mitch Landrieu asked people to still shelter in place. Some bars were closed in the French Quarter but music blasted from others. "I don't think it's going to be that bad, as far as a hurricane," Michael Dennis of Atlanta told the AP. Mayor Mitch Landrieu said at a news conference Sunday theres no reported damage in New Orleans, but there was localized flooding outside the flood protection zone. He thanked first responders at a morning news conference, saying city officials felt "100 percent" in their response, and noted a few arrests last night that were unrelated to the brief curfew. "We knew in a fairly short period of time there was a chance we would have tropical storm and hurricane winds," he said. The storm wasn't enough to stop a Georgia couple from getting married at the World War II Museum in New Orleans. Mike and Kendra Groves told NOLA.com the museum's early closure meant their scheduled 7 p.m. wedding would have to be pushed up, but they planned to head to the hotel bar to ride out the curfew. "We never considered canceling," Mike told the news outlet. In Plaquemines Parish south of New Orleans, officials evacuated 240 residents who were not protected by its levee system as the storm approached. While it appears were being spared, our hearts go out to Mississippi, said Amos Cormier, president of the parish. Even though the worst of Nate moved east of New Orleans, officials were still busy with water rescues to due choppy waters before the storm. Officials in Louisiana said that people had to be rescued from two sailboats as Nate approached.The first rescue happened about noon Saturday, when two people had to be helped off a 41-foot sailboat that lost its engine in Lake Pontchartrain. The Coast Guard said both sailors were in stable condition. A second rescue occurred in the Mississippi Sound, according to Melissa Scallon, a spokeswoman for the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Scallon said a distress call came in around 3 p.m. after a sailboat struck rocks at Bayou Caddy west of Waveland. Scallon said the state Marine Patrol responded and plucked three people from the water, but no injuries were reported. Meanwhile, key shipping ports across the U.S. Gulf Coast were closed Saturday, as Nate drew close, Reuters reported. Daily oil production in the region was slashed 92 percent and daily natural gas production was down 77 percent, the report said. In addition, workers were evacuated from 301 platforms and 13 rigs as of Saturday, Reuters reported, citing information from the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. Fox News' Willie James Inman and the Associated Press contributed to this story. Hurricane Nate brought a burst of flooding and power outages to the Gulf Coast on Sunday -- but the region, parts of which have continued to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina more than a decade ago, was largely spared of catastrophic damage. Nate the first hurricane to make landfall in Mississippi since Katrina in 2005 quickly lost power, with its winds diminishing to a tropical depression as it pushed northward into Alabama and toward Georgia with heavy rain. It was a Category 1 hurricane when it pushed ashore outside Biloxi early Sunday, its second landfall after initially hitting southeastern Louisiana on Saturday evening. The storm surge from the Mississippi Sound littered Biloxi's main beachfront highway with debris and flooded a casino's lobby and parking structure overnight. By dawn, however, Nate's receding floodwaters didn't reveal any signs of widespread damage in the city where Katrina had leveled thousands of beachfront homes and businesses. No storm-related deaths or injuries were immediately reported. As Nate roared ashore, the hurricane-spawned storm surge in coastal areas, flooding the parking structure of the Golden Nugget casino in Biloxi and pushing water several blocks deep into the city. "It kind of surprised us," Mike Kovacevich, who lives two blocks north of U.S. 90, told Biloxi officials on their Facebook page. "We didn't expect to be this deep. It come in pretty good a lot of water." Around 28,000 customers from multiple utility companies were without power in southern portions of the state, but officials from Mississippi Power, which covers all three counties on the state's Gulf Coast, told Fox News they expect to fully restore power by Sunday night. Following Hurricane Nate, our dedicated team at Mississippi Power is actively assisting our customers and restoring service," Mississippi Power CEO Anthony Wilson said. "The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority. We know how important electrical service is to restoring quality of life after a storm and we are working hard for our customers and their businesses. Combined, more than 100,000 residents in Mississippi and Alabama were without power Sunday morning, although some were starting to get electricity restored. About 6,800 customers lost power in Florida, Gov. Rick Scott said. Mississippi's Gulf Coast casinos got approval to reopen in midmorning after closing Saturday as the storm approached. In Alabama, the storm flooded homes and cars on the coast and inundated at least one major road in downtown Mobile. At sunrise in Pensacola Beach, Florida, a small front-end loader scraped sand off a parking lot and returned it to the nearby beach. Sand also was blown onto the decks of beachside bars and restaurants. In Alabama, Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier said he woke up around 3 a.m. Sunday to discover knee-deep water in his yard. Although some homes and cars on the island had flooded, Collier said he hadn't heard of anyone needing rescue. "We didn't think it would be quite that bad," he said. "It kind of snuck up on us in the wee hours of the morning." Before Nate sped past Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula late Friday and entered the Gulf of Mexico, it drenched Central America with rains that left at least 22 people dead. Still, Nate didn't approach the intensity of Harvey, Irma and Maria powerful storms that left behind massive destruction during 2017's exceptionally busy hurricane season. "We are thankful because this looked like it was going to be a freight train barreling through the city," said Vincent Creel, a spokesman for the city of Biloxi. Fox News' Travis Fedschun and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Authorities in suburban Atlanta are looking for a bizarre intruder who crawled into a woman's bedroom Thursday while she slept and told her to "go back to sleep" when she found him inside. Dekalb County Police told FOX 5 the man crawled through a window into the woman's home around 6 a.m. and sat on the floor with his back to her. When she woke up and asked what he was doing, the man told her to "go back to sleep." "I woke up to my daughter screaming... she screamed there was a man in her room," Leona Word told FOX 5 Atlanta. Word lives with her 22-year-old daughter. The man never touched the woman; he went back out the window and fled, according to police. "He invaded our space and our privacy and made us feel victimized," Word told Fox 5. Police said the woman couldn't get a good description of the man, only describing him as having an accent and twists in his hair. Dekalb police said as of now the man is wanted on charges of trespassing. A Minnesota farmer was presented with a $7,000 reward for finding a missing teenage girl and then just moments later gave the money to the girl, who was a captive of three men for a month. Earl Melchert, 65, of Barrett, turned the reward money over to the girl Friday at police headquarters. Today we witnessed an incredible example of kindness, Alexandria Police Chief Rick Wyffels said on Facebook. The 15-year-old girl was abducted from her home on Aug. 8 in Alexandria, Minn., and taken to an abandoned house where she was physically and sexually assaulted. Fox News does not name alleged victims of sexual assault without their consent. Fox 9 Minneapolis reported that the girl escaped Sept. 5 by swimming across a lake. Melchert found her when she came running toward him. Her family posted the reward money seeking information about her whereabouts along with an anonymous donor. What no one expected was the kindness and generosity that came straight from Earls heart today, Wylie said on Facebook. He believes that young lady that came running towards him that September day is the real hero, and without hesitation, Earl handed the reward over to her, followed by a big hug. Thank you Earl, it is people like you that make this world a better place, the chief said. Melchert told the Twin Cities Pioneer Press that he was in the right place at the right time. I did what I had to do, he said. The girls mother said she had been waiting to meet Melchert. Hes really a hero for us, the woman said, according to the paper. We wanted to thank him. ... He didnt have to help her and he did. He risked a lot of things and put himself in danger. The three suspects include a friend of the girls family who lured her from her home. They each have been charged with kidnapping, criminal sexual conduct, assault and false imprisonment. Click for more from Fox 9 Minneapolis. A hiker bitten by a four-foot long rattlesnake Saturday died hours after the incident at a Colorado park, officials said. Daniel Hohs, 31, was at the Mount Galbraith Park in Golden, about 17 miles west of Denver, when the snake bit him, FOX 31 Denver reported. It took rescuers about 22 minutes to reach Hohs, and a doctor who was recreating in the area also responded, Steamboat Today reported. A spokeswoman for St. Anthony Hospital in nearby Lakewood told FOX 31 Hohs died at the hospital. Dan was so vibrant, training partner Heather Gollnick told The Denver Post. He had this huge smile and this energy that just made you happy. It was contagious to everyone. Hohs was about a mile out on a trail when he was bit around 12:40 p.m. It's unclear if the snake was captured or got away. Hohs, a Chicago-area native, attended the University of Michigan and had only recently moved to Golden. Mount Galbraith Park is a popular location for hikers and offers "spectacular views of Golden," according to FOX 31. A former Virginia high school teacher pleaded guilty Friday to a misdemeanor charge related to her sexual relationship with a teenage boy. Ashley Leigh Lewis Weber, 31, admitted to two counts of having consensual sex with a child who was at least 15 years old. Each count carries a 12-month prison sentence, but the case judge suspended the sentence on one of the counts. Weber also was initially charged with a felony count of using a communications device to proposition a minor. That charge was withdrawn by prosecutors in exchange for a guilty plea on the misdemeanor counts. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that prosecutors ultimately expect Weber to serve about six months in jail. Weber, a history teacher at Douglas S. Freeman in Henrico County, turned herself in on Aug. 1, two months after police were tipped off about the relationship. Prosecutor Stacey Davenport said Weber met the student during the 2015-16 school year. That summer, Weber took the boy to her parents' home in Henrico, where they had sex. Davenport said the boy was 15 at the time of this first encounter. Judge Margaret Deglau ordered that Weber not be allowed to contact the boy and criticized the teacher for what she called "victimization." Click for more from Richmond.com. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 It's been 50 years since Cuban revolutionary hero Ernesto "Che" Guevara was captured and killed in Bolivia, and the village where he was killed and the nearby town where he was buried have become shrines to a sort of socialist saint. Thousands of activists and sympathizers from many countries poured into La Higuera and Vallegrande this week for ceremonies to commemorate Guevara led by the country's leftist president, Evo Morales. He laid flowers at a bust of the fallen guerrilla in the village of La Higuera on Sunday. In Cuba, President Raul Castro oversaw a memorial ceremony at the large mausoleum constructed to hold the revolutionary's remains. Cuban Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in a speech that, "The colossal example of Che endures and multiplies day by day." An Afghan official says at least seven Taliban insurgents have been killed during an airstrike by Afghan security forces in northern Sari Pul province. Nasratullah Jamshidi, spokesman for the Army Corps in the northern region, says 11 other insurgents were wounded late Saturday when air forces targeted a militant training center in Kohistanat district. There was no immediate comment from the Taliban. In a separate report from northern Baghlan province, two police officers were killed after militants attacked their check point, said Zabihullah Shuja, spokesman for the police chief. One other police officer was wounded in the attack, which took place in the Dand-e Ghori area of the province, he said. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but Taliban insurgents often target Afghan security forces in the region. President Donald Trumps all options on the table stance regarding North Korea has the full support Japans government, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Sunday. Abes remarks came during a televised debate among leaders of Japans major political parties. The nations voters will head to the polls Oct. 22 for parliamentary elections. The Japanese leader said North Korea had failed to deliver on past promises to end its pursuit of nuclear technology made during "six-party" talks with Japan, China, the U.S., Russia and South Korea. They used the framework of the dialogue to earn time so that they could develop their nuclear technology," Abe said. "As the result, their nuclear capability has reached to this level and we cannot afford being deceived by them again. Abe did not specifically comment on a message about North Korea that President Trump tweeted during the weekend. Trump wrote that 25 years of negotiations with North Korea had not worked, with "agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!" Abe said his government supports the U.S. view that more pressure is needed and all options are on the table. Meanwhile, Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike whose party is regarded as Abes partys strongest opposition in the upcoming election positioned her party as a middle of the fairway choice for Japans voters, Reuters reported. Koikes Party of Hope is challenging Abe's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) as well as other smaller parties. Concerns over North Korea currently rank as a top issue in the Japanese election. The Associated Press contributed to this story. North Korean state media reported Sunday that leader Kim Jong Un had promoted his sister, Kim Yo Jong, making her an alternate member of the countrys top decision-making body, the politburo. Kims appointment of his 28-year-old sibling was viewed as a move to further consolidate his power. The sister reportedly replaces Kim Jong Un's aunt, Kim Kyong Hee, who was a key decision maker when Kims father the late Kim Jong Il ruled the country, Reuters reported. The promotion was announced Saturday, at a meeting in which Kim also described North Koreas nuclear weapons program as a powerful deterrent that guaranteed the nations sovereignty, Reuters reported, citing the state media report. Kim Yo Jong, a vice director of propaganda for North Koreas ruling Workers Party, was sanctioned in January -- along with six other North Korean officials -- by the U.S. Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control for human rights abuses and censorship activities, Bloomberg reported. But the sister has appeared more prominently in public in recent months, Bloomberg reported. Shes been recognized for the work shes done in the past year to idolize Kim Jong Un, said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at South Koreas University of North Korean Studies, the news agency reported. Kim Jong Un is extending his father and grandfathers practice of empowering family members. In other appointments Saturday, Kim promoted Kim Jong Sik and Ri Pyong Chol -- two of the three men behind Kim's banned rocket program, Reuters reported. And North Korea's foreign minister, Ri Yong Ho was named a full member of the politburo, Reuters reported. At Saturdays meeting, Kim Jong Un said his countrys nuclear weapons were a powerful deterrent firmly safeguarding the peace and security in the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia against protracted nuclear threats of the U.S. imperialists. The report of Kims remarks came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that only one thing will work in negotiations with the Hermit Kingdom, Reuters reported. Trumps remark seemed to suggest that the president was thinking about possible military action. In recent weeks, North Korea has launched two missiles over Japan and conducted its sixth nuclear test. The latest in a string of saber-rattling announcements between the U.S. and Russia saw Moscow claiming it was within its rights to restrict the operations of U.S. media. Russian officials have accused Washington of unfairly targeting the U.S. operations of RT, a Kremlin-funded broadcaster accused by some critics of interfering in domestic U.S. politics, according to a report from Reuters. We have never used Russian law in relation to foreign correspondents as a lever of pressure, or censorship, or some kind of political influence, never, Maria Zakharova, the Foreign Ministrys spokeswoman said in an interview with Russias NTV broadcaster. But this is a particular case. She added, Correspondingly, everything that Russian journalists and the RT station are subject to on U.S. soil, after we qualified it as restriction of their activities, we can apply similar measures to American journalists, American media here, on Russian territory. Last month, U.S. lawmakers forced the company that runs the U.S. version of RT to register with the Justice Department as a foreign agent, saying the firm dealt in Russian propaganda. Foreign propaganda dressed up as a legitimate news outlet is still foreign propaganda, Rep. David N. Cicilline , D-R.I., said in the June announcement of the bipartisan bill. In this era of social media and a 24/7 news cycle, the American people have a right to know when a hostile foreign government is sending propaganda right into their living room. This bill will help ensure that Vladimir Putins regime cant spread fake news with such ease ever again. RTs editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan condemned the proposed legislation at the time. I wonder how U.S. media outlets, which have no problems while working in Moscow, and that are not required to register as foreign agents, will treat this initiative, Simonyan said. RT America was first singled out in January, in a report from inside the U.S. intelligence community about the potential impact that Russia had on the 2016 presidential elections, the Hill reported. The report referred to RT America as a state-run propaganda machine that has positioned itself as a domestic U.S channel and has deliberately sought to obscure any legal ties to the Russian Government. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy The Gwyneths Gift Foundation will offer training on Oct. 21 at Stafford Hospital that may save the life of someone having a cardiac arrest. The event will be held in the rear parking lot of the hospital. Training begins at 9:15 a.m., with sessions every 30 minutes until 1:45 p.m., on hands-only CPR and AEDs. CPR is cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and AED, or automatic external defibrillator, can shock the heart into returning to a normal rhythm. Training is complimentary and does not constitute certification, according to a press release from Gwyneths Gift. The foundation is named for Gwyneth Griffin, a Stafford County middle-school student who collapsed on the school track when she was 12. She had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat and disrupts the flow of blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. Its a leading cause of death, according to the American Heart Association. Each year, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States, and about 12 percent of victims survive. The cardiac arrest didnt immediately claim Gwyneth, who died two months later as a result of the 10 minutes she languished, unbreathing, after her heart stopped beating. In the wake of the loss, her parents, Joel and Jennifer Griffin, worked to pass a Virginia law requiring teachers and graduating seniors to receive training in CPR. Gwyneths Law also encouraged every school division across the state to acquire an AED, or automatic external defibrillator, for each of its schools. All those age 18 and over who complete the training will be entered into a raffle. More information about the foundation is available at gwynethsgift.org or by calling 540/300-4831. Ive done enough stories about how people just happen to connect with long-lost relatives and sentimental possessionsor be in the right place at the right time to save a life or prevent a tragedyto come to one conclusion. There are no coincidences in life. Things happen for a reason. No matter what your beliefs, its hard to ignore the fact there seems to be a higher power in place who looks over our lowly lives and makes sure we get what we need when we need it. Having said all that, youll understand why I believe my newest grandchild must have a great purpose in life. She certainly defied a few odds to get here. Bella Ann Madison made her appearance on Sept. 19, almost four weeks before her due date. Her mothermy daughter Dianahad developed pre-eclampsia, a nasty pregnancy complication that can cause problems for both mother and baby. Earlier this year, Diana and her husband, AJ, announced at the sixth birthday of their son Hunter that they were going to be parents again. After presenting his birthday cake, they brought out another one that featured a photo of the fetal ultrasound. Almost every person in the bowling alleys birthday room gasped in surprise. Diana and AJ hadnt planned any more children. She was on birth control pills, which are 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. They had given away all their baby items, and a month earlier, replaced Hunters beda crib that converted into a toddler bedwith one more suitable for a big boy. So, naturally, that was the time she would be with child again. Her second pregnancy was much tougher than the first, especially in the midst of summer heat, when her hands and feet started swelling like sausages. Thankfully, her doctor, Dr. Wesley Hodgson of Fauquier Health, kept a close watch and ordered regular tests to see if her elevated blood pressure was affecting other organs. On a Monday morning, when her kidneys and liver werent functioning properly, he decided to induce labor. She endured for about 12 hours until things stalled, and it was time to get the baby out. An emergency C-section followed. Bella came into the world with, as her brother describes it, hair like an old man, fingers meant for playing the piano and just a whisper of eyelashes and eyebrows. She weighed 5 pounds, 9 ounces, a pretty good size for a preemie. She looked so helpless the first time I saw her. She was wearing nothing but a diaper, lying totally still under a heat lamp in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Fauquier Hospital. She had an oxygen tube in her nose and a brace against one tiny arm to support the IV. I asked why she wasnt being swaddled, and the nurse said Bella needed to be unencumbered by clothes so they could get to her as quickly as possible, should something happen. Once during the six days in the hospital, Bella stopped breathing for a few seconds before the normal processes resumed. Her dad was holding her at the time, and I cant imagine how terrifying that must have been. With each passing day, Bella continued to put on weight and pass all the NICU requirements. At her two-week checkup, she weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces, so shes certainly got the feeding part down pat. The first time I saw her at home, I was still nervous about her fragile state. But her mother conveniently hightailed it to the shower after Bella left a big surprise in her pants, so I reached for one of the preemie diapers, no bigger than a folded paper napkin. Bellas arms and legs seemed puny, but, boy, were they wiry as she wriggled against me and let out a cry that sounded like a kitten mewing. I felt incredibly grateful, and relieved, seeing her strength and determination. But the wave of emotions didnt end there. When Diana returned to her doctor for her checkup, Hodgson told her how quickly her situation had gone downhill and how difficult it was to get her blood pressure under control. Had another two days passed, he said it could have been fatal. It was my turn to stop breathing, then questions flooded my brain. Diana lives almost an hour from the hospital. What if shed gotten worse in the middle of the night? Or on the weekend? What if she hadnt gotten help in time? Im grateful the higher power made sure she was in the right place at the right time, for her sake and her daughters. And I cant wait to see what Bella, my fourth grandchild, accomplishes in this life. On a cool morning in September, Aimee Baker watched the doors bang shut on the back of a semi-truck bound for Houston. Eight days before, shed stared into the dark, empty hull of the 53-foot trailer and wondered what shed gotten herself into. Now the hardest part was over. Twenty-four thousand pounds of pet supplies were on their way to the Humane Society of North Texas from Wilderness. Baker, 48, wasnt quite done. She climbed into her Jeep, which shed stocked with breakfast bars, peanut butter crackers, juice boxes and bottled water, and headed for the interstate. She drove all day and into the night, then slept in her Jeep in a gas station parking lot before continuing on to meet the semi-truck in Texas and help unload it. By the time Baker returned home to Spotsylvania County, where she runs a pet-sitting business and works asset prevention at a Walmart store, she had been off work for two weeks. She took the time unpaid. It was reward enough, she thought, that hundreds of animals displaced by Hurricane Harvey would be helped. After a trio of powerful hurricanes devastated Texas, the Florida Keys and Puerto Rico, organizations across the Fredericksburg region did their part to help victims. Churches packed cleaning wipes and laundry detergent into flood buckets and hosted supply drives along busy roadways. People dropped off cases of diapers and canned food. They gave up nights and weekends and paychecks to collect donations and fill boxes. Ambulance drivers and electrical crews went into the thick of disaster zones. They were motivated by the images they saw on social media and by their faith, by personal connections, past experiences and a phenomenon known as warm-glow givingthe good feeling you get when you help someone. And while some entered bank account numbers from their computers, entrusting nonprofits on the ground to do the most good, others, like Baker, hit the ground themselves, going to extraordinary efforts to help strangers. All had one thing in common: A desire to give. And whether they knew it or not, their deeds made them happier and healthier. Even the smallest act of kindness can be good for you, said University of Mary Washington psychology professor Holly Schiffrin. Whether its opening a door for someone, volunteering weekly at a soup kitchen or driving a truck full of supplies to a city wrecked by wind and water, research has shown benefits to physical and psychological well-being. No one knows for certain why. But those who study it have their ideas. When you help someone, chances are you strengthen your relationship with that person. Relationships are really strongly associated with being happier and healthier throughout your life, Schiffrin said. So is gratitude. When you see someone who has lost everything, youre more likely to be grateful for what you have, Schiffrin said. I also just think humans have this fundamental need to have a sense of purpose and feel like theyre contributing in a way that lives beyond themselves. FOR THE ANIMALS As the floodwaters swelled in Houston, Baker watched as Walmart deployed more than 1,000 trucks filled with supplies and announced millions of dollars in relief. I thought to myself, the animals are also suffering, Baker recalled. With her adult son out of the house, Bakers pets had become her children: three fox-terrier rescues and two cats, one of which her husband had nursed since kittenhood. Her love for animals stretched all the way back to childhood, she said. She was raised on a farm and had once worked as a veterinarian technician in Florida. Shed earned a certification in Missouri to become an animal control officer, although shed never gotten a job as one. In May, she started Pet, Paws and Perks, a pet-sitting business in which she cared for everything from cats to goats in her spare time. On Aug. 31, she hatched a plan: Shed email the Walmart corporate office and ask for use of a trailer for a pet supply drive. Shed man it for a week and give up her paycheck to help cover the cost of transporting it to Texas. The worst that could happen, Baker thought, was that Walmart would tell her no. Two days later, the trailer arrived at the Wilderness Walmart. The company would provide a driver and cover the transportation costs. Baker announced her donation drive on Facebook and paid a few dollars to promote the post around the region. She sat with the truck for 12 to 14 hours a day and coordinated with 360 Farm and Pet, which offered to be another drop-off point for pet supplies. Friends stopped in to help. A group of Girl Scouts waved signs near the collection point. Baker sorted, stacked and shrink-wrapped pallets of pet food, livestock feed, blankets, water, bleach, collars, carriers, leashes and pet medications24 thousand pounds of it. It was not the first time Baker had volunteered. Shed helped build a home for Habitat for Humanity, organized a poker run to benefit the Childrens Miracle Network and volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club. She tries to put in at least 25 hours to some cause every three months. Two years before, the Wilderness Walmart nominated her for the Community Hero Award. If certain people are more wired to help others, as some psychologists suggest, then she is one of them. University of Chicago economist John List writes that the desire to give is evolutionary, a trait found even in young children. He based his conclusion in part on a 2004 experiment in which preschoolers gave away a quarter of their marshmallows to other children who, they were told, werent getting any. One fact that has emerged across the globe is that people help others, List writes. Doing for others is often more satisfying than doing for oneself, said Schiffrin, the UMW psychology professor and co-author of Balancing the Big Stuff: Finding Happiness in Work, Family and Life. She tells of one experiment in which people are given a certain amount of money and told to either spend on themselves, do something for another person or donate it. It absolutely found when you spend money on someone else, youre happier for longer. It goes back to that warm glow. You feel good about yourself. You develop personally because of that, Schiffrin said. Its an upward spiral. If you help someone, youre happy. If youre happy, youre more likely to help. People think that things make them happy, but the truth is that we habituate to new purchases pretty quickly, she wrote in an email. People arent very good at predicting what will make them happy, though. They might think the new iPhone will satisfy them, she said, and it might, briefly. But that soon wears off. People dont realize that helping someone might have a longer lasting benefit. STEPPING UP Nick Lopez, a 31-year-old father of two, knew a little bit about what it was like to lose everything. Hed once volunteered as an emergency responder for Stafford Fire and Rescue. Now he is in business for himself, running Virginia Landscape Management. In late August, as he consumed news coverage of the disaster unfolding in Texas, he knew he had three things that could work to his advantage: a 12-foot box truck he used for landscaping, a wide social media following and a flexible boss. Perhaps it was enough to make a difference, Lopez thought. Like Baker, he spread word of his plans on Facebook, and for several days, he parked at prominent locations around Stafford and accepted donations. The community came together like Ive never seen, he said. It wouldnt have been possible without them. The trailer filled, he stretched a tarp over it and, along with a friend, headed to the police station in Splendora, Texas, where hed made a contact. The trip there and back covered some 2,700 miles and took three days. When one gas station in Columbia, La., saw what they were up to, the attendant told Lopez the fuel was on the house. Lopez spent two hours riding through water-logged neighborhoods on a four-wheeler with a local. What he saw, he said, were peoples lives sitting on a curb. They were cleaning out houses and waiting for FEMA and insurance adjusters to get there. Something struck him. One guy lost his house. He wasnt even worried about himself. He was more worried about his neighbors. People were worried about people who couldnt help themselves, even though they lost everything as well, Lopez said. It opened up my eyes. After Harvey came Irma, then Maria in Puerto Rico. The work is only in the beginning stages. But Lopez and a friend think they may have found a way to help those who lost their homes. Hed like to ship sea crate containers to the island in the Caribbean that could be turned into temporary shelters. If I could find a way to do this, Lopez said, this is what Id like to do. A part-time security guard for FREDericksburg Regional Transit would have the same power as a law-enforcement officer under a recent request to Circuit Court judges. Gregory Wigglesworth, 64, a retired lieutenant with the Fredericksburg Police Department, is petitioning for the new title of special conservator of the peace, which would allow him to make arrests and write citations on behalf of the publicly funded bus system. Fredericksburg Police Chief David Nye endorsed Wigglesworth for the role in a court filing and said he did not think any limitations should be placed on the ex-officer. But Stafford County Sheriff David Decatur formally objected to the plan, writing in court papers that he felt the position would create more problems than it solves. Applications for conservators of the peace are filed in circuit court, and judges must approve any appointments under state law. My opposition is not directed at the individual nominated for the position, but at the creation of this position and granting police powers in Stafford County, Decatur wrote. There is no mention in the application that the Stafford Sheriffs Office has not responded in a timely fashion to any incident involving FRED buses. The application, submitted by FRED Assistant Director Rodney White a couple of months ago, states that the bus system needs to stop any illegal acts as quickly as possible to maintain the peace and security of our riders and employees. Wigglesworth would not have police powers everywhere, just at FREDs city headquarters on U.S. 1 and a Spotsylvania County maintenance facility, in addition to bus routes in Fredericksburg and Stafford, Spotsylvania and Caroline counties. Wigglesworth, who works 28 hours a week, would have the authority to arrest suspects outside those areas after a close pursuit, the application states. In an interview, White said the transit system had not experienced a lot of issues, but wanted Wigglesworth to have just a little bit more authority if problems arose. Bus drivers would call for Wigglesworth in the event of problems, and local law-enforcement agencies would also be contacted as needed, he said. We just want to make sure the passengers and those that are coming through FRED transit are safe, said White, who did not know when the judges would act on the request. FRED has two other part-time security guards, but Wigglesworth is the only one applying to be a conservator at this time. Wigglesworth could not be reached for comment. Statewide, there are 488 conservators of the peace, a little-known designation that can be granted to anyone from a parking garage attendant to a private security officer. Applicants must receive up to 42 hours of training from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, though that number will eventually rise to 130 hours under state legislation. They also must pass background checks. Conservators can put the title police on their uniforms, and their vehicles can include flashing emergency lights and sirens. White said Wigglesworth does not carry a gun on the job, though that could change with the new role. He declined to comment on Decaturs opposition to the conservator position. Decatur, who did not reply to an email for comment, wrote that it was highly unlikely a FRED security guard could arrive at the scene of any crimes before local law enforcement. He added that the Sheriffs Offices response to a serious crime could be delayed if the conservator of the peace was called first. Decatur also questioned whether Wigglesworth would be armed. Respectfully, I suggest that there is a world of difference between a citizen carrying a firearm, concealed or otherwise, and an individual carrying a firearm under the umbrella of police, Decatur wrote. Researchers at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond have induced heart attacks in dogs, surgically implanted pacemakers into them and trained them to run on treadmills, all in the name of studying heart health in humans. Some of the experiments are known to inflict severe pain in the dogs and puppiessome as young as 6 months oldwhile withholding pain relief. The experiments are, abusive and wasteful, and derive some of their funding from taxpayer dollars, according to a letter sent by state Sens. William M. Stanley Jr., RFranklin County, and Glen H. Sturtevant Jr., RRichmond, to Gov. Terry McAuliffes office. Senator Sturtevant and I firmly believe that one of the first steps we have to do here is not only get more information, but make our fellow legislators aware of where our taxpayer money is going, make the governor know where the taxpayer money is going, and letting the public in the commonwealth know, Stanley said. At least $99,970 went toward the experiments through a state grant that was awarded to the projects principal investigator, the letter states. Another $50,000 grant went toward the research from Virginia Commonwealth University. Both grants cover a period during which numerous violations were documented, the letter states. The letter also asks whether the state was informed of violations relating to the experiments, some of which were outlined in a report by the VA Office of Research Oversight. If the taxpayer money is going to be spent on this, then the taxpayer should know the truth and the taxpayers perspective should be respected, said Robin Starr, CEO of the Richmond SPCA, which has spoken out against the experiments. I think most people think that this is unethical, and the Richmond SPCA certainly thinks its unethical. A public backlash has grown around the experiments since details came to light through lawsuits and Freedom of Information Act requests filed by the White Coat Waste Project, a Washington, D.C.-based watchdog group with a goal of ending taxpayer-funded animal experiments. We filed [FOIA] requests to get more details about the current projects happening at the Richmond VA, and discovered through those requests that Richmond is the only federal facility in the country that is conducting so-called maximum pain experiments on dogs, in which significant pain is induced and is intentionally not relieved, said Justin Goodman, the groups vice president of advocacy and public policy. Some of the FOIA documents the group received indicated that experiments were still going on as of January. The watchdog group submitted a complaint to the VA Office of Inspector General that was referred to the Office of Research Oversight, which released a report on the experiments. The goal of the experiments, according to the report, was to study cardiac healthparticularly regarding what can lead to heart abnormalities. It justified the use of dogs due to the similarities in size and physiology between dog and human hearts. The report outlined instances of noncompliance relating to documentation and incomplete records of the dogs receiving appropriate veterinary care. In some cases, the report confirmed, mistakes made during surgeries resulted in the death of at least four dogs. I keep seeing and hearing the word euthanasia usedthats not euthanasia, Starr said. That does not qualify as euthanasia, thats not euthanasia as the dictionary defines it. Theyre being killed. The primary investigator on the project, Dr. Alex Tan, was barred from working with animals. He remains in his position as a cardiologist at the McGuire VA. He did not respond to a request for comment. A VCU spokesman said in a statement that although the university awarded a one-time $50,000 grant to Tan for the research, it did not oversee the care and use of the animals involved. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has four classifications for animals involved in research. Some classifications state that the experiments cause no or very little pain, while the highest classification refers to experiments in which the animals are subjected to pain without relief. Some of the dogs used for the VAs experiments, Goodman said, were in this latter classification, according to the documents the watchdog group received through its FOIA requests. Dr. Michael Fallon, chief veterinary medical officer with the VA, said in a statement that the Office of Research Oversight did not deem the experiments deficient or find that the investigators did not provide adequate veterinary care, but rather found areas when veterinary care was not documented appropriately. ORO did not find any evidence that these deficiencies reflected any negligence, incompetence, recklessness or intentional misrepresentation, Fallon said. He added that the deaths were related to the risks associated with any complicated and difficult surgery. To eliminate these deficiencies, Richmond VAMC amended the protocols to make the risks more explicit, with increasingly stringent training requirements and supervision by the Attending Veterinarian, and ultimately by replacement of the surgeon on the protocols, he said. Fallon said the VAs animal research program has saved lives in the past. He said dogs are needed for experiments on hearts not only because dogs hearts are more similar to humans than animals like mice or rats, but because dogs are easier to train for light treadmill activity needed for some of the studies, and they enjoy it, in contrast to pigs and other large animals. He also noted that studies involving dogs and other large animals are rare, since the VA typically uses mice or rats. Canines accounted for fewer than 0.05 percent of animals used in VA research in 2016. Stanley, the state senator, said he understands the reasoning behind the experiments, but that subjecting dogs to so much pain goes a step too far. Certainly we want to do what we can to help make our fellow citizens healthier, but not at this expense, he said. As human beings we are tasked with the responsibility for caring for those who cannot care for themselves in the canine community, and here we are abusing that trust that we have with companion animals. He said he plans to file legislation that will address the issue. One being that no (taxpayer) money can be used for such experiments where a companion animalin a sense mans best friendis being inhumanely treated in the name of science, he said. Legislation introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Dave Brat, R-7th, that would strip funding for all painful dog experiments at the VA recently received unanimous support. Starr said her organization has reached out to the McGuire VA to try and adopt some of the dogs they use for experiments, but to no avail. We have, over many generations, encouraged dogs to become our best friends and our lifetime companions, and I think most people think it is wrong to turn around and subject them to a life of being chopped up in a research facility to be followed by death, Starr said. We have made them into the trusting, loving companions that they are to us. Melissa Ann Stallings Mansfield, 45, of Fredericksburg passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2017 with her family by her side. Melissa was born in Ravenna, Ohio on May 30, 1972. She graduated from Fauquier High School in 1990 and from Mary Washington College in 1994. Melissa worked for Capital One in Fredericksburg and later became a teacher at Battlefield Middle School, where she has taught computer concepts for the past 14 years. Melissa loved traveling with her family and spending time at Long Beach Island with friends and relatives. She enjoyed being a teacher and wanted to make a positive impact on each and every student. Melissa also dedicated much of her time to the Fox Point Fintastics swim team, spending six seasons as team president. Melissa leaves behind her husband, Michael Mansfield; and her daughters, Molly and Gillian; her parents, Larry and Carol Stallings of Fredericksburg; and her brother, Erik Stallings of Warrenton. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews; her mother-in-law, Patricia Mansfield of Cranford, New Jersey; and her cats, Mango and Shadow. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 11 at St. Mary Catholic Church. A private burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at https://www.bcrf.org or to your local no-kill animal shelter. Online guestbook available at covenantfuneralservice.com. Jane C. Wallace, wife of retired local Dentist John K. Wallace, died Thursday, October 5, 2017 at Mary Washington Hospital. Mrs. Wallace was born in Arkansas in 1923, but lived her childhood and teenage years in Berea, Kentucky. In 1946 she received a BA from University of Maryland in early childhood education and it was during her college years that she came to live in the Washington D.C. area. She eventually changed occupations, finding dental hygiene more satisfying than child daycare. Mrs. Wallace received her dental hygiene training at Howard University. It was also at this time she joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church in whose fellowship she found something that had been missing previously in her life. Mrs. Wallace worked as a hygienist for several private practitioners in the D.C. area, finally becoming the hygienist at the Martinsburg West Virginia VA Center. It was there that she met her future husband, Dr. Wallace. They married in 2000 and she moved to Fredericksburg, becoming an active homemaker until two serious leg fractures from falls confined her to a wheelchair. She is survived by her husband, Dr. John Wallace; three nephews; one niece; and two cousins and their families. The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at Fredericksburg Seventh-day Adventist Church, with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Jos V zquez officiating. Burial will be in Berea Cemetery, Berea, KY on Tuesday, October 17, 2017. Condolences to her family may be shared online at foundandsons.com. Nancy Funnell Wileman, 76, of Stafford passed away Thursday, September 21, 2017 at her residence. Mrs. Wileman was a member of Blue Gray Therapy Dogs and HIS Girls 'n Purple Threads. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Joseph L. Wileman. Survivors include her children, Kim Fraser (Andy) and Joseph R. (Susan); brother James Funnell (Connie); grandchildren Joseph M. Wileman and Jessica E. Wileman. A celebration of life will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 15 at Paradise Diner, 260 Warrenton Rd., Fredericksburg, VA 22405. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Greyhounds ROCK, 10617 Piney Branch Rd., Spotsylvania, VA 22553. Online guestbook available at covenantfuneralservice.com. WITH monuments honoring Christopher Columbus regularly being defaced and destroyed, its clear this years Columbus Day celebrations will elicit strong debate over the explorers legacy. But by looking at Columbus in the greater context of the history of civilizations, one can see that much of todays anti-Columbian fury is either misguided or part of a blind political agenda seeking to demonize early European activity in the New World. First off, lets consider the matter of European disease transmission, principally smallpox, which is estimated by some to have killed 70 percent to 80 percent of the population native to the Americas. While those numbers are staggering, the deaths happened over many decades, and holding Columbus personally responsible is beyond preposterous. Further, calculating an actual number of deaths is impossible because estimates of pre-Columbus populations vary enormously. In the case of Hispaniola, for example, the range runs from 250,000 to 3 million. Its also worth remembering all the other epidemics in our history books. The Black Death, originating in Central Asia, killed 40 percent or more of the European peoplesome 50 million soulsin the brief period of 13461353. Such ravage of life is just one of the negative consequences that comes with the advancement and interactivity of civilizations world-wide. The pale horse and its rider pass through all societies. And in the case of Columbus and the later Spanish settlement in the Americas, lets remember that the exchange of disease worked both ways. Most historians believe that the Great Pox (aka syphilis) epidemic in Renaissance Europe was brought over from the New World. The pox initially killed some 5 million Europeans, and continued taking a toll into the modern era. Next, consider the civilizations and urban societies of the New World. They cannot be romanticized simply because they have left behind great monuments. The earliest ones, at Teotihuacan (outside Mexico City) and the Mayan, were as brutal in their exploitation and treatment of subject peoples as any of the civilizations of the Ancient Near East. Tourists love to visit the magnificent pyramids of Teotihuacan and the Mayan sites close to resorts. So beautiful! So inspiring! So conveniently located! Not so beautiful if you consider the human sacrifice of captives and slaves from conquered territories that regularly occurred there. The later Aztec and Incan civilizations encountered by the Spanish conquistadores were no more humane. War, captivity, slavery and human sacrifice was endemicand pre-dated 1492. How could Francisco Pizarro conquer the great Inca Empire with fewer than 200 men? How did Hernando Cortes overwhelm the powerful Aztecs? Answer: They found willing allies in subjugated, enslaved or rebellious native populations. Make no mistake about it. Civilization itself can be brutal. European civilization has evolved past its early stages, but 20th century wars, atrocities, genocide and terrorism show humanity is still prone to the same savage impulses as Assyrians and Aztecs. Truthfully, warfare is one of the key institutions of civilization, as evidenced by todays local wars and rumors of nuclear strikes. Despite our druthers, we are products of our time. We fit into a greater context. So did Columbus, despite the negative in his legacy. But he also rose out of and above his time. He was a great explorer, an intrepid adventurer, a man of fervent faith and a defiant leader who blazed a path to the modern world. His admirable traits allowed him to rise above his human imperfections. He holds a special place in the consciousness of Italian-Americans and Hispanic-Americans, who strongly identify with his accomplishments. These groups celebrate Columbus Day with parades and have commemorated him with statues in North and South America. The worlds largest Columbus monument is in Puerto Rico. Christopher Columbus also enjoys iconic status in the wider American mind. Columbia, a female figure, is the personification of America (like Uncle Sam). Columbus was much admired by our founders. The District of Columbia carries his name. The Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway (Interstate 10) symbolically links the U.S. from sea to seaand to the Admiral of the Ocean Seas. Parks, playgrounds, streets, squares, schools and sites of many other kinds pay homage to him. No question, we must examine the history of Christopher Columbus. But doing so in the proper context shows theres no justification for destroying, defacing or removing his monumentsor in minimizing his legacy. IN THE wake of the horrible, unbelievably sad and insane shooting massacre of 58 people in Las Vegas, on top of more than 500 wounded, its time to blame human evil on guns again. The misled, uninformed, and in some cases ideologically twisted, dont get it. Evidence of gun laws doing any good is leaky at best and antics like theirs actually boost sales. A calm, cool reluctance, meanwhile, reduces them. Heres a demonstration of that propositionthe record-setting purchases of guns during the Obama administration and the drop during President Donald Trumps time in the Oval Office. If you want studies and numbers, you will get them, starting with a study by the New York Times, hardly a fan of gun possession. It concluded that fear of gun-buying restrictions has been the main driver of spikes in gun sales, far surpassing the effects of mass shootings and terrorist attacks alone. The analysis was based on federal data showing how President Barack Obamas varied calls for stifling gun sales were springboards for encouraging them. President Obama was the best gun salesman the world has ever seen, a gun shop owner is quoted as saying in another news outlet, the Daily Mail, which noted that a rising 10-year market up to 2015 had led to three times as many gun manufacturers as there had been. Still another media source has cited a gun and ammunition trade association as being oh so thankful to Obama for increasing gun manufacturing jobs from 166,000 to 288,000 from 2008 to 2015 and income from $19.1 billion to $49.3 billion. A great fear, of course, has been a confiscatory ban on at least some guns and, given how both Obama and erstwhile presidential candidate Hillary Clinton praised Australias gun laws, thats more than a conspiracy theory. In Australia, the government banned semi-automatic rifles and shotguns and then gave people a year to sell any they already had to the government before they became criminals for owning them. Clinton, in her 2016 campaign, helped instigate further gun purchases through such tactics as wanting to overturn a Supreme Court decision that she thought scuttled a Washington, D.C., law that people should lock up handguns that could lead to toddler deaths. The D.C. law actually banned ownership of all handguns. Right now, she wants to ban silencers because they could lead to more mass shootings when they only silence enough to save the ears of shooters. But Trump is a Second Amendment champ, and, the day after he won the election, gun sales started a downward trot. This past July, even with price discounts all over the place, federal gun checks were reportedly down 25 percent from what they had been in 2016. As CNN has said, gun stores are wondering what in the world to do with their inventory, but there are fiercely angry politicians, pundits and others running to the rescue with their cries for sweeping gun measures that Republicans have thwarted. One of the most vitriolic of these critics was a CBS legal executive who was quickly fired after speaking out on Facebook. She said she was not sympathetic with the victims of one of the worst mass shootings in American history because those attending this country music festival in Las Vegas were likely Republican gun toters who prevent good laws. What we know is that a great many were heroes helping to save lives. What she did not understand is the conclusion of a 2013 federal study that gun ownership makes citizens safer and that its uncertain whether gun laws reduce violence. A small enough law that might make sense would ban a device that enabled the Las Vegas killer to make a semiautomatic rifle shoot as rapidly as an automatic that is already practically illegal. But the unifying speech Trump made after the attack did far more for the good of America than divisive cries for futile measures, and his stance against more gun control has done more to control guns. THE LARGE Confederate flag that towers 80 feet above Interstate 95 near U.S. 17 in Falmouth has prompted a group of local residents to demand its removal by the Stafford Board of Supervisors. Asked to look into the matter, Stafford County Attorney Charles Shumate told board members that there was nothing the county could do about the flag for two reasons: It is located on private property, and flying it is considered an expression of free speech protected by the First Amendment. Previous protests about the same flag to the Virginia Department of Transportation yielded a similar result. Like it or not, our laws protect private property and free speech, however objectionable that speech may be to those with opposing views. Stafford lawyer Patricia Healy then filed a zoning complaint with the county, claiming that the Confederate flag is really a sign that, due to its height, is out of compliance with zoning ordinances. Healy defines the flag as a sign because the Virginia Flaggers, which owns it and leases the land the flagpole sits on, raises money to erect other Confederate battle flags around the commonwealth. Healys creative argument might have some merit, were it not for the fact that the flag is in actuality indeed a flag, not an image of a flag on a sign, and flags of any nation, state, or other geopolitical entity are excluded under the ordinance. Although no longer in existence, the Confederate States of America was a geopolitical entity with its own elected president and constitution. Furthermore, the U.S. Supreme Court has consistently ruled that the First Amendment protects the use of a flag for symbolic expressionwhich the Virginia Flaggers insist is an effort to preserve Civil War history, not to spark racial animosity. Whether you believe them or not, the Confederate flagwhich has stood in the same location since 2014is clearly an expression of the groups beliefs. If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable, the high court ruled in Texas v. Johnson, a landmark flag-burning case. Susan Kosior, another Stafford resident frustrated that the board has refused to do anything about the Confederate flag, got a $200 permit to erect an 80-foot-tall Black Lives Matter flag in her own Ferry Farm backyard in protest. She is still trying to raise the $10,000 needed for the project on GoFundMe.com. Of course, if Kosior raises the necessary funds and puts up her own Black Lives Matter flag on her private property, the same principles would apply to her as welleven if some members of the community object. It may come to pass that Fredericksburg-area residents going about their daily business will be subject to the unwelcome sight of not one, but two 80-foot-tall flags representing groups with which they vehemently disagree. But thats the price we Americans pay for the First Amendments guarantee of free speech whenever we want to express our own unpopular convictions. And it is precisely because the First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech, not universal agreement, that it must be fiercely protected. Free Freightnet Membership List your company in the Freightnet directory. It's Free, it's Easy and your company can be displayed in front of potential freight buyers within 24 hours. nametalkam at 8-10-2017 09:39 AM (5 years ago) (m) A gas station exploded in Ghana last night at the Atomic junction in Accra near the overpass that connects Legon to Madina (Zongo junction). A gas station exploded in Ghana last night at the Atomic junction in Accra near the overpass that connects Legon to Madina (Zongo junction). Incident happened at about 7:30pm Saturday. The fire was said to have started at a Total Fuel station and extended to another station. The result was two huge explosions which occurred minutes apart. Students at some hostels at the University of Ghana campus, close to where the incident happened took to their heels. A Government official said an unknown number of people were killed Unfortunately there are some fatalities and we are working to have the numbers, the deputy information minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, told a local radio station. There are quite a number also injured. The initial blaze was later put under control after about 200 police officers were sent to the scene. An eyewitness, Kobby Boateng, said he had just returned from the campus with his girlfriend when the explosion happened. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlCIwW3QJJY All of a sudden, we heard a boom and the flash of an explosion, which made the building just shake and the lights went out. People were rushing out of their rooms. Some of them were naked and the heat that was coming from that blast my God, it was unbearable. The explosion at about 7.30pm local time (1930 GMT) began at a state-owned GOIL liquefied natural gas station and spread to a Total petrol station across the street at the Atomic Junction, a Reuters witness said. Frightened residents ran from the explosion, which sent a giant fireball high into the sky above the city, and at least six fire engines and several ambulances responded to the blast. A police spokeswoman, Efia Tenge, told AFP it was a gas explosion, and added: I am in Legon [in north-easy Accra] and I heard two explosions. My whole building was shaking. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlCIwW3QJJY Incident happened at about 7:30pm Saturday.The fire was said to have started at a Total Fuel station and extended to another station. The result was two huge explosions which occurred minutes apart.Students at some hostels at the University of Ghana campus, close to where the incident happened took to their heels.A Government official said an unknown number of people were killedUnfortunately there are some fatalities and we are working to have the numbers, the deputy information minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, told a local radio station. There are quite a number also injured.The initial blaze was later put under control after about 200 police officers were sent to the scene.An eyewitness, Kobby Boateng, said he had just returned from the campus with his girlfriend when the explosion happened.All of a sudden, we heard a boom and the flash of an explosion, which made the building just shake and the lights went out.People were rushing out of their rooms. Some of them were naked and the heat that was coming from that blast my God, it was unbearable.The explosion at about 7.30pm local time (1930 GMT) began at a state-owned GOIL liquefied natural gas station and spread to a Total petrol station across the street at the Atomic Junction, a Reuters witness said.Frightened residents ran from the explosion, which sent a giant fireball high into the sky above the city, and at least six fire engines and several ambulances responded to the blast.A police spokeswoman, Efia Tenge, told AFP it was a gas explosion, and added: I am in Legon [in north-easy Accra] and I heard two explosions. My whole building was shaking. Post Reply I specialize in investigative reportage across several subject matter and sectors but mainly focus on metro events and investigation. Do leave your thoughts and opinion on my reports to let me know what you think about them. Thank you Posted: at 8-10-2017 09:39 AM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero In the middle of hugs and handshakes with both familiar and unfamiliar faces, entrepreneur and fashion designer Megan Jackson looked right at home on a recent Sunday in Danville. She covers her mouth timidly when she laughs off compliments, but behind the small talk Jackson is a bright business woman making her own path that started in Danville. I know I have an eye for fashion, Jackson said matter-of-factly. Ive always been myself. I always had my own style. I always did my own thing. Jackson already has left her style mark on hundreds of men and womens closets with her attention-grabbing B:U brand. The George Washington High School graduate and prom queen went on to the Art Institute of Atlanta before transferring to the Charlotte campus to complete her fashion marketing degree closer to Danville. She graduated in 2011. Jackson, who now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, recently returned to her hometown Danville for the second stop of her tour in collaboration with fellow entrepreneur and Danville business owner and author Lakesha Reed. Their goal was to promote Jacksons fashion line and Reeds collection of published books. More stops have been scheduled for Virginia Beach, Atlanta and Ohio. My tour is to let people try on my clothes in person and get the feel of the clothes, Jackson explained. At that second stop, Jackson, wearing an elegant suede wide brim hat and understated B.U.N.T. blue jersey dress with a flannel shirt wrapped at the waist, looked nothing short of chic with long, bold blonde braids winding around and over her shoulders. As shoppers seized the opportunity to check out her B:U fashions in person rather than through her online store, Jackson reflected on how far shes come and whats next. I wanted them to be able to put on my clothes but put their own twist to it, Jackson described. I put on this dress today; I had to put on a shirt. You have to put your own touch with it. I really want to push people to ask whats your style. Whether its a basic T-shirt or a pair of go-with-everything leggings, the eye cant miss the bold faced font striking the fabric to spell B.U.N.T. for Be You Never Them. The fierce and catchy slogan for the B:U apparel line is popping up on social media in the Dan River Region and the area at large. You guys support me so much. I want to give you guys something, give something back to you guys, Jackson commented after remarking on the concentration of Danville web traffic on her website and social media handles. I want them to experience things Ive experienced leaving Danville I just want to bring it here. Jackson was not always as easily spotted on the competitive landscape of the fashion world. She has built up her dream from one-on-one consultations to making sales and is still drafting the blueprints on what her empire will be. At first she found employment as a fashion merchandiser but that became a fast lesson on the realities of funding your dream. It hit reality that I really need a good paying job to pay my bills, Jackson said. She now holds a medical billing job that supports her passion. Even working non-fashion industry jobs, she did not sit still. Jackson started a blog and began fleshing out what her creative vision was to be. What came out of that period was the idea of individuality. Grabbing anything off the rack is easy, but adding a signature touch or just the right detailing will help make it unique, according to Jacksons fashion philosophy. I would go to these places and basically tell people how to revamp clothes and make a $10 outfit look like a $100 outfit, Jackson explained of her first days earning off of her passion. Instinctively Jackson wanted to open a shop to sell her fresh take on everything from sporty casual to glam. However, her time at the Art Institute had given an opportunity to count the cost of that venture. I realized how serious it was down to the toilet tissue, to the cents and how much it costs. I started with the free website just to see if people catch onto it and people would actually like it. And they did. I realized I really need to invest in myself, she said. Six years into the business venture, Jacksons hard work was evident at the tour stop in Danville as the crowd checked out a sampling spread of the B:U line. She has returned to Danville numerous times for pop-up shop events and fashion shows, among other promotional and networking events. I just want to motivate people. I want to let them see they can do this. Its not that hard to do it, Jackson said. Im sure theres another girl from Danville thats just like me and has an eye for fashion and can really do something but she just doesnt have the push to do it. That messaging to the local community so far has been achieved through a network of friends and business associates for Jackson. Reed, who Jackson labels as her push partner that motivates her to achieve her goals, is one of those connections. We want to pull people together, Reed said of the tour stops that combine sales opportunities with professional development. Everyone has different dreams but some dont know how to do it. So its good to be together. Also included in that group of women-helping-women is Kimberly Wilson, who hosted the tour stop at her Glitz and Glamour boutique. Jackson has known Wilson since she was knee-high, she said, and would often help Wilson with her fashion retail ventures. Youre only as good as the people you surround yourself with. As long as you pull people with you it will never be lonely, Wilson advised. Going forward Jackson is still determining who she is as a creative and as a career woman. The next phase will include further development of the store and B:U brand. It really is evolving, Jackson said. She projects 2018 as the year she will transition into a personal brand as a stylist. Even though who she is and who her customer is are both progressing, success in her own way will always be the goal. I really want to make it a household name, she voiced confidently, stating it more like a next step than a wish. SAINT-MICHEL-DES-SAINTS, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Oct. 7, 2017) - NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN THE UNITED STATES Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE:NOU)(OTCQB:NMGRF)(FRANKFURT:NM9) is pleased to provide an update on its brokered private placement of units (the "Units") of the Corporation, at a subscription price of $0.30 per Unit (the "Offering"). The Offering has been proceeding well and the Corporation is encouraged by the interest received thus far. As announced on September 19, 2017, the Corporation closed the first tranche of its Offering pursuant to which an aggregate number of 14,814,996 Units were issued. The Corporation has expects to close the next tranche within the next few weeks and received conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") with respect to the duration of its Offering. The outside date upon which the final acceptance of the Offering will be granted by the TSXV has been extended to November 8, 2017. About Nouveau With a management team that has over 40 years of recent experience in the production, processing and marketing of natural graphite, the Corporation is a dynamic company positioned as a future leader in the emerging North American graphite and anode material for lithium-ion battery markets. The Corporation is evaluating its Matawinie graphite project discovered in 2015 with the objective of becoming the largest graphite mine in North America. The Corporation published a Preliminary Economic Assessment, completed according to NI 43-101 guidelines, in June of 2016. (see press release dated June 22, 2016 : http://bit.ly/2tEsoPT). The project is located in the Saint-Michel-des-Saints area, some 120 km north of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It has direct access to all needed infrastructure, labour as well as green and affordable hydroelectricity. The Corporation is developing its project with the highest corporate social responsibility standards while targeting a low environmental footprint (targeting a net zero carbon emission operation). Except for historical information, this press release may contain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws that reflect the Nouveau Monde's current expectation regarding future events, including, without limitation, the execution of the definitive agreements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance and achievements of Nouveau Monde, as the case may be, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the said forward-looking statements. Nouveau Monde expressly disclaims any intention to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The statements herein that are not historical facts are forwardlooking statements. These statements address future events and conditions and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ from those currently projected. The Corporation does not assume the obligation to update any forwardlooking statement. (TNS) - The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm watch for the Emerald Coast to the Okaloosa-Walton line in anticipation of Tropical Storm Nate affecting the area over the weekend.As of the 11 p.m. advisory Nate was about to move off the Honduran coastline into an area where intensification was considered likely. The Hurricane Center said in its 11 p.m. advisory that Nate could be near hurricane strength once it nears the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula.Nate's interaction with land could cause a temporary cessation in the the strengthening process, but once the storm emerges over the Gulf of Mexico, Nate is expected to resume intensification and the storm is expected to become a hurricane.Guidance as of the 8 p.m. advisory has not changed significantly and Nate is expected to make landfall along the north-central Gulf Coast early Sunday.Tropical storm conditions mean an area could experience higher than normal tides, heavy rain and winds up to and exceeding 39 mph.The Daily News will update this storm Friday morning when the latest advisory is issued by the Hurricane Center.UPDATE 4 P.M.The latest track from the National Hurricane Center shows Tropical Storm Nate has shifted even further west, taking all of Florida outside the "cone of error" entirely.The storm is expected to make landfall on the coast of Louisiana or Mississippi late Saturday or early Sunday as a hurricane.UPDATE 2 P.M.Governor Rick Scott issued Executive Order 17-262 declaring a state of emergency in 29 counties within the State of Florida in response to Tropical Storm Nate. The counties under the state of emergency are Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Dixie, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Baker, Union, Bradford, and Alachua counties. Governor Scott is ensuring that local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared for this storm and are not hindered, delayed or prevented from taking all necessary actions to keep communities safe.Governor Scott said, "Tropical Storm Nate is headed north toward our state and Florida must be prepared. I have continued to be briefed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Tropical Storm Nate and while current forecast models have the storm's center west of Florida, we must be vigilant and get prepared. Today, given these forecasts, I have declared a state of emergency for 29 counties in Florida to make certain that state, federal and local governments are able to work together and ensure resources are dispersed to local communities. By declaring an emergency in these counties, we can also ensure that there is no hindrance in the transportation of supplies and assets. I urge all Floridians to remain vigilant and stay alert to local weather and news and visit FLGetAPlan.com today as we all prepare for Tropical Storm Nate. We will keep monitoring and issuing updates on Tropical Storm Nate as it approaches the Gulf Coast."UPDATE 1:15 P.M.The latest National Hurricane Center models at 2 p.m. continue to show Tropical Storm Nate on a trajectory towards the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coasts, with uncertainties about exact landfall and intensity remaining. The storm is currently approaching the Yucatan Peninsula and is expected to impact the U.S. as a hurricane.UPDATE 12:30 P.M.GULF BREEZE Gulf Islands National Seashore officials will close all areas of the national seashore including all Mississippi Islands, the Fort Pickens, Fort Barrancas, Naval Live Oaks, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and the Perdido Key Areas to all public use due to the approach of Tropical Storm Nate. All areas will close this evening, Thursday, October 5, at their regular time. All campers at the Fort Pickens & Davis Bayou Campgrounds must evacuate by 12:00 pm on Friday, October 6, 2017.When announcing the closure, Superintendent Daniel R. Brown said, "with this tropical storm in the Gulf, and possibly of becoming a hurricane taking aim at the coast, we have to begin now in order to safeguard human life." The National Park Service has to move visitors off the exposed barrier islands and close down all the island operations. "Right now, we have to close the park for the safety of our visitors and our employees", Brown said.Park officials will finalize the closure of all operations and offices as Tropical Storm Nate continues to approach. When necessary all offices close the park's incident management team will monitor the storm from a safe location. Gulf Islands National Seashore will reopen after the storm has passed and the staff has an opportunity to mitigate any hazards resulting from the storm.UPDATE 10:12 A.M.The latest model from the National Hurricane Center shows Tropical Storm Nate developing into a hurricane earlier than expected, though most of Okaloosa county and all of Walton county have moved outside the "cone of error" projecting the storm's landfall.The western portion of Okaloosa county and all of Santa Rosa county remain in the cone.According to the National Hurricane Center, Nate is forecast to be near hurricane intensity when it approaches the Yucatan peninsula late Friday. It is expected to reach the northern Gulf Coast this weekend as a hurricane, and the threat of direct impacts from wind, storm surge and heavy rainfall are increasing.The NHC noted "it is too early to specify the exact timing, location or magnitude of these impacts. Residents along the Gulf Coast from Louisiana through the Florida panhandle should monitor the progress of Nate and heed any advice given by local officials."UPDATE 10:09 A.M.EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE Hurricane Condition 4 has been declared at Eglin Air Force Base by the commander as of 9 a.m. today due to the threat of Tropical Storm Nate.Hurricane Condition 4 means destructive winds of 58 MPH or greater are possible within 72 hours.Eglin units are reviewing checklists, taking internal precautions and encouraging personnel and their families to prepare for the possibility of weather conditions associated with a potential hurricane.Eglin officials also remind people to monitor television or radio broadcasts and the internet for the National Hurricane Center's latest forecast.UPDATE 10 A.M.No evacuations have been ordered and no local states of emergency have been declared, but Northwest Florida emergency officials said they are closely monitoring the track of Tropical Storm Nate and gearing up for any potential impacts on Northwest Florida.Though the track of the storm shifted west overnight, Walton County Emergency Management Director Jeff Goldberg said that put the Florida panhandle on the east side of the storm, which could mean severe weather."A lot of [the weather] will depend upon the track obviously, and the track the past couple advisories has been sliding somewhat west, which is not necessarily good news for Walton county because a lot of the heavy weather is on the east side," Goldberg said. "If we're on the east side of the storm that could also mean we're going to get some storm surge."Randy McDaniel, Chief of Emergency Management for Okaloosa County, said the area could expect to see severe thunderstorms with possible tornadoes begging late Saturday night and into Sunday morning."We are still in the position where we've prepared for possible impact," McDaniel said. "It looks like a Sunday morning time frame or Sunday afternoon late. It's really depending on how long it stays over land."Santa Rosa County Emergency Management Director Brad Baker was not immediately available Thursday morning, but county spokeswoman Brandi Whitehurst said the county was preparing sand for residents ahead of the storm."Santa Rosa County is making limited supplies of sand available at no cost at several locations," she said in an email. "Sand bags are available at local home improvement stores for purchase (Hall's Hardware in Milton, Lowe's in Midway and Pace). Bring shovels to fill and load your own bags. The locations for sand are Leisure Street at Citrus Drive in Holley By the Sea, Tiger Point Park in Gulf Breeze, Pace Fire-Rescue in Pace and the corner of Pine Forest Road and Carroll Road in Milton."McDaniel and Goldberg urged residents to keep track of the latest updates from county officials via their various websites and social media postings. Okaloosa county residents can like the county's public safety Facebook page, the county webpage and the department's Twitter account, as well as by downloading the county's 'Ready Okaloosa' app.In Walton county, residents can like the emergency management Facebook page and sign up for the county's Alert Walton notification program.Santa Rosa County residents can keep track via the emergency management department's Facebook page.UPDATE: 7 A.M.And just that quick we have a named storm heading toward the Gulf Coast.In its 7 a.m. update, the National Hurricane Center announced that the tropical depression in the Caribbean had intensified and was now Tropical Storm Nate. In its report just two hours earlier, NHC noted that its intensity forecast had the storm elevating to hurricane strength over the next 72 hours.Nate was reported at 7 a.m. to now have maximum sustained winds of 40 mph with higher gusts. The storm remained on a northwest track with its speed inching upward to 8 mph. The minimum central pressure had dropped slightly to 999 millibars (29.50 inches).The newly-formed tropical storm is currently located about 10 miles south of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua."Nate will make landfall along the U.S. upper Gulf coast on Sunday," according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rossio.The U.S. Gulf coast areas from Florida to Alabama, Mississippi and southeastern Louisiana may be at risk for damaging winds, coastal flooding, rough surf and beach erosion this weekend and into early next week.The storm is forecast by the hurricane center to continue strengthening and take a north-northwestward motion at a faster forward speed beginning later today and continue through Friday night.Also added to the latest report was the fact that tropical storm force winds had been accurately recorded and extend outward up to 60 miles mainly over water to the east of the center.There were no other changes from the 5 a.m. report by the Hurricane Center.According to the previous report, southeast Louisiana is the target area for landfall. The shift west overnight, however, did not remove the Panhandle from the storm's cone of uncertainty, as Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties all remain in play along the dangerous eastern side of the cone.Throughout Wednesday, the Hurricane Center gradually moved the storm's center for landfall, sliding west from Apalachicola to a point entering the evening that pinpointed Destin and South Walton County. That trend continued into the early morning report Thursday.2017 the Northwest Florida Daily News (Fort Walton Beach, Fla.)Visit the Northwest Florida Daily News (Fort Walton Beach, Fla.) at www.nwfdailynews.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Mercedes has not solved the problems that left it arguably the third-fastest team just a week ago in Malaysia. That is the claim of Niki Lauda, even though Lewis Hamilton blitzed qualifying at Suzuka on Saturday. But Lauda, the F1 legend and team chairman, said Mercedes' return to form is weather-related. "If it's cool, it's easier for our tyres," he said. "We need to solve that puzzle so that we can keep this performance." Earlier, it seemed clear that after Ferrari and Red Bull were faster in Malaysia, Mercedes had simply found the solution back at its Brackley HQ prior to Japan. Lauda said: "Our people worked day and night at the factory and a few things were found and tried here. But we have not found all of the answers." Indeed, while Mercedes thrived in the cooler conditions of Saturday, team boss Toto Wolff is concerned about the forecast for a much warmer race day at Suzuka. "Yes, the forecast worries me," he admitted to Bild newspaper. (GMM) Felipe Massa seems unhappy with the Williams team. Earlier at Suzuka, team official Paddy Lowe said that while the Brazilian veteran is still in the running for 2018, Robert Kubica and Paul di Resta will be tested "in the next few weeks". Another rumour is that Pascal Wehrlein could get Massa's seat, perhaps as part of a discount on Williams' expensive Mercedes engine bill. Massa said in Japan: "I'm concerned that the team could choose a path that could bring difficulties for the team. "I think Lance (Stroll) has made a lot of progress through the year so perhaps Williams should keep the current lineup," he added. So when asked about Lowe's admission that plenty of candidates are under consideration for the seat alongside Stroll next year, Massa said: "Paddy knows what's best for the team. "Unfortunately, this is just formula one. I think if Williams acts professionally, they will leave everything as it is." Massa, 36, actually retired at the end of last year, and only returned to Williams when Valtteri Bottas headed to Mercedes at the last moment. Asked why he is now so keen to stay in F1 for another year, Massa explained: "In the past three years the cars did not suit my driving style. "There was not much grip, the tyres did not work in a good way -- it was not fun and I could not compensate with my style. "Now, when I can feel that I can push to the maximum, the motivation increases. I still believe I can give a lot to the team," he added. (GMM) 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve thinks Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen is riding a crest of career form. Some believe the Finnish veteran is right at the tail end of his pace and career, but Villeneuve thinks Raikkonen is actually driving well. "Kimi has had a bit of bad luck, but at times he has been faster than Vettel," the French Canadian told Ilta Sanomat newspaper. "Somehow it doesn't work out. He has a good qualifying but a bad race -- or the other way around," Villeneuve added. "However, he has proved he can be as good as Vettel. They are the perfect combination," he added. "I don't think we have seen a better Kimi. It seems that he is driving better than ever before in his career," said Villeneuve. (GMM) You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close President Yoon Suk-yeol will hold his first summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bali on Tuesday, his office said, with North Korea certain to dominate the talks amid concer... GREENSBORO For a few brief minutes before the curtain rose, Calvin Morrow became the star of the show. With his B-1 U.S. Navy Band patch and Navy ribbons displayed on his blue suit, a beaming Morrow basked in cheers and applause from the Triad Stage audience. Gertrude Morrow joined the applause as her husband of 67 years stood on stage, a cane the only concession to his 93 years. Seventy-five years ago, Morrow and 43 other young African-American men broke the Navys color barrier when they formed its first all-black band during World War II. It marked the first time that the Navy let black sailors rise above a rank higher than cooks and stewards. Now, just four of the 44 survive. Morrow, a retired Greensboro elementary school principal, is among them. Triad Stage has saluted male and female military veterans before each performance of its World War II-era musical, South Pacific. We want to honor you and thank you for your service to our country, but also to our community, said Richard Whittington, Triad Stage founding managing director. During this 75th anniversary year, the self-titled B-1 Band has gained more recognition for its history-making role. You cant help but feel good, Morrow said of the honors. You say to yourself: You have lived long enough to see it come true. On Memorial Day weekend, the state unveiled a historical marker in its honor in Chapel Hill. At the start of its 3 1/2 years of service in 1942, the band played for ceremonies at the all-white Navy Pre-Flight School at UNC. Nearly two years later, the band was sent to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii to finish out its service there. We played our little part, just like everybody else, to help to win World War II, Morrow said. In August, surviving members and their families were feted at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C. Then came the recognition at Triad Stage. On Saturday, the Morrows rode in the Homecoming Parade at N.C. A&T, where both earned bachelors and masters degrees. Calvin Morrow served as the parades grand marshal. Yet for almost 40 years, the Navy seemed to forget the bands significance. It was almost like we didnt exist, Morrow said. Alex Albright, a professor at East Carolina University, has ensured that the band will be remembered. He told its story in his 2013 book, The Forgotten First: B-1 and the Integration of the Modern Navy. For decades, the historical record continued to say that those who trained at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center were the first African-Americans to serve in the modern Navy at a rank other than messman. More than 100 African-American bands were commissioned at Great Lakes, but they werent the first, Albright said. The official Navy record ... claimed for decades that black enlistments at general ranks began on June 1, 1942, four days after the men of B-1 had been sworn in to duty and nearly six weeks after most had enlisted ... Albright wrote. Then a B-1 member told his story to the Navy School of Music which black musicians werent allowed to attend until after World War II. On Feb. 14, 1981, the Navy School of Music awarded honorary degrees to band members. But after that, the bands role in the Navys integration again seemed to slip from history. Then Albright, armed with code numbers from personnel records of a band member, visited the National Archives in College Park, Md., in 2003. There, he found records on the Pre-Flight School in Chapel Hill and the band. Records verified the band members enlistment date as May 27, 1942. He could now document for the Navy the bands role in history. Im so proud to have known them, Albright said in a phone interview. They were talented and smart. They knew how to act in a world that was really mean to them. Albright suggests that the idea for the band came from President Franklin Roosevelt and first lady Eleanor Roosevelt. The Navy expected bands to be attached to each of four regional pre-flight training schools. North Carolina Gov. J. Melville Broughton formed a committee that included black university and business leaders to help form the Chapel Hill-based band, and the Navy sent its retired chief bandmaster to North Carolina to select bandsmen and supervise their training. A&T had extraordinary musicians who already knew how to march, Albright said. Recruiters hoped to find a 45-piece band there, but found 26. So they approached Dudley High School and a few other schools throughout the state. They recruited popular Dudley band director James Parsons. He would lead musicians from Dudley, A&T, N.C. Central University and Hillside High School in Durham and a few from other schools. Among the recruits was Warmath T. Gibbs Jr., an A&T clarinetist whose father would become school president. Morrow was among nine from Dudley. In spring 1942, he was a Dudley graduating senior who played French horn. It was stated that if you joined this band, you would be in Chapel Hill at the pre-flight school for the duration of the war, Morrow recalled. We just felt we would be in Chapel Hill, and that was a good opportunity. What they didnt know was that, after basic training in Norfolk, Va., they would be housed two miles away from UNC, in a new community building in a black neighborhood. Each morning, the band marched to UNC for the raising of the colors. You could see the black kids coming out, lining the streets at times when they heard the band coming, Morrow recalled. They played at daily meal formations, Sunday church formations, war-bond rallies, parades and a ship-launching in Wilmington. If they had a dance, our dance band would play for the dances, Morrow said. Morrow learned years later that the cadets included future presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush. Among its concerts, it backed up Kate Smith as she sang her famous rendition of God Bless America at the Carolina Theatre in Durham. Everything was segregated, and we were there with Kate Smith, so it was unusual, Morrow said. Other memories werent so pleasant, Albright recalled from his research. Some interviews and a photograph revealed a group of white men taunting, spitting and throwing items as the band marched into Chapel Hill. But the band marched on. Yet Morrow said he enjoyed the bands camaraderie and the music, particularly playing the marches of John Philip Sousa. Being in the service and being in the situation we were in, we were just like a family, Morrow said. After nearly two years, the band was transferred to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii for 18 months. Before us, Morrow said in Albrights book, the only image the Navy had of blacks was as servants. Anybody that saw that band, they could say the Navy has made some progress. We could be seen as a role model, so others could say, I can be more than just a servant. When the war ended, band members returned home to segregation. Morrow recalls a particularly hurtful incident. He had traveled by train across the country to Norfolk with white sailors. When they arrived at night, they were placed in the same barracks. The next morning at breakfast, white sailors and German prisoners gathered in the same mess hall. But others in charge directed Morrow to a dining hall with black sailors. It hurt that they pulled me out and segregated me, Morrow said. Like Morrow, many B-1 members and Navy musicians with A&T ties who had trained at Great Lakes, returned to Greensboro. Some jammed at the Artists Guild, a private club. Others joined the Rhythm Vets, playing covers of R&B songs. Among them was the Great Lakes-trained, future jazz great Lou Donaldson. That band recorded a soundtrack in 1947 for Lord-Warner Pictures musical comedy featurette, Pitch a Boogie Woogie. Parsons became the first black federal judge in Chicago. Walter F. Carlson Jr. became A&Ts band director. Simeon Holloway became an actor who appeared in several television shows, including Good Times, 227 and Hill Street Blues. Morrow entered A&T, playing in its band for two years. But he put the French horn aside to earn his bachelors and masters degrees. He married Gertrude, who became principal of David D. Jones Elementary School. Calvin Morrow served as principal of Peeler, Murphey, Claxton and Lindley elementary schools. They raised two sons, Calvin Jr. and William. Now they also have three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Morrow and Calvin Jr. created a history of the band on DVD, and a display of photos and articles that he exhibited at Triad Stage. Each year, Morrow gathered with other B-1 members at reunions around the country. Now Morrow, Holloway of Las Vegas, Jewitt White of Illinois and Roy Lake of Washington, D.C., are the only members who remain. A few years ago, they opted for family members to assume group responsibilities. GREENSBORO Folks stood in the rain Saturday hoping to catch a glimpse of the president. Some wanted to show their support. Others, not so much. In his first visit to North Carolina since being elected, President Donald Trump headlined a campaign fundraiser at the home of businessman Louis DeJoy and former N.C. health secretary Aldona Wos. Some of the local Republican Partys biggest names were expected to be among the hundreds of people at the event, which came with a minimum $2,700 ticket. The fundraiser benefits his Trump Victory joint fundraising committee with the Republican National Committee. The event was expected to raise $2 million, with donors paying up to $35,000 per couple to serve as co-hosts. Im glad so many people are out, said Carol, a lifelong Republican from Greensboro who did not want to give out her last name for fear of reprisal. As the rain picked up, she kept dry under an umbrella at her post on the corner of West Cornwallis Drive and Cleburne Street. People stood at all four corners of the intersection, but it wasnt always clear who was a supporter or a protester. The Trump sign with a heart around his name was a clear indicator on one corner. And on the other corner stood a couple holding rolls of paper towels likely a reference to Trump throwing paper towels into a crowd during his Puerto Rico visit. At Country Club Drive and Nottingham Road, protesters and supporters also claimed different corners. At one point, a woman driving by in an SUV yelled out, You need to support your president! When the protesters responded with reasons why they didnt support Trump, the woman added, Leave the country! This is my country, a protester yelled back. Less than a five-minute drive away, a different sort of protest was taking place at Latham Skate Park. Some people decided to put together a fundraiser for the victims of Puerto Rico, and to air their frustrations with the presidents actions. This is our way of showing what we think our community is about, said Gwen Frisbie-Fulton, one of the organizers. They organized the fundraiser/protest in less than a day. People donated everything from artwork and jewelry to local coffee and books to help raise money. They raised about $1,685, she said. Heather Settle of Greensboro browsed items as Kathy Clark set up a table with various pieces of arts and crafts. She also put together a set of cornhole boards with a picture of the presidents face on them. Rolls of paper towel were provided instead of the traditional bean bags. So many people are just so frustrated, said Clark, also of Greensboro. I just thought this was a more positive and productive way to do something since he wont. North Carolina Republicans appeared to fall just short in Tuesdays General Assembly elections of gaining large enough majorities to override Gov. Roy Coopers vetoes on their own. But their seat gains eroded further the Democrats ability to block bills on abortion and other highly contested legislation. The Senate GOP increased their seats to the number needed to have a veto-proof majority. But Speaker Tim Moore said that House Republicans were one seat shy of a similar threshold. Moore said Wednesday he's confident House Republicans can get help from Democrats in an override. But that could be more difficult on abortion restrictions, which Cooper and other Democrats campaigned against. SEATTLE Amazon is not the Northwests only commercial disrupter. In nearby Everett, Liberty Ziska and some other bikini baristas, giving new meaning to coffee as a stimulant, have provoked the City Council to pass ordinances requiring baristas to be less nearly naked at work. The baristas, in turn, have hired a lawyer and made an argument that is germane to current disputes about freedom of speech. Their argument is Aristotelian. Sort of. Everett has not succumbed to Pecksniffian Comstockery: The police chief and city attorney allege that bikini barista stands attract a clientele that sometimes behaves badly, and that some of the baristas do, too. The city reports a proliferation of crimes of a sexual nature occurring at bikini barista stands, which it primly suggests has something to do with the minimalistic nature of the clothing worn by baristas. Seattles ABC affiliate reports that in 2014, the owner of Java Juggs pleaded guilty to running a brothel out of several stands. Henceforth the baristas must wear at least shorts and tank tops. The new dress code cannot be faulted for vagueness. Indeed, it has notable specificity that has the baristas incensed about the examinations and measurements that law enforcement might require. What makes this a matter of more than mere ribaldry is that the baristas have unlimbered heavy constitutional artillery. They fire it in ways pertinent to the manner in which freedom of speech is debated and defended where it is most important and most besieged: on campuses. They the ordinances banning bikinis violate the First Amendment because they are content-based and viewpoint-based restrictions that impermissibly burden and chill their freedom to convey their messages of female empowerment, positive body image and other things. Their bikinis are a branding message communicating approachability and friendliness. The ordinances regulate only speech common and fundamental at bikini barista stands, targeting them because Everett does not agree with their message and restricting channels of communication. Ziska says that if clothing covers the tattoos on her legs, arms, wrists, back, neck and hips she cannot have such interesting conversations with customers. Brittany Giazzi and Leah Humphrey argue similarly about piercings and scars. Never mind the baristas further barrage of allegations in their everything-but-the-kitchen-sink complaint e.g., that the ordinances are an equal-protection violation because they target women (a protected class) and do not burden men. Instead, note how strenuously, even imaginatively, Ziska and her co-workers strain to argue teleologically. In recent lectures at Georgetown and American universities in Washington, Greg Weiner, an Assumption College political philosopher and frequent contributor to the Library of Law & Liberty website, urged participants in the campus arguments to reason as Aristotle did. That is, to be less deontological (rights-based in their advocacy) and more teleological (ends-based). To argue deontologically is to treat speech as an autonomous good, regardless of its moral or social purpose, if it has one. To argue teleologically is to stress why for what purpose we should value speech. Aristotle here he was not the baristas ally defined humans as language-using creatures, which makes the expressive value of tattoos, piercings, body parts, etc., less than fundamental. The Supreme Courts First Amendment jurisprudence, Weiner notes, has accorded the most robust protection to speech. The fundamental purpose (telos), although not the only purpose, of the right to free speech is to protect a panoply of other rights. So, the First Amendment rightly protects not just speech but expression, and a free society should give generous protection even to expressions that serve no public purpose, but just make the expressing persons happy. But speech about the pursuit of truth, justice and other important public matters merits more rigorous protection than the baristas right to display, among much else, their tattoos, piercings and scars. Everett should have some latitude to balance other public goods against the expressive pleasure and even commercial advantages that Liberty Ziska and her colleagues derive from sartorial minimalism. Universities should protect almost absolute freedom for arguments about politics, classically and properly defined broadly as the subject of how we should live. WASHINGTON The horror the horror. The English language, expansive as it is, lacks sufficient vocabulary for the near-ceaseless popping sound of an automatic weapon pounding bullets into terrified people as they run away from and toward the unknown. How do you express the inconceivable, the imponderable? You try to put yourself there. What would you have done? Run, but to where? Seek cover, but under what? Help others, but how? Survival was all anyone could hope for. Then what? Guilt. Survivors now speak of feeling guilty that theyre alive while at least 59 others are not. Why were they alive? As reports of heroism flood in, they wonder: Did I do enough? Brian Claypool, who spoke to CNNs Chris Cuomo, is one of these. Tuesday was Claypools birthday and the concert had been his way of celebrating. He had meant to return to his home and family in Los Angeles on Sunday, but gazing out upon the venue from his hotel room, he decided to stay another night. When am I ever going to be able to do this again? he recalled saying to himself. Struggling with tears, Claypool wondered whether he should have died. He was on the run when a man signaled for him to dash into a small room under some bleachers. Five or six young women were huddled, sobbing, in a corner. Instinctively, Claypool stood in front of them, perhaps to protect them. Or was he supposed to go outside where others were falling? It seemed clear during the interview that Claypool was still in shock and trying hard to make sense of what had happened, discovering his thoughts and emotions as Cuomo prodded him to dig deeper. If theres an Emmy for empathetic reporting and on-the-spot psychoanalytical investigation, Cuomo deserves it. Others watching CNN surely noted his remarkable ability to help his guests navigate the chaos of their personal trauma, offering words of solace and paternal wisdom. Lisa Fine was another who tried to articulate what it was like to be suddenly transported from a happy evening of fellowship and fun to a nightmarish scrimmage in a war zone. She spoke of seeing people take a bullet and fall in front of her, of a truck loaded with bodies: It was just the luck of the draw, she said of her survival. There are no words. It was horrific. From the relative comfort of ones television-viewing perch, numbness begins to set in. Weve seen this before, heard the commentary, witnessed the overwhelming grief. Columbine, Orlando, Blacksburg, Newtown, you know the list. The Washington Posts website offered headlines that were all too reminiscent of past tragedies elsewhere: The lives lost in Las Vegas; Gunman was ... known for keeping to himself; 10 ways politics may or may not change after the Las Vegas shooting; I felt the gunfire would never stop. Monday night, America went to bed shocked at the numbers. Twenty-two thousand revelers, 23 guns in the shooters hotel room, at least 59 dead, more than 500 injured. Tuesday morning, we checked the numbers again to see if they had changed. The names, faces and short biographies of the dead scrolled across television screens. They were slaughtered by the usual suspect no one in particular. He was just a guy, said the shooters stunned brother, Eric Paddock. Neighbors delivered their script: He seemed like a regular person. Normal, you know. A gun dealer who thought he may have sold Paddock some of his guns said he didnt seem unfit or unstable. But he was obviously something. A bad seed. Sick. Evil. Why had Paddock peered out of his 32nd-story hotel window and decided that this was the night he would kill as many people as possible? By chance alone, he would not kill Claypool or Fine and theyll live with that surreal, taunting reality the rest of their days. We get to live, another survivor had said to Claypool when they chanced upon each other the next day. Yeah, Claypool said, we get to live. But why? To what end? For what purpose? Such are the questions that have stumped humankind since first consciousness made life fathomless. A random bullet from an unseen stranger brings the unbearable mystery into sharp focus. Why me? Why not me? Why at all? In the absence of answers, faith and hope intercede and the search for meaning becomes a more-manageable quest for summation. Lisa Fine, her face drawn from lack of sleep, reached through the numbness and offered the best one could: Love your loved ones, and be the best person you can be. Thats all weve got. Among the cases the U.S. Supreme Court will hear during its current session is Janus v. Afscme, which pits the First Amendment against coerced speech. The plaintiff is Mark Janus, an Illinois state employee. Illinois happens to be one of 22 states where either an agency shop or union shop is legally permitted. That means that, while Janus does not have to join the union, he is compelled to pay fair share agency fees. Since agency fees are fungible, most of that money will fund political activities. Indeed, in an earlier private-sector case CWA v. Beck the courts found that only 21 percent of union dues was actually spent on contract administration and collective bargaining. As unions fund political campaigns, people like Mark Janus become unwilling draftees into union ranks where their extorted money is given to the very politicians who legislate their impressment. The legality of agency fees and union shop dues was upheld by a 1977 Supreme Court ruling in Abood v. Detroit Board of Education, which said that government can force employees to pay dues that unions spend on causes and politicians some employees may not support. The High Court appeared poised to roll back Abood in 2016 in a case brought by 10 public school teachers (Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association). However, a court equally divided after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia deadlocked 4-4. I hope Janus provides a second chance. Of course, the unions oppose anything that shrinks their coffers. Right now, 7.3 million public-sector employees are union members. That represents only 35.9 percent of all public-sector employees. It remains to be seen how much a ruling in favor of Janus would affect that percentage. Unions also argue that those exempt from paying fees are free riders. Thats sort of like saying the Lindbergh baby owed Bruno Hauptman gas money. There are some rides that some people would just rather not take. One of those people is Mark Janus. As a child-support specialist with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Service, Janus advocates for children caught in the crossfire of parental problems and divorce. He went into this line of work because he cares about kids ...not to support a government union. Yet he has no choice unless, of course, his case prevails. Janus has free legal representation by attorneys from the National Right to Work Foundation and the Illinois-based Liberty Justice Center, associations that exist to protect workers rights. Romantic notions of unionism continue to infect the collective psyche. But this is no longer about anemic 9-year-olds chained to their machines in Englands Dark Satanic Mills. This is about money and power, specifically the power of the state to coerce individuals to pay for causes and politicians with which they disagree. No one disputes the right of unions to exist and serve those who benefit from them. Conversely, there should be no question about the right of an individual not to be obligated to financially support causes and politicians he does not favor. As Mark Janus says, The union voice is not my voice. The decision on his case is expected in June of 2018. I hope that Mark and those with similar voices will not only have been heard, but will have also prevailed. From the robust public discussion about North Carolinas legacy of Civil War monuments, its clear that a century and a half after its close were still sorting out how to make sense of that war and memorialize those who fought it. Our states history in the Civil War is complicated and full of nuance not one single legacy but many: of soldiers who fought for both the Union and the Confederacy; of enslaved people for whom the invasion by U.S. troops meant liberation; of free persons of color caught in the middle of warring armies; of women and families left behind to fend for themselves as their husbands and sons and fathers marched to the battlefront; of all those who labored on the homefront to provide food and clothing and medical care and all the rest. This many-faceted legacy forms the core narrative of the N.C. Civil War History Center in Fayetteville, an exciting project several years in the making and soon to be a reality, to be operated under the auspices of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. As its founding documents make clear, The History Center is designed to be a teaching museum rather than a collecting museum with one of the nations first digital master plans to make interpretive resources available to students and other citizens across the state. The center is a statewide effort. Two former governors, Democrat James B. Hunt Jr. and Republican James G. Martin, serve as honorary chairmen of the board of advisers. The nonpartisan board of directors and board of advisers include more than 70 noted historians, business and community leaders, teachers and university chancellors, museum professionals, and distinguished public servants. The history center is a $65 million project paid for by a private-public partnership that will occupy a 4-acre site on the grounds of the historic Fayetteville Arsenal in many ways the perfect location, for reasons both practical (Interstate 95 is nearby) and symbolic. When Union Gen. William T. Sherman embarked on his Final March through the Carolinas in spring 1865, he set the arsenal squarely in his sights and would leave it in ruins. The arsenal was a factory, employing 4,000 people, that had been seized by the Confederates in 1861. It turned out 10,000 Fayetteville-model rifled muskets and nearly a million paper-wrapped cartridges, along with gun carriages, artillery fuses and ramrods. The arsenal site is now bisected by a four-lane highway N.C. 401, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway. So like North Carolina whose white population was split about evenly between Unionist and Confederate the site itself is divided. A third of the population 330,000 enslaved black persons had no say in the matter. The entrance to the history center will bridge the highway metaphorically connecting present with past and leading the visitor into a hall of stories that explore the many and varied experiences of those who fought and endured the war on the battlefront and the homefront. North Carolina was both. As North Carolina Gov. Zebulon Baird Vance famously remarked, it was a rich mans war but a poor mans fight. One of the enduring paradoxes is that so many farmers and workers who didnt own any slaves fought and died for the benefit of the slave-holding system. Historians tell us that between 30,000 and 35,000 men died of battle wounds or illness during the war. How many civilians died women, children, free blacks, Lumbees, Cherokees, slaves may never be known. Cities and towns were devastated, the economy ruined, and tens of thousands of people faced the loss of everything they had known before. The Civil War was not just an event it was a state of life, after which private and public lives would be irrevocably changed. If we wish to know ourselves, we must understand those Civil War ancestors for we are living in the future that they created, still wrestling with the political and ethical issues that divided them so deeply. In the N.C. Civil War History Center, the present will unite with the past. The individual stories will help us honestly face the complexities of those times, in a place that reminds us of how violent passion can destroy what is beautiful, and how with cooperation, goodwill and perseverance we can reclaim it. NORWALK Norwalk Community College has formed an agreement with Temple University Japan to promote international education and give NCC students the opportunity to study in Tokyo at an accredited American university. The academic partnership provides several benefits to NCC students and graduates including a waiver of the TUJ application fee, early decision admission options, and preferential access to dormitory and home-stay housing in Tokyo. We live in a world in which challenges and opportunities are borderless, said NCC President David L. Levinson, Ph.D. This new study abroad partnership will provide NCC students with a unique academic and cultural experience and the opportunity to live in one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Haiti - Justice : Fighting impunity for past crimes Gathered at a recent symposium in Port-au-Prince on the fight against impunity for past crimes and transitional justice https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22237-haiti-justice-opening-of-the-symposium-against-impunity-for-past-crimes.html 80 experts from Haitian civil society organizations and international experts discussed challenges related to impunity for past crimes and opportunities for truth, justice and reparation for victims. Participants at the symposium noted the challenges of documenting human rights violations, which are essential to establishing the truth and facts, particularly in terms of security for victims and witnesses, as well as access to official archives of the various authoritarian governments. Participants called on the Haitian authorities to guarantee the rights and safety of victims struggling for justice and to facilitate access to official documents from the various epochs of violence. These conditions are essential to the crucial work of establishing facts and responsibilities, and to any work of memory. "Shedding light on past human rights violations contributes to the necessary memory work of a nation. Without an active memory policy, a knowledge and education about the crimes of the authoritarian regimes of the past, citizens can not appropriate their history and contribute to a better present," stressed the International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (FIDH). Participants highlighted the weaknesses of Haitian justice and the persistent impunity for serious human rights violations in Haiti, to assume their responsibilities and to demonstrate by clear actions that justice and the prosecution of perpetrators of serious human rights violations is a real priority. FIDH believes that "Impunity is a real scourge in Haiti. The authorities must reverse the trend and demonstrate political will to ensure strong, independent and impartial justice in the country. No one is above the law, this principle must become a reality so that the crimes of the past are not repeated." See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22237-haiti-justice-opening-of-the-symposium-against-impunity-for-past-crimes.html HL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2017/10/08 | Source Foreigners from different part of the world are curious about different things about Korea, a report on search terms by the Korea Tourism Organization suggests. Advertisement The KTO looked at major search engines in eight language groups over the last year, including Google for English and German, Baidu for Chinese, and Yahoo for Japanese. It found that kimchi was the most searched Korea-related keyword in the English- and German-speaking world, the demilitarized zone and trendy Sinchon in Seoul on Chinese sites, and K-pop in Japanese search engines. Korean TV dramas and Seoul were other popular searched keywords in the English-speaking world, and K-pop, Korean dramas and Korean language were popular in Japan. In simplified Chinese, which is used in mainland China, Sinchon, the Cheonggye Stream and Seoul N-Tower were most searched. While in traditional Chinese, which is used in Hong Kong and Taiwan, Busan and Seoul were searched a lot. German tourists seem to be mainly interested in Korean food, as kimchi and bibimbap were searched the most, while on French and Spanish sites taekwondo and K-pop were popular. Published on 2017/10/08 | Source Budget carriers are seeing an explosive growth in passengers as they expand flights to Japan and Southeast Asia. Advertisement There are six budget airlines in Korea -- Air Busan, Air Seoul, Eastar Jet, Jeju Air, Jin Air and T'way Airlines -- and according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, 9.31 million out of 25.1 million passengers who flew on Korean carriers in the first half of this year used them. That boils down to one in three. Budget carriers already surpassed the international flight passenger load of flagship carrier Korean Air (9.25 million). In the first half, Korean Air's and Asiana Airlines' international flight passengers dwindled 3.2 percent, while low-cost airlines' surged 49.1 percent. Over the last decade, budget carriers have expanded international flights from Japan and China to Southeast Asia and Oceania. In 2015 they started flights to Hawaii and last year to Australia. They also fly to regional airports that flag carriers have traditionally shunned due to the costs. Back in 2008, budget airlines accounted for only 0.05 percent of international flights offered by Korea carriers, and now that has risen to 27.5 percent. Jeju Air said lower prices encourage a growing number of Koreans to travel overseas frequently for short vacations. Provincial governments are trying to join the bandwagon by creating their own carriers. Yangyang in Gangwon Province, Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province and Gimhae in South Gyeongsang Province, Daegu, Cheongju in North Chuncheong Province are seeking licenses to launch their own budget airlines. By Vasia Orion | Published on 2017/10/07 Chuseok is always a slow news season, but Dramaland never remains quiet for long. The past week has been packed with news despite the holidays and the week ahead marks the premiere of many dramas. Today I talk about my personal picks and provide you with goodies from the fine selection of said dramas, which cover all manner of taste. Advertisement My Body is Ready My shows are finally starting. I am officially covering "Mad Dog" and "Black", assuming those will be available for English-speaking audiences. The subtitling situation is as grim as Mr. Black himself lately. "Mad Dog" has released a short opening credit teaser as well as a solid fuller one and new stills. "Black" continues to impress with its atmosphere through a dark teaser followed by a shorter variation. Can it be next week already? I need these. New Week Romance It feels like every drama is opening this week, so here are the romantic ones you can look out for! "Revolutionary Love" has a fresh title, character posters and a teaser as well as a character trailer out for you enjoyment. We have new goodies from "Go Back Couple", a teaser from "Because This Is My First Life" as well as brand new things from "Boy and Girl From the 20th Century". Travel romance "The Package" has a new teaser of its own and a new character trailer. New Week Crime and Punishment If romance is not your thing or if you need some variety, this week has got you covered. "Witch's Court" has released a new teaser and a 5-minute highlight video. I am not sure what to make of the inconsistent tone, but this is nothing new in Dramaland. Heo Sung-tae has joined the series and can also be seen in the promos. If revenge is your poison, "Avengers' Social Club" has some great new shots of its cast and new stills. Upcoming Drama Goodies "Bad Guys Season 2" gets a short and sweet teaser while OCN also brings back some romance with this new teaser for "Melo Holic", a drama about a man who can read minds and a woman with two personalities. "I'm Not a Robot" gets a cast upgrade and Kim Seo-kyung joins "Two Cops". Chuseok may be a slow time for news, but we can still enjoy greetings from many beloved artists, including the cast of "Untouchable". Followed Dramas My main computer could not handle the heat of my fangirling and that is the interpretation I shall go with for why it died on me. While it is being given love and care, I march forward and on to my upcoming shows. Today I give you my preview for "Mad Dog" and my preview for "Black". I hope you enjoy my episode reviews for them. Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings' your company trying to work out the best way to attract talent?A new survey suggests you should consider flexible work practices (83%), health and life insurance (78%), a pension scheme (78%), and business travel (77%), which employees ranked as the most important benefits when theyre considering looking for a new job.Those perks outranked the more traditional options such as a company car allowance (75%) and a share scheme (72%).In particular, the appeal of business travel is attributed to the opportunity it provides to improve their career prospects, according to the survey of 257 regular Australian business executives.Indeed, 48% of executives said travel has helped them progress professionally. An additional 42% believed it helped grow their business network and 41% said it increased important face-to-face time with colleagues, customers and prospects.Becky Cook, vice president, American Express Global Commercial Payments said that not only is business travel something that executives enjoy, but its increasingly becoming a significant part of business growth.Companies shouldnt underestimate the power of meeting face-to-face and the relationships that can be fostered over a handshake instead of a phone call, said Cook.If the opportunity allows and they have annual leave available, business executives should also consider extending their trip by a day or two and taking some personal time to sightsee and unwind.The research also highlighted the importance of maintaining health and wellbeing while travelling. Australian professionals admitted there were factors detrimental to their wellbeing when travelling which included: Not getting enough sleep (42%); Fatigue as a result of being busy or extended working days (38%); Eating too much/differently (30%); Drinking more coffee than usual (30%. A result that was higher than any other market surveyed); Not exercising as much (26%); and, Stress (26%).To overcome the demands of work travel and to boost their wellbeing, many respondents said they build relaxation time into their trips. This included: Sightseeing or participating in local experiences during their free time (35%) Using the hotel gym (30%) Using the hotel spa or a nearby relaxation facility to unwind (29%) JEREMY IRONS officially opened the new Chalgrove and Watlington childrens centre. The actor, who lives in Hill Road, Watlington, cut a ribbon at the First Steps Family Hubs launch ceremony on Friday. The centre, which runs sessions at Watlington Primary School and from a purpose-built building in Chalgrove high street, was at risk of closure after Oxfordshire County Council withdrew its funding of 105,000 a year in April. It was saved by volunteers who received grants from Watlington and Chalgrove parish councils and 30,000 from the county council. Irons, 69, said: Its incredibly important, not only so that children can mix with others from an early age, but for the parents so that they can share worries, look at other children to see how they are doing in comparison and become more confident. They can take some of the strain off being alone in the house with the children and get to know others in the community. Irons, who is married to actress Sinead Cusack, added: When we came to Watlington it was where my wife met other parents and our children met other children and we started becoming part of the community. This is an absolutely essential facility and has to continue it would be disastrous if it closed. If public money cant be found then it must be raised privately and I think thats very tough but its the way of the world at the moment. Hopefully, well be able to continue getting help from public funds as the economy grows stronger. The centre runs stay-and-play play sessions, a songs, rhymes and music group called Tuneful Tuesdays, a toddler group and a creative club offering arts and crafts activities. The new-look centre, which is owned by the county council and Chalgrove Parish Councils has been running since March under manager Lucie Hamilton and playworker Maria Berrell. It can be hired for functions with the proceeds going towards the service. Mrs Hamilton said: Over the past eight months weve been trying to develop our services. We felt that it was important to rebrand the centre in order to have a fresh start and separate it from what it used to be. Were so proud of our little team and extend huge thanks to all the local mums who come in every week. The community is unwaveringly dedicated to the cause and we owe a lot to the parish councils for their contributions. We have grown at least 50 per cent since March. Watlingtons county councillor Steve Harrod said: Its important to have these kinds of services and Im impressed that residents got together and put forward a business plan. Apart from hosting and possible maintenance costs, there are not exactly downsides to having your own website. Even if its just a personal blog it can always become more useful down the line, if you utilize it in the right manner. In other words, more BRISTOL, Tenn. Efforts to rejuvenate the power-generating capability at South Holston Dam have reached the midway point with considerable work remaining. The power house and other areas around the large rock and earth dam are currently a beehive as up to 70 workers address a myriad of tasks at the Tennessee Valley Authority-operated hydroelectric facility. The original 65-year-old hydro turbine used to churn water into electricity has been removed, and all the supporting structure is being reconstructed to accommodate its stainless steel, 45,000-pound replacement. The $30 million overhaul began three years ago with engineering and design. Disassembly began this past spring and is expected to be completed next spring. The project is currently on schedule, according to TVA Senior Project Manager David Rowland. Weve gotten over 60 years of service out of this machine that is pretty incredible if you think about a car or appliance. But at some point you need to rebuild it, and thats where were at, Rowland said. We are putting in a brand-new turbine, all new bearings [and] all new shafts and rebuilding the entire generator. Were doing all of the heavy electrical equipment coming out of the generator over to the switchyard, and were installing a new transformer. The massive 100,000- pound, three-phase transformer was delivered last week. It will replace three smaller units, and the accommodating infrastructure is being replaced. With the new transformer, were rebuilding the system and getting all brand-new gear. All the buswork [electrical conductors] will be all brand-new, Rowland said. Everything was vintage 1950 and has served the valley well. Other components that direct the water, oiling systems for the machinery, electronics, controls to operate the system and protective devices in case of any problem are also being replaced. Were doing everything. This is great for South Holston. It will keep us in position to run this plant for the next 40 or 50 years successfully, Rowland said. Once complete, the system will be capable of generating 49 megawatts of hydroelectric power, which was the dams original capacity. Weve had some limitations with the machine that was recently removed, Matt Allen, plant manager, said. We had some problems with the shaft in the past and been at 40 megawatts, so essentially were gaining nine megawatts, and it will be more efficient so we can use less water to make the same amount of power with todays technology. The work mirrors improvements completed earlier this year at Watauga Dam in Carter County. TVA operates 130 hydro turbines at 30 dams, and South Holston represents the 64th to undergo this makeover. Rowland said TVAs investment in South Holston is expected to pay for itself within three years. Project details The new turbine has been manufactured and is being staged at the plant in Pennsylvania. Reassembly of the unit is near the end of the project, so the time frame is to bring the [new] unit in the spring. We dont have a lot of room to store it here, so the manufacturer is storing it for us, Rowland said. Work is occurring at multiple locations to bring the plant back online, according to Frank Barber, the projects lead construction manager. All our major components are at various vendors or at our shop being either manufactured or refurbished, Barber said. During this interim time, we are doing something called a stator rewind where were putting all brand-new copper wiring inside the stator. In addition to that, were also building a new rotor. Those components are critical to the production of electricity. In addition, the tower near the top of the dam is being sandblasted and will be repainted. That is a safety device, Allen said, in case there is a malfunction in the system. Water from the lake comes down through a penstock [intake structure] into the turbine, but the surge tank is an open hole. If we have water flowing through this turbine and were generating power and for whatever reason something goes wrong, and that generator shuts down, those gates close in a matter of seconds. When that closes, the water is still flowing and that energy has to go somewhere. Basically, it goes up the surge tank and takes the energy out of the water. Otherwise you would rupture penstocks and tear out equipment. Reconstruction Reconstruction is expected to begin early next year, once all the components are completed and returned to the site, Barber said. That is a very complex process because we have to do things to align all the shafts and wicket gates so that it all fits together. We have to align the machine [and] fill it with about 1,500 gallons of oil. A tremendous amount of work has to happen to reassemble it, and then we have extensive testing, Barber said. Once reassembled, the entire rotating mass weighs 150 tons, yet its bearing tolerance is just five-thousandths of an inch, Allen said. The old turbine, which is nearly 12 feet wide, will be displayed near the parking area at the top of the dam. Its concrete pad has already been poured. In the meantime While the dam isnt generating power, it continues to regularly flow water to meet downstream environmental and recreational needs, Allen said. That will continue throughout the rebuilding process, but a structure had to be constructed to keep water from flowing back into the work area. When operating, the Holston Dam facility is operated and monitored remotely, with workers occasionally checking in to perform routine maintenance. Due to the large number of workers and vehicles operating at the site, Holston Dam Road remains closed to the public and will be closed throughout the process. Slathered on bread, nibbled with cheese or served alongside meat dishes, ajvar has for generations filled the shelves of winter pantries - and the rich spreads production is a matter of no little pride. We women all exchange recipes, but everyone thinks theirs is the best, said Vesna Arifovic, 44, in Belgrades Zeleni Venac market, where she sells hundreds of kilogrammes of seasonal red peppers each day. Making ajvar (pronounced eye-var) begins with this juicy fruit, which is roasted and peeled, minced or chopped and simmered with sunflower oil, giving the relish its deep rusty colour. Flavours diverge across the former Yugoslavia: while Macedonians add aubergine to their much-loved ajvar mix, many Serbian devotees stick to salt, sugar and vinegar. There are two kinds of people, the ones who tasted ajvar and the ones who havent been to Serbia yet, declared Serbias tourist board on Twitter in September. Ajvar creation is a labour-intensive rite performed with gusto in kitchens and yards as the leaves begin to turn, although some is now mass-produced throughout the year. Neighbours gather for a tipple of homemade rakija (fruit brandy) before the painstaking task of peeling peppers begins. It seems to me that ajvar and peppers bring people together... this red colour seems to make them happier, said Stevica Markovic in his village near the town of Leskovac, a southern Serbian area famed for its peppers. Bosnian women pack freshly cooked ajvar into glass jars. (AFP) Markovics ajvar has become a source of income: he and his family produce up to 3,000 jars a year from their rural kitchen and sell them for 280 to 550 dinars (2.40 to 4.60 euros) each. He and his wife Suncica sit on low stools by a vat of the warm orange mush, filling and briskly stirring dozens of glass jars. What makes Leskovacs ajvar stand out is the raw material, the pepper that grows in the Leskovac basin. We have 280 sunny days a year, very good land and enough water, said the 44-year-old, who heads a local association of ajvar producers. Homemade Leskovac Ajvar and Macedonian Ajvar are both now registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization in order to protect their brand names. A Slovenian companys bid to patent ajvar in the 1990s sparked outrage in the Balkans, according to media reports. Love of the relish stretches southwest to coastal Montenegro, while the Croatian company Podravka is among the best-known mass manufacturers. The truth is that all the big noise about ajvar started with the idea of food branding in the former Yugoslavia, said Tamara Ognjevic, a specialist in gastronomic heritage and director of the cultural Artis Center in Belgrade. What was once the preserve of households became interesting to the food industry... and everybody -- Macedonians, Bulgarians, Serbs, even Slovenians - in one moment started claiming it was theirs. Ognjevic said that a form of vegetable relish most likely came to the Balkans with the Ottomans, who ruled much of the region for around 500 years and imported New World crops such as peppers. The first known use of the name ajvar was by 19th-century restaurant owners in Belgrade, most of whom were from northern Macedonia, she said. Ajvar is thought to derive from the Turkish word havyar for sturgeon caviar. The name was probably meant to denote a similarly exclusive product, said Ognjevic, given the complex preparation and then-costly ingredients such as sunflower oil. Ajvars modern-day makers are now trying to expand its loyal fan base. Philip Evans, a British resident of Skopje, in 2011 co-founded Pelagonia, a Macedonian food range exporting ajvar to more than a dozen countries, including Britain and France. We felt that this was a product that had never found its place in world food, the 36-year-old said. Look at products like harissa or pesto or hummus for example, theyve really become mainstream food items for people, and we just felt that ajvar really had that potential. A proponent of Macedonias sweet and sun-ripened peppers, Evans is aware of the very, very passionate feelings that ajvar evokes across the Balkans. Everybodys auntie makes the best one, he said. Follow @htlifeandstyle for more To every musician on the face of the planet nothing compares to the thrill of playing live to an audience at an open space. Though albums and records are milestones in their own right, the stretch of road filled with cheers, the dampness of sweaty underarms and vibrations originating from the ground up coupled with a sense of belonging to the moment, every artist prides himself on having played that one memorable performance. But the economy of the gig as the live performance is popularly known has been crumbling in India. Open spaces are at a premium and bars and pubs have taken over as venues with their pre-packaged serving of music as the other offering. At a time like this, the opportunity to not only witness music, but learn of it, at a sizeable historic venue, would sound like a thing of fancy. But this weekend, at the Purana Qila in Delhi, the Asian Music Festival will do just that. Papon will perform at the music festival which is seen as an opportunity to discover the music of Southeast Asia. (Seher.) Being organised in conjunction with the Asean summit that will be held in Delhi in January of 2018, the festival is a rare opportunity to discover, more than anything else, the music of Southeast Asia. Besides headline acts by Indian artists like Papon and Shankar Ehsaan Loy, perhaps the most interesting segment of the festival comprises the various bands that are slated to represent Aseans member countries. And the tableau here is made up as much of musical delicacy as of historical and cultural intrigue. Representing Thailand for example, will be the Asia7, a band that mixes jazz with traditional Thai folk. The measure of tradition can be estimated by the fact that members of Asia7 play on exclusively Thai instruments. Saw Duang is a two-stringed instrument used in traditional Thai music. The sound is produced by the bow made from horsetail hair which goes between the strings made from silk. The bow has to be tilted to switch from one string to another, says Tontrakul Kaewyong, member of the band. The other instrument is the Phin (the Northeast Thai lute) a type of stringed instrument made out of hard timber like that from a jackfruit tree or Siamese rosewood. With instruments so native, it is a bit odd that the band calls itself Asia7. We wanted our music to be Thai in style initially. But we realised soon enough that it was broader, it was really Asia in its language. So we decided on the name Asia, Kaewyong says. In a way the band captures the essence of the festival. Artists from as far as Cambodia and little-explored places like Brunei and Vietnam are coming together on a stage and mixing it up in a multi-lingual and multi-cultural fiesta. Language is something that Raghu Dixit, one of the headline Indian acts at the festival, knows a thing or two about. I have songs in six different languages and at the festival itself, youll hear me sing in four of those! I think in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual society like India, singing in multiple languages is not something unique, its a necessity, Raghu says. Dixit who has most recently composed music for the upcoming Saif Ali Khan starrer Chef, says that there is nothing like the experience of the performance and being able to create it through your own music. I keep telling everyone at my shows, just being able to breathe in thin air and then throw it out as a song, itself is a reward. I absolutely love what I am doing. There is nothing better for me than to wake up every morning and be able to make new music. Members of Asia7, which will represent Thailand in the festival. The band mixes jazz with traditional Thai folk. (Seher.) As far as genres go, there is plenty on offer, from rock through punk to folk. A curious addition in the mix is shoegaze that though immensely popular in the west, is yet to find its footing in India. Shoegazing was a term coined in the late 80s by the British press to refer to bands that performed in a motionless, staid manner. There are many post-rock and shoegaze bands in the Indonesian side-stream scene. Even if its not big, its still pretty popular amongst youngsters these days. There is something adventurous and cinematic in post-rock music. You can see or listen to post-rock music in popular movies, TV drama series and documentaries. We think thats why the music has now emerged as a well-known genre in this country, Herald, vocalist of Indonesian band Lalphalpha said. The key to understanding shoegazing, as Herald puts it, is in the way it assists film and affects our perception of an image(some even call it dreampop) which is why it has become hugely popular when it comes to composing music for indie films and cinema in general. Lalphalpha has also opened for the hugely popular Scottish post-rock band Mogwai. Coordinating a festival of this scale, bringing in artists from Asean countries, and putting together a show at one of the most iconic venues in Delhi takes some doing. It is natural, therefore, that it be done by someone who knows how to strut his stuff. Sanjeev Bhargava, who founded Seher, the group behind the festival, back in 1994, is the man pulling all the strings. God is in the details for me. I am a part of everything that is planned. We have to look at everything from security to the sound. You cannot have ten thousand people at a venue and not have the best sound design available. Even the lighting on the Qila will be curated by a light designer. There is a fine line between putting up a fine show and one that no one will remember, says Bhargava says. If all goes to plan, and in the hands of an experienced man like Bhargava, it should, the Asean festival wont be one to forget. Farhan Akhtar is one of the several actors and members of Hindi film industry to extend support towards Hrithik Roshan in the currently raging battle between him and Kangana Ranaut. Akhtar has written a long open letter defending his friend but without taking his or Ranauts names. In his letter, posted on Facebook on Sunday, he writes about how unfairly Roshan has been judged by the media, who presented only on side of the narrative to their audiences. He also wrote on how different the situation would have been if the genders of both parties were reversed. Read it here: Today I read an open letter written by a man I know about a woman I know, professionally, at best. Although a controversy about them is going around since a while now, to my best knowledge this is the first time this man has expressed his point of view. I am not the authority on who is right or wrong in their situation, thats for the cybercrime officials to figure out, but I do feel certain aspects of the way the events have unfolded need comment. Like anyone who has an iota of objectivity and sense of fairness, I too agree that in our society, more often than not, it is the woman who suffers injustice and repression. It is horrifying but true that in some cases of rape, a section of society has blamed the victim. I have always found this to be unacceptable. 4 years ago, I founded MARD (Men Against Rape & Discrimination) and through the initiative, I have been vocal in my fight against gender related violence and in highlighting cases of discrimination against women and the LGBTI community. Although it is true that in most cases it is a woman that has been wronged, there is a difference between most and all. However few and rare they may be, there have been cases where men have been stalked, harassed and falsely accused. This reality has been accepted by the highest courts of our land. It is in this spirit of objectivity and fairness that today I must speak up. The way this episode has played out with sections of our media is worrisome. Some of our most reputed journalists have, consciously or unconsciously, pushed one side of the narrative WITHOUT having or presenting any evidence to back the claims being made by the woman. Theyve accepted her story at face value. Isnt this discriminating against the other party? For a moment, lets put aside emotion, prejudice, biases, our understandably protective instincts and look at the facts as they exist today. She claims they had an affair lasting 7 years and during that period, they exchanged a number of emails. While he denies ever mailing her, he has filed an official complaint, shared and submitted all necessary information and documents, handed over his personal phone and laptop to the concerned authorities. The woman has not. Apparently, she has avoided, till date, submitting her personal communication devices citing some reason or the other. In some past cases, this lack of cooperation has been deemed to be obstruction of justice. Handing over her phone and computer is not only the right thing to do morally and legally but is also the best possible way for her to prove shes telling the truth. So why refuse or delay? Apparently, he has over a thousand emails from her official email account which are intimate and sexual in their content. She claims not to have written them but alleges that he hacked her account and mailed himself. If they were in a 7 year long mutually agreeable relationship, why would he need to do that? Does it not defy logic? Also, did he reply to any of her emails? As far as we know, No. Not one single time. Pause here and ask yourself.. If a woman was to receive these sort of emails from a man and she claimed harassment, what would your immediate reaction be? Would you have given the man the benefit of doubt by believing him if he said they were in a relationship and she had hacked into his computer and sent herself the mails..? Chances are you wouldnt. Theres more. She posted a picture of them together claiming it was taken during the years of their alleged affair. That picture was proved, beyond doubt, to have been manipulated. The actual image consisted of a group of friends including the mans wife (now ex-wife) standing together in a party. Why were the others intentionally cropped out? She has no messages and no photographs to prove that she was in a 7 year long relationship with this man. Not even a picture of their alleged engagement in Paris, an event which he denies. Furthermore, he has asserted that his passport does not bear any stamp of travel to France during the time she alleges the engagement occurred nor are there any credible witnesses to this event. Dont all these inconsistencies raise questions in your mind about the authenticity of the accusations? So what is the truth? Well, the truth is that WE do not know the truth. The reason I felt the need to say this is that it is apparent that some people have already jumped to conclusions while some are deriving some sort of voyeuristic pleasure by encouraging the woman to carry on speaking. This is being done without a seconds pause to consider the effect her words will have on the person, his family or his children. As great as all of it may be for TRP, its in terrible taste. Until such a time that the matter is brought to its logical conclusion by the authorities, we must avoid vilifying the man on the basis of unsubstantiated statements. That is what we would have done if this story had played the other way around. Thats what we must do given how it is now. Lets not discriminate. Akhtar talked about Kanganas unwillingness to submit her computers and phone to the cyber crime cell for investigation, how she posted a morphed photos of herself with Roshan as a proof of their relationship and how she has next to no evidence of their relationship together. He and Roshan have worked together in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and directed him in Laksya. Roshan shared his first ever statement on the matter on Facebook on Thursday. He wrote that he had never met the lady in question one on one, but shared a strictly professional relationship with her. He also gave a television interview to Arnab Goswami of Republic TV on Saturday, saying that she once showed up to his hotel door in a drunken state. The entire fiasco began in January 2016, when she referred to him as her silly ex, which did not sit too well with him. He retaliated in a tweet, and the two have since then exchanged several legal notices, even more open letters, disclosed intimate details about their alleged affair, and taken the fight to another level. Follow @htshowbiz for more Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh and wife Rukmini Sahay, who got married in February this year, are going to observe their first Karva Chauth today. But, the celebrations arent happening in Mumbai. Why? Well, Neil is in London to shoot for his film Firrkie and Rukmini is already in UK. Therefore, they will spend the day in London. Mom and papa both were hoping that this year, since it is Rukminis first Karva Chauth, she would be with them. But they also understand the kind of profession that we are in, and the amount of travelling it involves. Thankfully, we have Diwali coming up, so we are planning to come back around that time, says Neil. The actor, who flew to London on Friday morning after finishing his shooting schedule for Saaho in Hyderabad, adds, Mom I know is going to miss the entire affair the most because she was really excited about this years Karva Chauth with Rukmini. But she has briefed her about the custom and what all needs to be done. To perform the rituals, Neil has carried all essentials, including food, to London. Rukmini is a bit nervous though. She wants to be correct traditionally and Im sure shell handle it well. Eventually, its the thought behind the festival which is important, says Neil. Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh is shooting for his film Firekee in London, UK. No festival is complete without gifts, and Neil agrees that since it is Rukminis first Karva Chauth, there has to be something special. He says, I have something in mind but I dont like talking of surprises till I am able to execute it. I love pampering her a lot. I know her fetishes and likings, so Ill make sure I indulge her in all those. Pop the question that everyone asks a newly-wed is Neil fasting with Rukmini? Yes, Im fasting with her. Though my wife is good with fasting, I get a little irritable and cranky. To distract ourselves, Ive decided to go out, chill and relax. I dont want her to get tired, he says. Asked if he believes in the ritual of a day-long fast, Neil says, We all believe in it. Eventually, its what you can do for each another. If your emotion is strong, the day goes by. And Ive thought for sargi (the early morning meal to be eaten before the fast), Ill make her feed herself so much that she wont need food for the entire day, Neil quips. Follow @htshowbiz for more As journalist-turned-authors dominated day two of the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival, journalist and prominent TV personality Nidhi Razdans passionate account of home truths from Kashmir won her many hearts. Talking about her book Left, Right and Centre in a conversation with Farukkh Dhondy and moderated by Upinder Singh, daughter of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Nidhi spoke of how the national discourse about her home state was damaging. Kashmiri Pandits suffered and so have Muslims. Both sides have suffered, said the journalist, adding that the discourse on Kashmir has been hurt by what we see on television debates. This has further caused a divide between Kashmiris and the rest of India and among Pandits and Muslims too. Its as if Kashmir belongs to India but Kashmiris dont, Nidhi said. She further elaborated upon how the issue must be seen from all angles a security issue in which Pakistan is waging a proxy war as well as an internal issue where we must reflect why young Kashmiris are taking to the gun. Referring to the national anthem being made compulsory in cinema halls, she said its as though as a country we didnt know our priorities and needed to reflect on the same. The highlight, however, remained, Nidhis critical analysis of the state of media in the country today. Responding to a question from the audience, she said we were engaging in fawning journalism wherein WhatsApp forwards and press releases blindly found space on Page 1 and on TV debate discussions. Its a worrying trend and we need to check facts.... The problem is we arent asking the tough questions from the government, with a very few exceptions to say. However, it didnt take her long to give her peace of mind to another elderly gentleman who blamed the media for only highlighting the negatives. What is the positive spin on a Muslim lynching or a person being murdered for eating beef? Surely, I dont see any positive spin to highlight in this. My job is to report whats happening, not to be positive. Thats it. Sagarika Ghose takes a dig at PM Meanwhile, another journalist-turned-author, Sagarika Ghose, didnt refrain from being vocal about her views about the current government. Elaborating on her book on Indira Gandhi, she stated how Narendra Modi was trying too hard to be Indira Gandhi, but doesnt even have the style she embodied, to which the crowd gasped. I think we worship power. If we talk of demonetisation, it shows irrational use of power. Indira, however, wielded real power, said the author of Indira: Indias most powerful Prime Minister. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON There is magic in poetry. Writer Vikram Seth ensured that the audience felt the same as he interspersed his session with poems on second day of the three-day Khushwant Singh Literary Festival on Saturday. One of Indias finest contemporary poets, Seth started with an acrostic (a poem, word puzzle, or other composition in which certain letters in each line form a word or words) dedicated to his close friend, the late Khushwant Singh, and ended with a poignant poem, Small Things, he wrote on his fathers 90th birthday in 2013. Ill always be a poet. But poetry doesnt keep an audience together. You have to subsidise your poetry, he said, when moderator Ashok Chopra asked him if we have lost the poet to the prose writer in him. A Suitable Girl comes out this year His magnum opus, A Suitable Boy catapulted him into the international fame in 1993. A prose writer was born, who never looked back. But he has often been known to struggle with its sequel, A Suitable Girl that finally comes out this year. Seth also confirmed that its prequel will be made into a television series that will be shot in India with Indian actors playing all the roles. Many say Seth is the next best hope for a Nobel Prize in Literature from India. British writer of Japanese origin, Kazuo Ishiguro, has won the Nobel Prize in Literature 2017. Ishiguro is a fine man. He wouldnt let his head get turned by an award. But success makes you giddy in the beginning. Everyone thinks that you have a connection to Zeus or Indra, so they want your opinion on everything, said Seth. Festivals and success mantra Sipping on red wine, the 65-year-old writer talked about his aversion to literary festivals and launched into a humorous poem he wrote about scorned festival organisers who jealously guarded their turfs. Speaking about his success mantra, Seth said, Try to get inspired and learn to say no. When no doesnt work, go with, Because Im afraid its just not possible and put the phone down. This will help you and enrich your life. No other form of writing Besides prose and poetry, Seth has consciously stayed away from any other form of writing. He has never attempted plays. I dont try to write in different forms just for the sake of it. Years ago, I did write a play, but didnt like it too much when I read it. I have been too intolerant towards my younger self, so I decided to read the play again to find a redeeming quality in it. Sadly, I did not. He professed his love for late afternoon Hindustani classical ragas and his admiration for Khushwant Singhs gravitas. But, at the end he told the audience what he loved about writing. Academia tells you to focus on the theoretical part of literary texts. With a background in economics, I never got the chance to study literature. However, I believe that the plot and the story is the heart of it. I mean, why should I turn a page unless I want to know what comes next? A novelist is basically a gossip who hears things and tells it like it is. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON As soon the flight from Delhi to Ranchi took off, I noticed that two youngsters sitting on the opposite ends of my row were silently gesturing to each other. Doubts began creeping into my mind. Were they using some secret language to communicate? If they were travelling together, they should ideally be seated next to each other: Not on extreme ends of a row of seats. Could it be that they had other accomplices and they were, through the use of gestures, trying to carry out a conspiracy? Discomfiture was writ large on the faces of others seated near them. Oblivious to this discomfort, the youngsters kept on raising and lowering the window shades and fidgeting in their seats. They would occasionally straighten out the tray table only to push it back. Both were wearing identical Pathani suits and sported stubbles. If we were on a flight in a western country, we might have been coerced into making an emergency landing. Large-scale terror attacks and massacres have made the people in Europe and the United States paranoid. Thankfully India is yet to reach that stage. I had forgotten about this experience, which took place a few months ago, but last weeks carnage in Las Vegas has prised out this memory from the dark recesses of my mind. The manner in which a 64-year-old man killed 59 people at a music concert in Las Vegas is frightening. The Islamic State was quick to claim responsibility for carrying out the attack but American authorities have denied it. You may recall that initially the responsibility for the 2013 Boston bombing was similarly not acknowledged because the arrogance of the American government cannot accept that their State apparatus has proved to be a failure so easily. People in United States are saying that the easy availability of firearms in this superpower nation is wreaking havoc on its citizens. That Americans should consider firearm regulation. They themselves provide an answer to the question about how one man could carry out such a big massacre. A crazed murderer similarly gunned down 77 people in Oslo on July 22, 2011. Here you should keep one thing in mind. Had the mass murderer been a Muslim, social media warriors wouldnt have had to work hard to spin imaginary conspiracy theories. A few people have begun to view terrorism through the prism of religion. This tendency points to the bigger danger of social conflict. Whichever way the reality of Vegas turns out, the fact is that the path to social harmony is fraught with dangers these days. We are living with wolves among us, it appears. Whether in the name of religion or owing to individual frustrations they are bent upon taking peoples lives. Intelligence agencies call such people associated with terror groups as lone wolves. But how do you classify mass murderers such as Stephen Paddock, the accused in the Las Vegas massacre? These attacks have set the cat among the pigeons in the West. Western superpowers are in a state of shock. They are the ones who taught people how to lead comfortable lives after the industrial revolution. Then why is the West being targeted, they wonder. They dont know what to do. Distressed governments in Europe and the United States are cutting back on social welfare schemes and raising the budgets for national defence. This can lead to other complications. Already battling with the problems of migration, separatism, economic inequality, social contradictions and numerous other tensions, these bloody massacres have shaken western society to the core and made them jittery. Somebody or the other on a train, bus or aeroplane raises an alarm looking at a Sikh or an Arab. Pilots are forced to make emergency landings even as trains and buses are stopped for security checks. Fanning the fires of anxiety and distrust, the social media have emerged as a dangerous device. Purveyors of terror such as the Daesh and al-Qaeda have capitalised on it in a big way. This terrible pattern was repeated in Las Vegas. Even as the bloodbath continued, social media were abuzz with rumours. The murderer was identified wrongly and baseless stories spread. Even Google search inadvertently played a part in this. This is the flip side of excessive use of technology. In August, when 50 Nobel Prize winners were asked during a survey what will lead to the end of Earth, one of the answers was Facebook. In social media, have we given birth to a demon that has the power to burn everything down? Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief Hindustan letters@hindustantimes.com Elections to the MB (PG) College students union, slated for October 10, have turned out to be a battle between Congresss leader of opposition in the state assembly Indira Hridyesh and BJPs minister of state for higher education Dhan Singh Rawat. Rawat is said to have got the ticket for Kuldeep Kulyal, the ABVP candidate for the college president post. The ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad), BJPs students wing, won the presidents post at DAV PG College in Dehradun in August. The NSUI National Students Union of India, a wing of the Congress, swept elections at MKP PG College in the state capital in the same month. Belonging to Pauri district, Rawat had been active in the Kumaon region as an ABVP activist and a BJP secretary. After assuming power, he has focused on Haldwani. The minister is interested in the elections at the MB (PG) College, the biggest in Kumaon. Rawat reportedly took college principal Jagdish Prasad to task for not cancelling the nomination of NSUI presidential candidate Meemansha Arya. The minister said Arya had failed in the BSc first year examination at the college, taken admission in the same course the next year, and later got a degree, which, he said, violated norms as a person who has failed cannot enroll in a regular degree course. The principal said Aryas case was three years old and she has been awarded degree by the Kumaon University. The ministers stand against Arya brought him in confrontation with Indira Hridyesh, the Haldwani Congress MLA who supports NSUI candidates every year. Indira Hridyesh held a meeting in Haldwani on Saturday evening, urging Congress leaders to pitch in for the NSUI candidates win. Congress leader Sumit Hridyesh, the son of the leader of opposition, said minister Rawat was trying to ensure the ABVP candidates victory. The NSUI will foil his (Rawats) plans and emerge victorious at the college. Efforts to contact the minister failed; his personal assistant said Rawat was busy in department-related matters. Dehradun: A newly formed dance group, led by LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) members, tries to send out a positive image about the community. Doon Dancing Angels, the first-ever LGBT-led dance group of Uttarakhand, staged its first public performance in Dehradun recently to rave reviews. When we were planning our first performance, we were a bit sceptical whether people will like our show or not, or if theyll even turn up to attend it in the first place...Were glad they (audience) proved us wrong, said Anshika, a model-dancer and a found member of the group. The group got an overwhelming support from Doonites at their maiden show. The performance came after Uttarakhands first-ever Garvotsav or Pride Walk was held by the LGBT community in Dehradun in July this year on the lines of those organised in Delhi and Mumbai. The main aim of the group is to send out a positive image while trying to shatter the tag of begging and prostitution which has come to be associated with the LGBT community especially the transgenders, said Ammiy, a postgraduate student and a group member. We want to get the respect and recognition we deserve through this professional (dance) group. Through the group, the members are not only looking forward to showcasing their hidden talent but also earning respect as a professional dance troupe in the country. The group will not only bridge the gap between the mainstream society and the LGBT community but will also give them opportunity to brush shoulders with professional dance groups from around the country, said Tejas, president of Prayojan Kalyan Samiti, a community-based organisation that is facilitating the Doon Dancing Angels group. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Karva Chauth is the day when Hindu women across north and central India wake up before the crack of dawn, dress up in the best traditional outfits, and fast all day long until they get to sight the elusive moon of this day. This routine stays pretty much the same for the women officers of the Delhi Polices PCR vans, who get up early, fulfil all thats required, and slip into their uniforms to take to Delhis streets to patrol and safeguard its citizens. Its a tough day for us, too. We prepare a day in advance, wake up early in the morning, and do all the rituals, just the same. My husband supports me by helping with all the preparations, like cooking food. Once on duty, we are ready at the command of seniors, to work in the sun, rain, or in whatever conditions there are. We have been trained to handle whatever comes our way, says Shakuntala Kumar, head constable, PCR vans, who has been with the Delhi Police for 17 years now. Officers on patrol, usually dont get the luxury of spending time to shop in advance. Karva Chauth is usually a working day for us. We know how it is going to be, so we stay prepared. If we are allowed to leave early, its well and good. Otherwise, we manage accordingly, says Manju, another PCR van constable, who has been with the Delhi Police for about 7 years. Delhi women police patrolling van at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi. (Waseem Gashroo/ HT Photo ) Fortunately, this year, Karva Chauth is on a Sunday, and women officers of various departments have an off. Bhanwari, a constable with Delhi Police for the last three years, says, Due to my long working hours, I usually forget the date. So, my mother-in-law makes sure to phone and remind me a day in advance about the festival. My husband prepares the sargi (early morning meal eaten before the fast begins), and helps me manage other things, so that I can report on time for my duty. The day is, of course, tiring, and its difficult to work in the heat without water. And there have been days when I was on night duty, and I completed my fast while on duty, because I couldnt go back home. But thats part of our job, and we are ready for it. Follow @htTweets for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Mission of Delhi Police charter highlights the need for the force to discharge its duty with integrity, common sense and sound judgment and to act without fear, or favour or prejudice. The station house officer (SHO) and a few of his colleagues forgot these objectives when they hosted controversial godwoman Radhe Maa at a police station in east Delhi on September 28. A photograph of the godwoman who has been accused in at least two cases, including one of dowry harassment sitting on the SHOs chair, along with a video of policemen singing songs/ bhajans with her soon went viral on social media. It is shocking and shameful that the pending criminal cases against Radhe Maa recently, a Mumbai court rejected her application to drop her name from the dowry harassment case did not deter the policemen from allowing her to sit on the SHOs chair. The SHO and one officer have been suspended and four other have been sent to the district lines. The quantum of punishment, once the departmental investigations are over, should be severe to ensure such incidents do not occur in future. The incident has been embarrassing for the Delhi Police. The police must remember that citizens look up to them for upholding law and order. But if policemen are seen in such circumstances, it severely dents citizens confidence in them. But why blame only the police for such unacceptable acts? Most government offices have photographs of gods and goddesses on their walls though the Indian State claims that it is secular. Religion and religious beliefs, which are an individuals personal choice, should have no place in public spaces especially in a government offices, which are accessed by people of all communities and faiths. Democracies must maintain a clear separation of the Church and State. This is necessary to instil confidence in the citizenry that the State will discharge its duties without fear or favour. Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shahs son Jay Shah will file a Rs 100 crore defamation suit against a website, the party said on Sunday after a news report said a company owned by the BJP chiefs son had seen a sharp spike in revenues since May 2014. The report, published in thewire.in, said Shahs company Temple Enterprises Pvt Limited was engaged in negligible activity in the financial years ending March 2013 and 2014 but jumped to a turnover of Rs 80.5 crore in 2015-16. The company had taken an unsecured loan during the year for Rs 15.78 crore, the news report said, adding that it finally wound up in October 2016 after posting a loss. Jay Shah issued a statement saying the article makes false, derogatory and defamatory imputation against me by creating in the minds of right thinking people an impression that my business owes its success to my father Sri Amit Bhai Shahs political position. My businesses are fully legitimate and conducted in a lawful manner on commercial lines which is reflected in my tax records and are through banking transactions, Shah said in his statement which added that he would press criminal and civil defamation charges against the website. The report triggered demands from rival political parties including the Congress, the Left and the Aam Aadmi Party for an investigation into the matter. CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury claimed that it was the latest in a series of cases of corruption under the Modi government. We finally found the only beneficiary of Demonetisation. Its not the RBI, the poor or the farmers. Its the Shah-in-Shah of Demo. Jai Amit, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi tweeted. The BJP fielded Union railway minister Piyush Goyal to rebut the charges made in the report. It is a totally malicious and defamatory article. Jay carries out a fully legitimate and lawful business on commercial lines which are reflected in income tax (filings) and transactions in banks, Goyal said at a press conference at the BJP headquarters on Sunday evening. We thoroughly reject these baseless allegations and the deplorable effort to attribute motives, Goyal said. A new companys profits will always grow There are no charges in the article but only imputation, Goyal said. All loans were fully paid along with interest after deducting tax at source. Jay responded to the authors questionnaire with full transaction details as he had nothing to hide. From the Congress side, former HRD and law minister Kapil Sibal demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi institute an inquiry into the allegations. Sibal later questioned why a union minister was defending a private businessman. Today, we want to ask our Prime Minister what you now think about crony capitalism. Will you direct the CBI to probe? Sibal said. Two days after seven military personnel were killed in a helicopter crash in Tawang, purported images of their bodies being transferred in cardboard boxes surfaced on Sunday, triggering an outrage. This prompted the Army to come out with a tweet saying the wrapping of the bodies with local resources was an aberration and that the fallen soldiers are always given full military honour. Seven young men stepped out into the sunshine yesterday to serve their motherland, India. This is how they came home, tweeted former Northern Army commander Lt Gen (Retd) HS Panag, along with the images of the bodies. Seven young men stepped out into the sunshine yesterday, to serve their motherland. India. This is how they came home. pic.twitter.com/OEKKcyWj0p Lt Gen H S Panag(R) (@rwac48) October 8, 2017 Reacting to the issue, the Armys Additional Directorate General of Public Information tweeted that the carriage of the mortal remains in body bags, wooden boxes and coffins will be ensured. Fallen soldiers (are) always given full military honour. Carriage of mortal remains in body bags, wooden boxes,coffins will be ensured, it said. It said wrapping the bodies in local resources was an aberration. Fallen soldiers always given full military honour. Carriage of mortal remains in body bags, wooden boxes,coffins will be ensured. pic.twitter.com/XSom29pWoF ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) October 8, 2017 The photographs were taken when the bodies were in Guwahati, as per an official. Lt Gen (Retd) Panag said proper military body bags must be used to transport bodies from forward locations until ceremonial coffins were available. Several people on twitter also expressed their anguish after the images surfaced. Five IAF personnel, including two pilots, and two armymen were killed when the Mi-17 V5 chopper crashed on Friday morning in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday slammed the CPI-M government in Kerala over the political killings of BJP-RSS workers in the state, saying it was being done to instil fear among the people and prevent the BJP from expanding in the state. Shah, addressing a Jan Raksha Yatra in the national capital, also alleged that the political killings in Kerala were being carried out on the orders of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Since the CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist) government came to power in Kerala, over 120 BJP workers have been killed. They killed them brutally, Shah said participating in Jan Raksha Yatra from Central Park of Connaught Place to the CPI-M central office in Gole Market. Shah asked when a man can be killed with a bullet why are the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers being hacked into pieces? It is being done because they want to give the message that if any one supports or joins the BJP they would be killed. It is being done to instil fear in the minds of the people to not support the BJP there, he said. Shah was joined by Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari, Vice President and in-charge of Delhi Shyam Jaju, partys national office bearers, MPs, MLAs, MCD leaders, and state office bearers. The BJP president also said that the more Left parties indulge in violence politics the more will the lotus bloom. He said for BJP workers, their party is the ideology and they are not scared of sacrificing for the nation and the party ideology. Remember one thing, the BJP workers wont tolerate many killings of its workers. We wont reply violence with violence as we are not communists but we will spread awareness against political killings, he said. Shah also said that most of the killings happened in the home district of the Kerala chief minister in Kannur. In Kerala, when BJP people are killed no arrest is made...All the murders are being done on the orders of the Chief Minister, he alleged. I want to tell the Communist and Congress who supports their ideology that Communism has ended in the world and the Congress has ended in India, Shah said. And the BJP which started with only 10 party members, is now the worlds biggest party with over 11 crore party workers, he said. Slamming human rights groups for taking out candle marches against the killings of Leftists in the country, Shah said: Violence is violence. And I challenge the champions of human rights who take out protests to condemn the killings of a communist worker why they remain mute when our party workers are killed. Why cannot we see you taking out candle marches for our workers? The selective protests for the communist workers has exposed you people, he said. Shah also urged BJP workers to stand with party workers in Kerala who despite facing multiple difficulties were working hard to expand the party in the state and spread awareness across the country against the political killing in Kerala. He said political killings were visible only in West Bengal, Tripura and Kerala, where the CPI-M has ruled for long. Wherever they have remained in power they have promoted politics based on violence. BJP will face these forces in all the three states, he added. The law ministry has turned down the Election Commissions proposal to disqualify from contesting elections politicians with unpaid dues for government accommodation or for utility services such as telephone, electricity and water supply, officials told HT. At present, candidates are disqualified from contesting elections for conviction in certain criminal offences, corruption and not submitting election expense accounts, which are part of a series of election reforms introduced by the EC over the years. Ministry sources said that implementing the ECs latest proposal, sent in March, would entail amendments to The Representation of the People Act, the legislation which governs elections in India. The EC had sought amending the act and adding a clause for disqualification for being a defaulter of public dues. Ministry officials were of the view that non-payment of dues was not a grave offence but a matter to be dealt with under civil law and should not be included in the list of disqualifications. Also, there was apprehension that agencies issuing clearance certificates could harass prospective candidates depending on their political affiliation. After considering it carefully, we decided not to forward the proposal to the cabinet, said a top ministry official who did not want to be named. The ECs proposal came after the Delhi high court in 2015 asked poll candidates to clear all pending dues. Disposing of a public interest litigation, the HC had asked the EC to ensure that candidates contesting the Lok Sabha and assembly elections furnish a no dues certificate for electricity, water and telephone connections in their accommodation. We have encountered a total lack of will on the part of governmental agencies to whom dues are owed, to recover the same from the politicians and political parties, the court had said. From February last year, the EC began asking for an additional affidavit from candidates pertaining to public service dues. Candidates who have been staying in government provided accommodation are also expected to submit along with their nomination papers a no rent due certificate. When the EC met political parties to discuss the electoral reform in March last year, some parties had raised objections to the proposal. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Washington Ahead of his US visit, Union finance minister Arun Jaitley has said the Congress party is unlikely to substantially expand itself unless it selects its leaders based on calibre and potential, and goes back to its original centrist position. Jaitleys remarks, in his keynote address via video conference -- to the Berkeley India Conference, came less than a month after Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi addressed the students there. In response to a question, Gandhi had said that dynastic politics was a problem in India, but maintained that a large number of people in his party did not have a dynastic background. In his speech at Berkeley, Gandhi had also slammed the politics of polarisation. The union finance minister is scheduled to arrive on nearly a week-long visit to the US tomorrow to interact with the US corporate world in New York and Boston and attend the annual meeting of International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington DC. Responding to questions after delivering his key note address via video conference, Jaitley said Congress party which ruled the country for decades is out of sync with the ground realities and aspirations of India as it exists now. The main challenge before the Congress party is two fold, he said. Historically and conventionally, the Congress occupied the centre space in India, the BJP leader said. They consistently did it through decades and thats how they were the natural party of governance, he observed. In the last few years, if I may say so, this process started in 2004 with the establishment of National Advisory Council and has continued, and today I find that the position that they take on most issues is not the conventional Congress partys centrist positions, he noted. There are ideological agenda that are dictated by the ultra-left and they (Congress) end up being the cheer leaders as far as that is concerned, Jaitley said as he went on to take a dig at the leadership of the Congress party itself. Secondly the partys whole process of leadership creation within the party based on talent and potential and quality of an individual, does not just gel with the rest of aspirational India, he said. Aspirational India tests its leaders very harshly. It is willing to impose a tough criterion on the leadership itself. It is no longer in a mood that it will accept family names or other such marks in order to decide who are the better leaders, he said. So, unless it can go back to being a more structured party which selects its leaders based on calibre and potential and goes back to its original centrist position I do not think it will be able to substantially expand its position, Jaitley said. Disputing the description of a Berkley questioner on rising communal and social tension in the country, Jaitley said India in the past has had a whole legacy of social tension. You have seen social tension, religious tension. I think, we are passing through a phase where India is gradually emerging out of it. What happens is some stray incidents, unfortunate and condemnable. But stray incidents take place even in the United States, said the Union Finance Minister. It (such tensions and incidents disrupting societal harmony) takes place more in the United States than in India. It is just that propagandist in India has a bigger voice in trying to proclaim it all over the world, Jaitley said. India is a far more peaceful place and therefore is the right place to do business, he said. Worried that the ambitious sub regional road connectivity plan pushed by PM Narendra Modi might not take off with Bhutan backing out last year and more recently Bangladesh also expressing its reluctance, India has made a fresh pitch to fast track the BBIN (Bangladesh Bhutan India Nepal) motor vehicle agreement. Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari wrote to external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj last month to take necessary diplomatic interventions to secure the commitment of Bangladesh at the top political level to implement the important agreement for regional connectivity in a phased manner. After Bhutan did not ratify the BBIN pact year following domestic opposition, India had decided to operationalize it with the other two members Bangladesh and Nepal. But Bangladesh has now developed cold feet. It backed out of a meeting called by India in Bangalore last month to finalize the protocol to make the MV agreement operational. The pact will allow seamless movement of passenger and cargo vehicles among the three countries. Gadkari has said that Bangladesh has taken a technical view that the MV agreement has to be ratified by all four countries to make it operational. In his letter to Swaraj, Gadkari said Bangladesh is reluctant to implement the MV agreement in a phased manner without Bhutan. Gadkari said India should secure Bangladesh and Nepals commitment now and Bhutans in due course and ensure that the BBIN agreement signed in Thimpu in 2015 is taken to its logical conclusion. HT had on September 14 reported that Bangladesh has written to India that it cannot attend the meeting to finalize the protocol till such time Bhutan makes its formal stance on the agreement clear. This is the second time that the Indian governments sub regional road connectivity plan has hit a stumbling block. Earlier Pakistan scuppered the SAARC motor vehicle agreement by refusing to come on board. Currently India only has bilateral motor vehicle agreement with Nepal and Bangladesh but a multilateral pact would go a long way in boosting trade in the region. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A devout Christian, YSR Congress Party president YS Jaganmohan Reddy is big on yatras (marches/tours) for political outreach. Add to it his fresh affinity for Hindu temples and seers, sneer his rivals these days. These rivals are convinced Jagans temple runs, which started in the public eye about two years ago, are being engineered with an eye on the Andhra Pradesh assembly elections due in 2019. Jagans supporters, however, insist this is a true representation of his secular credentials. Jagan visited the ashram of Vaishnavaite seer Sri Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swamy on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Tuesday, triggering fresh talk of the move being strategic. After an hour-long meeting with the seer, Jagan tweeted he had gone to seek blessings for his 3,000-km foot march proposed over six months starting November 2. Jagan touched the feet of the Jeeyar Swamy, purportedly annoying Christian believers. By prostrating before Hindu seers, Jagan has proved he is not a true Christian, said former YSR Congress Party MLC Jupudi Prabhakar Rao, associated with various Christian organisations. For him, political gains are more important than his religious beliefs, added Rao, who joined TDP after deserting Jagan. This is not the first instance of Jagan heading to Hindu spiritual gurus. Last year, he went to Rishikesh to perform special prayers in the presence of Visakha Sarada Mutt seer Swamy Swaroopanandendra Saraswati and participate in Vedic rituals. His family members are also going on Hindu pilgrimages. Jagans mother and former MLA, YS Vijayalakshmi, went on a pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar last year. A few months ago, the party started Maha Rudra Sahitha Chandi Yagam at Nagole Our boss will take part in the homam in a week or two, before taking up the padayatra, party secretary A Varaprasad Reddy told HT. Jagan could not be reached for comments. But YSR Congress Party leaders insist there is no political significance to his temple visits. First of all, he is an Indian and has respect towards all religious faiths. What is wrong if Jagan touches the feet of Jeeyar Swamy or performs Yagam? party MLA Alla Ramakrishna Reddy told HT. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Six foreign tourists who had lost their way and were mistaken as braid choppers by locals in the interiors of Kashmirs summer capital Srinagar were rescued by police owing to the intervention of some good Samaritans, police said on Sunday. The six tourists three Australians and one from South Korea, Ireland and England were travelling from Leh to Srinagar in a vehicle and lost their way near the old city on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. Police said that the group was travelling with the help of Google Maps which led them across a link road to city center Lal Chowk. On reaching Kanikachi Lati Mohalla, the vehicle was stopped by a group of locals who, on spotting foreigners in the vehicle, created a hue and cry. It caused a large gathering of people on the spot quickly turning into an unruly mob, said a police spokesman. The situation was saved from turning ugly as some locals intervened to save the holed up group and called the police. With great efforts of the police and some reasonable people, the whole group was rescued, the spokesman said. The tourists were taken to a local hotel and were lodged there comfortably by the police and early in the morning, were seen off to their next destination. Kashmir has seen a number of protests over repeated reports of braid-chopping over the past few weeks. There has been a degree of unease among the women folk owing to the fear of the unknown. Jammu and Kashmir Police has announced a bounty of Rs 6 lakh for anyone providing information about the braid-chopping incidents in the valley fearing that the incidents could be used to spark anti-India sentiments. Special investigation teams and round-the-clock helplines have been set up in every district to probe the incidents. Separatists Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik have called for a shutdown on Monday against braid-chopping incidents in the state. They said it was a well thought out conspiracy and a big challenge for us as dignity of women folk is at stake. Let us convey a message to these miscreants that in no way we will give up our resistance and will pursue the right to self-determination movement , they said in a statement. What does Anita, a slum dweller in Delhi, have in common with Muniya Devi, a villager in Jharkhand? They subsist on two of the governments biggest social welfare schemes the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA, also known as NREGA) respectively. But both face exclusion from these rights guaranteed under law because of Aadhaar. Not because they dont have an Aadhaar card but due to problems stemming from linking it to welfare schemes. Last year, after the passing of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, the government has made Aadhaar compulsory for at least 87 government welfare schemes from pensions and scholarships to fertilizer and LPG subsidy. The main argument is that Aadhaar provides a foolproof mechanism to check fake or ghost beneficiaries, reducing corruption and saving money. Through ground reports, RTI responses and court documents, HT reviewed the impact of this linkage to the schemes which the Centre spends most on the NFSA, which provides subsidised ration to poor households and NREGA, which guarantees employment to rural households for at least 100 days a year. The Missing Link To Getting Food Security In April 2015, Tosif Khan, a fair price shop owner selling subsidised ration under the NFSA received a sleek Point of Sale machine from the Delhi food and civil supplies department. The government was testing new Aadhaar-enabled biometric machines and Khans shop in Chandni Chowk had been selected amongst 42 shops for the pilot project. Through the machines, the beneficiaries would get ration after their biometrics matched with those given for Aadhaar. The government claimed it would automatically weed out ghost or fake beneficiaries. But Khans machine developed a snag and stopped charging about a year later. On September 8, he sent a one-line email to the central districts assistant commissioner of food department, saying, Sir, device mein charging nahi ho rahi hai (Sir, the device is not charging). The reply came the same day. The terse email read: To hum kya karein (So what should we do?). After that Khan went back to using manual entries for providing ration exactly the opposite of what the pilot project was testing. He wasnt the only one to face problems. Another shop-owner (speaking on the condition of anonymity) who runs a fair price shop near the Delhi airport told HT that lack of cellphone network was a perpetual problem in operating the machine. In his case, when the machine developed a fault, the government directed him to the manufacturing company. The company in turn told him that their contract was over and hence they were not responsible. He too, then went back to manual entries. The failure rate of the government pilot was more than 50 per cent of the 42 shops where the machines were tested, only 18 remained till the end. Yet, the Delhi government is about to roll out mandatory use of machines at all fair price shops from November. Delhi Food Commissioner, KR Meena dismissed these as standalone examples. He said there was not enough awareness within the department since the pilot was limited. Last time, our contract with the company was only for a year, so there were maintenance issues with the machines. This time we have a five-year contract with BHEL. They will be required to provide repair work within two hours of any complaint, he said. But the Delhi Rozi Roti Adhikar Abhiyan says that unreliable machines point to a bigger problem people who dont get ration due to biometric failures or mismatch. They estimate that in Delhi about 12 per cent of eligible beneficiaries may have been excluded in one year because of biometric failure. But the state government says they have no data on it. To address the problems posed by the machines tested, the government is banking on more advanced ones. Meena says, With the new machine, if fingerprint biometrics dont match, there will be an iris scan mechanism. If even that doesnt work, then a mobile-based pin system will be used where a one-time password will be sent to the beneficiarys phone number. Slamming this, Anjali Bhardwaj of the Delhi Rozi Roti Adhikar Abhiyan, says reliance on untested technology to curb corruption is misplaced. The pilot of the Delhi government showed several problems including network connectivity, biometric failures and without explaining how these issues have been addressed they are scaling it up. But exclusion is not caused by machine failures alone. Thirty-year-old Anita, living in a slum in south Delhi has spent three years trying to get ration for her autistic son, Nitin. The nine-year-old child did not have an Aadhaar card when Anita applied. She is unable to take up a job as Nitin cannot be left alone. The family depends on the erratic income of her husband who works as a labourer and monthly subsidised food grains. Anita made three trips to an Aadhaar enrolment centre before the child could give his biometrics. He used to get scared of the machine and run away. But after all that effort when the Aadhaar card came, I was told his name still cannot be added to the ration card as the quota was full, says Anita as she tries to hold Nitin in her lap. She was also unable to avail disability benefits for Nitin due to lack of Aadhaar. Several such stories came to light when the Delhi Rozi Roti Adhikar Abhiyan took the government to court in February this year against Aadhaar being made mandatory for ration. The Delhi High Court in September directed the government to start providing ration to Anitas children, along with 40 other affected families. A relieved Anita asks, Gareeb ka khana ek card ki wajah se lekar sarkar ko kya fayda hua? (How has the government benefited by taking food from a poor person because of a card?) (left) (Parwaz Khan/HT PHOTO) Aadhaar: A Hurdle To Getting Employment? Muniya Devi, 23, from Bari village, about 90 km away from Ranchi, gave birth to her third child Lalchand, three months ago. But within a week , she was making a train journey with her husband and children to neighbouring Daltonganj to find work. While she and her husband broke stones at a construction site for ~200 a day, her eldest son looked after the youngest.They stayed there for two months to earn enough to survive the next few. There was no other work in the village, she says quietly. For unlettered and landless families living in remote villages, NREGA work has often been a lifeline. But when that dries up, they must move out. With Lalchand slung on her tiny waist, she shows me her NREGA job card. According to the manual entry on the card, she last worked in December 2012 under the scheme. But it wasnt only the lack of work that was the problem. Muniyas card had been struck off the NREGA list in 2014 and the reason listed was wants to surrender card. Muniya stares perplexedly when I tell her. She has no idea when or how that happened. We are not educated so I dont know all this, she mumbles. James Herenz, of Jharkhand NREGA Watch, alleges that large-scale deletions happened when the state started linking Aadhaar with job cards. To complete 100 per cent seeding of job cards with Aadhaar, those who didnt have Aadhaar were simply struck off the list citing various reasons. Almost two dozen villagers HT met from Bari had their names struck off with no knowledge of it. Total deletions from the village stood at 417. These deletions are important as the Centre has often cited that Aadhaar seeding with NREGA has helped to weed out fake or ghost beneficiaries. But ground reality suggests that many who lost their job cards were eligible for the scheme. In April 2017, it was reported that the government had deleted over 90 lakh fake job cards nationally. Verification involved checking the Aadhaar numbers of beneficiaries. But when economist Jean Dreze filed an RTI with the rural development ministry, only four per cent of the deletions turned out to be fake. Reetika Khera, economics professor at IIT Delhi says, The focus on Aadhaar-linking in NREGA is a diversionary tactic, ignoring real problems such as difficulty in getting work, delayed wages and low wages. For Jharkhand, the RTI numbers show a similar trend. Of the 1.08 lakh deletions, only 2,675 were fake and 13,455 were duplicate. State NREGA commissioner, Siddharth Tripathi admitted that there were problems in the initial seeding exercise. At that time there was no verification, only collection of Aadhaar data. To rectify the problems of the first, the state launched a second drive. Last August, we spent two months linking both Aadhaar and bank accounts to job cards. We helped people who didnt have them to make new ones. Then, we ran a campaign in every ward to verify these, says Tripathi. The new exercise has resulted in deletion of 3.5 lakh cards. However, the department was unable to provide a breakdown of how many of these were fake and how many were deleted for other reasons. Khera thinks the problem lies elsewhere, Aadhaar can reduce identity fraud, but the government has failed to honestly answer whether identity fraud is the disease that ails welfare schemes. Welfare needs Aadhaar like a fish needs a bicycle. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The National Investigation Agency has detained former Jharkhand minister Gopal Krishna Patar in the murder case of rival Ramesh Singh Munda who was shot dead by Maoists nine years ago, NIA sources said on Sunday. The murder of the Janata Dal (United) MLA, said the sources, was the result of unlikeliest of alliances a politician joining hands with Maoists to eliminate a rival and a policeman passing on vital information to the rebels. Patar, better known as Raja Peter, paid Rs 4 crore to the Maoists, who were upset with Munda over his frequent outbursts against them, NIA sources said. Searches are on at three premises in Jharkhand in connection with the case. Soon we will formally arrest Raja Peter, an NIA official told Hindustan Times on Sunday. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity as the investigation was ongoing and he was not authorised to speak to the media. The anti-terrorism probe agency has also detained assistant sub-inspector Sheshnath Singh, who was part of Mundas security detail. A former minister, Munda was shot dead in the Bundu town of his Maoist-hit Tamar constituency on July 9, 2008. Local Maoist leader Kundan Pahan emerged as the main suspect in the attack. A day before he was shot, Munda had lashed out at the Left rebels at a public event. For almost nine years, the investigation barely made progress as Pahan was on the run. The probe picked up pace after he gave himself up to police in May this year. It also helped that Mundas son, Vikas, was the Tamar MLA and his All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) a part of the ruling alliance led by the BJP. After Pahans surrender, Vikas demanded his fathers murder be probed by a central agency. Though my father was shot dead by Maoists but we always had a doubt that his political rivals could be behind the murder,, Vikas told HT. The NIA began the probe in July and questioned Pahan for more than two weeks. During interrogation, Pahan told us he took Rs 4 crore from Raja Peter to assassinate (Rajesh) Munda, the NIA official said. But Peter was not the only one baying for Mundas blood, he said. The rebels also wanted him dead for his anti-Maoist remarks and their central committee had decided to eliminate Munda, the official said. According to Pahan it was Peter who bankrolled the operation, the official said. Pahan was paid the promised Rs 4 crore but instead of handing over the money to his bosses, he kept most of it for himself, the NIA official said. Pahan was not the only one betraying his cause. We suspect that ASI Singh passed information about Ramesh Singh Mundas movement to Pahan, the NIA official said, adding they suspected that Raja Peter put the policeman in touch with Pahan. The NIA officials say Mundas killing benefitted Peter politically. He lost twice to Munda, in the 2000 and 2005 assembly elections. But in the by-election called after Mundas murder, Peter scored a stunning victory in Tamar. He defeated chief minister Shibu Soren, forcing him to resign. He rose to be a minister when BJPs Arjun Munda was the CM between 2010 and 2013. He went on to lead the JD (U) in Jharkhand but switched sides to the BJP ahead of the 2014 state election. The BJP, however, decided to give Tamar constituency to AJSU, which fielded Vikas Munda. Raja Peter fought as an Independent but lost to Vikas. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Assam unit of Bharatiya Janata Party has formally dismissed allegation of corruption against ministers in the Sarbananda Sonowal government, citing lack of evidence. At an emergency meeting of the units office bearers Saturday night, the party concluded that the accusations labeled by party MP Ram Prasad Sharma, while talking to a local TV channel, had no basis. Sharma, a member of Lok Sabha from Tezpur, had told the channel on Wednesday that several ministers in the 16-month-old BJP-led coalition government in Assam take bribes for doling out contracts. The allegations, particularly against minister for irrigation and handloom Ranjit Dutta, whom Sharma accused of taking 10% commission for every contract, had rattled the BJP which had swept to power on the promise of rooting out corruption. Read more: Bribery charges by BJP MP rattle Assam govt, irrigation minister under scanner Sharma, who had made the comments while talking informally to a TV channel, failed to provide any proof of the allegations. Therefore, we dismiss the charge, BJP state unit president Ranjit Das said after the meeting. The meeting also warned Sharma not to make any such statements either in public, to media or at party platforms, without evidence. It was also decided to report the matter to the BJP national president Amit Shah. The chief minister had assured of action if Sharma had given a written complaint with proof to substantiate the allegations against ministers. But he failed to do so, said Das. Sharma had switched off his phones and was not available for comment. A lawyer-turned-politician, Sharma had hit the headlines in the past for his claims of being able to solve the problem of cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir within six months, if he is given the responsibility. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Visiting his hometown Vadnagar for the first time as Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in an emotional address on Sunday said the blessings of Hatkeswar Mahadev (Lord Shiva) have given him strength to digest poison since 2001. (LIVE updates) Bholenath (Lord Shiva) is in Vadnagar, from where my journey started. He is in Kashi too (part of Modis LS constituency), where I have reached now. Bholenath has the power to consume and digest poison. His blessings have given me the strength to digest all the poison that I have received since 2001. No matter who spews venom, I have the strength to serve the motherland, he said addressing a large gathering after winding up his days engagements. Coming back to hometown and receiving such a warm welcome is special. Whatever I am today is due to the values I have learnt on this soil, Modi said. The visit to his birthplace came 16 years after Modi, the then BJP general secretary, on October 7, 2001 returned from Delhi to Gandhinagar to become chief minister of Gujarat. Modi arrived here around 9.30 am to a warm welcome from locals who lined up on either side of roads and lanes showering flowers on the PM who stood on the footboard of his SUV. Modis first stop in the town was his school B N Vidyalaya. He walked some 50 metres to reach the school where he bowed down, touched the ground and put soil tilaks on the forehead. Before returning to his SUV, he shook hands with his old friends and neighbours. His next stop was Hatkeshwar Temple. After offering prayers, he went on to inaugurate Gujarat governments medical college and hospital. This is the first government medical college for north Gujarat, which is the epicenter of the Patidar agitation for reservation in government colleges and jobs. The inauguration by Modi who was accompanied by Patel leaders including former CM Anandiben Patel, deputy CM Nitin Patel and Patidar MLAs from the region is being seen as a move to pacify the community which is up in arms against the BJP government over OBC quota. Pankajbhai Modi, brother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, poses besides the former tea stall of father Damodardas Mulchand Modi, at the railway station in Vadnagar, some 110kms from Ahmedabad. (AFP Photo) Slamming the previous UPA governments for not paying attention to the health sector, he said, The Vajpayee government had formed the health policy. But then came a government for 10 years that hated development. As a result, a new health policy has been formulated by our government after 15 years. Modi said that work is constantly being done to make healthcare affordable for the poor and middle class. We brought prices of stents down. Earlier, the middle class had to spend Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh on treatment of heart-related ailment and stents. Now stent is available to them for 30-40% of the previous prices, he said. The PM also launched the Intensified Mission Indradhanush, which aims to accelerate the full immunization coverage and provide greater focus on urban areas and other pockets of low immunization coverage. Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar has warned that parents who fail to send their wards to schools will be locked up in police stations without food and water. In a video that has gone viral on social media, the Divyangjan empowerment minister is reportedly seen addressing a party gathering and speaking vociferously against those who failed to send their kids to schools. The term divyangjan is used to refer to physically challenged persons. I am going to enact a law of my choice. If wards of poor do not got to school, their parents will be forced to sit in police stations for five days. They will neither be given food nor water, Rajbhar said at Rasda area on Saturday. If you (parents) do not send them (children) to school, you will be picked up by police..Till now your leader, your son, your brother was trying to make you understand. If you do not pay heed, I will continue to make you understand for six months more, he said. Drawing parallels from mythology, the minister said like Lord Rama had to take up arms to build a bridge to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from Ravana after his pleas to the ocean to pave way for him went in vain, stern steps were required against the parents unwilling to send their kids to schools. I am even ready for capital punishment for this, Rajbhar added. As the video stoked a controversy, the minister today stood firm on his statement. I stick to my statement. What wrong am I saying if I am threatening to send them to jail? Why are they not sending children to schools when the government is providing all facilities for education, he asked. On asked whether he had talked to the chief minister regarding the matter, Rajbhar answered in the negative. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday initiated an open dialogue with traders to address their concerns over the Goods and Services Tax (GST), amid criticism over the hasty roll out of the new tax regime. The parleys held a day after the Centre announced a slew of relief measures for traders and reduced tax rates on 27 items. Deputy chief minister Dinesh Sharma in Lucknow and BJP MPs in their constituencies invited representatives of traders bodies over a cup of tea and snacks to explain them various GST provisions and their benefits. Sharma at the jam-packed conference hall of the commercial tax department in the state capital, assured traders they would not be harassed due to the imposition of the GST. He also assured that the state government would forward their suggestions and feedbacks to the GST Council for necessary action. Bringing diesel and petrol under the GST, lowering of tax slabs, tax cut on some goods, relaxation of penalty provisions and simplification of various forms were some of the demands of the traders. Later, talking to media persons, Sharma said the state government welcomed suggestions from the traders. We would put them at the next GST Council meeting and try to ensure that their genuine demands are met, he said. Asked if the state government agreed to traders demand to bring diesel and petrol under the GST regime, he said the state government was neither in favour nor against the demand. It is for the GST Council to take the final call, he stressed. Sharma claimed that the UPs revenue from the commercial tax post GST had gone up 33% compared to what it got under the VAT regime. This, he claimed, was the proof that the states traders believed in doing business honestly if given facilities. Identifying himself as a traders son, Sharma in the meeting also agreed to raise the accident insurance coverage of traders from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. He asked commercial tax commissioner Mukesh Meshram to send a proposal in this regard to the state government. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Rajasthan government will not issue new license for selling pesticides and insecticides if the dealers do not have a diploma in agriculture science. Even existing dealers, barring those who deal only in fertilizers and seeds, will have to acquire a one-year diploma in agricultural extension services for input dealers. The Union ministry of agriculture, cooperation and farmers welfare issued a gazette notification early this year to implement the course. Prior to notification, Rajasthan was probably the first state in northern India to start diploma course. The license of non-eligible dealers will be cancelled after August 2018. There are 14,688 pesticide and 11,300 fertilizer dealers in the state. Director state institute of agriculture management Sheetal Sharma said, We started the diploma course last year, under which nine batches each with 40 dealers participated. Most of the batches have completed the course and the rest will complete it soon. The diploma courses--40 weeks of classroom and eight weeks of field study-- are run on weekends, he said. Out of the course fee of 20,000, a registered dealer has to deposit 10,000 and rest is borne by the state government and the minimum criteria to qualify for course is a Class 10 pass certificate. It is a big concern in Rajasthan as farmers use two or three times more urea in fields than required without consulting the dealers, said Sharma. Through the courses we are trying to develop a group of para-extension workers other than our departmental supervisors. On the response from dealers, he said, Most of the dealers are farmers and knowing new and correct usage of insecticides and pesticides will be an added advantage. Under the course, dealers are taught how to convince farmers to use a new pesticide or insecticide, the quantity to be used and sowing methods to be followed among others, he said. Sharma further said that there will be 26 batches in the current session, which will be increased to 60 next year. The diploma course will be run by the state cooperative department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra and agriculture universities. In July, the director general of the National Institute of Agriculture Extension Management had come to oversee the course and appreciate the work done by state institute of agriculture management, he said. Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Sachin Pilot will not wear Rajasthani safa (turban) until the Congress comes to power in Rajasthan. This is a vow, Pilot says, he took after the drubbing in Lok Sabha elections in Rajasthan. Sometime in August 2014, I took a resolution that I wont wear Rajasthani Safa until Congress forms government again in the state, Pilot told HT during his recently organised Kisan Nyay Padyatra. The assembly elections in Rajasthan are due in 2018 end. After severe defeat of Congress party in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, in which BJP had won all the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan and Congress could not win even a single seat, I felt badly hurt, said Pilot. In the last four years, Pilot has not been seen wearing a Rajasthani turban, for which he has a penchant. Wearing Rajasthani turban is an integral part of the Rajasthani culture, but since taking up the resolution, I have not worn any traditional headgear, Pilot said. If I attend any public, religious or political programme, I just accept pre-tied turban from anyone who gifts me and touch such safa to my head as a mark of respect for the turban and to the person who gifts it to me, but I dont wear it, he added. My resolve is not for any personal gain and it does not mean that I want to acquire any position, but it is my promise to myself for success of Congress in Rajasthan, he further added. The leader claims he is very fast in tying turban and has done so within 7 seconds in the past. Pilot, who comes from the Gujjar community, which considers turban trying as part of its rituals and customs, said, I pray to God that Congress wins next assembly polls and I am able to again wear Rajasthani safa. Rajasthani Safa is a five to eight-metre-long headgear usually worn on auspicious occasions and is a part of the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Eight years ago, Hyder Ali thought his life would be finally lighting up. The West Bengal government had just installed an electricity meter in their house in rural Murshidabad and he thought a power connection would be on its way soon. That day never came. But this month, after waiting for almost a decade, Ali received a bill for Rs 1,520 without having used a single unit of electricity. The tragedy: Though he knew the bill was wrong, he paid the amount in the hope that it would get him an electricity connection. We have already paid the bill amount without using a single unit of power in the hope that the condition of our house and the area will change now, said Ali, a 45-year-old farmer. The meters are now covered with dirt and, in some houses, cobwebs. (HT Photo) Ali is among 30-odd households in the impoverished village of Majhira, about 200 kilometres from state capital Kolkata, who have got electricity bills without a power connection. Five of them say they have already paid the amount. An electricity meter was installed at our house about eight years ago. Thereafter, some poles were installed, but we never got connection. Seven days ago, the electricity office sent me a bill of Rs 2,185. But none has ever visited my house to connect the meter with electric pole, said Saira Bibi, a resident of the village. The meters are now covered with dirt and, in some houses, cobwebs. Almost all village residents are farmers and say the biggest menace is poisonous snakes, and it becomes a problem to locate the reptiles in the dark in the absence of electricity. Students, too, suffer after sunset. Its a matter of great shame. If anything like this has happened, I shall immediately take action, power minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay told HT on Saturday. Locals said the bills mentioned that villagers would be fined if they delayed payments. All bills were more than Rs 1,000 an exorbitant sum for a village where most households operate just a tubelight and fan, and an average bill hovers around Rs 200. Memsona Bibi, another villager, said, An electric bill of Rs 2,430 was delivered to my house. Anyone can come to my house and see that there is no electricity connection. Still I agreed to pay the money in three phases but electricity department officials refused to take the amount. The villagers say they have repeatedly complained to the local electricity office but to no avail. Mubarak Hossain, the in-charge of the local office of the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company, refused to comment. Tourists visiting Elephanta Caves near Mumbais coast on Sunday found their clothes stained by soot from the fire at Butcher island. A diesel tank at the oil terminal on the island caught fire on Friday after being struck by lightning. Gharapuri island, where the caves are located, is located to the south-east of Butcher island. Sanjay Kumar, 53, originally from Patna, went to the UNESCO world heritage site on a vacation with his family on Sunday. There were small black particles in the air which stuck on to our clothes. There was a strong smell. Air quality experts told HT the soot or ash contains black carbon, which is among the most deadly form of pollutants, and can easily enter the respiratory system, causing health ailments. Researchers said strong winds may have pushed the particles to the surrounding areas. We expect the impact of the fire to show in our readings by Sunday night. However, if it rains, the pollutants will get dispersed, said Gufran Beig, project director, System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research. Black carbon is more dangerous than PM2.5 (particulate matter of the size less than 2.5 microns) and can be extremely harmful for children and senior citizens. Doctors said the area needs to be cordoned off. Tourists who have been exposed to the soot and are experiencing breathlessness, need to visit their nearest physician for a check-up, said Dr Sanjeev Mehta, pulmonologist, Lilavati Hospital in Bandra. Tasneem Mehta, former vice-chairman, INTACH, who prepared the management plan for Elephanta, said the Archeological Society of India (ASI) and the state government were told about the environmental concern as early as 2000. We had suggested that any kind of development in the area should be curtailed or at least be limited. The soot can only be removed through scientific means and ASI needs to look into it as the caves are carved out of limestone, she said. Experts pointed out that even marine life could get affected. The chances of dilution of black carbon are less and it can easily get stuck in the gills of marine species or get consumed once it settles at the bottom of the sea shore, said E Vivekanandan, scientist, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Following a diktat from the central government to reduce state taxes on petrol and diesel, the Maharashtra government slashed the price of petrol by Rs2 and diesel by Re1 a litre from Tuesday midnight. The decision to reduce the surcharge on the value-added tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel was taken by the state cabinet on Tuesday. HT had reported on Monday about the governments decision to slash the surcharge on VAT on petrol and diesel. With the central government slashing excise duty by Rs2 a litre last week and the state governments decision to follow suit, the selling price of petrol will be Rs75.58 a litre in Mumbai. Even after reduction of taxes by Rs4, petrol in Mumbai will remain costliest in the country. The cost of diesel will now be Rs59.55 a litre, which will still be cheaper than in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, but costlier than Karnataka and Goa. With the reduction of Re1 a litre, we now expect the loss of business to neighbouring states to reduce because of a lesser price difference, said an official from the finance department. The decision to reduce VAT will result in a loss of Rs3,067 crore a year Rs940 crore on petrol, Rs1,075 crore on diesel and Rs1,052 crore on central tax. The states estimated revenue from VAT is 20,188 crore in 2017-18 against the earnings of Rs18,253 in previous year. The state government had upped the surcharge on petrol by Rs3 and Rs2 a litre in April and May this year. It had also levied a surcharge of Rs2 a litre on petrol in 2015 to make up for the expenditure on consecutive droughts. We never named the hike in surcharge as a drought cess, it was the nomenclature by the media. In diesel prices, we still are way behind other states in terms of rates. The decision to slash the rates was taken after the central governments request, said Sudhir Mungantiwar, finance minister. The state government levies 25% VAT on petrol in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and 26% in the rest of the state and a surcharge of Rs11 a litre across the state. For diesel, the VAT is 21% in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai and 22% in rest of the state, with a surcharge of Rs2 a litre across the state. The Centre had reduced its excise duty on petrol and diesel on October 4. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday dared his partys ruling ally BJP to resign from the Maharashtra government and face midterm polls. He also slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his campaign for upcoming Gujarat assembly polls. I challenge you (the BJP) to resign from the government and face polls once again. We will show you the might of the Shiv Sena. Even during the (Modi) wave, BJP got votes in the name of Sena, Thackeray said, addressing a local poll rally in Nanded. Nanded-Waghala Municipal Corporation (NWMC) polls are scheduled for October 11. Taking a dig at Modi, Thackeray said people were now forwarding a joke on social media that the prime minister of India may visit India soon, apparently referring to Modis frequent foreign tours. I was watching news on television. Saw the PM campaigning for Gujarat polls that are two-months away. How did he suddenly remember his school today after being in power for three years? Did he not feel like visiting his school ever before? Why just before the polls? he questioned. Modi visited Vadnagar, his birth place in north Gujarat, for the first time since he became prime minister. He also visited his school. The Sena chief further said his father late Bal Thackeray taught him to never tell a lie to people or wear a mask (being a hypocrite) and that he has been following it. You (the PM) are making an announcement that you have given a Diwali gift to the people by slashing GST rates. Come here to Nanded and visit the homes of farmers. You will know if it is Diwali or Diwala (poverty) for them, he said. Modi had on Saturday said Diwali arrived early for the people, a day after the GST Council announced changes in Goods and Servics Tax, slashing rates on more than 25 products and providing relief to small and medium businesses. However, the Sena chief said, Farmers are burdened with debts. Now, like development, even electricity is nowhere to be seen due to a shortage of coal. He also asked how many rich people stood in the queues after demonetisation. Lakhs of people lost their jobs but terrorism did not cease. Farmers lost their money kept in cooperative banks, he said. He asked the gathering if they would vote for a party that ordered lathicharge on women students in Banaras Hindu University in Uttar Pradesh, a BJP-ruled state, when they complained against eve teasing. Thackeray further said that people voted for Nitish Kumar in Bihar for development, despite Modis financial package of Rs 1.25 lakh crore for the state. What Nitish Kumar later did is another issue. Taking a dig at Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, he said that while he may speak of invisible hands supporting the BJP, the Sena voices its criticism openly. We do not know how to hide and work. We openly criticise if something is wrong. Sharad Pawars NCP may continue to remain the invisible hands supporting you, he said. He added that Fadnavis, during the Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation polls, had promised a huge financial package but nobody knew what happened to his promise. This academic year has proven to be one of the toughest ones for class XII students, especially for those planning to appear for competitive examinations in 2018. Be it the decision by Joint Admission Board (JAB) of the Indian Institutes of Technology to conduct Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)-Mains only online from the next year or the decision of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to take the difficulty-level of Common Entrance Test (CET) for engineering admissions on par with JEE. One of the common complaints from students has been the limited time given to adapt to these sudden and radical changes. The admission authority should know that any changes should be applicable only two years after its introduction, so that students get ample time to prepare themselves. We not only prepare for our class XII exams in these two years, but also for the various competitive exams, said Natasha Borges, a class XII student. The decision to do away with the pen-and-paper format for JEE-Mains came in August and took many by surprise. The change was introducted despite popularity of the pen-and-paper format among students. In 2016, hardly 10% of the 13.5 lakh students opted for the online format. My friends and I have been trying our hands on mock tests online and every time we do that, errors creep up due to problems with the internet connection. Since the JEE has gone online, most of us are worried because there have been numerous instances wherein a students answer to questions has not been registered on the site due to technical glitch and nothing can be done after you submit your paper, said Supreeth Baliga, a class XII student of RIMS International Junior College, Andheri. One after another Just when students got their heads around the fact that MH-CET will now be on par with JEE in terms of quality as well as difficulty-level, the state Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) last week released the final syllabus and break-up of marks applicable for MH-CET in May 2018 which includes 20% weightage for Class XI syllabus of state board. JEE is based on CBSE syllabus, whereas CET is based on state board syllabus. How can the two be at the same level when the syllabus itself is different? The DTE authorities have not made this clear, but are expecting us to be prepared for a difficult paper. Thats unfair, said Sejal Shah, another class XII student. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray once again launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. Addressing a rally in Nanded for the upcoming Nanded-Waghala Municipal Corporation elections, Thackeray mocked the recently-launched Saubhagya Yojana that promises power connections to over 40 million families in rural and urban areas by December 2018. They come up with new schemes like Saubhagya Yojana, which promises free power connection to all. Forget the electrification programme, first provide electricity to existing households. There is load-shedding in Maharashtra, Thackeray said. He also took a dig at the PM over the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) development agenda. Along with Vikas (development), Prakash (light) is also missing, he said. He taunted Nationalist Congress Party chief, Sharad Pawar, over his partys invisible support to the BJP-led government in Maharashtra. The invisible hand that supports you (BJP), could be of Sharad Pawar and of Congress. You (NCP) are supporting (the government) from behind the curtain. You only pretend to oppose the government, but we openly oppose the government, said Thackeray. Attacking former chief minister and Congress leader Ashok Chavan over the Adarsh Housing Society scam, Thackeray asked the people why they tolerated such an Adarsh (principled) leader for so long. Thackeray also criticised the Maharashtra government over the delay in the implementation of the farm loan waiver. Thackeray said that since there has been a tremendous delay, loans should be waived up to June 2017 now. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ghaziabad: Ahead of the wedding season, Meerut divisional commissioner has rolled out guidelines for farmhouse owners and for those who book the premises for weddings and other events. Divisional commissioner Dr Prabhat Kumar said farmhouse owners will have to ensure space for parking, bursting crackers is set inside the premises. Wedding processions should also be carried out inside the premises, else farmhouse owners will be held responsible and the farmhouses would be sealed, he said. There should be no celebratory firing and no one should be allowed to play loud music after 10pm. The farmhouses running illegal should be sealed. Farmhouse owners should take an undertaking from those hiring the premises that they will comply with conditions else their bookings will be cancelled, the commissioner said in a statement. Dr Kumar has also instructed the police and the zone administration authorities, comprising Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar districts, to make deploy enough police and traffic personnel so normal traffic is not affected. Such processions create traffic jams and cause inconvenience to other commuters. We will ensure strict compliance of these directions, Ghaziabad district magistrate Ritu Maheshwari said. So far, the Ghaziabad development authority has sealed 43 farmhouses that violated norms. The action comes in wake of a petition filed by environmentalist Sushil Raghav and Akash Vashistha who moved the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and demanded closure of party halls/banquet halls and farmhouses running despite not adhering to norms; they also demanded penal action against officials who have failed to act. Ghaziabad has scores of farmhouses alongside NH-24, Link Road, Sahibabad industrial area and other residential areas. In the wedding season, loud music and traffic snarls from these places become a source daily nuisance for commuters and residents. There is hardly any rule enforcement for the farmhouses as visitors park their vehicles on roadsides and causes huge traffic jams. The playing of music and bursting of fireworks on road is also routine. The directions should be enforced strictly and illegal farmhouses should be sealed before the wedding season, Vashishtha said. Ghaziabad: The body of Squadron Leader S Tiwari, one of the seven military personnel who lost their life in the recent chopper crash in Tawang, was cremated with full honour at the Hindon cremation ground on Sunday. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and officers of the Indian Air Force were also present at the cremation ground in Ghaziabad. Speaking on the sidelines of the Air Force Day function held at Hindon air base in Ghaziabad, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said, Prima facie it appears that the tail rotor of the chopper had come off. It will not be proper for me to say why it came off as a court of inquiry has been ordered to probe the crash. The IAF chief also paid homage to the seven military personnel. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev said that Tiwari died while on duty and in service of the nation. We are proudit is because of these men that our country is safe. He died at a young age and I stand by his family. His father had also served in the air force. I am deeply pained but salute the courage of his family, he said, adding that the irony of his cremation coinciding with the Air Force Day and Karva Chauthwhen wives pray for the long life of their husbandsis not lost on the nation. The family of the deceased officer is from Indirapuram in Ghaziabad but none of the district administration officers or any officer from the district police were present at the cremation ground. The Mi-17 chopper crashed last Friday killing seven military personnel, including five IAF officers and two armymen. The Russia-manufactured helicopter was carrying supplies to a forward post of the Indian army in the mountainous region near the China-India border. The Mi-17 V5 chopper serves as the backbone of the Air Force. Over 150 such helicopters are in service and 48 have been requisitioned. The Mi-17 can carry a substantial payload to higher altitudes and has a powerful engine. A little-known movement for a nuclear weapons-free world won the Nobel Peace Prize last week. The International Campaign to Abolish to Nuclear Weapons, ICAN (nuclearban.org, @nuclearban) is a movement of several hundred organisations and individuals spread over a hundred countries. Its a movement of all the little guys banding together to take on the big bad world of the nuclear armed. Even little guys like me, the lone civil society participant from India at the crucial Geneva debates last summer. It was at Geneva that the resolution to the UN General Assembly was drawn up, that culminated in the Treaty to Prohibit Nuclear Weapons on July 7. Ever since I quit TV news in 2008, an inevitable eye roll would follow when I revealed that I work on nuclear disarmament issues. Usually that would be followed by a commiserating, Oh, zero nukes is a noble goal, but impractical, isnt it? You should try for smaller numbers. The peace Nobel to ICAN has disarmed many such critics. Its a recognition that ridding the world of nuclear weapons is not an idealists fantasy, but a robust action plan. How does it work? When the nuclear armed states are refusing to join the ban treaty, and indeed, the United States is actively discouraging states, how is disarmament possible? The world of nuclear disarmament has changed tremendously from the days when stodgy, Leftist intellectuals formed its backbone. Now it is mainly a young peoples movement, young people who are armed with social media, incredible energy and the willingness to try the impossible, and they are spread across the globe. ICANs women are a tour de force. A cooler set of people would be hard to find. And they have the experience, wisdom and knowledge to back their credentials. In 1996, the International Court of Justice regretted that no explicit law exists in the world prohibiting nuclear weapons. The ban treaty now plugs that hole. It bans all nuclear weapons. The Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) does not do that. It only allows a few states to keep their nuclear weapons while promising to eliminate them eventually. So, the plan is simple. Stigmatise nukes, then eliminate them. Stigmatise, meaning, keeping nukes will be uncool. To stigmatise, you only need a law that prohibits nukes. And that law need not be created by the nuclear armed states. The non-nuclear armed states may not have nukes, but they have the numbers to create that law. ICAN launched a campaign that empowered the weak states to take on the Goliath of the nuclear powers by making them believe that non-nuclear states can lead us to a nuclear weapons-free world. Creating the law first and eliminating after that is true of every disarmament treaty in history. To get such states on board, ICAN chose to campaign on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons. This is where ICAN got a lot of help from key states and organisations. Its key events in Oslo, Nayarit and Vienna over 2013-14 made it clear that the world does not have the capacity to deal with the fallout of a nuclear war. And the fallout would be global and catastrophic, no matter where the conflict happens. Norway first gave ICAN the platform. Mexico gave it momentum on the American continent. Austria rallied 127 states under the Austrian pledge to disarm. The job was now up to ICAN and its campaigners to move the debate out of the moribund Conference on Disarmament in Geneva to the UN General Assembly, and get these states to put their money where their mouth is. Finally, the ban treaty opened for signature on September 20, and is expected to come into force soon. No, nuclear weapons will not be dismantled immediately, but give it time like other treaties. Equally, no nuclear-armed State can indefinitely say that nuclear weapons are necessary for its security. That would violate a new law and would incite proliferation. This is the logic that provoked Kim Jong-un to counter Donald Trumps America. Dont underestimate the small guys. Theyve disarmed the critics. The nukes are next. Vidya Shankar Aiyar is an anti-nuclear weapons activist The views expressed are personal Who is Dalit? The answer, in the not-so-distant-past, was predictable: A starving farmer from the rural hinterlands of India conveniently removed from intelligentsia of urban India a comfortable construction that kept any discussion of caste away from the living rooms of 21st century India. Not anymore. Buoyed by constitutional protections, enterprise and affirmative action, the community now occupies spaces hitherto reserved for dominant castes and transforming what it means to be Dalit: No longer a mute sufferer of caste oppression to be rescued but confident individuals raring to claim their legitimate rights and unwilling to tolerate bias. The recent protests against a rash of attacks on Dalits in Gujarat for sporting a moustache showcases this resilient spirit. Dalit men from across India mobilised on WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook to post selfies of themselves with moustaches to signal their defiance. Though one of the attacks is now under doubt and might be fake, the underlying point made by the protesters is unequivocal that a new generation of Dalits wont be sated in a discourse of caste that views them as passive sufferers. A result of this assertion has been an expansion of the conversation on caste, from basic subsistence to web access, gender, political power and higher education and growing resistance in situating caste in the body of the Dalit body, instead seeing that bias as shaping our lives, economies and social structures. The moustache protests, for example, broke out of the traditional mould of dharnas and rallies and took over a medium that is often crowded by voices from dominant castes. The twirling moustaches and facial hair also underlined the significant but little-understood ways in which caste governs gender, and how any conversation on masculinity is incomplete without probing how endogamy and caste inspire masculine behaviour the oft-used synonyms of Jat, Khsatriya or Rajput to signify virility is a clue to this relationship. In Gujarat, the dominant castes objection was linked to a struggle for power and how visible masculinity was punished to deny that. Caste is about power. The new wave of Dalit protests understand this well and therefore targets the bastions of power: Academia, political representation and culture. From the protests sweeping universities demanding a more equitable culture that goes beyond mere admission to Bhim Armys muscular response to subtle and overt ways of caste governance in western Uttar Pradesh, a new generation of Dalits are taking off from the eighties groundwork of their Dalit panther ancestors. This is a transformative moment because such movements are on their way to expelling the possibility of dominant caste bastions and their markers English-speaking, university-educated, foreign-travelled individuals from good families and effecting an expansion of the caste conversation. So if you asked the question, Who is a Dalit, today, the answer could be as varied as India: The Dalit could be the daughter of a bureaucrat, the topper of the countrys toughest examination, a social media expert, a village headman or a political commentator. A vast majority of them are still poor and lack basic amenities but impoverishment, soiled clothes and broken English are no longer the only reference points to talk about caste. Theyre no longer the labourer who dies 15 minutes into a movie, theyre Newton. dhruba.purkait@hindustantimes.com SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON As part of a nationwide programme, Union minister of state for health and family welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey, on Sunday, launched Intensified Mission Indradhanush, in the state capital with an aim to immunise all children in Bihar against preventable diseases. Inaugurating the special drive for immunisation, the union minister said as per plan, 90% immunisation coverage would be achieved by December 2018. Significantly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Intensified Mission Indradhanush at his hometown, Vadnagar, in Gujarat on Sunday. Initially, 16 districts of the state, which have been affected by the recent floods and where the immunisation coverage is low, have been taken up for the programme. They include Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Lakhisarai, Katihar and Patna (urban). Choubey said the special drive for immunisation would be effectively launched in the entire state from November 7, 2017. The mission has been launched to accelerate the process of immunisation by covering 5% and more children every year with an aim to achieve the target of full coverage by 2020. According to an official data, during the years 2009-2013, the immunisation coverage in the country increased only by 1% every year, which the union ministry of health and family welfare found too low. Hence the Mission Indradhanush was launched. Bihar health minister Mangal Pandey, who was also present at the launching of the Intensified Mission Indradhanush, said his department would put in every effort to make the programme a grand success. Our endeavour is to protect the children from all preventable diseases, he asserted. Pandey, like Chaoubey, said though the programme was formally launched in the state on Sunday, to coincide it with its nationwide opening, it would effectively be implemented in Bihar from November 7. The health minister said the Mission Indradhanush would also help improve the health indicators of Bihar. We will take all such steps, which would make the population of Bihar, especially its children, healthy, he added. As per the scheme, house-to-house survey would be conducted to ensure full immunisation coverage of children. The special drive would be conducted each week of a month, consecutively for four months. Mission Indradhanush would not affect the ongoing routine immunisation, which would continue as per schedule, said a health department official. Lessons derived from the successful execution of the pulse polio programme, which completely eradicated poliomyelitis from Bihar, would be applied in planning and implementation of Intensified Mission Indradhanush, which depicts the seven colours of the rainbow, he added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar said here on Sunday no volume of academic discussion on the pressing need for salvaging environment and nature from the brink of disaster would serve the purpose unless it was matched with a sustained effort to bring about a change in public mentality. Inaugurating a national seminar on Urban Dynamics and Smart City Prospect in Bihar and Jharkhand, organised by The Association of Geographers, the chief minister said unbridled urbanisation, in the name of development, had its own sets of problems. Proper planning should be done to minimise the side effects of environmental interference and human confrontation with nature, he said. The chief minister said birds were nowhere to be seen in several cities of China. In contrast, you can hear the chirping of birds in Patna, which was more like a big village. But danger is lurking here too with damage caused to the environment, by the use of kerosene to adulterate petrol for small profit, he pointed out. It is all about attitude and mentality. Dirt, litter and garbage are strewn on city roads, which remain spick and span for two days during Chath, once the festival is over. What needs to be done to bring about a change in habits, he said and asked expertsto come up with motivational stories to ignite consciousness and encourage an environment friendly approach. Increase in number of electronic gadgets, growing consumption of energy, waste generation and sewerage water were all adding up to precipitate environmental imbalance and the challenge had to met on a priority basis. While scientists and experts maintain that earth was hurtling towards an inevitable destruction in 100 years, I have a feeling that the time was running out faster than imagined, he said. We are ready to consider the opening of a Centre for Geography at Aryabhatt Knowledge University, like the newly established Centre for River Studies, the chief minister said, adding, that the government was making environment protection a key point in its developmental initiative. Chief secretary Anjani Kumar Singh said a majority of the cities of Bihar and Jharkhand were not planned and more like outgrown villages. There had been substantial increase in population, number of vehicles and service providers which, in turn, has contributed to the problem of garbage, pollution and slums, he pointed out. Abha Lakshmi Singh from Aligarh University, in her keynote address, raised a question mark on the concept of smart cities and asked whether it was in a position to fulfil the future needs and aspirations of stakeholders. Will it fulfil the needs of slum dwellers, wishes of elite, resolve disconnect between city development and basic amenities and pass muster of sustainable development, she asked, leaving the question open for discussion. Vice chancellor of Patna University Prof Rash Bihari Singh said that in the midst of challenges posed by increasing population and pollution, the question how to use urban land assumed greater importance than ever. Principal of AN College S P Shahi welcomed the guests, while Purnima Shekhar Singh, convenor of the two-day event, proposed a vote of thanks. Tuntun Jha and LN Ram of AGBJ were also present. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said he has invited Singapores Changi Airport Group to invest in and develop the new International Airport at Purandar. He stressed that the pursuit of mega projects in Pune was his priority. The government-owned company in Singapore, which is managing one of the worlds busiest airports has shown keen interest, he said while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the New Administrative Building of Pune District Collectorate. The same group will also assist the PMRDA (Pune Metropolitan Regional Development Authority) in the planning and development of Punes periphery as the central and state governments were keen on good planning for the region, he said. Talks with the Singapore company firmed up during his visit to the city-state last month when he met Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and also firmed up talks with the Changi Group. I requested them to assist and invest in Punes development, he said. The chief minister expressed satisfaction with the progress on the Smart City project and on the Metro project. The new International Airport at Purandar would be called as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje Pune International Airport Purandar International Airport Named after Chhatrapati Sambhaji, the proposed Airport would be spread over 2,400 hectares. It would be located 20 km from Pune city. The proposed airport will have two airstrips, each with a length of 4 Km. Majority of farmers have agreed to land acquisition. The airport would have six different approach routes. Ring Road will provide connectivity from all corners of the city to this airport. Asked to paint on the theme of animals in the wild versus zoos, an estimated 80% of the children delivered a colourful, sensitive and love-filled verdict in favour of the latter. Deeply concerned, children discounted the freedom afforded by jungles and felt that wildlife was happier in zoos, better looked after and fed, and shielded from such threats as poaching/hunting, tree felling, contamination and other forms of human exploitation. Such an unusual reflection of childrens thoughts --- contrary to presumptive notions of freedoms supreme allure --- came to the fore during a painting competition organised at Chhatbir zoo on October 4 to celebrate Wildlife Week. As many as 168 children (classes 1-8) drawn from 29 tricity schools participated. The budding and creative souls expressed themselves through imaginative blurbs in the paintings such as a peacock declaring to a fellow avian: Such a great life! The zoo is safer than the forest. That same painting had a parallel depiction of a hunter taking aim at a bird in the jungle and the targeted avian declaring wistfully: I wish I was in the zoo. At least I was safe there. The childrens quixotic world view tilts against the broad emphasis of governmental forest and wildlife policies or even those lobbies wanting zoos closed. Innocent kids may not have adequate exposure to the wilderness and their views are shaped by a predominantly negative media that lacks a sense of the bigger picture. However, what cannot be trifled is the childrens purity of sentiment. They are right also, to an extent: vultures are safer in captivity than freedom granted in a contaminated, killer countryside! Hopefully, the wilderness will not be ravaged to such an extent in the decades to come that these paintings prove an unheeded prophecy. SHOOT TO SAVE An Astore markhore shot by Texas hunter, Fred Rich, in 2016, Gilgit-Baltistan, with horns 49.5 inches long. (Courtesy: NATIONAL PARKS OF PAKISTAN) A rich hunter has made a successful bid of $1,00,000 to shoot a near-threatened Astore markhore in Gilgit-Balistan (GB), the high-altitude areas of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This constitutes a record bid for a markhore, the globes largest mountain goat endowed with flaring, corkscrew horns and a loyalty to austere heights and dizzying crags. The markhore is Pakistans national animal and it cannot be hunted by Pakistani nationals. However, a very limited number of trophy hunting permits (four for 2017-18) are issued each year ahead of winter to foreign hunters in designated Community Controlled Hunting Areas (CCHA). Trophy hunting is premised on sustainability, ie, a cream-skimming exercise in synergy with stability and growth of species population. While the record markhore bid is huge, it pales in comparison to the $3,50,000 that American hunter, Corey Knowlton, paid to shoot a critically-endangered Black rhino in Namibia in 2015. As much as 80 per cent of markhore hunting fees are ploughed back into local community for education, health and community development. Wildlife officials of GB stated that community-supported hunting lends economic and conservation/protection incentives to people and curbs poaching, though poaching by the odd official here and there remains a concern. Anchored in local community participation, regulated hunting of endangered species and allied conservation measures have earned support of the WWF-Pakistan and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the latter stating: Markhore are now well-protected and appear to be experiencing a significant recovery (in Gilgit-Baltistan). ACCURSED DHANAS FISH A dead Magur catfish pulled out from polluted Dhanas lake. (PHOTO: SAPNA PANDITA) The presence of heavy metals (HM) in water consumed by humans has health implications such as retardation. Fish muscle can absorb HMs and humans can in turn consume the flesh with similar health implications. The neglected Dhanas lake is heavily polluted via the PGIMER draining laundry wastes/detergents rich in nitrates/phosphates into the waterbody. The Panjab Universitys zoology department conducted a study on Biomagnification of HMs at Dhanas Lake under assistant professor Dr Ravneet Kaur. An ultra-sophisticated instrument, the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer, was deployed to determine HM pollution index for water and HM absorbed in gills, muscles and scales of two snakehead fish (Channa punctatus) specimens from Dhanas lake. Our study found the index was lesser than highest permissible value (which is 100) but yet remained on the higher side at 74.54. HMs found in Dhanas waters were arsenic, chromium, lead, mercury and cadmium. Absorption of HMs in snakehead organs was on the lesser side though mercury and chromium were found in fish muscle. Chromium was found in gills and scales also. Arsenic, cadmium and lead were not present in muscles, Dr Kaur told this writer. A principal reason why snakeheads absorbed lesser HMs could lie in the fact that this species is equipped with accessory air-breathing organs, which filter HMs. However, common and silver carps, rohu and catfish found at Dhanas, and which have suffered from serial mortality as recent as August 20, need to be tested. Carps breathe through gills, lack accessory organs and could be absorbing hazardous amounts of HMs in muscles. Though the study found snakeheads fit for eating, carps are heavily fished from Dhanas and consumed with unknown risks, warned Dr Kaur. The author can be contacted on vjswild1@gmail.com (Views expressed are personal) Actor Dileep, who has been accused of abducting a Malayalam actress, got bail on October 3 after spending 85 days in jail. A fan of his, who was ecstatic that his favourite star is out of jail, took to Facebook to post a message in Malayalam. The post is a threat to anyone who doesnt support Dileep. The essence of the post, according to NewsMinute is, The feminists who spoke against Ettan better know this. Kerala is yet to see the real quotation (referring to contracting to commit crime). If Dileepettan really wants, you will be reduced into a sex clip on the phones of men. It was posted on a page called Losers Media, and the victim, who was abducted in February and was sexually assaulted, took a screenshot and sent it to her friend, Rima Kallingal. Rima then posted a long status about the post on her page and slammed it for being derogatory and sexist. Rimas status, which started off with #Nallavanoppam (With good men) is being shared on social media by people who have used #Avalkkoppam (With her) to show their support for the victim. In her post, Rima wrote, My friend , who was brutally attacked on February 17th , and who is seeing and listening to everything that is happening around her ever since, send me a screenshot of this FB post. (sic) She speaks about how one mans post shouldnt be the cause of women shaming men everywhere and how it is her duty to voice the fact that women should stand up with real men and,in fact, save them. She also pointed out the recent incident of actor Anna Rajan, who was trolled by Mammootty fans. She wrote, Save them from the kind who make Lichi cry on live and bring shame to Mammooty and all the real men out there. From the kind who Post a Facebook message like this and spread the message that Dileep indeed has given the quotation and is capable of much more, when he might actually just want to reflect on his life after 85 days in jail. Here is Rima Kallingals complete post | My friend , who was brutally attacked on February 17th , and who is seeing and listening to everything that is happening around her ever since, send me a screenshot of this FB post. I think I have a duty to tell her that all our men shouldnt be shamed for the acts of a few and that we women should stand with the real men of this state. And it is time we save them. It is time we save our real men from the kind who spew expletives on a woman and make her take down a pulimurugan review and bring shame to Mohanlal and all the real men out there. Save them from the kind who make Lichi cry on live and bring shame to Mammooty and all the real men out there. From the kind who Post a Facebook message like this and spread the message that Dileep indeed has given the quotation and is capable of much more, when he might actually just want to reflect on his life after 85 days in jail. Save our real men and a younger generation from the belief that this is machoism and heroism. Save them from looking like idiots cos they are clubbed with these brainless dimwits. We as a society need to tell my friend and the world that, 100 people who distribute sweets out side the jail and copy paste from fake profiles like cowards are not the real men of our society. These are not the men we want to be friends with, fall in love with, spend our lives with, enjoy a drink with, celebrate with and trust with all our hearts. Can the real men out there please stand up and take a bow #istandwithrealmen Follow @htshowbiz for more. ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Is the feud in the Samajwadi Partys first family on the mend? Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday called on his father and party patron Mulayam Singh to seek his blessings a day after he was re-elected the SP president, an event given a miss by the Yadav senior. Mulayam, said sources, congratulated the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and asked him to consolidate the party torn apart by power struggle in the Yadav clan that pitted the father against the son. Akhilesh, who returned to the state capital Lucknow on Saturday after the partys national convention in Agra, spent an hour at Mulayams residence and briefed him about the proceedings. After the meeting, Akhilesh also tweeted a picture with Mulayam who chose to side with his younger brother, Shivpal, as he unsuccessfully took on Akhilesh for party control in the run-up to the February-March assembly election that saw the BJP oust the SP. Be it Akhilesh, Azam Khan, Ramgopal (Yadav) or Naresh Agarwal, all of them hit out at Shivpal at the SPs state convention in Lucknow on September 23. But, none of the speakers attacked Shivpal at the three-day Agra meet, a party leader told Hindustan Times. Akhilesh invited Mulayam to the Agra meet after he complained that neither he nor Shivpal was called for the Lucknow gathering. Mulayam skipped Agra but he gave Akhilesh his blessings over the phone while Shivpal took to Twitter to congratulate Akhilesh on his re-election. , Shivpal Singh Yadav (@shivpalsinghyad) October 5, 2017 The 77-year-old party founder and patriarch has for the last many weeks blowing hot and cold on Akhilesh. The former wrestler had in a press meet in late September accused Akhilesh of betrayal but didnt part ways, as was widely expected. Mulayam who was likely to float a new outfit after the state convention took a U-turn in the nick of time, the SP leader said. Mulayam, who has been talking about strengthening the party, could make a significant announcement soon, party sources said, without sharing details. Akhilesh, in turn, could make an honourable offer to uncle Shivpal, the sources said. The 44-year-old leader is expected to lead the SP into the 2019 Lok Sabha and the 2022 state elections after the party constitution was amended to give the president an extended five-year term. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON On Saturdays episode of Bigg Boss 11, host Salman Khan chided Zubair Khan for his misbehaviour in the house. Salman refused to let him call him bhai and it was the angriest we have ever seen him. While Zubair seemed to have taken in rather well at the moment, turns out he was severely affected by his words. According to a report in Times of India, Zubair was asked more questions about his true identity by the other contestants after Salman dropped hits during the Weekend Ka War segment that he doesnt really have any connection with Dawood Ibrahims family. .@beingsalmankhan seems to be agitated with Zubair Khan's attitude! Will he forgive him for his behavior? #WeekendKaVaar pic.twitter.com/E8nNv0MFFs COLORS (@ColorsTV) October 7, 2017 Zubair could not take the criticism any longer and consumed several pills in frustration. He was then rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. In just one week, he managed to fight with Arshi Khan and Bandgi Kalra. He called them horrible names and even raised lewd questions about Arshis character. He threatened people in the house with his connection to the underworld and what he could do to them. Salman Khan was his angriest during the episode. When he entered the house, he claimed to be the son-in-law of Haseena Parkar, underworld don Dawood Ibrahims sister. He said his two children were taken away from him by his wife and which is why he had come to the show, to win over his kids. While he gained sympathy of many on the first day, the days that followed changed everything. His bad behaviour and foul mouth made everyone wonder if the part about bringing his children back was indeed true. On Saturdays episode, Salman promised to make a dog of him and called him a nalla don. He reprimanded him to bringing the name of his neighbourhood, Dongri, to shame by his actions. Follow @htshowbiz for more An Indian engineer who had been held hostage for around two months has been rescued by police in Afghanistans Wardak province, media reports said on Sunday. Afghan TV channel Tolo News said a rescue operation was carried out on Saturday. Police said it was their fourth attempt to rescue the engineer. The Indian engineer, who was not named in the report, was working for an electricity infrastructure company on the Turkmenistan power line project when he was abducted by armed men. Pajhwok news agency also tweeted that the Indian engineer was rescued from Wardak province by Afghan police. Hurricane Nate came ashore a sparsely populated area at the mouth of the Mississippi River on Saturday and pelted the central Gulf Coast with wind and rain as the fast-moving storm headed toward the Mississippi coast, where it was expected to make another landfall and threatened to inundate homes and businesses. Nate was expected to pass to the east of New Orleans, sparing the city its most ferocious winds and storm surge. And its quick speed lessened the likelihood of prolonged rain that would tax the citys weakened drainage pump system. Still, the city famous for all-night partying was placed under a curfew, effective at 7 p.m., and the streets were not nearly as crowded as they typically are on a Saturday night. Cities along the Mississippi coast such as Gulfport and Biloxi were on high alert. Some beachfront hotels and casinos were evacuated. Rain began falling on the region Saturday and forecasters called for 3 to 6 inches (7 to 15 centimeters) with as much as 10 inches (25 centimeters) in some isolated places. Nate weakened slightly and was a Category 1 storm with maximum winds of 85 mph (137 kph) when it made landfall in a sparsely populated area of Plaquemines (PLAK-uh-minz) Parish. Forecasters had said it was possible that it could strengthen to a Category 2, but that seemed less likely as the night wore on. Tourists run to avoid the rain as strong winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Nate begin to come ashore on October 7, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (AFP Photo) Storm surge threatened low-lying communities in southeast Louisiana, eastward to the Alabama fishing village of Bayou la Batre. If it floods again, this will be it, said Larry Bertron as said as he and his wife prepared to leave their home in the Braithwaite community of vulnerable Plaquemines Parish. The hurricane veterans lost one home to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and left the home they rebuilt after Hurricane Isaac in 2012. Governors in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama declared states of emergency. The three states have been mostly spared during this hectic hurricane season. This is the worst hurricane that has impacted Mississippi since Hurricane Katrina, Mississippi Emergency Management Director Lee Smithson said Saturday. Everyone needs to understand that, that this is a significantly dangerous situation. Officials rescued five people from two sailboats in choppy waters before the storm. One 41-foot sailboat lost its engine in Lake Pontchartrain and two sailors were saved. Another boat hit rocks in the Mississippi Sound and three people had to be plucked from the water. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards urged residents to make final preparations quickly and stressed that Nate will bring the possibility of storm surge reaching up to 11 feet in some coastal areas. Its going to hit and move through our area at a relatively fast rate, limiting the amount of time its going to drop rain, Edwards said. But this is a very dangerous storm nonetheless. This enhanced infrared satellite image made available by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows Hurricane Nate approaching the mouth of the Mississippi River on Saturday, Oct.ober 7, 2017 at 8:15 am. (AP Photo) Streets in low-lying areas of Louisiana were already flooded. Places outside of levee protections were under mandatory evacuation orders and shelters opened there. Some people worried about New Orleans pumping system, which had problems during a heavy thunderstorm on Aug. 5. The deluge exposed system weaknesses - including the failure of some pumps and power-generating turbines - and caused homes and businesses to flood. Repairs have been made but the system remained below maximum pumping capacity. On Alabamas Dauphin Island, water washed over the road Saturday on the islands low-lying west end, said Mayor Jeff Collier. The storm was projected to bring storm surges from seven to 11 feet near the Alabama-Mississippi state line. Some of the biggest impacts could be at the top of funnel-shaped Mobile Bay. The window for preparing is quickly closing, Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hastings said. Florida Gov. Rick Scott warned residents of the Panhandle to prepare for Nates impact. Hurricane Nate is expected to bring life-threatening storm surges, strong winds and tornados that could reach across the Panhandle, Scott said. The evacuations affect roughly 100,000 residents in the western Panhandle. The Pensacola International Airport announced it will close at 6 p.m. Saturday and remain closed on Sunday. However, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport was open Saturday. At 8 p.m. EDT Saturday, Nate was about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River. The storm is expected to quickly weaken as it cuts a path through the Southeast on its way to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, which could see impacts from Nate early next week. Nate killed at least 21 people after strafing Central America. Waterside sections of New Orleans, outside the citys levee system, were under an evacuation order. About 2,000 people were affected. But not everyone was complying. Gabriel Black stayed behind because an 81-year-old neighbor refused to leave. I know it sounds insane, but he has bad legs and he doesnt have anybody who can get to him, Black said. Ahead of Saturday nights curfew, some bars were closed in the French Quarter but music blasted from others. Were down here from Philly and were not going to just stay in our hotel room, said Kelly Howell, who was drinking with friends at The Bourbon Street Drinkery. ___ Associated Press writer Kim Chandler in Alabama and Kevin McGill in New Orleans, and AP photographer Gerald Herbert in Plaquemines Parish, contributed to this report. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his nuclear weapons are a powerful deterrent which guarantee North Koreas sovereignty, state media reported on Sunday, hours after US President Donald Trump said only one thing will work in dealing with the isolated country. Trump did not make clear to what he was referring, but his comments seemed to be a further suggestion that military action was on his mind. In a speech to a meeting of the powerful Central Committee of the ruling Workers Party on Saturday, a day before Trumps most recent comments, state media said Kim had addressed the complicated international situation. North Koreas nuclear weapons are a powerful deterrent firmly safeguarding the peace and security in the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia, Kim said, referring to the protracted nuclear threats of the US imperialists. In recent weeks, North Korea has launched two missiles over Japan and conducted its sixth nuclear test, and may be fast advancing toward its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland. North Korea is preparing to test-launch such a missile, a Russian lawmaker who had just returned from a visit to Pyongyang was quoted as saying on Friday. Donald Trump has previously said the United States would totally destroy North Korea if necessary to protect itself and its allies. The situation proved that North Koreas policy of byungjin, meaning the parallel development of nuclear weapons and the economy was absolutely right, Kim Jong Un said in the speech. The national economy has grown on their strength this year, despite the escalating sanctions, said Kim, referring to UN Security Council resolutions put in place to curb Pyongyangs nuclear and missile programmes. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un attends a meeting of the central committee of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang. (AFP) The meeting also handled some personnel changes inside North Koreas secretive and opaque ruling centre of power, state media said. Kim Jong Uns sister, Kim Yo Jong, was made an alternate member of the politburo - the top decision-making body over which Kim Jong Un presides. Alongside Kim Jong Un himself, the promotion makes Kim Yo Jong the only other millennial member of the influential body. Her promotion indicates the 28-year-old has become a replacement for Kim Jong Uns aunt, Kim Kyong Hee, who had been a key decision maker when former leader Kim Jong Il was alive. It shows that her portfolio and writ is far more substantive than previously believed and it is a further consolidation of the Kim familys power, said Michael Madden, a North Korea expert at Johns Hopkins Universitys 38 North website. In January, the US Treasury blacklisted Kim Yo Jong along with other North Korean officials over severe human rights abuses. Kim Jong Sik and Ri Pyong Chol, two of the three men behind Kims banned rocket programme, were also promoted. North Koreas foreign minister Ri Yong Ho, who named Donald Trump President Evil in a bombastic speech to the U.N. General Assembly last month, was promoted to full vote-carrying member of the politburo. Ri can now be safely identified as one of North Koreas top policy makers, said Madden. Even if he has informal or off the record meetings, Ris interlocutors can be assured that whatever proposals they proffer will be taken directly to the top, he said. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has promoted his sister, Kim Yo Jong, as an alternate member of the politburo the top decision-making body over which he presides. Alongside Kim Jong Un himself, the promotion makes Kim Yo Jong the only other millennial member of the influential body. Her promotion indicates the 28-year-old has become a replacement for Kim Jong Uns aunt, Kim Kyong Hee, who had been a key decision maker when former leader Kim Jong Il was alive. The promotion was announced along with those for dozens of other top officials at a party meeting led by the leader on Saturday. It came as the regime faces growing global pressure to curb its weapons drive following recent nuclear and missile tests. It shows that her portfolio and writ is far more substantive than previously believed and it is a further consolidation of the Kim familys power, said Michael Madden, a North Korea expert at Johns Hopkins Universitys 38 North website. Who is Kim Yo Jong? In January, the US Treasury blacklisted Kim Yo Jong along with other North Korean officials over severe human rights abuses. The sister has frequently been seen accompanying her brother on his field guidance trips and other events and is known to have been involved in the partys propaganda operations. Both were born to the late former ruler Kim Jong-Il and his third partner, former dancer Ko Yong-Hui. The family has ruled North Korea since its creation in 1948. The current ruler came to power after the death of his father in December 2011. The uncle, Jang Song-Thaek, was executed in 2013 for treason and the half-brother Kim Jong-Nam was killed by a toxic nerve agent in a Cold War-style assassination at a Kuala Lumpur airport in February. Kim Yo Jong is the youngest of Kim Jong Ils seven children and Kim Jong Uns younger sister. Her mother Ko Yong Hui was a member of the prestigious Mansudae Art Troupe and was a common-law wife of Kim Jong Ils, Madden told website DW. Kim Yo Jong received private tutoring at home and along with Kim Jong Un attended two schools near Berne, Switzerland, during the 1990s and early 2000s. She later attended university in North Korea and took courses in Western Europe shortly thereafter, he said, according to the report. A Turkish prosecutor has called for jail sentences of up to 15 years on terrorism charges for a group of rights activists including the local head of Amnesty International, Dogan news agency said on Sunday. The detention in July of the activists, who also include a German and Swedish national, deepened tensions between Ankara and European Union leaders who fear that Turkey is sliding towards greater authoritarianism under President Tayyip Erdogan. They were held after attending a workshop on digital security on an island off Istanbul. Eight of them have been held since then, accused of being members of and aiding an armed terrorist organization. Shortly after they were detained Germany said it was reviewing applications for arms projects from Turkey. A minister in Berlin compared Ankaras behaviour over the detention of the activists to the authoritarian former communist East Germany. Chancellor Angela Merkel also said last month that Turkeys 12-year journey to join the European Union should be halted. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said he was very worried about the latest development. The demand for up to 15 years in prison is totally incomprehensible to us and not acceptable, Gabriel said in a statement, adding Berlin had got in touch with the Turkish government about the matter. Among those arrested in July are Amnesty Internationals Turkey director Idil Eser, German citizen Peter Frank Steudtner and Swedish citizen Ali Gharavi. They have now been officially charged by an indictment, the first step in court proceedings. We are doing all we can to bring the jailed German citizens, including Peter Steudtner, back to Germany, said Gabriel. Erdogans government says EU critics of the case, and of the wider crackdown in Turkey following last years failed military coup in which more than 240 people were killed, do not understand the scale of the security challenges facing Turkey. More than 50,000 people have been detained since the failed coup and 150,000 people, including teachers, academics and lawyers, have been suspended from their jobs. JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You should upgrade or use an You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browser U.S. online retailers like Amazon.com stand to gain from the Trump administration's push to throw open the doors for Canadians and Mexicans to buy American goods duty-free. The U.S. is demanding Canada and Mexico raise the threshold at which duties are applied to purchases crossing the border, according to two people with knowledge of a proposal put forward during negotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement. Canadians pay import taxes on purchases from the U.S. above $16, and Mexicans pay duties when they buy more than $50. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate They are a trio of Houston women who like to talk. About the boundaries of the "friend code." About the merits of rappers such as Lil Uzi Vert. About who among them is more like Regina George or Gretchen Weiners - characters from the cultish teen flick "Mean Girls." About, well, anything. These discussions take place inside a townhouse in west Houston. It's where their talks about life, the boundaries of friendship and bedroom politics become public as the basis of "Between Us Girls," a podcast these three women started on a whim and has grown into one of those things characterized as having a life of its own. "I'm so amazed that we did not kill each other," says Michele Roy, one of the podcast's creators. It's a joke, obviously, a nice extension of the "we say what you think" vibe of the podcast. But it's also an indication of what Roy, Danielle Jones and Sharonda Foster have had to put into this endeavor. They've now been through 52 episodes, available at betweenusgirlspodcast.com, after recording a pair of shows every two weeks for a year. In that time, "Between Us Girls" has cultivated an audience of 3,000-4,000 listeners a month and celebrated its first anniversary with a party at Darwin's Pub late last month that was built around a live recording of the podcast - sex talk, real talk, four-letter words and all. More Information 'Between Us Girls' Find the podcast by Houston women at betweenusgirlspodcast.com, but be warned the talk is real, and not always rated PG. See More Collapse It was a celebration but also a showcase of the chemistry that makes "Between Us Girls" so entertaining. The crew raffled off a free bra and a spa treatment, all the while cracking jokes and making off-the-cuff comments that can't be repeated in a family publication. "I think they are awesome and full of spunk," says Misty Williams, an early guest on the show who was at Darwin's to celebrate. She refers to the crew as "Girls who drink wine but don't whine," a characteristic that makes her want to listen to every episode. Part of that growth comes from the trio's desire to monetize the venture, which was formed as a business with its own bank account, the hope to pick up sponsorships and build a subscriber base. And in an increasingly crowded local field of podcasts such as the Whiskey Brothers building a loyal following around comedy, it's key to generate the exposure. To gain that exposure, some of these talks have forced the women to step out of their comfort zones. "I'm not a people person at all," admits Jones, 36, who is originally from Shreveport, La., and works in the oil-and-gas industry. "It's actually kind of interesting that I have put myself full force into this, and I'm forced to interact with people all the time." She's the most soft-spoken of the bunch, a woman who can switch from a fit of giggles to serious tones at what seems like the drop of a hat. But she's also the taskmaster, helping with the entrepreneurial push for the podcast. Each woman has her role, beyond being a conversational catalyst. Roy works the rooms and helps get the word out about the show, hitting any event where they can meet a potential audience, handing out business cards made just for the show. Recent stops included a Black Girls Rock event, networking parties at places such as Clay Lounge and other meet-ups set up by Houston millennial groups. Foster is the fan favorite; she's outspoken, brash and often more hilarious with every sip of wine. She left a job in the energy industry to study cooking arts at Culinary Institute LeNotre. It's her culinary education that she tries to apply to the wine portion of the show in a mix of serious and silly assessments. And it's no secret wine is part why the conversation between the women seems to work. During a recent episode recorded right after Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc across the region, they sipped on a bottle of Concha y Toro purchased from a gas station. Foster mentioned that the thing she liked most about the wine was the devil character on the label. "It's about a real conversation," Jones says before veering into another truth, that the podcast is more than a show geared to women. "It's actually for men more than it is for women. It gives you insight into how women think. It will help you step your game up." It's the chemistry among the three friends, the sarcasm, the sometimes edgy jokes and commentary and especially the TMI moments that keeps ears listening. Another highlight is the confessions people send in - blush-worthy material in most instances that come in through a Google phone account and email set up by Jones. "I don't just want to reach a certain demographic or a certain audience," Foster says. And though her colleagues play out a less confrontational tone, Foster doesn't worry about filters. A tirade peppered with expletives is fair game. "I pride myself on saying the (stuff) that everybody thinks and that you don't want to say. The inner you that wants to cuss the (witch) out in the Acura with one taillight who decides to cut you off." Whether through sheer hustle or genuine word of mouth in the podcast universe, "Between Us Girls" has been getting recognition beyond Houston, recently being named a best mature podcast by the 2017 Podcast Awards and featured by podcast curator Audible in its September Feast feature. "You will get hooked in equal parts by their intelligence, passion, irreverence, humor and emotion," wrote a Guardian review in September. And for Roy, who keeps track of every mention of her show, the ambition remains high. "We want to be 'The View,' like The Bliew, the Black View," Roy says with a smirk. Homeowners in the Canyon Gate neighborhood say they were never told that their homes had been built in the flood pool behind Barker Reservoir, despite warnings in official subdivision maps that they could be subject to "extended controlled inundation." Nor was any mention of the warning made in a series of disclosure statements prepared for investors who purchased tax-exempt bonds that were sold by Canyon Gate's de facto government, Cinco Municipal Utility District 8. Since Cinco MUD 8 first sold bonds in 1996 to reimburse developers for infrastructure costs, none of the bond prospectuses prepared by the MUD's lawyers have referred to the warning, which Fort Bend County officials have included since 1994 in these records: "This subdivision is adjacent to Barker Reservoir and is subject to extended controlled inundation under the management of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers." The only reference to flooding for nine years in the prospectuses, required by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board to protect investors, was one paragraph that said none of Cinco MUD 8's land was within the 100-year flood plain, except for the banks of drainage channels. Subsequent prospectuses, issued from 2005 to 2012, referenced drainage and flood plain studies, but still said nothing about how the neighborhood was right next to Barker Reservoir and could be inundated for long periods of time by the Army Corps of Engineers if it rained long and hard enough. That is exactly what happened during Hurricane Harvey to all 721 homes in Canyon Gate. Coats Rose, a Houston law firm, prepared all of Cinco MUD 8's bond prospectuses. The firm said it wouldn't answer questions about why no reference to the "extended inundation" warning was made unless the MUD's board gave its approval later this month. "Cinco MUD 8 gives all the notification required by state law; notification of flooding or potential flooding would typically be a matter of information for a seller of real property to a purchaser of real property," W. Dickinson Yale, a partner with Coats Rose, said in an email. Hugh Durlam, 40, who works at an engineering firm in Houston, is typical of a Canyon Gate homeowner. "When we purchased our home in Canyon Gate in 2005, I did not know that we were part of the Barker Reservoir," he said. Not on 'risk factors' list Barbara Bisgaier, a former managing director at Public Financial Management, a Philadelphia-based company that provides financial advice to governments around the nation, said Cinco MUD 8 should have disclosed the flood threat in the bond prospectuses, especially since the documents include several "risk factors" that investors should weigh before buying the bonds. "Since they went to the trouble of listing risk factors, it really became incumbent upon them to disclose this potential flooding. Because the bonds are secured by property taxes, theoretically people will be flooded out and they won't be paying their real estate taxes anymore and that goes to the security of the bonds," said Bisgaier, who is retired. Martin J. Luby, an assistant professor of public affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, said it was his "sense" that the threat of inundation from the reservoir should have been included in the bond prospectuses. He said he couldn't definitely say it should have been because he wasn't part of the transactions. "Obviously it's relevant; it seems germane and it seems material, especially in light of what happened with Harvey," said Luby, who works as a financial adviser for the city of Chicago and the Chicago Transit Authority. By contrast, the Willow Fork Drainage District, which works in Canyon Gate on drainage projects because its jurisdiction overlaps with Cinco MUD 8, disclosed the threat of potential flooding when it sold $8.9 million in bonds for construction projects in 1992. Both Willow Fork and Cinco MUD 8 levy property taxes on Canyon Gate homeowners to pay off the bonds they have sold. In the 1992 bond sale, Willow Fork's lawyers from another Houston law firm, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson, disclosed that the drainage district's eastern and southern boundaries were formed by the Barker Reservoir and Barker Dam. The drainage district also noted that in a July 6, 1992, letter, the Fort Bend County Engineering Department "expressed concern about potential flooding of non-government land upstream of the Barker Reservoir" from extreme rainfall. Hundreds of MUDs and other so-called special purpose districts have for years powered explosive growth in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. Developers strongly defend MUDs as key entities in developing formerly rural land, enabling them to build affordable homes for which Texas is known. Lucrative work Some taxpayers' advocates question the transparency and accountability of MUDs and other so-called special purpose districts. These advocates contend that they often remain beholden to developers and are at least partially responsible for escalating local government debt, given their sweeping powers to sell bonds and levy taxes to pay off hose bonds. After several MUD-financed subdivisions flooded, Hurricane Harvey has raised fresh questions about transparency, accountability, and whether developer-created MUDs can effectively represent the interests of homeowners, particularly when it comes to protecting neighborhoods from flooding. The two Houston law firms responsible for disclosure in Canyon Gate, Coates Rose and Allen Boone Humphries Robinson, have turned their expertise in creating and representing MUDs and other districts into highly lucrative law practices. Coats Rose is a major player among law firms representing special purpose districts in Texas. The firm's website says it represents more than 150 of the districts. Allen Boone Humphries Robinson represents 350 such districts, the most in Texas, according to state data. The Chronicle reported last year that ABHR ranked first in campaign contributions among law firms that do special purpose district work, contributing $1.4 million since 2001 to legislators who have sponsored special purpose district bills or served on committees that approve them. ABHR, Coates Rose and other firms specializing in MUDs are typically retained by developers to create the districts, either through legislation or an administrative process before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Developers pick an initial board with "temporary" members. That board then calls for an election to ratify creation of the districts and to obtain authorization for the sale of bonds, with electors typically approving tens, even hundreds of millions, of dollars in potential indebtedness. Mark Mulligan/Mark Mulligan / Houston Chronicle One of the most controversial aspects of MUDs is the use of so-called "rent-a-voters" - individuals paid to live temporarily on land to be developed so that they can vote to authorize creation of a MUD as well as the sale of bonds. They also vote to make the "temporary" board members picked by the developer into newly elected ones. MUD bond sales The state Legislature created Cinco MUD 8 in 1985. Four voters in 1990 authorized the sale of up to $16.5 million in tax-exempt bonds. Because the state did not promptly release public records, it is not clear whether they lived on the land that became Canyon Gate or the other subdivisions in the district; or whether they were "rent-a-voters" hired by the initial developer. Records that were publicly available list the district's initial developer as Cinco Ranch East Development Inc., an affiliate of Houston-based American General Corp. Two American General executives signed subdivision maps for South Park, the subdivision adjacent to Canyon Gate, that bore the "extended inundation" warning. As Canyon Gate was developed in phases, another developer, Land Tejas Development LLC, also was reimbursed for their infrastructure costs with bond dollars borrowed by Cinco MUD 8. Land Tejas signed several subdivision maps. Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle Executives listed in state business records didn't return messages seeking comment or couldn't be reached. Cinco MUD 8's bond prospectuses disclosed several "risk factors" about the sale of the bonds. The 1999 official statement, for example, cited the Y2K problem as a potential risk. But no mention was made of the Fort Bend County warning that the subdivision was "subject to extended controlled inundation " Yale, the Coats Rose attorney who represents Cinco MUD 8, referred questions about the prospectuses to the district's financial adviser, Rathmann & Associates. Craig Rathmann, the firm's managing partner, didn't return messages seeking comment. When the MUD in 1996 sold bonds for the first time, the five-member board consisted of James R. Thompson, a construction manager; Mark Baird, an equity trader for Fidelity Investments; John Bourg, a computer consultant; Jay W. Jones, an account executive with Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., and Jack P. Miller, an engineer. Their occupations were listed in the bond prospectus. Thompson and Jones lived in the district, but Baird, Bourg and Miller owned what are called "developer lots," slivers of land sold by developers that made them eligible to serve on the board. People who run for MUD boards and serve on them are required to either be a qualified voter in the district or own taxable property within its boundaries. Baird is the sole holdover from the 1996 board on the current board. He lives in Houston and still owns a developer's lot. The current board president, Douglas Brewer, is a former sales manager in the pharmaceutical industry and financial adviser for Wells Fargo. The Cinco MUD 8 board meets at noon on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Houston office of Coats Rose on East Greenway Plaza, a 20-mile drive from Canyon Gate. Unaware homebuyers Craig Moseley/Staff J. Robert Hunter, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America, an advocacy group based in Washington, said potential bondholders have the ability to do research and could have found out about the proximity of the reservoir to the homes being built. But he said he couldn't say the same about homeowners. "You can't expect consumers to do due diligence like that," he said. "I don't feel as sorry for the bondholders as I do for Aunt Jane who goes out and buys a house and doesn't know about the risk. It's amazing they built houses in there." Durlam, who lives in Canyon Gate with his wife and two children, said he and his neighbors are scrutinizing whether any title companies have liability for not alerting homebuyers about the subdivision map warning about the adjacent reservoir. He said such warnings should be a separate page among the title documents. "When I bought my house, I had no idea about a reservoir or it being built within the reservoir confines. On the map, it's George Bush Park. If it was George Bush Reservoir Park, that might be more aptly named. We knew it held water, but we didn't know it was the reservoir," he said. Brewer, the Cinco MUD 8 board president, said he didn't learn until recently that the warnings about "extended controlled inundation" by the Army Corps of Engineers was on the Canyon Gate subdivision maps. He said development of the subdivision was completed when he joined the board about 15 years ago. Brewer, 57, moved to Canyon Gate in 2000. Harvey sent water that reached 2 feet high into his home. "We were able to save our closing documents and I've had time to review them. There was nothing in the documents or in the title search about any flood pools or inundation by being at the back of the reservoir," he said. Yale, the attorney for Cinco MUD 8, said he suspects that in the coming year the district's board may consider putting some additional information about flood control on its website. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate "I love her with all my heart." A 17-year-old high school senior was quoted in the Chronicle a few days ago saying those words, not about his mama, not about his grandma, not about his girlfriend. He was talking about his 83-year-old principal at Furr High School, Bertie Simmons. That tells you all you need to know about Simmons, the 5-foot-tall, fist-bumping force of nature who 17 years ago came out of retirement to turn around a gang-ridden school with tough love and boundless devotion to her students. She ended up winning the prestigious Inspiration Award from the College Board in 2011, and just last year, a $10 million grant to reinvent the high school from the XQ Institute, led by Laurene Powell Jobs. Houston ISD officials should be kissing the linoleum tile she walks on. Instead, the respected educator was yanked from her post a little over a week ago and placed on temporary leave for allegedly violating the district's relaxed uniform policy and - wait for it - threatening a student with a bat. "You know I couldn't even pick up a bat," Simmons told me Thursday in an interview. Anyone who knows Simmons knows she doesn't need a bat to maintain order. This is a woman who once negotiated a peace deal with rival gang members on campus and then, as a reward, hauled them up to New York City to see a Broadway play. Simmons said she was confused about the district's abrupt move, sad for her students, buoyed by community support and determined as ever to get back to Furr and her kids, whom she says she misses "something awful." The Sept. 29 memo informing her of her removal, signed by Jorge Arredondo, area superintendent for the east side, also banned Simmons from campus and from contact with students and parents pending an ongoing investigation. "I'm just energized by people doing things that are wrong," she said. "Because I want to make them right." The district said in a statement that it won't elaborate on Simmons' removal "out of respect for the privacy of the individuals involved." Relaxed dress code Simmons, known for her lightning wit and dry humor, said she sometimes jokes about a bat she keeps in her office, but everybody knows she's kidding. Indeed, the 17-year-old quoted saying he loved Simmons, Jordan Davis, described to my colleague Shelby Webb how the principal pulled him aside when his grades slipped and playfully told him: "Don't make me take my earrings off and take you down." The notion that Simmons was removed for thwarting a post-Harvey district policy to relax the student dress code is equally silly. Not only because other principals had done the same thing to maintain order, but because Simmons, like the other principals, had made sure the uniform requirement didn't burden families affected by the storm. Hours before Simmons was removed from her post, she had tried to explain to district officials that she needed her students to be in uniform to keep them safe, she said. "We'd already had some gang activity, two fights," Simmons said. "And their colors, good lord. And tags hanging out of their pocket to show their colors. I knew how quickly this could lead to them taking over. I'd seen it when I first got there." Simmons said she secured donations so that she could provide free uniforms to every student on campus. It's true that Simmons is known for speaking her mind, cutting her own path and at times locking horns with higher-ups, including former Superintendent Terry Grier. I first met Simmons in 2013 when I wrote about how Grier had placed the veteran principal on a growth plan over test scores. 'A heart of gold' Furr, once known as a "dropout factory," has made great strides under Simmons' leadership. Gangs no longer rule the school; the graduation rate topped 90 percent last year. The school meets the state's academic standards, but student performance at the predominantly minority, low-income school lags in reading and writing. Still, Grier didn't hesitate to defend Simmons on Friday when I called for his take on her removal. "There's nobody who can ever question Bertie's love for kids and what she's done to turn that school around," Grier said. Grier said he wasn't familiar with the details of the allegations, but he couldn't imagine Simmons acting inappropriately, even with the toughest students. "The Bertie I know would not do those things," he said. "You never bet your life on much, but Bertie is one of those people - it might be a bet I would take." His "issue" with Simmons through the years was that he didn't feel she pushed her teachers hard enough. When it came to the students, he said he would tell her "loving them is not enough." But he said he always respected her. "She's one of the brightest people I've known, one of the most articulate, and she has a heart of gold when it comes to kids," he said. The reasons the district gave for removing Simmons don't hold water. Perhaps that's why the so-called investigation is dragging into another week - to give more time to dig up something else. There are always shake-ups under new leadership, and the administration of Superintendent Richard Carranza has been no different. Simmons told me she likes Carranza and has supported him throughout his first year. Last year, he praised her at a community meeting for bringing pride back to Furr when others had written it off, even calling the campus "Bertie Simmons High School." Respect is owed At this point, we can only speculate about the real motivations for her removal. This much is clear: The way Carranza's administration has treated Simmons - a revered educator who has sacrificed her retirement to help underprivileged students - is shameful. "I don't have to be out there. You know that," Simmons told me. "I'm 83. But I care too much about those kids and I want them to be successful." The kids at Furr know she loves them, and they love her. She commands respect because she gives it. Respect is the least district officials owe Simmons. Whoever instigated this investigation - be it a member of Carranza's administration or an elected board member - needs to produce some real evidence of wrongdoing or let Simmons get back to work. She's got a school to reinvent. She's got young lives to save. Either help her, or get the hell out of her way. Like many high schoolers before her, India Landry found herself in the principal's office Monday morning. The 17-year-old senior at Windfern High School wasn't feeling well and texted her mother, Kizzy Landry, to pick her up. India's first period English teacher tried to confiscate the phone since its use violated class policy. India refused to give it to her and was sent to see Principal Martha Strother. While she was in the front office, Strother and other administrators stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. India remained seated, just like she has done around 200 other times at Windfern. "I don't want to stand for something that doesn't represent what I'm going through," she said. The teen said she was given five minutes to leave the school. "The principal said, 'Stand up or you're out of here,' " India said, adding that she was told that if she didn't leave campus quickly, she would be escorted off campus by police. Legally protected The Landry family filed suit against Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and Strother in federal court Saturday, retaining civil rights lawyer Randall Kallinen and citing the violation of the girl's First Amendment rights. "They just assumed it was about race," Landry said. "The assistant principal told her, 'All the other African-Americans are standing, so you should stand too.' " A statement released by Cy-Fair ISD said no student would be removed from campus for refusing to stand for the Pledge, and that the matter would be dealt with internally. No additional details were available from the school or district. West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, a 1943 Supreme Court case cited in the lawsuit, protects students from being forced to salute the flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance in public school. "This is not legal," University of Houston Law Center assistant professor Emily Berman said. "There are a lot of constitutional questions that raise difficult or ambiguous responses, but this is very clearly not legal." Besides the inconvenience and embarrassment of being kicked out of school, Landry said, the temporary expulsion could have long-term effects on India's academic standing. India transferred to Windfern, an alternative "campus of choice," after falling behind at Cypress Springs High School. As such, it's easy to fall behind at the school, she said. 'This is not right' In the week of classes she wasn't allowed to attend, India missed a major grade in English, a test in algebra and, Kallinen said, the four absences she accrued may have put her at risk of not being able to graduate on time in June. "She was damaged. You can't just throw people out of school," Kallinen said. "I don't know yet if she'll be held back." Kallinen said Landry and her daughter are seeking an undisclosed amount in damages for mental anguish. More than anything though, Landry said she wants to raise awareness of students' First Amendment rights being violated. The lawsuit was a last resort, she said, once the administration refused to correct their mistake. "This is not right," Landry said. "I don't want other children to be treated like this." In a meeting with the principal Thursday, Strother allegedly cited previous problems with the teenager - attendance issues, credit shortages and low grades - as underlying issues for her expulsion. "I thought, 'Where is all this coming from?' " Landry said. "They never had a problem up until now." After India agreed to improve her performance, Strother told Landry the teenager would not be allowed to return unless she stood for the Pledge. Decision reversed After a television station ran the story, Landry said the administration changed its decision, allowing India to return to school on Monday with a signed note from her mother saying it was OK for her to remain seated during the pledge. But, the senior said she's uneasy with the thought of returning to a campus that treated her so crudely. "I'm scared of being mistreated now by the administration because of what happened," India said. Strother and assistant principal Penny Irwin-Fitt did not respond to a request for comment. Fernando Ramirez contributed to this report. SIMONTON - Sharon Galavitz knew the moment she drove up to the house that she had to have it. Here, 40 miles west of Houston, she could hear the birds and see the stars. She could own a horse. She didn't care that the Brazos River would take her home piece by piece first the driveway, then the fence, then whole sections of her yard. "I loved the property," said Galavitz, a longtime Realtor. "When it's time for this place to go, it'll just go." Galavitz stands little chance of stopping the mighty Brazos. Over thousands of years, the dynamic river has shifted its path by miles, carving a course of destruction that in recent decades has taken down roadways, backyards and houses. Hurricane Harvey only made things worse. Swollen by torrential rains, the Brazos threatened hundreds of homes even whole towns and subdivisions in Fort Bend and Brazoria counties, changing its path once again. "The river is a monster," said Mark Vogler, drainage district manager for Fort Bend County. "It takes a great deal of time and money to contain it." A house that had teetered on the river's edge fell partially over the bank. Massive trees slipped down the cliffs. Bridges, roadways and rail lines took yet another beating. Harvey added at least another $1 million to the $20 million or more in repairs already designated to protect the local infrastructure. "That's one of the problems that you have with the Brazos River: it's going to try and move," Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert said. The river, most everyone agrees, does what it wants. River's bend One of Texas' major waterways, the Brazos River begins officially near Abilene then runs southeast past Waco, College Station and Hempstead on its way to the Gulf of Mexico. Fort Bend County comes near the river's end. The waterway is part of the fabric of the fast-growing area, home to about 740,000 residents. Places ranging from gas stations to dentist offices to strip centers invoke the river's name. People explain locations by the side of the river on which they fall. To the east, development is more dense. To the west, towns remain havens to those who prefer country life, such as Galavitz. From Fort Bend, it travels through less-populated Brazoria County, another name paying homage to the river, before emptying into the Gulf near Freeport. The river may appear lazy, but in recent years its force has been on fully display. The Brazos hit historic levels in 2015 and again in 2016 in Fort Bend, and rose still higher following Harvey, peaking on Sept. 1 in Richmond at 55.19 feet. Pastures begin to flood at 45 feet. By 50 feet, homes take on water. By 55 feet, subdivisions are inundated. Erosion along the riverbanks cuts deeper into local communities. Little stands in its way. Years ago, it gobbled up the original site of the fort in the river's bend for which the county is named. Vanishing trees Malcolm and Beverly Gerber moved to the banks of the Brazos in 2015. Trees lined their picturesque backyard, complete with a pool. Watching the river A hodgepodge of agencies control roads, bridges and other crossings over the Brazos River. Each has a different role to play. Fort Bend County maintains 220 bridges that sit over channels leading to the Brazos River. The Fort Bend Grand Parkway Toll Road Authority maintains the most vulnerable of the county's bridges, the Jodie Stavinoha. The Texas Department of Transportation keeps tabs on local bridges, in addition to taking direct responsibility for the other major thoroughfares over the Brazos. The Army Corps of Engineers monitors the potential impacts to the waterway and the people who live along it. The U.S. Coast Guard watches the ability of boats to navigate. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department keeps an eye on the ecosystems and Brazos Bend State Park. Within weeks after they arrived, the Memorial Day flood hit, causing the Brazos to rise dozens of feet along the steep, rust-colored riverbank. One day, as the river began to recede, Gerber stepped out, unsuspecting, with a cup of coffee and noticed the trees had vanished. "I looked out and said, 'Where'd everything go?'" recalled Gerber, 73. A year later, the Brazos rose even higher, taking more of his land and leaving him in dread of the next flood. With Harvey, the Gerbers lost a segment of their fencing and another beloved, towering tree. He isn't alone in his struggle. Several cul-de-sacs in the area, such as Brazoswood Place and Windloch Lane, have experienced the same plight. Next door to the Gerbers, on River Forest Drive, Cheryl Scarbrough and her husband lost half an acre of their backyard, including their patio, in floods before Hurricane Harvey. They researched the river's path before buying the lot, but the river, to their horror, is now carving toward their home. A new crater formed in their yard following Harvey. "It's very serious," said Scarbrough, 73. "I have no idea what we're going to do." Costly repairs One thing is clear: Nothing along the Brazos River is guaranteed to remain safe forever, not even infrastructure. Time and again, officials have battled the waterway, scrambling to shore up river crossings after each flood. The list of vulnerabilities is long. A turnaround under the Southwest Freeway bridge, which goes along the river, closed last year and again this year for repairs. Two lanes on the freeway settled about 2.5 inches, requiring temporary lane closures last month. Upriver, the FM 1093 bridge closed last year and this year, too, for assessment, then reopened. County bridges over smaller channels suffered worse fates. One lost pavement that protects against erosion. About a half-dozen more require repairs for damage caused by erosion. And then there is the Union Pacific railway bridge. On June 2 last year, the day the river peaked, the company halted traffic on the valued line to stabilize it. This time, as a precaution, crews dumped rock to protect the bridge's base and removed debris that snagged underneath. The structure held. "It was a major ordeal for us," spokesman Jeff DeGraff said of the 2016 repair. "That's the kind of issue where, if left to degrade any further, we could have had an incident." The biggest project, however, is the Jodie Stavinoha bridge. Construction has been underway for several months on a $17.2 million effort to save the bridge, a four-lane stretch of the Grand Parkway over the Brazos. The riverbank has eroded steadily on one side, threatening the structure's longevity. "There was no time to spare here," said Mike Stone, the Fort Bend Grand Parkway Toll Road Authority's chief operating officer. Before Harvey hit, roughly 42 feet of earth remained between the bridge's base and the river. More land disappeared during the storm. Fending for themselves When it comes to fighting the river, residents are left largely to fend for themselves. Their options are few. Homeowners have limited legal recourse as their land slips away, environmental attorney Jim Blackburn said. Unless they can clearly show an unnatural event significantly changed the river's course, suing for damages would be "incredibly difficult," he said. Small cities such as Simonton can't afford the costs to stymie erosion, Mayor Louis Boudreaux said. They have no choice but to let the river cut through. "That's an inevitability," Boudreaux said. Help from the county is also unlikely. Commissioner Vincent Morales, who represents Gerber, said he would investigate erosion problems if they were brought to him, but he is doubtful that taxpayers would want to pay for problems affecting a small number of homes. "To me, if you buy on a river you're taking a chance," Morales said. Property owners instead must make do with what they can afford and a bit of ingenuity. On River Forest Drive, Gerber and Scarbrough planted trees and other vegetation. In a nearby subdivision, Mike Smith took things a step further. The 68-year-old retired engineer collaborated with a local landscaping business to slope the gradient of his bank and install an eight-foot retaining wall. It cost a "pretty penny," as he put it, but so far has held up. "It's working," he said. "Not totally, I guess, but it's minimized further erosion for me." A last resort for residents is to get out, if they can, a tactic taken by 43-year-old Amy Vern. Her late husband, Mark, grew up in a house in Simonton that now hangs off the river's edge. They sold it in 2012, knowing they couldn't save it. Their neighbor figures his property will be next, but he doubts anyone would buy it. Clockwise from top: A tire floats next to a truck flooded by the Brazos River after Hurricane Harvey in Richmond. Mailboxes sit underwater as a flooded Brazos River flows down Newlin Drive after Hurricane Harvey. Rosalinda Gomez, right, peers down Damon Street as the flooded Brazos River runs through the neighborhood after Tropical Storm Harvey. A flooded hose sits in floodwaters from the Brazos River after Tropical Storm Harvey. (Michael Ciaglo | Houston Chronicle) Embracing change Along the Brazos, no fix will last forever. The loops of the river are growing increasingly dramatic, making changes to the river's path more difficult to anticipate, Texas A&M Professor Jean-Louis Briaud said. "We're not very good at it," Briaud said, "but we can try to have these counter measures installed so that they can slow down the progress." Rather than fight against the Brazos, Nate Woiwode of the Nature Conservancy suggests a philosophical change: Work with it. While it's understandable that residents would want to keep floodwaters away, both flooding and erosion are natural to rivers, Woiwode said. Flooding allows water to spread out and lessens the impact from erosion. Woiwode hopes communities, where they can, will give the river its land back, allowing it to spill over its edges. River-front parks designed to flood, such as several in Sugar Land, serve as an example of that. "This is a challenge that isn't just local to Texas or the Brazos," he said. "It is happening everywhere." For now, Galavitz is repairing her flooded home for the second time in two years. It's hard work, but she finds a reminder in what she loves about the Brazos every time she looks across her lawn. Her country shack, she likes to tell people, has a million-dollar view. Galavitz wants to live there for as long as she can, but she knows the decision to leave will not be up to her. In the end, the river will win. SUBSCRIBE: Support the Chronicle's mission by subscribing here. Emily Foxhall covers Fort Bend County with a focus on crime and government for the Houston Chronicle. Tell her about what you see happening in Houston's suburbs at emily.foxhall@chron.com. Follow her on Twitter at @emfoxhall. Photography and videos by Mark Mulligan Interactives, audience engagement and design by Rachael Gleason This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW ORLEANS - Hurricane Nate came ashore a sparsely populated area at the mouth of the Mississippi River on Saturday and pelted the central Gulf Coast with wind and rain as the fast-moving storm headed toward the Mississippi coast, where it was expected to make another landfall and threatened to inundate homes and businesses. Nate was expected to pass to the east of New Orleans, sparing the city its most ferocious winds and storm surge. And its quick speed lessened the likelihood of prolonged rain that would tax the city's weakened drainage pump system. Still, the city famous for all-night partying was placed under a curfew, effective at 7 p.m., and the streets were not nearly as crowded as they typically are on a Saturday night. Cities along the Mississippi coast such as Gulfport and Biloxi were on high alert. Some beachfront hotels and casinos were evacuated. Rain began falling on the region Saturday and forecasters called for 3 to 6 inches with as much as 10 inches in some isolated places. Nate weakened slightly and was a Category 1 storm with maximum winds of 85 mph when it made landfall in a sparsely populated area of Plaquemines Parish. Forecasters had said it was possible that it could strengthen to a Category 2, but that seemed less likely as the night wore on. Storm surge threatened low-lying communities in southeast Louisiana, eastward to the Alabama fishing village of Bayou la Batre. "If it floods again, this will be it," said Larry Bertron as said as he and his wife prepared to leave their home in the Braithwaite community of vulnerable Plaquemines Parish. The hurricane veterans lost one home to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and left the home they rebuilt after Hurricane Isaac in 2012. Governors in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama declared states of emergency. The three states have been mostly spared during this hectic hurricane season. "This is the worst hurricane that has impacted Mississippi since Hurricane Katrina," Mississippi Emergency Management Director Lee Smithson said Saturday. "Everyone needs to understand that, that this is a significantly dangerous situation." Officials rescued five people from two sailboats in choppy waters before the storm. One 41-foot sailboat lost its engine in Lake Pontchartrain and two sailors were saved. Another boat hit rocks in the Mississippi Sound and three people had to be plucked from the water. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards urged residents to make final preparations quickly and stressed that Nate will bring the possibility of storm surge reaching up to 11 feet in some coastal areas. "It's going to hit and move through our area at a relatively fast rate, limiting the amount of time it's going to drop rain," Edwards said. "But this is a very dangerous storm nonetheless." Streets in low-lying areas of Louisiana were already flooded. Places outside of levee protections were under mandatory evacuation orders and shelters opened there. Some people worried about New Orleans' pumping system, which had problems during a heavy thunderstorm on Aug 5. The deluge exposed system weaknesses - including the failure of some pumps and power-generating turbines - and caused homes and businesses to flood. Repairs have been made but the system remained below maximum pumping capacity. On Alabama's Dauphin Island, water washed over the road Saturday on the island's low-lying west end, said Mayor Jeff Collier. The storm was projected to bring storm surges from seven to 11 feet near the Alabama-Mississippi state line. Some of the biggest impacts could be at the top of funnel-shaped Mobile Bay. The window for preparing "is quickly closing," Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hastings said. Nate is expected to quickly weaken as it cuts a path through the Southeast on its way to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, which could see impacts from Nate early next week. Nate killed at least 21 people after strafing Central America. Mental illness Regarding "Texas maker of 'bump stocks' halts new sales" (Page A1, Friday), politicians are falling all over themselves to see who can be the first to the microphone to propose a ban on the so-called bump stock. We had mass shootings before bump stocks and, in all likelihood, will continue to have them even if bump stocks are made illegal. Why? Because as usual, we are not dealing with the root cause of these heinous crimes. Rather than focus on the mental illness that would lead someone to commit such a crime, politicians focus on a far easier target - the tool that was used. That's like blaming the hammer if you hit your thumb. The bump stock is the perfect target. Liberals can claim they are enacting gun control and conservatives can say they are taking reasonable steps that won't alienate gun owners. But the real question should be, is there any way to predict or control this kind of violent behavior? Barry Boswell, Houston NRA shift? Regarding the NRA's meaningless stance Thursday in saying that "bump stocks" that helped the Las Vegas shooter turn semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic weapons should now be "subject to additional regulations" is decades late and millions of political dollars short. Don't fool yourself. The National Rifle Association will never change. Their statement rings hollow - and hypocritical. Michael Lonsford, Houston Pursuing fixes I have three ideas for reducing gun deaths. First, mandatory jail terms for any crime committed with a gun, perhaps five years for the first offense and 20 years for the second one. That should get many dangerous criminals off the streets and make it less attractive for kids to start a life of crime. Second, eliminate all news coverage about the perpetrators of these mass shootings. No interviews of family and friends, no high school photos, just keep them entirely anonymous. The news media already does this for rape victims and could do it for mass killers. This will reduce the celebrity of the crime and not give these people the instant path to infamy that seems to appeal to some of them. Third, legalize assisted suicide. Some portion of gun deaths are suicides and a more humane approach to this problem would help. None of these ideas require any changes to the Constitution, and they should not be politically unacceptable to most people. And they might work. Dave Dyer, Houston Are they listening? I would say this to my legislators - Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn and U.S. Rep. John Culberson: Thank you for being civil servants in this oft-challenging time. I hope as you deliberate on the best ways to keep us citizens safe, with liberties intact, that you consider legislating sensible gun laws. I respect the right to own a gun, to hunt and to teach our children to safely do the same, but I see no need for semi-automatic or automatic guns, nor for silencers. Good hunters, good Texans, should agree. Dori Wolfe, Houston One great principal Regarding "Principal denies threat, dress fracas" (Page A3, Thursday), I've known Dr. Bertie Simmons for 12 years and have been astonished by the miracles she has wrought at her school. Furr is located in northeast Houston and serves a low-income, racially diverse student population. Ninety-two percent of the kids qualify for reduced- or free lunches. When Simmons came to Furr High School 17 years ago, the graduation rate was 47 percent. This past year, it was 96 percent. When she arrived, there were 16 gangs at the school, which she set about breaking up, in large part by instituting a uniform policy to keep gang members from wearing "colors." She created a student court where kids can peaceably settle their differences. Her mantra, "When you show kids respect, when you listen to them and show you really care about them, they give respect back," has worked. Simmons' innovative model for educating inner-city children has commanded the attention and respect of educators across the country. Great school districts like HISD need great principals like her. B. Glenn Wilkerson, Houston A warming planet Regarding "Climate change" editorial (Page A16, Sept. 15), the nation and the world is in great need of those in powerful positions to take meaningful action. Some decisions are local and others national in scale, and all require that we begin to have the serious discussions you have suggested. More flood reservoirs, dikes and other preparations may be useful, but they do not deal with the underlying problem of carbon/methane emissions creating a warming blanket around the world. Citizens' Climate Lobby's preferred policy approach, a revenue-neutral carbon fee and dividend, is a policy to match the scale of the problem. And it still protects the very people impacted worst by Harvey through the net return of carbon dividends to American households. Mark Reynolds, executive director, Citizens' Climate Lobby Sunday night started out as a beautiful evening in Las Vegas, with country music in the air and the lights of the Strip mingling with stars. At least 58 people lost their lives at such a uniquely American scene, and nearly 500 were injured. Thousands more will fight emotional scars, and tens of thousands will grieve and question along with them. The phenomenon of the mass shooting - and the political paralysis that follows us - is sadly also a uniquely American scene. But it doesn't have to be this way. Americans are 25 times more likely to be killed by a gun than people in other developed nations. Over 100,000 people are shot each year, 33,000 of those fatally. We can offer thoughts and prayers and move on through life numb to these losses. We can accept this galling reality. We can assume that other people - like my wife, former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords - will pay the price for our status quo. We can accept the enormous social, moral and economic cost imposed on this country by accepting gun violence as simply the cost of living in America. Or we can choose courage instead of cowardice. I flew combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, orbited Earth 854 times as a NASA astronaut and wake up every morning next to Gabby, the toughest human I've ever met. I choose courage every time. So what do we do? First, we have to recognize just how entrenched the problem is. In the last few weeks, Congress was actually pursuing looser gun laws - making silencers easier to buy. There's no reason to make gun laws less restrictive. Gabby and I, and Americans across the country, had been working our hearts out to stop this bad legislation. We can't go backward on gun laws. But even on our toughest days, we're optimists. And if we want to make our country safer, we can't just work to defeat bad legislation like federally mandated concealed carry and the deregulation of silencers. We also need to push for solutions, to pass good legislation that keeps extremely deadly weapons out of the wrong hands. That means we need to demand leadership from the people who are elected to lead. Americans need more than President Trump's prayers - we need his plans. We need a Congress that will stand up to the special interests, look at the research and act to save lives. Public safety must be our top priority. Predictable as clockwork, though, the refrain we all know came immediately Monday: It's too soon. It's not the right time to talk about politics. It's what people told me after Gabby was injured, and something I've said myself in the past. Not the right time to talk about politics? Gabby and I have come to reject this. Every day of her life since the shooting, Gabby has honored those hurt and killed alongside her by working to enact policies that will prevent others from experiencing this terrible pain. Don't let anyone tell you not to talk about politics when we talk about guns. Gabby got into politics because she wanted to govern. The people we elect can take us backward, condemning us to many more days when we wake up to more carnage and more lives lost - or if we make them, they will take us forward, toward a safer country. No one gun law will prevent every shooting, but we know that these policies will work to reduce gun violence and save lives. We can't only react to the horror of what unfolded in Las Vegas; we must work to make all American communities safer from gun violence. Here are a few things our leaders can and should do today that will keep America safer: Pass universal background checks to make sure everyone gets a background check before they obtain a gun. The studies are clear: Where these laws are passed, fewer people get shot. Where they have been repealed, murder and violence have increased. And background checks aren't controversial: A recent poll found that 94 percent of Americans support requiring background checks for all gun buyers, including 93 percent of Republicans. Subject the sale of the most lethal weapons to stronger oversight and regulation. You can buy an AR-15 in a parking lot with no background check at all. That's insane. Require guns to be safely secured in the homes of gun owners, so kids can't get their hands on them. Stop domestic abusers from getting guns. Women are too often killed by abusers with firearms. And most mass shootings start as domestic violence incidents. Allow restraining orders to stop folks in crisis from accessing firearms, just like we do with domestic abusers. Establish a federal firearms trafficking statute to stop the illegal trafficking of guns from states with weak laws to states with strong laws. Require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and our public health agencies to invest in preventing gun deaths and injuries - like we do for every other similar cause of death and injury. For 20 years, Congress has effectively banned the study of gun violence because of pressure from the gun lobby. And as a first step, Congress should establish a special bipartisan commission to come together around solutions that will save lives. The truth is policy solutions that reduce gun violence are not controversial - they are broadly supported by Democrats, Republicans and gun owners. Now is the time for members of Congress to listen to their constituents. This could finally be a heroic moment of progress for our elected leaders. But it would mean looking into the face of deep-pocketed special interests and saying: Today, we're choosing Americans. It means channeling the bravery and determination of first responders in places like Las Vegas, and the bravery and determination of people like Gabby, who fight through the emotional and physical pain of gun violence every day. Thoughts and prayers are important. But thoughts and prayers won't stop the next shooting. Only courage and leadership will save us. Mark Kelly is a Navy combat veteran, retired NASA astronaut and co-founder with his wife, Gabrielle Giffords, of Americans for Responsible Solutions. Giffords, a former Arizona congresswoman, is a survivor of the 2011 shooting in Tucson, Ariz. You could call it a moment of truth, except that what actually came out of that moment was a realization of how little truth now matters. This is back in 2010, after I recounted in this space an astonishing feat of World War I heroism - a small African-American soldier named Henry Johnson, wounded 21 times, single-handedly fighting off a company of Germans. In response, a guy named Ken shot off an angry email calling the story "PC bull." Judi, my assistant, sent Ken documentation. I wrote a follow-up column listing history books and contemporaneous news sources that verified the event. Ken was unmoved. What struck me wasn't so much Ken's ignorance. Rather, it was how impervious his ignorance was to corrective fact. That was when I first fully understood that we had entered a new era wherein facts - those things that once settled arguments conclusively - carried all the weight of goose down. These days, you may prove your point to a fare-thee-well, use the New York Times, a study from Harvard, federal statistics, but the skeptical reader will still brush it all aside like a blurry Polaroid of Bigfoot. So Politico, Facebook, McClatchy and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University have their work cut out for them. You see, those institutions have launched projects to improve media credibility. The fact-checkers at Politico have been touring deep red areas like Mobile, Ala., and Charleston, W.Va., hosting forums to engage with Donald Trump voters who, by definition, distrust media fact-checking. Meantime, the social media giant, the newspaper conglomerate - which owns my employer, the Miami Herald - and the J-school are partnering in the Facebook Journalism Project. Its aim, according to an ASU statement, is to "help newsrooms work with their communities to develop innovations that increase transparency, engagement, mutual understanding and respect." I wish them godspeed. But both projects, I think, proceed from an assumption that truth is something all of us value. And I'm not convinced all of us do. It's not just Ken who makes me doubt. It's also Fox "News" and talk radio. It's Trump's lies, his war on journalism and people's tolerance for both. And it's studies dating to the 1970s, when researchers at Stanford first documented a counterintuitive phenomenon. Namely, that people tend not to change their minds when facts prove them wrong. Instead, they double down on the false belief. So we are fighting human nature here. Worse, it is human nature exacerbated by extreme partisanship, fear-mongering pundits, a lying president and a social media complex so vast and varied that even the most bizarre belief can find validation there. Michelle Obama is a transvestite? Sure. The military plans to conquer Texas? Okey-dokey. Vaccines cause autism? Well, all righty, then. Hillary Clinton is running a child molestation ring? OK. Out of a pizza joint? Why not? That's just a sampling of the crazy that has gained purchase in American minds. So while it's fine to engage today's news consumers, I think our long-term salvation lies in their kids, in teaching them the lost art of critical thinking. That should be a priority in our schools. Because the status quo - facts-free ignorance - is unsustainable. Yes, there is always room for improvement in how news media do their jobs. But it is important to understand that the disconnect media face does not stem from failure to report the facts. Rather, it stems from some people's failure to want them. Pitts is a columnist for the Miami Herald. Readers cay write to him via email at lpitts@miamiherald.com As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. Finally, some potentially great news for elephants from the British Government as they announce a UK ivory ban consultation! Believe it or not, right now the UK is a direct contributor to the killing of elephants in Africa. The reason for this is we still allow the sale of ivory domestically, as long as it is classified as antique (pre 1947). Whilst technically, many would argue that ivory from an elephant that has already been killed isn't contributing to the death of another elephant today, unfortunately it just isn't that simple. Having illegal and legal ivory markets spells trouble. Firstly, illegal ivory can easily be 'washed through' the legal market, by disguising it or marketing it as legal ivory. With it near impossible for the lay man to tell the exact age of ivory (and the only true way to tell via expensive carbon dating), the current situation just isn't enforceable. What's more, it really is 'buyer-beware' at the moment - there are no requirements for any formal certification of ivory to say whether it is officially classified as antique or whether it is illegal 'modern ivory'. Secondly, by having a legal trade in antique ivory we are inadvertently fuelling demand for ivory in the Far East. A massive amount of antique ivory from the UK is exported to China, in fact, more than from any other country in the EU. What this does is show credibility and give endorsement for ivory as a product of value and beauty, when the truth is that ivory only has value and beauty on a live elephant. Advertisement At the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) we have been working for a long time to protect elephants, whose populations are being decimated for the ivory trade just to provide trinkets that nobody needs. We were therefore delighted by the UK Government's announcement of a consultation on a UK ivory trade ban. I've personally been involved in campaigning hard for such a ban and we believe this will make a real difference for elephants. Elephant populations are at an all-time low with the species facing the real risk of local population extinction in the not too distant future, due to massive levels of poaching which is killing at least 20,000 elephants each year. IFAW is urging members of the public to support an ivory ban and MPs to respond to the consultation to establish the most effective and workable ban possible. We know that this is something with wide ranging support as polling recently released by IFAW revealed that the vast majority of the UK public want to protect elephants with a UK trade ban and do not wish to purchase ivory themselves. An overwhelming 95% of respondents polled by YouGov stated that they would not be interested in purchasing antique ivory. A YouGov survey of MPs also found 97% of MPs to be supportive of either a total ivory ban or a ban with some exemptions. Rob Daly via Getty Images So 30 hours of funded childcare is here despite the sector's repeated pleas to the Government to put more money into its flagship policy or delay for a rethink. From last month, working parents of three and four-year-olds in England are entitled to 30 hours 'free' childcare. Advertisement I talk constantly about the financial problems with 30 hours and its meagre funding levels. But a straw poll by NDNA - the first time nurseries have been canvassed since 30 hours went live on 1 September - has highlighted another big problem. This problem is a red tape nightmare, another huge cost in the shape of staff time in tackling mountains of admin. Nursery staff have had an exhausting summer of helping families to claim their 30 hours entitlement as well as handling their own affairs including registering for Tax Free Childcare, processing payments from parents through the new system and liaising with their local councils about 30 hours. If run well, this sort of thing would be straightforward - but more than often it isn't. The problems with the Childcare Services website have been well-documented in the media and families missing out on their funded hours as a result of technical problems are rightly receiving compensation. Advertisement But the Government hasn't really considered the impact of the chaos on the people who work in the nursery sector. Our poll revealed almost 80% of nurseries (79%) have spent time helping families to apply for 30 hours. A significant 14% of respondents reporting this had taken more than five hours of staff time per week during the summer, on average. That's a lot of time that could have been spent planning, training, attending to other 30 hours and Tax Free Childcare-related paperwork or doing any number of other work tasks. Where is the compensation for nurseries, whose helpful childcare professionals have no doubt saved the Government from paying even more to families who didn't manage to navigate its flawed system alone? Advertisement One survey respondent told us: "The whole process was not ready for the roll out. I've spent hours and hours during the summer holidays sorting out and chasing up codes." Another said: "I am the person dealing with all enquiries about the Government system, giving advice, explaining the procedures, clarifying that 30 hours is term-time only, yet I cannot charge for this time." A third respondent told us: "30 hours that has taken loads of our time, letting parents know, reminding them to apply, then verifying all the codes, and chasing up errors - we should be allowed to charge an admin fee for the 30 hour applications as this has created so much work." One nursery manager echoed many others' sentiments, saying that 30 hours had necessitated an "inordinately complicated" new invoicing system to ensure that parents could see exactly what they were being charged for. She added: "The administration time of dealing with questions and advising parents of how charges are being applied had been horrendous. Advertisement "No consideration is given to this or the knock-on effect this has on running a sustainable business. If we could just deduct the funding from our normal rates everything would be so much simpler." Our survey makes bleak reading for the Government, currently being berated from every angle over its 30 hours policy. But these voices make it clear to the politicians what needs to happen next. The Government is alienating the very people it needs onside right now to make the best of 30 hours - the armies of dedicated nursery professionals up and down the country, frustrated and fed up with red tape and helplines, forms and codes. This all needs to stop. Expanded 'free' childcare will never work unless childcare providers are confident that they can offer it without drowning in admin as well as making losses on every funded place. stevanovicigor via Getty Images 40 Days for Life is a religious anti-abortion campaign running between 27th September and 5th November. Activists protest outside clinics providing abortions in the hope of changing the minds of women scheduled for, or considering, the procedure. When 40 Days recently turned up in my hometown of Portsmouth, I sat down with Shonagh Dillon, CEO of charity Aurora New Dawn to write an open letter to protesters, asking them to reconsider their tactics. Dear 40 Days for Life, I write to you to appeal to your better judgment, to your Christian values and to your human kindness. I understand you are targeting clinics and hospitals over 40 days as the location of a series of daily 'vigils' where you are praying to 'transform individuals and communities'. I read on your website that through prayer you hope to bring the 'beginning of the end of abortion in our city - and beyond.' Advertisement Let me be clear, I don't have a problem with praying, or with your God, or with you having an opinion that's different to mine. It's clear you believe you are right, so arguing that you're wrong seems pointless. We would only end up going in circles. On the issue of abortion, I think it's fair to say that feminists and the religious right fundamentally disagree and that's our right, isn't it, as members of a democracy? So I'm not going to try to change your mind. In fact, though it may seem strange to you, I suspect we actually have a lot in common - it's often the case on both sides of a heavily contested argument. After all, both sides are used to having to defend our positions to others, although I must confess, I've never had quite your confidence to assert that my opinion is endorsed by God. For example, as a feminist I'm used to being challenged. I'm used to hearing misinformation, stereotypes and false assumptions about my beliefs - and I'm sure you are too. I am used to having to defend my ideology on a regular, if not daily, basis and I spend large amounts of time fighting for my beliefs: in my case, the rights of women to live free from oppression, including the right to control our own bodies. I imagine your commitment and determination echo that of feminist activists like me. I'm not here to change your mind on abortion. And I don't need to, because the 1967 Abortion Act made abortion legal for women up to their 24th week of pregnancy. Instead, what I'm asking is for you to consider the methods you're using to fight that law. Advertisement Specifically, I'm asking you to take a step back from protests outside abortion providers like the clinic at St Mary's Community Hospital in Portsmouth run by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS). Like BPAS, I'm asking you to Back Off: to pray in your own space, or indeed, any space other than outside an abortion provider. I'm asking you to understand that just as it isn't my right to tell you your beliefs are wrong, it is not your right to attempt to emotionally manipulate, intimidate or scare women on a day that is already difficult enough. And let's be clear how many women we're talking about here, because a third of women in the UK will have an abortion before they are 45 years old. I've read your website, I've seen your campaign materials, and I know that you will already be preparing arguments about the rights of a foetus over-ruling the rights of women. You will tell me that the reason an abortion is difficult for a woman is because abortion is wrong. I understand that your religious beliefs support these views. But beyond your beliefs is a reality that - after 20 years of working in the field of women's rights - I know very well. The reality is that you and I have no idea why any of the women walking through the doors of an abortion provider came to that decision. And frankly, there is no human on the planet who has the right to know; it's between that woman and her God, should she believe in one. It is not between a woman and a small number of self-appointed representatives of the Lord on Earth. And I am delighted that the majority of the British public feel the same way. According to the British Social Attitudes Survey, public support for abortion on the grounds that a woman does not wish to have the child has increased from 60% to 70% since 2005. The percentage rises to 93% if the woman's life is in danger (and remember what I said, nobody apart from her knows the reason a woman makes the choice to have an abortion). Advertisement Not only do most of the British public not agree with your interpretation of religion, neither do the majority of Catholics. Between 1985 and 2016, Catholic support for abortion if a women doesn't want the child almost doubled from 33% to 61%. Even the Pope has had cause to reconsider the unrelenting, unforgiving attitudes historically held by the Catholic church towards the many women of faith who have made the difficult decision to walk through the same doors you now stand outside. Protesting - for both of us - is our human right and a central pillar of our democracy. But it should not be used as a tool for causing suffering to those we disagree with. So, I'm asking you to think again. Give these women the privacy they need on the one day they really need it. To do so is an act that demonstrates the compassion and respect most of us understand to be at the heart of Christianity. Doing so won't affect your right to protest one bit. You can hold signs, and pray and sing hymns away from the clinic of an abortion provider, you will still have your say. It will make no difference to your message, but it will make every difference to a woman in pain who wants - and needs - the privacy and respect that is due to her when exercising a legal right won 50 years ago. So please, I'm asking you to change your tactic and exercise your legal right to protest by lobbying Parliament instead of intimidating women. After all, this is the way feminists won the rights you're protesting against today. Advertisement I hope you do, and if you do, look for me. I'll be the woman standing with a horde of sisters and supporters carrying banners that bear messages the opposite of your own. We'll meet and disagree on an even playing field of open debate and tolerance, rather than on the side-lines of another woman's suffering. I can't wait to see you there. Shonagh Dillon, CEO Sarah Cheverton, Writer in Residence Aurora New Dawn Hundreds flooded the Visitors Center Sunday for Ramblefest. Attendees listened to live music and enjoyed food from various vendors. Monday hikers will head up Mount Greylock for the 50th Greylock Ramble. USS Washington Brought to Life Norfolk, Virginia - The Navy with assistance from the submarine's sponsor Elisabeth Mabus, daughter of the 75th Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, commissioned and brought to life the newest Virginia class submarine, USS Washington (SSN 787), during a ceremony on board Naval Station Norfolk, today. Washington, named in honor of the 42nd state, is the 14th Virginia-class, fast-attack submarine to join the Navy's operational fleet. Elisabeth Mabus expressed how proud she was of the crew and their families. "I know, though you are all eager to set out on the Washington, this like all naval service will requires you to be away from your families for long stretches, so thank you to the families" said Mabus. "In a very real sense you are plank owners of this ship as well." Mabus gave the order to "man our ship and bring her to life" before the crew of about 130 men ran across the brow, onto the vessel. Washington is the fourth of eight Block III Virginia-class submarines to be built. The Block III submarines are built with new Virginia Payload Tubes designed to lower costs and increase missile-firing payload possibilities. The first 10 Block I and Block II Virginia class submarines have 12 individual 21-inch diameter vertical launch tubes able to fire Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMS). The Block III submarines are built with two-larger 87-inch diameter tubes able to house six TLAMS each. "We won't know what challenges we will face as a nation in 10, 15 or 20 years, but we know because of the work being done now at Newport News and Electric Boat and by the Sailors who call this ship home, USS Washington will be prepared for whatever is to come," said Mabus. USS Washington commanding officer, Cmdr. Gabriel Cavazos, highlighted the Washington's capability to dominate the undersea domain and enable military success in any engagement. "As I have told the crew on many occasions, they are the most important component of the ship. They give the ship its personality and warfighting spirit. Without the crew, Washington would not be the warfighting platform she was built to be; however, combine the two, and, together, we are the Blackfish," said Cavazos. Today USS Washington is alive and stands ready for mission. "Thank you for being here to celebrate this momentous occasion with us," said Cavazos. Washington is the fourth U.S. Navy ship, and first submarine, to be named honoring the State of Washington. The previous three ships were an armored cruiser, (ACR 11), which served from 1905 to 1916, the battleship (BB 47) a Colorado-class battleship launched in 1921 and sunk as a gunnery target in 1924 after her construction was halted, and the battleship (BB 56) credited with sinking more enemy tonnage than any other U.S. Navy battleship during World War II, serving from 1941 to 1947. Washington is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; delivery of special operations forces; strike warfare; irregular warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and mine warfare. Their inherent stealth, endurance, mobility, and firepower directly enable them to support five of the six maritime strategy core capabilities: sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence. The submarine is 377 feet long, has a 34-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. It will operate for over 30 years without ever refueling. Construction on Washington began September 2011; the submarine's keel was authenticated during a ceremony on Nov. 22, 2014; and the submarine was christened during a ceremony March 5, 2016. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Grooming gangs across the country are repeating the horrific abuse exposed in Rotherham, Rochdale, Oxford and most recently Newcastle, victims and investigators have warned. There are mounting calls for nationwide action to combat sexual exploitation, with authorities accused of playing catch-up after ignoring victims for decades and decades. Sammy Woodhouse, who was abused as a teenager by the Rotherham ringleader Arshid Mad Ash Hussain and has waived her right to anonymity, said abuse was underway all over the country. Its an issue for every town and city, more people are being failed, she told The Independent. Im hearing a lot of new complaints from survivors. Some are saying they have been to the police and didnt get taken seriously, others are getting support. But I think the Government is still trying to play this down and make out its not a major issue they are not doing enough. Her calls for action came as figures show that in Bradford 1,153 referrals were made to its child sexual exploitation team in 2016/17 a 62 per cent increase on the year before. Bradford Metropolitan District Councils specialist hub launched interventions for 861 children including many who were referred more than once. The vast majority of possible victims are girls. Ms Woodhouse said she had also noted a growing number of grooming victims contacting her who were from the city. Authorities behind an investigation that identified more than 700 women and girls as potential victims of sexual exploitation in North East England believe the abuse is happening far beyond areas where perpetrators have been caught. Pat Ritchie, the chief executive of Newcastle City Council, said any area that says it does not have a problem is simply not looking for it, while chief constable Steve Ashman of Northumbria Police told The Independent: I think theres every likelihood that this is happening in every town and city across the country. Operation Sanctuary: "We do not believe that what we have uncovered is unique to Newcastle" Dame Vera Baird, victims lead for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), also fears grooming is taking place nationwide. She told The Independent that investigators in Newcastle found that women and girls were being trafficked beyond the city, suggesting there is a market elsewhere. Dame Vera, who is the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, said the race or religion of perpetrators did not make the slightest bit of difference to investigators. Recommended A dozen more men charged in Rotherham child sexual abuse probe I think an important point to make is some of the victims were Asian as well, she added. This is about misogyny, and young women are in vulnerable situations whatever their race or anything related to that. Ms Woodhouse said her abusers and all those reported to her by other victims were from Muslim backgrounds. Nobody is saying that all Muslims commit abuse, but by saying its not an issue youre silencing the victims, she added. Ms Woodhouse, who is now 32, said she knew one girl who was read statements from the Quran while being raped and said she was made to eat halal, while Mad Ash wanted to make her his second wife under Sharia law. Sammy Woodhouse, a survivor of the Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal, outside Rotherham town hall in September (PA) The proportion of white British victims of sexual exploitation prompted intense national debate in August, where the former director of public prosecution Lord McDonald called grooming a profoundly racist crime, despite a judge later finding victims in Newcastle were not targeted by race. Men from a wide range of nationalities, races and religions have been prosecuted as part of grooming gangs but the prevalence of abusers from Pakistani and Bangladeshi backgrounds has been a point of controversy. Ms Woodhouse was outraged by the sacking of Rotherham MP Sarah Champion from the Shadow Cabinet over a newspaper article in her name that claimed Britain has a problem with British Pakistani men raping and exploiting white girls. She warned that if British society does not have open and honest conversations on the factors and attitudes driving grooming, the far-right will be able to control the debate. Recommended Muslim community responds to Newcastle grooming gang Theres more than the religion factor involved, Ms Woodhouse added. Abusers see girls and women are there to have sex, like were their property. Theres so much controversy but we need to talk about it. Lawyers defending alleged abusers in court have stated that several perpetrators were in forced marriages or under cultural restrictions that made them unable to have normal or varied relationships. Dipu Ahad, a councillor in Newcastle, said grooming was not just an issue for South Asian communities, adding the only box they fit into is of abusers. In the biggest cases weve seen recently, we cant deny theyre Asian men, he told The Independent. Canning Street in Newcastle, where grooming gang member Yassar Hussain lived (Lizzie Dearden) This is an opportunity to look at how we use our communities, our culture, our religion to combat these issues. Mr Ahad said the grooming gangs in Rotherham, Rochdale, Oxford and Newcastle were not followers of Islam but were from Muslim communities. He called for ethnic minority groups to be given the tools to debate views on women and relationships without making them feel targeted, adding: Discussions need to happen now because God forbid there might be another city or another town. In Bradford, white children were over-represented in the latest figures among those affected compared to the general population, making up 70 per cent of open cases, compared to 16 per cent Asian and 7 per cent mixed. The council is running a number of safeguarding initiatives and is training teachers, taxi drivers, shopkeepers and bar owners to spot suspicious behaviour, while running education programmes in schools. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens 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King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on 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Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA Local groups have also started a project running sessions with men and boys from Pakistani backgrounds, including imams and Islamic schools. Meanwhile, West Yorkshire Police is running a dedicated investigation, Operation Dalesway, with 66 suspects arrested so far, 10 charged and eight ongoing investigations. Assistant chief constable Catherine Hankinson said child sexual exploitation was a top priority and proactive work was ongoing to identify those at risk. All reports alleging child abuse in West Yorkshire are investigated by specially trained officers to identify offences and those suspected of committing them, she added. Safeguarding children is everyones responsibility and I would urge anyone with concerns over a vulnerable child to contact the police so swift action can be taken to address the issue. Ms Woodhouse said police have drastically improved training on grooming, which aims to eradicate the kind of treatment that saw her arrested after being found in bed with her much older abuser, as he walked free. She is working with the Department of Education on relationship advice and helps authorities conduct specialist training, and is also proposing a law to pardon victims for crimes committed under duress. Ms Woodhouse said victim blaming needed to be combated and urged the criminal justice system to implement measures making it less distressing for girls to come forward, adding: The response is getting a lot better but theres still a lot of work to be done. A Home Office spokesperson said: This Government has done more than any other to tackle child sexual exploitation, declaring it a national threat and investing millions of pounds to enable officers to actively seek out and bring offenders to justice. This has led to a huge increase in police activity and a marked rise in prosecutions and convictions. We are continuing the urgent work of overhauling how our police, social services and other agencies work together to protect vulnerable children, especially from the kind of organised grooming and sexual exploitation that has come to light in towns and cities across the UK. The Tackling Child Sexual Exploitation: Progress Report, published in February 2017, details our delivery of the ambitious programme of work we set out in the original 2015 report, and signals a step change in our national response to sexual violence against children and young people. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The number of foreigners granted the right to live with their relatives in the UK has plummeted in the past decade, The Independent can reveal. Analysis of immigration statistics shows the number of children, partners and dependant relatives able to remain permanently in the UK through a grant of settlement has declined by 73 per cent since 2006. Family members being granted entry clearance visas, which they must obtain in order to move to Britain to apply for settlement, have also dropped falling from 70,119 in 2006 to just 38,119 last year, marking an decrease of 46 per cent. Campaigners and politicians said the figures reflect an ongoing clampdown on immigration by the Conservatives through the introduction of more restrictive requirements for people wanting to join British family members, which they said has seen families torn apart. One man who fled torture in Georgia told The Independent how he has had to watch his son grow up on Skype because his wife and child were unable to obtain a visa due to new immigration laws that wont allow them to join him. Amid the decline in family members being granted the right to live with their loved ones in the UK, the number of applications has also fallen but not at the same rate. While applicants had an 83 per cent chance of being granted a visa in 2006, they had a 72 per cent chance last year. Experts said the fall in applications can be explained by policies introduced by the Government to deter people from applying, in a bid to reduce immigration numbers. New measures include a rise in the income threshold for the British relative and an increase in application fees, leading to a more bureaucratic process now in place. A policy change in 2012, which saw the period one had to live in the UK before applying for a permanent residency increase from two years to five years, will also have contributed to the steep decline in grants of settlement, which has plummeted by 77 per cent since the change took place. The number of visas granted to children of UK citizens has dropped by 38 per cent in the past decade to 2,661, with the percentage of successful applications falling from 69 per cent to 47 per cent, the figures show. Visas granted for partners of British nationals have fallen by 45 per cent since 2006, with the success rate down from 86 per cent to 76 per cent. Entry clearance visas granted to other family members, which refers to those who have dependent relatives in the UK who require their support, has decreased even more dramatically, by 57 per cent, indicating that far less foreigners are now able to move to the UK as carers for vulnerable family members. Nazek Ramadan, director of Migrant Voice, said the decline had been caused by damaging new policies introduced by the Government as part of a wider set of hostile environment practices, which she said was making family life a target in the bid to meet migration objectives. Recommended Thousands of foreign spouses to be barred entry as income limit rises The sharp drop-off in grants of settlement and entry clearance visas appears to indicate yet another challenge to those trying to build a normal family life in Britain, Ms Ramadan told The Independent. In the last five years we have seen damaging new policies such as the income threshold, which prevents the lowest-earning half of British citizens from starting a life at home with a foreign partner and currently affects 15,000 children. And we have also seen the rise of a wider set of hostile environment practices aimed at making life difficult for newcomers, which provides a context to these latest figures. Family life has been the first target in this Governments pursuit of an arbitrary, unachievable migration cap. A significant reason for the sharp decline is believed to be the decision by the coalition Government to introduce a minimum income requirement in 2012, which meant a UK citizen must earn more than 18,600 before they can sponsor a non-European spouse or partner to join them. One man who has been directly affected by this law is David Lordkipanidze, 60, who fled torture in his home country Georgia 17 years ago, and is currently living in the UK without his wife and young son because the new immigration laws wont allow them to join him. He moved to Britain with his wife Irene in 2000 after getting into trouble with the authorities due to his political activism, but in 2005 three years after the couple had had a son their application for asylum was refused. Unable to return without risking his own life, Mr Lordkipanidze stayed in Britain to appeal the decision but his wife and son returned to Georgia in the hope that they would soon be able to join him. Five years later, he was granted indefinite leave to remain and shortly afterwards he was granted British citizenship, but because he wasnt earning above the 18,600 income threshold, his wife and son, now 13, were unable to join him. Mr Lordkipanidze told The Independent: Psychologically, I am arrested... Its like the Government has sentenced me to die alone without family in a different country. I speak to my son every day. Hes going to school. Hes in a painting exhibition, like his dad. Im always giving him advice. Hes starting to be a teenager now. Recommended American man ordered to return to US leaving disabled British wife With indefinite leave to remain, Mr Lordkipanidze was allowed to work and took up jobs as a caretaker, a concierge and kitchen worker. But for the past few years he has struggled to find work. His age makes it more difficult. Its very hard to find a job here. I go to the job centre all the time. I volunteer all the time. But Im 60. If I couldnt find a Job 10 years ago, how will I now? he said. If I could go back to Georgia I would have been back a long time ago. And unfortunately its not only me in this situation. There are a lot of people, so many people, with families across the continent. Im a British citizen but you need to have money. Jill Rutter, director of strategy at the thinktank British Future, which works on immigration and integration, said the Government bore responsibility but there are other factors. The decrease can be explained partly by a change in the movement of people. The traditional countries people applied from were in South Asia, such as Thailand and in the Indian subcontinent, and fewer people now want to bring in spouses from those countries, she said. But it is also down to Government policy. The introduction of a minimum income requirement to bring your spouse or child to the UK in 2012 meant that family members of anyone earning below 18,600 were unable to get a visa. It may be reasonable to expect families to be able to support themselves but the system currently doesnt take savings and spouses potential earnings into account. It needs to be flexible and fair, we need a system that has a heart. This partially affects people in low paid jobs such as social care. There have been many heartbreaking stories of families who have been separated as a result. Chai Patel, legal and policy director at the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI), said: It is a shame that fewer spouses and children are given permission to join their partners and parents in the UK and we are a poorer nation as a result. This is also just the tip of the iceberg. This Government is hellbent on making the UK hostile to immigrants and have created one of the harshest family migration systems amongst developed countries. For integration and communities to succeed, parents should not be separated from children, nor should partners who are in love be forced to live in different countries. We need an immigration system that respects family life. Olesya Lane, 38, is a Ukrainian national who, after a nightmare application process, has now been granted an entry clearance visa to live with her British husband in Bedfordshire with their two young children. She told The Independent she believed the system was designed intentionally to create anxiety for foreigners wanting to join their relatives, as following the policy changes in 2012 she now has to wait five years before applying for a grant of settlement. The process of just being able to get a visa to come here was extremely stressful. We paid 500 for a priority application, which is supposed to take 15 working days, but because of administrative issues it took more than three months, during which I was heavily pregnant, she said. And now Im here with my children and my husband but I have to wait five years before I find out if we can actually stay here with him. Its very uncomfortable. It is not easy to live here knowing that all that we have might be just temporary and I will not be able to live with my children here because of these rules. Responding to the figures, Diane Abbott, Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, said the Governments immigration policy was detrimental to families. As a constituency MP I have heard these heartbreaking stories first-hand. Splitting families apart and unlawfully disregarding childrens welfare, as the Supreme court ruled earlier this year, this is a direct result of the Tory Governments failed immigration policy, she told The Independent. Their target of reducing net migration to below 100,000 has never been met but they are willing to resort to desperate, damaging and quite frankly cruel policies to achieve it. Ed Davey, home affairs spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, said: The Conservatives obsession with their discredited immigration target is now tearing families apart. These figures confirm ministers are allowing children to be separated from their parents in their desire to chase headlines. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 14 November 2022 Members of the hospitality sector demonstrate outside parliament in London. The head of the Confederation of British Industry is urging the UK government to relax immigration rules to help British companies with severe staff shortages, ahead of the chancellors autumn statement EPA UK news in pictures 13 November 2022 England celebrate winning the mens T20 World Cup in Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia AAP Image/Reuters UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA This isnt just horribly heartless, it is self-defeating for our country as we lose this talent for our economy and damage Britains reputation across the world. A Home Office spokesperson said: The British public have been clear that they want to see a reduction in net migration and that is what this Government is delivering. We continue to welcome the foreign partners and children of those settled in the UK but its important that they can stand on their own feet financially. The Supreme Court has endorsed our approach in setting an income threshold for family migration that prevents burdens being placed on taxpayers and ensures migrant families can integrate into our communities. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Sir David Attenborough has come out on top on a list of ethical champions Britons would like to see featured on the next 20 note, a survey has revealed. Forty per cent of 2,128 people surveyed in the poll conducted by YouGov on behalf of Good Money Week said Sir David was their first choice, choosing the veteran broadcaster over Richard Branson, Stella McCartney and Jamie Oliver. Prince Charles was a distant second choice, earning just 7 per cent of support, while Harry Potter writer JK Rowling won the approval of 4 per cent of those polled. Human rights activist Anita Roddick, who died in 2007, and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby also received honourable mentions, earning 3 per cent of the vote respectively. Nearly a third of voters said they could not make up their minds on who to choose. The poll, conducted last month, asked participants to name the person they would most like to see featured on the new banknote from a list 15 ethical champions that would remind the public to be ethical in how they spend their money. The results have been released to coincide with Good Money Week, which runs between 8-14 October and promotes making ethical money choices in daily spending. A new version of the 20 note is due to come into circulation in 2020. However, JMW Turner, celebrated as one of Britains greatest painters, is already slated to be the face of the new note, following a nationwide vote. An online petition supported by Good Money Week has been created asking the Bank of England to reconsider its choice and to break with tradition by celebrating the more recent efforts of a British hero on a banknote. David Attenborough: Life in pictures Show all 35 1 /35 David Attenborough: Life in pictures David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1957 David Attenborough with his three-year-old daughter Susan, as they cover their ears while sulphur-crested cockatoo Georgie lets out a piercing shriek David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1950 David Attenborough with his wife Jane Oriel and older brother and film actor Richard Attenborough at St. Anne's Church, Kew Green David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1955 David Attenborough, holding his son Robert, whilst looking at an animal called a coatimundi, brought home from the combined London Zoo David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1955 David Attenborough and Jack Lester, curator of London Zoo's reptile house, plan their next expedition to British Guiana with the help of Gregory the parrot David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1956 David Attenborough with six-year-old Michael Webb of Kingsbury pets a Capybara after Sir David had lectured to children on the 'Zoological Expedition to British Guiana' at the Royal Geographical Society in Kensington David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1957 David Attenborough, with wildlife photographer Charles Lagus, preparing to depart for New Guinea to make 'Zoo Quest' at London Airport Getty Images David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1958 Prince Charles with his sister Princess Anne meeting Sir David Attenborough and Cocky, the cockatoo brought back from his last Zoo Quest expedition, at the BBC Television Studios in Lime Grove, London David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1961 David Attenborough with two ring-tailed lemurs during a Christmas lecture at London zoo David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1963 David Attenborough with an armadillo from 'Attenborough's Animals' David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1965 David Attenborough after he was appointed the new head of BBC 2 David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1965 David Attenborough and Michael Peacock, Contoller of the BBC, with soft toy versions of Hullabaloo and Custard, the kangaroo mascots which were used as logos for the launch of BBC 2 David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1980 David Attenborough shows Charlie the Llama to schoolboy Patrick Flynn, the millionth child to attend London Zoo's educational lectures and tours David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1982 David Attenborough feeds orangutan David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1985 David Attenborough after being knighted by the Queen at an investiture at Buckingham Palace, London, with his wife Jane (right) and daughter Susan David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1985 David Attenborough signs his book 'the Living Planet' in a Sydney Bookstore in Australia 2004 Getty Images David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1986 David Attenborough with Queen Elizabeth II filming the Christmas Message in the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1990 David Attenborough poses for a photograph David Attenborough: Life in pictures 1995 David Attenborough watches nature during the filming of Natural Curiosities David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2000 David Attenborough and his wife at the Tate Modern Art Gallery opening party David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2002 David Attenborough with meerkat on his shoulder being filmed for BBC series Life of Mammals David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2003 A python greets Sir David Attenborough during a photo opportunity at Taronga Park Zoo in Sydney, Australia Getty Images David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2003 Sir David Attenborough holds a baby salt water crocodile during a photo opportunity at Taronga Park Zoo in Sydney, Australia Getty Images David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2005 David Attenborough poses with The Swan Hellenic Oldie of the Year Award at the 'Oldie Of The Year Awards' honouring veteran notables together with Britain's oldest celebrity superstars, at Simpsons in the Strand in London. Sir David Attenborough was announced as the Swan Hellenic Oldie of the Year at the 13th annual awards Getty Images David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2005 David Attenborough plants a Wollemei Pine at Kew Gardens in London Getty Images David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2005 David Attenborough signs copies of his latest publication Life In The Undergrowth, published in relation to the BBC One series, at the Natural History Museum in London Getty Images David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2006 Sir David Attenborough and Lord Richard Attenborough robe up, before they are awarded the title of Distinguished Honorary Fellowships from the University of Leicester at De Montfort Hall in Leicester Getty Images David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2007 Sir David Attenborough launches National Moth Recording Scheme at London Zoo in London Getty Images David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2008 Sir David Attenborough sits in The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace in the Amazing Rare Things exhibition in London Getty Images David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2009 Prince William, Dr Michael Dixon and Sir David Attenborough host the opening of the The New Darwin Centre at The Natural History Museum in London Getty Images David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2011 Britain's Queen Elizabeth II speaks with naturalist David Attenborough during a special exhibition of artefacts from the Royal Collection and Royal Archives at Buckingham Palace in London Getty Images David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2011 Sir David Attenborough with the Specialist Factual award at the Philips British Academy Television Awards at the Grosvenor House in London David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2012 Sir David Attenborough poses with a floral sculpture of himself outside the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew Gardens in London Getty Images David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2012 Sir David Attenborough at the UKTV Showcase held at the Saatchi Gallery in west London David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2013 David Attenborough during the filming of "Micro Monsters with David Attenborough," a series about insects David Attenborough: Life in pictures 2016 Sir David Attenborough attends the launch of the London Wildlife Trust's new Flagship nature reserve Woodberry Wetlands in London Getty Images Maybe its about time we became a lot more up to date by using people that have done an awful lot for the world and the planet, one person who signed the petition, which currently has 175 signatures, wrote. I cant think of a more fitting tribute to honour such a conservationist, another said. Its no surprise that Sir David Attenborough came out top in this poll, said Charlene Cranny, programme manager at the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA With his endless conservation work, he would act as a constant reminder to the public to make ethical money choices, which is what Good Money Week now in its 10th year aims to do. Its particularly important this year as the workplace pension comes into full force and millions of pounds could be chosen to be invested ethically if people were aware of their choices. Additional reporting by PA Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} University students on a night out in Falmouth have sparked outrage after wearing hi-vis tabards with I love rape, F*** the Syrians and Nazi swastikas scrawled across them. They also reportedly wore messages saying I love Vegas concerts on their garments, allegedly mocking the victims of the mass shooting last Sunday, which saw 58 people killed and hundreds more injured at a Las Vegas concert. The group from University of Exeters Camborne School of Mines (CSM), based in Penryn, Cornwall, had gathered for a pub crawl event called PPE night, student news website The Tab reported. Recommended Milo Yiannopoulos sang as white nationalists gave Nazi salute At least some of the groups members were wearing the tabards that students are given for courses such as geology and mining and had written the offensive messages on them. After reportedly facing a backlash in the streets of Falmouth, the students were later seen with their tabards turned inside out, the Tab reports. Organisers of the pub crawl event apparently sought to avoid further publicity of the groups offensive behaviour, urging those who attended to scrub their social media accounts and devices of any photographs of the offensive messages. The students were reportedly on a pub crawl night organised for members of the University of Exeters Camborne School of Mines (Google Maps) Whatever you do, do not wear your hi-vis from last night to your practical, one of the organisers reportedly said in a group chat message. I hope you enjoyed the evening but to stay safe do not wear anything from last night again. A second message from another society member said: Right guys. Last night was great fun but its definitely going to receive some consequences. Please destroy any hi-vis tops you have (you can make new ones next year). If you have any photos or videos, delete them NOW. This is for your best interest and us as a committee. At least one student tried to defend the groups actions as banter, writing on Facebook: Any falmouth (sic) students that cant handle a bit of csm banter need to grow up. Weve been here for over 125 years and aren't going any time soon snowflakes. But other members of the University of Exeter student body spoke out against the group, condemning its behaviour. I am a CSM student studying engineering geology. I have lived in Cornwall all my life. Like the rest of you, I am utterly dismayed with the actions of last night's social, one student wrote. There is a small cohort of students who are ruining it for us all. Its an embarrassment for me to tell people Im CSM. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images The poster continued: Having grown up in Cornwall, knowing a lot about CSM traditions, old Cornish miners, and their associated mining towns history. I love rape is not banter or part of Cornish cult...ure. The student insisted that the majority of CSM students did not attend the event and urged students to not tarnish us all with the same brush. Another commenter urged for the university to take action, writing: They have damaged the whole uni reputation. They all need kicking out. It is unclear what punishment students and organisers of the pub crawl event might face. A University of Exeter spokesman told The Independent the school had launched an investigation into the incident. The University of Exeter and the Falmouth and Exeter Students Union (FXU) have a zero-tolerance policy towards racist, misogynist or similarly highly offensive behaviour of any form, the spokesman said. As soon as we were made aware of this incident we sought immediately to identify the students and organisers involved and demanded that all offensive material be removed. An investigation was launched immediately and the consequences for anyone found to have breached our code of conduct will be determined by our disciplinary processes. The spokesman added that the university is extremely disappointed by these unacceptable actions displayed by a small number of students and we apologise unreservedly for the offence caused. Sign up to the Inside Politics email for your free daily briefing on the biggest stories in UK politics Get our free Inside Politics email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Politics email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Theresa Mays crisis has deepened today with a new poll showing Labour surging ahead of the Conservatives, while the public now also has a clear preference for Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister. The exclusive survey for The Independent by BMG Research now has Labour five points ahead of the Tories, who are still reeling from a coup launched by ex-ministers to overthrow Ms May. Mr Corbyn, fresh from a conference at which he cemented his position, has a two point lead over Ms May in terms of who the public would prefer to be running the country. The numbers represent a stunning reversal in fortune for both the Tories and Labour, and the poll heaps yet more problems on top of Theresa May, whose authority had already been undermined by Boris Johnson even before her catastrophic conference speech. The under-fire PM also faces pressure from the European Union where leaders in France and Germany signalled they would not allow Brexit talks to progress on to trade. The study by BMG Research gives Labour a four point increase to 42 per cent, while the Conservatives fell two to 37 per cent. In a separate question on who would make the better Prime Minister, Theresa May fell two points to 30 per cent, while Jeremy Corbyn rose four points to 32 per cent. Mr Corbyns own overall net approval ratings are at 0 per cent, meaning as many people said they approved of his performance as leader as those who did not a huge increase from the most recent poll, which put him at minus 10 per cent. Ms Mays approval rating is at minus 19 per cent. The personal backing of Mr Corbyn also stands in marked contrast to a poll in mid-September, which revealed the partys policies on things like the renationalisation of the railways and an end to the public sector pay cap were popular but the party were not yet seen as a government in waiting, and Mr Corbyn was not regarded as a potential Prime Minister. Mr Corbyn went into party conference season with 55 per cent of respondents saying they were dissatisfied with his performance as Opposition leader and 45 per cent saying they were satisfied, giving him a net score of minus 10. Theresa May claims 'full support' of Cabinet The latest figures show only a one per cent drop for the Prime Minister from before conference season, from minus 18 per cent to minus 19 per cent, but these numbers do not consider any change in perception as a result of Wednesdays speech. If there were a general election tomorrow, 33 per cent of people said they would vote Conservative, leaving them neck and neck with Labour, also on 33 per cent. Six per cent of people said they would vote Liberal Democrat, four per cent of people would vote Ukip. The poll, conducted between 26 and 29 September, came before Ms Mays own disastrous conference speech, which itself came at the end of a particularly lacklustre party conference, characterised by a lack of enthusiasm from the crowd and continuing stories of infighting and disloyalty in the media. On Friday, backbench MP and former party chairman Grant Shapps made a series of media appearances, claiming to have a list of 30 MPs willing to sign the papers necessary to mount a leadership challenge to the Prime Minister; 48 signatures are required for a challenge to take place. Mr Shapps was told to shut up by former leadership hopeful Andrea Leadsom, and Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson also pleaded for more unity in the party. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA Ms Mays conference speech has been received as a disaster, after it was interrupted by a heckler handing her a P45, she lost her voice and was unable to speak for several minutes and the backdrop fell apart behind her. On the eve of the conference, Boris Johnson gave an interview to The Sun in which he set out his own red lines on Brexit, demarcating his position from that of the Governments. Ms May also faces the prospect of France and Germany rejecting her Brexit negotiation proposal to establish a two-year transitional arrangement, until the divorce settlement has been concluded, essentially killing off what had been seen as a breakthrough in her Florence speech. A poll published in Saturdays Telegraph found the publics trust in the Prime Ministers handling of Brexit talks has hit an all-time low. Jeremy Corbyns rising public approval should be seen in context of the very real possibility of there being no general election for five years, at which point he will be 73 years of age. But the Labour Party conference accepted a recommendation from the partys National Executive Committee to mean that a future leader can stand with only 10 per cent approval of the partys MPs, making it much easier for Mr Corbyn to hand over to a like-minded successor. BMG Research interviewed a representative sample of 1,910 British adults aged 18 and over between 26-29 September 2017. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Theresa May has suggested she is prepared to demote Boris Johnson in a bid to reassert her authority amid reports she is planning to reshuffle her top team. Ms May suffered fresh calls for her resignation following a disastrous speech at the Conservative party conference and a failed coup attempt from within her party. Sources believe she will hold a cabinet reshuffle to strengthen her administration after the European Council meeting on 19-20 October. In her first interview since the speech, Ms May told The Sunday Times: I didnt come into politics for an easy life. When asked about her plans for the Foreign Secretary, she said: It has never been my style to hide from a challenge and Im not going to start now. Im the PM, and part of my job is to make sure I always have the best people in my cabinet, to make the most of the wealth of talent available to me in the party. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 14 November 2022 Members of the hospitality sector demonstrate outside parliament in London. The head of the Confederation of British Industry is urging the UK government to relax immigration rules to help British companies with severe staff shortages, ahead of the chancellors autumn statement EPA UK news in pictures 13 November 2022 England celebrate winning the mens T20 World Cup in Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia AAP Image/Reuters UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA She added she had been uncomfortable during her speech at the party conference, during which she was handed a P45 form by a prankster and suffered repeated coughing fits. But despite this, she never considered leaving the stage early, she said, adding: I am a very determined person. I am not someone who gives up. Ms May has been facing growing pressure to manage Mr Johnson after he was accused of overshadowing her Manchester speech with his controversial remarks on Libya. But Mr Johnson urged the party to rally around Ms May in the wake of her conference performance, writing in The Sunday Telegraph that he backed her to secure a great and successful Brexit and calling those who were seeking a new leadership race nutters. He said: The people of this country dont want a general election. For heavens sake: in the last three years we have had two elections and a referendum. They certainly dont want to see a Tory leadership contest that would inevitably trigger further demands for an election. He compared the Tory party to a herd of elephants that had sniffed the air but turned away from plunging over a cliff edge after the attempted coup against Ms May fizzled out. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Theresa May is facing calls to publish legal advice she received that is believed to state that parliament could stop Brexit. The countrys top legal experts apparently gave the Prime Minister advice saying that leaving the European Union could be halted if MPs judge that a change of mind is in the national interest. Prominent lawyer Jessica Simor QC, from Matrix chambers, has written to Ms May asking her to release any legal advice she received. Ms Simor claims she has been informed about the discussions by two good sources and that there is no time to waste, according to The Guardian. Such advice would also accord with the view of Lord Kerr, who was involved in drafting article 50, of Jean-Claude Piris, former director general of the EU councils legal service, and of Martin Selmayr, a lawyer and head of cabinet to the European commission president, she said. It is important that this advice is made available to the British public and their representatives in parliament as soon as possible. The Government has repeatedly wanted that halting Brexit is not an option and the result of the referendum would be respected. Europe on the other hand has been open to the possibility of Britain making a U-turn on their decision. French President Emmanuel Macron says the door remains open for Britain to change its mind about Brexit, after talks with Theresa May in Paris. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Mr Macron threw out the olive branch, even amid rising EU anger about the delays to the exit talks which he said should be launched as soon as possible. Of course the door remains open, always open until the Brexit negotiations come to an end, the President said, when asked if Britain could yet stay in the EU. A DExEU spokesperson said: We made our position clear in the supreme court. As a matter of firm policy, our notification will not be withdrawn. The British people voted to leave the EU and we will deliver on their instruction. There can be no attempts to remain inside the EU and no attempt to rejoin it. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A man who raped a 12-year-old has been awarded joint custody of her child despite being convicted of her rape and another sexual assault on a child. The convicted rapist assaulted the girl nine years ago and she subsequently became pregnant. A judge has given Christopher Mirasolo, 27, parenting time and joint legal custody of the eight-year-old boy after a paternity test found he was the father. Since his conviction for the rape in 2008, Mirasolo, from Brown City, Michigan, has been convicted of another child sex assault, for which he served four years in prison. As reported by The Detroit News, the victim is now 21-years-old and her attorney, Rebecca Kiessling, is seeking protection under the federal Rape Survivor Child Custody Act to halt his access. The custody was granted by Judge Gregory S Ross and Mirasolo was given the victims address and his name added to the birth certificate, without the victims consent. This is insane, said Ms Kiessling, who filed objections on Friday with the judge. Nothing has been right about this since it was originally investigated. He was never properly charged and should still be sitting behind bars somewhere, but the system is victimising my client, who was a child herself when this all happened. The matters ordered by the court will be taken up at a hearing later this month. According to Ms Kiessling, Mirarsolo forcibly raped and threatened to kill her client in September 2008. Mirasolo was found guilty of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and sentenced to one year in jail, but only served six and half months. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty In March 2010, Mirasolo committed another offence on a victim aged between 13 and 15 years olf which he served four years in prison for. She, her 13-year-old sister and a friend all slipped out of their house one night to meet a boy and the boys older friend, Mirasolo, showed up and asked if they wanted to go for a ride, said Kiessling. They thought they were going to McDonalds or somewhere. Instead, he tossed their cellphones away, drove to Detroit where he stole gas from a station and then drove back to Sanilac County, where he kept them captive for two days in a vacant house near a relative, finally releasing the older sister in a park. He threatened to kill them if they told anyone what happened. Mirasolo was arrested a month later, she said, when her client was pregnant. The victim decided to keep the child as she did not want the baby to be a victim too and left school to live with relatives and worked to support herself. He was sentenced to one year in prison but only served six and half months before early release to care for his sick mother. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events In March 2010, Mirasolo committed a sex assault on a victim between the age of 13 and 15-years-old. He served four years with this second offence. Barbara Yockey, Mirasolos attorney, said it is unclear what her clients future involvement, if any, will be with the eight-year-old boy and declined to discuss any of his past criminal cases. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A growing movement seeking to abolish Columbus Day and replace it with Indigenous Peoples Day has gained momentum in parts of the US, with Los Angeles becoming the biggest city to stop honouring the Italian explorer. Instead, Los Angeles will be joining a number of other US cities recognising victims of colonialism on Monday. Austin, Texas followed the Californian citys example, announcing its plans to cease Columbus Day celebrations on Thursday. The two cities will join San Francisco, Seattle and Denver in the gesture. While many have spoken out in support of the decision to honour those who suffered as a result of colonisation led by Christopher Columbus, some Italian-Americans have argued that erasing a festival that celebrates an important aspect of Italys history is culturally insensitive too. We had a very difficult time in this country for well over a hundred years, Basil Russo, president of the Order of Italian Sons and Daughters of America, said. Columbus Day is a day that weve chosen to celebrate who we are. And were entitled to do that just as they are entitled to celebrate who they are. But, an advocate for replacing Columbus Day with a day honouring Indigenous people, says the question Americans should ask themselves is whether Columbus is truly a figure who should be celebrated nationwide. Its not about taking anything away from Italian-Americans, said Cliff Matias, cultural director of the Redhawk Native American Arts Council, which is hosting a Re-Thinking Columbus Day event Sunday and Monday in New York City. The conversation is Columbus, he said. If theyre going to celebrate Columbus, we need to celebrate the fact that we survived Columbus. The debate over Columbuss legacy is an old one, but it has become emotionally charged after a similar debate in the US over monuments to Confederate generals turned deadly at a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in August. 2000-2009: the world in pictures Show all 100 1 /100 2000-2009: the world in pictures 2000-2009: the world in pictures 262935.bin REUTERS/Alejandro Bringas 2000-2009: the world in pictures 262948.bin REUTERS/Carlos Barria 2000-2009: the world in pictures 262938.bin REUTERS/Damir Sagolj 2000-2009: the world in pictures 262952.bin REUTERS/Eric Gaillard 2000-2009: the world in pictures 262953.bin REUTERS/Arko Datta 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263433.bin REUTERS/Finbarr O'Reilly 2000-2009: the world in pictures 262955.bin REUTERS/Gary Hershorn 2000-2009: the world in pictures 262956.bin REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263427.bin REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer 2000-2009: the world in pictures 262957.bin REUTERS/Alex Grimm 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263447.bin REUTERS/Sigit Pamungkas 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263431.bin REUTERS/Dylan Martinez 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263455.bin REUTERS/David Gray 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263461.bin REUTERS/Gleb Garanich 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263429.bin REUTERS/Jerry Lampen 2000-2009: the world in pictures 262967.bin REUTERS/Eric Miller 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263430.bin REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic 2000-2009: the world in pictures 262958.bin REUTERS/Jason Lee 2000-2009: the world in pictures 262964.bin REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 2000-2009: the world in pictures 262973.bin REUTERS/Stringer 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263426.bin REUTERS/Luiz Vasconcelos-A Critica/AE 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263463.bin REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263458.bin REUTERS/Fars News 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263468.bin REUTERS/Peter Andrews 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263777.bin REUTERS/Steve Crisp 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263825.bin REUTERS/Beawiharta 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263764.bin REUTERS/Petr Josek 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263459.bin REUTERS/Adrees Latif 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263762.bin REUTERS/RIA Novosti/KREMLIN 2000-2009: the world in pictures 277377.bin REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263721.bin REUTERS/Francois Lenoir 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263826.bin REUTERS/Siphiwe 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263760.bin REUTERS/Larry Downing 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263761.bin REUTERS/Brian Snyder 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263759.bin REUTERS/Radu Sigheti 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265829.bin REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265826.bin REUTERS/Reinhard Krause 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263831.bin REUTERS/Peter Schols 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263828.bin REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263829.bin REUTERS/Juan Medina 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263827.bin REUTERS/Adrees Latif 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265827.bin REUTERS/Noam Wind 2000-2009: the world in pictures 279082.bin REUTERS/Mohammed Salem 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265831.bin REUTERS/Thierry Roge 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265828.bin REUTERS/Jorge Silva 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265841.bin REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265834.bin REUTERS/Jorge Silva 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265838.bin REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst 2000-2009: the world in pictures 279132.bin REUTERS/Atef Hassan RCS/DY 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265845.bin REUTERS/Rick Wilking JIR/mk 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265840.bin REUTERS/Damir Sagolj 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265864.bin REUTERS/Nir Elias 2000-2009: the world in pictures 263830.bin REUTERS/Finbarr O'Reilly/Files 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265868.bin REUTERS/Damir Sagolj 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265850.bin REUTERS/Dylan Martinez 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265866.bin REUTERS/Kevin Coombs 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265863.bin REUTERS/Eric Gaillard 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265867.bin REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265847.bin REUTERS/Gil Cohen Magen 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265857.bin REUTERS/Max Rossi 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265837.bin REUTERS/ Mohamed Azakir 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265875.bin REUTERS/Arko Datta 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265942.bin REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265945.bin REUTERS/Viktor Korotayev 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265885.bin REUTERS/Pierre Holtz 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265943.bin REUTERS/Ali Jasim 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265941.bin REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265869.bin REUTERS/Faleh Kheiber 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265870.bin REUTERS/Radu Sigheti 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265880.bin REUTERS/Andrea Comas 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265947.bin REUTERS/Daniel Aguilar 2000-2009: the world in pictures 279141.bin REUTERS/Caren Firouz 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265954.bin REUTERS 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265952.bin REUTERS/Juan Medina 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265960.bin REUTERS/Amit Dave 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265949.bin REUTERS/Bobby Yip 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265961.bin REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265956.bin REUTERS/Damir Sagolj 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265950.bin REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265948.bin REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265951.bin REUTERS/Nir Elias 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265969.bin REUTERS/Tobias Schwarz 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265965.bin REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265966.bin REUTERS/Beawiharta 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265963.bin REUTERS/Dylan Martinez 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265964.bin REUTERS/Jim Hollander 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265971.bin REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265972.bin REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265974.bin REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265970.bin REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265973.bin REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265977.bin REUTERS/Peter Morgan 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265976.bin REUTERS/Dylan Martinez 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265978.bin REUTERS/Damir Sagolj 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265981.bin REUTERS/Colin Braley 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265979.bin REUTERS/Reinhard Krause 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265980.bin REUTERS/Amit Shabi 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265983.bin REUTERS/Andras Kisgergely 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265982.bin REUTERS/Win McNamee 2000-2009: the world in pictures 265984.bin REUTERS/Howard Burditt In New York City, where 35,000 people are expected to march in Mondays Columbus Day parade, vandals last month doused the hands of a Christopher Columbus statue in blood-red paint and scrawled the words hate will not be tolerated. Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed a committee to evaluate whether monuments to certain historical figures should be removed, which prompted a backlash from Italian-Americans who vowed to defend the Columbus statue that has stood in Manhattans Columbus Circle for over a century. Indigenous Peoples Day began to take root as an idea ahead of the 500th anniversary of Columbuss first voyage to the Americas. South Dakota began celebrating Native American Day on the second Monday of October in 1990. Berkeley, California, got rid of Columbus Day in favour of Indigenous Peoples Day in 1992. Many places that have adopted Indigenous Peoples Day since then, including Alaska, have sizable Indigenous populations. Additional reporting by PA Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} As speculation swirled about the car crash outside the Natural History Museum, Donald Trumps son liked a tweet which quoted London Mayor Sadiq Khan as saying a number of people had been injured and a man detained by police. Donald Trump Jr was responding to the report about the incident by US broadcaster ABC News, clicking the like button on their story about the incident. At the time the story was posted, it was unclear what had actually happened. A large number of Twitter users but not ABC News had claimed it was a terrorist attack. However, police later ruled this out and described it as a road traffic incident. ABC said: More: London Mayor Sadiq Khan: A number of people have been injured man has been detained by police. It was unclear what Trump Jr meant when he liked the tweet but he has previous form for criticising Mr Khan in relation to terror attacks. Donald Trump Senior has previously criticised Mr Khan over his comments on terrorism now being part and parcel of living in London, with his sons backing up his views. In the wake of the Westminster attacks, the President took to Twitter to launch a scathing attack against Mr Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed about the risks. Mr Trump said: Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his no reason to be alarmed statement. MSM (mainstream media) is working hard to sell it. Mr Trump Jr later told the ABC network that Mr Khan was not doing enough to tackle terrorism in the wake of the atrocities. Donald Trump Jr liked an early report on the incident (Twitter) Maybe he should do something to fix the problem rather than just sit there and pretend there isnt one, he said. We keep appeasing it. And we keep saying, Okay, its gonna be great. Were gonna hold fast and were gonna keep calm and carry on. Maybe we have to keep calm and actually do something. Following the Westminster attack in March, Trump Jr, who works alongside younger brother Eric as a trustee of the Trump Organisation, shared a six-month old story by The Independent reporting Mr Khans comment that terror attacks were a part and parcel of living in a global city. You have to be kidding me?! Trump Jr exclaimed on Twitter. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty It was unclear whether he understood that Mr Khans remarks had been made six months earlier and not in response to the atrocity at the Houses of Parliament where five people were murdered including a police officer. Eleven people were hurt in the car crash outside the London museum, although none of the injuries are believed to be life threatening or life-changing, according to the Metropolitan police. The arrested man has not been charged with any crime and the investigation continues. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump is being sued by the state of California and a civil rights group over achanges to health care coverage for workers which they say could force women off contraception. The Affordable Care Act ruled that employers have to pick up the bill for women on their payroll who are on the pill. But the US president's administration announced a shake-up of the rules to allow bosses to back out of their obligations under the so-called Obamacare bill on the grounds of religious or moral beliefs. The decision by Mr Trumps administration is seen as part of wider move to appease conservative groups in the US which helped usher him into the White House in his shock election victory. The American Civil Liberties Union announced it had taken legal action just hours after health chiefs in Washington revealed they would loosen the contraception policy offered under Obamacare. "The Trump administration is forcing women to pay for their boss's religious beliefs," ACLU senior staff attorney Brigitte Amiri said in a statement, CBS News reported. "We're filing this lawsuit because the federal government cannot authorise discrimination against women in the name of religion or otherwise." The state of California filed its own lawsuit, in a federal court in San Francisco, in the name of state attorney general Xavier Becerra, according to a report in the Huffington Post. Millions of women in California may be left without access to contraceptives and counseling and the State will be shouldering that additional fiscal and administrative burden as women seek access for this coverage through state-funded programmes, the legal action read. In a statement, Mr Becerra said that Mr Trump had proven with his Obamacare contraception ruling that once again he was willing to trample on peoples rights. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty The US Presidents administration announced the change after saying the policy for female contraception for workers saddled employers with a substantial burden. Critics said the move unravelled the mandate under President Obama that gave 62 million women across the US with no out-of-pocket costs for the anti-pregnancy drugs. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The head of US emergency response has dismissed a Puerto Rican official's calls for help as political noise, claiming to have filtered [her] out a long time ago. Fema Administrator Brock Long spoke out against San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz in an interview with ABC's This Week. Ms Cruz has repeatedly called for more federal assistance in the wake of Hurricane Maria. We filtered out the mayor a long time ago, we dont have time for political noise, Mr Long said. ...We filter that out, keep our heads down, and continue to make progress and push forward in restoring central functions for Puerto Rico. Recommended Google to fly balloons over Puerto Rico to restore phone service Hurricane Maria knocked out almost all of the island's power when it struck Puerto Rico late last month. Most of the island is still without electricity, and many residents still lack for food and water. Ms Cruz has been outspoken about the islands need for help, what what she sees as the administration's slow response in giving it. Power collapses in San Juan hospital with 4 patients now being transferred out, she tweeted on Saturday night. Have requested support from FEMA. NOTHING! World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Mr Long shot back in his Sunday-morning interview, saying Fema is "re-stringing a very fragile system every day". We built an entire 911 system, he said. We monitor the hospital system daily and so if there is power failure at a hospital ... were actually [flying] the ICU patients out of those hospitals. But the administrator admitted that his agencys resources were taxed in the wake of several recent hurricanes. Fema is still aiding in recovery efforts from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, which devastated swaths of the American South last month. "Nearly 85 per cent of my entire agency is deployed right now, Mr Long said. We're still working massive issues in Harvey, Irma, as well as the issues in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and now this one." So Ms Cruz has extended her pleas for help to the highest levels, begging President Donald Trump for assistance via interviews and Twitter. We are dying here, she told reporters at press conference late last month. I cannot fathom the thought that the greatest nation in the world cannot figure out the logistics for a small island of 100 miles by 35 miles. She added: So, Mr Trump, I am begging you to take charge and save lives. The President responded via Twitter, accusing Puerto Rican officials of wanting everything to be done for them. "The military and first responders, despite no electric, roads, phones etc., have done an amazing job," he wrote. "Puerto Rico was totally destroyed." Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The death of a Chicago teenager, whose body was discovered last month in the walk-in freezer of a hotel, has been ruled an accident by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office in Illinois. But the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death, and toxicology reports indicating that she had ingested a medication used to treat epilepsy and migraines, have fueled further speculation about what happened on the night she disappeared. The teenager, Kenneka Jenkins, was attending a party at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois, near Chicago on Sept. 8 and was reported missing the next day. Investigators found her body facedown in the freezer on Sept. 10. On Twitter and Facebook, people complained that the police investigation had not moved fast enough because Jenkins, 19, was black. At a news conference on Sept. 15, lawyers for Jenkins' mother, Tereasa Martin, questioned why the hotel's camera footage was not reviewed after she first called 911. On Friday, the Cook County Medical Examiners Office said that the cause of her death was hypothermia and that the combination of alcohol and topiramate -- a prescription drug used to prevent migraines and to control seizures -- was a significant contributing factor. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty In a statement Friday, the Rosemont Police Department said "no sign of foul play appears to exist" but that its investigation was not yet over. Detectives were examining information from four cellphones used by people at the party, including Jenkins', the police said. Investigators were working to enhance and analyze surveillance video, some of which showed Jenkins stumbling through the hallways of the hotel. Investigators tested for hundreds of drugs, including date rape drugs, and did not find any. They found a blood alcohol concentration of 0.112. Officials said they had found topiramate in her system that fell "within the appropriate prescribed levels" that are used to treat conditions like migraines. The medical examiner's office, citing information from Jenkins' family, said she had not been prescribed topiramate. When alcohol and topiramate are combined, the effects of each can be enhanced. The medical examiner's office said that these substances, combined with the exposure to the cold, could "hasten the onset of hypothermia and death." New York Times Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The gunman who launched a deadly attack on concertgoers in Las Vegas had written a detailed note on how to murder as many people as possible, authorities have reportedly said. Four officers who were the first to storm Stephen Paddocks rented room at the Mandalay Bay hotel revealed chilling new details about the deadliest shooting in modern American history in an interview with CBSs 60 Minutes. They said a piece of paper found in the shooters hotel room had calculations scrawled across it determining ballistic trajectories that would help the gunman maximise his death toll. He killed 58 people and injured hundreds of others in the massacre. Officer David Newton, from the Las Vegas Police Departments K-9 unit, said he noticed the paper on the shooters nightstand, not far from one of the windows Paddock had smashed with a hammer before firing into the unsuspecting crowd below with high-powered semi-automatic rifles. I could see on it he had written the distance, the elevation he was on, the drop of what his bullet was gonna be for the crowd, Mr Newton said. So, he had that written down and figured out so he would know where to shoot to hit his targets from there. The gunmans hotel room was on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel with a perfect view of the concert grounds where more than 20,000 people had gathered some 400 yards away for the Route 91 Harvest Musical Festival before Paddock launched his attack. Investigators are still searching for a motive that could have led Stephen Paddock to launch the attack (AP) The note was found among 23 firearms, ammunition and the gunmans body, after Paddock took his own life before authorities arrived to the suite. Mr Newton described the eerie feeling of storming into Paddocks hotel room amid the chaos of the attack. Las Vegas shooting in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas shooting in pictures People scramble for shelter at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after gun fire was heard Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People carry a person at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after shots were fired David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People run from the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after gun fire was heard David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures A handout photo released via Twitter by Eiki Hrafnsson (@EirikurH) showing concertgoers running away from the scene (C) after shots range out at the Route 91 Harvest festival on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA/Eiki Hrafnsson Las Vegas shooting in pictures People lie on the ground at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after hearing gun fire Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures A man in a wheelchair is taken away from the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after hearing gun fire David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People stand on the street outside the Mandalay Bay hotel near the scene of the Route 91 Harvest festival on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA/Paul Buck Las Vegas shooting in pictures FBI agents confer in front of the Tropicana hotel-casino after a mass shooting during a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas police run by a banner on the fence at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival grounds after shots were fired David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures An injured person is tended to in the intersection of Tropicana Ave. and Las Vegas Boulevard after a mass shooting at a country music festival Ethan Miller/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures Metro Police officers pass by the front of the Tropicana hotel-casino after a mass shooting at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures A woman sits on a curb at the scene of a shooting outside of a music festival along the Las Vegas Strip AP/John Locher Las Vegas shooting in pictures A cowboy hat lays in the street after shots were fired near a country music festival in Las Vegas Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas Metro Police and medical workers stage in the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard South after a mass shooting at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures Sheriff Joe Lombardo (2-R) speaking during a press briefing in the aftermath of the active shooter incident on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA Very eerie. Yeah, the dust from the explosive breach. And then you have the flashing lights, Newton said. And that looked straight, like, out of a movie, you know? Authorities are still working to determine the shooters motives, which still remain largely a mystery a week after the massacre. Weve run a thousand leads, Undersheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department told reporters on Friday. While some of it has helped create a better profiling to the madness of the suspect, we do not still have a motive or reason why. Officers describe storming Stephen Paddocks hotel room to 60 Minutes. Top row, from left to right: Las Vegas detectives Casey Clarkson and Matthew Donaldson. Bottom row, left to right: David Newton from the Las Vegas Police Departments K-9 unit and Sgt Joshua Bitsko (CBS) He said investigators were continuing to search for answers with great tenacity. Investigators are poring over all aspects of the 64-year-olds life, from his childhood to the final days before he launched his deadly attack before turning the gun on himself. Officials have asked members of the public to come forward with any information that could be helpful in determining the shooters motives. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The father of Las Vegas gunman Stephen Paddock was reportedly a self-ordained minister who carried out marriage ceremonies and wanted to start his own church as well as being on the FBIs Ten Most Wanted list of fugitives. In the search to understand the psychology of the mass murderer, attention has focused on the colourful criminal life of his father Benjamin Hoskins Paddock. Although the killer had no previous criminal convictions and apparently lived in the shadows of society, rarely speaking to his neighbours, his father was a larger than life character, according to reports. Paddock Senior spent almost a decade on the run after he was sprung from a Texan prison in 1968, with an FBI poster describing him as a psychopath who should be treated as armed and very dangerous. Unlike his son, Paddock Senior began his criminal life early, and was first arrested in 1946 aged just 19 for stealing 12 cars, according to a Chicago Tribune story at the time. After spending time in prison, he went on to commit a series of bank robberies in Phoenix, Arizona, before being caught and jailed again. He was removed from the wanted list in 1977 after almost a decade evading the law, and found a year later in Oregon where he had been running a bingo parlour. He was charged with running an illegal gambling operation after he apparently exploited a loophole in the law which allowed him to pocket the proceeds of the parlour. Despite the charges he avoided a prison sentence. In 1989, he tried to found a church in Las Vegas apparently to sponsor the bingo parlour which he had started up again. He wanted to [locate the church in] Nevada because he liked to go there and gamble, said Bernie Sue Warthen, a 67-year-old woman from Oregon who told reporters she became friends with Paddock Senior when he was in his 60s because she and his girlfriend both had teenage daughters who were friends. Las Vegas shooting in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas shooting in pictures People scramble for shelter at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after gun fire was heard Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People carry a person at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after shots were fired David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People run from the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after gun fire was heard David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures A handout photo released via Twitter by Eiki Hrafnsson (@EirikurH) showing concertgoers running away from the scene (C) after shots range out at the Route 91 Harvest festival on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA/Eiki Hrafnsson Las Vegas shooting in pictures People lie on the ground at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after hearing gun fire Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures A man in a wheelchair is taken away from the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after hearing gun fire David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People stand on the street outside the Mandalay Bay hotel near the scene of the Route 91 Harvest festival on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA/Paul Buck Las Vegas shooting in pictures FBI agents confer in front of the Tropicana hotel-casino after a mass shooting during a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas police run by a banner on the fence at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival grounds after shots were fired David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures An injured person is tended to in the intersection of Tropicana Ave. and Las Vegas Boulevard after a mass shooting at a country music festival Ethan Miller/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures Metro Police officers pass by the front of the Tropicana hotel-casino after a mass shooting at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures A woman sits on a curb at the scene of a shooting outside of a music festival along the Las Vegas Strip AP/John Locher Las Vegas shooting in pictures A cowboy hat lays in the street after shots were fired near a country music festival in Las Vegas Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas Metro Police and medical workers stage in the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard South after a mass shooting at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures Sheriff Joe Lombardo (2-R) speaking during a press briefing in the aftermath of the active shooter incident on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA Speaking to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, she said Paddock Senior, an avid gambler, invited her to Las Vegas where they founded the Holy Life Congregation Church. She is listed as having been the Churchs secretary. Although the Church never got off the ground, Paddock Senior began representing himself as a self-ordained minister in Las Vegas and married couples in the late 1980s. The media as well as law enforcement agencies are continuing to pour over every detail of the gunmans past and in a bid to understand what motivated him to open fire from his Mandalay Bay hotel room onto a country music festival, killing 58 people and injuring hundreds more before killing himself. Although the killer spent only a few years around his father, who died in 1998, the two are said to have shared a mutual love of both gambling and Vegas, as well as guns. Stephen Paddocks 57-year-old brother Bruce Paddock also has a criminal past, although none of his convictions are for serious offences. Records show Bruce was convicted for minor acts of vandalism, driving with a revoked licence and probation violations, as well as drug and driving offences. University of Nebraska associate criminology professor Joseph Schwartz, who studies genetic links to criminal activity, warned against making easy assumptions based on Paddock Seniors history and reports of his other sons anti-social behaviour. Its human nature to try to speculate and try to understand something so terrible, he said. In reality, (mistreating someone) is not a precursor to collecting multiple semi-automatic weapons and shooting at people from a hotel window. Paddock Senior died in 1998 and is understood to have had little contact with either of his two sons. The only one time I asked him about his children, he said he had nothing to do with them at their request, Ms Warthen said. I didnt know their names. I just saw a picture. The only man I knew was kind and generous, she said. He gave out turkeys at Thanksgiving and loaned his car to a neighbour who needed transportation. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Las Vegas shooter Stephen Paddock had visited the Middle East during a series of cruises, police have revealed. Investigators remain stumped as to Paddocks motives but said he visited the contentious region on a cruise. He also took at least 11 other cruises to other destinations over the last several years, the AP reported. The region, where Isis and other jihadi groups have a presence in some areas, may be of interest to security services because of speculation Paddock became radicalised. Body cam footage shows officers during Las Vegas mass shooting Extremist group Isis have repeatedly claimed responsibility for the shooting, which killed 58 people and wounded hundreds more. The group claims he converted to Islam six months ago but no link has been proven to the organisation. Clark County Undersheriff Kevin McMahill said investigators had "looked at literally everything" and still could not establish a clear motive. They have been closely scrutinising his trips and other activities in a bid to understand why he decided to fire on a crowd of country music fans from the Mandalay Bay Hotel. Investigators have chased 1,000 leads and examined Paddock's politics, finances, any possible radicalisation and his social behaviour typical investigative avenues that have helped uncover the motive in past shootings. In previous massacres, killers have left notes, social media postings or information on a computer, or even phoned police. But information surrounding Paddock is scant. A cryptic notebook filled with numbers was found in the hotel room he used to shoot at the crowd. The focus of the investigation has now turned to Paddocks girlfriend, Marilou Danley, who was in her native Philippines at the time of the shooting. She has been labelled a "person of interest," but is not in custody and is cooperating with authorities. Ms Danley has told investigators she had not seen indications Paddock could become violent. Las Vegas shooting in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas shooting in pictures People scramble for shelter at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after gun fire was heard Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People carry a person at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after shots were fired David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People run from the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after gun fire was heard David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures A handout photo released via Twitter by Eiki Hrafnsson (@EirikurH) showing concertgoers running away from the scene (C) after shots range out at the Route 91 Harvest festival on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA/Eiki Hrafnsson Las Vegas shooting in pictures People lie on the ground at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after hearing gun fire Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures A man in a wheelchair is taken away from the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after hearing gun fire David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People stand on the street outside the Mandalay Bay hotel near the scene of the Route 91 Harvest festival on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA/Paul Buck Las Vegas shooting in pictures FBI agents confer in front of the Tropicana hotel-casino after a mass shooting during a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas police run by a banner on the fence at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival grounds after shots were fired David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures An injured person is tended to in the intersection of Tropicana Ave. and Las Vegas Boulevard after a mass shooting at a country music festival Ethan Miller/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures Metro Police officers pass by the front of the Tropicana hotel-casino after a mass shooting at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures A woman sits on a curb at the scene of a shooting outside of a music festival along the Las Vegas Strip AP/John Locher Las Vegas shooting in pictures A cowboy hat lays in the street after shots were fired near a country music festival in Las Vegas Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas Metro Police and medical workers stage in the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard South after a mass shooting at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures Sheriff Joe Lombardo (2-R) speaking during a press briefing in the aftermath of the active shooter incident on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA Detectives believe Paddock may have been with a prostitute in the days before the massacre and have been questioning local sex workers. In a possible sign he was contemplating massacres at other sites, he also booked rooms overlooking the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago in August and the Life Is Beautiful show near the Las Vegas Strip in late September, according to authorities. Paddock also bought 1,000 rounds of.308-calibre and .223-caliber tracer ammunition from a private buyer he met at a Phoenix gun show, a law enforcement official said. Additional reporting by agencies Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Las Vegas gunman may have held target practise just days before carrying out the deadliest mass shooting in US history, reports claim. Investigators have uncovered surveillance footage of Stephen Paddock driving alone into the desert on the Friday before the shooting, law enforcement officials told the Wall Street Journal. The remote area located near his home in Mesquite, Nevada is often used by locals for target practise. Investigators say Paddock split his time between the home in Mesquite and one in Reno, Nevada. He was a frequent gambler who often stayed in Las Vegas, and enjoyed VIP privileges at several casinos. One day before the surveillance video was taken, Paddock checked into a 32nd-story room at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Over the course of several days, police say, he brought more than 20 firearms into his hotel room. He also stockpiled at least 12 bump stocks devices used to increase the speed at which a gun can fire. On 1 October, Paddock broke open his hotel room windows and opened fire on a country music concert taking place below. He injured almost 500 people and killed 58, before shooting and killing himself. Las Vegas shooting in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas shooting in pictures People scramble for shelter at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after gun fire was heard Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People carry a person at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after shots were fired David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People run from the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after gun fire was heard David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures A handout photo released via Twitter by Eiki Hrafnsson (@EirikurH) showing concertgoers running away from the scene (C) after shots range out at the Route 91 Harvest festival on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA/Eiki Hrafnsson Las Vegas shooting in pictures People lie on the ground at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after hearing gun fire Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures A man in a wheelchair is taken away from the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after hearing gun fire David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People stand on the street outside the Mandalay Bay hotel near the scene of the Route 91 Harvest festival on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA/Paul Buck Las Vegas shooting in pictures FBI agents confer in front of the Tropicana hotel-casino after a mass shooting during a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas police run by a banner on the fence at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival grounds after shots were fired David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures An injured person is tended to in the intersection of Tropicana Ave. and Las Vegas Boulevard after a mass shooting at a country music festival Ethan Miller/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures Metro Police officers pass by the front of the Tropicana hotel-casino after a mass shooting at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures A woman sits on a curb at the scene of a shooting outside of a music festival along the Las Vegas Strip AP/John Locher Las Vegas shooting in pictures A cowboy hat lays in the street after shots were fired near a country music festival in Las Vegas Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas Metro Police and medical workers stage in the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard South after a mass shooting at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures Sheriff Joe Lombardo (2-R) speaking during a press briefing in the aftermath of the active shooter incident on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA Paddock also researched locations in Chicago and Boston in the weeks before the shooting, officials say. He even booked a hotel room overlooking Chicagos popular Lollapolooza music festival, but never showed up. But one week after the horrific shooting, investigators are still searching for a motive. Friends and neighbours have described Paddock as quiet and unremarkable, if standoffish. A retired accountant, the 64-year-old lived with his girlfriend, Marilou Danley, who described him as kind, caring, quiet. Las Vegas shooting in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas shooting in pictures People scramble for shelter at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after gun fire was heard Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People carry a person at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after shots were fired David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People run from the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after gun fire was heard David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures A handout photo released via Twitter by Eiki Hrafnsson (@EirikurH) showing concertgoers running away from the scene (C) after shots range out at the Route 91 Harvest festival on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA/Eiki Hrafnsson Las Vegas shooting in pictures People lie on the ground at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after hearing gun fire Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures A man in a wheelchair is taken away from the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after hearing gun fire David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People stand on the street outside the Mandalay Bay hotel near the scene of the Route 91 Harvest festival on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA/Paul Buck Las Vegas shooting in pictures FBI agents confer in front of the Tropicana hotel-casino after a mass shooting during a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas police run by a banner on the fence at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival grounds after shots were fired David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures An injured person is tended to in the intersection of Tropicana Ave. and Las Vegas Boulevard after a mass shooting at a country music festival Ethan Miller/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures Metro Police officers pass by the front of the Tropicana hotel-casino after a mass shooting at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures A woman sits on a curb at the scene of a shooting outside of a music festival along the Las Vegas Strip AP/John Locher Las Vegas shooting in pictures A cowboy hat lays in the street after shots were fired near a country music festival in Las Vegas Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas Metro Police and medical workers stage in the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard South after a mass shooting at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures Sheriff Joe Lombardo (2-R) speaking during a press briefing in the aftermath of the active shooter incident on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA But Ms Danely also recalled Paddock screaming and moaning to himself in bed, NBC News reported. Local Starbucks employees told the Los Angeles Times he would often berate her in public. He had started taking anti-anxiety medication over the summer, and told a car dealer in Reno that he was depressed and having relationship troubles. Paddocks brother described him as the king of microaggression, saying he often carried a cigar for the sole purpose of blowing smoke in the faces of people lighting up around him. Their father, Benjamin Paddock, wound up on the FBIs most wanted list after escaping prison. Still, authorities do not believe Paddocks was mentally unstable enough to trigger this kind of massacre. We still do not have a clear motive or reason why, Clark County Undersheriff Kevin McMahill told reporters on Friday. We have looked at literally everything. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The US has announced it is reducing visa services at its diplomatic facilities in Turkey for security reasons after one of its employees was detained at the Turkish consulate. The move means that Turks will not be given visas to visit the US unless they are planning to move there. The US Embassy in Ankara tweeted a statement from the US Mission to Turkey saying that recent events have forced it to reassess the commitment of the Government of Turkey to the security of US Mission facilities and personnel. Turkish authorities last week arrested a US Consulate employee of Turkish nationality, Metin Topuz, for alleged links to the network of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. The Turkish government has pushed for the US to extradite Mr Gulen, saying he was responsible for last summers failed coup, although he denied any involvement. Mr Topuz is accused of espionage and attempting to overthrow the Turkish government and constitution. His arrest was condemned by Washington as baseless and damaging to relations between the NATO allies, with the US embassy saying it was deeply disturbed by the arrest. Turkeys official Anadolu news agency reported that he allegedly communicated with former police chiefs in a 2013 corruption probe, 121 people involved in the attempted coup and hundreds of people using an encrypted mobile messaging application. The statement said the suspension of non-immigrant visa services was effective immediately to minimise visitor numbers to the US Embassy and Consulate for now. The move will affect business, tourist, medical treatment, student, exchange visitor, crew member, media and journalist, treaty trader, diplomatic and official visas. There was no immediate response from Ankara but the Turkish Foreign Ministry is understood to be drafting a statement. US pastor Andrew Brunson, who has lived in Turkey for more than 20 years, has been imprisoned for a year for alleged links to Mr Gulen. Last month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the US was putting pressure on Ankara to return a cleric Mr Brunsen - while refusing to hand over another cleric Mr Gulen. Tensions between the two nations have also increased over US military support for Kurdish YPG fighters in Syria, considered by Ankara to be an extension of the banned PKK, which has waged an insurgency for three decades in southeast Turkey. More than 50,000 people have been arrested and 110,000 have been fired from government jobs as part of a state of emergency declared after the failed coup. Additional reporting by agencies For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Hundreds of thousands of pro-Spanish unity supporters marched through the streets of Barcelona on Sunday, exactly a week after voters in a banned referendum in Catalonia voted overwhelming in favour of breaking away from Spain. The massive pro-Spain march, which passed off without incident, ran under the slogan For the restoration of seny the Catalan word for common sense or folk wisdom. The organisers of the march, the pro-unity association, the Societat Civil Catalana (SCC), later claimed nearly a million pro-unity supporters had turned out. That figure was disputed by the local police force, who estimated the demonstrators at the still very significant total of 350,000. While Spanish premier Mariano Rajoy did not attend but expressed his support in a tweet, a number of heavyweights from the ruling Partido Popular, including the president of the Madrid region, Cristina Cifuentes, took part. Also present was Albert Rivera, leader of Spains fourth largest party, Ciudadanos, and the Nobel-winning author Mario Vargas Llosa. In a reflection of the divisions within the pro-unity camp, though, only a few top members of Spains leading opposition party, the Socialists, participated, the most prominent being Josep Borrell, a former president of the EU. As for Spains hard-left Podemos party, its leader Pablo Iglesias was roundly booed by some 50 pro-unity demonstrators when he was spotted at Barcelona Sants railway station early this morning catching a train for Madrid. In a manifesto read at the end of the demonstration, there were demands that non-nationalist Catalans should not be marginalised and Mr Vargas Llosa launched a stinging attack on the nationalists, accusing their leaders, among them regional premier Carles Puigdemont, of being golpistas conspirators in a coup detat. The nationalist plot will not destroy 500 years of Spanish unity, he insisted. The march came just two days before Mr Puigdemont is expected to make a key address to the Catalan parliament, which opposition sources have reportedly claimed will see him make a unilateral declaration of independence. He should not do such a senseless, provocative thing, Jose Domingo, vice-president of the SCC, said during the demonstration. Recommended Barcelona president confirms possibility of club leaving La Liga Mr Domingos comments echoed Spanish PM Mariano Rajoys words on Sunday, when he hinted strongly in an interview he was considering using Article 155 of the constitution, which allows for direct intervention from Madrid, should an independence bid happen. Speaking to El Pais in his first full-length newspaper interview since last Sundays banned referendum sparked Spains worst political crisis in 40 years, Mr Rajoy said [Catalan] independence is not going to happen. Asked specifically about article 155, Mr Rajoy answered: I am not ruling out anything that the law says. Ideally, we should not have to resort to drastic solutions, but in that case there would have to be rectifications. Mr Rajoy also promised that both the Civil Guard and the Spanish national police would remain in Catalonia until things return to normal. Todays massive pro-unity demonstration and Mr Rajoys uncompromising stance are not the only external pressures Mr Puigdemont faces in the countdown to a possible declaration of independence. This week senior Catalan business executives have met the regional premier to urge him to cancel the declaration. Catalonia referendum protests in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Catalonia referendum protests in pictures Catalonia referendum protests in pictures Demonstrators block a Guardia Civil vehicle as they try to leave the Department of External Affairs, Institutional Relations and Transparency of the Catalan Government office in Barcelona AP/Emilio Morenatti Catalonia referendum protests in pictures Demonstrators react as they try to stop the car carrying Xavier Puig, a senior at the Department of External Affairs, Institutional Relations and Transparency of the Catalan Government office, after he was arrested by Guardia Civil officers in Barcelona AP/Emilio Morenatti Catalonia referendum protests in pictures A demonstrator reacts as he tries with others to stop the car carrying Xavier Puig, a senior at the Department of External Affairs, Institutional Relations and Transparency of the Catalan Government office, after he was arrested by Guardia Civil officers in Barcelona AP/Emilio Morenatti Catalonia referendum protests in pictures Spokeswoman of the Catalan pro-independence anticapitalist party "Candidatura d'Unitat Popular - CUP" (Popular Unity Candidacy), Ana Gabriel, talks to the media in Barcelona Josep Lago/AFP Catalonia referendum protests in pictures Republican Left of Catalonia party's (ERC) Member of Parliament Joan Tarda (C) attends a demonstration outside the regional Economy Ministry in Catalonia during a police search for documents connected with the organisation of the Catalan independence referendum, in Barcelona EPA/Alejandro Garcia Catalonia referendum protests in pictures A man holds pro-referendum poster next to a Spanish Civil Guard who stands in front of the Economy headquarters of Catalonia's regional government in Barcelona. The operation comes amid mounting tensions as Catalan leaders press ahead with preparations for an independence referendum on October 1 despite Madrid's ban and a court ruling deeming it illegal Josep Lago/AFP Catalonia referendum protests in pictures People hold placards reading "Democracy" as they protest in front of the Economy headquarters of Catalonia's regional government in Barcelona AFP Catalonia referendum protests in pictures A crowd of protesters gather outside the Catalan region's economy ministry after junior economy minister Josep Maria Jove was arrested by Spanish police during a raid on several government offices, in Barcelona Reuters/Albert Gea Catalonia referendum protests in pictures People holding 'Esteladas' (Catalan pro-independence flags) attend a protest near the Economy headquarters of Catalonia's regional government Lluis Gene/AFP Catalonia referendum protests in pictures People demonstrate on a Spanish Civil Guard Police car outside the Catalan Vice-President and Economy office as police officers holds a searching operation inside David Ramos/Getty Images Around a dozen companies, including Catalonias two largest banks, Sabadell and la Caixa, have already said they are moving their business headquarters to other parts of Spain. Amid the widespread concern that they may not be the last, the focus on Mr Puigdemonts parliamentary speech on Tuesday could hardly be more intense. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said he would not rule out using the constitutional powers to remove Catalonia's autonomous status if it claimed independence as tens of thousands took to the streets to call for talks. The wealthy northeastern region of Catalonia, with its own language and culture, held a referendum on 1 October on independence, in defiance of the Spanish constitutional court which had ruled the vote illegal. Until now, Mr Rajoy has remained vague on whether he would use article 155, the so-called nuclear option, of the constitution which enables him to sack the regional government and call a fresh local election. In an interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais Mr Rajoy was asked if he was ready to trigger the article 155 of the constitution, and said: "I don't rule out absolutely anything that is within the law... Ideally, it shouldn't be necessary to implement extreme solutions but for that not to happen things would have to be changed." Tens of thousands of people gathered across Spain as Catalonia prepared to declare independence from the rest of the country, many dressed in white and calling for talks to defuse Spain's worst political crisis for decades. The Catalan authorities say around 90 percent of those who voted supported a split from Spain. Madrid says secession is illegal under the Spain's 1978 constitution. Residents of Catalonia who oppose secession largely boycotted the vote. The crisis is a political test for Mr Rajoy, who has been uncompromising. Some 900 people were injured during the vote when police tried to disrupt voting, firing rubber bullets and charging crowds with truncheons. The political stand-off has divided the country, pushed banks and companies to move their headquarters outside Catalonia and shaken market confidence in the Spanish economy, prompting calls from the European Commission for Catalan and Spanish leaders to find a political solution. "I hope that the Catalonia that makes pacts, is moderate and for many years contributed to Spain's economic growth and improvement in welfare and wealth returns. It can't be in the hands of extremists, the radicals and the (far-left secessionist party) CUP," he said. However, he ruled out using mediators to resolve the crisis and also said the issue would not force a snap national election. The Catalonia crisis explained in 60 seconds In peaceful protests called across 50 Spanish cities on Saturday morning, thousands gathered dressed in white and carrying banners calling for peace and dialogue between leaders. In Barcelona, protesters chanted "let's talk" in Catalan, while many carried signs criticising political leaders for not finding a diplomatic solution to the impasse. "This is producing a social rupture in Catalonia and this has to be resolved through dialogue, never via unilateralism," Jose Manuel Garcia, 61, an economist who attended the protest dressed in white said. I'm very worried. This will end badly and everyone will lose (without dialogue)." While Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has said he is open to mediation, Rajoy has demanded he give up the independence campaign before discussions can be held. In Madrid thousands gathered beneath the enormous Spanish flag in Colon Plaza waving their own flags, singing and chanting "Viva EspaAa" and "Viva Catalonia". "I've come because I feel very Spanish and makes me very sad what's happened," said Rosa Borras, 47, an unemployed secretary who had joined a noisy gathering in central Madrid. Ms Borras, wearing a "Catalonia, we love you" sticker and surrounded by thousands waving Spanish flags, added: "I wanted to be here for unity, because I also feel very Catalan. My family lives in Catalonia." Mr Rajoy's government mobilised thousands of national police to stop last Sunday's vote, leading to clashes with would-be voters as they tried to close polling stations in schools and remove ballot boxes. In the El Pais interview, Mr Rajoy said the around 4,000 extra police shipped in to the region would stay until the conflict had been resolved. The police violence drew widespread condemnation and forced the government to issue an apology on Friday, although tensions continued to rise after reports of plans for the Catalan parliament to vote on a unilateral declaration of independence on Tuesday. Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters Show all 17 1 /17 Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters A man faces off Spanish Civil Guards outside a polling station in Sant Julia de Ramis Reuters Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters Riot police form a security cordon around the Ramon Llull school in Barcelona EPA Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters Riot police evict a young woman during clashes between people gathered outside the Ramon Llull school in Barcelona EPA Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters Spanish Civil Guard officers break through a door at a polling station in Sant Julia de Ramis Reuters Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters Spanish National Police clash with pro-referendum supporters in Barcelona on Sunday AP Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters Crowds raise their arms up as police move in on members of the public gathered outside to prevent them from voting in the referendum at a polling station where the President Carles Puigdemunt will vote later today Getty Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters People confront Spanish Civil Guard officers outside a polling station Reuters Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters Three man hold each other as they try to block a Spanish police van from approaching a polling station AP Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters A woman shows a ballot to a Spanish Civil Guard officer outside a polling station Reuters Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters A man wearing a shirt with an Estelada (Catalan separatist flag) and holding carnations faces off with a Spanish Civil Guard officer Reuters Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters Police try to control the area as people attempt to cast their ballot at a polling station in Barcelona Getty Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters A man is grabbed by officers as police move in on the crowds Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters Two women argue with a Spanish National policeman during clashes between Catalan pro-independence people and police forces at the Sant Julia de Ramis sports centre in Girona EPA Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters Sant Julia De Ramis in Spain Getty Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters Confrontation outside a polling station in Barcelona, where police have tried to stop people voting AFP/Getty Images Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters A Spanish National Police officer aims a rubber-bullet rifle at pro-referendum supporters in Barcelona AP Catalonia independence referendum: Riot police clash with voters Riot police clashed with voters as polls opened in Barcelona Sky News The crisis has also caused disquiet among Spain's European Union partners, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel has discussed it with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, an EU official told Reuters. Concern is growing in EU capitals about the impact of the crisis on the Spanish economy, the fourth largest in the euro zone, and on possible spillovers to other economies. European finance ministers, gathering in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday for a regular meeting, could discuss the issue, although it is not formally on the agenda, EU officials said. The support given in public statements by EU leaders to Rajoy is combined with concern expressed in private about how the Spanish government's use of police to prevent Catalans from voting last week in the independence referendum could backfire. Some EU states are worried that talk of Catalan independence could fuel secessionist feelings in other parts of Europe. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Emmanuel Macrons administration will propose a tax on luxury yachts, supercars and precious metals in Frances 2018 budget. Lawmakers will propose amendments after critics attacked the Presidents move to scrap the wealth tax in France. Mr Macron abolished the tax, which has been seen as a symbol of social justice for the left but blamed by others for driving thousands of millionaires abroad. Those on the left slammed Mr Macrons move and said it was proof he was a president of the rich - a label which the former Rothschild banker has been struggling to counter since taking office. The wealth tax, introduced by the Socialists in the 1980s, was levied on individuals with assets above 1.3 million euros (1.2 million). Initial plans were to replace it with a real estate tax but yachts, luxury cars and jewellery were supposed to escape. "The idea of the wealth tax reform was that there should not be a brake on contributors to economic production, that we suppress taxes that deter investors," Richard Ferrand, leader of the Republic on the Move parliamentary group, told Ouest France. "Taxing real estate wealth is compatible with this, but goods such as yachts, luxury cars or precious metals do not contribute to the productive economy either." World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty Mr Ferrand said he had the government's backing to introduce the amendment. "Re-introducing taxes on these items does not contradict the spirit of the reform, he added. The 2018 budget bill is due to be studied by parliament's finance commission this week. We value your privacy. Focus Taiwan (CNA) uses tracking technologies to provide better reading experiences, but it also respects readers' privacy. Click here to find out more about Focus Taiwan's privacy policy. When you close this window, it means you agree with this policy. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Barcelona and Madrid this weekend to protest for and against the Catalan governments push for secession from the rest of Spain. In Madrid, a small group of protesters rallying under the slogan for the unity of Spain appeared to be flashing fascist salutes in a procession led by a group aligning themselves with far-right party Falange Espanola de las Jons, which held power during the Francoist dictatorship period of the country. Use of the salute is illegal in some countries. In Germany, Slovakia and Austria, the gesture is considered a criminal offence, while in countries like Canada and France, it is viewed as hate speech if used for disseminating Nazi ideology. The rallies come a week after Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont and other separatist leaders of the Catalan government held a referendum on secession that the Spanish government branded illegal. The Yes side won the referendum by a landslide, winning 90 per cent of the vote, though less than half of the regions electorate cast their ballots. Protesters on Sunday called for the imprisonment of Mr Puigdemont after he pledged to push for independence. Demostrators in Spain against tomorrow's Catalan vote sing Francoist songs while making the fascist salute. pic.twitter.com/7faYijvBTP Andres Boix Palop (@Andres_Boix) September 30, 2017 The Catalan leader is set to address the regional parliament on Tuesday to report on the current political situation. Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has vowed that his government will not allow Catalonia to separate from the rest of the country. In an interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais, Mr Rajoy said he will consider employing any measure allowed by the law to stop the regions separatists. He said that also includes bringing Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution into effect, which allows the central government to take control of the governance of a region if the regional government does not comply with the obligations of the Constitution. Protesters appear to raise their arms in fascist salutes at a rally in Salvador Dali Square in Madrid (Getty) The ideal situation would be that I dont have to find drastic solutions, he said. But for that to happen there will have to be some rectifications. On Sunday, Barcelona police estimated as many as 350,000 people participated in a rally organised in the Spanish city. Event organisers, however, claimed the number was much higher, asserting there were at least 950,000 attendees. People raise their hands painted in white, to symbolise they are in favour of talks, in Sant Jaume Square in Barcelona (AP) Many protesters in Barcelona have called on Mr Rajoy and Mr Puigdemont to negotiate and find a solution to what has been widely regarded as Spains worst political crisis in nearly four decades. Those who are opposed to Catalonias secession hope recent pressure from banks and major businesses will discourage Catalan leaders from attempting to separate. A number of businesses, including Catalonias top two banks have announced plans to relocate their headquarters to other parts of Spain, while others have raised concerns over losing European Union membership and access to its common market in the event of secession. Additional reporting by PA For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A Briton facing jail in Dubai after brushing against a man in a bar has been ordered to remain in the city. Jamie Harron, 27, appeared in court after being arrested for public indecency and drinking alcohol. He is said to have been in the citys Rock Bottom Bar in July when he moved through the crowded room holding a drink, with his hand in front of him to avoid spillage. It was then that he touched a man on his hip to avoid impact, his lawyers said. Mr Harron, an electrician, made the movement so he did not bump and spill drinks, they added. Campaign group Detained in Dubai said Mr Harron had expected to be re-arrested at his hearing on Sunday for failing to appear at a previous court date. The group claimed the session was moved without notification. Mr Harron, from Stirling, was not arrested but was told to remain in the city for future court hearings. He had been working in Afghanistan and was on a two-day stopover in Dubai when the incident happened. Afterwards, he was locked up for five days in Al Barsha prison, before being released on bail and with his passport confiscated, according to Detained in Dubai. He is said to have since lost his job and has spent more than 30,000 in expenses and legal fees. Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai, said: Jamie is relieved he wasnt arrested [at the latest hearing]. It was expected that he would have to spend some time in prison. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty She said a further court date was expected in about two weeks, although no firm date has yet been set and Mr Harron expects the court process to be drawn out. Hes concerned. Hes already been there three months. It seems to be neverending for him and hes frustrated, she added. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was providing consular assistance on the matter. Additional reporting by Press Association For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The pictures on the wall of the Raqqa home serving as a Yazidi womens unit seem familiar, even though they cant be. A big red Sinjar Womens Protection Units (YJS) flag, with its spiky yellow sun on a green background, in the middle. Next to it, a bronze picture frame with photos of martyred friends, and below that, a poster of jailed Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan. To the left, a picture of a male soldier killed fighting. The eight members of the YJS heavy weapons unit the oldest, Darsim, 26, the youngest, Ariyah, just 20 sit on the floor smoking and deftly personalising their famous scarves by braiding the edges, the ceiling fan providing welcome relief during the hottest part of the day. Then it clicks: there is already a picture of these women known to the whole world. In it, four of them stand with straight backs, proud faces and hands flashing the V for victory sign in front of the decorated wall. They hold posters condemning the recent racially-charged violence in Charlottesville, along with their condolences for the death of left wing activist, Heather Heyer. Unite Against Fascism, one of the signs reads in English. As women who have suffered at the hands of Daesh we know well the dangers that fascist, racist, patriarchal and nationalist groups and organisations pose. Once again men of this mindset, this time in America, have martyred a woman, Heather Heyer, who was resisting against the division and destruction of communities, says the post accompanying the photograph. We believe that Heather Heyers struggle is our struggle and that the fight against fascism is a global battle. For this reason, we are calling on women around the world to unite against fascism and put an end to terrorist groups like Daesh and those made from the same cloth that kill women like Heather. Uploaded by a Facebook account affiliated with the YPJ, or Kurdish Womens Protection Units after which it was shared thousands of times the call to arms from Raqqas frontline reinvigorated anti-fascist movements around the world. Punch Nazis, defeat Isis: two sides of the same coin, many on the left figured. And here they are, in the flesh, these women from the famous picture, enjoying a little downtime as air strikes thud in the distance. Do they know about the impact the photo had? No, it turns out. Raqqa hasnt had functioning communications towers or cellular data service since al-Nusra, and then Isis, seized control of the city from Free Syrian Army rebels four years ago. And when youre posted to the front line as the jihadists struggle to retain control of their de facto capital, there isnt a lot of time to focus on news from the outside world. All eight members of the unit have sisters, cousins and friends still suffering at Isiss hands. With no contact for years at this point, they have no idea where their missing female relatives are, or whether theyre even still alive. Daesh are monsters, says Darsim. There have been 73 separate massacres of Yazidis. We are trying to protect our people, and we want revenge. In our training we learn how men control women and how that is how almost every society functions. We have an enemy like Daesh that is obvious. But these ideas, how men oppress us, that is a part of everything. Syrias complex civil war, now in its seventh year, is unlike any other modern conflict. Almost 500,000 people have been killed, half of the pre-war population of 22 million have been driven from their homes and its full repercussions are yet to be understood. Yazidi women are perhaps the most persecuted of all of those who have suffered in the war. As Isis evolved out of Syrias violence, the group began to impose its poisonous beliefs on the communities under its control. The violence committed against the Yazidi people a minority population whose beliefs combine elements of Islam, Christianity and Zoroastrianism amounts to genocide. Isis decimated Yazidi villages in Sinjar, just over the Syrian-Iraqi border, after it managed to blitz across Iraq in 2014. Men were lined up and shot and thousands of women kidnapped to serve as slaves who are both sexually and physically abused. The stories of those who managed to escape are chilling. All but one of the YJS unit were trapped on Sinjar mountain by militants without food or water as they waited desperately for Kurdish Peshmerga and YPG forces to assist the evacuation. They were lucky to escape alive. Before Isis came I was just in school, says Nagasin, one of the units two snipers. I never thought I would learn how to use weapons and be independent. Now we can trust ourselves. We know we can fight. Learning how to defend themselves thanks to training from the Kurdish Womens Protection units (YPJ) and joining the fight for Raqqa has changed the trajectories of these womens lives. Tiny Ayidza, the only foreigner of the group, from the Yazidi community in Germanys Black Forest, demonstrates how to use the dozens of rocket launchers and guns, which sit in a room that looks like it was once a teenagers bedroom. Its easy to forget that the room could have recently belonged to any of the fighters (Of course theyre young, says Darsim at 26, clearly the mother of the group. The older ones have already been killed.) While they prepare lunch all of the women pad around in brightly coloured animal-pattern socks that make a striking contrast with their US-issued polyester fatigues. Ayidza goes on to point out the new graffiti on the side of a mosque next door that is mostly intact despite intense US-led coalition bombing which has destroyed entire neighbourhoods and coated whats left in dust. Isis 'poster girl' Sally Jones wants to leave Raqqa and return to UK, friend claims Resistance is life, it says, in Kurdish, English and Greek most likely the work of a foreign fighter from an international unit stationed nearby. The house, too, is covered in slogans and YJS tags, one accompanied by a smiley face. Its a sign of quite how complicated things are in Raqqa: the last few jihadis left in the city are being hunted down thanks to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) coalition of Kurdish, Arab, Turkmen, Assyrian and Yazidi fighters, which the Pentagon says numbers 40,000. But even when civilians are able to return to the heavily mined city, Raqqa is a majority Arab town. With Isis on the back foot, at some point the Syrian government will turn its attention back to it. The SDF cannot stay here indefinitely - which means it is also unclear what lies ahead for its soldiers, such as the women of the YJS. Recommended Yazidi girl speaks of horrors after being held as Isis sex slave Most of the Yazidi and Arab recruits, liberated from the jihadists, were keen to join the Kurds in the fight against Isis. Syrias war is far from over, and especially for fighters originally from Iraq, any renewed conflict with Bashar al-Assads government is not necessarily something they have signed up for. Either way, life is very different for the YJS now. If we as women had been armed and knew how to defend ourselves in the beginning, maybe the massacres against us would not have happened, Ayidza said. We have proved to the whole world we can protect ourselves now. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Tourists will be able to fly directly into Ugandas pristine national parks without needing first to clear immigration at the countrys international airport, authorities announced at the close of a pioneering conservation finance Forum. It was among a raft of incentives that Uganda approved as part of the Giants Club Conservation and Investment Forum, held on Friday 6 October near the capital, Kampala. They included discounts on hotel bed night levies, waivers on fees charged to land at wilderness airfields, and extensive support to market new tourism enterprises. The Forum welcomed global tourism innovators, international financiers, philanthropists and conservationists. Among those attending were the Giants Clubs patron, Evgeny Lebedev, who is also the proprietor of the Independent and the Evening Standard. He was accompanied by his father, Alexander Lebedev, and George Osbourne, the former Chancellor and current Editor of the Evening Standard. The Giants Club is an initiative launched by the international conservation NGO Space for Giants. It unites political leaders, philanthropists, business heads and conservationists in developing innovative new solutions to protecting Africas key remaining wildernesses. In an address to the Forums delegates, Ugandas President Yoweri Museveni, who is Founding President of the Giants Club, cited his commitment to finding innovative ways to fund conservation and drive more benefits to local people. Requiring all visitors entering Uganda to do so only at Entebbe International Airport was holding back the potential to fully develop the countrys tourism potential, said Justus Karuhanga, Uganda representative for the Giants Club. This step furthers regional integration, by making it very easy, say, for a tourist visiting Kenyas Masai Mara National Reserve to take one flight and land directly into Ugandas tropical rainforest at Kibale National Park. The move, approved by the Ugandan Ministry of Internal Affairs and its Civil Aviation Authority, would see tourists clearing immigration on arrival directly to the airfields in national parks. It comes soon after Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda enacted a joint visa scheme where visitors may visit any of the three countries on a single entry permit. It's a development which further boosts East Africas attractiveness as a wider destination for international visitors seeking to see more than one of the regions famous holiday destinations. The more attractive and streamlined Uganda can make the immigration process, the easier its going to be to grow tourism, said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president for development at Hilton, the global hotel and hospitality group, who attended the Forum. Imagine how much more attractive Uganda will be for certain tourist groups if they can fly straight into some of the countrys spectacular natural destinations. It's a very clever move. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) also announced a series of new incentives for investors. It will reduce by 50% hotel bed night fees for tourists staying more than five nights at properties opened following the Forum, and cut by 20% fees on groups of 10 people or more. It will also waive aircraft landing fees during an investors first year of operation, offer a 12-month grace period on new operators annual fees, and cover the costs of promoting new enterprises in UWA bulletins, publications, and brochures. UWA already covers the costs of the maintenance of airfields and access roads in Parks and Reserves it manages, provides rangers and security to lodges, and discounts hotel bed night fees for children. Global investors focused on responsible tourism gathered in Kampala to hear from conservationists and the Government of Uganda about a series of new concessions, some available for the first time in more than 30 years. They include opportunities to open new conservation-compatible high-end eco-lodges, or to invest in the rehabilitation of more remote and under-visited reserves to make them tourism ready in the coming years. The Forum, organised by the Giants Club with support from the African Wildlife Foundation and the UN Development Programme, aims to bring private sector financing to boost Ugandas efforts to conserve its wilderness areas by increasing responsible tourism that brings benefits to local communities and protects environments. Continental and intraregional tourism in Africa is increasing, and offers opportunities for economic and export diversification, said Kaddu Sebunya, President of African Wildlife Foundation. Todays Conservation and Tourism Investment Forum offers an opportunity to start planning appropriately. We can attract the best global operators if the incentives are structured correctly. A new One Stop Centre housed at the Uganda Investment Authority under the authority of the Office of the President will streamline investors procedures to launch new businesses. The Forum stood alongside Ugandas ongoing work to bring investment to sustain its elephant herds as part of its commitment to the Elephant Protection Initiative, of which it is a signatory. For more information visit www.spaceforgiants.org/giantsclub Father Shay Cullen says hundreds of thousands of sex tourists travel to the Philippines to abuse children A four-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee has called on developed countries to ban paedophiles and suspected sex offenders from foreign travel in the same way as suspected terrorists. Father Shay Cullen, an Irish missionary who has been rescuing street children in the Philippines since 1974, said hundreds of thousands of sex tourists travel to the country from Europe, including the UK and Ireland, the US and Australia. The Columban priest missed out on the Nobel prize last week, but praised the decision to award it to a campaign for the abolition of nuclear weapons. "The whole moral fabric of society and protection of human rights and the dignity of women and children is breaking down," Fr Cullen said. "One thing right now I would say to any government is to pass a law that would ban all convicted sex offenders from travelling abroad. That would be a very good thing they could do." "Why not? The international and Irish sex tourists, why are they coming here raping our children?" Fr Cullen revealed that on Friday his team had rescued a 12-year-old girl who was pregnant after being raped by a neighbour. On Thursday, a five-year-old girl was also rescued after being raped by her father. The missionary's Preda Foundation (People's Recovery, Empowerment and Development Assistance) has helped vulnerable children in the Philippines for more than 40 years. Independent TD in Ireland Maureen O'Sullivan is examining if there are constitutional blocks to revoking passports of known or suspected sex offenders. The UK has official counter-terror orders which can force restrictions on overseas travel. In the last year Fr Cullen has been an outspoken critic of Filipino president Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs which has left about 8,000 people dead, about half of whom are characterised as "drugs personalities", while the deaths of others are unexplained. "I hope the nomination of the Nobel Peace Prize will highlight our work on human rights and protecting children and protecting young people from the death squads," Fr Cullen said. Based in Olongapo city, the missionary also rescues children detained illegally in jails and victims of human trafficking. Speaking from the Preda Foundation offices, he described life in the Philippines. "It's dire. It's very sad. We have thousands, hundreds of thousands of sex tourists coming here to abuse women and children," Fr Cullen said. "The abuse of children at this extent is terrible - incest is growing here because of the sex tourism." Fr Cullen welcomed his own Nobel nomination, put forward by a committee in the German Bundestag, but he heralded the decision to award it to the International Campaign To Abolish Nuclear Weapons. "My God, it brings up the debate of weapons of all kinds, and war and killing and murders that's going on in Yemen, Syria and the threats, including from North Korea," he said. "It's amazing. It's good that they got it and not some big politicians." There were 318 candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize, of which 215 are individuals and 103 are organisations. The identities are traditionally kept secret. Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel used his will to establish five Nobel Prizes after his death in 1896 with many believing he wanted a legacy beyond "inventor of dynamite". There has been speculation that Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe might use tax levers to help alleviate the housing crisis and speed up building. Photo: Conor McCabe Photography As Budget day approaches we have had lots of speculation that Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe might use some tax levers to get more houses built more quickly. The most commonly cited possibility is some change to the seven-year rule on capital gains tax relief for commercial property which was introduced by Michael Noonan. This applied from December 2011 until December 2014 and meant that anybody who bought commercial property during that period would not have to pay capital gains tax on the sale of the property once they held on to it for seven years. This could be a contributing factor in the land hoarding going on where sites bought from the likes of Nama are not being built on because the owners want to wait and sell on tax-free after 2019. Why build anything at all, when you can hang on, sell after seven years and bag the capital gain tax free. It's a very low risk but high return. Fianna Fail has suggested that the minister could waive the seven-year rule and allow them to sell on the land now, presumably tax-free, without having to wait the seven years. The seven years seemed like a sensible idea at the time because it prevented "vultures" from buying Irish commercial property and then flipping it on at a tax-free gain as soon as the value went up. It meant the buyer had to show some kind of longer term commitment to the asset or at least investing in it. It has also been suggested that retrospectively changing the measure would prompt investors to run to the courts. It is hard to see how this would happen, given that it would favour the owners by allowing them to avail of the tax relief earlier should they wish. According to the Noonan budgetary measure, investors could sell on without paying CGT after seven years, but CGT would gradually be applied on a pro-rata basis after that. In a way it teed up a massive commercial property sale in 2019, but especially in 2020 and 2021, given that more property changed hands in 2013 and 2014. If Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe does amend the law in the budget, he would have to take a carrot and stick approach. Allowing investors to sell tax-free, earlier than envisaged, would have to be accompanied with a hefty vacant site tax. The proposed vacant site tax of 3pc has been criticised as too low and it does seem like a very small stick. A change in the budget to the CGT rules would have to be very carefully worded. The tax break applied to every piece of commercial property, from an office block, to development land, to a three-bed semi purchased to be rented out. Landlords engaged in rental price gouging are in line for a big CGT break if they sell after seven years. Equally, it applied to all commercial property bought by Irish people or companies in the EU. It was the only way the measure could get passed in Brussels. So someone who bought five apartments in Spain in 2013 for cash, can sell them in 2020 without paying CGT. Fast-forwarding this particular tax break to 2018 won't do much to help house building in Ireland. Funds that bought billions of euro worth of office building and hotels, are also in line to pay zero CGT if they sell them after seven years. Allowing them to sell early and retain the tax break won't do anything for house building either. The minister will have to confine the amendment to residential development land, because that is where the hoarding and housing crisis is. How would Brussels feel about that? Could it even be done? I don't think so. Diageo gets its timing right with St James's Gate property plans I wonder did a vacant site tax enter the minds of Diageo executives when they decided to press ahead with a major property development at some 12-acres of their brewery lands in the heart of Dublin City. Before the property crash, Diageo had plans to develop a sizeable chunk of its brewery lands, but it didn't get a chance because the property market collapsed. Since then it has been waiting and biding its time before taking the plunge on proposals to develop a major new urban quarter with offices, apartments, leisure facilities and a whole lot more. It looks as if Diageo is about to get its timing right on this one. When we think of vacant sites we tend to think of property developers or investment funds sitting on empty land waiting for its value to go up, instead of building on it. Diageo does not fit that stereotype given that it is busy brewing beer and developing a new distillery on some of this land. Nevertheless it has seen a major housing crisis develop while it has a large chunk of land in the heart of the city. If these lands were to be classed as "vacant" under any new vacant site tax, imagine what the tax bill would be given the value of the land bank. Diageo has waited for the right time to press the button on this development and appears to want to do something genuinely creative and innovative that will make a real addition to the Liberties area. It should make a shed load of money in the process too. I'm sure they'll drink to that at James's Gate. Apple tax saga just got worse Ireland Inc has suffered some damage by the ruling of the European Commission that Apple Inc owes us around 13bn in back taxes. When the ruling was announced last year, it appeared to confirm suspicions widely held abroad that the Government has facilitated massive tax avoidance and was far too cosy with big tech giants. The Government and Apple have every right to challenge this ruling in the courts and they are in the process of doing so. But for God's sake, collect the tax first. The European Commission is now taking Ireland to the European Court of Justice for not collecting the tax it says is owed. Yes, moves were afoot in Ireland to deal with it. Yes, it is a complicated case and it involves a lot of money. And yes, advertisements were placed recently for somebody to act as trustee or fund manager for this money in case it goes back to Apple after the tax appeal. But the process has moved far too slowly, much slower than it would with other taxpayers who have been told to pay up. It sends out the wrong message and appears to confirm a softly softly cosy relationship between the Irish State and Apple. The Revenue needs to collect this money as soon as possible and Apple can have it back if the appeal is successful. The Government has made a bad situation worse. Ryanair return scares Walsh more Ryanair's pilot rostering debacle has been very damaging for the airline. In fact the crisis has prompted questions about whether the successful Ryanair model was cracking or about to break as pilots work closer together in bargaining with management. IAG chief executive Willie Walsh doesn't see it that way at all. He told a Fine Gael fund raiser this week that he was "s****ing" himself over Ryanair. Walsh is clearly taking the view that Ryanair could emerge leaner and stronger from the crisis and could bounce back with massive seat sales and a renewed focus. Walsh had a great chance to gloat over Ryanair's cock-up but chose not to. Rather than have a go, he took a different view of what lies ahead for the low-cost airline warning that it will bounce back with a vengeance. With just days to go and negotiations on some aspects of the budget down to the wire here is everything we know so far about what to expect when Paschal Donohoe presents Budget 2018 on Tuesday. Tax cuts A cut to the much-hated USC and a tweaking of income tax bands will be included in next weeks Budget following a compromise between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail in an effort to ensure that the budget will pass. As part of a compromise deal being hammered out between Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Fianna Fail, it has been agreed that a double-edge approach to personal taxation will be taken. The USC cut will help the squeezed middle earning up to 70,000 a year, while the tax band changes will benefit people on salaries over 33,800. However, the net increase in workers pay packets is likely to be less than 20 a month. Pension and social welfare payments Expand Close Photo: Stock / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Photo: Stock The Government looks set to make good on their commitment to introduce another 5 increase in the old age state pension. However, it is understood Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe is considering delaying the increase for a number of months due to concern over the 150m cost of the move. The reintroduction of a telephone allowance for elderly people is also expected. The party, alongside Fianna Fail and the Independent Alliance want to boost all social welfare payments. Fianna Fail are understood to be requesting an increase of up to 5 for all social welfare payments but have not tabled suggestions for how these should be funded. The notion of prioritising one welfare payment over another has been dismissed with one Government source saying: We cant leave anybody behind. Paschal has warned this will cost an awful lot of money and limit potential elsewhere, a source told the paper. But despite the push for universal hikes, some sources cautioned that tough decisions would have to be made and it simply mightnt be possible to do everything. The Sunday Independent revealed that the entire cost of the social welfare package being discussed by the Government could come to 450m. Housing Expand Close Stock photo / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Stock photo A hike in stamp duty on the sale of commercial property is being considered by the Government for Budget 2018. It is also expected that the Help to Buy scheme is to be retained, with little or no amendments to the first-time buyers grant scheme. Homeowners are expected to further benefit as mortgage relief, which was due to expire at the end of this year, may be extended. Read More Families Parents are not getting their hopes up ahead of Tuesday's Budget with no changes to child benefit expected and very slight increases in other social welfare payments. It is expected that the bereavement grant will be brought back but will not match the previous once-off payment amount. Under previous commitments to increase the threshold on inheritance tax from a parent to a child to 500,000 another increase in the threshold is expected this year. In last year's budget it was raised to 310,000 but it is unlikely that this year will see the ceiling raised to the full 500,000. Christmas bonuses for social welfare recipients will be paid but not at the full 100pc rate. Diesel The price of diesel is expected to remain unchanged in Budget 2018, despite speculation it could be equalised with petrol. According to AA the average price of a litre of diesel is currently 1.22. This already includes taxes totalling almost 73c. Petrol is around 1.35 at the average pump, including 86c in tax. Meanwhile, the Budget will include a number of initiatives aimed at encouraging a greater uptake of electric vehicles. A series of long-term measures are under consideration, with a focus on incentives to encourage a change in driver behaviour. It is understood initiatives are being planned in particular to encourage the purchase of second-hand electric vehicles. Read More Cigarettes and alcohol While diesel is likely to be left untouched, sources say excise duty on cigarettes and tobacco will rise. It will be the sixth consecutive budget to see an increase in the price of cigarettes. Last year, then finance minister Michael Noonan added 50c to a packet of 20 cigarettes, bringing the price to more than 11 for the first time. A 50c increase is also expected this week. It is not yet clear whether Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has any plans to change the excise duty on alcohol. Sugar Tax Expand Close Sugar tax Photo: PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sugar tax Photo: PA A sugar tax is certain to feature in Mr Donohoe's Budget speech but will not be introduced before April 2018. In an attempt to raise extra revenue the Government are exploring a number of tax initiatives with a charge on fizzy drinks top of the list. It is expected the sugar tax will come into force for April 2018, on the same day that a similar levy is being introduced in the UK. Education Fianna Fail have sought a number of measures to bring about improvement in education, among them an increase in guidance counsellors, investment in third level and a reduction of the pupil-teacher ratio by one point to 25:1. The party wants to increase taxes for employers to fund investment in third-level education. Micheal Martins party has proposed increasing the National Training Funding levy on employers via PRSI by 0.1pc, which would raise an additional 66m. In a Budget document seen by Independent.ie Fianna Fail suggests increasing the employer tax from 0.7pc to 0.8pc. This would be on top of another 44m the party believes should be taken from Exchequer funding to increase grants to third-level institutions. In terms of public services, the figures of over 500 new teachers and at least 800 new gardai have been spoken about. Health Expand Close Health Minister Simon Harris. Photo: Frank McGrath / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Health Minister Simon Harris. Photo: Frank McGrath Mr Varadkar has indicated the budget for health will be increased next week (it is expected that all departments will see a budget increase). Scoliosis services will likely receive extra funding and a reduction in prescription charge fees for 65 to 69-year-olds is also expected. However, it is not fully clear what additional measures will be announced on Tuesday. The Taoiseach has been critical of the HSE's overspend in the run up to Budget day telling the Dail: The word around the campfire in the HSE is always that the cupboard is bare yet the facts say otherwise. We have the biggest health budget in the history of the State, he said. We have the biggest health budget in the history of the State and it will rise again next year. It will not be long before we are in the top two or three in the world in terms of spending per capita." Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity involving participants in the Irish meat processing sector has continued apace in 2017 with the conclusion of some notable deals. This is in spite of the obvious uncertainty wreaked on the industry and on M&A deals generally by Brexit. While there are myriad reasons underpinning this M&A activity, a number of common themes are evident. First and foremost is the continued push for scale. In an industry where operating margins are traditionally tight, top-line growth is critical for meat processing businesses to grow and prosper. Expand Close Jan Fitzell / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jan Fitzell In a Westernised, developed economy such as Ireland, growth by acquisition will often outstrip organic growth in this sector in terms of pace, and hence businesses are attracted to purchasing other players in the sector as a means to achieving scale. Scale also facilitates additional cost efficiencies, which is another major motivating factor behind many M&A deals. Recent deals in the domestic meat sector in Ireland include: the purchase of Wilbay Ltd, a leading meat wholesaler based in Laois, by Monaghan-based sausage producer Arthur Mallon Foods in 2016; and the acquisition by Kildare-based cooked meat producer O'Brien Fine Foods of Meath-based Faughan Foods, from Hogans Turkeys in 2017. However, with the size of the Irish market and competition regulation acting as a constraint on growth by domestic acquisition for some players, businesses have sought to acquire international operators as a means to satisfy their growth aspirations. A recent Irish success story in France was the acquisition by Cavan-based Liffey Meats of a majority shareholding in the French meat processor Chiron Viandes, which specialises in producing frozen hamburgers for supermarkets. The European Commission has also cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of joint control over UK-based Linden Foods by ABP Food Group and Fane Valley. ABP Food Group, the international meat, pet food and renewables business, recently expanded its operations in Poland with the acquisition of a third production facility in eastern Poland. We have seen foreign meat-processing companies looking to the expertise of established Irish operators to improve their businesses. Groupe Terrena, the co-operative group and owner of French processor Elivia, saw the benefits of bringing in Irish-headquartered Dawn Meats as a partner to its beef processing business. This reflects Dawn's excellence in the global industry and the international recognition of Ireland's expertise in grass-based meat processing. We would not be surprised to see further international activity in this vein. The recently announced strategic partnership between Dawn and Northern Irish meat giant Dunbia, which has just been granted regulatory clearance, will provide Dawn with a Brexit buffer through Dunbia's considerable UK presence - two large plants in the North and seven in Britain - as well as cementing its UK supply chain. The emerging markets (India, Indonesia, China, Malaysia) will increasingly drive global growth in the meat processing sector. Focus will shift more and more to these markets in order to be close to a growing customer base. It is expected that 65pc of the world's middle class will be living in the Asia Pacific region by 2030. The increasing disposable income in emerging economies will drive demand for manufactured food products, particularly meat as a source of protein. Access to the Asian market could make Southern Hemisphere processors attractive to Irish companies. While China's meat imports have exploded in volume terms over the past couple of years and the market has been opened to Irish exporters, the vast majority of this demand has been satisfied to date by Brazilian and Australian processors. New Zealand, with its similarities to Ireland in terms of climate and abundant grass, is a region which could be explored by Irish deal-makers in this regard. The high availability of capital, both debt and equity, is another factor driving M&A activity in both agri and non-agri sectors. With banks supportive of well-presented and credible growth plans, would-be acquirers are being given the opportunity to pursue value-adding targets. In addition, the uplift in valuations being generated by this availability of capital is proving attractive to potential sellers. With the low-yield environment likely to persist and an abundance of private equity funds yet to be deployed, there is no sign of M&A activity in the meat processing sector fading in the short-term. Jan Fitzell is a director with IBI Corporate Finance Aer Lingus chief operating officer Mike Rutter warned that if the airline cannot remain competitive IAG could give eight promised new Airbus aircraft to Level, a new low-cost carrier it has set up in Barcelona. Photo: Bloomberg Aer Lingus could lose out on a 1bn aircraft investment to a new low-cost IAG subsidiary if staff continue to demand substantial pay increases, the Sunday Independent has learned. Aer Lingus chief operating officer Mike Rutter warned that if the airline cannot remain competitive IAG could give eight promised new Airbus aircraft to Level, a new low-cost carrier it has set up in Barcelona Last week Aer Lingus announced it had ordered the new IAG-financed Airbus aircraft. The new fleet will double its transatlantic traffic to 4.5m passengers and see it hire 800 new staff by 2020. But asked by this newspaper what impact an ongoing standoff over pay could have, Rutter warned: "If Aer Lingus is unable to remain competitive in the medium term, then as a rational parent company IAG has the ability to move these aircraft to launch new routes and grow the networks of other IAG companies, of which Level would be most relevant in this context." Level was launched in March and offers 99 fares from Barcelona to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Buenos Aires, with plans to expand to other European cities. Aer Lingus has warned about "unreasonable pay requests" and its "structurally unsustainable" model compared to competitors such as Ryanair and Norwegian's Irish-based transatlantic subsidiary. Rutter did not rule out that Aer Lingus would consider establishing the same type of subsidiary used by Norwegian to operate the aircraft rather than hiring staff under existing terms and conditions. "Aer Lingus remains committed to its current resourcing model providing that we can maintain cost competitiveness and improve productivity," said Rutter. A standoff over pay and profit-share demands has rumbled on at the airline in recent months with trade unions demanding pay increases. The Labour Court has recommended that staff should receive an 8.75pc rise over 39 months - well below the 19.1pc demanded by trade unions. But local union representatives have refused to give Siptu permission to recommend acceptance of the deal to staff, it is understood. The aircraft order - worth 1bn and paid for by IAG - is seen as the firmest example yet of the fulfilment of the huge promises of growth that Willie Walsh made when he was looking to quell political opposition to his proposal to buy Aer Lingus. A reversal of the aircraft order would be seen as a massive blow to the airline's ambitious transatlantic plans. Recent developments in air connectivity and the scrapping of trade barriers means that Irish exporters now have direct access to the two biggest Asian economic powerhouses. Picture: Anton Balazh 'If you sit on top of a cold stone for three years it becomes warm," a Japanese proverb goes. "It's a very Japanese way of saying that anything worthwhile takes a minimum of three years, to build trust and to nurture relations," says Martin Murray, executive director of Asia Matters, Ireland's only Asia-focused think tank for businesses. After three years of warming stones in Asia, Ireland's Inc's efforts are paying off. Recent developments in air connectivity and the scrapping of trade barriers means that Irish exporters now have direct access to the two biggest Asian economic powerhouses. The big "game changer" has been the launch of a new direct air link to Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific has announced that from next June it will operate a new direct Dublin-Hong Kong service four times per week. The year-round service will be Dublin Airport's first direct route to the Asia-Pacific region. Plans for new direct flights to mainland China are also nearing take-off. Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines is preparing to launch a Dublin-Beijing direct flight. Hainan is China's fourth-largest carrier and is owned by the huge HNA conglomerate, which also owns Dublin-based aircraft leasing firm Avolon, and has stakes in 20 airlines and nine airports in China. In addition to progress on air connectivity, a new EU-Japan trade deal, which took more than three years to conclude, has scrapped barriers to EU farming products and in return the EU will further open its market to the Japanese car industry. Tariffs will also be eliminated on medical devices and pharmaceutical products, industries which have significant presences in Ireland. The launch of direct flights to Tokyo can't be too far off away either, the Tanaiste and Enterprise Minister Frances Fitzgerald signalled during a recent five-day joint Enterprise Ireland/IDA Ireland trade mission to Singapore and Japan. These developments are a "game changer", said Murray. "Direct flights from Ireland to Asia-Pacific mean that Ireland stands on the threshold of a new 'third wave' of global trade relations". The Irish economy is poised to make a paradigm shift, pivoting away from a reliance on post-Brexit Britain and post-Trump America, and is turning eastwards, he believes. Murray is urging Irish businesses and government officials to seize the opportunities from what he calls the 'Asian Century'. His pitch is simple: the enormity of the combined Chinese, Japanese and ASEAN market represents a "scale of opportunity" that is unprecedented, and one that can't be ignored. Home to two of the world's three largest economies in China and Japan, the Asia-Pacific market represents in excess of two billion consumers - roughly 500 times the population of Ireland and four times that of the EU. The region accounts for 40pc of global GDP and over 60pc of global consumers - with large and growing middle-class populations. Although China rightly receives most attention regarding its growth potential, Murray also points to Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Vietnam, India and Indonesia as other powerhouse countries where Irish firms should be diversifying. "Indonesia alone will build 15 new airports and 25 new ports by 2019," said Murray, who is also the honorary consul of Indonesia in Ireland. Singapore is proving to be a lucrative market for Irish firms, with the likes of PM Group and CRH already well established there. Cavan-based insulation giant Kingspan has just opened an office in Singapore and expects the Asia-Pacific region to be a focus for future growth, with sales on track to double to 20m this year. Combilift, an Irish engineering company based in Co Monaghan, signed a contract with Paves Asia to launch its new "straddle carrier" product in Asia. Dublin-based Novaerus signed a partnership agreement with Singapore-based biotech firm Axxessbio and launched its first patented technology for airborne infection control which kills viruses and bacteria. Ireland's tourism chiefs are equally alert to the opportunities in Asia. Niall Gibbons, ceo of Tourism Ireland, said the new Cathay Pacific service "will help to further open up important tourism and business opportunities for Ireland in Hong Kong and China, in Australia and New Zealand and across the Asia-Pacific region". "It's good news for Irish tourism as we plan for 2018 and beyond, to continue the roll-out of our market diversification strategy in light of the UK's decision to exit the EU. As an island, the importance of air and sea access cannot be overstated - they are critical to achieving growth in visitor numbers." Tourism Ireland has already seen a big increase in Chinese visitors this year, with numbers as high as 70,000 - up from a forecasted 50,000. In 2016, the number of outbound tourists from China reached 122 million, and they spent almost $110bn in overseas destinations. Last year, the island of Ireland welcomed approximately 20,000 Japanese visitors. So-called 'screen tourism', which highlights the island's connection with Star Wars and Game of Thrones, helped raise the country's tourism profile in Japan. Air access is critical for economic development. This is particularly the case for Ireland as a small open economy positioned on the western tip of Europe. A 2015 economic impact study of Dublin Airport, for example, demonstrated a clear linkage between connectivity and tourism, trade, FDI and GDP growth. The report by consultants InterVistas found that the value of exports with well-connected countries is five to six times that of trade with poorly-connected countries. Between 2002 and 2012, the value of exports to well-connected countries increased by 14pc, but declined by 11pc to poorly connected countries. Using data from the past 10-15 years, the report demonstrated a clear linkage between air connectivity and tourism, trade, FDI and GDP growth. "We've got to go where the numbers are. The numbers are in Asia," said Murray, who is hosting a one-day summit 'Going global faster: the new Asia reality' in Dublin on November 7. The conference will bring together Asian and Irish business leaders, policy makers and senior diplomats. "The scale of opportunity in Asia is massive. It's time for Ireland to have a third wave of global trade." Direct air access means that Irish food exporters can now get fresh produce to Hong Kong overnight, said Murray. "Hong Kong is one hour by train from Shenzhen, the Silicon Valley of China," he pointed out. "About 60pc of outbound investment coming out of China going anywhere in the world comes through Hong Kong, and that now has a direct air link to Ireland. That must make Irish firms think: 'What else is possible?" In a further boost to Irish food producers, Bord Bia has secured a contract to promote EU beef and lamb in China, Japan and Hong Kong in a 3.75m campaign. This is made up of 3m in EU funding and 750,000 from Bord Bia. Bord Bia's leading role in the campaign comes at a time when the Irish food industry is looking for opportunities to diversify into new and emerging markets in response to the issue of Brexit. Two Bord Bia trade missions to Japan and South Korea are scheduled for next month as part of a major market diversification drive. The Global Asia Matters Business Summit, held in association with The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, will take place on November 8 at The Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin. Gold sponsors include IDA Ireland and A&L Goodbody. Book your tickets at www.asiamatters.eu/summit2017/ 'Aer Lingus could lose out on a 1bn aircraft investment to another IAG subsidiary - its new low cost carrier Level - if staff don't play ball on pay'. Picture: Colin O'Riordan Aer Lingus chief operating officer Mike Rutter is not a man for mincing his words and, amidst all the good news he announced last week, he had a clear warning for staff at the airline. Aer Lingus could lose out on a 1bn aircraft investment to another IAG subsidiary - its new low cost carrier Level - if staff don't play ball on pay, the straight-talking Newcastle native told this newspaper. Earlier in the week, at a press event, Rutter had announced a new transatlantic route to Philadelphia as well as the purchase of eight Airbus A321 Long Range aircraft. He joked that he had eschewed the opportunity to come to the podium to announce the airline's new route to the sound of the theme music of the city's most famous son, the fictional boxer Rocky Balboa. But his message was impressive nonetheless. The new IAG-funded aircraft purchase translates to a further investment by Willie Walsh-led IAG of 1bn on top of the 1bn it has already invested since buying the government stake in Aer Lingus. Indeed, the new aircraft would give Aer Lingus the potential to go from the 2.5 million transatlantic passengers it carries today to 4.5 million passengers when the new aircraft enter service in 2020. This, said Rutter, would see the airline expand its workforce by 800 staff. Good news indeed. But like the famous Philadelphia fighter, Rutter is also adept at landing a few rapid jabs when needed. Relations with Dublin Airport Authority have "soured immensely", he said, because of what he claimed was a lack of adequate investment by the airport authority in basic infrastructure such as taxiways, gates and stands. Indeed, so disgruntled is the airline with the service it claims it is getting at Dublin that it would consider the extraordinary move of buying Terminal 2 from DAA. That would seem like a highly unlikely move, not least because Aer Lingus - and IAG - have a complete lack of expertise at running an airport. But it was certainly a loud warning to new DAA chief executive Dalton Philips in his first week in the job that Aer Lingus is currently his most bolshie customer. And Rutter also threw a few digs at Ryanair, itself currently backed up against the ropes due to its cancellation of flights affecting more than 700,000 passengers over recent weeks. The pilot shortages that caused those cancellations were in part due to the much more pleasant terms and conditions enjoyed by Aer Lingus pilots. "We never have a problem hiring pilots," said Rutter, before acknowledging that this in itself explained at least some of Aer Lingus's higher costs compared to a competitor such as Ryanair. And it was Rutter's warning to staff on competitiveness and productivity that perhaps has the most immediate bearing on the airline's plans. In recent weeks the Labour Court has recommended that Aer Lingus staff should be given a total pay rise of 8.75pc over 39 months, well below the 19.1pc demanded by trade unions, not to mention the issue of a profit share. The airline, as reported by this newspaper, had argued in great detail in a Labour Court submission that it faces major competitive pressures on short haul routes from Ryanair and on transatlantic routes from Norwegian's new services from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Belfast. In recent months Aer Lingus has successfully introduced a new no-frills low-cost fare on its transatlantic routes. But if Norwegian further expands its operation here, as some well informed sources are predicting they may, the pressure on Aer Lingus will only increase. Operated by an Irish subsidiary of Norwegian, the transatlantic arm of that airline has had great success in driving down costs using the type of non-traditional employment contracts of which managers at unionised Aer Lingus can only dream. Asked by this newspaper would Aer Lingus consider establishing a Norwegian-style subsidiary to operate the eight new A321LR aircraft to help it compete with the Scandinavian low cost carrier rather than operating them "in-house" under existing terms and conditions, Rutter was circumspect. While Aer Lingus is still committed to its current model of directly employed staff he indicated that this was on the proviso that the airline can maintain cost competitiveness and improve productivity, no easy task in today's aviation environment. Even more pointed was his response when asked how the current dispute over pay could impact management thinking on these issues. According to Rutter, the new aircraft could be given to another IAG company - for example, its new low-cost carrier Level - if it is unable to remain competitive. Rutter insisted that Aer Lingus has been "the leading value carrier in the reduction of cost per available seat kilometre across the Atlantic, over the last two years while our two major competitors have seen increasing costs". This cost reduction, he said, has come from a number of productivity initiatives deployed in 2016 and 2017 and there is more to come. "We have a further 22 initiatives targeted at cost reduction in 2018 that will continue that trend. We also continue to exploit synergies derived from our membership of a large airline group. The group's buying power gives us savings in many areas of purchasing. Everything from fleet costs to marketing spend, catering supplies and a whole range of other areas in between." Negotiations that could see Aer Lingus joining IAG's transatlantic joint-venture with American "are progressing well" and the airline "looks forward to joining if and when all regulatory steps have been completed," said Rutter. Indeed the strength of American Airlines at Philadelphia could help feed in passengers to the new Aer Lingus flight and no doubt influenced its choice as a destination. But on the other side of the Atlantic, Aer Lingus is also facing huge competitive pressures in the European short-haul market, largely from Ryanair's relentless expansion into major hub airports and, recent events notwithstanding, its reinvention as an airline with some level of customer service. Rutter's announcement last week did also include some European expansion but it was noteworthy that this was largely focused on holiday and leisure destinations rather than the traditional business cities at the heart of Europe where the airline has found it tougher to compete. "Aer Lingus has had two excellent years in its short-haul business, across all markets, including Euro business cities," said Rutter in response to a query from this newspaper. "Recent events involving our major competitor have helped add further momentum to that strong performance. Investments in leisure routes reflect growing consumer preference for Aer Lingus services as reflected in this week's CX [customer experience] survey," he said. But Rutter knows only too well that when Michael O'Leary inevitably comes swinging back off the ropes, Aer Lingus better have its guard held very high. An artists impression of the data centre planned for Athenry in Co Galway Up to 300 people turned out in Athenry today to show their support for the 850m Apple datacentre earmarked for the town. A court ruling on whether the major development can go ahead will be delivered next week. While organisers of todays event acknowledge the march will not impact on the outcome, they insisted they wanted to show support for the development. Ireland and the West of Ireland is crying out for investment like this. But the feedback we are getting from oversea investment companies is that they feel we are against this development. That is not the case, said Athenry for Apple campaigner Paul Keane. He called for urgent changes to the planning system and the fast tracking of such decisions to ensure towns were not left in limbo for years waiting on a proposed development. Weve no problem with a judge making the judgment on this but we have a major problem with the time it takes. The main issue here is not the objectors, objectors are fundamental to planning process and if it was a chemical plant being suggested they would be championed as heroes. Its the process that we feel is causing the most injury to the town and we have a difficulty with that, he added. Colette Lally from Athenry joined the march for her children. I have small kids and I want them to be able to grow up and live in a community that is prospering. Right now the town is not doing so well. Ive had emigration in my own family and theres a whole generation of 30-year-olds who left the town for Australia and Canada. I hope my own kids have better options, she said. Richie Crawford took part in the march with his wife Eimear and two young sons Devon and Leo. Were here because were concerned about the future of the town. Weve lived here for 12 years and we have two small kids, we want them to have opportunities, he added. IFA President Joe Healy also attended the event with his family. Im living two miles from Athenry and this would be a great boost for not just the town but Galway and the West of Ireland. This would attract further investment and is a great stamp of approval for the area. People locally are very much behind it, he said. Planning permission for the development was granted by An Bord Pleanala last year. However, a judicial review of the project was sought on environmental grounds following appeals by two objectors. A final decision on the data centre will be made on Thursday. One of the interesting - and unreported - subplots from the recent Ryanair horror show is the cold war between Michael O'Leary's carrier and Norwegian, Europe's third-biggest low-cost operation. And it's certainly a recent phenomenon. Early last month Ryanair chief commercial officer David O'Brien told this column that the airline was confident of interlining with Norwegian, feeding short-haul passengers to its transatlantic services. The only issue in the way was getting their respective IT systems to link together. But that plan nosedived in spectacular fashion, after O'Leary announced at a recent press conference in Dublin over flight cancellations that "given our concerns over Norwegian's financial ability ... we are focusing now our discussions with Air Europa and Aer Lingus" for interlining. That attack came just days after a deal was struck between EasyJet and Norwegian that would see the former selling the latter's services on one platform, a deal that surely ruffled feathers at Ryanair HQ. Despite its big marketing campaigns and strong word-of-mouth here given its transatlantic launches, Norwegian does suffer in one respect - its gaping lack of communications at times. A call to London to get its side on O'Leary's attack brought the standard press office line: "As we have said before, these comments have no root in reality. Norwegian has been profitable for the last 10 years, with a strong liquidity, together with owning a substantial share of Bank Norwegian which has a market value of over 1.6bn." All a bit tame. So it was good to see a human face from the airline on these shores, as Dominic Tucker, head of UK and Ireland sales at Norwegian Airlines, addressed a travel leaders conference organised by travel commerce platform Travelport. Tucker, formerly a British Airways executive, revealed that the Scandinavian airline wasn't impressed by O'Leary's jibes. "Norwegians are normally very passive people but they were up in arms," he said. "His comments hadn't got any foundation," he said, adding that since 80pc of its bookings are online, that's cash in the bank from the get-go. Norwegian top brass were ready to embark on a war of words with the Irish airline, but decided to take the line of "leave it, he'll trip himself up at some time". Despite its positioning as a low-cost carrier over the Atlantic, Tucker told the Sunday Independent that Norwegian is "popular with SMEs" and also with bigger companies looking or more bang for their travelling buck. And he put his hands up saying "we missed that boat" by offering wifi for free instead of charging for it. He says the airline will consider introducing the larger Boeing 787 Dreamliner on its Ireland-US routes, and could envisage that same aircraft being deployed as a direct service from Dublin to the likes of Cape Town when US demand is lighter. Interestingly, in a week in which United Airlines announced it's to cease operations from Shannon to Chicago next winter, Tucker said "demand on the Shannon to Stewart [in New York] route is outstripping Dublin to Stewart proportionally". * Aer Lingus' decision to commence flights next year from Dublin to Philadelphia will pay dividends for the business traveller. Apart from the service itself, the airline's chief operating officer, Mike Rutter, said the introduction of eight new Airbus 321 aircraft in 2019 and 2020 will be game changers for travellers up front. They're more economical, and more suited to short-haul hops (Paris, etc) as well as long haul over the Atlantic. Business travellers coming in from the US will be able to continue on in the same class and same aircraft type to key European destinations, marking a big play for the business market on the long-haul side. The airline is also working on a 'Aer Space' product, a source told this column. This will offer a closed-off seat between passengers up front, opening up space to use your laptop. The airline is also looking at bundling key business products, such as fast-track and priority boarding. * Travelling professionals - or their travel planners - tend to be careful with the purse strings, and just one in five opting for 'high end, luxury' accommodation when away. But that figure rises for business trips carried out by banking and finance professionals (almost one in four plump for high-end hotels) and even higher for management consultants (only the best will do for 26pc for them). Other figures revealed in a survey of professionals by booking.com for business shows that the top desires are a comfy bed and a strong wifi signal (52pc each), followed by a good breakfast (38pc) and free transportation or shuttle service (27pc). Not surprisingly, accommodation choice is also strongly driven by location, with convenient access to meetings (47pc) and placement in the city centre (29pc) named as top priorities. The leader of Ireland's largest trade union has urged Ryanair pilots to fight Michael O'Leary until they "beat" him in the war over pay and conditions. The airline has disrupted the plans of more than 700,000 passengers by failing to have enough standby pilots to ensure the smooth operation of its schedule. Last week, the airline's chief operations officer, Michael Hickey, resigned. And in an unprecedented move, Ryanair chief executive, Michael O'Leary, wrote to the airline's pilots with an impassioned plea to get them to remain at the airline. He has promised a raft of changes including improved pay and conditions if his 4,200 pilots do not leave to join airlines such as Norwegian. Read More But in a move which has angered management, hundreds of pilots at the low cost carrier have continued to join unions across Europe, including the British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa) and the Irish Airline Pilots' Association (Ialpa). However, O'Leary has staunchly refused to deal with unions in the past or in the future. Speaking to the Sunday Independent, SIPTU president, Jack O'Connor, says pilots are being denied their "fundamental right" to bargain collectively. "The only thing the O'Learys of this world understand is when it's put right up to them. "That's the currency in which he has always traded himself, and I hope the pilots beat him," he said. RTE has warned staff that a better redundancy package will not be offered by the company amid concerns that some staff were holding out for improved terms. The broadcaster is seeking 250 redundancies as part of a plan to restructure the company, following losses of 20m in a worsening advertising market. However, there are concerns among management that take-up will be lower than required and it has issued a statement to staff ahead of the deadline for applications to the scheme. Eimear Cusack, director of HR at RTE, said in a note to staff: "As you know, both the voluntary exit and early retirement programmes close next Tuesday. "You'll also know that the schemes form an essential part of RTE's restructuring plans as we transition to a smaller, leaner and more efficient organisation. "We remain available to you until Tuesday close of business should you require any further information. "A number of you have asked whether any future schemes will offer improved terms; I can confirm that they will not," she said. In the past, improved schemes have been offered when take-up is low. But the political mood means that RTE is not in the position to revise its deal upwards. Read More As first revealed in this newspaper, RTE's planned redundancy scheme was seen as too generous by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, which suggested it examine other public sector schemes with lesser terms. Although the terms are tighter than previous RTE schemes, it is believed that average pay-outs will top 80,000 while the exit deals for the best-paid will run well into six figures. It is understood that RTE defended the scheme, which is to be capped at two years' salary, arguing that it needed to make an attractive offer to employees in order to achieve the redundancy numbers it is seeking. It is particularly targeting the over 55s, many of whom are on defined benefit pensions and are among the best paid in the organisation. RTE would need to get well over 250 applicants to meet its targets as not all who apply will be accepted for the programme. RTE was badly hit by the Brexit vote as a significant portion of its advertising comes from UK-based agencies. The current financial year will also deliver a deficit. The organisation will fund the redundancy programme through the sale of a portion of its Donnybrook campus in Dublin to Cairn Homes for 107.5m. Chef Ben Dineen, who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and for rich yacht owners says he needs the stress of a kitchen. Photo: Gerry Mooney It's mid-September and Ben Dineen is on a superyacht moored in Porto Cervo, the billionaires' playground in Sardinia, having already spent the summer sailing from Monaco, St Tropez and Portofino. The vessel doesn't belong to the 32-year-old Irishman: he's the head chef on board. He has just spent the morning shopping for ingredients in the local markets for a simple spaghetti alle vongole for his boss. But while Dineen's head is focused on cooking with the freshly-bought clams, shallots, garlic and white wine, his heart is at home, where he has just set up a new food business with two foodie friends. Dineen has spent the guts of a decade working on luxury yachts and his summer sojourn was in aid of financing Thyme at Home, the startup he created earlier this year with fellow chef Phil Moran and Renata Venckunaite. The fledgling business hand-delivers carefully measured and prepared ingredients sourced from local farmers and suppliers, along with chef-devised recipes and step-by-step video instructions, to the homes and offices of time-starved customers who want a quickly-assembled healthy meal rather going out to dinner or getting a takeaway. The chefs try and test the recipes to ensure customers can achieve the same results in their own kitchens and the company then collects the empty boxes and packaging when they do their next delivery. As Thyme at Home is still in its infancy, it has so far concentrated on deliveries to Dublin and Wicklow, but will go further afield if necessary. "We have had emails from men saying, 'my wife's away for a week and I really need some help here!' People really seem to like it," says Dineen. The concept was inspired by similar companies Dineen came across in the Europe and the US, where there has been an explosion of meal-kit delivery firms. In America, the largest is Blue Apron, which has almost one million customers and debuted on the New York Stock Exchange in June, while the biggest player in Europe is HelloFresh. Grocery chains are also getting in on the act, with Albertsons, the operator of the Safeway chain, last month agreeing to buy the New York-based meal-kit service Plated. Indeed, there are roughly 100 meal-kit companies with 2.2bn in sales in the US, including two owned by Amazon. "I met someone who has worked for one of these companies and they told me about the business and how it works," Dineen says. "We saw an opportunity for a similar business in Ireland because Irish people really care about quality of their food and traceability is becoming much more important. "People here want to cook better and they can easily replicate dishes using our videos and learn a new recipe." Thyme at Home also offers additional services, such as wine to pair with the meal, as well as low GI and gluten-free options. There are new menus every week, such as sesame and ginger chicken with turmeric rice. And with prices starting at 9 a meal, Dineen argues that the dishes can be cheaper and more efficient than eating out or cooking at home. "The price works out the same as fish and chips in a regular cafe, but saves time spent in a supermarket and in traffic after a long day at work and reduces food waste," he says. Dineen, who was raised in the Co Wicklow village of Newcastle and went to secondary school in Glasthule, showed a flair for cooking from an early age. He won a cookery competition while still at primary school, wrote menus and cooked for family events, and, as a teenager, worked at Dublin restaurants after school. The latter experience proved to be a baptism of fire. "When I was 16, my father was friendly with owners of Dali's restaurant in Blackrock and I got a job there," Dineen says. "The first day, I rocked up to the kitchen in my school uniform and white shirt. It looked like hell, with fires everywhere - it was absolute chaos." But Dineen had caught the cooking bug. He studied professional cookery at DIT Cathal Brugha Street, between 2004 and 2007, where he met fellow Thyme at Home co-founder Moran. While at college, he did an apprenticeship at L'Ecrivain, the Michelin-starred Dublin restaurant led by celebrity chef Derry Clarke, where he became friends with Venckunaite, a Lithuanian who has worked front-of-house, as a waitress and as a restaurant manager at a slew of the capital's restaurants. As a chef de partie and an assistant to Clarke, Dineen learned how to apply French and Irish culinary techniques to Irish produce. A friend of Clarke's needed a chef for a 33m-motoryacht that was being chartered out of the port of Antibes, so Dineen grabbed the chance to work aboard for six months. He then spent a year as one of 22 chefs at Gordon Ramsay's Michelin-starred restaurant at the Conrad hotel in Tokyo. "Gordon would come over once in a while and he was really cool," Dineen says. "His style is very simple, relying on good-quality ingredients." Dineen ended up spending most of the recession abroad, working as a chef on yachts in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, where he discovered new ingredients and dishes. Then, in 2013, he bought and began to manage the Exuma Palms Hotel, a boutique hotel and restaurant on Great Exuma, a 60km-long island in the Bahamas. The Exumas are popular with the yachting fraternity, and celebrities from Eddie Murphy and Eddie Irvine to Nicolas Cage and Johnny Depp have all owned private islands there. By the end of 2016, after yet another stint as an executive chef to the super-rich aboard a yacht in the Caribbean, Dineen returned to Ireland, keen to put his knowledge of global cuisine and business experience into practice at Thyme at Home, a concept he had long discussed with his two friends. Moran had forged a similar career trajectory to Dineen, having also started out in the food business at 16, studied at Cathal Brugha Street, worked at Dali's, and catered to wealthy clients abroad, including as a private chef in Long Island. As a chef at Naomi's Kitchen, the Glenageary-based gourmet catering business, he had also built up relationships with suppliers and farmers that he could tap into at Thyme at Home. "We all have our own skill sets," Dineen says. "I had time on my hands when I came home so I worked with the website developer, did all the legal stuff and the banking. Then the three of us sat down and argued over menus and styles. "I'm very much into Asian fusion, but Phil has been working non-stop feeding Irish people for 16 years so he knows what families need. Renata is very good with business, making sure the bills are paid on time and that we are doing everything by the book." The three friends were determined to start small and grow very gradually. They tested the business on family and friends before launching in May. "We spent a few weeks in April delivering to friends and family to make sure we were getting the temperatures and timings right," Dineen says. "We also needed to make sure the language of the recipes was universal and that we were not overcomplicating each dish for customers." The startup was initially funded by the combined savings. "We had to have a great van for deliveries rather than a banger...and we have refrigeration costs," Dineen says. "We had to buy 200 delivery boxes and photographing every meal on the menu property is quite expensive. "We bled through our savings pretty quickly so we had to look at our options. We didn't want to get a loan and owe money, but I was in the fortunate position where I could go off and work on yachts for the summer." The company's location, in Kilcoole Industrial Estate, is strategic: Thyme at Home is surrounded by suppliers, such as farms, The Fishman in Wicklow town and Flemings Butcher in Greystones. "We have the freshest fish and we can get produce directly from the markets and box up the ingredients," Dineen says. "Sometimes it involves getting up at four in the morning, but once we get to the markets and see what's available, it's great fun. "We never get bored. With restaurants, you could have the same menu for a whole season, but if a supplier tells us they are getting a huge amount of rocket the following week, we'll change the menu to reflect that. Related: Use our calculator to estimate your small business loan repayments Besides, Dineen thrives on being in the kitchen, whether in Wicklow or on a boat in the Mediterranean. "I need the stress of a kitchen," he says. "L'Ecrivain was a very tough restaurant to work at. You couldn't mess up because Derry would let you know he was not happy with you. But I love it." thyme.ie Europe versus Facebook is a circle that really can't be squared. It's a case where one side wants the principle of the other vanquished. It's a monumental cyber-collision between Europe and the US, pitting notions of our privacy against their national security fears. But it threatens to usher in a surreal era where Facebook, Google, Twitter, Slack and other communications service are told they're not allowed to carry on as before. For those who missed it during the week, the Irish High Court referred this sensitive geopolitical case about Facebook, Ireland and US spying to Europe's supreme court. The case saw the Irish data protection commissioner, Helen Dixon, in rare agreement with opponents on the subject of the Americans going too far. Both Dixon and the Austrian student Max Schrems, who has been a thorn in the side of the Irish data watchdog for years, contend that US laws permitting indiscriminate police surveillance of European social media feeds mean that big tech companies here shouldn't be allowed to rely on existing European legislation to do business. Specifically, they say that the EU legal instrument called a 'standard contract clause' - used by Facebook and thousands of other multinational organisations to legally transfer data across the Atlantic - should be declared invalid because it no longer protects European citizens from American snooping. For the time being, the High Court has agreed to Helen Dixon's request to refer the matter to the European Court of Justice for adjudication in about 18 months' time. The US slapped duties on Bombardier's showcase commercial jet for the second time in as many weeks on Friday, upholding Boeing's case that its Canadian competitor sold planes at less than fair value. Photo: Reuters The US slapped duties on Bombardier's showcase commercial jet for the second time in as many weeks on Friday, upholding Boeing's case that its Canadian competitor sold planes at less than fair value. The Commerce Department imposed a preliminary import duty of 80pc on Bombardier C Series aircraft based on its finding, according to an emailed statement. The agency ruled last week that the Montreal-based plane-maker, which invested more than US$6bn (5.1bn) to develop the all-new C Series, benefited from unfair subsidies. The second round of import duties marks the latest blow for Bombardier, which received financial support from Quebec and Canada as its biggest jet came in two years late and about $2bn over budget. The ruling is also bound to stoke tensions between the US and two key allies, Canada and the UK, which have expressed dismay with the Commerce Department. Bombardier employs over 4,000 workers at its east Belfast plants, and uses suppliers from around the island. Both charges - last week's 220pc countervailing duties and Friday's anti-dumping restrictions - could be reversed by the US International Trade Commission if the tribunal concludes that Boeing wasn't injured by Bombardier's jet programme, a decision expected to be made next year. The Commerce Department also still needs to issue a final ruling in both cases. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said she was "extremely disappointed" in the latest US decision, vowing to defend the country's aerospace industry against "irresponsible and protectionist trade measures" that also hurt some US workers. "These anti-dumping duties on Bombardier's C Series aircraft unfairly target Canada's highly innovative aerospace sector and its more than 200,000 workers," Freeland said. The measures also "put at risk the almost 23,000 US jobs that depend on Bombardier and its suppliers." The controversy is likely to hang over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's trip to Washington this week, where he is scheduled to discuss trade with US President Donald Trump just as negotiators hold the fourth round of talks to amend the North American Free Trade Agreement. Trudeau has warned that his government won't buy Boeing military jets unless the company drops the case. If you're thinking of orchestrating a great prank for Hallowe'en, this might be the video to show you how not to go about it. Incredibly, this piece of footage entitled ' Mermaid Body Found on Beach in Minnesota' has been viewed over 670,000 times. The cameraman's identity is unknown (we shall refer to him as 'Macky'), the exact location of the lake where the clip was filmed is unknown - but what is known is that a mermaid was recovered by two people wearing yellow hazmat suits. Yes, Macky said so. According to Paranormal Elite, who said the footage was sent in to them, Macky is from Australia but was visiting relatives in Minnesota when they all decided to go to a local park. While the park was apparently cleared when big vehicles arrived with the hazmat-wearing people, our plucky correspondent managed to hide and capture this moment on film. In the clip, a green tail is seen floating in the water and a 'mysterious' creature is then pulled from the lake. Macky wants us to believe that his film proves that mermaids do exist. We'll let you decide. Some viewers on YouTube have already made their minds up. Donna Kondziela said: "If you're stupid enough to believe it I have a bridge I will sell you in San Francisco you will make your money back in toll fees in no time this is so fake." But 'Top3s' said he thinks it's real. "I mean why would anyone go through such lengths to fake something like this.," he said. Sianna Marie thinks she recognises the "distinctive fin" from a company called FinFun with Roses Royce has doubts about the choice of attire. "They are wearing see-through raining coats, and knew exactly were to 'fish out' their friend out of the water. Lol. What a fake crap!," he said. For millennia, humanity has been transfixed by light and its powers to reveal, heal and transcend. The ancient Egyptians held an annual light festival to aid Isis in her quest to find her beloved Osiris, and 100 years ago, Maud Gonne, our own modern goddess, harnessed the power of light to illuminate the plight of homeless families by projecting their portraits onto buildings in Parnell Square. This year, the world glowed green on St Patrick's Day, from the Pyramids to the Eiffel Tower. For January 2018, Ireland is calling on the citizens of the world to bring their sisters out of the shadows into the light. Illuminate Herstory was launched in January 2017 as a grassroots light festival and quickly gathered viral momentum around Ireland, with castles, museums, theatres, libraries, offices and homes illuminating in celebration of women and girls. The Irish Herstory movement is harnessing the alchemical power of light to spotlight gender inequality and highlight women's stories. In contrast to the handful of historical and contemporary women taught on the school curriculum, Herstory has discovered that there are over 1,000 extraordinary women in the Irish National Dictionary of Biography. The amnesia of women's stories is not just an Irish problem, it's a global phenomenon. The achievements and struggles of women have been lost in the shadows, resulting in global inequality and a regression of women's rights. Reading school history books, you can see how we have arrived at this dark point. Normalising war, genocide and colonialism will lead to Trump, Brexit and worse. By giving prominence to these destructive and dangerous narratives in our history books, we are teaching future generations that these issues are important and the best they can expect of humanity. But what happens if you rewrite history to include Herstory? You discover that in most remarkable woman's biography there was a man who saw her as an equal. They were friends, brothers, husbands, fathers, teachers and contemporaries. It's often stated that 'Behind every great man is a great woman', but I urge you to look closer and see the cross-pollination, how men and women inspired and influenced each other to realise their individual and collective potential. Greatness is equality. And equality is human nature. Together, by illuminating the past, we can rewrite the future. A worthy aim would be a world where beside a great man is a great woman and vice versa. When the Christmas lights are turned off on Women's Little Christmas (Nollaig na mBan, as Gaeilge), Ireland will light up in celebration of women and we're inviting the world to join us over that weekend. Already there is activity planned in Palestine, Sweden, Finland, Slovenia, Lithuania, Malta, Holland, France, Oman, the UK and the USA. Video of the Day This is a light festival for the people. The beauty of light is that everyone can get involved - you can light up a national landmark or your living room. There are light projectors in every boardroom and school. This is an opportunity to celebrate women in your family, lost heroines, ancient goddesses, and future mavericks. For the official programme, there are four universal themes over four nights. Illuminate Herstory launches on Friday, January 5, the day before Women's Little Christmas, with the rise of Ancient Heroines, followed the next night by Every Woman, focusing on the centenary of the suffrage movement and the plight of today's migrant women. On Sunday, January 7, the theme is World of Equals, celebrating egalitarian partnerships throughout history and today. Voices of the Future is the finale on Monday, January 8 - the first day of the new school term when the next generation will illuminate classrooms with women's stories and their visions for the future. Herstory is calling on businesses to support local and international Illuminate Herstory initiatives. Illuminate Herstory is an opportunity for companies to thank and celebrate women by commissioning a light installation. Participating enterprises are asked to make a donation to the Herstory movement to support the Herstory Education Programme, which includes a game-changing teen magazine, summer camps, workshops and publications. Ogilvy is the first company in Ireland to get on board, championing the Illuminate Herstory Light Festival across their global network of 450 offices in 173 cities around the world. "Ogilvy are delighted to recognise the incredible women who have made their mark in Ireland," says JP Donnelly, the firm's chief executive. "As part of our Project Eve initiative with our sister company Kanter Millward Brown, Ogilvy & Mather in Dublin intends to illuminate our own historic building and call on our sister companies throughout the world to do the same that week." Melanie Lynch is the founder of the Illuminate Herstory Light Festival, which takes place on January 5-8. You can get involved at www.herstory.ie When TV3 presenter Lucy Kennedy tweeted an photo of herself sitting side by side with Katie Hopkins it sparked backlash on the social media platform. The pic was taken as Lucy shacked up with the controversial figure at her home in London to film an episode for the new series of Living with Lucy. Lucy says she tweeted the photo as 'editorial market research', to show Katie exactly what people think of her in Ireland. However, she was amazed by how many people 'jumped on the bandwagon' and criticised her (Lucy) before seeing the show, which ultimately aired last week. "It was quite an interesting exercise, just to see perceptions," she says. "I could not respond to the tweets and some were quite negative and quite nasty and I read every one of them. I really did. "The first few stung a little but as awful as it sounds you become immune to it. As the tweets were coming through I was getting tougher and tougher and tougher. Amazingly the reactive tweets didnt really resonate with me, people going, Oh, Im not going to watch this. I never liked you anyway, they didnt really have any effect on me. Expand Close Katie Hopkins, Lucy Kennedy on Living with Lucy, TV3 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Katie Hopkins, Lucy Kennedy on Living with Lucy, TV3 "It was the ones that said were very disappointed in you those ones got to me. What people didnt realise and what they realise now [after seeing the show] is that I feel the exact same way as they did. I did it to see what shes like to live with, not because I agree with her. "It was never going to be a love in. Im just shining a light on a dark corner and showing people what shes like to live with. "I think people just put certain characters in the media on this platform and make them into something that they're not, something that should be feared. While there are many things I fear, and I do have my fears, people are not one of them. I just dont fear people and, if anything, I think thank God people like me have the balls to go and get a torch a shine a light in those dark corners." She adds, "At the end of the day as well, which people do forget, its just a television programme." As the backlash was gaining momentum online, Lucy was preparing to launch the Cheerios Childline Breakfast 2017. "I think people need to step away from Twitter and maybe just prioritise life," she says. Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Lucy Kennedy with Michael Healy Rae on Living with Lucy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lucy Kennedy with Michael Healy Rae on Living with Lucy Video of the Day "When people were giving out about me living with Katie Hopkins I was preparing to launch Cheerios Childline for the ISPCC and I couldnt help but think, as I was frantically running around trying to get organised for the launch, that if they have that much time on their hands I really wish theyd put it to better use and volunteer. "The fact there are 460,000 calls from our children in Ireland to Childline makes me think a few more volunteers would help. If anything the whole Katie Hopkins experience just gave me perspective on what actually matters." Viewers should "strap in", she says, because there are more controversial figures to come. Actress Daniella Westbrook will feature in another episode and she was, she says, "difficult" while the final episode of the 10 this series will feature another very controversial but as yet unidentified figure. Lucy admits she has plenty of stories about her subjects from behind the scenes when the cameras are turned off but she's "too professional to talk about them". Often material that has been filmed has to be cut, too, because it is sensitive legally. "At times I would be irritated by people saying, You never asked her about this or that when actually I did. I asked her everything but not everything can be used," reveals Lucy. Thankfully, she has a much easier time in the next episode of the show on Tuesday night when she lives with Kerry politician and flat cap fan Michael Healy Rae. It's fair to say they got on like a house on fire. "I love him. I loved him. I loved every second in his company," she gushes. "He was a pleasure to live with, such a laugh, so easy, so warm. Im mad about him. It was a laugh a minute. I had the craic. Hes a really, really good guy." Michael tells her about his two near death experiences at the hand (hooves?) of a cow and a chicken curry. It's hilarious. But there are some serious moments, including when he tells her about his regrets over being so work-focused when his children were young. "It was so honest and just raw and it just goes to show you the life of a politician when you get into politics you give up your life. You really do," says Lucy. "Its interesting though that [his son] Jackie is following in his footsteps. Hes really taken Jackie under his wing and he respects Jackie and they have a really nice father son relationship, like he had with his own dad, Jackie senior." She adds, "My God, that man picks up his phone after midnight. His job is his life. He really cares about everybody and I saw a really nice, genuine man. "You see this crazy guy from Kerry with the caps and hes not. Theres so much more to him than that. Hes a husband, hes a friend, hes a politician, but hes a brilliant guy. I loved his company and it just makes the whole experience so nice when you genuinely enjoy being with the person. I felt a bit sad when I had to leave!" Whether she's living with someone she likes or not, Lucy says she's immensely proud of the programme, which started out life on RTE as Livin' with Lucy and then moved to TV3. "Im really so proud of it as a format, so proud it has stood the test of time, and so loved by people, so much so that TV3 are planning up to six series. Its my fourth baby," she admits. She's also gearing up to host Ireland's Got Talent, which starts it's auditioning tour of Ireland next month. Recently she decided not to return to her presenting gig on the Six O'Clock Show after her maternity leave for her third baby. "I couldnt have done the Six OClock Show and Irelands Got Talent so I had to make a decision and I chose Irelands Got Talent and Living with Lucy," she says. "Also, the fact they moved the show to 6 oclock, its very hard with my smallies and the school run. I like to be there at the school gates to collect them and hear the first bit of news after school. "With Living with Lucy I am missing for a couple of days but its different to every day. I think I have a good work/family balance. Its taken a few years to figure out but career wise Ive never been happier than I am now. Its a nice thing to be able to say!" Living with Lucy with Michael Healy Rae airs Tuesday night on TV3 at 10pm. Taking place from October 16 to 22, ISPCC Childline are calling on the nation to host a Cheerios Childline Breakfast to raise funds for Ireland's only 24-hour listening service for children. Register today at childlinebreakfast.ie or text RISE to 50300 to donate 4. Bank customers have been targeted with a 'number spoofing' scam to trick victims into thinking they are talking to their bank. This latest deception is known as 'number spoofing' because the fraudsters call customers using a phone number which mimics that of their bank. They do this using a device which can copy any number - even if the one they are calling from is entirely different. The fraudsters call customers without any warning posing as bank staff. They persuade their victim to part with financial and personal details. It is often done on the pretence that fraud has been detected on their account. When a customer receives a call on their mobile or home phone the number of their bank will appear on the display. The victims, who think they are talking to their bank, are then told to move their money to a secure account. Many scammers will make the situation sound urgent in a bid to rush an account holder into handing over details. Experts say customers should be suspicious if they are asked for their four digit PIN, full online banking passwords, or to transfer or withdraw money. Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) has now warned customers to be wary of unsolicited calls. Speaking to the Sunday Independent ahead of Ireland's first ever financial fraud awareness week, which starts tomorrow, Niamh Davenport, Fraud Awareness and Payments Manager at BPFI, stressed greater public knowledge is needed on this form of illegal activity. "In cases where a fraudster calls a customer pretending to be from their bank, they might start off by saying that they've noticed some suspicious transactions on their account. "Alternatively, they might claim there was an incident of fraud on the account, and ask to run through a few security questions over the phone. "That's level one. Then they'll claim that in order to keep the person's money safe they must go to their local post office, and transfer money to a particular account. "They instruct them that if they're queried when taking out the money, to tell the branch staff that it's for a family wedding or something like that, which is a plausible situation. So the money is transferred to the fraudster's account and, of course, the money is gone fairly swiftly." The BPFI's new week-long campaign aims to raise awareness and prevent incidents of scams among consumers and businesses. It comes as new research shows eight in 10 people have been targeted by some form of fraud. And almost six in 10 feel more vulnerable now than they did two years ago. A new website, www.fraudsmart.ie, will offer updates on new scams and tips on how people can protect themselves against fraudsters. Public patients are being treated by 81 doctors working as hospital consultants who do not have full specialist training, it was revealed yesterday. This has implications for competence and patient safety, the annual meeting of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) was told. The figures were released last week to the doctors' organisation by the HSE under a Freedom of Information request, secretary general Martin Varley told the gathering in Limerick. He said the necessity to provide medical cover was due to the failure to get enough fully qualified consultants to apply for posts in Irish hospitals. IHCA president Dr Tom Ryan, an anaesthetist at St James's Hospital, warned that critically ill patients were dying because they were forced to stay in A&E departments when they should be in an intensive care unit. They are relying on life support machines in emergency departments for hours because there are not enough intensive care beds. Waiting lists for outpatient appointments are at an unprecedented level and are now in excess of 500,000 - five times the population of Limerick, he added. "Patients with commonplace medical and surgical problems are waiting years to see a consultant. "At the same time, the level of surgery being carried out on waiting list patients has halved in the last four years. "So in 2016, we performed about half the number of hip replacements of the OECD average and much less than half the knee replacements. "Unless this trend is reversed, our acute hospitals will stop performing planned surgery altogether within the next few years." Hospitals need more robotic assisted surgeries to reduce waiting lists and shorten patients' hospital stays, he added. He said robotic assisted surgery was mostly available in private hospitals and led to better patient outcomes. But there was just one of these technologies available in a public hospital in Limerick. The technique involves a surgeon directing a robot by computer. It is one of the areas where hospitals are lagging behind. Cuts to hospital budgets in the last decade have left many hospitals struggling with obsolete equipment. Speaking about the proposal to move more patient care to the community, he warned about shunting people who need to see a specialist back to a GP. He insisted there was too much wishful thinking in the Slaintecare report, the blueprint for the future of the health service, which aims for a one-tier system. It would have no divide between public and private wait. Dr Ryan warned against plans to phase out the treatment of private patients in public hospitals. This would take out more than 600m income from public hospitals but also hit the earning power of consultants. The IHCA said more doctors would take flight if this was implemented. Health Minister Simon Harris, who addressed the conference, reiterated that he would carry out an impact study before deciding if the removal of private hospitals from public hospitals should proceed. He promised the days of health cuts were over. He called on doctors to back his efforts to pass legislation to curb alcohol abuse by highlighting its harm. He said the best the drinks industry could come up with was accusing him of cancelling Christmas by banning the Guinness Christmas ad. Referring to the trolley crisis, he said attendances were up 2.6pc at emergency departments overall this year. Attendances by those over 75 were up 5.5pc. "Despite this context, there has been a slight improvement in most of the patient experience targets," he said." He said Tuesday's Budget would have more money for the health service, including 55m to tackle hospital waiting lists. Scene of the stabbing in Castlecomer and inset Corina Hennessy and brother Jamie A young man brought back from the dead twice after a vicious stabbing has been released from hospital and returned home to his family. Jamie Hennessy (22) was given little hope of surviving after he was knifed at a party in Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny on Saturday, August 19. Expand Close Stab victim Jamie Hennessy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Stab victim Jamie Hennessy Doctors had to resuscitate him twice after he was taken to St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny. He was later moved to the Mater Hospital in Dublin where doctors feared that he might not survive. Mr Hennessy remained on life support for over two weeks with his mother Sandra maintaining a bedside vigil throughout his treatment. Now his sister Corina has told Independent.ie that Jamie has had a miracle recover and is now back in his family home. "He's doing fantastic," Ms Hennessy said. "His voice is fully back and he's eating again. "He's nearly fully back to normal now." She agreed that it was a miracle before adding: "It's great to have him home." Ms Hennessy previously said the family are proud of her brother's fighting spirit. "He put up an incredible fight and has made his way back to us." Three men were arrested in connection with the stabbing but all were subsequently released without charge. In August Independent.ie revealed that one of these men was previously arrested for the cold case murder of Gerry Nolan while a second man was arrested over the fatal stabbing of Kieran Monahan in 2012. Expand Close Kieran Monahan was killed at a Valentines Day party / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kieran Monahan was killed at a Valentines Day party Read More Gardai are investigating if the attack was in connection with the murder of Mr Nolan whose caravan was set on fire while he was locked inside in 2006. Jamie Hennessy, who was just 11 at the time of that attack, had no involvement in the murder of Gerry Nolan. His girlfriend Jessie Connell previously told Independent.ie that the stabbing was in connection to a dispute over a 20 mobile phone. Ms Connell also revealed how she dragged Mr Hennessy from the home where they were drinking while two men repeatedly stabbed him. Read More In an emotional interview Ms Connell said: : We were in a pool of Jamies blood. Them dogs that did this didnt even try run from the scene. Theyre all a bunch of sick creeps out there. "Ill stand in court if I have to pin them scumbags to a wall." Nobody has been charged in connection with the attack. Sorcha O'Neill is one of a number of once loyal elected representatives and members who have fallen out with Sinn Fein in recent years. Some have quit the party, others have been expelled, and some remain in Sinn Fein but have criticised the party publicly. Some have claimed they were bullied, some they were mistreated. Sinn Fein has repeatedly insisted that bullying isn't tolerated in the party. Sinn Fein has also said that local disputes arise but it's not always possible to resolve them, as demonstrated by our list of those who have had issues with the party. Sorcha O'Neill was a councillor in Kildare. She resigned from Sinn Fein in April, claiming she experienced "bullying, hostility and aggression". Another of the people on our list, Melissa O'Neill, organised a meeting in Waterford last weekend for disaffected members and former members of the party. More meetings are expected to be held in the coming weeks. O'Neill, a councillor in Kilkenny, was expelled from Sinn Fein last year, after a disciplinary process over video footage that emerged of a public argument. She alleges she had been bullied prior to the video and is considering legal action against the party. Expand Close OUT OF THE PARTY: John Snell / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp OUT OF THE PARTY: John Snell Others to have fallen out with Sinn Fein include: Lisa Marie Sheehy, councillor in Limerick. She resigned from Sinn Fein in September, claiming she had been "undermined, bullied and humiliated"; Gerry O'Neill, councillor in Wicklow, was expelled from Sinn Fein in September. He is one of three councillors who challenged the party in a dispute over internal leadership roles. He has accused "unelected" party figures of undue influence and control; John Snell, councillor in Wicklow. He was expelled from Sinn Fein in September, and is another of the Wicklow trio who challenged the party about internal leadership roles; Expand Close OUT OF THE PARTY: Lisa Marie Sheehy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp OUT OF THE PARTY: Lisa Marie Sheehy Oliver O'Brien, councillor in Wicklow. Expelled from Sinn Fein in September, he is the third of the Wicklow councillors to challenge Sinn Fein's internal leadership roles; Tara O'Grady, human rights activist and Sinn Fein member. Expelled from the party in July. She believes it was because she assisted the three Wicklow councillors by accompanying them to meetings with Sinn Fein; Eugene Greenan, former councillor in Cavan. Resigned from his Sinn Fein council seat in June, but remains a party member. Although he left in part for personal reasons, he later accused Sinn Fein of having an "element of dictatorship" and of "acting like bullies"; Paul Hogan, councillor in Westmeath. Although he remains a Sinn Fein councillor, he claimed in June that he was "bullied", "threatened" and subjected to a "whispering campaign" by elements in the party; Seamus Morris, councillor in Tipperary. An attempt to expel him from the local organisation earlier this year failed, and he remains a Sinn Fein councillor. He claimed last month that he was subjected to a nine-month campaign of harassment and slander, and considered taking his own life; Sandra McLellan, former Sinn Fein TD for Cork East. She declined to run in the 2016 general election and claimed there had been attempts to "undermine and malign" her within the party; Ger Keohane, councillor in Cork East. Resigned from Sinn Fein in November 2015, and although he has not spoken publicly, it is believed he was unhappy with the party; June Murphy, councillor in Cork East. Resigned from Sinn Fein in 2015, but did not speak publicly about her reasons until last month, claiming there is a "bullying culture" in Sinn Fein and that the party demeans women; Kieran McCarthy, councillor in Cork East, Expelled from Sinn Fein in June 2015, after an internal inquiry accused him of "uncomradely" behaviour, which he denied. His expulsion was later lifted but he refused to return to the party; Jonathan Dowdall, former councillor in Dublin. Resigned in 2014 for health reasons but he also claimed there was a "whispering campaign" and of "bullying" within the party. He has since been jailed for a false imprisonment and threats. 'When I moved into my first home, before I did anything else, I bought a table, a table not just to eat on, but to live around." Nigella Lawson's new book, At My Table, is a celebration of home cooking. This is fitting because more than any other food writer these days, Nigella is the real deal - a proud home cook, definitely not a chef. And while so many cookbooks sell a story of happy gatherings of friends and family, I don't think I am alone in thinking that perhaps some of these authors may be talking the talk, rather than walking the walk. The stories often just don't ring true. You just know from reading one of Nigella's books that she has a real life with food, rather than one made to look pretty for an Instagram feed, all style and no substance. Learning to cook is a life skill - it's as essential as brushing your teeth for anyone wanting to live a civilised life. And while being able to feed oneself with healthy and nutritious food is one thing, being competent enough to invite friends to share a meal in your home is another, especially for those amongst us (me included) who did not grow up in households where learning to cook and bake was something that happened by osmosis. The American food writer MFK Fisher wrote that the three basic needs - food, security and love - "are so mixed and mingled and entwined, that we cannot straightly think of one without the others". For Nigella, around the table is where these three things meet and when we invite people to sit at our table and eat the food that we've made for them, we are weaving memories amid assertions of love, friendship, hospitality and hope. But before those memories can be woven, we must answer the fundamental question - what are we going to eat? Thankfully, in her new book, Nigella answers the question by sharing recipes that don't require particular technique, dexterity or expertise (she writes, modestly, that she has none of these). Really, she seems to be saying, if you can read, you can cook. Amongst the recipes that caught my eye on a first pass are the Mung Bean Dal with Mint and Coriander Raita, Pork with Prunes, Olives and Capers, Spatchcock Chicken with Miso and Sesame Seeds, and a Ginger and Walnut Carrot Cake with an indecently lavish proportion of icing to cake. I also like the look of the Turmeric and Ginger Vodka. At My Table, Nigella Lawson, Chatto & Windus, 26 Bites.. PUMPKIN TIME AT SABA From Monday, October 23, until Wednesday, November 1, chef Taweesak Trakoolwattana (aka Tao) of Saba will place pumpkins at the heart of his recipes to create Halloween-inspired dishes with a traditional Thai and Vietnamese twist, sabadublin.com. WINE DINNER AT LUNA Sara Cabrele, brand ambassador for Gaja Wines, is hosting a wine dinner at Luna on Wednesday, October 11 at 6.30pm. Head Chef Hugh Higgins will prepare a five-course dinner matched with Gajas premium wines. Tickets are 110pp, call 01 670 9009 (ext 2) to book. JONATHAN SWIFT DINNER On Sunday, November 26, in St Patricks Cathedral, fans of Jonathan Swift can join a 17th century candlelit dinner featuring dishes such as buttered eel and fricassee of chicken, with a talk on the gastronomic culture of the time by Dr Deirdre Nuttall. Tickets 78, jonathanswiftfestival.ie. Campbell called in at Kilcullens Seaweed Baths in Enniscrone during his road trip in the new Ford Fiesta As much as I like tootling around with my partner and the dog on our Sundays in the Wicklow Mountains, occasionally it is good to get in a car and take it off for a week by myself and explore a part of the country that's new to me. I am as happy as Noddy in his little red car as the constraints come off and I can probably drive farther, faster and for longer when left to my own devices. So it was in the middle of last month that I took off for a few days to Ballina in Mayo and just across the county line to Enniscrone in Sligo. The week before I had been at the Frankfurt Motor Show and my colleague from The Irish Times, Michael McAleer, had been singing the praises of Mayo as a place and his hopes for joy at Croke Park, and, like a big salmon in the Moy, I was hooked. As luck would have it, one of the cars I was most looking forward to this year was scheduled for my week off - the new Ford Fiesta. And after the relative disappointment over the company's ST Line models a few weeks back, the new Fiesta would have to perform. The shackles were off and I would be throwing the car around the country roads as well as needing something to make rapid progress along the motorways to the West to maximise my time there. I needn't have worried. The all-new Fiesta was a delight and I loved driving it. All the brio that made it, and its bigger brothers, the Focus and Mondeo, one-time class-leaders for their driving finesse, has returned. It was agile, confident and with great grip. If you need them, the brakes are first class. The autonomous emergency braking also works! The model I was driving was a 'Frozen White' Fiesta Titanium with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost 100PS petrol engine. There was a very slick six-speed manual which spurred the car to 100kmh in 10.5 seconds and had a maximum of 185kmh, while still keeping CO2 emissions of 97. You can also expect about 50mpg, which I got over my week. If this seventh-generation Fiesta was a driver's car par excellence, it did suffer from still being very tight and awkward in the back and the test model was overloaded with extras such as heated seats and steering wheel, which are not needed in a small, adaptable little car. The extras pushed the price to 25,270, which is a long way from the 16,550 entry price of the all-new Fiesta and even a massive increase on the already well-specced Titanium model opening price of 20,050. It was too much and I wouldn't pay it, but fully loaded and at around 21k the car would be good value. It is bigger from the outside than the last model but that only pays off with the front seats, and as I have said I wouldn't like to be sitting behind someone like me in the driver's seat. The load area was adequate for me but not for a small family. Yet the car is super safe and has been awarded the maximum 5-star safety rating by independent crash test authority Euro NCAP. It claims to be the most technologically advanced small car on sale in Europe - and delivers sophisticated features designed to help prevent or mitigate the impact of an accident for occupants and pedestrians, including an enhanced version of Ford's Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection that for the first time can help prevent collisions in the dark. The Fiesta has been around for 40 years now but this is the most refined version and almost has a premium feel. But it isn't roomy enough and will lose out to the massive range of competitors on that score. However, I had a real blast driving it. That experience, plus a couple of days spent at the seaweed baths in Enniscrone and wandering around some of the wonders of Ballina and Mayo, restored some joy to my soul. I'll be back. ****** The lessons from Frankfurt which I mulled on my week off were that the electric and hybrid "revolution" is now so embedded in the car-maker's psyche that there is not turning back. However the biggest battle for the hearts, minds and wallets of the paying public over the next few years will be over the small SUVs. It was impossible to go to any of the big exhibition halls without falling over them. There was the impressive Kia Stonic, which my colleague Martin Brennan described last week, next door was its sister the Hyundai Kona, while the T-Roc from Volkswagen deserved attention. The Kia people particularly impressed me and I think they are getting their act together faster than other marques. While the Stonic is about the size for me, Kia also has a fast coupe-type saloon called the Stinger which people are raving about. Its performance this year is impressive and it is the only top 10 marque to increase over last year in what is becoming a very difficult market with many people eschewing the chance to buy new and go across the Border to buy good quality cars far cheaper. On my return I was delighted to hear that Dyson is entering the electric car market. I have just bought my second Dyson vacuum-cleaner and the service and quality I received could go a long way to ensuring success on the forecourt. The Feast of St Michael came and went quietly last weekend as the tail end of the summer swallows departed southwards - as did I, joining them over the Bay of Biscay - but that's for another day. Sunday, folklore has it, the devil went about urinating on blackberries - the Archangel Michael had thrown him out of Paradise, to land in brambles - and it was considered unwise to eat the fruit, now hard and bitter anyway (this is caused by a saliva-dribbling insect). Michaelmas more notably marks the start of a new law term and was also a quarter-day for setting rents and accounts, now a practice accelerated to an alarming degree with almost weekly financial property shocks. There are some claims of Michaelmas roots being from the Celtic mists - but it came here with the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century when they set up their legal practices. The folklorist Kevin Danaher says it had no special significance in ancient Ireland. There is a Michaelmas flower, of course, a daisy, an autumn-flowering aster, a blue-purple ragwort, which came from America and became naturalised. Michaelmas marks the end of harvest time with the autumn equinox and is an important time for farmers to decide on what stock to carry over the winter months. Huntsmen and hounds meet to gallop the countryside, with landowners' permission, of course, but geese "harvests" which were once thriving events when spring goslings were ripe for roasting are no longer heard of. This was supposed to be a reminder that the year was falling and that Christmas was just down the road. This may have been another Norman introduction but the Native Irish soon gave it a stamp of their own. Plump birds often helped pay rents at Fomhar-na-nGean and farm wives who had charge of flocks gave goose gifts to poorer families. Also shared with the less well-off were portions of mutton called Cuid Mhichii or St Michael's Sheep, "bestowed upon relieving the poor" according to the 18th-century historian Geoffrey Keating. This generous practice was carried for many generations and may very well continue to this day unheralded by charitable farm families. There is a famous historical goose story from the end of last month involving the first Queen Elizabeth. In August, 1588 she had addressed her naval and land forces at Tilbury at the height of a Spanish invasion threat ("Let tyrants fear!"). Then the following month the storm of the century scattered the Armada which tried to struggle home around Scotland and down the Irish west coast. The queen, on Michaelmas night dined with a Sir Neville Umphreyville on roast goose. She raised her glass to "Death to that cursed Armada". No sooner had she spoken, the story goes, than a messenger rushed in with the news that Spanish vessels had foundered in the Blasket Sound. Elizabeth immediately proclaimed: "Henceforth shall a goose commemorate this famous victory!" And so it came to pass, though the real victors over the Armada were the forces of nature rather than a battle of tall ships on the high seas. Premium Gene Kerrigan Opinion Just what our politics needs: Stalin-like applause police in the Dail In the words of Miriam Lord in the Irish Times: There was much scanning of the Dail chamber after Zelenskys speech to identify the TDs who did not clap. Well, imagine that! The arrival of the remarkable Mr Zelensky in our parliament albeit a virtual presence aroused celebrity excitement of the kind not seen since the last time Matt Damon went for a stroll in Dalkey, Co Dublin. Consistently opposed to the use of violence, Liam Cosgrave was a courageous voice against terrorism, and protected the State in times of crisis. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar pays tribute to the man who led Fine Gael and the country in the difficult 1970s. He will be a hard act to replace. Ryanair's chief executive Michael O'Leary on chief operations officer Michael Hickey's departure. Now what the country needs is calm leadership, and that's what I am providing with the full support of my Cabinet. British Prime Minister Theresa May stands defiant. I found it excruciating and I really did feel for her. I made the biggest gaffe in corporate history. I hold up my hands: it's completely my own fault. It was a stupid thing to say. I reacted by turning that massive negative into a positive. I used that notoriety to good effect. No publicity is bad publicity. Gerald Ratner, victim of his own joke about the value of the jewellery he sold, sympathises with Theresa May's calamitous speech. Our souls are stricken with grief for every American who lost a husband or a wife, a mother or a father, a son or a daughter. We know that your sorrow feels endless. We stand together to help you carry your pain. You are not alone. We will never leave your side. US President Donald Trump during his visit to Las Vegas after the gun massacre. This might look like I'm showing off... I am. I'm pretty chuffed, having thought I would be in one- pieces after 40. TV's Davina McCall in a thong bikini at the age of 50. Many people think I'm the world's greatest broadcaster because they think I'm Sir David Attenborough. John Simpson, the BBC's world affairs reporter. I have not been drawn to do Trump simply because to get an impression right you have to listen endlessly to that person and I cannot bring myself to listen to that awful man for a second longer than I have to. Call me a coward, if you will. Impressionist Alistair McGowan on why he is unlikely to take off Trump. I want to hold on to being a funky, slightly out there rock and roll chick, not that I ever was that, I just want to hold on to it. Actress Emma Thompson. I miss having cold feet all the time. Someone only has to say the word 'Kennington' and I well up. If you asked me to go to London just to pick up a postage stamp and bring it back, I'd gladly hop on a plane. Actress Emily Mortimer is homesick for England. I don't have time to die. Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith. I don't know why people bother interviewing actors. We're just paid to stand here, look there and read out the lines. Kristin Scott Thomas U.S. first lady Melania Trump and Ivanka Trump watch as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, DC, U.S. February 28, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts Model Christie Brinkley attends Harper's BAZAAR 150th Anniversary Event presented with Tiffany & Co at The Rainbow Room on April 19, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images for Harper's BAZAAR) Model Christie Brinkley attends Harper's BAZAAR 150th Anniversary Event presented with Tiffany & Co at The Rainbow Room on April 19, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images for Harper's BAZAAR) Ivanka Trump talks with first lady Melania Trump before a joint statement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rose Garden of the White House June 26, 2017 in Washington, DC First lady Melania Trump (R), stands with Ivanka Trump as a parade passes the inaugural parade reviewing stand in front of the White House on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump was sworn in as the nation's 45th president today. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) First lady Melania Trump (R), stands with Ivanka Trump as a parade passes the inaugural parade reviewing stand in front of the White House on January 20, 2017 Weve come a long way from whispers about who had a boob job or whose nose looked suspiciously straight after a lengthy holiday. We're candid, open and were even sharing tips about what we get done (and who is the best). Our peers in Britain and the US are reportedly rushing to surgeons for fillers and botox, keen to mimic the features of the first lady Melania Trump and her stepdaughter Ivanka, who both have suspiciously smooth foreheads, cat eyes and full cheeks. Requests for The Melania and The Ivanka is growing by the day, if reports across the pond are to be believed. But how do Irish women fare? Expand Close Ivanka Trump talks with first lady Melania Trump before a joint statement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rose Garden of the White House June 26, 2017 in Washington, DC / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ivanka Trump talks with first lady Melania Trump before a joint statement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rose Garden of the White House June 26, 2017 in Washington, DC Dr Peter Prendergast, President of the European College of Aesthetic Medicine and Medical Director of Venus Medical, said its extremely rare for clients to request specific features of celebrities in fact, most Irish women just want to look like themselves, albeit a younger version. From my experience, its extremely rare, he told Independent.ie Style. It would almost be the other way around, that they dont want to look like somebody else. It might be a cultural thing I would question some of the articles about people wanting to look like Melania Trump or anyone else. They may point out people they dont want to look like celebrities whove had their lips done that look too done, too obvious or too unnatural. Mostly, I get women with photos of themselves 10 years, or a few years ago, they tend to really be quite clear to look like themselves, but younger and fresher. Similarly, Anna Gunning, CEO of the Laser & Skin Clinic, said Irish women prefer a more natural look when it comes to boosting their appearance. "Irish clients are very into natural volume restoration, she explains. A lot of my clients would say, 'I dont want to be perfect, I want to be natural. I dont want people lookng at me thinking I had something done, theyll say, Bring me back five or ten years and restore the volume I had in my face'." And theyre steering away from going under the knife in favour of quicker, more discreet work. "I dont know whether its the Irish clients are still very conscious about people noticing theyve had something don, Anna explains. Statistics are showing surgical facelifts are decreasing and non-surgical treatments like Ultherapy and volume replacement with fillers is increasing all the tim. They want everything but the surgical procedure, which involves the downtime, the scar -if you have a facelift, you have a scar around your ear and there is a lot of recovery. If youre still in the country, not something you can hide that easily. Expand Close Model Christie Brinkley attends Harper's BAZAAR 150th Anniversary Event presented with Tiffany & Co at The Rainbow Room on April 19, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images for Harper's BAZAAR) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Model Christie Brinkley attends Harper's BAZAAR 150th Anniversary Event presented with Tiffany & Co at The Rainbow Room on April 19, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images for Harper's BAZAAR) Video of the Day Ultherapy is the hot new treatment, least of all because legendary supermodel Christie Brinkley, who appears to be ageing backwards, revealed on Wednesday that she credits the non-surgical facelift with her ever-glowing appearance. Ultherapy is where we tighten the muscle of the face and neck using ultrasound, its the only system in the world we can visualise your anatomy while were treating you; we can get down to the depth of the surgeon without cutting your face." Both experts agree that social media is still the impetus behind the younger generations desire to enhance their appearance. And Irish medical practitioners arent as heavy handed as those in other countries. Yesterday, a young woman who lives in Dubai, comes back here for her botox. She doesnt want to do it there because everyone looks the same and has a frozen face, Dr Prendergast added. Expand Close First Lady of the United States Melania Trump during a Bilateral meeting with Prince Harry at the Sheraton ahead of the start of the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp First Lady of the United States Melania Trump during a Bilateral meeting with Prince Harry at the Sheraton ahead of the start of the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada It would ring alarm bells with me if someone wanted to look like someone else. I would question the motive of what theyre trying to change and why, the underlying psychological aspects and that theyre not happy with their life. On the whole, its probably moreso in America that younger women are being influenced by celebrities and social media. A lot of younger people may actually beyou wouldnt know where theyre getting their fillers done. In some cases, theyre doing it themselves or at someones house as part of a deal or party and I recoil a little bit when I hear that. Now, as Generation X continue to fill your feed with their out-doing each other weight-lifting and boasts about how many kilometres theyve run, a healthy lifestyle can bring one surprising downside a hollow face. I have a lot of men and women PE teachers, runners and weight lifters; you can see theyve lost all their fat in their face and look quite gaunt. They are very healthy inside, but on the outside, they look a bit tired and people will ask if theyre okay, Anna adds. They are fine, we give them back their mid face volume and automatically look healthy. This concerns men as well when they have that gap in the middle of their cheek, that hollow, they look unwell. When people start mentioning it to them, they become conscious and come in and feel the need to do something. Once you lose weight off your face, you cant gain it back. Movie mogul Harvey Weinstein was the money and the power behind some of the biggest Hollywood films of the past 25 years. According to the film website IMDB, the 65-year-old has been involved in the production of 20 films that have been nominated for the best picture Oscar. Those that went on to claim the top Academy Award include the Lord Of The Rings finale The Return Of The King, British romantic comedy Shakespeare In Love and war drama The English Patient. Others to get Oscar nods include the bloody and profane Quentin Tarantino cult classic Pulp Fiction and Martin Scorseses Gangs Of New York. Expand Close Harvey Weinstein and wife Georgina Chapman / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Harvey Weinstein and wife Georgina Chapman He and his brother Bob Weinstein founded Miramax in 1979, building it into a major Hollywood player before selling it to Disney in 1993. They continued to work for the firm until 2005 when they quit to set up the Weinstein Company, which spawned hits including The Kings Speech, Django Unchained and Silver Linings Playbook. In 2004 the New York native was made an honorary CBE for his contribution to the British film industry. Along the way Weinstein built up a reputation as a liberal role model. A high-profile Democrat supporter, he endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2008 and Barack Obama in 2012. Causes he supports include gun control, universal healthcare, Aids and anti-poverty campaigns. Video of the Day But the twice-married father of fives combustible nature was laid bare in Peter Biskinds 2004 book Down And Dirty Pictures. Now several women are reported to have come forward to allege serious sexual misconduct. Those involved include Kiss The Girls star Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan, who appeared in films including Scream, according to the New York Times. In a statement on Thursday, Weinstein said he came of age in the 60s and 70s, when all the rules about behaviour and workplaces were different. But he added: I have since learned its not an excuse, in the office or out of it. To anyone. I realised some time ago that I needed to be a better person and my interactions with the people I work with have changed. He added that he planned to channel that anger and was going to give the NRA (powerful gun lobby group the National Rifle Association) my full attention. Film producer Harvey Weinstein has sincerely apologised for his past behaviour following allegations of sexual harassment. The 65-year-old plans to take a leave of absence from his business as he works with therapists, according to a statement shared by his publicist. His words follow previous claims from women he has worked with, many of which he has denied. In a statement shared on Thursday, he said: I came of age in the 60s and 70s, when all the rules about behavior and workplaces were different. That was the culture then. Expand Close The 89th Academy Awards Vanity Fair Party Los Angeles / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The 89th Academy Awards Vanity Fair Party Los Angeles I have since learned its not an excuse, in the office or out of it. To anyone. I realized some time ago that I needed to be a better person and my interactions with the people I work with have changed. I appreciate the way Ive behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologize for it. Though Im trying to do better, I know I have a long way to go. That is my commitment. My journey now will be to learn about myself and conquer my demons. He continued: Ive brought on therapists and I plan to take a leave of absence from my company and to deal with this issue head on. I so respect all women and regret what happened. Video of the Day I hope that my actions will speak louder than words and that one day we will all be able to earn their trust and sit down together with Lisa (lawyer Lisa Bloom) to learn more. Jay Z wrote in 4:4 Im not the man I thought I was and I better be that man for my children. The same is true for me. Expand Close The Graham Norton Show London / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Graham Norton Show London I want a second chance in the community but I know Ive got work to do to earn it. I have goals that are now priorities. Trust me, this isnt an overnight process. Ive been trying to do this for 10 years and this is a wake-up call. I cannot be more remorseful about the people I hurt and I plan to do right by all of them. The Academy Award-winner is known for co-founding film firms Miramax, which has produced independent big screen hits such as Pulp Fiction, and The Weinstein Company. In his statement, he promised to channel his anger into other causes and said he has been organising a $5 million foundation to provide scholarships to female directors. He said: While this might seem coincidental, it has been in the works for a year. It will be named after my mom and I wont disappoint her. Bloom followed Weinsteins statement with a comment of her own, in which she described him as a dinosaur who needs to evolve to a higher standard. Expand Close Evening Standard Film Awards Press Room London / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Evening Standard Film Awards Press Room London She said: Harvey Weinstein and I have had many wide ranging conversations over the last year about rumors and allegations against him. He denies many of the accusations as patently false. Nevertheless, I have explained to him that due to the power difference between a major studio head like him and most others in the industry, whatever his motives, some of his words and behaviors can be perceived as inappropriate, even intimidating. As a womens rights advocate, I have been blunt with Harvey and he has listened to me. I have told him that times have changed, it is 2017, and he needs to evolve to a higher standard. I have found Harvey to be refreshingly candid and receptive to my message. He has acknowledged mistakes he has made. He is an old dinosaur learning new ways. He wants to reach out to any of the women who may have issues with him to talk to them in a respectful, peaceful way, with me present if that is acceptable to them. Embattled Hollywood film mogul Harvey faced another setback on Saturday after his lawyer announced she had resigned just days after it was revealed he faces sexual harassment allegations. Attorney Lisa Bloom had issued a statement on Thursday in support of the Shakespeare In Love and Pulp Fiction producer. But Bloom, who previously worked with sex attack victims, announced she was quitting on Twitter on Saturday. Expand Close Lisa Bloom / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Lisa Bloom It came after the Weinstein Company announced it had launched an inquiry into allegations of sexual harassment concerning the Academy Award-winner, one of its founders. Ms Bloom wrote: I have resigned as an advisor to Harvey Weinstein. My understanding is that Mr Weinstein and his board are moving toward an agreement. The Weinstein Companys board had earlier said it was taking claims contained in a piece published by the New York Times extremely seriously and it sought to learn the full truth. Harvey Weinstein, who is co-chairman of the studio, issued an apology on Thursday and announced he was taking leave of absence following the emergence of allegations made by women with whom he had worked. Those involved include Kiss The Girls star Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan, who appeared in films including Scream, according to the NYT. The producer said he appreciated the way he had behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain and that he realised he needed to be a better person. Video of the Day I came of age in the 60s and 70s, when all the rules about behaviour and workplaces were different. That was the culture then, the 65-year-old said. I have since learned its not an excuse, in the office or out of it. To anyone. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference The money and the power behind some of the biggest Hollywood films of the past 25 years, Weinstein and brother Bob founded Miramax in 1979, building it into a major Hollywood player before selling it to Disney in 1993. They continued to work for the firm until 2005 when they quit to set up the Weinstein Company, which spawned hits including The Kings Speech, Django Unchained and Silver Linings Playbook. The firms board said on Friday that a majority of its members strongly endorsed co-founder Harvey Weinsteins decision to step aside indefinitely while he receives professional help for the problems he has acknowledged. What the future holds for Weinstein depends on Harveys therapeutic progress, the outcome of the Boards investigation and Harveys own personal decisions, the board said in a statement. We take extremely seriously the accusation published in todays New York Times about our Companys co-chairman Harvey Weinstein, the statement said. It is essential to our companys culture that all women who work for it or have any dealings with it or any of our executives are treated with respect and have no experience of harassment or discrimination. We believe it is important to learn the full truth regarding the articles very serious accusations, in the interests of the company, its shareholders and its employees. To that end, we have retained an independent and leading lawyer and firm to undertake a thorough and independent investigation. More than 4,000 migrants, including pregnant women and children, have been found trapped in camps in Libya, caught amid fighting over a major transit area for human smuggling. The migrants were found during the past two days at different spots in the north-western city of Sabratha, where powerful militias were paid by Italy to stop trafficking. The al-Ammu militia, which struck a deal with Italy and Libya to halt trafficking, was accused by Anti-Isis Operation Room of storing the migrants to smuggle them later. The forces of Anti-Isis Operation Room, which now controls Sabratha, have been clashing with al-Ammu for the past two weeks for control of the city. AP Natalia Ponce de Leon was 33 when a man she barely knew knocked on her front door in Bogota, Colombia. When she opened it, Jonathan Vega threw a litre of sulphuric acid over her face and body, leaving her with terrible, life-changing burns. Video footage of Vega committing this violent crime was captured on nearby CCTV and soon spread across Colombia. Instead of shrinking from public attention in the aftermath of the attack, Natalia decided to use the publicity for good. The public outcry at the attack ensured Natalia was given the best of care, something not all victims of acid attacks have access to. It came to my heart that I had to do something, because I was receiving everything but the rest of the survivors received nothing, Natalia told the Press Association. Three years and multiple surgeries on, and Natalia is a high profile victims rights activist in Colombia, with a law bearing her name. This law singles out acid attacks as a specific crime and increases the maximum prison term for those who attack others with acid to 50 years. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference On Friday, she gave a speech about her fight for justice for acid attack victims to the One Young World Conference in her home city of Bogota. The conference gives a platform to those who have achieved extraordinary things in activism. I was reborn from the ashes, and started a new life, Natalia said. Natalias foundation, which bears the logo of a phoenix, last year launched a campaign to increase the penalties for this type of violent crime and for the government to fund more specialist burns units across the country. She used the iconic mask she wore to encourage skin recovery as a symbol for the campaign, which was named No More Masks. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference The Natalia Ponce de Leon foundation now supports 40 women around the world who have been victims of acid attacks, providing mental health support, advice and a community of survivors for victims to access. In Colombia and across Asia, women are disproportionately the victims of these type of attacks. Natalia says more needs to be done to change how women are seen in society to prevent these attacks happening to more people. In Colombia, they use [acid attacks] to destroy women, she says. The guys thought is: If you are not going to be mine, I dont want to kill you, but I want to destroy your life, she said. But women are not objects, we are human beings. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference In the UK, however, which is experiencing an alarming rise in acid attacks (figures obtained by the BBC from 37 police forces show over 500 attacks in 2016-17), men are most often the victims. In London, acid has been used in robberies. Natalia has lived in London, and is deeply concerned about the rise of acid attacks in the city. She says that controlling the sale of these types of corrosive acid is paramount, and that penalties for these crimes need to be higher in the UK. We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference Most importantly, though, Natalia says people need to be aware of what to do if they or someone they know is attacked with acid. Donald Trump's approval rating slips to all-time low in new poll Less than 25% say they think Trump is honest. Only 1 out of four! Prepare for departure, DJT... ...and Sadly 25% still like him. They are the deplorables. Donald Trumps approval ratings have plumbed new depths as less than a third of Americans now back his leadership, a poll has suggested.Just 32 per cent of voters say they approve of the way the billionaire is handling the pressures of the Oval Office, while 67 per cent disapprove, according to a survey by the Associated Press and the NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research.Less than a fifth 19 per cent said they believed the President understood their needs and problems, while only 23 per cent said they thought he was honest.The findings showed Mr Trumps approval rating had slipped a full 10 points since March.The analytics website FiveThirtyEights poll tracker showed the Presidents average approval rating sitting at about 38 per cent.More than 60 percent of Americans disapprove of how Mr Trump is handling race relations, foreign policy and immigration.His stock is falling even among Republicans, AP-NORCs survey said. In March 80 per cent believed he was doing a good job but this has now slipped to just 67 per cent.Voters also had a low opinion of Mr Trumps response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico, it was reported this week.Again only 32 per cent approved of the way he was handling the disaster, AP-NORC found, though 48 per cent had backed his response to earlier hurricane damage in Texas and Florida.Before a visit to the US territory, Mr Trump lashed out at the mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulin Cruz. Once on the island he urged officials to say positive things about his administration and threw rolls of paper towels into the crowd at a relief centre.Whatever Mr Trumps troubles, Congress was held in even lower regard among those surveyed by AP-NORC.Only 18 per cent approved of how it was working, with 81 per cent actively disapproving. More than half, or 51 per cent, strongly disapproved.The gloomy outlook was encapsulated by the proportion of voters who said they were confident the US was headed in the right direction a mere 24 per cent. That's a nice T-shirt. Glad you like it. I bought it on a city break to Barcelona. It's the Estelada. Expand Close Dialogue: Peaceful protesters chanting Lets talk at a demonstration at Cibeles Square in Madrid. Similar marches across the country called on Catalan and Spanish cooperation. Photo: Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dialogue: Peaceful protesters chanting Lets talk at a demonstration at Cibeles Square in Madrid. Similar marches across the country called on Catalan and Spanish cooperation. Photo: Getty Images The what? The Catalan flag. It's flown everywhere in the Paisos Catalans, as the locals say. It's based on the flag of Cuba. That famous bastion of democracy and free speech. There's no need for sarcasm. The star is a symbol of independence. And across the back it says Viva Catalonia! In Catalan, obviously. Expand Close One of the ballot papers printed for the vote (Bob Edme/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp One of the ballot papers printed for the vote (Bob Edme/AP) I had no idea you were such a big supporter of Catalonian separatism. Well, I wasn't, to be honest. Not until You saw pictures on the news of Spanish police roughing up voters trying to take part in the recent independence referendum? Exactly. Since then I've read lots of stuff on Facebook and Twitter about it, and now I'm a dedicated Catalan. Expand Close Spanish National Police officers stand in front of their hotel before leaving in police vehicles in Pineda de Mar, Barcelona. Photo: REUTERS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Spanish National Police officers stand in front of their hotel before leaving in police vehicles in Pineda de Mar, Barcelona. Photo: REUTERS It's more complicated than that, though, isn't it? Is it? Of course. There are eight million people living in the region and they don't all want to break away from Spain. They like being Spanish and Catalonian. I never met any of them when I was there on holiday. Expand Close Protesters in Catalonia (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Protesters in Catalonia (AP) Maybe your T shirt put them off from expressing an opinion. Plenty of anti-independence Catalans keep their mouths shut for fear of outraging angry nationalists. Alternatively, they might have thought it was none of your business. We are all Catalans now. The last time we met, you said we were all Europeans now, and that borders should be coming down, not being put back up again. That was different. You also said Spain had a right to Gibraltar because the constitution said the country was "indivisible". Expand Close A street cleaner removes a torn "estelada", or Catalonia independence flag, left on a bench in Girona, Spain (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A street cleaner removes a torn "estelada", or Catalonia independence flag, left on a bench in Girona, Spain (AP) La, la, la, not listening. If memory serves, you even said that the Brits were mad for voting for Brexit. They certainly were. So 17 million Britons voting for independence from Europe in an official referendum is a sign of insanity, but two million Catalans voting for independence in an illegal referendum that was overwhelmingly boycotted by people who want to stay part of Spain is fine? Yes. Read More Well, I'm glad we cleared that one up. Aren't you a little worried, all the same, about where this is leading? What do you mean? Big firms including energy companies and banks are already drawing up plans to pull out of Catalonia if the region's leader Carles Puigdemont goes ahead with a plan to unilaterally declare independence this week. Who needs jobs anyway? The Catalans, for one. They live in one of Spain's richest regions, and now they face the prospect of being kicked out of the European Union, including the eurozone and the single market. If the Brits, with the fifth biggest economy in the world, are crazy for leaving the EU, surely the Catalans must be heading for Mel Gibson levels of lunacy for planning to do the same? Freedom comes at a price. Even if the price is violence? The scenes in Catalonia are eerily reminiscent of events in the North that sparked the Troubles. Indeed they are. That's why the Spanish government should learn the lessons of Northern Ireland and not provoke the people by being so heavy handed. You'll get no quarrel from me there. No one's saying Madrid is handling the situation well, although the government has apologised for police brutality. But shouldn't pro-independence protesters also learn the lessons of Northern Ireland? I don't follow you. I'm saying it's better to work incrementally towards change rather than running headlong into a fight. The crisis has already led to a resurgence of Spanish patriotism across the rest of the country. Two groups of nationalists with an inflated sense of grievance is rarely a recipe for harmony. Viva Catalonia! I don't think you're really listening. I would have thought at least that Ireland's experience of extreme nationalism would make us more wary of encouraging it in other countries, but apparently not. Catalonia will fight and Catalonia will be right. Are you just parroting slogans now? Sorry, I get most of my information from social media these days so I tend to think in hashtags. Besides, Puigdemont has called for dialogue with Spain, so it's not his fault if Prime Minister Rajoy refuses to play ball. But doesn't Catalonia, like all of Spain's 17 'autonomous communities', already have extensive powers over education, healthcare and welfare, as well as having its own police force? Yes, but And doesn't the law require public officials to use the Catalan language? Maybe so. People still have a right to self-determination. Just Catalonia, or other Catalan countries too? Some nationalists want to join up with other areas that share a Catalan heritage, such as Andorra, the Balearic Islands, bits of France and Sardinia, as well as parts of Aragon. I thought he was a character from Lord Of The Rings? That's Aragorn. Aragon is an ancient kingdom that now forms one of Spain's autonomous communities. There are plenty of Catalans living there. Do you think they should have the right to break away too? I don't know. I'd have to check with the words of Els Segadors. That's the Catalonian anthem of resistance. I have it on my iPod. Let's see. "Strike with your sickle, defenders of the land. Strike with your sickle." Admittedly, it is a bit short on detail. Sounds quite warlike. You can't make a Spanish omelette without breaking eggs. Our national anthem is A Soldier's Song, after all. Surely you haven't forgotten all the lines about fighting for Ireland midst "cannon's roar and rifle's peal"? Fair enough. What's your solution anyway? International mediation? I've heard they might even send over former taoisigh Brian Cowen and Enda Kenny to broker a deal. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. The Catalans have suffered enough. Then what about national all-party talks and fresh elections, as proposed by the Spanish government? Beats me. I never said I was an expert. You're the one with the T-shirt. An elderly couple waited 70 years for their honeymoon, only to spend 13 hours on a plane which then landed back in the UK the same evening. An extraordinary series of mishaps saw Geoff Bliss (84) and his 80-year-old new bride Sheila, return to Bristol airport with nothing to show from their romantic getaway apart from an empty bag of peanuts each. The farcical circumstances of their nightmare trip saw their flight twice fail to land at Madeiras Funchal Airport due to strong winds and it once even diverted to Tenerife to re-fuel. When their easyJet flight failed to land in Madeira the second time, it re-routed to land at Faro in Portugal, where the pilot was advised to take all the passengers back to Bristol. Throughout the ordeal, everyone was kept on board as there was said to be little or no hotel vacancies in Faro due to the collapse of airline Monarch. The couple, believed to be among Britain's oldest newlyweds, first met as teenagers but have now tied the knot as widowers. They claimed all the airline were able to give them was a packet of peanuts and a drink each. What should have been a 1,480-mile flight taking three hours and 40 minutes, became a journey of 3,713 miles taking more than 13 hours. In that time they could have flown to Singapore, Japan, Mexico or even Mauritius. easyJet has apologised to the Blisses, from Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. However, Mrs Bliss, who suffers from arthritis in her knees, vowed never to set foot on another plane again. Mr Bliss said: Our friends and neighbours all said, 'What the hell are you doing back here? You're supposed to be on holiday'. I felt the way they handled things wasn't very good. My wife has refused point blank to ever go on a plane again." The couple flew out from Bristol Airport at 7.20am on Monday October 2, after tying the knot in their hometown two days earlier. Strong winds meant they were unable to land in Madeira and, with four other planes circling overhead, they were re-routed to Tenerife to refuel. After heading back to the island of Madeira, a second unsuccessful attempt to land saw the plane instead head to Faro, and then back to Bristol. Mr Bliss said: "We couldn't get off the plane. Because Monarch had just gone bust there was no accommodation for us either. "The pilot phoned head office and they said, 'come back to Bristol'. The plane was running out of food but they still made us pay for everything. They declined the offer of another flight the next morning at 5.30am. "I told the rep, 'Forget it. We're going home'. Our honeymoon had been totally ruined," he said. An easyJet spokesman confirmed its flights to and from Funchal were affected due to high winds, meaning flights were diverted as far away as the Canary Islands. He also said some customers were put up in hotel rooms and that those who paid out of their own pocket will be reimbursed. He added: "The safety of its passengers and crew is the airline's highest priority. "Whilst this is outside of our control we would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of the weather conditions." Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Dialogue: Peaceful protesters chanting Lets talk at a demonstration at Cibeles Square in Madrid. Similar marches across the country called on Catalan and Spanish cooperation. Photo: Getty Images Thousands of white-clad protesters descended on Barcelona and cities across Spain yesterday to call for urgent talks on the Catalonia crisis, as splits began to emerge within the independence movement over how to secure their goal of a republic. A week after the banned independence referendum - dismissed as an illegal "farce" by Madrid - yielded a 90pc 'Yes' vote, rallies in 50 cities urged political leaders to sit down at the negotiating table. In Madrid, protesters raised a white flag in front of the city hall, waving signs urging "less hate and more conversation" and "less batons, more telephone calls". In marked contrast to the sea of Spanish flags at a rally less than a mile away, where demonstrators insisted there would be "no dialogue with putschists", many at the "Let's talk" demonstration blamed the schism on both sides. "I've come because I feel very Spanish and makes me very sad what's happened," said Rosa Borras (47), an unemployed secretary who had joined a noisy gathering in central Madrid. Wearing a 'Catalonia, we love you' sticker and surrounded by thousands waving Spanish flags, she added: "I wanted to be here for unity, because I also feel very Catalan. My family lives in Catalonia." "Neither of the parties are managing this well," said Vicen and Fernando, a married couple in their 50s. Guillermo Fernandez, an organiser of the initiative, said political leaders were displaying a lack of will to talk. "We don't want them to infuse us with hate, we want peace and not hate, so if they don't sit down we will keep coming back until they do," he said. But with a unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) expected this week, hopes of dialogue are fading. Mariano Rajoy, the Spanish prime minister, on Friday insisted the declaration be dropped as a precondition for talks, a suggestion roundly dismissed by the Catalan government. Hardliners are ramping up the pressure, with opponents of independence urging Madrid to suspend Catalonia's autonomy, and radical supporters demanding a hard exit from Spain. The hard-left CUP, a junior partner in the pro-independence alliance, insisted last week on UDI by parliament tomorrow in a session that Spain's constitutional court ordered suspended. Carles Puigdemont, the Catalan president, has asked to appear on Tuesday instead to evaluate referendum results - but the CUP has again called for a snap declaration. The party has only 10 parliamentarians but is crucial to the regional coalition. Eulalia Reguant, a CUP representative, proposed seizing territorial control of the region, including its ports and airports. "This parliament has made a lot of declarations that afterwards come to nothing," she said. Mr Puigdemont has always rejected a traumatic rupture with Spain, seeing UDI as a starting point for dialogue. As banks and businesses began to announce plans to move headquarters out of Catalonia, Santi Vila, the business secretary, called for a "ceasefire" with Madrid, warning against "taking irreparable decisions in the coming days". Speaking yesterday, Catalan spokesman Joan Maria Pique denied any "controversy" over the expected declaration. He said it would be in accordance with the referendum law, which stipulates a declaration 48 hours after Mr Puigdemont presents the results in the parliament. Mr Pique dismissed the notion that the government retained hopes of a last-minute deal with Madrid, adding: "We always said the referendum was binding and it is going to be." Activists on the streets hope they will not have to wait too long. In Barcelona, referendum defence committees, set up in local neighbourhoods to protect last week's vote, say they plan to march on the Catalan parliament on Tuesday to defend it against any attempts by central authorities to disrupt UDI. Telegraph Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] A man holds a banner which reads "Together we are stronger" during a pro-union demonstration organised by the Catalan Civil Society organisation in Barcelona, Spain October 8, 2017. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard Thousands of people were rallying on Sunday in central Barcelona to protest against the Catalan government's push for secession from the rest of Spain. Many in the crowd carried Spanish and Catalan flags. Some chanted "Don't be fooled, Catalonia is Spain" and called for Catalan president Carles Puigdemont to go to prison The rally comes a week after Mr Puigdemont and other separatist leaders of the Catalan government held a referendum on secession that Spain's top court had suspended and the Spanish government said was illegal. The Yes side won the referendum with 90% of the vote, though fewer than half of the region's electorate voted. Mr Puigdemont has pledged to push ahead for independence anyway and is set to address the regional parliament on Tuesday "to report on the current political situation". Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close People wave Catalan and Spanish flags as they attend a pro-union demonstration organised by the Catalan Civil Society organisation in Barcelona, Spain, October 8, 2017. REUTERS/Juan Medina People hold a large Spanish flag during a pro-union demonstration organised by the Catalan Civil Society organisation in Barcelona, Spain October 8, 2017. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard A man carries an umbrella in the colors of the Spansh flag as demonstrators gathered for a pro-union demonstration organised by the Catalan Civil Society organisation in Barcelona, Spain, October 8, 2017. REUTERS/Juan Medina Peruvian Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa attends a pro-union demonstration organised by the Catalan Civil Society organisation in Barcelona, Spain, October 8, 2017. REUTERS/Juan Medina People hold a Spanish flag which reads "The unity of Spain can not be voted on or negotiated, it must be defended" during a pro-union demonstration organised by the Catalan Civil Society organisation in Barcelona, Spain October 8, 2017. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard People wave Spanish and Catalan flags as they attend a pro-union demonstration organised by the Catalan Civil Society organisation in Barcelona, Spain, October 8, 2017. REUTERS/Albert Gea People wave Spanish and Catalan flags as they attend a pro-union demonstration organised by the Catalan Civil Society organisation in Barcelona, Spain, October 8, 2017. REUTERS/Albert Gea People wave Spanish and Catalan flags as they attend a pro-union demonstration organised by the Catalan Civil Society organisation in Barcelona, Spain, October 8, 2017. REUTERS/Albert Gea Protesters show victory signs during a pro-union demonstration organised by the Catalan Civil Society in Barcelona, Spain October 8, 2017. REUTERS/Vincent West / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People wave Catalan and Spanish flags as they attend a pro-union demonstration organised by the Catalan Civil Society organisation in Barcelona, Spain, October 8, 2017. REUTERS/Juan Medina Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has vowed that his government will not allow Catalonia to break away from the rest of the country. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Pais on Sunday, Mr Rajoy said that he will consider employing any measure "allowed by the law" to stop the region's separatists. Mr Rajoy said that includes the application of Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, which would allow the central government to take control of the governance of a region "if the regional government does not comply with the obligations of the Constitution". "The ideal situation would be that I don't have to find drastic solutions, but for that to happen there will have to be some rectifications (by Catalan leaders)," Mr Rajoy said. Large rallies were held on Saturday in Madrid, Barcelona and other cities to demand that Mr Rajoy and Mr Puigdemont negotiate to find a solution to Spain's worst political crisis in nearly four decades. Pro-union forces are hoping to gather more steam with Sunday's protest in Barcelona after a series of large businesses, including Catalonia's top two banks, announced they were relocating their headquarters to other parts of Spain. Other companies are reportedly considering leaving Catalonia to avoid being cast out of the European Union and its common market in the case of secession. "I hope that nothing will happen. Because (Catalonia) is going to lose more than (Spain) because businesses are fleeing from here already," said protester Juliana Prats, a Barcelona resident. "I hope it will remain like it has been up until now, 40 years of peace." Nobel Literature Prize laureate Mario Vargas Llosa and former president of the European Parliament Josep Borrell are expected to address Sunday's rally, organised by the pro-union grassroots group Societat Civil Catalana. The most recent polls taken before the referendum showed that Catalonia's 7.5 million residents were roughly split over secession. The clanging of metal is a familiar sound on Barcelona's narrow and towering city centre streets. Normally the jarring sound is accompanied by a cry of "Butano" as butaneros, people selling and delivering gas canisters to city centre apartments, announce their arrival in neighbourhoods. It feels wrong that someone outside your bedroom window can justifiably wake you by shouting and banging as they walk past, but it is a tradition that dates back to the Franco era. Last week, the clanking metallic sounds filling the streets were of a different tone. Local objectors took to their balconies and terraces banging kitchen pots and pans in a show of defiance against Spain's King and Prime Minister. This has been done in the past to express dissatisfaction with the Spanish monarchy and the central government's refusal to recognise Catalonia's apparent yearnings for independence. But, last week's 'pots and pans protest' was a rebellion against the threat of a bigger stick being used to beat them down. Images of police brutality with the aim of thwarting a democratic, yet illegal, process shocked the world. Catalans in Spain are unhappy because the region accounts for 20pc of Spanish GDP, a quarter of Spanish exports and roughly the same amount of foreign investment. But, Catalonia pays more in taxes than it gets back in the form of infrastructure, schools and hospitals. Catalonia was suppressed during Franco's reign but following his death it was given greater autonomy in Spain's 1978 constitution. This was approved by more than 90pc of Catalan voters and allowed for a Barcelona-based regional government (the Generalitat) to control Catalonia's culture, environment, communications, transportation, commerce and public safety. However, responsibility for justice, health and education was to be shared with Madrid. The region's autonomy was enhanced further in 2006 after a referendum vote expanded the Generalitat's powers and financial clout and crucially slipped in the word "nation" in relation to Catalonia. However, turnout was low and the result questioned. Spain's Constitutional Court reversed much of this in 2010, to the anger of the regional authorities and tensions have been rising since. Madrid's government has not eased these concerns. Catalonia suffered during the global economic downturn and had to turn to Madrid for financial aid. This has escalated the financial theme to the secessionist story. Since then, the independence movement has become as much about money as social identity. While Catalonia has always perceived itself as being different to the rest of Spain, with its own distinct language and culture, a row about money and leaving Spain so it doesn't have to share its riches with poorer parts of the country is hardly a romanticist's idea of a worthy nationalist cause. This, and the fact the Catalan government forced through proposals to hold last weekend's illegal referendum mean the cries for secession have mainly fallen on deaf ears across the rest of Spain. Nonetheless, the cause grew and captured attention in the towns and cities of Catalonia. Every street has a Catalan flag or independence slogan in an apartment window. Stands and pop-up tents regularly feature on city squares, canvassing support and creating awareness of the independence movement. However, that support, despite last weekend's vote, is hard to gauge. The figures put out by the Catalan government after last week's vote shows unanimous support for succession. What these figures do not reveal is that a clear majority of Catalans did not endorse independence. Of the 2.26m votes cast, 90pc were in favour of secession. This is less than 40pc of the Catalan electorate - so the majority of voters have remained silent. Some of these will favour succession, some will not, but a significant portion of Catalans who were eligible to vote chose not to take part in the illegal poll. What the poll does show is that those supporting succession were most determined to vote. This was best demonstrated by the Catalan President Carles Puigdemont, who outwitted the police helicopters following him to his polling station last weekend. However, with no mediation in sight, the Butaneros may not be the only ones causing a racket on the streets of Barcelona for the foreseeable future. All Puigdemont has done with the referendum, aligned with the Madrid-imposed violence, is drive a wedge between both sides, forcing them further apart. To the Texas brokers who met him in 2004, Stephen Paddock was an unremarkable man looking to buy an unremarkable property near Dallas, hardly distinguishable from other casually dressed Californians who flocked to the area to make investments. After touring the 111-unit apartment complex in Mesquite, Texas, with the brokers, Paddock bought it for $8.4m, partly with the proceeds from selling some smaller properties in Los Angeles. When he sold Central Park Apartments a decade later, he had likely made $5m to $6m in profits, according to financial records reviewed by Reuters. Paddock's lucrative real estate ventures, which helped underwrite his high-stakes gambling, may have also allowed him to buy tens of thousands of dollars' worth of rifles and bullets in advance of his attack in Las Vegas last Sunday. A complete picture of his finances is still being assembled by investigators who are trying to fathom what drove an apparently wealthy retiree to haul 23 guns up to a hotel suite before commencing one of the deadliest shootings in US history. "He was kind of a scruffy dude," said Jim Hearn, a broker who recalled showing Paddock around the complex of small, middle-class apartments in early 2004. "Didn't look like he had two nickels to rub together, but he had a few million bucks in an exchange account, which was clearly real, and he did his due diligence and closed the deal." That purchase appeared to be among Paddock's most profitable investments, which included numerous smaller real estate deals in the Los Angeles area. The rent from the 111 apartments in the complex gave him more than $500,000 in net income after expenses in 2011, for example, a sales brochure prepared for potential buyers showed. He would feed some of that money into video poker machines, which are programmed to favour the house. The extent to which Paddock may have profited from his casino gambling was not clear. Still, Paddock was considered a high-value player, and casinos rewarded his gambling with perks that included free trips, rooms, meals and other luxuries, his brother Eric said. He worked his way up to the Mesquite deal starting with an initial investment with Eric in a duplex rental unit in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, some 20 years earlier. They saved up at their day jobs for the initial downpayment, Eric Paddock told journalists, dismissing online speculation that their father, a convicted violent bank robber with whom they had little contact, stashed loot away for his family. Los Angeles county records show Eric Paddock bought a North Hollywood building in 1986 for $407,500. In the years that followed, Stephen Paddock bought at least five other properties in LA. In early 2004, he sold or transferred at least three rental units in Hawthorne, near Los Angeles International Airport, according to county records. At least one of those properties had more than doubled in value since he bought it in 1992, selling for $3.2m. Those sales lead to what seems his biggest deal - his purchase of the Central Park Apartments in Mesquite, paid for with a mortgage of $3.5m and $4.9m largely in proceeds from the California property. Thomas Warren, another broker in the 2004 sale, recalled Paddock as unkempt. "But again, that's not all that dissimilar from the bunches and bunches of folks coming from California with money," Warren said, adding that he grew used to wealthy West Coast buyers showing up in shorts and flip-flops. Not only did Paddock buy the complex, he ran it as the manager and lived on-site as a way of holding expenses down, apparently keeping his own books on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet rather than pay an accountant. His brother said the pair had been thrifty from the start. Caring little about appearances, they bought cheap clothes from Walmart. Stephen Paddock sold the complex in November 2012, for $9.45m : $1m more than he paid. His former wife, Peggy Paddock, and his brother Eric were partners in the venture, although the brother declined to say what share of the proceeds they took. "We made enough money to do what we wanted to do in the rest of our lives," Eric Paddock said. "We all retired." A few years later, per the police account, Stephen Paddock began amassing much of the arsenal he would need for Mandalay Bay. His spend on guns and ammunition would have been in the region of $50,000 - and for that he amassed more firepower than a infantry squad. Paddock had 23 firearms in the hotel suite, ranging from .223 to .308 calibre - 17 were rifles and 12 of those carried bump stocks to simulate full-automatic fire. Photos from the hotel room show some of his weapons fitted with optical sights, which would enhance accuracy. Paddock purchased 33 firearms in the year before the attack. While gun-sellers must send notice of multiple handgun purchases to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, there's no such requirement for long guns. His arsenal included tracer rounds that can improve a shooter's accuracy in the dark. It wasn't clear whether Paddock fired any of this ammunition during the massacre. Paddock bought 1,000 rounds of .308-calibre and .223-calibre tracer ammunition from a private buyer he met at a Phoenix gun show, a law enforcement official said. Tracer rounds illuminate their path so a gunman can home in on targets at night. But they can also give away the shooter's position. The bloodshed might have lasted longer, with greater loss of life, but for a hotel security officer who was sent to check an open-door alarm on the 32nd floor, and discovered the gunman's whereabouts after the shooting started. The security officer, Jesus Campos, was struck in the leg as the gunman strafed the hallway with gunfire from behind his door, apparently having detected Campos via surveillance cameras Paddock set up outside his hotel suite. Campos, though wounded, alerted the hotel's dispatch. In a new disclosure, authorities said two rounds fired by Paddock hit a large jet fuel storage tank at the edge of Las Vegas airport, about a block from the concert grounds. Airport authorities declined to speculate on whether the gunman was aiming to hit the cylindrical 43,000-barrel fuel tank or whether the vessel was struck by two stray rounds in the midst of the shooting spree. There was no explosion or fire, as jet fuel in storage is almost impossible to ignite with gunshots. The gunman who launched a deadly attack on concertgoers in Las Vegas had written a detailed note on how to murder as many people as possible, authorities have reportedly said. Four officers who were the first to storm Stephen Paddocks rented room at the Mandalay Bay hotel revealed chilling new details about the deadliest shooting in modern American history in an interview with CBSs 60 Minutes. They said a piece of paper found in the shooters hotel room had calculations scrawled across it determining ballistic trajectories that would help the gunman maximise his death toll. He killed 58 people and injured hundreds of others in the massacre. The Las Vegas Police Departments K-9 unit, said he noticed the paper on the shooters nightstand, not far from one of the windows Paddock had smashed with a hammer before firing into the unsuspecting crowd below with high-powered semi-automatic rifles. Expand Close Calculations determining ballistic trajectories were scrawled across a piece of paper in the gunmans hotel room, police said Credit: CNN / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Calculations determining ballistic trajectories were scrawled across a piece of paper in the gunmans hotel room, police said Credit: CNN I could see on it he had written the distance, the elevation he was on, the drop of what his bullet was gonna be for the crowd, Mr Newton said. So, he had that written down and figured out so he would know where to shoot to hit his targets from there. The gunmans hotel room was on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel with a perfect view of the concert grounds where more than 20,000 people had gathered some 400 yards away for the Route 91 Harvest Musical Festival before Paddock launched his attack. Read More The note was found among 23 firearms, ammunition and the gunmans body, after Paddock took his own life before authorities arrived to the suite. Mr Newton described the eerie feeling of storming into Paddocks hotel room amid the chaos of the attack. Expand Close Tears: Mourners at a candlelight vigil in Las Vegas for the dead in the latest mass shooting in the US / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tears: Mourners at a candlelight vigil in Las Vegas for the dead in the latest mass shooting in the US Very eerie. Yeah, the dust from the explosive breach. And then you have the flashing lights, Newton said. And that looked straight, like, out of a movie, you know? Authorities are still working to determine the shooters motives, which still remain largely a mystery a week after the massacre. Weve run a thousand leads, Undersheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department told reporters on Friday. While some of it has helped create a better profiling to the madness of the suspect, we do not still have a motive or reason why. Expand Close Veronica Hartfield and her son Ayzayah during a candlelight vigil for her husband, Las Vegas police officer Charleston Hartfield, who was killed during the shooting at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Veronica Hartfield and her son Ayzayah during a candlelight vigil for her husband, Las Vegas police officer Charleston Hartfield, who was killed during the shooting at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) He said investigators were continuing to search for answers with great tenacity. Investigators are poring over all aspects of the 64-year-olds life, from his childhood to the final days before he launched his deadly attack before turning the gun on himself. Officials have asked members of the public to come forward with any information that could be helpful in determining the shooters motives. A new book from Donald Trump's first wife pulls back the curtain on a tumultuous period of the president's life, including the messy divorce that was splashed across New York's tabloids for weeks. Ivana Trump, who was married to the real estate magnate from 1977 to 1992, writes in Raising Trump that she knew her marriage was over in December 1989. "This young blonde woman approached me out of the blue and said 'I'm Marla and I love your husband. Do you?'" writes Ivana Trump. "I said 'Get lost. I love my husband'. It was unladylike but I was in shock." Trump's public affair with Marla Maples spawned the infamous 'Best Sex I've Ever Had' headline in the New York Post in 1990. After divorcing his first wife, Trump married Maples in 1993. He married Melania in 2005. Raising Trump is set to be released next week. In the book, Ivana writes glowingly about her marriage to Trump and her prominent role at the Trump Organisation. But then she unburdens herself about the heartache that Trump's affair with Maples caused her and the couple's three children, Donald Jr, Ivanka and Eric. Donald Jr didn't speak to his father for a year after the split. "I can only shake my head at how insane it was," Ivana Trump writes. "I couldn't turn on the television without hearing my name." But she and the president have returned to far warmer terms. She writes that they speak about once a week and that she encourages him to keep using Twitter. She said in a CBS News interview last week that she was offered the post of ambassador to the Czech Republic, her native country, but turned it down because she already has "a perfect life". The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the ambassadorship post. Much of the book is spent recounting Ivana Trump's childhood in Europe, her burgeoning modelling career in New York and Trump's courtship. She writes that, at their first meeting, Trump secured her and friends a table at a hot Manhattan restaurant, paid the bill and chauffeured her back to her hotel in a giant Cadillac. "My instincts told me that Donald was smart and funny - an all-American good guy," Ivana Trump writes. Her children also contribute passages to the book, and Ivana Trump muses that her former husband may not be the only Trump to call the White House home. "Maybe in 15 years, she could run for president?" she writes about her daughter, Ivanka, before musing about her own possible title. "First Lady? Holds no appeal for me, personally. First Mother? That could work." Thousands of people were rallying on Sunday in central Barcelona to protest against the Catalan government's push for secession from the rest of Spain. Many in the crowd carried Spanish and Catalan flags . Some chanted "Don't be fooled, Catalonia is Spain" and called for Catalan president Carles Puigdemont to go to prison. The rally comes a week after Mr Puigdemont and other separatist leaders of the Catalan government held a referendum on secession that Spain's top court had suspended and the Spanish government said was illegal. The Yes side won the referendum with 90% of the vote, though fewer than half of the region's electorate voted. Mr Puigdemont has pledged to push ahead for independence anyway and is set to address the regional parliament on Tuesday "to report on the current political situation". Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has vowed that his government will not allow Catalonia to break away from the rest of the country. In an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Pais on Sunday, Mr Rajoy said that he will consider employing any measure "allowed by the law" to stop the region's separatists. Mr Rajoy said that includes the application of Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, which would allow the central government to take control of the governance of a region "if the regional government does not comply with the obligations of the Constitution". "The ideal situation would be that I don't have to find drastic solutions, but for that to happen there will have to be some rectifications (by Catalan leaders)," Mr Rajoy said. Large rallies were held on Saturday in Madrid, Barcelona and other cities to demand that Mr Rajoy and Mr Puigdemont negotiate to find a solution to Spain's worst political crisis in nearly four decades. Pro-union forces are hoping to gather more steam with Sunday's protest in Barcelona after a series of large businesses, including Catalonia's top two banks, announced they were relocating their headquarters to other parts of Spain. Other companies are reportedly considering leaving Catalonia to avoid being cast out of the European Union and its common market in the case of secession. "I hope that nothing will happen. Because (Catalonia) is going to lose more than (Spain) because businesses are fleeing from here already," said protester Juliana Prats, a Barcelona resident. "I hope it will remain like it has been up until now, 40 years of peace." Nobel Literature Prize laureate Mario Vargas Llosa and former president of the European Parliament Josep Borrell are expected to address Sunday's rally, organised by the pro-union grassroots group Societat Civil Catalana. The most recent polls taken before the referendum showed that Catalonia's 7.5 million residents were roughly split over secession. Organisers said 930,000 people had joined the march. Barcelona police said there were 350,000 protesters. Vice President Mike Pence speaks in Las Vegas on Saturday following a unity prayer walk honouring the victims of last weekend's massacre. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken) US Vice President Mike Pence praised the heroic response by police and the resolve of the American people at a prayer service Saturday in Las Vegas before organisers released 58 white doves in memory of each victim killed in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. At the same time, federal agents started hauling away piles of backpacks, baby strollers and lawn chairs left behind by fleeing concertgoers who scrambled to escape raining bullets from a gunman who was shooting from his high-rise hotel suite. "It was a tragedy of unimaginable proportions," Pence said as he addressed nearly 300 people at Las Vegas City Hall. "Those we lost were taken before their time, but their names and their stories will forever be etched into the hearts of the American people," he said. "On Sunday night, Las Vegas came face-to-face with pure evil, but no evil, no act of violence, will ever diminish the strength and goodness of the American people," Pence said. "In the depths of horror, we will always find hope in the men and women who risk their lives for ours." The unity service Saturday afternoon came as friends, relatives and an outpouring of grievers gathered in California to celebrate the life of a man who died in the mass shooting. More than 800 people packed a Bakersfield church to honour Jack Beaton, who was in Las Vegas last Sunday to celebrate his 23rd wedding anniversary at a country music festival. Beaton's memorial service was among the first held for the victims and the community of Bakersfield was home to several of those killed or injured in the attack. When gunfire rang out, Beaton covered his wife's body with his own, told her he loved her and then went limp. Investigators have remained stumped about what drove gunman Stephen Paddock, a reclusive 64-year-old high-stakes video poker player, to begin shooting at the crowd at a country music festival from his 32nd-floor Mandalay Bay hotel suite last Sunday, killing 58 and wounding hundreds before taking his own life. Investigators believe a note found on a nightstand in Paddock's hotel room contained a series of numbers that helped him calculate a more precise aim, accounting for the trajectory of shots being fired from that height and the distance between his room and the concert, a law enforcement official said Saturday. The official wasn't authorised to discuss the details of the ongoing investigation publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Investigators have chased 1,000 leads and examined Paddock's politics, finances, any possible radicalisation and his social behaviour - typical investigative avenues that have helped uncover the motive in past shootings. But Clark County Under-sheriff Kevin McMahill said there's still no clear motive. What officers have found is that Paddock planned his attack meticulously. He requested an upper-floor room overlooking the festival, stockpiled 23 guns, a dozen of them modified to fire continuously like an automatic weapon, and set up cameras inside and outside his room to watch for approaching officers. AP UFlex records 26.8% yoy revenue increase for Q2FY23; Stock plunges near 5% UFlex Ltd, India's largest multinational in flexible packaging solutions has announced its consolidated financial results for the second quarter and half year ended September 30, 2022. ... November 15, 2022 | 1:15 pm Apollo Tyres' stock up by more than 4% today Apollo Tyres shares hit a multi-year high of Rs 303.40 on the BSE in Tuesday's intra-day trade, gaining 6% in an otherwise subdued market, after the company reported a double-digit increase in ... November 15, 2022 | 12:50 pm Ind Ra assigns Walchandnagar Industries rating to 'IND B-/Stable'; Stock gains 2.5% India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has assigned Walchandnagar Industries Limited (WIL) a Long-Term Issuer Rating of IND B-. The Outlook is Stable. Moreover, the short-ter... November 15, 2022 | 12:26 pm Godrej Properties achieves sales of Rs500 crore in Pune project launch Godrej Properties Ltd. on Tuesday has announced that it has achieved sales worth Rs500 crore through the launch of its new project, Godrej Woodsville in Hinjewadi, Pune. The company, till... November 15, 2022 | 12:17 pm With muted response on day 1, Keystone Realtors IPO of Rs 635 crore was subscribed 10% by 11 AM on day 2. According to the subscription data from BSE, investors made 9,19,917 bids out of 86,47,... November 15, 2022 | 11:20 am Turkish ice creams arent like other ice creams, and you dont get them easy. No, literally. Havent we all seen many videos of Turkish ice cream vendors teasing their customers before handling them their order? We all have been amazed by them, right? So, recently Aamir khan who is in Turkey for GQ 2017 awards tried it recently. He got trolled by the vendor, but he seemed pretty amused by his tricks. Take a look: Sabar ka phall meetha, writes Aamir Khan in the caption of the video. Aamir also met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. President Erdogan Receives Actor @aamir_khan at the Presidential Complex. pic.twitter.com/0u3DGkY5rW Turkish Presidency (@trpresidency) October 6, 2017 On work front, Aamir Khan is gearing up for the release of his forthcoming film Secret Superstar, which is slated to release on Oct. 19 and Thugs Of Hindostan which releases next year. People will take a stand for you only when you take a stand for yourself, they say, and that has been rightly proved in Kangana-Hrithik Roshan row. While Bollywood celebs for long chose to keep mum on the issue not taking any sides, but now they are gradually turning up for what they feel is right. After Farah Khan backed up Hrithik Roshan, now Farhan Akhtar has taken her side. BCCL In a post on social media, Farhan Akhtar explains that women have been facing harassment since a long time, and in most cases, they are wronged by men. However, there is a difference between most and all, he says. Putting aside the emotions, the filmmaker-actor has put forth some facts proving as to why Hrithik has been just embroiled in a set of claims, which are nothing but baseless. From questioning, why she never submitted her personal communication devices while the other party has, he also talked about how she released a cropped and doctored image to prove they were both dating. Heres what Farhan Akhtar wrote: "Today I read an open letter written by a man I know about a woman I know, professionally, at best. Although a controversy about them is going around since a while now, to my best knowledge this is the first time this man has expressed his point of view. I am not the authority on who is right or wrong in their situation, thats for the cyber crime officials to figure out, but I do feel certain aspects of the way the events have unfolded need comment. Like anyone who has an iota of objectivity and sense of fairness, I too agree that in our society, more often than not, it is the woman who suffers injustice and repression. It is horrifying but true that in some cases of rape, a section of society has blamed the victim. I have always found this to be unacceptable. 4 years ago, I founded MARD (Men Against Rape & Discrimination) and through the initiative, I have been vocal in my fight against gender related violence and in highlighting cases of discrimination against women and the LGBTI community. Although it is true that in most cases it is a woman that has been wronged, there is a difference between most and all. However few and rare they may be, there have been cases where men have been stalked, harassed and falsely accused. This reality has been accepted by the highest courts of our land. It is in this spirit of objectivity and fairness that today I must speak up. The way this episode has played out with sections of our media is worrisome. Some of our most reputed journalists have, consciously or unconsciously, pushed one side of the narrative WITHOUT having or presenting any evidence to back the claims being made by the woman. Theyve accepted her story at face value. Isnt this discriminating against the other party? For a moment, lets put aside emotion, prejudice, biases, our understandably protective instincts and look at the facts as they exist today. She claims they had an affair lasting 7 years and during that period, they exchanged a number of emails. While he denies ever mailing her, he has filed an official complaint, shared and submitted all necessary information and documents, handed over his personal phone and laptop to the concerned authorities. The woman has not. Apparently, she has avoided, till date, submitting her personal communication devices citing some reason or the other. In some past cases, this lack of cooperation has been deemed to be obstruction of justice. Handing over her phone and computer is not only the right thing to do morally and legally but is also the best possible way for her to prove shes telling the truth. So why refuse or delay? Apparently, he has over a thousand emails from her official email account which are intimate and sexual in their content. She claims not to have written them but alleges that he hacked her account and mailed himself. If they were in a 7 year long mutually agreeable relationship, why would he need to do that? Does it not defy logic? Also, did he reply to any of her emails? As far as we know, No. Not one single time. Pause here and ask yourself.. If a woman was to receive these sort of emails from a man and she claimed harassment, what would your immediate reaction be? Would you have given the man the benefit of doubt by believing him if he said they were in a relationship and she had hacked into his computer and sent herself the mails..? Chances are you wouldnt. Theres more. She posted a picture of them together claiming it was taken during the years of their alleged affair. That picture was proved, beyond doubt, to have been manipulated. The actual image consisted of a group of friends including the mans wife (now ex-wife) standing together in a party. Why were the others intentionally cropped out? She has no messages and no photographs to prove that she was in a 7 year long relationship with this man. Not even a picture of their alleged engagement in Paris, an event which he denies. Furthermore, he has asserted that his passport does not bear any stamp of travel to France during the time she alleges the engagement occurred nor are there any credible witnesses to this event. Dont all these inconsistencies raise questions in your mind about the authenticity of the accusations? So what is the truth? Well, the truth is that WE do not know the truth. The reason I felt the need to say this is that it is apparent that some people have already jumped to conclusions while some are deriving some sort of voyeuristic pleasure by encouraging the woman to carry on speaking. This is being done without a seconds pause to consider the effect her words will have on the person, his family or his children. As great as all of it may be for TRP, its in terrible taste. Until such a time that the matter is brought to its logical conclusion by the authorities, we must avoid vilifying the man on the basis of unsubstantiated statements. That is what we would have done if this story had played the other way around. Thats what we must do given how it is now. Lets not discriminate." (Also Read: Hrithik Finally Speaks About Kanganas Claims On National TV, Explains Entire Chronology Of Events) I didnt give any clarification because its disgraceful. Everything I said, would be used against me. After releasing a statement and rejecting all the claims that Kangana Ranaut has been repeatedly making against him, once and for all, Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan finally came out in public and spoke about the entire issue that has been making headlines for a very long time. On Kangana Ranauts bold claims, he put forth his side of the story and explained the entire chronology of the events. (Also Read: 7 Explosive Confessions By Kangana Ranaut That Will Give You A View Of Her Side Of The Story) Screengrab He admitted that he was uncomfortable on TV talking about it. He also admitted that he was earlier afraid to talk about it, but now that it is affecting his family especially his sons, he chose to put his side of the story forward in an attempt to unveil the truth. Here's what he revealed in the interview: Hrithik first met Kangana while they were shooting for Kites, and he was proud of her professionalism. I first met her in 2008-2009. We did not become good friends. I found her to be extremely, extremely professional, not just in Kites, but through Krrish as well, to the extent that I was really, really proud of her. She came with her dialogues, and she was giving everything she had for my movies, and for an actor to give so much to my movies meant a lot. I was extremely proud of her, and I told her that several times. She said that she was inspired by me after seeing me in a film in Manali. I took that as a compliment. Twitter About her alleged smelling neck picture with Kangana at a party, which Hrithik claims is doctored, he narrated the entire incident and alleged Kangana was drunk when she came knocking at his room. Is dat not u, who has grabbed Kangana's waist like a creep and smelling her neck, who seems disinterested? @iHrithik pic.twitter.com/I7YrLrEg6C Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) October 5, 2017 It was the wrap up party of Krissh 3 at Jordan. Hrithik said, There were hundreds of people at those parties, and they were always around some movie. You have a celebration, a birthday or whatever, and youre calling more than a hundred people, and you make sure you include all your team. We were at a wrap party in Jordan, and I was ready to retire for the night, and she wanted to talk, and I was very, very tired, so I told her we should talk in the morning. I ordered for room service, and there was a loud knock on my door, so I went to check - this was 2012, and everyone was really happy - and it was her through the keyhole. (Also Read: Kangana Ranauts Sister Rangoli Slams Hrithik Roshan For Reviving His Old Sexual Harassment Complaint Against Her) She didnt appear to be in the right state. It was a party so youve had a few drinks, so I called my assistant, and he came down to her room and asked her sister to come get her. Rangoli (Kanganas sister) came and told me not to think badly of her, and that she is a good girl, and I said of course, Im not for a moment judging her. bizasialive.com About their engagement in Paris, he said, forget engagement, he has never met her one on one in life. I have not met her one on one in my life. When I heard that I was relieved, because I thought we this is a lie that can be demolished since he travelled to Paris or Europe during the said period. Then came the photoshopped pictures. But no one saw the truth. Twitter About the emails doing the rounds, Hrithik said: Why didnt he block her? If you have a MacBook Pro, there is no option to block people or emails. Believe me I hunted for this blocking option. You can only spam it or junk it, and I did that immediately. I must have read 40-50 of them. There were about 3-4000. All this time, the harassment was limited to my laptop, then she made it public. And that is when I got afraid. (Also Read: I Am Speaking Up On National TV Because I've Had Enough, Says Hrithik On Kangana's Accusations) Why didnt he confront her before? My higher understanding of life has taught me that ignorance is the best way forward. This is not the first time, Ive been sent mails of this nature. Ive learnt in the past that my ignorance discouraged it, and that is what I thought would happen now. I spoke to my friends, I spoke to people in the industry and asked them if they knew a friend of hers. The affect that my conversation with Rangoli last month had on me, when I heard terms like rape I was a mess. hastekhelte.com On being accused of hacking Kanganas e-mails and sending e-mails to himself, he said, Hrithik said that if he had hacked Kanganas email and had been sending mails to himself, including those pictures and videos, which Kangana claimed were taken by Hrithik when they were in a relationship, then how did he have access to a selfie that was also in his inbox. He said if he was sending mails to himself, how did he access Kanganas selfie. Screengrab At some questions, especially when asked as to why he didnt complain or go to the police earlier, Hrithiks answers werent convincing enough. Perhaps, he was caring too much about his star image, as he said, or perhaps, there was something that he was hiding and didnt want to reveal. One thing is for sure, the matter is out in public domain and isnt ending anytime soon. The truth needs to come out, but will it be unveiled anytime soon? Amid the never-ending debate of nepotism resurfacing time and again in the tinsel-town, another star kid, Saif Ali Khans daughter Sara Ali Khan, is gearing up to make her debut in Bollywood. For the unversed, she is making her debut in the world of films with Kedarnath, a romantic story, against the backdrop of Uttarakhand floods. She is paired alongside Sushant Singh Rajput in the Abhishek Kapoor directorial. The first look of the budding actress from the film is out, and she looks amazingly pretty in it. Holding a colourful umbrella in her hands and riding on a horseback, Sara Ali Khan looks beautiful. Also, she looks quite much like her mother Amrita Singh, doesnt she? Take a look: Here's the first look Poster of #SaraAliKhan from #Kedarnath Stars #SushantSinghRajput... #Abhishekapoor Directs... June 2018 release.. A post shared by Tushar Jadhav (@tushar8340) on Oct 7, 2017 at 10:26pm PDT Instagram Saif Ali Khan, like any father, is very excited about her daughters debut film. In conversation with Bombay Times, the actor was quoted as saying, I think she is one of the most hard-working, humble and focussed people that I know. She wanted to be an actor ever since she did a television advertisement as a young girl. She has done some pretty serious theatre in New York, too. Sara is one of my most favourite people, I love her. Twitter According to the grapevine, Sara Ali Khan is essaying the role of a priests daughter whereas Sushant Singh Rajput portrays the role of a pithoo who carries peoples luggage on his back. Kedarnath is slated to hit the screens next year. 1. Hrithik Finally Speaks About Kanganas Claims On National TV, Explains Entire Chronology Of Events After releasing a statement and rejecting all the claims that Kangana Ranaut has been repeatedly making against him, once and for all, Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan finally came out in public and spoke about the entire issue that has been making headlines for a very long time. On Kangana Ranauts bold claims, he put forth his side of the story and explained the entire chronology of the events. 2. Farhan Akhtar Takes Hrithik Roshans Side, Says Women Are Wronged Mostly But Not Always! Putting aside the emotions, the filmmaker-actor has put forth some facts proving as to why Hrithik has been just embroiled in a set of claims, which are nothing but baseless. From questioning, why she never submitted her personal communication devices while the other party has, he also talked about how she released a cropped and doctored image to prove they were both dating. Havent we all seen many videos of Turkish ice cream vendors teasing their customers before handling them their order? We all have been amazed by them, right? So, recently Aamir khan who is in Turkey for GQ 2017 awards tried it recently. He got trolled by the vendor, but he seemed pretty amused by his tricks. 4. Farah Khan Has The Sweetest Birthday Wish For SRKs Ladylove Gauri Khan As She Turns 47 Today! With such an adorable picture, heres what Farah Khan wrote in a social media post, "Happy birthday dearest @gaurikhan..may ur years always b full of lov laughter n friends.. after all" char din ki zindagi"lov u." 5. After Salman Lashed Out At Zubair Khan, He Consumed Some Pills & Was Rushed To Hospital Now, according to several reports, after all that happened in the last episode, Zubair was quite unhappy, and he consumed some pills out of anger. He was rushed to the hospital thereafter. It is said that he out of danger and is on medication now. It is often said that love is blind, but how blind? A teacher in Snaresbrook, London has been put behind bars after allegedly initiating sexual relations with a 15-year-old male student. Alice McBrearty has been jailed for 16 months after the Snaresbrook Crown Court heard her case. The east London schoolteacher kissed the boy and took him to a hotel for sex. According to a report on independent.co.uk, the Snaresbrook Crown Court judge argued and said: "You engaged in a full-blown sexual relationship with a 15-year-old child. I accept he was consenting - what 15-year-old schoolboy would turn down such an attractive offer? I accept you truly believed this was a great romance, you were in love with him and vice versa, and that age didn't matter. But it did? You were supposed to keep him safe, to help him make the right decisions. Instead, you helped him make all the wrong ones." milestothetrials.com McBrearty's lawyer defended her and said, "This is a young lady who has had a spectacular fall from grace - university educated, comes from a respectable family - she has been utterly disgraced by this. She will, of course, be branded a paedophile for the rest of her life. She is a sex offender. She has not been able to get a decent job that matches her qualifications. She has, of course, resigned from the teaching profession. She has been working on a zero-hours contract delivering parcels to Amazon." Well, love has cost a lot to this woman. Marry a widow and get Rs 2 lakh. That's the Madhya Pradesh social justice department's brainwave to promote widow remarriage, with the catch that the bride must be aged below 45 years. The government said it was the first such initiative in the country, adding that it expected 1,000 widow marriages every year once the scheme kicked in. There are no figures for how many widow marriages happen now. Reuters In July, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to frame a policy to encourage the marriage of widows. The MP government seems to have taken inspiration from the directive, and hand out a monetary incentive, perhaps the first since widow marriage was legalised in 1856. The MP government is setting aside Rs 20 crore a year for the scheme to begin with. As per the draft, anyone willing to marry a widow aged between 18 and 45 years will get Rs 2 lakh. The proposal is ready to be sent to the finance department, after which it will be placed before the cabinet. Officials believe it will come into effect within three months. To ensure that the scheme isn't misused, there are some conditions the most important being that it should be the man's first marriage. Second, the couple has to get the marriage registered in the district collectorate, and proof issued by gram panchayats and local bodies will not be accepted. Five years ago, little Agastya's father was summoned to school because of his 'unusual' behaviour the child, unlike his classmates, would talk obsessively about Amitabh Bachchan. A psychiatrist too was called. Agastya's father, Sanjay Patodia, simply laughed away the teachers' concerns. For someone who had converted his apartment's garage into an Amitabh Bachchan temple 16 years ago, and now wears a 17gm gold pendant of the 'Lord' specially designed from stones sourced from Thailand, obsessing over the Big B is a way of life. So it's no surprise that Patodia, as secretary of the All Bengal Amitabh Bachchan Fans' Association (ABABF), has organised a sit-and-draw competition on the Bachchan theme on October 11. Children between five and 13 years from Dum Dum's Happy New Home have been invited to participate. They will be given Bachchan T-shirts. ABABF treasurer and Sanjay's brother Vijay Kumar Patodia says: "We heard on Kaun Banega Crorepati that Da (brother in Bengali) will donate his own clothes to an NGO called Goonj. On his 75th birthday this Wednesday, we will also be donating clothes to Goonj. These will be used to make sanitary napkins that will be distributed among women in rural India." This is only the third time in almost two decades (earlier being during the shooting of 'Kante' in 2001 and in 2008 when he was hospitalised) that Sanjay Patodia and the other 'devotees' from Kolkata will not be making their annual pilgrimage to Jalsa on October 11. "We met Da in September and I suppose he won't be there in Mumbai on his birthday," says Patodia. His outstretched arms flaunt two tattoos of the actor's profile and his signature. "The word Amitabh has been tattooed in the style he writes in. The word Bachchan has been written in the style used by his father," he explains. On Wednesday, a purohit will conduct special prayers. An Amitabh chalisa a new-age Hanuman Chalisa beginning with the lines 'Hey Harivansh Gyan Gun Sagar/Apse Hue Ek Avtar Ujagar/ Hariputra Atulit Baldhama/ Tejiputra Amitabh Hai Nama' will be recited. The chalisa, printed on a simple notebook, rests on a puja thali in the temple. Family members conduct aarti twice daily to the ringing of a ghanti. There are no flowers, and no prasad. A poster pasted alongside Bachchan's lifesize photograph states brazenly: 'Sorry God, we worship Amitji more than You'. A 'Bachchan shloka' penned in Bengali says: 'Hindus worship Radha-Krishna, Christians worship Jesus Christ, we are different and for us Amitabh is the Lord (Hindura jope radhe keshto/Christian Probhu Jishu Krishto/Moder dhara Onnyorokom/ Amitabhi-ishto)'. Till last year, the aarti was performed in front of a pair of beige-coloured shoes worn by Bachchan in 'Toofan' and 'Agneepath'. Now, there is an idol in the form of the actor's Subhash Nagre look from 'Sarkar'. It sits on an ornate green throne that was actually used in his supernatural thriller 'Aks'. Specially printed wallpapers with the words 'Jai Shree Amitabh' are plastered on the walls inside the sanctum sanctorum. During the aarti, cries of 'Jai Shree Amitabh' and 'Har Har Amitabh' rent the air. Just outside the sanctum sanctorum is a seating area with two plastic sofas and a rack with four glass boxes to display Bachchan memorabilia two pairs of shoes, a pair of sunglasses and a pair of power glasses. Also displayed are four blazers worn by him during KBC. There montages of his photos from various films and events, with some rare black-and-white family photographs tucked here and there. Patodia claims that visitors from distant countries drop by to offer obeisance. No one is refused entry even if they come after midnight. But he admits that the temple situated in the narrow bylanes of Tiljala isn't a favourite with Kolkatans. "I suppose 99% in Kolkata don't even know about it," he says. Classmates of Patodia's sons Agastya and Abhishek visit the temple sometimes. "Some of them are curious. Others think we are mad. Some are even jealous of our proximity to God," say the youngsters. What about the legend himself? "No, we haven't asked him to come here. But he has seen videos," says Patodia, apparently content in the belief that the 'Lord' is omnipresent. The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume its second flight service from the city pf Lahore to New Delhi by the end of this month, an airline official said today. In the face of heavy losses in other market regions, Pakistan's flagship air carrier had yesterday announced to launch its second flight after it witnessed an increase in the number of passengers travelling between India and Pakistan. AFP "The second flight a week from Lahore to Delhi will operate from the last week of this month," PIA spokesman Mashood Tajwar said, adding that PIA would be operating the second weekly flight with an ATR plane. The PIA in May last year had suspended Karachi to Mumbai weekly flight and also cut one Lahore to Delhi flight, citing low passenger volume. The PIA also announced to discontinue its services to the United States from October 31 due to mounting losses. The airline has been incurring losses of up to 1.25 billion rupees annually due to its flight operations to the US a concern which prompted the management to discontinue the flights. The PIA, which had been operating a total of five weekly flights to New York and three other cities of the US since 1961, will enter into a code-sharing agreement with an American airline to carry its passengers to that country. A pregnant man in Finland is facing extreme difficulties due to the Finnish social security system, which fails to assist him in any way. Born as a woman, he started his sex-change process to stay with another woman. The couple are in their 30s, Xinhua news agency reported. representational image The couple wanted a baby and the man had interrupted his hormonal sex correction treatment before getting pregnant. But now he faces problems with the current legislation which does not recognize his access to social security. Currently, men are not entitled to parental child compensation in Finland. The law on "maternity compensation" determines that the eligible person must be a woman who has been pregnant at least 154 days. The future father told news agency Lannen Media that the legislation should be amended. "It is the rights of the child that matter," he said. The man is four months pregnant, so the couple still have some time to the start of authorized public compensation, the report said. representational image The couple said the Finnish healthcare professionals had no problem with them except that the administrative systems do not recognize a situation where a pregnant person has the male social security number. Finland maintains a system of social security numbers where men and women have different codes. American Thomas Beatie was reportedly in 2008 the first man in the world to give birth. Since then there have been reports about men who had given births at least in Germany, Austria and Britain, according to the Lannen Media report. Bangladesh is doing a lot of heavy lifting in the Rohingya Muslim crisis. And now it's planning to build the world's largest refugee camp to house all of them! But a top UN official has said that Bangladesh's plan to build the world's biggest refugee camp for 800,000-plus Rohingya Muslims is dangerous because overcrowding could heighten the risks of deadly diseases spreading quickly. AFP The arrival of more than half a million Rohingya refugees who have fled an army crackdown in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state since August 25 has put an immense strain on already packed camps in Bangladesh. According to the IOM, the proposed camp will be the world's largest, dwarfing Bidi Bidi in Uganda and Dadaab in Kenya -- both housing around 300,000 refugees. Three thousand acres (1,200 hectares) of land next to the existing Kutupalong camp have been set aside for the new Rohingya arrivals. Hard-pressed Bangladesh authorities plan to expand a refugee camp at Kutupalong near the border town of Cox's Bazar to accommodate all the Rohingya. But Robert Watkins, the UN resident coordinator in Dhaka, told AFP the country should instead look for new sites to build more camps. "When you concentrate too many people into a very small area, particularly the people who are very vulnerable to diseases, it is dangerous," Watkins told AFP. "There are stronger possibilities, if there are any infectious diseases that spread, that will spread very quickly," he said, also highlighting fire risks in the camps. "It is much easier to manage people, manage the health situation and security situation if there are a number of different camps rather than one concentrated camp." AFP At the request of the Bangladesh government, the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) has agreed to coordinate the work of aid agencies and help build shelters at the new camp site. "700,000 is a big camp... we and our partners will have our work cut out for us", Joel Millman, an IOM spokesman, told reporters in Geneva yesterday. But he added that UN agencies "wouldn't be undertaking this if we didn't think it was feasible". AFP Bangladeshi officials say the new camp will help them better manage relief operations and ensure the safety of the Rohingya amid fears that dispersed camps could become recruiting grounds for militants. This week Bangladesh reported 4,000-5,000 Rohingya were crossing the border daily, with 10,000 more waiting at the frontier. "If you are reading this, that means that I am no longer here." Mark Mooney, a New York reporter did something that one could have thought of. He wrote his own obituary called, "My Last Byline" before dying of cancer. He posted it on Twitter. Twitter The obituary opens with a wish that he had as a journalist and that is to have worked a little more. It reads. "Im sure youve heard the old saw that youll never hear a dying man say that he wished he had spent more time at the office." "But if I were still here I would tell you that I wish I had done more work as a news reporter. Written better stories. Made more and better contacts. Skipped some of the easier pieces and done more in-depth stories. Spent more time on foreign stories. Been a better editor." he added. The CNNMoney editor pens down his fight with cancer in his obituary. This was the last installment of the blog that Mooney started last year after being told by doctors that he had only two years to live. I just published My Last Byline https://t.co/9WWuiGiDbi Mark Mooney (@mxmooney) October 6, 2017 The obituary reads, "If you are reading this, that means that I am no longer here. The prostate cancer finished toying with me on October 6, 2017. I was 66 and glad to be done with the damn disease." He also wrote that he loved being a reporter and also how much he loved his family. Fact Or Fiction? Las Vegas Shooter Made ISIS Tape According To Former Trump Campaign Official By ZeroPointNow October 07, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Former Trump campaign official James Brower fired off two tweets Thursday evening regarding the Las Vegas shooter Sephen Paddock claiming There is a video, this video will prove the motive. He had a secret digital profile that was uncovered in the last 24 hours. There is a video, this video will prove the motive. He had a secret digital profile that was uncovered over the last 24 hrs. https://t.co/SSJxnvasld James B Scooping ???? (@jbro_1776) October 5, 2017 Brower then tweeted Motive will be pretty shocking, I wont say much but it will definitely change a lot of things going forward. Motive will be pretty shocking, I won't say much but it will definitely change a lot of things going forward. James B Scooping ???? (@jbro_1776) October 5, 2017 While Brower did not reveal the motive over Twitter, the former Massachusetts Trump campaign official who accurately divulged that Paul Manafort was being wiretapped before it became public told Infowars Im being told the video basically speaks about a network, they wouldnt tell me directly if it was ISIS but they threw little hints that it was, adding The reason the video more than likely is never released is because they believe it will trigger the cells he speaks of. There should be a statement on motive soon, Brower added, They believe he was inspired by ISIS. Infowars goes on to report; He also claims that there was a second person who helped Paddock plot the attack that the gunman was seen with three days prior to the massacre. This individual left before the shooting began, according to Brower. Signs of a larger operation There are plenty of signs that Paddocks rampage which left 59 dead and over 500 injured was more than just a mentally ill lone gunman as the MSM has reported. In addition to ISIS claiming the attack saying Paddock converted to Islam under the name Abu Abdul Barr (The American), a young woman reported a Hispanic woman running around before the shooting, telling the crowd Youre all going to die tonight. Eyewitness describes Hispanic woman who told people "everyone is going to die tonight" #LasVegas #mandalaybay pic.twitter.com/Wn3NchE8fA ZeroPointNow (@ZeroPointNow) October 2, 2017 Of note, ISIS has rarely claimed attacks that were not by either their members or sympathizers, said New York Times correspondent Rukmini Callimachi, suggesting the terror organization may be telling the truth. 6. In their chatrooms, they are claiming that the West and the media is leading a cover-up in order to hide the "martyrdom" of their brother Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) October 5, 2017 Callimachi goes on to say that there have only been three false ISIS claims in the 50 she has looked into: 10. My list is not complete but of the more than 50 cases I have annotated, I could only find 3 false claims. Rukmini Callimachi (@rcallimachi) October 5, 2017 And on Wednesday, Las Vegas sheriff Lombardo said the shooter had to have some help at some point, and may have been radicalized . #Update #LasVegas Sheriff Lombardo: "C'mon folks" "He had to have some help at some point." Watch the video pic.twitter.com/i2N4YDIoXb Rob Smith (@mrrsmithuk) October 5, 2017 Leaked photos of the shooters hotel room reveal what appears to be a note written on a table. Since officials have said there is no suicide note, its entirely possible that Paddocks motive was revealed and that Sheriff Lombardo knows much more than he is revealing. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter (Note, the leaked images are reversed . The shooter is actually on the left side of the room.) Brower also told InfoWars that Paddocks digital profile showed he researched many of the massacres committed by the IS lately in Europe. That said, Fox News reportes that after Analyzing Paddocks computer, cellphone and other electronic devices, investigators have found no obvious ideological motive, no clear connection to extremists or activist groups or outward display of mental illness. So while the MSM is telling us one thing suggesting Paddock was a lone gunman with mental health issues, statements made by the Las Vegas sheriff, a concertgoer who said they were warned of an attack, ISIS, and now a former Trump campaign official are all pointing to Jihad. UPDATE: NBC News reports two major updates - a cell phone charger found that does not match Paddock's phone, and the fact that his room's key card was used after his car had left the hotel's garage. These are 2 major updates in regards to the #LasVegas shooter. https://t.co/pMAPPmpf0u pic.twitter.com/TmnyZOJMAG Nick Short ???????? (@PoliticalShort) October 6, 2017 This article was originally published by iBankCoin.com - See also - ISIS Releases Infographic Claiming Las Vegas Gunman Converted Six Months Ago : The brief graphic does not provide any information that is not already publicly available. Why Are Washington's Clients Getting Cozy With Moscow? By Nauman Sadiq October 07, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Turkey , which has the second largest army in NATO, has been cooperating with Russia in Syria against Washingtons interests since last year and has recently placed an order for the Russian-made S-400 missile system. Similarly, the Saudi King Salman, who is on a landmark state visit to Moscow, has signed several cooperation agreements with Kremlin and has also expressed his willingness to buy S-400 missile system. Another traditional ally of Washington in the region, Pakistan, has agreed to build a 600 mega-watt power project with Moscows assistance, has bought Russian helicopters and defense equipment and has held joint military exercises with Kremlin. All three countries have been steadfast US allies since the times of the Cold War, or rather, to put it bluntly, the political establishments of these countries have acted as virtual proxies of Washington in the region and had played an important role in the collapse of the former Soviet Union in 1991. In order to understand the significance of relationship between Washington and Ankara, which is a NATO member, bear in mind that the United States has been conducting air strikes against targets in Syria from the Incirlik airbase and around fifty American B-61 hydrogen bombs have also been deployed there, whose safety became a matter of real concern during the failed July 2016 coup plot against the Erdogan administration; when the commander of the Incirlik airbase, General Bekir Ercan Van, along with nine other officers were arrested for supporting the coup; movement in and out of the base was denied, power supply was cut off and the security threat level was raised to the highest state of alert, according to a report by Eric Schlosser for the New Yorker. Similarly, in order to grasp the nature of principal-agent relationship between the United States on the one hand and Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on the other, keep in mind that Washington used Gulfs petro-dollars and Islamabads intelligence agencies to nurture jihadists against the former Soviet Union during the Cold War. It is an irrefutable fact that the United States sponsors militants, but only for a limited period of time in order to achieve certain policy objectives . For instance: the United States nurtured the Afghan jihadists during the Cold War against the former Soviet Union from 1979 to 1988, but after the signing of the Geneva Accords and consequent withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, the United States withdrew its support to the Afghan jihadists. Similarly, the United States lent its support to the militants during the Libyan and Syrian civil wars, but after achieving the policy objectives of toppling the Arab nationalist Gaddafi regime in Libya and weakening the anti-Israel Assad regime in Syria, the United States relinquished its blanket support to the militants and eventually declared a war against a faction of Sunni militants battling the Syrian government, the Islamic State, when the latter transgressed its mandate in Syria and dared to occupy Mosul and Anbar in Iraq in early 2014. The United States regional allies in the Middle East, however, are not as subtle and experienced in Machiavellian geopolitics. Under the misconception that alliances and enmities in international politics are permanent, the Middle Eastern autocrats keep on pursuing the same belligerent policy indefinitely as laid down by the hawks in Washington for a brief period of time in order to achieve certain strategic objectives. For example: the security establishment of Pakistan kept pursuing the policy of training and arming the Afghan and Kashmiri jihadists throughout the eighties and nineties and right up to September 2001, even after the United States withdrew its support to the jihadists cause in Afghanistan during the nineties after the collapse of its erstwhile archrival, the Soviet Union. Similarly, the Muslim Brotherhood-led government of Turkey has made the same mistake of lending indiscriminate support to the Syrian militants even after the United States partial reversal of policy in Syria and the declaration of war against the Islamic State in August 2014 in order to placate the international public opinion when the graphic images and videos of Islamic States brutality surfaced on the social media. Keeping up appearances in order to maintain the facade of justice and morality is indispensable in international politics and the Western powers strictly abide by this code of conduct. Their medieval client states in the Middle East, however, are not as experienced and they often keep on pursuing the same militarist policies of training and arming the militants against their regional rivals, which are untenable in the long run in a world where pacifism has generally been accepted as one of the fundamental axioms of the modern worldview. Regarding the recent cooperation between Moscow and Ankara in the Syrian civil war, although the proximate cause of this detente seems to be the attempted coup plot against the Erdogan administration in July last year by the supporters of the US-based preacher, Fethullah Gulen, but this surprising development also sheds light on the deeper divisions between the United States and Turkey over their respective Syria policy. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter After the United States reversal of regime change policy in Syria in August 2014 when the Islamic State overran Mosul and Anbar in Iraq in early 2014 and threatened the capital of another steadfast American ally, Masoud Barzanis Erbil in the oil-rich Iraqi Kurdistan, Washington has made the Kurds the centerpiece of its policy in Syria and Iraq. Bear in mind that the conflict in Syria and Iraq is actually a three-way conflict between the Sunni Arabs, the Shia Arabs and the Sunni Kurds. Although after the declaration of war against a faction of Sunni Arab militants, the Islamic State, Washington has also lent its support to the Shia-led government in Iraq, but the Shia Arabs of Iraq are not the trustworthy allies of the United States because they are under the influence of Iran. Therefore, Washington was left with no other choice than to make the Kurds the centerpiece of its policy in Syria and Iraq after a group of Sunni Arab jihadists transgressed its mandate in Syria and overran Mosul and Anbar in Iraq in early 2014 from where the United States had withdrawn its troops only a couple of years ago in December 2011. The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, which are on the verge of liberating the Islamic States de facto capital, Raqqa, and are currently battling the jihadist group in a small pocket of the city between the stadium and a hospital, are nothing more than the Kurdish militias with a symbolic presence of mercenary Arab tribesmen in order to make them appear more representative and inclusive in outlook. As far as the regional parties to the Syrian civil war are concerned, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the rest of the Gulf Arab States may not have serious reservations against this close cooperation between the United States and the Kurds in Syria and Iraq, because the Gulf Arab States tend to look at the regional conflicts from the lens of the Iranian Shia threat. Turkey, on the other hand, has been more wary of the separatist Kurdish tendencies in its southeast than the Iranian Shia threat, and particularly now after the Kurds have held a referendum for independence in Iraq despite the international pressure against such an ill-advised move. Finally, any radical departure from the longstanding policy of providing unequivocal support to Washingtons policy in the region by the political establishment of Turkey since the times of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is highly unlikely. But after this perfidy by Washington of lending its support to the Kurds against the Turkish proxies in Syria, it is quite plausible that the Muslim Brotherhood-led government in Turkey might try to strike a balance in its relations with the Cold War-era rivals. Nauman Sadiq is an Islamabad-based attorney, columnist and geopolitical analyst focused on the politics of Af-Pak and Middle East regions, neocolonialism and petro-imperialism. See also- Pentagon stops paying peshmerga salaries amid Kurdish independence backlash The Palestinians Right and Duty to Resist Faced with a reality in which Israel is strong and the United States is in its pocket, it is the duty of Palestinians to resist the occupation. The only question relates to the means. Gideon Levy A Palestinian youth holds a slingshot during clashes with Israeli police in a suburb of East Jerusalem, Oct.23, 2014. AFP October 07, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Imagine youre the Palestinians. Perhaps residents of East Jerusalem. Forty-seven difficult years are behind you; a big, depressing darkness lies ahead. The Israeli tyranny that dooms your fate declares arrogantly that everything will stay like this forever. Your city will remain under occupation for ever and ever. The defense minister, second in importance in the government that subjugates you, says a Palestinian state will never be established. Imagine youre Palestinian and your children are in danger. Two days ago, the occupation forces killed another child because he lit a firebomb. The words Death to Arabs were sprayed near your home. Everywhere you turn, a soldier or Border Police officer may shout at you. Every night, your home may be invaded brutally. You will never be treated like human beings. Theyll destroy, humiliate, intimidate, perhaps even arrest you, possibly without trial. There are close to 500 administrative detainees, a record number in recent years. If one of your dear ones is arrested, you will have difficulty visiting him. If you succeed, youll get half an hours conversation through a glass window. If your dear one is an administrative detainee, you will never know when hell be released. But these are trivia you grew accustomed to long ago. Maybe youve also grown accustomed to the land theft. At every moment a settler can invade your land, burn your plantation or torch your fields. He will not be brought to trial for this; the soldiers who are supposed to protect you will stand idly by. At any moment, a demolition order or random eviction order may appear. Theres nothing you can do. Imagine youre the Palestinians. You cant leave Gaza and its not easy to leave the West Bank, either. The beach, less than an hours drive from your West Bank home, is beyond the mountains of darkness. An Israeli can go to Tierra del Fuego, between Argentina and Chile, much more easily than you can go to the beach at Ajami. There are no dreams, no wishes. Your children have a slim chance of accomplishing anything in life, even if they go to university. All they can look forward to is a life of humiliation and unemployment. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Theres no chance that this situation is about to change anytime soon. Israel is strong, the United States is in its pocket, your leadership is weak (the Palestinian Authority) and isolated (Hamas), and the world is losing interest in your fate. What do you do? There are two possibilities. The first is to accept, give in, give up. The second is to resist. Whom have we respected more in history? Those who passed their days under the occupation and collaborated with it, or those who struggled for their freedom? Imagine youre a Palestinian. You have every right to resist. In fact, its your civil duty. No argument there. The occupied peoples right to resist occupation is secured in natural justice, in the morals of history and in international law. The only restrictions are on the means of resistance. The Palestinians have tried almost all of them, for better and worse negotiations and terror; with a carrot and with a stick; with a stone and with bombs; in demonstrations and in suicide. All in vain. Are they to despair and give up? This has almost never happened in history, so theyll continue. Sometimes theyll use legitimate means, sometimes vile ones. Its their right to resist. Now theyre resisting in Jerusalem. They dont want Israeli rule, or people who set live children on fire. They dont want armed settlers who invade their apartments in the middle of the night, under the Israeli laws protection, and evict them. They dont want a municipality that grants its services according to national affiliation, or judges that sentence their children according to their origin. They also go nuts when the house of a Jewish terrorist is not demolished, while the house of a Palestinian will be torn down. They dont want Israel to continue tyrannizing them, so they resist. They hurl stones and firebombs. Thats what resistance looks like. Sometimes they act with heinous murderousness, but even that is not as bad as their occupiers built-in violence. Its their right; its their duty. This article was originally published by Haaretz - Russian Network RT Must Register As Foreign Agent In US By Megan R. Wilson October 08, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The company that runs the U.S. version of RT, the Russian state-owned outlet originally known as Russia Today, must register with the Justice Department as a foreign agent, signaling that all of their content would be labeled as propaganda from Moscow. In a report Monday, RT did not name the company that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has compelled to file paperwork under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, but blasted the edict as overreaching. "The war the US establishment wages with our journalists is dedicated to all the starry-eyed idealists who still believe in freedom of speech. Those who invented it, have buried it, Margarita Simonyan, RTs editor-in-chief, said about the registration. Media organizations have been exempted from the law, which is wide-ranging in its disclosure requirements and generally applies to political consultants and those working in lobbying or public relations. It would be a felony if RT is found to have willfully failed to register as a foreign agent, however. The registration would not stop the organization from operating, but requires regularly submitted paperwork that lists its sources of foreign government-tied revenue and the contacts it makes in the United States, and it would require any reporting to be labeled as being influenced or financed by the Russian government. In January, RT America was singled out in a report from the U.S. intelligence community about the potential impact that Russia had on the 2016 presidential elections. The report from the U.S. intelligence community called the outlet a state-run propaganda machine that has positioned itself as a domestic U.S channel and has deliberately sought to obscure any legal ties to the Russian Government. RT has also contracted with Julian Assange, who runs WikiLeaks and is suspected of leaking internal emails from the Democratic National Committee. The intelligence report said that some employed by RT actively collaborated with WikiLeaks during the presidential election. The word 'propaganda' has a very negative connotation, but indeed, there is not a single international foreign TV channel that is doing something other than promotion of the values of the country that it is broadcasting from," Simonyan said, according to an article in Business Insider from January. When Russia is at war, we are, of course, on Russia's side. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter RT's registration could have wide-ranging implications for similar news organizations around the world. For example, Russia could retaliate and crack down on Voice of America, a U.S. government-funded media network that operates internationally. Sputnik, another English-language Russian government-funded news outlet, is also in the crosshairs of the Justice Department. The U.S. intelligence report describes both RT and Sputnik as conducting an influence campaign on behalf of the Kremlin that sought to bolster support for then-GOP candidate Donald Trump and sow opposition for the Democratic challenger, Hillary Clinton . On Monday, Yahoo News reported that former Sputnik reporter Andrew Feinberg had a lengthy interview with the Justice Department office that handles Foreign Agents Registration Act issues. Feinberg, who worked at The Hill in 2012, provided law enforcement with a thumb drive of thousands of internal emails and documents he had downloaded from his work computer before he was fired from his reporting job there. Justice Department officials wanted to know about Sputniks internal structure, editorial processes and funding, he told Yahoo News. The Foreign Agents Registration Act is a World War II-era law, enacted to thwart Nazi propaganda from coming into the United States to sway American public sentiment and U.S. policy. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are working to update the law and make it much stricter, with several bills in the works. One, sponsored by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.), would increase enforcement capabilities for the office that oversees the act, located within DOJs National Security Division. The House has companion legislation. Shaheen on Monday lauded the Justice Departments efforts to probe into Sputniks internal structure. Im very encouraged that the FBI is investigating the Sputnik news agency, which is funded by the Russian government. We cant allow foreign agents, particularly those working on behalf of our adversaries, to skirt our laws, Shaheen said in a statement. Every new revelation about Russia's use of propaganda to influence the 2016 election further highlights the need for the federal government to bolster its enforcement of FARA. Home Abby Martin Responds to Attacks From Pro-Israel Organizations By teleSur October 08, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - teleSUR journalist Abby Martin recently became the target of a smear campaign by Israeli organizations after an appearance on the podcast The Joe Rogan Experience. On the program, which is one of the biggest and most popular podcasts in the United States, host Joe Rogan has a discussion with Martin about her experiences in Palestine while she was there for her show The Empire Files in 2016. Video of Martins appearance on The Joe Rogan Experiencewhere she recounted her eyewitness account of human rights violationswent viral on social media. The interview garnered over 1.5 Million views on Facebook alone. This negative press for the Israeli state on such a high-profile platform quickly caught the attention of public relations organizations. A small YouTube channel called the Israel Advocacy Movement released a 19-minute video response claiming to debunk everything Martin said on the podcast, using baseless accusations of anti-semitism and attempting to refute the well-known fact that Palestinian territories are under Israeli military control. While the UK-based Israel Advocacy Movement has a meager viewer base of only 3,500 subscribers, the video was then promoted on social media by the well-known organization StandWithUs, which exists to cultivate pro-Israel propaganda on social media. Posting the video, StandWithUs called Martin a notorious anti-semite and that she spewed ridiculous lie after lie in her attempt to smear Israel Enough is enough. They engaged Martin in other online attacks. A campaign was also launched against The Joe Rogan Experience podcast and Rogan himself, including a coordinated email harassment demanding he renounce the interview and host a pro-Israel guest as penance. Such pressure against celebrities and journalists who host views sympathetic to Palestinians is typical, and often fierce. StandWithUs, which operates on a $9 million annual budget, receives a large amount of funding and direct instructions from the Israeli government itself. In their official funding contract with the Israeli Prime Ministers Office, StandWithUs is employed to manage interactive media war rooms to run government messaging. In response to these war rooms now targeting Martin, she r eleased a special episode of The Empire Files on Oct. 1. In an exclusive interview with teleSUR, Martin said I was getting so many accusations of misrepresenting Israeli society and distorting the treatment of Palestinians, I wanted to let Israelis speak for themselves. This shocking episode features a range of people in Jerusalems so-called Tolerance Square. Each interview shows with striking clarity how much racist, supremacist and even genocidal views are prevalent in Israeli society." When asked how to deal with the Palestinian population, one man responded I would carpet bomb them. Thats the only way I think we have the right to hate them. Another says I think we should give the Arabs a country. Then it can be a war between countries we can just drop one big one and, pop!, done! A young woman declares plainly we need to kill Arabs while she and her friend giggle uncontrollably. A more merciful man says Israelis have to take over. We have to kick [Palestinians] away, then ponders, it would be better not to kill them, but to send them away to Arab countries. These interviews reveal how mainstream the desire for mass killing and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians are among Israelis, contradicting the manufactured image of as a liberal, democratic and peace-loving nation. This is reflected in polls across the region, showing that over 70 percent oppose Palestinian statehood or ending the occupation, and 50 percent want to ethnically cleanse the 1.5 million Palestinians living inside Israel as citizens. Martin told teleSUR how the interviewees were picked from passer-bys in the bustling shopping and restaurant area of Jerusalem, we did not cherry-pick people in any way. I strived to get a diverse range of opinions, finding people from all ages and backgrounds; religious and secular, self-described leftists and conservatives, Israeli-born and immigrants from abroad. All the interviews I conducted you see in this episode. I asked very vague questions, like what is it like to live here and what do you think about the situation? Many were quick to share their extreme racism and even calls for mass murder, as if they were totally normal and acceptable views. Keep in mind, they said these things knowing they were speaking on-camera to U.S. media. Addressing the accusation that Palestinians share the same attitudes towards Jewish Israelis, Martin explained I spent nearly a month in the West Bank, asking countless Palestinians the same questions. Never once did I hear a Palestinian express desire to kill Jewish people or to kick them all out. But what you see in our new episode is what I found during just three hours in Jerusalem. It was truly shocking. Today, most of the remaining Palestinian territory remains under brutal military occupation, and is shrinking from rapidly-expanding illegal settlements. While the Netanyahu government plans big moves with greater freedom from the Trump Administration, this colonial project survives on lavish US funding, a carefully-crafted public image campaign, and threats against public figures who question Israels moral supremacy. While the Israeli state and it's propaganda arms like StandWithUs wield a massive apparatus to depict itself as a peace-seeking victim, Martins new Empire Files offers an irrefutable look behind that curtain. This article was originally published by teleSUR - Joe Rogan Experience #950 - Abby Martin No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Search Information Clearing House === Click Here To Support Information Clearing House Your support has kept ICH free on the Web since 2002. Do you agree or disagree with the article? - Please read our Comment Policy before posting - It is unacceptable to slander, smear or engage in personal attacks on other ICH community members or authors of articles posted on this website. Click here to comment on our Facebook page Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. F. William Engdahl: Gold, China and The Deep State William Engdahl points out the event in Las Vegas, while tragic, is nothing more than another distraction to keep the American people off point of the real issues going on at the global level. Daily Coin editor in chief, Rory Hall, interviews renowned geopolitical analyst F. William Engdhal. Posted October 08, 2017 F. William Engdhal Frederick William Engdahl is an American writer based in Germany. He identifies himself as a economic researcher, historian and freelance journalist. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, Engdahl is the son of F. William Engdahl, Sr., and Ruth Aalund. Engdahl grew up in Texas and after earning a degree in engineering and jurisprudence from Princeton University in 1966 and graduate study in comparative economics at the University of Stockholm from 1969 to 1970, he worked as an economist and freelance journalist in New York and in Europe. On Russia Today , Engdahl stated in an interview that the 2011 Egyptian Revolution was orchestrated by the Pentagon to facilitate Barack Obama s Middle East foreign policy and that Egypt had turned to a worse situation since Hosni Mubarak was overthrown. According to him, The ultimate goal of the US is to take the resources of Africa and Middle East under military control to block economic growth in China and Russia, thus taking the whole of Eurasia under control. He believes that the Arab Spring was a plan first announced by George W. Bush at a G8 meeting in 2003 and it was called The Greater Middle East Project.' Rory Hall, Editor-in-Chief, The Daily Coin , has studied the precious metals market, economic and monetary policies as well as geopolitical events since 1987. He has written well over 700 articles and produced more than 200 videos. Beginning in 2014 The Daily Coin became his latest incarnation. TheDailyCoin.org was launched April 2014. His original articles have been published by such notable websites as Zerohedge, SHTFPlan, Sprott Money, GoldSilver and Freedom Outpost just to name a few. Hall has interviewed some of the top professionals in their field from around the world, including Dr. Paul Craig Roberts, Dr. Marc Faber, Eric Sprott, Gerald Celente and Peter Schiff, to name but a few. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Hassan Nasrallah To Jews: Flee Israel Before Its Destruction, Zionism Is Our Common Enemy Video and Transcript Transcript: [...] Second, (regarding) Israel. Israel does not cease to issue direct threats against Lebanon, (promising) to destroy it completely in a next war. There is always someone there who stands up and says, "In the next war, we will not let but ruins behind us, and we will return Lebanon 100 or 200 years back." Before the [Israeli military manoeuvres] Northern Front [in September 2017, the largest in 20 years] and after, Israel continues its offensive in Syria, claiming to prevent further arms reaching the Resistance (Hezbollah), it continues its violations in Lebanese [airspace] in various ways, and works to push the region to war under any pretext. Today, on the tenth day [of the Islamic month of Muharram, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein], I want to send a clear message to Israelis and Jews in Occupied Palestine and (anywhere) in the world. I tell them this: From the beginning, we in the Resistance, have declared that our struggle was against the occupying Zionist aggressors on the land of Palestine and on our Arab land, not against Jews as followers of a heavenly religion (recognized by Islam) or as a people of the Book [Torah]. It is the Zionist movement that exploited Judaism and Jews to carry a colonialist occupation project in Palestine and the region, serving the British a hundred years ago, and later at the service of US policies. The Jews who were brought from all over the world must know that they are only cannon fodder in a British Western colonialist war against the Arab and Islamic peoples in this region. And today they are the fuel for projects and US policies that target people of the region. And when our peoples defend their lives, their land and honor in the face of Zionist gangs, they are unjustly accused of anti-Semitism. This (false) accusation is found in every corner of the world. Today I say to Jewish scholars, their eminent personalities, their thinkers: Those who brought you from all over the world to Palestine for their own interests are ultimately working to your destruction. You must know it, because it is written in your religious books. The current Israeli government led by Netanyahu is leading your people to annihilation and destruction. For he only makes plans for war, and only searches war. He has worked in the past to prevent the signing of the nuclear deal with Iran, and he failed. He is currently working with Trump to tear this agreement and to push the region to a new war. If Trump and Netanyahu push the region to a new war, this will be at your expense [Israelis], and it is you who will pay a very high price for the stupid policies of the head of your government. And Netanyahu is also pushing the region towards war against Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and the Resistance movements, under misleading titles and defensive excuses, for a preventive war as he claims. And here, I hope all Israelis will listen carefully to what I say: Netanyahu, his government and military officials did not correctly evalutate the magnitude this war will reach if they succeed to light its fires. What will be its extent, what will be its territory, who will participate on it, who will enter it... Netanyahu, his government and military officials do not know how this war will end if they start it. And I also confirm that they do not have an accurate picture of what awaits them if they undertake such a stupid act as this war. They have no clarity (of vision), nor accurate assessment, nor just image. If they kindle the fire of the coming war, (they have no idea) how far it will reach, how extended will be its embrace, and who will participate in it. That's why I now call first all Jews except the Zionists to detach their considerations from Zionist calculations who lead themselves to their final destruction. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter And I call on all those who came in occupied Palestine believing the promises that they would find the land of milk and honey to leave. I call them to leave Palestine and go back to the countries from which they came so that they don't become mere fuel in any war to which the stupid Netanyahu government would lead them. For if Netanyahu launched a war in this region, there may be no more time for them to leave Palestine, and there might be no safe place for them in occupied Palestine. [Audience chants: At Thy service, o Nasrallah] The enemy government must know that times have changed, as he must know that those with whom he hopes an alliance will be a burden for them because they need to be to defended themselves (and thus cannot help anyone). And the scale of the massacres committed by Israel against the Palestinian people and the peoples of the region, its partnership with Daesh and its open complicity in the project of partition of our region through its open and eager support to the secession of Kurdistan, all this will push the people of the region to render a capital verdict against them. I conclude by saying to the Israelis, the Israeli people base of this usurper entity: you know that what your political and military leaders say about Israel's ability to win a victory in any future war is largely composed of lies and illusions. What has been told you is largely made up of lies and illusions. And you know the extent of the flaws and loopholes that exist (in your army and society). And that's why you must not allow stupid and arrogant leaders to lead you into an adventure in which there will be perhaps the end of all things and all that entity. [...] Source: http://almanar.com.lb/2688343 - Translation: http://sayed7asan.blogspot.fr SIGN THIS PETITION TO HELP PROF. NORMAN FINKELSTEIN: https://www.change.org/p/supreme-court-appellate-division-disbar-michael-chetkof-and-allyson-burger-for-perjury-and-blackmail-750c9ecc-9119-44c4-9bda-cdce30abd24e In Case You Missed It 'God Has Given Trump authority to take out Kim Jong-un,' President's Evangelical Adviser Says October 08, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Texas pastor Robert Jeffress makes claim as tensions escalate between Pyongyang and Washington By Sarah Pulliam Bailey Texas megachurch pastor Robert Jeffress, one of President Trumps evangelical advisers who preached the morning of his inauguration, has released a statement saying the president has the moral authority to take out North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. When it comes to how we should deal with evildoers, the Bible, in the book of Romans, is very clear: God has endowed rulers full power to use whatever means necessary including war to stop evil, Jeffress said. In the case of North Korea, God has given Trump authority to take out Kim Jong Un. Jeffress said in a phone interview that he was prompted to make the statement after Trump said that if North Koreas threats to the United States continue, Pyongyang will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen. The biblical passage Romans 13 gives the government authority to deal with evildoers, Jeffress said. That gives the government the authority to do whatever, whether its assassination, capital punishment or evil punishment to quell the actions of evildoers like Kim Jong Un, he said. He said that many pacifist Christians will cite Romans 12 , which says, Do not repay evil for evil, but Jeffress says that the passage is referring to Christians, not to the government. A Christian writer asked me, Dont you want the president to embody the Sermon on the Mount? he said, referring to Jesuss sermon . I said absolutely not. In his sermon on the morning of Trumps inauguration in January, Jeffress, senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, compared Trump to the story of the biblical leader Nehemiah, who helped rebuild the city of Jerusalem. The first step of rebuilding the nation, Jeffress said, was the building of a wall around Jerusalem to protect its citizens. You see, God is not against building walls, Jeffress said in his sermon at St. Johns Episcopal Church in Washington. Jeffress is no stranger to controversy. He has said in the past that former president Barack Obama paved the way for the Antichrist and drew wide attention for calling Mormonism a cult during the 2012 Republican primaries. Jeffress knows his comments on North Korea could be considered controversial, even among fellow evangelicals. His megachurch in Dallas is a prominent Southern Baptist church, one where evangelist Billy Graham had membership for many years. In 2016, the church reported an average weekly attendance of about 3,700. Some Christians, perhaps younger Christians, have to think this through, Jeffress said. Its antithetical to some of the mushy rhetoric you hear from some circles today. Frankly, its because they are not well taught in the scriptures. Over the past two years, Jeffress said, Trump has been very measured, very thoughtful in every response. People instinctively know that this president is not going to draw an imaginary red line and walk around it like President Obama did, he said. Attitudes about North Korea among evangelicals are unclear, he said. An overwhelming number of white, evangelicals voted for Donald Trump, 81-16 percent, according to exit poll results. Facebook Live host Libby Casey talks to religion reporter Sarah Pulliam Bailey about how Trump appealed to this group and what they expect from him once in office. (The Washington Post) I think many evangelicals, like most Americans, really dont pay attention to global affairs, Jeffress said. I believe were all going to be forced to soon if North Korea isnt dealt with decisively. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Jeffress is unusual for an evangelical pastor because most pastors do not speak about specific foreign policy issues from the pulpit, except sometimes about Israel, said Amy Black, a political-science professor at Wheaton College, an evangelical institution in Illinois. Theologians and church leaders have debated the interpretation of Romans 13 for millennia, Black said. Most mainstream interpretations of the passage, she said, would suggest that God works through governmental leaders, but ultimate authority comes from God. Debate broke out among Christians in Germany during World War II over how to interpret this passage; some Christians believed they should follow the government while others set up a resistance movement. If anything, Romans 13 creates a conundrum, because it could be interpreted that Kim Jong Un has authority to govern, she said. Jeffress last met with Trump in July when a group of pastors laid hands on the president in the Oval Office. He said now that health care is off the table, evangelicals are hoping for tax reform, though he didnt have any specifics in mind. The access Jeffress has to the White House, Black said, may explain why many evangelicals have been so attracted to Trump. Some of the approval of Trump is less about the specific person and even specific policy, but its about someone who is listening to us, she said. Jeffress is a piece of that story of having access. Black says that Jeffress represents an old guard of evangelicals, closely aligned to leaders like popular radio personality and psychologist James Dobson and Pat Robertson, who founded the Christian Broadcasting Network. Many evangelicals now look to leadership from pastors like Rick Warren in California or Tim Keller in New York City, though Warren and Keller do not speak about politics very often. Were in a weird vacuum; were past the Jim Dobson and Pat Robertson era, but its not 100 percent clear who will fill their place, Black said. Jeffress, who was an early supporter of Trump, has said that after sharing Wendys cheeseburgers in Iowa, he believed Trump would be the next president and that it would be because God placed him there. In July, his church choir and orchestra performed a song called Make America Great Again at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in D.C., where Trump was in attendance. This story has been updated to provide further comments from Amy Black, a political-science professor at Wheaton College. This article was originally published by Washington Post - August 09, 2017 See also - Nobel peace prize winner rebukes Trump over nuclear standoff War Culture Gun Culture: Theyre Related By Lawrence Davidson Vietnam and Americas War Culture October 08, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - If you go to the Wikipedia page that gives a timeline of U.S. foreign military operations between 1775 and 2010, you are likely to come away in shock. It seems that ever since the founding of the country, the United States has been at war. It is as if Americans just could not (and still cannot) sit still, but had to (and still have to) force themselves on others through military action. Often this is aimed at controlling foreign resources, thus forcing upon others the consequences of their own capitalist avarice. At other times the violence is spurred on by an ideology that confuses U.S. interests with civilization and freedom. Only very rarely is Washington out there on the side of the angels. Regardless, the bottom line seems to be that peace has never been a deeply ingrained cultural value for the citizens of the United States. As pertains to foreign policy, Americas national culture is a war culture. It is against this historical backdrop that the recent Ken Burns eighteen-hour-long documentary on the Vietnam War comes off as superficial. There is a subtle suggestion that while those American leaders who initiated and escalated the war were certainly deceptive, murderously stubborn and even self-deluded, they were so in what they considered to be a good cause. They wanted to stop the spread of Communism at a time when the Cold War defined almost all of foreign policy, and if that meant denying the Vietnamese the right of national unification, so be it. The Burns documentary is a visual demonstration of the fact that such a strategy could not work. Nonetheless, American leaders, both civilian and military, could not let go. What the Burns documentary does not tell us and it is this that makes the work superficial is that none of this was new. Almost all preceding American violence abroad had been rationalized by the same or related set of excuses that kept the Vietnam slaughter going: the revolutionary War was about liberty, the genocidal wars against the Native Americans were about spreading civilization, the wars against Mexico and Spain were about spreading freedom, and once capitalism became officially synonymous with freedom, the dozens of bloody incursions into Central and South America also became about our right to carry on free enterprise. As time went by, when Washington wasnt spreading freedom, it was defending it. And so it goes, round and round. Understanding the history of this ghastly process, one is likely to lose all faith in such rationales. However, it seems obvious that a large number of Americans, including most of their leaders, know very little of the history of American wars (as against knowing a lot of idealized pseudo-history). That is why Ken Burns and his associates can show us the awfulness of the Vietnam war to little avail. The average viewer will have no accurate historical context to understand it, and thus it becomes just an isolated tragedy. While it all might have gone fatally wrong, the American leaders were assumed to be well intentioned. Describing the Vietnam War in terms of intentions is simply insufficient. In the case of war the hard-and-fast consequences of ones actions are more important than ones intentions. The United States killed roughly 2 million Vietnamese civilians for ideological reasons that its own leaders, and most of its citizens, never questioned. Most of its citizens, but not all. There was, of course, a widespread and multifaceted anti-war movement. The anti-war protesters were, in truth, the real heroes, the real patriots of the moment. Along with the accumulating body bags, it was the anti-war movement that brought an end to the slaughter. However, once more Burnss documentary comes off as superficial. Burns leaves the viewer with the impression that the only truly legitimate anti-war protesters were veterans and those associated with veterans. But those were only a small part of a much larger whole. Yet the millions of other Americans who protested the war are essentially slandered by by Burns. The documentary presents them as mostly Communist fellow travelers. We also see various representatives of that non-veteran part of the movement apologize for their positions. There is the implication that the movement had bad tactics. Here is an example: one of the points that the Burns documentary makes is how distasteful was the labeling of returning soldiers as baby killers. Actually this did not happen very often, but when it did, one might judge the charge as impolitic but not inaccurate. You cant kill 2 million civilians without killing a lot of babies. If we understand war in terms of the death of babies, then there might be fewer wars. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter U.S. leaders also sent 58,000 of their own citizens to die in Vietnam. Why did these citizens go? After all, this was not like World War II. North Vietnam had not attacked the United States (the Bay of Tonkin incident was misrepresented to Congress). The Vietcong were not Nazis. But you need an accurate take on history to recognize these facts, and that was, as usual, missing. And so, believing their politicians, the generals, and most of their civic leaders, many draftees and volunteers went to die or be maimed under false pretenses.The inevitable post-war disillusionment was seen by subsequent U.S. leaders as a form of mental illness, and they labeled it the Vietnam Syndrome. The syndrome was as short-lived as popular memory. In March of 2003 George W. Bush invaded Iraq under false pretenses and U.S. forces proceeded to kill half a million civilians. In the end, American behavior in Vietnam was not just tragically flawed it was criminal. But it was also historically consistent an expression of a long-standing and deep-seated war culture, a culture that still defines the American worldview and has become the very linchpin of its domestic economy. That is why the wars, large and small, never stop. Gun Culture to Complement the War Culture Americas propensity to violence in other lands is but one side of a two-sided coin. Callous disregard for civilian lives abroad is matched by a willful promotion of violence at home. That willful promotion is the product of a right-wing ideological orientation (stemming from a misreading of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution) that demands a nearly open-ended right of all Americans to own an almost unlimited number and types of firearms.The result is gun regulation laws that are embarrassingly ineffective. Again, the consequences of this position are much more profound than any claim that its supporters intentions are to defend citizens rights to own guns. Since 1968 about as many Americans have been killed in-country by gun violence (1.53 million) as have died in all of Americas wars put together (1.20 million). The numbers are too close to be dismissed as coincidence. Both reflect a culture of exceptionalism that grants at once the United States government, and its citizens, extensive rights to act in disregard of the safety and security of others. You would think Americans would recognize an obvious contradiction here. You cannot maintain a safe population and, at the same time, allow citizens the right to own and, largely at their own discretion, use firearms. Nonetheless, some Americans imagine that they have squared this circle by claiming that their guns are for self-defense and therefore do make for a safer society. This is just like the U.S. governments constant exposition that all its violence is committed in the name of civilization and freedom. In both cases we have a dangerous delusion. Ubiquitous gun ownership makes us unsafe, just as does the endless waging of war. The inability to see straight is not the sort of failing that can be restricted to one dimension. If you cant grasp reality due to ideological blinkers or historical ignorance, you are going to end up in trouble both at home and abroad not just one place, but both. And, the more weaponized you are, both as a state and as a citizen, the greater the potential for disaster. In the end the United States cannot stop killing civilians abroad unless it finds the wisdom to stop killing its own citizens at home and vice versa. That is the U.S. conundrum, whether Americas 320 million citizens realize it or not. Lawrence Davidson is a retired professor of history from West Chester University in West Chester PA. His academic research focused on the history of American foreign relations with the Middle East. He taught courses in Middle East history, the history of science and modern European intellectual history. http://www.tothepointanalyses.com Hard Censorship Hits the Internet US Media Credibility Collapses By Paul Craig Roberts October 08, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - According to this report , YouTube has shut down all independent media coverage of the Las Vegas shooting in a desperate maneuver to protect the official narrative. I cannot attest to the truth of this report. However, it has been brought to my attention that the video made from inside the hospital, which I provided in a link in my article , of what appears to be crisis actors carrying pretend wounded into the hospital has been taken down by YouTube. Clearly, if there are real wounded carried to the hospital, why at the same time have crisis actors acting the part? It seems obvious to me that the video was taken down, because those being carried are clearly not wounded and are not being handled in a professional way. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter I am aware of books by former insiders that describe the CIAs alliance with members of the media. When I was a member of the congressional staff, I was warned of the Washington Posts collaboration with the CIA. And we have the case of Udo Ulfkotte , whose book, Purchased Journalism, was a best seller in Germany, but the English translation was yanked from the market. Ulfkotte, an editor with one of Germanys main newspapers, wrote that he and most European journalists post articles handed to them by the CIA. The way that the One Percent rules is by controlling the explanations. They do that through official statements endlessly parroted by the presstitutes who have sold their souls. Remember, the presstitutes sold to the public the false story of Saddam Husseins weapons of mass destruction, the false story of Assads use of chemical weapons, the false story of Iranian nukes, the false stories about Gaddafi, about Russian invasion of Ukraine, about Afghanistan, and on and on. When the presstitutes are willing to lie at the expense of the destruction of millions of peoples, the infrastructures of the countries, and millions of refugees inflicted upon Europe, how can we believe the presstitutes about Las Vegas, Sandy Hook, etc., especially when contradictions in the official stories are never cleared up and in place of hard evidence we are given only assertions and photoshopped photos? Senator Richard Burr, Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee said two days ago that the committees investigation of Russiagate uncovered quite a few news outlets that ran stories that were not factual about Russiagate. He said we will use the findings of our report to let the American people hold every news organization accountable for what they portrayed as fact. Government in the United States and the media whores that service government agendas have an immense credibility problem. We cannot rely on the veracity of any government or media statement. Like the boy who cried wolf, Washington and the presstitutes have made it impossible to know when they are telling the truth. Dr. Paul Craig Roberts was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy and associate editor of the Wall Street Journal. He was columnist for Business Week, Scripps Howard News Service, and Creators Syndicate. He has had many university appointments. His internet columns have attracted a worldwide following. Roberts' latest books are The Failure of Laissez Faire Capitalism and Economic Dissolution of the West , How America Was Lost , and The Neoconservative Threat to World Order . Syria - Erdogan Is Afraid Of Entering Idleb By Moon Of Alabama October 08, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The Turkish President Erdogan announced the start of a Turkish operation in Idleb province of Syria. Idelb has been for years under the control of al-Qaeda in Syria, currently under the label Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. In the talks in Astana, Turkey, Russia and Iran agreed on a deescalation zone in Idelb to be supervised by all three of them. But the fight against al-Qaeda, aka HTS, would continue. Turkey is supposed to control the western part of the province including the city of Idleb. But the Turkish government is afraid to go there. During the last days there have been many reports and lots of pictures of Turkish force movements along the north-western Syrian border. But Turkey made no attempt to enter the country and it is doubtful that it will. Erdogan's announcement needs some parsing: "There's a serious operation in Syria's Idlib today and it will continue," Erdogan said in a speech to his AK Party, adding that Turkey would not allow a "terror corridor" on its border with Syria. "For now Free Syria Army is carrying out the operation there," Erdogan said. "Russia will be protecting outside the borders (of the Idlib region) and we will handle inside," he said. "Russia is supporting the operation from the air, and our armed forces from inside Turkey's borders," he added. "[F]rom inside Turkey's borders" means of course that the Turkish army will not (again) enter Syria. At least not now. Turkey has transferred some 800 of its "Turkmen" mercenaries from the "Euphrates Shield" area north-east of Aleppo [green] to the western border next to Idleb. "Euphrates Shield" was a fight against the Islamic State with the aim of interrupting a potential Kurdish "terrorist" corridor from north-east Syria to the north-western Kurdish enclave Afrin [beige]. Turkey lost a bunch of heavy battle tanks and some 70 soldiers in that fight. Erdogan was criticized in Turkey for the somewhat botched operation. The Turkish proxy fighters now sent into Idleb belong to the Hamza Brigade, Liwa al-Mutasem and other Turkish "Free Syrian Army" outfits. They will have to go in without tanks and heavy weapons. Some Turkish special forces with them might be able to call up artillery support from within Turkey. But no Turkish air support will be available as Syria and Russia insist of staying in control of the airspace. A recent video shows a group of HTS maniacs attacking an outpost like professional soldiers. They are equipped with AT-4 anti-tank missiles, 60mmm mortars, light machine guns and Milkor grenade launcher. They have good uniforms, fairly new boots and ammo carrier belts. This is not equipment captured from the Syrian army or second hand stuff from some former eastern-block country. It is modern "western" stuff. These folks still have some rich sponsor and excellent equipment sources. Russia has in recent weeks extensively bombed al-Qaeda positions in Idleb. Turkish intelligence may have helped with that. But AQ still has a very decent fighting force. The Turkish supported forces are likely no match for well equipped and battle hardened al-Qaeda fighters. Turkey had for nearly six years supplied and pampered al-Qaeda in Syria. The group has many relations and personal within Turkey. The Astana agreement now obligates Turkey to fight HTS. Erdogan sits in a trap he set up himself. Should it come to a conflict between HTS and Turkish forces in Syria, the fight would soon cause casualties in Ankara and Istanbul. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Erdogan might still believe that he can somehow domesticate HTS. The government controlled Anadolu agency does not even mention the al-Qaeda origin of the group nor its long control of the area. It is trying to paint a somewhat rosy picture of HTS as an anti-American outfit: Tahrir al-Sham, an anti-regime group, has come to the forefront with increasing activity in Idlib recently. Tahrir al-Sham has not made a direct statement against the deployment of Turkish troops to the region. On the other hand, the group and some opponents oppose the entry of various Free Syrian Army groups to Idlib, which are prepared to come from the Euphrates Shield Operation Area. The group justifies the opposition, saying that other groups expected to arrive in the region get support from the United States. The Turkish paper Hurriyet is less sensible with Erdogan's needs: Idlib is largely controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), spearheaded by a former al-Qaeda affiliate that changed its name last year from the Nusra Front. HTS is not party to a deal brokered by Russia, Turkey and Iran for the safe zone in the province, one of four such "de-escalation" zones nationwide. Ousting HTS forces from the area will be needed to allow the arrival of Iranian, Russian and Turkish forces to implement a de-escalation zone. In Astana Erdogan was given the task to clean up the mess he earlier created in Idleb by supporting the Jihadis. Erdogan does not like the job but has no choice. If the de-escalation fails because HTS stays in control, Syria and its allies will move into Idleb. Turkey will then have to cope with thousands of battle seasoned Jihdis and a million of their kinfolk as refugees. If Erdogan moves Turkish forces into the Idleb area it will become a very costly fight and he will soon be in trouble in his own realm. Making peace with HTS is not an option. HTS rejected all offers to "change its skin" and to melt away. Iran, the Astana agreement and a number of UN Security Council Resolutions also stand against that. It will be difficult for Turkey to untangle that knot. This article was originally published by Moon Of Alabama - See also - Turkey forces clash with Tahrir al-Sham in Syria US suspends all non-immigrant visa services in Turkey : US Embassy says recent events forced it to reassess Ankara's commitment to the security of US facilities and staff. Over N201 billion has been budgeted by the Kaduna as its budget in 2018 fiscal year, according to the state Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Muhammad Abdullahi, said at a town hall meeting on the proposal in Kaduna, that members of the general public were free to scrutinize the draft budget and make input before its presentation to the state Assembly. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the proposal, the government has earmarked N125 billion for capital expenditure and N75.5 billion for recurrent. The state will begin the new fiscal year with an opening balance of N8 billion, and expects an internal revenue of N40.9 billion in 2018 and N32 billion from the Federation Account. Abdullahi said that under the capital expenditure, N34.4 billion was for the economic sector, with Works, Housing and Transport having the largest chunk of N25.4 billion. He said that Rural and Community Development was allocated N3.8 billion, Agric and Forestry N3.6 billion, N1.1 billion was proposed for Commerce and Industry. The commissioner added that N47 billion was earmarked for the Social Sector with N30.2 billion going to education; N15.7 billion to health and N981 million to social development. Mr. Abdullahi further said that the Regional Sector was allocated N14.5 billion, out of which the government would spend N11.2 billion on water supply and N3.3 billion on environment. The budget also earmarked N29.8 billion for General Administration with the Executive having the largest share of N22.2 billion, Governance and Institutional Reform N5.4 billion, Law and Justice N1.5 billion and Legislature N546 million. The commissioner told the gathering that the 2018 budget was based on the Kaduna State Development Plan earlier developed with inputs from all stakeholders. This is our third town hall meeting specifically on the budget as part of fulfillment of the promise of this administration to ensure that our citizens have a say in the governance of the state. Our town hall meetings have not been a talk-shop. They have been platforms where we genuinely reflect on the inputs provided by the people. Since yesterday, our draft 2018 budget has been made publicly accessible and available for comments, criticisms and suggestions. We take all of these seriously because we know we are not perfect and we look to you today for your input before we deliver the budget to the assembly. He explained that the 2018-2020 Multi-Year Budget was hinged on the 2016 Zero- Based Budget principle tailored towards actualization of the State Development Plan 2016 2020. Mr. Abdullahi stressed that the key targets of the 2018 budget was the completion of all projects which would be rolled over from 2017 and actualisation of various government plans. Others are maintaining a favourable proportion of Capital to Recurrent expenditure target of 60 per cent/ 40 per cent; Leverage N800 billion in public private partnership, and expand the revenue base of the state by exploring untapped sources. We would also improve economic growth through investment in infrastructure and eliminating wastages and other unjustifiable expenditure that are not clearly linked to policy objectives, the commissioner said. (NAN) Earlier, Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai assured that work on the abandoned drainage in Kaduna and other majors towns in the state and urged apologised to residents over problems encountered due to non completion of the project. He also pledged to complete other ongoing projects started by his administration. Source: (NAN) A former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashid Ladoja, on Saturday met Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, in a private meeting. Emerging from the meeting, Ladoja backed the governors bid to contest in the 2019 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. The party has zoned the presidential ticket to the North while the Southwest is to produce the National Chairman. Fayose, who is the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, is from the Southwest. But Ladoja, while affirming that he was returning to the PDP, said that Fayose had the fundamental rights to contest for the nations number one seat. Governor Fayose is my own brother and he is a go-getter. Whatever he sets his mind to achieve, he goes for it and he gets it. He is eminently qualified and possesses all the leadership capabilities to rule Nigeria and take us out of the woods. Some people in the PDP have said that they have zoned the presidency to the north, but it is left for Fayose to convince the members in the PDP to support him for his presidential ambition. He is fit for it judging from his antecedents as a quintessential leader in the country. I also want to advise the party leadership to use zoning of the presidency in a way that would guarantee the PDP winning the election in 2019 and not as a way of favouring some individuals who may not be ready for the job. Ladoja said the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti should perish the thought of taking over power from the PDP in 2018. He also expressed confidence that the PDP would take over power from APC in Oyo in 2019, saying Governor Abiola Ajimobi had lost relevance, especially, with kingship crisis. The whole charade would not stand and cannot stand as our tradition, norms and regulations in Ibadan recognizes only Olubadan as the custodian of Obaship title and one who can confer it on anyone. Fayose has performed excellently well in governing Ekiti. There is no governor in this country today who can beat his chest two times and say my state came tops for two consecutive times in NECO. Source: ( Punch Newspaper ) Clear Lakes Don Humburg was an outdoor legend. Hunter, trapper, master angler, boat builder, decoy maker, you name it if it happened in the great out-of-doors, Humburg could do it. When the fall weather turned brisk and ducks were on the move, Don could be found at the Ventura Marsh, monitoring the migration from the cockpit of one of his lightweight, hand-crafted duck boats. Located at the western edge of Clear Lake, the sprawling Ventura Marsh was home to a collection of 10 weathered hunting shacks. Humburgs cabin The Ventura Hilton became a central focal point for outdoor discussions and roundtable debate. Once winter arrived and duck hunters returned home, Don stuck to the marsh, gathering prime muskrat pelts by chiseling through and trapping under the ice. Although its been nearly 15 years since his passing in December 2002, Humburg remains a frequent topic of conversation among outdoor enthusiasts. Humburg was a downright pleasure to spend time with. Rain or shine, his outdoor wisdom and humorous observations never failed to keep duck blind conversations rolling. Speaking of rain, Humburg and I were hunting together the first time I attempted to hunt ducks with a muzzleloading scattergun. A real collectors item, I had borrowed the gun from my friend, Ed Kotz. Manufactured in India, the 12-bore front loader had a beautifully burled walnut stock and 32-inch barrels. The locks had intricate hand engravings and the twin hammers had been formed into glaring snake heads. Although the old smooth bore consumed black powder in quantities to rival light artillery, it threw amazing patterns on paper and I was chomping at the bit to see how it would perform on the marsh. Our November hunt began with heavy overcast which soon gave way to light rain. Light rain became a downpour. It rained so hard that, even above the monsoons roar, you could hear individual drops pelting the decoys. Always prepared, Don had a big hunk of clear plastic viz queen which we fashioned into a surprisingly efficient, makeshift shelter. Although I tried my best to protect the shotguns caps, water was running off the barrels like a rain gutter. If any ducks should arrive, it seemed highly unlikely that the gun would fire. Despite the continuing deluge, a duck did appear a lone mallard that sailed in and landed in the decoys before we could respond. Humburg decided that this would be an excellent time for me to give the muzzleloader a try. If the soggy blunderbuss failed to ignite, he would finish the job with his Remington Wing Master. We hollered and the duck jumped. Shouldering the gun, I quickly squeezed the front trigger. The hammer dropped and the cap fired, but all that followed was a muffled gurgling that I suspected might resemble the sound a moose would make while attempting to clear its throat underwater. Things took a turn for the better when, a split second later, the remainder of that sputtering charge decided to ignite. Although still somewhat mushy, the explosion was enough to send the load of No. 7 shot on its way. The air filled with white smoke and the mallard fell, stone dead back into the decoys. Slack jawed and grinning from ear to ear, it was hard to tell which of us was most amazed. By the late 1960s, Humburg's decoy carvings had become highly sought-after items not just by other hunters but by nonhunting collectors as well. At regional gun shows, his decoy tables were sold out almost before the doors opened. When I returned home from the military in 1971, I received a wonderful surprise when Don presented me with a beautifully hand-carved drake wood duck. Although merely described as a working block the decoy was perfect in every detail. In the years that followed I used that drake, along with a small bag of lesser decoys, when hunting a favored out-of-the-way, willow-shrouded slough that was the nighttime roost for hundreds of wood ducks. Few people ever hunted the spot and following each excursion, I would carefully conceal the bag under some marsh vegetation. Worked great until the day I came to hunt and the bag was gone. Although maddening, the loss of the other decoys was no big deal. But the loss of the hand-carved wood duck was devastating. The theft was completely avoidable on my part and Ive kicked myself ever since. The decoy saga would have ended here had not my wife, Carol, visited the antique section of Ralphenes Gift Shop. Located at the midsection of Clear Lakes Main Drag, Ralphenes is an excellent place to prospect for forgotten treasures from yesteryear. Today would be no exception. There, sitting on a shelf way in the back, was a beautifully painted hand-carved, drake wood duck. Branded into the decoys base were the words Carved by Don Humburg. No, it was not the same bird I had once possessed, but the rare find was indeed fashioned by same hands. Well acquainted with the sad tale of my original decoy, Carol promptly had the wood duck boxed and gift-wrapped. When I opened the package, the sight of the decoy brought tears to my eyes. It was like finding an old friend. Following months of anticipation, the first nine-day segment of Iowas [North Zone] duck season finally began in late September. Returning to one of my favorite wood duck hot spots, I had added the Humburg decoy to a bag of lesser blocks. With each colorful sunrise of each new day, the woodies descended to our spread. Some I shot. Others I just watched as they swam in the decoys. Several ducks approached to within inches of the Humburg decoy. One hen approached the wooden drake on three separate occasions. With each new visit she would attempt to strike up a conversation with the decoy before swimming off again. She may have been in love. The days passed quickly and the final morning of the early duck season arrived all too soon. Following an extraordinarily colorful sunrise, more wood ducks piled into the hole than on any previous morning. Laying gun, decoys, and my bag of three fat, acorn fed drake wood ducks atop a muskrat lodge, I stepped back to admire the scene. The final outing had provided a brief but memorable conclusion to this years early duck hunts. Collecting my gear, I couldnt help but smile. Im sure Don would have greatly enjoyed knowing that decades after fashioning that beautiful decoy, wild ducks were still being fooled by his impeccable craftsmanship. It was the end of the road for three suspected kidnappers this morning inside the compound of the Federal Government Girls College, Umuahia, Abia State, during the schools monthly parents visiting day According to News Assure, the kidnappers were chased by mob who notice their activites around Ubakala junction, old umuahia. The kidnapper who were inside a tricycle, drove inside the compound of the school to mix up with other parents to evade arrest. The students and parents, however, joined in the search to locate them and the mob beat the three to stupor before the arrival of police officers. Source: ( News Assure ) Consumers of bushmeat in Bayelsa State have said that they were not worried by the outbreak of monkeypox, a viral disease transmitted from wild animals to humans. The disease was reported a fortnight ago and was said to have affected at least 13 people in the state according to Ebitimitula Etebu, Bayelsa Commissioner of Health. Mr. Etebu, who assured that the situation was under control, urged residents to be vigilant and wash hands after contact with wild animals who are the primary vectors for the monkeypox virus. The citizens were also warned against eating bush meat, a delicacy to many people in the state, as it is suspected to be one of the sources of contracting the disease. However, some of the residents, who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria on the advice from medical experts to curb spread of the virus, urged the government to lay emphasis on hygiene and not to blacklist bushmeat. The News Agency of Nigeria investigations in Yenagoa and Ogbia areas in Bayelsa on Sunday indicate that business is still thriving at bushmeat joints and restaurants that serve the delicacy. Some of the restaurants in Yenagoa and Otuoke that serve bushmeat, which were visited, were found to still be enjoying patronage despite warning from health practitioners. Endurance Frank, a restaurateur, said he was still eating bush meat and dismissed the views that eating the delicacy poses risk of contracting monkeypox. He said he did not believe that the disease was caused through eating bush meat. This is how they said Ebola is caused by bush meat. We wash ours here and cook it very well, the government officials who are handling the campaign against the disease should not use their job to kill the business of others. It is common knowledge that when bushmeat is cooked well no virus can survive it, so their message should rather be on advising people to ensure they cook bushmeat properly and the same is true for all types of meat. Even medical doctors from Federal Medical Centre, Otuoke outreach come here in Nikkys Bar. So why do they still come even as at Friday night, they were here and we enjoyed bushmeat together, Frank said. He urged the Federal Government to support those that have been isolated and ensure that the public is encouraged to maintain high hygiene standards as a preventive measure. Another resident, who patronises bushmeat joints, Felix Okpu, said even the outbreak of the disease would not deter him from eating bushmeat; adding that he was going to have his bushmeat delicacy at his favourite restaurant in Yenagoa. I must commend Bayelsa government for taking steps to curb the disease, but it is not enough to say that bushmeat is the cause rather they should educate people on how to handle meat generally and not single out bushmeat which is our favourite here in Bayelsa, he said. Ogidobor Digha, who operates a bushmeat bar in Otuoke, said her business was still thriving and yet to be affected by the outbreak of the monkeypox disease. She said that local hunters who supply her with assorted bushmeat still supply her with bush meat. I believe the disease is not caused by the bush meat in our bush here. Bush meat cannot be transmitting such disease in our environment here, and also we take extra care in preparing and handling the meat and also we allow it to cook properly, she said. (NAN) Nigerian celebrated author, Chimamanda Adichie, has taken a trip to Baltimore city in Maryland, United States, to spend time with her family. The 40-year-old author was seen having fun with her family while she was on a book tour in the States. In some of the photos that surfaced on social media, the lady was seen chilling with her family and friends. Adichie has published several bestselling novels like her Half of a Yellow Sun which was made into a movie in 2013. She is also the author of Purple Hibiscus, The Thing Around Your Neck and Americanah. source: Naij.com The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ) might be sued by the Ekiti State House of Assembly for arresting the Commissioner for Finance, Toyin Ojo, and the Accountant General, Mrs. Yemisi Owolabi. The arrest was majorly over the mismanagement of funds belonging to the state. The Speaker, Kola Oluwawole, accused the EFCC of usurping the powers of the assembly and raising false allegations against the two officials in order to justify its illegal action. Oluwawole argued that the anti-graft agency acted beyond its powers by effecting the arrest when the assembly vested with the oversight function on the finances of the state had not lodged any complaint. Also, he maintained that the arrest violated a subsisting order of a court barring the EFCC from arresting the duo. Sections 126 and 127 of the constitution empower the assembly to supervise the finances of Ekiti. We are not complaining because the governor has been transparent. The EFCC is a busybody and an interloper. The arrest is an aberration, absurd and illegal. We are going to challenge the EFCC in court. We have instructed our lawyer to do so. Meanwhile, a former Governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja, on Saturday, had a private meeting with Governor Ayodele Fayose. Ladoja approved the 2019 presidential ambition of Fayose. Governor Fayose is my own brother and he is a go-getter. Whatever he sets his mind to achieve, he goes for it and he gets it. He is eminently qualified and possesses all the leadership capabilities to rule Nigeria and take us out of the woods, he said. He also said the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti should forget about winning the states governorship in 2018 while expressing confidence that the PDP will take over from the APC in Oyo State. Source: ( Punch Newspaper ) A trained engineer who was occupationally linked to the billionaire kidnapper, Evans has begin to sing like a bird in police custody. A 53 -year-old suspected robber and kidnapper, Linus Opara, has said he did not know how billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwumadike a.k.a Evans lured him into his gang. Opara, who claimed to be a graduate of civil engineering, disclosed that he was an informant for Evans and his gang. He said this at the headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command in GRA, Ikeja Lagos. The 53-years-old said his role was to monitor victims while Evans paid him any amount he felt like for services rendered. Opara, prior to his arrest said he operated a company, Linok Construction Company located at No. 3 Umezinne Street, off Saint Peters Street, Alaba, Lagos. The informant, who was arrested at about 9pm on July 20, 2017 at his house in Igando, Lagos, claimed he was introduced to Evans by a late member of the gang identified as Doctor. He said: Do not look at my white hair; it is not as a result of old age. Rather, my hair turned white because of long suffering after my graduation as a civil engineer from the University of Ibadan. It is still a surprise to me how an illiterate person like Evans was able to lure me into kidnapping and all his illicit business. I studied Civil Engineering in the University of Ibadan. I am married with four children and they are still schooling. My wife is a graduate of Accountancy from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), but she has not secured work till date. I am not anything to Evans. We only address him as chairman and sometimes as president of group of companies. I was arrested and taken to the State Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS) building in Ikeja on 20th July, 2017. I saw Evans for the first time the day I supplied a nutrition supplement because I am a distributor. The second time I met Evans was when policemen took me from their cell to an unknown place in Lagos, because I was blindfolded. I could not see where they were taking me to. It was when they took me to Evans that they removed the blindfold and I saw him. I addressed him as Nwachinemelu. Police were asking both of us questions and I was answering accordingly. They asked me how many times I worked for Evans and I said two times, and that I turned him down the third time that he asked me to do another job. I told the police that I monitored victims for him and he paid me. I did not know the names of the victims. During the first work I did for him, he sent a motorcycle rider to meet me at Olowola Bus Stop. He gave my phone number to him and he called me. When I met him, I asked him where he was taking me to. He said he was taking me to Trade Fair area. So I entered (sic) his motorcycle and he took me to under the bridge at Trade Fair. He drove (rode) towards Mile 2 area. Evans called me and asked where we were and I told him. But he asked me to go home; that I had done well. When we reached Alakija, I told him and he said I should not worry myself; that he had told others to allow me to go to my house. When he called again, he asked me to send my bank account number to him. I sent my First Bank account number to him and he wired the sum of N2 million to my account. I was surprised. The second time, it was the same process as he already had my bank account number. He sent me the sum of N700,000. When he called me for the third job, I told him that I was not interested, because I started sensing some errors in the business, like getting afraid for the kind of money he was giving me. The money he was giving me in the twinkle of an eye was bigger than the money I used to make in a whole year as a civil engineer. President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to quit as petroleum minister by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana. Mr. Buhari has held on to the position of petroleum minister but named Ibe Kachikwu as the Minster of State for Petroleum. Mr. Falanas call is coming after Mr. Kachikwu accused the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Maikantu Baru, of violating due process in the award of $25 billion contract. In a petition to President Muhammadu, which eventually leaked to the media, Mr. Kachikwu also accused Mr. Baru of insubordination. In his statement on Sunday, Mr. Falana said it was better for Mr. Buhari to appoint someone else to supervise the ministry. Having regard to the enormous responsibilities of the office of the Minister of Petroleum Resources and Chairman of the NNPC Board President Buhari is advised to relinquish the ministerial position in view of his busy schedule and appoint another Nigerian of proven integrity and competence to superintend the affairs of the Ministry. If this advice is accepted in good faith and acted upon without any delay it would remove undue pressure on the health of the President and allow him to attend to urgent matters of the state, he said. PREMIUM TIMES reported how Messrs. Buhari and Kachikwu held a closed door meeting on Friday over the matter. Mr. Baru, who is yet to speak publicly on the matter, was also at the presidential villa where he met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Mr. Falana also, however, called for Mr. Barus suspension while calling for an investigation into the matter by relevant agencies including the anti-graft EFCC. Femi Falana [Photo credits: Newsbreakers] Femi Falana [Photo credits: Newsbreakers] Read Mr. Falanas full statement below. The people of Nigeria were surprised last week to read the embarrassing petition of the Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, addressed to President Buhari pertaining to his inability to consult with the President and substantive Minister of Petroleum Resources and the unilateral award of $25 billion contracts by Mr. Maikanti Baru, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Although it was reported that Mr. Kachikwu has since been given access to the President the details of the discussions between the duo have been not been made public. However, apart from sanctioning the officers responsible for creating the wide gulf between Mr. Kachikwu and the President the allegation of the unilateral award of contracts worth $25 billion by Mr. Baru ought to be investigated in line with the anti-corruption policy of the Buhari administration. In order to conduct a thorough investigation into the grave allegations of the reckless contravention of the provisions of the Public Procurement Act Mr. Baru should be placed on indefinite suspension while the presidency should refer the case to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. And once it is confirmed that the said $25 billion contracts were awarded without the approval of the NNPC Board they should be revoked while the recent appointment of the heads of the parastatals in the oil and gas industry should be reviewed in line with the Constitution and the Federal Character Commission Act. Curiously, the presidency has demanded for the minutes of the meetings of the NNPC Board. This demand has confirmed that the meetings of the Board which are statutory required to be chaired by the Minister of Petroleum Resources have not been held as and when due. More importantly, the demand has corroborated that aspect of Mr. Kachikwus petition alleging that the powers of the Board have been usurped by Mr. Baru. Source: ( NAN ) A Nigerian, Jelili Omoyele, 35-year-old cellular phone technician, was allegedly shot dead in Johannesburg on Saturday, the Nigeria Union, South Africa, has said. Its President, Mr Adetola Olubajo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone from Johannesburg that Omoyele, a.k.a Ja Rule and native of Ibadan, Oyo State, was killed at a parking lot at Doornfontein, Gauteng Province. He said a fact-finding team to the scene led by him and National Welfare Officer, Mr Trust Owoyele, met an eyewitness, Mr Sipususo Mkalipi, a South African taxi driver, who confirmed the killing. The deceased and the son of the caretaker of a parking lot had an argument over an unpaid R300 (N11,400) rent. The witness said that the deceased decided to leave his car in the parking lot till Monday because he had no money to pay, but the caretakers son shot him on his way out of the building. Omoyele gave up the ghost a few minutes later, he said. Olubajo said Mkalipi was the driver, who brought the victim to the parking lot. According to him, a murder docket has been opened at Jeppe police state near Johannesburg while the case has been forwarded to the unions legal adviser, Mr Omoreige Ogboro, for a follow-up. The Nigeria Union President also said the incident had been reported to the Nigerian Mission in South Africa. We implore the mission to give necessary support to the union in order to ensure that justice is served. Omoyele is survived by a pregnant wife also in South Africa and his parents in Nigeria, he said. The Cross River State Police Command on Saturday rescued one Mrs. Comfort Udoenwang, kidnapped on October 2, 2017 by gunmen and taken to Akpap-Okoyong village in Odukpani Local Government Area of the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hafiz Inuwa, who disclosed this in Calabar, said the victim was rescued in the early hours of Saturday. Inuwa said the suspect was whisked away on October 2, along Jesus Avenue in Calabar-South. He added that the rescue operation was carried out by the newly formed anti-kidnapping/cultism unit of the command. He said, At the early hours of Saturday, my men swooped into a kidnappers hideout identified to be that of a syndicate that specialises in kidnapping, robbery and assassination as well as that of a group that kidnapped Mrs. Udoenwang. On sighting the police, the hoodlums opened fire on our detectives and as a result of exchange of fire, one of the suspects, Isaac Sabastine, was gunned down. His dead body has been deposited at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital mortuary. We recovered one locally-made pistol and a live cartridge, axe, Nigerian army camouflage, one mask and one Black Axe confraternity banner. We also arrested one of the suspects, Elle David, while their kingpin, one Ayi Etok, narrowly escaped with gunshot wounds. A Toyota Highlander with number plate ANA 420 CK belonging to the victim was also recovered. Investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects. The commissioner warned those with criminal intent to desist from the act, saying the command under his leadership would not spare anyone caught engaging in illegality. Thousands of Nigerians in diaspora did not miss out on the Independence day celebration as they gathered to offer their own form of excitement. Tens of thousands of Nigerians from all over the U.S. and beyond on Saturday converged on New York for the annual Nigerian Independence Day Parade and Festival. A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which is the largest gathering of Nigerians outside of the homeland, also marked Nigerias 57th independence anniversary. The Parade Route, which began at Second Avenue on E. 54th Street, ended at E. 44th Street at Nigeria House, New York. Among the several Nigerian groups that actively participated were the Igbo Organisation, USA, Faith-based organisations, Nigerian Nurses Association of USA, Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians and cultural troupes. State associations in the U.S. were also represented, while several decorated carnival floats and green-white-green flags and costumes added colour to the event. Nationals of several countries also joined in the parade with Ghanaian contingent having their carnival float. Personnel of the New York Police Department shut down half of the Second Avenue from 54th Street to 44th Street to motorists for the Parade by the various groups. The Cherubim and Seraphim Churches in USA ws adjudged with having the best Parade Float while the Nigerian Nurses Association won the second position and the ATiDE group came third. The Parade was followed by the Independence Day Festival at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza near the UN Headquarters. The whole of 47th Street on First and Second Avenues were blocked by Nigerians and spectators from other countries at the event. Known as the largest celebration of Nigeria outside the homeland, the 26th annual Nigerian Independence Day Parade celebrated the very best of Nigerias food, music and people. Thousands of Nigerian youths also had the best of time as they had a good and enjoyable time singing and dancing to Nigerian music. The event also showcased Nigerias unique culture and promoted the positive image of Nigeria to the rest of the world as several onlookers joined in dancing to the Nigerian music. There was also celebration of Nigerian music, food as participants of all ages wore their favourite cultural attires. Three German tourists were killed and 11 others injured in a bus accident in Antalya, on Turkeys southern Mediterranean coast, the DHA news agency reported. The German Foreign Ministry confirmed Sunday that the victims were members of a tour group from Germany. It said that representatives of the German consulates general in Izmir and Antalya had visited the injured in hospital. The accident took place on Saturday when the driver of the minibus carrying the tour group from the airport lost control of the vehicle in rainy weather and crashed against a palm tree on a traffic divider. They were heading for the tourist town of Manavgat. Among the injured was a one-year-old child. The driver of the bus was arrested, according to Hurriyet newspaper. Source: (dpa/NAN) MASON CITY | City Administrator Brent Trout said Saturday the city has several options if revenues fall short of expectations in the proposed River City Renaissance project. Trout and other officials fielded questions from an audience of about 40 during a public forum on the project in the FEMA Room at Mason City High School. In answer to a question about possible revenue shortfalls, Trout said the structure of the TIF (tax increment financing) is set up "to make adjustments in the middle" if necessary. Also, he said, the city is using $70,000 a year in hotel/motel tax revenue to pay for public library renovations. "That ends in three years, and I can't think of a better way of using that money than to put it toward this project," said Trout. Many of the questions had to do with the proposed ice arena, the hotel/conference center, the renovations to The Music Man Square and to the two public issues that will be on the ballot on Nov. 7. The River City Renaissance project is a $38 million plan for which the city is seeking $10 million in state funds through the Iowa Reinvestment Act. The plan submitted to the state includes an ice arena/multipurpose center to be built in Southbridge Mall in the area vacated by J.C. Penny; a performing arts pavilion at the north entrance to the mall; a 106-room Hyatt hotel in the south parking lot of the mall that will connect with The Music Man Square which will be renovated to include a conference center. A new museum will be built because the conference center will occupy the space where the museum is now. The public will be asked in November to vote on (1) a lease agreement with Southbridge Mall regarding the ice arena; and (2) issuance of up to $14 million in bonds to pay city expenses related to the hotel/Music Man Square project. Phillip Sanchez asked if anything in the overall project could be salvaged if the public issues fail. Trout said both are relevant to the project submitted to the state. "If they are not approved, we can't salvage the project as a whole," he said. Roger Schlitter said he is familiar with a venue in Mankato that has a hotel and arena and is similar to what is being proposed for Mason City. It is booming, he said. "I can't see why anyone would be against this." Larrey Loeckle, a former city councilman, who was in the audience, said he wants Gatehouse to put up other properties it owns as collateral on this project. He asked David Rachie, a Gatehouse representative who was present, to make that part of the development agreement. Rachie did not respond. Former Councilman Max Weaver said he was not against the concept of the project but said the city's numbers do not add up. He said estimated crowd sizes for the various venues are too high and that an ice arena can be built for much less than what the city is proposing. At one point as Weaver talked, audience member Jim Collison objected, saying, "I thought this was an informational forum, not an advocacy forum." The session lasted 90 minutes with Trout, at-large council members Bill Schickel and Paul Adams, Rachie and North Iowa Corridor EDC Director Chad Schreck taking part. A 35-year-old Nigerian cellular phone technician, was allegedly shot dead in Johannesburg on Saturday. This was announced by the Nigeria Union in South Africa. Its president, Adetola Olubajo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone from Johannesburg that Mr. Omoyele, a.k.a Ja Rule, a native of Ibadan, Oyo State, was killed at a parking lot at Doornfontein, Gauteng Province. He said a fact-finding team to the scene led by him and National Welfare Officer, Trust Owoyele, met a witness, Sipususo Mkalipi, a South African taxi driver, who confirmed the killing. The deceased and the son of the caretaker of a parking lot had an argument over an unpaid R300 (N11,400) rent. The witness said that the deceased decided to leave his car in the parking lot till Monday because he had no money to pay, but the caretakers son shot him on his way out of the building. Omoyele gave up the ghost a few minutes later, he said. Mr. Olubajo said Mr. Mkalipi was the driver, who brought the victim to the parking lot. According to him, a murder docket has been opened at Jeppe police state near Johannesburg while the case has been forwarded to the unions legal adviser, Omoriege Ogboro, for a follow-up. The Nigeria Union President also said the incident had been reported to the Nigerian Mission in South Africa. We implore the mission to give necessary support to the union in order to ensure that justice is served. Omoyele is survived by a pregnant wife also in South Africa and his parents in Nigeria, he said. Source: (NAN) Many of us denizens of major Western metropolitan centres have been there at some point. A few light ales turn into a few more and before you know it you're standing in the queue for a kebab with the dawning realisation that the last train leaves in two minutes and you're never going to make it. You don't fancy the prospect of three buses so out comes the phone and you hit up the Uber app. That option may soon be taken away for residents of the British capital as Transport for London last month refused to renew Uber's license to operate in the city. So ingrained into the fabric of London life is the cut-price ride hailing app's services that in a few short days, nearly a million people signed the company's public petition to Mayor Sadiq Khan. One of the key arguments deployed by Uber is that, if the decision is upheld following appeal, it will put more than 40,000 drivers out of work. The decision is undoubtedly a devastating one for Uber's drivers, but in the long run many of them may have ended up out of work anyway. The reason for this is that Uber has set itself up as a pioneer of driverless car technology and with the courts challenging the notion that its drivers are self-employed individuals not entitled to minimum wage and holiday pay, it is not a huge leap of the imagination to envision that the next step in the evolution of the gig economy is to take workers out of the equation entirely and replace them with machines and AI. According to an Oxford University study, around 47% of all current US jobs could be automated by 2034. That's not to say new jobs won't be created, but there's no denying technological trends will put a massive dent in the labour market. So what can we do about it? One suggestion that is gaining traction to the extent that it was hinted at by UK opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn last month is taxing robots. Such a tax might be placed on companies that replace human workers with computers or machines and would be used to fund the retraining of staff put out of work. The prospect of higher taxes for companies is never going to go down well, but on a macroeconomic level it makes sense. Companies replace people with machines because machines are cheaper. In the short-term this is good for profits. But unemployed humans don't tend to spend all that much on goods and services, so over time these trends will hurt corporate bottom lines unless they invest back in retraining people to take up new jobs. The idea is still in its infancy, but it is one International Tax Review intends to investigate in more detail in upcoming issues unless we have all been replaced by machines, in which case I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords. Salman Shaheen Managing editor, International Tax Review salman.shaheen@euromoneyplc.com Saudi Arabias trade minister will visit Iraq in the coming days as the kingdom plans to partake in a Baghdad exhibition, the Iraqi ambassador in the kingdom said. Rushdi al-Aani told London-based, Saudi-owned Asharq al-Awsat that a Saudi commerce delegation will take part in the Baghdad International Exhibition 2017 with more than 60 Saudi companies. The exhibition is held between 10th and 20th of October, according to the ambassador. Aani said the anticipated Saudi participation is unprecedented, with Saudi companies having reserved the largest portion of the venue to offer its products and consultancy services, noting that the fact reflects eagerness by both countries to boost economic and commercial exchange. He said that the reopening of the Arar border crossing between both countries in August after 27-year closure, will help increase the flow of goods. Relations between Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia and the Shia-dominated Iraqi government have been tensional over the past few years due to Saudi Arabias opposition to the involvement of Iraqi Shia paramilitary forces in the fight against Islamic State. Saudi Arabia has always been irritated by the influence of Shia Iran, it arch regional enemy, over Iraqi politics. But the past months have seen an obvious rapprochement between both countries, with top-level officials exchanging visits and expressing eagerness to boost political, security and economic cooperation. | Soruce: Iraqi News | The Iraqi foreign ministry called on Turkey and Iran to close their border gates with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and limit all business transactions with the KRG, particularly oil export, in an official statement. The statement also noted that the Iraqi government is cooperating with Turkey and Iran to implement all steps taken within the limits of the law, and within the scope of good neighborly relations, respecting Iraqs sovereignty, boosting bilateral cooperation and confronting common threats. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan earlier stated that the borders will be sealed soon, in the aftermath of the illegitimate referendum held by the KRG on Sept. 25. | Soruce: Yani Safak | A number of GPs in Limerick are charging pensioners with medical cards for the flu vaccine, according to Deputy Maurice Quinlivan who raised the issue in the Dail this week. It is despite the injection being made free of charge by the HSE following years of severe outbreaks. Get unlimited access to all content and features at ivpressonline.com with our Full Online Access Subscription. Read our E-Edition, the digital replica of the print newspaper online, access content in exclusive sections including Family, Teen, Business, Databases, Farm and more. This option does not include daily home delivery of the Imperial Valley Press newspaper. For home delivery service, please select Premium or Premium Plus. It took the U.S. Department of Homeland Security a year to inform Wisconsin officials that the Russian government had targeted the state's voter registration system. And when federal officials finally did convey the information this month to the state Elections Commission, state officials offered conflicting statements about what had actually happened. The confusing episode was troubling, to say the least, and prompted questions about what the state has done and must do in the future to protect the integrity of Wisconsin's vote. Thankfully, no evidence so far suggests Russian hackers gained access to voter registration information here. Wisconsin also forbids its voting machines from being connected to the internet, making them very difficult to access or manipulate. Still, the very idea that Russia would be targeting Wisconsin in any way, for any reason, should prompt state officials to redouble their efforts to protect our computer data and systems. State leaders also should ensure that election officials have the resources they need to defend against any further meddling. Gov. Scott Walker and the Republican-run Legislature dismantled the state's strong, independent and nonpartisan Government Accountability Board last year just a few months before the presidential election, and only a month before Russian scanning of state computers began. That was poor timing for such a big change, because the GAB oversaw elections. GOP leaders replaced the GAB with two partisan commissions one overseeing elections, the other in charge of ethics. The new entities have fewer resources and less power to investigate and spend money. And last month, Gov. Walker vetoed funding for several Elections Commission positions from the state budget. That was unwise. State officials last week stressed that Wisconsin's Division of Enterprise Technology routinely blocks scanning attempts of state computer systems, and it successfully stopped a potentially malicious ad from appearing on an Elections Commission computer that otherwise could have connected an unsuspecting user to "Russian government cyber actors." Wisconsin was one of 21 states that Russian entities targeted for computer vulnerabilities, according to Homeland Security. Whatever the Russians were trying to do, their attempt to mess with Wisconsin's election administration is highly disturbing. Moving forward, state officials must ensure that voting data and machines stay safe. And if that costs more money, voters should support higher expense for greater security. For starters, the Elections Commission should encrypt the state's voter registration website while strengthening its password protections. Election officials also should step up their monitoring of voting machines and any private vendors who service them. The integrity of Wisconsin's election system must be an even higher priority now that Russian hacking attempts have been uncovered so close to home and at the heart of our democracy. NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Critical Mention today announced that it has added more than 700,000 international news, blog and social sources from over 273 countries in 91 different languages to its media monitoring platform. This addition expands Critical Mentions industry-leading content set to include millions of new sources that clients can search and be alerted in real-time. The world is growing smaller by the day and news travels around the globe more quickly than ever before. We see global content as a must-have for our clients and for that reason, weve made it a part of our service at no additional charge, said Don Yount, CEO of Critical Mention. As the leading world-wide real-time aggregator of live television and radio content, we knew it would make sense to offer similar best-in-class capability and speed for global online news as well, he added. After nearly tripling the amount of online news available in its platform, Critical Mention now aggregates, on average, more than 71 million articles per month from more than 1.2 million online sources. Clients still receive real-time alerts within one minute of story ingest in addition to the 1.5 million hours of broadcast and 500 million tweets searched and alerted in similar fashion each month. Critical Mentions clients include public relations practitioners and marketing professionals who need to see all their online news, television and radio, and social media coverage in one fast, intuitive and easy-to-use platform. Clients use this content to spot trends, analyze, report on and refine their media relations efforts. Vice President of Client Relations, Matt Darling, stated, Even with the dramatically increased amount of content, clients will still have the lightning fast ad-hoc searching performance that sets Critical Mention platform apart from our competition, saving them tons of time so they can focus on important work. See Critical Mention at the PRSA International Conference in Boston, October 810, 2017. About Critical Mention Critical Mention is the leading global media monitoring platform combining real-time broadcast, online and social media coverage with advanced reporting and analytics. Every day, Critical Mention collects and indexes online news articles, social media posts, and broadcast programming so that communications and public relations professionals at corporations, non-profits, and marketing agencies can stay on top of their media coverage. Founded in 2002, Critical Mention is headquartered in New York City. To learn more, visit www.criticalmention.com Media Contact Chris Cunniffe ccunniffe@criticalmention.com 212-400-8892 We rely on your support to make local news available to all Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today Vicki Alston of High Point has been appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper to the Executive Mansion Fine Arts Committee as an at-large member. She is the president of Vicki Alston Interiors, which specializes in residential and commercial design. Alston serves on the High Point Arts Council, is past vice chairwoman of the High Point Convention & Visitors Bureau, and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Robert Hill of Boone has been appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper to the N.C. Psychology Board as a member who is a licensed psychologist. He serves as an ombudsman and associate professor of psychology at Appalachian State University. Hill is a clinical psychologist and certified with the American Board of Professional Psychology. He is currently the chairman of the N.C. Psychology Board. Ashley Distribution Services, of Ashley Furniture, has been named the Private Fleet Carrier of the Year by Transplace. Transplace is a logistics-services provider. It offers logistics technology and transportation-management services. The award recognizes transportation-service providers for consistent high performance in such areas as on-time service, tender acceptance and claims. It also recognizes superior customer service, responsiveness, and the accuracy and timeliness of invoicing and status updates. Chris Mack has been named to the Local Government Federal Credit Unions Western Piedmont Advisory Council. Mack is a senior community assistance liaison for the city of Winston-Salem. The council covers, Forsyth, Davidson and Stokes counties and educates people to the benefits of credit-union membership and the products and services credit unions offer. Will Henderson has been promoted to senior associate at CBRE Triad. He joined CBRE Triad in July 2014 as an associate. Henderson will provide planning, tenant and landlord representation in the office and industrial sectors, and also acquisition and disposition services for his clients. Novant Health Kernersville Medical Office Building and Outpatient Surgery Center has opened on the Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center campus. The building has 60,000 square feet and will house physician offices and suites, two operating rooms and a procedure room. The ambulatory surgical center, which will be on the second floor, is scheduled to be completed in 2018. These Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center staff members received awards or honors in September: Dr. Francis Walker, a professor of neurology, has received the 2017 Distinguished Researcher Award from the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine. Dr. Patrick Ober, a professor of endocrinology and metabolism was named to the Wall of Fame at his alma mater, the University of Florida College of Medicine. Michael T. Munley, Ph.D., a professor of radiation oncology, biomedical engineering and physics, has been elected by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine as a fellow of the association. Cameron Thomason, the administrative director of pathology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, has been named treasurer of the North Carolina Healthcare Financial Management Association for the 2017-28 fiscal year. Monalisa Hassan and Mustafa Abid, second-year students at Wake Forest School of Medicine, have been awarded Benjamin H. Kean Travel Fellowships in Tropical Medicine from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center has received international recognition as a baby-friendly designated birth facility. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global initiative of the World Health Organization and UNICEF, was begun in 1991. The goal is to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies through breast-feeding and immediate skin-to-skin bonding. Theres neither sign nor spotlight in the yard. Theres nothing to indicate that a nondescript, 1,100-square foot, single-story rental is either cursed or unfortunate. The house, at 2051 Bloomfield Drive about a quarter mile off busy Waughtown Street in the citys south side business district, is known to police as its been the scene of two unrelated killings. The oddity that it would happen twice at the same location, thats rare, said Lt. Mike Cardwell, the commander of the Winston-Salem Police Departments homicide unit. It would draw attention, two incidents in the same place. We looked that first night (after the second murder) in July and found no commonality between them. Nothing advertises the place as the site of two murders. Why would there be? Still, the neighborhood knows. People whisper. Fingers are pointed. Theories floated. The facts, troublesome though they may be, cause problems for its owner, potential tenants and people who live nearby. Nobody wants to live on top of trouble. Is it the neighborhood or a few bad actors? It is unlucky? Or cursed? Maybe its both. Purposeful acts The owner of the house, 68-year-old Karen Gilbert, bought it and four others in 2010 for $85,000 as an investment, rentals that could guarantee her a steady income. I dont need to have rental properties, she said. But Im helping with my grandchildren. I have to take care of them. The other four houses, in the same vicinity, and its occupants, have never caused her any problems beyond the routine things that happen when youre dealing with old houses that were built between 1917 and 1940. Things break. But that house on Bloomfield Drive is a different story. The night of July 20, 2014, a 17-year-old named Danny Joe Harris was shot to death inside the house during a drive-by shooting. Two women were injured; one had to have part of her leg amputated. Police said shots were fired after an argument. The gist of it there were 17 people in the house at the time was difficult to come by. Statements and witness accounts differed. But according to court records, it boiled down to a beef over stolen property. Stuff. One young woman accused somebody who lived in the Bloomfield Drive house of being involved with a group of people who ransacked her house, which was down the block, and stealing some of her things. Heated words and threats were exchanged. Beer bottles were thrown, and then the drive-by in which at least 17 shots were fired. In 2016, two men were convicted of involuntary manslaughter and assault with a deadly weapon, among other charges. Both got prison time. One, Larry Kennard Cloud Jr., got a minimum of 4 years. The second, William Darnell Ruth III, received a minimum of one year and six months. Some misdemeanors draw harsher sentences. I dont want to live here. Im scared, testified Lakisha Green, one of the victims, at Clouds sentencing in April 2016. She moved from the area afterward. The second killing happened this summer, on July 25, nearly two years to the day of Harris death. In that one, a 32-year-old named Maurice Antonio Cuthbertson was killed after answering the front door about 11:30 p.m. I didnt come out of my house when I heard the shot because I was scared, Derrick Smith, a neighbor, reported the following morning. According to social media accounts, Cuthbertson was a graduate of North Forsyth High and Guilford Technical Community College and had a baby daughter. No arrests have been made, but investigators have some active leads. Gilbert believes drugs may have played a role; Cardwell said his investigators have found no drug connection. All indications are it was purposeful, not a random act, he said. There are no connections between the homicides. We looked at it right away. The detectives remembered the first one. An aura Two killings, two years apart happened in the same small house on a short, dead-end street. What are the odds? Through no fault of her own Gilbert, the owner of the house, was put back into a familiar and uncomfortable spot. She had to clean up behind a second killing and deal with the fallout it caused. You do (background) checks on everybody, she said, referring to tenants and prospective tenants. I dont go over there and meddle in peoples business every day. You cant control peoples lives. If you make a mistake you get burned. She was fortunate to find a prospective tenant, a young man new to the area named Charles Sandidge, who agreed to move in with his partner. He signed a contract and put down a deposit on the rent and utilities. He and his partner stayed for two weeks. Then he found out about the killings and wanted out. It was crazy, he said. It was unsafe and the aura of the house we just didnt like it. He sought to get out of the lease and asked for some of the $500 he put down to be returned. He said Gilbert never told him about the killings; she says she did. There are no legal obligations to tell anyone anything about a murder, Gilbert said. But I did. I dont feel like its right not telling them. Whatever the answer, the lease was canceled and $300 of the $500 returned. Sandidge said he was billed for repairs; Gilbert said he only asked for $300. The house sits empty now and likely will for the foreseeable future. Unlucky, an aura, whatever you want to call it, the 1,100 square-foot rental at 2051 Bloomfield Drive has a stigma and will for some time. The neighborhood knows; and Google is forever. Im going to let that one sit, Gilbert said. I dont try to get as much (rent) as I could out of the houses. I try to help needy people who could use a break. But were going a different route with that house. I dont have to rent it. Updated at 9:12 a.m. GREENSBORO A man who was killed at Sherwood Forest Apartments on Milton Street has been identified. John Cook, 22, of 6520 Quarterbridge Lane, Charlotte, was shot to death Sunday morning during a fight while at a party at the apartment building, according to a police news release. He was a former N.C. A&T student. Police are investigating the shooting as a homicide. This is Greensboro's 36th homicide of the year. GREENSBORO A person died after being shot Sunday morning in the Brice Street Area. Police responded to the apartment complex at 707 Milton St. in reference to a shooting, according to a police news release. Officers found a person with serious injuries who was then transported to a local hospital where they were pronounced dead. The incident is being investigated as a homicide. The victims name is not being released at this time. The investigation is ongoing. This is the city's 36th homicide of the year. Downtown Winston-Salem has been happening for a while, but the City of Arts and Innovation still has the ability to transform. One example of the ever-evolving landscape is the Benton Convention Center, recently renovated and now a downtown venue that reflects signature Winston-Salem characteristics, including the distinctive works of local talent in exhibitions like the current Public Art Project. A curated collection of work from the Associated Artists of Winston-Salem, the Public Art Project exhibitions include creations from AAWS members interspersed among permanent installations. Ranging from large-scale paintings to photography and even an Art-o-mat, the art on display features many local icons, both human and other. This is part of a series of portraits titled In Their Own Words, said Dennis Wells, referencing his representation of Maya Angelou. I create the portraits using quotes from the persons life. Maya is such a large figure here that it seems perfect for her to be part of the permanent installation. A key community figure in his own right, Tommy Priest and his wife, Kendall, brought family and friends to the Friday night Gallery Hop reception at the Benton Convention Center. Priest stopped in front of a work by Owens Daniels. I hadnt seen this piece except online, he said. To see it in person brings it to life. It tells Owens story and how his trip to New York was transformative. Susan Foushee and Shirley Fly attended, pausing in front of a piece by Barbara Eure. We came to see the Associated Artists exhibit and the new Benton Convention Center, Fly said. I think people will be surprised when they see the talents of local artists. Bill Scherbaks Epiphany captured the attention of many who attended. A member of AAWS for more than seven years, Scherbak said that he was inspired by another form of art. We live in a marvelous universe, he said. This painting was inspired by images that came from the Hubble. Steve Mizels painting Bodega Bay is part of the show. My wife and I went to Bodega Bay and stayed in one of three small cottages, Mizel said. This painting represents the scenery there the water, the sunset. Artist Karl Bostwick spoke with Gregory Silva about his abstract and noted that the painting represented a new focus. I have always painted traditional landscapes, but about a year ago, I tried to loosen up and use the same techniques in a different way, Bostwick said. This led me into abstracts and exploring color relationships. Susan Martin and Myra Grozinger talked with Daniels in front of his series of photographs featuring well-known Winston-Salem residents. I love his work, and also the trees by Lea Lackey-Zachmann that are upstairs, Martin said. Jonathan Oldham and his father, Michael Oldham, came out for the show as well. My mom is a teacher and every year, she tells her kids to come to Gallery Hop, Jonathan said. So we decided to finally come down and do it ourselves. Furr Ball 2017 Gowns and tuxedos were accompanied by a few well-groomed canines for the 2017 Furr Ball held at the Millennium Center. Against the backdrop of a Winston-Salem architectural icon, guests gathered in their finest evening attire to raise money for the Forsyth Humane Society. Co-chairmen John Hoemann and Howard Upchurch brought Molly along to welcome arrivals at the end of the red carpet entrance, along with co-chairwoman Ann Rainey Rokahr, accompanied by her beloved Henry. Our hard work and fabulous crowd raised a record-breaking amount in 2016, and we fully plan to top that this year, Rokahr said. It is such a pleasure to honor our dedicated and passionate FHS supporters with an elegant and entertaining evening. Our fundraising has put us one step closer to our goal of No-Kill Forsyth 2023. Rob King, accompanied by Lu Wall, represented Furr Balls presenting sponsor, Bob King Automotive Group, and said the company was pleased to support the Humane Society. This is a cause that is near to our hearts, King said. We are delighted to contribute to promoting the welfare and safety of animals and to strengthening the bond between animals and people. Christine and Michael Morykwas joined Sarah Williamson, the executive director of the Humane Society, for a photo before dinner. Williamson expressed gratitude for the individuals and organizations that support Furr Ball and the Forsyth Humane Society. Furr Ball raises funds to support Forsyth Humane Societys adoption, educational and outreach programs, including low-cost spay-neuter assistance and our pet food pantry, Williamson said. We so appreciate the generosity and support of our amazing co-chairs Anne, Howard and John as well as our honorary chairs, Beth Parker and David Janeway. And what would Furr Ball be without the generosity of Christine and Michael Morykwas who underwrite the gala? This year, we are also proud and grateful to welcome Bob King Automotive Group as presenting sponsor. For years, David and I have shared a passion for animals, Parker said. Our involvement with FHS and Furr Ball came after a lovely friendship was formed between myself and Darla Kirkeeng that helped us have a deeper understanding of the hard work, dedication, love and magic that happened every single day at the Humane Society. Who wouldnt want to be part of that? Facebook Inc.s platform was a crucial messaging tool for President Donald Trumps 2016 campaign, according to the campaigns digital director who told CBSs 60 Minutes that he hand-picked pro-Trump embeds from the company to help him use the platform in targeted ways. Twitter is how (Trump) talked to the people, Facebook was going to be how he won, Brad Parscale told 60 Minutes, according to an excerpt of an interview that the program intends to air Sunday. The social media platform was particularly valuable because it allows for targeted messaging, Parscale said, according to the excerpt. Facebooks employees showed up for work at his office multiple days a week to provide guidance on how to best use the companys services, Parscale said in the interview excerpt. I wanted people who supported Donald Trump, he said and he questioned the workers about their political views. Parscale didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. A Facebook spokesman said the company provided the Trump campaign with the same guidance and services it offers any major advertiser. Facebook has found itself at the center of multiple inquiries into Russias involvement in the 2016 election. The social-media giant said it has so far found $100,000 in advertising spending linked to a Russian troll farm that has ties to the Kremlin. The company turned over details on the ads to Congress and to special counsel Robert Mueller, who is leading the criminal investigation into Russias campaign meddling and possible links to Trumps associates. A person familiar with the companys work for Trumps campaign took issue with Parscales use of the word embeds to describe its employees because it implies that the campaign work was their sole focus. The workers had tasks for other clients as well, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the matter is sensitive. The company offered Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton the same opportunity, the person said. Although federal election law generally bars corporations from aiding political campaigns, theres nothing wrong with a company providing training and services to a campaign if it offers the same services to every client spending similar amounts, said Larry Noble, former general counsel of the Federal Election Commission. If youd do it for any customer, its OK, Noble said, adding that the services have to be offered to all customers. It cant be just for political campaigns. Facebook was especially useful in reaching rural voters, Parscale told 60 Minutes, according to the published excerpt. So now Facebook lets you get to 15 people in the Florida Panhandle that I would never buy a TV commercial for, he said. 2017 Bloomberg News The head and legs of Kim Wall have been recovered, two months after the freelance journalist and recent Columbia University graduate went missing while on board an eccentric inventor's submarine, Danish police confirmed Friday. Her head, legs and other items were found in weighed-down bags, according to Copenhagen police inspector Jens Moller Jensen. The bags were discovered Friday by divers in Copenhagen's Koge Bay, not far from where Wall's mutilated torso was found in August, also weighed down by a piece of metal. "We found a bag within which we found Kim Wall's clothes, underwear, stockings, and shoes," Moller Jensen said. "In the same bag laid a knife, and there were some car pipes to weigh the bag down." The 30-year-old journalist was last seen boarding a submarine in Copenhagen with Peter Madsen, a well-known Danish inventor and the subject of her latest article. While Madsen initially claimed that he'd dropped Wall off at a nearby island hours before the vessel sank, he later admitted that "there was an accident on board which caused Kim Wall's death and that he consequently buried her at sea," according to local authorities. While Madsen has maintained that Wall was killed by a heavy hatch falling on her head from the submarine's tower, the latest discovery would seem to contradict that statement, as the medical examiners noted there was no apparent damage to Wall's skull. "I don't want to speculate about what happened," the chief investigator said. "I can only say that there are no fractures or other injuries to the cranium." Madsen is currently being held on charges of manslaughter and abuse of a corpse. His lawyer has not yet responded to the recent discovery. During a preliminary hearing last week, a Danish prosecutor told the court that Wall's corpse had been stabbed 14 times, and that Madsen was found to be in possession of videos showing women being executed and burned to death. The accused inventor denied that the videos belonged to him, and insisted that he was "not the only person" with access to the hard drive, according to the Ekstra Bladet newspaper. In response to the new evidence, the prosecutor asked the Coopenhagen City Court to detain Madsen for the length of the hearing, noting that, "It's not just that we have the same grounds for arrest as before, but I think they are stronger than last time." The judge later agreed, ruling that Madsen will remain locked up until October 31st while police continue their investigation. WASHINGTON Heres a look at how area members of Congress voted last week. Along with roll call votes, the Senate also passed the Strengthening State and Local Cyber Crime Fighting Act (HR 1616) to authorize the National Computer Forensics Institute; the Water Infrastructure Flexibility Act (SB 692) to provide for integrated water-plan permits and promote green infrastructure; and the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act (SB 1595) to impose additional sanctions with respect to Hezbollah. The House also passed the Community Reclamation Partnerships Act (HR 2937) to authorize partnerships between states and nongovernmental entities for the purpose of reclaiming and restoring land and water resources adversely affected by historical coal mining activity; the Guides and Outfitters Act (HR 289) to authorize the Interior secretary and the Agriculture secretary to issue permits for recreation services on lands managed by federal agencies; the Protecting Girls Access to Education in Vulnerable Settings Act (HR 2408) to enhance the transparency, improve the coordination, and intensify the impact of assistance to support access to primary and secondary education for displaced persons, including women and girls; and the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (SB 178) to prevent elder abuse and exploitation and improve the justice systems response to victims in elder abuse and exploitation cases. House votes Penalties for late-term abortions: The House passed the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36), sponsored by Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz. The bill would make it a federal crime to perform abortions on fetuses age 20 weeks or more, with exceptions provided for pregnancies that endanger the womans life or result from rape or incest. Franks said such late-term abortions create severe health risks for the woman and subject their little, pain-capable unborn babies to torture and death without anesthesia or federal protection of any kind. An opponent, Rep. John Conyers Jr., D-Mich., called the bill a dangerous and far-reaching attack on a womans constitutional right to choose whether or not to terminate a pregnancy. The vote, on Monday, was 237-189. Yeas: Reps. Ted Budd, R-13th District; Virginia Foxx, R-5th District; and Mark Walker, R-6th District. Cybercrime against children: The House passed the Providing Resources, Officers, and Technology To Eradicate Cyber Threats to Our Children Act (SB 782), sponsored by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. The bill would reauthorize through fiscal 2022 the National Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force program, which coordinates efforts by law enforcement at various government levels. A supporter, Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., called the task forces absolutely crucial in the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of internet crimes against children. The vote, on Monday, was 417-3. Yeas: Budd, Foxx, Walker. Democratic budget plan: The House rejected a substitute amendment sponsored by Rep. John A. Yarmuth, D-Ky., to a bill (H. Con. Res. 71). The amendment would have increased the federal minimum wage, expanded subsidies for education, child care, and family and medical leave; and preserved the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare. Yarmuth called it an effort to invest in programs that grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and provide real support for working families and real security in retirement. An opponent, Rep. Diane Black, R-Tenn., said that despite raising taxes by $2.7 trillion, the plan would, due to increased spending, increase the deficit by $6.2 trillion, making it an abdication of our fiscal responsibility as a governing body. The vote, on Wednesday, was 268 nays to 156 yeas. Nays: Budd, Foxx, Walker. 2018 budget: The House passed a bill (H. Con. Res. 71), sponsored by Rep. Diane Black, R-Tenn., establishing a federal government budget for fiscal 2018 and outlining budget levels for fiscal 2019 through 2027. The budget would include $621.5 billion of military spending in fiscal 2018, replace the Obamacare health care law and increase state control of Medicaid. Black said it proposed a government that spends within its means, a military with the resources to complete the mission, an economy that creates the opportunity for all, and a federal bureaucracy that respects the taxpayers. An opponent, Rep. John A. Yarmuth, D-Ky., said the budget would increase the debt by $2.4 trillion over 10 years, cut funding for Medicare and Medicaid by $1.5 trillion, and ignored the needs and priorities of the American people. The vote, on Wednesday, was 219-206. Yeas: Budd, Foxx, Walker. Senate votes FCC chairman: The Senate confirmed the nomination of Ajit Varadaraj Pai to serve as the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission for a five-year term ending in July 2021. A supporter, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., praised Pais support for rural broadband and the acceleration of next-generation infrastructure deployment, as well as measures to improve transparency and efficiency at the FCC. An opponent, Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, said that in his tenure at the FCC thus far, Pai has failed to promote competition and protect consumers, especially by trying to get rid of net neutrality and the standard that all Internet content is treated equally by Internet service providers. The vote, on Monday, was 52-41. Yeas: Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, both R-N.C. Health and Human Services: The Senates confirmed the nomination of Eric D. Hargan to serve as deputy secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A supporter, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., cited Hargans expertise in disaster response and public health as assets that will help the agency respond to natural disasters such as the recent hurricanes. An opponent, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said Hargan would have an ideological agenda that included a constant effort to undermine and in my view sabotage the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. The vote, on Tuesday, was 57-38. Yeas: Burr, Tillis. Federal Reserve: The Senate confirmed the nomination of Randal Quarles to serve on the board of governors at the Federal Reserve. A supporter, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said Quarles long experience in the private sector and in government, including at the Treasury Department and at the Carlyle Group investment firm, showed him to be eminently qualified in financial regulation and oversight of the operations of financial institutions. An opponent, Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said that at Treasury in the years before the 2008 financial crisis, Quarles had failed to adequately examine the health of banks that later failed. The vote, on Wednesday, was 65-32. Yeas: Burr, Tillis. Immigration Services: The Senate confirmed the nomination of Lee Francis Cissna to serve as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services director at the Homeland Security Department. A supporter, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Cissna has a wealth of experience in immigration policy, serving in senior policy positions in both the Bush and Obama administrations and at the Senate Judiciary Committee. An opponent, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., cited Cissnas role in shaping President Donald Trumps draconian immigration policies and his lack of adequate management experience for running Citizenship and Immigration Services. The vote, on Wednesday, was 54-43. Yeas: Burr, Tillis. RALEIGH Most North Carolina voters, regardless of registration, cast their ballots consistently for either Democrats or Republicans. And the swing voters who often determine electoral outcomes tend to cast their ballots against what they dislike more than they cast ballots for what they like. If you follow politics, these are pretty good rules. They have a lot of empirical support. They make conceptual sense. They are useful in predicting the future. And they are all you need to understand why Donald Trump won the electoral votes of North Carolina and of enough states in the union to become president. As you may already know, Im hardly a Trump fan. But I dont think you have to come up with elaborate conspiracies, race-conscious heuristics or savage attacks on the Hillary Clinton campaign to explain the outcome of the 2016 elections. By traditional political (and conservative) standards, Trump was a horrible candidate. Clinton was a horrible candidate, too. Most Republican-leaning voters, whether they liked Trump or not, voted for him because they strongly questioned both the character and the policies of the Democratic nominee. Most Democratic-leaning voters, even if they didnt much like Clinton, could never have brought themselves to pick Trump. As for swing voters in the final weeks of the campaign, more of them swung to Trump in key states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin than swung to Clinton in those or other battlegrounds. I suspect news about the email investigation played a role, as did tactical mistakes by the Clinton team and good tactical calls by the Trump team. It was a close election. It was consequential. But the election result hardly represents something brand new and inexplicable in our politics. I was mistaken in expecting Trump to lose the key states he ended up winning. But I always figured that, if he won, his victory wouldnt bring a strong Republican wave. It didnt. The GOP lost ground in both houses of Congress, although it did better in state and local elections where the races were less connected to the national narrative. I also figured that, if Trump became president, hed struggle to maintain public goodwill and support, even in his inaugural year. So far, that is precisely what has happened. Consider two newly released surveys of North Carolina voters. In an Elon University Poll, 34 percent said they approved of President Trumps job performance as president, with 58 percent disapproving. In a Survey USA poll for the statewide Spectrum News cable channel, the figures were 37 percent approval and 49 percent disapproval. When I looked more closely at the crosstabs the results broken out by voter groups the discrepancy between the two polls shrank a bit. Republicans, Democrats and unaffiliated voters expressed similar sentiments across the two surveys. But the Survey USA sample had more Republicans than the Elon sample did. The Survey USA poll produced another fascinating result. Respondents were asked whether, if they had it to do over again, theyd vote the same way for president as they did last fall. The vast majority of Republicans, Democrats and independents said their votes would be the same. Somewhat more of the minority who would switch their votes or who didnt vote in 2016 said theyd choose Clinton over Trump, but not enough to change the outcome. In other words, the poll suggested that if the election of 2016 were re-staged in North Carolina, Trump would probably still win the state. Surprised? Confused? Outraged? Well, yes, Trumps approval ratings are low in North Carolina (as in the nation as a whole). But again, elections are about comparisons. Most voters are partisans. They believe their parties offer the best ideas for governing the country. They think the other partys ideas are wrongheaded or even dangerous. It takes an awful lot to get them to overlook that, at least when it comes to federal elections where the stakes are highest. And many swing voters still, it seems, dislike and distrust Hillary Clinton. They get to do that. Summerville, SC (29483) Today Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Thunder possible. High near 70F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Rain showers early with overcast skies late. Low 53F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. 10/07/2017 Tropical Storm Nate The National Weather Service has placed Calhoun County under a Tropical Storm Warning. Hurricane Nate made landfall as a Category 1 storm in southeast Louisiana Saturday evening and will be moving northeast through Alabama over the next 24 hours. The eye of the storm is currently forecast to pass through Calhoun County on Sunday at approximately 1 p.m. Peak sustained winds of 30-40 mph, with gusts of up to 55 mph, could lead to scattered power outages and downed trees. The area has been placed under a Flash Flood Watch and 3-4 inches of rain is forecast. There is also a marginal risk for isolated tornadoes. JSU students and employees are advised to stay weather aware and follow the National Hurricane Center's updates. Should the need arise to make adjustments to university operations on Monday, the administration will communicate through JSU Alert. A grim series of photographs titled "Kissing Death" by Iraq's Ali Arkady on the bloody conflict in his country won the prestigious Bayeux-Calvados photo awards for war correspondents on Saturday. The brutal pictures tracked Iraqi special forces in battles in Tikrit, Fallujah and Mosul and included horrendous images of torture and violence. They were published by the VII photo agency. "They are the most sinister, upsetting pictures I have seen in my entire life," veteran war correspondent Jeremy Bowen, the head of the jury, told AFP. "The pictures were really, really strong, they were evil," he said. "You could see evil... I could feel it in my stomach, the dark side of the world," said Bowen, a BBC journalist whose career spans three decades. However, photographer Arkady's reporting had triggered a debate among the 50 journalists on the prize jury. The 34-year-old had followed a division of Iraqi soldiers to denouce their acts of torture but he admitted to having participated twice in these "war crimes" out of fear of reprisals. "In the end the service he did by taking those pictures is more powerful than the fact he made some mistakes," Bowen said. Arkady confirmed to AFP that he did participate in two acts of torture, of which he has said in other interviews he was "not proud". When accepting his award at Bayeux the photographer said he wanted "the Iraqi government to realise that these soldiers committed war crimes. I want to stop that, but unfortunately, it continues". For reportage, the French journalist Samuel Forey won a prize for tracking five days in the battle for Mosul, Iraq's second city, which was recaptured from the Islamic State jihadists in July. His accounts were published in France's Le Figaro newspaper. Radio journalist Gwendoline Debono from Europe 1 was honoured for her work on the entry of Iraqi troops into Mosul. In television, a 26-year-old woman called Waad Al-Kateab commissioned by Britain's Channel 4 to make a film about life inside the Syrian city of Aleppo, won a prize for her work on the last hospital held by rebels. Olivier Sarbil also won a TV prize for his film about the battle for Mosul, which was aired by Channel 4. About 330 works had been entered for the prizes, of which some 50 were short-listed. The prize money ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 euros. As Nebraska corn and soybean farmers battle wet conditions to harvest what is expected to be a record crop, the USDAs National Agricultural Statistics Service reported recently that Nebraska winter wheat production this year is estimated at 46.9 million bushels, down 34 percent from last year. The area harvested for grain totaled 1.02 million acres, down 22 percent from 2016. Planted acreage totaled a record low 1.12 million, down 18 percent from a year earlier. The yield is 46 bushels per acre, down 8 bushels from last year. Earlier this week, the USDA reported that Nebraska winter wheat planting was 70 percent, behind 83 last year and 76 average. Wheat seedlings that had emerged was 42 percent, behind 57 last year, but near 40 average. Oat production in Nebraska this year is estimated at 1.72 million bushels, up 14 percent from 2016. Area harvested for grain, at 35,000 acres, is up 40 percent from last year. Planted acreage totaled 110,000, down 19 percent from a year earlier. Average yield is 49 bushels per acre, down 11 bushels from 2016. Nationwide, the USDA reports that all wheat production totaled 1.74 billion bushels in 2017, down 25 percent from the revised 2016 total of 2.31 billion bushels. Area harvested for grain totaled 37.6 million acres, down 14 percent from the previous year. The United States yield is estimated at 46.3 bushels per acre, down 6.4 bushels from the previous year. The levels of production and changes from 2016 by type are winter wheat, 1.27 billion bushels, down 24 percent; other spring wheat, 416 million bushels, down 22 percent; and Durum wheat, 54.9 million bushels, down 47 percent. Oat production, nationwide, is estimated at 49.4 million bushels, down 24 percent from 2016. Yield is estimated at 61.7 bushels per acre, down 4.3 bushels from the previous year. Harvested area, at 801,000 acres, is 18 percent below last year. Barley production is estimated at 142 million bushels, down 29 percent from the revised 2016 total of 200 million bushels. Average yield per acre, at 72.6 bushels, is down 5.3 bushels from the previous year. Producers seeded 2.48 million acres in 2017, down 19 percent from last year. Harvested area, at 1.95 million acres, is down 24 percent from 2016. The USDA also reported that wheat stored in all positions in Nebraska totaled 92.8 million bushels, down 2 percent from a year ago. Onfarm stocks of 8.1 million bushels are down 48 percent from 2016 but off-farm stocks of 84.7 million bushels are up 7 percent from last year. On-farm oat stocks in Nebraska totaled 1.30 million bushels, up 30 percent from 2016. For other Nebraska crops: Nebraska corn stocks in all positions on Sept. 1, 2017, totaled 258 million bushels, up 19 percent from 2016, according to the USDAs National Agricultural Statistics Service. Of the total, 91 million bushels are stored on farms, up 8 percent from a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 167 million bushels, are up 26 percent from last year. Soybeans stored in all positions totaled 23 million bushels, up 42 percent from last year. Onfarm stocks of 5 million bushels are up 133 percent from a year ago, and off-farm stocks, at 18 million bushels, are up 28 percent from 2016. Sorghum stored in all positions totaled 1.46 million bushels, down 11 percent from 2016. Onfarm stocks of 60,000 bushels are down 29 percent from a year ago, and off-farm holdings, at 1.40 million bushels, are down 10 percent from last year. Names and faces Mary Elizabeth Bell, has joined Robert Peccia & Associates Airport Group in Helena as an engineering designer/construction technician. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering with environmental emphasis from Carroll College, as well as an Associate of Applied Science degree in programming/network administration from the Helena College, University of Montana. She is certified in nuclear soil moisture and density gauge operation. Bells work experience includes data and sample collection as well as development of complex HEC-RAS hydraulic models for new and existing sections of rivers, streams, and drainages. *** Valerie Dunlap, the owner of First Impressions Salon, has relocated her business to 1309 11th Ave. Dunlap has owned First Impressions for more than 17 years and has 26 years' of experience in the business doing cuts, colors, perms and gel nails. For more information or an appointment, call 457-1542. *** Lewis and Clark Public Health has hired Megan Grotzke to coordinate its community referral system known as CONNECT. She studied photojournalism at the University of Montana and comes to the health department from Rocky Mountain Development Council. She has several years of experience in marketing, communications, graphic design, health care and nonprofit work. CONNECT is a secure, web-based system that allows health and social service agencies to refer families to support services. *** Jon Scallan has joined St. Peters Hospital as the director of quality. In his role, Scallan will be responsible for providing leadership in the development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of all quality management functions. Day to day duties include working with people across the organization to ensure appropriate policies and processes are in place to deliver quality patient care. Scallan comes to St. Peters with more than 20 years of experience in the health care industry, most recently serving as the regional director of Accreditation and Regulatory Compliance at St. Lukes Hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho. He holds a Master of Business Administration in healthcare management from the University of Phoenix, a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Argosy University in Dallas, and is a certified professional in Healthcare Quality. *** Community Solutions, Inc. has announced that Gina Rasmussen is managing the Helena office. Rasmussen recently retired from the Department of Corrections. Community Solutions, Inc. offers professional, quick and reliable drug and alcohol testing as well as home arrest, SCRAM and BACTrack monitoring. The business is located at 334 Fuller, Suite 3. Call 406-502-2150. *** News and notes Paint N Party Shop moves Canvas Paint N Party Shop has relocated to 625D Barney St. Owner Lucy Davis will be holding a grand reopening on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 1-9 p.m. The shop holds adult Paint n Sip parties on weekends bring a bottle of Chardonnay and Davis supplies the glasses, homemade cookies, aprons, canvas and paint for you to create a painting. The shop also offers team-building events for up to 30 of your co-workers. No art experience is necessary. The new location at Cottonwood Corner next to Mountain Ranch House Pizza, offers plenty of free parking. Business hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 1-9 p.m. Visit www.PaintnPartyMT.com for more information or to register. *** DOR begins provider sales tax process The Montana Department of Revenue reminds medical marijuana providers to file their first Medical Marijuana Provider tax return and payment by Oct. 15, 2017. The tax return and payment are for the quarter ending Sept. 30, 2017. Montanas Medical Marijuana Act, or SB 333, was passed by the 2017 Legislature and creates a tax on the gross sales of providers of medical marijuana products. The tax is 4 percent of gross sales up through the June 30, 2018, and 2 percent for subsequent years. Medical marijuana providers should file their tax returns electronically on the departments website at https://app.mt.gov/myrevenue/Home. The department is accepting any method of payment for this tax, including cash, however we highly recommend electronic or noncash payment methods. Providers can pay online when they file their return, or send checks and money orders to: Montana Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 6169, Helena, MT 59604-6169. Providers can also deliver a cash payment to a drop box in Helena. The department will not accept cash payments at any other locations. The drop box is located at the departments downtown building, 340 N. Last Chance Gulch. The lobby is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on holidays. For more information and frequently asked questions, visit revenue.mt.gov or call 444-6900. *** AERO Expo in Butte Oct. 20-22 The AERO Expo and Annual Meeting, a yearly gathering of key players and interested beginners in the fields of sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and resilient communities, will be held in Butte, Oct. 20-22. For more than two decades, AERO members and friends have gathered in a different location across Montana for the Expo and Annual Meeting. This year, AEROs board and membership selected Butte to the Expo, in part because of Buttes uncommon past and expanding vision. AEROs mission is to empower communities to nurture and promote a more sustainable Montana. Headquartered in Helena, AERO has consistently, persistently focused on creating local leadership through education, information and advocacy around the key issues of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. The Expo is open to the public, and is the nonprofits annual fund-raising event as well as a statewide gathering for members and nonmembers to share skills, ideas and resources. To register for the conference, visit AEROs website at www.aeromt.org, or find them on Facebook. Awards and honors Merry Maids of Helena honored for excellence The Helena Merry Maids franchise recently received two awards for business excellence. Owned by Kim and Rory Copeland of Montana City, Helena Merry Maids was presented the Regency Award for Best Franchise Growth last June and then received the Dallen Peterson Award of Distinction at the Annual Convention recently held in Phoenix. Dallen Peterson Award of Distinction is one of the highest awards granted a Merry Maids franchise. Of the 1,350 company-owned locations and franchised outlets nationwide, only the top 20, who exemplify the highest quality in leadership, financial management, marketing and sales, customer satisfaction and revenue growth receive this honor in the name of the companys founder. The Copelands have owned and operated the Helena Merry Maids since 1991 and celebrated their 26th year of service in September. Their company headquarters is in East Helena, and they provide cleaning services in the greater Helena area as well as Clancy and Townsend. Call 227-6485 for more information. *** Bank of the Rockies, N.A. recognized Bank of the Rockies, N.A. was recognized by the American Bankers Association Foundation for its CONversations About Cons program with a 2017 Community Commitment Award. The award was given to Bank of the Rockies for its efforts in the Protecting Older Americans category and will be presented during ABAs Annual Convention in Chicago on Oct. 17. CONversations About Cons promotes elder fraud prevention and awareness through education and candid roundtable discussions with seniors, their families and caregivers. In 2017 the program expanded to include Protecting Our Aging Treasures to publicly promote elder fraud prevention. The selection committee chose six banks based on the creativity and thoughtfulness of programs traditional or innovative in nature and structure that embody the ideals of corporate social responsibility and demonstrate success in measurable terms. *** Sheridan doctor honored The Montana Medical Association (MMA) honored Roman M. Hendrickson M.D., a family practice physician in Sheridan, with the Doctor Jack McMahon Service to Montana Physicians Award at the Presidents Gala, held in conjunction with the annual MMA Membership and Board of Trustees Meeting in Big Sky on Sept. 23. This award is reserved for individuals who exhibit a commitment to the physician profession by promoting collaboration, protecting the physician-patient relationship, advocating for the interests of patients, and encouraging continued improvement of the physician profession. Hendrickson was honored for commitment to providing quality care to Montanas rural communities. He routinely travels the 520 miles between the Ruby Valley Clinic in Sheridan and the Fort Peck Reservation in Poplar where he is instrumental in advancing proper health and dental care for children, as well as their long-term mental, physical and spiritual health. *** Hotel general manager receives award The Montana Lodging and Hospitality Association (MLHA) has announced that Jim Tucker, general manager of the Comfort Suites Airport Hotel, has received the Lodging Persons of the Year Award during the associations annual Awards Banquet held Sept. 26. Tucker has served on the board of MLHA for the past two years. He actively participates as co-chair of the Membership Committee and is a leader on the associations Legislative Committee. Guidelines The IR welcomes reports of hiring, promotions, awards, recognition, learning opportunities and other news from local companies and nonprofits. We accept press releases and photos (digital images at 300 dpi or more are preferred). Email your information to irstaff@helenair.com. There is no charge for items appearing in the Business Briefcase. Items are run on a space-available basis, and we reserve the right to edit and use information as we see fit. The deadline is Tuesday at noon to be considered for publication the following Sunday. When neighboring ranchers first saw Colter DeVries lead a Wagyu bull into his pasture, they gave him some long looks. "They told me, 'You better make sure those fence lines are all secure,'" he said. The wiry, horned Japanese bull stands out in Angus country and DeVries knows it. Part of him relishes it. The 29-year-old DeVries is eager to push back against the traditional ranching practices of his forebearers and make his mark on the family business. That desire pushed him from his family ranch, which has been operating for the past 111 years outside Roberts, and led him to find his own way forward. He likes the unconventional and firmly believes it will lead him to success. "I want to produce the best steak in the world," he said. That will take years and he's ready to invest the time. Meanwhile, he knows he has to turn a profit. So while he figures out the best way to breed the marble-rich beef that makes Wagyu cattle world-famous with his more traditional Angus stock to get the world's best steak, he's focused on making a top-of-the-line beef stick. They're called Montana Chop Sticks, and they're made from the Wagyu beef DeVries is breeding with his own cattle. He's launched a Kickstarter campaign to help him cross the finish line. "We're building a better mousetrap," he said with a smile. DeVries sees Montana Chop Sticks as the craft beer to the regular beef sticks' supermarket brew. "We've put a crafty touch on it," he said. In short, he's made it something he wants to eat. "I'm a foodie," he said. "I love steak, love food trends. I love to cook." 'Strong-willed' DeVries is part of a growing trend of millennial entrepreneurs who have left the family business to pursue a career closer to their hearts. Millennial entrepreneurs typically are motivated by their aspirations that thing they dream of doing or creating and by having independence. Making money usually comes second to that, said Patricio Mori, an assistant professor of entrepreneurship and an expert in small family business innovation at Montana State University Billings' College of Business. "If you work in your family business, you're not going to be independent," Mori said. DeVries is the fifth generation on his family's land. Working the ranch, he saw changes he wanted to make to help the ranch be more profitable while being gentler on the land. He wanted to pursue different types of grazing land so that the ranch would be less reliant on hay. He wanted to move calving season from early spring to early summer, when it's less expensive to care for new calves. He got nowhere. "I felt like I was chasing my tail," he said. And then one day he had a realization about the ranch. "This isn't my land," he said. "I don't have to be here taking care of someone else's asset." So DeVries pulled out. He took his head of cattle and placed them on ranch land he leases south of Roberts and threw himself into creating the kind of progressive, holistic ranch that he had tried to impose on his family's operation. He acknowledges that he likely damaged some relationships the way he handled it. "In my desire to improve, I was very strong-willed about it," he said. He guesses his family was ready to see him go when he finally left. Time has softened hard feelings. The family has been "very supportive" of his new venture and his Kickstarter campaign, he said. Family business can be fraught with complicated relationships, Mori said. The patriarch is eager to see the next generation take up the mantle, but he's often reluctant to give up control. "They don't want to lose the power of having the last word," he said. That dynamic plays out in specific ways among millennials and their parents, Mori said. Their children, now in the 20s and 30s, have grown up with disruptive technology that they've completely integrated into their lives. Their parents have not, and they struggle to keep up with the newer technology and they struggle to understand it, Mori said. Meat marketing New technology, specifically tools that allow DeVries to market his beef sticks online specifically to targeted, niche demographics, is like a second language to him. It's lost on his parents. Much of the work behind the Montana Chop Sticks Kickstarter campaign is to establish the brand online, where Devries plans to sell the beef sticks exclusively. He has mined data to learn which words and search terms tie directly to those who would be most interested in a high-end beef stick. He's purchased targeted ads on social media to build an audience that he hopes to convert into a customer base. "I was little naive in my millennial thinking that (the Kickstarter campaign) would blow up and go viral," he said. It didn't. But it's still been successful, reaching the halfway mark a couple weeks after it launched. He hopes the beef sticks will be his base source of revenue while his Wagyu cattle fatten up for the slaughter. It's a two-year process from when the calf is born to when it goes to slaughter. Angus beef is typically rated "choice" by the USDA. The marbling found in Wagyu beef usually rates "prime," making it a premium cut of meat, which sells at a higher price than "choice" cuts. The higher quality beef means DeVries can push back his calving season to early summer. Angus calves are birthed in the early spring to give them more time to fatten up as much as possible. They're sold by the pound. A summer calving season is cheaper and with Wagyu being a premium meat, weight isn't as important when it's sold. It's all about the marbling and the quality of the beef, DeVries said. He gets a better price for his beef and "I've done nothing extra other than bring in an extra bull," he said. He's now a year into the process; his Wagyu cattle will be ready for slaughter at the end of 2018. And so far it's worked out well. "I've got big calves," he said. "Bigger than I was expecting. I'm really happy about it." C&K Meats in Forsyth is his processor. They're the one producing his meat sticks and they'll handle the slaughter of his Wagyu beef next year. "They've got it all figured out," DeVries said. "They're great at what they do." DeVries is excited about his venture and he's eager to see it take off. He's proud of the road he's taken. "If I like it, I'm going to pursue it with more passion," he said. "And that's what I'm doing." DHAKA, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Bangladesh's exports fell 9.8 percent in September from the same month a year ago to $2 billion, data showed on Sunday, 27 percent below target. But for July-September, the first quarter of the country's 2017-18 financial year, exports rose 7 percent to $8.7 billion year on year, the Export Promotion Bureau said. Shipments of readymade garments, comprising knitwear and woven items, totalled $7.14 billion in July-September, up 7.17 percent. (Reporting by Ruma Paul) Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication. By Promit Mukherjee and Nidhi Verma NEW DELHI, Oct 8 (Reuters) - State-run oil giant Saudi Aramco is in talks with several Indian refiners and hopes to land a joint venture deal by next year, the company's chief executive told Reuters on Sunday. Aramco, like other major oil producers, wants to tap rising demand growth opportunities and invest in the world's third biggest consumer. "We are hoping to land on a JV sometime," Aramco's CEO Amin Nasser said at India Energy Forum by Cera Week in New Delhi. Asked if a deal could be finalised next year, he said: "We hope so. We are in serious discussions." Aramco wants to buy a stake in the planned 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) refinery in India's west coast, India's oil minister said in June. The world's biggest oil producer is investing in refineries abroad to help lock in demand for its crude and expand its market share ahead of its initial public offering next year. Aramco plans to float up to 5 percent of its shares in 2018 in what could be the world's largest IPO, raising as much as $100 billion. Nasser said Aramco is interested in investing in India's downstream sector - refining, petrochemicals and fuel retailing including lubricants. Saudi Arabia is competing with Iraq to be India's top oil supplier, with Iraq displacing it for a fifth month in a row in August, data compiled by Reuters showed. Earlier this year Saudi Arabia pledged billions of dollars of investment in projects in Indonesia and Malaysia to ensure long-term oil supply deals. The International Energy Agency estimates India's refining capacity will lag fuel demand going forward, requiring investment in new plants. Saudi Aramco earlier on Sunday launched a new office in New Delhi as it aims to expands its presence in India. India's oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who inaugurated Aramco's India unit, said Aramco is interested in investing in refinery projects in the Asian country and "very soon they will come to India." Nasser said Aramco will increase its staff strength in India by four fold compared to now. The company which had 14 employees has now raised staff numbers to around 30. "India by itself is an important market. The size of India's market is huge. The growth in India last year is 8 percent last year as compared to 1.5 percent globally in energy," Nasser said. "We need to be here." (Editing by Rania El Gamal and David Evans) Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Mostly cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High around 35F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 19F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Understanding that our City elections are indeed extremely important to the business community, and in particular, to the members of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce, the Chambers Board of Directors are pleased to announce the endorsement of the top pro-business candidates identified through the chambers scoring process. The endorsement is meant to inform the chambers membership and interested citizens on whether a candidate complements or conflicts with the Helena Chambers business priorities. We want to note: the lack of endorsement of some candidates in no way reflects on those candidates character or skills, but rather their alignment with Chamber priorities and demonstration of well-thought-out solutions for issues facing Helena businesses. The Helena Chamber would like to thank all of the candidates for submitting their questionnaire responses. More importantly, we thank all of the candidates for submitting their names into the ring of public opinion and running for elected office, an often thankless, although very critical job. The process the chamber used to assess and select our endorsed candidates involved sending each candidate a questionnaire that asked for a brief bio and their thoughts/position on such issues as tax abatements, tax increment financing (TIF) districts, minimum/livable wage ordinances, areas of city government needing improvement or change, and agenda items the candidate would like to see accomplished during their term. All candidates except for one returned the questionnaire. The Chambers Government Affairs Committee members then assessed/scored the responses and made their recommendation to the Chamber Board. The Chamber Board has accepted their recommendations and are pleased to announce endorsements for the highest scoring pro-business candidates as follows: Jim Smith for re-election as Helenas Mayor Sean Logan and Mark Burzynski for the two open seats on the City Commission. Most importantly, we hope all eligible Helena voters will be sure to vote in the November election! Cathy Burwell is the president and CEO of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce. Tennessee horse owners urged to take precautions NASHVILLE The state veterinarian has announced three new cases of horses sickened by viruses that infect the blood. A horse in Davidson County and a horse in Knox County recently tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). A horse in Bedford County tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). Sick horses cannot directly infect people with WNV or EIA. We think about the summer as being bad for biting insects, but the risk carries well into the fall, State Veterinarian Dr. Charles Hatcher said. Horse owners need to be vigilant, take preventive measures, and practice good animal husbandry to protect their livestock year-round. For WNV, mosquitoes and other biting insects are responsible for transmission. Symptoms in horses may include fever, weakness, loss of appetite, or convulsions. The illness is treatable and the WNV vaccine for equines is particularly effective. EIA is commonly transmitted through biting insects or sharing needles. Symptoms in horses may include fever, weakness, swelling, loss of appetite, or colic. However, an infected horse may not show any clinical signs. There is no treatment or vaccine. Once infected, a horse must be permanently quarantined or euthanized. State law requires an annual Coggins test to check for the presence of EIA before any horse is transported from its home farm to a different location. Dr. Hatcher advises horse owners to consult with their veterinarians to establish a schedule for vaccines and Coggins tests. Other tips include: Avoid co-mingling your horses with other, unfamiliar horses. Never share needles, dental, or surgical equipment among different animals. Eliminate standing water sources where insects may gather and breed. Manage manure and disposal. Apply fly sprays and insect repellants as needed. The C. E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory now offers a full line of equine disease testing, including WNV, EIA, equine herpes virus (EHV), equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and equine influenza virus (EIV). Contact your veterinarian for more information. Published October 8, 2017 By Kang Seung-woo U.S. President Donald Trump's America-first policy is putting more pressure on the Korean economy which is already suffering Chinese economic retaliation against the placement of a U.S. missile shield here. Trump's trade negotiators have successfully brought South Korean officials to the renegotiation table for the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). The U.S. trade commission has set the stage for the real estate mogul-turned-president to impose safeguard restrictions on washers made by Samsung and LG Electronics. In the wake of the growing trade pressure, the government is scrambling to hold meetings with relevant companies this week. But it appears not to have much to do. Fears that Trump is crazy enough to pull out of the trade deal may scare Korean government officials into accepting more demands from the Trump administration, analysts say. "Trump's America-first policy and his protectionist rhetoric will continue to force Korean negotiators to make more concessions," said Sung Tae-yoon, economics professor at Yonsei University. "His policy is focused on maximizing American interests using trade pressure, so Korean companies rivaling U.S. players will obviously face stronger trade pressure from the Trump administration." An industry official echoed Sung's view. "Many declining American companies try to exploit the America-first policy that helps embolden them to indiscreetly take trade cases to the trade commission to turn the tables. That started after the advent of President Trump this year," the official said, declining to be named. "And it will continue for the time being, posing a major threat to our economy." The U.S. International Trade Commission unanimously determined on Oct. 5 that Samsung and LG's large residential washers imported from Korea to the U.S. are harming the U.S. industry following its four-month investigation prompted by a safeguard petition Whirlpool filed May 31. Employment and Labor Minister Kim Young-joo announces the government plan to scrap controversial labor guidelines during a meeting with heads of the ministry's affiliates at Government Complex Sejong, Sept. 25. The guidelines, adopted during the previous Park Geun-hye administration, allowed companies to lay off underperforming workers easily and change employment rules without the consent of unions or the majority of the workers. / Yonhap Outdated approach feared to hurt national competitiveness By Kim Jae-kyoung Five months have passed since President Moon Jae-in took office. His approval rating still remains high, and his policies aimed at protecting workers and supporting the underprivileged are favored by the public. However, his policies, designed mostly to create jobs and boost the economy in the short term, are feared to hurt the global competitiveness of the Korean economy in the long run. In order to avoid unwanted consequences, now is the time for President Moon to seek a "balancing act" in labor policies to ensure sustainable growth and make the economy more competitive globally. Analysts said Moon and his administration need to re-examine labor policies that go against global trends. His administration has been criticized for backpedaling on labor reforms after it decided to scrap two guidelines designed to allow businesses to easily lay off underperforming workers and change employment rules. "I think labor reform in Korea is crucial," Alicia Garcia-Herrero, Asia-Pacific chief economist at Natixis, told The Korea Times. "Europe should serve as a lesson that delaying labor reform can be of great harm to a country in the medium run. Labor reform should be done in the good times." She said now is the right time for Korea to push for labor reform, with growth hovering around 3 percent. The view came after the latest survey by the World Economic Forum (WEF) showing the labor sector is a major stumbling block stopping the country from becoming a globally competitive player. According to the WEF survey, Korea's overall global competitiveness ranked 26th out of 137 countries surveyed. It peaked at 11th in 2007 but has since been falling, stopping at 26th for four years since 2014. One of the biggest culprits behind the poor ranking was the uncompetitive labor sector. Korea ranked 130th in terms of cooperation in labor-employer relations, 112th in redundancy costs, and 90th in female participation in the labor force. It was also poor in hiring and firing practices, ranking 88th, and stood at 62nd in the area of flexibility of wage determination. Tony Michell, managing director of Euro-Asian Business Consultancy, said, "Moon's labor policy is sadly out of date." Michell is also president of Korea Associates Business Consulting (KABC). "Korea's labor laws and regulations are terribly mismatched with the needs of the 21st century," he said. He expects increasing the minimum wage and converting contractual workers into permanent ones won't be a plus for job creation. "By taking the wrong step first by attacking contract workers, he damaged the hope of putting the whole thing on a fair and productive course," he said. Despite President Moon Jae-in's efforts to increase jobs, the job market has shown little sign of rebounding. In September, Korea added only 212,000 jobs, marking the lowest monthly gain since February 2013. The unemployment rate for young people aged 15 to 29 was 9.4 percent, the highest among all August numbers since 1999, in the wake of the Asian financial crisis. Against this backdrop, analysts advise Moon to come up with measures to secure a balance between his short- and long-term policies. "All governments have to walk a narrow line between what the economy requires in the longer run and what society expects in the short run," said Bruno Lanvin, founder and co-editor of INSEAD's global indexes. "Focusing on protecting present interests of those who have a job generally leads to more protectionism and further withdrawal from global competition. This in turn has proved to lead to a vicious spiral of lower competitiveness." Experts stressed Moon should place top priority on innovation and openness to make the economy fairer and more productive rather than focusing on artificially creating jobs in the public sector. "In the world of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, innovation will be a key ingredient of competitiveness, as well as national capabilities to adapt to the new world of work," Lanvin said. "Those economies that invest today in openness, education and diversity will clearly be better equipped to face the competitiveness challenges of tomorrow." Mauro Guillen, director of the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, called on the government to pursue long-term solutions as labor flexibility and protections are a perennial problem for countries that have been successful, like Korea. "In South Korea, like in other places, the temptation is to avoid change if there is opposition. The potential result is lack of adaptation to competitive conditions," he said. "A country like Germany has responded to the challenge not by eliminating worker protections but rather by innovating and making workers even more productive." Economists call for balanced policy to spur supply, demand By Park Hyong-ki John Maynard Keynes / Wikipedia Joseph Schumpeter / Wikipedia President Moon Jae-in's recent remarks at his Cabinet meeting stressing the importance of innovation led by the private sector may be a signal he will slightly alter his economic policy, observers have pointed out. Many economists certainly hope the administration will readjust its policy that only focuses on boosting workers' incomes. Over the past four months, politicians, policymakers and economists have been divided over the concept and idea of income-led growth. Those who favor the policy argue income growth will generate demand since the trickle down policy favoring supply side economics has not worked well over the last decade. Those who are against the policy say it is "extremely one-sided and narrow minded" that will generate demand only in the short term as it focuses on the labor market with no connection to the corporate sector. The argument has taken the shape of those favoring the economic ideas of John Maynard Keynes versus those of Joseph Schumpeter. Keynes and Schumpeter lived in the same period with different economic views. They were both born in 1883. Schumpeter emphasized innovation in supply side economics or in the private sector for sustainable growth. Today's theory of disruptive innovation derives from Schumpeterian ideas, which the academic world often uses to describe the path Apple took under Steve Jobs' leadership. However, Keynes' theory gained the spotlight especially during the Great Depression of the 1930s. His theory has been put into practice by governments when their economies have faced slowdowns or recessions, which calls for state intervention to boost aggregate demand in the short term. The government's extra spending plan is considered Keynesian, as well as the central bank playing the role as the bank of last resort in times of crises. Keynes attracted more attention as he was able to explain his theory through quantitative and mathematical models. Schumpeter was more geared toward qualitative reasoning. However, economists ask why not use both to implement a policy that can create a virtuous cycle in which laborers and companies see growth through wage increases and innovation. "Every argument we have been hearing from various sides is important income growth, fair competition, innovation," said former Prime Minister Chung Un-chan, an economist at Seoul National University. "We need to balance them out to see the effects not only on demand but also on supply that can spur facility investment and research." The government's income-led growth policy is "loosely" based on the theory of a wage-led growth strategy by economists Marc Lavoie and Engelbert Stockhammer. The two economists wrote a book about this published by the International Labor Organization. The strategy is an extended idea of Keynesian, which they said would increase aggregate demand and productivity. It would also benefit the supply side as companies will seek to adopt "more productive methods of production so as to safeguard their profits," thus creating a virtuous economic cycle. However, it seemed the administration has brought a "misinterpretation" of the wage-led growth strategy into the country. "The policy here has only focused on increasing workers' income without seeking fundamental change or growth through innovation in the corporate sector," said Yun Chang-hyun, an economist at the University of Seoul. "This is an extremely short-term policy only leading to a rise in demand. What we need is a change that can spur growth in both corporate and labor sectors." By Park Hyong-ki Oct. 10, 2017 is the final deadline to extend a currency swap between Korea and China. Even though the country's fiscal and monetary authorities say their working-level officials are continuing to engage in negotiations with their Chinese counterparts, it remains uncertain whether the two sides will further extend the period of the $56 billion swap. This is mainly because of the ongoing geopolitical dispute over the U.S. anti-missile system deployed here. And Beijing has been direct to say and show it is not and will not be happy with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), even if Seoul and Washington say it is aiming at Pyongyang. China has been retaliating against the Korea-U.S. alliance's move, targeting mostly Korean companies, including Lotte, Hyundai Motor and AmorePacific. The world's second largest economy even refused to talk to Korea by not sending its commercial trade minister to the ASEM meeting in Seoul last month. As the ongoing situation does not seem to brighten the future relations between the two sides, it is taking a toll on the outlook for the bilateral swap deal. The government and the central bank have asked the public to wait and be patient as they are working with China. "Our policy is we seek to extend the swap with China without setbacks, and we are doing our best to achieve the best result," Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon said of late. Bank of Korea Governor Lee Ju-yeol also echoed Kim, recently telling reporters, "We would like to conclude the talks as fast as we can, and the People's Bank of China's position over this issue is no different from ours." Korea and China sealed the swap deal three years ago, following two extensions in 2011 and 2014. The country first made the won-yuan currency swap in December 2008 as Korea sought to further prepare itself against future financial crises by beefing up its foreign currency reserves. Meanwhile, China has been seeking to make the yuan as one of the key global currencies, along with the U.S. dollar, euro and Japanese yen. Korea's $56 billion swap with China is significant because it accounts for nearly 46 percent of the country's total swap deals with other economies. Some say it will not make any difference even if the talks to extend the swap fall apart given Korea's foreign currency reserves at more than $380 billion, a record high. However, others say if they do not extend it, it would be lose-lose for both because Korean banks will face losses from not being able to trade yuan. Also, China's efforts to make the yuan an international currency will be negatively affected. The BOK chief held a meeting with his counterparts Zhou Xiaochuan, the governor of the People's Bank of China, and Haruhiko Kuroda, the governor of the Bank of Japan, on macroeconomic issues in Songdo, Incheon, last month. However, the Korean central bank said then the currency swap was not part of the agenda. Korea had a $70 billion currency swap deal with Japan as well. But they did not extend it due to diplomatic conflicts over Korea's statues commemorating wartime sexual slavery victims. October calendar of North Korea / Yonhap By Bahk Eun-ji Unlike South Korea's 10-day holiday this month, North Korea's calendar shows only one day off for a designated Chuseok holiday on Oct.4. Chuseok, Thanksgiving, is one of Korea's biggest holidays to celebrate the annual harvest. South Koreans have entered into a unusually long 10-day holiday for Chuseok, which falls on Wednesday, as the normally three-day holiday is preceded and followed by other national holidays and weekends this year. U.S. President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base on October 7, 2017 in Maryland. Trump is traveling to North Carolina. Earlier he said "only one thing" will work to solve the North Korean nuclear impasse. / AFP-Yonhap U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that "only one thing" will work to solve the North Korean nuclear impasse, apparently referring to military action. Trump did not state what the "one thing" was, but he voiced strong objection to negotiations with the communist regime. "Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid... hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, making fools of U.S. negotiators," he claimed in a pair of tweets. "Sorry, but only one thing will work!" Tensions have run high over North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, with Trump threatening to "totally destroy" the nation if necessary. Pyongyang conducted its sixth nuclear test in September and recently launched a series of ballistic missiles, including two over Japan. Trump says only one thing will work' for North By Jun Ji-hye North Korea may fire another ballistic missile as early as Tuesday when it celebrates the founding anniversary of its ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), as U.S. President Donald Trump hints at military action against the Kim Jong-un regime. Russian legislators, who visited Pyongyang last week, said the Kim regime plans to test a more powerful missile capable of hitting the West Coast of the United States. Anton Morozov, a member of the International Affairs Committee in the lower house of Russian parliament, said the delegation met with ranking North Korean government officials, but not military officers, during their visit to Pyongyang from Oct. 2 to 6. "They told us they're preparing to test a more powerful long-range missile that, in their view, would be able to hit the West Coast of the U.S.," Morozov told Bloomberg. The politician quoted the North Korean officials as saying they could test the missile soon. He also told Russian news agency RIA Novosti that the North's officials said the regime has secured atmospheric re-entry technology, a key element to completing an operational intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of traveling more than 10,000 kilometers. Military authorities from South Korea and the U.S. still cast doubt on whether the North has completed such technology that would grant it the ability to construct a shroud that covers the missile's warhead strong enough to withstand the extreme heat and other challenges involved in re-entering the Earth's atmosphere from space. The North usually holds big military events or parades ahead of key political events or anniversaries to maximize the impact of its belligerent acts and elicit the allegiance of its people. By Kim Rahn Kim Yo-jong Kim Yo-jong, the younger sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has been elected as an alternate member of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea central committee's political bureau, according to the North's state media Sunday. The appointment was part of the party's personnel reshuffle announced during its plenum Saturday, which was held ahead of the party's founding anniversary which falls on Oct. 10, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. With the appointment, Kim Yo-jong, who often appeared at important national events alongside her brother, now belongs to the party's decision-making body. In the reshuffle, Choe Ryong-hae, a vice chairman of the party and one of the closest aides to Kim Jong-un, was selected as a member of the party's Central Military Commission. He now holds eight high-profile positions in the government and the party. Buildings at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex in North Korea are seen in this file photo. The North has indirectly admitted it has been operating some factories there without South Korea's permission. / Yonhap Seoul has no way to stop them operating By Kim Hyo-jin The government seems to have no particular measures to halt North Korea's unilateral operation of the inter-Korean joint industrial complex in the border city of Gaeseong. North Korea indirectly acknowledged Friday that it had reopened part of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex, claiming it has the right to run the complex in its territory. The previous Park Geun-hye government closed the joint industrial complex in February 2016 in protest of the North's fourth nuclear test. "What we do in an industrial complex, where our nation's sovereignty is exercised, is nobody else's business," said a post on the North's propaganda website Uriminzokkiri. "They will clearly see how our workers are proudly working now unless their eyes are blind." The announcement came a few days after news reports that North Korea was operating factories owned by South Korean companies without reporting to the Seoul government. Quoting unnamed sources, U.S.-funded broadcaster Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported on Oct. 2 that the North had been running 19 clothing factories over six months to produce garments for domestic consumption as well as exports to China. The source said the clothing factories were using electricity diverted from munitions plants, with the clothing production kept secret with curtains hiding the light. The unification ministry called for the factories to be closed immediately because operating the complex without the South's approval is clearly illegal. "North Korea must not infringe on the South Korean companies' property rights within the joint complex," a unification official said. But besides such condemnation and protest, there is nothing practical the South can do because all communication channels between the two Koreas have been cut. The ministry had a similar response in August following news reports that North Korea had used vehicles belonging to South Korean companies in the Gaeseong complex. Following the reports, South Korean companies formerly operating in the industrial park said they would have an emergency meeting on Wednesday. They responded cautiously to the reports, saying they would wait for the government's official explanation. Opposition parties demanded the government take swift countermeasures, criticizing it for being idle against the North's illegal conduct. "The government should come up with stronger measures against the North this time in close cooperation with the international community," the main opposition Liberty Korea Party said in a statement. The party said the operation of the complex was a violation of the inter-Korean agreement and U.N. Security Council resolutions. "If the news reports are true, the North's actions must not be overlooked," the minor opposition Bareun Party said in a statement. "We cannot help but ask what the government is doing. It has only replied it is checking the facts. "When the Korean Peninsula is at risk due to the North's provocations, the government needs to make utmost efforts to overcome the crisis in every aspect. We urge its swift response." The Park government closed the complex in February 2016 following the North's fourth nuclear test. In protest, North Korea announced it would freeze all South Korean assets in the complex and that a people's committee would manage them. The inter-Korean industrial project in Gaeseong, established in 2000 following the inter-Korean summit, used to have 124 South Korean firms operating there. Facilities and equipment belong to the South Korean businesses. By Lee Kyung-min Quarantine authorities in Busan have moved 640 containers from where Korea's first infestation of more than 1,000 red fire ants was confirmed late last month. The containers were moved to a nearby area as part of efforts to inspect and sterilize ports in the southern city to prevent further spread of the species native to South America, known to inflict painful bites that in some cases lead to anaphylactic shock and death. The ants are 2 to 6 millimeters in size, and are coppery-brown. The Busan Port Authority and officials from Gamman Port said Sunday extermination efforts would continue because the "queen ant" _ which lays up to 1,500 eggs a day _ has yet to be located and confirmed as exterminated. The authorities are considering burning soil and concrete plowed from beneath where the containers were unloaded. Only containers that underwent complete and full sterilization were allowed to leave the port. The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency said it would continue to inspect 163 traps and sterilize quays in the area. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said it would continue to inspect 2,358 monitoring traps installed last Wednesday at 34 seaports, including those in Masan in South Gyeongsang Province, Sokcho in Gangwon Province and Incheon. A team of 20 officials from the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, the Ministry of Environment, the Korea Forest Service and outside experts will conduct an on-site inspection at Gamman Port today. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Kim Young-choon visited the port Saturday, recommending inspections and extermination efforts continue for up to two years. Agriculture Minister Kim Yung-rok visited Incheon Port last Thursday. The discovery of the ants comes amid a growing number of infestations at airports and ports in recent years. According to data submitted to Rep. Wi Seong-gon of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea from the agency, nearly 70,000 such cases have been reported over the past seven years. The numbers are rising. Between 7,000 and 9,000 infestations were reported between 2010 and 2014. But 12,075 cases were reported in 2015 followed by 13,529 cases last year. The ants have been found recently in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, several Caribbean countries, China and Japan. Three months earlier, three fire ant infestations were reported in Japan at Nagoya Port and in Kobe. According to the Japan Times, the venomous ants were first discovered in a container that arrived at Kobe Port in May. Bites to U.S. residents cost the economy there an estimated 3.4 billion pounds (5.2 trillion won, or $4.5 billion) a year, says Takahiro Murakami, an associate professor of behavioral biology at Kyushu University, according to The Telegraph. Anyone who sees suspected fire ants should never touch them, but report the discovery to 054-912-0612. By Park Si-soo Lee Eui-soo Fashion model and DJ Lee Eui-soo was found dead at his home in an apparent suicide, his agency said Sunday. He was 22. Lee's elder brother revealed the death in a message posted on social media on Saturday night. "Lee, my only sibling, passed away on Oct. 6, 2017," wrote Lee Eun-sun. "I thought he had lived well as a fashion model and DJ. He seems to have been in trouble and that's why he opted for this regrettable choice"(a euphemistic reference to his suicide). The message did not say why the up-and-coming model killed himself. It is unknown if he left a will. His agency ESteem confirmed the death "We are at a loss after learning about his death," The agency said, asking netizens to refrain from groundless speculation. The funeral will be at Moat Seoul Memorial Park at 2 p.m. on Monday, according to the agency. Lee, who was born in 1995, made his modeling debut in 2013. He appeared in major fashion shows and on popular TV programs. He made his debut as DJ last year. By Kim Se-jeong Luggage can be a big headache during travel. Especially when it is big and heavy, it is often awkward and limits travelers from last-minute sightseeing before leaving for home. However, foreign travelers in Seoul have little to worry about as SAFEX, a service provided by the tourism company itrip, caters to incoming travelers by taking care of their baggage at the beginning and end of their trips. The service has been well-received and the city of Seoul Metropolitan Government selected itrip as a successful company with quality services for tourists. Before entering the country, users should visit safex.kr to make an online reservation. Arriving at the Incheon International Airport, customers drop their bags at itrip's Travel Store next to the KTX gate and they will find them at their hotel by the end of the day. The bags are sent to Seoul via the Airport Express (AREX) Line, and from there, itrip staff deliver them by car. Customers can do the same for departure, leaving their bags at the hotel lobby and picking them up at the airport. Service fees vary according to the size of the baggage, ranging from 14,000 won to 26,000 won, one way. "We work with travelers in the field and this enables us to find their needs fast," said Lee Jun, CEO of itrip. He doesn't provide the service for those who stay south of the Han River. "When we started, the service covered the entire Seoul. But we learned fast that most of our customers stay in the old center of Seoul." The company also has a storage room at express train stations Seoul Station and Hongik University Station where customers can pay to store their bags. "It's perfect when you have the last couple of hours to enjoy in Seoul," Lee said, adding it also provides a long-term service. Safex service is only one of the services itrip provides. It runs a travel center at Incheon Airport and Hongik University Station offering concierge services to arriving tourists two new center will open soon at Incheon Airport and Gimpo International Airport. Mr. Coat is a service for outbound travelers to keep their coats at the airport while they travel to warmer destinations and is very popular during the winter. Recently, he also started a new baggage-wrapping service, which is available only at Seoul Station for 11,000 won or more. Lee has several business competitors, but so far he is the winning party. His success is attributed to his longtime career in the tourism industry which enabled him to build a network and identify customer needs. For 21 years, he worked for a travel agency in charge of inbound tourists. Following that, he managed a hotel for four years. "We are an online-to-offline platform business for those who travel Korea individually." Holiday commuters arrive at Seoul Station on Sunday after traveling back to the city at the end of the Chuseok holiday break. / Yonhap By Kim Bo-eun Expressways were congested on Sunday due to vehicles returning to Seoul and the airport teemed with those coming back from trips over the extended Chuseok holiday. Monday is the last day of the unprecedentedly long Chuseok break which started on Sept. 30. The Korea Expressway Corporation (KEC) estimates 3.58 million vehicles used major expressways on Sunday and 420,000 vehicles returned to Seoul and surrounding cities. The congestion was heaviest from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and eased after midnight. According to the KEC, a large number of vehicles returned to Seoul on Friday after visiting hometowns, and many of the vehicles heading back to Seoul on Sunday were returning from outings. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, traffic during the Chuseok holiday this year increased 13.9 percent from a year earlier. Traffic to domestic tourist destinations such as Yeongdeok in North Gyeongsang Province doubled, for example. The ministry attributed this to the toll exemption that was put into effect to boost domestic consumption as well as the length of the holiday. The agency said the congestion was lighter than usual during traditional holidays, as traffic was dispersed over the 10-day break. The airport also bustled with travelers returning from overseas vacations. Over 1 million people left the country for travel during the holiday period. On Sunday, 116,000 people arrived at Incheon International Airport, breaking the previous record of 110,435 set two days earlier. Seoul Station was also crowded with people who returned to the city after visiting their hometowns. An estimated 45,000 people arrived at Seoul Station on Sunday. Most of the tickets to Seoul on the Seoul-Busan and Seoul-Mokpo railroad lines during the daytime were sold out. By Mark Leonard BERLIN The recent meeting between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Theresa May in the Estonian capital of Tallinn was a portrait in contrasts. Merkel has pursued openness and internationalism, and leads a country with a world-beating industrial base and strong trade ties. May talks more about the past than the future, and has disparaged "citizens of the world" while claiming to defend her country's confused national identity. Among other things, the Merkel-May dynamic shows how cyclical history can be. Twenty years ago, Germany was the "sick man of Europe," struggling to dispel its demons so that it could look out and to the future. The United Kingdom, on the other hand, had become "Cool Britannia." In 1997, much of the world was tuning in to Brit-pop; and top British artists, fashion designers, and architects were the hottest names in their fields. Even British chefs were seen as global arbiters of taste, to the chagrin of their French counterparts. I had a walk-on part in that moment of British national revival. In the report BritainTM: Renewing Our Identity, I proposed a strategy of national rebranding that was picked up by the new Labour government under Prime Minister Tony Blair. The idea was to rethink the idea of Britishness, and then reintroduce Britain to the world. Rebranding was clearly necessary. By the mid-1990s, a fog of malaise had settled over British politics. Prime Minister John Major had lost control of the Conservative Party, and declining public trust in British institutions was fueling anxiety among voters. Britain, once known as the "workshop of the world," had become a service economy. The British retail chain Dixons decided to name one of its consumer-electronics brands Matsui, because it sounded Japanese. The soap operas coming out of Buckingham Palace had turned adulation of the royal family into voyeurism. And according to opinion polls, around half of the country's population wanted to emigrate, and a similar percentage (particularly Scots, Welsh, ethnic minorities, Londoners, and the young) no longer felt British. Rather than mourning the ethnic-based, exclusionary Englishness that former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher had done so much to promote in the 1980s, I argued that Britons should embrace a new civic identity, based on deeper stories about their country. Britain, after all, was a global hub, but also an island with a long history of creativity, quirkiness, and innovation. It was a hybrid country that gloried in its diversity. It had pioneered social and technological change not with revolutionary fanfare, but through sound governance. And it was a country that valued "fair play," a value embodied in the National Health Service. Of course, I should not overstate the influence of my pamphlet. BritainTM was just one part of a larger phenomenon. The British national story was moving toward openness, and that change would have a profound impact on both Labour and a Conservative Party that needed to detoxify its own brand. Conservative leaders such as former Prime Minister David Cameron and even Boris Johnson, when he was the mayor of London, came to represent a modern, multiracial, and multiethnic Britain. This is the Britain that the director Danny Boyle depicted in the opening ceremony to the 2012 Olympic Games in London. How, then, did the country move from cosmopolitanism back to nationalism and nativism? The short answer is that Britain's rebranding became a victim of its own success. By accommodating previously excluded citizens, the new national story made those at the center of the older, narrower version feel like a threatened minority. And when the Brexit referendum rolled around, they fought back. May's main goal since succeeding Cameron has been to appeal to the emotions of the old tribes at the heart of Thatcher's version of Britishness all who felt disenfranchised in Cool Britannia. Still, demography dictates that the new, open Britain will inevitably replace the old one. Most polls show that the country is becoming more liberal and tolerant every year. But one lesson from the Brexit vote is that identity politics manifested in the fears of older, white, less-educated voters can wreak havoc in the interregnum. What remains to be seen is how far the nativist turn will go, and whether its leaders will overreach. Will the populist wave recede once a critical mass of voters starts to feel the economic effects of Brexit on the British economy? And could it have been prevented with a slower, more gradual change in the national story? Similar questions have surely been on Merkel's mind since Germany's federal election last month. The fact that the far-right Alternative for Germany made unprecedented gains while Merkel's own party lost support owes something to her bold open-door policy during the refugee crisis. She may now be wondering if the Willkommenskultur (welcoming culture) that she has promoted will share the same fate as Blair's Cool Britannia. Ensuring that it does not will be Merkel's big challenge in her fourth term. Unfortunately, May, having ridden the wave of nativism, rather than trying to redirect it, will have little to teach her German counterpart. If anything, May could fall victim to her own opportunism. If history does indeed move in cycles, it stands to reason that Britain will turn back toward openness sooner or later. And when that happens, May's brand of backward-looking politics, like Thatcher's, will be swept aside. Mark Leonard is director of the European Council on Foreign Relations. Copyright belongs to Project Syndicate. There is no question that North Korea is a terrorist state and should be put back on the U.S. list of sponsors of state terrorism, and soon. In a recent interview, the parents of the late Otto Warmbier, a 22-year-old U.S. college student who died days after being released from long-term detention in the North, accused Pyongyang of "destroying" their son. They recalled howling, inhuman sounds they discovered came from their comatose son on a stretcher. His bottom teeth were rearranged as if with a pair of pliers, they said. Their account could only be made more credible by the regime's show of unimaginable brutality. Kim Jong-nam, the elder half brother of Kim Jong-un, the dictator in charge in the North, was assassinated by two Southeast Asian girls in broad daylight at the Kuala Lumpur international airport in February. The two smeared VX nerve gas on Kim's face. A group of North Korean agents were let go when the Malaysian government chickened out in a diplomatic confrontation and now it is up to the two suspects facing trial to firmly link the killing with Pyongyang. Still, on the basis of evidence uncovered thus far, Kim was executed at the order of his paranoiac sibling who feared the self-exiled brother could be his political rival. Then, the North's nuclear brinkmanship should be taken as an undeniable case of state terrorism. It has been building a nuclear arsenal and trying to manufacture long-range missiles with nuclear payloads to threaten as far as the U.S. and Europe. Already, Pyongyang is constantly threatening to turn the South into a bowl of nuclear ashes. Now, the world is trying to increase pressure on the North with sanctions through the United Nations but with no great success. What precious extra help it may get is pivotal to make the sanctions weighty and relisting Pyongyang should be it. The North was put on the list in 1988, the year after its agents downed a Korean Air passenger jet, killing more than 100 people. Delisting happened in 2008 during the Bush administration in a political deal under which the North promised to dismantle a nuclear plant in Yongbyon. Pyongyang blew up the cooling tower in a sensational photo op for the international gallery but has not followed through on its word. The U.S. State Department says relisting is possible only when it determines the North has "repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism." What more evidence does it need? Samsung, LG should reconsider US investment plans The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled 4-0 in favor of Whirlpool on a case brought by the American washing machine producer against Samsung and LG Electronics for allegedly selling underpriced products. The ruling should be reconsidered at a public hearing scheduled for Oct. 19 or, if not, needs to be discarded during the process that has until Dec. 4 to make remedial recommendations to President Donald Trump, who by early next year will make a final decision. Or the two Korean firms should reconsider their investment decisions in the United States. Samsung is building a $380 million factory in South Carolina that will employ 950 people, while LG plans to invest $250 million by the first quarter of 2019 in Tennessee, in a plant that will employ more than 600. The combined total of the two firms' exports of large residential washers came to about $1 billion in 2016. Samsung accounted for 16 percent and LG for 13 percent in the U.S. washing machine market, while Whirlpool had 38 percent. The arithmetic could not be clearer. If Whirlpool's pursuit of "global safeguards" is accepted, it would lead to broader restrictions on imports such as heavier duties and quotas. For three reasons, that should not happen. First, it is about consumers' rights. Samsung and LG as well as other international leaders dominate the global washer market, leaving Whirlpool and GE, now under China's Haier, struggling to rely on "patriotic" marketing and maintain their domestic U.S. market shares. Whirlpool and GE are not competitive so barring the Samsung and LG products is equal to forcing American consumers to use poor-quality products at higher prices. Second, if the two Korean firms maintain their U.S. investment plans, would the U.S. protect Whirlpool? How? Would it slap extra duties on products made in the U.S. just because they carry the labels of the Korean firms? It simply does not wash. Third, the ITC's latest decision comes after a similar decision on solar panels from China, Korea and Mexico. Trump advocates an America-first policy, but he also noted during his recent U.N. speech that it would be carried out in a "fair" manner to others. The way Trump behaves shows his sense of fairness is unilateral. If that is the case, the U.S. would not be different from a China that is bullying Korea and boycotting its products for political purposes. Already, the U.S. is threatening to abolish its free trade agreement with Korea, claiming it is suffering from a trade deficit on an unfair calculation that excludes balance-tipping deficits Korea suffers in the services sector and military procurement. Any unfair conclusion on the washer dispute would likely disrupt the global trade rule and hurt the two countries' alliance. Besides, the ITC should remember the embarrassing case of 15 years ago _ the World Trade Organization's rejection of additional tariffs of up to 30 percent slapped on steel imports. By Tong Kim Everybody knows that Kim Jong-un will not negotiate away his nuclear-tipped missiles and is determined to complete the development of an operational nuclear force that can strike the United States. Donald Trump does not believe dialogue is the answer, especially not at this time. He is more inclined to a military solution. Nobody knows what will be a good solution or an exit strategy. On or around Oct. 10, the anniversary of the Korean Workers Party's foundation, Pyongyang may hold another new ballistic missile test or launch a second ballistic missile from a submarine. Another nuclear test is unlikely this time. The North does not need more tests of any kind. The possibility of war is real Kim Jong-un and Trump are on a hair trigger. Both are practicing the "madman theory" to scare their opponents, with neither man backing down. Neither is crazy or "moron." It is relatively easier to read Kim's mind than Trump's. Kim is neither irrational nor suicidal. He wants to protect his regime and his country. Nobody in Washington seems to know what Trump has in mind when it comes to the North Korean crisis. Maybe he does not know himself what he wants to do. There is no problem with his "America first" foreign policy if it helps American interests not just security and economic interests but also the broader interest of American leadership and American values. On North Korea, Trump has issued many confusing and contradictory statements at given times, flip-flopping his position, without spelling out his plan. He argues in favor of unpredictability on his part. Unpredictability and lack of transparency may cause a dangerous miscalculation by friends and foes alike. Both Kim and Trump employ the tactic of bluster, but Kim is more predictable. Just last week, Trump undercut his secretary of state Rex Tillerson, saying on twitter that Tillerson was "wasting his time trying to negotiate with Little Rocket Man." "Save your energy, Rex. We will do what has to be done." Tillerson's humiliation came within a day after he said in Beijing that the U.S. had direct channels of communication with Pyongyang, expressing his hope for a new dialogue with the North. Again, it is not clear what Trump meant by "what has to be done." Its nuance inferred a military strike. There is a clear divergence between the U.S. President and his security advisers in policy substance and in management style. This gap does not help to find a solution to the North Korean issue. Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said on Oct. 5 that the secretaries of state and defense and the White House chief of staff "are those people who help separate the country from chaos." There have been many suggestions apart from military options and sanctions. But many of them are non-starters for one reason or another. They include: "a freeze for a freeze" between the North's nuclear and missile tests and joint U.S.-ROK military drills; accepting a nuclear North Korea in the Cold War mode; reinventing the Non-proliferation Treaty to include Pyongyang to cap its program; sending a U.S. envoy to Pyongyang for talks; negotiating a peace agreement as part of denuclearization; redeploying tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea or letting the South and Japan develop their own nuclear arms; and more. In the end, it boils down to three choices: negotiation, war, or leave it alone and live with it. If Kim Jong-un orders his generals to wage a nuclear attack, they will carry it out even if they know it will kill millions of people and devastate their own country as well. Recent studies show a nuclear attack on Seoul and Tokyo alone would kill at least one million people in each city. If the impulsive Trump orders a nuclear attack on North Korea, would it be carried out without opposition? Questions are being raised regarding whether the defense secretary or the President's chief of staff should try to advise against such an order. If Senator Croker is correct, it will be Secretary Mattis and Chief of Staff Kelly who will save the country from a nuclear war. There is a precedent in history. In 1969, when North Korea shot down a Navy reconnaissance plane EC-121 killing all 31 crew members, Nixon wanted to retaliate militarily. But his defense secretary Melvin Laird, according to a Washington Post opinion piece on Oct. 3, aborted Nixon's order after deliberately delaying its execution. A nuclear war should be avoided by all means. What's your take? Tong Kim is a Washington correspondent and columnist for The Korea Times. He is also a fellow at the Institute of Korean-American Studies. He can be contacted at tong.kim8@yahoo.com. NOKOMIS Two years ago, Pattie Hamlin and her family took part in the Ice Bucket Challenge, in which people are dared to dump a bucket of frigid water on their head or donate to the ALS Association, which promotes awareness about and advocates on issues related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. A retired assistant director for Mid State Special Education from Nokomis, she often took part in similar events to help those in need. A year later, her contributions to the ALS Association came back to her when she was diagnosed with ALS, a rare progressive neurological disease. Hamlin, 55, is now the first patient in the ALS Associations St. Louis regional area which includes eastern Missouri, Central and Southern Illinois to receive the newest Food and Drug Administration-approved ALS drug, edaravone, under the brand name Radicava. Once I was diagnosed and got over the shock, I did all the research I could, Hamlin said. Because of her Ice Bucket Challenge efforts and those of millions of people around the world that began in 2014, ALS research advanced in a wave of financial strength and public momentum to the tune of $115 million. ALS affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The condition causes muscles to become weak and ultimately leads to paralysis. The disease initially causes mild symptoms such as muscle weakness or muscle atrophy. Most patients die from respiratory failure within three to five years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC estimates that between 12,000 and 15,000 people in the U.S. are affected by ALS, while between 5,000 and 6,000 people a year are diagnosed with the disease in the country. So far, the disease has affected Hamlins arms, only requiring some assistance for tasks such as shaving her legs and washing her hair. I have to have a stool in the kitchen, because my arms wont reach above my shoulders, Hamlin said. Weve modified a few things, but luckily its just my arms. Hamlin said she has known others in which the disease hits hard and fast. Many of her new friends who were diagnosed with ALS passed away within two months. Radicava and ALS Until now, Riluzole, which extended the life expectancy of patients by only a few months, was the most recently approved drug, and its been around for 20 years. Radicava is designed to slow down the progression of ALS. Dr. Robert Bucelli, assistant professor of neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is Hamlins doctor. After researching the Radicava study, he found Hamlin fit the drugs ideal patient profile. Some of the criteria requires the patient to be in the early stages of the disease and have clear respiratory function. Mrs. Hamlin has many of the features, Bucelli said. And she is very independent. Radicava is an intravenous infusion and is administered with an initial treatment cycle of daily dosing for 14 days, followed by a 14-day drug-free period. Subsequent treatment cycles consist of dosing on 10 of 14 days, followed by 14 days drug-free. Hamlin began treatments on Sept. 18 at Hillsboro Area Hospital. Each daily infusion takes one hour and cost $1,000. Because Radicava is new to the American public, insurance coverage varies. Bucelli has found some patients decline to undergo the treatment due the IV procedure, the time commitment and the price. Other than a patients rapid progression with ALS, doctors have no basis on when to end Radicava treatments. There is no endpoint, no guidance or instruction, Bucelli said. It is ultimately going to be up to the patient. After an initial six-month clinical trial conducted in Japan, FDA researchers found Radicava to be useful as a treatment to slow the progression of ALS. Patients receiving the drug declined less on a clinical assessment of daily functioning compared to those receiving a placebo, the FDA study stated. Radicava was approved for U.S. patients in May. It became available for use in August, shortly before Hamlins first treatment. According to Bucelli, before it was tested on ALS patients, the drug had been used in stroke patients in Japan and Korea. The study began on ALS patients at various phases. Phase three and four patients were tested, but did not show a difference after six months of testing. The drug company selected those that were responding and tried a new test. Doctors are able to study their patients through a rating scale as the disease progresses. Because Radicava has only recently been available to doctors in America, patients like Hamlin are being monitored closely. We are cautiously optimistic, Bucelli said. We dont think it is a home run, but we will be hopeful, Bucelli said. Helping the cause Hamlin began to notice a problem around Christmas 2015 as she was struggling to put dishes in cabinet. I thought I had a shoulder problem, Hamlin said. She began a series of tests through her doctor and later learned that to be diagnosed with ALS, doctors must first rule out everything else. After nearly nine months of tests, she was finally diagnosed with ALS. I was completely shocked, she said. You think that always happens to someone else. Bucelli said the ALS research with Radicava has fueled a debate in the neurology field. Doctors are giving the drug to patients that may not benefit from it, he said. Theres not another FDA-approved drug. Doctors will give it to their patients because they feel they have no other choice, he said. There is a lot of emotions tied to this disorder, and patients are very vulnerable. Hamlin was chosen as one of the first patients to receive Radicava because she is in the early stages of the disease. She is also a fighter, said Sandra Sullivan, director of communications at the ALS Association St. Louis Regional Chapter. She has been very open from the get-go. Hamlins drive to find out more about the disease sent her to Congress. She traveled to Washington, D.C., to encourage ALS research. We met with lots of lawmakers, she said. Hamlin also attended an ALS conference in Tampa, Florida, an event sponsored by the Northeast Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Consortium, or NEALS. Her doctor recommended her for the conference. Hamlin felt honored to be chosen, having been one of only 10 patients invited. During the conference, researchers discussed the current test with the patients. And how to tell good research from bad research, Hamlin said. Sullivan said the research and distribution for Radicava is a direct result of the Ice Bucket Challenge. Anybody who took part in the challenge can take credit, she said. So far, Hamlin has experienced only one of the side effects of Radicava, which has been headaches. It was the worst Ive had, and it lasted through the night, she said. Other side effects include bruising, trouble walking, skin inflammations and rashes. Glenda Darst and Melinda Harnetiaux are two of Hamlins nurses administering Radicava. It is a brand new drug. There is only a handful of people doing this in the country, Harnetiaux said. Its pretty exciting that were doing this. The small hospital is in the midst of rural areas, including Hamlins hometown of Nokomis. Much of the medical staff is familiar with patient and her family. A lot of us are personal friends of Patties, Darst said. Its unique to be a part of this. Today, her husband, Lester, helps her bathe and with chores. She doesnt cook much, he said. Shes always up for going out to eat. Although he is always around assisting his wife, he said it is too early to tell if the drug is helping. It will be a month before we can tell if it is doing any good, he said. But it isnt progressing very fast at all. He said his job is trying to keep her happy. I was doing a good job before, he said. I just have to do a little more now. HAWTHORN WOODS Susan Vrenios held the baby boy, less than 6 months old, in her arms as the infant cooed and flashed his big heart-melting smile. Over the span of nearly 30 years as a foster parent, Vrenios has become a pro tending to infants and children in the care of the state. Vrenios and her husband, Tom, so far have touched the lives of 132 kids, including two children the couple adopted into their own family. We couldnt keep them all, the 53-year-old Vrenios said with a laugh. They dont make cars for 132 kids. For the past 10 years, Vrenios and her husband have worked with UCAN, which is one of 70 social service agencies that work with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services helping at-risk children. Foster parents like Vrenios provide stable and nurturing care for youth whose world has been upended by loss, abuse or neglect, and whose families have been unable to safely care for them, according to Derrick Baker, vice president, marketing communications for UCAN. According to DCFS statistics, as of July there were 13,953 children either in foster or relative care, institutional homes or group homes after being removed for abuse or neglect. DCFS licenses foster homes, and private agencies such as UCAN license their own foster homes. UCAN is headquartered in Chicagos North Lawndale community, and has other offices around Chicago, along with the one in Vernon Hills, Baker said. UCAN currently has about 170 foster homes, Baker said. About 65 of them are in Lake and McHenry counties, and the agency is always looking for more foster parents, he said. Foster parents receive a stipend from the state to support the youths in their homes, with the amount varying from $500 to $2,200 depending on the needs of each child, Baker said. Its important that you want to take care of children, Nancy Hencier, who is based out of UCANs Vernon Hills office, said. Hencier said it takes four to six months to become a licensed foster parent, and candidates must undergo a background check and fingerprinting. Im always looking for foster parents. Once we place one child we need another foster parent, she said. According to information posted at UCANs website, the organization began in the 1860s at the start of the Civil War when St. Pauls United Church of Christ decided it would take care of the children of fallen soldiers and in 1869, after a piece of property was donated for a permanent home, the state legislature incorporated the Uhlich Evangelical Lutheran Orphan Asylum. Today UCAN serves approximately 10,000 at-risk children, youth and families in Illinois. They offer more than 30 programs to either prevent violence, help children aging out of the system deal with independent living, workforce development, support for pregnant teens, youth leadership classes and foster care placement. The agency tries to help affected youth through their therapeutic youth home and they run a K-12 therapeutic day school. Clinical and counseling services are provided as well as help with regular medical issues. Whether its our adolescent program, specialized foster care or traditional foster care, UCAN has a strong track record. It is not easy work, UCAN President and CEO Zack Schrantz said in a statement about the professional fostering program in Cook, Lake and McHenry counties. We know that sometimes family dynamics can change with the addition of a new person in the household. Some young people may come with physical, mental health or developmental challenges that a family may not be prepared to handle, added Schrantz, who himself has been a foster parent for nearly seven years. UCAN staff members provide Vrenios and other foster parents with services and support to direct them in support foster youths while their family works to overcome the circumstances that led to them being placed outside of their homes, Baker said. On this day, Vrenios is in Vernon Hills because one of the babies she is fostering has an appointment to spend time with a parent. In the meantime, Vrenios, takes the other baby to the doctor for a check up. Foster parenting seemed to come to Vrenios naturally, she said. We had no children of our own, and we felt very blessed by life. We wanted to give back, so we decided to become foster parents, and one child led to 132, Vrenios said. My husband and I have also had 12- and 13-years-olds, up to age 18, she added, saying the reaction to foster care varies widely from child to child. They can be scared or happy and excited. (They) want this new norm, because the old norm was neglect and abuse, she said. Its very different for every child. Even newborns babies are traumatized when separated from their biological family, she said. Its still considered trauma, she said. Any baby requires a lot of patience and calm parenting. You feel like you had a part in helping this infant. With babies, My focus is largely, 98 percent, just nurturing, Vrenios added. Vrenios said UCAN is very strong about advocating for the parents, and it is always working in the best interest of the child. No parent wants their child in foster care, she said. Thats a safe assumption. As part of the team, you assure the parent that foster family is a temporary home until they can get back on their feet. You work together for the health of their child. And then you say goodbye. Thats a real hard one. But now there is a healthy, happy child and a family reunited. Contact with biological parents varies by each case. The agency sets up the visit and foster parents provide a note to the parent telling them how the week went and what is new with their child. This agency encourages the contact, but they are realistic, she said. For one of her babies, the parent, a father, will visit twice a week with his son at the Vernon Hills office. That relationship has continued to grow, she said. My husband and I see the need and value in there being good foster parents, she added. When it has been appropriate and with guidance from our UCAN case manager, we have enjoyed our involvement with the birth parents. Often times, it has led to a healthier relationship between child, foster parent and birth parent. I feel there is nothing better than helping children for a brighter tomorrow, Vrenios said. You understand the goal is a mature healthy adult. DECATUR In its 16th year, the WSOY Community Food Drive once again met its goal, raising a total of 1,501,537 million pounds/dollars over the course of 12 hours. Either by phone or in person at Kroger, 1818 S. Airport Plaza, thousands of people donated food and funds toward the 1.5 million goal on Friday. To Brian Byers, who has overseen the event since the beginning, the community's response continues to be "awe-inspiring." "This is a ton of food," said Byers, vice president of development at Neuhoff Media. "All of this money and food will go to work. It'll be donated to nine organizations as a way to continue to support the great work they do for the community." The local charities and food banks on the receiving end of the food drive's donations include the Northeast Community Fund, the Good Samaritan Inn, the Judy Mason Thanksgiving Basket Project, Reasonable Service, Gods Shelter of Love, AMELCA Food Pantry, Interchurch Council of Blue Mound-Boody-Stonington and Mount Zion United Methodist Food Pantry. At Kroger, Larry and Nancy Bullock of Decatur bought a cartload of groceries, and then came outside to donate it. Nancy Bullock said it is hard to explain why they want to donate, but it's just their way of giving back. This is our community and we've lived here for 45 years, and we just want to help the community who's been good to us, she said. Ten-year-old Kyleigh Baker felt the same way. The Decatur Christian student was shopping at the store with her grandfather and younger brother, and before they left, she handed off a cart of canned goods to one of the food drive's many volunteers. "Whenever I see people who don't have many things, I feel sad, and want to donate things to them," she said. "Sometimes I go to the Salvation Army with my mom and my brother, and we donate things." In addition to the general public, several prominent companies and community leaders donated throughout the day, like Archer Daniels Midland Co., Green Valley Manufacturing and the Airport Road Kroger. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner called in with a $25,000 donation, and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation matched $75,000 raised during the last two hours of the drive. Participating in a competition with one another, several Decatur schools were also responsible for a hefty amount of donations. St. Teresa High School and St. Patrick's School were locked in a tight race for the top spot in the contest for most of the day. Ultimately, St. Teresa finished on top with 252,296 pounds/dollars collected. It was followed by St. Patrick's with 210,780, Mount Zion High School with 101,153, Eisenhower with 95,743, and Warrensburg-Latham with 92,851. While Our Lady of Lourdes didn't make the top five, the school undoubtedly made an impact when a semitruck full of non-perishable food items arrived to the Kroger lot and was donated on the school's behalf. When Lourdes student Bryan Burcham II overheard his grandfather talking about the semitruck on the phone, he was surprised and confused. Once he learned of its purpose, he was ecstatic. Brian Burcham told his grandson to keep the truck a secret, and he did. Then, Friday morning at school, when he could finally tell, his eighth-grade classmates at Our Lady of Lourdes didnt believe him. They joked around with him, teasing about when his semi would show up, and when it did, they were surprised too. Bryan was still in shock as the semi was unloaded Friday afternoon. I dont know about the semi, he said. They didnt believe me. The elder Brian and his wife Becky have worked hard to make sure all their children and grandchildren take care of other people, said Alexas Burcham, his granddaughter. We want to teach the grandkids to give, the elder Brian Burcham said. Brian Burcham said it took a lot of talking and searching to find enough food to fill a semi truck. But he was glad he could gift the gift to his grandson and teach him to continue giving back to the community, he said. Other semi-trucks and large vehicles pulled up to the lot at different points during the drive, and over 500 volunteers dedicated their time in different way to ensure the food and donations were received as efficiently as possible. Some volunteered for shifts throughout the day, while others stayed for the entire day. "We don't turn anybody away," Byers said. "(The food drive) is something people want to be a part of." Longtime volunteer Don Klinker of Decatur started directing traffic when the drive began at 6 a.m. He said he volunteers every year with the Knights of Columbus organization. It's fun. I'm a people person, and I get to talk and joke, he said. And you get to see community people people you don't get to see very often. Another reason he volunteers is he is upset with the amount of homeless people and people in need in the community. And he hopes to do what he can. In a country like ours, with the money we have, and there are people who are starving to death that is something wrong, he said. Despite all the donations on Friday, the shelters will be out of food before next year, Klinker said. It's just unbelievable, he said. There are so many people in this town that don't have anything. ADM Business Solutions Analysts Angela Hill and Derek Stevenson volunteered their time at the tent, donning pink shirts that said Team ADM on the back. This was Hills third time volunteering for the food drive, and Stevensons first. I think its important to help the community, Hill said. Everything donated here goes toward helping Decatur. Stevenson said he enjoyed his first year as a volunteer, and will sign up to join the team again for next years drive. We all live in the community, he said. Its all about helping others. Its like, if theyre helping out people, then Ill help them too, and take the initiative. Ill do it again next year. At the end of the day, Byers said he's expecting more donations to come in over the weekend, extending the final total well beyond the intended goal. "It always ends up being more," he said. "We always get a lot of phone calls, or people come home from vacation and send donations in. But the good news here is, we met our goal." Lupita Nyongo relates her story of inappropriate Harvey Weinstein encounters Lupita Nyongo with her Oscar after winning Best Actress for 12 Years a Slave at the 86th Annual Academy Awards. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) With stories about women allegedly harassed by Harvey Weinstein surfacing all around her, Oscar winner Lupita Nyongo decided she couldnt keep her own story squashed down any longer. She thought the things that had happened were unique to her, not a larger pattern of what she on Thursday called sinister behavior. She blamed herself for much of it. I had shelved my experience with Harvey far in the recesses of my mind, joining in the conspiracy of silence that has allowed this predator to prowl for so many years, Nyongo wrote in an op-ed for the New York Times. The 12 Years a Slave actress was still at Yale School of Drama when she and Weinstein crossed paths at a 2011 awards ceremony in Berlin, where he was introduced to the then-aspiring actress as the most powerful producer in Hollywood. Dinner companions told her he was a good man to know in the biz, but someone to be careful around because he could be a bully, she wrote. The interactions that followed between her and the producer went back and forth between seemingly appropriate and uncomfortably inappropriate, Nyongo said. The invitation to screen a movie with Weinstein and his children at his Connecticut home turned into a restaurant lunch where he tried to bully her into drinking alcohol, she wrote, followed by him cutting short her viewing of the movie after 15 minutes and taking her to his bedroom where he offered to give her a massage. She said she flipped the situation around. I began to massage his back to buy myself time to figure out how to extricate myself from this undesirable situation, the actress said. Then he wanted to take off his pants, she wrote. He couldnt make it to see a production she was in, but invited her to bring anyone she wanted to see a staged reading of Finding Neverland, one of his. Dinner followed, with her friends relegated to a non-Harvey table. The talk was shop the whole time and Harvey held court with ease. He was charming and funny once more, and I felt confused about the discomfort I had previously experienced, Nyongo said. Lupita Nyongo accepts the supporting actress Academy Award for her work in 12 Years a Slave on March 2, 2014. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) A couple of months later, he invited her to a screening of W.E. followed by a trip to the Tribeca Grill, which she said she assumed would be another group meal. It was not. His assistants, she said, had seemed uncomfortable as they set up the logistics with her. Before the starters arrived, he announced: Lets cut to the chase. I have a private room upstairs where we can have the rest of our meal. I was stunned, Nyongo wrote. I told him I preferred to eat in the restaurant. He told me not to be so naive. If I wanted to be an actress, then I had to be willing to do this sort of thing. He said he had dated Famous Actress X and Y and look where that had gotten them. She declined, and his tone changed, she said. As he escorted her out, sans meal, she checked in with him to make sure they were still good after shed said no. His response, according to the actress: I dont know about your career, but youll be fine, he said. It felt like both a threat and a reassurance at the same time; of what, I couldnt be sure. They didnt cross paths again until the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, which she was attending in support of 12 Years a Slave. At an after-party, he found me and evicted whoever was sitting next to me to sit beside me, she wrote. He said he couldnt believe how fast I had gotten to where I was, and that he had treated me so badly in the past. He was ashamed of his actions and he promised to respect me moving forward. I said thank you and left it at that. But I made a quiet promise to myself to never ever work with Harvey Weinstein. Our business is complicated because intimacy is part and parcel of our profession; as actors we are paid to do very intimate things in public. Thats why someone can have the audacity to invite you to their home or hotel and you show up. Lupita Nyongo The following year, after her Oscar win, he tried to get her in one of his films, showering her with talk of a star-vehicle film in the offing for her later if shed first take a role in a Weinstein Co. movie shed already turned down. She held firm. When she first met the now-disgraced producer, she wrote, she was entering into a community that Harvey Weinstein had been in, and even shaped, long before I got there. He was one of the first people I met in the industry, and he told me, This is the way it is. And wherever I looked, everyone seemed to be bracing themselves and dealing with him, unchallenged. Since then, she said, she hasnt encountered treatment like that from anyone else. Still, she talked about the often-blurry lines in the workplace known as Hollywood. Our business is complicated because intimacy is part and parcel of our profession; as actors we are paid to do very intimate things in public, wrote Nyongo, who is now 34. Thats why someone can have the audacity to invite you to their home or hotel and you show up. Precisely because of this we must stay vigilant and ensure that the professional intimacy is not abused. Hello, Im Mark Olsen. Welcome to another edition of your regular field guide to a world of Only Good Movies. The world at large has seemed particularly tumultuous of late, which is why, as strange as it may sound, the world of movies has come to seem like even more of an emotional buoy than usual. In particular, the Los Angeles-based Beyond Fest has been a source of real joy, as audiences and filmmakers come together to share in something positive, even when the movies on display are of the out-there variety. Advertisement In an interview, Dario Argento, maker of some of the most stylishly strange movies of all time, described how his movies have been a place for him to work out his own dark, bad feelings, and how that has been a source of connection for audiences. It was like a session of psychoanalysis, Argento said of his moviemaking. With my films, I move all my feelings inside me, the bad and the good, the violence and the sweeter. I move all those things deep in my unconscious. I describe for the audience all these things. As awards season continues moving forward, we should have plenty more screenings and Q&As coming up. Keep an eye on this space for updates on future events, or go to events.latimes.com. The Florida Project Sean Baker has long been making deeply felt, empathetically humanist explorations of worlds many would overlook, from his earlier films Take Out, Prince of Broadway and Starlet, to his breakthrough with Tangerine. With his new The Florida Project, Baker finds a story within the realm of rundown motels in the shadow of Disney World in Florida, crafting a playful but emotional tale in which young children occupy themselves away from their struggling parents with infectious resilience. With its candy pallette and buzzing energy, The Florida Project is simply one of the freshest, most original movies of the year As Justin Chang put it in his review for The Times, The Florida Project has the same intimately searching spirit and fascination with marginalized subcultures as Tangerine, but its also something greater: Scene by scene, it assembles one of the most infectious and thrillingly alive portraits of childhood Ive ever seen .... [Baker] has made a dazzling neorealist sugar rush of a movie. At the recent Toronto International Film Festival, I interviewed Baker, actor Willem Dafoe and newcomers Brooklynn Prince and Bria Vinaite. Dafoe remarked how the atmosphere on-set, particularly corralling the youngest members of the cast, would often make its way into the film, when he said, There was a shadow thing, the reality was really informing the action of the fiction. I also recently sat down with Dafoe in Los Angeles for an interview that will be out soon. In the New York Times, A.O. Scott spoke of the films unlikely sense of innocence in a world with darkness looming, particularly Princes character of Moonee, when he wrote, But of course the viewer who experiences vicarious delight in their capers ice cream tastes so much sweeter when you have conned some tourists into paying for it is simultaneously conscious of an undertow of sorrow, anxiety and dread . We watch her Little Rascal antics increasingly sure that something terrible is going to happen. At the LA Weekly, April Wolfe wrote further on Moonee et al.s high-spirited misadventures, adding, She and her little buds arent simply precocious pranksters; they are full human beings with hopes and fears and coping mechanisms. Though Moonees story may not have a Hollywood happy ending when shes grown and the world has been cruel, Baker has created an indomitable character whos at least got a fighting chance. Blade Runner 2049 French-Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has likewise long been making his way up the ranks, especially since Prisoners and Enemy in 2010, on through Sicario, Arrival and now the astonishing Blade Runner 2049. A sequel to Ridley Scotts 1982 Blade Runner, the new film stars Ryan Gosling and, reprising his role from the original, Harrison Ford. In his review for The Times, Kenneth Turan wrote, Whats remarkable about Blade Runner 2049 is how good it is. You can quibble with aspects of it and people being people (as opposed to replicants) surely will. But the bottom line is indisputable: As shaped by Villeneuve and his masterful creative team, especially production designer Dennis Gassner and cinematographer Roger Deakins, this film puts you firmly, brilliantly, unassailably in another world of its own devising, and that is no small thing. For more context on the original film, The Times republished an in-depth article Turan wrote in 1992 on the original films storied history and legend, where he said, More than anything else, Blade Runners saga is, as the best Hollywood stories invariably are, a microcosm for the industry, starkly underlining how irredeemably deep the classic split between aesthetics and commerce is and also how painfully inevitable. As with an etching by Escher, the final decision on who the villains are here, or even if there are any villains at all, depends on your point of view. At the New York Times, A.O. Scott zeroed in on the acting and star persona of Gosling, noting, This is impeccable casting. Mr. Goslings ability to elicit sympathy while seeming too distracted to want it his knack for making boredom look like passion and vice versa makes him a perfect warm-blooded robot for our time. He is also, in 2017, something close to what Harrison Ford was 35 years ago: the contemporary embodiment of Hollywoods venerable ideal of masculine cool, a guy whose toughness will turn out to be the protective shell encasing a tender soul. Reviewing the film for Buzzfeed, Alison Willmore added, Its exquisite-looking and distant, inviting you into a painstakingly crafted world but no further . Fords character wasnt necessarily sympathetic in the first Blade Runner, but he was one whose fate felt important, an individual trying to survive in a system run by giant, indifferent institutions, unwilling to consider the question of whether he himself was just a tool created by one of them. He was someone whose limited point of view was forcefully cracked open. Brawl in Cell Block 99 Having made its local debut as the opening night film in Beyond Fest, Craig S. Zahlers Brawl In Cell Block 99 has now also opened in theaters. The film stars Vince Vaughn as a man drawn back into the criminal underworld he had been struggling to break free of. In his review for The Times, Justin Chang praised Zahler, whose previous film was the western Bone Tomahawk, by noting, He is both an unapologetic grindhouse aficionado and a painstakingly methodical storyteller, and its the tension between these two seemingly oppositional sensibilities that gives his work its peculiarly bruising impact. The Times Jen Yamato spoke to Vaughn and Zahler about the movie, which manages to be powerful and indirect, its message and politics surprisingly difficult to parse. Its not right, its uncomfortable, and he knows that and hes responsible for it, said Vaughn of Zahler. Therein lies the messiness that for me makes it so entertaining. For the New York Times, Jeannette Catsoulis added, The title is pure grindhouse, but Brawl in Cell Block 99 reaches some distance beyond simple prison-movie exploitation. For one thing, the buildup is so grippingly patient that were more than halfway through before the titular battleground is reached. And for another, this painstakingly paced thriller displays an intensity of purpose that makes it impossible to dismiss as well-executed trash. Email me if you have questions, comments or suggestions, and follow me on Twitter @IndieFocus Jorge Heredia, an inmate, left, and Jesse Estrin, a facilitator, right, comfort one another during an emotional meeting, mourning the loss of Arnulfo Garcia at San Quentin State Prison. Christina House / Los Angeles Times (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) Down past the prison yard, where blue lilies grow near a fence topped with barbed wire, the men who manage one of the nation's only inmate-run newspapers were mourning. The front page of their next edition would mark the death of Arnulfo Garcia, who had been their editor in chief and so much more. Garcia had come to San Quentin State Prison as a heroin addict and burglar. He had transformed himself over more than 16 years into a beloved leader and living, breathing symbol of hope and redemption. At the prison, they called him jefe because he ran the San Quentin News. They called him pachuco because in his youth he used to walk with such swagger. They loved his dry chili peppers, which he carried in his pocket and passed out to them like candy. And they felt such hope for him when he walked out to freedom in July, full of big plans for not just his but their future. He was deep into those plans two months after his release when he got in a car with his sister. She was driving. They were in a crash. Both were killed. Garcia was a three-striker whose sentence was cut for good behavior from 65 years to 16. He used to tell men serving decades for robberies, assaults and murders to focus not on getting out of the infamous penitentiary but on becoming better men men who moved forward and thought big. "It takes a team to make it to the moon, he used to say. Left: Arnulfo Garcia reads the latest edition of the San Quentin News produced by himself and a group of fellow inmates. Right: James King signs a sympathy card for the family of Arnulfo Garcia at San Quentin State Prison. And they had faith in his goals, no matter how grandiose to reform the criminal justice system, to end gang violence, to turn a fledgling newspaper into an award-winning publication. Out in the yard, prisoners divide by color blacks with blacks, whites with whites but in the old laundry room turned newsroom, Garcia led a mix of men whose sole focus was telling stories and putting out the paper. That work continued on a recent afternoon. Jesse Vasquez, a staff writer serving 30 years to life for attempted murder, placed a thermos with Garcias favorite tea out on the pavement near the newsrooms front door to ferment in the hot sun, the way Garcia taught him. Jonathan Chiu, in for first-degree murder, pieced together the papers crossword puzzle. And Richard Richardson, long and lanky like Snoop Dogg, bent over his computer pushing himself to finish his toughest assignment yet: Garcias obituary. Richardson, who goes by Bonaru, serving time for home robbery, took over as editor after Garcia left. The two were best friends, he said. He taught me how to be a man, how to be a father, to be responsible and accountable for my actions. Drop that monkey off your back Garcia, who was 65 when he died, was in and out of jail for nearly 50 years. He spent part of his childhood picking prunes on a farm in Northern California and as he grew up became a heroin addict. When he was busted for home robbery in the 1990s and faced 123 years in prison, he skipped bail and fled to Mexico. His mother pleaded with him. Quit drugs, have a child, settle down. Drop that monkey off your back, Carmen Garcia told him. Then I can die in peace. Garcia did what his mother asked in the countryside of Mexico, working on a farm, staying clean. He met someone, and they had a daughter and named her Carmen. But eventually his past caught up with him. He was arrested and sent to San Quentin. In his 6-by-10 cell, he started writing. He told his life story and the stories of other inmates expelled from society because they killed their wives, shot up gang rivals, robbed gas stations, peddled drugs. Garcia wrote thousands of words now scattered in notebooks, on flash drives and pieces of toilet paper. Inmates pass around a ceremonial rock when its their turn to speak in a gathering mourning Garcia.(Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) Left: A photograph of Arnulfo Garcia sits in an empty seat during a gathering of inmates mourning Garcia's death. Right: Inmates pass around a ceremonial rock when it's there turn to speak in a gathering mourning Garcia. He was a listener, someone you could talk to about your secrets and your sadness and the harm that youve done to others, said his brother Nick, who also served time at San Quentin. For years, Garcia had brushed aside his mistakes. I blamed my father, the police, the probation office, the D.A., the judges, he wrote in a 2014 column. I blamed everyone but myself. Writing, he said, brought a new kind of clarity. I came full circle to the realization that the person responsible for my situation was me. When he and Richardson began working in the prisons print shop, Garcia didnt even know how to turn on a computer. But they used to listen to the chatter of reporters and editors nearby in the newsroom. Theyd be arguing about what story to run on the front page, Richardson said. And wed get in there and tell them our opinion. The prison newspaper was just revving up again then. A prison warden had brought it back to life, after more than 20 years. It ran on donations, as it does now, and the help of journalists on the outside. Garcia was hired on as a writer in 2009 and began spending more and more time there. Two years later, he was editor in chief. He saw in the San Quentin News an opportunity not just to give prisoners a voice but to educate them about prison programs they could use to improve themselves. He published stories about inmates doing yoga, putting on Shakespeare plays, getting paroled after participating in rehab programs, showing remorse for their crimes. He once wrote about how three inmates saved a correctional officer as he choked on a piece of steak. Garcias paper featured soul-searching profiles and editorials critical of budget cuts and prison conditions. He invited in district attorneys and judges, for forums to update them on life at the prison. San Quentin inmates mourn their former editor in chief. (Video by Christina House / Los Angeles Times) Bob Ayers, the warden who brought back the newspaper, said Garcia didn't just want a publication that squashed prison gossip. He wanted to do serious, respected journalism. While I may have plugged in the lamp, which was the resurrected San Quentin News, he said. Arnulfo tweaked it until it became a beacon." Garcia did so under strict supervision. The newsroom had no internet access. Each story was carefully vetted. By the time he left prison, the San Quentin News was printing 28,000 copies, distributed to 35 prisons run by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Wall City, the quarterly magazine he dreamed up, was nearly a reality. The first volume, full of inmates stories, was just about to go to press. Left: Sunlight through the bars at San Quentin State Prison. Right: Inmates gather and mourn the death of Arnulfo Garcia at San Quentin State Prison. A brave new vision The morning of the crash, Nick Garcia, who had also been paroled, spoke to his brother on the phone. Arnulfo was at a gas station in Hollister. He sounded excited. His biggest plan was to build a reentry home with a full treatment center, somewhere in the countryside, a place where newly freed prisoners could acclimate themselves to life outside the walls. He had the support of officials at public safety agencies, social workers and several prosecutors, including those who had once locked him up. His family planned to help him pay for it. He and his sister Yolanda were on their way to check out a possible property. The crash occurred minutes after the brothers hung up. Police say Yolanda Garcia missed a stop sign. Her car was hit first by an SUV, then by a big rig. Brother and sister died at the scene. This ones hard to take Richard Richardson, left, works on writing the obituary of his best friend Arnulfo Garcia. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times) At San Quentin, a weekly support group helps prisoners manage their day-to-day anger. Garcia once led the group. Now those who came were grief-stricken. In a high-ceiling room that was nonetheless airless, they sat in a circle and took turns saying goodbye. Arnulfo, you pulled one on us, man, said one inmate, his face slick with tears. This ones hard to take. Many times I wanted to quit, said another, staring at the floor. You told me, Come on, lets go I appreciate you, said Fateen Jackson, 41, because you saw value in me. Lucia de la Fuente, one of the groups coordinators, told the inmates that Garcia had squeezed every last bit of his two months of freedom. Barbecues, shopping trips with his daughter. Food lots of great food. De la Fuente said it made him so happy, he texted her photos of his beans, his scrambled eggs and Mexican sausage. He was abundant in every single way, de la Fuente said. She got her final text from him three days before the crash, she said. He was coming over the Bay Bridge at sundown. The light, he told her, was so beautiful. esmeralda.bermudez@latimes.com @LATBermudez Times staff reporter Chris Megerian contributed to this story. A movement to abolish Columbus Day and replace it with Indigenous Peoples Day has gained momentum in some parts of the U.S., with Los Angeles in August becoming the biggest city yet to decide to stop honoring the Italian explorer and instead recognize victims of colonialism. Earier this month, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors joined the city, declaring that no later than 2019, the second Monday in October will be observed as Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day in Los Angeles County. The motion, which makes Indigenous Peoples Day an official county holiday, also designates Oct. 12 as Italian American Heritage Day. Advertisement The motion, let me be clear, is not about erasing history, said Supervisor Hilda Solis, who introduced it with Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. This is about understanding that for centuries, Americas ancestors oppressed certain groups of people. And while we cant change the past, we can acknowledge and make that history right today. But such gestures to recognize indigenous people rather than the man who opened the Americas to European domination has also prompted howls of outrage from some Italian Americans, who say eliminating their festival of ethnic pride is culturally insensitive, too. We had a very difficult time in this country for well over a hundred years, said Basil Russo, president of the Order Italian Sons and Daughters of America. Columbus Day is a day that weve chosen to celebrate who we are. And were entitled to do that just as they are entitled to celebrate who they are. Its not about taking anything away from Italian Americans, said Cliff Matias, cultural director of the Redhawk Native American Arts Council, which is hosting a Re-Thinking Columbus Day event Sunday and Monday in New York City. The conversation is Columbus, he said. If theyre going to celebrate Columbus, we need to celebrate the fact that we survived Columbus. The debate over Columbus historical legacy is an old one, but it became emotionally charged after a similar debate in the South over monuments to Confederate generals flared into deadly violence in August at a rally in Charlottesville, Va. In Akron, Ohio, a September vote over whether to dump Columbus opened a racial rift on the city council that was so heated, conflict mediators were brought in to sooth tensions. In New York City, where 35,000 people are expected to march in Mondays Columbus Day parade, vandals last month doused the hands of a Christopher Columbus statue in blood-red paint and scrawled the words hate will not be tolerated. The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a swimmer who went missing off Huntington Beach on Friday afternoon, as the rescue effort moves to a recovery mission. Huntington Beach lifeguards say theyll continue searching for the man, identified by Coast Guard officials as 53-year-old Van Nguyen, who was reported missing around 4 p.m. Friday. Nguyen and two friends were wading in chest-deep water when he began yelling for help, said Lt. Claude Panis of Huntington Beach Marine Safety. As one of his friends was approaching, they were hit by a strong wave. The two friends made it back to shore but Nguyen had disappeared. Advertisement Lifeguards had a difficult time communicating with Nguyens friends, so a police officer was brought in to translate. They told officials Nguyen was visiting from San Francisco. A number of agencies joined the search, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the Huntington Beach Police Department, the Orange County Sheriffs Department and lifeguards from Bolsa Chica State Beach to Laguna Beach. Using boats and helicopters, Coast Guard officials scoured more than 150 square nautical miles before suspending their search. Lifeguards who did a sweep of the coast early Saturday morning turned up no signs of Nguyen, whom officials described as 5 feet, 5 inches tall and wearing red swim trunks with a black stripe. Panis said high surf, shifting tides and strong rip currents made conditions especially dangerous Friday afternoon. Some waves were as high as eight feet. He warned that despite the unseasonably warm weekend, beachgoers should exercise extra caution and stay out of the water if possible. If youre not an expert swimmer, you really shouldnt go into the water this weekend, Panis said. The waves look real pretty, but if youre not familiar with the ocean, it could cost you your life. If caught in a rip current, officials said, swimmers should swim parallel to the shore until theyre out of the current, and then swim back to shore. christine.maiduc@latimes.com For more on California politics, follow @cmaiduc. ALSO New bishop named to help minister to Orange Countys Vietnamese Catholics Gov. Jerry Brown vetoes bans on smoking at beaches and parks, calling them too coercive Street racing may be involved in crash that killed four in Northridge, authorities say Memorial for victims of Las Vegas massacre planned at Huntington Beach Pier Authorities are continuing their search for the driver of a car they believe was racing with another vehicle that crashed into a tree in Northridge, killing all four occupants. The crash occurred about 11 p.m. Friday, when the driver of a silver BMW lost control of the car while speeding east on Lassen Street alongside a dark-colored sedan, said Officer Shane Bales of the Los Angeles Police Department. The BMW crossed into oncoming traffic lanes near Balboa Boulevard and hit a light pole before slamming into a tree. Flames engulfed the car, and the impact was so severe that it ejected the cars engine, Bales said. The car broke into several pieces. Authorities believe the cars were traveling in excess of 100 mph. The victims were identified Saturday as Martin Gomez, 20, of Granada Hills, who was said to be at the wheel; Denney Lomeli, 20, of North Hills; Leena Ammari, 21, of Reseda; and Amanda Alfar of Panorama City, whose family said she was 21. The two men were seated in the front and the women in the backseat, police said. All four were killed instantly. Police are still searching for the driver of the second vehicle that was seen driving alongside the BMW. It was last seen speeding down Balboa Boulevard and did not stop, officials said. Police suspect the drivers of the two vehicles may have been racing. "We have very little details, but we're hoping since people did die that the family members, friends, somebody's going to come forward," Bales said. "It's rare that people race each other that don't know each other." The LAPD posted dramatic video on Twitter and Instagram on Saturday showing a black car zooming through the camera frame, followed by flashing lights and smoke behind it, apparently from the impact and flames shooting up after the crash. LAPD needs your help to solve this tragic crash that took four young lives, officials said in another post, asking neighbors to check their security camera videos. Dozens of friends and family members of the victims gathered at the crash site late Saturday for a candlelight vigil. christine.maiduc@latimes.com An Illinois medical examiners office has determined that the death of a young woman whose body was found in a Chicago-area hotels walk-in freezer was an accident. Kenneka Jenkins, 19, was found inside the freezer on Sept. 10 after she disappeared from a room at the Crowne Plaza in suburban Rosemont. She had attended a party with as many as 30 other people on the ninth floor and wasnt found until nearly 24 hours after her disappearance, after repeated pleas to the hotel and police by the family. Jenkins death captured the public attention and imagination, and her funeral drew about 1,000 people, many of whom had never met her. Advertisement The initial lack of information released by authorities drew activists and sparked online conspiracy theories that she was attacked and killed. The speculation was fueled by a number of videos on social media appearing to show the party and some of Jenkins friends. The case prompted protests from demonstrators who converged on the hotel, stirred by the strange circumstances of the death and complaints by Jenkins mother about the initial response from hotel staff and police. The Cook County medical examiners office announced Friday that Jenkins died of hypothermia. Alcohol intoxication and the use of a drug for treating epilepsy and migraines were significant contributing factors, the office said. The autopsy found mucosal erosions, a type of lesion, that indicated Jenkins had suffered from hypothermia, the medical examiners office said in a statement. There was an abrasion to her right ankle and a purple contusion on her right leg, but no other sign of external or internal trauma, the office said. Her brain was swollen, but that is not indicative of a specific cause of death, it said. Comprehensive toxicology tests were conducted for hundreds of drugs of abuse, medications and other chemical compounds, and the office said it sought to see if date rape drugs were in her system. None were found, the office said. The testing found alcohol, caffeine and the epilepsy/migraine medication topiramate in Jenkins system, the office said. Her family said she had not been prescribed the drug, but the level was within the therapeutic range, the office said. Her blood-alcohol level was 0.112, higher than the legal limit of 0.08 for legally driving. The alcohol and the drug can enhance each other, the office said. The combination of alcohol and topiramate found in Jenkins blood can cause impaired memory and concentration, poor coordination, confusion and impaired judgment, among other adverse effects, the office said. This, plus cold exposure, could speed the onset of hypothermia and death, the medical examiners office said. Video surveillance showed Jenkins entering the kitchen at approximately 3:32 a.m. on Sept. 9, but the recordings do not clearly show her entering the cooler and freezer because there are no cameras that directly show those doors, the office said. Jenkins was discovered in the freezer approximately 21 hours after the video documented her entering the kitchen, the office said. Citing the police investigation, the medical examiner said theres no evidence Jenkins was forced to consume the alcohol or the drug. There also was no evidence of another person near the kitchen with Jenkins, and there was no evidence of an altercation or interaction with another individual immediately prior to her death, the office said. The autopsy results were released the same day that the family filed a legal document in Cook County Circuit Court, claiming several padlocks that could have prevented entry to the unused freezer were available nearby but not used. Kennekas mother, Tereasa Martin, had sought police assistance a few hours after her daughter disappeared, but a dispatcher told her Jenkins might have gone to a friends place or passed out after drinking too much. Crowne Plaza staff eventually searched public areas of the hotel, and were later joined by Rosemont police. At 12:24 a.m. Sept. 10, according to video released by the village, a hotel worker went around the corner in the kitchen and summoned police that Jenkins body had been located. In a statement released Friday night, Rosemont police said though no sign of foul play appears to exist at this time, they are continuing to investigate Jenkins death and are still looking for two people who originally checked into the hotel for the party. Pratt, Healy and Olumhense write for the Chicago Tribune. ALSO Vice President Mike Pence in Las Vegas: We are united in our grief Trump administration launches attack in a culture war, rolls back Obama rules on birth control and transgender employees Trump again tweets cryptic threats about North Korea They were mostly very old and sickly. But at least 10 of the 12 residents of the Florida nursing home who died after Hurricane Irma had another factor in common they lived on the buildings top floor, where the heat was the worst and most windows were left unopened. It wasnt until the morning of Sept. 13, shortly before dawn, that staff at the Hollywood rehabilitation center contacted the director of nursing at her home and told her people were deteriorating and dying. She immediately told them to move the residents from the second floor downstairs, where it was cooler, according to the nursing home. By then it was too late. A lot of them died in an oven, said attorney Gary M. Cohen of Boca Raton, Fla., who is handling five negligence cases against the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills on behalf of survivors and families of the dead. Its not the way to go. This is not how its supposed to happen in a nursing home in the 21st century. Advertisement Hurricane Irma knocked out a transformer that powered the central air conditioning at the 152-bed, two-story facility near Miami on Sept. 10, leaving residents for days to cope in suffocating heat. As bodies were pulled out of the nursing home three days later, Hollywood Police Chief Tomas Sanchez told reporters the building was extremely hot on the second floor. He would not say then whether all of the victims lived on the second floor, citing a newly launched criminal investigation. Now, the Sun Sentinel has confirmed through friends and family of the dead that all eight who died on Sept. 13 had lived on the top floor. Two of the four people who died in later days also had lived on the second floor. The second floor housed the sickest, long-term care residents, some with dementia and others who were bedridden or receiving hospice care. Downstairs, the nursing home cared for a mix of people, including those who might eventually go home again after recuperating from a stroke, joint replacement or other setback. Before the storm hit, the nursing home told residents and their families they would not be moved and would be safe there. Studies show that evacuating very old people from nursing homes poses its own dangers: increasing the risk of hospitalization and death. But the Hollywood facility, like many others, had no generator to run the air conditioner in a power failure. The state does not require it. During the three days the air conditioning was inoperable, no staff members ordered the building emptied or the residents moved across the street to Memorial Regional Hospital, only steps away, which had air conditioning, power and medical care. When rescuers began to discover the dead in room-to-room checks, it was clear that the people in the most critical condition were on the second floor. We have a Signal 7 in Room 229, Hollywood Fire Rescue units said of 92-year-old Miguel Antonio Franco, using their code for a deceased person, according to emergency radio calls provided by the audio streaming website Broadcastify. Another paramedic announced that there is going to be medical triage on the second floor. Shortly before 7 a.m. came the radio call of another body: We have an additional Signal 7 in Room 226. A few seconds later, emergency crews radioed another death, and then an official said: Youre going to need to keep track of these. At one point a rescuer announces: All patients accounted for on the first floor, green, signaling that they were all alive on the lower floor. Some of those from the second floor had body temperatures, before or at death, ranging from 107 to 109.9 degrees, according to state regulators. Normal body temperature is considered to be 98.6. Workers at the nursing home had placed some residents in wheelchairs or in beds in cooler hallways, but kept others in their rooms with fans. Larger fans were placed in hallways. The nursing home also borrowed spot chillers portable air conditioners that were distributed evenly on the first and second floors of the building, according to a lawsuit filed by the nursing home, challenging its closing by the state. The second floor of a two-story building with a failed cooling system would almost always be hotter than the lower floor, especially in Florida, said Todd Washam, director of industry and external relations at the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, a group based in Arlington, Va., that represents 4,000 companies nationwide. How much hotter is hard to say. Theres just so much to consider how big are the windows, whats the insulation like, whether there is tree covering, Washam said. Sanchez, the Hollywood police chief, was asked at the Sept. 13 news conference how hot it was in the building. Im not going to release those figures, but I can tell you it was very hot on the second floor. Some windows at the nursing home were open, Sanchez said, but investigators were going to look at how many windows cannot be opened. The nursing home shares the same building as a mental hospital, called Larkin Community Hospital Behavioral Health Services. During the air conditioning outage, the hospitals nursing director wrote an email to a Broward County commissioner Sept. 11 asking for help fixing the air conditioning. He explained that because we are a psych crisis unit we cannot have open windows. The hospital does not want its patients to escape or to jump and get hurt. Pesantes and OMatz write for the Sun Sentinel. ALSO She was covered in insects and unable to walk: Doctors in Puerto Rico only now discovering the problems in remote towns Vice President Mike Pence in Las Vegas: We are united in our grief The geography of death in Las Vegas: Remembering the 58 who died The fourth hurricane to hit the United States in 2017 was downgraded to a tropical depression Sunday after it made landfall in Louisiana and then Mississippi, damaging homes and flooding highways across the Gulf Coast and leaving more than 100,000 customers without power. Across the coastal region, there was relief as Hurricane Nate spared seaside towns and rural areas the disastrous flooding and destruction of the last three hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria that pounded Southern states and Caribbean islands over the past six weeks. Moving quickly, the storm weakened as it touched down as a Category 1 hurricane Saturday evening in Louisiana, on the mouth of the Mississippi River east of New Orleans and then made a second landfall just after midnight near Biloxi, Miss. Advertisement Officials in Louisiana, which experienced severe flooding last month after thunderstorms overwhelmed the drainage system, had imposed a curfew, terminated bus and streetcar services, and warned that power could be out for days. By Sunday morning, there were no major drainage problems and the city resumed all bus and streetcar services. Entergy reported that about 300 customers were without power. Hurricane Nate had the potential to wreak havoc on Louisiana, but thankfully, we were largely spared major damage, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a statement. Because it moved so quickly, the damage was minimal in Louisiana. However, a shift of a mere 50 miles to the west would have brought damaging winds and life-threatening storm surges. The brunt of the storm was felt on the coast of Mississippi, which had not experienced a hurricane since Katrina hit in 2005. State officials said the storm left 47,000 customers without power. In Jackson County, emergency management officials said at least 45 homes had water or wind damage after 70-mph winds and 10-foot storm surges coursed through the area. About 70 roads, including sections of U.S. Highway 90, flooded and up to 40 were blocked by downed trees and debris, emergency officials said. If we had to have a storm, this was not a bad one to have. Earl Etheridge, director of emergency services for Jackson County, Miss. In Biloxi, a coastal town where Katrina destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, storm water flooded the first floor of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi and the Golden Nugget Biloxi, as well as the parking lots of the Beau Rivage and the Palace Casino Resort. Yet as the waters receded, Mississippi officials expressed relief that the damage was not worse. We are very fortunate this morning and have been blessed, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said in a news conference, noting that there had been no loss of life and only some damage to roads, bayside homes and casinos. A hurricane came ashore on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and we have been able to manage it. On Sunday afternoon, flash flood warnings and high wind warnings were in effect across parts of the Southeast and the southern Appalachians as Nate continued to move north-northeast up across Alabama and into Tennessee. By 5 p.m., it was about 75 miles south of Nashville, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. As crews shoveled debris off the roads in Jackson County, Miss., emergency officials closed three hurricane shelters that had hosted about 300 residents. If we had to have a storm, this was not a bad one to have, said Earl Etheridge, the countys director of emergency services. We had no injuries, no deaths, and it was over quickly. Ill settle for that. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said coastal residents benefited from developments in emergency planning since Katrina. The [Mississippi] coast took a hard hit from Nate, it said in a statement. The lack of major damage is a testament to the strong and smart rebuilding since Katrina. Money spent on mitigation to build back higher and stronger will now save us millions! By 10 a.m. Sunday, Nate moved about 40 miles southwest of Birmingham, Ala., with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. Tim Neilsen III, 16, is chased by his dog Chevy through flood waters that filled their front yard after Hurricane Nate came through on Sunday in Coden, Ala. (Brynn Anderson / AP ) In Alabama, coastal roads were strewn with rocks and debris and several bridges were damaged. As the storm moved north, Alabama Power reported Sunday morning that 82,000 customers across the state were without service. After conducting damage assessments, the coastal city of Gulf Shores reported no major damage and opened public beaches. Seven miles east, the city of Orange Shores reported beach erosion and downed trees, but no significant damage. While some roads were still flooded, officials expected water to recede throughout the morning. On Sunday, President Trump approved Alabama Gov. Kay Iveys request for a presidential emergency declaration for the state. A string of counties across the central and eastern portion of Alabama reported damage from downed trees caused by heavy rain, according to the states emergency management agency. One state road, SR 81, was severely flooded and a bridge was temporarily impassible. ALSO Puerto Rico tries to shore up hospitals in remote towns U.S. loses 33,000 jobs in September after hurricanes slam Texas, Florida Top floor was deadliest at two-story Florida nursing home with no air conditioning after Hurricane Irma UPDATES: 4:10 p.m.: This article has been updated with latest position of storm, damage in Alabama. 12 p.m.: This article has been updated throughout with staff reporting, power outages, quotes, details. 2:50 a.m., Oct. 8: Updated to add quotes and change the dateline from Biloxi, Miss., to New Orleans. This article was first published at 11:20 p.m Oct. 7. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. After every mass shooting, the nation trudges through the same familiar steps. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. Dont politicize a tragedy by trying to stop the next one. OK, propose something, but unless it would have prevented the last incident, were not interested. Eventually, the debate dies down until next time. Last weekends massacre in Las Vegas might be an exception to that pattern. For once, there actually is a proposal that would make it more difficult for the next Stephen Paddock to kill and injure so many people: a ban on bump stocks and other devices that enable semiautomatic weapons to fire more rapidly than normal. Without bump stocks, Paddock still could have killed dozens of people with his 23 weapons, but the toll might have been lower. Democratic Sens. Dianne Feinstein of California and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut have introduced a bill to impose such a ban. Several Republicans have said the question deserves a serious look. Advertisement More proof that its a good idea: the National Rifle Assn. quickly tried to neuter the Democrats bill. The NRA said bump stocks should be scrutinized not by Congress, legislating in the aftermath of tragedy, but by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. With a Republican majority and a president who has promised to come through for the NRA, broad gun control is an impossible goal. That won the NRA undeserved praise for statesmanship. In fact, it was a gambit to make it less likely that tough restrictions will be put in place. Dont take my word for that. Thats also the view of the top gun rights champion at the right-wing Breitbart News service, A.W.R. Rusty Hawkins. The NRA is calling on members of Congress to squash talk of more gun control by moving the bump stock discussion back where it began in 2010: with the ATF, he explained last week. In 2010, ATF ruled that bump stocks are legal because they dont physically change semiautomatic weapons to turn them into machine guns. In 2013, ATF said it doesnt think it has the legal authority to do anything about the devices. Thats why the problem still requires legislation, Feinstein argued last week. If anything, the Feinstein bill is vulnerable to the criticism that its unambitious. Outlawing bump stocks wont stop mass shootings or individual homicides far from it. And what about all the other causes of death by firearm, including accidents and suicides? But the impulse to tackle too many problems at once is one of the reasons Congress hasnt succeeded in passing any major restriction on firearms in more than a decade. Even after Sandy Hook, when a gunman killed 20 elementary school children in Newtown, Conn., in 2012, nothing changed. Now, with a Republican majority and a president who has promised to come through for the NRA, broad gun control is an impossible goal. Feinsteins narrow proposal, responding to a single horrifying incident, is a kind of pilot project: an attempt to see if Congress can pass anything over objections from the NRA. And if legislation gets through, theres a long list of other narrow measures waiting their turn. One is background checks. Anyone who buys a gun from a federally licensed gun dealer must undergo a background check. In much of the country, however, if you buy your weapons on the internet or from an amateur dealer, no check is required. Thats a boon to criminals and gun traffickers. Another is the domestic violence loophole. Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of domestic violence against a spouse or child from owning a gun. But the ban doesnt apply to anyone who abuses a parent, a sibling or a short-term partner. It doesnt apply to convicted stalkers, either. A third: gun trafficking. Remarkably, theres no clear federal statute that makes gun trafficking a federal crime. Much of the time, transferring a gun to someone who shouldnt have it is treated as a paperwork violation. That makes it harder for ATF and other law enforcement agencies to prosecute trafficking rings. Finally, a mundane problem that should be easy to fix: ATF is underfunded and understaffed. The agency hasnt grown in a decade, even though the number of guns in private hands has exploded. One of the reasons the current background check system doesnt work as well as it should is that ATF doesnt have the resources to answer every query within 72 hours after which the buyer automatically gets his gun. (Thats how Dylann Roof, who killed nine people in Charleston, S.C., in 2015, was able to buy a pistol despite having a criminal record.) And the problems about to get worse: President Trumps budget would cut 14% from gun enforcement over the next decade. Thats nuts. A single law wont end mass shootings, any more than laws against homicide can prevent all murders. But gun laws can still be improved, and they can be better enforced. Feinsteins bill is one place to start. Will Congress step up? That will depend on what it hears from constituents, especially gun owners. The 2nd Amendment guarantees their right to bear arms. Are they willing to get along without bump stocks to spare their fellow citizens from harm? doyle.mcmanus@latimes.com Twitter: @DoyleMcManus Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook On July 26, 1933, a group of Nazis held their first public rally in Los Angeles. As Jewish groups in the city debated how they should respond to Adolf Hitlers persecution of Jews in Europe, L.A.s Nazis, many of them German emigres, gathered at a biergarten downtown, wearing brown shirts and red, white and black armbands with swastikas. The Nazis belonged to a growing movement of white supremacists in L.A. that included many American brothers in hate: the Ku Klux Klan, a group of Hitler supporters known as the Silver Shirts, and a dozen like-minded organizations with vaguely patriotic names such as the American Nationalist Party, the Christian American Guard, and the National Protective Order of Gentiles. Some weeks ago, white supremacists in Charlottesville, Va., chanted Jews will not replace us. Their predecessors were even less subtle: They called for death to Jews. Advertisement Unwilling to wait and see if any of them would act on their threats, Leon Lewis, a Jewish lawyer and World War I veteran who had helped found the Anti-Defamation League, decided to investigate the anti-Semitic hate groups. In August 1933, mere weeks after the rally, Lewis recruited four fellow World War I veterans, plus their wives, to go undercover and join every Nazi and fascist group in the city. Leon Lewis understood that hate knows no national boundaries. Lewis recruits did not know there would be another world war. And they certainly did not know a Holocaust would occur in Europe. But once they had infiltrated the groups, they understood that they had to take the Nazi threat seriously. They repeatedly heard fellow Americans talk candidly about wanting to overthrow the government and kill every Jewish man, woman and child. Lewis operatives were all Christian, save for one Jew. They regarded their mission as an American one. Their intention was to gather sufficient evidence of illegal activities by the groups, then turn it over to the appropriate government agencies, after which Lewis planned to return to practicing law. What Lewis did not anticipate is that local authorities would prove indifferent to or supportive of the Nazis and fascists. Within weeks of going undercover, Lewis network of spies discovered a plot to wrest control of armories in San Francisco, L.A. and San Diego part of a larger plan to take over local governments and carry out a mass execution of Jews. Lewis immediately informed L.A. Police Chief James Edgar Two-Gun Davis of the Nazi scheme to seize weapons and, as Lewis warned in a memo later, to foster a fascist form of government in the United States. Lewis was shocked when Davis interrupted him to defend Hitler. The police chief, he noted in the memo, told him: Germans could not compete economically with the Jews in Germany and had been forced to take the action they did. The greatest danger the city faced, Davis insisted, was not from Nazis but from communists living in the heavily Jewish neighborhood of Boyle Heights. As far as Davis was concerned, every communist was a Jew and every Jew a communist. Lewis got a similar response from the Sheriffs Department and local FBI agents, many of whom were sympathetic to the Nazis and fascists. He decided he had to continue the operation, and his spies agreed. From the summer of 1933 until 1945, while many Americans closed their eyes to the hate growing around them, Lewis spies and informants, who numbered close to two dozen at the height of operations, risked their lives to stop Hitlers minions and alert citizens to the danger these groups posed. They uncovered a series of Nazi plots. There was a plan to murder 24 Hollywood actors and power figures, including Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor, Louis B. Mayer, Samuel Goldwyn, Charlie Chaplin and James Cagney. There was a plan to drive through Boyle Heights and machine-gun as many Jewish residents as possible. There were plans for fumigating the homes of Jewish families with cyanide, and for blowing up military installations and seizing munitions from National Guard armories on the day Nazis intended to launch their American putsch. These plans for murder and sabotage failed because Lewis operatives penetrated the inner circles of the hate groups and foiled them. Charles Slocombe, Lewis ace spy, thwarted two of the most deadly plots to kill Hollywood figures, one of them by turning Nazis and fascists against one another and raising fears that they might be arrested for murder due to leaks inside the German American Bund and Silver Shirts. Slocombe stopped a second mass murder plot by convincing three of the plotters that the mastermind behind the plan, the British fascist Leopold McLaglan, was about to betray them. Knowing their inner circles had been infiltrated, but not by whom, and unwilling to risk prison, the groups postponed their plans. Permanently. Without ever firing a gun, Lewis and his spies managed to defeat a variety of enemies. Only after Congress declared war on Germany did government authorities finally relieve Lewis the most dangerous Jew in Los Angeles, as Nazis called him of the burden of tracking down these dangerous elements. Nevertheless, he and his operatives continued to monitor the groups throughout the war years. Leon Lewis understood that hate knows no national boundaries. Foreign-born Nazis and American-born Silver Shirts and Klansmen gladly joined together in targeting Jews and communists. And few Americans, either inside or outside the government, tried to stop them in those early years. He and his network of spies understood the importance of vigilance. They refused to allow their city and country to be threatened by hate. With their actions they show us that when a democratic government fails to stop extremists bent on violence, citizens must protect one another, no matter their race or religion. Steven J. Ross is a professor of history at USC and the author of Hitler in Los Angeles: How Jews Foiled Nazi Plots Against Hollywood and America. To read the article in Spanish, click here Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook Just weeks before it takes effect, Californias new gas tax increase is again under attack, with Republicans mounting a growing campaign against the higher levies. Celebrated by Democrats as a victory for Californians weary of traveling the states distressed roads and highways, the law now faces repeal in two possible ballot initiatives floated by its opponents. Several of Californias Republican members of Congress endorsed that effort this week, all but ensuring the tax hikes will be a major issue in the 2018 election. The Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown acted in April to approve increased fuel taxes and new vehicle fees to raise $5.2 billion annually for road and bridge repairs and improvements to mass transit. On Nov. 1, the base excise tax on gasoline will increase by 12 cents per gallon, bringing it to 30 cents, and the excise tax on diesel fuel will jump 20 cents per gallon to 36 cents per gallon. Advertisement Concerned that the gas tax could become a political hot potato in the next election, a coalition of business and civic groups called Fix Our Roads recently sent a letter to Californias 14 Republican members of Congress, telling them the state desperately needs to increase spending on its crumbling infrastructure. It came with a pointed warning: There would be a robust and powerful campaign against any initiative to repeal the increases, and such an effort would become a self-defeating distraction for Republican incumbents seeking reelection. We dont think your objective is to create new political adversaries, said the Sept. 14 letter by 20 groups including the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the League of California Cities. It was swiftly denounced as a political threat by a group of 11 Republican members of Congress from California, including House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield). The GOP lawmakers responded with a letter of their own Thursday, saying they support the repeal of the gas tax and vehicle fees. The passage of SB 1 represents a bailout for our transportation programs have been habitually raided, mismanaged, and not made a priority in Sacramento, the lawmakers said. Hard working California taxpayers should not be on the hook because Democrats in Sacramento have failed to make transportation a priority. The members of Congress also objected to approving tax increases without a vote of the people. When the Fix Our Roads coalition is done making political threats and is interested in discussing real, long term solutions to our transportation challenges, please know that our doors are always open, concluded the letter, which was also signed by Reps. Ken Calvert of Corona, Darrell Issa of Vista, Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa, Devin Nunes of Tulare, Tom McClintock of Elk Grove, Duncan Hunter of Alpine, Doug LaMalfa of Richvale, David Valadao of Hanford, Steve Knight of Palmdale and Mimi Walters of Irvine. Republican Reps. Ed Royce of Fullerton, Jeff Denham of Turlock and Paul Cook of Yucca Valley have not commented on why they did not sign the letter. Michael Quigley, executive director of coalition member California Alliance for Jobs, said the gas tax repeal effort is looking to maximize political benefit for a handful of Republican congressional members. He added that voters will be more supportive of the gas tax hike if they know its going toward projects in their communities. Republican political consultant Dave Gilliard, a strategist for Hunter, Issa, LaMalfa and Walters, filed papers last month to put an initiative on the November 2018 ballot that would repeal the gas tax and vehicle fee increases and amend the state Constitution to require voter approval for future tax boosts. The proposal awaits a title and summary from the state attorney generals office before supporters can begin collecting the 587,407 signatures needed to qualify it for the ballot. Gilliard said hes conducted polling on the issue and is confident that the gas tax is overwhelmingly unpopular. Hes advised all of his clients to publicly come out against it, he said. Ive told all of them that the Democrats handed us a gift by passing this very unpopular bill and we should take advantage of it. Conservative radio talk show host and former San Diego City Council member Carl DeMaio said the support from Californias Republicans in Congress is a big boost for the effort. Its hard to take on the machine in Sacramento, he said. In addition to pushing for repeal, DeMaios group has collected more than 100,000 signatures in an effort to force a recall election of state Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) for his vote in favor of the gas tax. Meanwhile, a second initiative to repeal the gas tax, proposed by gubernatorial candidate and Republican Assemblyman Travis Allen of Huntington Beach, is not likely to get the financial support expected for DeMaios ballot measure. The Assemblyman was buoyed by a June poll by the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley that found some 58% of registered voters opposed the gas-tax increases. But a new poll released Wednesday found 53.9% of California residents oppose repealing the new gas tax and vehicle fee hike. The poll of 1,000 people via phone interviews and email indicates the gas tax has a good chance of surviving a challenge, said pollster Adam Probolsky, president of Probolsky Research in Newport Beach. Probolsky said the gas-tax poll was not paid for by any client. DeMaio denounced the results as a complete crock of manure manufactured by Sacramento insiders to try to spook elected officials into not backing a repeal of the gas tax. Jason Cabel Roe, a Republican consultant who is not working on either of the initiative campaigns, said he believes the gas tax hike is so toxic that it will transcend partisan politics. I dont even think its potent as a Republican turnout issue, Roe said. I think its potent because everybody hates it, its so regressive. But DeMaio and Allen are predicting California voters will be angry when the new taxes and fees kick in. For Californias working families, this is really going to be a crushing blow, DeMaio said. patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com; christine.maiduc@latimes.com Twitter: @mcgreevy99, @cmaiduc ALSO Poll: Majority opposes repealing gas tax increases in California Reacting to political threats, California congressional Republicans write to support repeal of state gas tax increase Judge rewrites summary of proposed gas tax repeal initiative, saying it was fundamentally flawed You want to have a screwed up state? If not, then vote to raise taxes, Brown says As the U.S. Supreme Court considers its role in forcing states to draw fair political maps, Californians know well how the process can be manipulated. They saw it happen over and over again, for decades. But an argument can be made that California rocketed from worst to first in making redistricting fairer. Few believe that more strongly than former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Advertisement I say it is the time to say, Hasta la vista to gerrymandering, he said at an event outside the Supreme Court in Washington last week as the justices considered the battle over the district lines drawn in Wisconsin. Much of Californias modern political history was shaped by battles over political boundaries, fought over a 60-year span that parallels the states transformation into the countrys most populous and diverse. Unprecedented social and cultural change fueled the political gamesmanship, but the real prize was clout in Washington. It was all driven by those seats in Congress, said Tony Quinn, a longtime Republican political consultant and redistricting expert. Californias growing population resulted in an astounding 29 new seats in the House of Representatives in just the last half of the 20th century. Quinn cites 1951 as the first modern gerrymander in California, as then-dominant Republicans intentionally skewed the once-a-decade reshaping of legislative and congressional boundaries. When the map making was over, they held a majority of the states congressional districts. Those maps slowed, but didnt block, the growing clout of Democrats. In 1961s redrawing, newly empowered Democrats exacted revenge and skewed the maps in their favor. By the time Ronald Reagan was governor and California had 20 million people, each redrawing of maps led to open political warfare. Reagan vetoed redistricting plans sent to his desk in 1971, calling one version a mockery of good government. The result was a legal stalemate. The task of drawing legislative and congressional boundaries was left to the California Supreme Court. The courts again intervened in 1991, when then-Gov. Pete Wilson rejected maps drawn by Democratic legislators. Voters were pulled into the 1982 fight when Republicans accusing Democrats of blatantly attempting to fill the new California congressional seats with liberal lawmakers tried to overturn maps through a statewide referendum. The only time the two parties worked together, when they jointly signed off on new legislative and congressional seats in 2001, it was to protect incumbents. The message by then was clear: The redistricting process was a mess. Multiple efforts to strip the Legislature of the job failed before voters approved Proposition 11 in 2008. That created the California Citizens Redistricting Commission to draw state legislative districts, and voters in 2010 handed over congressional district map drawing to the panel. Not that its been easy ever since. The citizens panel struggled with how to define communities that should be kept in single districts. And the Schwarzenegger-led supporters routinely over-promised how many competitive political races would result from reasonably drawn maps. Even so, Californias commission-drawn maps won praise for being thoughtful and transparent a far cry from the states ugly history of political power brokers divvying up cities, counties and voters behind closed doors. john.myers@latimes.com Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast ALSO: Political Road Map: Californias redistricting panel avoided political party data when drawing the lines Political Road Map: Theres a simple reason some want a larger California Legislature Updates on California politics Republicans, in a shift after Las Vegas massacre, are open to considering a gun limit -- on bump stocks The Las Vegas massacre has forced a breach in congressional Republicans solid opposition to gun restrictions, prompting many, from party leaders on down, to say they will consider banning bump stocks that turn assault rifles into virtual machine guns. The National Rifle Assn., to which most Republicans are loyal and which had been silent since the gunmans attack Sunday night, on Thursday in a statement said it could back such limits -- as a federal regulation, not law. The NRA believes that devices designed to allow semi-automatic rifles to function like fully-automatic rifles should be subject to additional regulations. its statement on Thursday said. The NRAs blessing will probably increase the number of Republicans willing to back restrictions, but if those limits come in the form of regulations from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), rather than in a law, Democrats are certain to object. Just Wednesday, when California Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced legislation to ban bump stocks by law, only fellow Democrats joined with her. By Thursday, however, top GOP leaders in the House and Senate, including Speaker Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin and Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas, signaled their interest in working on legislation that that could limit access to the devices. Clearly thats something we need to look into, Ryan told MSNBC host Hugh Hewitt in an interview scheduled to air this weekend. Senators on Thursday morning privately discussed ways they could tackle the issue as they met for routine business. I will tell you that the unique aspect of the bump stock and how you would literally transform a semiautomatic weapon into an automatic weapon is something that I think bears looking into, Cornyn told Texas reporters on a conference call. He has asked Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley of Iowa to convene a hearing and look into it. Even Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus of conservative hard-liners, told reporters earlier in the week hed be willing to consider banning bump stocks, if the Senate passes a bill and sends it to the House. The shift is notable for Republicans who, under great pressure from the NRA and other gun rights groups, have resisted past efforts at gun control, even after some of the most devastating mass shootings in the United States. Coming after the Las Vegas shooting, which left 58 dead and hundreds wounded in what authorities said is the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history, the movement may indicate the potential limits of the gun lobbys reach into politics and policy. Polls show Americans overwhelmingly want measures that could curb gun violence and pressure has mounted as cultural figures, including late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel, have delivered heart-wrenching criticisms of congressional inaction. Democrats, who have at times splintered on firearms issues as conservative-state lawmakers joined Republicans to defeat gun-safety bills, welcomed the changed outlook. They have called on President Trump to cut across partisan lines and push Congress toward legislation to reduce gun violence that polls show most Americans would support. Will the president stand up? said Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York. The president has a choice. Many Democrats, however, will not want to limit action to bump stocks. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco said bump stock legislation was one approach, but no substitute for a background check bill that she said would have bipartisan support in the House if Ryan would allow a vote. It really is all up to the speaker, she said. Is he going to bring the bill to the floor? At the same time, lawmakers were skeptical that initial interest in limited bipartisan legislation would translate into enough actual votes to write the restriction into law. We need to move Republicans from being open to the idea to being willing to actually work on it, said Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, a Democrat who has become a leader on firearms safety measures since the 2012 killings of 20 first-graders and six adults at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn. One key Republican, Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, who co-sponsored a bipartisan background check bill that was defeated a few years ago, was noncommittal Thursday. He said he was just learning about bump stocks and needed more information. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas told reporters it was too soon, as the investigation in Las Vegas was just underway, to consider legislation. Lawmakers, though, appeared concerned that the device offers a way to get around the existing ban on automatic weapons, which have been outlawed for years except for military use. In the House, several military veterans, led by Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a Republican from Illinois, sent a letter to federal officials asking them to reconsider how they regulate the devices. During the Obama administration, the ATF authorized use of the stocks. This is definitely an area were going to look [at], Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield said on Fox News. A number of lawmakers, including Ryan, an avid hunter, said they were unfamiliar with bump stocks before the Las Vegas shooting. The alleged gunman appears to have used the device for rapid shooting. Read More It was Rosiers Blexy Goldwyn-ET that earned the title of Grand Champion of the 2017 International Holstein Show. The first place cow in the 6-year and older class is owned by Budjon, Vail, Abbott, Van Exel, and Woodmansee. Judge Adam Liddle of Argyle, N.Y., described her as a beautifully uddered cow with a beautiful frame. It was the drop to her rib and a snugger fore udder attachment that gave her the nod over the winning 4-year-old cow, Co-Vale Dempsy Dina 4270-ET. Co-owned by Ransom Rail and Milksource, she came out of the deepest class of the day and was also named the Reserve Senior Champion to Blexy. It was Ferme Jacobs that seized the day in many other respects. Jacobs were named the Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor of the show. They had an impressive five cows place in the top five of their respective classes. The Canadian string also exhibited the Intermediate and Reserve Intermediate Champions, Jacobs Windbrook Aimo-ET and Ms Goldwyn Saturday-ET. To add to their winnings, they exhibited the Best Bred and Owned of the show, Jacobs Goldwyn Valana. In the heifer show, it was the winning Winter Yearling, Rosedale Catch A Glimpse-ET that stood out on the colored shavings. The heifer owned by Clarkvalley Holsteins & Mt. Elgin Dairy of Woodville, Ontario, Canada topped a class of 32 animals going on to edge out Milksource Gldndrm Asset-ET, the Reserve Junior Champion. Asset was the winning Fall Heifer Calf. She came out of a class of 52 animals and was exhibited by Weeksdale Holsteins, Allen, Parrabel Genetics, and Hi-Calibre Holsteins of Prince Edwards Island, Canada. The Premier Sire of the International Holstein Show was Braedale Goldwyn while the Premier Breeder and Exhibitor of the heifer show was Ferme Jacobs, Cap-Sante, Quebec, Canada. The author is an associate editor. She covers feeding and nutrition, youth activities and heads up the World Dairy Expo Supplement. Maggie was raised on a 150-cow dairy near Valley Center, Kansas, and graduated from Kansas State University with degrees in agricultural communications and animal sciences. Ever since high school, French has been my big white whale. Years later, still feeling like the stereotypical American language dunce during trips to France, I decided to make peace with my nemesis. Perhaps we could be pals, but the friendship had been slow in coming. A few years ago I enrolled in a local language school, but the once-a-week, 90-minute classes werent enough, so I decided to go the full-immersion route. Advertisement After a Google search that turned up good reviews for Lyon-Bleu International in Frances third largest city, I contacted LBI and asked for a week-long class and home stay. I was pleasantly surprised by the cost: about $1,100 for five full days of morning classes and afternoon private instruction, plus room and board with a host family. The school handled all the arrangements. I arrived in Lyon in east-central France a few days before classes started and immediately fell in love with this beautiful, manageable city. Its center lies between the Rhone river on the east and the Saone river on the west. Steep hills flank two sides of the city, and the basilica of Notre-Dame to the west overlooks the Saone. To the north, the Croix-Rousse quarter, once the center of Lyons silk-making industry, is now a comfortable, lively neighborhood with a mix of artists, young families, millennial professionals and working class. Bruno, my affable fiftysomething host, picked me up and we drove up the hill to the Croix-Rousse apartment I would share with his family and where I would live the life of a student in my tiny, hot room that overlooked a dark alley. On Monday morning, I headed off for the 20-minute walk to Lyon-Bleu, carrying my day pack filled with notebooks and feeling much as I did the first day of fifth grade at a new school. After an evaluation of my skill level, the school placed me in an intermediate class with seven or eight other students who hailed from Germany, Switzerland, Korea, Brazil, Japan and Taiwan. Elsa, our teacher, was in her mid-30s, energetic and very organized. Our French-only classes moved at a brisk pace. In high school, I never would have put the words fun and French together, but Elsas teaching skill, encouragement and good humor made it so. In one session, she created an Agatha Christie-type scenario, describing a middle-of-the-night murder. We were instructed to team up with a classmate and develop a convincing alibi. One suspect from each pair would then be interrogated by the police (classmates) while the other suspect in the pair waited outside the classroom. After the first round of interrogation, the partner was brought in for questioning. Ideally, the stories, which were to have specifics on whereabouts and activities, would match. For our final at the end of the week, every class in the school was required to write a 10-minute skit to be performed for the student body. My class came up with a farcical American Idol-type talent show. No scripts were allowed; we had to memorize our lines. I worked on mine as I hiked home after classes. As an old guy mumbling in French, I drew a few concerned stares. When the week ended, I was exhilarated. I had remembered all my skit lines, survived the immersion and felt a part of this beautiful city. Most of all, I had fallen in love a second time with the language. An excellent school and teacher, a charming French host and the satisfaction of being able to order a draft beer like a local made all the difference. Now, I thought as I savored my Kronenbourg 1664 brew and picked up bits of nearby conversation, I had truly become a citizen of the world. Departure Points, a new monthly column, explores the ways in which traveling changes us, whether its a lesson learned or a truth uncovered. You may submit a first-person essay of 700 words or fewer to travel@latimes.com with Departure Points in the subject line. Please include your first and last names and your contact information for editorial consideration. travel@latimes.com @latimestravel The U.S. Embassy in Turkey announced Sunday that it was suspending the issuance of non-immigrant visas in the country, the latest indication of a frayed relationship between Washington and Ankara. In a statement, the embassy cited a reassessment of the commitment of the government of Turkey to the security of U.S. mission facilities and personnel. Hours later, the Turkish Embassy in Washington announced it too was suspending visa operations for U.S. citizens, using the same language as the statement from the U.S. Embassy in Ankara. Advertisement Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen at his compound in Saylorsburg, Pa., on July 17, 2016. (Chris Post / Associated Press ) The moves come as the two North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies are increasingly at odds over the extradition of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish cleric living in Pennsylvania whom Turkey blames for a coup attempt on July 15, 2016. Gulen denies any involvement. Turkey also has accused the U.S. of backing the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which both countries have designated as a terrorist organization. The PKK has links with U.S.-backed Kurdish groups in northern Syria. Last month, in a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in New York, President Donald Trump said the two countries were the closest weve ever been. But over the last year, Turkish authorities have indicted two Turkish nationals working at U.S. diplomatic missions in the country, and at least a dozen U.S. nationals accused of ties to Gulen are being detained. On Oct. 4, a prosecutor in Istanbul announced the indictment of Metin Topuz, a Turkish national who has worked as a translator at the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul, over charges of espionage, terrorism and attempted overthrow of the government. Topuz, prosecutors allege, spoke multiple times on the phone with a key fugitive in the July 15 coup attempt. The investigation into that coup attempt has seen tens of thousands arrested and more than 150,000 public workers dismissed, and the imposition of a state of emergency that remains in place. Topuz is also accused of being in contact with four police officers implicated in the coup investigations. The U.S. Embassy issued a statement after Topuzs arrest saying it was deeply disturbed by the baseless indictment, as well as leaks from Turkish government sources aimed at trying the employee in the media rather than a court of law. In March, prosecutors indicted Hamza Ulucay, a Turkish national who worked as a translator at the U.S. Consulate in Adana for 36 years; he was charged with belonging to the PKK. On Sept. 28, the State Department updated its travel advice for Americans, saying they should carefully consider the need to travel to Turkey at this time. Among the Americans detained in Turkey is Andrew Brunson, an evangelical pastor who had lived in the country for more than 23 years, and is now accused of ties to Gulen; espionage; and attempted overthrow of the government. Turkey has repeatedly called for the extradition of Gulen. Last month, Erdogan suggested Americans would be held by his government until Washington handed over the cleric. The fact that Gulen has yet to be extradited has triggered widespread speculation in the Turkish press that Washington was behind the coup attempt. Gulen, who has lived in Pennsylvania for nearly two decades, heads a movement that operates hundreds of charter schools and other businesses in the United States. This March, Turkish officials accused the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul of hiding its relationship with Adil Oksuz, who was accused of being Gulens chief for the coup attempt. Oksuz was detained briefly before being released after the coup attempt and has been a fugitive since. Six days after the coup attempt, the U.S. Consulate called Oksuz to inform him his visa to the U.S. had been canceled, in response to Turkish requests to track his whereabouts. Turkish officials, as well as many of the countrys news outlets, have continued to speculate about why the consulate called Oksuz. Turkish media outlets have also called for the closure of the Incirlik military base in southern Turkey, which houses more than 2,000 U.S. troops, along with aircraft used in the military campaign against the militant group Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. ALSO Iraq says it has retaken Islamic States last urban stronghold in the country Iraqi Kurds vote on creating an independent Kurdistan but big obstacles stand in the way Whats wrong with the Iranian army? Deadly shootings put spotlight on forced military service Farooq is a special correspondent. Morning briefing: Trump on North Korea: Sorry, but only one thing will work! Editor Emeritus Dave Zweifel has been with The Capital Times since he graduated from UW-Madison in 1962, serving as the paper's editor in chief from 1983 to 2008. He was president of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council for 15 years, served as a Pulitzer Prize judge in 2000 and 2001, and named to the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2011. A native of New Glarus, Wis., where he grew up on a farm, he serves on several non-profit boards and is a military veteran, having served on active duty as a field artillery officer in the early 1960s and for 26 years in the Wisconsin Army National Guard where he retired as a colonel in 1993. The Sightsavers Junior Painter Awards return to schools across Laois, offering arty kids a chance to show off their talents on a national stage. Last year schools from Laois submitted hundreds of paintings with Kiran Fatima from St Pauls NS, Irishtown placing in the top 15 finalists for her painting Framing Flying Fairy & Flying School. With entries now open, Sightsavers calls on children across the county to get thinking once again and create a masterpiece. Each year thousands of budding artists across Ireland create colourful artworks in the hope of being named the overall winner at next springs award ceremony. Embracing creativity and education are the core objectives of the competition which is open to primary school students of all ages and this years theme, Put Us In The Picture, is expected to inspire thousands of thoughtful and imaginative entries. Sightsavers advocates for people living with disability in developing countries to have the same opportunities as everyone else and invites Irish children to get their creative caps on and produce their very own masterpiece which envisions an all-inclusive world where nobody is left out. Fifteen regional winners will be selected and will have the opportunity to see their work displayed at a special Awards Day in spring 2018 where three overall national winners will be announced. The closing date for entry is Friday, December 16. For more information visit www.sightsavers.ie/juniorpainter. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. The scale of food fraud is alarming, and has the potential to get worse unless efforts are made to strengthen cooperation between regulators and police forces to tackle the crime of food fraud, Mairead McGuiness MEP for Leitrim and first Vice-President of the European Parliament has stated. This cooperation is key to the effectiveness of new food regulations to take effect in 2019, she said. Delivering the keynote address at the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and Safefood conference at Dublin Castle entitled, Safeguarding the Food Chain Protecting Authenticity and Integrity, she said the romantic notion of the hayfield of the past and the farmer at the gate is far removed from the reality of todays intensive agriculture. The food supply chain of today is more complicated and more global, with many opportunities for fraudsters to make a killing by mislabelling, using cheaper and sub-standard ingredients and worse still, placing unsafe food on the market - all in the interests of a quick buck. She said this fraud rip off of consumers is totally unacceptable but food fraud is also an ancient activity and one that has evolved to match the complexities of todays food chain. Therefore, we need systems that are more rigorous to close gaps which allow food fraud to occur but better still we need risk assessments to target areas where fraud is more likely to occur and stop the fraudsters in their tracks. Fraudsters must be penalised sufficiently - it should not be worth the risk. And there is a need to ensure that regulation is enforced. Today that is not the case, she said. Ms McGuinness said Brexit poses a real challenge around food authenticity, not just on the island of Ireland but between the EU and the UK. We need the UK to stay within the EU food regulatory system. If there is a divergence then food fraud could escalate and standards drop. At policy level she said there are many competing interests and politicians need to know the science to make informed political decisions. SINN Fein president Gerry Adams says if he found a culture of bullying in his party, he would leave the set-up. Speaking to the Limerick Leader on a visit to the city, Mr Adams turned fire on local councillor Lisa-Marie Sheehy, who left Sinn Fein last month over allegations of bullying, saying she had offended a lot of people locally by her comments. There is no culture of bullying in Sinn Fein. We have a zero tolerance attitude to bullying. Our due process reflects best international practice legally, he said. Cllr Sheehy, who is now an Independent member in Cappamore-Kilmallock left Sinn Fein after claiming there was a hostile and toxic atmosphere in the republican party, and that she had been undermined. However,the veteran party leader added: Its a very serious allegation to make about people youre in a struggle with. I regret that she left, but Im disappointed she made the remarks she did. We continue to make Sinn Fein a comfortable place for activists. I firmly believe our ethos is a volunteer ethos and people need to treat each other with respect. "If youre committed to a certain political objective, you need to respect all the other comrades. When it was put to him that up to 40 disaffected former Sinn Fein members had met in Waterford, Mr Adams added: Let them put a case up, and if there is a case to answer, we will answer it. While on his visit to Limerick, the Louth TD attended the launch of a programme in Ballinacurra Weston aimed at making democracy work for Travellers. He also attended the Novas Initiatives centre, and met members of the party faithful including Deputy Maurice Quinlivan. The Limerick City TD said Sinn Fein has its sights set up on significantly increasing its representation on the local authority, where it saw six members elected now down to five after Cllr Sheehys resignation. We havent decided yet, but in some wards, we will have two and three candidates. We have identified these in the city, and maybe one in the county will have a two-candidate strategy, possibly Cappamore-Kilmallock, Mr Quinlivan saaid, Wed be pretty confident. Mr Adams said it was still undecided whether Mr Quinlivan who had a surplus of 1,164 votes at the general election will have a running mate when the country elects the 33rd Dail. Maurice has done really well, he has put Limerick on the map in terms of economic issues, the housing crisis and urban homelessness, which is probably proportionately even worse than Dublin, and the ongoing mess in our health service, which we see here. We want to build on that. But whether we build on that with a one or two candidate strategy, we have yet to decide. Were in a state of election preparation, he said. He said his partys clear aim is to be in government, and appeared to suggest any deal could be brokered between Sinn Fein and either Fianna Fail or Fine Gael. There are no compatibilities policy-wise between the two big conservative parties, I think that is very clear, he said, We want to be in government. Our focus is on this. There is no point shouting from the outside if we can be in there achieving change. He said Sinn Feins progress in Limerick is a good barometer. If you look ten years ago, we had no-one elected in Limerick, and now we have many. Its also useful to see how the debate has changed. I think Maurice has contributed to that debate in terms of both what he and his comrades are doing locally, but also what has brought back to the Dail in terms of economic issues. While Mr Adams party leader since 1983 is hoping to lead Sinn Fein into government, one position he is definitely not interested in is that of the Irish presidency. No, I have no interest in that role whatsoever. I never have had, and I never will have. I am an activist, and this is not something which interests me, he said. Mr Adams also said as a party, Sinn Fein is opposed to Irish Cements plans to burn used tyres and waste in Mungret. We would be against incineration, particularly in a case where you have it near a city. Where youre burning tyres and burning toxic materials, it just isnt right. We will be working with the local community in terms of preventing that happening, he said. While Mr Quinlivan made a bold prediction that Sinn Fein will be in government in the north and the south within a decade, Mr Adams this week repeated his claim that a referendum on a united Ireland is possible in half this time., The Irish government has set its faces against it, he said, I think its unlikely a British government will allow for such a referendum unless an Irish government wants it as well . So its a challenge for our Taoiseach or future Taoiseach. What we want is to have a debate on the issue. A COUNTY Limerick man has been ordered to stay out of Glenstal Abbey in Murroe as part of his bail conditions. Damien Hackett, aged 33, of Ros Fearna, Murroe was originally charged with trespass, criminal damage and two counts of assault at Glenstal Abbey at Kilmallock Court. He was further charged with one count of assault and impersonating a member of An Garda Siochana. All the offences are alleged to have taken place on May, 27, 2017. Garda Kevin Dunlea told Judge Marian OLeary that Mr Hackett made no reply to the new charges. He was granted bail on his own bond of 300. Garda Dunlea said the bail conditions are that Mr Hackett resides at Ros Fearna, Murroe; obey a curfew from 12am to 8pm; have no contact with two named individuals; remain alcohol free in public and stay out of the Glenstal Abbey area of Murroe. Sabina Hegerty, solicitor for Mr Hackett, asked to be assigned and handed in a statement of means on behalf of her client. Sergeant Michelle Leahy said the DPPs directions are that the defendant be sent forward for trial on indictment. The case was adjourned to December for service of the book of evidence. DR Pat Wallace, the former director of the National Museum of Ireland, and his wife Siobhan Cuffe are among the new faces to feature on latest series of Gogglebox Ireland. Fans of the popular TV3 programme were introduced to the couple, who live in Pembroke, Dublin during last weeks episode which featured news reports on a spat between US President Donald Trump and the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. In the news reports, it was revealed that Kim Jong-un had described President Trump as being deranged in response to his earlier address to the United Nations during which he described the North Korean leader as a rocket man who was on a suicide mission. Discussing the reports with his wife, Mr Wallace a native of Askeaton commented: Actually its the first true thing that Kim Jong-un has ever said. Pat, who retired as director of the National Museum in 2012 following four decades in the role, is later seen commenting that Kim Jong-un appears to be winning the PR battle between the two leaders. According to the shows producers, Siobhan and Pat, who met 25 years ago, like watching news and current affairs programmes as well as documentaries on history and the arts. Siobhan particularly enjoys the late night newspaper reviews on Sky News and while GAA fan Pat is also an avid watcher of sport. Now in its third series, Gogglebox Ireland goes inside homes across the country capturing the reaction of television viewers as they watch programmes broadcast during the previous seven days. On last weeks episode, Pat and Siobhan, were not impressed with the appearance of well known Kenmare Hotelier Francis Brennan on the Late Late Show. Oh Jesus, Oh Crikey said Pat while Siobhan exclaimed: I cant stand the man. Later, Siobhan describes as more nasty plastic for fishes to choke on the suggestion by Mr Brennan that people should use special plastic pegs to pair socks before putting them in the washing machine. Actually, well said Siobhan, well said, replies Pat as he nods in approval. Regular viewers of Gogglebox Ireland will already be familiar with local woman Aoife Ryan and her two sons James and Alex who live in Monaleen as well as sixteen year-old old Tadhg Hession who visits his grandmother, Ettie at her home in Clonlara everyday THE WHOLE of the Limerick garda division receiving five gardai out of 181 that passed out last month has been labelled as derisory by Deputy Niall Collins. The Bruff district alone needs five gardai and actually more, he said. The TD tabled a Dail question to the Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan asking how many of the 181 men and women coming out of Templemore in September will be allocated to Limerick. Five is a derisory allocation. Every community meeting I attend, the need for more gardai on the ground is raised. Members of An Garda Siochana are also saying to me that we need more gardai, said Deputy Collins, who pointed to comments made by Bruff superintendent, William Duane and former Newcastle West superintendent, Tom OConnor in July. Supt O'Connor said: I am shouting for manpower. Supt Duane remarked he could do with another 40 after Cllr Noel Gleeson raised the lack of gardai in a district the size of County Louth. Following Deputy Collins question, the Minister for Justice also revealed that of the 1,400 new gardai that have come out of Templemore since it reopened in September 2014, Limerick has got 39. That is 2% of all new recruits we have got in Limerick. We are being ignored. Garda stations right across Limerick have been closed. Response times to incidents in places like Kilfinane and Rathkeale have been far from adequate. It has been one let down after another and Limerick just isnt receiving its fair share of allocation of new recruits, said Deputy Collins. When you contrast this to the stroke which Shane Ross pulled in having a garda station in his own constituency reopened people are fast becoming very cynical, he added. Deputy Collins attended a community meeting in Rathkeale on Monday where the need for more gardai was raised. One of the biggest policing challenges faced in Limerick annually is policing Rathkeale at Christmas due to the large influx of members of the Travelling community. There is a dedicated policing plan but they become completely overwhelmed. We need more gardai urgently for that time of the year, said Deputy Collins. In Minister Flanagans reply he said: It is the garda commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various garda divisions and I, as minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources. He added that the moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Siochana. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of gardai across every garda division, including the Limerick division in the coming years, said Minister Flanagan. He said he was informed by the commissioner that the garda strength of the Limerick division, on July 31, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 552. A NUMBER of GPs in Limerick are charging pensioners with medical cards for the flu vaccine, an injection that has been made free of charge by the Health Service Executive following years of severe outbreaks. That is according to Deputy Maurice Quinlivan, who raised the issue in Dail Eireann after he was approached by a concerned pensioner. Figures received by the Leader from the HSE show that, during the last major flu outbreak in the Mid-West between December and February, there were 407 detections, nine of which were fatal cases. The Sinn Fein TD said that this was not an isolated incident after checking with a number of pensioners in his constituency. I understand that a number of GPs in Limerick have been charging their patients. This is totally unacceptable that a medical practitioner is charging people with medical cards and those aged over 70 for the flu jab, which they are entitled to for free. It is vitally important for people to get this jab, this year in particular, as medical experts are predicting a strong flu outbreak based on a surge in cases in Australia and New Zealand during the southern hemisphere winter, he told the Leader this week. Responding to his parliamentary question, Minister for Health Simon Harris said that the HSE provides the flu vaccine free of charge for all those in at-risk groups. At-risk groups include those over 65, people with long-term chronic illnesses, pregnant women, residents of nursing homes or long-stay facilities, and some hospital staff. He said that the vaccine and consultation are free for those with a medical card or a GP visit card, and that those without these cards will be charged a consultation fee. Deputy Quinlivan added: I would encourage people to get the vaccine to protect them against the flu this winter and urge people to get in contact with me if they are charged for it when they should not be. Money should not become an obstacle for ensuring people are vaccinated against the flu. A spokesperson for the HSE said that the flu season runs from week 40 in October to week 20 in May. Deputy Quinlivans concerns come as healthcare staff across the Mid-West prepare for a major vaccination programme to protect patients from the flu this winter. This Wednesday, the UL Hospitals Group and the HSE Mid-West community healthcare joined forces to launch a campaign aimed at vaccinating thousands of healthcare workers in Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary. UL Hospitals CEO, Prof Colette Cowan said that the vaccine is safe, effective and it cant give you the flu, a myth that has remained stubbornly difficult to explode even among healthcare workers. Even if you are showing no symptoms, you may be carrying the flu and you are capable of passing it on to those more vulnerable than you for whom flu can be a very serious condition, sometimes fatal. Chief officer of Mid-West Community Healthcare, Bernard Gloster said that the flu vaccine protects you, patients, your family and our service users. GARDAI in Limerick have arrested a motorist for drug driving. At a drink-drug driving checkpoint on Saturday night, the motorist tested positive for cannabis and was arrested for drug driving, gardai said in a tweet on its official @GardaTraffic account. Limerick - Drink/Drug Testing Checkpoint. Driver tested positive for Cannabis. Arrested for drug Driving. pic.twitter.com/cB6DlHLOMP An Garda Siochana (@GardaTraffic) October 8, 2017 The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Siochana rolled out the new roadside drug test earlier this year and it is in force around the country. If a Garda thinks you are under the influence of drugs, they will take you through the new test before deciding whether to let you go on your way, or arrest you on suspicion of drug driving. A new detection kit allows them to test the oral fluid of drivers for cannabis, cocaine, opiates and benzodiazepines at the roadside. A video by the RSA shows exactly what happens when you are stopped and tested for the presence of drugs in your system by gardai. A YOUNG man was quoted an 6000 to insure his car, Sinn Fein councillor Seighin OCeallaigh has revealed, describing it as an extortionate quote. The man was 20 years old, with a full, clean licence for two years, the councillor told a meeting of Limerick City and County Council where he called on Transport Minister Shane Ross to address what he called the astronomical rise in car insurance. However, Cllr Emmett OBrien Independent pointed out that insurance costs have come down this year. We have enough state quangos, he said before pointing out: Insurance costs have come down this year, over the last six months for a variety of reasons. Because they were caught, declared Cllr John Gilligan Ind. The EU raided all the offices of the insurance offices, then suddenly, miraculously, it began to fall, it came down because they were caught. In proposing his motion, Cllr OCeallaigh argued that car insurance is one of the biggest costs facing young people in the country today. And he added that people of all ages relied on cars, given the lack of public transport in many areas. We have legislation saying people have to have insurance but there is no regulation on what they can be charged. The government can no longer ignore the crisis, he continued and the issue of regulation had to be looked at along with the idea of a national insurance company. Cllr Richard ODonoghue, Ind, agreed, explaining that it cost 7000 to insure two of his sons. Even with GPS monitoring drivers at all times, companies are still charging huge money, he said. The principle is brilliant but the amount they are charging is wrong, he said. He also suggested that every car should have a dashboard camera as it would be a deterrent to false claims. The cameras cost just 36, he said. A car is no longer a luxury but a necessity, Cllr Ciara McMahon SF said. For some, insurance was another mortgage payment and in the case of young drivers, insurance was three, four and more, times the cost of the car. They are constantly targeting young drivers. Cllr Cian Prendiville Solidarity weighed in saying, It is pure, red in tooth and claw greed and we shouldnt be surprised. Insurance companies were out to maximise profits at the expense of ordinary people. We have to end reliance on the market, he added, coming out in favour of a publicly owned and controlled insurance company. What is happening is a national disgrace, Cllr Seamus Browne SF said, adding that insurance increases were well above any other indicator. Solutions needed to be found and at national level, he argued. Fine Gaels Cllr Jerome Scanlan said the motion from Cllr OCeallaigh was both sound and timely. One of the problems, he believed, was the ease with which insurance companies paid out claims rather than pursue them through the courts. As a result, he said, all of us are meeting that cost through our insurance. The pay out is a problem. Once the claim is under a certain amount, they wont even send out an investigator to investigate, Cllr Paul Keller Solidarity argued. Unfortunately, Cllr Daniel Butler FG said, young drivers were implicated in a disproportionate number of accidents and they are going to have to bear the cost. The motion was passed and will now be forwarded to the Minister for Transport. RESIDENTS near the village of Elton in County Limerick are raging after repair work ceased on a local bridge. Detours which were put in place a fortnight ago as a result of the closure of the bridge near Elton caused fierce confusion and now residents are said to be even more perplexed. It is over a week now with no work being done on site. Everybody is raging over it - people who live right beside it, mothers taking their children to Martinstown school who have to go way out of their way, explained Margaret Reale, shop manager of Creeds grocery shop in Elton. Nobody would be so upset if works were continuing. Ms Reale runs the business - which also includes a petrol station and is an agency for An Post - with her brother Robert Creed. It is having a fierce effect on business, its very quiet. There is no passing trade because the main road is shut. The locals are staying as loyal as they can, Ms Reale explained. The bridge which has been closed since September 5 was initially due to remain closed until this Monday, October 2, to allow for what Iarnrod Eireann have described as essential safety works to be carried out. The work consists of the installation of precast concrete units and a traffic barrier system on both approaches. The date now being mentioned for the bridge reopening is October 21. In correspondance sent to Deputy Niall Collins this week, Triona Heffernan, regional manager Limerick Junction North, Iarnrod Eireann said: Regarding the stoppage of work on site last week, this is in relation to an issue with an existing water main. "At design / tender stage, the plan was to protect the existing water main during works in its current location, however due to unforeseen issues on site regarding the water main, a meeting took place on site last week with Irish Rail, John Cradock Ltd (project supervisor construction stage) and Limerick City and County Council where there was joint agreement that a permanent diversion of the water main is required for works to proceed. "John Cradock Ltd has forwarded on the necessary documentation regarding proposed permanent diversion to both Irish Water and the water department of Limerick City and County Council (LC and CC)and are currently waiting on formal approval. Irish Water and LC and CC are currently reviewing diversion proposal today, as soon as formal approval is given, John Cradock Ltd have committed to an immediate start on site and will provide additional resources to ensure the road will opened on October 21 as planned. Oct 7, 2017, 3 PM The Oct. 24-26 Siegel auction of U.S. stamps includes a rare unused vertical pair of the 1847 10 George Washington with original gum. The largest known multiple of the 1903 $5 dark green John Marshall is found on a canvas piece and tied with multiple oval registry cancels. The rare item will be offered during the Oct. 24-26 auction by Robert A. Siegel in New York City. By Michael Baadke Classic United States stamps are featured in the three-day sale on tap from Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries in New York City. The auction scheduled for Oct. 24-26 will open Tuesday morning with two sessions devoted to classic issues from the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, including proofs, essays, and postal history as assembled in respective collections by Irvin Heimburger and Roger Brody. Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Dr. Heimburger focused on the First Bureau Issue and the subsequent issues designed by Raymond Ostrander Smith (the subject of his award-winning exhibit, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington), Siegel president Scott Trepel explains in the catalog introduction. Roger Brodys fascination with the 1902-03 Second Bureau Issue has never waned, even after the sale of his first collection of these stamps. In his second effort, he has amassed some magnificent essays, multiples and dollar-denomination covers. The Brody material includes remarkable rarities that highlighted his award-winning exhibit of the series 1902 issues. One example is the largest recorded multiple of the 1903 $5 dark green John Marshall stamp (Scott 313), as a used symmetrical block of nine (3 by 3). The stamps are tied to a canvas piece by multiple strikes of New York registry oval postmarks. Just below the stamps, a New York registry label is affixed, partially over the perforations of one stamp. Used blocks of the $5 1902 Issue are very rare much rarer in fact than unused blocks, the Siegel catalog description explains. This block of nine is in another class and was used on a heavy registered package (weighed more than 28 pounds). Siegel describes the stamps in the block as having nice centering and deep rich color. The listing cites a calculated Scott catalog value of $8,500 for this lot but notes that figure does not remotely convey the rarity of this multiple. A 2004 Professional Stamp Experts certificate accompanies the piece. Another rarity on offer is a single used 4 brown Ulysses S. Grant coil stamp created from the imperforate stamp (Scott 314A), one of a total of 42 used stamps known. Siegel breaks down the census as 32 used singles (two on piece), a used strip of three, a used pair, and three covers (one of which bears a strip of three). All of the imperforate stamps in this issue were cut into coils and perforated with the rectangular type III perforations of the Schermack Mailing Machine Co. in Detroit. The 4 stamp is listed with the 2017 Scott catalog value of $52,500, a figure that appears in the catalog in italics to signify an item that can be difficult to value accurately. The earlier lots of the 1894 First Bureau issues open with essays and proofs before the issued stamps are presented. Essays and proofs are also presented with stamps and postal history of the 1898 Trans-Mississippi issue (Scott 285-293), and with the 1901 Pan-American Exposition issue that follows (294-299). This first auction catalog offers a dramatic selection of six examples of the three Pan-American stamps with centers inverted: the 1 (Scott 294a), unused with small part original gum, and used with a neat machine cancel; the 2 (295a), unused with slightly disturbed original gum, and used with another mild machine cancel; and the 4 (296a), unused without gum, and unused with Specimen overprint at left reading up (296aS). The Pan-American postal history in this sale includes a 1 stamp on a May 1, 1901, first-day cover mailed from Lawrence, Kan., and a 2 stamp tied to a corner-card cover with a May 1 first-day machine cancel from Chicago. The final 10 lots of the 294 in this first catalog are group lots offering the balance of the Heimburger and Brody exhibit collections, including Spanish-American War patriotic covers, and 1902-03 plate, ink, and perforation varieties. The first session drawn from the second of the two Siegel catalogs is scheduled to begin Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. with dozens of classic U.S. essay and proof lots, and a selection of specimen overprints. Early among the U.S. postage listings is an unused, original gum vertical pair of the 1847 10 black George Washington stamp (Scott 2). To underscore the rarity of any original-gum multiple of the 10 1847, there are only three unused blocks recorded (two with original gum), one of which is contained in the Hirzel collection at the Swiss PTT Museum, Siegel notes. Only four pairs and a strip of three could be located in our computerized sale records using Power Search. This example is described as having large to huge margins at left and top, full at bottom and just clear of framelines at right, with an intense shade. A light vertical crease between the stamps does not affect the design of either according to Siegel, and there are other tiny flaws that are nearly undetectable. This unused pair is accompanied by a 2016 PSE certificate, and listed with the $80,000 Scott catalog value for a pair. The session continues with a wide range of the countrys earliest issues, including numerous 1 blue Franklin stamps from the imperforate 1851-56 issue, and varieties of the 10 green Washington. Later sessions of this sale continue with additional U.S. classics, including another three Pan-American invert stamps: the 1 unused with original gum, the 1 used and struck with a neat duplex cancel, and the 2 invert unused with original gum and choice centering. The latter stamp is described by Siegel as one of the finest recorded examples of the 2 Pan-American invert with original gum. Some fantastic 20th-century coils are offered in this sale, including a rare guideline pair of the 1909 10 yellow George Washington horizontal coil (Scott 356), with brilliant color and well-balanced margins. The value of the unused guideline pair in the 2017 Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers is $16,000 (in italics). This pair was certified by the Philatelic Foundation in 1969. And a popular U.S. coil rarity follows soon after in the form of a used 1911 3 deep violet Washington coil single, a stamp commonly known as the Orangeburg coil (Scott 389). This scarce stamp was made for Bell Pharmaceutical Co., which used it to send product samples to physicians in packages mailed out of Orangeburg, N.Y. Surviving used examples often suffer from some fault, but Siegel describes the single stamp in this auction as a sound copy far nicer than most. The Scott catalog value of $10,000 is listed by Siegel, and the stamp has a 2017 Philatelic Foundation certificate. The auction catalog can be viewed online at siegelauctions.com, with a PDF version also available for downloading or viewing. Online bidding options are available on the Siegel website, or via StampAuctionNetwork.com. Additional information is available from Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, 6 W. 48th St., Ninth Floor, New York, NY 10036. Oct 8, 2017, 11 AM The upcoming H.R. Harmer auction series will also offer this 1901 first-day cover to Finland, attractively franked with one each of the six United States Pan-American Exposition stamps. A fascinating 1964 vignette error from the Falkland Islands will be offered during the Oct. 26-28 H.R. Harmer auction series in Costa Mesa, Calif. By Michael Baadke In a series of sessions taking place Oct. 26-28, the H.R. Harmer auction firm of Tustin, Calif., will offer United States, British Commonwealth and worldwide stamps, covers and collections, along with a specialized sale of Spanish Philippines and U.S. territories and possessions. The auctions will be held at the Hilton Costa Mesa, 3050 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, Calif., just southeast of Los Angeles. Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter The auction catalogs can be viewed online, with online bidding available. Bids also can be placed by phone, fax or mail, and live bidding is conducted during the sale through Stamp Auction Network. One stamp from Falkland Islands is found in the extensive British Commonwealth selection, but the 1964 issue is a notorious error. It comes from a set of four engraved bicolors, each with a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II at upper right, and a different black vignette for each of the four denominations. The 6-penny blue and black stamp normally shows the armored cruiser HMS Kent, but this example is printed in error with the HMS Glasgow, which normally appears in black on the 2d stamp from the same set. While one sheet of 60 stamps presumably received the incorrect vignette, only 17 to 25 examples of the error are known to have survived, according to current estimates. Listed as Falkland Islands Scott 151a in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, the error carries a value of $32,500 in italics, denoting an item that can be difficult to value accurately. H.R. Harmer offers this mint example, described as post office fresh, never hinged and choice very fine, with a starting price of $20,000. The Friday session offers hundreds of lots of classic United States stamps and covers, proofs and essays, postmasters provisionals, Confederate States, back-of-the-book and more. One special early 20th-century item up for auction is a full set of the six Pan-American Exposition commemoratives artfully arranged on a first-day registered mail cover, addressed to Finland and clearly postmarked May 1, 1901. Only fifteen covers are known bearing a complete set of the Pan-American issue, this being the only cover recorded to Finland and just recently discovered in Europe, H.R. Harmer notes in the auction description. In its first-day cover listings, the Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps and Covers sets a value of $30,000 for a complete set of six on a May 1 cover; this one has a starting price of $15,000. Visit the H.R. Harmer website for additional information, or contact H.R. Harmer, 2680 Walnut Ave., Suite AB, Tustin, CA 92780-7052. May 2, 2021, 7 PM Editors Insights By Donna Houseman This issue of Linns Stamp News is packed with news stories affecting the stamp hobby. The stamps will be issued in accordance with the Semipostal Authorization Act (Public Law 106-253), which grants the USPS discretionary authority to issue and sell semipostal stamps to advance such causes as it considers to be in the national public interest and appropriate. Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Semipostal stamps pay the first-class rate, with an additional charge to raise funds for a specified cause. Under the Semipostal Authorization Act, USPS Stamp Services is directed to send the proposals to the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee. The committee then makes recommendations to the postmaster general on what causes should be the recipients of semipostal funds. The postmaster general makes the final decision. The first semipostal stamp to be issued under this act will raise funds to fight Alzheimers disease. The new semipostal stamp will be issued in November. In other news this week, Baadke reports that American Philatelic Society president Mitchell Mick Zais has been tapped by President Donald J. Trump as nominee for U.S. deputy secretary of education. If confirmed, Zais said in an email to his friends in the philatelic world that he would have to resign from all boards and organizations with which I have a leadership position. In accordance with the APS bylaws, the vacancy of the office of president will be filled by election by the Board of Directors from among its own membership. In other breaking news found in this issue, managing editor Charles Snee reports on the discovery of a second counterfeit of the 2015 U.S. nondenominated (49) Vintage Rose forever stamp (Scott 4959). The newly discovered counterfeit attempts to mimic the look and feel of an engraved stamp. Change is constant at Amos Media. Beginning with the Oct. 30 issue of Linns Stamp News, Jay Bigalke returns to Amos Media to take the helm of Linns as the new editor-in-chief of the publication. Bigalke started his philatelic journalism career at Linns, where as senior editor he covered U.S. stamp stories. He left Linns in 2014 to become editor of the American Philatelist, the journal of the American Philatelic Society, and Philatelic Literature Review, the quarterly publication of the American Philatelic Research Library. In the coming weeks, as a subscriber to Linns you will be asked to take an online survey to offer your opinions on what you like or dislike about the publication, and about what you would like to see more of in future issues of Linns. When the survey is available, we encourage you to use this as an opportunity to share your views. Mike Crane enjoys history. After all, the radio network he directs, Wisconsin Pubic Radio, is celebrating its centennial. But when he considers the state of the audio industry, he hearkens back to an earlier time the invention of the printing press around 1440. I really think were in a golden age of audio because there is just so much thats interesting to listen to, Crane said. I think public radio sounds better than ever. I think there are a lot of amazing podcasts to listen to. I have to think this is like when printing became easily available and suddenly books were cheap. People thought, Oh my, Ill never read all of the books! Nowadays, its kind of hard to keep up with all of the great audio content available, and thats OK. Crane joined Wisconsin Public Radio in 2008 and two years later became its director. Since then, the organization has expanded its newsroom and established partnerships with investigative journalism organizations. It also has created new programs like Central Time and Wisconsin Life, in partnership with Wisconsin Public Television. WPR recently remodeled its newsroom in Vilas Hall on the UW-Madison campus and is now renovating Radio Hall for more office space. Almost 500,000 people listen to WPRs two networks each week. One network is for classical music as well as NPR News (88.7 FM in Madison). The second broadcasts shows on the Ideas Network (970 AM, 90.9 FM and 107.9 FM in Madison). WPR now has 37 transmitting sites throughout the state. The latest is a translator added in Wausau that carries the Ideas Network on 91.9 FM. WPRs biggest centennial event will be held Saturday at the Overture Center in Madison. It will include stories, music, conversation and even a sing-along, emceed by NPRs Ari Shapiro. Q. Weather was the first thing regularly broadcast on radio station 9XM, which became Wisconsin Public Radio. That broadcast happened on Dec. 4, 1916, from UWs Science Hall. How did that work? A. The very first weather forecasts were in Morse code, the dots and dashes. You can tell the seeds of an interest in public service from the very beginning. Back then, they asked the hobbyists that built their own radio sets to transcribe the weather forecast, and post it in a prominent place. They understood early on that radio, unlike a telephone or telegraph, could be broadcast, which is an agricultural metaphor. You broadcast seed. In this case, youre broadcasting audio. It wasnt very long afterward that they thought about classical music and news and information? On that first broadcast they played some classical music. They had an instinct that radio could be used to make life in Wisconsin better. Being educators, I think they went in that direction pretty quickly, providing education as well as weather and market information and music. The staff here deeply believes in the Wisconsin Idea. One way we describe that is to say the resources of the university belong to the entire state, and WPR is one way they can receive those resources. Youve recently lost two well-known hosts Joy Cardin and Kathleen Dunn on the Ideas Network. Cardin retired after 14 years hosting The Joy Cardin Show in the morning, and Dunn after 24 years at WPR. How will their departures change WPR? The sound will be different with new hosts, but the core purpose or sensibilities of WPR wont change. Those go back 100 years. In place of The Kathleen Dunn Show, for the moment, were broadcasting a national show, called 1A with Joshua Johnson. Its a really good show, so when Kathleen let us know she was retiring, on fairly short notice, we thought 1A would be a good choice as a replacement. Our habit is to give programs a chance to see how the audience responds. So well see. For the morning show, we are absolutely recruiting to hire another Wisconsin-based host or hosts. It will still be a Wisconsin-based, call-in talk show. Meanwhile, we hired a swing host, Kate Archer Kent, a while ago. I think shes subbed on all of the Ideas Network talk shows, so shes stepped in to what we are simply calling The Morning Show for now, and then well conduct a national search. Is part of the thinking that if you air a national talk show from 1 to 3 p.m. in place of The Kathleen Dunn Show, it lessens the number of hours WPR produces each day on the Ideas Network, which lessens any concerns you might have about maintaining the quality of what WPR produces? I would say that could be true. Both of the producers who were working on The Kathleen Dunn Show have at least a temporary assignment to work the other WPR shows, so there is some added help. They were hired as multimedia producers, so they came to us with more background in doing online stuff and so helping us mostly radio people to do better with that is a big deal for us. So well see how that works. Theres a lot of change management going on with the new morning show being needed, and I dont have a permanent answer yet on the afternoon. Would WPR be stronger if you could add Milwaukee Public Radio to the network or merge together? You wont be surprised to learn that its been talked about over the years. Dave Edwards, the general manager there, and I have known each other forever, way before I was at Wisconsin Public Radio. My sense is Dave has built a really wonderful service that deeply serves Milwaukee that would be pretty tough for us to do. Theres no contemplation of any merger. WPR has added to its news and online operations in the last few years. With staff cuts at many news organizations, do you feel a responsibility to grow your newsroom? Public radio really started as an alternative media around culture, and we grew into a significant journalistic presence over the years. Now NPR is one of the most respected news organizations in the country. So for a long time, stations have worked on beefing up their news presence. My sense is journalism is under fire. There are a lot fewer people working in newspapers and radio stations than there once was. Right now, knock on wood, WPR is very healthy. Public radio listening is up around the country. And well do what we can to keep that going. More and more people are listening on demand, especially to podcasts. How challenging is that for WPR? Theres a dual answer to that. Its a huge challenge, and its really exciting. Kerri Hoffman who is the chief executive officer for PRX, which distributes our two national programs, said at a conference a year or two ago that listening to podcasts builds a habit of listening. Thats good for us, if we can build a habit of audio content being really great. We have what we call WPR Next, an incubator for new content. We are in the midst of our second round of piloting. This content might turn into a weekly show or a segment on another show. The other piece of the puzzle for WPR Next is we are aware our first round of ideas came from staff, and we want to figure out how to also be looking other places to find the ideas we havent had. One of the major events in Madison in the past decade were the protests at the Capitol in 2011 over Gov. Scott Walkers changes to collective bargaining. What did you learn from that heated political environment? I remember at the time being so impressed with our reporters. Its a little complicated for us because we are state employees. We tried to make sure people understood that and that we could still report fairly, and we did. In a lot of places people couldnt even talk to their neighbors or friends because they were so mad at each other. Our Ideas Network with its call-in talk shows was a place where theres been a tremendous tradition of speaking civilly even with people you disagree with, and that continued. I think thats tremendously valuable now. Everyone is talking about how polarized we are, and we firmly believe the solutions to our problems will be found by listening to each other. I find myself in the last year constantly quoting the people from Story Corps. They say listening is an act of love. Just let that sink in. What have you taken away from the centennial events youve held during the year? Any time we change anything its unsettling, and we hear about programming changes from members. But one of the things I think about is if our story was one of being completely stable and doing what weve always done we probably wouldnt be here. We certainly wouldnt air popular radio programs because we would still be doing stuff that has long moved to other venues like the classroom. So I really believe our history is a history of change. Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Kerri Hoffman's name. A gunman locked employees of a Far East Side grocery store in a bathroom during a Saturday night robbery, the Madison Police Department said. Around 8:30 p.m., a man pulled out a handgun at Aldi, 3925 Lien Road, and ordered the employees into a bathroom where he barred them, according to police. The robber pilfered cash from the store and stole the employees' cell phones and purses, police said. He fled the grocery store just before police arrived, Lt. Timothy Radke said. The robber is described as an African American male in his 30's with a thin build and standing 5-foot-10, according to police. He wore a Green Bay Packers hat, aviator sunglasses, Carhartt-style work gloves and a black backpack, police said. No one was hurt in the robbery, and the investigation is ongoing. It was a turning point in Madison history. Fifty years ago next week, thousands of students on the UW-Madison campus and the rest of the country via news photos and film clips witnessed a protest-turned-riot that put the anti-war spotlight on the city, shattered the trust between the university and many of its students, sent nearly 70 people to the hospital and forever became known as the "Dow riot." Oct. 18, 1967 was so dramatic that it became a centerpiece of Pulitzer-winning author and Madison native David Maraniss' 2003 book "They Marched Into Sunlight." It figures into the 1979 documentary film "The War at Home," the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning "American Experience" film "Two Days in October," and is part of the cultural backdrop to the new PBS series "The Vietnam War." The day began with a student sit-in to protest job recruiting on campus by Dow Chemical. The company made napalm, a flammable substance that causes severe skin burns and was used as a weapon by the U.S. military in Vietnam. Hundreds of students marched up Bascom Hill to the Commerce Building (today Ingraham Hall), where a Dow recruiter was to be stationed that day, and packed a hallway that became a dense human wall of obstruction. The university ordered the students to leave. They refused after their leaders' demands were not met. When Madison police charged in, swinging billy clubs, the stalemate turned violent. "Demonstrators were whacked in the legs, prodded in the stomach or cracked on the head," eyewitness John Gruber reported in the next day's Wisconsin State Journal. "Many were bleeding, and all became violently enraged or totally hysterical." Things escalated when the melee spilled out of the building, where a crowd of between 2,000 and 5,000 students had gathered. Police were pelted with "rocks and pebbles, a tomato, sticks, a brick" as students screamed epithets and chanted anti-war and anti-police slogans, Gruber wrote. Authorities set off tear gas. Personal account: Andy Terpstra We lived the American dream Andy Terpstra began his studies in dairy science at UW-Madison in 1966 and earned his bachel The events of that day are so ingrained in the memories of some former students that when University Communications put out a call this summer for firsthand accounts, more than 440 alumni replied. Next week, UW-Madison Libraries and Madison Public Library are inviting the public to record their memories for a special oral history project about "Dow Day." "The Dow riot of October 18 was the pivotal political event of the decade," said Madison historian Stu Levitan, whose book "Madison in the Sixties" is to be published next fall by Wisconsin Historical Society Press. "It had a profound and permanent impact on the city and the university." The event "radicalized a great swath of the campus, not so much as to the war, but as to the students' relationship to the university and the university's relationship to the war," Levitan said. There had already been unrest, "and now we get to the point where the university is calling in police to beat students who are protesting an aspect of war material. The students were radicalized to the extent that, 'The university is siding with the people who make napalm, rather than us.'" That's what happened to Bob Grueneberg, who was 19 at the time and had recently transferred to UW-Madison. The college sophomore was walking his bike between classes when he came upon the crowd outside Commerce. "I was shocked, actually, by the number of police" with badges removed and nightsticks in their hands, he said. A tear gas canister crashed into his front bicycle wheel. "At that point I got out of there," said Grueneberg, now 69, who would go on to become a lawyer and an assistant U.S. attorney in Chicago. What Grueneberg witnessed on "Dow Day" was the beginning "of what might be called my radicalization," he said. "It basically led me to become more involved" in the protest movement. "It seems so recent in my mind." An unexpected outcome Neal Ulevich, a journalism student from Milwaukee, arrived at the Commerce Building before the protest wearing a suit, since he'd just covered a legislative event at the Capitol. Although "everyone on campus" knew the protest was planned, "Nobody was expecting the confrontation that occurred," said Ulevich, who went on to a photojournalism career and won a 1977 Pulitzer Prize for photography. On Oct. 19, the New York Times ran one of his photos from the Dow protests on its front page. "It was a picture of students holding a sign that said 'Stop the police brutality,'" recalled Ulevich, now 71. "Very quickly the narrative changed from 'Bar Dow and stop the war' to police brutality. Because this outcome was totally unexpected." Nineteen police officers and nearly 50 students were treated for injuries at hospitals. The Wednesday riot was followed by a mass meeting that night of 3,000 students on Library Mall, a student strike on Thursday and Friday, a tense meeting of faculty, a march up State Street on Saturday, and the university suspensions of 13 protesters. Though anti-war protests in Madison started in the early 1960s, after "Dow Day" their numbers increased until the bombing of Sterling Hall in 1970, which shocked the nation and served to dampen the anti-war movement. "Sometimes people talk about these big demonstrations as if they happened in a vacuum. There had been so many anti-war demonstrations that had gone on for years before this," said Janis Wrich, 74, an undergraduate in English who took part in the Dow protest. But the Oct. 18 event, with its headline-making violence, "alerted" the broader Madison community to "how deeply some students felt about the war," and triggered deep questions about the nation's priorities, Levitan said. The growing movement invigorated, enraged, and sometimes divided communities. Paul Buhle, a graduate student in history and member of the "fledgling" chapter of Students for a Democratic Society at UW-Madison, found it also led to a sense of engagement. "As angry as people were, there was an enormous amount of good humor," said Buhle, now 73. Students "were more eager to learn than they ever were before, because they thought young people could change the world, as opposed to just getting in line for a job." After receiving his PhD, Buhle went on to become a senior lecturer at Brown University. But it was as a teaching assistant at UW-Madison from 1968 to 1971, he said, "that I experienced young people seeking to learn as I had never seen before, and would never actually see again." Looking back The celebrated musician Ben Sidran, who arrived in Madison in 1961, likens the Dow riot to "a stone thrown into a pond." "You can see these ripples that went out. It wasn't just an event that happened in the corridors of the (Commerce) building," he said. "It was a very pivotal event that happened to the campus, and in some ways to the country." Sidran and his wife Judy were in England at the time of the riot. Fifty years later, they are organizers of "The Madison Reunion," a paid conference with free public events set for June 14-16, 2018, designed as "a cultural Woodstock" to celebrate and reflect on the 1960s. Among panels with titles such as "Conscientious Objection" and "What's Left of the Wisconsin Idea" is "The Day of DOW." Mayor Paul Soglin will be one of four panelists discussing "The Day of DOW." Soglin, a graduate student in history and "Daily Cardinal" columnist at the time of the Dow protests, was among those beaten by police inside the Commerce building. Soglin emerged from the fray as a student leader, winning a city council seat the following spring and eventually serving as the city's 51st, 54th, and now 57th and current mayor. Probably the most profound impact of the Dow riot "is that it expanded the discussion about the war in Vietnam into the city," Soglin said. "It would then dominate city political discussions for the next half-dozen years. "At that time, while it's hard for people to comprehend it, knowing why we were in Vietnam, the history of the war, and where it was leading was a discussion that involved very, very few Americans," he said. "And because of the explosiveness of the demonstration, it took the conversation about Vietnam beyond the boundaries of the campus into the rest of the city. And the rest of the state." 'Duty to protest' The events that led up to and comprised the Dow riot were so complex that Maraniss' book "They Marched Into Sunlight" devotes hundreds of pages to them. That protest was just one of countless demonstrations taking place on college campuses around the country; while a defining moment in local history, it was just a blip on the national scene, Buhle said. Today, students have a wide range of views of the 1960s, said Pamela Oliver, Conway-Bascom Professor of Sociology at UW-Madison and an expert on collective action and social movements. "There's certainly the cultural memory of the (anti-war) protests and the civil rights era," said Oliver, who in 1967 was a college freshman at Stanford. "The vague cultural memories of that are pretty much universal, but the lessons people draw from it and what they think actually happened vary greatly." Personal account: John Wolf A pivotal day in photos John Wolf was a 23-year-old graduate student in the history of science at UW-Madison in 1967 People tend to forget that in the 1960s "everybody was talking about the Nuremberg Trials" of Nazi war criminals held just two decades earlier, Oliver said. "And the duty of citizens to resist their government when the government was engaged in unjust policies. So it's sort of interesting that Nuremberg and the duty to protest has sort of disappeared from American political discourse," she said. In talking about the Dow protests, Sidran likes to quote the legendary UW-Madison professor Harvey Goldberg. "One of the things he always said was, 'This is what history feels like. Right here, right now,'" Sidran recalled. "'We're all living in history.'" This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A pickup truck driver who intentionally plowed into four cyclists on a charity ride Saturday along a rural Marin County road was arrested after fleeing the scene of the hit-and-run, officials said Sunday. The suspect, Aaron Paff, 21, of Novato, was arrested shortly before midnight Saturday at a home in Novato, ending a 12-hour search for the Dodge Ram truck seen fleeing the incident southwest of Petaluma, California Highway Patrol officials said. Paff was arrested without incident, CHP Officer Andrew Barclay said, and his truck, parked in the driveway, was towed away as evidence. Paff cooperated with investigators and answered questions about the collision. He was booked into Marin County Jail on a felony charge of hit-and-run causing injury. Several witnesses at the scene provided police with accounts of the incident, including a motorcyclist who was traveling in the opposite direction and supplied video from a GoPro camera on his helmet. The CHP circulated photos of the truck on social media, calling on the public to help identify the driver. Almost immediately, they began receiving tips. The crash happened along westbound lanes of Point Reyes-Petaluma Road near Hicks Valley Road just before noon Saturday, the CHP said. The driver of the dark blue Dodge intentionally swerved into a pack of cyclists, hitting four riders heading in the same direction before he continued west on Point Reyes-Petaluma Road away from the scene, CHP officials said in a statement. The four victims were part of a larger group of riders participating in the Jensie Gran Fondo charity ride to benefit the Marin County Bicycle Coalition. Barclay identified the injured cyclists as Spencer Fast, 48, of Mill Valley; Robert Grier, 53, of Danville; Oliver Colvin, 55, of Larkspur, and Joseph Olla, 49, of Danville. Fast suffered major injuries and was taken by helicopter to a trauma center. The others suffered injuries ranging from moderate to major and were transported to a local hospital by ambulance. Barclay said the investigation is continuing. CHP officials thanked the public for quickly providing information. This was truly a team effort between law enforcement and the public and goes to show how an engaged and concerned group of people can provide vital information in this type of incident, said Capt. Robert Mota, commander of the CHPs Marin Area Office. Chronicle staff writer Michael Cabanatuan contributed to this report. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky Joe Clement and Matt Miles teach social studies at Chantilly High School in Fairfax County, Virginia. They know a teacher who spent six hours jazzing up a lesson on old political cartoons with a PowerPoint presentation. Students pulled laptops off a cart so they could follow and comment on the lesson online. The class went well. But something unusual happened, part of a series of Clement and Miles discoveries that threaten the foundations of the high-tech classroom and are recounted in their new book "Screen Schooled: Two Veteran Teachers Expose How Technology Overuse Is Making Our Kids Dumber." The teacher mentioned his successful lesson to another history teacher. She told him about her similar lesson, using not PowerPoint and laptops but printed copies of the cartoons affixed to large newsprint sheets. Students walked around the room and made lesson-related comments on the newsprint. He decided to try it her way. The lesson took 15 minutes to prepare. What had been a good if quiet class earlier, with students staring at their screens, became a boisterous, involving discussion. Letting students interact energized the room, brought in more comments and added the physical movement that many teens crave. "In short," Clement and Miles concluded, "this lesson was superior in nearly every way compared to the more complex technology-enhanced lesson." Their book is so contrary to conventional wisdom I wonder what the magnates of ed-tech - the widely used shorthand for the educational technology movement - will do if the practices advocated by the authors gain momentum. I am deluged with education books, but this one was hard to put down. Their idea began with musing over their best lessons, the ones they can't wait to teach every year, so engaging that their students are shocked and sad when the bell rings. They asked themselves how much advanced technology is involved in those lessons. Their answer, and the answer from the vast majority of teachers they surveyed, was little to none. They have come up with three core principles of good teaching: "(1) deliver instruction in the simplest possible manner; (2) focus instruction on what students are able to do; and (3) foster face-to-face human interaction and opportunities for community building." They don't want to dispose of iPads, YouTube, Prezis and Google Docs, they said, but "these tools in and of themselves do not make for better teaching. In fact, as we have seen, more use of technology - inside and outside the classroom - can make it more difficult for students to learn and teachers to teach. ... The focus of the lesson often is method of instruction (how to turn on the iPad, or the twisting and turning of the Prezi) rather than on the content or skills being taught." Clement and Miles are not septuagenarian stegosauruses like me, dreaming of younger days. Clement, 48, was once a UNIX administrator. Miles, 33, was an IT major before a last-minute switch to education. They know the key fact about the new classroom technologies: There is no research showing they have significantly increased achievement. The justification for screens in class is reasonable, at least on the surface. Clement and Miles said they are often told "that since so much of modern life is dependent on technology, schools must teach these technologies." "This might be an appealing idea, but it is folly," they said. "Students need no help from schools developing their tablet, smartphone, or Twitter skills. They are doing this on their own. What they need help with is critical thinking, problem solving, and community building." They think teachers do better presenting instruction, face to face. Freed of a preplanned program, they can stop talking and answer spontaneous questions. They can backtrack if students seem lost. They can adapt their lessons from class to class. They can query students to make sure they get it. Most important, they can develop social connections, so crucial with teenagers, to rescue them from the screen addictions that Clement and Miles describe in chilling detail. Next week, I will get into what they say can be done to turn back the acidic distractions of the tech revolution in our schools, and save just the stuff that works. Erik Prince, a former Navy SEAL and founder of the Blackwater security contractor, is considering a run for the U.S. Senate in Wyoming after being encouraged to enter politics by Stephen K. Bannon, President Donald Trump's former chief strategist, according to a report in the New York Times. Prince's candidacy would continue an insurgency bubbling up in the GOP in the wake of Trump's election. The Times reported that Prince traveled to Wyoming over the weekend to explore how to establish residency there and that he is interested in taking on Sen. John Barrasso, who has held the seat for a decade, in the Republican primary. At the final debate of last year's presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton ridiculed Donald Trump as a "puppet" of the Russians and denounced his treatment of women. She was widely seen as the winner that night in Las Vegas and the favorite to win the presidency weeks later. On Facebook, however, a different story was unfolding for millions of Americans, whose feeds were being saturated with eye-catching ads bolstering Trump. Out of view of the broader public, the site was serving as a platform for an intense barrage of advertisements tailored to reach Trump's supporters with maximum impact throughout the debate day and night. By the end of the day, the Trump campaign had run 175,000 variations of ads on Facebook, pushing distinct versions to different users to test which ones worked best. The high-velocity churn drew $9 million in donations, the campaign's biggest single-day money haul of the year. Facebook's recent revelations that it sold thousands of ads to a Russian troll operation seeking to foment discord during last year's elections have led its executives to pledge cooperation with U.S. investigators. But the company's role in the Russia probe is also prompting uncomfortable scrutiny of its increasingly lucrative political advertising business and how little is known about the ads voters are exposed to online. The situation has the potential to affect a key profit center for Facebook. The same proprietary technology that has made Facebook the go-to advertising platform for political campaigns also enabled Russian operatives to target U.S. voters with inflammatory ads. Now lawmakers, noting that online companies are not subject to disclosure rules governing broadcast advertising, are calling for tighter regulations as Facebook is poised to play another major role in the 2018 and 2020 elections. Trump strategists credit their victory in part to a decision to go all-in on Facebook in the closing stretch of the 2016 race, with a strategy that was orchestrated from a San Antonio office where Trump campaign and Republican Party staffers worked alongside Facebook sales employees, blitzing the country with ads. By Election Day, Trump's campaign had spent roughly $70 million on Facebook alone - nearly all in the last four months of the election, according to people familiar with the spending. "If you imagine the country as the haystack, Facebook is the needle finder," said Brad Parscale, who served as the Trump campaign's digital director. With 210 million U.S. users logging in monthly, Facebook offers candidates and their allies the ability to zero in on potential voters who are likely to embrace their messages and make them go viral - identifying them by geography, gender, interests and their behavior across the Internet, including their "likes" for music, food and travel. The company owes its rich trove of data to its users, who turn over details about their personal lives every time they engage with the platform. The large sums invested by the Trump campaign would have been enough to put an ad on the feed of every Facebook user in the country, digital strategists said, or to send multiple ads to key voters. The online bombardment, which former Clinton aides acknowledged surpassed their Facebook spending, was largely invisible to the media and the electorate. That's because of its highly personalized design, which allows advertisers to target voters in a granular fashion. Advocates for more online transparency say the 2016 election showed how Facebook and other websites can be used to quietly push provocative messages with no oversight. The news that Russians used Facebook to try to influence voters showed that people with "no interest in adhering to facts or the truth are able to message to select pockets of the population to elicit an emotional response, and no one knows that it is happening," said Keegan Goudiss, who served as director of digital advertising for Sen. Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign, which relied heavily on Facebook. After revealing the Russian ad buys, Facebook vowed to provide more transparency about political ads on its site, a move that could pull the curtain back on its position as a turbocharged platform for campaigns. After years of resisting disclosure, the company has pledged to create a mechanism that will reveal the content of political ads posted on its site, making them visible to any Facebook user. The system would go further than what is required of TV and cable stations, which have to disclose information about who purchases political ads but not the content of the ads themselves. "We are in a new world," Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said in a post last month. "It is a new challenge for internet communities to deal with nation states attempting to subvert elections. But if that's what we must do, we are committed to rising to the occasion." Still, the ongoing Russia probes could have a long-term impact on the company, which is now contending with new efforts to regulate online political advertising. Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar, Minn., and Mark Warner, Va., plan to introduce a bill in the coming weeks that would require sites with more than 1 million users to maintain a public file containing a copy of political ads and information about who they are aimed at. The measure, which the lawmakers said was a direct response to the Russian effort, would require information about the number of views generated and the rates charged by platforms such as Facebook. "These ads are literally being seen by millions and millions of people, but there's really not the transparency that you see with traditional ads," Klobuchar said. "Aside from the Russia issue, it is a glaring problem because our technology has changed, the way people advertise has changed, but our laws are back in the 1980s," she added. Facebook, which as recently as 2011 sought an exemption from the Federal Election Commission from having to run political disclaimers on the small ads that run on its site, has taken a cautious posture toward the prospect of new regulations even as it has pledged to provide more voluntary disclosure. The company said in a statement that it is "open to reviewing any reasonable proposals." Facebook's ascent in elections has been rapid, mirroring its sevenfold increase in value since the company went public in 2012. At the time, the company had just a handful of staffers in its Washington office focused on lobbying and on campaign advertising. That year, the reelection campaign of President Barack Obama developed an innovative Facebook application, allowing 1 million supporters to give the campaign access to their extended Facebook "friend" networks. The ability to tap into that kind of data for free was shut down in 2015, when Facebook limited the amount of information that campaigns and other third-party groups can access from the site. As a result, campaigns still eager to tap into Facebook's fast-growing database began buying more ads, political strategists said. While businesses still spend more on Google advertising, many political advertisers began favoring Facebook in 2014, campaign strategists said. The site's ability to offer rich targeting and near real-time feedback, as well as its role as a platform for civic debate, makes Facebook better tailored to political messaging, said Zac Moffatt, who heads the Republican digital ad agency Targeted Victory. During the height of the 2016 campaign, Facebook had 10 staffers - five on the Democratic side and five on the Republican side - who helped federal campaigns with their ad buys, according to people familiar with the company's operations. Unlike the Trump campaign, Clinton's team declined to have the company's sales employees work side-by-side with its staff, though Facebook employees did visit Clinton's Brooklyn headquarters from time to time, according to people familiar with the setup. Clinton, who entered the general election with more resources than Trump, was less reliant on Facebook, but her former campaign officials declined to share how much they spent on the platform. Facebook regularly deploys sales staff to work with big corporate and political clients. Typically, Facebook employees provide advice to big clients on how to target users across all the company's platforms, including Instagram and Messenger, helping advertisers decipher which approaches would be likely to get the most engagement. For example, Facebook might advise campaigns on whether to target a large number of potential voters in a specific Zip code, according to people familiar with the process. When content goes viral, it helps Facebook make money. Advertisers pay for people to view an ad. They pay more money if people click on that ad or if they click through the ad to a page outside of Facebook or install an advertiser's application, advertisers say. Goudiss, the former Sanders digital advertising director who is a partner at the firm Revolution Messaging, said the impact of Facebook on political races could not be overstated. "Facebook was one of the key reasons Bernie went from 2 percent name ID to winning primaries," he said. The Trump campaign's large investment in Facebook was driven in part by necessity. When the wealthy real estate executive secured the GOP nomination in the late spring, he had virtually no fundraising operation. Campaign officials and Republican Party strategists from Washington who embedded with the Trump digital shop in San Antonio turned to Facebook ads to rapidly build a donor list. "I knew that it would be a lead dog in the pack," said Gary Coby, who was dispatched from the Republican National Committee to serve as the campaign's director of digital advertising and fundraising. "But we always built in the idea of a dynamic budget - you move the money to where it is best-performing. Facebook was one of the things that was working, so we put more money and time into it." More than half of the campaign's Facebook budget was spent on ads designed to pull in contributions, many of them featuring some of Trump's most provocative remarks. "Only Trump can stop Crooked Hillary," declared one ad in June. "Teach Hillary Who's Boss." In a setup that officials said resembled a high-frequency Wall Street trading shop, the Trump operation pitted teams of staffers and outside ad buyers against each other to see which could get more Facebook users to convert into donors. Those who won got more money to play with. Each day, the campaign would start with about 20,000 ad variations, testing different messages against a complex set of targeting factors such as age and device usage, as well as past actions such as recent donations. Throughout the day, they swapped in various images of Trump or short-burst videos with captions, hunting for the most viral combination. "You want to make sure you have all different ad variations and different segments for your ads so that you can find something that works fast, and then Facebook will show it to more people," Gerrit Lansing, the RNC's former chief digital officer, explained at a post-election political marketing conference sponsored by MediaPost in January. "You find these little bursts of things that work, and then pour gas on it and do that dozens of times every day," he added. By the end of a typical day, the Trump operation averaged 40,000 to 60,000 ad variations - a supercharged version of the kind of comparative testing many campaigns use. Like the Sanders campaign, the Trump team found that Facebook ads served multiple functions: as powerful fundraising appeals, as vehicles to win over new supporters, and eventually as a mechanism to prod voters to go to the polls, officials said. The constant feedback the campaign received about how Facebook users engaged with different ads also provided valuable political insight into what moved Trump's supporters, campaign strategists said. After an intense round of testing showed that his backers responded strongly to messages about what Trump pledged to do in office, the campaign rolled out a series of policy speeches featuring the candidate. In the end, half of the Trump campaign's overall advertising budget was spent online - nearly double the share a typical campaign devotes to digital ads - and the majority of that went to Facebook. "People are coming to grips with the fact that the world's biggest social network is playing an unprecedented role in politics and in government in the distribution of ideas," said Alex Howard, deputy director of the Sunlight Foundation, a nonpartisan watchdog group. "For many people, Facebook is the Internet. It is an extraordinarily powerful force with limited accountability." The Beaumont Fire Department held its annual Fire Prevention and Family Safety Festival Saturday at the Fire Museum of Texas. More interactive stations and demonstrations were added to this year's event, which drew a large crowd of families throughout the morning and afternoon. > > MORE: Were you 'Seen' at the Walk of Survivorship? Later this week, President Donald Trump is expected to announce his decision to "decertify" the Iran nuclear deal, arguing that the arrangement isn't in the best interests of the United States. The world has been bracing for this decision since Trump won the election in November. He has repeatedly derided the Iran accord as a stupid, loser deal, one of the worst he has ever seen. But "decertifying" won't kill the accord automatically. It's much more complicated than that. Here's what Trump may do this week and how it might play out domestically and internationally. - Why does Trump want to decertify the Iran deal? By all accounts, Iran has complied with the terms of the deal. U.S. officials have said so; European allies have agreed. The United Nations watchdog tasked with monitoring compliance has visited Iran several times and certified that the country is dismantling its nuclear program, per the terms of the deal. Last week, the U.S. defense secretary and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff expressed qualified support for the deal before Congress. But the president and his administration say Iran is not following the spirit of the accord, which they see as de facto noncompliance. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and others have said that Iran has not positively contributed to regional and international peace and security, an "expectation" embedded in the deal's preamble. They noted that Iran still supports militant groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas and backs militias in Syria and Yemen. Iran has also continued to test ballistic missiles, something that irks the United States, even though such tests do not constitute a violation of the agreement. - What does "decertification" actually mean? The U.S. president is required by Congress to certify every 90 days that Iran is complying with the deal. Trump has done so twice; his next deadline is Oct. 15. Administration officials say Trump will announce that he has decided to decertify the deal, arguing that it's not in the U.S. national security interest to remain in the agreement. On its own, that won't mean much. If the United States doesn't impose new sanctions, it's not technically in violation of its obligations under the agreement. And The Washington Post has reported that Trump will hold off on recommending that Congress do so. Interestingly, the administration could have chosen to kill the deal on its own, without Congress' help. Every 120 days, the administration issues waivers to keep old sanctions from being reimposed. Skip that step, and the administration could have restarted sanctions unilaterally come January. The president chose not to do that. My Washington Post colleagues have explained the maneuver as "a middle ground of sorts between Trump, who has long wanted to withdraw from the agreement completely, and many congressional leaders and senior diplomatic, military and national security advisers, who say the deal is worth preserving with changes if possible." DOUG MILLS/NYT - Could Congress decide to reimpose sanctions? If Trump decertifies the deal, Congress will have 60 days to decide whether to reimpose sanctions on Iran, the ones that were suspended in exchange for that country's freeze on its nuclear weapons program. That seems pretty unlikely. Congress would need only 51 votes to impose those sanctions. But it doesn't seem as if Republicans have the support they need to push something through. As The Post reports, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell does not want to add another contentious issue to the legislative calendar, especially not with midterm elections right around the corner. Republican Sens. Jeff Flake, John McCain and Susan Collins have also said they're not sure how they would vote on sanctions. Sen. Rand Paul and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Edward Royce, Calif., say they don't think Trump should retreat from the deal. And Democrats seem universally opposed to new sanctions. Given that, it's hard to imagine Republicans mustering the votes they need to impose any serious sanctions. - So, then, what is the president trying to accomplish? Even many proponents of decertification don't think the United States needs to reimpose sanctions. They reckon that the Trump administration can use the process as a way of persuading European allies to join the United States in advocating for a stronger Iran deal. In a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations last week, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., laid out what that might look like. He has called for a bill that would eliminate "sunset clauses" that lift restrictions on some Iranian nuclear activities after several years. He'd also like to see tougher inspections and new curbs on Iran's ballistic and cruise missile programs. - Will European allies sign on? It's impossible to know for sure. But early indications suggest that if the United States backs out of the deal, it will do so alone. The other parties involved in the deal and the U.N. watchdog tasked with monitoring compliance say things are working. "We will not follow the United States in reneging on our international obligations with this deal," a European Union official told The Washington Post on Thursday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters, "It is very important to preserve it in its current form, and, of course, the participation of the United States will be a very significant factor in this regard." It's not totally clear how the international community will respond to Trump. But one thing is all but certain: If the United States backs out of the deal, it will isolate us from our allies and weaken our stature abroad. As my Post colleagues reported: "More than any other issue that has threatened trans-Atlantic cohesion this year, President Trump's decision to decertify Iranian compliance with the nuclear deal could start a chain of events that would sharply divide the United States from its closest traditional allies in the world. 'After the Paris climate decision,' in which Trump withdrew the United States from a widely supported, painfully negotiated accord, 'this could push multilateralism to the breaking point,' said a senior official from one of the three European signatories to the Iran deal." - How will the business community respond? Since the deal was signed in 2015, several big companies have begun to do business in Iran. New sanctions by the United States would make things significantly more difficult. As Vox explained: "New sanctions would also force American allies to choose between doing business with Iran or with the U.S.ran has begun to reintegrate itself into the global economy in the past year, and it has developed meaningful business ties with big companies that are based in the countries that struck the Iran deal. For example, this summer Iran signed a $5 billion agreement with France's Total SA and China's state-run China National Petroleum Corporation to develop its South Pars natural gas field." Already, the E.U. has begun taking steps to protect its businesses from U.S. retaliation. Officials are looking at measures used in the 1990s to shield companies and individuals from secondary U.S. sanctions. "I've no doubt that if this scenario materializes, the European Union will act to protect the legitimate interests of our companies," David O'Sullivan, the European Union's ambassador to the United States, said at a September meeting. U.S. sanctions might even make it easier for European companies to compete in Iran. "U.S. decertification would not necessarily end the deal - the U.S. just wouldn't be part of it anymore," Robert Litwak, a member of the National Security Council under President Bill Clinton and an expert on international security at the Woodrow Wilson Center, told CNBC. "The Europeans won't return to sanctions so quickly. If this enables Airbus to beat out Boeing, they'd be delighted." - How might Iran respond? Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said last month that he will not reopen negotiations, and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that his country would consider walking away from the deal if the United States withdraws. But Iran may stay in the agreement as long as the other signatories also stick to the deal. As CNBC put it: "If the U.S. decertifies the deal, 'the ball immediately goes to Iran's court,' said Michael O'Hanlon, a foreign policy expert at the Brookings Institution. Iran 'could have their cake and eat it too.' "It would be possible, O'Hanlon explained, for Iran to keep the benefits it gets from the agreement - namely, to continue to legally export oil. Then, a few years down the road it could argue that the agreement is null due to a lack of compliance from the United States. It could then resume nuclear activities. "That's not an attractive prospect for U.S. decision-makers, because it would force them to make a choice: Either attack Iran's nuclear facilities, or push for new sanctions from a group of countries that will almost certainly be reluctant to give up business ties with Iran." A narrow band of fast-moving storms damaged several trees, homes and businesses, downed power lines and destroyed garages on Madisons East Side early Saturday evening. No one was injured and the damage from what is being called a tornado was largely limited to an area on the northwest side of East Washington Avenue between Highway 30 and Stoughton Road. Homeowners along Ridgeway Avenue appeared to receive the brunt of the damage but businesses facing East Washington Avenue were also damaged, with some forced to close for the evening. Brian Hahn of the National Weather Service in Sullivan said the 40 mph tornado appeared on radar just as it was touching down around 5:10 p.m. The funnel cloud was confirmed by a Madison police officer, said Division Chief Scott Bavery of the Madison Fire Department. She actually thought she got caught in the middle of it, Bavery said of the police officer. There were lots of trees and wind moving around and some of the public said they got some good videos of it so it sounds like a confirmed tornado. The upside of this is we havent had any reports of injuries. The 4-Seasons Car Wash, 3206 E. Washington Ave., sustained significant roof damage, according to Bavery, while a power pole with a transformer was toppled behind Visions Night Club, 3554 E. Washington Ave. Part of the facade was ripped from the front of the nearby PDQ convenience store and a large privacy fence that separates the stores property from adjacent homes was knocked over. At the Access Community Health Center William T. Evjue facility at the corner of Wright Street and East Washington Avenue, the clinics roof was damaged, several trees were destroyed and a 6-foot-wide, 5-foot-high plastic sign from the health center went airborne. It landed more than a block away to the east at the corner of Ridgeway and Schmedman avenues across the street from the home of Vashon Jennings, who was on his front porch when the storm hit. I just dove into the house, said Jennings, 43, who saw the sign flying through the air. You could hear the trees falling but by that time I was in the house. It was quick. Real quick. Southern Wisconsin experienced scattered rain throughout Saturday with occasional appearances by the sun. The tornado surprised most who live in the neighborhood, including Britny Williams, 28, who lives about a block away from Jennings at 3522 Ridgeway Ave. I was just sitting at my computer, sending some e-mails, didnt have headphones on, and the house started shaking, Williams said. It woke my husband up and hes like, downstairs, now. Our kitty was already down there. She knew what was up. Williams said her home was not damaged but further down the street, Steve Peters, 58, wasnt as lucky. His back porch and his detached garage were destroyed by a more than 50-foot walnut tree that was toppled by the high winds. His neighbors garage was also destroyed, but by another tree. Peters was returning from Token Creek with his camper that he was planning to winterize on Sunday. He said he ran into some wind near the airport but was shocked at the damage when he arrived home. It looked like a bomb went off, said Peters, who also lost power and was planning to stay at a friends home Saturday night. Somebody on Ridgeway must have peeved off the Big Guy. The storm littered East Washington Avenue with leaves and small twigs and twisted the traffic signals at the corner of East Washington Avenue and Wright Street. After a tornado warning was issued there was initial concern about damage in Sun Prairie but it was limited to a traffic light and a downed power line at Main and OKeefe streets, according to a Sun Prairie police dispatcher. In Madison, the storm was so isolated that across the street from Visions, the AutoZone and Pedros Mexican Restaurant remained open and a few blocks away, children continued to ride the carousel at Ellas Deli. There was hardly any lightning with it, just some showers, said Hahn from the National Weather Service. It was a pretty weird deal. State Journal reporter Shelley K. Mesch contributed to this report. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If you do not have a current print subscription to the Lodi News-Sentinel, but want to view unlimited articles for the month, please choose this option. Were relieved congressional Republicans appear ready to consider a limited form of gun control: Banning the bump stock, the rapid-firing device used in the Las Vegas massacre. Were stunned the National Rifle Association seems to agree. What a significant moment this could be, in the wake of a horrendous criminal act, for the national conversation about gun rights and gun culture. The sniper who slaughtered more than 50 people and wounded more than 500 at an outdoor concert possessed numerous weapons, including some retrofitted with bump stocks. This allowed the shooter to fire at a near-continuous rate, as if raking his target area with a machine gun. Why on earth would any private individual need access to a weapon of war? Thats the question even adamant defenders of the Second Amendment right to gun possession appear willing to ask in the wake of Las Vegas. Our answer is that there is no compelling reason to give civilians the firepower of the infantry. The history of machine gun regulations dates to Chicagos gangster era of the 1920s and early 30s. The bad guys shot each other up with Tommy guns. The National Firearms Act of 1934 clamped down on machine guns by imposing tax and registration restrictions. These days, the sale of automatic weapons to civilians is banned, and the sale of automatic weapons manufactured before 1986 is closely regulated and monitored. Then in 2010, manufacturers began offering the bump stock, a $100 to $400 conversion device that allows a semi-automatic rifle to fire at close to the same rate as a machine gun. It does this by replacing the stock and pistol grip with a piece of equipment that harnesses recoil power to bump the trigger back and forth repeatedly against the shooters finger. The added lethality of a bump stock is grotesque: The Las Vegas shooter appeared to fire as many as 90 bullets in 10 seconds. Without such a device, it would take several minutes to deliver that many rounds. You can find YouTube videos that show shooting experts testing bump stock devices, and even one of them sounded concerned about the availability of such firepower for as little as 99 bucks. The packaging this thing came in said spray 600 rounds a minute, one expert says on his video. Thats right: Spray 600 rounds a minute. Theyve since changed that on their website to say safe and precise, but I think the people behind this could learn a couple lessons. Gun violence in America is an epidemic. There are steps lawmakers can take such as requiring background checks on all purchases, and limiting the capacity of magazine clips that would address the scourge without tramping on the Second Amendment. Yet gun rights proponents, led by the NRA, in the past have responded as if they were being told the confiscation of all weapons begins at dawn. Even after the 2012 murder of 26 people, including 20 first-graders, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, the debate was shut down by those who see gun ownership as a fundamental right protected by the Constitution. Then came Las Vegas: Dozens dead at the hands of a sniper mowing down concertgoers as if he were strafing an enemy battalion. Its too much for even the NRA to ignore. Republicans, joined of course by many Democrats, now sound ready to look closely at the bump stock. I own a lot of guns, and as a hunter and sportsman, I think thats our right as Americans, Texas Sen. John Cornyn said. But I dont understand the use of this bump stock. On Thursday, the NRA said such devices should be subject to additional regulations. Bump stocks and the like should be banned. They serve no justifiable purpose. Republicans, move on this. Dont expect public pressure to fade. Ban these killing machines. Las Vegas was a moment the country never wanted that it must confront. This should be the starting point for the reasonable gun debate America needs. Business With Taxify placing as much importance on drivers, as they do on their riding customers, will the latest ride sharing startup prove a threat to Uber and Grab? Oct 09, 2017 | By Jonathan Ho The ride share economy is about to get disrupted by a more affordable alternative than current operators Uber and Grab and they have a 23 year old university dropout to blame. The former undergrad recently launched Taxify. Founded in Estonia, that little North European state which disrupted the world with its pioneering eResidency program, and then created waves once more with proposals of a sovereign bitcoin, the new Estonian competitor to Uber and Grab is expected to overturn the ride sharing industry. Taxify: A Cheaper Ride Share option to Uber & Grab Taxify CEO Markus Villig is the enterprising 23 year old. Through the Taxify app, the Estonian ride share firm offers taxis and car services cheaper than Uber and Grab one key difference is that Taxify offers an additional form of payment that of cash, making it more similar to Grab than to Uber. The university dropout conceived and launched Taxify from home before expanding into close to 20 markets, avoiding typical Western European markets due to more onerous regulations so far, the latest ride share company operates in Africa and eastern Europe but recently it attempted an abortive effort to run in London. Launching in the English capital on 5th September, Taxify took an aggressive approach of heavily discounted fares to get people on board (50%) plus an additional 3 off for people who persuade others to sign up. And just three days later, the ride-hailing app was suspended and Taxify was forced to pull its services from the English city after a challenge from Transport for London alleged that the company lacked the proper private hire licences to operate in the city. According to Taxify, the suspension was unjust as it operated as a technology provider (the Taxify app) and not a taxi company as it offered its services through local hire company City Drive Services which had its own license to operate taxis. Eyes on Paris: Can Taxify Succeed? Taxify features a business model that is attractive to both drivers and riders taking a 10 15% commission instead of Ubers 20 35% commission fee while offering its riders and users up to three times less the costs of traditional ride share competitors Uber and Grab. That said, the ride sharing industry is littered with the corpses of other ride share startups which have tried and failed Remember Karhoo and Hailo? Luxuo sure doesnt. Presently, management issues and sexual harassment allegations notwithstanding, Uber is the most valuable private company in the world with raised equity of close to US$15 billion. Weve seen that in the long term, these lower prices make sense. And in the long term if drivers are happy, theres a better customer experience and it leads to us having a higher customer retention. Markus Villig, Taxify founder and CEO, to Business Insider In terms of drivers, Uber outnumbered Taxify 4:1 at the time of launch. That said, 23 year old Villig was confident that backed only by one major investor Chinas Didi Chuxing, Taxify is not pressured to turn a profit in the short-term in order to provide investor returns. Arguably, none of Ubers investors are complaining with their loss-leader strategy thus far. Exactly a year ago, Uber drivers in London won a UK tribunal case which earned them rights to holiday pay, rest breaks and UK National Living Wage, a setback for the firm; even then, Uber continues to be plagued with allegations of poor respect for drivers rights in multiple territories. Uber Chief Executive Travis Kalanick resigned in June 2017 Not exactly Ubers most preferred example of going driverless. With Taxify placing as much importance on drivers, as they do on their riding customers and the benefit of direct text and calls versus dropped calls and message errors via Uber and Grab apps, Taxify riders in 25 cities have made few complaints about the company. Since 2013, Taxify primarily operated in cities where Uber and Grab did not yet have a foothold, giving rise to rumours that Taxify CEO Villigs exit strategy was merely acquisition however the Estonian ride-hailing service began operations in Paris on Thursday, going head-to-head with market leader Uber once more since their last face-off in London. Uber, has lost $2.8 billion in 2016 on a turnover of $6.5 billion while Villig claims that Taxify is already profitable. Didi Chuxing currently owns 20% of Taxify. CHICAGO As I type this column, I am exhausted from sleep deprivation a pretty standard state of being for me. Despite a lifetime of boring, monkish routine and impeccable sleep habits, my circadian rhythm has always been syncopated rather than regular or in any kind of harmony. Ive suffered from periodic bouts of insomnia for nearly all of my life. As a young child, I would cry myself to sleep at 2, 3 or 4 in the morning and then feel completely wrecked at school. It drove my teachers absolutely crazy that I was half-asleep and headachy most of the time. This inability to sleep and subsequent inappropriate nodding off continued through college (this was back when professors felt empowered enough to call out a student who dared to doze off right there in the front row of a 1,000-seat lecture hall) and even later in professional settings, during meetings when everyone wanted to fall asleep, but I actually did. And as I get older, a new dimension has been added now not only do I have a hard time getting to sleep at night, but I also wake before dawn and struggle to get back to sleep. The days are then agonizing. There are headaches, burning skin, muscle and joint pain, odd fluctuations in hunger, and sensory sensitivities to be endured. No, its not my thyroid, or narcolepsy. All the usual medical suspects have been ruled out time and again I simply come from a long line of restless sleepers. Such medications as sleeping pills either dont work or give me nasty side effects. Meditation helps, but only to a point. My best hope is for science to figure this all out in time for sleep deprivation to not finally get me with its increased chance of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and possibly even Alzheimers disease. We only understand how the delicate cycles of sleep and wakefulness are related to physical and mental well-being because of years of research. Last week, three of the researchers behind some of these insights got an acknowledgment for unraveling a few of sleeps deepest mysteries. Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young won the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their pioneering work in figuring out how the bodys sleep/wake rhythms regulate critical functions like sleep, hormone levels, blood pressure and body temperature. Using fruit flies as a model organism, the trio of scientists isolated genes they dubbed period, timeless and doubletime that regulate the daily circadian rhythms. The researchers found that these genes encode a protein that accumulates in cells during sleep at night, which then degrades during the day. Subsequently, the researchers identified additional protein components of this machinery inside the cells. Eventually they found that these biological clocks function by the same principles in cells of other multicellular organisms, including humans. This recognition of achievement in their field comes after three decades of their intimate study of the humble fruit fly, which yielded many of the facts about our bodies daily rhythms like when we have the best coordination, the highest body temperature and the fastest reaction times that so many breakthroughs in understanding the importance of sleep are based on. The most stunning part is these scientists dedicated their careers to something as elemental and mysterious as sleep. I just thought it was a terrific problem and maybe the toughest thing I could try to tackle, Young told Adam Smith, the chief scientific officer of Nobel Media, because it was behavior; you know, what could we learn about a fairly complicated behavior that we all exhibit, which was most easily represented by sleep/wake cycles. And frankly I thought we might find out maybe a little bit. I never thought we would really understand what the motor behind this was, at the time. We were very lucky, we managed to find genes that fit together like puzzle pieces to explain how this thing worked. The next frontier in sleep science is applying this knowledge about sleep rhythms to the quandaries of preventing obesity and mental health disorders and how to optimize everything from exercise to the uptake of vitamins and medications. Selfishly, Im hoping that it wont take another 30 years to figure out how to get reluctant creatures of the night to slumber. But Im perfectly willing to wait for whatever scientific discoveries can make me sleep way better than I did when I was a baby. So why did The Dane County Board vote to spend $55,000 to study Wisconsin election law in Dane and Milwaukee counties? After all, the study wasnt authorized by the state Department of Justice or state lawmakers or state election officials. The study, by UW-Madison political science professor Ken Mayer, was pushed by progressive Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell and approved by our progressive County Board. About 2,400 surveys were sent out and 293 people responded. From that, the professor figured that nearly 17,000 people in Milwaukee and Dane counties didnt vote because of the state Voter ID law. Roughly two-thirds of the respondents said they didnt vote because of the Voter ID law, even though they had legal IDs. Thats the point, Dane County Board Chair Sharon Corrigan said. People are confused. She added the old chestnut, This is a solution in search of a problem. I asked her why Dane County taxpayers were paying for a study of a state law and how it was affecting Milwaukee County. I wish the state would do a broader study, Corrigan responded, but we did what we could because compliance with this law is costing the state way too much. Thats interesting. We are talking about taxes and fees of people living in Dane County. Board members didnt spend the $55,000 on road repair or shelters for domestic abuse victims. They spent it on a study that gathered 293 responses and calculated from that that nearly 17,000 people didnt vote in two counties because of a state law Dane County Board members and the clerk really hate. Wisconsin Treasurer Matt Adamczyk, who ran on getting rid of his office, went so far as to say Dane County should lose $55,000 in state revenue sharing because it wasted local taxpayers money on the election study. That sounds a bit harsh, since innocent Dane County taxpayers already shelled out for the first $55,000 through the Dane County Clerks Office. The conservative MacIver Institute blasts the study for basing its results on too small of a sample. MacIver points out that only nine people of the 293 respondents were kept from voting by the ID law. But survey architect and UW professor Mayer says the respondent number is fine for an estimated 150,000 registered eligible non-voters in the two counties. Voters are confused, Mayer said. Some think their drivers license must show a current address when that isnt true. Federal Judge Jim Peterson already watered down the Wisconsin law substantially when he ruled that voters without required ID get a lot more time to get their credentials after casting a provisional ballot. But thats not good enough for the Dane County Board. The problem is that hard-core progressives on the County Board cant change state law no matter how many cappuccinos they consume before their meetings. That job is still up to those darn state legislators, whether they are gerrymandered or not. One doesnt need $55,000 to see that while Republican President Donald Trump received 1,500 more votes than Mitt Romney in 2012, Clinton received 238,000 fewer votes than President Obama in 2012. The Republicans were virtually the same. Clinton simply didnt match the Obama excitement. I once had to ask a neighbor to vouch for me so I could vote at a new address. I lacked the proper proof of residence at the time. The new law would not let me do that. I sympathize with legitimate voter grievances. But I roll my eyes at the Dane County Board when it spends our money like candy because progressive supervisors can't get the Legislature to do what they want. Setting it straight: The original version of this column was wrong about the motivation of Dane County officials. They didn't spend $55,000 on a Voter ID study because Republican Donald Trump won last November's presidential election. County leaders authorized the study last September -- before they knew who would win the White House. MARTINSVILLE The state is not saying much about why it is seeking a potential new location for the New College Institute. Dena Potter, communications director for the Virginia Department of General Services (DGS), wrote in an email to the Martinsville Bulletin that by doing so, the department is simply following direction it received from the General Assembly in legislation adopted earlier this year. She was referring to wording in this years budget legislation, which states that the NCI board is authorized to seek an agreement with the New College Foundation and other non-governmental parties to acquire the building. If an agreement is not reached, the legislation says, NCIs board, with help from the DGS, is further authorized to plan for the construction or acquisition of a new facility. Acting on behalf of the DGS, Divaris Real Estate of Richmond in August issued a request for proposals (RFP) for commercial space in Martinsville or Henry County which NCI could lease for its operations. The RFP shows that the institute needs at least 54,000 square feet of office space and 6,000 square feet of warehouse space, plus a minimum vehicle parking area of two spaces per 1,000 square feet. Any building that NCI could occupy would need sinks and piping for natural gas supplies for science learning laboratories, the RFP shows. The RFP asked that proposals be submitted by Sept. 7. It told real estate professionals that proposals are subject to the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and to please indicate in advance if any information to be provided is of a confidential nature. Proposers will be advised if confidentiality is legally permissible and under what conditions. When asked for details of any proposals received, Potter wrote that we cannot release those details at this time. Asked why, she referred to FOIA provisions that exempt from release appraisals and cost estimates of real property subject to a proposed purchase, sale or lease, prior to the completion of such transactions. The statement in the RFP was intended to let real estate professionals know that if a new location for NCI is found, matters pertaining to a transaction will become public record once a deal is done, Potter, a former journalist for The Associated Press, said in a subsequent phone interview. She said she personally did not know if any proposals were received. Holly Law Eve, director of the DGS real estate services division, could not be reached for comment at various times last week. The DGS is the agency that manages state-owned real estate. Fred Karp, a senior vice president for Divaris, also referred inquiries to Potter. State-funded NCI offers bachelors and masters degree programs via partnerships with universities statewide. It also offers training and professional development programs designed to be responsive to needs of Southern Virginia businesses and industries. NCI moved into a three-story, 53,527-square-foot building constructed for it on the Baldwin Block in uptown Martinsville in 2014. The ultramodern building is owned by the New College Foundation, the institutes independent, private fundraising arm. The state leases the building for $383,000 annually. An offer of $7.76 million from the state to buy the building recently was rejected by the foundation. Deborah Kaufman, the foundations executive director, has said that its board believes the community wants the building to stay under local control. Setting a timeline The RFP also says that NCI would not move into another building until at least July 2018. A discussion of the real estate issue is not on the agenda for the NCI boards next meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Martin-Lacy Lecture Hall at the Baldwin Block building. However, institute Executive Director Leanna Blevins said it likely will be discussed in some way, considering that the request for proposals was sent out since the boards last meeting in July. But theres no decision for NCIs board to make at this time, Blevins emphasized. The major items on the boards agenda are hearing presentations by GO Virginia about a regional economic development plan and by NCF about scholarships and fundraising plans. VAUGHN Larry Edward Larry Edward Vaughn of Martinsville, Virginia passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at his home after a brave battle with ALS. His parents were the late Ellis L. Vaughn Sr. and the late Annie E. Hollandsworth Vaughn. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Ellis Vaughn Jr., Johnny Vaughn, Buren Vaughn, Vernon Vaughn, and Brogie Vaughn; and sisters, Eva Heckman, Ruby Utt, Erma Utt, and Marie Bell. Other than three years of military service, Larry lived in Martinsville and Henry County his entire life. He attended school in Martinsville and completed 12 years of education. While serving in the Army he served a tour of duty in Korea, and a tour of duty in Vietnam. He retired from Hooker Furniture after 27 years, then retired from Simply The Best Florist after 10 years, and finally from Clearview Wesleyan Church after 16 years as custodian. He was a previous member of Collinsville Baptist Church and in his later years attended Clearview Wesleyan Church. Larry's loving and humble spirit quietly spoke of his love for his Savior and his fellowman. Surviving is his wife, Glenwood Q. Vaughn, the love of his life. Also surviving are his stepson, Anthony L. Ferguson; stepgranddaughter, Sarah Ferguson Pratt; and two great-grandsons; and one great-granddaughter. Also surviving is one sister, Bessie Chitwood of Martinsville as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at Norris Funeral Services, Martinsville Chapel with the Reverend Ray Seldon officiating. Visitation will be held from 12 to 1 p.m. one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Roselawn Burial Park. A short celebration of life service will be held giving friends an opportunity to speak memories and encouragement to the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 730 E Church St. #13, Martinsville, VA 24112. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. & Crematory of Martinsville, VA will be serving the Vaughn family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com Authorities identified the 4-year-old girl who was struck and killed by a Comcast truck in Holbrook Saturday as Savannah Curran. The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office released the girl's name as authorities continue to investigate her death. Savannah was hit by a truck on Fargo Road around 1 p.m. Saturday. Police officials told CBS Boston that Savannah was playing outside her home on Fargo Road and had run out into the street when she was struck. The driver of the Comcast truck has cooperated with police, according the television station. He was hospitalized because he was upset, police told CBS Boston. More voices are joining the fight for fair voting districts, as the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments last week on Wisconsins gerrymandered maps. The Wisconsin Counties Association, representing every corner of the state, overwhelmingly passed a resolution at its annual conference in Wisconsin Dells recently, urging the Legislature to adopt a nonpartisan process for drawing legislative and congressional districts, similar to Iowas proven model. Iowa assigns a nonpartisan state agency to redraw its voting districts after each major census. In sharp contrast, Wisconsin and other states let top politicians shape districts to their partisan advantage, using voter data and computer formulas to calculate the most advantageous district lines. A panel of federal judges ruled Wisconsins state Assembly maps unconstitutional in a case now before the nations highest court. Regardless of the U.S. Supreme Courts decision, expected by next summer, Wisconsin should adopt a neutral process that doesnt favor either political party. Wisconsins current system puts the desires of politicians ahead of the electoral prerogative of the people, the Counties Association resolution states. Redistricting to achieve partisan gains is improper, whether it is done by Republicans or Democrats. A federal panel of judges last year ruled Wisconsins maps unconstitutional because they so heavily favored majority Republicans. In continuing to defend the rigged maps, top GOP lawmakers have wasted more than $2.1 million of taxpayer money on lawyers fees. The state and congressional districts belong to the citizens of Wisconsin and not to any legislator, interest group or political party, the Counties Association resolution states. The resolution is impressive and helpful. Moreover, its solution for fair maps following the 2020 census should be embraced by all citizens who favor good government. After all, the rigged maps protect many of the incumbents of both political parties, making them less accountable to voters of all stripes. The counties endorsed a nonpartisan process that would prohibit the consideration of voting patterns, party information and incumbents residence information when maps are drawn. Its not just Democratic strongholds such as Dane County that want reform. Lots of counties that have supported President Donald Trump and Gov. Scott Walker in recent elections voted for the resolution, too. And in Washington, prominent Republicans such as former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, current Ohio Gov. John Kasich, and U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona are speaking out against gerrymandering. Closer to home, Illinois Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has pushed for a nonpartisan process. In his state, its Democratic lawmakers who have unfairly drawn the maps to help keep Democrats in power. This vote by the Wisconsin Counties Association sends a powerful message, loud and clear, to the lawmakers in Madison that local officials and our constituents are sick and tired of the partisan hanky-panky, said Hans Breitenmoser, a Lincoln County Board member who promoted the resolution. We want fair maps and a transparent process. Yes, we absolutely do. Charles Krupa 121 companies will receive workforce training fund grants The Baker-Polito administration has awarded $11.9 million in workforce training fund program grants to 121 Massachusetts companies across the state. Grants from the program award up to $250,000 to give companies an opportunity to pay for employee training over a two-year period. The awards are projected to create 1,000 new jobs and will go towards training approximately 7,000 workers. The evolving manufacturing sector and new, innovative technology continues to provide successful careers for Massachusetts workforce to support their families, said Governor Charlie Baker. Workforce Training Fund grantees have added jobs at more than double the statewide average, helping to close high demand skills gaps in the Commonwealth and provide new jobs for residents, said Lieutenant Governor Karen Polito. See which companies received awards below. Don't Edit Andover Mercury Systems, Inc. was awarded $191,800 to train 60 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Ashland Lentros Engineering, Inc. was awarded $22,400 to train 42 workers by 2019. Don't Edit Auburn Accelerated Media Technologies, Inc. was awarded $53,774 to train 37 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Auburndale The Village Bank was awarded $145,600 to train 84 workers; 2 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Don't Edit Bedford Thermo Fisher Scientific was awarded $109,400 to train 130 workers; 23 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Bellingham Hi-Tech Metals, Inc was awarded $72,800 to train 30 workers; 3 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Belmont Fiorella's was awarded $245,880 to train 118 workers; 75 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Beverly Electric Insurance Company was awarded $236,497 to train 69 workers; 10 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Billerica Axsun Technologies was awarded $100,794 to train 93 workers; 15 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. E Ink Corporation was awarded $195,770 to train 307 workers; 15 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Entegris, Inc. was awarded $114,200 to train 36 workers; 70 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Pion, Inc. was awarded $34,800 to train 16 workers; 3 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Don't Edit Boston Dancing Deer Baking Co. was awarded $163,520 to train 42 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. EiQ Networks, Inc. was awarded $137,200 to train 70 workers; 30 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Fusion Design Consultants, Inc. was awarded $29,400 to train 17 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Maxwell Health was awarded $176,400 to train 116 workers; 30 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Mei Mei Restaurant, Inc. was awarded $42,700 to train 22 workers by 2019. Mosaic Loft was awarded $97,410 to train 21 workers; 7 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Premier Yachts was awarded $64,400 to train 36 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Steffian Bradley Architects was awarded $209,300 to train 67 workers; 3 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. TotalOffice, Inc. was awarded $29,856 to train 11 workers; 1 additional job is expected to be added by 2019. TRADE was awarded $103,885 to train 57 workers; 4 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. WegoWise was awarded $58,303 to train 32 workers; 10 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Boylston Honematic Machine Corporation was awarded $36,600 to train 12 workers; 2 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Braintree Symmons Industries was awarded $245,000 to train 200 workers; 6 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Bridgewater Depuy Synthes, Inc. was awarded $223,100 to train 56 workers; 4 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Brockton NorthEast Electrical Company was awarded $247,905 to train 91 workers; 6 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Don't Edit Burlington ClickSoftware, Inc. was awarded $179,200 to train 95 workers; 18 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Cambridge Lab Central, Inc was awarded $57,900 to train 19 workers; 12 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Canton Pulse Systems, Inc. was awarded $24,050 to train 12 workers; 2 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Chelmsford Massachusetts Eye Associates was awarded $69,280 to train 16 workers; 2 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Chicopee Mechanical Drive Components, Inc. was awarded $33,630 to train 9 workers; 1 additional job is expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Don't Edit Clinton Darmann Abrasive Products was awarded $83,600 to train 58 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Conway Poplar Hill Machine, Inc. was awarded $53,180 to train 16 workers; 1 additional job is expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Dartmouth Tegra Medical was awarded $142,450 to train 58 workers; 15 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit East Bridgewater Mueller Corporation was awarded $92,220 to train 48 workers; 26 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit East Longmeadow Maybury Material Handling was awarded $134,610 to train 80 workers; 6 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Don't Edit Easthampton Rock Valley Tool, LLC was awarded $56,525 to train 23 workers; 1 additional job is expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Fairhaven Nye Lubricants was awarded $59,150 to train 28 workers; 2 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Fall River Merida was awarded $25,200 to train 23 workers; 4 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Fitchburg IC Federal Credit Union was awarded $63,510 to train 61 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Micron Products was awarded $75,700 to train 62 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Foxboro Accutech Packaging Inc. was awarded $135,240 to train 92 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Technical Support International, Inc. was awarded $89,665 to train 27 workers; 2 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Don't Edit Framingham Samiotes Consultant, Inc. was awarded $103,168 to train 15 workers; 3 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Gardner Data Guide Cable Corporation was awarded $42,600 to train 49 workers; 6 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. GFA Federal Credit Union was awarded $31,035 to train 35 workers; 10 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Granby C&G Machine, Inc. was awarded $35,230 to train 9 workers; 1 additional job is expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Greenfield Valley Medical Group was awarded $242,850 to train 427 workers; 12 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Hingham Russelectric, Inc. was awarded $187,625 to train 128 workers; 12 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Don't Edit Hudson Bryley Systems was awarded $70,310 to train 24 workers; 2 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Fourstar Connections, Inc was awarded $117,375 to train 36 workers; 16 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Lancaster Packaging was awarded $59,500 to train 11 workers; 2 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Plastic Molding Manufacturing was awarded $156,900 to train 64 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Lawrence Infinity Tapes was awarded $66,000 to train 40 workers; 4 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Leominster Monson Companies, Inc. was awarded $115,200 to train 38 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. This grant was awarded to a consortium of businesses which includes KDG Holdings / Azelis Americas of Leominster. Don't Edit Lowell Nobis Engineering was awarded $69,300 to train 26 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Ludlow Commercial Machine, Inc. was awarded $37,100 to train 10 workers; 1 additional job is expected to be added by 2019. Luso Federal Credit Union was awarded $21,700 to train 32 workers; 4 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Don't Edit Lynn Techevolution was awarded $54,748 to train 7 workers; 3 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Mansfield Charles A. Richardson, Inc. was awarded $19,000 to train 10 workers; 2 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Marlborough Massachusetts Container Corporation was awarded $144,680 to train 84 workers; 4 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. MHQ, Inc. was awarded $246,400 to train 116 workers; 6 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Riley Power was awarded $233,120 to train 182 workers by 2019. Don't Edit Medway Charles River Bank was awarded $55,780 to train 48 workers; 2 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Methuen New England Die Cutting, Inc. was awarded $46,200 to train 40 workers; 8 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Don't Edit Millbury Barrday Composite Solutions was awarded $138,315 to train 74 workers; 7 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Millbury Credit Union was awarded $73,790 to train 71 workers; 3 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Needham Environmental Health & Engineering, Inc. was awarded $243,600 to train 70 workers; 10 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Newton Panasonic Boston Laboratory was awarded $65,808 to train 9 workers; 1 additional job is expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Norfolk MAS Building & Bridge, Inc. was awarded $116,830 to train 38 workers; 10 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit North Adams BerkMatics was awarded $33,500 to train 10 workers; 1 additional job is expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Don't Edit North Billerica FLIR was awarded $35,070 to train 37 workers; 9 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. This grant was awarded to a consortium of businesses which also includes FLIR Systems, Inc. of North Billerica. Pace Industries, LLC was awarded $133,020 to train 33 workers; 25 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit North Grafton Washington Mills was awarded $111,815 to train 75 workers by 2019. Don't Edit North Quincy Blue Grace Logistics was awarded $249,948 to train 83 workers; 50 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit North Reading Columbia Construction Company was awarded $203,500 to train 125 workers; 15 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Northborough Peppers Artful Events was awarded $53,200 to train 35 workers; 54 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Don't Edit Norwood Absolute Metal Finishing Inc. was awarded $105,200 to train 39 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Remtec, Inc. was awarded $66,000 to train 44 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Pembroke Duromar was awarded $37,100 to train 10 workers; 1 additional job is expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Plymouth Mamma Mia's / Carmela's Restaurants was awarded $237,170 to train 50 workers; 33 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Richards Micro Tool, LLC was awarded $99,800 to train 48 workers; 8 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Pocasset Global Interconnect, Inc. was awarded $31,800 to train 9 workers; 3 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Quincy Dellbrook (d/b/a Dellbrook; JKS, Dellbrook; JK Scanlan) was awarded $162,100 to train 157 workers; 20 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Don't Edit Raynham Emond Brothers was awarded $26,400 to train 16 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Sandwich Cape Medical Supply, Inc. was awarded $50,385 to train 64 workers; 13 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Shrewsbury TriStar Plastics Corporation was awarded $42,700 to train 37 workers; 2 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Somerville The Grommet was awarded $120,400 to train 72 workers; 23 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit South Weymouth South Shore Bank was awarded $249,820 to train 181 workers; 18 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Don't Edit Southborough Printing Industries of New England was awarded $240,603 to train 96 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. This grant was awarded to a consortium of businesses which includes DS Graphics of Lowell, Ramsbottom Printing of Fall River, and Standard Modern of New Bedford. Don't Edit Springfield Northstar Pulp and Paper was awarded $100,749 to train 65 workers; 8 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Taunton Homes for Our Troops was awarded $133,062 to train 66 workers; 4 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Tewksbury Mitralign was awarded $83,600 to train 41 workers; 10 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. TCG was awarded $31,961 to train 47 workers; 4 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Wakefield Picis Clinical Solutions, Inc. was awarded $190,800 to train 142 workers; 2 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Don't Edit Waltham Profitect was awarded $100,800 to train 40 workers; 10 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit West Bridgewater Rexa, Inc. was awarded $160,868 to train 86 workers; 4 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit West Chatham Chatham Sheet Metal was awarded $60,000 to train 32 workers; 4 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit West Springfield Cyalume Technologies was awarded $135,630 to train 98 workers; 5 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Westfield Peerless Precision, Inc. was awarded $55,230 to train 23 workers; 1 additional job is expected to be added by 2019. Precise Turning and Manufacturing Co. was awarded $29,890 to train 7 workers; 1 additional job is expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Don't Edit Wilmington IBC Engineered Materials Corporation was awarded $91,900 to train 24 workers; 16 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Woburn Kamco Supply Corporation of Boston was awarded $246,350 to train 135 workers; 36 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. Don't Edit Worcester Bulbs.com, Inc. was awarded $33,695 to train 36 workers; 4 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. MassMEP was awarded $159,040 to train 127 workers, 15 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. This grant was awarded to a consortium of businesses which includes A&M Tool & Die Company of Southbridge, K & K Thermoforming of Southbridge, and Mercury Wire of Spencer. MassMEP was awarded $250,000 to train 177 workers, 31 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. This grant was awarded to a consortium of businesses which includes FLEXcon Company of Spencer, Jefferson Rubber Works of Worcester, and Precision Wire Shapes of West Brookfield. MassMEP was awarded $132,975 to train 54 workers, 15 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. This grant was awarded to a consortium of businesses which includes B&B Micro Manufacturing Inc. of North Adams, GL&V USA Inc. of Lenox, Interprint Inc. of Pittsfield, Ironman Machine Inc. of Pittsfield, and Onyx Specialty Papers Inc. of South Lee. Don't Edit Wrentham Capstan Atlantic was awarded $136,450 to train 252 workers; 10 additional jobs are expected to be added by 2019. SPRINGFIELD -- U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal announced a $1.1 million federal grant on Friday that will be used by DevelopSpringfield to complete rehabilitation of a historic building at 77 Maple St. for office and entrepreneurial uses. The $1,136,124 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) will target the former Springfield Female Seminary building at that address. That project, coupled with two adjacent renovated sites, is being developed by DevelopSpringfield as the Lower Maple Business Park. "This is a significant funding piece that helps us drive forward with this project," said Nick Fyntrilakis, chairman of the DevelopSpringfield board. "The project is an entrepreneurial center providing space and support for start-ups, space they need to excel." Neal, a Springfield Democrat, said the former school building at 77 Maple St., constructed in 1832, "is one of only 25 known, still-standing buildings in Springfield to pre-date 1835." It is on the National Register of Historic Places. "By saving this historic treasure and transforming it into a hub for small business use, the team at DevelopSpringfield once again shows what can be done to revitalize our downtown," Neal said. The building is adjacent to the the historic Merrick-Phelps House, at 83 Maple St., which has been rehabilitated and is also part of the business park. There is also a carriage house to the rear of 77 Maple St. that is part of the project. Fyntrilakis praised Neal and the U.S. senators in Massachusetts for their efforts, saying the grant is a "critical investment in this strategic redevelopment" for small business developments. "The rehabilitation of this historic property will help strengthen this vital corridor and complement other projects taking place in the neighborhood," Fyntrilakis said. "Simply put, this over $1 million award is a jobs generator," Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said. The Springfield Female Seminar building was purchased from the Springfield Preservation Trust in 2014 for $35,000. The total cost of the project at 77 Maple St. is more than $1.4 million due to its historic conditions and complexities to full interior and exterior rehab, Fyntrilakis said. "We need to invest to make it right," he said, noting that the work should take 18 to 24 months to complete. In the eyes of some Theodor Geisel fans, children's author Mo Willems is the most hated man in Whoville after he and two colleagues complained about a "jarring racial stereotype" -- a Chinese man with chopsticks in a mural at the The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. The complaint sparked the decision to remove the "And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street" mural. As a result, Willems has been subject to personal attacks on Twitter, his motives questioned by MassLive commenters, and his own past work called into question for ethnic stereotypes by a central Massachusetts blogger. Glass houses: Rivalry: Fallout: Efforts to reach Willems were unsuccessful. The author's comments that while he found part of the mural offensive, he admired Geisel have largely been overlooked. In a letter to the Springfield Museums, he and his colleagues wrote, "The career of Ted Geisel, writing as Dr. Seuss, is a story of growth, from accepting the baser racial stereotypes of the times in his early career, to challenging those divisive impulses with work that delighted his readers and changed the times." Willems' acclaimed "Elephant and Piggie" books won the Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal in 2008 and 2009 and took home Geisel Honors from 2011 through 2015. After the authors complained to the Sptringfield Museums, its president, Kay Simpson, offered to meet with them, but they declined. Later, Simpson noted "as a museum, we do not alter or edit an artist's work." However, Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced on Thursday night that it would remove the Mulberry Street mural, stating "This is what Dr. Seuss would have wanted us to do. His later books, like 'The Sneetches' and 'Horton Hears a Who,' showed a great respect for fairness and diversity." That decision sparked an uproar with Mayor Sarno calling for the mural to remain in place. On Saturday afternoon, restaurateur and real estate developer Andy Yee, the son of Chinese immigrants, and his business partner, Peter Picknelly, offered to buy the mural and find a new home for it if necessary. "That's my ancestors coming to this country in the 1930s. We did not come wearing Louis Vuitton and Gucci," Yee said. "Why do you want to change history?" Calls to Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Simpson were not immediately returned. PITTSFIELD - Pittsfield police are asking for the public's help in finding those responsible for the death of Asiyanna Jones, 22, who was found shot to death earlier this month. Jones, who was a graduate of Pittsfield High School, was shot in the head while sitting in a car parked on Dewey Avenue on the evening of Oct. 2. After authorities discovered her, she was rushed to Berkshire Medical Center before being helicoptered to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, where she was pronounced dead. The death was later ruled a homicide following an autopsy by the associate medical examiner for the state medical examiner's office. Pittsfield police pleaded for information on their Facebook page Friday. "We need your help," the post states. "We have been and will continue to be working all hours of the night, with every available Investigator, Detective and Officer, to find the person(s) responsible," it continues. Police stated that they believe there were several witnesses of the shooting--"both involved and not involved"--and asked that these witnesses come forward and tell police what they know. Police asked that those with information "do what is needed to bring justice for Yanna and her family." "This is not about "snitching," "ratting," or telling on someone," the statement goes on. "This is not about your pride or your fear. Its about justice.This is about doing whats right, period." Police said they would not "accept an outcome of anything less" than to find the person or persons responsible for the shooting. Anyone who believes they have information relevant to the case have been encouraged to contact the lead investigator in the case, Detective Ignacio Matos at 448-9700 ext. 390. The government is going to recommend former U.S. Army reservist James Morales serve 15 years in prison on charges he stole 16 weapons from the U.S. Army Reserve armory in Worcester. A plea agreement filed in federal court shows the prosecution and defense in the case against Morales both reviewed the agreement. Morales is now scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court on Nov. 13 in order to plead guilty to several charges associated with the thefts and two attempted bank robberies. Morales was in federal custody on the weapons charges at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls, Rhode Island when authorities say he escaped on Dec. 31, 2016. After a nearly week-long chase, Morales was captured in Somerville after investigators say he tried to rob two banks. The plea agreement states the government is prepared to recommend Morales go to prison for 168 months on the multiple theft and weapons charges associated with the November 2015 break-in at the Lincoln Stoddard U.S. Army Reserve Center armory in Worcester. The 168-month sentence includes charges filed against Morales for the alleged attempted bank robberies in Somerville and Cambridge. Those robberies took place after authorities say Morales escaped from the federal prison. Prosecutors will recommend Morales serve one year in prison on the pending federal charge in Rhode Island in connection with the prison escape. The 12-month sentence will be served consecutively, giving Morales a total of 15 years in prison. The recommended sentence includes three years of supervised release when Morales gets out of prison. Authorities accused Morales of breaking into the armory said by cutting a hole through the vault's ceiling. Investigators discovered that six M-4 rifles and 10 M11 (9mm) pistols were stolen from the armory. All six of the M-4 rifles were recovered, but it appeared some of the pistols weren't found. Two co-defendants in the Worcester armory case have already pleaded guilty to their charges and have been sentenced to time in prison. The Massachusetts State Police trooper accused of attacking a Worcester man at the end of a multi-state chase in New Hampshire is expected to take the stand in his defense. WMUR 9 reports Trooper Joseph Flynn plans to testify in his case this week. Flynn, 32, of Tewksbury, is facing two counts of simple assault by an on-duty officer and is on paid leave from the State Police. He is on trial in Hillsborough County Superior Court. Flynn argues he used reasonable force to arrest Richard Simone Jr. after authorities said he led them on a high-speed chase from Holden to Nashua, New Hampshire in May 2016. The prosecution contends Flynn used excessive force. Jurors watched video of the attack during the trial. News helicopters were able to capture video showing the end of the police chase and law enforcement officers throwing punches at Simone. Last week, a former New Hampshire State trooper took the stand during the trial. Andrew Monaco already pleaded guilty to assault charges in the case and resigned from his job as a trooper before taking the plea. The former trooper was sentenced to one year in jail with the sentence suspended with conditions. He agreed never to pursue a job in law enforcement again. Monaco testified he began throwing punches as soon as Simone got out of his vehicle and went to the ground, WMUR 9 reports. The former trooper admitted he "saw a chance to get some shots in." The television station reports Monaco said he shouldn't have punched Simone. Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, is a beloved author and artist. I am one of his greatest fans. I received my first book when I was about 5 years old and I still have the original copy. As his fan, it is sad for me to know (but not surprising) that he was also involved using his skill as a cartoonist in his early days to foment anti-Asian hatred that permeated our nation. This fear and hatred led to the passage of Executive Order 9066 in 1942, forcing all Japanese-Americans and anyone of Japanese descent into concentration camps in America's interior. During this time period our beloved Dr. Seuss was busy working as a cartoonist, using this skill to promote hateful racial stereotypes that diminished the human dignity of Japanese Americans and Asians in general, fanning the flames of hate that led to frightening and dangerous public policy. The recent decision of the Dr. Seuss Museum to remove a mural that clearly depicts a negative racial stereotype of an Asian man was a sound decision and one that I support. Being a cartoonist who created hateful anti-Asian propaganda, Seuss was adept at drawing Asian people in undignified and stereotypical ways. The entrance to his museum however, should celebrate his finest contributions to the world, and not highlight his unfortunate ones. Thankfully the leaders steering the Seuss museum want it to be a true art museum fulfilling the social mandates we expect of our cultural institutions. If they chose to ignore the social implications of the presence of this racist image in the mural, they would run the risk of reducing their beautiful museum to a thoughtless sort of theme park for unthinking fans of Seuss, ignorant of the full impact and power of this influential American writer and artist. What do we do with his depiction of the Chinese man, and the hundreds of political cartoons Seuss made during his life before he wrote children's books? We should see them, and save them, and study them, and learn from them. A separate place in the museum should explore these other more troubling and complex works within their cultural and historical contexts. These political works of Dr. Seuss would be fascinating to see despite bringing up painful issues for many of his admirers and fans. The most painful issue is having to confront the reality that someone they have grown to love and who impacted their childhoods with this wonderful art was also, at least at one time in his life, indeed a racist, and was responsible for creating hateful racist cartoons for the purpose of supporting the internment of American citizens. The real Dr. Seuss shatters a dualistic fantasy many hold that someone like this- so good with so many positive contributions in the world cannot possibly be racist and challenges many to re- think their preconceived notions about racism. Truths about racism in Dr. Seuss's cartoons should not be hidden and should not be denied. If we pretend that all of this controversy is simply about one image on a mural at the Seuss Museum, or simply about sensitive liberal "political correctness" we are fooling ourselves. To those who object to the removal of this mural, I respectfully urge you to take ten minutes and look at the images of Japanese citizens interred in the prison camps during the second world war, whose lives were shattered by their own country. Look at them, imagine if they were you, or if they were your children. Then, look at Dr. Seuss's racist cartoons about Japanese people during this same time period. This will give you a fuller picture of the artist. It should not diminish his fabulous contributions to the world of children's books, to literature, and to art, but it sheds light on something Americans may really need to see. It is easy to cling to comfortable fantasies, but it is dangerous to do this when the fantasy has larger implications in your own country. Accepting racial stereotypes as normal is not a healthy choice for our children, for ourselves, or for our country. Seeing the true Seuss is akin to seeing the true us, we may not like what we see, but I argue that seeing our problems are the first steps in fixing them. There are many things we cannot control. We cannot control our past, and our own histories, and we cannot control what prejudices we were taught as children, but we can control our futures. There is always hope. We can reject ideas we were socialized to hold, and we can learn. I believe we should all support the actions of the Dr. Seuss museum in their efforts to choose works and images in and around their museum that best capture the most celebrated contributions Seuss made to the world. Removing the unfortunate mural is a kind gesture to Geisel and a positive step forward toward creating a culturally competent museum that welcomes every person no matter who they are or what they look like. As an Asian woman, a full-time student at Springfield College, a person who works in Springfield, and someone who enjoys the beauty and diversity of this lovely city, I felt I had to comment on this recent issue and offer my public support to the museum for their thoughtful decision to make these important changes to their site. Therese Kim, Northampton Montana Film Festival Brings Feature Film to Theaters Across Montana http://www.montanafilmfestival.org/roadshow/ The Montana Film Office at the Department of Commerce is teaming up with the Montana Film Festival to bring the new feature film Walking Out to theaters across the state. Adapted from a short story by Bozeman author David Quammen and filmed entirely in Montana around Bozeman and Livingston, Walking Out is a father-son story of survival in the Montana wilderness. The film stars Matt Bomer (Magic Mike, Normal Heart) and Josh Wiggins (Hellion, Max) and features supporting performances by Bill Pullman and Montana actress Lily Gladstone. The film was directed by Montana brothers Alex and Andrew Smith. http://commerce.mt.gov/News/PressReleases/montana-filmed-walking-out-hits-the-road-for-premiere-tour Manufacturing Day recognizes Montanas manufacturing sector and economic growth Governor Steve Bullock recognized today as "Manufacturing Day" in the state of Montana and celebrated the states manufacturing sector as the fastest growing in the nation. "Not only are more Montanans working than ever before, unemployment remains low, and wages are increasing, we also lead the nation in manufacturing growth," said Governor Bullock. "When we invest in our workers, we invest in our future and manufacturing in Montana is reaching incredible heights thanks to the hard work and ingenuity of Montanans all across the Big Sky." http://governor.mt.gov/Newsroom/governor-bullock-celebrates-montana-as-1-in-the-nation-for-manufacturing-growth There are 29 Manufacturing Day events planned in Montana in 2017. http://www.matr.net/article-79190.html Advertisement "One of the things the field has known for a long time is that DVGs promote persistent infections in tissue culture," said Carolina B. Lopez, an associate professor of microbiology and immunology in Penn's School of Veterinary Medicine. "But the question was, How do you reconcile that with the fact that they're also very immunostimulatory? How can they help clear virus at the same time as they promote persistence? Our work helps explain this apparent paradox."Lopez was senior author on the work, teaming with co-lead authors and lab members Jie Xu and Yan Sun. Fellow coauthors included Gordon Ruthel and Daniel Beiting of Penn Vet, Yize Li and Susan R. Weiss of Penn's Perelman School of Medicine and Arjun Raj of the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Their study was published in Nature Communications.DVGs have been a major focus of Lopez's lab for years. These partial viral genomes are produced in infected cells when a virus begins to replicate rapidly, leading to defective versions of itself that contain large deletions. Once thought not to have any biological function, DVGs are increasingly believed to be important components of viral infections.In 2013, Lopez and colleagues reported that DVGs were critical in stimulating an immune response to respiratory viruses in mice; when DVGs were depleted from a virus, mice had more severe infections. In 2015 they reported that DVGs are also critical for stimulating an immune response to the human virus RSV, also demonstrating for the first time that the presence of DVGs in human respiratory samples from infected patients correlates with enhanced antiviral immune responses.In the current work, Lopez's team used a sophisticated technique that allowed them to differentiate full-length genomes from the partial genomes of DVGs at the single-cell level. They studied cells in culture infected with the Sendai virus, or with RSV, a virus that often affects infants and can lead to chronic respiratory problems.Labeling the full-length genomes in red and the partial DVGs in green, the researchers found differences from cell to cell. Some cells had hardly any DVGs, while others were highly enriched with DVGs, with only a small number of full-length genomes."We saw this in many different cell lines and even in infected lungs in mice," Lopez said. "We hadn't appreciated before that there is a lot of heterogeneity in what is going on with these DVGs."To dig deeper into how the DVGs were influencing the course of infection, the researchers infected cells either with a version of the Sendai virus that lacked DVGs or one enriched in DVGs. The cells infected with the virus high in DVGs survived more than twice as long as those infected with virus lacking DVGs. Adding purified DVGs boosted the cells' survival time, indicating a direct role for the DVGs in promoting cell survival.The results were similar in parallel experiments with RSV, suggesting that the pro-survival role of DVGs held across viral types.The researchers next were curious to know what molecular pathways might enable the DVG-rich cells to avoid apoptosis. An analysis of highly-expressed genes in DVG-enriched cells compared to the cells with full-length viral genomes revealed that a host of pro-survival genes were activated in the DVG-rich cells. Notably, these genes encoded signaling proteins of the TNF pathway, known to both boost immunity and cell survival, and IFN, known to play a role in antiviral immunity.A final set of experiments elucidated the mechanism by which a subset of DVG-enriched cells persisted during viral infection. Lopez and colleagues found that signaling through the proteins MAVS and TNF receptor 2 protects infected cells from apoptosis that is otherwise triggered by TNF."We found this dual role for TNF during these infections," Lopez said. "If TNF binds to a cell that doesn't have the MAVS pathway engaged but is infected, the cell is killed, but, if the cell does have this pathway engaged, then it is protected. MAVS is engaged during the antiviral response, and only cells that have a lot of DVGs activate this pathway. These data show that our cells are wired to survive if they are engaged in an antiviral response, explaining the paradoxical functions of DVGs. It seems that in order to persist, the virus is taking advantage of these host pathways that are there to promote the survival of cells working to eliminate the virus."The results, though limited to in vitro studies in the current report, point to a way that DVGs could enable "acute" viral infections to linger.Lopez hopes to build on these findings to be sure they hold in vivo. She's also curious to learn more about the dual roles of TNF, which may help explain why the use of TNF-targeted therapies hasn't always turned out as expected."I want to see if there's a way we can harness this pathway to minimize and avoid the persistence of these viruses, which is really relevant if we think about the chronic diseases associated with some of these respiratory viruses," Lopez said.In addition, she would like to explore how generalizable this pathway is and if it could, perhaps, help explain the problems with viral persistence seen in such infections with the Ebola and Zika viruses.Source: Eurekalert . To do so, first type the original number into the text box. Then click on the "Scientific Notation" option located at the top of the floating window. Finally, click on the "Standard" button found beneath the text box to display your result. This program is useful for scientists and engineers working with decimal-based numbers. It provides easy access to those who need to convert those numbers into more compact forms without having to do heavy math calculations first. Scientific notation is a way to express very large or very small numbers. It is used in physics, chemistry and other fields where large numbers are common. Those numbers are written as a power of 10 followed by a number with an exponent. For example, 1,000,000 (one million) is written as 1 103. The exponent shows how many zeros are after the first digit. For example, 1,000,001 is written as 1 102. Scientific notation is a useful tool for making calculations easier. You can use it to write down very big or very small numbers in one step instead of writing out both the large and small numbers separately. You can also use it to express large or small numbers in terms of other units like centimeters or millimeters. Scientific notation solver is an online tool that can be used to convert any number into scientific notation. Simply enter any number to the left of the decimal point and it will automatically convert it into a scientific notation equivalent. This web tool can be very helpful when you need to convert a large number into scientific notation. However, please note that this online tool can only convert numbers that are in scientific format. For example, it cannot convert a non-scientific number like "1,085" into a scientific notation equivalent. It is also important to keep in mind that this web tool only works when converting numbers from one particular format to another. For example, if you want to change a non-scientific number like "1,085" into standard format, then you will have to use another online tool like NumberFormatting.com. CROMWELL The Town Council enthusiastically approved a seven-year, 100-percent tax abatement for a proposed 356,000 square-foot distribution warehouse last week. Members, minus absent Councilor Edward Wenners, voted 6-0 to approve the plan, which several said will open the Northern Tier to development. The area is a band of so-far largely undeveloped land that straddles the Rocky Hill border on both sides of Route 3, also known as The Shunpike. The Northern Tier is the jewel of the town, Mayor Enzo Faineza said. His comment echoed the repeated references to pre-independence India as the Jewel in the Crown of the British Empire. This is a wonderful opportunity for Cromwell. This says Cromwell is open for business, Councilor Samanatha Slade said after casting her vote in support to the abatement. This is a home run, Councilor Thomas Tokarz said. The proposed development, which still must obtain approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission, has been in the works for the better part of 18 months. Under the proposal, Scannell Properties, a Minnesota-based development company, will buy a 28.77-acre parcel of land from the current owner, Jack Gardner. Scannell will then build the 32-foot-high building and lease it to Arett Sales, a lawn, garden and outdoor living supplies company headquarters in southern New Jersey. The initial lease is for 10 years, Scannells development manager Daniel Madrigal told the council. Scannell has developed two similar distribution warehouses in South Windsor. Arett has an option for two five-year extensions, Madrigal said. Arett also has an option to acquire another 46,000 square feet, the companys Chief Financial Officer Cathy Schappert told the council. The abatement only applies to the building, Town Planner Stuart Popper said. The personal property fixtures, furniture and computers within the building and the land on which the building would sit would still be taxed. Assessor Shawna M. Baron analyzed the abatement proposal following last weeks approval of the plan by the Economic Development Commission. I think this is a positive development for the town of Cromwell and will increase our grand list, Baron said Thursday. At present, the land is taxed as farmland, which yields $2,000 annually, Baron said. However, she added, the town is in the midst of a revaluation and that number is expected to grow. Baron expects to have a more concrete number of the lands revised value sometime next month. In the meantime, Baron said initial estimates are that the personal property within the building could yield as much as $44,000 in taxes in the first year alone. Arett currently operates out of a warehouse in Bristol, but Schappert said the company has outgrown that facility. Moving to Cromwell will represent a significant investment on our part, he said. That investment will include $1.3 million just in racking systems, as well as additional spending on IT and security, Schappert said. During a question period that followed the presentations by Madrigal and Schappert, Tokarz asked about the amount of truck traffic the facility would generate. Kenneth Paklos, the Bristol warehouse manager, said Arett does not own its own truck fleet, but instead relies on common carriers. Paklos, a Cromwell resident, estimated that fewer than 20 trucks would enter the complex on an average day. He expects the number of outgoing trucks to be in the range of 23 to 30. The warehouse will operate on a single shift, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Paklos said. The abatement proposal had the support of several members of the EDC who attended the council session. This is a building block to develop our Northern Tier, EDC Chairman Richard Nobile said, describing Scannell and Arrett as No. 1 companies. This is a state-of-the-art distribution facility, EDC member Jay Polke said, adding the abatement is an investment for the town in our future tax base. Deputy Mayor Richard R. Newton, the dean of the council, described the abatement proposal was a great way to get businesses into town. Faienza, who supports the project 150 percent, said securing the distribution centers relocation is an answer to those who ask, Why dont we have any of the things that Rocky Hill and Middletown have? FedEx is building a 500,000-square-foot facility in Middletown on the site of the old Aetna campus. But Councilor Frank Emanuele Jr. said Faineza had the scenario backward. Were not Rocky Hill or Middletown. This is Cromwell, he said. Were not following them, theyre following us. After the council approved the abatement proposal, members voted to authorize Town Manager Anthony J. Salvatore negotiate with Scannell on a land swap on the site. Scannell would give the town approximately two acres of land in exchange for two acres of town-owned land that will help each party square off their respective properties. LAS VEGAS - Forty-seven hours after the massacre, Crystal Rose was back in her flouncy red showgirl plumage on the Vegas Strip, bare-chested except for tiny, shiny pasties keeping her just this side of legal. "Come on over - get a photo with the showgirls," she called out to the flow of revelers cruising the sidewalk Tuesday evening outside the Flamingo Hotel, many of whom stopped to pose with Crystal and her fellow feathered attraction, Sabrina Borden, near the busy craps and beer pong tables. "I took the day off yesterday, out of respect," said Crystal, 25, who uses just her first and middle name when posing for tips on the Strip. "It's a dark time, but people come to Vegas to have fun, not to be afraid. So we are here to lift everyone's spirits." This pulsing City of Sin has returned almost immediately to its high-glitz version of normal after Sunday's massacre of 58 people, the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history. The shows go on. The roulette wheels spin, the dice fly, and people carrying Coronas wander the Strip alongside bubbly showgirls and a guy dressed as Chewbacca. Thousands have come to candlelight vigils to kneel, pray, cry and hug strangers. So many people donated blood that police asked them to slow down. Local hotels are providing rooms and food to help families of the dead and the nearly 500 hundred injured, most of whom were from out of town. Fifty-eight white crosses have been erected near the Mandalay Bay hotel, where the shooting happened. Those are the familiar markers of mass shootings, which are now as much as part of American life as hurricanes - certain danger we have come to expect and feel helpless to stop. All sides of the gun-control debate rise up with each slaughter, but little seems to change, and no one believes the killings will stop. Virginia Tech. Newtown, Connecticut. Orlando, Florida. Dallas. Now, Las Vegas. These horrors are joined by a common tragic senselessness. But while each place has processed the trauma differently, Las Vegas has bounced back to business unusually fast. On Thursday evening, a beaming Jillian Aucoin from Nova Scotia walked down the Strip in a white wedding gown and carrying a bouquet of white roses. Married three hours earlier at a Las Vegas wedding chapel, Aucoin, 39, walked with her new husband, Byron Aucoin, at her side, and a gang of merry bridesmaids following along in the shadow of the 460-foot replica Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. "He didn't scare us," Jillian Aucoin said of the Vegas shooter. "At first I didn't want to come and celebrate in a place that was mourning. But we decided to come and share our happy time with the people of Las Vegas." The couple arrived on Tuesday, just two days after the attack. "We're bringing a little bit of the positivity that Vegas is known for," said Byron Aucoin, 35, who could see the bright lights of the Mandalay Bay just down the Strip. "You've got to keep living life and keep going forward." The same resilient spirit has appeared in other communities devastated by mass shootings, but never with quite the same rubber-band recovery. In Newtown, Connecticut, the 26 dead were mainly elementary schoolchildren gunned down in their classrooms by a mentally ill young man motivated by demons that are still not understood. Grief consumed the town. The pain was intimate and personal, evident even in the eyes of customers stopping by the only Starbucks in their tiny country crossroads. Still, one high school sophomore said: "There was a lot to cry about. It's a lot to recover from, but we have to get stronger, and we will. That's the truth." They have, but no one believes Newtown will ever be the same. Orlando felt like a wake for days and days after the shooting of 49 people at the Pulse nightclub by a brooding young loser who wrapped himself in jihadist language. For days, streets and restaurants were empty. A big, sunny city was dark and quiet. Even the bouquet-filled memorial downtown was often as still as a cemetery; people came in huge waves for nightly vigils, but mostly it felt as though they were hunkered down in private, trying to process something impossible. Dallas prayed. Churches were filled for days and weeks with mourners for the five slain police officers, killed by a fringe lunatic who used an otherwise peaceful Black Lives Matter march to commit a demented act of revenge against law enforcement. People - black and white - left flowers and stuffed animals on two police cars parked as a memorial; one handwritten note said, "Back the Blue because someone I call Dad is on the force." A proud city still trying to shake its forever image as the site of John F. Kennedy's assassination was forced to grieve its losses while starting frank and painful conversations over long-simmering racial tensions - conversations that continue to this day. Now, Las Vegas. A man who lived in a retirement community and liked to gamble at local casinos slaughtered dozens of strangers at random, leaving, as far as anyone knows yet, not the slightest clue about why he rained hot metal mercilessly on people enjoying a country music festival. This city has begun healing faster than those struck by mass shootings before it. The snap back to normalcy could reflect a growing resignation that these horrible events have become part of our lives, and we are learning to cope. Or maybe it's just Vegas, where fun is virtually a religion. All but six of the 58 who died in the massacre were tourists in town for the three-day Route 91 Harvest festival. Monday was subdued here, but by Tuesday the party was rolling again on the Strip. Jimmy Buffett's "Brown Eyed Girl" filled the happy sidewalks. "Vegas Strong," read billboards overhead, and "We've been here for you during the good times. Thank you for being there for us now." On the street, trucks drove by carrying huge signs advertising, "Girls Direct to You! 24 hours!" Michael Politz, publisher of the Las Vegas-based Food & Beverage Magazine, said his city's quick rebound has been an act of defiance, as well as economic common sense. He said that all the partying gets the most attention, but many of those partyers have come to Las Vegas for huge trade shows that grow businesses and create jobs all over the country. "It's still on everybody's mind. The fear is certainly there," Politz, who grew up in Potomac, Maryland, said Friday. "But Vegas needs to get back on its feet fast because of the commerce that's created here. If that stops, if this city bows down, that's what this guy wanted. You have to pull up your pants and be a big boy, and, as much as it hurts, move forward." Tirrsa Isom, 35, a Las Vegas resident who has been helping counsel victims and their families, said the city usually is focused on hospitality for visitors but suddenly finds itself in the unusual position of tending to its own residents who were affected. "It was Sin City before, and now it's grace and love," she said. "We've seen that flip, and that's been really awesome to witness." Tom and Brooke Kostielney stood on the Strip on Thursday evening a few hours after arriving in the city, holding plastic cups of beer and watching the huge Fountains of Bellagio show - a display of light, water and sound outside the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. The couple was at home in South Bend, Indiana, when they heard about the shooting, and they spent Monday deciding whether to go ahead with their long-planned trip, which they won in a silent auction for a children's cancer charity. They called Tom Kostielney's cousin, who happened to be staying at the Luxor Hotel, right next to the Mandalay Bay, when the shooting happened. She told them that despite the horrific tragedy, "everything seemed back to normal" in the city. "We asked her what she thought, and she said the city kind of needs people to come back - it's almost like a way of recovery," said Tom Kostielney, 27, a theology teacher at a Catholic high school. As his wife was explaining that the city felt normal to her and "not tense at all," a huge "boom" rang out - part of the sound and light show at the Bellagio. She flinched. "I wonder if things like that are freaking people out," she said. Before the killing started, Sunday was a warm, happy October evening in a city where people come to escape reality in an obliging fantasyland in the desert. That Eiffel Tower, that Arc de Triomphe, that Egyptian pyramid and those Venetian canals? All illusion, like the sad, corrosive lie that a life-changing jackpot is just one more hand, one more spin of the wheel, one more roll of the dice away. And maybe like the illusion that this city will ever be exactly the same. - - - The Washington Post's Katie Zezima and Joel Achenbach contributed to this report from Washington. With reports of ISIS drones attacking U.S. troops and surveilling coalition positions on the rise, a Marine Corps unit decided to assemble its own task force to fight the problem. Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Central Command, a unit of roughly 2,200 troops that deploys in seven-month rotations to various locations in the Middle East, set up a counter-unmanned aerial systems working group ahead of its most recent deployment. The move, a first for the service, enabled the task force to assess different methods of fighting the enemy drone threat and to develop conclusions about how to best defend its own positions. Col. William Vivian, who returned in August after a tour commanding the task force downrange, said the unit saw an opportunity to make the most of its deployment. "The Marines were coming back from deployment saying, 'We're seeing quadcopters and things like that flown over our positions,' " he said. "So we started to inject that into our training. Back in [the continental U.S.], it's really challenging to get that stuff injected into your training, and there's not a lot a regiment can do on its own to defeat that threat. "So we really worked on mitigating it and practicing good procedures, reducing our signature and things of that nature so we'd be less vulnerable to it," he said. The working group was organized at the start of 2016, with a "nucleus" of four or five Marines, though at any given time up to 25 troops were contributing to its counter-drone efforts, Vivian said. "When we deployed, we stepped it up a notch," he said. "Because we were in so many locations across the theater and there were so many approaches being taken by the joint force, we were exposed to almost all of them. So we tried to bring that together and kind of harness that, build that knowledge for our Marines." The task force operates out of a half-dozen countries within the Middle East. In addition to supporting the fight against ISIS with airstrikes, a security presence in Iraq, and small advise-and-assist teams, the unit participates in a number of theater security cooperation exercises with other nations and trains for aircraft recovery missions and embassy security reinforcement. While the Marines weren't in a position to field-test new counter-drone technologies, they were able to observe and contrast measures and systems being used by a range of U.S. forces in the region, Vivian said. "What the [special operations] guys were using is not necessarily what the Army is using, and it's not what we had in our Marine task forces," Vivian said. "And then what grew out of that was, 'Hey, how can we contribute to defeats and what can we do to prepare our Marines?' " The emerging field of counter-drone technology runs the gamut from devices such as Battelle's DroneDefender, which can take aim at a UAS and drop it from the sky, to technologies that purport to create a defensive perimeter that blocks drones using radio frequencies. To date, the Marine Corps has tested both, although service leaders have not publicly announced a way forward in drone defense. During the recent deployment, the Marines' Middle East task force also organized a "Ripper Lab," a 3D printing operation that, among other things, made roughly 25 versions of a small quadcopter called "The Nibbler". This, too, aided the Marines' efforts to defend against enemy unmanned systems, Vivian said. "Really, it built the understanding of how these things are put together," he said. "They can be locally manufactured; we know that ISIS is doing that. And then how can it be used -- we know the strengths and weaknesses, limitations, so the Marines can better understand the threats that can be used against them." While Vivian said he couldn't speak to specifics, he believes the Marines made progress on solving the problem. Recommendations for how to improve the Corps' drone defenses are within a classified after-action report submitted to Marine leadership following the deployment. "We were definitely trying to solve a practical problem, which is what was different from here at Headquarters Marine Corps," Vivian said. "They don't have tactical problems staring them in the face the way we did, so that was kind of the thing that was motivating us." Vivian said the unit shared what it had learned with the command element of the rotation that replaced it in-theater, so Marines could continue to work the problem on the ground level. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. Camp Lejeune Town Halls Aim to Help Those Exposed to Toxic Water. Heres How You Can Go. Retired Marine Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger made it his mission to tell the world that if they lived or served on Camp Lejeune... ANN ARBOR, MI - Clonlara School, a private school in Ann Arbor with international reach in 40 countries, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The school held a two-day anniversary celebration on Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1, with a public celebration on Saturday and a smaller gathering of Clonlara students, families, staff and other school supporters on Sunday. Ann Arbor City Council Member Kirk Westphal presented a proclamation during the festivities on behalf of Mayor Christopher Taylor that recognized the school's decades-long commitment to letting students' interests guide their learning. Clonlara School was founded in 1967 by Pat Montgomery and her husband Jim, and the school initially served preschool children before growing into a K-12 school. In the 2016-17 school year, Clonlara enrolled 38 students at the school, 441 students in its off-campus program and 44 students in its online programs, plus Clonlara served another 480 students through its international offices and affiliates, said Kevin Fitzgerald, communications manager for Clonlara. "Pat's sensitivity to the context and the personalities of the learners in her school and her programs is so unusual compared to today's standardized, point-click-and-rate education," Pat Farenga said of Montgomery, in a press release. "[Her] knowledge and generosity have directly helped thousands of adults and children learn in their own ways for 50 years, and the team she handed her legacy to at Clonlara continues this important work." Farenga is a writer, publisher and homeschooling advocate who was the keynote speaker at the school's brunch on Sunday. In 1979, Clonara launched its Home-Based Education Program, which is now called the Off-Campus program, that provides support and guidance to homeschooling families. In 1984, Montgomery traveled to Japan to expand Clonlara internationally. Clonlara now has offices in Spain, Germany, Hungary, Portugal and France, where advisors speak the native language of those countries, and a program for students in the Middle East and North Africa, with English-speaking advisors. The school also offers various levels of support and services to its affiliates at schools and tutoring centers around the world. Clonlara began what would turn out to be a significant legal battle in 1986, when Montgomery filed a lawsuit against the Michigan State Board of Education and the Michigan Department of Education. In the lawsuit, parents of homeschooled students who used Clonlara's program argued the state did not have the right to enforce certain regulations on how parents educate their children. The case eventually made its way to the Michigan Supreme Court. The Supreme Court ruled in 1993 - in a split decision - that the MDE could not enforce non-public school and homeschool compliance procedures, because those compliance procedures were interpretations of state law and don't have the same force of law. Because of that ruling, families that homeschool were allowed more flexibility in determining the length of their school year, subjects taught and how much instruction would come from a certified teacher. In 1997, Clonlara broke ground on its current school building, located at 1289 Jewett in Ann Arbor. In 2005, Chandra Montgomery Nicol became the school's executive director. Montgomery Nicol is the daughter of Pat and Jim Montgomery, and she was the school's first student. Clonlara launched its Online Program with "ready to go" court content in 2013. The following year, Clonlara released its "Full Circle Learning" model that encompasses the school's approach to student-directed learning. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A 23-year-old Grand Rapids man was killed when he was ejected from his vehicle in a crash on I-196 Sunday morning. Michigan State police are investigating the incident, and believe alcohol was a factor in the crash. It occurred at 1:45 a.m. on Oct. 8 on I-196, near Lane Avenue. Police said in a release that the man and a passenger were headed east on I-196 when the driver lost control and his vehicle turned off the left side of the road. The car traveled across the median guard rail into westbound lanes of traffic. Police did not state what the vehicle hit, but the man was ejected and died. His passenger, who was also not identified by police Sunday, sustained minor injuries. No other vehicles were involved in the crash. Troopers are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. PAW PAW TOWNSHIP, MI -- A 76-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a crash when he was ejected, the Michigan State Police Paw Paw Post reports. The motorcyclist, identified by police as Richard Setty of Kalamazoo, died in the crash, police said. It happened about 2:40 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, on Red Arrow Highway near Territorial Road in Van Buren County's Paw Paw Township. Setty was westbound on Red Arrow Highway when he lost control of his motorcycle and was ejected, police said. He was transported by EMS to Bronson hospital in Kalamazoo where he died as result of injuries in the crash. The crash remains under investigation, police said. Police are seeking the public's help in identifying a car and its driver that was driving behind the motorcycle when it crashed. Witness reports include seeing a tan colored sedan following westbound behind the motorcycle at the time of the crash, police said. "This tan sedan may have played some role in the crash," police said in a news release. The vehicle is described as being an older, four-door sedan with rust on the passenger side lower door area, police said. The tan sedan left the scene westbound on Red Arrow Highway immediately after the crash, police said. Anyone with information or witnesses to the crash are asked to call the MSP Paw Paw Post at 269-657-5551 or MSP Dispatch at 866-411-0018. MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI - Police have arrested a major alleged heroin dealer in Muskegon who also allegedly had cocaine and meth in his possession. Miguel Angel Botello-Garcia, 29, of Muskegon has been charged with possession with intent to distribute more than 1,000 grams of heroin, a potential life felony; possession with intent to deliver between 50 and 450 grams of cocaine, punishable by up to 20 years; and possession of methamphetamine. He also is charged with felony firearm for possessing a rifle. "We're alleging there were firearms that were allegedly used in the course of his drug dealing," said Muskegon County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Maat. Detectives also seized $144,000 in cash, the forfeiture of which the prosecutor's office is seeking, Maat said. The West Michigan Enforcement Team investigated the case, Maat said. Botello-Garcia's alleged crimes occurred Sept. 25-26 at his home in the 900 block of West Forest Avenue in Muskegon, court records show. "Given the epidemic of heroin in our community, this case represents a significant step in the right direction toward holding drug dealers accountable," Maat said. Botello-Garcia has a misdemeanor assault conviction from 2005, Maat said. If he's convicted of the felonies he's charged with, a judge would determine his sentence based on state guidelines that take into consideration criminal history. SAGINAW, MI -- The Children's Grief Center of the Great Lakes Bay Region is aiming to support grieving children of the Saginaw area by bringing in a peer support grief group. The support group will take place at the Mid-Michigan Children's Museum beginning Oct. 25. The grief center is hosting their second annual luncheon to raise funds and celebrate the new group at the Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State St., on Tuesday, Oct. 10, from noon to 1 p.m. The event is for families, volunteers, the community and those interested in learning more about the services. Speakers for the luncheon include Katy Merrill, widow of Sam Merrill, former WNEM TV5 news anchor, and Donna Shuurman of the Dougy Center. Hilary Baldwin, program and marketing coordinator for the center, said the luncheon will be an opportunity to tell the community what the group is about. "We put together a curriculum or hot topics. So we have a different topic per month and we structure activities based on that topic and for each group we have different activity and we kind of structure that," Baldwin said. She said the groups use play, creativity and high-energy activities, it helps them to feel connected to others and know that they are not alone in grief, Baldwin said. A social worker, trained volunteers, and interns will be on-site. Baldwin said the services are free to children ages 5-18 and their supporting adults. The group runs from 6:30-8 p.m. and meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month through May 2018. A separate group for adults will run concurrently. "They can talk and discuss the best ways that they can support their grieving children, but also they may be going through grief themselves," Baldwin said. The center runs two support groups in Midland at the Salvation Army administrative building and at Messiah Lutheran Church. Baldwin said the center plans to expand into the Bay City area in 2018. We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. Arun Jaitley Finance Minister Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will leave on an official visit to the US tomorrow to participate in annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank. During his week-long stay in the US, he will meet CEOs of global MNCs and foreign investors. He is also likely to hold bilateral meetings with the US commerce secretary, the Italian minister for economy and finance and the Iranian minister for economy and finance. On the first leg of his trip to the United States, Jaitley will arrive in New York on October 9, during which he will hold investor meetings organised by Bank of America and CII. He is set to participate in the roundtable meeting of CEOs of USIBC-CII. On October 10, Jaitley will deliver a Lecture on 'FDI: Achievements and Challenges' at the Columbia University, following which he will leave for Boston. In Boston, Jaitley will take part in a roundtable investment meet on 'Indian Economy - The Road Ahead'. Later, he will deliver a lecture on India's tax reforms at the Harvard University. On October 12, the minister will leave for Washington DC to participate in the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During his three-day stay in Washington, Jaitley will hold bilateral meetings with US commerce secretary and participate in an interactive seminar organised by Ficci. He will also attend the G-20 finance ministers' and central bank governors' working dinner on October 12. Next day, Jaitley will attend the annual meeting of G-20 finance ministers' and central bank governors' meeting. He will also participate in the finance ministers' meeting with multilateral development banks. Jaitley may hold separate bilateral meetings with the Italian minister for economy and finance and the Iranian minister for economy and finance. The official delegation consists of RBI Governor Urjit Patel, Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg and Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian. The finance minister will leave for India on October 15 and will arrive in the national capital the next day. Chairman of Kingfisher Airlines Vijay Mallya speaks during a news conference about the new Kingfisher Airlines service between London and Bangalore in southern India, in London September 4, 2008. Photo: REUTERS The role of bank executives, directors and government officials has come under the scanner for alleged violations at the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines as multi-agency probes against fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya gather steam, regulatory and banking sources said. With the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) submitting a detailed report on the misdoings at Kingfisher Airlines, which went belly up in 2012, the government, regulators and banks are set to initiate strict actions to zero in on the guilty. Sources said the probe agency has red flagged a slew of violations of companies law by Mallya, Kingfisher Airlines and officials, including serious corporate governance lapses. The role of independent directors and whether they failed in discharging their duties during their tenure at the airline has come to the fore, they added. Besides, sources said the role of bank executives in extending loans without requisite due diligence to the airline as well as the possibility of some government officials conniving with Mallya are being looked into in detail. Indian authorities have been working on ways to bring back Mallya, wanted for Kingfisher Airlines' default on loans worth nearly Rs 9,000 crore and some other matters, back from the UK, where he has been based for a long time. Sources said all banks where the SFIO has found lapses with respect to loans extended to the defunct airline are under the scanner. "The company's balance sheet was never strong and its credit rating was lower than what was required for sanctioning loans. Still, the banks went ahead and sanctioned them by deviating from the loan procedures," one of the sources said. The investigators have also found that banks considered only one valuer's report for the valuation of Kingfisher brand and based on that loans were given to the carrier, according to sources. Regulations require that at least two different valuation reports should be considered before deciding on giving loans on the basis of brand. Corporate affairs ministry officials were not available for comments on the SFIO report while queries sent to Mallya did not elicit any immediate response. Sources said agencies have also asked for certain details from banks who have exposure to Kingfisher Airlines as authorities tighten the noose around Mallya. The 61-year-old flamboyant businessman was arrested in London earlier this month in a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate, before being released on bail by Westminster Magistrates' Court. Mallya, already out on bail on an extradition warrant executed by the Metropolitan Police earlier this year, was released on the same bail conditions as before to appear for his trial on December 4. In an effort to soothe nerves of small enterprises and exporters, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on Friday cut rates on 27 items and 12 services, and approved sweeping changes in rules. The business community has been battling with procedural irritants, delayed refunds and technical glitches on returns filing since the time GST was implemented from July 1, 2017. The Finance Minister Arun Jaitley-headed panel pushed for big changes in its 22nd meeting to iron out rough edges of the new tax system that has been hit by multiple pain points, said a report. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said changes made in the GST regime giving relief to small and medium businesses have been hailed across the country as they kindled the festive mood of Diwali a fortnight before it is celebrated. Insight 18 | Samvat 2074: The Story Behind Muhurat Trading Maintaining that he does not want the business class to get caught in red tape, the PM said, based on the information the government had, Jaitley convinced everyone at the GST Council meet on Friday about the need for altering some of its provisions. "The government has addressed the immediate concerns of 90% of taxpayers who contribute appx. 10% of the tax collection by relaxing the compliance norms," Sachin Menon Partner and Head, Indirect Tax at KPMG in India said. Hopefully the concerns of minority taxpayers who pay 90% of the tax revenues, will hopefully be addressed in next council meeting, he said. Here is a list of 3 sectors highlighted by KPMG that are likely to benefit the most from the changes: Analyst: Harpreet Singh, Partner, Indirect Tax, KPMG in India GST Relief for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Increasing the composition threshold from Rs 75 lakhs to Rs 1 crore and changing the periodicity of filing return and paying tax from monthly to quarterly for dealers with turnover up to Rs 1.5 crores, are definitely steps in the right direction. This would substantially ease the compliance for the SMEs sector and settle their nerves. Quarterly return filing means the immediate need to invest in IT infrastructure for monthly online filings is no more required, as SMEs can continue to get the quarterly compliances done through their CAs and accountants using their IT infrastructure. Thus, reducing their GST compliance cost. Further, increase in composition scheme threshold would imply that now more dealers with turnover between Rs75 lakhs and Rs1 Crore can opt for this simplified compliance scheme, where tax needs to be paid a flat rate and return filing is quarterly. GST reboot for exporters: Expediting post GST refunds, allowing IGST exemption under Advance Authorization and EPCG schemes and to EOUs until March 31, 2018 is a huge relief for the exporters. This not only avoids blockage of working capital but also reduces the compliance burden. Kudos to the Government for listening to the voice of the industry and taking the right step at the right time. With free flow of credits, lesser supply chain bottlenecks, better movement of goods and this new announcement, it would not be a surprise to see the exports going uphill Gems & Jewellery Sector Rescinding temporarily Notification that extended provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA Act), to gems & jewellery sector which provided for furnishing PAN card for purchases above INR 50,000, is definitely a good news for the sector. This announcement is well timed as it is likely to boost the pre-Diwali sales. Also, this relaxation would encourage free trading in the sector, without any apprehension of doing KYC compliances in the mind of the customer. This is one key sector which was adversely impacted post-GST and hopefully, Fridays decision should bring the smiles back on the traders in the sector. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by the investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Office space leasing increased marginally during July-September period in eight major cities at 10.4 million sq ft on higher demand from corporates from Europe, West Asia and Africa, according to property consultant CBRE. "Leasing activity remained strong during the quarter, with office space take-up rising marginally by 2 percent QoQ to touch 10.4 million sq ft," CBRE said in its report 'India Office Q3 2017'. The eight major cities covered in this report are Delhi- NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune and Kochi. The consultant noted that there was increased interest from EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) corporates for India and their share of office space leasing rose to 14 percent during July-September period from 9 percent in the previous quarter. "India's prime office market is evolving at a rapid pace. Occupier strategies continue to focus on consolidation/ expansion as well as cost and greater flexibility of office space," said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman India and South- East Asia, CBRE. The co-working and shared office space formats are also gaining momentum and influencing the market to some extent, he added. "While demand for traditional office space will continue to dominate the segment, it will have to make allowance for newer formats that are slowly gaining prominence and absorbing a part of the overall pie," Magazine said. As per the report, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi-NCR led quarterly leasing activity with a share of more than 60 percent. "Apart from Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata, all the other cities witnessed a rise in space take-up on a QoQ basis," the report said. IT/ITeS sector continued to drive office space leasing with about 34 percent share in the overall space leased during the quarter. The share of other sectors such as engineering and manufacturing (19 percent) and banking, financial services and insurance (10 percent) fell on a quarterly basis. Co-working operators remained active, with both global and domestic players expanding their operations in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR and Pune, the consultant said. On transaction size, CBRE said that the bulk of leasing was for less than 50,000 sq ft during the third quarter of 2017 calendar year. Small-sized transactions (less than 10,000 sq ft) comprised about 40 percent of all the transactions reported during the quarter, while half of the deals concluded ranging between 10,000 sq ft and 50,000 sq ft. The share of large-sized deals (greater than one lakh sq ft) remained at 5 percent, same as the previous quarter. During the January-September period, office space leasing, however, declined marginally to 29 million sq ft compared to the year-ago period. Several protests were held across Australia against Indian mining giant Adani's proposed $16.5 billion Carmichael coal mine project, which has been delayed for years over environmental and financing issues. Rallies were held on Saturday in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Port Douglas in North Queensland where thousands of protesters took to streets as part of a National Day of Action, according to media reports. "If this mine does go ahead it drives us into a dirty future and Australia is a country that's smarter than that," Simon Fosterling, a Bondi surf life saver at the Sydney protest, which attracted about 2,000 people, was quoted as saying by the ABC news. "I have a two-year-old daughter and I don't want to have a conversation with her in 10 years time and the mine's gone ahead and she says to me, 'dad, why didn't you do something?'" Protesters spelled out '#STOP ADANI' by standing in formation on the sand. Sydney 'Stop Adani' campaigner Isaac Astill called the construction of the mine an international issue. "It's going to be the biggest coal mine in the southern hemisphere at a time when our climate is crumbling," Astill said. "It's an international issue and that's why we're seeing people around the world and in Australia coming out in their thousands to say no to Adani." Reports said around 2,000 people rallied in Melbourne's Princes Park carrying placards reading 'Coal=CO2!!!' and 'Protect Our Future'. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy said she hoped the "big day of action" would send a strong message that taxpayers did not want their money subsidising the project. "It will affect every single living thing on Earth, that's why people in Melbourne and Sydney and Canberra and Adelaide and Cairns all care about this mine not going ahead." O'Shanassy said. Between 200-300 people turned out at Perth's Cottesloe Beach and more than 250 people rallied in Hobart, where speakers included former Greens leader Bob Brown. Meanwhile, Adani Australia CEO Jeyakumar Janakaraj said that the company was committed to create jobs in Australia and there was large support for the project in regional Australia. "We are focussed.. the project is needed in the community and we have their whole support," he said. He, however, said there was a loud minority voice against the project. Janakaraj said an Adani India festival took place on Saturday night in Townsville which attracted 20,000 people which was an indication that the project was supported by the local community. Speaking at the festival, Minister Coralee O'Rourke welcomed the company's commitment and also praised Adani for adhering to and working with government to deliver a job creating project. Adani and the Queensland government have highlighted that the mine will prove beneficial for the region. This week the company announced it would base more than 1000 fly-in, fly-out workers in both Townsville and Rockhampton. However, environmental activists are concerned about the potential impacts to the Great Barrier Reef as the coal will be shipped through areas close to the national icon. There are also concerns the coal burned will contribute to climate change, which is the biggest threat to the reef. Representative Image The Western Railway has so far issued Rs 1.36 crore as ex-gratia to the kin of the victims of the Elphinstone Road railway station foot overbridge stampede in which 23 people were killed and 37 injured, an official said today. "Out of Rs 1.36 crore, we have disbursed Rs 10,735,000 in cheque while Rs 28,65,000 in cash to meet the emergency expenses," he said. Twenty-three passengers were killed and 36 injured in a deadly rush hour stampede that occurred on a narrow foot overbridge connecting the Elphinstone Road railway station to Parel station on September 29. The WR said it was offering all kinds of assistance to the kin of the deceased as well as to the injured passengers in claiming the compensation. "In the unfortunate incident of the Elphinstone Road station stampede, the Western Railway is providing all assistance to the kin of the deceased and injured in claiming compensation. For assisting kin of the deceased, WR's Commercial Department staffers are visiting the families of deceased and helping them in filling the necessary forms for claiming compensation from the Railway Claim Tribunal," the WR said in a statement. A help desk/assistance cell has already been set up at the Churchgate headquarter of wht WR. The accident compensation forms had also been distributed to the family members of the deceased at KEM Hospital, besides, others have been contacted on phone, so as to make these forms available to them at the earliest. "So far eight families have visited the Assistance cell," it said, adding that a camp has been organised at Churchgate to expedite the process. Railway Minister Piyush Goyal had announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of each of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh for the grievously injured and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries. The Maharashtra government had announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those killed. Representational image A plea challenging the government's 2011 decision to keep the CBI out of the ambit of the Right to Information Act has been moved in the Supreme Court, seeking an early hearing. The case was first filed in the Delhi High Court, but later transferred to the top court after the Centre had said that several petitions in this regard have been filed in different high courts across the country. A PIL was filed in 2011 in the Delhi High Court by advocate Ajay Agrawal, who had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Rai Bareilly constituency against Congress President Sonia Gandhi. The high court, in July 2011, had issued notices to the government and the CBI as the advocate had alleged that the agency was brought out of the ambit of the RTI as he had sought information regarding documents relating to the politically-sensitive Bofors payoff scandal case. The government had told the high court that the exemption granted to the CBI under RTI was not a "blanket exemption" and does not warrant judicial interference. The petition said that exemption from RTI was prevelant for intelligence and security organisations, including Intelligence Bureau, RAW, DRI and ED. When the agency filed the plea for transfer of all similar matters from different high courts to the apex court, the proceedings before the Delhi High Court got stayed. In the fresh application before the apex court, Agrawal has alleged that the notification was issued by the Centre "solely to scuttle the RTI appeal pending before the Chief Information Commissioner, New Delhi in regard to the Bofors case in which order was passed by the CIC directing the CBI to provide the requisite papers to the petitioner". In the application, he has alleged that the erstwhile UPA government's decision was aimed at "only to save Ottavio Quattrochhi, the prime accused in Bofors scam". Agrawal, who has been pursuing Bofors payoff case for years, in his petition has sought quashing of the June 9, 2011 notification, contending that "by issuing the notification and placing CBI in the second Schedule, the government appears to be claiming absolute secrecy for CBI without the sanction of the law." He has contended that the "impugned notification No GSR 442(E) RTI Act, 2005 is ultravires to the RTI Act, 2005 as well as Constitution". The petition has claimed that government's move appeared to be "arbitrary" in nature, as with no reasons advanced, "citizens are likely to deduce that the purpose of including CBI in the Second Schedule was to curb transparency and accountability from the investigations of several corruption cases against high-ranking Government officers". BJP heavyweights Amit Shah and Smriti Irani are set to visit Amethi, considered a Congress bastion, three days after Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi visited the parliamentary constituency. Union Minister of Textiles and Information and Broadcasting Smriti Irani is scheduled to arrive here tomorrow, while BJP chief Amit Shah will visit on October 10, a statement issued by the district administration said. A number of schemes and projects are likely to be announced and their foundation stones laid at a function here on Tuesday to be attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The beneficiaries of various schemes will be handed over certificates, the statement said. Irani is likely to attend the launch of a FM station at Gauriganj and an initiative to save Gomti river near Pipri village, it said. The Union minister will also attend the inauguration of a tuberculosis unit at the district hospital and a primary health centre at Odari Tiloi, and attend other public welfare programmes launched by the state and central government. On October 9, Irani will visit Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) in Jagdishpur, it said. Amethi, which has traditionally been a Congress bastion, had in 2014 Lok Sabha elections witnessed a high-pitched electoral battle between Gandhi and Irani. Though Irani lost to the Congress scion, she managed to reduce his victory margin from around 3.70 lakh in 2009 to 1.07 lakh in 2014. In the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, the BJP won six of the 10 Assembly seats falling under the parliamentary constituencies of Amethi and Rae Bareli. Four of them were in Amethi. Party sources said the upcoming visit of the senior BJP leaders was aimed at sending a clear message that the current regime believed in all-round development of the state and was not meting out any "step-motherly treatment" to the areas where the BJP had failed to make a mark. The Congress vice president had during his visit here on October 5 accused the BJP governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh of re-inaugurating the projects launched by the previous UPA regime in the district. He had also mounted a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and asked him to address unemployment problem and farmers' issues, and dared him to allow the Congress to resolve the problems in six months. "If Modiji cannot address these, he should say so and Congress will come and do his work in six months," he had said. you are here: RPT...Chennai: AIADMK General Secretary VK Sasikala arrives at the resort on third consecutive day in Koovathur in East Coast Road and met various MLAs who are camping over the last six days to decide on the further course of action near Chennai on Monday. PTI Photo by R Senthil Kumar(PTI2_13_2017_000256B) Stirring a hornet's nest in the ruling AIADMK, Tamil Nadu minister Sellur K Raju today praised deposed party chief V K Sasikala saying she had played a key role in ensuring continuance of the party government. "Chinamma (Sasikala) is responsible for AIADMK remaining in power.. there is no second opinion about it," he told reporters in Madurai. Raju made the comments at a time when Sasikala, serving a four-year term in a Bengaluru prison in a disproportionate assets case, has obtained five-day emergency parole and is staying in Chennai in view of the hospitalisation of her husband M Natarajan, who had undergone liver and kidney transplants. The minister's remarks are expected to cause a ripple in the ruling camp which had last month removed Sasikala and her clan, including her deputy T T V Dhinakaran, from the party. A senior party leader from southern Tamil Nadu, Raju was apparently referring to Sasikala guiding the party after the demise of late chief minister Jayalalithaa in December last year. Raju had last month contradicted the claims of two of his cabinet colleagues that no one was allowed to see Jayalalithaa during her hospitalisation last year. After senior leader O Panneerselvam revolted against her leadership and her conviction in the DA case in February last, Sasikala had kept her flock together in a resort near here and ensured election of Palaniswami as the AIADMK legislature party leader. However, the camps led by Palaniswami and Panneerselvam later merged and convened a General Council meeting last month which sacked Sasikala as the interim general secretary. Raju said since he was a minister he had to be restrained in his comments. His views should not affect the steps being taken by Palaniswami and Panneerselvam at the helm of the government and the party, he said. On the dengue situation in the state, the cooperation minister said the present government was taking rapid action to control the spread of the fever cases. The minister's comment hailing Sasikala had been greeted with enthusiasm in her camp. Sasikala and Dhinakaran loyalist C R Saraswathi lauded Raju for his remarks endorsing the jailed leader's role and dramatically claimed that, "the sleeper cells there are coming out one by one." "Sleeper cell," is a phrase often used by Dhinakaran, who has been seeking to oust Palaniswami from power, in the recent past to claim that he had supporters in the ruling camp and they woud rally behind him at the right time. Saraswathi, a yesteryear actress and party spokesperson, asked how "their" conscience was not pricking them after seeing "Chinnamma" on televison going to hospital, an apparent reference to those in the Palaniswami camp. Naturally those in the rival camp will be seized of the "thought that the government was put in place by Chinamma," she told reporters in Chennai. Only Sasikala and Dhinakaran will be able to steer the party and cadres were clear about that, she claimed. Meanwhile, Sasikala, who arrived in Chennai on October 6, visited her husband for the second day at the Gleneagles Global Health City Hospital around noon today. She was greeted by scores of party men in several locations as she travelled by a car to the hospital. Sasikala was apprised on the health condition of Natarajan by doctors at the hospital. She spent a little over two hours there, sources said. She had been granted parole with tough conditions, including one that said she should not be involved in political or any other public activity or take part in party activities. The Centre would abolish the subsidy for Haj pilgrims in accordance with a Supreme Court order, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said today. "A constitutional bench of the Supreme Court had, during the Congress regime in 2012, directed that the Haj subsidy be done away with. Hence, in the new policy, as per the recommendations of a committee, we have decided to do away with the Haj subsidy gradually," he told PTI. Earlier in the day, sources had said that abolition of the subsidy was among the highlights of a proposed Haj policy drafted by a government committee. The minority affairs minister, who is on a two-day visit to Mumbai, said the committee also suggested that the money spent on the Haj subsidy be used for the educational empowerment of the Muslim community. The Ministry of Minority Affairs had, earlier this year, constituted the committee to review the existing Haj policy and suggest a framework for a new Haj policy for 2018-22. The committee presented its draft to Naqvi today. The minister told PTI that among other recommendations, the committee suggested that women above 45 years be allowed to perform Haj without a 'Mehram' (a male relative by blood) in a group of four or more. Also, it recommended that coupons for 'Adahi' (sacrifice of animals) be made compulsory for all the pilgrims and the quota of Mehram be increased from the present 200 to 500, he said. It also sought that the special quota for Jammu and Kashmir be increased from 1,500 to 2,000. The committee also suggested that the number of embarkation points (EPs) be reduced from 21 to nine and those should be at Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kochi. It also recommended that suitable Haj houses be built at these EPs, Naqvi said. For the tour operators, the committee suggested that the quota be distributed in a 70:30 ratio between the Haj Committee and private tour operators (PTOs). The PTOs should collect the full package cost from the pilgrims only through their bank accounts and render the details to the ministry before the departure of the pilgrims. The panel also recommended an amendment in the Haj Committee Act to extend 'Umra' and 'Ziyarat' to Syria, Iran Iraq and Jordan. petrol diesel price hike Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has sought to put the Kerala government on the mat, alleging that the state is not willing to reduce taxes on petroleum products to help lighten the burden on people. Addressing a meeting after a public reception for the party's 'Jan Raksha Yatra' (People's Protection March) here on Saturday night, he said, "Frequent increase in prices of petroleum products is causing inconvenience to people. The central government decided to cut down its taxes and advised the states to do the same. But the Kerala government stuck to its stand that there was no question of reducing the taxes." He further alleged that the CPI(M) that calls itself a party of the poor had no concern for them. Taking on the Left parties for "trying to ally with the Congress to fight the BJP", Pradhan asserted: "The BJP's growth in Kerala cannot be stopped by anyone. Support for the party is growing." He made a frontal attack, saying "the leadership of the ruling party here will have to answer the political murders of BJP workers in the state". BJP's Kerala unit president Kummanam Rajasekharan, who led the 15-day yatra, and other leaders also spoke. BJP chief Amit Shah on Sunday said that "politics of violence" is in the nature of the communists as he lashed out at the CPI(M) over the political violence in Kerala. Addressing the Delhi leg of the 'Jan Raksha Yatra', the BJP's ongoing campaign to highlight "left atrocities" in Kerala, Shah asserted that no amount of intimidation can stop the lotus (BJP's symbol) from blooming in the Left-ruled state. He hit out at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging that the maximum killings of BJP and RSS workers have taken place in the latter's home district. "Since the Left came to power in Kerala, several workers of the BJP and Sangh (RSS) have been killed. The killings are brutal, bodies are chopped into pieces. It is done to terrorise those who support the BJP that they will meet the same fate. But the more muck of murders they spread, the lotus will bloom better," Shah said. Shah also led a march from central Delhi's Connaught Place to the CPI(M) headquarters in the Gole Market area, a distance of about 1.5 km. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, Union Minister Alphons Kannanthanam and the party's Lok Sabha MPs from the national capital were in tow. In his speech, the BJP president took on Vijayan, saying the blame for the spate of killings falls squarely on him, considering that the maximum number of such killings have taken place in the "chief minister's home district". "Politics of violence is in their (communists') nature. It is not a coincidence that the maximum political violence is reported from West Bengal, Tripura and Kerala where the communists have been in power for long. Wherever they have been in power, they have turned the political culture into that of violence," he said. Shah also hit out at, what he called, the "champions of human rights" over their "silence" on the communist atrocities. He said their "selective protests" have exposed their bias. He asked, "Why do they not take out any march at the India Gate against the atrocities committed by the Left?" At the rally venue, the BJP exhibited a series of images, mainly the pictures of those killed, to highlight the "brutality" of the situation. "The reds think they will be able to stop thoughts and ideas from spreading through violence. I want to tell the CPI (M) and Congress that communists have disappeared from the world and Congress from India. And BJP, which was launched with 10 persons, is today the world's largest party with 11 crore workers," Shah said. Shah had started the 'Jan Raksha Yatra' from Kerala's Kannur district on October 3 and it will conclude on October 17 at Thiruvananthapuram. Berkeley: Congress Vice President, Rahul Gandhi delivering a speech at Institute of International Studies at UC Berkeley, California on Monday. PTI Photo(PTI9_12_2017_000038B) The Congress on Saturday said Rahul Gandhi was the unquestioned choice of all its workers across the country to take over as the party president and hoped that their desires would be fulfilled once the intra-party poll was over. The newly-elected members of the Delhi Congress on Saturday unanimously adopted a resolution, urging Rahul Gandhi to take over as the party president. This came two days after the Tamil Nadu unit of the party passed a resolution, authorising Congress President Sonia Gandhi to announce the new body of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) and names of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) delegates from the state. "Congress workers and leaders from across the country have unanimously expressed their desire for Rahul Gandhi to take over as the president of the Indian National Congress. "We respect their sentiments. Nobody has any difference of opinion in this regard. Rahul Gandhi is the unquestioned choice of all the Congress workers, who have toiled hard for the party, for taking over as its president," Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala told reporters here. Saying that the intra-party poll process was currently underway, he said, "We sincerely hope that the aspirations of the leaders and workers, who continue to express their desire, would fructify once the poll process is over." The Congress organisational poll process is underway and the process of electing the AICC delegates and PCC bodies, which make the electoral college for the election to the post of Congress president, is to be completed soon. The party has told the Election Commission (EC) that it would conclude the internal poll process by December-end as per the poll panel's directions. The EC had given a year's extension to the Congress in this regard. Surjewala also took a dig at Railway Minister Piyush Goyal for his reported statement on job losses, saying "ignorance of the ignorant is bliss". "If Piyush Goyal wants all the people of the country to become unemployed, so that they become entrepreneurs, I think they must start that charity from the BJP itself and let him first resign from his current employment and find an entrepreneurial job for himself," he said. Goyal had reportedly said companies cutting down employments was a good sign as the youth of tomorrow wanted to be entrepreneurs. "The thought is that parents, grandparents, will bring their kids there to have fun, to use the trails, but also to understand the history of veterans' service in Towamencin," land planner Peter Simone October 08, 2017 Missing - A Motive For The Las Vegas Killing Spree The currently known tale of the Las Vegas mass murder feels astonishingly incomplete. Several rumors and reports appeared about a potential second shooter. But there is no hard evidence. The police keeps saying there was only one person involved. It claims to have copious video evidence of that. None has yet been released. It seems possible that one person alone did this. A large, densely packed crowd, a position high up, automatic weapons - it was a "shooting fish in a barrel" situation - not a chance to miss. The shooter was white. He was therefore mentally disturbed. Would he have been black, he would have been an evil terrorist. But being mentally disturbed or under pharmaceutical influence doe not fit with the long planning and the diligence of preparation. Stephen Paddock, the allegedly lone shooter, is a curious personality. Only bits of his life seem to be known. An accountant who, on the side, made millions in real estates? He must have been a thrifty person do achieve that, with a good sense for numbers. Why would such a person go to casinos and put money into video poker machines? It is a sure way to lose and any sane persons knows this. The above gives rise to dozens of crazy theories. The man must have been CIA. ISIS ordered him to do it. Putin must have done it to somehow sow discord in America. All these theories miss the same decisive detail that is lacking in the prevalent tale. A rational motive. Posted by b on October 8, 2017 at 17:51 UTC | Permalink Comments next page Announced just six months ago, the EPIC (EPIC stands for Eagle Ford Permian Ingleside Corpus) Pipeline that will ferry Permian Basin crude to Corpus Christi, is getting company. EPIC Pipeline Co. LLC - formed by TexStar Midstream Logistics LP, Castleton Commodities International and Ironwood Midstream Energy Partners - has announced plans for the EPIC NGL Pipeline, a 650-mile natural gas liquids pipeline that will carry NGLs from the Permian and Eagle Ford to Corpus Christi. This will follow the path of the crude line until it reaches South Texas, Bruce Kates, EPICs corporate communications director, said in a phone interview from his San Antonio office. Then it will split off, and well build a fractionator - one of many. Well have a products line, as well, from the fractionator to Corpus Christi. What kicked off the project was an agreement with BP Energy Co. to serve as anchor shipper. The project has also secured a capital commitment from funds managed by Ares Management LP, Kates said. The cost has not been disclosed. The pipeline will have throughput capacity of at least 220,000 barrels per day with multiple origin points in both the Delaware and Midland basins. There will be interconnections near Orla, Benedum and Corpus Christi. Weve already started construction, Kates said. The first part will be done in about four months from the Panhandle down to Orla, then to Benedum and then to the final point at Corpus Christi. He said EPIC has been working with BP Energy on the project for more than a year. Weve been looking at capacity, and BP has been looking to move its product from the Permian Basin, Kates said. Right now, theres the capacity, but in one or two years there wont be the capacity to move NGLs. Based on estimates, well need a bigger pipeline to carry 350,000 barrels a day. Expansion will be a must. We may look at fractionation trains as demand grows. He described the cargo as the Y grades - the mixed natural gas liquids, essentially the ethanes, propanes, butanes, natural gas pentanes, that will be handled in the fractionation process. The pipeline will link Permian and Eagle Ford NGL reserves to Gulf Coast refiners, petrochemical companies and export markets. Theres a need for these down there. Some are used here in the U.S., some will be exported, Kates said. The NGLs are going to Corpus, and you have to remember the Mexico market. There will be an opportunity to ship NGLs, even by rail, to Mexico. Thats a market to be tapped. He praised Port of Corpus Christi officials for being proactive in developing infrastructure to meet the demand. Theyve been on top of everything, he said. The company is acquiring rights of way and, in some cases, multi-line rights to accommodate both the NGL and crude oil pipelines. The initial phase is expected to be in service early next year. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Senior Link Midlands Meals on Wheels program has been gearing up for its annual Texas-Sized Garage Sale since November. The three-day event is the biggest fundraiser for Meals on Wheels, but with a small organizational staff, volunteers have stepped up to put the sale together. The results of their labor after months of collecting and organizing will be evident beginning Friday. There is a warehouse staff with a supervisor and two part-time people, but we have about 75 volunteers who work throughout the year on the sale, said Kathleen Kirwan-Haynie, Senior Link Midland executive director. Volunteers begin collecting donations in November. They clean and organize the donations. Some volunteers take home clothes to wash. Others will research the value of any collectibles and antiques. They have a pretty big dedication to the sale, Kirwan-Haynie said. The 28th annual Texas Sized Garage Sale When: - Friday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; $5 admission - Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; free - 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 15; free; items are half off Where: 407 E. Scharbauer Drive. Park and ride: On Friday and Saturday, shoppers can park at Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 2300 Butternut Lane, and take free EZ Ride to the sale. seniorlinkmidland.org. See More Collapse Preparation for the sale begins in March, and when the doors open, shoppers see the culmination of volunteers hard work. Those year-round volunteers serve as department heads. By the time of the sale in October, Senior Link Midland staff will be using many more volunteers to get through the weekend. This is a huge undertaking so we put a call out to the entire community for help, and they step up, she said. For the entire event, well have about 500 volunteers, plus some staff, working throughout this 25,000-square-foot building. Kirwan-Haynie encourages groups of students, coworkers or friends to volunteer. And students needing Legacy hours can sign on through Midland Volunteer Connections at midlandvc.com. For 28 years, the sale has become a tradition for Midland, but it is also an example of community. We just have this exceptional response by everyone. Volunteers come from everywhere to help, she said. And there also are so many seniors who serve at the sale and as the year-round volunteers. I like that in many ways, its seniors helping seniors. Kirwan-Haynie said some potential volunteers ask if there are perks that come with volunteering, i.e. early shopping. Well, the perks go to the longtime volunteers who have put in the sweat hours, she said. What volunteers may not know is that their help as cashiers, baggers, cleaners and other positions result in a big boost for the Meals on Wheels program. On average, the sale generates enough funds to provide 30,000 meals for the 500 homebound seniors the program helps every day. Texas Sized Garage Sale also help other agencies. We get so many donations that were able to provide for other groups, she said. Weve given items to the Salvation Army, Baptist Crisis Center and the Red Cross. Weve donated prom dresses to 3:11 Ministries. Partnership is what its all about. The spirit of giving from the community is so generous to us that we can in turn, help others. In the wake of the mass shootings in Las Vegas a week ago and discussion of the bump stock, the Reporter-Telegram asked Kane Kolisek, owner of SK Arms, his thoughts on the accessory, the tragic event and weapons in general. Midland Reporter-Telegram: What is a bump stock or bump fire stock? Kane Kolisek: A bump stock is an aftermarket accessory originally manufactured by a company out of Abilene by the name of SlideFire (http://www.slidefire.com/). Obviously their website will be able to give a more detailed explanation of their product. When discussing firearms, it is important to understand the ATFs definitions. A semi-automatic rifle like the ones used by the Las Vegas shooter are completely legal to own/purchase by anyone who is 18+, it fires 1 round every time the trigger is pulled. A fully automatic rifle is much more difficult to purchase, as it falls under Title II of the Gun Control Act of 1968 (https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/national-firearms-act). These items are actually registered, and cannot change possession without prior approval from the ATF. They are also very expensive, thanks to the Hughes Amendment of 1986, that prevents civilians from purchasing newly manufactured machine guns/full autos. For example, a M16 that is fully automatic and transferable to a civilian is about $20,000. So, the SlideFire stock/bump stock simulates fully automatic fire by using the recoil of the weapon to force your trigger finger to bump/bounce and pull the trigger more rapidly than you normally could. The trigger is still pulled each and every time a round is fired, therefore it is not considered a fully automatic rifle. MRT: What is its cost? Kolisek: Retail on them is $179.95. MRT: Can these be found at most arms retailers, and have sales been impacted since the shootings in Las Vegas? Kolisek: Yes, most major retailers sell them. They are a fairly common aftermarket accessory. We at SK Arms do not normally stock them, but we have special ordered some for customers. MRT: What have you thought of the reporting on these accessories in the wake of the shootings? What misconceptions have you heard, if any? Kolisek: My thoughts That is difficult to put into words. The situation that transpired this weekend in Las Vegas is abhorrent, words cannot express our deepest sympathy to those affected. Obviously, our business is selling items like the ones used in LV. The items we sell do not bother me so much as the fact that there are truly mentally unstable individuals out there. There are no checks for that, there are no laws that can prevent someone from committing such heinous acts against their fellow mankind, regardless of the tools they use. The guns he used are not the problem. His motive, to my knowledge, is still unknown. The firearms are the easiest things to blame because they look scary, and most people do not know anything about them. MRT: Are bump fire stocks a product of the technology being more advanced than the law in place? Kolisek: I dont understand the question exactly, but I assume youre asking if I think the law should disallow these items to be sold, so Ill answer that question. I believe that evil is in someones heart, and will always find a way to commit these types of crimes. Weve seen evil use pressure cookers in Boston, fertilizer in Oklahoma City, trucks in France, knives in China, the list goes on and on. The tool used is not the problem; its the evil/crazy/whatever you want to call it that dwells in the hearts and minds of these murderers. MRT: Do you expect a push to limit their availability or prevent their sales outright? Kolisek: I believe that politicians will never let a tragedy go to waste. Hillary Clinton tweeted out at 6 a.m. Monday morning about not politicizing this tragedy, and in the next sentence told people to go after the NRA and their legislation trying to remove suppressors from the purview of the NFA. Sadly, too many people on both sides of the isle are more concerned with pushing their political agenda than realizing that 59 people have lost their lives, and many more families and friends have been affected. We need to come together to help the grieving, donate blood, do what we can, and stay vigilant in the face of evil. MRT: Should it be legal to sell them? Kolisek: Yes. MRT: If they couldnt be sold, would there be a different way to accomplish the same outcome when it comes to firing a weapon? Kolisek: Yes, you do not need one of the SlideFire stocks to simulate fully automatic fire, simply using a belt loop on your pants can achieve the same results. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZCO-06qRgY Please ignore the morons in the video; that was the first video that popped up. MRT: As an individual and as a retailer, what goes through your mind when these shootings take place? Kolisek: Horror and sorrow for those affected. I carry a gun every day, and I hope to never need one. Yet in a situation like the one the LV victims found themselves in, where you are being fired upon by a raised position several hundred yards away, carrying a handgun is of little help despite whatever preparation you may have. I couldnt imagine being in a situation that made me feel that vulnerable, especially if I had my family with me. MRT: Is there anything I missed that you want to address? Kolisek: The thing I most wish that people would do is to simply educate themselves on the issue. It does not matter what side of the political spectrum youre on, nobody wants to see innocent people slaughtered. However, to go after the weapons used is just ignorant. The statistics clearly show that rifles like the one used in LV are rarely used in crimes. Quite literally, hammers are used more often than rifles. http://www.politifact.com/texas/statements/2013/jan/30/greg-abbott/greg-abbott-says-according-fbi-more-people-are-kil/ By PTI: Dubai, Oct 8 (PTI) Eight Indians are among 10 people who hit a jackpot by winning a whopping dhirham 1 million (USD 2.7 lakh) each in a mega raffle draw in Abu Dhabi. The Big Ticket Draw held at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Thursday is the largest and longest-running monthly raffle draw for cash prizes and dream luxury cars in the UAE capital. advertisement Besides Indians, the winners include a Canadian man and a Filipina, the only woman in the list. "Currently, I dont have any plans for investments but once I receive the money, I would plan. I am excited," said 43-year-old Chandresh Motivaras, a chief accountant with a jewellery group in Dubai where he has been living since 2005. "I didnt believe when I got a call and thought that somebody is joking with me. But when I got a second call from the organisers, I was pleasantly shocked," Abhaya Kumar Krishnan, a purchasing manager at Spinneys in Abu Dhabi, told Gulf News. The 49-year-old Keralite, who will share the money with a friend as they bought the ticket together, said he was planning to spend some portion of the money in charity in Kerala for education, the report said. "I had bought the ticket but I didnt know that today is the draw date," said the Abu Dhabi-based Krishnan, who had been buying tickets for the last 10 years, but won for the first time. "My nieces wedding is in December so I am very delighted to win this prize at this time," said Sundaran Nalamkandathil, who bought the ticket with a group of 20 people. The 47-year- old jewellery designer has been living in Ajman for the last 24 years. PTI MRJ MRJ --- ENDS --- GET OUR APP Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here. Indian Air Force Chief Birender Singh Dhaona today in his address marking the 85th Air Force Day said that present geo-political scenario could trigger a short, swift war- but we are prepared. By Sudhi Ranjan Sen: In a reassuring address today at the Hindan Air Force Station, Ghaziabad on the occasion of 85th anniversary of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief BS Dhanoa said, "IAF remains ready to fight at short notice". The Air Chief's comment comes at a time when Indian forces are engaged both at the eastern and western border . advertisement Starting mid-June for about two and a half months, Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a tense standoff at Doklam. Whereas, in the western sector, the Army has killed about 150 terrorists so far in this year. "The nature of conflict in the present geo-political environment may require us to fight a short and swift war for which we need to be alert and prepared to fight on a short notice," Air Chief B S Dhanoa said today. FACE THREAT TO ASSETS Referring to the deadly 2016 Pathankot Air Base attack, the Air Chief said "We also face sub-conventional threats on assets by terrorists." "We are in the process of modernisation. Midlife upgradation of fighter aircraft is already underway. Rafale will increase our operational capability in coming times," Dhanoa added. Paying tribute to the seven armed forces personnel who lost their life in the chopper crash in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday,the Air Chief said, "I salute all air warriors who made the supreme sacrifice". PEACE TIME LOSSES Underlining that costly assets cannot be lost on account of carelessness, ignorance or un-professionalism, he added, "Supervisors are entirely responsible for the safe and professional conduct of operations." Air Chief BS Dhanoa also paid homage to the late Air Marshal Arjan Singh . --- ENDS --- The rise of online streaming services has dramatically changed the way Americans consume their television shows. The days of families gathering around a television set and watching a show when it initially broadcasts is shrinking as the internet is outpacing TV watching. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in August, about six in ten of young adults ages 18 to 29 (61 percent) say the way they watch television is via streaming services on the internet. 1 Nelly arrested: Police arrested rapper Nelly on Saturday after a woman said he raped her in a town near Seattle, an accusation the Grammy winners attorney staunchly denied. Auburn police spokesman Commander Steve Stocker said Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., was arrested in his tour bus. Nelly performed at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn on Friday night. His attorney, Scott Rosenblum, called the rape claim a completely fabricated allegation. Our initial investigation clearly establishes this allegation is devoid of credibility and is motivated by greed and vindictiveness, Rosenblum said in an email. Nelly is a three-time Grammy winner. 2 Soldiers killed: Army privates from Ohio and Tennessee died when a military vehicle struck a formation of soldiers at a training base in South Carolina, officials said Saturday. The soldiers killed Friday at Fort Jackson were identified as Pvt. Timothy Ashcraft, of Cincinnati, and Ethan Shrader, of Prospect, Tenn. Six other soldiers were hurt. Fort Jackson officials have not released any details about the incident. The Army says it has started an investigation. Matt Sessums was stopping at his local Walmart Supercenter in Oxford, Mississippi, on Saturday afternoon when he did a double take. Outside both entrances of the store were tables set up to promote a raffle for a nearby church. The prizes? Two AR-15 rifles. Tickets were $10 each or three for $20. Manning the tables, Sessums said, were two adults and three children, who looked to be around the same age as his 10-year-old daughter. "I see this one little girl in particular, you know, pointing to the thing about the AR-15 raffle and getting people to buy tickets," Sessums told The Washington Post. "It just kind of blew my mind that little kids were participating in something like that." Sessums texted his neighbor Kris Belden-Adams, who was already planning to go to Walmart to buy a birthday gift for one of her kids to take to a party. When she arrived, she was struck by the same sight. "I had a kid approach me: 'Would you like to join a raffle? We've got two AR-15s.' And I'm like, whoa," Belden-Adams said. Just the Sunday before, a gunman had opened fire on a country music festival in Las Vegas, killing 58 people and wounding about 500. Inside the shooter's suite at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, investigators discovered 23 guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Among those weapons were an AR-15-type rifle modified with a "bump stock," a device that would allow the gunman to inflict damage more rapidly. It hadn't even been a week since the Vegas shooting, Belden-Adams thought. "We have flags still half-mast for the Las Vegas shooting here in Oxford," she said. "I thought it was in bad taste at this time to be auctioning an AR-15, the same weapon used in Las Vegas. Or one of them." When she got home, Belden-Adams looked up the raffle's sponsor - the Oasis Church of All Nations - and sent them a message through Facebook expressing her concerns about the timing. According to posts on the church's Facebook page, proceeds from the AR-15 raffle would go toward its Transformations Life Center, "a 12-month long drug discipleship program for those addicted." Just above an image of the weapon, the church also promoted its fall fish fry. "All proceeds go toward the program to reach the hurting and broken of society," a post read. Belden-Adams wrote in her initial Facebook message to the church that she supported the cause but found the timing of the raffle concerning, given current events. A man who identified himself as Danny Budd, director of the Transformation Life Center, soon responded. "We understand your concern however, we've had a very positive response to the Ticket sell and no negative response," Budd wrote to Belden-Adams, according to an image of the exchange. "We believe in the Second Amendment and the First Amendment. For some, there would never be a right time to raffle any fire arm. We respect your concern and message." Belden-Adams wrote back: "Dear Pastor Budd, I also respect your response and support of the Second Amendment, just as you respect my right to raise these concerns. Some of us who strongly support your philanthropic cause and religious views were alienated by the raffle's political position (whether or not intended), and the use of children to approach people to sell raffle tickets to win AR-15s." She has not yet received a reply. Neither Budd nor the Oasis Church responded to requests for comment Sunday afternoon. It's not the first time that a gun giveaway has drawn criticism for its timing. In June 2016, Tennessee state Rep. Andy Holt planned to give away an AR-15 as the door prize at one of his fundraisers - before a gunman opened fire at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, with an assault rifle, killing 49 people in what was then considered the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history. Despite calls to cancel his gun door prize, Holt doubled down, literally, by saying he would give away two AR-15s instead. "I'm sick and tired of the media and liberal politicians attacking our right to keep and bear arms," Holt wrote on Facebook then. "I'll do everything I can to ensure the 2nd Amendment is protected and people are equipped to exercise their innate right to self-defense." And in July 2016, days after a gunman ambushed five Dallas police officers, killing them all with an AR-15 rifle, an Oregon pastor was surprised to see a local girls softball team raffling off the same type of weapon to raise money to travel to a tournament. The Rev. Jeremy Lucas told The Washington Post then that he decided to spend $3,000 in church funds so he could win the raffle - and then have the rifle destroyed. "If nothing else, I know that there is one AR-15 that will never be used to hurt anyone in law enforcement, a child in a classroom, people going to a holiday party, by a veteran experiencing PTSD to take their own life," Lucas said. "This particular gun will never be used for that, and that's worth a lot more than $3,000 to me." Oxford residents Ellen Foster and her husband, Bob Dalton, said they briefly considered doing something similar after spotting a poster for the AR-15 raffle at a different grocery store. Though they keep guns in their house and grew up hunting, they said the timing of the raffle, so soon after Vegas, was jarring to them. "We thought about buying raffle tickets and turning the gun over to the ATF," Foster told The Post, referring to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Ultimately, they said, they will buy tickets to the fish fry but not for the raffle. There, Dalton plans to ask the ministry's leadership why it couldn't have raffled off something else in light of the tragedy in Las Vegas. "I've seen most of my life where organizations will raffle off a hunting rifle or a shotgun, which is all really anybody needs. But this is kind of unusual," Dalton said. "My guess is poor judgment. . . . Those types of weapons sell very well here. I understand why they did it. I wouldn't have made that choice." No law could have thwarted last week's massacre in Las Vegas, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee said Sunday. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., a longtime advocate of stricter gun laws and author of the 1993 assault weapons ban, said the shooter, Stephen Paddock, legally acquired the arsenal he used to carry out the attack. Asked by CBS' "Face the Nation" host John Dickerson whether any law could have stopped him, Feinstein said, "No. He passed background checks registering for handguns and other weapons on multiple occasions." The National Rifle Association ventured into unfamiliar territory last week when it endorsed new restrictions on a device that accelerated gunfire in the Las Vegas massacre. But leaders of the gun lobby signaled Sunday they may draw a line at writing those restrictions into law. "If we could legislate morality, we would have done it long ago," Wayne LaPierre, the NRA's executive vice president and chief executive, said in an interview on CBS' "Face the Nation." Instead, LaPierre said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives should review the matter. "I think you want to tell ATF to do its job. It's an interpretive issue, and they need to get the job done," he said. The device, known as a bump stock, remained obscure until the Las Vegas shooting, for which Stephen Paddock fitted them on at least a dozen of the 23 firearms in his hotel room. The accessories helped him fire semiautomatic weapons with a rapidity approaching that of a fully automatic gun. His assault from the 32nd floor window of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino left 58 dead and hundreds injured in a matter of minutes. Some rare bipartisan interest in a new gun restriction has emerged in the wake of Paddock's attack, with lawmakers from both parties endorsing tighter controls on bump stocks. And the NRA lent weight to the effort last Thursday, releasing a statement from LaPierre and Chris Cox, executive director of the group's Institute for Legislative Action, calling for "additional regulations" on accessories that allow semiautomatic rifles to mimic fully automatic ones. But despite Democrats' apparent willingness to restrict the legislation to the bump stock ban, the NRA and some in Congress think the issue can be addressed without legislation if ATF reversed rulings made during the Obama administration that confirmed the devices were legal. On Sunday, Cox stopped short of calling for a complete prohibition. "We don't believe that bans have ever worked on anything," he said on "Fox News Sunday." "What we've said has been very clear, that if something transfers a semiautomatic to function like a fully automatic, then it ought to be regulated differently. Fully automatics are regulated differently in this country." Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said no Republicans have signed on as co-sponsors to a bill she is proposing that would ban the sale, transfer and manufacture of bump stocks, trigger cranks and other accessories that can accelerate a semiautomatic rifle's rate of fire. "Regulations aren't going to do it. We need a law," Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said on "Face the Nation." "It can't be changed by another president. Right now we're seeing one president change actions of a president that came before him. And that would happen in this area. And I would hope that Americans will step up and say 'Enough is enough. Congress, do something.' " LaPierre suggested that Feinstein, who wrote the 1993 assault weapons ban, was seeking to use the issue as cover for a broader rollback of gun rights and "turn this all into some Christmas tree on the Hill where she brings all her anti-gun circus she's been trying to for years into this." Feinstein rejected that characterization as "just plan wrong. This is written in clean English. You can take a look at it. It's a two-page bill. It does not take anyone's gun." She said her proposal has attracted Republican interest. Appearing on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said he also supported a ban on the accessories, whether it was through legislation or regulations. "However that gets fixed, I support," he said. And in the House last week, Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., announced that he will be introducing a bill aimed at bump stocks and said he had been "flooded" with requests from other Republicans who want to back it. That could put some Republican lawmakers at odds with the powerful gun group. The NRA's Cox, appearing on "Fox News Sunday," called on ATF to take up the matter - and stopped short of supporting a complete prohibition on the devices. "We don't believe that bans have ever worked on anything," he said. Sen. Chris Murphy - a Democrat from Connecticut who emerged after the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School as a leading advocate of tighter gun laws - said Sunday that he would support a "clean bill" focused exclusively on banning the devices. Speaking on "State of the Union," he said that Congress needed to act in the wake of the Las Vegas massacre, and that the ban of the bump stock devices was an important first step. "You have to walk before you run," he said. NORWALK The fire departments marine unit help rescue a stranded 56-year-old Hungtington, N.Y., on Greens Ledge Lighthouse Sunday morning. According to the Norwalk Fire Department, at 11:38 a.m. Sunday, Norwalk combined dispatch received a call from the Coast Guard reporting the stranded man. The Suffolk County, N.Y., police department marine unit located the male and, with assistance from the Norwalk Fire Department, brought him ashore so that he could receive medical treatment for hypothermia. The man was conscious and alert and was able to speak about what happened. According to the fire department, the man had left on his kayak from Oyster Bay, N.Y. around 5 p.m. Saturday. At that time, he had told his roommate that he would return in a couple of hours. Sunday morning, the roommate discovered that he hadnt returned and reported him missing. Reportedly, the mans kayak had started taking on water and then drifted towards the Connecticut shore where the man become stranded on Greens Ledge Lighthouse around midnight. He was able to pull himself onto the lighthouse and spent the night there until his rescue. Weather conditions at the time of the rescue were rainy 73 degrees Fahrenheit, and water temperatures were approximately in the mid-60s. BJP chief Amit Shah launched a fierce attack on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the ruling CPM government in the state for alleged killings of BJP-RSS workers. By India Today Web Desk: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah today led the Delhi leg of the party's Jana Raksha Yatra to protest against the alleged killings of RSS-BJP men in Kerala by the ruling CPM. Launching a fierce attack on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Amit Shah said, "Communist Party should be ashamed, most murders took place in CM's area. Over 120 BJP-RSS workers (have been) killed since Communists came to power". advertisement The BJP chief, who was accompanied by the party's state unit head Manoj Tiwari during the Jana Raksha Yatra, accused human rights' organisations of bias and "selective protest". "The selective protest of human rights' champions exposes them. Why don't they take out candle marches against the Left," asked Amit Shah. Accusing the CPM of brutality, Amit Shah said, "Life can be taken with a bullet, but bodies of our workers were chopped to pieces to instill fear. Even then, we are not scared of sacrifice". Amit Shah had kicked off the 15-day Jana Raksha Yatra in Kerala on October 3 from Payyannur in Kannur district. In Kerala, the BJP chief attacked the Vijayan government and said that whenever the Left Front came to power in the state, it had set off a cycle of violence. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also participated in the Jana Raksha Yatra in Kerala and said that love jihad is a reality in Kerala. "Kerala has not taken effective steps to control it. Hadiya case itself is an evidence of love jihad," he said. The CPM, on its part, invited the Uttar Pradesh chief minister to Kerala with a sarcastic tweet: "We invite UP CM Yogi to visit Kerala Hospitals to learn how to run Hospitals effectively". The Jana Raksha Yatra, a show of strength by the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is aimed at highlighting the political violence of the CPM against their cadres. In the Delhi leg of the Jana Raksha Yatra, all state office bearers and party's national office bearers will join a 2-km walk from Connaught Place to the CPM office. ALSO WATCH: Amit Shah in Kerala: BJP president flags off Jan Raksha Yatra from Kannur --- ENDS --- WASHINGTON - Sen. Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and an early supporter of Donald Trump's candidacy, said Sunday that the White House had devolved into "an adult day care center" and warned that President Trump's behavior is setting the nation "on the path to World War III." Corker's comments, first made via Twitter and later in an interview with the New York Times, came in response to an extraordinary feud instigated by Trump and marked the sharpest rebuke of this president by a senior Republican officeholder. "He concerns me," Corker told the Times. "He would have to concern anyone who cares about our nation." He added, "I know for a fact that every single day at the White House, it's a situation of [senior administration officials] trying to contain him." The explosive comments not only breach what had been one of Trump's few personal relationships on Capitol Hill, but also jeopardize the president's legislative priorities. As chairman of the foreign relations panel, Corker, Tenn., will help determine the future of the Iran nuclear deal, and his support will be critical in passing broad tax cuts. Trump alleged Sunday morning in a Twitter tirade that Corker recently "begged" him for his endorsement, did not receive it and decided to retire because he "didn't have the guts" to run for reelection next year. Corker tweeted a biting retort: "It's a shame the White House has become an adult day care center. Someone obviously missed their shift this morning." Meanwhile, Corker's chief of staff, Todd Womack, denied Trump's characterization of his private conversations with the senator, who announced last month that he plans to retire and not seek reelection in 2018. Trump's outburst comes after Corker made headlines last week when he starkly suggested that the administration's national security team provides the president with badly needed adult supervision. Corker told reporters that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly "are those people that help separate our country from chaos." Trump, who has little tolerance for public criticism and prides himself on counterpunching those who cross him, took to Twitter on Sunday to attack Corker. Trump tweeted: "Senator Bob Corker 'begged' me to endorse him for re-election in Tennessee. I said 'NO' and he dropped out (said he could not win without . . . my endorsement). He also wanted to be Secretary of State, I said 'NO THANKS.' He is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal! Hence, I would fully expect Corker to be a negative voice and stand in the way of our great agenda. Didn't have the guts to run!" Womack said Trump has repeatedly offered to support Corker, and as recently as last week asked the senator to change his mind and run for reelection. "The president called Senator Corker on Monday afternoon and asked him to reconsider his decision not to seek reelection and reaffirmed that he would have endorsed him, as he has said many times," Womack said in a statement. Apparently unwilling to let Corker's "adult day care center" barb be the last word, Trump tweeted Sunday afternoon that Corker was an ineffective senator and could not "get the job done." "Bob Corker gave us the Iran Deal, & that's about it," Trump tweeted. "We need HealthCare, we need Tax Cuts/Reform, we need people that can get the job done!" In a 25-minute telephone interview with the Times, Corker questioned Trump's fitness for office and said that the president's recklessness is endangering the country - an assessment he said was shared by most other Senate Republicans. "Look, except for a few people, the vast majority of our caucus understands what we're dealing with here," Corker told the Times. He added, "Of course, they understand the volatility that we're dealing with and the tremendous amount of work that it takes by people around him to keep him in the middle of the road." Corker, who is one of Tillerson's few confidants and staunch defenders in Washington, criticized a Trump tweet last weekend that undercut Tillerson's negotiations with North Korea. A lot of people think that there is some kind of 'good cop, bad cop' act underway, but that's just not true," Corker told the Times. He added, "I know [Trump] has hurt, in several instances, he's hurt us as it relates to negotiations that were underway by tweeting things out." The squabble comes just days before Trump is expected to "decertify" the Iranian nuclear pact reached with world powers in 2015 and punt to Congress a decision about whether to restore sanctions against Iran. This would be the first in a series of highly orchestrated steps that White House, State Department and congressional officials - primarily Corker, as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee - have been planning for months. Corker has been one of Tillerson's few allies and staunch defenders in Washington, working closely on such issues as toughening sanctions on Russia and engaging North Korea diplomatically - two issues on which Trump has disagreed with Corker. Corker also looks to play a key role in the upcoming debate over taxes. One of the Senate's most committed deficit hawks and outspoken members on budgetary issues, Corker already has expressed concerns with the Trump administration's proposal on tax cuts, and his vote will be key to any deal getting done. Trump's attack also highlighted his increasingly strained relationship with Senate Republicans, who Trump feels have failed to deliver on his agenda. In recent months, Trump has also gone after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Ky., and Sens. Lindsey Graham, S.C., John McCain, Ariz., and Jeff Flake, Ariz., with cutting and sometimes personal insults. Republican lawmakers and operatives have voiced exasperation that Trump is spending his time attacking senators he will need as allies if he hopes to sign any signature legislation. "The Corker-Trump side show, which is all it is, is great if you love reality TV," GOP strategist Rick Tyler said. "We can stay tuned for the next episode. But it doesn't get you anywhere. It may feel satisfying, but it is meaningless in the context of Republicans proving that they can be a governing majority." Corker was a prominent supporter of Trump's 2016 campaign and one of the few Republicans with gravitas willing to embrace the reality television star's candidacy before he won the GOP nomination. Corker publicly praised Trump's first major foreign policy speech in April 2016, at a time during the primaries when most other party elders were shunning Trump. Corker also helped tutor Trump on foreign affairs, and he in turn considered the senator as a possible running mate and secretary of state. Both Trump and Corker entered politics after careers as business executives, both in real estate and construction, and their shared backgrounds gave them a level of mutual understanding at a time when few in Congress can claim to understand the president's motivations. Corker was one of only a few senators to develop a personal relationship with Trump and his family. Known for his blunt commentary, Corker had long softened any public criticism of Trump or his administration with carefully worded praise. But that changed this past summer, as tensions between the men flared. In August, Corker criticized Trump's handling of the deadly white-supremacist rally in Charlottesville, saying, "The president has not yet been able to demonstrate the stability nor some of the competence that he needs to demonstrate in order to be successful." Then, as now, Corker became a subject of Trump's ire. In response to the senator's "stability" and "competence" comments, Trump tweeted, "Tennessee not happy!" Trump later gave Corker grief about the comment during a meeting in the Oval Office, according to a Republican congressional official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the private conversations. But the episode did not seem to derail what was generally a good-natured relationship between the two. When Corker later called Trump to tell him that he had decided to retire - a decision Corker made on his 65th birthday, Aug. 24 - the president expressed disappointment, the congressional official said. More recently, Trump has fumed over Corker's tangential connection to last month's Alabama Senate Republican primary runoff election, in which Trump's favored candidate, Sen. Luther Strange, was defeated by former judge Roy Moore, who enjoys the backing of many of Trump's supporters in the state. Corker urged Trump to visit Alabama and campaign alongside Strange in the closing days of the runoff campaign, and the president now partly blames Corker for encouraging him to get involved in a contest that has hurt his political standing, according to a person close to Trump and familiar with the dynamics. Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget, said Sunday that he thinks Corker feels free to speak his mind now that he is not seeking reelection. "I think it's going to be fun to work with him, especially now that he's announced that he's not running for reelection, because I think it sort of unleashes him to do whatever and say whatever he wants to say," Mulvaney said on NBC's "Meet the Press." The debate for sensible gun laws erupted this week after Sunday night's mass shooting in Las Vegas. While it may be impossible to tell how many of the 59 individuals who died from automatic gunfire would have been spared by stricter regulations, when tracking gun violence on a mass scale, the data is clear: more guns means more deaths. San Antonio police are searching for a missing juvenile who was last seen Wednesday on the far Northwest Side. Alex Champ Saldivar, 14, was last seen in a neighborhood on the 7200 block of Enchanted Flame Street, which is near Loop 1604 between Bandera and Culebra roads. SAN ANTONIO -- A woman was struck by a train Sunday morning after passing out on tracks on the Northeast Side, according to police. The incident happened at about 5:30 a.m. near Walzem Road and Interstate 35. Police at the scene said the woman suffered serious injuries to her head and legs and was taken to Brooke Army Medical Center in critical condition. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 1 of 5 Alexandro M. Luna Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Alexandro M. Luna Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Alexandro M. Luna Show More Show Less 5 of 5 Police are searching for multiple suspects after a man was shot near a convenience store on the West Side Saturday evening. San Antonio Police Lt. Dave Berrigan said a 40-year-old man was shot in the head on the corner of West Laurel and North Zarzamora streets around 6:45 p.m. According to the report, filings with Registrar of Companies (ROC) revealed that turnover of Jay's company Temple Enterprises rose 16,000 times after the election of Narendra Modi as prime minister. By India Today Web Desk: A day after news website The Wire published an investigative piece on the increase in the profits of a firm owned by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah's son, Jay Shah, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal today defended him by terming the report baseless. According to the report, filings with Registrar of Companies (ROC) revealed that turnover of Jay's company Temple Enterprises rose 16,000 times after the election of Narendra Modi as prime minister. advertisement Goyal, while talking to media persons today rubbished the allegations and said that all the transactions were made through banking channels adding that Jay's business was legitimate. Goyal pointed out that the article was a means to malign the reputation of Amit Shah. He said that Jay has decided to file a defamation and criminal suit of Rs 100 crore against the publication, reporter and editor. The Railways Minister said that every question was answered timely by Jay and added that loan taken from NBFC were paid full with interest. Meanwhile, downplaying the findings Goyal also said that Rs 80 crore was not a large amount in commodity business. According to the report, Jay suffered losses and decided to shut the company in October 2016. CONGRESS SLAMS BJP GOVERNMENT Earlier today, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal, while talking to the media persons took a jibe at the BJP government. He said that the change of power had also affected change in the fortunes of some people. Sibal alleged that the filings with ROC have revealed that the company owned by Amit Shah's son started making profits after Modi came to power in 2014. --- ENDS --- As an obstetrician/gynecologist, I followed with interest the discussion surrounding the San Antonio City Councils decision to provide funding for long-acting reversible contraception, or LARCs, for teenagers at risk of unintended pregnancy. We all want what is best for our teens emotional and physical health. Abstinence should be encouraged, because it is the only completely effective way to prevent pregnancy, avoid sexually transmitted infections, and escape the emotional consequences that may come with early sexual behavior. Yet, we should be aware that most young women do become sexually active during high school. Three out of 10 American women become pregnant by age 20. Half of all U.S. pregnancies (about 3 million a year) are unintended, and almost half of all unintended pregnancies are aborted. Unfortunately, many commonly used birth control methods are not very reliable, often because they are used inconsistently. In fact, about half of unintended pregnancies occur when a woman is using some method of contraception. If no contraception is used, there is an 85 percent likelihood of pregnancy within a year. Failure of condoms and other barrier methods ranges from 18 percent to 30 percent. User-dependent hormonal contraceptives (pills, patch and vaginal ring) have a failure rate of 9 percent in adult women and 13 percent in teenagers with typical use. Even the contraceptive shot has a failure rate of 6 percent. For teenagers who choose to become sexually active, we should encourage the most effective methods to prevent unintended pregnancies. Unlike user-dependent methods, long-acting reversible contraceptives (intrauterine devices or IUDs, and subdermal implants) do not depend on the users actions to be effective. Their failure rate is extremely low (0.5-3 out of 1,000). Large studies have shown that their use reduces the incidence of unintended pregnancies and abortions by up to 40 percent. Unfortunately, LARCs have been subject to rumors about their safety and the false assumption that their mechanism of action is abortion-inducing. Subdermal implants (which last three years) work by secreting progesterone into the bloodstream, which prevents release of an egg, and they create a mechanical barrier to the uterus. Levonorgestrel IUDs (which last three to five years) release progesterone locally and also form a mechanical barrier. The nonhormonal, copper IUD (which lasts 10 years) has a toxic effect on sperm, destroying them long before they can fertilize an egg. We know that these devices work to prevent fertilization, because if they did not and an embryo was formed, progesterone would slow the embryos movement through the tubes and result in frequent tubal pregnancies. Yet we rarely see tubal pregnancies in women using LARCs. This confirms the mechanism of action occurs before an egg is fertilized, not by disrupting the implantation of an embryo. The risks associated with these devices are far less than often assumed. They do not cause cancer or infertility, they can treat abnormal uterine bleeding, and they are safe for women who do not tolerate estrogen. The risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and damage to the uterus is less than 1 percent. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends them as a first-line contraceptive for teenagers, because they work so well to prevent unintended pregnancies. While we hope that teens postpone sexual activity until they are more mature, this is not the reality for many. Those on both sides of the abortion debate agree that it would be far better if unintended pregnancies did not occur so that abortion would not need to be considered. Let us help all sexually active teens have access to safe and reliable birth control methods, such as LARCs. These methods do not cause abortions. They prevent them. Ingrid Skop is a physician and a board member of Healthy Futures, which works to decrease births to teens, and of The Contraceptive Initiative, founded to promote the use of LARCs. The U.S. Supreme Court, in a Wisconsin case, is poised to make a historic ruling that could make extreme partisan gerrymandering unconstitutional. Texas, whose maps historically are challenged because of racial gerrymandering, should nonetheless pay close attention. For all intents and purposes, racial and political gerrymandering are the same things in this state. Questions asked during a hearing Tuesday in the case offer a glimmer of hope that the days of gerrymandering might be coming to an end or at least rendered more difficult to achieve. One question the court grappled with during the hearing: When does partisan gerrymandering drawing legislative districts to advantage a certain political party serve a valuable societal purpose? And the answer: Never. Legislators who get to pick their voters serve only what they value most re-election and keeping the reins of power in the hands of their party. Another question asked was whether there can be a standard courts can use to judge redistricting to have been a case of extreme political gerrymandering? And the answer to that is that any partisan gerrymandering is extreme. Moreover, an acceptable standard is remarkably simple to reach to determine when this has occurred. Its elements: Was partisan advantage the intent? Was partisan advantage the effect? And do the lines drawn defy such things as state geography? A lower court came up with this standard in this case. Justice Stephen Breyer added a few other worthy considerations during the hearing. Is there one-party control of the state? (Looking at you, Texas). And, according to a New York Times account of the hearing, is a map drawn that creates a persistent and unjustified partisan advantage that is an extreme outlier compared to other maps? Justice Anthony Kennedy reserved his tough questions for those defending a Wisconsin redistricting map that clearly gave partisan advantage to Republicans beyond their voter numbers in the state. This is an indication that he might be the fifth vote if the court splits 5-4 on the issue. The states GOP map drawers used sophisticated software to pack and crack packing voters likely to vote against them in other less numerous districts and others likely to vote for them in more districts. This involves cracking communities of interest and scattering them into districts to the advantage of Republicans. The good news: The same kind of software tools can be used to achieve fair redistricting. Texas should pay attention because, here, racial and political gerrymandering are virtually indistinguishable. Yes, the states GOP legislators draw the maps to keep Democrats from wielding too much power, but that also has the effect of denying fair representation to the states minority voters, who tend to vote Democratic. So, as courts have ruled, intentional discrimination occurred, a violation of the Voting Rights Act and the Constitution. This case is headed to the Supreme Court. But the ruling we hope for in the Wisconsin case is likely to affect Texas in any case. Ideally, that ruling should be that partisan gerrymandering extreme or not always violates the equal protection clause in the Constitution. This, we hope, will pave the way for independent redistricting commissions in Texas and throughout the country. A woman from Chief Marange, Bocha has been arrested after she was caught at a Lebaneses place of residence in Mutare intending to sell 10 carats of diamonds. Happiness Chikwenje was nabbed at Ali Sleiman Ahmads house where the police were carrying out a raid. Chikwenje arrived at the scene after the police had recovered a diamond detecting machine and $15 500 suspected to be proceeds from illegal diamond dealing. Ahmad, 63, is suspected to be one of the culprits who allegedly financed Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) officials to steal gold and replace it with fake pieces to conceal the offence. The syndicate included security guards, CCTV operators and diamond sorters among other officials. Chikwenje and Ahmad appeared before Harare magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa last Saturday. The two were released on $1 000 bail each and are expected back in court on January 22. The other four accomplices are already on remand. Court heard Ahmad was smuggling diamonds to Mozambique through Forbes boarder post. His house was raided after the police received a tip to the effect that diamonds were being stolen at ZCDC. It is alleged that while they were conducting a search at his house, Chikwenje called Ahmad informing him that she was selling diamonds. Chikwenje was then lured to Ahmads place unaware that it was a trap. She was subsequently arrested after 10, 8 carats of diamond was discovered in her bra. Linda Gadzikwa appeared for the state. New Zimbabwe Breaking News via Email A Gweru woman died after she was struck on the head with a hoe handle by her husband who allegedly caught her with another man in their bedroom. Innocent Mujakachi (37), according to sources, found his wife Solani Hlanganiso in bed with another man when he attacked her and left her unconscious. She was rushed to hospital where she later succumbed to the injuries she sustained from the attack, said a source. Acting police spokesperson for Midlands province Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed Hlanganisos death while on admission at Gweru Provincial Hospital last Sunday. She said police have since launched a manhunt for the suspected husband, who is still at large. I can confirm that police in Gweru are investigating a murder case in which a 37-year-old woman, Solani Hlanganiso died after she was attacked with a hoe handle by her husband after he found her with an identified guest in their house, she said. Asst Insp Mukwende said Mujakachi left home on December 23 during the night, saying he was going to Shurugwi, but later came back that same night only to find his wife with an unidentified man in their bedroom. On 23 December, 2017 at around 9.30 pm, the now deceased was home alone after her husband indicated that he was going to Shurugwi. She then went to see her niece at her parents home who had visited from Harare. She returned home in the company of an unidentified male guest, said Asst Insp Mukwende. Mujakachi suddenly returned home and found Hlanganiso with her guest. He picked up a log and attempted to strike the unidentified guest, but Hlanganiso restrained him, giving the guest a chance to escape. Mujakachi then took a hoe handle and used it to attack his wife. He fled the scene, leaving her unconscious. Asst Insp Mukwende said a fellow tenant later made a report to the police. Police attended the scene and Hlanganiso was taken to the hospital, but later died while on admission on Sunday 30 December 2017, she said. Herald Breaking News via Email Teagasc and Glanbia Ireland are holding an Open Day for dairy farmers on the Kildalton Open Source Sustainable Demonstration Farm on Thursday, October 19, from 10am to 2pm. The dairy unit at the Teagasc Kildalton Agricultural College, Piltown, Co Kilkenny, is a showcase for sustainable dairying which has been set up in a joint initiative between Teagasc and Glanbia Ingredients Ireland (GII). The farm demonstrates the best sustainable management practices that will deliver social, economic and environmental benefits on Irish dairy farms. The most valuable markets for Irish milk are demanding dairy products that are produced using sustainable systems that can be independently verified. The Teagasc Kildalton farm is helping to boost the sustainability of Irish dairy farming by benchmarking the key sustainability indicators of the unit and identifying opportunities to improve performance. Lessons learned are being passed on to dairy farmers to help improve their profitability and environmental performance. At the Open Day on October 19, the key components of sustainable dairying will be explained and demonstrated by leading researchers and advisors from Teagasc and the Advisory teams from Glanbia Ireland. Ways to meet the challenges of achieving high production, good environmental protection, high animal welfare, a good work/life balance and a good living, will be presented and discussed with farmers at the Open Day. Glanbia Ireland CEO Jim Bergin said that Glanbia recognises and actively uses Irelands advantages in sustainability as a key point of difference in global dairy markets. Through Origin Green and the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme Audits Glanbia Ireland is actively proving to customers the sustainability credentials of our milk suppliers dairy products. At Kildalton, Teagasc aims to continuously improve the sustainability of the dairy farm seeking new opportunities to improve performance in practical and financially sound ways. The Carbon Navigator and the Nutrient Management Plan are both tools that point to how to improve performance and economic returns. Commenting on the current sustainability status of Irish farming, Ger Shortle, Teagasc and joint project leader said: Fortunately Ireland is starting from a relatively good sustainability position, however, we need to up our game to meet the challenges created by the expected doubling of global food demand by 2050. The Kildalton Sustainable Dairy Farm Open Day will show farmers how to go about tackling the challenges. The Kildalton Open Source Sustainable Demonstration Farm will play a central role in supporting the Irish dairy sector in reaching its sustainability goals and is a valuable resource for the dairy sector. For more information on the Kildalton Open Source Sustainable Demonstration Farm visit https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/sustainability-/kildalton-sustainable-demonstration-farm/ Among the new arrivals are large numbers of children, many of them unaccompanied or separated from their families. They arrive exhausted, hungry and usually with nothing more than clothes on their back. By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: Around 2,000 Rohingyas are arriving in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh everyday. A press release of International Organization for Migration (IOM) said, the new arrivals has brought the total number of Rohingyas to cross into Bangladesh at around 515,000. Observers believe that as many as 100,000 more people may be waiting to cross into Cox's Bazar from North Rakhine's Buthidaung Township. Many of the Rohingyas arrive in Teknaf - Cox's Bazar's southernmost upazila - but then move north to Ukhiya and then towards vast, teeming makeshift settlements of Kutupalong, Balukhali and neighboring satellite sites. advertisement They arrive exhausted, hungry and usually with nothing more than clothes on their back. They walk for days and brave dangerous water bodies. Many show signs of malnutrition. On Thursday, Nunavet, 70, walked aimlessly through Kutupalong, tired and in desperation. The frail, skeletal old lady was hungry. Her face, etched with deep wrinkles, spoke not just of fatigue, but of a life of hardship endured over the years. Overcoming the language barrier, she mumbled through her ailments, pointing to her empty stomach, aching back and sore feet. IOM, the UN Migration Agency, this week appealed to the international community to provide USD 120 million aid for Rohingyas who have flooded into Cox's Bazar over the past six weeks. It aims to target 450,000 individuals (90,000 households) over the next six months. The IOM appeal is part of a broader humanitarian response plan seeking USD 434 million to help 1.2 million people, including the Bangladeshi host community. 29 METRIC TONNES OF MALAYSIAN RELIEF ARRIVES The Malaysian government sent 29 metric tonnes of relief materials for the Rohingyas in Bangladesh on Saturday. A Malaysian cargo flight carrying relief materials arrived at Chittagong Shah Amanat International Airport this morning. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Habibur Rahman received the relief materials from Malaysian High Commission Official Ibrahim Jurry Bin Mohammad Younus, district administration sources said. The humanitarian assistance would be distributed among the refugees who are encamped in hundreds of shelters of bordering points of Ukhia, Teknaf and Naikkhanchari upazilas by Bangladesh Army, the sources added. Earlierm too, the Malaysian government had sent 12 metric tonnes of relief material on September 9. UNHCR APPEALS FOR $84 MILLION AID United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee - UNHCR, is urgently seeking USD 83.7 million in additional funds for the next six months to help more than half a million Rohingyas in Bangladesh. The emergency assistance is focused on Rohingya protection, shelter, water and sanitation and bolstering the capacity of the local host communities across south-east Bangladesh. "Relieving dramatic overcrowding in the two existing camps - Kutupalong and Nayapara - which are now twice their population prior to the latest crisis - is also a priority, not least as Rohingya numbers are still growing," said UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic at a press briefing in Geneva, according to the state own news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha. advertisement Among the new arrivals are large numbers of children, many of them unaccompanied or separated from their families. More than half the new arrivals are women, including mothers with small children or infants. There are also many elderly and people with disabilities. "Illness, injuries and trauma as a result of extreme violence, torture and sexual abuse exacerbate the hardships. Many have lost family, relatives and friends. BSS reported that, The UNHCR spokesman also said in addition to protection, shelter and sanitation work in south-east Bangladesh, the UN Refugee Agency have so far organised five airlifts, flying in some 500 metric tonnes of aid. UNHCR's supplementary appeal is meant to meet urgent additional requirements from September 2017, through to February 2018, said Andrej Mahecic. Also Watch : RSS chief Bhagwat on Rohingya: Humanitarian view at cost of one's security is not good. --- ENDS --- advertisement At the Cashel Playground Development Cooking Demo ticket launch held last Friday. Back: Anne Marie Clifford, Environment Section, Tipperary Co Co, Darren Ryan - Chairperson Playground Committee, Cllr. Michael Fitzgerald - Cathaoirleach Cashel Tipperary District Council, Raymie Adcock - Manager Morrisseys SuperValu, Mary Newman - Playground Committee, Cllr. Martin Browne -Playground Committee, and John O Donoghue - Treasurer Playground Committee. Front: Aidan Hynes - Playground Committee, Danny Pledger - SuperValu, Denise ODonoghue - Fundraising Committee, Claire OGrady - SuperValu, Martha OConnor - Fundraising Committee and Aine Knightly - Asst Secretary Playground Committee. Tickets are on sale for the tastiest event this year - the Cashel Playground Development Cooking Demo! Tickets for the Kevin Dundon Cooking Demo in aid of Cashel Playground Development are now available to buy following the launch last Friday in Morrisey's SuperValu. The event takes place on November 17, in Halla na Feile, Cashel, at 8pm and is preceded by a prosecco reception at 7pm. The Environment Section of Tipperary County Council have very kindly agreed to sponsor this event as part of the Reuse Month being organised by Zero Waste Cashel. Morrisey's SuperValu Cashel are also sponsors of the event which will help raise funds for the much needed playground development. Local artisan food producers will be in attendance with samples and products for sale. Celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon will have a theme of 'entertaining made easy and creative ways to reuse leftovers' with plenty of tips on how to avoid food waste on the night. Anne Marie Clifford of the Environment Section, Tipperary County Council said "On average, we in Ireland are throwing away 1/3 of the food we buy amounting to 700. Think of what an average family could spend this money on? Some of this is because of wastage on the plate and some of this is because the food has gone off. However, some of this is because we are throwing out perfectly good produce based on the expiry date printed on the lid." With Christmas not too far after the event this will be a great opportunity to learn some new recipes for entertaining over the holiday period while supporting a very worthwhile initiative. Tickets cost 20 and are available to buy in SuperValu, at the Zero Waste Cashel office at 67 Main St. and from any committee member. Facebook and Google once aimed to connect the world. Now they would be happy just to reconnect part of it. In the wake of Hurricane Maria, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg pledged to send a "connectivity team" to help restore communications in ravaged Puerto Rico. Google parent company Alphabet offered to send its Wi-Fi balloons. They were among several tech companies proposing disaster response ideas, most aimed at getting phone and internet service up and running. Some of these plans, of course, are more aspirational than others. BATTERY POWER Tesla CEO Elon Musk often takes to Twitter to mull over ideas, but on Friday his musings about sending his company's solar-powered batteries to help restore Puerto Rico's power attracted the attention of the island's governor. "Let's talk," said Gov. Ricardo Rossello in a Friday tweet. Musk agreed. Hours later, he announced he was delaying the unveiling of Tesla's new semi-truck and diverting resources, in part to "increase battery production for Puerto Rico and other affected areas." The need for help in restoring power and communication after Hurricane Maria is great: The Puerto Rican energy authority reported Saturday that about 88 percent of the island is still without power. The Federal Communications Commission said Saturday that 82 percent of cell sites remain out in Puerto Rico; 58 percent are out of service in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FCC's daily status report also shows significant wireline, TV and radio outages remain in both U.S. territories. The agency formed a task force this week and approved an advance of $77 million to support carriers working to restore telecommunications services. VAGUE PROMISES But many offers of help from big companies remain somewhat vague. Google parent company Alphabet has proposed launching balloons over the island to bring Wi-Fi service to hard-to-reach places, as it has in other parts of the world. The FCC announced Saturday that it's approved an experimental license for Project Loon to operate in Puerto Rico. But that doesn't mean it will able to get them in the air anytime soon. "We're grateful for the support of the FCC and the Puerto Rican authorities as we work hard to see if it's possible to use Loon balloons to bring emergency connectivity to the island during this time of need," said Libby Leahy, a spokesman for Alphabet's X division. But there are limitations, she said Saturday. "To deliver signal to people's devices, Loon needs be integrated with a telco partner's network the balloons can't do it alone," she said, adding that the company is "making solid progress on this next step." COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS Cisco Systems has sent a tactical team and says it is working with local government, emergency responders and service providers to facilitate restoration and recovery efforts. The company, along with Microsoft and others, backs the NetHope consortium, which specializes in setting up post-disaster communication networks and has field teams now operating in Puerto Rico and several other Caribbean islands. "Communication is critical during a disaster," Zuckerberg said after the hurricane hit, announcing that employees from his company's connectivity team the same group working to build high-altitude drones that can beam internet service down to Earth were heading to Puerto Rico. But with its aircraft still in the testing phase, the company said Friday that the engineers it's sent to Puerto Rico are focused on providing support to NetHope's teams. SMALLER ORGANIZATIONS Much of the ground work is being spearheaded by nonprofit organizations and small firms with expertise in rural or emergency communications. Lexington, Massachusetts-based Vanu Inc., which sets up wireless communications networks in rural parts of the United States, Africa and India, is sending dozens of its small, solar-powered cellular base stations to volunteer crews on the ground in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Aid workers are pairing Vanu's devices with other technology, such as inflatable satellite antennas. After setting up a network on the island of Vieques, off the main island of Puerto Rico, one team watched from a roof as local residents started getting text alerts from family members who had been trying to get in touch. "They noticed everyone in the plaza pulling their phones out," said CEO Vanu Bose. "You don't have to announce you've lit up coverage. People know right away." Ground was broken Friday on a $53 million, 110-unit affordable and market-rate housing development at Oakland's Coliseum BART station in a buoyant ceremony marked by cheers and three standing ovations. Coliseum Connections, a transit-oriented development, is being built just a stone's throw from the station, on the grounds of its former parking lot. The development is expected to be completed in Dec. 2018, according to Michael Johnson of UrbanCore Development, the project's developer. The project will include 55 units that will be affordable to households whose incomes fall between 50 and 60 percent of the area's median income. These rents will fall between $980 and $1,400 per month. The other 55 units will be market rate housing, renting for $1,800 to $2,200 a month. As BART trains whizzed past on tracks only about 100 feet away, a crowd of about 200 celebrated the development, a coup for the long-maligned neighborhood of the Coliseum known as "deep East Oakland." "The Bay Area is in a cost of living crisis," Mayor Libby Schaaf told the lively audience, which included Councilmembers Lynette Gibson McElhaney and Rebecca Kaplan, among other luminaries. "We need to build housing like this, not only to give people a great place to live but to get them off the freeways," Schaaf said, occasionally speaking over the sound of tooting BART horns. The star of the show was undoubtedly City Council President Larry Reid, who spearheaded the project, which is in his district, District 7. When he took the podium, Reid got a standing ovation, the first of three. In an interview, Reid said the project, which will be either town homes or flats with one or two bedrooms, is close to several modes of public transit. "This is a crown jewel," Reid said. "Amtrak, BART, AC Transit and (BART's) Airport Connector (to Oakland International Airport) all converge in one location." When Reid was first elected to the council in the 1990s, "it was known as the killing fields for African American youth," he told the audience. Now, Reid said, "aside from downtown Oakland and the Army base in West Oakland, the greatest opportunity for development is in my council district." Before construction began on the project, located on the site of the station's former parking lot, there were 160 parking spaces at the station, said Larry Gallegos, manager of neighborhood investment for the city. Presently there are 20 spaces in a small spit of land next to the old lot that the city bought from Union Pacific, he said. "When construction is completed, there will probably be 100 spaces" for BART riders, Gallegos said. Riders will follow the established procedure of paying for their spaces at the station, as they do at present. UrbanCore Development secured a $29 million construction loan commitment from Chase Bank, the largest chunk of funding. Additionally, $12 million in funding came from the City of Oakland, $1.25 million in subordinate debt from the Commonwealth Multi-Family Housing Corp., $10 million from the State Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program, $9.7 million in tax credit equity from the Royal Bank of Canada and $2.5 million from Alameda County. Hurricane Nate brought a burst of flooding and power outages to the U.S. Gulf Coast before weakening rapidly Sunday, sparing the region the kind of catastrophic damage left by a series of hurricanes that hit the southern U.S. and Caribbean in recent weeks. Nate the first hurricane to make landfall in Mississippi since Katrina in 2005 quickly lost strength, with its winds diminishing to a tropical depression as it pushed northward into Alabama and toward Georgia with heavy rain. It was a Category 1 hurricane when it came ashore outside Biloxi early Sunday, its second landfall after initially hitting southeastern Louisiana on Saturday evening. As of 2 a.m. ET Monday, the center of Nate was about 70 miles (115 km) east-northeast of Nashville. It had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 kph) and was moving north-northeast at 20 mph (32 kph). Nate was expected to continue dropping 1 to 3 inches of rain through Monday. The storm surge from the Mississippi Sound littered Biloxi's main beachfront highway with debris and flooded a casino's lobby and parking structure overnight. By dawn, however, Nate's receding floodwaters didn't reveal any obvious signs of widespread damage in the city where Hurricane Katrina had leveled thousands of beachfront homes and businesses. No storm-related deaths or injuries were immediately reported. Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant praised state and local officials and coastal residents for working together to avoid loss of life. Lee Smithson, director of the state emergency management agency, said damage from Nate was held down in part because of work done and lessons learned from Katrina. "If that same storm would have hit us 15 years ago, the damage would have been extensive and we would have had loss of life." Smithson said of Nate. "But we have rebuilt the coast in the aftermath of Katrina higher and stronger." Nate knocked out power to more than 100,000 residents in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Florida, but crews worked on repairs and it appeared many of the outages had been restored within 24 hours. As of Sunday evening, Alabama Power said it had electricity back to more than 64,000 customers and some 36,000 remained without power, while utilities and cooperatives in Mississippi said it had restored power to more than 21,000 customers. In Louisiana, there were scattered outages during the storm, while Florida Gov. Rick Scott said 6,800 customers had lost power in his state. Mississippi's Gulf Coast casinos got approval to reopen in midmorning after closing Saturday as the storm approached. Sean Stewart, checking on his father's sailboat at a Biloxi marina after daybreak, found another boat had sunk, its sail still fluttering in Nate's diminishing winds. Stewart was relieved to find his father's craft intact. "I got lucky on this one," he said. Before Nate sped past Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula late Friday and entered the Gulf of Mexico, it drenched Central America with rains that left at least 22 people dead. But Nate didn't approach the intensity of Harvey, Irma and Maria powerful storms that left behind massive destruction during 2017's exceptionally busy hurricane season. "We are thankful because this looked like it was going to be a freight train barreling through the city," said Vincent Creel, a spokesman for the city of Biloxi. The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency said the four hurricanes that have struck the U.S. and its territories this year have "strained" resources, with roughly 85 percent of the agency's forces deployed. "We're still working massive issues in Harvey, Irma, as well as the issues in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and now this one," FEMA Administrator Brock Long told ABC's "This Week." The federal government declared emergencies in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Nate initially made landfall Saturday evening in Louisiana, but fears that it would overwhelm the fragile pumping system in New Orleans proved to be unfounded. The storm passed to the east of New Orleans, and Mayor Mitch Landrieu lifted a curfew on the city known for its all-night partying. "Hurricane Nate had the potential to wreak havoc on Louisiana, but thankfully, we were largely spared major damage," Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a statement. In Alabama, Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier said he woke up around 3 a.m. Sunday to discover knee-deep water in his yard. Although some homes and cars on the island had flooded, Collier said he hadn't heard of anyone needing rescue. "We didn't think it would be quite that bad," he said. "It kind of snuck up on us in the wee hours of the morning." At landfall in Mississippi, the fast-moving storm had maximum sustained winds near 85 mph (140 kph), the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said. Nate steadily weakened after its first landfall in a sparsely populated area of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. Biloxi city employees worked before dawn to clear Highway 90, where sand, logs and even a large trash bin had been washed onto the four-lane, beachfront road. Despite the debris, there was little to no visible damage to structures. A handful of businesses had reopened before dawn, and the storm surge that washed across the highway had receded by 6 a.m. Mississippi DOT crews had to remove over 1,000 pumpkins blown onto Highway 90 in Pass Christian, west of Gulfport. Willie Cook, 75, spent his morning chopping down a pecan tree that fell in his backyard. He said Nate was nothing like Katrina, which pushed 8 feet (2.4 meters) of water into his east Biloxi house. "The wind was blowing, but it wasn't too rough," Cook said of Nate. Storm surge flooded the parking structure of the Golden Nugget casino and several others in Biloxi. Mississippi Emergency Management Agency spokesman Greg Flynn said about 1,100 people spent the night in shelters. "Thankfully, right now we have no major damage reports," he said. Hancock County Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Adam said Nate's storm surge flooded low-lying roads, but he hadn't heard any reports of flooded homes. "We turned out fairly good," he said as he prepared to survey neighborhoods. In Alabama, the storm flooded homes and cars on the coast and inundated at least one major road in downtown Mobile. At sunrise in Pensacola Beach, Florida, a small front-end loader scraped sand off a parking lot and returned it to the nearby beach. On Saturday night, about 6 inches of salt water began flowing through Anthony Perez's garage and a ground-level room of his Pensacola Beach condo along Santa Rosa Sound. The entire building was still surrounded by water on Sunday morning. "I went downstairs and said, 'Uh! There it is! It's already flowing through,'" Perez said. Officials rescued five people from two sailboats in choppy waters before the storm two people from a sailboat in Lake Pontchartrain and three who were in the water after a boat hit rocks in the Mississippi Sound. Associated Press writers Kim Chandler in Alabama, Michael Kunzelman in Baton Rouge, La., Brendan Farrington in Pensacola Beach, Fla., Kevin McGill in New Orleans, and AP photographer Gerald Herbert in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, contributed. Iran's official IRNA news agency is quoting the chief of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard as saying the U.S. should move its military bases farther from Iran's borders if it imposes new sanctions against Tehran. The Sunday report quotes Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari as saying: "If new sanctions go into effect, the country should move its regional bases to a 2000-kilometer radius, the range of Iranian missiles." Currently, U.S. military bases are located in countries neighboring Iran, less than 310 miles from Iran's borders. Jafari also said that if the United States designates the Guard as a terrorist group, the Guard will also consider the U.S. army a terrorist group. Revolutionary Guard troops are currently fighting the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. Kathleen Depp has spent countless hours filling out job applications online and emailing her resumes to companies who are hiring. The problem with that process, she said, is she isnt sure if anyone is even checking her qualifications or simply moving her resume to their junk folder. Depp joined thousands of others on Thursday at the Hartford Convention Center for Get Hired Hartford. The event, the largest job recruiting fair in the state, hosts nearly 80 companies with over 5,000 job openings. Theres more opportunities here, said Depp, of New Britain. Some companies that you dont know are out there even when you go on the internet and you try and Google certain things but you dont know which ones are out there. Its kind of like cold calling if you will. At least this way you get your face there with some of the people and hand them your resume and maybe they will remember you. Companies, both local and from out of state, took part in event. The Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut hosts the event NBC Connecticut is proud to be a partner. Organizers of the event worked to ensure there were opportunities for everyone. Local insurance companies, like Aetna and The Hartford saw some of the longest lines form at their booths. Popular nationwide companies like WalMart, Chilis Bar & Grill, Whole Foods and Home Depot were represented along with local organizations like the Hartford Yardgoats, CTTransit and Hartford Public Schools. This is one of the biggest job fairs I have ever been to, quite the variety, said Depp. There is something for everybody here. So hopefully a lot of us will get hired. Job seekers were able to walk up to booths and hand over their resumes in person, giving a smile and handshake that is lost when applying online. There is nothing like that one to one contact that you can have at a job fair where you can sell yourself and you can show them your resume and you can expand on your skill set, said Kathy Thompson of Watertown. Thompson is a veteran who is looking to put her unique military skills to work for a local company. On top of 5,000 jobs that were available, those attended were offered help with their resumes, free photo copies and a free professional headshot. Goodwill is happy to help anyone who is interested in employment. New college graduates, retirees, someone looking for a second job, anyone is welcome, Vicki Volpano, Goodwill president and CEO said. If you were missed the job fair, the Goodwill Career Center on New Park Ave. in Hartford offers many of the services that were available at the fair free of charge. White nationalist Richard Spencer led a demonstration Saturday night of tiki torch-wielding protesters in a Charlottesville, Virginia, park where a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee stands, police said. The group of about 50 walked into the park after arriving in a tour bus at about 7:40 p.m. and stayed for about 10 minutes, Charlottesville police said. The group chanted "you will not replace us" and "we will be back," video of the rally shows. Police said the group boarded their bus and left the city after the rally. No violence was reported, police said, but law enforcement in the city is working with other leaders to determine if legal action against the group can be taken. The rally comes less than two months after James Alex Fields Jr., 20, allegedly rammed his car into a crowd of anti-racist protesters in the city, killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer. The city shrouded the Lee statue after Heyer was killed, in a move intended to symbolize the city's mourning for her death. In a statement Sunday, the University of Virginia, which is located in Charlottesville condemned the rally, calling it "abhorrent." The University of Virginia strongly condemns the actions of Richard Spencer and the other racists and white supremacists who once again gathered in downtown Charlottesville on Saturday night," the statement read. "Their message of hate and bigotry and use of torches have one purpose: to further intimidate and divide our community. These forces of hate are not welcome here and their abhorrent behavior will not be tolerated." A Beverly Hills-based bank has paid $1.75 million to settle allegations that a bank it acquired facilitated embezzlement by failing to monitor transactions by a woman whom a prosecutor likened to the Bernie Madoff of campaign treasurers. Former Democratic campaign treasurer Kinde Durkee pleaded guilty to five counts of mail fraud in 2012 and was sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for defrauding high-profile clients, including U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, in a case that a judge said tampered with the electoral process. U.S. Attorney Phillip Talbert said Friday that Pacific Western Bank paid $1.75 million to resolve allegations that First California Bank, which PacWest acquired in 2013, facilitated Durkee's embezzlement by failing to properly monitor her accounts. The government said the bank ignored obvious warning signs that Durkee was stealing, allowing the fraud to continue. "People who commit white collar crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering often use the banking system to facilitate their crimes," Talbert said in a statement. Durkee acknowledged defrauding clients of more than $7 million, though prosecutors believe the figure was closer to $10.5 million, and she was ordered to make $10.5 million in restitution. She had little money remaining, though. Feinstein said she lost about $4.5 million in the scam that targeted dozens of other Democratic lawmakers and nonprofit political groups, including U.S. Reps. Loretta Sanchez and Laura Richardson; former state Sen. Lou Correa; former Assemblyman Jose Solorio; and political nonprofit groups such as the Los Angeles County Democratic Party. The U.S. attorney who prosecuted her, Benjamin Wagner, called Durkee "the Bernie Madoff of campaign treasurers," referring to the New York financial manager convicted of operating the largest Ponzi scheme in history. Wagner said Durkee's scheme relied on the trust of her victims, many of whom were her longtime clients. Prosecutors and Durkee's attorney, Daniel Nixon, said she ran the equivalent of a shell game from her Burbank office, shifting millions of dollars among bank accounts for politicians, community groups, personal accounts and those of her business. Authorities said she used the money to pay mortgages for her home and business, pay her employees, to care for her parents in a home for seniors and to buy some pleasure items such as season tickets to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Durkee remains jailed in a federal prison in Seattle. Her release date is listed as February 2020. The agency overseeing California's bullet train project recommended Friday that a U.S. subsidiary of a German rail company design and operate a train segment from the Central Valley to Silicon Valley in its early stages. The California High-Speed Rail Authority's board of directors will vote Oct. 19 on whether to approve a $30 million contract with DB Engineering & Consulting USA. It's the U.S. arm of rail giant Deutsche Bahn AG, which is owned by the German government. Chinese, Italian and Spanish companies also competed to lend California expertise in building the United States' first high-speed train. California's quest to connect Los Angeles to San Francisco in under three hours, a priority for Gov. Jerry Brown, has been plagued by repeated cost increases, delays and staff turnover. The agency has been searching for a new chief executive for months. The $64 billion project is now slated for completion by 2029. Construction is underway on a 32-mile segment between Madera and Fresno counties. The agency hopes bringing on a company with experience in the high-speed train industry will ensure the design phase and early operations of the train go smoothly. Deutsche Bahn operates more than 620,000 miles (1 million kilometers) of train tracks and transports 6.5 million rail passengers per day, according to its website. DB Engineering & Consulting has worked on rail projects across the globe, including in Europe, China and Australia, according to its website. If approved, DB Engineering will help design stations, thinking about needs such as parking and food. It will set up a ridership model and evaluate the best means of collecting revenue, from hiring ticket-collectors to allowing for mobile ticketing. It will also help the authority market and brand the rail project, according to the contract. The contract cost is $30 million over six years. Some rail board members questioned at a June meeting whether that price was realistic for the scope of the project. After the initial design phase, DB Engineering would help with track and train testing, and run the train in its early stages from the Central Valley to Silicon Valley. The state would then competitively bid again for a long-term operator, according to the contract. Deutsche Bahn did not immediately respond to a request for comment. By PTI: Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (PTI) In a shot in the arm for the ruling Biju Janata Dal in Odisha, chairperson, vice-chairperson and six Congress councillors of Barpali urban local body in Bargarh district today joined the BJD. BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik welcomed the Congress leaders, including Barpali Notified Area Council (NAC) chairperson Meena Seth and vice chairperson Pradyumna Tripathy, while inducting them into the ruling party at his residence here. advertisement The six councillors who joined the BJD were - Achyutananda Panda, Suchhi Behera, Aswini Parida, Gayatri Rout, Basanti Bhoi and Babita Rana. Voicing happiness over the development, Patnaik said "I welcome them into our party. Their joining will further strengthen the Biju Janata Dal." Induction of the Congress leaders from Barpali into BJD came around a fortnight after late Congress MLA Subal Sahus wife, Rita Sahu, and her family members including son Sumit joined the ruling party on September 23. The Chief Minister also named Rita Sahu as the official candidate of BJD for by-election for Bijepur assembly constituency in Bargarh district. The Bijepur seat fell vacant after the demise of three-time Congress MLA Subal Sahu. The date for the by-poll was, however, yet to be announced. Seth said it was late Subal Sahu who had brought her into politics and after his wife Rita Sahu joined the BJD, she also decided to follow her path. PTI SKN RG SNP --- ENDS --- On the one-year anniversary of the deaths of two Palm Springs officers killed in the line of duty, a pair of ceremonies Sunday renamed a four-mile stretch of Highway 111 in their honor and unveiled a memorial plaque at police headquarters. A sign dedicating Police Officer Jose 'Gil' Vega and Police Officer Lesley Zerebny Memorial Highway, which runs from Overture Drive to West San Rafael Drive, was unveiled in a ceremony at the Palm Springs Visitors Center, 2901 N. Palm Canyon Drive. The officers' names are being added to the police memorial in front of the station, joining Officer Lyle Wayne Larrabee, who died during a vehicle pursuit in 1962, and Officer Gale Gene Eldridge, who was fatally shot on Jan. 18, 1961, while investigating an armed robbery. "While we can never repay Officers Vega and Zerebny for their sacrifice, this memorial highway will honor their dedication to protecting the people of Palm Springs," said Assemblyman Chad Mayes, R-Yucca Valley, who proposed the highway dedication earlier this year. "I'm proud that California is giving these heroes the recognition they deserve." Vega and Zerebny were shot, along with another officer who survived, when they responded to a family disturbance call at the home of an ex-con who's facing double murder charges and other allegations that could see him getting the death penalty. Vega had been with the department for 35 years -- five years past his retirement eligibility -- and had planned to finish his career last December. He is survived by his wife, Susana, eight children, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Zerebny had been with the department for a year and a half and had just returned to duty from maternity leave after the birth of a daughter, Cora, four months before her death. She is also survived by her husband, Zachary. Lighting candles and leaving messages on the sidewalk, family and friends gathered Saturday night to remember two couples killed in a crash as police continued to search for a driver who may have been street racing. Four friends in their 20s, Denny Lomeli, Amanda Alfer, Lena Ammari and Martin Gomez, died in a fiery crash Friday about 11 p.m. in a crash police say might have been caused by street racing. Investigators say the car hit freeway speeds. Home security footage provided by police shows a black four-door sedan speed past Lassen Street around 11 p.m. "It's devastating," said Jocelyn Villarreal, a friend. "I feel for all of the families of all four of them. Investigators say the driver lost control, hit a light pole crashed into a tree and the car caught fire. The impact ripped apart a silver BMW. Friends say Gomez was behind the wheel and recently bought the car. "He was an amazing guy, like a brother, said warner Flores, who worked with Gomez and his twin brother at a local BMW dealership. "He was going to be a master technician." Is it time to say "arrivederci" to Christopher Columbus? A movement to abolish Columbus Day and replace it with Indigenous Peoples Day has gained momentum in some parts of the U.S., with Los Angeles in August becoming the biggest city yet to decide to stop honoring the Italian explorer and instead recognize victims of colonialism. Austin, Texas, followed suit Thursday. It joined cities, including San Francisco, Seattle and Denver, that had previously booted Columbus in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day. But the gesture to recognize indigenous people rather than the man who opened the Americas to European domination has also prompted howls of outrage from some Italian-Americans, who say eliminating their festival of ethnic pride is culturally insensitive, too. "We had a very difficult time in this country for well over a hundred years," said Basil Russo, president of the Order Italian Sons and Daughters of America. "Columbus Day is a day that we've chosen to celebrate who we are. And we're entitled to do that just as they are entitled to celebrate who they are." It's not about taking anything away from Italian-Americans, said Cliff Matias, cultural director of the Redhawk Native American Arts Council, which is hosting a "Re-Thinking Columbus Day" event Sunday and Monday in New York City. "The conversation is Columbus," he said. "If they're going to celebrate Columbus, we need to celebrate the fact that we survived Columbus." The debate over Columbus' historical legacy is an old one, but it became emotionally charged after a similar debate in the South over monuments to Confederate generals flared into deadly violence in August at a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. In Akron, Ohio, a September vote over whether to dump Columbus opened a racial rift on the city council that was so heated, conflict mediators were brought in to sooth tensions. [NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More In New York City, where 35,000 people are expected to march in Monday's Columbus Day parade, vandals last month doused the hands of a Christopher Columbus statue in blood-red paint and scrawled the words "hate will not be tolerated." Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed a committee to evaluate whether monuments to certain historical figures should be removed, prompting a backlash from fellow Italian-Americans who vowed to defend the Columbus statue that has stood over Manhattan's Columbus Circle for more than a century. Many Italians who migrated to the U.S. initially had a rough time. In 1891, 11 Italians were lynched in New Orleans by a mob that held them responsible for the death of a local police official. At the end of the 1800s, Italians began to link themselves more with Columbus. Italian-American businessman and newspaper owner Generoso Pope was among those who worked to get Columbus Day recognized as a federal holiday in 1937. "It was one of the things that would allow them to become Americans symbolically," said Fred Gardaphe, a professor of Italian-American studies at Queens College. Indigenous Peoples Day began to gel as an idea in advance of the 500th anniversary of Columbus' first voyage to the Americas. South Dakota began celebrating Native American Day on the second Monday of October in 1990. Berkeley, California, got rid of Columbus Day in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day in 1992. Many places that have adopted Indigenous People's Day since then, including Alaska, have sizable Native American populations. A few cities have compromised. Salt Lake City officials declared Tuesday that they would keep Columbus Day but celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day on the same day. In Akron, a city with few Native Americans and a large Italian-American community, an attempt to rename Columbus Day as Indigenous People's Day on Sept. 11 split the all-Democrat city council along racial lines. Five black members voted to rename the holiday and eight white members voted against it, following a debate that devolved into shouting. "The first voyage of Columbus to the Americas initiated the trans-Atlantic slave trade. It would lead to the kidnapping, deaths, and slavery of tens of millions of African people," said Councilman Russel Neal, who is black. But Councilman Jeff Fusco, who is Italian-American, said, "It's a celebration of Italian heritage. It's very similar to other days throughout the year that we celebrate for many other cultures." States and municipalities aren't legally bound to recognize federal holidays, though most do. Columbus Day is already one of the most inconsistently celebrated. Places that choose to replace it with Indigenous Peoples Day may give their own workers or schoolchildren a day off, teach in schools about Native Americans instead of Columbus, issue proclamations or mark it in other ways. There is no question that Columbus' arrival in the New World under the sponsorship of Spain was bad for the indigenous people of Hispaniola, the island he colonized that is now split between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Many of the native people of the island were forced into servitude. Multitudes died of disease. Spain repopulated the workforce with African slaves. Columbus is celebrated in Latin America, too. A massive monument to the explorer, the Columbus Lighthouse, opened in 1992 in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic. Puerto Rico commemorates Discovery Day on Nov. 19, marking the day Columbus landed there. Ralph Arellanes, chairman of the activist group Hispano Round Table of New Mexico, said that as a Hispanic, he supports Columbus Day. "It was the marriage of two peoples creating a new people, in a new land," he said. Though Columbus "wasn't a saint," he said, he believes Anglo-Americans like President Andrew Jackson should be held more responsible than the Spanish for the hardships Native Americans faced. Arellanes also said he doesn't understand why Italians claim Columbus for themselves when Columbus was sailing Dake Kang reported from Akron, Ohio. The Santa Clarita family of a man killed in the Las Vegas mass shooting has filed a lawsuit aimed at freezing the gunman's assets. John Phippen, 56, of Valencia was killed at the Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival on Sunday when 64-year-old Stephen Craig Paddock shot and killed 58 people and injured more than 500 others. The attorney for Phippen's family filed a lawsuit in Clark County, Nevada. It seeks to block Paddock's girlfriend, Marilou Danley, and his brother, Eric, as Paddock's rightful heirs. NBC News reports Paddock was a successful gambler, earning at least $5 million in 2015. "This is an action for the benefit of all the victims to preserve these assets," said the Phippens' attorney, Richard Patterson. Patterson says he plans to file suit against Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and its parent company, MGM Resorts International. He also said one other victim could be joining the lawsuit. "We hope that this doesn't happen again," Phippen's son, Nathan, told NBC4 News outside of the courthouse. "This is a terrible loss for not only our family, (but) the community and the world because we lost an amazing person." A motorcycle struck a man who was walking in Brooklyn early Saturday, police said. The pedestrian was found unconscious on Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York around 6:30 a.m., the NYPD said. He was taken to Jamaica Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the motorcycle was also hospitalized. Police said he was expected to survive his injuries. It wasn't clear who had the right of way, police said. The investigation is ongoing. ___ Correction: An earlier version of this story said the victim was a woman, citing police. The NYPD now says the victim is a man. Police are investigating an anonymous letter calling on a Pennsylvania day care center to fire a black worker because of her skin color. The Bridge 2 Creative Learning Center in Whitehall Township received an envelope Tuesday containing letters addressed to the owner and a worker, The (Allentown) Morning Call reported. The anonymous author purported to be a parent and suggested firing an unnamed worker because of her skin color. Township police chief Michael Marks said he has never seen a letter so offensive in his 20 years of police work, and whoever sent it could face harassment and ethnic intimidation charges. "It's disturbing. This is not something you want to see in your community," Marks said, adding that there have been no similar incidents reported in the township. "This is something we as a police department are going to take very seriously." Day care owner Dominique McKelley said she has several African-American staff members and students at the day care, which serves more than 130 children. She said security measures are already in place to protect children, but staff members are on added alert and are leaving the facility in pairs so no one is alone. McKelley said she was nervous about revealing it to the worker believed to be the target, and choked up recounting the experience, the newspaper said. "She started crying. She looked scared," McKelley said. "She said she was going to quit. But I convinced her to stay. This has gotten everyone here so fired up." McKelley said she doesn't believe a parent is responsible because the day care center established in 2009 is a close-knit community, but the center will seek prosecution of whoever is responsible. Police found a Delaware man who had gone missing a few days after he was arrested for allegedly harassing University of Delaware students. David Tymitz, 27, of Newark, Delaware, was reported missing Saturday. Investigators say he had been last seen in Newark, Delaware around 3:45 a.m. Saturday driving a brown Nissan Quest minivan with damage to the right sliding door. Prior to his disappearance, Tymitz had been arrested for allegedly harassing three female students at the University of Delaware's Newark campus. Investigators say Tymitz, whose scalp and eyebrows were dyed green, was wearing gloves and waved at the women several times in front of Evans Hall around 9:50 p.m. back on Oct. 1. Tymitz then allegedly appeared to make a cutting gesture across his throat and began chasing after them. One of the students called 911 and the three locked themselves inside a residence hall bathroom. Tymitz, who is not a student at the school, was arrested and charged with harassment, menacing and trespassing. He was committed to the Howard Young Correctional Facility on $2500 secured bond and ordered by the court to have no contact with the the three students or anyone else at the University of Delaware. He was also prohibited from being on campus. On Saturday, Tymitz's family reported to police he had gone missing after making statements that caused concern for himself and others. On Sunday, University of Delaware Police announced he was found. They did not reveal further details however. The search for a missing elderly woman ended in tragedy Saturday. Martha Hesse, 79, was found dead around 10:45 a.m. in a wooded area within the Holiday City Senior Community in Toms River, New Jersey. Hesses body was discovered by volunteer members of the Toms River Fire Companies near the western end of Yorktown Boulevard. She was first reported missing by her husband Thursday night. The husband told investigators Hesse had driven her car from her Mt. Fairweather Lane home to an unknown location. Her car was found later that evening near the community lake. At this time, police dont believe foul play was involved in Hesses death though they continue to investigate. An autopsy will be conducted to determine a cause of death. Police are asking anyone who saw or interacted with Hesse on Thursday or Friday to call Detective Petrick at 732-349-1050 extension 1235 or email him at rpetrick@trpolice.org. A store owner and staple of a Philadelphia community is in the hospital after she was shot during an attempted robbery Friday night in the Mantua section of the city. The shooting occurred around 9 p.m. at the Freddy Grocery on the 3400 block of Fairmount Avenue. The 48-year-old owner of the store, known affectionately as Mama by community members and customers, was preparing to close when a gunman entered. Police say the suspect demanded money before opening fire. It looks like shes compliant from what we can tell by the scene, Philadelphia Police Lieutenant John Walker said. Instead of taking the money and leaving, he fires a shot and devastates a family. The woman was shot once in the left side of her neck and once in the back. The gunman then fled the scene. Sandi Smith, a neighbor and former paramedic, told NBC10 she heard another woman screaming for help shortly after the shooting. As I was walking up my steps she came out screaming, shes bleeding! So I yelled, Whos bleeding? When she said mama in the store is bleeding, I threw my dog into the house and ran into the store, Smith said. When Smith went inside she found Mama on the floor, bleeding out from her neck. Thats when she was moaning and moved her head, Smith said. Thats when I saw the bullet hole. It was spurting blood. There was this pool of blood on her chest, down her legs and covering the floor. Smith applied pressure to the wound on the store owner's neck while calling 911. "All I could do is apply direct pressure, scream for a towel and with my other hand I called 911," Smith said. The owner was taken to the hospital where she is in stable condition. Police havent released a detailed description of the gunman but say he was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. We think this is someone from the area that goes in there and thinks theyll have an easy time getting money at the end of the night, Lieutenant Walker said. Neighbors told NBC10 Mama is a longtime fixture in Mantua whos owned the store for years and always helps people out with food when they need it. If she didnt have it in her register, if she didnt have it in the store, she would take it out of her pocket and give it to you, Smith said. This is ugly. This is ignorant. This is unnecessary. If you have any information on the shooting, please call Philadelphia Police. Two dozen Massachusetts police officers boarded a plane to Puerto Rico Saturday evening, leaving the mainland to provide much-needed aid more than two weeks after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. All 24 officers, who are the first of three deployments from Massachusetts, volunteered for the mission, and many have personal ties to the island. Officer Izzy Marrero answered the call for volunteers without hesitation. "This mission in particular is important and close to our hearts because we have family," he said. "We have the means." "They need our help," said Lutenant Luis Cruiz. Marrero told his fellow officers and reporters before a security check at Logan Airport, "My family says 'te amo bien. We're ok.'" Boston Police Commissioner William B. Evans said he didn't know what kind of lodging or conditions the officers could expect once they arrive on the island, speculating that they might be put up on a military boat. "We are just hoping they come back safe and sound," the commissioner said. As of Friday, about 90 percent of Puerto Rico is still without power, while the death toll has climbed to 36 since Hurricane Maria made landfall on Sept. 20. By India Today Web Desk: Bigg Boss 11's first-ever Weekend Ka Vaar with host Salman Khan was quite explosive. While some of the contestants had to face host-cum-padosi Salman's anger for being abusive and difficult on the show, some were reprimanded for supporting the wrong people. The Bollywood star was very annoyed with contestant Zubair Khan, who has been picking fights with housemates since day one and has constantly been using fowl language. Salman gave his piece of mind to Zubair and blasted him for threatening the contestants. He also called him a 'nalla don'. advertisement Zubair couldn't take Salman's harsh comments and according to reports, consumed some pills in frustration, due to which he was rushed to the nearest hospital. Reportedly, Zubair is currently under medical supervision and is undergoing treatment. Zubair has been showing off his underworld connection on the show and threatening contestants like Arshi, Sapna, Puneesh and Bandgi. Salman challenged him to show his aukat on the show and unleash his gandagi in front of him. When Zubair said sorry bhai, Salman asked him to not call him bhai and mind his language. Zubair, who entered the Bigg Boss house as Haseena Parkar's son-in-law is not related to her. Haseena Parkar's family has taken offense to the tall claims made by the contestant and wants to take action against him by filing a complaint. It would be interesting to see if Zubair re-enters Bigg Boss House as a Padosi or a housemate. --- ENDS --- By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Following the police raid at the base of Qazi Ali Abdullah Rifai, prime accused in the contract marriage scandal involving minors, it has come to light that he had performed 450 marriages since 2014. ALSO READ | Hyderabad's Gulf 'contract marriage' racket: Photo points to parents involvement The marriage certificate and blank papers holding the brides signature recovered from his Talabkatta house suggest most of these marriages were performed through illegal means, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (South Zone) V Satyanarayana. Rifai was booked by South Zone police under trafficking charges in connection with the international contract marriage scandal on September 26. ALSO READ | Marry, spend dowry, dump wife: One more case of 'Mysore Kalyanam' being probed in Kerala Meanwhile, an Old City woman approached Chandrayangutta police alleging that Qazi Rifai had cheated her Omani husband of `5 lakh for performing their marriage and for issuing them a marriage certificate. The complainant, Asma Begum, 28, wanted to settle abroad and married a 28-year-old Omani Sheikh selected for her by the Qazis agents in January, 2017. Even her passport is in Rifais custody, said SHO, Chandrayangutta police, Y Prakash Reddy citing her complaint. On the grounds of Asmas complaint, Rifai has been booked under Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) of the IPC. Rifai is popularly known as Volta Qazi and his late father was also a qazi. He was suspended from his post by the state government after his name surfaced for involvement in contract marriages of Old City girls with Arabs in 2015. However, later, he received a stay order from a Hyderabad court. According to the Qazi Ikramullah, who is Nazirul Khazzath at Telangana Wakf Board Office, the Wakf Board had never given him any syahdat for issuing nikahnama or marriage document. HYDERABAD: Following the police raid at the base of Qazi Ali Abdullah Rifai, prime accused in the contract marriage scandal involving minors, it has come to light that he had performed 450 marriages since 2014. ALSO READ | Hyderabad's Gulf 'contract marriage' racket: Photo points to parents involvement The marriage certificate and blank papers holding the brides signature recovered from his Talabkatta house suggest most of these marriages were performed through illegal means, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (South Zone) V Satyanarayana. Rifai was booked by South Zone police under trafficking charges in connection with the international contract marriage scandal on September 26. ALSO READ | Marry, spend dowry, dump wife: One more case of 'Mysore Kalyanam' being probed in Kerala Meanwhile, an Old City woman approached Chandrayangutta police alleging that Qazi Rifai had cheated her Omani husband of `5 lakh for performing their marriage and for issuing them a marriage certificate. The complainant, Asma Begum, 28, wanted to settle abroad and married a 28-year-old Omani Sheikh selected for her by the Qazis agents in January, 2017. Even her passport is in Rifais custody, said SHO, Chandrayangutta police, Y Prakash Reddy citing her complaint. On the grounds of Asmas complaint, Rifai has been booked under Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) of the IPC. Rifai is popularly known as Volta Qazi and his late father was also a qazi. He was suspended from his post by the state government after his name surfaced for involvement in contract marriages of Old City girls with Arabs in 2015. However, later, he received a stay order from a Hyderabad court. According to the Qazi Ikramullah, who is Nazirul Khazzath at Telangana Wakf Board Office, the Wakf Board had never given him any syahdat for issuing nikahnama or marriage document. By IANS NEW DELHI: The BJP on Sunday termed as "malicious and defamatory" an article raising questions on the transactions made by firms owned by Jay Shah, the son of BJP President Amit Shah, and said the younger Shah would file a Rs 100 crore civil and criminal defamation lawsuit against the author of the story and the editors and owners of news website The Wire. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, briefing the media on the matter, said all the transactions and loans obtained by Jay Shah's firms -- Temple Enterprises Pvt Ltd and Kusum Finserve -- were done in a transparent manner and the loans were paid back with interest. "The article through malicious imputations is trying to damage the reputation of our leader Amit Shah. Jay Shah has decided to file criminal and civil defamation suit against the author, editors and the owner of news website The Wire for Rs 100 crore for defamation," he said. Goyal also rubbished the allegations levelled by the Congress saying it was "old Congress style". "I wish the Congress would also come clean and if at all they have nothing to hide, not go to court to try and stop Justice Dhingra Commission report that deals with the truth about the dealings of the Gandhi family," he said. WATCH | Piyush Goyal calls The Wire's article an attempt to damage Amit Shah's reputation The Dhingra Commisison was set up by the Haryana government after BJP came to power in the state, to look into alleged irregularities in land dealings by Congress President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra. Clarifying about the dealings of Jay Shah's companies, Goyal said Shah carries out "fully legitimate and lawful business" on commercial lines which is reflected in his "account books and in his income tax returns" and added that all transaction are through banks. "I don't think there is any bar in this country on taking a loan from banks or NBFC (Non-banking finance companies). And all the loans have been taken strictly in accordance with law on commercial rates of interest, securities have been provided. The loans taken from the NBFC have been fully repaid with interest," he said. He said that Jay Shah gave full details of all his transactions and "answered every question in detail" put up by The Wire reporter as "he has nothing to hide". READ | The Wire article: The Golden Touch of Jay Amit Shah Of sudden spiking in Temple Enterprise's turnover to Rs 80 crore, Goyal said that the firm was dealing in agri-commodities in which there is "high volume and high value but low profit margin". "So even if you do just a few transactions, the volume becomes very high. Rs 80 crore is not a large turnover in commodity business," he said. On loans taken from KIFS Financial Services owned by Rajesh Khandwala, Goyal said that normally banks do not extend loans to new and small companies and hence the loan was taken from registered NBFC KIFS on "commercial rates and commercial considerations" and has been repaid with interest. He said that the Kalupur Commercial Cooperative Bank did not give a loan of Rs 25 crore to Kusum Finserve but gave only a Letter of Credit (LC) on security. "In addition, 10 per cent cash margin was given and apart from that property of Amit Shah and office premises of Kusum Finserve were also mortgaged for this LC facility," Goyal said. On the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Renewable Energy, giving a loan of Rs 10.35 crore to Kusum Finserve for building a 2.1 MW windmill in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam, Goyal said that "IREDA is engaged in commercial lending to promote renewable energy in the country" and has "already given more than 2,000 loans and sanctioned over Rs 50,000 crore to various customers across the country." "This is malicious and deplorable effort to try and attribute motives. We thoroughly reject all these baseless allegations and the confidence of Jay Shah's business is reflected in the fact that he immediately decided to go for defamation suit," he said. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi was quick to take a dig at BJP and called out against Jay Shah on Twitter. We finally found the only beneficiary of Demonetisation. It's not the RBI, the poor or the farmers. It's the Shah-in-Shah of Demo. Jai Amit https://t.co/2zHlojgR2c Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) October 8, 2017 (With inputs from Online Desk) NEW DELHI: The BJP on Sunday termed as "malicious and defamatory" an article raising questions on the transactions made by firms owned by Jay Shah, the son of BJP President Amit Shah, and said the younger Shah would file a Rs 100 crore civil and criminal defamation lawsuit against the author of the story and the editors and owners of news website The Wire. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, briefing the media on the matter, said all the transactions and loans obtained by Jay Shah's firms -- Temple Enterprises Pvt Ltd and Kusum Finserve -- were done in a transparent manner and the loans were paid back with interest. "The article through malicious imputations is trying to damage the reputation of our leader Amit Shah. Jay Shah has decided to file criminal and civil defamation suit against the author, editors and the owner of news website The Wire for Rs 100 crore for defamation," he said. Goyal also rubbished the allegations levelled by the Congress saying it was "old Congress style". "I wish the Congress would also come clean and if at all they have nothing to hide, not go to court to try and stop Justice Dhingra Commission report that deals with the truth about the dealings of the Gandhi family," he said. WATCH | Piyush Goyal calls The Wire's article an attempt to damage Amit Shah's reputation The Dhingra Commisison was set up by the Haryana government after BJP came to power in the state, to look into alleged irregularities in land dealings by Congress President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra. Clarifying about the dealings of Jay Shah's companies, Goyal said Shah carries out "fully legitimate and lawful business" on commercial lines which is reflected in his "account books and in his income tax returns" and added that all transaction are through banks. "I don't think there is any bar in this country on taking a loan from banks or NBFC (Non-banking finance companies). And all the loans have been taken strictly in accordance with law on commercial rates of interest, securities have been provided. The loans taken from the NBFC have been fully repaid with interest," he said. He said that Jay Shah gave full details of all his transactions and "answered every question in detail" put up by The Wire reporter as "he has nothing to hide". READ | The Wire article: The Golden Touch of Jay Amit Shah Of sudden spiking in Temple Enterprise's turnover to Rs 80 crore, Goyal said that the firm was dealing in agri-commodities in which there is "high volume and high value but low profit margin". "So even if you do just a few transactions, the volume becomes very high. Rs 80 crore is not a large turnover in commodity business," he said. On loans taken from KIFS Financial Services owned by Rajesh Khandwala, Goyal said that normally banks do not extend loans to new and small companies and hence the loan was taken from registered NBFC KIFS on "commercial rates and commercial considerations" and has been repaid with interest. He said that the Kalupur Commercial Cooperative Bank did not give a loan of Rs 25 crore to Kusum Finserve but gave only a Letter of Credit (LC) on security. "In addition, 10 per cent cash margin was given and apart from that property of Amit Shah and office premises of Kusum Finserve were also mortgaged for this LC facility," Goyal said. On the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Renewable Energy, giving a loan of Rs 10.35 crore to Kusum Finserve for building a 2.1 MW windmill in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam, Goyal said that "IREDA is engaged in commercial lending to promote renewable energy in the country" and has "already given more than 2,000 loans and sanctioned over Rs 50,000 crore to various customers across the country." "This is malicious and deplorable effort to try and attribute motives. We thoroughly reject all these baseless allegations and the confidence of Jay Shah's business is reflected in the fact that he immediately decided to go for defamation suit," he said. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi was quick to take a dig at BJP and called out against Jay Shah on Twitter. We finally found the only beneficiary of Demonetisation. It's not the RBI, the poor or the farmers. It's the Shah-in-Shah of Demo. Jai Amit https://t.co/2zHlojgR2c Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) October 8, 2017 (With inputs from Online Desk) By PTI NEW DELHI: Opposition parties today sought a probe into claims in a media report that a company owned by BJP chief Amit Shah's son saw a huge rise in its turnover after his party came to power in 2014. The charge was rejected by the BJP and Shah's son, Jay Amit Shah, who termed the story "false, derogatory and defamatory". Also Read | Amit Shahs son to file Rs 100 crore criminal defamation suit against The Wire over article questioning Jay's company's huge profits Training their guns at the Modi government by citing the news story's content, the Congress, the Left and the AAP demanded an investigation, with Congress leader Kapil Sibal alleging that it was a case of "crony capitalism". CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury claimed that it is the latest in a series of cases of corruption under the Modi government. Attacking Modi, Yechury tweeted, "Latest in the series of corruption cases under Modi. Birla-Sahara Dairy, GSPCL, Vyapam, Lalit Modi, rice and mining scams. Why is PM silent?" "LK Advani had resigned after the Jain Hawala diary episode while its then party president Bangaru Laxman had quit after a corruption expose," Yechury said, asking will it happen now under the Modi government. Serious corruption charges against BJP President's son need investigation. BJP Presidents eg Advani, Laxman had resigned on lesser charges. pic.twitter.com/dTXaUftM8P Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) October 8, 2017 "Today, we ask a question to the Prime Minister, the Pradhan Sevak. Now, what do you have to say about crony capitalism? Will you give direction to the CBI to probe the matter? Will you ask ED to arrest these people," Sibal asked at a press conference here. The demand from the opposition parties came after a media report, citing filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), said that the turnover of Jay Amit Shah-owned Temple Enterprise zoomed by around 16,000 times during 2015-16 at around Rs 80 crore over the previous year. Sibal, citing the filing with RoC, also alleged that a firm Kusum Finserve LLP, in which Jay Amit Shah had 60 per cent stake, had also got a contract in Madhya Pradesh in wind power sector despite the company being engaged in stock trading. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi was quick to take a dig on BJP on Twitter. We finally found the only beneficiary of Demonetisation. It's not the RBI, the poor or the farmers. It's the Shah-in-Shah of Demo. Jai Amit https://t.co/2zHlojgR2c Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) October 8, 2017 Putting up a strong defence against opposition parties attack, Union minister Piyush Goyal dismissed their charge and released a statement by Jay Amit Shah in which he said that he will sue the author, editor and owner of the news website which published the story, for Rs 100 crore. "The article makes false, derogatory and defamatory imputation against me by creating in the minds of rightthinking people an impression that my business owes its 'success' to my father Shri Amitbhai Shah's political position. My businesses are fully legitimate and conducted in a lawful manner on commercial lines, which is reflected in my tax records, and are through banking transactions," Shah's son said in the statement. Sibal also alleged that a company owned by Jay Amit Shah got a loan of Rs 25 crore from a cooperative bank without sufficient collateral security, besides a loan of Rs 10.35 crore from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), a public sector firm under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, which is under Goyal. To a query whether there was any wrongdoing, Sibal said, "I am talking about crony capitalism. Offence will come to light when we get to know why the loan was sanctioned. We know who the CBI and ED will investigate and who the agencies will not investigate. Issue is whether the prime minister is honest enough to say that investigate son of Amit Shah." CPI leader D Raja demanded a "high-level SIT probe monitored by the court". The Aam Aadmi Party also demanded a probe into allegations and said a criminal probe should be started. NEW DELHI: Opposition parties today sought a probe into claims in a media report that a company owned by BJP chief Amit Shah's son saw a huge rise in its turnover after his party came to power in 2014. The charge was rejected by the BJP and Shah's son, Jay Amit Shah, who termed the story "false, derogatory and defamatory". Also Read | Amit Shahs son to file Rs 100 crore criminal defamation suit against The Wire over article questioning Jay's company's huge profits Training their guns at the Modi government by citing the news story's content, the Congress, the Left and the AAP demanded an investigation, with Congress leader Kapil Sibal alleging that it was a case of "crony capitalism". CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury claimed that it is the latest in a series of cases of corruption under the Modi government. Attacking Modi, Yechury tweeted, "Latest in the series of corruption cases under Modi. Birla-Sahara Dairy, GSPCL, Vyapam, Lalit Modi, rice and mining scams. Why is PM silent?" "LK Advani had resigned after the Jain Hawala diary episode while its then party president Bangaru Laxman had quit after a corruption expose," Yechury said, asking will it happen now under the Modi government. Serious corruption charges against BJP President's son need investigation. BJP Presidents eg Advani, Laxman had resigned on lesser charges. pic.twitter.com/dTXaUftM8P Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) October 8, 2017 "Today, we ask a question to the Prime Minister, the Pradhan Sevak. Now, what do you have to say about crony capitalism? Will you give direction to the CBI to probe the matter? Will you ask ED to arrest these people," Sibal asked at a press conference here. The demand from the opposition parties came after a media report, citing filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), said that the turnover of Jay Amit Shah-owned Temple Enterprise zoomed by around 16,000 times during 2015-16 at around Rs 80 crore over the previous year. Sibal, citing the filing with RoC, also alleged that a firm Kusum Finserve LLP, in which Jay Amit Shah had 60 per cent stake, had also got a contract in Madhya Pradesh in wind power sector despite the company being engaged in stock trading. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi was quick to take a dig on BJP on Twitter. We finally found the only beneficiary of Demonetisation. It's not the RBI, the poor or the farmers. It's the Shah-in-Shah of Demo. Jai Amit https://t.co/2zHlojgR2c Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) October 8, 2017 Putting up a strong defence against opposition parties attack, Union minister Piyush Goyal dismissed their charge and released a statement by Jay Amit Shah in which he said that he will sue the author, editor and owner of the news website which published the story, for Rs 100 crore. "The article makes false, derogatory and defamatory imputation against me by creating in the minds of rightthinking people an impression that my business owes its 'success' to my father Shri Amitbhai Shah's political position. My businesses are fully legitimate and conducted in a lawful manner on commercial lines, which is reflected in my tax records, and are through banking transactions," Shah's son said in the statement. Sibal also alleged that a company owned by Jay Amit Shah got a loan of Rs 25 crore from a cooperative bank without sufficient collateral security, besides a loan of Rs 10.35 crore from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), a public sector firm under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, which is under Goyal. To a query whether there was any wrongdoing, Sibal said, "I am talking about crony capitalism. Offence will come to light when we get to know why the loan was sanctioned. We know who the CBI and ED will investigate and who the agencies will not investigate. Issue is whether the prime minister is honest enough to say that investigate son of Amit Shah." CPI leader D Raja demanded a "high-level SIT probe monitored by the court". The Aam Aadmi Party also demanded a probe into allegations and said a criminal probe should be started. By PTI MELBOURNE: Several protests were held across Australia against Indian mining giant Adani's proposed 16.5 billion dollars Carmichael coal mine project, which has been delayed for years over environmental and financing issues. Rallies were held yesterday in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Port Douglas in North Queensland where thousands of protesters took to streets as part of a National Day of Action, according to media reports. ALSO READ | New poll shows more than half of Australia oppose Adani's coal mine project "If this mine does go ahead it drives us into a dirty future and Australia is a country that's smarter than that," Simon Fosterling, a Bondi surf lifesaver at the Sydney protest, which attracted about 2,000 people, was quoted as saying by the ABC news. "I have a two-year-old daughter and I don't want to have a conversation with her in 10 years time and the mine's gone ahead and she says to me, 'dad, why didn't you do something?'" ALSO READ | Adani's Australian ventures have tax haven ties to British Virgin Islands: Report Protesters spelled out '#STOP ADANI' by standing in formation on the sand. What started out as campaigns by environmentalists and NGOs turned out to be a nationwide protest. Yesterday over 16,000 people turned out around Aus with a simple message: #StopAdani! Australia, you are awe-inspiring and can do anything! pic.twitter.com/HDaTodY74c Stop Adani (@stopadani) October 8, 2017 Sydney 'Stop Adani' campaigner Isaac Astill called the construction of the mine an international issue. "It's going to be the biggest coal mine in the southern hemisphere at a time when our climate is crumbling," Astill said. "It's an international issue and that's why we're seeing people around the world and in Australia coming out in their thousands to say no to Adani." Reports said around 2000 people rallied in Melbourne's Princes Park carrying placards reading 'Coal=CO2!!!' and 'Protect Our Future'. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy said she hoped the "big day of action" would send a strong message that taxpayers did not want their money subsidising the project. "It will affect every single living thing on Earth, that's why people in Melbourne and Sydney and Canberra and Adelaide and Cairns all care about this mine not going ahead." O'Shanassy said. Between 200-300 people turned out at Perth's Cottesloe Beach and more than 250 people rallied in Hobart, where speakers included former Greens leader Bob Brown. Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani. (File | AFP) Meanwhile, Adani Australia CEO Jeyakumar Janakaraj said that the company was committed to create jobs in Australia and there was large support for the project in regional Australia. "We are focussed. The project is needed in the community and we have their whole support," he said. He, however, said there was a loud minority voice against the project. Janakaraj said an Adani India festival took place last night in Townsville which attracted 20,000 people which was an indication that the project was supported by the local community. Speaking at the festival, Minister Coralee O'Rourke welcomed the company's commitment and also praised Adani for adhering to and working with the government to deliver a job-creating project. Adani and the Queensland government have highlighted that the mine will prove beneficial for the region. This week the company announced it would base more than 1000 fly-in, fly-out workers in both Townsville and Rockhampton. However, environmental activists are concerned about the potential impacts to the Great Barrier Reef as the coal will be shipped through areas close to the national icon. There are also concerns the coal burned will contribute to climate change, which is the biggest threat to the reef. (With online desk inputs) MELBOURNE: Several protests were held across Australia against Indian mining giant Adani's proposed 16.5 billion dollars Carmichael coal mine project, which has been delayed for years over environmental and financing issues. Rallies were held yesterday in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Port Douglas in North Queensland where thousands of protesters took to streets as part of a National Day of Action, according to media reports. ALSO READ | New poll shows more than half of Australia oppose Adani's coal mine project "If this mine does go ahead it drives us into a dirty future and Australia is a country that's smarter than that," Simon Fosterling, a Bondi surf lifesaver at the Sydney protest, which attracted about 2,000 people, was quoted as saying by the ABC news. "I have a two-year-old daughter and I don't want to have a conversation with her in 10 years time and the mine's gone ahead and she says to me, 'dad, why didn't you do something?'" ALSO READ | Adani's Australian ventures have tax haven ties to British Virgin Islands: Report Protesters spelled out '#STOP ADANI' by standing in formation on the sand. What started out as campaigns by environmentalists and NGOs turned out to be a nationwide protest. Yesterday over 16,000 people turned out around Aus with a simple message: #StopAdani! Australia, you are awe-inspiring and can do anything! pic.twitter.com/HDaTodY74c Stop Adani (@stopadani) October 8, 2017 Sydney 'Stop Adani' campaigner Isaac Astill called the construction of the mine an international issue. "It's going to be the biggest coal mine in the southern hemisphere at a time when our climate is crumbling," Astill said. "It's an international issue and that's why we're seeing people around the world and in Australia coming out in their thousands to say no to Adani." Reports said around 2000 people rallied in Melbourne's Princes Park carrying placards reading 'Coal=CO2!!!' and 'Protect Our Future'. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy said she hoped the "big day of action" would send a strong message that taxpayers did not want their money subsidising the project. "It will affect every single living thing on Earth, that's why people in Melbourne and Sydney and Canberra and Adelaide and Cairns all care about this mine not going ahead." O'Shanassy said. Between 200-300 people turned out at Perth's Cottesloe Beach and more than 250 people rallied in Hobart, where speakers included former Greens leader Bob Brown. Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani. (File | AFP)Meanwhile, Adani Australia CEO Jeyakumar Janakaraj said that the company was committed to create jobs in Australia and there was large support for the project in regional Australia. "We are focussed. The project is needed in the community and we have their whole support," he said. He, however, said there was a loud minority voice against the project. Janakaraj said an Adani India festival took place last night in Townsville which attracted 20,000 people which was an indication that the project was supported by the local community. Speaking at the festival, Minister Coralee O'Rourke welcomed the company's commitment and also praised Adani for adhering to and working with the government to deliver a job-creating project. Adani and the Queensland government have highlighted that the mine will prove beneficial for the region. This week the company announced it would base more than 1000 fly-in, fly-out workers in both Townsville and Rockhampton. However, environmental activists are concerned about the potential impacts to the Great Barrier Reef as the coal will be shipped through areas close to the national icon. There are also concerns the coal burned will contribute to climate change, which is the biggest threat to the reef. (With online desk inputs) By PTI: Amethi (UP), Oct 8 (PTI) BJP heavyweights Amit Shah and Smriti Irani are set to visit Amethi, considered a Congress bastion, three days after Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi visited the parliamentary constituency. Union Minister of Textiles and Information and Broadcasting Smriti Irani is scheduled to arrive here tomorrow, while BJP chief Amit Shah will visit on October 10, a statement issued by the district administration said. advertisement A number of schemes and projects are likely to be announced and their foundation stones laid at a function here on Tuesday to be attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The beneficiaries of various schemes will be handed over certificates, the statement said. Irani is likely to attend the launch of a FM station at Gauriganj and an initiative to save Gomti river near Pipri village, it said. The Union minister will also attend the inauguration of a tuberculosis unit at the district hospital and a primary health centre at Odari Tiloi, and attend other public welfare programmes launched by the state and central government. On October 9, Irani will visit Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) in Jagdishpur, it said. Amethi, which has traditionally been a Congress bastion, had in 2014 Lok Sabha elections witnessed a high-pitched electoral battle between Gandhi and Irani. Though Irani lost to the Congress scion, she managed to reduce his victory margin from around 3.70 lakh in 2009 to 1.07 lakh in 2014. In the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, the BJP won six of the 10 Assembly seats falling under the parliamentary constituencies of Amethi and Rae Bareli. Four of them were in Amethi. Party sources said the upcoming visit of the senior BJP leaders was aimed at sending a clear message that the current regime believed in all-round development of the state and was not meting out any "step-motherly treatment" to the areas where the BJP had failed to make a mark. The Congress vice president had during his visit here on October 5 accused the BJP governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh of re-inaugurating the projects launched by the previous UPA regime in the district. He had also mounted a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and asked him to address unemployment problem and farmers issues, and dared him to allow the Congress to resolve the problems in six months. "If Modiji cannot address these, he should say so and Congress will come and do his work in six months," he had said. PTI NAV SRY ARC SRY --- ENDS --- advertisement By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 8 (PTI) Legendary Cuban Communist revolutionary Che Guevaras daughter fears that the "madness" of US President Donald Trump could "destroy" humanity. Dr Aleida Guevara March, Guevaras eldest daughter who often acts as the familys spokesperson, also accused the US of using war to crush the strength of peoples. "The man has so much power to destroy humanity, and we are part of that humanity. That is the problem. That he has the power, and no conscience," 57-year-old Aleida told The Week in an interview in Havana, the capital of Cuba. advertisement When asked where she sees Cuba 10 years down the line, Aleida responded, "It depends a lot on the madness of the current president of the United States." "We do not realise or we do not want to realise that we are destroying our own planet...There is an extraordinary indolence before the destruction that we are causing, and with mad men like this in power, the thing gets further complicated," she said, referring to Trump. "It is time to wake up. We have to wake up, because we dont have much time left," Aleida was quoted as saying. During his election campaign, Trump had criticised then President Barack Obamas deal with Cuba in 2014 to re- establish ties that were cut in 1961 and vowed to push back the detente. In June, Trump announced new restrictions on travel and business with Cuba. Aleida said the blockade has affected the fields of diagnostics and technology. "We had to look for alternatives, and natural cure was one. We also developed the concept of preventive care. It is easier to prevent a disease than to cure it, and that is the basic principle of Cuban medicine," she said. She hailed her father Che Guevara as a man who knew how to love and said that was why he was a great communist. "I remember him as very demanding as far as discipline was concerned, at the same time very loving," she added. She also recalled her visit to India in 1997 and lauded Indians for giving her a warm welcome. "I remember visiting Calcutta, Hyderabad and Calicut, and the people were friendly," she said. PTI ZH ZH --- ENDS --- Champaign, IL (61820) Today Snow showers. High 38F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%.. Tonight Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 29F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Columnist Tom Kacich is a columnist and the author of Tom's Mailbag at The News-Gazette. His column appears Sundays. His email is tkacich@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@tkacich). Reporter/Columnist Julie Wurth is a reporter covering the University of Illinois at The News-Gazette. Her email is jwurth@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@jawurth). A bomb was hurled on a procession carried out by CPM workers. By India Today Web Desk: Four policemen and five CPM workers were injured in a bomb attack in Kannur district of Kerala today. A bomb was reportedly hurled on a procession carried out by CPM workers. Later, about five country-made bombs were hurled at the procession that was passing from Panoor in Kannur. Following the attack, stone pelting ensued between groups of people. advertisement Police said that the area was dominated by BJP-RSS workers and that they were suspecting BJP-RSS workers to be the culprits behind the attack. Meanwhile, the CPM has alleged that the attack was carried out by BJP-RSS workers. BJP, CPM TUG OF WAR Both the BJP and CPM have been trading barbs lately. Few days ago as part of its Jan Raksha Yatra, BJP chief Amit Shah attacked the Left government saying that whenever it came to power the number of killings rose in the state. Shah has been targeting the Pinarayi government over the killings of RSS-BJP cadres in the state. In a stinging retort, CM Pinarayi Vijayan had said that Kerala does not need to take lessons of peace from followers of Nathuram Godse. Meanwhile, today Amit Shah, who led the Delhi leg of the yatra, said that the communist party should be ashamed as most murders took place in the chief minister's area. Shah said that over 120 BJP-RSS workers have been killed since the communist party came to power. --- ENDS --- Mumbai: The Sebi's decision to categorise the number of similar mutual fund schemes and also to cap 'me-too' products will result in a reduction of the number of funds to 1,300 from around 2,000 products now. Markets watchdog Sebi had on Friday asked mutual funds to categorise all their schemes within five baskets, in a bid to weed out multiple fund launches on similar themes. The Sebi move is expected to make it easier for customers, who are now faced with plethora of choice of over 2,000 funds managed by 41 fund houses in the over Rs 20 trillion MF industry, feel industry experts. The decision will also lead to consolidation in equity funds as most of the AMCs hold more than one funds in the same sub category now. The over Rs 20 trillion AMC industry has 41 players. But three AMCs handle only infrastructure debt funds, hence the total number of fund houses to be affected will be 38, as per the industry body Amfi. Under the Sebi classification, which broadly caps the fund categories to five, that are sub-divided into 36 categories, will see that total number of funds will come down 1,368 from over 2,000 now, Jeevan Kumar, head of investment advisory business at Geojit Financial Services, told PTI. This is in a situation where all the 41 AMCs maintain one scheme each under 36 sub-categories as of the 41 fund houses only 38 have multiple funds with three of them --IFCL AMC, IL & FS AMC and Srei Mutual Fund -- having only infra debt funds, Kumar said. The AUM in equity MF of individual investors (both retail and HNIs) has grown by 48 per cent in June on year-on-year basis while the folios have grown by 21 per cent. "The step is aimed at improving transparency and reducing the clutter for investors," he said. "I believe the number of products will come down to 1,200-1,300 from around 2,000 now over the next five months," Kumar said. "Mostly large fund houses with good number of similar funds under the same category are likely to be affected by the Sebi move," he said. Kumar said for new investors entering the market, clarity on various products is more important to understand the asset allocation and chalk out their investment strategy. Consolidation is expected more in equity funds as most AMCs hold more than one funds in the same sub category now. Experts feel that the industry needs to offer fewer well defined choices rather than a plethora of clones. "The regulatory direction is supportive of our belief that for investors to make optimal choices, we need to offer fewer, well defined choices rather than a plethora of clones," Aashish Somaiyaa, the managing director and chief executive of Motilal Oswal AMC, said. Rajesh Patwardhan, chief marketing officer at LIC MF, said they have already merged two such funds in equity MF category and hence there is no scope for any further consolidation now. Going forward, the fund schemes will be broadly classified into five groups -- equity, debt, hybrid, solution-oriented and other schemes, a Sebi circular had said on Friday. Sebi asked fund houses to ensure that schemes devised under the new norms should not result in duplication of other plans offered by them. Going forward, the regulator would permit only one scheme per category except in the case of index funds, exchange traded funds tracking different indices; fund-of-funds having different underlying schemes; and sectoral or thematic funds investing in different themes. Fund houses will be required to analyse each of their schemes in the light of these categories and submit their proposals to Sebi after obtaining due approvals from their trustees as early as possible, but not later than two months. Fund houses will also have to carry out the necessary changes in all respects within a maximum period three months. The circular will apply to all existing open-ended schemes of all mutual funds. To ensure uniformity in respect of the investment universe for equity schemes, Sebi has decided to define large cap, mid cap and small caps. Top 100 companies in terms of m-cap will come under the large cap segment, while those 101-250th firms will be mid-caps and those above this in terms of m-cap will be small-caps. New Delhi: India on Sunday pressed oil cartel OPEC to adopt "responsible pricing" for oil and consider the world's third-biggest oil consumer as its preferred sales destination. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met OPEC Secretary General Sanusi Mohammad Barkindo to discuss "the current scenario of oil and gas industry of the world and exchanged notes on the recent developments", an official statement stated. During the meeting, Pradhan highlighted that in Sunday's oversupplied market, it is important for producers to understand the perspective of consuming countries and the changes that have taken place in these demand centres. Barkindo is in India to attend the first CERAWEEK India Energy Forum. The two had last met in Vienna in May 2017 for the 2nd India-OPEC Institutional Dialogue. "Pradhan reiterated that the OPEC should work towards 'responsible pricing', which is important for India for socio- economic and developmental reasons," the statement said. Reiterating the decade-old India's view that the OPEC should consider giving 'Asian Dividend' rather than charging 'Asian Premium' on the crude supplied to India, he said countries like India should actually be the "preferred destination". India sources about 86 per cent of crude oil, 75 per cent of natural gas and 95 per cent of LPG from OPEC member countries. The OPEC stands for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. The minister emphasised on the need for a purposeful and improved dialogue among producer and consumer countries. He suggested that the OPEC at its ministerial meetings give wider consideration to India's requests. According to Pradhan, India is putting a lot of emphasis on diversifying its crude oil supply sources and tapping new supply sources. In this context, he highlighted the arrival of two shipments of crude oil cargo of 1.6 million barrels from the US. Three Indian public sector refineries have already placed a cumulative order of 7.85 million barrel from the US. In addition, a private refiner has placed an order of 2 million barrel from the western nation. The minister was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and also CEOs of seven public and private refineries who together operate all 23 refineries in India processing over 235 million tonnes of crude annually. The minister extended invitation to the OPEC secretary general to attend the 16th Ministerial Meeting of International Energy Forum scheduled to take place in India in April 2018. The secretary general accepted the invitation, the statement said. New Delhi: The world's top oil exporter Saudi Aramco on Sunday opened an office in India to boost its crude sales in the world's third-largest oil consuming nation. Saudi Aramco CEO Amin H Al-Nasser opened the office of the company's subsidiary, Aramco Asia India, at Gurugram, an official statement said. Saudi Arabia is the second-largest crude oil supplier to India after Iraq. It accounts for about 19 per cent of India's crude oil imports and 29 per cent of LPG imports. During 2016-17, India imported about 39.5 million tonnes of crude from Saudi Arabia. "Saudi Aramco through its subsidiary Aramco Asia India (AAI) established its formal business presence in India in 2016. AAI would now formally engage in crude oil and LPG marketing, engineering and technical services, and other business development activities," it said. Aramco India plans to expand its operation by introducing hydrocarbon sector functions, including engineering services, IT operations and security and also R&D centre in the near future. "Saudi Aramco intends to partner with Indian companies and set up integrated business ventures in the hydrocarbon value chain in India, including to boost 'Make in India' activities," the statement said. Speaking on the occasion, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said India is one of the biggest markets for Saudi oil and LPG. Saudi Aramco's Office in India will help in strengthening the existing buyer-supplier relationship between the two sides to a strategic partnership in the hydrocarbon sector, he said. Saudi Aramco is investing in refineries in major markets to lock in customers ahead of its initial public offering next year. In India, it is looking for investment opportunities in refining and petrochemical projects. Nasser is visiting India to attend the IHS-CERA conference beginning Monday, which will also be attended by OPEC Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo. Beijing: A day after defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman made her maiden visit to the Nathu La post, China on Sunday urged India to abide by the provisions of the 1890 UK-China treaty, which it claims demarcated the Sikkim sector of the Sino-India border. Claiming that the Sikkim section of the China-India border has been demarcated by the historical boundary, the Chinese foreign ministry said it is time for India to face the facts on the border treaty. We urge the Indian side to face the facts, abide by the provisions of the historic boundary treaty and the relevant agreement of the parties, and work together with the Chinese side to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas," it said in a written response to PTI on a query about Sitharaman's visit. The ministry did not directly name the 1890 Britain-China treaty, which Beijing often referred to during the Doklam standoff, stating that it has defined the Sikkim section of the boundary with Tibet, therefore the border in that area has been settled. Sitharaman on Saturday had visited the Nathu La area on the Sino-Indian border and interacted with the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police officials. Nathu La is the last post separating the border between the Sikkim on the Indian side and Tibet on the Chinese side. Sitharaman's trip was the first high level visit to the area after the 73-day standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at Doklam in the Sikkim sector of the border which ended on August 28 following a mutual agreement between India and China. Of the 3,488-km India-China border which stretches from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. The two sides have so far held 19 rounds of Special Representatives' talks to resolve the dispute. The Doklam standoff began on June 16 over the PLA's plans to build a road in the area claimed by Bhutan after which Indian troops intervened to stop the construction as it posed a security risk to the 'Chicken's Neck' - the narrow corridor connecting India with its northeastern states. China, which earlier opened the Nathu La route for Indian pilgrims to visit Kailash and Manasarovar, closed it after the Doklam standoff and is yet to reopen it. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: The BJP has come out in strong support of Jay Shah, son of party president Amit Shah, and rubbished an article carried by news website The Wire that raised questions on a business venture run by the BJP chiefs son. In a press conference at the party headquarters here, Union Railways Minister and BJP leader Piyush Goel said the news report was mischievous, malicious and baseless. In a separate statement, Jay Shah said he will file a Rs 100-crore defamation suit against The Wire for the publication of the article. The article makes false, derogatory and defamatory imputations against me by creating in the minds of the right-thinking people an impression that my business owes its success to my father Shri Amitbhai Shahs political position, Jay Shah said in the statement. The Opposition led by Congress has demanded an investigation into the allegations. This is BJP chiefs son...can we expect PM to take any action, asked Congress leader and former Law Minister Kapil Sibal. Ghaziabad: The Indian Air Force is prepared to fight even on short notice if the need arises, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa said on Sunday, marking the 85th Air Force Day at the Hindon base. "Notwithstanding the pace of ongoing acquisition, modernisation, indigenisation effort and our desire for peace, we are prepared to fight at a short notice should the need arise," Dhanoa said. He also said that the Air Force was acquiring multi-spectrum strategic capabilities and remained committed to building a "joint manship" with the Indian Army and the Navy. Dhanoa said security of all Air Force stations have been enhanced to combat any threat, including sub-conventional threats, after the terrorist attack on the IAF base station in Pathankot last year. In January last year, terrorists had sneaked in from across the border and attacked the airbase. The attack claimed the lives of seven security personnel while four terrorists were killed. The IAF marked its anniversary in the shadow of a devastating chopper crash two days earlier in Arunachal Pradeshs Tawang, in which five Air Force personnel and two Army men were killed. Our losses in peacetime are a cause for concern, he said. Earlier this week, Dhanoa had said the IAF is capable of effectively countering any threat from China and Pakistan simultaneously in a two-front war. He, however, said the possibility of such a scenario was "low". President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the air warriors and extended greetings on the occasion. "On Air Force Day, I salute the valour, commitment and dedication of our brave air warriors. They safeguard our skies," Kovind tweeted. In a tweet, Modi said: "On Air Force Day, best wishes to our courageous air warriors and their families. Their determination and prowess ensure that our skies are safe." Union Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre also greeted air warriors and their families. By Mail Today Bureau: Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday offered to take over Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to improve its "efficiency". The Delhi government is ready to bear half the grant for three months to stop the increase in Metro fares next week if the remaining amount is provided by the Centre. Sources in the Delhi government said the CM has offered to bear half the grant for three months on a short-term basis so that another fare fixation committee (FFC) could be set up to recommend fresh fares. advertisement In his letter to Union housing and urban affairs minister Hardeep Singh Puri, the CM wrote, "If the central government agrees, the Delhi government would be willing to take over DMRC." The CM also said till that happens, let the spirit of partnership prevail. "I do hope that you will find a mutually acceptable solution to the present impasse relating to the second fare hike which we clearly regard as anti-people," Kejriwal added. He also mentioned that since the Centre bears 100 per cent of loss for Kolkata Metro, he sees no difficulty if it bears 50 per cent in case of Delhi and thereafter, another FFC can be constituted. He said the Union minister's contention that the DMRC is bound by the FFC recommendations seems "untenable" as the same DMRC sat over recommendations of fare hike for full eight months. The letter comes two days after Puri had written to him, saying the Delhi government would have to pay Rs 3,000 crore annually for five years if it wants to stop Metro fares hike. DMRC chief Mangu Singh also met Kejriwal at his residence but government officials did not divulge the details about their meeting. The proposed fare hike - second within seven months - is scheduled to be effective from October 10, based on the recommendations of fourth FFC. Citing Section 86 of the DMRC Act, Kejriwal said contention by the Union minister that the central government is "powerless" in respect of fare fixation is also flawed for another reason, arguing it was the Centre which had set up the fourth FFC after a lapse of seven years. Kejriwal said his government was confident that it would be able to fund the DMRC by improving its efficiency rather than effecting steep fare hike and provide an affordable means of transport to Delhiites. "As for your suggestion regarding a grant to DMRC for meeting the gap in their operating finances, my government is willing to bear half the grant if only a matching grant is provided by the central government. As you know, the central government and the Delhi government are 50-50 owners of DMRC, its equity etc. have been shared in this proportion all along," Kejriwal wrote. "Let an assessment be made of the financial gap likely to be created on account of the postponement of the second fare hike and we will be able to bear half of it." Kejriwal said besides cooperative federalism, the point remains that the Centre and Delhi government are equal partners in DMRC. --- ENDS --- advertisement New Delhi: The BJP has come out in strong support of Jay Shah, son of party president Amit Shah, and rubbished an article carried by news website The Wire that raised questions on a business venture run by the BJP chiefs son. In a press conference at the party headquarters in New Delhi, Union Railways Minister and BJP leader Piyush Goel said the news report was mischievous, malicious and baseless. In a separate statement, Jay Shah said he will file a Rs 100-crore defamation suit against The Wire for the publication of the article. The article makes false, derogatory and defamatory imputations against me by creating in the minds of the right-thinking people an impression that my business owes its success to my father Shri Amitbhai Shahs political position, Jay Shah said in the statement. The Opposition led by Congress has demanded an investigation into the allegations. Congress leader and former Law Minister Kapil Sibal asked, This is BJP chiefs son...can we expect PM to take any action. New Delhi: The mother of a Hindu woman from Kerala who is believed to be working for the Islamic State in Afghanistan after converting to Islam has moved the Supreme Court in support of a "comprehensive and thorough" investigation. The mothers plea comes a day after the Kerala government questioned the NIA probe into the so-called Love Jihad cases in the southern state. Bindu Kumar, mother of Nimisha who changed her name to Fatima after converting to Islam, has sought an audience with the Supreme Court, which will hear a similar case on Monday wherein a Hindu woman from Kerala embraced Islam after marrying a Muslim man. Fatima is suspected to have joined the Islamic State along with her husband Eeza (Bexon Vincent) last year. Her mother had also moved the Kerala High Court, seeking directives to the central and state governments to save her daughter from the Islamic State or ISIS in Afghanistan and to repatriate her to India along with her husband and 10-month-old baby. In her request to the Supreme Court, Bindu has also asked for RAW and Intelligence Bureau involvement in the ongoing NIA investigation. Bindu's application implores the court to pave way for a thorough probe into what she called were cases of "forced conversion" using Jihad Romeos, who are paid to target young Hindu girls. "The government and its agencies should deeply investigate these disturbing events and neutralise the threat to our country and its social fabric. There is common pattern and modus operandi for luring vulnerable girls to convert to Islam by feigned love and promise of marriage," claimed her plea. Bindu alleged that 'Jihad Romeos' are given expensive mobiles, clothes, bikes etc by certain organisations with "sinister designs", to find a Hindu girl in two weeks and get her to convert in another six months in lieu of a monetary reward between Rs 5 to 7 lakh. Her application blamed Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) the political wing of the Popular Front of India (PFI) for the "conspiracy" and said "these organisations are actively luring youngsters into radicalisation and routing them to ISIS". Apart from Bindu, three advocates from the Kerala High Court Sheela Devi, Keerthi Solomon and Vishnu Jayapalan have also filed impleadment application in this case, alleging that the states Left government has not conducted proper investigation into the 'Love Jihad' cases. The lawyers have also claimed that there is a concerted effort to dissuade judiciary from handing out justice to the parents of Hindu girls in such cases and hence, the apex court must ensure that justice is done. These applications have come at a time when the LDF government, in its affidavit through the Home Department, has told the Supreme Court that there is no need for an NIA probe into the case and that the Kerala Police are competent to conduct the investigation. The matter is proceeding in the SC on an appeal filed by Shafin Jahan whose marriage with a Hindu woman after her conversion to Islam was nullified by the Kerala HC. In August, on being told by the NIA that 'Love Jihad' is a real issue, the top court had asked the central agency to carry out an investigation and submit reports. New Delhi: When Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Nathu La area on the India-China border on Saturday, it wasnt just the Indian Army and ITBP soldiers who were waiting to greet her. Chinese soldiers on the other side of the border turned their camera lenses towards the Indian Defence Minister who greeted them with a Namaste. The Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers responded with Ni Hao which means Hello in Mandarin. Sitharaman also waved with a smile at the Chinese army personnel who took pictures of her visit. Acknowledged a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence who were taking pictures on my reaching Nathu La. @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/7cWImtmfLG Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) October 7, 2017 Sitharaman, on a day's visit to Sikkim, travelled by road to Nathu La, 52 km from Gangtok, and interacted with Army and ITBP officials posted there. "The Union Minister who was scheduled to make her aerial survey of Doklam and forward posts along the Indo-Sino border in Sikkim was cancelled due to inclement weather. However, she made her aerial survey of Gangtok and surrounding areas from the new Greenfield Pakyong Airport in east Sikkim after her return from the Nathu-la Border during the afternoon," a statement issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Sikkim, said. Sitharaman was accorded a guard of honor on her arrival at Nathu La. She was also briefed about the security preparedness along the China-India border in the Sikkim sector by the Chief of Eastern Command Lt Gen Abhay Krishna. Vice-Chief of Army Lt Gen Sarath Chandra was also present there. The defence minister's visit to the border area came more than a month since Indian and Chinese troops disengaged after nearly a 70-day standoff at Doklam. On her twitter handle, she said Chinese soldiers from across the border took pictures of her when she reached Nathu La. "Acknowledged a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence who were taking pictures on my reaching Nathu La," she tweeted. New Delhi: A plea challenging the government's 2011 decision to keep the CBI out of the ambit of the Right to Information Act has been moved in the Supreme Court, seeking an early hearing. The case was first filed in the Delhi High Court, but later transferred to the top court after the Centre had said that several petitions in this regard have been filed in different high courts across the country. A PIL was filed in 2011 in the Delhi High Court by advocate Ajay Agrawal, who had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Rai Bareilly constituency against Congress President Sonia Gandhi. The high court, in July 2011, had issued notices to the government and the CBI as the advocate had alleged that the agency was brought out of the ambit of the RTI as he had sought information regarding documents relating to the politically-sensitive Bofors payoff scandal case. The government had told the high court that the exemption granted to the CBI under RTI was not a "blanket exemption" and does not warrant judicial interference. The petition said that exemption from RTI was prevelant for intelligence and security organisations, including Intelligence Bureau, RAW, DRI and ED. When the agency filed the plea for transfer of all similar matters from different high courts to the apex court, the proceedings before the Delhi High Court got stayed. In the fresh application before the apex court, Agrawal has alleged that the notification was issued by the Centre "solely to scuttle the RTI appeal pending before the Chief Information Commissioner, New Delhi in regard to the Bofors case in which order was passed by the CIC directing the CBI to provide the requisite papers to the petitioner". In the application, he has alleged that the erstwhile UPA government's decision was aimed at "only to save Ottavio Quattrochhi, the prime accused in Bofors scam". Agrawal, who has been pursuing Bofors payoff case for years, in his petition has sought quashing of the June 9, 2011 notification, contending that "by issuing the notification and placing CBI in the second Schedule, the government appears to be claiming absolute secrecy for CBI without the sanction of the law." He has contended that the "impugned notification No GSR 442(E) RTI Act, 2005 is ultravires to the RTI Act, 2005 as well as Constitution". The petition has claimed that government's move appeared to be "arbitrary" in nature, as with no reasons advanced, "citizens are likely to deduce that the purpose of including CBI in the Second Schedule was to curb transparency and accountability from the investigations of several corruption cases against high-ranking Government officers". Nagpur: The RSS-linked Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) on Saturday slammed the "Harvard University-educated" economic advisers in various government bodies, claiming that they had no connect with the ground realities in India. It also said the BJP-led government at the Centre should stop disinvestment in the public sector. Addressing a press conference after the conclusion of a two-day meeting of the BMS office-bearers in Nagpur, its national general secretary Brijesh Upadhyay said the organisation, along with other labourers' associations, would take out a "Parliament March" on November 17 in New Delhi. The aim of the march would be to put pressure on the government to find solutions as regards the economic policies affecting the working class and common man, he said. Attacking the economic advisers of the government in various public bodies and forums, the BMS leader claimed that they were not aware of the ground realities. "Not one of these advisers or consultants has connect with the ground realities. These Harvard University-educated people, with knowledge limited to the small states there, apply it in a huge country like India, which is not practical at all," he said. All the advisers in the government forums should be "changed" and the real stakeholders with a connect with the ground realities should be brought into policy-making, Upadhyay added. He also criticised the government over its disinvestment policy. "The government is pursuing a strategic sale and disinvestment of the public sector. The BMS is not opposed to the private sector. But the public sector carries social and governmental obligations...The government should impose the same obligations on the private sector. "The strategic sale and disinvestment of the public sector indicates that the government's policies are being shaped by the private sector. The BMS demands that this strategic sale and disinvestment be stopped immediately," Upadhyay said. The government should not copy the "western economic policies", he added. To a question on the condition of the small and medium scale industries, Upadhyay said these sectors generated the maximum number of jobs and added that they should be protected and given an impetus through subsidies and special packages. Will the Soul Ever Return to the Body? As the era of Fidel Castro teetered towards its end, that was the million dollar question resonating in the hearts of rum aficionados around the world. There is the rum, Bacardi, which we all know. There is this exotic country, Cuba. The drink was born centuries ago in the sugarcane plantations of the beautiful island country. But the happiness did not last forever. The day came when the soul had to leave the body with much anguish. The revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, who stormed to power dethroning the Cuban dictator, Fulgencio Batista, saw red in letting private industries run free in a communist country. But dont assume that the rapport between Castro and Bacardi had never been sweet. When Castro was fighting against Batista, the patriotic Bacardis who were deeply engrossed in Cuban social and political institutions cheered him on. But the relationship turned sour after the honeymoon, after the fall of Batista, after the Castro regime formed its government. Fidel meant business, and his business was to smother all capitalist ventures. In one swift move, he nationalised all sugar mills and other private initiatives in Cuba. Bacardi felt the heat of the red. The company was now left with few friends and options. On October 14, 1960, Cuban national radio announced the doom message, the takeover of a company built painfully by a family. The announcement was followed by national marines crashing into Bacardis office. Everything was against Bacardi but for one mistake the communist authorities made. Their marines stormed into the wrong building, the wrong city Havana. Meanwhile, at Santiago where Bacardis headquarters and production plant was situated, all was calm outside. Inside, the loyal staff of Bacardi was busy with serious business. A few minutes later, the job was finished; the officials walked out one by one, with a tense smile. They had successfully destroyed the genetic code of Bacardi rum the last of the yeast cells, that particular breed found 150 years ago from the roots of a sugarcane plant which made Bacardi, Bacardi (only those specific yeast cells could build the unique taste of the drink after a feast on sugar). The company had earlier slipped enough strains of the variety out of Cuba to Peurto Rico, where it was going to set up the company for future operations. By the time the marines realised their mistake and reached Santiago, not a cell was left alive. The Bacardis saw what was coming. And they didnt like the idea of a Nationalist Bacardi made with their yeast cells competing with their production from Peurto Rico. Still, the new Cuba was undeterred. It believed that it was not the brand, but the place Cuba, which sold rum the world over. The government soon set up a new distillery producing their national rum Havana Club in the very building, the Bacardi deserted. Meanwhile, at Peurto Rico, Bacardi, which stood for 130 years as a one-brand company, reacted by deciding to expand its kingdom. It purchased Dewars Blended Scotch whisky, Bombay Saphire gin, Grey Goose vodka, Cazadores blue agave tequila etc. Exorcised from their motherland Bacardi had now a score to settle. It had to grow hastily in order to fight against the boldest Communist government in the world. Once Bacardi successfully settled down, the company began to siphon off a considerable chunk of its revenue to achieve its one goal the end of Communism in Cuba and their old friend, Fidel Castro. Bacardis lawyers were actively involved in the drafting of Helms-Burton Act which tightened the US embargo against Cuba. Allegations were also rife that Pepin Bosche, head of Bacardi was involved in a conspiracy to bomb Cubas oil refineries. Origin There was rum in Cuba, even before Bacardi, a drink too tame for the palate and too cheap for the pocket. The Cubans drank it copiously until Facundo Bacardi Masso, a Catalan wine merchant, born in Spain in 1814 came to Cuba in 1830. Facundo drank the rum in Cuba and couldnt help frowning. He should give something to his new country. Why not make the drink in his mind, he asked himself. Facundo started to produce his rum by drawing fermented sugarcane juice through charcoal and leaving it in oak for a long period to mature a hitherto unseen practice in the country. The result was phenomenal Cuba became the rum capital of the world. When prohibition hit the US, postcards illustrating the Havana nightlife and Bacardi cocktails were mailed out in large numbers. Planeloads of thirsty American citizens responded and landed in Havana to test the fire water. They fell in love with the rum of the bats and its various avatars as cocktails. How many of you know that it was Amelia, Facundos wife who threw in the image of a bat on the bottles of Bacardi? A bat means health and family union in Spanish. Another prominent Bacardi symbol was El Coco the lone coconut tree planted by Facundos son at the opening of the distillery. As its roots took hold so did a legend, the Bacardi Company will survive in Cuba as long as the coconut palm lives Then Fidel Castro came. He cut the tree with a single stroke. (Manu Remakant is a freelance writer who also runs a video blog - A Cup of Kavitha - introducing world poetry to Malayalees. Views expressed here are personal) It's a source of Balkan rivalry but has the same ubiquitous smell: the wood-fire roasting of peppers wafting through towns and villages each autumn as families prepare the region's best-loved relish. Slathered on bread, nibbled with cheese or served alongside meat dishes, "ajvar" has for generations filled the shelves of winter pantries -- and the rich spread's production is a matter of no little pride. "We women all exchange recipes, but everyone thinks theirs is the best," said Vesna Arifovic, 44, in Belgrade's Zeleni Venac market, where she sells hundreds of kilograms of seasonal red peppers each day. Making ajvar (pronounced "eye-var") begins with this juicy fruit, which is roasted and peeled, minced or chopped and simmered with sunflower oil, giving the relish its deep rusty color. Flavors diverge across the former Yugoslavia: while Macedonians add aubergine to their much-loved ajvar mix, many Serbian devotees stick to salt, sugar and vinegar. "There are two kinds of people, the ones who tasted ajvar and the ones who haven't been to Serbia yet," declared Serbia's tourist board on Twitter in September. Bosnian producer Ivo Lukenda -- whose recipe includes all of the above, plus garlic -- believes his country's ajvar is superior. "We consider our product to be the best," the 65-year-old said proudly, over a grill of blackened peppers in his central village of Ljetovik. Ajvar creation is a labor-intensive rite performed with gusto in kitchens and yards as the leaves begin to turn, although some is now mass-produced throughout the year. Neighbors gather for a tipple of homemade rakija (fruit brandy) before the painstaking task of peeling peppers begins. "It seems to me that ajvar and peppers bring people together... this red color seems to make them happier," said Stevica Markovic in his village near the town of Leskovac, a southern Serbian area famed for its peppers. Markovic's ajvar has become a source of income: he and his family produce up to 3,000 jars a year from their rural kitchen and sell them for 280 to 550 dinars (2.40 to 4.60 euros) each. He and his wife Suncica sit on low stools by a vat of the warm orange mush, filling and briskly stirring dozens of glass jars. "What makes Leskovac's ajvar stand out is the raw material, the pepper that grows in the Leskovac basin. We have 280 sunny days a year, very good land and enough water," said the 44-year-old, who heads a local association of ajvar producers. Homemade Leskovac Ajvar and Macedonian Ajvar are both now registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization in order to protect their brand names. A Slovenian company's bid to patent ajvar in the 1990s sparked outrage in the Balkans, according to media reports. Love of the relish stretches southwest to coastal Montenegro, while the Croatian company Podravka is among the best-known mass manufacturers. "The truth is that all the big noise about ajvar started with the idea of food branding in the former Yugoslavia," said Tamara Ognjevic, a specialist in gastronomic heritage and director of the cultural Artis Center in Belgrade. What was once the preserve of households "became interesting to the food industry... and everybody -- Macedonians, Bulgarians, Serbs, even Slovenians -- in one moment started claiming it was theirs". Ognjevic said that a form of vegetable relish most likely came to the Balkans with the Ottomans, who ruled much of the region for around 500 years and imported New World crops such as peppers. The first known use of the name ajvar was by 19th-century restaurant owners in Belgrade, most of whom were from northern Macedonia, she said. "Ajvar" is thought to derive from the Turkish word "havyar" for sturgeon caviar. The name was probably meant to denote a similarly exclusive product, said Ognjevic, given the complex preparation and then-costly ingredients such as sunflower oil. Ajvar's modern-day makers are now trying to expand its loyal fan base. Philip Evans, a British resident of Skopje, in 2011 co-founded Pelagonia, a Macedonian food range exporting ajvar to more than a dozen countries, including Britain and France. "We felt that this was a product that had never found its place in world food," the 36-year-old said, adding, "Look at products like harissa or pesto or hummus for example, they've really become mainstream food items for people, and we just felt that ajvar really had that potential." A proponent of Macedonia's sweet and sun-ripened peppers, Evans is aware of the "very, very passionate" feelings that ajvar evokes across the Balkans. "Everybody's auntie makes the best one," he said. Karva Chauth is a Hindu festival traditionally celebrated by married women in India. On this day, married women and girls fast for the day - from sunrise to moonrise - and pray for the longevity and wellness of their husbands or fiances. Women dress in bright ethnic wear and apply beautiful intricate henna designs on their hands. From wives waiting for the moon to rise to husbands feeding them the first bites of food; Bollywood has created a host of sequences and songs related to this festival. On this Karva Chauth, we bring 5 best scenes from Bollywood that capture the essence of this holy tradition perfectly. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge: One that inspired husbands to fast for their better halves Ishq Vishq: One that popularised the concept of feet-touching and also made the pre-wedding fasting fashionable Baghban: One that proved distance doesn't matter and depicted that husband-wife's love is eternal Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham: One that made fasting fashionable Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam: One that gave words to the agony of waiting for the moon to rise Mumbai: Superstar Aamir Khan said he is upset that his and megastar Amitabh Bachchan's looks from Thugs of Hindostan were leaked online. The 52-year-old star said it was disheartening for the team as they wanted to release the look officially in future. "Ideally they (pictures) should not leak. It's an important film. We would have liked to present the character in a particular time in a particular way, which we will still do. If it wouldn't have leaked it would've been better. There's nothing we can do about it now," Aamir said in an interview. "Everyone has a camera today, so how much will you control? Even in 'PK', my 'ghagra' look was out on the first day of shoot. We have to deal with it, that's the reality," he added. Produced by Yash Raj Films, the Vijay Krishna Acharya- directed movie also features Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Aamir said the team has been given strict instructions to not click pictures on the sets. "We try to keep it as secret as possible. Normally, on shoots when fans come to meet me, I click a picture. But not during 'Thugs...' because the fan will put the picture on social media. "None of us are allowed to click photos in the get-up. We take all these precautions." This is the first time Aamir will be seen working with Big B and the Dangal star is "really enjoying working with him as he is an amazing actor." Aamir said, growing up, it was a magical experience to watch the 74-year-old actor's movies. "It was an amazing experience watching Bachchan sir in the cinema halls. His aura and powerhouse performances were magical. He had a complete hold on us as an entertainer. The sway that Bachchan had, I don't think it can be recreated. "He had seven films running simultaneously in theatres. He used to clash with himself. That was a different era. The stardom which Mr Bachchan has seen, none of us will ever see." The actor is currently gearing up for the release of his production, Secret Superstar. After years of silence, Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan has finally opened up about the Kangana Ranaut row. Post his elaborate post on Facebook wherein he urged people not to term the controversy as a lovers-spat, the actor opened up in an interview with the Republic TV. When asked why he decided to stay silent for this long, the actor confessed that he feared his words would be misconstrued, but now he feels his prolonged silence was interpreted as his weakness. "I've just had enough, I need to say what I want to say. Enough of I don't know what word to choose, I cannot describe it, but it has... I realise that I have been pretending because I have to live up to this star.. thing of mine that I've got to look on for it, I've got to be cool and be okay and not give any attention to something that is not important," he said in his recent interview. "After a while, I realized that I was pretending. It was affecting me. It was affecting my sense of community, it was affecting my sense of well being, and I said now I am pretending... That's not being hero, that's not strength, its fake. I had to do something about this. It's about time," he added. Post the continuous mud-slinging between the two, the actor finally decided to speak as he thought he won't allow "my mind and my heart to say what it wants to say and allow the pieces to fall where they may." "I was also very very afraid. I have been afraid that my words would be misconstrued. If I come across as strong, they might turn me as aggressive, if I might show some emotion, they might turn me as weak, if I may sound vulnerable, they'll say 'Oh, maybe he is looking for sympathy' and the list goes on." "It has been very confusing, it has been a dilemma in my head, but you know if I am walking down the street and a person abuses me, the dignified stronger thing to do is to keep walking." "He doesn't affect my life but if that person starts hurtling stones into my home and affects the well-being of me and my family, then that silence is no longer strength, that silence then becomes weakness. It has been four years, I think I have had enough." He also said that there have been lots of times in the past when he thought he should tell his truth, but people stopped him. "I don't want to blame it on the people but I was advised to stop. This is probably the only situation that has caused me to shift my center. I'm usually very stable. But in that state of mind, to come out and talk about it was not advisable. It's not that I'm too comfortable right now but sometimes you've to grow up and realise that some things just need to be done." Hrithik also pointed out that he isn't somebody who fights. "Ive never had a single fight in my life. Neither with a man nor with a girl. Even in my divorce, there was no fight." Sharing that he first met Kangana in 2008 when they started shooting for Kites, he also clarified that they never became good friends. "Not just through Kites, but through Krish as well, I found her to be extremely professional. To the extent that I was really really proud of her. She came with her dialogues and with enough preparation whether it was a stunt or a scene - she was giving that camera everything she had. And this was for my movies." "Some actor giving so much to my film, it's more than I can ask for. I was extremely proud of her and I think I mentioned it to her a lot of times," he said. "She even told me she was very inspired by me when she was 8-9 years old, she saw my picture in some newspaper when she was in Manali and she wanted to become an actor because of me. The other exchanges we had were for her language. I used to tell her my stories and they used to empower her more," he added. He also explained how his father Rakesh Roshan approached Kangana for Krrish 3 and explained to her the importance of the character. Comprehending if any of his acts including the complimentary exchanges and smiles led Kangana on, Hrithik said, "It's like when you're the host and it's your party, you'll be extra nice." He also added that he found Kangana to be a very shy person. "We never got to a point where we had a proper conversation." "Those were all moments of celebrations. I'm a very proud person when my team is working together towards a vision and to have that support from my actors was very encouraging," he added while pointing out the birthday parties. He also added that the party was held during the production of the film and that's why she was invited and stood by his stand that he'd never met Kangana one on one in his entire life. "We were at the wrap party for Krrish 3 in Jordan. I was going to retire for the night when she came up to me and wanted to have a chat about her life choices. I told her I was tired, let's talk in the morning. I went back to my room and ordered room service and then I heard a knock on my door. I looked through the peephole and it was Kangana. I didn't think she was in the right state. So my assistant got Rangoli to come and take back Kangana to her room. The next day, Rangoli apologised and I told her it's okay." When the news of the 2014-Paris proposal started doing the rounds, Hrithik said that he was actually a bit relieved as here was a lie that could be easily demolished. "It's disgraceful - he said, she said. It was such a hostile environment. Who'd give me the right platform? You think I haven't tried. Anything and everything I did was used against me, even this interview will somehow be used against me. I wanted to, I've written some 20 blogs about this and I shared it with some friends and they said, "Hrithik you can't do that, you just can't. You are a huge star. But I didn't understand what being a star has got to do with being a human that I am." "I've had to go through a lot of emotions and I'm not willing to share them with you. They're mine and I own them. I don't think I'm going to be able to describe or expect anyone to understand." When asked about his next meeting with Kangana, the actor explained that after the Krrish 3 promotions, he only met Kangana in 2014 at Karan Johar's birthday party. Citing that she got a little angry when she thanked him for his honest feedback on Queen and he told her that he hasn't seen the film yet, he said, "She moved away and I followed her and asked if she was okay and if there's anything I could to help. She ignored and I forgot about it. I didn't think much of it thinking she had made some mistake." "The next day, I woke up and got a barrage of messages from her on my blackberry and the last message I got from her was on my birthday where she said I've sent you a gift you haven't replied. Hope you've received it," he said while explaining that all other messages from that night were Hindi abusive words. "I thought somebody has got hold of her phone and they were playing a prank," he added. "I didn't think it was her until I opened my mail and saw a mail from Rangoli. I started to read that and I was completely disoriented. I had just woken up and couldn't understand what was going on. She accused me of hacking her sister's mail and then forcing her to shoot some videos and stuff. It took me 10 minutes to understand that the mail wasn't from my ID." This is when Hrithik consulted his IT team and cyber crime department and he was advised that he shouldn't use his mail to answer back but should pass on the message saying that if they could get the original mail, it was possible to catch the imposter. But Rangoli responded with a shocking accusation saying, "You've been emotionally and psychologically raping Kangana," and that's when Hrithik decided to keep away from the matter. "That's when I switched off. I did not want to associate or be a part of any more exchanges after hearing that word. No dignified person, even if they're going through some stress, would accuse you with such harsh word. I had a good working relationship with this person. I had nothing to do with this. I wished it away. I chose not to involve myself in it." It was on July 13 that another e-mail popped up in which Kangana allegedly promised to keep the interactions under wraps and also expressed a desire in going to Prague. "These were not the first mails though. The first mails started with 'I miss you', then some explicit mails and then this particular one. It started with 1, then 10, then 15. I got scared and started sending them to junk," he said. He added that he read about 40-50 out of 3000 emails and that could not block the e-mails or the sender as there was no option of doing so in a Macbook Pro. "But in 2016, the harassment became public and mentioned how I was a silly ex. If you read the content of the mail, it recounts the happenings of her day, of what she did the entire day, what she ate, who she met and the pictures. And hacking is not something common. But how can I send myself those private pictures that she herself has taken?" he explained how it possibly cannot be him who had sent those mails." He also explained how there have been situations about him receiving random emails from obsessive people. "My higher understanding of life has taught me that ignorance is the best way forward. And this is not the first time, Ive been sent mails of this nature. Ive learned in the past that my ignorance discouraged it, and that is what I thought would happen now." (With inputs from IANS) Trump did not make clear to what he was referring, but his comments seemed to be a further suggestion that military action was on his mind. Trump says 'only one thing will work' with North Korea By Reuters: US President Donald Trump on Saturday said "only one thing will work" in dealing with North Korea after previous administrations had talked to Pyongyang without results. "Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid," Trump said in a tweet. Agreements violated before the ink was dry, making fool of US negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!" advertisement Trump did not make clear to what he was referring, but his comments seemed to be a further suggestion that military action was on his mind. The president has previously said the United States would "totally destroy" North Korea if necessary to protect itself and its allies from Pyongyang's nuclear threats. Earlier this week, during a meeting with top US military leaders and their spouses, Trump told reporters it was the "calm before the storm." Asked for clarification then on what he meant, Trump said: "You'll find out." White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders referred to Iran and North Korea the following day when asked about Trump's comments. Asked on Saturday about Trump's tweet, the Pentagon said the Defense Department's job was to "present the president military options and carry out orders." Trump repeatedly has made clear his distaste for dialogue with North Korea. On Sunday he dismissed the idea of talks as a waste of time, a day after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Washington was maintaining open lines of communication with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's government. ALSO WATCH | The Harrowing Moment Las Vegas Gunman Shoots Into Crowd --- ENDS --- Mumbai: Megaastar Amitabh Bachchan says this year he will not be celebrating the festival of lights Diwali or his 75th birthday, which falls on October 11. Though he didn't give the reason, his daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's father Krishnaraj Rai passed away in March after several days of illness. "India thrash Australia in T20, Pink Panthers' extraordinary convincing win, thunderstorm cancels shoot, 30 million on Twitter, and just for your information... no Diwali celebration this year," Amitabh tweeted on Saturday night. T 2751 - NEWS BREAK : India thrash Aus in T20, Pink Panthers extraordinary convincing win, thunderstorm cancels shoot, 30 million on T pic.twitter.com/4dUn7h5N49 Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) October 7, 2017 T 2571 - .... and just for your information .. no Diwali celebration this year !! pic.twitter.com/ux3GvzJxWF Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) October 7, 2017 The Piku star shared more details on his blog. "No, there is no celebration of any kind for the 75th and there's no possibility of my presence here in the city. They speculate...They aver, they get to know from their 'sources', details which can be completely wrong at times... one wishes to be those sources - for we, never ever know who or what they are," Amitabh wrote. New Delhi: Favouring simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls, the Election Commission on Sunday said all political parties need to be brought on board before such an exercise is carried out. "The Election Commission has always been of the view that simultaneous elections will give enough time for incumbent government to formulate policies and implement programmes continuously for a longer time without interruptions caused by imposition of model code of conduct," Election Commissioner O P Rawat told PTI in New Delhi. He said conducting the polls together would be possible only when necessary changes in the Constitution and Representation of the People Act are carried out. Existing legal and constitutional provisions mandates that elections are to be held within six months ahead of the end of the term of a state assembly or the Lok Sabha. Rawat said after the constitutional and legal framework are in place, it would be feasible to seek all the logistical support and conduct simultaneous elections. "Commission may conduct such elections after six months (after constitutional and legal changes are made)," the Election Commissioner said. He said bringing all political parties on board is an imperative for holding the simultaneous polls. The assembly elections for Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha are due in mid-2019, along with the next general polls. Rawat said the Election Commission was in 2015 asked to give its view on the synchronised polls. "The Commission gave its views on the matter in March that year. It had suggested few steps that need to be taken before such elections are made feasible," he said. Rawat said it would be logistically possible to hold the elections together if sufficient time is given to the Commission. There will be requirement of 24 lakh each Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) Machines. "We need two set of EVMs - one for Lok Sabha and another for the Assembly polls," he said. Rawat said orders have already been placed for more number of EVMs and VVPAT machines and new inventory ha started coming in. "The Commission would be able to get the required number of EVMs and VVPAT machines by mid 2019 or before if need be," he said. Rawat's assertion assumes significance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already pitched for simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls. The government's policy think tank Niti Aayog has also favoured conducting synchronised two-phase Lok Sabha and assembly elections from 2024 in "national interest". All elections in India should happen in a free, fair and synchronised manner to ensure minimum "campaign mode" disruption to governance, the Niti Aayog had said in its "Three Year Action Agenda, 2017-18 to 2019-20" report, released recently. Modi had in February said simultaneous elections would "cause some loss to all, including us" but political parties should not look at the idea through the narrow prism of politics. "One party or a government cannot do it. We will have to find a way together," the PM had said. Elections are held all the time and continuous polls lead to a lot of expenditure, he had said replying to the debate in the Lok Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to the former President Pranab Mukherjee's address. Modi had said that more than Rs 1,100 crore was spent on the 2009 Lok Sabha polls and the expenditure had shot up to Rs 4,000 crore in 2014. Over a crore government employees, including a large number of teachers, are involved in the electoral process. Thus, the continuous exercise causes maximum harm to the education sector, he had said. Security forces also have to be diverted for the electoral work even as the country's enemy keeps plotting against the nation and terrorism remains a strong threat, Modi had said. New Delhi: BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday launched into a tirade against the CPI(M) rule in Kerala, saying Communists are politically violent by nature and that the bodies of our workers were chopped into pieces to instill fear". Shah, who left his Kerala "Raksha Yatra" midway earlier this week, undertook a march to the Left party's office in the national capital, urging his party workers to fight the "tyranny of the Left". He alleged that over 120 RSS-BJP workers had been murdered in Kerala ever since the Communists came to power. "Since the Left came to power in Kerala, several workers of the BJP and Sangh (RSS) have been killed. The killings are brutal, bodies are chopped into pieces. It is done to terrorise those who support the BJP that they will meet the same fate. But the more the muck of murders they spread, the lotus will bloom better," Shah said. "Politics of violence is in their (Communists') nature. It is not a coincidence that the maximum political violence is reported from West Bengal, Tripura and Kerala where the Communists have been in power for long. Wherever they have been in power, they have turned the political culture into that of violence," he said. Shah trained his guns on the Congress, too, saying just as Communists had finished around the world, the Congress was finished in India. Shah also hit out at, what he called, the "champions of human rights" over their "silence" on the communist atrocities. He said their "selective protests" have exposed their bias. "Their selective protest exposes them. Why don't they carry out a candle march against their fellow Red comrades? Why do they not take out any march at the India Gate against the atrocities committed by the Left?" He attacked Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan for his failure to control political violence in his state. "He should be ashamed of himself. The maximum number of killings have occurred under his nose, within his own district." "The Reds think they will be able to stop thoughts and ideas from spreading through violence. I want to tell the CPI (M) and Congress that communists have disappeared from the world and Congress from India. And BJP, which was launched with 10 persons, is today the world's largest party with 11 crore workers," Shah said. Shah led a march from central Delhi's Connaught Place to the CPI(M) headquarters in the Gole Market area, a distance of about 1.5 km. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, Union Minister Alphons Kannanthanam and the party's Lok Sabha MPs from the national capital were in tow. Earlier this week, Shah had kicked off the Jan Raksha Yatra (people's protection march) from Payyannur in Kerala. According to the party, he skipped the march in Pinarayi the hometown of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as he had to attend a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shah is expected to join the BJP workers in Thiruvananthapuram, where BJP-RSS workers currently on the march in different parts of the state will come together, on the last day of the Raksha Yatra. The Bhartiya Janata Party is pushing itself beyond the Hindi heartland, seeking a foothold in a region that has historically been dominated by the Left. After leaving his partys march against the CPI(M) in Kerala midway, BJP chief Amit Shah is now leading one to the Left partys office in the national capital to protest against the alleged killings of Right-wing activists in the southern state. Earlier this week, Shah had kicked off the Jan Raksha Yatra (peoples protection march) from Payyannur in Kerala. According to the party, he skipped the march in Pinarayi the home town of Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan as he had to attend a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As it happened: Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here. Its the second and final day of PM Narendra Modis visit to Gujarat, during which he took a trip down the memory in his birthplace Vadnagar. This was the PMs first visit to his ancestral village since coming to power in 2014. Continuing his trip in poll-bound Gujarat, the PM has now flagged off the Antyodaya Express between Udhna (Surat, Gujarat), and Jaynagar (Bihar). As it happened: Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here. Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his first visit to his birthplace Vadnagar since occupying the top post, held a roadshow and said the town had taught him to drink and digest the venom spewed at him over the years. Addressing a public meeting after inaugurating a medical college and launching an immunization programme, he recalled his journey from to Delhi from Gujarat, where he was the chief minister for 13 years from 2001. He also went to the BN High School, where he studied, and smeared sand from the premises on his forehead. In an apparent reference to the attacks on him during his tenure as Gujarat CM after the riots of 2002 in the state, Modi said that he has managed to serve the nation with the blessings of Lord Shiva since 2001 despite some people "spewing venom" at him during these years. Vadnagar has taught me to drink poison, he said, while noting that his birthplace is the land of Shiva, like Kashi (Varanasi), his Lok Sabha constituency. "I started my journey from Vadnagar and now I have reached Kashi. Just like Vadnagar, Kashi is also the town of Bhole Baba. Bhole Baba's blessings gave me immense strength, and this strength is the biggest gift I have received from this land," he said. "The blessings of Bhole Baba (Lord Shiva) gave me the strength to drink and digest poison. Due to this ability, I was able to counter all those who spewed venom against me since 2001. This ability gave me the strength to serve the motherland with dedication over these many years," he said. On the second day of his visit to poll-bound Gujarat, Modi also visited the Hatkeshwar Mahadev temple where he performed a puja along with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. I am touched by the immense love showered by the people of Vadnagar today. It gave me new energy to serve the nation with more zeal," Modi said, addressing a public gathering after the roadshow. "I saw many faces among the people who came to greet me. Those faces brought back many memories of my childhood," he said. Lucknow: Diwali is around the corner, and if sources are to be believed, the intra-family feud within the Samajwadi Party is heading towards an end. Samajwadi patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav may have missed the annual party convention in Agra, but congratulated his son over the phone. Akhilesh's uncle Shivpal extended his blessings on Twitter. Mulayam's endorsement, particularly after a bitter standoff lasting several months, has strengthened Akhilesh's sway over party cadre, leaving no other option for his brother Shivpal but to med ways with his nephew. The Yadav scion has visited his father twice after the Agra convention, restoring normalcy between the father-son duo. Akhilesh Yadav was recently re-elected to the post of party president for the next five years after an amendment to the party constitution, extending the tenure from three years to five years. , Shivpal Singh Yadav (@shivpalsinghyad) October 5, 2017 Mulayam, according to sources, will not ask his son to hand over the post of party president, but rather mould himself in the role of a "guide". Sources indicate that Akhilesh's uncle Shivpal also doesn't have a problem with his nephew holding the top party post. In return, Shivpal could be given the charge of National General Secretary of the party. The two leaders traded barbs during the run-up to the Uttar Pradesh elections, and Akhilesh was once seen snatching microphone from his uncle on the stage. Mulayam is still said to be miffed with his cousin Ram Gopal Yadav, an Akhilesh confidant, and his fate is yet to be decided. It is believed Mulayam wanted to attend the annual party convention in Agra and necessary arrangements had already been made. However, sources say it was at the instance of Shivpal that Mulayam decided not to join his son in Agra. Things now look normal after Shivpal congratulated his nephew on Twitter. The Samajwadi Party was headed for a vertical split months before the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Mulayam distanced himself from party activities, didn't campaign for his son, costing dearly in the polls, which were swept by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Akhilesh Yadav, though, has consolidated his position as a party leader first by winning the party election symbol and then again by not capitulating in front of Mulayam-Shivpal duo. Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday dared his party's ruling ally BJP to "resign" from the Maharashtra government and face midterm polls. The state's ruling partners are also part of the NDA at the Centre, but relations between them are strained for quite some time. "I challenge you to resign from the government and face polls once again. We will show you the Shiv Sena's power. Even during the (Modi) wave, the BJP got votes in Sena's name," Thackeray said, addressing a rally for a local election in Nanded. Thackeray also took swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Gujarat visit. "I was watching news on television today. Saw the PM campaigning for the Gujarat polls which are two months away. How did he suddenly remember his school today? Did he not feel like visiting his school before? Why before the polls?" he asked. Modi on Sunday visited Vadnagar, his birth place in north Gujarat, first time since he became the prime minister. He also visited his school. Thackeray also said people were now forwarding a joke on social media that prime minister of India 'may visit India soon', apparently referring to Modi's frequent foreign tours. Lucknow: A week after the Kerala foray, BJP chief Amit Shah plans to take the political battle to the Nehru-Gandhi pocket-boroughs of Amethi and Raebareli. On Tuesday, Amit Shah will be travelling to Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhis Lok Sabha constituency, which the Gandhi scion has held since 2004. In fact, the Gandhi family has lost the two bastions only once in the post-Emergency elections when both Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi were trounced by the Janata opponents in 1977. Family loyalist Satish Sharmas defeat to the BJP in 1998 was the only other occasion when the Congress faced defeat in the adjoining constituencies in central UP. Amit Shahs visit to the Gandhi backyard is seen as a part of the BJPs Mission 120 the vistarak or expansion program, wherein the party has resolved to win the seats in which it stood second in the 2014 General Elections. For the day-long schedule in Amethi, Amit Shah will be accompanied by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani. She had contested the last Lok Sabha election against the Gandhi scion and was successful in substantially reducing the Congresss winning margin. Since the defeat, Smriti Irani has continued to visit Amethi as part of her attempts to nurture the constituency. The larger attempt also seems to be to engage the Congresss firepower in its own backyard in the run-up to the next General Elections. Rahul Gandhi has always used Amethi to pursue political tourism. He has failed to deliver on promises made to the people of Amethi, says state BJP general secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak. Rahul Gandhi was in Amethi for three days last week. The district administration had first denied him permission to visit, citing security reasons, but relented later. Rahul Gandhis visit, planned just ahead of the BJPs grand display of strength in Amethi, was seen as an attempt to dispel allegations that the Congress leader has been neglecting his constituency. The visit also assumed significance in the wake of the upcoming internal polls in the Congress, in which Rahul is widely tipped to take over party reins. Since Independence, the two constituencies have elected more prime ministers than any other. The expectations of the voters, both from their representatives and the party, are thus very high. Rahulji's recent statements made in the US have helped clear the confusion. There is a strong sense among Congressmen in Amethi that their MP is now all set to be the next president of the party and will also be the Prime Minister if the situation arises, long-time Congress supporter Pramod Mishra. Former MLA and senior leader Akhilesh Pratap Singh claims the BJP is no longer a challenge. The past is behind us. The BJP has been exposed, not just in Amethi, but across the country. The party is aware of the BJP's 'Amethi strategy'. The Congress strategy of pitting Rahul against Modi though fraught with risks is evident in Amethi and outside. During his three-day visit to his constituency last week, Rahul Gandhi attacked only the Prime Minister. He spoke on unemployment, GST and demonetisation. The attempt clearly is to emerge as the sole and the dominant pole against the BJP in 2019 general elections. By PTI: Karachi, Oct 7 (PTI) Four suspected al-Qaeda terrorists were killed today in a shootout with security forces in this southwestern Pakistani city, police said. The terrorists were shot dead after they opened fire on a raiding police party near the northern bypass area on the outskirts of the city, Senior Superintendent of Police Rao Anwar said. "We had sent a raiding party acting on an intelligence tip-off but they retaliated with heavy firing and were killed in the return fire," he said. advertisement Anwar said that those killed were involved in various terrorism-related incidents in Karachi. "One of them has been identified as Ibrahim alias Afia who is wanted in many terror-related cases including attacks on police and rangers," the officer said. On September 28, five terrorists belonging to the al- Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent and the Islamic State terror group were killed in Sachal area here. PTI CORR CPS --- ENDS --- Washington: US President Donald Trump said Saturday that diplomatic efforts with North Korea have consistently failed, adding that "only one thing will work." Trump has engaged in an escalating war of words with North Korean strongman Kim Jong-Un, trading insults amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals. "Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid," Trump tweeted. It "hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!" The US has not ruled out the use of force to compel Pyongyang to halt missile and nuclear tests, and Trump has threatened to "totally destroy" the country. The mercurial American president also told journalists at a recent gathering with military leaders to discuss Iran, North Korea, and the Islamic State group that this "could be the calm before the storm," declining to clarify his remarks. Last week, as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson flew home from meeting with top Chinese officials, Trump tweeted that his envoy was "wasting his time" in trying to probe North Korea's willingness to talk. The message came after Tillerson had revealed there were backchannels between US and North Korean officials. London: A devastating election and a high-profile speech strewn with mishaps have ignited a leadership crisis for British Prime Minister Theresa May at a critical time as Brexit negotiators push for a deal in Brussels. A plot by a group of Conservative MPs to oust May was revealed on Friday, reviving memories of the backstabbing which led to the 1990 ouster of Margaret Thatcher. The Conservative leader has struggled since June when her gamble in calling an election to cement her power backfired spectacularly and she lost her parliamentary majority following a slogan-heavy campaign. For many Conservatives, it is now a question of when, not if she steps down ahead of the next election in 2022 -- and the date most often mentioned is 2019, when Britain is expected to leave the European Union. "Getting rid of her is like going to the dentist," a government minister was quoted by The Sun as saying. "You keep putting it off because it's going to be painful but you know you have to do it eventually." But, as parliament returns from recess on Monday, recent events could bring her demise closer. 'This cannot go on' There have been reports of bitter divisions for weeks and speculation has swirled over whether Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson might mount a leadership bid after his contrary interventions in the Brexit debate. Johnson was widely praised for his ebullient speech at the party conference but his erratic behaviour has drawn widespread criticism and accusations of betrayal. Other potential successors include Home Secretary Amber Rudd, while Brexit Secretary David Davis and First Secretary of State Damian Green are seen as possible temporary place-holders until after Brexit. There appears to be little appetite so far among the younger generation of Conservative MPs for a role that would inevitably involve heavy sacrifices and compromises as Brexit negotiations continue. Those talks are currently deadlocked and there appears to be little chance that EU leaders will agree to the next stage of talks on future Britain-EU trade ties at a summit meeting on October 19-20. EU officials say Britain has so far not made sufficient progress on the preliminary negotiations centring on the divorce bill, despite May's push for a breakthrough in negotiations. Thwarted in Brussels, May had hoped to revive her fortunes at last week's party conference. But her keynote speech was disrupted by a serial prankster who handed her an end of employment form, and she then suffered a series of coughing fits which made her combative message barely audible. The sense of chaos was only enhanced when the letters of the slogan "Building a Country that Works for Everyone" started falling off the board behind her. "The sense that this cannot go on may now overwhelm her," wrote Times columnist Philip Collins, one of a growing number of commentators saying that the leadership crisis has finally come to a head. 'She could be finished' Iain Begg, a politics professor at the London School of Economics, said he expected "frantic efforts over the weekend to shore up May's position". "There will be threats. All the dark arts of politics will be used to try to stop it," he said, referring to a possible plot to oust May. He said the current climate had "an echo" of the demise of Thatcher in 1990 at the hands of Conservative plotters. That ouster was in turn followed by recriminations over Europe in the 1990s under John Major that eventually led to Labour's Tony Blair taking office in 1997. "If the wind goes against Theresa May she could be finished by as early as next week," Begg said, adding: "But if the cabinet is behind her, she will survive." Pro-Brexit MPs do not want another leadership election to slow down the process, and there are fears the lack of party unity could hand power to opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. The Evening Standard, which is edited by former finance minister and bitter May critic George Osborne, predicted "a bloody series of attempted coups, protestations of loyalty and bitter recriminations that ultimately leads to her exit". It said the only way May could regain some control over her party would be "by setting the timetable for her own departure". Riyadh: Two Saudi guards were shot dead and three others injured on Saturday morning when a man drove up to the gate of the royal palace in Jeddah and began shooting, the interior ministry said in a statement carried by state news. Royal Guards killed the gunman, who was identified in the statement as Mansour al-Amri, a 28-year-old Saudi national. The attack occurred at a checkpoint outside the western gate to the Peace Palace in Jeddah, where the royal family conducts official business during the summer months. Saudi King Salman is currently outside the kingdom on a state visit to Russia. The statement did not elaborate on the whereabouts of his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, although recent state news reports have placed him in Jeddah. Security forces seized Kalashnikov rifles and petrol bombs that had been in Amri's possession. Amri did not have a criminal record or any known connection to extremist groups, said Interior Ministry spokesman Mansour al-Turki, speaking by phone to al-Arabiya television. An investigation was underway to determine his motive for the attack, said Turki. Tehran: Iran's judiciary confirmed on Sunday the five-year prison sentence given to a Canadian-Iranian member of its nuclear negotiating team on spying charges. "Mr Abdolrasoul Dorri Esfahani... was among some who were accused of spying and providing information for foreigners and had links with two espionage services," judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejeie told reporters. Some reports have also said Dorri Esfahani has British citizenship. "The court sentenced him to five years in prison and the verdict is final," Ejeie said. "He also has a financial corruption case for which a bail has been issued but no indictment has been issued yet." Dorri Esfahani has a background in the banking sector and was a member of the supervisory board overseeing implementation of the nuclear deal signed between Iran and world powers in 2015. Since mid-2016, conservative websites and members of parliament have repeatedly accused Dorri Esfahani of spying for Britain. This was flatly denied by Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi in October 2016, but the case remained open. The conservative-dominated judiciary has jailed a number of dual nationals and foreigners since the nuclear deal came into force, highlighting the ongoing concern within parts of the establishment over improving ties with the West. Iran does not recognise dual nationals, which means they cannot receive diplomatic protections such as consular visits. Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his nuclear weapons are a "powerful deterrent" which guarantee North Korea's sovereignty, state media reported on Sunday, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said "only one thing will work" in dealing with the isolated country. Trump did not make clear to what he was referring, but his comments seemed to be a further suggestion that military action was on his mind. In a speech to a meeting of the powerful Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party on Saturday, a day before Trump's most recent comments, state media said Kim had addressed the "complicated international situation". North Korea's nuclear weapons are a "powerful deterrent firmly safeguarding the peace and security in the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia," Kim said, referring to the "protracted nuclear threats of the U.S. imperialists." In recent weeks, North Korea has launched two missiles over Japan and conducted its sixth nuclear test, and may be fast advancing toward its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland. North Korea is preparing to test-launch such a missile, a Russian lawmaker who had just returned from a visit to Pyongyang was quoted as saying on Friday. Donald Trump has previously said the United States would "totally destroy" North Korea if necessary to protect itself and its allies. The situation proved that North Korea's policy of "byungjin", meaning the parallel development of nuclear weapons and the economy was "absolutely right", Kim Jong Un said in the speech. "The national economy has grown on their strength this year, despite the escalating sanctions," said Kim, referring to U.N. Security Council resolutions put in place to curb Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes. SISTER PROMOTION The meeting also handled some personnel changes inside North Korea's secretive and opaque ruling centre of power, state media said. Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, was made an alternate member of the politburo - the top decision-making body over which Kim Jong Un presides. Alongside Kim Jong Un himself, the promotion makes the 30-year-old the only other millennial member of the influential body. Her promotion indicates the 28-year-old has become a replacement for Kim Jong Un's aunt, Kim Kyong Hee, who had been a key decision maker when former leader Kim Jong Il was alive. "It shows that her portfolio and writ is far more substantive than previously believed and it is a further consolidation of the Kim family's power," said Michael Madden, a North Korea expert at Johns Hopkins University's 38 North website. In January, the U.S. Treasury blacklisted Kim Yo Jong along with other North Korean officials over "severe human rights abuses". Kim Jong Sik and Ri Pyong Chol, two of the three men behind Kim's banned rocket programme, were also promoted. North Korea's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho, who named Donald Trump "President Evil" in a bombastic speech to the U.N. General Assembly last month, was promoted to full vote-carrying member of the politburo. "Ri can now be safely identified as one of North Korea's top policy makers," said Madden. "Even if he has informal or off the record meetings, Ri's interlocutors can be assured that whatever proposals they proffer will be taken directly to the top," he said. London: Prince Charles and his wife Camilla will visit Singapore, Malaysia and India this autumn, but not Myanmar, where violence has forced nearly 600,000 Muslim Rohingya to flee in the past year, royal officials announced on Wednesday. Charles, heir to the British throne, and Camilla will depart for Asia on October 30 for an 11-day tour, on an itinerary intended to cement relations ahead of the Commonwealth Summit in Britain in April 2018. British media reports last month said the Foreign Office was considering including Myanmar on the tour, despite an ongoing military crackdown against the Muslim Rohingya minority in the country that the UN says amounts to ethnic cleansing. But unveiling details of the travel plans on Wednesday, Clarence House the prince and duchess' official residence made no reference to Myanmar, which is also known as Burma. A spokeswoman referred enquiries on the matter to the Foreign Office. "(The) government makes decisions on royal visits based on recommendations from the Royal Visits Committee, taking into account advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office," a Foreign Office spokeswoman said. Mark Farmaner, director of non-governmental advocacy group Burma Campaign UK, welcomed the omission. "It was a ridiculous suggestion from the Foreign Office... and we welcome the decision to drop Burma from the proposed schedule," he told the AFP. During the upcoming tour Charles and Camilla will meet the prime ministers of Singapore and India, as well as senior dignitaries in Malaysia, which hosts a Commonwealth Summit in 2020. "Their royal highnesses' visit, which is at the request of the British government, will celebrate the UK's partnership with these Commonwealth nations on shared priorities in advance of the Commonwealth Summit in April 2018," according to the statement released by Clarence House. "The visits will highlight key themes including celebrating community, cultural diversity and promoting business innovation," it added. Berlin: Two weeks after winning German elections with a reduced majority, Chancellor Angela Merkel takes the first step on Sunday on a rocky road towards forming a government by trying to get her own conservative house in order. Her meeting from 1000 GMT with Bavarian sister party CSU kicks off weeks of exploratory coalition talks involving four parties, which will fight for ministerial posts and issues from EU relations to climate policy. The trickiest questions centre on refugees after Merkel allowed in more than one million asylum seekers in the past two years -- the decision that drove the shock rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). CSU leader Horst Seehofer, a harsh critic of Merkel's open-door policy, has revived his calls to cap refugee numbers at 200,000 a year -- a demand Merkel has consistently rejected as unconstitutional. Seehofer is in no mood to budge after his party too took a drubbing and lost many votes to the AfD, which ran on populist slogans such as "Stop Islamisation". He has vowed to close the party's exposed "right flank" with a tough stance on migrants and law and order, as he fights challengers snapping at his heels ahead of state elections next year. Merkel's CDU too is nervous ahead of a Lower Saxony state poll next week, where it is running neck-and-neck with the Social Democrats (SPD), who are badly in need of a win after their bruising defeat in the September 24 election. In a speech in the eastern city of Dresden on Saturday, Merkel said that the negotiations would be "difficult", but added: "I hope the coalition will fall into place." Odd bedfellows The emergence of the AfD party, which scored 12.6 percent, has stunned Germany by breaking a long-standing taboo on hard-right parties sitting in the Bundestag. Its success came at the expense of the mainstream parties, making it harder for Merkel to form a working majority. Her best shot now -- if she wants to avoid fresh elections that could further boost the AfD -- is an alliance with two other parties that make for odd bedfellows, the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) and the left-leaning Greens. Such a power pact -- dubbed a "Jamaica coalition" because the party colours black (CDU/CSU), yellow (FDP) and green match those of the Caribbean nation's flag -- would be a first at the national level in Germany. In the talks to come, all players must give a little to reach a compromise -- but not too much, to avoid charges from their own party bases that they are selling out in a grab for power. The smaller parties will seek to avoid the dark fate of Merkel's previous junior coalition partners: both the FDP and SPD have suffered stunning losses after governing in the chancellor's shadow. 'Sister parties' Until the high-stakes poker games between party chiefs result in a working government, Merkel will be restrained on the global stage and in Europe, where French President Emmanuel Macron is pushing for ambitious reforms. EU and euro politics, in turn, are shaping up as another divisive issue. Merkel and the Greens have cautiously welcomed Macron's plans, but FDP chief Christian Lindner, who is eyeing the powerful finance minister's post, has assumed a far more sceptical tone. He rejects any kind of "transfer union" -- code for German taxpayers' money flowing to weaker economies -- and said Europe must grow through "solidarity and competitiveness, not a failed policy of redistribution". Lindner has praised, however, Seehofer's tougher stance on migration, declaring that refugee numbers "must be reduced". The Greens, for their part, reject an upper limit, want to stop deportations of rejected asylum seekers to war-torn Afghanistan, and favour steps to help Syrian refugees bring their families. Even if these issues are somehow resolved, the Greens will also push other core demands unpopular with the pro-business parties -- including setting target dates to phase out coal plants and fossil fuel vehicles. For now, these talks are down the road, expected to start after the October 15 Lower Saxony vote. First of all, said CSU lawmaker Alexander Dobrindt, the CDU and CSU must establish whether they are "still sister parties". Married women offer prayers during Karva Chauth celebrations in Indore. Karva Chauth is a festival of love where the married women keep fast for their husbands' safety and longevity. (Image: Getty Images) Back in 2004 when I visited Sirsa to follow up my interest in the melodrama of Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) charity, the theatricality of Ram Rahim's guru-ship was immediately apparent. At one of the satsangs I attended, the then-current Hindi film song 'Balle Balle' was played at high volume, and it was to this soundtrack that the guru made his entrance. He was accompanied by a small deer. Male devotees, of varying ages, stood up and danced frenetically, all the while agitatedly pointing their fingers and arms forward toward the guru. As the guru took to his throne, his palanquin jerked forward and began to move steadily, most probably on a rail track, bisecting the crowd in a kind of royal progress, enabling even far-off devotees to gain close-up darshan. So things were already pretty filmi back then. Moreover, the much-observed melodrama of Bollywood was evident in the DSS's prostitution eradication programme (which involved devotees 'saving' sex workers by marrying them), its global designs ('The day will come soon when every child in this world will have the name of Sacha Sauda on his tongue'), routine exaggerations ('A miraculously huge "Ajooba" washing machine. What a wonder it is! The washermen [in a Sacha Sacha students' hostel] urged Hazoor Maharaj ji, and He gave instructions about this wonderful washing machine [which] has the capacity of simultaneously washing 1,000 clothes within half an hour only'), and in the vital role of the spectacular in the DSS's form of devotion. Borrowing from Tom Gunning who coined 'cinema of attractions' to refer to the dominance of special effects and technological wonders over narrative coherence in early cinematography, we can say that the DSS birthed a devotion of attractions. The guru's exhibitionism and constant stream of devotional special effects were, of course, means of soliciting the devotee's attention. The roles of spectator and bhakt are folded together, and as the anthropologist Birgit Meyer has pointed out, spectacles are presented as miracles. Given that the DSS was already a devotion of attractions, it wasn't entirely a surprise - indeed it seemed fitting - when rumours of the first instalment of MSG: Messenger of God surfaced. In addition to India's renowned popular film industry, there are, of course, well-established genres of devotional and mythological films. MSG confused categories in combining, perhaps for the first time, the mythological and feature film genres of Indian cinema: full of mythological tropes, its stylisation also conformed to that of India's popular cinema, with music, dance and stylised violence and exaggeration as the guru went about curing a multitude of social ills. Further, the film and its sequels saw a shift from the depiction of gurus in film-something that is utterly conventional-to the new scenario of the guru as film star playing himself. It is well known that certain film stars, particularly in south India, are worshipped - sometimes in the cinema hall itself. Here we find the reversal of this-i.e. one who is already worshipped turning film star. We can think here of Jai Santoshi Maa (1975), a film famous for performatively creating some of the devotional phenomena it described, resulting in new devotional rituals. But what kind of religious devotion, if any, did MSG produce? And does it all now lie in ruins? advertisement Recent media coverage of this particular guru has, of course, been lurid and sensational - and, arguably, that is entirely appropriate for one whose spectacularised guru-ship came readymade for mass media consumption: a guru-ship of grand gestures. In addition to the sexual assaults of which he has been found guilty, there is the further allegation that he ordered the castration of hundreds of his devotees. Placed side by side, the cases could seem to suggest an alpha male eliminating his sexual competition. Then there are the allegations of sex addiction and illicit relations with his adopted daughter, Honeypreet. Media presentation of these cases has framed each of them in terms of pure novelty. Yet castration and sex in devotional contexts are hardly without precedent. For instance, in his book, Gods on Earth, Peter van der Veer records various meetings with tyagis who have been sterilised for ascetic reasons. Daniel Gold, in his book Comprehending the Guru, rightly notes that corruption is understood to take place in devotional contexts 'when too much apparently unregenerate humanness makes links to the infinite divine seem visibly tenuous'; clearly, that is what has happened in the DSS guru's case, but it should also be recalled that it is possible-or at least was possible prior to the hollowing out of the collective memory-for intimate relations with a guru to count as spiritually uplifting. None of this is to defend the actions of the DSS guru but rather to point out that he didn't just invent these practices-they didn't come from nowhere. Similarly, when Ram Rahim began serially to overflow the roles of guru and philanthropist to become a pop star and then film actor, and came to be christened 'guru of bling', media reports seemed to suggest he was the first guru ever to wear ostentatious clothing and jewellery. Perhaps his accoutrements were uniquely garish, but one can find many videos on YouTube of Sathya Sai Baba's penchant for bling as he materialises rings, watches and other ornaments. Rings and jewellery have for a long time been (1) materialised by gurus (as calling card 'miracles') and (2) recommended to devotees as cures to particular problems or ailments. (Astrology, with its gem stones and ruby rings, is also of course full of bling.) He is also hardly the first theatrically-inclined guru. In his book Mad and Divine, Sudhir Kakar explained how 'Rajneesh [a.k.a. Osho] self-consciously prepared for his public appearances as does an actor for his role. In later life, he would use make-up, wear rich robes that accentuated his broad shoulders and jewel-studded caps that hid his baldness'. Mata Amritanandamayi also periodically dresses up as the goddess Devi. Dressing up in different ways is key to being a guru. It is certainly one of the most effective means of becoming one. advertisement Charisma, it's been suggested, is doing things you are not supposed to do and getting away with it. But charisma wasn't the only reason for DSS guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's ability-until very recently - to keep getting away with it: as is well known, the guru obtained protection from more than one political party in return for his devotees' votes. But there were other strategies as well. One was charity. Obviously, charity has a long history as a means of reputation laundering, and I suggested in my book Veins of Devotion: Blood Donation and Religious Experience in North India that the DSS's feats of supercharity - such as earning Guinness World Records for most units of blood donated in a single day, largest ever eye screening camp, and epic organ and whole body donation pledges-were at least in part attempts to create a media presence capable of hiding from view a different set of damaging stories that were then threatening to define his public image. (Of course, it was his devotees doing many of the charitable works and him taking the credit; the guru's world records, which circulated his resonant name throughout the world, were the transfigured capital of his control over his devotees' bodies.) Hence, when in 2007 Sikhs took exception to Ram Rahim trying to pass himself off as Guru Gobind Singh, devotees pointed to the guru's charitable endeavours as evidence of his true and saintly nature and that he didn't deserve the criticism being heaped upon him. To emphasise the point, the DSS organised blood donations in protest at the attacks on its premises. And sure enough, when it came to the sentencing of the guru last month, his lawyer pleaded for the guru's great largesse to be taken into account in deciding the prison term. advertisement To be fair, reputation laundering wasn't all that DSS charity sought to achieve. No doubt it has genuinely helped people - in particular, the free medical treatment provided to devotees - while devotees, too, in forming part of the guru's enlarged sense of personality were able to assume the role of givers in meaningful ways; embodied in the guru's extended personhood, they too could give outwards to society, while simultaneously giving to the guru: allowing his name to travel, his kingly charisma based on excessive giving to grow, his reputation to be laundered. You might say that the guru's gift to his economically disadvantaged devotees was to enable them to become givers, too. Here we can recall the etymology of bhakti, 'bhaj': 'to participate'. advertisement Fake, fraud, imposter, nakli, dhongi, pakhandi. Ram Rahim has been called all of these and far worse since his imprisonment (and well before it, too, but at a lower frequency). Again, not to defend him, but other readings are available. It doesn't really do to call him a fake guru (he's perhaps just a very bad one). He was (is?) a meaningful guru to millions. And the very hyperbole of his devotion of attractions lends itself, perhaps perversely, to a kind of truth-telling. Let us point to three aspects of what we might call his technicolour disclosure of the techniques of guru-ship. First, his notoriously controversial sartorial and ritual imitation of Guru Gobind Singh in 2007 underlines how becoming a 'legitimate' guru requires one to partake of prior gurus and other divine forms. Mimetic techniques for achieving this are various. A guru who claims to be the reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba will adopt mannerisms and regalia said to be characteristic of the earlier holy man. The son of a recently deceased guru may, soon after his father's passing, begin uttering unexpected remarks of the sort formerly made by his father, suggesting the latter's presence within him. As ever, it's the winning side that writes the history books, and those holy men or women whose imitative skills succeed in bestowing legitimacy on them are not remembered as confidence tricksters (holy man confidence tricksters date back to at least the Kautiliya Arthasastra). There is a great Indian tradition of dressing up as gurus whose participants are not least gurus themselves. Second, the feverishness of Ram Rahim's boundary-crossing-from 'mere' saint, he becomes CEO, social activist, philanthropist, pop star, film actor etc., while also crossing boundaries of taste, conventional decency and religion-highlights the larger tendency of gurus to transgress defined roles and social and conceptual boundaries: their uncontainability, as Aya Ikegame and I have put it elsewhere. Finally, one might ask about Ram Rahim's teachings: well, they are fairly standard, mediocre even. It is not by-the-by that they were completely eclipsed in media reports before and after his conviction. Here we return to the idea of a devotion of attractions, for the message of his guru-ship was always outdone by the command 'See!', by devotional novelties; his ability to show but not to tell. In the end, as we know, the glare of the spotlight found its way to hidden darknesses. But the devotion of attractions he made so evident through personifying it is practised well beyond Sirsa, has natural media allies and facilitators, and is going nowhere soon. Jacob Copeman is an associate professor of social anthropology at the University of Edinburgh, UK. He co-edited The Guru in South Asia: New Interdisciplinary Perspectives (Routledge 2012) with Aya Ikegame --- ENDS --- Not even the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history surprises us. Shocked, saddened, angry yes, all three. But if were honest we arent surprised anymore when a monster with a high-powered weapon or weapons kills many people he has never met. Weve developed a sickening ritual around mass murder. The news comes with horrifying images and the awful audio of staccato pops and screams. Then, inspiring stories of true heroes, the brave first responders, and heart-rending bios of victims whose lives are tragically cut short. We pray and hold moments of silence and candlelight vigils. Politicians play their assigned roles: The president makes somber remarks, congressional Republicans demand that Democrats stop politicizing the tragedy, and Democrats call for sensible gun control. The gun lobby hunkers down. And we go on to the next man-made catastrophe. Weve had more than half a century to learn the drill. On Aug. 1, 1966, a young man dragged a footlocker with three rifles, two pistols, a sawed-off shotgun and provisions including Spam, canned peaches, toilet paper and deodorant to the observation deck on the 30th floor of the University of Texas Tower. He took aim from his perch and started shooting. When the 96-minute rampage was over, 14 people were dead, with at least 33 others wounded. A campus became a killing field. Americans were shocked, saddened, angry and, yes, surprised. How could this happen? The shooter was a university student named Charles Whitman, 25, a former Eagle Scout, ex-Marine, sharpshooter. He had killed his mother and wife hours earlier. Whitman, it turned out, had complained of severe headaches and depression and had told a psychiatrist he fantasized about killing people from the Tower. He left a suicide note asking that his brain be examined to see if there is any mental disorder. Doctors found a malignant brain tumor the size of a pecan but were never sure if it affected Whitmans behavior. Experts still dont agree on his motive. Motive is again the question as we desperately try to make sense of senseless carnage, this time on the Las Vegas strip. Stephen Paddock, 64, had no police record. A high-stakes gambler, he checked into the Mandalay Bay resort and casino with 10 suitcases. On Sunday night, he set up guns at two windows in his 32nd floor suite. He rained bullets down on a country music festival, killing 59 people and wounding nearly 500. He killed himself as police approached. Mary Ellen OToole, a forensics expert at George Mason University, believes Paddock may have studied Whitman to prepare for his rampage. Its possible. So far, though, theres no evidence he did so. He reportedly had 23 guns and 12 bump stocks at the hotel. The device makes a semiautomatic rifle act like an automatic, so instead of having to pull the trigger, he could spray bullets as if he had a machine gun. Congressional Republicans insist its too soon to consider gun control legislation but it always is. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, introduced a bill Wednesday to make bump stocks and similar devices illegal. Even before Feinstein introduced the bill, gun shops around the country reported a spike in sales of bump stocks. Banning the lethal device is eminently sensible, so it probably wont happen. Nothing will change after the Las Vegas shooting was the chilling headline in The New York Times on an op-ed by former Rep. Steve Israel, Democrat of New York. The National Rifle Association used to support sensible measures but now is forced to oppose them because of competing organizations, Israel wrote. Part of the blame goes to redistricting, which pulls Republicans farther right, making them more subject to the NRAs score, he said, and part to Americans numbness to gun violence. Youll watch or listen to the news and shake your head, then flip to another channel or another app, Israel wrote. This horrific event will recede into our collective memory. Thats what happened in 1966. It sadly has happened hundreds of times since and very likely will happen again. Its the routine we have chosen. Mercer writes from Washington. Email her at marsha.mercer@yahoo.com. 2017 Marsha Mercer. All rights reserved. As Ive said here before, I am struggling to understand the conservative part of Americas electorate. Im trying to square what I thought I knew about the conservatives with whom I had radio conversations back in the 1990s with what Ive observed since. Back in the 90s, my impression was that conservatives had a commitment to the basic values and norms of the system of government our founders gave us. Indeed, over the years, it has been the conservatives in America who have most vocally proclaimed their patriotic commitment to our political heritage. But that doesnt square with a lot Ive seen in recent years, leading me to wonder: Are the conservatives whom I esteemed 20 years ago for their commitment to the norms of our democracy unaware of how much the political force theyve been supporting has trampled on those norms? Voter ID Laws For example, I would like to ask Republican voters about the voter ID laws their party has been passing in the states, Would you approve of such laws, if you understood clearly that these laws do virtually nothing to prevent voter fraud, but have instead, as their main effect, preventing millions of American citizens from voting? Because its crystal clear that this is what those laws do. Of course, theres a reason for Republicans to like these laws: Most of those who get disenfranchised by these laws dont vote Republican which is likewise crystal clear the reason Republican legislators have erected these barriers. And so these laws help their side win elections. On the other hand, it is a basic American value that even those fellow citizens we disagree with have a right to vote. So these Voter ID laws by rendering those millions voiceless trample on that hallowed American notion, enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, of the consent of the governed. So, my puzzle: Have the voters who support these Republican laws been hoodwinked by the bogus talk of voter fraud an almost non-existent problem that these laws dont address anyway? Or have they willingly cast aside Americas democratic values to get their side more power? Obstructionism Across the Board Two other basic American values were abandoned by the Republicans in Congress when, throughout President Obamas eight years in office, they did everything they could to prevent that Democratic president from accomplishing anything. Republican Sen. George Voinovich of Ohio articulated clearly the Republicans obstructive priority: If he [Obama] was for it, we had to be against it. That violates our democratic ethos, first, by showing contempt for the will of the American people. Through our constitutional electoral process, the people had hired Barack Obama to play an important role in our constitutional system. In making the presidents failure their top priority, the Republicans showed disrespect for both the people and the Constitution. This reached its climax in 2016, when the Republicans in the Senate declared that they would not consider anyone whom the president might nominate to fill a Supreme Court vacancy. As a study of more than a hundred such situations from our history showed, never before had any Senate acted in this way to thwart the president from playing his constitutional role and exercising his rightful prerogative. Again, for their violating the spirit of the Constitution (in this case, a grotesque distortion of the Senates role to advise and consent), the Republicans got rewarded with increased power. This theft gained conservatives a controlling majority of the Court. From Republican supporters, no objections were heard. Does that mean these Republicans were reassured by the phony rationales offered by Senate Republicans? Or as seems more likely, given how flimsy and ever-changing were those rationales were rank-and-file Republicans willing to applaud a theft if it gained their side more power? (What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36) Another way that across-the-board obstructionism clearly contradicts the intent of the founders is that it quite patently opposes what is supposed to be the purpose of our public servants: namely, to advance the good of the nation. After all, it was to advance the common good that our Constitution was fashioned. When Republicans voted even against ideas that had previously been their own, they showed that their concern was not to do what they thought best for America, but what would gain them partisan advantage. (And no, this kind of obstructionism has not gone both ways: George W. Bush had some Democratic support for all his major accomplishments, and from the outset, the Democrats have declared emphatically their willingness to team up with President Trump on measures on which they agree.) Creating gridlock just to make the president look bad inevitably means doing damage to the nation and its people. But I never once heard Republican voters complain about that strategy. Did they always care more about defeating the other side than about the good of America? Or did they change? Compromise as a Dirty Word Polls have shown that the majority of Republican voters dont want their leaders to compromise in order to get things done, whereas a majority of Democratic voters do favor compromise. Refusal to compromise works fine if ones side has all the power necessary to accomplish ones goals without any help from people who have different views. But the American system was set up so that, most of the time, getting things accomplished requires people to overcome their disagreements and find compromise solutions that serve the nation better than gridlock. The necessity for compromise was one of the things we learned in basic American civics. Given that basic understanding of what the American system requires, how did Republican voters come to think compromise a dirty word? Even before the election of Donald Trump, there were worrisome signs that American conservatives, who once seemed a stronghold of allegiance to traditional American political norms, either forgot or stopped caring how the system our founders gave us is supposed to work. Schmookler who was the Democratic nominee for Congress in Virginias Sixth District in 2012 writes an occasional column for The News & Advance. Zanu-PF leaders should resolve their differences within prescribed party frameworks as public spats cause more harm than good, President Mugabe has said. He hit out at top officials who share internal party information with potentially hostile characters, describing the practice as as a shame. At the Zanu-PF Youth League National Assembly in Harare yesterday, President Mugabe said it was pointless to involve the private media in internal party matters. . . . if there are problems, lets discuss them, and discuss them not for the benefit of NewsDay or Daily News, or the outside world kuti vawane zvekutaura, about ourselves or because iwe unekanyaya, unoda kunyadzisa vaungafunge kuti ava ndovandinosungirwa kunyadzisa. Ko, ukavanyadzisa today, ivo vanoda kukunyadzisawo mangwana. And you should learn politics, good politics. And kuno kumusorowo, we should give that lesson, that our differences are discussed in-house. They are ours; they dont belong to the outside and kutukana kunze its a shame, a shame even to our legends nekuti our party was not built on that basis. Its a party ine discipline, a party which has learnt that if we are divided then we become the food of vultures outside. The enemies will thrive and feed on us. We should never do that. President Mugabe said Zanu-PFs internal systems were robust enough to handle any situation. It doesnt matter how offended you feel. Bring your matter here, your offence here, we will discuss it. And we find a solution within the party. Thats it. Zanu-PFs First Secretary said the same unity that contributed to victory in the liberation struggle was the same unity of purpose still needed today, saying we are all children of Zimbabwe. President Mugabe said he had even warned United States President Mr Donald Trump against spreading disunity. Thats what I was telling Trump kuti isu, you must learn to talk our language. Its the language of unity, its the language of peace, the language of dialogue, the language of co-operation and the language of togetherness. Thats how I put it. Ndozvinosimudzira kubatana. The nations of the world must learn from us in Southern Africa, I said, but kana waakutaura zvechidhimoni izvo, kuti vamwe ndinovatsvaira muno munyika, aiwa, we will not accept it. sunday mail Police, to escape media attention, staged a drama before it took Honeypreet Insan to an undisclosed location for questioning. By Manjeet Sehgal: After a 38-day game of hide and seek, convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's confidante and 'adopted' daughter Honeypreet Insan was finally arrested by the police on October 3. Police, however, have accused her of not cooperating in the investigation and providing misleading answers. "Honeypreet was not fully cooperating with the police in the investigation and was evasive in her replies. She is misleading the police," Panchkula Police Commissioner A S Chawla said recently. advertisement Failing to elicit any answers from Honeypreet, the Panchkula police's SIT team is now seeking help from Haryana Police's crime branch. On Saturday, Honeypreet was taken to an undisclosed location and questioned by the police. According to sources, the police have prepared a list of 300 questions for Honeypreet, who has been accused of changing her statements repeatedly. According to sources, police, to escape media attention, staged a drama before it took Honeypreet to an undisclosed location for questioning. Female police personnel, dressed as dummies of Honeypreet and her associate Sukhdeep Kaur, left the police station in two separate convoys. Honeypreet Insan's rising graph. Source: India Today. As per the sources, while most media personnel followed the first convoy, the remaining went after the second police convoy. After a while, both the convoys reached the Sector-23 police station and the female police personnel, dressed as Honeypreet Insan and Sukhdeep Kaur, came of the car and entered the police station. As this drama played out, police personnel took Honeypreet and her associate Sukhdeep to an undisclosed dislocation in a special vehicle. Police did not take the duo to the headquarters of Dera Sacha Sauda in Sirsa nor to Tarn Taran in Punjab. According to sources in the police, Honeypreet was taken to various locations to establish sequence of events leading to her 38-day run. Later, she was taken to another prison with the police hoping that she breaks down and reveals her secrets. ALSO WATCH: Honeypreet used 17 SIM cards to evade arrest --- ENDS --- President Mugabe could this week reshuffle his Cabinet, wielding the axe on underperforming ministers and priming his team for better execution of duty. Mugabe disclosed this at the Zanu-PF Youth League National Assembly in Harare yesterday. The President, who is Zanu-PFs First Secretary, said some Cabinet ministers would be transferred to other portfolios while others faced the prospect of being dropped altogether. . . . But we must also look at ourselves and say to ourselves, Well, have we, all of us, co-operated together or are there some amongst us who, although they were given positions, and although they are good members of the party, but have not done well? And also in Government per se; although we appointed people to certain positions, did they live up to the calling of those positions? Tinotarisa kuparty, zvimwe chetezvo totarisa kuHurumende zvimwe chetezvo and next week, there might be some changes in Government. Right, I dont want people to run away, but I must also do my own review yekuti who have not pulled up or lived up to expectation muHurumende and tongoramba takadaro here kana kuti anosudurutswa, dzimwe nguva kubva adonhedzwa? So, that exercise I will be doing, and early next week, you will get the results. President Mugabe expressed disappointment with Government officials who were reluctant to do their jobs, especially assisting young people implement empowerment projects. I have learnt with a heavy heart that some Government departments are exhibiting lethargy in implementing youth developmental projects, vane basa rekukubatsirai vasingade, vachida kuramba, kana vachingopa mareasons asingaite, ekuti zvinhu zvinonoke chete, tiwudzei nekukasira. I, therefore, would like to commend the Ministry of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment, finally, for launching the Zimbabwe Champions and Heroes of the Economic Empowerment Revolution and the Empowerment Bank. Makaita launch yebank nana Mai Mugabe a day ago. Makorokoto. I encourage you to make good use of the US$10 million donated to enable you to start it, to generate useful projects. Furthermore, I encourage you to work with relevant Government departments to make sure that the youths are fully economically empowered. President Mugabe was impressed by the performance of some young land reform beneficiaries, and highlighted the tremendous success of the Presidential Well-Wishers Agricultural Inputs Support Scheme and Command Agriculture. President Mugabe also said vendors in Harares central business district should relocate to designated selling points. We must clear the roads. Vanhu kana vaziva kuti uko ndiko kunotengeserwa, vanoyenda ikoko. We do not want to see Nigerian-style. Ndinonzwa kuti ivo vandiri kutaura ivawo vatozara mutown umu. Ah, hona tsvinadzoga-dzoga. Ngatiregerei kudaro town yedu. Harare must be the smartest of all towns because its our capital city. Sunday Mail Bezos' Ex Is Already Doing This. Now He Is, Too Police are investigating an anonymous letter calling on a Pennsylvania day care center to fire a black worker because of her skin color, the AP reports. According to the Allentown Morning Call, the Bridge 2 Creative Learning Center in Whitehall Township received an envelope Tuesday containing letters addressed to the owner and a worker. The anonymous author purported to be a parent and suggested firing an unnamed worker because of her skin color. Township police chief Michael Marks said he has never seen a letter so offensive in his 20 years of police work, and whoever sent it could face harassment and ethnic intimidation charges. Day care owner Dominique McKelley said she doesn't believe a parent is responsible, but the center will seek prosecution of whoever is responsible. (Read more racism stories.) The note Stephen Paddock left behind in his Mandalay Bay hotel room contained chilling calculations as to how to kill as many of the concertgoers below his window as possible, CBS News reports. "I could see on it he had written the distance, the elevation he was on, the drop of what his bullet was gonna be for the crowd," LVPD Officer David Newton, who was among the first police in the room, tells 60 Minutes in an interview airing Sunday. "So he had that written down and figured out so he would know where to shoot to hit his targets from there." Newton said entering the room was "very eerie. Yeah, the dust from the explosive breach. And then you have the flashing lights. And that looked straight, like, out of a movie, you know?" What investigators still don't have, per the Independent: A motive. "Weve run a thousand leads," Undersheriff Kevin McMahill said Friday. "While some of it has helped create a better profiling to the madness of the suspect, we do not still have a motive or reason why." (Authorities think Paddock hired a prostitute in the days before the massacre.) This week a 27-year-old Michigan man was granted joint legal custody of an 8-year-old whose mother he allegedly raped. Sanilac County Circuit Court Judge Gregory S. Ross awarded joint custody and parenting time to Christopher Mirasolo of Brown City after a DNA test established paternity of the 8-year-old boy, the Detroit News reports. According to the victim's attorney, Rebecca Kiessling, Mirasolo raped her client nine years ago, when the woman was 12 years old. Mirasolo pleaded guilty to third-degree sexual conduct and was sentenced to one year in county jail. He only served six-and-a-half months, however, and in 2010 he was convicted of committing a sex assault on a victim between the ages of 13 and 15. He served four years for that second offense. Mirasolo's lawyer, Barbara Yockey, said her client did not initiate the DNA testing but was only notified of the paternity issue a month ago. I dont know what his plans or intentions might be regarding any future relationship with the child, Yockey says. Kiessling, who filed objections with the court on Friday, says Judge Ross disclosed her client's address to Mirasolo and ordered the man's name added to the child's birth certificate, without the consent of the victim or a hearing. A new hearing is scheduled for October 25. In 2016 the state of Michigan passed a law allowing courts to terminate the parental rights of children conceived by rape, Bustle reports. There are currently seven states that have no laws preventing rapists from claiming rights as parents, CNN reports. (Read more Michigan stories.) White supremacists returned to Charlottesville on Saturday night, again marching in front of a statue of Robert E. Lee with tiki torches in hand, reports the Daily Progress, in what Mayor Mike Signer termed "another despicable visit by neo-Nazi cowards." Alt-right leader Richard Spencer led the demonstration, which he called "Charlottesville 3.0;" it lasted five to 10 minutes and was attended by 40 to 50 protesters who chanted "we will be back" and "you will not replace us." One city councilor is calling for the white supremacists to be arrested, saying, "When White Supremacists Make odes to White Power, and clearly use torches to send a message to our community that they are the superior race while trying to strike fear and intimidate others, they are breaking the law." Three students were arrested Friday at the University of Virginia as it celebrated its bicentennial; they leapt onstage and unfurled a banner reading "200 years of white supremacy," notes CBS News. (Read more Charlottesville, Va. stories.) Is it time to say arrivederci to Christopher Columbus? A movement to abolish Columbus Day and replace it with Indigenous Peoples Day has gained momentum in some parts of the US, with Los Angeles in August becoming the biggest city yet to decide to stop honoring the Italian explorer and instead recognize victims of colonialism, AP reports. Austin, Texas, followed suit Thursday. It joined cities, including San Francisco, Seattle, and Denver, that had previously booted Columbus in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day. But the gesture to recognize indigenous people rather than the man who opened the Americas to European domination has also prompted howls of outrage from some Italian-Americans, who say eliminating their festival of ethnic pride is culturally insensitive, too. "We had a very difficult time in this country for well over a hundred years," said Basil Russo, president of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America. "Columbus Day is a day that we've chosen to celebrate who we are." The debate over Columbus' historical legacy is an old one, but it became emotionally charged after a similar debate in the South over monuments to Confederate generals flared into deadly violence in August at a rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. In Akron, Ohio, a September vote over whether to dump Columbus opened a racial rift on the city council that was so heated, conflict mediators were brought in to sooth tensions. Salt Lake City officials declared Tuesday that they would keep Columbus Day but celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day on the same day. (Read more Columbus Day stories.) It is being said that it was Sussanne Khan who encouraged Hrithik Roshan to go public with his side of the story. By India Today Web Desk: When Hrithik Roshan opened up about the Kangana Ranaut episode in a recent interview, he admitted that he was "uncomfortable". He also said that he saw "absolutely no grace in sitting here and testifying my character". So, after maintaining a dignified silence for so long, why he did he come out with his side of the story? If a report in The Quint is to be believed, Hrithik's ex-wife Sussanne Khan had something to do with it. advertisement A source told the publication, "Enough was enough, and Sussanne firmly believes Kangana is making up all these stories on her alleged relationship with Hrithik. And why should she not believe him? When Hrithik had an affair with Barbara Mori, he told his wife about it. Now when she's his ex-wife, why would he hide any affair?" Hrithik has denied Kangana's claim that they began a clandestine affair during the making of his home production Krrish 3. Kangana has accused him of hacking into her email and sending himself thousands of mails from her account, but Hrithik has maintained that it was she who bombarded his inbox. ALSO WATCH: Kangana accuses Hrithik of circulating her intimate photos --- ENDS --- Sorry! This content is not available in your region We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Hrithik Roshan said that a police complaint would have gone public and he was dealing with enough problems of his own and did not want an additional headache. By India Today Web Desk: The ugly spat between Hrithik Roshan and Kangana Ranaut has dominated gossip columns for almost two years now. Kangana's version is that the two were in a clandestine relationship, which he abruptly ended, and then proceeded to hack into her e-mail and send himself mails pretending to be her. However, Hrithik has denied that they shared anything more than a professional relationship, questioning how two high-profile celebrities could have a passionate affair for years with absolutely no trail left behind. He also said that Kangana bombarded him with e-mails, which he never responded to. advertisement The question being asked is, if Hrithik was indeed being harassed for years, why did it take him so long to go to the police? The Bang Bang actor responded to this on a recent interview. "A police complaint would go public. I would have to name that person. I was going through my own problems at that time, I didn't want this," he said. "When these emails came to me, I was a single man. I could have sent a message or made a phone call saying, 'come over'. Thank god I didn't, otherwise it would have been difficult to fight this case," Hrithik added. He admitted that he had made a "mistake" by not protecting himself. "I had a very in-depth conversation with the then police commissioner, Ahmed Javed. I told him that I want to meet this girl, with her sister and parents, and simply want to ask them all if they knew what's happening. He stopped me from going to her and said that it was not advisable to meet her. I even called up her producer Sajid Nadiadwala and asked for half an hour just to have a conversation with Rangoli and her sister, but I was not allowed to," Hrithik said. ALSO WATCH: Kangana accuses Hrithik of circulating her intimate photos --- ENDS --- Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Considerable clouds this evening. Some decrease in clouds late. Low around 5F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Considerable clouds this evening. Some decrease in clouds late. Low around 5F. Winds light and variable. New Delhi : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is about to launch a pilot project to educate people in e-transactions, formal sector borrowings and insurance purchases in collaboration with six NGOs. This literacy drive of educating people will be carried out through 80 blocks accross nine states. CRISIL Foundation, Dhan Foundation, Swadhaar Fin Access, Indian School of Micro Finance for Women (ISMW), Samarpit and the PACE Foundation have been selected to execute the pilot project in collaboration with banks. Only those NGOs have been selected that are registered with the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund ."The Reserve Bank is initiating a pilot project on financial literacy at the block level to explore innovative and participatory approaches to financial literacy," RBI said while inviting expression of interest from agencies to conductimpact assessment of Pilot CFL (Centre for Financial Literacy) Project. The project will cover states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Odisha, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh across 80 blocks. The total cost of the pilot project over a period of three years is Rs 18.40 crore. The aim of the CFL is to inculcate the habit of making a household budget and recording financial transactions, encourage transactions in savings accounts, and active saving by depositing in banks through fixed deposits and recurring deposits. Besides, the pilot project aims to ensure people borrow from formal finance institutions and approach banking Ombudsman for redressal of their grievances. It will also "encourage e-transactions through electronic means viz NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, Internet Banking, Mobile Banking,UPI (Unified Payment Interface) etc", the document said.The NGO will be educating people to buy life insuranceand pension products. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The India Air Force is prepared to fight war at a short notice said Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Sunday while addressing IAF personnel on Air Force Day. The Air Chief added that the Indian Air Force was fully geared up to face any security challenge to the country. Dhanoa said, We are prepared to fight at short notice. He added that Indian Air Force is acquiring multi-spectrum strategic capabilities to further strengthen the airforce. Dhanoo during the event also said, IAF is committed to building a joint manship with the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. Also read: Why is Indian Air Force Day celebrated on 8 October Dhanao further said security of all Air Force stations have been enhanced to any kind of combat threat. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrating its 85th anniversary at Hindon Air Force base in Uttar Pradeshs Ghaziabad district. Also read: Indian Air Force Mi-17 V5 helicopter crashes in Arunachal Pradesh; 7 killed President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the air force and extended greetings on the occasion of 85th Air Force Day. Modi said: On Air Force Day, best wishes to our courageous air warriors and their families. Their determination and prowess ensure that our skies are safe. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Marshal of Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, 98, passed away following cardiac arrest on September 16 at Delhi's Army Research and Referal Hospital. He was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition earlier that day. All you need to know about the Marshal of the Air Force 1. Arjan Singh was born on April 15, 1919 in Pakistan's Faisalabad to a military family. At the age of 19, he joined the Indian Air Force. A year later, he was commissioned from England's Royal Air Force College Cranwell. 2. He will be remembered for his remarkable operational tenures on the Burma Front during World War 2. 3. He was described as a fearless and exceptional pilot. He became the first Indian pilot to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) by the Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia. 4. Arjan Singh held the command of Indian Air Force's operational Group till December 1952, and then again from December 1955 to April 1959. 5. To take a number of courses in military academics, Singh was sent to RAF Staff College-Brackwell, Joint Services Staff College, and London's Imperial Defence College, after Independence. 6. On August 1964, Arjan Singh took charge as the IAF's third Indian Chief of Air staff at the age of 45. For his contributions in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1965. ALSO READ | Air Force Day special: Meet the ladies who helped IAF shrug its sexist fears 7. He retired at the age of 50 and became one of the longest-serving chiefs of the Army services in India. 8. He was made India's Ambassador to Switzerland in 1971 and then the Indian High Commissioner in Kenya in 1974. 9. Arjan Singh became the only IAF officer to be promoted to five-star rank in 2002. 10. To pay tribute to him, West Bengal's Air Force base at Panagarh was named as Air Force Station Arjan Singh last year. Arjan Singh was accorded a state funeral in New Delhis Brar Square on September 18. The national flag flew at half-mast at all government buildings in his honour. Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba and Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa paid their last respects to the Marshal of IAF. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, a state funeral will be accorded and national flag will fly half-mast on the day of the funeral (September 18) in Delhi at all buildings where it is flown regularly, a Home Ministry spokesperson said. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Congress President Sonia Gandhi, all have condoled the demise of the Marshal of the Air Force. Heres how everyone expressed their grief: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the residence of Arjan Singh, a day after he passed away, to pay tributes. PM Modi wrote a message in the condolence book at the residence of Marshal of Indian Air Force. "Arjan Singh led effective, amazing and dedicated life. He was epitome of valour and bravery. He was a rare combination of heights and depths. He was totally dedicated to India through his post, prestige and values. I salute the warrior who always gave feeling of soldier's bravery and etiquette," wrote PM Modi in condolence book. President Ram Nath Kovind said, Sad at demise of a great air warrior & Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh. Condolences to his family & IAF community. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, Great loss. Government will be doing maximum to extend the honour Marshal of IAF Arjan Singh deserves. Congress President Sonia Gandhi said, Air Marshall, Shri Arjan Singh was an outstanding soldier and a diplomat who led from the front. Shri Arjan Singh will be particularly remembered for his successful operation tenure on the Burma Front during World War II. Ravi Shankar Prasad said, Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of 1965 war hero Air Marshal Arjan Singh. Salute to the brave soldier of mother India. Pranab Mukherjee said, As an outstanding soldier who led from the front, a diplomat and an administrator #ArjanSingh will forever be remembered. #CitizenMukherjee ALSO READ: Why is Indian Air Force Day celebrated on 8 October For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The Indian Air Force will celebrate its 85th anniversary on October 8 under a dark cloud-due to its shrinking fighter squadrons. The IAF is now down to 33 squadrons from a high of 39.5 over a decade ago (each with a strength of 18 jets), much lower than its authorised strength of 42 squadrons. Over the next five years, these numbers will dip into the 20s when the IAF completely phases out 11 squadrons of ageing MiG-21 jets (a total of around 220 jets). The replacements for these single-engined workhorses, the mainstay of the IAF since the 1970s, have been marked by delays stretching over a decade. In 2015, the defence ministry under Manohar Parrikar decided to split this requirement for at least 220 single-engined jets between the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft and a foreign single-engined fighter which would be built within the country in collaboration with a private sector firm. Both these lines of approach are now facing troubles. advertisement In 2005, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had promised to deliver 40 LCA Mark-1 fighters by 2018. Production delays have led to it delivering only four fighters till date. The delivery of 83 LCA Mark1A, for a total of 123 Tejas, is still farther away. The government's strategic partnership (SP) policy, which was to select a foreign firm to locally build a single-engined fighter, has once again slipped into the slow track. Under the SP policy, first recommended by the Dhirendra Singh committee in 2015, the Indian private sector would locally manufacture urgently-needed fighter jets, submarines and military helicopters worth over $30 billion in collaboration with foreign equipment manufacturers. The policy was cleared by then defence minister Arun Jaitley on May 20, but there has been no major forward movement on it in the past four months. The most crucial decision would have to be the selection of six private sector firms which could make the defence hardware locally and form an alternative to the public sector units. So far, all that has happened is that the MoD has sent out 'requests for information (RFI)' to two single-engined aircraft manufacturers, Lockheed Martin which makes the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and SAAB of Sweden which makes the Gripen. The MoD was to have simultaneously identified the private sector defence firms to partner with the foreign OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), but that has not happened either. "The RFI is just the first of 11 stages through which every procurement programme has to pass before a deal is signed. Each of these stages carries with it the potential to derail the programme," says Amit Cowshish, former financial advisor in the MoD. On June 16, Lockheed Martin teamed up with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to build the F-16 locally while Saab on September 1 announced a tie-up with the Adani group to build the Gripen in India. Both Lockheed Martin and Saab have made attractive offers to set up sophisticated aircraft production lines within India. These facilities, they say, will not only build their fighters within the country but also create an aerospace ecosystem. (State-owned HAL is the only aircraft manufacturer in India now.) But both partnerships are essentially symbolic because the MoD is yet to even shortlist which Indian private sector firms qualify for being strategic partners. The process mandates for the MoD to choose the foreign manufacturer and then, in a separate exercise, direct the shortlisted Indian company to enter into legal bids with them before submitting separate technical bids to manufacture the weapons in India. IAF has assured private sector players that they would get the RFIsfor single-engine jet fighters by the end of September. That hasn't happened yet. Sources familiar with developments said the ministry was still debating the matrix for deciding which Indian firms would be shortlisted as strategic partners. "The system lacks a process owner which is like a management consultant who will identify the whole process," says a private sector CEO. advertisement Worse, the entire 2017-18 financial year seems to be slipping away with no decision in sight. If the expression of interests had gone out to the Indian private sector firms by September, as indicated earlier, they would have submitted bids in two months. That would have given the MoD at least until March 31 to decide on the bids. Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said, after taking over on September 4, that Make in India in defence would be one of her key focus areas. But in the one month that she has been in office, there has been little visible progress on the SPs. The strategic partnership would have been a silver bullet for at least one other trouble beside the IAF's two-decade-long quest for an aircraft to replace the MiG-21s. It could resuscitate the government's comatose Make in India initiative. Apart from indigenous shipbuilding projects and those for surface-to-air missiles (which, it can be argued, would have been made indigenously in any case), Make in India in defence has so far seen only one major contract-a Rs 4,500 contract between L&T and Hanhwa Techwin announced this April to domestically build 100 self-propelled 155 mm howitzers. advertisement The cardinal sin, officials say, was the MoD's diluting the SP concept after Parrikar's departure from South Block in March. Earlier, the government would have nominated the Indian-foreign partnership that emerged as the lowest bidder in a contract to build a weapons platform. "The concept changed completely after March when the government said that the foreign and Indian partnership would have to submit price bids, just like any other contract," says an official. The MoD also included defence public sector undertakings(DPSUs) into the SP model, a feature that was not there earlier. The introduction of price bids converted strategic partnerships into a pure competitive process, very similar to the existing Buy and Make programme existing under the Defence Procurement Procedure which governs the MoD's defence hardware acquisition. (Under Buy and Make, a foreign OEM produces defence hardware within the company in collaboration with an Indian firm.) There are two other fears within the private sector defence industry vying for these multi-billion contracts. With sluggish economic growth, defence is unlikely to be a major spending priority for the government. A spate of major state elections beginning with the Gujarat elections in December this year and ending with the general elections in May 2019 is likely to further distract the government. advertisement Delays on the single-engined aircraft contract could see it go the way of another programme to plug its single-engined shortfall-the doomed Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) acquisition programme. The MMRCA contest ran between 2004 and 2015 when it was scrapped as it neared the final stage of contract negotiations. The programme, which began soon after the Kargil War as an additional buy of 126 Mirage-2000 aircraft, ballooned into a muddled global contest involving both single and twin-engined French, Russian, Swedish and American jets, before being scrapped (both the F-16 and Gripen were MMRCA contenders). A separate contract for 36 Rafale multi-role jets worth $8.3 billion was inked with France's Dassault in 2016. Sheet metal for the first Indian Rafale jets were cut in the manufacturer's plant in France last month with the first aircraft due for delivery by 2020. The IAF, which wants larger numbers of fighter jets to tackle a probable two-front war with China and Pakistan says it needs the jets quickly over the next five years. Not that the aircraft it has at present don't meet the mark-the Su-30MKIs, over 250 of which form the backbone of the IAF's fleet, are highly capable platforms. Three Su-30s can carry as much ordnance as an entire squadron of MiG-21s and at three times the range. HAL will deliver the last batch of 35 locally assembled Su-30MKIs to the IAF by 2020. The closing of the Sukhoi line and the fading of the MiGs is causing much concern though. This is because the IAF says it needs greater numbers of multi-role aircraft when facing the increasingly sophisticated fighters being fielded by the Chinese and Pakistan air forces. "It's going to be a crisis soon when all the MiG-21s are gone," says Air Marshal P.S. Ahluwalia, former Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) West. "We don't even have the luxury of waiting for transfer of technology. We need to get either Lockheed Martin or Saab to set up a plant here and start producing the aircraft." The IAF's next set of worries, aviation experts warn, is also around the corner. In less than a decade, it will have to start retiring eight squadrons of twin-engined Jaguar strike aircraft and MiG-29 interceptor aircraft, again, with no replacements in sight. The cost of delays is just piling up. --- ENDS --- New Delhi: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Nathu La area on the Sino-India border on Saturday. Further, during her visit she interacted with the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police officials. However, her scheduled aerial survey of Dokalam and forward posts in the border areas of Sikkim was cancelled due to inclement weather. Earlier in the day, state government officials had said the defence minister made an aerial survey of the Doklam-Nathu La area. Sitharaman, on a days visit to Sikkim, travelled by road to Nathu La, 52 km from Gangtok, and interacted with Army and ITBP officials posted there. The Union Minister who was scheduled to make her aerial survey of Doklam and forward posts along the Indo-Sino border in Sikkim was cancelled due to inclement weather. However, she made her aerial survey of Gangtok and surrounding areas from the new Greenfield Pakyong Airport in east Sikkim after her return from the Nathu-la Border during the afternoon, the statement said. Sitharaman was accorded a guard of honor on her arrival at Nathu La. She was also briefed about the security preparedness along the China-India border in the Sikkim sector by the Chief of Eastern Command Lt Gen Abhay Krishna. Vice-Chief of Army Lt Gen Sarath Chandra was also present there. The defence ministers visit to the border area comes more than a month since Indian and Chinese troops disengaged after nearly a 70-day standoff at Dokalam. On her twitter handle, she said Chinese soldiers from across the border took her pictures when she reached Nathu La. Acknowledged a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence who were taking pictures on my reaching Nathu La, she tweeted. She later met Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling at his official residence and sought the state governments intervention in sorting out land-related issues, between the Army and the states forest department. Chamling assured all intervention from the government, the release said. The chief minister apprised Sitharaman of the hardships being faced by Sikkim due to the ongoing agitation in the neighbouring Darjeeling hills of West Bengal. He said that due to blockades on NH-10, the only national highway that connects the landlocked mountain state, Sikkim has incurred huge economic losses. He reiterated his request to the Centre for speeding up the construction of a new highway to Sikkim. With PTI inputs For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday directed the officials to restore acute shortage of coal supply to the power plants in some parts of the state within a week. Several parts of the state are facing load shedding as thermal power plants have run short of coal. Fadnavis met officials from the Coal Ministry, Coal India Ltd, Railways, various coal companies and Maharashtra Energy Department on Saturday, the chief ministers office issued a statement. CM Devendra Fadnavis instructed to restore coal supply and use even roads for coal transportation to bring relief to people as soon as possible, the CM offices said. ALSO READ | Maharashtra: Devendra Fadnavis accepts Centre's suggestion of reducing VAT on petrol, diesel The CM specifically asked to bring back the situation to normal within seven days, it added. The shortage of coal didnt come about suddenly and the BJP-led state government was responsible for the mess, Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said. We will be keenly watching coal purchase and electricity supply by private companies, he said. (With PTI inputs) ALSO READ: Narayan Rane says Maharashtra CM Fadnavis invited him to join NDA For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met one of his old friends and long-time RSS pracharak Haribhai Adhunik during his two-day visit to Gujarat at the famous Dwarkadhish Temple. After offering prayers at the temple, the Prime Minister saw his old friend standing with some people in the temple courtyard, while he was leaving the temple. Adhunik is also a member of the administrative committee of Dwarkadhish Temple. The duo talked for a while before PM Modi left. While speaking to reporters, Adhunik said that he had known his friend for many years and both share a special friendship. ALSO READ: PM Modi to visit Vadnagar today, to inaugurate medical college and hospital I have been in the RSS since the last 52 years. We are old friends, as we knew each other for many years now. Whenever Modi used to come to Dwarka as an RSS worker, he used to stay at my home. We went to many places together while in RSS in the past, PM Modis friend said. (With PTI inputs) ALSO READ: Uddhav Thackeray hits back at PM Modi for his Diwali allusion, asks whether government will refund taxes collected so far For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday refuted claims of Yashwant Sinha that Indian economy is on downward spiral. The Minister said that India has become the World's fastest growing economy for three years in a row under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Piyush defended the government by saying that some of the landmark reforms that this government has brought in, are unprecedented. The Minister added that something like GST was never imagined to be possible in a country of the size and scale of India. Earlier in the day, senior Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram had come out in support of Yashwant Sinha who questioned Modi governments economic policies. He claimed that government's policies has pushed the economy into a downward spiral. The senior Congress leader wrote on Twitter, "Yashwant Sinha speaks Truth to Power. Will Power now admit the Truth that economy is sinking?" Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi also took a jibe at Centre and wrote on Twitter," Ladies & Gentlemen, this is your copilot & FM speaking. Please fasten your seat belts & take brace position. The wings have fallen off our plane." In his column written in the Indian Express, the former Union Cabinet minister scathed criticism on how the Modi-led government made a blunder by assigning Arun Jaitley responsibilities one too many. He added that his former colleague Jaitley's pedigree in finance was unquestionable but he was overburdened with critical portfolios like defence, finance, and corporate affairs at the same time. He brought to fore that the finance ministry is a humongous task by itself and demands full-fledged attention if needs to be handled in an effective manner. Naturally, even a superman like Jaitley could not do justice to the task. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Indias first three women fighter pilots are to fly the MiG-21 Bison jets Indian Air Forces one of the potent combat aircraft. The three pilots, Mohana Singh, Bhawna Kanth and Avani Chaturvedi will script the history next month by flying the combat aircraft. The three are going through a strenuous three weeks training programme before taking the controls of MiG-21. Indian Air Force Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said, The present consideration is to put them to MiG 21 Bison squadron. We firmly believe that they being put in MiG-21 Bison squadron will sharpen their skills as the aircraft has more manual features than any sophisticated aircrafts, added the IAF chief marshal. Mohana, Bhawna and Avani were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016 less. A senior IAF officer providing training to the three IAF woman flying officers said, The three will combat the MiG-21 Bison next month. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Indian Air Force on Sunday is proudly celebrating its 85th anniversary or Raising Day. October 8 is celebrated as Air Force Day in India. It commemorates the anniversary of the official foundation of the Indian Air Force in 1932. The Indian Air Force, the air arm of the Indian armed forces, is entrusted with the prime responsibility of safeguarding the Indian airspace as well as to carry out aerial warfare on enemy aircrafts and destroy strategic installations during war time. The Indian Air Force is not only the fourth largest Air Force in the world but also one of the most potent strike forces with the state of art fighter aircrafts and cutting edge weaponry it has at its disposal. Besides actively taking part in four major operations in the Indo-Pak wars, the 1962 Indo-China War and the 1999 Kargil War, the Air Force has also played a pivotal role in providing rescue and relief operations to citizens of the country at time of natural disasters and calamities. The IAF has kept the Indian Flag high with an impeccable record in US peace keeping missions. So on the 85th anniversary of the IAF, here are ten interesting facts about the Guardians of the Sky which makes you feel proud as an Indian #The Indian Air Force is the fourth largest air force in the world with approximately 170,000 personnel and 1,500 aircrafts. #Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon is the only IAF officer to have been honoured with the Param Vir Chakra. #The honourary rank of Marshal of the Indian Air Force is the highest achievable rank, and is equivalent to the rank of Field Marshal of the Indian Army. Air Marshal Arjan Singh had the distinction of being the only officer to be conferred with the rank #The IAF got its first woman Air Marshal in the form of Padmavathy Bandopadhyay. #The motto of the IAF 'Nabha Sparsham Deeptam' meaning Touch the Sky with Glory has been taken from the Geetopdesh. #With 16 air bases, the Western Air Command is the largest Air Command. The Air Force has over 60 air bases spread all over India. #IAF has a base located in Farkhor, Tajikistan. It is Indian Air Force's only base outside India. #At 22,000 ft (or 6,706 m), Siachen Glacier AFS is the highest Air Force Station of the IAF. #The IAF created a world record by performing the highest landing of a C-130J at the Daulat Beg Oldi airstrip in Ladakh at the height of 16614 feet (5065 meters). #The IAF is the only air force that operates C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J Super Hercules, and Il-76 the three largest transport aircrafts. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: With a desire to do something different, Indias first three women fighter pilots, Mohana Singh Jiterwal, Bhawana Kanth, Avani Chaturvedi will create history when they will fly the military aircrafts next month. After being inducted into the Indian Air Force fighter squadron last year, the lady fighter pilots went through rigorous training at Hakimpet Air Force base. "You will be glad to know that their performance has been on par with other pilots despite the strenuous and demanding nature of flying," Chief of Air Staff BS Dhanoa said addressing a press conference. In 2014, then IAF chief Arup Raha had said, "women by nature are not physically suited for flying fighter planes for long hours, especially when they are pregnant or have other health problems." In a traditionally male-dominated world, Mohana, Avani and Bhawana broke all the mentality barriers and shown the world that there is nothing women cant do. Paving way for more women into combat roles in one of the worlds biggest militaries, the ladies became an inspiration and epitome of bravery. As Indian Air Force celebrates its 85th anniversary (2nd after shrugging its sexist fears about female fighter pilots), lets have a look at the ladies who changed the way the world looks at women. Also Read | Why is Indian Air Force Day celebrated on 8 October Mohana Singh Jiterwal: She comes from the land where being a Fauji is given more priority than being anything else. Coming from a small village Khatehpura in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, Mohana boasts of a grandfather (Ladu Ram Jat) who martyred in in 1948 Indo-Pak War and won Vira Chakra Award. VC Ladu Ram Jat served Indian Air Force as flight gunner in the Aviation Research Centre. Mohanas father Pratap Singh is also working in IAF as Warrant Officer. Mohana graduated in electronics and communication engineering with 83.7 per cent marks from Global Institute of Management and Emerging Technologies, Amritsar. Bhawana Kanth: She hails from Bihar Darbhanga and her father is an officer in the Indian Oil Corporation. Though, Bhawana always wanted to fly planes but became an engineer first. After preparing for engineering entrance in Kota, Rajasthan, she pursued her engineering in Medical Electronics stream from BMS College of Engineering in Bengaluru. Bhawana was a bright student and got campus placement in Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). But the destiny had something else in the store for her, and she joined IAF after qualifying Short Service Commission examination. She always wanted to be a pilot but had never thought about being a fighter pilot, probably because there was no option available earlier. But when the IAF shrugged its sexist fears, Bhawana became one of the first three women who volunteered to rule skies. Avani Chaturvedi: The Bulbul of Madhya Pradeshs Rewa district always wanted to fly and fly high. She wanted to become like Astronaut Kalpana Chawla. Avanis father Dinkar Chaturvedi is an engineer and mother Savita is a housewife. Avanis brother, who is in the Army, inspired her to achieve her dreams. And to conquer skies, she joined the Flying Club in her college. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Petrol Pumps owners across the country has announced a day-long strike on October 13 protesting against discrepancies in supply and demand to include petroleum products under Goods and Service Tax (GST). The day-long strike has been called by United Petroleum Front, an umbrella organisation of all petrol dealers controlling 54,000 petrol pumps across the country. All India Petroleum Dealers Association (AIPDA), an union of petroleum pump owners have called for indefinite strike from October 27. Also read: Petrol price falls Rs 2.5 per litre, diesel by Rs 2.25 as Centre slashes excise duty Ajay Bansal, AIPD president, We are calling the strike to bring petroleum products under GST. Both the unions have been also demanding an increase in dealer margins. Congress is also supporting the demands of the two petroleum dealers association to bring petroleum products under GST. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said, It will put a brake on the governments levying as high as 70 to 80 percent tax to fill their treasury ignoring the common man plight. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. By PTI: reactors to India By Lalit K Jha Washington, Oct 8 (PTI) An Indian-American entrepreneur has pitched for fast track mini nuclear reactors, saying they are economical and could be constructed within two years. Negotiations on mega nuclear power plants with US companies Westinghouse and General Electric are either in doldrums or moving at snails pace. advertisement "The new generation Small Nuclear Reactor uses light water technology to produce 160 MW and is the future of nuclear energy reactor because of its unconditional safety and economy," Kris Singh, founder and CEO of New Jersey-based SMR LLC and Holtec International told PTI in a recent interview. New Jersey Governor Chris Christies inaugurated a multi million dollar manufacturing facility last month in Camden. The state government had awarded a USD 260 million and land to develop an SMR construction facility. Singh, who came to the United States more than four decades ago and has multiple patents to his name, said the new SMR reactors require only few acres of land. And because it is air cooled, it can be put in a desert, unlike the traditional reactors which requires huge amount of water for cooling purposes. Constructing each of these small nuclear reactors costs USD 1 billion. But if made in India, the cost could be far less, he said. "The Indian labor is cheaper...so the construction cost would be less. You should reasonably expect between 20 to 30 per cent reduction in cost as we go forward," said Singh, who earned his engineering from BIT Sindri, which is now in Jharkhand. The company has written a letter to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the SMR 160 with the offer to have it constructed in India under the Make in India program. "You can build these reactors in large numbers and distribute them across the country," he said arguing that such reactors can be a best solution to addressing the energy problem of India. Asserting that it is better to put five of these modular reactors than a large 800 MW reactor, Singh said his company is being considered for both the Canadian and British SMR program and is at the forefront of the SMR technology. He said it will be much cheaper in price per MW and will be much faster to build. "We have also started Holtec Arabia for SMR deployment in the middle east countries. Many of these SMR parts will be manufactured in India and exported to Middle East," he said. advertisement Holtec Asia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Holtec International, recently has finished constructing a facility in Dahej, Gujarat to develop components of Small Modular Nuclear Reactor (SMR-160), he noted, adding that this USD 100 million project is just a small beginning of his long-term plan of manufacturing in India. Singh said this facility would initially export critical nuclear facility components including air cooled condensers, spent fuel storage and others to USA and other countries. Holtec expects the export to be USD 400 million dollars in a year or so. According to Singh, the proposed SMR 160 reactors are far superior in safety as compared to Large Nuclear Reactor in case of earthquake, tsunami or terrorist attack as the nuclear activity in their SMR is underground. "In case of any disaster, it shuts itself for indefinite period, thus we call it walk away and unconditional safe," he said in response to a question. Big rectors are a thing of past, argued Sanjay Gupta, SMR executive director. "Safety issues, excessive costs and untimely completion led to the financial crisis and bankruptcy of the makers of big reactors. advertisement "I can foresee our small nuclear reactors being used as the cheapest and most reliable source of green energy worldwide," said Gupta who has been in talks with Indian government officials in this regard. "Wehave already started the ground work in few countries including UAE, Canada, and Ukraine in this direction," he said. Holtec has a back log of orders of USD 6 billion. From its Gujarat site, it expects around USD 470 million exports over next year. "We plan to invest around 2 Billion Dollars in South East Asia Corridor next few years and some of this can be in India," he said. Responding to a question, Singh said while solar energy is another alternative renewable energy option, but small nuclear reactors like SMR-160 are a more viable and economic option. "Solar definitely has the future, but solar is a you know its not a reliably constant source of power. If the sun is not shining the power disappears," he said. Singh has his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, has more than 70 technical papers, one textbook and numerous symposia volumes. advertisement He has over 70 patents to his name. Over 120 nuclear plants around the world employ Holtecs systems and equipment in safety-significant applications, many based on Dr Singhs patents. He has donated money to develop the nanotechnology center at University of Pennsylvania and the center is named Singh Center for Nano technology. He also recently completed building 700 toilets in Bihar. PTI LKJ ARK --- ENDS --- Dwarka: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Gujarat on Saturday morning for a two-day visit, offered prayers at the famous Dwarkadhish temple of Dwarka. After visiting the temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, the Prime Minister came out and waved at people waiting outside to greet him. He also shook hands with some of them. Modi is on a two-day visit to poll-bound Gujarat. He will lay foundation stones and inaugurate a number of projects. He is also scheduled to visit his birthplace Vadnagar for the first time after becoming prime minister. At Dwarka, Modi will lay the foundation stone for a four-lane cable stayed signature bridge between Okha and Beyt Dwarka to be built at a cost of Rs 962.42 crore. Other projects for which foundation stones will be laid include the four-laning of 116.24 km of the Porbandar-Dwarka section of NH-51 and the four-laning of 93.56 km of the Gadu-Porbandar section of NH-51.From Dwarka, Modi will go to Hirasar in Rajkot district where he will lay the foundation stone for a greenfield airport, 20 km from Rajkot city. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had started his Gujarat political campaign by visiting Dwarkadhish temple in September.During his three-day campaign tour across Saurashtra region of the state, Gandhi had visited four other famous temples. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Karwa Chauth or Karva Chauth marks a nationwide celebration of a Hindu festival where married women observe 'nirjala' fast throughout the day for the well-being longevity of their husbands. Adding to the fervour of this festival, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj celebrated Karwa Chauth on Sunday evening along with other married women in Delhi. Dressed in a red saree and traditional jewellery,A Swaraj offered prayers to the moon and performed customary rituals before breaking her fast. Delhi: #KarvaChauth celebrated at the residence of EAM Sushma Swaraj pic.twitter.com/OS6aB10ZPM a ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2017 A For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday dared ally BJP to resign from the Maharashtra government and face midterm polls. He also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his campaign for upcoming Gujarat assembly polls. "I challenge you (the BJP) to resign from the government and face polls once again. We will show you the might of the Shiv Sena. Even during the (Modi) wave, BJP got votes in the name of Sena," said Thackeray while addressing a local poll rally in Nanded. Nanded-Waghala Municipal Corporation (NWMC) polls are scheduled for October 11. Taking jibe at PM Modi, Thackeray said people were forwarding a joke on social media that the Prime Minister of India 'may visit India soon', seemingly referring to Modi's frequent foreign tours. "I was watching news on television. Saw the PM campaigning for Gujarat polls that are two months away. How did he suddenly remember his school today after being in power for three years? Did he not feel like visiting his school ever before? Why just before the polls?" questioned Thackeray. Modi on Sunday visited his birth place Vadnagar in north Gujarat first time since he became the Prime Minister. Thackeray further said his father late Bal Thackeray taught him to never tell a lie to people or wear a "mask" (being a hypocrite) and that he has been following it. "You (the PM) are making an announcement that you have given a Diwali gift to the people by slashing GST rates. Come here to Nanded and visit the homes of farmers. You will know if it is Diwali or 'Diwala' (poverty) for them," he said. "Farmers are burdened with debts. Now, like development, even electricity is nowhere to be seen due to a shortage of coal," quipped the Shiv Sena supremo. He also asked how many rich people stood in the queues after demonetisation. "Lakhs of people lost their jobs but terrorism did not cease. Farmers lost their money kept in cooperative banks," he said. Thackeray asked the crowd if they would vote for a party that "ordered" lathicharge on women students in Banaras Hindu University in Uttar Pradesh a state ruled by the BJP when they complained against eve teasing. He further said that in Bihar people voted for Nitish Kumar for development despite Modi's financial package of Rs 1.25 lakh crore for the state. "What Nitish Kumar later did is another issue." Taking a dig at Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he said that while he may speak of "invisible hands" supporting the BJP, the Sena voices its criticism openly. "We do not know how to hide and work. We openly criticize if something is wrong. Sharad Pawar's NCP may continue to remain the invisible hands supporting you," he said. He added that Fadnavis, during the Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation polls, had promised a huge financial package but nobody knew what happened to his promise. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A day before Indian Air Force Day, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday visited Nathu La near India-China border, an area where the two countries indulged in an intense gun battle in 1967. On Indian Defence Ministeras arrival, PLA troops across the border started taking pictures of her. She also warmly aacknowledged the row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence.a aAcknowledged a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fences who were taking pictures on my reaching Nathu La,a Sitharaman tweeted. Acknowledged a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence who were taking pictures on my reaching Nathu La. @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/7cWImtmfLG a Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) October 7, 2017 The Defence Minister then went near the fences and interacted with Chinese soldiers. She also taught them the meaning of "Namaste". Snippet of Smt @nsitharaman interacting with Chinese soldiers at the border at Nathu-la in Sikkim yesterday. Namaste! pic.twitter.com/jmNCNFaGep a Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) October 8, 2017 Sitharaman travelled Nathu La, 52 km from Gangtok by road and interacted with Army and ITB soldiers and officials. However, her scheduled aerial survey of Doklam, an area where Indian and Chinese troops indulged in an over two-month-long standoff, got cancelled due to bad weather. Defence Ministeras visit to the forward Indo-Sino border area came amid reports of a road construction in Doklam by Chinese PLA soldiers. The Doklam standoff between India and China started after Indian Army stopped the construction of a road in the area which is disputed between China and Bhutan. India supports Bhutanas claim. The standoff, which started on June 16, came to an end on August 28 after several rounds of diplomatic talks between Indian and Chinese leaders. The Indian government, in a press release, had said that both countries will withdraw its troops from the area. However, recent reports say that only India withdrew its troops while a large number of Chinese soldiers are still present in Doklam and also constructing a road. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Indian Air Force on Sunday is proudly celebrating its 85th anniversary or Raising Day. October 8 is celebrated as Air Force Day in India. It commemorates the anniversary of the official foundation of the Indian Air Force in 1932. A scintillating air display by various IAF aircrafts will be the hallmark of the 2017 Air Force Day Parade cum Investiture Ceremony at Air Force Station Hindan (Ghaziabad).A Every year since India became a republic in 1950, the Air Force Day is celebrated on Oct 8. So a question that naturally comes to every citizens mind is as to why is October 8 celebrated as the Air Force Day. So here is a brief history about the formation of the IAF and the significance of Oct 8 in Indian Air Force's history. The Indian Air Force, the air arm of the Indian armed forces, is entrusted with the prime responsibility of safeguarding the Indian airspace as well as to carry out aerial warfare on enemy aircrafts and destroy strategic installations during war time. IAF FORMATION DAY - 8 Oct 1932 The Indian Air Force was officially established on 8 October 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire which honored India's aviation service during World War II with the prefix Royal. After India gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1947, the name Royal Indian Air Force was kept and served in the name of Dominion of India. With the government's transition to a Republic in 1950, the prefix Royal was removed after only three years. On 1 April 1933, the IAF commissioned its first squadron, designated as the No.1 Squadron. The Squadron's manpower comprised off six RAF-trained officers and 19 Havai Sepoys (literally, air soldiers).A The aircraft inventory comprised of four Westland Wapiti IIA army co-operation biplanes at Drigh Road as the "A" Flight nucleus of the planned No.1 (Army Co- operation) Squadron. IAF's Operational Engagement Since 1950, the IAF has actively taken part in four wars with neighboring Pakistan and one with the People's Republic of China. Other major operations undertaken by the IAF include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Cactus and Operation Poomalai. The IAF's role expands beyond engagement with hostile forces, with it contributing significantly to the United Nations peacekeeping missions.A IAF's Relief and Rescue OperationsA The Air Force also renders relief and rescue operations to the citizens of the country in times of natural disasters and calamities. The IAF provided extensive assistance to relief operations during natural calamities such as the Gujarat cyclone in 1998 and the Tsunami in 2004. The IAF also provides assistance to other countries during relief activities such as Operation Rainbow in Sri Lanka. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Tehran: Iran's official IRNA news agency is quoting the chief of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard as saying the US should move its military bases farther from Iran's borders if it imposes new sanctions against Tehran. The today report quotes General Mohammad Ali Jafari as saying: "If new sanctions go into effect, the country should move its regional bases to a 2000-kilometre radius, the range of Iranian missiles." Currently, US military bases are located in countries neighbouring Iran, less than 500 kilometres (310 miles) from Iran's borders. Jafari also said that if the United States designates the Guard as a terrorist group, the Guard will also consider the US army a terrorist group. Revolutionary Guard troops are currently fighting the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A gunman killed two Saudi guards and injured three others at the gate of royal palace in Jeddah, said interior ministry. The gunman was shot dead by Royal guards. The attacker has been identified as 28-year-old Saudi national. He was armed with three grenades and a Kalashnikov. According to a tatement by the ministry carried by the official Saudi Press Agency, An outpost of the Royal Guard came under fire by a person who got out of a Hyundai car. Also read| Saudi Arabia: Man arrested for threatening to 'burn female drivers' The statement added, He was immediately dealt with. His cowardly act also resulted in the martyrdom of two Royal Guards. No radical terrorist group has claimed the attack. The attack came after last week raids by the Saudi Police in which suspected members if ISIS were killed and five others were arrested. Also read: Indian national in Saudi Arabia alleges exploitation by employer; appeals to PM Modi, Sushma Swaraj In the last three years ISIS has claimed series of bombing against Shites and security forces of Sunni-majority kingdom. Saudi Arabia is part of the the US-led international coalition battling Sunni extremist groups in Syria and Iraq. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The remains of Athenia which is the first British ship to be sunk during World War II has been discovered off the coast of Ireland. The sonar data revealed that the transatlantic passenger liner Athenia lying 200 metres down on the Rockball Bank, as per David Mearns, marine scientist and Oceanographer. It was a German submarine which torpedoed the ship after Britain declared war on Adolph Hitler in the year1939. Studies suggest that over 100 people including Americans were killed in the process. The hull of Athenia is visible in the sonar data which has been acquired by the Geological Survey of Ireland. David Mearns has said that the torpedo hit Athenia and there is a split in the aft section, but otherwise the ship looks to be in reasonable shape. The coordinates of the ship are very close to the ones sent out by the British ship's radio officer in his distress call according to BBC News. The call was recorded in the logbooks of those vessels which came to the ship's rescue. Mearns has claimed that as per his expert opinion, there's a high chance that the ship is Athenia only. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Three German tourists were killed and 10 others injured in a bus accident at Antalya, Turkey, said the countrys official news agency. The Anadolu news agency said a tourist bus tipped over on Saturday after hitting a palm tree on a traffic island in the southern Antalya province, killing three Germans. Ten German passengers were injured, including a child, it said, adding that one of the injured was in critical condition. Reports claim that the Turkish driver has been detained. Antalya is a Turkish beach holiday destination on the Mediterranean coast. With PTI inputs For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Supreme Court of the US sentenced a 48-year-old Indian-origin man to 20 years in prison for killing his wife. He stabbed his wife nearly 40 times after she told him that she was having an affair. Nitin P Singh will have to serve 85 per cent of the sentence before being eligible for parole under the terms of the sentence handed down by the apex court judge Linda Lawhun in Salem, New Jersey. The accused killed his 42-year-old wife Seema Singh, who was a Collingswood shopkeeper, in July last year in their own apartment while their three children slept nearby. The children were not injured, according to NJ.com. ALSO READ: Five Indian-origin persons in Fortunes 40 young and influential people list The accused attacked his wife after she said she was leaving him and would be taking all of his money and their children with her, according to a statement registered by the Indian-origin man himself. He said that he went into a rage and picked up the first thing he saw, a knife, and began stabbing her. Nitin then called 911 to say his wife was not breathing. He was later charged with murdering her by stabbing her nearly 40 times. (With PTI inputs) ALSO READ: 2 Indian-origin women smuggling 4 kg gold jewellery in underwear arrested in Mumbai airport For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. How does India's foremost news organisation filter the fake stories from the real ones? How does it make sure it always meets the gold standard of journalism? At a World Economic Forum event, Group Editorial Director Kalli Purie explained how. By India Today Web Desk: Kalli Purie, India Today's Group Editorial Director (Broadcast and New Media), on Friday joined Newslaundry editor-in-chief Madhu Trehan and three other panelists for a conversation on the theme, 'Beating False News,' at the India Economic Summit of the World Economic Forum. In television news, the journalistic process happens at breakneck speed. Editors need to verify stories within minutes, sometimes seconds. The danger of running a fake story as news is ever-present. advertisement So, how does India's foremost news organisation tackle this problem, and ensure that it always meets the gold standard of journalism? As Kalli Purie explained to her audience, India Today has a double verification process called double RFA (Ready For Air), as well as a fact-check desk. She also spoke about the importance of giving reporters breathing space to verify information in breaking news situations. "There will be times when you'll be two minutes late. But to us, being two minutes late is better than being wrong that one big time," she said. But, "the effort is to get the news before everybody else - so you still have the two-minute verification process - and you are still before everybody else," Kalli Purie said. You can watch the India Economic Summit session on 'Beating False News,' right here. --- ENDS --- The BJP has leveled fresh allegations against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his son Yathindra in a land acquisition case. By Rohini Swamy: The BJP has sharpened its attack on the Congress government in Karnataka. Releasing a set of documents, the BJP has accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his son Yathindra of corruption in a land acquisition case. The BJP has alleged that Yathindra illegally acquired two acres and 19 guntas of land near the Hebbal flyover from the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). advertisement BJP leader and former minister BJ Puttaswamy alleged that Yathindra acquired the land in connivance with his partner Rajesh Gowda for the Matrix imaging solutions private limited. THE CASE According to Puttaswamy, the case dates back to 1975 when a couple, GK Srinivasa and his wife owned a company called Shanthi Industrial Enterprises. The company gave the BDA 26 actress and 25 hunt as of their land to the Bangalore Development Authority and received a compensation of Rs 29, 09, 335 for the land. Later, Rajesh Gowda, who is now Yathindra's partner, became a partner of the company owned by GK Srinivasa. A few years later, Rajesh Gowda floated another company called matrix imaging solution. It is here that Puttaswamy alleges that Rajesh began seeking an alternate site for the land that was handed over to the BDA. But, the officials at the BDA refused to give him an alternate site as the compensation had already been paid. THE CORRUPTION CHARGE Another document released by Puttaswamy claims that the special land acquisition officer also had said that there was no provision for another site as the compensation was already paid. Now, the BJP says that the BDA was influenced to allot an alternate site near Hebbal to Rajesh Gowda. The BJP alleges that it was Siddaramaiah, who helped in getting the land allotted for a company which his son is now a part of. Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra has denied all the charges of corruption. "There is a no basis for the allegation. Rajesh Gowda was the one who has started the Matrix Solutions. I have no connection with Shanthi Industries. The Matrix was providing diagnostic solutions. We have provided all the documents relating to the Matrix Solutions but the BJP is unnecessarily raking up the issue again," Yathindra said. --- ENDS --- In July, Microsoft announced a reorganization of its sales teams into a commercial and consumer model. It was a move designed to hone in on new business, customer success and other growth opportunities, and a move in which commercial sales would now focus on two customer segments: 1) enterprise; and 2) its small, medium and corporate segments. The shift signalled that traditional hierarchal organizational structures are, for the most part, ill-equipped to meet the challenges of today. And though 89 percent of corporations would tend to agree, according to a Deloitte Insights study, only a small number are doing anything about it. By redesigning your own organization to a more team-centric structure, you can create an environment thats more adaptable, agile and responsive to the dynamic needs of not just consumers, but also the modern workforce. Here are some factors to consider: Related: 3 Key Questions to Ask When Designing an Incentive-Compensation Plan The compensation conundrum With any sort of organizational restructuring, questions about compensation naturally arise. After all, a well-defined compensation structure is critical to the strength of any team: If it matches the needs of employees and reflects their efforts and successes, it can incentivize growth. In terms of what kind of compensation works, a salary model is best suited for specialized employees, while the commission model is ideal for sales agents. Each comes with its own drawbacks: Salaried workers get a base pay no matter what but can become complacent, while commissioned teams have less reliable income streams but allow the company less control over the customer experience. A hybrid model entails a salary mixed with a bonus, or a salary that transitions to commission. Again, this is ideal for sales teams and allows them to strike a balance between controlling the customer experience and inspiring growth in employees. Hybrid employees get paid regardless of whether a sale is closed, which can limit growth opportunities when compared with team members wholly reliant on commission. Related: 7 New Trends Top Companies Use to Separate Performance From Compensation Building something that lasts No matter which compensation approach you choose, its essential to keep the following in mind: 1. Pay by commission whenever possible. Commission is the most straightforward way to encourage salespeople to sell because their growth parallels the companys growth. Whats more, your company gets the added benefit of financial flexibility. You dont pay unless money is coming through the door. For example, Fishbowl extended its commission structure to all its employees, and the result was 60 percent growth each year for six years. From our niche in the real estate industry, which is no stranger to compensation structures, we operate in a sales-centric environment, forcing us to refine how we compensate brokers and agents. And, with many of these agents now forming their own teams -- an important real estate trend described in our company's 2017 Swanepoel Trends Report -- pay structures continue to evolve. Use commission as a carrot you can dangle in front of team members. Set monthly, quarterly or yearly goals, and reward those who meet or exceed them. This gives workers the kick they need to be their best, which serves the company better in the long run. 2. Establish growth opportunities. Whether they are earning a salary, commission or some combination of the two, your employees should feel theres a path toward growth. Structure commission splits to scale as team members increase their transactions; and make sure your pay is commensurate with their effort and risk -- without caps and ratcheting quotas. During its early years, HubSpot paid its sales team a base salary and $2 up front for every $1 of recurring monthly revenue, but with a caveat: a four-month clawback. If a customer left within the first four months, that salesperson would pay back the commission. Good sales agents are good negotiators. So, dont make decisions about commission splits without understanding how theyll affect your bottom-line profits. Your side of the split should account for your expenses and protect your business in a down market. 3. Simplify compensation structures. Commissioned staff members should understand exactly how their actions lead to success. So, while your payment structure should be simple and well-defined, that doesnt mean your team members should feel that their pay wont cover their expenses. A study by the Wharton School of Business suggested that paying more than minimum can increase productivity and longevity within an organization. And dont forget that bonuses can be more than monetary: Workers may respond well to free vacations, home services and durable goods. Spell out the kinds of compensation models available to them, and explain which ones make sense for them. This will give employees a guide to attaining the growth they want. 4. Create a healthy culture. When you encourage learning and transparency within the team, your employees will be more likely to work together to grow and deliver higher levels of customer support. This is a form of internal marketing -- a constant reminder of how the team contributes to individual success. Take Canadian plane and train manufacturer Bombardier, for example. On the heels of having received more than $1 billion in government aid yet also having imposed two rounds of layoffs, the company chose to increase six executives' pay by up to 50 percent. No surprise that that resulted in quite the internal backlash. The company's executive chairman, as a result, requested that his compensation be reset to its pre-raise level. So, the lesson here is that, if -- unlike Bombardier -- you design a good compensation structure and are up-front about its workings, you'll often see a positive impact on your internal culture and the public perception of your company. Related: Wages or Commissions? This 3-Step System Helps You Decide Overall, many methods exist for compensating your team, and one size never fits all. But, by understanding your options, you can strike a balance between team member satisfaction and your organizations overall health and growth. Related: How to Create a Pay Structure That Promotes Team and Company Growth Determining Compensation: 4 Simple Tips to Follow How to Incorporate This One Employee Perk to Improve Your Business Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com Tuesday The Milford Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Morning Leads Group: meets at 8:30 a.m. at the Chamber, 5 Broad St., Milford. Call 203-878-0681. The Rotary Club of Hamden: meets each Tuesday. For meeting time and location please visit the calendar section of their website at www.hamdenctrotary.org. The Ambassador Group for the Milford Chamber of Commerce meets: visit the calendar section of its website at www.milfordct.com. The Inter-Service Clubs Committee of New Haven Inc.: meets at 5:30 p.m. at Camp Cedarcrest, 886 Mapledale Road, Orange; call 203-258-1088. The Rotary Club of New Haven: meets at 12:15 p.m. at the Graduate Club, 155 Elm St. Call 203-624-3197. The Rotary Club of North Haven: meets at 7:15 a.m. at the Breakfast Nook, 448 Washington Ave. Visit www.nhrotary.org. The East Haven Lions Club: meets at 6:30 p.m. at Twin Pines Diner, 34 Main St., East Haven. Membership is open. Call 203-467-4045. Wednesday The Rotary Club of Branford: meets from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. at the Parthenon Diner, 374 E. Main St., Branford. Call 203-315-2444, ext. 450. The Devon Rotary: meets at 7:30 a.m. at the Bridge House Restaurant, 49 Bridgeport Ave., Milford. Visit www.devonrotary.org. The Greater New Haven chapter of Toastmasters International: meets at 6:30 p.m. at New Haven City Hall, 165 Church St. Call 203-287-0037. The Milford Chamber of Commerce Wednesday Morning Leads Group: meets at 8:30 a.m. at the Chamber, 5 Broad St., Milford. Call 203-878-0681. The Rotary Club of Guilford: meets at 12:15 p.m. at The Maritime Grille, 2548 Boston Post Road, Guilford. Call 203-453-0774. The Greater New Haven Business & Professional Association: meets at 11 a.m. at 192 Dixwell Ave. Call 203-562-2193. The Rotary Club of Wallingford: meets at 12:10 p.m. at Il Monticello, 577 S. Broad St., Meriden. Call 203-235-3816. North Branford Rotary: meets at 6 p.m. at Nataz, 2025 Foxon Road. Call 203-484-7707. The Greater New Haven Breakfast Club: meets at 8 a.m. at Clarks Pizza & Restaurant, 68 Whitney Ave., New Haven. Email info@rosnerdoherty.com. The Rotary Club of West Haven: meets at 12:15 p.m. at Apps Ristorante, 283 Captain Thomas Blvd. Thursday The Middlesex County Toastmasters: meets from 7-8:30 p.m., Wesleyan University, Exley Science Center (Woodhead Lounge), 265 Church St., Middletown, http://middlesex.toastmastersclubs.org. The Madison Rotary Club: meets at 8 a.m. at the Madison Senior Center, 29 Bradley Road. Call Robert Anderson, 203-907-9032. The Milford Chamber of Commerces Health & Wellness Council: meets at 8:30 a.m. at the chamber, 5 Broad St. Call 203-878-0661. The Clinton Rotary Club: meets 6:30 p.m. at Clinton Country Club, Old Westbrook Road. Call Dee Tully at 860-388-7013. The East Haven Rotary Club: meets at 5:45 p.m. at Twin Pines Diner Restaurant, 34 Main St., East Haven. The Milford Rotary Club meets: from 12:15-1:15 p.m. at Gusto Restaurant, 255 Boston Post Road. Visit www.milfordrotary.org. Friday The Orange Rotary Club: meets at 12:15 p.m. at Racebrook Country Club, 246 Derby Ave. Call 203-799-2327. The Woodbridge Rotary Club: meets at 12:15 p.m. for a luncheon meeting at Woodbridge Social, 12 Selden St., Woodbridge. For more information, call Mary Ellen LaRocca at 203-389-3429. The Milford Chamber of Commerce Friday Morning Leads Group: meets at 11 a.m. at the Chamber, 5 Broad St., Milford. Call 203-878-0681. Send notices of business events to Business Datebook, New Haven Register, 100 Gando Drive, New Haven 06513 or email to business@nhregister.com, at least a week before the event. Webster Bank has tweaked its Fast Track Business Loan program in a bid to compete better with small, technology savvy lenders who have flooded the financial services marketplace over the past five years. There are two key changes that the Waterbury-based bank has made to the Fast Track program. One is giving lending approvals within 24 hours of an application being filed and and the other is increasing the maximum amount of money that can be loaned from $100,000 to $250,000. Webster officials said recently that the loan money can be used to supplement working capital, purchase equipment and inventory, fund seasonal hiring or satisfy other business goals. Businesses can either apply for the loans online or in person at any one of Websters 167 branch locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York State. Small-business owners dont have to wait for bankers hours to apply for a loan, John Guy, executive vice president and director of Websters business banking division said in a statement. They can apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week at their convenience. They can get a quick decision and even have the funds in their account within as little as 48 hours. The Fast Track program was launched in 2015 and since then, Webster has made more that 1,000 Fast Track loans. Digital loan applications for the program were launched in November. John Carusone, president of the Bank Analysis Center, a Hartford-based industry consulting firm. said the tweaks to the Fast Track program are a recognition that the so-called online marketplace lending segment has grown exponentially in recent years. During the last 5 years, small, unregulated, tech-savvy lenders have developed on-line platforms to provide small commercial loans to start-ups or young companies that have reliable cash flow or acceptable collateral for a loan, Carusone said. Marketplace lenders are known for fast approval rates, easy online applications without the burden of cumbersome federal and state banking regulations, he said. Banks were initially slow to react but have realized that OMLs were taking market share, particularly from the up-and-coming millennial business generation as well as opening up a whole new market. Most regional banks have developed a strategic response to online marketplace lenders, he said, and the changes Webster has made shows that earlier test marketing done by the bank was successful. A side benefit of this type of lending is that loan yields are strong, and ultimately these marketplace borrowers grow into larger organizations that only a bank will be able to handle with a variety of other financial products and services such as investments, deposits, and transactional services, Caurusone said. Like other traditional banks, Websters response seems to be If you cant beat-em, join em. luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 1 of 5 Contributed / Contributed Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Contributed / Contributed Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Contributed / Contributed Show More Show Less 5 of 5 BRIDGEPORT This month, Connecticuts Beardsley Zoo will host four scary nights of Howl-O-Ween, the zoos annual Halloween-themed evenings. From 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 14, 21, 27, and 28, brave children and their parents can enter the zoos haunted attractions: the Haunted Hayride, Farmer Beardsleys Farmstead, and the Ghastly Greenhouse. More timid guests can enjoy magic shows, face painting, fortunetellers, fire dancers, and more. Tickets for Howl-O-ween are $12 per person in advance and for members, and $15 per person on the night of the event at the gate. Ticket purchase includes two haunted houses, haunted hayride, all performances, face painting, carousel rides, and more. Food and beverages are not included, but the Peacock Cafe is open during the event. Event recommended for children ages 6 to 12, however, some of the scarier activities of the evening may be better suited for children ages 8 and older. West Haven police are investigating the discovery of a body inside a burning vehicle on Boston Post Road Saturday night. Police and firefighters responded to the scene of vehicle fire at 855 Boston Post Road and discovered the body as the fire was being extinguished, according to police spokesman David Tammaro. Investigators are trying to determine whether the person found in the car died as a result of the fire or was already dead before it started, police said. Both of them in pleas filed through advocate Aishwarya Bhati urged that agencies such as NIA and IB be tasked "at the earliest to investigate cases of suspected love jihad". By Harish V Nair: The high-voltage Supreme Court hearing in the Kerala 'love jihad' case is all set to get more rancorous. At a time CJI Dipak Misra ponders whether to continue with the NIA probe ordered by his predecessor JS Khehar to verify if there was any "ulterior or criminal" motive in Kerala-based Muslim youth Shafin Jahan marrying a Hindu girl Akhila after she converted to Islam, pleas for NIA investigation into two more similar cases landed in the court on the eve of a crucial hearing. advertisement The SC had said it wanted to ascertain if Hadiya was indeed trapped by a "well-oiled racket that uses psychological measures to indoctrinate people and persuade them to join terror groups such as ISIS" as alleged by her father and endorsed by the state HC, which quashed the marriage and gave the girl's custody to her father. A new petition has been filed by one Bindu from Kerala, who's daughter Nimisha converted to Islam to become Fathima, married a Christian who embraced Islam later and who allegedly lured her away to Afghanistan and recruited her into ISIS. The other is by Sumathi Arya, a 'victim' from Latur in Maharashtra, who was allegedly forced to convert to Islam and get indoctrinated to join and "support the activities of SIMI, ISIS and radical preacher Zakir Naik". PLEAS FILED THROUGH SC ADVOCATE AISHWARYA BHATI Both of them in pleas filed through advocate Aishwarya Bhati urged that agencies such as NIA and IB be tasked "at the earliest to investigate cases of suspected love jihad, identify culprits, draw out trends and address the issue quickly before any serious damage occurs". "We have information that 'jihadi romeos' are given two weeks to find a girl of another religion and six months to convert her to Islam. The youths are given cell phones, bikes and fashionable clothes to accomplish their sinister mission. For every conversion, the men receive a monetary reward - usually Rs 5 to 7 lakh," they said. With these two new pleas, the battle lines are clearly drawn in the case which initially pertained just to Hadiya and Jahan. Fireworks are expected when the apex court resumes hearing on Monday. HADIYA'S CASE GETS A NEW PUSH Ashokan, Hadiya's father who is fighting it out to have continued custody of her daughter against Jahan, who challenged Kerala HC's quashing of the marriage, now gets the support of Bindu, Arya and most significantly the Centre. On the side of Jahan, who argues that the HC had no power to annul the marriage between two adults, is the state government and Kerala police. The new petitions are also significant as they come a week after a bench headed by CJI Misra observed that primafacie, HC had no power to annul the marriage. advertisement He also said Hadiya's father had no authority to keep an adult daughter under forced custody. The pleas come a day after the CPI(M)-led Kerala government said its probe did not find commission of any "scheduled offence" and opposed an NIA investigation. ALSO WATCH | India Today EXCLUSIVE: How ISIS lures youth with women, meat, chocolates to recruit in Kerala --- ENDS --- This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WEST HAVEN The rain stopped in time but ever-threatening skies reduced attendance markedly for the annual Greater New Haven Columbus Day parade Sunday. Leaders of the parade committee kept looking upward nervously as they gathered at the reviewing stand opposite the West Haven Green at about noon, an hour before the parade s scheduled start on Captain Thomas Boulevard. Usually we get a very large crowd, said Vinnie Amendola Jr., the parades master of ceremonies. In good weather we draw 3,000 to 4,000 people. But only a few hundred people at most appeared to be in or around the Green as the marchers approached. The good news was that spectators on the sidewalks along Campbell Avenue had a good view of the parades 80 marching units and 25 bands. West Haven had last hosted this parade in 2011. The rotating event also includes participants from New Haven, North Haven, East Haven, Hamden and Branford. Mike Walsh, a parade committee member, said organizers decided to go ahead with the event because forecasts called for the morning rain to stop and There was no threat of lightning. A few hardy spectators had set up folding chairs at about 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of Campbell Avenue and Main Street by the Green. Tammy and David Welch were there, waiting to see their 8-year-old daughter, Emma, come by with the Mulkerin Dance Group. They said they werent worried about the possibility of the rain returning. They had brought an umbrella with them just in case. David Welch said, Its only water. The Welches said Emma was quite excited to be in the parade, her first for Columbus Day. Her dad said, She couldnt pass up a chance to do an Irish dance. Several vendors were moving around, pulling their carts filled with American flags, inflatable pigs, Spiderman figures, plastic swords and toy guns. A man whose shirt read Greg the Painter bought items off the carts for any kid who asked for something. He didnt want his full name used in this story. One of the vendors, who also declined to be named, said that because of the poor weather, Ill be lucky if I make back the permit money. He said that permit cost $50. Ill just bring in what I can, thats it, he said. Thats the nature of the business. Sometimes it rains. Bill Zampa, the parade committees vice president, thanked West Haven Mayor Ed OBrien as well as the police, fire and public service departments for working to host the parade. Zampa was asked about one of the rules posted on the parade committees website: The presence of placards, banners or other devices, including pamphlets intended to spread propaganda, political views or to embarrass any group or unit of marchers are prohibited. Placards and banners will be limited to those designating a unit or organization. When asked if that rule infringes on the First Amendment right to free speech, Zampa said, We allow political organizations or participants, providing there is no literature. Of course there is always free speech. Everybodys entitled to their opinion. Columbus Day celebrations have become controversial in recent years in some areas as some people have cited Columbus treatment of Native Americans. In New York City, political leaders are discussing whether statues of Columbus should be removed. But there were no protesters visible in West Haven Sunday, at least not near the Green. Zampa said of Columbus, He brought Christianity to America. This day is an opportunity to honor those of Italian descent who participate annually in this occasion. The parade was led by the Governors Foot Guard, followed closely by OBrien, waving an Italian flag. He greeted a group of men gathered in front of Johnnys Grille a couple of blocks from the Green. The parade units also included members of the St. Maria Maddalena Society and the Saint Catello Society, who threw candy to kids in the crowd. Jillian Kristies 3-year-old son, Brandon Rylski, was personally handed some candy. Brandon, who wore a Ask Me About T-Rex shirt, stared at the bands and uniforms in utter fascination. This is his first Columbus Day parade, Kristie said. Im glad they still did it (despite the gloomy weather). I just wish there were more people. Contact Randall Beach at 203-680-9345 or rbeach@nhregister.com. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW HAVEN Police officers will soon receive additional crowd control training in an effort to enhance their current practices following a surge in public demonstrations in the city and across the country. New Haven police spokesman Officer David Hartman said 45 officers, including four sergeants and one lieutenant, will receive additional crowd control training. Hartman said providing additional training for officers results from the increase in demonstrations starting last year, many of which can be traced back to protesters denouncing the rise and subsequent election of President Donald Trump last November. At a demonstration on the Green in July that drew counter-protesters, three people were arrested on misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges and one person was issued a summons. Hartman said he didnt have details about what the training would entail since the training hasnt started. He said the sergeantswho each will be leading a team of 10 police officersand a lieutenant, will be going out-of-state to learn the new training likely very soon. The higher ranking officers will then train the remaining 40 officers involved. Police Chief Anthony Campbell said the department would eventually like to have a quarter of the department trained with the additional crowd control measures, or a total of about 100 officers. The training will include acquiring additional tools used in crowd control measures such as batons, helmets, shields, larger canisters of pepper spray and megaphones, Campbell said. As the number of demonstrations increased nationwide and in New Haven, Campbell said the number of participants in the demonstrations grew as well. New Haven has a long history of mostly peaceful demonstrations held downtown, and city police have often been known to protect those demonstrating by stopping or rerouting traffic. The reality is, I hope these officers never have to utilize this training, Campbell said. However, he said, Wed rather take charge and provide them with the training and equipment that they need. The new training will make crowd control response more effective, Hartman said, adding it will ensure the safety of officers and citizens. The training will build upon what officers already learn in the academy, Hartman said. The new training will provide more uniformity among officers who are tasked with crowd control. The training will enhance de-escalation tactics Hartman said were pioneered by New Haven police. Every cop now has worked events (and ) done crowd control, Hartman said. The problem is if you dont establish a system where people are on the same page you end up with chaos. This is a chaos elimination effort, Hartman added. There have been at least two large-scale demonstrations in the city this year that resulted in arrests of demonstrators or participants an anomaly by New Haven standards in previous years. There are other, sit-in demonstrations including the arrest of 23 Yale University students whose charges were later dropped that may not involve marching but have led to arrests. In fact, before a Feb. 4 demonstration denouncing Trump, no one had been arrested during previous marching demonstrations after the November election. Two men were arrested during the Feb. 4 demonstration, which involved demonstrators blocking a highway ramp. One arrest was made by Connecticut State Police while another was made by New Haven police. The July 8 scheduled event involved the group called the Proud Boys on the city Green and turned violent, resulting in New Haven police arresting three and issuing one summons on-scene. Campbell said this incident solidified the departments need for additional training. New Haven attorney Patricia Kane has represented 14 protesters in New Haven involved in demonstrations from February through July. She originally represented both men arrested and charged during Februarys protest. Kane was not present during Julys demonstration but said she saw video footage of the arrest of one individual during Julys demonstration on the Green. They were not engaged in any activity that justified an arrest, Kane said. But two people did assault two of the Proud Boys that was uncharacteristic violence. New Haven protests are known for being nonviolent. Kane alleged police arrived late to the scene and added: There should have been barriers separating the group. Kane said she would like New Haven police to adopt recommendations from Police Executive Research Forum, a nonprofit police research and policy organization. Hartman said the departments decision on training was largely based on last years protests; he said there were more demonstrations in the past year than he had ever seen in the past 23 years as an officer. Hartman said theyve heard comments from career protesters over police response, though he said the department isnt interested in their insistence that theyre allowed to do what theyre doing. He further added that he wants to remind people that the New Haven Police Department isnt associated with President Trump or the federal government, in that they have no say in policies enacted by the administration. People do not have the right to disobey the lawful order of a police officer, Hartman said. You have a right to voice your opinions. You have a right to wave your signs, even yell at the top of (your) lung(s). What you dont have is the right to infringe on other peoples right. Reach Esteban L. Hernandez at 203-680-9901 esteban.hernandez@hearstmediact.com Happy New Month Nigeria! Welcome to the month of June. As the world searches for a respite from all its troubles since 2020 began, one can ... By PTI: rotor: Dhanoa Hindon (UP), Oct 8 (PTI) The Mi-17 helicopter crash in Tawang, in which seven military personnel were killed, may have been caused due to the disengagement of the choppers tail rotor, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said today. Dhanoa also said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) cannot afford to lose valuable lives and assets in accidents, noting that the losses during peace time was a cause of concern. advertisement Five IAF personnel, including two pilots, and two army men were killed when the Mi-17 V5 medium-lift chopper crashed and burst into flames last Friday near Tawang. "Prima facie it appears that the tail rotor of the chopper had come off. It will not be proper for me to say why it came off as a court of inquiry has already been ordered to probe the crash," the IAF chief told reporters on the sidelines of an event to celebrate the Air Force Day. Dhanoa said there was no technical problem in the engine of the aircraft as the Mi 17 V5 fleet was still flying. "I think there is no problem in the machine as the chopper is flying even today," he said. In his address at the event, the IAF chief talked about the helicopter crash and paid homage to the seven military personnel killed in it. "Notwithstanding the high intensity of our flying, we cannot afford to have accidents and lose valuable lives and assets. Our losses during peace time is a cause of concern and we are making concerted efforts to prevent accidents and preserve our assets," he said. The IAF has lost a number of fighter jets and choppers in crashes in the last few years. The Russian-manufactured helicopter was carrying supplies to a forward post of the Indian Army in the mountainous region near the Sino-India border. Earlier, in a message published in an IAF booklet, Dhanoa said IAFs assets are scarce and expensive and the force cannot afford to lose them on account of any carelessness, ignorance or unprofessionalism. "Supervisors are entirely responsible for the safe and professional conduct of operations and must involve themselves wholeheartedly with the task at hand," the IAF chief said in the message dated September 10. The booklet, featuring feats of award winning air warriors, was released today. The Mi-17 V5 is a Russian built medium-lift military transport chopper. An Advanced Light Helicopter of the IAF had crashed at Saglee in Papum Pare district on July 4, claiming the lives of all four on board. advertisement A total of 37 defence aircraft and helicopters have crashed since May 2014 in which 55 people were killed, the government had told the Rajya Sabha in August. Out of the total, the IAF lost 24 aircraft and five helicopters in crashes since 2014-15 and main reasons for the accidents were human error and technical defect. PTI MPB ASK ASK --- ENDS --- The Benue State House of Assembly has appealed to labour leaders in the state not to insist on payment of five months salary arrears before calling off their ongoing strike.Organised labour had on October 3 commenced an indefinite strike over the owing of civil servants seven months salaries, primary school teachers and local government workers 11 months and retirees 13 months pension allowance.The labour leaders had noted that workers would not suspend the strike until the payment of five months salaries.But in a response, Governor Samuel Ortom, during a radio programme, said his administration could only pay one months arrears across the board.The state assembly, during its extraordinary session on Friday, however, appealed to labour leaders not to insist on five months arrears payment before suspending the strike, noting that their stand would push the government to borrow about N40bn.The Speaker of the state assembly, Terkimbir Ikyangir, who made the appeal, told the labour leaders that the implication of borrowing money to pay workers would be counterproductive if the cause of the states huge wage bill was not tackled.Ikyangir said, Insisting on four or five months (salary arrears) payment before suspending the ongoing strike will amount to government taking loans of about N40bn. But let me appeal to the labour leaders to allow government tackle headlong the source of the huge wage bill..Part of the move is the ongoing screening exercise, which I think will help us find a lasting solution to the problem.Earlier, the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Godwin Anya, stated that the union was worried about the huge wage bill and explained that it had also commissioned a committee to come up with the states exact wage bill. The Niger Delta Indigenous Movement for Radical Change (NDIMRC) has alleged that the life of embattled Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, is under threat by the northern cabal, warning against frustrating him.The group also alleged that it has uncovered plans to allocate 100 percent oil blocs to northerners to the detriment of the people of the Niger Delta region.In a statement signed by its President, Nelly Emma, Secretary, John Sailor and Public Relations Office (PRO) Stanley Mukoro, made available to journalists on Sunday in Warri, Delta State, NDIMRC claimed that the planned declaration of Crocodile Smile in the Niger Delta was to check resistance of the people to the allocation of the oil blocs.It called for a thorough investigation of the scandal in Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as well as the immediate suspension of the Group Managing Director, Dr Maikanti Baru.It will be recalled that Kachikwu, had in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, complained about some appointments and reorganizations carried out in NNPC without his input.The minister had kicked against what he described as insubordination and lack of adherence to due process perpetuated by Dr Maikanti Baru.NDIMRC, the oil monitoring group, fumed over the way the minister was being treated and warned that enough was enough.The group said that the minister deserved to be treated fairly and accorded due respect.We have been watching the activities of the GMD of the NNPC, Dr. Baru since he came on Board and we are not impressed with the way he is treating the Minister of State for Petroleum and people from the Niger Delta Region working in the NNPC.We have seen that the GMD of NNPC is bent on destroying the solid foundation laid by the Minister of State for Petroleum and determined to frustrate the Minister, but we are not going to take this likely because the oil Dr. Baru is presiding over belongs to the people of the Niger Delta Region and not the North.The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu must be allowed to take charge of the Board of NNPC which the President inaugurated.Our findings revealed that the recent appointments and postings were done without the knowledge of the Board. Members of the Board learned of these appointments from social media and the press release of NNPC. This is bad enough and must not be encouraged, the group said.It added that; We are not happy with the way the minister is being frustrated. He should be allowed to exercise his power as the Chairman of the NNPC Board.They should let the whole world know why he is not being allowed to function effectively as the chairman of the board.The minister was transparent when he was the GMD of NNPC, he carried out ethnic balancing, but the reverse is now the case since Dr. Baru was appointed.The current Board of the NNPC must be empowered and given free hand to operate.The office of the Minister of State for Petroleum must be saved from further humiliation and disrespect.The Minister is not anti-North as all appointments made by him in the past were balanced and based strictly on skills, experience, drive and ethnic balancing for senior management positions, but this is not the case with the current GMD of the NNPC, the group alleged.The oil monitoring group, therefore, urged President Buhari to treat the letter written to him by the minister with all seriousness, calling on the President to call the GMD of NNPC to order if hes sincere with his anti-corruption fight. Another Nigerian, Jelili Omoyele, was shot dead in Johannesburg yesterday, according to the Nigeria Union, South Africa. Another Nigerian, Jelili Omoyele, was shot dead in Johannesburg yesterday, according to the Nigeria Union, South Africa.Its President, Mr Adetola Olubajo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone from Johannesburg that Omoyele, a.k.a Ja Rule and native of Ibadan, Oyo State, was killed at a parking lot at Doornfontein, Gauteng Province.The 35-year-old victim was a cellular phone technician,Olubajo said a fact-finding team on the scene led by him and the National Welfare Officer, Mr. Trust Owoyele, met an eyewitness, Mr Sipususo Mkalipi, a South African taxi driver, who confirmed the killing.The deceased and the son of the caretaker of a parking lot had an argument over an unpaid R300 (N11,400) rent.The witness said that the deceased decided to leave his car in the parking lot till Monday because he had no money to pay, but the caretakers son shot him on his way out of the building.Omoyele gave up the ghost a few minutes later, he said.Olubajo said Mkalipi was the driver, who brought the victim to the parking lot.According to him, a murder docket has been opened at Jeppe police station near Johannesburg while the case has been forwarded to the unions legal adviser, Mr Omoreige Ogboro, for a follow-up.The Nigeria Union President also said the incident had been reported to the Nigerian Mission in South Africa.We implore the mission to give necessary support to the union in order to ensure that justice is served. Omoyele is survived by a pregnant wife also in South Africa and his parents in Nigeria, he said. NEWARK -- Essex County College can't seem to agree on whether it has a $17 million surplus or none at all, according to preliminary findings by the area accrediting agency. The college is on tenuous ground with its accreditation status and losing it could make thousands of students ineligible for federal grants -- and potentially prompt the institution's closure. Peer evaluators from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which accredits area colleges, visited the campus last week and on Friday flagged ongoing issues with governance and finance but said student enrollment practices had improved. The news caps a tumultuous few weeks riddled with accusations of collusion, harassment and money misuse among leaders of the college. One day before the Middle States findings were presented, President Anthony Munroe made new allegations against two Board of Trustees members, citing them in a workplace harassment complaint, NJ Advance Media learned. The ongoing tension between the president, who was appointed in May, and members of the board was alluded to by the Middle States evaluators who found there "was not a cohesive relationship between the president and the Board of Trustees." The school has cycled through several presidents in the last seven years, two of whom who left embroiled in scandal. A year ago, the college was placed on warning for failing to meet three accreditation criteria -- including leadership and governance. "Past behaviors and practices must stop so we can move the college forward," Munroe told NJ Advance Media, declining to comment on his complaint. "These are historical issues, particularly in regard to financial oversight, internal controls and matters related to leadership and governance ... we have to turn the page, we must." The Middle States findings are preliminary and do not change the college's accreditation status. Among the findings and recommendations: Evaluators were given "conflicting information" on how much was in the college's fund balance, ranging from $17 million to zero to negative There's no The evaluators recommended building a sufficient fund balance and an annual evaluation of the president by the board The college is in compliance with student retention and enrollment standards Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, who appoints the majority of the board, urged unity and said he remained excited about the future of the college. "Today is a new day and we're going to move forward together as a team," he said. "Everybody's got to pull together." On Friday, peer evaluators for Middle States presented initial findings but did not engage in a discussion with the audience. The findings and recommendations are subject to further review by the Middle States Committee on Follow-Up Activities and a final vote by the Middle States Commission in November. "The board and the administration have to take the opportunity to ensure students achieve deeper, lasting learning and in partnership, foster an environment of communication, collaboration, civility, respect and professionalism," Board Chair Bibi Taylor said. "But the underlying word is partnership." It is extremely rare for an institution to be stripped of its accreditation. In the last nine years, only four institutions have lost accreditation -- mostly for financial reasons -- and none have been in New Jersey, said Richard Pokrass, director for communications and public relations for Middle States. The agency accredits 525 colleges and universities in the area. Clergy leaders continue to rail against what they say is corruption and collusion at Essex County College, express support for new prez pic.twitter.com/HYBmT8HACE Karen Yi (@karen_yi) September 27, 2017 "It is confirmation that the faith community was not sensationalizing, was not victimizing," Rev. Ronald Slaughter said of the findings. Slaughter and other clergy leaders have decried political interference at the college, alleging it has hindered Munroe's ability to lead. "We had facts that this type of culture existed," he said. Not in compliance Dozens filled J. Harry Smith Hall on Friday for an update on the college's accreditation. The college has two years (until Nov. 2018) to correct the issues or lose accreditation. If significant progress is made, the school may be given a one-year extension. Evaluators said Essex County College was in compliance with only one of the three standards the institution was cited for: Student retention and enrollment. Evaluators credited the college's successful enrollment management plan and a "clear strategy" to assess that. However, they raised concerns about the absence of a CFO. The board narrowly rejected Munroe's CFO pick in August after an administrator -- who was later placed on paid leave -- and some board members expressed concerns with his qualifications and Munroe's hiring practices. "That was a huge missed opportunity for us," Munroe told NJ Advance Media, calling his candidate "exceptionally qualified." Taylor, who voted against the pick, said the search for a qualified CFO was ongoing and a new deputy CFO position was filled last month. Ongoing turmoil As the college hosted Middle States evaluators, tension between the president and the board intensified. On Thursday, Munroe wrote an email to the Board of Trustees saying he was adding board president Taylor and board member Safanya Searcy to an internal complaint of workplace harassment he previously filed against Joyce Wilson Harley, the vice president of administration and finance. Harley has been placed on paid leave. In a lengthy email obtained by NJ Advance Media, Munroe listed 24 "unacceptable actions and incidents" as evidence. "I have been the intentional victim and target of workplace harassment, bullying, intimidation, discrimination, defamation and undermining of my presidency as result of the actions of Joyce Harley, Bibi Taylor, and Safanya Searcy in their official capacity as affiliated with Essex County College and individually as known personal friends of each other," he wrote. Taylor said she could not discuss personnel matters, adding that the representation made in the email "draws conclusions not reflective of intent or facts." "I have asked board counsel to identify the appropriate mechanism to review the president's concern and advise the board accordingly," she said. It's not clear what action the college can take against board members who are appointed by the county executive. "The public turmoil does not help the institution nor does it foster an environment ripe for an education," said Taylor. Her board term expires Oct. 31 and she said she will not seek reappointment to her term due to career and family demands. Searcy declined to comment on personnel matters but said holding the president accountable did not mean she was any less supportive of Munroe. "My support will never be absent conducting due diligence on recommendations as presented by the administration, asking the appropriate questions that will help inform my individual position on recommendations, and expressing my individual opinion and rationale in forming my decisions," she said in a statement. "The question of the day is: Will we lock arms and press forward in a positive direction together for the sake of the students? Or will we continue to bask in the glow of confusion and chaos, hidden agendas, personal motive and defamation of character?" Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook. NEWARK -- For a few minutes, all you can hear inside this third-grade classroom is a collective inhale and exhale. There's no voices, no sounds of scraping chairs, no fidgeting. Students dressed in uniformed blue polo shirts stretch their hands overhead and grow tall like trees; they breathe deeply, close their eyes and search for their heartbeat with their palms. "When I do yoga, I feel really good. I feel like my whole body is new," says third-grader Astrid Arita, 8. "As if I was born today." At Hawkins Street School, students in kindergarten through fourth grade practice yoga in their classrooms for 15 to 20 minutes a week as part of a program offered by the Newark Yoga Movement. The stretching, breathing and mindfulness fits in with the school's priority on social/emotional well-being and making sure kids are focused so they can learn, said Principal Alejandro Lopez. "We understand how students are dealing with the stresses of real life," Lopez said. "Yoga allows them to find peace, to understand they can take a mental time out so life doesn't become so overwhelming." Students at Hawkins Street School practice yoga as part of a program with Newark Yoga Movement. (Bernadette Marciniak for NJ Advance Media | NJ.com) About 500 kids in the school participate and say they're using the breathing and stretching exercises at home and before going to sleep. First-grade teacher Isabel Pita said yoga helps her 28 students "calm down a bit in the mornings." In her class, students form the number four with their legs as yoga instructor Kim Stevens-Redstone tells them to look "at something that's not moving" to help with their balance. "It's the best job ever," Stevens-Redstone says between her back-to-back classes. "You can feel the energy in the schools changing." Stevens-Redstone, who went to school in Newark, said she turns yoga poses into animal poses like the flamingo or the bear, and sometimes attaches stories to the stretches. Teaching children, she said, has made her a better adult yoga instructor. "We're all kindergarteners," she laughs. Newark Yoga Movement began in 2009 and is working in 17 public and charter schools in the city. The nonprofit has served 30,000 students since its inception. Founder Debby Kaminsky said she started the nonprofit to bring yoga to a city in need. "Urban districts have a different kind of stress than suburbs. You add violence to it and you add gangs to it ... yoga gives them these tools so they know how to regulate in a non-violent kind of way," she said. "You are helping to reduce anxiety and stress and sleeplessness." Kaminsky said yoga in schools is starting to catch on across the country as districts are increasingly recognizing the value of exposing children to the practice. She said students and teachers in Newark have shared stories of calmer classrooms, a shift in school culture and even one middle schooler who opted out of a fight. As the yoga session wraps up for Bruno Simoes' kindergarten class, he said the stretching made him "feel happy." "I see the good in you. You see the good in me. We see the good in each other. Namaste," the class said as they press their palms together. Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook. JERSEY CITY -- The downpour did not deter scores of runners at today's 25th annual Carlos Negron 5K run memorializing the Jersey City firefighters who was off-duty and helping fellow firefighters battle a blaze when he died in 1993. "We're wet. Who cares. We're firefighters," retired Jersey City Fire Department Battalion Chief Matt Ferro told the crowd from the bandstand in Liberty State Park near the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal moments before the race's start. Negron's son, Carlos Negron Jr., was 14-years-old when his father died. The Jersey City Medical Center EMT and member of the fire department's Gong Club, called his father his greatest role model as he served hot coffee to drenched runners in the Gong Club truck before the race. Negron Sr. 47, was off-duty on March 20, 1993 when a passerby told him of the fire. He ran to the blaze and began helping two firefighters raise a 35-foot ladder to evacuate the building. He lost his life when the three firefighters slipped on ice and the ladder struck overhead power lines. "It was very painful," his son said today. "I was the first one in my family to find out he was hurt and we were later told he passed away. I was very close to my father." Negron called the runners "very dedicated" and said he father "would do the same thing again if he had the chance. He was that kind of guy - give you the shirt off his back." From the bandstand, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop called the fire department, pound for pound, the best in the world. He also noted that "Today we are memorializing one firefighter, but there are many who have made the ultimate sacrifice." The ceremony included the singing of the National Anthem and the Jersey City Fire Department Pipes and Drums band played Amazing Grace near the bandstand adjacent to the riverfront walkway. The rain and wind had runners huddled beneath a few small tents prior the race but shortly before the start, it stopped. Jersey City Fire Department Chief Steven McGill thanked the department's chaplain, the Rev. James V. Pagnotta, for any role he may have played in the weather change. JERSEY CITY -- A first group of 10 Jersey City police officers are leaving for Puerto Rico today to assist in relief efforts on the island which suffered a devastating assault by Hurricane Maria. The officers will deploy for two weeks before returning and being replaced by a next group of 10 officers. "We are using federal grants for the deployment so that there is no impact to Jersey City tax payers, but at the same, time we can continue to be supportive," Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop said. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and North District Commander Capt. Edgar Martinez saw the officers off this morning at the city's Office of Emergency Management on Summit Avenue. The Caribbean island, which is a United States territory, was battered by Hurricane Maria last month, leaving the entire island without power and mostly without services. Even now, only 25 percent of the island has power and only 40 percent has cell phone service. It's not clear how many groups of officers will travel to the island and it will likely be determined by the availability of funding. PERTH AMBOY - A city man was arrested and charged with aggravated assault on Saturday after authorities say he beat a man so badly he is currently in the intensive-care unit at an area hospital. Isaias Eduardo Silva-Baeza, 32, was charged with the second-degree crime following an altercation behind a house on Market Street in Perth Amboy, announced Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey and Perth Amboy police Chief Roman McKeon. The police found the victim after they received a 911 call about an unresponsive man behind the home. The victim, only identified as a 33-year-old Perth Amboy man, was taken to Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy and then transferred to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he remains in stable condition in the hospital's intensive-care unit. Authorities said a verbal argument turned physical. No additional details about the incident were immediately available. The incident remains under investigation. Authorities urged anyone with information to call Detective Jose Rosario of the Perth Amboy Police Department at 732-324-3800 or Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Detective Craig Marchak at 732-745- 3254. Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. By Gerald L .Zelizer As the rabbi of Congregation Neve Shalom in Metuchen for nearly half a century, I've been asked over and over one of life's biggest questions, which, unfortunately, has been asked by humans throughout history after natural or man-made disasters. In recent weeks, Americans have been coping with the devastation of multiple hurricanes. And this week we've been mourning the senseless loss of life in Las Vegas, which is part of a long list of seemingly avoidable tragedies -- at the Sandy Hook Elementary school, the Virginia Tech campus, a movie theater in Aurora, Colo., a military base in Fort Hood, Texas, a bible study in Charleston, South Carolina, a night club in Orlando. Once again, it's the same question: "Why does a beneficent and caring God allow these cruel events to wreak havoc on humanity?" As a person of faith, I never liked the phrase "Act of God." Embedded in that term is a theology of a God purposely causing devastating, natural disasters. Indeed, some clergy are convinced of God's intentional punishment through nature. For example, after Katrina, Pastor John Hagee blamed New Orleans for a level of sin which drew God's wrath. But that understanding of the "Act of God" is not part of my theology and I suggest that it should not be part of yours. Seems to me we are helped by reinstating into a theological framework the term "Act of God," and along with it "Act of man" or "Human acts," but with new meanings. Let me tell you how that may support our personal faith on this weekend as we pray in churches, synagogues and mosques. Certainly hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria were acts of God -- by that I mean an overwhelming and uncontrollable events generated by nature. They were also, though, a human act. Climate scientists are generally reluctant to ascribe a singular weather event to global climate change. But so many of them do say that global warming does make a bad natural event even far worse. It has to do with greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide trapping heat in the atmosphere which then warms the air, causing some of that warmth to be absorbed in the ocean. In turn, this raises the temperatures of the waters like those in the Gulf of Mexico. All that puts a natural hurricane on steroids, fueling it velocity and longevity. So explains Kevin Trenberth, a senior scientist at the U.S. Center for Atmospheric Research, in a recent Atlantic Magazine article. That scientific testimony, along with that of many other scientists, persuades me as a person of faith to understand that in these hurricanes and their devastation an "Act of God" was intensified by an "Act of Man." How about the slaughter on the killing field of Las Vegas? Shall we understand that in theological terms as an "Act of (a deranged) Man?" Yes surely, but that is not the whole story. In Las Vegas, too, we saw an "Act of God" -- better yet, multiple "Actions of God." Those were in the many accounts of heroism that took place that night, some protecting family and friends, but others helping out strangers. Surely, in the words of the Bible, "God was in that place." It was the inner urge of God which pushed so many to disregard their own safety and reach out in dire circumstances to help others. So, rabbi, you ask, what of the ultimate question? "Why didn't a beneficent and caring God stop the slaughter before it started?" "Why didn't God paralyze the killer's finger as he pulled the trigger?" Or better yet, "Why didn't God allow hotel personnel to discover the killer's cache of weapons prior?" The answer to that is best contained at the end of the Biblical Book of Job, in which God in his dialogue with Job cites two mythological beasts: Behemoth and Leviathan. Rabbi Harold Kushner understands these beasts as "the life force and force of chaos," which are responsible for most of the bad things that happen in the world. Remember, in Genesis, when the world was created out of chaos? Some of that chaos, says Kushner, still remains in spite of God's wonderful creation. It is symbolized in the mythological Leviathan -- a creature of chaos lurking in the oceans. Even God has not ordered and overcome all the chaos. As Kushner says "God is moral. Nature is not." This framework applies to acts of God and human acts in earthquakes, hurricanes, and Las Vegas. It applies equally to nature itself and to human nature. It explains where and how God wasn't, and where and how God was. Gerald L. Zelizer, a regular contributor to The Star-Ledger, is rabbi emeritus of Congregation Neve Shalom in Metuchen. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. PM Narendra Modi has visited election-bound Gujarat seven times this year. BJP president Amit Shah, too, has been traveling to the state more frequently. Are they worried or just don't want to be complacent? By Prabhash K Dutta: Reporters familiar with the preparation of the Election Commission for Gujarat Assembly polls say that the announcement of state election is only a few days away. The increased frequency of engagement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah with Gujarati people is a possible corroboration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today completed his seventh visit to Gujarat this year. Amit Shah has spent much more time in Gujarat in recent weeks than anywhere else. advertisement On the last Sunday, October 1, Amit Shah formally launched BJP's election campaign in Gujarat from Karamsad, the birthplace of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Anand district. Today - a week later, Prime Minister Modi visited his birthplace at Vadnagar in Mehsana district. The sharpened focus on Gujarat, by two most towering leaders of the ruling BJP, signals a sense of urgency in the party with regard to election management in the state on the eve of all-important assembly polls. BJP'S PERFORMANCE IN GUJARAT The Congress lost its track in Gujarat after winning a record 149 of 182 seats in 1985. It remained in power with the Janata Dal till 1995, when the BJP won 121 assembly seats. The BJP repeated its performance in 1998 mid-term election with 117 seats. Keshubhai Patel was made the chief minister of Gujarat. He was replaced in the face of allegations of corruption and mishandling of rehabilitation after Bhuj earthquake in 2001 with Narendra Modi. Narendra Modi took oath as the chief minister of Gujarat in October, 2001. He was not even a member of the Legislative Assembly at that time. Nearly five months later, Gujarat was burning due to widespread communal riots. As the riots subsided and politics of blame game took centre-stage, the next assembly election was held in December, 2000. Narendra Modi led a whirlwind campaign and won 127 seats - the highest tally for the BJP till date in Gujarat - for the party. He repeated his performance in the next two elections with the able help from Amit Shah - Modi's Man Friday. The BJP secured 117 and 116 seats in assembly elections in 2007 and 2012 respectively. In 2013, Narendra Modi was declared BJP's prime ministerial candidate for 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Modi led an aggressive campaign from the latter part of 2013 to Lok Sabha elections in April-May 2014. In Gujarat, the BJP won all 26 Lok Sabha seats. Recently, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said that the BJP was leading in 165 of 182 assembly segments in the last Lok Sabha elections in the state. Still, the BJP faces a tough task in Gujarat this time around. advertisement OBC-DALIT AGITATION Soon after Narendra Modi and Amit Shah shifted their focus on national politics, the other political forces in Gujarat raised their voices. At present three young leaders - of caste-based groups - have become big headaches for the BJP government in Gujarat. Patidar leader Hardik Patel has been relentless in his campaign for inclusion of Patidars in the Other Backward Castes category so that they can avail the benefits of reservation. He led several massive rallies in Gujarat before he was booked under sedition charges and ousted from the state for one year. He is back now and giving momentum to his agitation. He has looked to side with the Congress. Patels form about 12 per cent of the state's population. ? ?? ?? ?? ??,??? ? ? ???,?? ??? ?? ? ?? ?? ??? ? ? ??- Hardik Patel (@HardikPatel_) October 7, 2017 Another OBC leader is Alpesh Thakor - the Thakor community comes under OBC in Gujarat. Alpesh has been protesting against the demand for inclusion of Patidars in the OBC category. He has opposed government's move to accommodate Patels-Patidars under an alternate scheme, which has been challenged in the Supreme Court. Alpesh claims to have sizeable influence in about 150 assembly constituencies. OBC forms about 40 per cent of Gujarat's population. advertisement The third emerging leader is Jignesh Mevani - the lawyer-turned-Dalit activist. Jignesh Mevani came to prominence after Una incident. Some self-proclaimed cow vigilantes thrashed Dalits for skinning a dead cow alleging that they killed the animal. The incident led to state-wide protests by various groups and Jignesh Mevani emerged as the firebrand Dalit leader. The Dalits form about eight per cent of the population of Gujarat. Amit Shah, a man of supreme ego defensively paying a visit to Anandi Patel's place for 'ashirvad' is a sign of upcoming Catastrophe for bjp- Jignesh Mevani (@jigneshmevani80) October 4, 2017 The mishandling of Una incident cost the then Chief Minister Anandiben Patel her job. Vijay Rupani replaced her but he has not been convincing with even the BJP supporters judging him in the shadow of Narendra Modi. DEMONETISATION AND GST Demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) have been the biggest disruptors in the economy in the last one year. The government has maintained that these two are the most necessary steps to weed out corruption and formalise the businesses in the country. But, demonetisation and GST have brought difficulties to traders - the core vote bank of the BJP. Narendra Modi, observers say, became an unbeatable force in Gujarat because of the unflinching support of the business community in the state. advertisement The traders increased their pitch in opposition following the GST rollout. The state unit of the BJP too conveyed the same to Amit Shah during his recent visits to Gujarat. Amit Shah was touring Gujarat when on Thursday he was asked by the PM Modi to cut short his visit and return to New Delhi. PM Narendra Modi held a closed-door meeting with Amit Shah and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for an hour on Thursday. On Friday, the GST Council announced several relaxations for the traders and small and medium enterprises. The textile and related sectors were granted special concessions during the day-long meeting of the GST Council. Referring to the concessions given by the GST Council, PM Modi yesterday - on the first day of his Gujarat visit - said that the tweaking of GST rules brought in early Diwali for traders. DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL MEDIA Narendra Modi is among the first political leaders, who used social media to build an influential public image. The same social media seems to have been working against the BJP in Gujarat ahead of the state assembly election. Hashtag #Vikas Gando Thayo Se (Vikas - development - has gone crazy) has been trending particularly in the context of Gujarat, whose development model propelled Narendra Modi on the national stage. The campaign has become social media rage among the opponents of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, who built the development narrative over a decade in Gujarat. The BJP has now launched a counter-campaign - Hu Vikas chu, hu chu Gujarat (I am development, I am Gujarat). But, this campaign does not seem to be strong enough with Vijay Rupani as its face in Gujarat to achieve Amit Shah's ambitious target of securing 150 seats in Gujarat Assembly. MODI, SHAH RETURN WITH GARVI GUJARAT As the election campaign is building up in Gujarat, the old-style electioneering is back. Narendra Modi is back as the face of the BJP in election in Gujarat. All the BJP posters display Narendra Modi in Gujarat. Amit Shah is another prominent face on BJP's banners, flags and hoardings. During Narendra Modi's tenure as chief minister, he used to be the face of election for BJP in Gujarat. Narendra Modi's slogan of Garvi Gujarat (Proud Gujarat) has come back with the photographs of the prime minister. The obvious dependence on Narendra Modi and Amit Shah betrays BJP's lack of confidence in the local leadership. But, it also underscores that if the BJP loses Gujarat assembly election or if its vote percentage declines significantly, it will be big loss of face for both Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. It was here that Narendra Modi and Amit Shah teamed up as election winning machine and replicated their success at national level. --- ENDS --- It's no crime to lie, in about 99 percent of our lives. But if you lie to the IRS about how much money you earn, you can land in prison. Ask Al Capone. So, when Ed Richardson, the executive director of the state's largest teachers' union, was asked by the IRS to disclose his compensation in 2015, he came clean. He listed it as $1.2 million in salary and benefits. You can look it up on the union's 990 tax form, which all non-profits must disclose. It's on Page 2 of Schedule J, in black and white. The same page shows that it's basically a free-for-all at the union's headquarters in Trenton -- compensation for the top five NJEA officers averaged $764,000 in 2015. And now Richardson is lying about all this, flat-out, despite the public record that puts any doubt to rest. In a union newsletter, he told his members that he earned about one-quarter the amount he listed on the IRS tax form. I wanted to ask him about that, but he refused to talk. I tried to lure him out of hiding with an offer to discuss it by e-mail, and a promise to publish the exchange in full for all to see. He turned that down, too. Even by Jersey standards, this guy has real chutzpah. I hate to admit it, but I almost admire him in a sporting kind of way. What amazes me is that classroom teachers put up with it. They earn $70,000 a year on average, and these fat-cat pay packages are drawn from mandatory dues of about $900 a year. "Teachers don't know that, and it's just outrageous," says Carol Brown, a retired teacher who was president of the Rutherford branch of the union until 2010. "Money seems to corrupt most people if they can get away with it." The union, the New Jersey Education Association, is the most powerful special interest group in New Jersey, and it's not close. A study last year by the state Election Law Enforcement Commission found the NJEA had made $59 million in political donations over 15 years, more than twice the nearest competitor. That spending, at least, has some logic to it. Teachers have a huge stake in political fights over pension and health benefit, tenure reform, charter schools, and testing. But what's the logic behind paying Wall Street money to this crew? How does that help teachers? It's made worse by the political ineptitude of this overfed clique. They are infuriating former friends in the Democratic Party this year by spending lavishly to back a Trump supporter in South Jersey against Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester). When the senators complained, the new NJEA president, Marie Blistan, wrote a scorching public letter telling the senators they needed to find a "smarter strategy." "The leadership of this union is unbelievably arrogant," Sen. Bob Smith (D-Middlesex), said Thursday. "I talked to other senators today and they are hot. There is going to be very long-term impact on relations with the NJEA." Smith has teachers in his family, and he's won the union endorsement in the past, though not this year. I asked what he thought about the pay packages. "I think if the membership knew that, there would be a revolution," he said. Let's break down that $1.2 million that Richardson earned in 2015. The salary portion is $340,000, which is what he must have been referring to in the union newsletter. But the IRS form asks for money stuffed into hidden drawers as well, like deferred compensation. Richardson put that at $841,000, and added $32,000 more in "non-taxable benefits." So, should deferred compensation count? Here's an illustration: Let's say I mow your lawn, and you agree to pay me $10 today, and $30 more tomorrow. According to logic of the NJEA, I earned just $10 by mowing your lawn. It leaves out a lot. Which is why the IRS asks. Let's compare Richardson's package to his peers in other parts of the same union. The executive director of the national NEA, which is much bigger than the Jersey branch, earns $554,000 in all, less than half as much as Richardson. Look closer, at the Pennsylvania branch of the same union. Its executive director earns $332,000, about a quarter as much. I bet Richardson knows all that, which explains why he won't discuss it. I tried Blistan, the union president, and she wouldn't talk either. So, teachers in New Jersey, please ask yourself these questions: Why are your leaders paying themselves like this? Why are they lying about it? And why won't they crawl out from under their desks to discuss it? More: Tom Moran columns Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com or call (973) 836-4909. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. I don't know how the federal corruption trial of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez will turn out, but after following the case for almost four years I do know this: Medicare is guilty. Guilty of not having a "gate-keeper" that is. In health-care parlance, a gate-keeper is an administrator who decides whether a certain drug or treatment should be funded. Private health insurance plans have gate-keepers. They can be real pains in the posterior, as I find out every time I get one of those "Explanation of Benefits" forms that fails to explain my benefits. But without such monitoring we see the sort of thing that was exposed last week at the trial in Newark of Menendez and his co-defendant, Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen. The prosecution called as a witness former Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to discuss a meeting she had in 2012 with Menendez and fellow Senator Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat. During what she said was "not a very satisfactory meeting," the two senators asked her about Medicare billing policies. Though Sebelius said she couldn't recall the two mentioning Melgen himself, they did ask her about Medicare reimbursement policies that affected his practice in South Florida. That issue was thoroughly explored last spring in a trial that ended with Melgen convicted in federal court for practices that permitted him to bill Medicare for more than $100 million over five years. When I first came across that number, I didn't believe it. That's about $80,000 for every working day or $10,000 per working hour. How could one doctor manage to run up that sort of tab? By exploiting Medicare's lack of oversight, said one law professor who is writing a book about Medicare abuses that will reference the Melgen case. "Medicare's goal is to shovel money out the door as quickly and cheaply as possible," said David Hyman, who is a professor of law at Georgetown University as well as a medical doctor (and has written a book on the flaws of Medicare). Hyman said the problem is simple: If you want to keep administrative costs as low as possible, you have no way of knowing whether any particular charge is warranted. In the case of Melgen, he exploited a loophole concerning an injectible eye treatment called Lucentis. Though Lucentis is designed to treat a relatively rare form of eye disease called "wet macular degeneration," Melgen managed to diagnose that rare disease in thousands of patients. A doctor is supposed to get just one treatment from each vial of Lucentis, Hyman said. He can then bill Medicare for the cost of the vial plus a 6 percent markup, about $2,200 total. That means the doctor makes about $120 profit per vial of Lucentis. But Melgen would stretch the vial's contents to cover four patients. "That meant that instead of making $480 in profit for four patients he made about $7,000 in profit," Hyman said. "Multiply that by huge numbers of patients." Thanks to Medicare's lack of a gate-keeper, Melgen could do just that, amassing the fortune that permitted him to have not one, but two private jets. "He was the No. 1 treating doctor for Lucentis in the U.S," Hyman said. "He stuck out like a sore thumb when somebody went to look. But nobody was looking." The feds finally noticed the pattern in 2008 and began inquiring about the high bills. But instead of ending the practice of charging four times for one dose, Melgen enlisted the aid of top Democrats like Menendez and Reid to get the Medicare billing policy changed, Hyman said. That of course would make Medicare even more expensive at a time when many Democrats are saying we should have Medicare for all who aren't covered by private insurance. Menendez is not among them, but in the 2009 debate over the bill that eventually became Obamacare, he was a champion of the so-called "public option." That approach, which didn't make it into the final bill, called for the government to set up a health insurance system of its own for those who couldn't afford private insurance. That's nice, but before the government starts a new health-care coverage system for all citizens we'd better sort out the problems with the current system for senior citizens, particularly in the part of the country with the highest concentration of them. "South Florida is sort of ground zero for health-care fraud," he said. "It's not just doctors. It's home health care, partial hospitalization and all sorts of things." Trial testimony shows that Menendez spent a lot of time in South Florida with the guy who set some sort of record for abusing that system. Yet he seemed to learn nothing from it. Whether our senior senator is guilty of corruption remains to be seen. But he's certainly guilty of hypocrisy. TRENTON -- Gov. Chris Christie has a message for Democrats upset with how he's funding a new $200 million push to fight the state's opioid abuse epidemic: Get over it. Some Democratic leaders of the state Legislature have been unhappy the Republican governor is partially paying for the program by taking money from Democratic priorities that he promised to fund as part of a state budget deal this summer, including $5.6 million from pre-kindergarten expansion. But Christie defended the move once again during a news conference Friday, saying that money was left over after every school district that applied was fully funded. Christie also said he's open to speaking with state Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, who wants to discuss finding a way to fund the opioid program with money from other sources. But Christie -- who is in the final months of his second and final term -- stressed that the state's voters will pick a new governor in the Nov. 7 election. "You want to find some other way to fund this? Fine," Christie said. "When a new governor comes in, in your FY19 budget, find some other way to fund it. That's fine by me." "But they gave me no funding for opioid expansion for me in this year's budget," he added. "It was not one of their priorities. But they gave me the ability to move funding from other lines." Sweeney told NJ Advance Media that despite Christie's comments Friday, he's still hopeful about finding a solution. "I respect the fact he's taking on this issue," Sweeney said about the opioid epidemic. "It's a crisis in this state and this country. But we are going to try to work with him to get some of that money back where it was." "It's never over until it's over," he added. The issue dates back to the state budget standoff that led to a state government shutdown in July. When Christie and Democrat struck a deal to end the impasse, Democrats agreed to a bill reforming Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, while Christie agreed to allow $300 million for Democrats priorities, including $25 for pre-K expansion. But Christie said the $5.6 million for pre-K was left over after "every district which was eligible and applied was fully funded." "What were we supposed to do with that money?" Christie said Friday. "Add it to the surplus?" The opioid funding dispute re-opened the wounds of the summer shutdown, with state Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, D-Hudson, accusing Christie of breaking his promise earlier this week. Christie then called Prieto a "liar" who "should learn the facts." Sweeney said Friday he's staying out of hurling insults. "What's Vinnie getting from taking a hard-line stance?" Sweeney asked. "I'm frustrated. But I'm gonna try to work this out. Standing in corners and yelling at each other is not going to fix it." NJ Advance Media staff writers Susan K. Livio and Samantha Marcus contributed to this report. Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. TRENTON -- The New Jersey Senate welcomed two new members this past week. Democrat Colin Bell and Republican Kristin Corrado on Thursday were both sworn in to the upper house of the state Legislature, the body that makes New Jersey's laws. They will each fill unexpired terms that will run out on Jan. 16. Both are also running for full four-year terms in the Nov. 7 election, in which all 120 seats in the Legislature are up for grabs. Bell, a former Atlantic County freeholder and prosecutor, was appointed to the seat vacated after the death of longtime Democratic state Sen. Jim Whelan, who died in August after suffering a heart attack. The seat represents south Jersey's 2nd legislative district, which includes most of Atlantic County, including Atlantic City. Whelan had already announced he was retiring at the end of his third term, and Bell was already running for the seat. Bell's Republican challenger in the election is state Assemblyman Chris A. Brown. A Stockton University poll from last Friday shows Bell and Brown in a dead heat. Bell told Observer NJ on Thursday that he would have preferred Whelan to finish his term. "I can honestly say that I did not want to be here today," Bell told the website. "Sen. Whelan was a friend and mentor, a fierce advocate for Atlantic City and Atlantic County, and he was taken from us too soon." Proud to be the newest member of the 217th Legislature to continue the legacy of my dear friend and mentor @SenJimWhelan. pic.twitter.com/cbuAt5ajU0 Senator Colin Bell (@ColinGBell) October 5, 2017 Corrado, a former Passaic County clerk, was appointed to replace veteran Republican state Sen. Kevin O'Toole, who resigned in June and became chairman of the Port Authority. The seat represents north Jersey's 40th legislative district, which includes parts of Bergen, Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties. O'Toole had also previously announced he was retiring after 21 years in the Legislature, and Corrado was already running for the seat. Corrado's Democratic challenger is Thomas Duch. But the district is considered a Republican stronghold. Corrado told Observer NJ on Thursday that it is an "honor and privilege to follow in the steps" of O'Toole. "I was fortunate enough to be here on his last day, and I heard the kind things said on both sides of the isle about him," she told the website. "And I aspire to continue to be the public servant that he was." WANTAGE -- A New York man has been charged with sexually assaulting two children and telling them he had a gun during a burglary last month, State Police said Sunday. Craig Lassiter, 33, of Middletown, New York, eluded police responding to the scene Sept. 18 and was captured four days later on Long Island, New York, authorities said. Craig Lassiter The alleged assaults and other charges were not disclosed until Sunday, in response to an inquiry from NJ Advance Media. According to a timeline provided by State Police, Lassiter allegedly entered a Wantage home early that morning, went into a bedroom shared by the two children, told them he had a gun and sexually assaulted them. The children later notified family members, who searched the house and discovered the front door was left open. State troopers from the Sussex station responded to the home at 2:07 a.m., after the homeowner called 9-1-1 to report the burglary. They said the suspect might still be inside, police said. Upon arriving, troopers attempted to pull over a Chevrolet Silverado with New York license plates driving away from the area. However, the driver -- later identified as Lassiter -- allegedly swerved around the patrol vehicle, ran over a mailbox and sped away. His vehicle was later discovered abandoned in a field, State Police said. Lassiter was extradited to New Jersey on Sept. 29, seven days after being arrested in Bayshore, N.Y, on warrants for eluding and receiving stolen property. He remains in the Sussex County jail. Numerous additional charges were filed Wednesday, including two counts of first degree aggravated sexual assault on a minor less than 13 years old, two counts of first degree aggravated sexual assault during the commission of a robbery and burglary, and one count of first degree robbery while threatening to use a deadly weapon, authorities said. No other details about the alleged incident were immediately available. Lassiter is scheduled to appear Tuesday morning in Superior Court. County First Assistant Prosecutor Greg Mueller said his office will seek to keep Lassiter in jail pending trial. Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two day visit to Gujarat. Inaugurating a number of schemes and projects, Modi also addressed several public meetings, here's all that he said. By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit to Gujarat where he inaugurated a number of projects. PM Modi started his trip by inaugurating a bridge between Okha and Beyt Dwarka and other road development projects on October 7. Today I am seeing a very different mood here in Dwarka. There is tremendous enthusiasm here. What we are working towards is not merely a bridge to reach Bet Dwarka, it connects us to our history and culture: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/3DPwCOI79A- PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 7, 2017 advertisement On his visit to Gujarat, PM Modi is supposed to address six public meetings while inaugurating various schemes and projects at three different regions of the state. Following what the Prime Minister said during his 2-day visit to Gujarat could be a task, hence we compiled for you a selection of quotes by PM Modi during his visit. On GST Council's announcement As PM Modi's trip to Gujarat began, the GST council announced a slew of measures in an effort to reduce the burden on small businesses. With significant tax cuts and other measures, the new announcements will ease the burden of GST implementation on small traders and businesses. Meanwhile, while speaking in Gujarat, PM Modi said: "There is an atmosphere of Diwali around after the GST Council took important decisions yesterday." "I had said that after the implementation (of the GST), we will study it for three months and will address the areas where there are hurdles, shortcomings, complaints about GST rates or any other practical difficulties experienced by traders. We do not want the trading community to get stuck in red-tapism." On the previous governments' idea of development Taking a dig at previous Congress government in Gujarat and their idea of progress and development, PM Modi said that development for previous governments meant installing hand pumps and asking for votes in return: "I remember when Madhavsinhji (late Congress leader Madhavsinh Solanki) was the CM, photos of him inaugurating a water tank somewhere in Jamnagar district would appear in the front pages of newspapers. That was the imagination of the governments of those times, and look at the imagination of the current government." Building of infrastructure should enhance economic activities and add to the atmosphere of development: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/x72LCGJCg5- PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 7, 2017 "You go ask the poorest, the homeless, if he requires a home. For helping him, development is needed. Development used to take place earlier also. But in those times, a leader would install a hand-pump and ask people over the next three elections to help him win saying he had done development. Installing a hand-pump was the definition of development. Today, there is a government which has laid long and giant pipelines and is supplying Narmada water to villages and households," advertisement On the upcoming airport in Surendranagar and Rajkot During his public meeting at Surendranagar, the Prime Minister stressed on the need for development, and talked about the laying of the foundation stone of the airport that will benefit both Rajkot and Surendranagar. Modi also said that the current government is working towards making air travel cheaper and affordable: "In old times, only kings and emperors could fly. Wo aaj nahin raha. Isliye meine kaha tha mein desh ke aviation sector ka vikas aisa karna chahta hoon ki hawai chappal pehne huya vyakti bhi hawai jahaz mein yatra karne lage (Those days are gone. This is the reason I said that I want to develop the aviation sector so that a person wearing slippers too can fly)." On Digital India Prime Minister Modi then went on to address a public meeting in IIT, Gandhinagar. Speaking to the crowd at IIT, Gandhinagar, Modi stressed on the need for Digital India. He said that the government is working on spreading digital literacy in India, and that India cannot afford to have a digital divide at this time: advertisement "Digital technology, Digital literacy, and digital India should be the focus of a good government." "If there is digital literacy, whatever money we spend on this will reap the same amount of results. Countries are surprised that we have an advanced biometric system like the Aadhaar scheme." "Digital India guarantees transparency, effective service delivery and good governance." In the final leg of his visit, Prime Minister Modi will be visiting his hometown, Vadnagar. Pictures from Vadnagar, the hometown of the Prime Minister, on the eve of his visit. pic.twitter.com/PegYt5aYLp- PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 7, 2017 --- ENDS --- House Republican Whip Steve Scalise is greeted by supporters as he walks to his office with crutches after leaving the House chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) The study looks at two smaller-scale projects that are in some ways predecessors to the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, the $2 billion plan to slow land loss erasing Louisiana's coast. Construction on that project could begin as early as next year, while a similar one on the opposite side of the river known as the Mid-Breton Diversion could follow. New Orleans Saints FB John Kuhn (29) celebrates a TD on a 3-yard run in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcon during a Monday night football game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, September 26, 2016. (Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune) PM Modi is in Gujarat to launch a number of projects and virtually sound the poll bugle in his election-bound home state. Here are all the latest updates from PM Narendra Modi's Day 2 in Gujarat. By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will wrap up his two-day visit to his home state of Gujarat. On Saturday, Modi launched a number of projects and symbolically sounded the Bharatiya Janata Party's poll bugle for Gujarat, which goes to the polls later this year. He began his trip with a focus on the revision brought to the Goods and Services Tax regime by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. "Today, everywhere it is being said that Diwali has come 15 days ahead due to the decisions taken in the GST Council (on Friday). I am happy," Modi said. advertisement Here are the latest updates from PM Modi's second day in Gujarat: The PM in his speech in Bharuch also hinted at the fight against black money and corruption, saying no matter how many plunders of the nation join hands, in the end honesty will always win. #WATCH: PM Modi says, 'desh ko lootne wale kitne bhi ikathhe ho jaayein imaandari hi jeetegi' pic.twitter.com/TtPpc6pScw- ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2017 The other Antyodaya Express, which is already in operation, links Mumbai in Maharashtra to Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. Flagging off the Antyodaya Express, which connects Udhna in Surat to Jaynagar in Bihar, PM Modi said that the train will make it "easier for people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to go home for Chhath Puja". The Antyodaya Express is a commendable initiative by the @RailMinIndia. It connects people and particularly helps those who are from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and work away from their home: PM @narendramodi- PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 8, 2017 Nearing the end of his two-day trip to Gujarat, PM Modi has now reached Bharuch to lay the foundation stone of a barrage over the Narmada River and to flag off the Antyodaya Express. It was only after my government came that a new health policy, like the one formulated during former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's time, was brought again, Modi says. For the ten years after the Atal Bihari Vajpayee there was a government that hated development, PM Modi says, hitting out at the Congress. Today I met youngsters from a medical college. We as a society require more doctors who can serve people: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/zYH2XApx6f- PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 8, 2017 PM Modi talks about the Intensified Mission Indradhanush, an immunisation drive. Modi, who is visiting his hometown for the first time since becoming prime minister, says that archeological studies at the town have shown that Vadnagar is the same area that was known as Anandpur 2,500 years ago. I am happy that I have got to inaugurate projects relating to the health sector, particularly Intensified Mission Indradhanush: PM @narendramodi- PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 8, 2017 With your blessings, I will work for the country with even more vigour, PM Modi says at the rally in Vadnagar. PM Modi is now addressing a public rally. There is nothing quite like being welcomed by the people of your own town/city, PM Modi says. Coming back to one's home town and receiving such a warm welcome is special. Whatever I am today is due to the values I have learnt on this soil, among you all in Vadnagar: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/Ko9nR5I1ir- PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 8, 2017 The prime minister will also launch Mission Intensified Indra Dhanush, an immunisation programme, in Vadnagar. In Vadnagar, PM Modi inaugurates the GMERS Medical College and later interacts with interacts with students at the institution. A video shared by news agency ANI on Twitter showed the prime minister paying obeisance on the ground, near the Vadnagar school he studied in. #WATCH: #Visuals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he reached his school in #Vadnagar, #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/hIl6DRgI25- ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2017 In Vadnagar, PM Modi visits the school where he studied before visiting the Hatkeshwar Temple along with Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani. Visuals from Vadnagar show how the Gujarati town has decked itself up to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Watch how Gujarat's Vadnagar is being decked up for PM @narendramodi's hometown visit for the first time after becoming PM in 2014. #ITVideo pic.twitter.com/U9EXs1BxcJ- India Today (@IndiaToday) October 8, 2017 For the first time since becoming prime minister Modi is in Vadnagar, his hometown, where he will inaugurate a hospital. Meanwhile, tweeting from his personal account, PM Modi offered his wishes on the occasion of Air Force Day. On Air Force Day, best wishes to our courageous air warriors & their families. Their determination & prowess ensure that our skies are safe. pic.twitter.com/rK6I9JfHLJ- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2017 This is the first time Modi will be in Vadnagar after becoming the prime minister in 2014. PM Modi will leave Gandhinagar for Vadnagar at around 9.30 am. Will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate various plants of Gujarat Narmada Fertilizer Corporation & address a public meeting.- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2017 Yesterday in Gandhinagar, PM Modi inaugurated a renovated wing of the Indian Institute of Technology. India cannot afford to have a digital divide, Modi had said there. During his speeches yesterday, PM Modi also took aim at the Congress, attacking the previous UPA governemnt at the Centre. "Despite my best efforts, I could not make them (UPA government) to wake up from their slumber," said Modi said of his time as the Gujarat CM. (With inputs from agencies; videos courtesy: Twitter/ANI) --- ENDS --- McPherson County Sheriff to host National Night Out event The McPherson County Sheriffs Departments fourth annual National Night Out community event will be from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday. This is a crime prevention and public safety gathering to educate the community about the various organizations in the area that help work towards establishing safe communities for us to live in. The Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Game and Parks, West Central Health District, Department of Health and Human Services (Adult Protective Services), American Red Cross, Volunteer Nebraska and the Rape and Domestic Abuse Program of North Platte will be present, and a free child safety seat inspection station will be available. Also, the Great Plains Regional Hospital Air Ambulance will be on display. The McPherson County Sheriffs Department is providing a chili and corn bread feed and prize drawings, and hosting special guest Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson. Jobs Daughters to host pancake feed on Oct. 15 The Jobs Daughters annual pancake breakfast fundraiser will be from 7 to 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 15 at the Masonic Temple at 1600 West B Street. The Jobs Daughters pancake breakfast raises money to help children afford hearing aids. Cost is a freewill donation. Sunrise Rotary to host auction on Oct. 21 The North Platte Sunrise Rotary auction will be at 10 a.m. on Oct. 21 at 1916 E. Walker Road. They are taking donations and consignments of any household items, equipment, implements, furniture anything that is not wanted or cant be used. No clothing. Arrangements may be made to pick up items if needed. Proceeds will be used to help fund local and international projects. For more information on donations, call Linda at 308-532-7708 or go to the Facebook page, Sunrise Rotary North Platte Auction. NPCC to host class on homebuyer education There will be a homebuyer education class at 9 a.m. on Nov. 4 at North Platte Community College South Campus, 601 West State Farm Road. The class is free of charge to Lincoln County residents and will be presented by the Lincoln County Community Development Corporation. There is a $25 fee to those outside of Lincoln County. The class will teach when the time is right to purchase a home, how to budget before and after buying a home, the ins and outs of credit issues, how credit affects the purchase of a home, mortgage products, how to find a house to buy, closings, how to protect the investment in a house and the responsibilities of a homeowner. Call 308-534-5095 to register or for more information. This project is funded in part by a grant from Nebraska Housing Developers Association and Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Festival of Trees seeking decorators The ninth annual Festival of Trees is looking for groups and individuals interested in decorating trees or wreaths for this years festival, which has some changes this year. The festival will be on Nov. 18-19 at the Prairie Arts Center. This is a week earlier than usual so those who purchase the trees or wreaths will be able to decorate their homes for the holidays earlier. Trees and wreaths will be provided, and the decorators will provide the decorations for them. There will be a limit of 15 trees and 5-7 wreaths. On Nov. 19, all items will be auctioned off. The festival will benefit the Prairie Arts Center and the Miss Nebraska Scholarship Pageant/Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals. For more information, please contact Darrell Drullinger at 308-530-5503 or Alan Perlinger at 308-252-2595. RSVP will plant trees in honor of members The RSVP will honor five former North Platte Area RSVP-Advisory Council members by planting trees Wednesday. The tree planting will be at 10 a.m. outside the RSVP office/North Platte Senior Center, 910 E. 10th St., on the southeast corner. The board members to be honored are Harry Spohn and, posthumously, Joe Sedlacek, Dallis Dye, Trudy Frye and Patricia Vieyra. All five board members served from eight to 25 years on the board. Mayor Dwight Livingston will honor them with a proclamation. Refreshments will follow the planting. The public is invited to attend Leadership Academy seeking applicants LINCOLN The Nebraska Water Leaders Academy is seeking applicants who are interested in developing their leadership skills and learning about the vital role of natural resources and water issues in the economic sustainability of the state. The yearlong program begins in January 2018. The deadline for applications is Nov. 15. A program of The Water Futures Partnership-Nebraska, a 501(c) 3 organization in partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is presented by leading academic scholars, top policymakers and acknowledged experts. The program consists of six, one-and-half-day sessions at locations across the state and includes intense classroom and field trip experiences. More than 100 men and women have graduated from the academy since its inception in 2009. Applications for Class VIII of the academy, which commenced in January 2017, are available online at waterleadersacademy.org. For more information, call 402-476-0162. The Water Leaders Academy is partially funded through a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Game and Parks opens kids essay contest The Nebraska Game and Parks Commissions Southwest Region Parks is hosting its annual Kayak Kids Essay Competition. The essay must be a hand-written 250-word essay expressing why the youth thinks growing up in the outdoors is important and how the great outdoors offers a multitude of opportunities for youth and adults, along with a photo of the essay writer at one of the southwest reservoirs or parks doing an outdoor activity. The parks and state recreation areas included in the southwest region are: Johnson Lake, Elwood, Gallagher Canyon, Lake Maloney, Sutherland Reservoir, Buffalo Bill Ranch, Enders, Medicine Creek, Rock Creek Lake, Red Willow or Swanson Reservoir. The competition rewards two youth participants that best exhibit an appreciation and love for natures resources within two age divisions: 10- to 14-year-old and 15- to 18-year-old. Prizes for each age division winner include an emotion sit-on-top kayak, paddle and life jacket. Submissions need to be mailed to Swanson Reservoir SRA, 36166 Road 44B, Trenton, NE 69044, by Oct. 15. Mother, two sons will move into the 52nd Habitat house when construction complete The North Platte Area Habitat for Humanity raised the walls on another home on Saturday. The house is the 52nd for the organization. The house, located at 2103 W. Third St., is the first single-lot build that Habitat has done for a while, said executive director Dalene Skates. Before this project, the organization was working on multiple homes on South Griffith Avenue. The next build will be on West Fifth Street. The lot was once home to a dilapidated house that was regularly used by transients seeking shelter, Skates said. It came up on a sheriffs sale, she said. The organization purchased the lot and paid the back taxes on it so it could be the site of a home for a partner family. Once the house is completed, Amanda Sloggett will move in with her two sons, Carson, 10, and Quinton, 6. Sloggett couldnt be at Saturdays wall raising because she was traveling with her sister, who was going to Denver to have a baby. The boys and their grandmother, Karen Petska, were on hand to help. I know Amanda and the boys have been waiting a long time to have a place they can call their home ... rather than renting some place, Petska said. Currently, Sloggett and the boys live in a four-plex. Petska said the boys were looking forward to having their own yard to play in as well as having their own rooms. Petska said shed asked Sloggett if shed ever considered applying for a Habitat home, but Sloggett didnt think shed qualify. We said, Put your name in and see what happens, Petska said. They called a few days later and she was ecstatic. Skates said the neighbors around the lot also seemed excited when Habitat purchased the property. One neighbor, she said, has little boys of her own. Sometimes her little ones come over and want to help, Skates said. Habitat homes are completed through hundreds of hours of sweat equity by the partner family and the help of numerous volunteers. LINCOLN More Nebraska students fell short of expectations last year after state officials raised the bar in English language arts. Preliminary statewide test results released Friday show that 53 percent of Nebraska third-graders scored as being proficient in the subject area. Fourth-graders did a bit better, scoring 56 percent proficient, but 47 percent of the sixth- and seventh-graders scored proficient. Other grades scored within that range. Nebraska Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt said the scores are the result of the states new, higher standards for student achievement. Teachers and students are not suddenly poor performers, he said. Its a new baseline, a new benchmark for us as we go forward. Because of the change, Blomstedt said, the scores in English language arts cannot be compared with those from last year. But he expressed confidence that students and teachers will step up and show improvement in future years. Generally, kids can live up to expectations once those expectations are in place, he said. Also for the first time, the scores released Friday included the results of having all high school juniors take the ACT college preparatory test. The ACT replaced the previous state test for that grade level. Statewide, 54 percent of juniors scored as being on track to succeed at college coursework in English, 51 percent in math and 55 percent in science. The others were rated as being likely to need remedial courses before they could tackle college-level courses. The scores released Friday are not broken down by individual school districts or buildings. Those scores will be released later this fall. Blomstedt said he wanted to explain the changes, however, because individual student results are in the process of being released to parents and schools. State education officials are raising expectations as part of a focus on ensuring that students are college and career ready, he said, noting that focus includes more than the results of the annual state tests. To succeed at learning, earning and living, students also should do such things as explore various careers, work or volunteer, and participate in activities outside of the classroom. Test scores in math and science are comparable to last year, Blomstedt said. New expectations in math will kick in for students taking the statewide achievement test in spring 2018, while new levels for science will follow in a few years. These are the days of division, of us vs. them. We Nebraskans may be too few in number to reverse the pollution in our national discourse. But we can keep it from poisoning us in North Platte, western Nebraska and our state. Weve seen the us vs. them mentality around the world, with the pending secession attempt by Spains Catalonia region merely being the latest. Weve seen that mentality recently in meeting halls and school gymnasiums in our region even in North Platte itself. It flares up all the time on Facebook and Twitter, where it often seems that true dialogue the courtesy of listening to opposing views is a dying concept. We hear it sometimes in debates about the best way to improve our local economy. Weve seen it in the continuing promotion of an idea locally and nationally that to win an election is to be indebted only to those who voted for the winner. One can hardly get through a day without being bombarded by the divisions in the nations capital, the result of partisan poisons administered by both major parties and far too many hangers-on who amplify the discord for their own benefit for at least the past half-century. They have nearly destroyed the trust and openness to compromise that it takes to address even our most practical problems of living together in peace, harmony and prosperity. America last went through such a period in the late 1850s and the issue that led some 600,000 soldiers, North and South, to their deaths still reverberates in our current divisions. Those divisions multiply when we focus on our own choices and others differences, and see others flaws as greater than our own. We forget what we have in common is what matters most. That us vs. them attitude has to stop. We Nebraskans, at least, have been bequeathed a tradition of striving for the ideal of working together. Eighty years with a one-house Legislature, nonpartisan in its organization and usually (though not always) in its operations, have entrenched an expectation that our state and local leaders will act on behalf of all of us first. Most of our state and local issues are nuts-and-bolts matters of living that have no Republican or Democratic solutions, declared Unicameral father George W. Norris. The forces of us vs. them, of my way or no way, are trying to convince todays Nebraskans that Norris was wrong. In fact, his is the only way for a small population in a large state to succeed. The Telegraph believes in the innate goodwill of the people of Nebraska and our region. We believe that we have more than enough challenges as a region and state distances, weather, the ups and downs of agriculture without letting ourselves be divided by personal or partisan rivalries that cause some to oppose an idea simply because of who offers it. As a newspaper, we will promote the discussion of ideas, offered in good faith, and resist all efforts to divide us or blunt public debate through personal or partisan attack. Our own opinions in unsigned editorials will be offered with that approach in mind. And we will report what is happening in our communities fairly but unflinchingly, regardless of who it involves. No matter what others try to do beyond our states boundaries to tear us apart as Americans, we must refuse to let them succeed in Nebraska and our own communities. We must, if we believe that Nebraska Nice and The Good Life have any meaning at all. By PTI: Washington, Oct 8 (PTI) Scientists have created micro hearts, lungs and livers that be combined to develop a "body- on-a-chip" and mimic how the human body responds to new medications. Drug compounds are currently screened in the lab using human cells and then tested in animals. However, neither of the methods adequately replicates how drugs affect human organs. advertisement "There is an urgent need for improved systems to accurately predict the effects of drugs, chemicals and biological agents on the human body," said Anthony Atala, from Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in the US. Researchers developed micro-sized 3D organs, known as organoids, and connected them together on a single platform to monitor their function. While other teams have combined cells from multiple organs in a similar system, this is the first reported success using 3D organ structures, known to be higher functioning and to more accurately model the human body. The organ structures were made from cell types found in native human tissue using 3D printing and other methods. Heart and livers were selected for the system because toxicity to these organs is a major reason for drug candidate failures and drug recalls. Lungs are the point of entry for toxic particles and also for aerosol drugs, such as asthma inhalers. The organoids are placed in a sealed, monitored system - complete with real-time camera. A nutrient-filled liquid that circulates through the system keeps the organoids alive and is used to introduce potential drug therapies into the system. The researchers first tested the organoids to ensure their similarity to human organs. For example, the micro-liver received a high dose of a common pain reliever - and then a different drug to counteract the toxic effects. "The data shows a significant toxic response to the drug as well as mitigation by the treatment, accurately reflecting the responses seen in human patients," said Aleksander Skardal, assistant professor at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. However, more important than how an individual organ responds to drugs is how the body as a whole responds. In many cases during testing of new drug candidates - and sometimes even after the drugs have been approved for use - drugs have unexpected toxic effects in tissues not directly targeted by the drugs themselves. "If you screen a drug in livers only, for example, youre never going to see a potential side effect to other organs," said Skardal. advertisement "By using a multi-tissue organ-on-a-chip system, you can hopefully identify toxic side effects early in the drug development process, which could save lives as well as millions of dollars," he said. The scientists conducted multiple scenarios to ensure that the body-on-a-chip system mimics a multi-organ response. For example, they introduced a drug used to treat cancer into the system. Known to cause scarring of the lungs, the drug also unexpectedly affected the systems heart. However, a control experiment using only the heart showed no response. "This was completely unexpected, but its the type of side effect that can be discovered with this system in the drug development pipeline," Skardal said. PTI MHN MHN --- ENDS --- Residents in some of the Region's rural areas now have a cheaper option to tap green power. The Wanatah-based Kankakee Valley REMC, a membership cooperative that delivers electricity to more than 18,000 customers in rural areas of Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Marshall, Pulaski, St. Joseph and Starke counties, began offering a new Co-Op Solar Program this month. The initiative allows members to buy up to half of the electricity they use annually from solar energy sources without having to install solar panels. Inquiries have been steady since the co-op announced the new program in its September newsletter, said Amanda Steeb, director of marketing and communications for Kankakee Valley REMC. "We've been getting calls daily, and so far I'd say response has been what we expected it to be," Steeb said. "Members are calling with questions about the program and we're mailing out a lot of contracts, so we expect participation to increase." The co-op's solar program only is available to Kankakee Valley REMC customers. Members interested in buying power through the program can sign up for as little as 20 cents per share. For a typical co-op member that uses about 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity at about $134.59 per month, choosing to buy half of that electricity through solar sources translates to an additional $2 to that bill. Steeb said the added cost hasn't deterred co-op members who want "green power." A total of 69 shares have been purchased by five co-op members so far, with one member buying 26 shares and another buying 21. "Anything green costs a little more," she said. "But a lot of our members are into what's good for the environment, and for the ability to say some of their electricity comes from a green source, the added cost is worth it to them." The cooperative's new solar program replaces its community solar program, which it introduced in 2015. Through its old program, co-op members could buy electricity from a solar array operated by Kankakee Valley REMC for a period of 25 years at a total cost of $750. The co-op estimated participating members would recoup their investment over 16 years. A total of seven customers bought into that program. The co-op has since sold its array to its electricity supplier Wabash Valley Power Association, allowing it to join with nine other WVPA member co-ops to buy solar energy from a system spread across Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, capable of generating 1.7 megawatts of electricity. Steeb said a total of 5,850 shares can be purchased through the Co-Op Solar Program. When 50 percent of those shares are sold, Wabash Valley Power Association likely will explore building additional solar arrays. "If you're interested in green energy, it's a cost-effective alternative because you won't have to go through the expense of installing solar panels on your home or property," Steeb said. Merrilville-based NIPSCO, which serves 468,000 electric customers across Northern Indiana, also offers green energy options to its customers. Since launching its green power programs in 2013, 1,160 customers 1,128 homes and 38 businesses have signed up. NIPSCO customers can choose to buy all of their electricity generated through renewable sources. A residential customer who uses about 1,000 kilowatt hours of power monthly and went all green can expect to pay an additional $1.64 a month on top of their typical electrical costs. "The program is designed and intended to give options for those wanting to support and utilize green power if they can't (or) don't prefer to install their own renewable energy source at their home or business," said Nick Meyer, a spokesman for NIPSCO. The Alzheimers Association Greater Indiana Chapter offers free education for families affected by Alzheimers disease and other dementias. Topics range from the basics of Alzheimers and dementia and how to identify the 10 warning signs to legal and financial planning and how to communicate throughout the various stages of the disease. Education is vital, said Lauren Lay, associate director of Community Engagement. Unfortunately, we do not have a cure for Alzheimers disease. But, we can positively impact the journey through education, care and support. The association will host Know the 10 Signs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at St. Catherine Hospital, Professional Office Building Meeting Room, 4321 Fir St., East Chicago. In this introductory program, attendees will learn about the 10 warning signs of Alzheimers disease and an understanding of the difference between age-related memory loss and Alzheimers. This program will also be offered 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at St. Catherine Hospital, Professional Office Building Meeting Room, 4321 Fir St., East Chicago. Effective Communication Strategies will be offered from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at Highland Public Library, 2841 Jewett St. Attendees will learn to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia and identify strategies to help them connect and communicate at each stage of the disease. This program will also be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Westchester Public Library, 200 W. Indiana Ave., in Chesterton. The association will host Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at First United Methodist Church at 6635 Hohman Ave., Hammond. In this program, attendees will learn about the latest research providing insights on how to make lifestyle choices that may help them keep their brain and body healthy as they age, and use hands-on tools to help incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. Registration is requested to attend programs by contacting the Alzheimers Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. The association also hosts support groups across the state for unpaid care partners, family members and friends of individuals living with Alzheimers and other dementias. Area support group meetings 5:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Franciscan Senior Health and Wellness Center, 2150 Gettler St., Suite 305, Dyer 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at First United Methodist Church, 520 E. Commercial Ave., Lowell 6 p.m. Oct. 18 at Alzheimers Association office, 8679 Connecticut St., Suite D, Merrillville 6:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at St. Johns United Church of Christ, 101 St. John's Road, Michigan City 4 p.m. Oct. 31 at Jasper County Community Services, 967 E. Leopold St., Rensselaer There are no fees to attend programs or support groups. For a full listing of our education programs and support groups, visit alz.org/Indiana. MERRILLVILLE A new bridge planned for 101st Avenue will accommodate more vehicles. The Indiana Department of Transportation and Merrillville are collaborating to replace the bridge over Interstate 65, and the new structure will be expanded to four lanes from two when it's installed, Town Manager Bruce Spires said. Councilman Shawn Pettit said replacing the bridge with a wider structure has been a priority for him. Creating two additional lanes on the bridge will help move more traffic through that area, he said. I'm very happy, Pettit said. The town and INDOT have discussed the bridge replacement for a long time. When initial plans were created, they called for the new bridge to be a two-lane structure. Pettit made it clear to Spires he wanted a four-lane bridge, and he coordinated a meeting with INDOT to review the project. Spires worked some type of magic to get that thing done, Pettit said. Spires said it's estimated INDOT will pay about $2.4 million for the project. Merrillville's estimated contribution will be about $1.3 million, and the municipality will use tax increment financing district funds to cover its portion. Spires said those amounts include construction costs and engineering work. Pettit said Merrillville will handle creating the approaches to the bridge, and that construction will occur next year. He said INDOT will start the bridge replacement work in 2019. The upcoming work fits in with a long-term plan for Merrillville's southern end. Last year, the town finished a major project to reconstruct and widen Mississippi Street to four lanes from 83rd Avenue to just south of 93rd Avenue. Merrillville plans to widen Mississippi Street south of 93rd Avenue to 101st Avenue, but hasn't decided when that will begin. Rights-of-way already have been acquired for that project, and an application has been filed for federal funding to help pay for the work. It's hoped the roadwork could retain and attract new business to Merrillville, officials said. PORTAGE For the last 21 years, local and regional boaters have moored their vessels at the city's public marina. It's been home to fishermen, recreational boaters and those just looking for a place to socialize on a warm summer day. But it is beginning to show its age, officials say. The docks are wearing. Amenities could be upgraded. Parking needs to be expanded and improved. The city's Port Authority is looking at all the issues recently brought up in a boater survey and public input sessions during a master planning process began earlier this year and culminating in a plan for improvements over the next 20 years. Opened as the Portage Public Marina in 1996, a joint project between the city and Little Calumet River Basin Commission and funded through the Lake Michigan Marina Development Commission and Build Indiana funds, it was rededicated last year as the Sammie L. Maletta Public Marina for the former mayor who led the construction efforts. Since its inception, the marina has been popular. Harbormaster Barb Lusco said nearly every year, except for those when water levels were low, the marina has been full. There is already a waiting list for dock rental for 2018. A recent market evaluation of region marinas, including those in New Buffalo, Michigan, Michigan City, Hammond, East Chicago and Portage, indicated that while the Portage marina has the lowest dock rental rates of those reviewed, it also has average amenities and average location, said Mike Morphey, senior project engineer with Abonmarche of Benton Harbor, Michigan. The location can't be changed, he said, but there are upgrades that can be completed to keep the public marina competitive in the market. Survey results indicate boaters would like to see maintenance and security improved at the 214-slip marina, the addition of a fish cleaning station and Wi-Fi and upgrades to the launch and parking, said Morphey. A site assessment also suggests needed electrical updates, repairs to the seawall and sidewalks, upgrading to the buildings, signage and landscaping. There is also a desire to improve connectivity between the marina and other areas within the city through trails where boaters could walk or bike to the lakefront or to shops and restaurants. One of the biggest efforts needed is the eventual replacement of the 11 docks. "Everything is in pretty good shape, but eventually, they (the docks) will need to be replaced," said Morphey, adding the life expectancy is 20 to 25 years. "We are going to have to come up with a dock replacement plan," said Port Authority member Steve Nelson, adding there eventually will be an issue with the buoyancy of the floating docks because of age. "It takes $100,000 to replace one dock. We know it is coming, and that's why we are going through this process." Nelson said there also needs to be an upgrade to the marina's lighting system, possibly upgrading to more energy-efficient lighting. Morphey said some of the items could be completed quickly, such as building a fish cleaning station and an additional restroom facility as well as adding pavilions or other types of shade structure at the marina. Morphey said the next step is to develop concepts of each of the ideas and provide cost estimates. A physical improvement plan, with phasing and funding opportunities, will be included in the final plan. Lusco said the marina is financially self-sufficient from the city, operating on income from dock and launching fees. She said some of the projects could be completed with funds at hand, while a bond issue may be considered in the future. In addition, grants for some of the projects could be available. VALPARAISO Throughout this month, Porter Health Care System is offering various activities to help raise awareness of breast cancer and the need for screening and early detection. At 1 p.m. Wednesday Porter Regional Hospital will hold the annual inspirational Blow Away Breast Cancer flag raising ceremony at the hospitals front entrance, 85 E. U.S. 6. This event incorporates inspirational stories from survivors and caregivers who see and take care of those with breast cancer every day. The event highlights the importance of screening mammogram and early detection. The program is free and open to the public. This year, Porter Health Care System is a sponsor of the American Cancer Societys Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Porter County. On Oct. 15, a team of Porter Health Care System associates will participate in the 5K fun walk, which starts at 11 a.m. at Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve, 178 E. Sidewalk Road, Chesterton. Porter EMS will also be working the event for backup support. For more information, visit makingstrideswalk.org/portercountyin. The bellyaching, spurred by an unwarranted Northwest Indiana inferiority complex, can be excruciating at times. Other times, some Region leaders try to embrace and channel the underdog mentality as an ill-advised marketing tool for far-fetched endeavors. All the while, we frequently ignore our existing strengths, which are the true foundations for any future Region economic growth or quality of life enhancements. In that vein, we all should be cheering for a Region-based plan, which just cleared an important hurdle in Congress. We all have a big stake in seeing the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, an already Region-defining gem, obtain full national park status. I've argued the point in several past columns, most recently urging support for a measure sponsored by Indiana's congressional delegates to turn the national lakeshore into Indiana Dunes National Park. Why not? In 2016, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore experienced 1.7 million recreational visits, including people from throughout the world. Those visitors spent $73.8 million in the dunes' gateway communities, according to the U.S. National Park Service. That was up by $4 million from the previous year's dunes-related spending. Full national park status literally would put the lakeshore on the map a bigger one, with better marketing and more conspicuous presence to potential visitors. So it was welcome news Wednesday when U.S. House Rep. Pete Visclosky's office announced his bill to designate the dunes as a full national park cleared by unanimous vote the House Committee on National Resources. The measure now goes to the full House for consideration in its quest to become law. Its success should be a rallying cry for anyone in Northwest Indiana who believes in building on our successes. Anyone who has visited the national lakeshore's many trails and beaches knows of the intoxicating beauty it brings to our Region. Any naturalist can tell you of the rare and diverse ecosystems to be appreciated and studied here. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 workers owe their jobs to the lakeshore's presence, accounting for $39.4 million in labor income and $100.9 million in overall economic output. The good news is all those numbers exist in a time when the national lakeshore hasn't yet attained full national park status. Its time to call or write our federal lawmakers and urge this measure forward and not just the Indiana delegation, who already support it. U.S. House and Senate leadership the offices of House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell need to hear from us as well. Numbers to call to express your support are attached to this column. Help move the needle as the bill still requires approval of the full House and Senate. The issue of national park status lacks the glitz or buzz of the quest by many regions, including our own, to land the new national headquarters for online retail giant Amazon. We've heard a lot of that hype in recent weeks, even seeing what most thinking business minds would consider a far-fetched pitch by the troubled city of Gary to land the deal. I wish the Region well in this quest nonetheless. What isn't far-fetched, though, is an already existing Dunes industry responsible for more than $100 million in economic output each year an industry whose prominence and growth has been unanimously endorsed by a congressional committee. Let's not take this opportunity for granted or let it slip away. Bigger and better things await the national lakeshore and the Region it calls home if we work together to bring national park status to fruition. By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 8 (PTI) The National Green Tribunal will hold a two-day world conference on environment in the national capital from November 3. The conference will be held in association with the United Nations Environment Programme, the Asian Development Bank, the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Ministry of Water Resources. The National Green Tribunal is headed by Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar. advertisement The function, to be held at Mavalankar Auditorium and Manekshaw Centre, will be inaugurated by Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and presided by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and attended by various high court judges and, environmentalists and legal experts among others. "Besides the plenary and valedictory sessions, there will be nearly four technical sessions where different topics pertaining to climate change, municipal solid waste, clean and renewable energy, forests will be discussed with focus evolving principles and strategies for environmental conservation and protection both at national and global levels," a release said. The green panel has invited applications from the interested participants in a prescribed format along with a fees of Rs 1000. The applications must be addressed to the Registrar General of the National Green Tribunal and should reach on or before October 20. PTI PKS ZMN DV --- ENDS --- PORTAGE The 2-year-old boys came into the house acting like a couple of raccoons. They rummaged through the cupboards, looking for food. They ripped open bags of bread and stuffed it in their mouths. They tore the baseboards off the walls, pulled curtains down, took the heating vents out of the floor. Janice Wozniak has been a foster parent for the past 42 years, to nearly 400 kids. She said the two boys have the worst behavioral problems she's seen. Wozniak, 70, also has fostered many children of addicts. She lived through the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s, has cared for children with fetal alcohol syndrome. But she says the opioid crisis is something else entirely: the severity of the neglect, the level of the behavioral issues, the sheer numbers of parents losing their kids to the system. The twin boys largely raised themselves their first two years because of their parents' heroin addiction. "I got them just as they turned 2, and they were totally mute," she said. "They did nothing but grunt. Even when they were fighting over toys, they would just grunt. They would not say 'mine' or anything." Wozniak is part of a foster care system in Indiana that is overwhelmed, in part, experts say, by the opioid epidemic. The number of Hoosier children in foster care has increased to 17,023 in August of this year, from 9,575 in August 2013, according to the Indiana Department of Child Services. And as her foster twins illustrate, many of the kids are being left behind cognitively, developmentally, emotionally by their parents' opioids use. The number of Indiana kids removed from the home for reasons including substance use jumped to 52.7 percent last year from 31.7 percent in 2013. The Indiana General Assembly increased DCS' budget by $200 million over the next two years to deal with the increased demand. "Heroin and prescription drugs have taken over the country," said James Wide, a spokesman for DCS. "Indiana is not immune." In Northwest Indiana, foster care placements rose to 200 in August 2017 from 92 in August 2013 in LaPorte County, and to 167 from 65 in that time span in Porter County. The number of those cases in Lake County actually fell in that five-year period, to 1,303 from 1,492. The cases of Indiana children dying from abuse and neglect also is on the rise: to almost 80 in fiscal 2015, the most recent year for which DCS has data available, from nearly 50 deaths in 2013. Drug use was said to be a factor in many of the deaths. Researchers at Indiana University and elsewhere are trying to determine exactly how much, if any, of the rise in children being removed from the home is directly tied to opioid addiction. Still, the effects of the opioid epidemic on children are undeniable. "You see physical abuse because of the violent tendencies that go along with the drug side effects. You see widespread neglect, children not going to school, children not being fed and having balanced meals, sometimes even the cleanliness of the house," said Ellis Dumas, DCS regional manager for Lake County. "More serious neglect is when you have a baby in an environment where those items are being left around because they're being abused. What happens if a child ingests those medications?" A second chance Ashlee Reaker, of Bremen, Indiana, first tried opioids after a miscarriage when a relative gave her some Norco and tramadol. "Twenty minutes later, I felt great," she said. "I'd never taken a pill prior to that." Later, she was diagnosed with arthritis and degenerative disc disease, which she called her "ticket to pain pills." She got hooked. One day, after running out of pills, she and her husband, with whom she'd recently had a daughter, went to look for more. All they could find was heroin. She shot up for the first time. She later realized there was a market for her painkillers. She would trade hers for money, for other drugs, for TVs and clothes. "It just literally spiraled out of control for, like, eight years, until DCS got called on us because people were mad we didn't want to sell our pain pills," she said. The couple failed their drug tests. DCS put their kids into foster care. Still, Reaker's addiction continued, full bore. She went to jail for theft. She missed a court date and got sent back to jail. She missed yet another day in court after that, and a warrant was issued for her arrest. Because of her drug use, she skipped supervised visits with the kids. Mad after one such no-show, her husband told the DCS case worker about her warrant. She spent 10 months in the county jail, getting released Nov. 3. She said she's been clean ever since. The couple gives much of their income to her husband's father to help them manage money. He also holds onto his son's prescribed pain medications. And they have their kids back. Their ages are 9, 6 and 5. Reaker, 34, said her 6-year-old son has been dealing with anger issues since he returned home, but otherwise the children are doing well. She tells them the truth about her imprisonment and addiction. "Over Memorial Day, we camped as a family for the first time on our own," she said. "This is one year we've ever had the money, because we weren't spending it on drugs or pills or whatever." The family has even stayed in touch with the foster parents, who the kids call grandma and grandpa. Courtney Roach, a former Jasper County resident who now lives in South Bend, has seen the effects on her kids of being in foster care. Her 9-year-old daughter has had emotional problems, while her 7-year-old daughter has struggled in school. After Roach was arrested for possession of heroin, DCS removed her kids. They lived with her mother, an increasingly common arrangement given the increased need for foster homes. Roach went to prison for two years. She regained custody of them in December after 3 years. "They were hurt, especially the oldest. She was very emotional about it. It took a long time to build that trust with her. We have a very good relationship now," said Roach, 29. "The youngest one it didn't affect her as much. She kind of shelled up when it came to learning and stuff. She ended up having to do kindergarten twice. She's made leaps and bounds since I've been back home." Kids found to have delays In Northwest Indiana, referrals to First Steps, a state program that provides therapy to children with developmental disabilities, have risen by 26 percent over the past two years, according to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration; statewide, referrals have increased by 16 percent in that time period. "When a child has come out of a home with abuse or neglect, there are usually some kind of developmental delays; it may be emotional," said DeAnn Jeanette, of SAFY of Merrillville, a foster-care placement service. "What's amazing to us is the amount of recovery we see when we see those kids thriving a few months later, after they're placed in a safe, caring environment. The brain can be rewired, and it can be rebuilt. That's what loving and consistency do." Marni Lemons, a spokeswoman for FSSA, said there also seems to be a corresponding increase in the number of First Steps referrals from DCS and neonatal intensive care units, though she noted the agency doesn't track how many of the referrals are drug- or opioid-related. Jacob's Ladder, a pediatric rehabilitation agency in Valparaiso, has experienced a doubling of First Steps referrals this year in part because of the opioid epidemic, the agency's director, Mariann Frigo, said. "Often the children are really delayed, because of neglect," she said. "If there's a lot of neglect, you can't develop because you're not stimulated." She has encountered kids who had flat heads in the back because they were left in a car seat all day, and didn't know how to kick or roll over. Wide, the DCS spokesman, said the rise in therapy referrals is in part due to a new policy, enacted to stem the rise in child deaths, that DCS automatically assess any complaint of neglect for a child younger than 3. Inside the homes, caseworkers are finding many children who are developmentally behind and referring them to First Steps. "There are lot of babies getting help and therapy that weren't getting it before," Frigo said. Nazareth Home, in East Chicago, was founded in the early 1990s to house babies born with AIDS in Lake County; it now largely cares for the smallest victims of the opioid epidemic. Director Jean Bowman said the facility recently had a girl, both of whose parents were addicted, who had developed reactive attachment disorder. The condition, caused by severe neglect, is characterized by detachment, the inability to be comforted and indiscriminate sociability. "When she first came to us, it was before she was 2, she didn't talk, she wouldn't look at us, she would run into glass," Bowman said. "It was honestly a miracle watching her change. She struggled, but she did it." Treating the parents The availability of drug treatment is spotty in Indiana. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Indiana ranks 16th worst for the percentage of residents who needed substance abuse treatment in the past year but did not receive it. DCS is undergoing an experiment in treating parents directly. Through the Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Teams, or START, program, mothers and fathers with DCS involvement and kids younger than 5 are connected to a treatment coordinator and family mentor, a person in recovery. The five-year pilot project has been in Monroe County since 2013 and Vigo County since last year. "The purpose is really to help prevent that cycle of addiction," said Abbi Powell, manager of child and family services for Centerstone, a community mental health center in Bloomington. "When the child is younger, that may help protective factors and decrease the likelihood the child will have similar issues." The parents are assessed by local community mental health centers within days of being referred. The moms and dads do 10 to 20 hours a week of inpatient or outpatient drug rehab. "It does seem to be effective, in terms of involvement with DCS, ongoing sobriety, engagement in a support system," Powell said. She said the program was replicated from other states, so it could easily be expanded across Indiana. DCS pays for the treatment coordinators and family mentors. The state spent $160,678.42 on the program in fiscal 2016 and $240,294.86 in fiscal 2017. Twins improving On a recent day at the Wozniak home, the twin boys, in matching alligator shirts and red shorts, bounced around a living room full of toys. They were balls of nervous energy, climbing, falling, tumbling, biting, wrestling. Pictures of kids and babies of a variety of races and ethnicities former foster kids of Henry and Janice Wozniak covered the walls. The boys climbed on a visitor, trying to untie and remove his shoes and take his phone out of his pocket. At one point, they fought over a green tractor toy, not quite able to verbalize their feelings. The Wozniaks have had to twin-proof their home. They swapped their curtain rod for a PVC pipe to make it harder for the boys to pull down, put a card table in front of the crib so the toddlers can't climb it, removed their dresser drawers because the twins were taking them out. "It's just unbelievable the damage they've done," Janice said. She said their neglect was the worst she's seen in her more than four decades as a foster parent. When she got them, they were essentially feral. "I've had other kids with behavior problems. If they were playing with toys, I could run downstairs and do a load of laundry. I can't do that with them," she said. "If they see that I'm missing, that's when they start running, they'll take pictures off the wall, they'll do the craziest things." "Sounds like an overdose there, at the motel," Henry Wozniak said, listening to a police scanner. "Out of the garbage can!" Janice Wozniak scolded one of the boys. Later, one of them found a spare electrical cord. Henry Wozniak put it in the kitchen, but the boy climbed a gate and got it back. Pieces of salami calmed them down. "They love to eat," Janice said. The twins' development has improved in the more stable environment. They've started to talk. They say "more" and "phone" and "shirt." "They know our routine," Janice Wozniak said. "When Henry gets up in the morning they open the bathroom door so he can go in there and shuts it so he can have privacy. They say, You taking the dog 'potty'?" Another foster boy, a 16-month-old with no delays who also had parents who were addicted to drugs, played on the floor nearby. The nearly 3-year-olds were on the same level as him developmentally, Janice Wozniak said. The twins were expected to go on to live with relatives in coming months. "These two, they're such stinkers, but you fall in love with them," Janice Wozniak said. "You can't help but love them. They're always climbing all over (Henry) and loving him and putting their arm around him. They are really lovable kids. We are going to really miss them when they go." The antiquated farce of an Indiana law making it legal for adults to have consensual sex with 16-year-old minors is now on full display for the world to see and judge. The sanctity of our children is at stake in rectifying the situation. Indiana law states that the age of sexual consent is 16 but also defines minors as being younger than 18. Among a number of inappropriate doors the law leaves open is the reality that adults can legally have sex with 16-year-olds, but it's a crime to text, provide or otherwise transmit a sexually explicit photo to anyone younger than 18, or even possess the image. A person who knowingly transmits a sexually explicit photo to a minor (younger than 18) in Indiana is committing a felony, under Indiana law. An adult who has sex with a 16-year-old, meanwhile, isn't breaking the law if the sex is consensual. It doesn't take a high-court ruling for any of us to know this is patently wrong. But a recent ruling by the Indiana Supreme Court is bringing the matter to light. In a 5-0 ruling, the court acknowledged an inconsistency in the law when ruling Sameer Girish Thakar, of Fishers, should face trial for allegedly sending a sexually explicit photo of himself in 2014 to a 16-year-old girl in Oregon. Thakar had argued that the situation was consensual and that the case should be tossed. The high court disagreed, noting the difference in applying the age definitions of both state laws. The issue here, of course, isn't that Thakar shouldn't face trial for such allegations. Clearly he should. Under no version of reality, however, should society or its laws view it as permissible for an adult to engage in sexual acts with a vulnerable, developing teenager. The problem has been on display locally in a case involving a former Porter County police officer, who faces charges of child pornography. Former officer Roger Bowles, 56, is accused of possessing nude photos of a 17-year-old girl with whom he allegedly was having a sexual relationship. He faces felony charges for possessing the images, but the alleged sex acts themselves are permissible under state law. Recent legislative attempts to raise Indiana's age of sexual consent to 18, which no thinking person should oppose, were led in part by state Sen. Frank Mrvan and state Rep. Linda Lawson, both Hammond Democrats. Those attempts have failed to advance in the Indiana General Assembly, and our state leaders should be ashamed. In a few months, our lawmakers begin a new session, and fixing this glaring social and moral problem should be at the top of the list of no-brainers. In recent years, our General Assembly has made great strides in furthering issues important to our children, including opening the door to all-day kindergarten and funding preschool for our state's neediest early learners. But claims of a child-friendly Hoosier state will ring hollow as long as state law holds that adults having sex with 16-year-old minors is legal. Fifty years after perhaps the most notorious murders in Auburn history, a time when the normally peaceful community literally formed a posse and took up arms in an ensuing manhunt, the killer still lives. And, 50 years later, the story continues. Two little girls, one of them a neighbor enjoying a sleep-over, were shot to death in the bed they shared. A teen sister, tortured in the hallway for not sharing the whereabouts of the killers former girlfriend who was the oldest of the four sisters and the primary target of the spurned suitor, was killed with her throat slit by a hatchet. The mother, the first of the victims, was sleeping on a living-room sofa, shot, and left bleeding before she dragged herself away and knocked on a neighbors door in a desperate cry for help and pleading for someone to save her babies. Not even a propped-up doll escaped harm, as the rampaging killer raised his shotgun and blasted a hole right in the dolls chest during his savage hunt to destroy all innocence. For days, the killer remained at large, prompting at one point a posse of more than 100 armed civilians to join Auburn police and local deputies in a search of nearby woods. Several hundred Auburn University students gathered to watch when the search drew to within two blocks of what was then known as Cliff Hare Stadium. Today, the killers other would-be victims on the night of the horror, long gone from the area and for a time keeping their location secret, and their friends still in Auburn all fear his return. And with good reason. The imprisoned killer, who escaped his sentence of death in the electric chair and without remorse has described in detail his intentional acts of evil, will go before a parole board on Nov. 8 and ask for his freedom. There are those who feel that if granted, he would seek a return to finish the job he set out to do that night on Sept. 6, 1967. That is why the survivors, quite literally, will be there still fighting for their lives. Every five years Faye Sinclair, today in her 60s and living in another state, must relive this tragic story every five years. It never gets any easier. Every five years, she goes before a parole board and painfully, often tearfully, opens back up the deep emotional scars carved that night evil came and killed her sisters and tried to kill her. Every five years, she recalls how she hid under a bed to save her life, how her sister Cathey hid in a closet before escaping through a window. Their mother Juanita is 95 years old. She may have forgotten a few things in her 95 years, but she forgets nothing about the night of Sept. 6, 1967, Faye says. Quite truthfully, it doesnt get any easier, Faye said in an interview this week. It brings everything back. Faye wont be alone when she attends the parole hearing in Montgomery on Nov. 8. Cathey, their mother Juanita, friends from Auburn, Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones and District Attorney Brandon Hughes will be there as well. They all have things to say about one Edward Albert Seibold. A rampaging killer Auburn resident Linda Dean, a lifelong family friend with the Sinclair girls, one year went to the prom with Seibold. They all attended Auburn High School together. He was an Eagle Scout. He was smart, extremely smart, she recalls, sifting through a pile of newspaper clippings with headlines about the ongoing saga. I get sick reading through them. Emotionally sick. Its almost boastful the way he describes this. Eddie, as they referred to him, dated Cathey before she went off to college, but when she wanted to end the relationship, he did not and became obsessed with Cathey and according to one interview, the girls mother, who was a widow. The Sinclairs realized he had become obsessed, Linda said. When they left for a vacation, for example, he would follow them. He would break into their house and leave notes, she said. He clearly was dangerous. Manhunt grips a nation Seibold, 21 at the time, never intended to be captured. He made his way to Miami in what some considered part of a planned getaway to an island somewhere in the Caribbean. While in Miami, he took on a part-time job caring for an invalid child. The murders back in Auburn had captured nationwide attention. Killed were Elizabeth Libba Sinclair, 18; Mary Lynn Sinclair, 9; and Mary MayMay Durant, 8, the little girl from next door. Posters and bulletin board pin-ups of Seibold quickly spread. After a woman in Miami saw a picture of him in a magazine and then recognized Seibold walking down the street, she quickly alerted authorities. FBI agents from there learned where Seibold was working to care for the invalid child, and at 7 a.m. went to the home, where the residents were shocked to hear about the crimes facing the man they had hired to care for their own child. Seibold was found, according to Miami news accounts, asleep in a bedroom where the invalid male was sleeping. She begged for her life The murder trial was held in January 1968. Seibold was found guilty, and he was sentenced to die in Alabamas electric chair. Then in the early 1970s, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the death sentences, and the Sinclair family was asked if it would agree to a guilty plea and life sentences to avoid the costs, pain and suffering of going to court again. The family agreed. However, lost along the way were the words life without parole, and in doing so, a window remains open to this day that allows Seibold the right to appear before a parole board every five years. Ten years ago Seibold, serving his time at Stanton Correctional Facility in Elmore, granted an interview with veteran journalist Alvin Benn of The Montgomery Advertiser. Seibold held nothing back, apparently having little reason to believe he would be granted parole. He described the murders in detail. The killing started when he murdered the children first, blasting them with a round from his 12-guage, bolt-action shotgun in the bed they were sharing, Benn wrote. He found 18-year-old Libba standing in the hallway. She begged for her life. He walked her up and down the hallway asking where her sister Cathey was. She said she did not know, and he believed her, Benn reported. Then he slit her throat with the hatchet. It didnt make any sense to kill Libba, Seibold said in the interview. She was a substitute target. If I couldnt locate Cathey, Id take down Libba or Faye. I didnt know if Cathey would be there or not. Seibold claimed he didnt kill their mother, Juanita, because he was in love with her and, once rejected by Cathey, sought to have an affair with the mother. He never saw Cathey that night. Cathey and Faye both managed to escape from their hiding places, and in doing so survived the carnage left behind inside their home. But now, they feel they must continue that escape. Every five years. Die in prison Sheriff Jay Jones realizes how the murders that night long ago made a lasting impression on the community he serves today. I am planning to attend the hearing in November. I was at the last hearing and my position will be as it has always been: Eddie Seibold should never draw a single breath of air in freedom, Jones said. The evidence was substantial and convincing. His actions that night in 1967 revealed a deliberate and calculated plan of action which he methodically carried out, Jones said. If others had been present and detected, there is no doubt in my mind that they would have suffered the same fate. His mindset and actions that night support the decision to not return him to walk among the population of a civilized society. District Attorney Brandon Hughes plans to be there as well, and just as spirited in his arguments. In addition to writing a letter opposing parole, I will be there personally to request the parole board deny the defendant early release, he said. My main arguments will center around the heinous nature of the crime as well as making certain the board knows that the original intent of the trial court was that the defendant be put to death. This was a brutal, premeditated murder of two 9-year-old little girls and an 18-year-old girl with a shotgun and a hatchet. A murder which Mr. Seibold admits to committing and continues to show no remorse whatsoever. The United States Supreme Court may have saved him from the death penalty, but he absolutely needs to die in prison. Still, she remembers There is no doubt in friend Linda Deans mind that Eddie Seibolds release from prison would create an instant danger to the community. He is still dangerous. There is nothing in any of these interviews that shows he feels remorse, she said. The fact of the matter is, even if he did feel remorse, he killed those three children. He needs to serve his time. She looks forward to seeing her friends, the Sinclairs, but regrets when it comes under the circumstances of every five years having to argue against the freedom of their would-be killer. Meanwhile, 50 years later, after dozens of court hearings and parole board meetings and having to relive that night over and over again when she barely escaped with her own life, Faye Sinclair still sheds tears when thinking about the lives of her sisters snuffed out at such a young age. Sometimes you forget what your life was like, when you were young, she muttered. You move on, you go on with your life. But still, she remembers: I cant forget my sisters. Nor can the peaceful village of Auburn, where she once called home, and where 50 years later it rallies behind her and her family once again. For Libba, Mary Lynn and MayMay. Troy Turner is editor of the Opelika-Auburn News. He can be contacted at tturner@oanow.com. UPDATED 2:30 P.M. SUNDAY: A wind advisory remains in effect for the area until 10 p.m. The storm is expected to bring sustained winds of 15 to 30 mph across Central Alabama, according to information from the National Weather Service office in Birmingham. Wind gusts up to 45 mph will remain possible through tonight. As of noon, Alabama Power personnel have restored service to over 2,000 customers in central Alabama since earlier this morning. Work to restore service is ongoing. UPDATED 10:30 A.M. SUNDAY: Lee County EMA offices shut down after the National Weather Service canceled tropical storm watches and warnings for the local area. Although steady gusts continue, the worst of the storm looks to be winding down. Still, Alabama Power Company reports that 85,000 customers are without power. Here is the latest from the National Weather Service: **Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings Cancelled** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been cancelled for Bullock, Fayette, Lamar, Macon, Marion, Pike, Randolph, Tallapoosa, and Winston - The Tropical Storm Warning has been cancelled for Autauga, Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Etowah, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lowndes, Marengo, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tuscaloosa, and Walker * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * STORM INFORMATION: - About 40 miles southwest of Birmingham AL or about 80 miles northwest of Montgomery AL - 33.1N 87.3W - Storm Intensity 35 mph - Movement North-northeast or 30 degrees at 24 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Systems Nate has been downgraded to a Tropical Depression. Therefore, all Tropical Storm Warnings and Tropical Storm Watches have been cancelled. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Windy conditions are still possible and a Wind Advisory is now in effect. * FLOODING RAIN: Localized flooding remains possible and a Flash Flood Watch is in effect. * TORNADOES: A small tornado threat remains for the east half of Central Alabama. UPDATED 7:30 A.M. SUNDAY: Nate continues on its path north. Strong wind gusts, heavy rain and flickering power began in Tallapoosa County and portions of western Lee County. The following updated in the forecast was released by the National Weather Service shortly before 5 a.m.: Nate is expected to have possible significant impacts across much of Central Alabama on Sunday. Sustained winds of 40 to 50 mph may begin as early as 5 to 6 AM Sunday in the southwest counties. Conditions will worsen through Sunday morning into the afternoon as strong winds 30 to 40 mph and heavy rain spread northward. Wind gusts could reach 45 to 60 mph in a swath encompassing much of Central Alabama with 60 to 70 mph gusts possible in the far southwestern counties. Scattered to numerous downed trees may cause damage along with a significant number of power outages. The greatest wind gusts and impacts are expected to be generally along and east of a line from Pickensville to Lake Tuscaloosa to Blountsville. Isolated tornadoes are also possible Sunday generally along and east of a line from Livingston to Jasper. Conditions will improve Sunday night into Monday morning as Nate continues to weaken and move to the northeast. UPDATED SATURDAY, 11 P.M. Hurricane Nate came ashore a sparsely populated area at the mouth of the Mississippi River on Saturday and pelted the central Gulf Coast with wind and rain as the fast-moving storm headed toward the Mississippi coast, where it was expected to make another landfall and threatened to inundate homes and businesses. Cities along the Mississippi coast such as Gulfport and Biloxi were on high alert. Some beachfront hotels and casinos were evacuated. Rain began falling on the region Saturday and forecasters called for 3 to 6 inches with as much as 10 inches in some isolated places. Nate weakened slightly and was a Category 1 storm with maximum winds of 85 mph when it made landfall in a sparsely populated area of Plaquemines (PLAK'-uh-minz) Parish. Forecasters had said it was possible that it could strengthen to a Category 2, but that seemed less likely as the night wore on. Lee County EMA urges preparedness While the coastal southeast was anticipating the most direct impact from Nate, the Lee County Emergency Management Agency was urging local residents to be prepared for inclement weather such as strong winds and a slight risk of tornadoes. Lee County was placed under a tropical storm watch and a wind advisory ahead of Nate's arrival and both are scheduled to be in place through this evening. Rita Smith, public information officer for the Lee County EMA, said the office will be open and is on alert till the storm subsides. "The Lee County EMA is continuing to monitor this storm due to the instability of wind gusts and slight risks for isolated tornadoes," Smith said. As of Saturday evening, the Lee County area was listed as a slight risk area for isolated tornadoes. The area was also listed as a slight risk for wind gusts 35-45 mph, isolated power outages and scattered downed trees, according to information from the National Weather Service in Birmingham. For those who don't feel safe in their homes, Smith said Providence Baptist Church, located at 2807 Lee Road 166 in Opelika, will serve as a "safer shelter." "If you don't feel safe you can go there, it's nice. It's cozy," Smith said. She did advise that the building is only used as a shelter and people would need to bring bedding and items such as toiletries, food, medications and flashlights. No pets are allowed. Along with being prepared, Smith said people can follow along with the Lee County EMA on both Facebook and Twitter. "This county has some of the best responders I've ever worked with," Smith said. "We also have a lot of citizens who listen. We put it on Facebook, they take it. So we're really careful not to throw things on there that would scare people. But if the National Weather Service tells us something, we take it." UPDATED SATURDAY, 5:45 P.M. The Associated Press reported around 4:30 p.m. that The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Hurricane Nate is about 50 miles south of the mouth of the Mississippi River at Louisiana's southeastern tip. The storm is moving north-northwest toward the Gulf Coast at an unusually fast 23 mph. With maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, Nate had not gained strength as of the center's 4 p.m. advisory. But forecasters said it might still reach Category 2 strength of 96 mph or more by the time it makes landfall. Nate was on a track that could take it over or near the mouth of the Mississippi by around 7 p.m. on its way to a later landfall on the Louisiana or Mississippi coast. UPDATED SATURDAY 1:20 P.M. A wind advisory was issued for Lee County effective 7 p.m. Saturday through 10 p.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service out of Birmingham. Sustained winds of 20-35 mph are possible with some gusts into the 35-45 mph range. The wind speeds and gusts are capable of snapping some tree limbs, damaging unsecured smaller outdoor items, and may produce isolated power outages, according to the NWS. The National Hurricane Center said Saturday was Nate expected to be a Category 2 hurricane at landfall on Gulf Coast, according to an Associated Press news alert. Nate is expected to make landfall Saturday night along the central U.S. Gulf Coast. The Lee County Emergency Management Agency is urging Lee County residents to start making preparations immediately. UPDATED SATURDAY 9:30 A.M. Lee County and the surrounding counties remain under a Tropical Storm watch through Sunday from the expected impact of Hurricane Nate. At 6 a.m., the National Weather Service in Birmingham reported that the eye of Hurricane Nate was located about 540 miles south of Montgomery AL with a storm intensity of 80 mph winds, moving north-northwest. Nate is expected to have possible significant impacts across much of Central Alabama on Sunday as a tropical storm. Sustained winds of 40 to 55 mph may begin as early as 4 AM Sunday in the southwest counties. Conditions will worsen through Sunday morning into the afternoon as strong winds 30 to 40 mph and heavy rain spread northward. Wind gusts could reach 45 to 60 mph in a swath encompassing much of Central Alabama. Isolated tornadoes are also possible Sunday afternoon generally along and south of Interstate 85. Conditions will improve Sunday night into Monday morning as Nate continues to weaken and move to the northeast. UPDATED, FRIDAY 11:25 P.M. Tropical Storm Nate was officially upgraded to a hurricane late Friday, according to The National Weather Service. Hurricane Hunters found maximum sustained winds have increased to 75 mph, which makes Nate a Category 1 hurricane, according to weather.com. As of 10:30 p.m., the Lee County area was still listed as under a tropical storm watch. UPDATED, FRIDAY 6:45 P.M. The Auburn-Opelika area has been placed under a tropical storm watch by the National Weather Service in anticipation of windy conditions over the next 48 hours from Tropical Storm Nate. The watch, issued shortly after 4 p.m. Friday, is a notification of expected below tropical-force winds with the potential for tornadoes through late Sunday. The latest local forecast predicts peak winds of 15-25 mph with gusts to 35 mph. However, the National Weather Service in Birmingham advises that emergency planning should include a reasonable threat for hazardous tropical force winds up to 57 mph. In addition, the forecast lists somewhat favorable conditions for tornadoes during the watch. Residents are advised to secure loose items outside their homes to prevent damage and injury from projectiles. Expected rain amounts in the latest forecast continue to be 1-3 inches with locally higher amounts due to scattered thunderstorms. Localized flooding is possible, according to the NWS. ******** ORIGINAL STORY Lee County residents can expect thunderstorms and windy conditions over the weekend as Tropical Storm Nate continues on its track to impact most of the state of Alabama. According to Fridays 4 p.m. update from the National Weather Service, Nates impact is expected to affect the Lee County area starting Saturday afternoon and peaking Sunday shortly after 8 a.m. with a little more gusto than was expected 24 hours earlier. The worst of the weather for Lee County looks like it will be between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, said Jason Holmes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Birmingham. There should only be one to three inches of rain, so were not really concerned about flooding. Power outages will be the real big story, with a threat of possible tornadic activity. Local wind gusts early Sunday are expected to be between 20 and 30 miles per hour, with intensity progressing throughout the day. Later, there is a 50 to 60 percent chance that sustained winds could reach 40 miles per hour or greater. Gusts of 55 mph are possible later in the day. At 4 p.m. CT on Friday, Nate was located southeast of Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and moving north-northwest at about 20 mph. It is expected to be upgraded to Hurricane Nate sometime around 7 p.m. Saturday and come ashore as a Category-1 storm near Biloxi, Miss. Holmes said that while Friday morning was a little too early to predict with certainty, the National Hurricane Center expects Nate to be a low-end hurricane, possibly a Category 1. Thunderstorms are expected to start Saturday afternoon, continuing intermittently through Tuesday night. Because wind gusts likely will topple trees and power lines, Lee County residents should prepare now to deal with possible power outages. Now is the time to ensure you have what you need, said Rita Smith, public information officer for the Lee County Emergency Management Agency. Do you have a NOAA weather radio? Is it programmed? Do you have backup batteries for it? Lee County EMA staff will be in their office at 908 Avenue B in Opelika on Saturday and can program weather radios at no charge for residents who need help doing so. Smith advised that cellphones should be fully charged, as well as backup portable chargers. Playing cards, board games and other ways to pass the time that dont require electricity should be kept on hand, as theres no way to know how long a possible power outage might last. Residents should purchase bottled water and non-perishable food items as soon as possible, before the storm impacts the area Sunday. We also tell people to fill their bathtub with water, Smith said. You can use that water to flush toilets in case of a power outage. You can use it as water for your pets. Preparations for greater impact are being made around the state after Governor Kay Ivey issued a statewide state of emergency, effective at Friday morning, in anticipation of the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Nate. Forecasters said Nate is expected to be a compact, fast-moving storm, bringing direct impacts from high winds and heavy rain across the state. Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hastings said the time to prepare is now. "Please build or restock your emergency preparedness kit," Hastings said. "Have a plan to communicate with family members if you lose power. Review your evacuation plan with your family. Stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and have a method to receive the latest weather updates and emergency instructions. It is important for Alabama residents to understand the potential threat of this storm goes beyond the coastal counties,' Hastings added. "Everyone needs to closely monitor this system as it moves across the state in the coming days. The State of Emergency will remain in effect until the threat diminishes. Smith commended Lee County agencies for their preparedness and cleanup when Tropical Storm Irma created some wind damage and power outages here last month. With Irma, Opelika Power and Alabama Power were awesome, she said. And Lee County is blessed to have so many really good first responders. The EMA is posting updates on Nate, via its Facebook page, Lee County Alabama EMA. The Opelika-Auburn News also will continue to update the situation locally as the storm moves closer to the Gulf Coast. The birth of a child in a home is a joy worth celebrating. In the African culture, sadly, a family will seem incomplete without a child. This is a fallacy that continues to ruin marriages because of societal pressure for children. Regarding all this, doesnt the father need a lengthy paternal leave to bond with the newborn? Asks PRIM K. TUMURAMYE. In Uganda where close to 19 women die every day due to maternal health-related causes, the journey into parenthood is not one to be taken for granted. For every live birth, a mother coming safely out of labour is a miracle in its own right. Walking the nine-month journey to motherhood is no mean feat. This journey is better understood by those that have ever trekked it. The cravings, morning sickness, disfigured body and anxiety all coming in one package are a cup that only the strong can partake of. When this bundle of joy is finally out of the womb, it is indeed a great relief. This explains why the mother should get time for the well-deserved rest after such a roller coaster of episodes. On one hand, the labor laws of Uganda stipulate that a working mother is entitled to sixty working days of maternity leave. A male worker, on the other hand, is entitled to four working days of paternity leave. Rightly so, both mother and father deserve a time to rest after childbirth. For most of the corporate women, the strategy to a longer childcare leave is saving the twenty-two working days of their annual leave to be taken right after the maternity leave. This gives them close to five months of paid leave to spend time with their babies. For other women working in business and private entities, the luxury of paid leave is only a wish. In most cases, the employer is not ready to spend a penny on labour not utilized. A few days after childbirth, it is up to the mother to juggle between the job and childcare. LONGER PATERNITY LEAVE The womans need for maternity leave is quite obvious; the postnatal recovery, fragility of a newborn and the need to bond with the baby are justifiable reasons. But what about the father? Is there need for a man to take off time to nurse his newborn child? Are the four days of paternity leave enough for him? According to a senior procurement officer Duncan Tumuhamye, whose wife gave birth two months ago, the four days of paternity leave are not enough. He observes that the situation gets worse if the woman has undergone caesarean section during delivery. The mother needs critical support, and there is the baby too, he says. At least ten days would help the man to report back to work when the mother has fairly recuperated and able to do self-care basics with little or no support. He adds that when paternity leave is looked at through the lens of offering support to the mother, it leaves the man just as a sporadic caretaker of his wife and baby. Would this mean that the man does not need deliberate time to bond with the newborn? Does his relevance only end at the four days after childbirth? What if there was a provision for the man to also take a paid leave and nurse the baby when the wife returns to work? This would not be only in a bid to help the man bond with the baby, but also to have the little one under the safe care of the parents one at a time. You can imagine a typical African man frowning at this assertion, wondering what he has got to do with changing diapers and feeding babies! Is this not a clear-cut role for the female species? he will ask. Arguably, subscribing to such a worldview will most likely minimize your bonding opportunities with your child. Counseling psychologist Joseph Musaalo observes that a longer and adequate paternity leave for the man would be ideal. He, however, points out that this would have a heavy financial bearing on the organisation. At least one month of paid leave would give the man an opportunity to play a supportive role to the wife and also bond with the baby, Musaalo says. THE POLICIES The Nordic countries like Norway and Sweden have been hailed for the deliberate supportive policies on paid paternity leave that helps fathers bond with their children. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) March 2016 report, noted that in Denmark, families are entitled to 32 weeks of paid parental leave, to be shared among parents as they deem fit. However, an increasingly common approach is to reserve at least some part of the parental leave period as a non-transferable right for one or both parents on a use it or lose it basis. This means that each parent has an opportunity to take leave and nurse the baby in the absence of the other. Borrowing from Nordic countries, it would be paramount for Uganda to consider adopting an inclusive parental leave system. The lack of such policy interventions is no surprise in a setting where majority of mothers even lack facilities for nursing their babies at respective places of work. This currently cuts across even through institutions one would consider above the traditional systems of management. PRECONCEPTION Nonetheless, this is not the only hindrance to the implementation of a parental leave policy that would be all embracing and favor men too. Alex Musoke, a secondary school teacher, laughed his heart out when I asked his view on paternal leave. What would I be doing at home with the baby? Where will the mother have gone? he asked, evidently amused by my question. The question of culture and gender biases still pause a big challenge in male involvement in parenting and childcare. Most men believe childbirth and childcare are roles strictly meant for women. Radical men believe their involvement in womens roles would pose a threat to their manhood and end up branded as either bewitched or stooges in the home. This possibly explains partly why men have not moved for an all-inclusive parental leave policy. The employer attitudes are another major factor in the parental leave issue. Most organisations, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, have timelines and deliberations that are paramount to their mission and vision. The impact of one person being away from the workstation for some time calls for an alternative replacement which has financial implications. How many organisations are able to go that extra mile in the name of promoting male involvement in parenting is a dream we can only wish to come true. This could be confirmed by Joel Isabirye, who owns a chain of business entities in the outskirts of Kampala. I hire my staff not as parents but employees. Their parenting roles are their private issues that are none of my business. You either work or get fired, he says. Such sentiments are a reflection of most organisations systems. You miss work in the name of personal matters like burials, childcare and sickness at your own peril. The reality of the hustle for survival in Uganda makes the quest for parental leave look like a luxury. For any extra time on ones hands, it is an opportunity to find some part-time work for an additional penny. With men playing the traditional breadwinners role in the family, would they sit home nursing children even with the availability of parental leave or they would find it more rewarding to fend for survival? The issue of paid parental leave remains an issue that can only be streamlined through legislation. Justus Katwesigye, a human resource specialist at Arimakat Consults Ltd, says it is in the interest of any organisation to have a happy and motivated workforce, but most organisations are limited by funds. A worker who is happy and comfortable at home will radiate the same joy and zeal at work, which has a positive effect on his/her output, he says. SECURING THE FAMILY UNIT The future of the family unit will only be safeguarded with both parents being involved in the parenting process. Gone are the days of the notion that childcare is solely a womans business. With the increasing pressures from the new age technologies, it is crucial that mother and father take the primary responsibility, especially in the early years of the baby. This will not only call for deliberate legislation on male involvement in parenting, but also a cultural mindset shift on gender roles. Unless this is done, very soon we will be asking: Where have all the fathers gone? prim.tumu@gmail.com President Yoweri Museveni has cautioned against spending a lot of time praying and called upon Ugandans to work and take charge of man's fundamental mission of having dominion over all creatures on the planet. Museveni says man's fundamental mission stipulated in the book of Genesis is dominion over nature. He says over the last 500 years Africans have absented themselves from this fundamental mission of dominion. Museveni made the remarks at the 19th National Prayer Breakfast at Hotel Africana, Kampala, organised by Parliament of Uganda. This year's Prayer Breakfast was themed, "As for me and my family, we shall serve the Lord," quoted from the book Joshua Chapter 24 verse 14. President Museveni said Africans are involved in endless prayers instead of innovating In the last centuries, Museveni said, scientific discoveries have been by Europeans. He noted that even though the Chinese were also absent when other nations were inventing, they have been active in copying what others invented, something that Africans aren't doing. Museveni said that he doesn't like the helpless approach of "prayingpraying and shouting as if God is deaf" while ignoring the fundamental role of dominion over earth. "Having created the earth the living things, he created man and gave him that mandate of establishing dominion over nature. However, Africans for the last 500 years have absented from themselves from that obligation. They have been totally absent. Yes, they invented iron long ago and fire - that one we invented but in more recent years we have been absent from this effort of establishing dominion over nature. All the recent scientific discoveries have not been by us. We have been absent nor have we even copied because the Chinese were also absent in these recent discoveries but have been active in copying what others have copied", said Museveni. "Africans, Christians I don't like the helpless approach, where you just pray and pray and pray and you neglect this fundamental original mission given to man to establish dominion over nature because he gave you a superior brain. And you just pray and the whole night shouting as if God is deaf...God helps those who help themselves", he added. Quoting from Matthew 7:15, Museveni warned the gathering to "be aware of false prophets who come...in sheep clothing but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." The president added: "You will know them by their fruits.." Museveni noted that even during the last prayer breakfast, he told Members of Parliament about man's mandate of establishing dominion over the world. He said he borrowed the idea of prayer breakfast from Germany and the United States of America mentioning two people - Rudoff Daker and the late Dag Kook of the US parliamentary prayer breakfast. "They are the ones who told me about prayer break, they invited me to Washington for a prayer breakfast. That how we started it here," he said. Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga said the national prayer breakfast has no fixed office or address in parliament. She said it's a gathering of like-minded people who encourage each other and have a common vision. Eng. Toluhi Olusegum Ayobami, a Nigerian pastor and founder of the Institute of Transformation, who preached at the event, called for leadership that minds about concerns of the ordinary people. By Manjeet Negi: After Doklam crisis, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will address top Army brass during the commanders' conference tomorrow. She will brief the commanders in dealing with the Chinese on the undemarcated line of actual control. From October 9, commanders and top officials of the Indian Army will undertake a 360-degree review of the battle readiness of the force as well as examine the "joint war" doctrine of the three arms of India's military in the bi-annual meet. advertisement This will be minister's maiden address to Army commanders and would also discuss the ways of dealing sternly with Pakistani support to terrorists against India. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Sikkim border and Tezpur as part of her maiden visit to the Eastern Command as Defence Minister. Later, she visited Solmara Military Station, Tezpur where she interacted with the officers & jawans over a cup of tea. She appreciated the high standards of military discipline and preparedness of the army men and their excellent performance in the difficult terrain and challenging environment in which they are operating. Sitharaman further praised them for their steadfast commitment and their high morale in facing the diverse challenges thrown up by the dynamic security environment. She exhorted the troops to continue with the same zeal and sense of pride and honour showing due respect to human rights. She expressed satisfaction at the level of preparedness of the forces and extended her greetings to the troops for a happy Diwali before her departure for Delhi. --- ENDS --- to Dine in the Dark On Thursday 9th and Friday 10th November On Thursday and Friday November 8 and 9, the Sli Dala Restaurant at Kinnitty Castle Hotel will challenge customers to Dine in the Dark as part of Irelands Dine in the Dark week. This is the second year that an innovative partnership between the Restaurants Association of Ireland and the National Council for the Blind have called upon restaurants across Ireland to hold their own Dine in the Dark session during the second week of November. Dine in the Dark is a week-long culinary celebration that will see 200 restaurants and 8000 people Go Dark for sight loss in November. Dine in the Dark is a unique dining event, where guests are blind folded throughout the full dining experience. Without their sight to guide them, guests experience complex tastes, flavours and textures in a completely new and innovative way. Senses are heightened, altering taste, touch, smell and communication during the meal. 10 from every meal will be donated to NCBI. Speaking in advance of the event Kinnitty Castle General Manager, Wayne Logan said; After such a successful event last year we are very excited to be hosting Dine in the Dark again on two dates during November. Over the course of the evening our guests will gain understanding into the reality of a dining experience with sight loss. Its also about having lots of fun, and we realised last year how satisfying it was to be involved with something so innovative, whilst raising funds for such a great cause. Restaurants across Ireland will host their own Dine in the Dark evening throughout the second week of November. All information can be found on www.dineinthedark.ie NCBI is the National Sight Loss Agency. NCBIs services include emotional support and counselling, low vision solutions like magnifiers, assistive technology advice and training, rehabilitation training (including independent living skills and using a long cane), a large print, audio and Braille library. The organisation also has an online shop with lots of practical solutions. The Macra na Feirme Queen of the Land will take place in Tullamore this November but the reigning Queen, Karen Elliffe, is planning to end her year on a high. To finish off what she describes as he 'rollercoaster year' Karen is organising two fundraisers for two charities that she is connected with, The Irish Kidney Association and The Irish Cancer Society. Karen will be braving the mud and probably the rain on the cold to take part in the October Mudfest in Longford on Saturday, October 28. Karen has a gofundme page set up and you can make your donation by clicking here. Even though she is a full time farmer, Karen's favourite hobby is baking and she has baked several wedding cakes for friends and family. She will be putting those baking to good use as she is also having a coffee evening and morning/bake sale in Castletown Geoghegan Hall on Saturday, October 21 (after 7.30pm evening mass) and Sunday, October 22 (after 11.30am morning mass). There will be plenty of cakes, cupcakes and a large selection of sweet treats on offer to purchase. Sinn Fein spokesperson on Community and Rural Development, Teachta Carol Nolan, has welcomed a proposal from the Minister for Health in relation to easing the burden on farmers and small businessmen under the Fair Deal Scheme but has called for greater clarity from the Minister. The Offaly TD raised the matter in the Dail this week stating, the programme for government makes a clear commitment to eliminate the discrimination for farmers and businesses under the fair deal scheme. I am aware that the current arrangements place a huge burden on struggling farmers and small businesses in particular, who can often be crippled by the costs of nursing home care. Deputy Nolan said the proposal that the amount charged on farm property and business property would be capped at three years was welcome and would provide huge relief to these communities however she added that greater clarity is needed in relation to the outworkings of this proposal. "A parliamentary question response from the Minister suggests that this proposal must first be brought before the Attorney General and the Cabinet before changes can be made to the existing legislation. When I raised the matter with the Taoiseach this week in the Dail, he did not give a clear timeframe for the proposal to be brought before the cabinet or attorney general. All the previous indications from the Minister, that this issue would be addressed in Budget 2018, are clearly not going to come to pass. The Minister now has a duty to be clear in the timeframe for the implementation of the programme for Government commitment and the process involved. This issue cannot be kicked down the road any longer and I sincerely hope that the proposal by the Minister is not simply a stalling tactic to ease pressure as the budget approaches," Deputy Nolan concluded. The Omaha Public Library will forgive patron late fees in exchange for food items next week. From Oct. 15 to 22, patrons can donate non-expired canned goods and other non-perishable food items in exchange for credit toward their overdue fines with the library. For each food item donated, $2 in current fines will be waived, up to a maximum of 10 items/$20. The donations will benefit the Alliance for a Better Omaha, a collaborative of Heart Ministry Center, Together and Food Bank for the Heartland. Bring food donations to the service desk of any Omaha Public Library location. A library card or photo ID must be shown at the time of donation to receive a fine waiver. Waivers apply toward late fines only. Those with questions about their account status and whether or not the waiver will apply should contact their local branch. Kaneko brings back Feedback series Feedback, Kanekos reading and writing series, will return this month. The free series, which celebrates reading and the writing craft, will bring writers Rachel McKibbens (poet and playwright) and Airea D. Matthews (poet) to perform for the public and lead a writing workshop. Theyll read from new works from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 19 at Kaneko, 1111 Jones St. And theyll hold the workshop from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the same location. The workshop is free, but registration is required, and space is limited. All ages and skills are welcome. For more information and to register, visit thekaneko.org/feedback. The series is presented in conjunction with the Nebraska Writers Collective and aims to enliven the conversation about the writing process. Calendar Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Book group: The Books and Bagels book group will continue their discussion of The Winds of War by Herman Wouk, 11 a.m. today, The Bookworm. Author appearance: William Kent Krueger will sign Sulfur Springs, 1 p.m. today, The Bookworm. Writers group: Genealogy Writers Group, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. today, Meeting Room 1, Main Library, 215 S. 15th St. No registration required. Book group: Alternative Book Club, 2 p.m. today, Panera Bread, 17730 West Center Road. Workshop: Legend Writers Group, 9 a.m. Wednesday, Legend Comics & Coffee, 5207 Leavenworth St. Workshop: Nebraska Writers Workshop, teen mentoring at 5:30 p.m., adults from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Baright Public Library, 5555 S. 77th St., Ralston. Book group: The Wednesday Bookworms will discuss People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, The Bookworm. Book sale: Friends of the Omaha Public Library, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Swanson Library, 90th Street and West Dodge Road. Book group: Amiable Adult Readers Discussing Books Almost Always Read by Kids (Aardbaark) will discuss Bone Gap by Laura Ruby, 6 p.m. Thursday, The Bookworm. Book group: The Philosophy Book Discussion Group will discuss Wittgenstein: A Very Short Introduction by A. C. Grayling, 6 p.m. Thursday, The Bookworm. Writers group: Nebraska Novelists critique group, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Do Space. Book group: The Omaha Sherlockian Society will discuss The Adventure of the Copper Beeches by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 10 a.m. Saturday, Swanson Library. Author appearance: S J Sindu will sign Marriage of a Thousand Lies, 1 p.m. Saturday, The Bookworm. Book group: The Continental European Novel Groups will discuss The Vagabond by Colette, 3 p.m. Saturday, The Bookworm. Information for this column and other book page items should be sent to micah.mertes@owh.com. WASHINGTON Republican efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act have died, been resurrected and died again this year. That means the law known as Obamacare still governs health insurance, and people who rely on individual health plans about 160,000 of them in Nebraska and Iowa will renew, change or sign up for 2018 health plans during ACAs open enrollment period, Nov. 1 through Dec. 15. Without any legislation, President Donald Trumps administration can influence how the ACA works this year, such as approving or denying Iowas request to temporarily waive some of the laws rules, or halting some of the subsidy payments that reduce costs for lower-income people. Already, the administration has cut federal support for the law by reducing funds for advertising to promote enrollment and for navigators who help people enroll for ACA health plans. GOP lawmakers are divided over whether to take another shot at a wholesale overhaul such as repeal and replace or to pursue smaller proposals in the short term to address problems with the markets. Put Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., in the camp of those calling for targeted fixes. He said people call him in tears about their skyrocketing premiums, and he has signed on to various health care-related bills. The problem is that many Republicans are reluctant to support anything that looks like its shoring up ACA a sentiment Bacon hears from constituents. Some pushback says We want repeal only, he said of input from those back home. And I go But if its not going to happen, at least not right away, I dont think we can wait one year or two years for someone whos paying $30,000 a year. ... If its not one big bite at the apple, well take multiple bites at the apple. But looking at the many proposals he cites, such as the repeal of excise taxes on high-cost plans and expansion of health savings accounts, its not clear how many of those have the support to advance. Dr. Daniel DeBehnke, the chief executive officer of Nebraska Medicine, said the failure of the Graham-Cassidy Act, the Senates latest attempt to repeal and replace, gives everyone a breather to try to make changes to the ACA the right way. But he said some steps must be taken soon. Nebraska Medicine has urged Nebraskas delegation to fund the subsidies paid to insurance companies to lower premiums for lower income individuals who enroll. We really need that stabilization, he said. More broadly, here are a few avenues the Trump administration and Congress could decide to pursue: Selling across state lines. Trump has said hes preparing executive actions allowing insurers to sell across state lines. Details havent been released on how that action would pre-empt state regulations that get in the way. Theres all sorts of problems getting there legally, and so were all kind of waiting to see, said Gary Claxton, vice president of Kaiser Family Foundation. Allowing insurers to operate across state lines is a long-standing proposal many Republicans have touted as a way to foster competition and lower premiums. They could try to make it part of any bipartisan agreement on health care. But Democrats have resisted the move. Critics say it could gut consumer protections by producing a race to the bottom in which insurers set up where they face the loosest regulations. Congress could try a less-aggressive approach of allowing states that agree to have cross-border associations, allowing small groups to band together and be treated like a large employer. But that causes its own problems if the insurance in question is exempted from ACA regulations. Such plans likely would offer fewer benefits and be cheaper, luring healthy people and leaving the sickest behind in the existing marketplace. The individual market is just not big enough to have that kind of alternative in and out, Claxton said. Cost-sharing subsidies and reinsurance plans. Congress could move to guarantee the cost-sharing subsidies that the Trump administration has flirted with ending. The prospect of those subsidies being eliminated is one factor that has been driving up premiums. It also could try some kind of re-insurance mechanism that would offset the risk of covering sick people in a way that brings down premiums. Republicans as well as Democrats have talked about the idea. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said last week that senators are discussing the idea of providing funding to shore up the system. Sometimes thats referred to as bailing out the health insurance companies, but its also to make sure that premiums are lower, Grassley said. He also said hes heard from fellow Republicans that Democrats simply want to pump more money into the system without giving anything on flexibility for states. Waiving requirements in the Affordable Care Act. Grassley talked about Iowas application for a waiver from some ACA regulations. The state says thats needed in order to have affordable insurance for Iowans who obtain their insurance on the ACA exchange now down to one insurer, which has announced steep increases in premiums. That Iowa stopgap plan is designed to lure at least one additional insurer back to the exchange. More broadly, Republicans are pushing for more state flexibility from the regulations. The idea is that states could come up with their own ways to bring down premiums. But Democrats are resisting that because they want to safeguard the consumer protections in the ACA. Maybe they can find a place to give states some flexibility, but not so much that it changes the kind of basic tenets of guaranteed access and ... level of benefits, Kaisers Claxton said. But that may not be enough for Republicans who want to really change it. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb., said conversations about creative approaches are nascent but they are happening. The country is exhausted by the current construct of the debate and its time to change it, Fortenberry said. World-Herald staff writers Steve Jordon and Julie Anderson contributed to this report. A fortnight after he took leave of the Mahagathbandhan and took oath as the chief minister of Bihar in the company of the BJP, Nitish Kumar dropped in at an organ donation camp on August 13 organised by the Dadhichi Deh Dan Samiti (DDDS). As he registered himself as an organ donor and pledged his eyes on the occasion, standing by his side was the patron of the non-governmental organisation. It was none other than the new deputy chief minister of Bihar-Sushil Modi. The Nitish-Sushil partnership goes back a long way, from the time Sushil was a student at the Patna Science College and Nitish was studying at the Bihar College of Engineering. Both bright students, Nitish cleared his electronics engineering examinations successfully and Sushil ranked second in the university in Botany. "Clearly, both were studious," says a senior IAS officer in Patna. "Something they have carried into their approach in government. They read every word on the files." advertisement Both also began their political careers in Patna, as student leaders in Jayaprakash Narayan's Total Revolution movement of 1974. Sushil became Nitish's deputy in November 2005 and remained so till June 2013, when the latter parted ways with the BJP over Narendra Modi leading the prime ministerial campaign in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. But even as he ditched the BJP, Nitish did not let it affect his relationship with Sushil. In February 2015, when he evicted Jitan Ram Manjhi and returned as chief minister, he took Sushil, his former deputy, in a tight embrace at his oath-taking ceremony. "Aise hi chalega (should we continue this way)?" he asked. Once again, in November 2015, when he took oath after his resounding victory in Bihar, he told Sushil how much he missed his presence in the government. So, when he got the opportunity, Sushil orchestrated Nitish's return to the BJP fold. He had anyway been chipping at the RJD-JD(U) combine by targeting Lalu and his family (but never Nitish). Sensing Nitish's growing disillusionment with the RJD, Sushil managed to convince Narendra Modi and Amit Shah to woo him back. "Now that we have started again," Sushil told India Today, "It is like we had never separated. Our alliance is natural, our governance style is in sync with each other and, our manner of functioning-deadline-driven and focused-complement each other." The effect is showing. Cabinet meetings, for one, say senior ministers in the government, have become livelier. In the last few days of his alliance with the RJD, Nitish would constantly appear grim. "Now Nitishji frequently smiles during cabinet meetings," says a minister, "and also cracks a joke or two." This is the first time in two decades that the same alliance is in power at the Centre and in the state. The last time this happened was in 1997 when Lalu ruled Bihar and Inder Kumar Gujral was heading a Janata Dal government in New Delhi. Yet, the dynamics in the state have changed. In his earlier alliance with the BJP, Nitish had the discernible upper hand in both governance and politics. From bagging a higher share of Rajya Sabha seats (four of six) to contesting a larger number of Lok Sabha and assembly (141 in 2010) seats, it was he who was in the driver's seat. advertisement CUT TO NOW... This time around, while Nitish may still call the shots when it comes to governance in the state-the general administration and home departments are still under him, and the chief minister has direct control over IAS and IPS officers-the Modi-Shah-led BJP has become more assertive when it comes to taking political decisions for the alliance. The composition of the new state cabinet reveals as much. Of the total 29 members, including the chief minister, though the JD(U) still has the larger share at 15 ministers, the BJP has 13 (one more than what the RJD had in the previous government), with one berth going to the LJP. When the JD(U) and BJP last formed a government in coalition, in 2010, the latter had 11 ministers though it had 91 legislators then in the assembly as against the present strength of 53. In the first JD(U)-BJP coalition government-from 2005 to 2010-the saffron party had seven ministers among its 55 legislators. Clearly, then, the BJP has gained in terms of cabinet representation over the years. advertisement As for the Lok Sabha elections, when the BJP-JD(U) last contested together in 2009, the JD(U) had fielded 25 candidates against the BJP's 15. The equation, however, changed drastically in 2014. Now the BJP has 22 sitting MPs from Bihar in the Lok Sabha while Nitish has only two. For 2019, therefore, the BJP will have a greater say in ticket distribution. In fact, when BJP president Amit Shah summoned core team members of the Bihar BJP last week and asked them to campaign aggressively and strengthen the party down to the booth level so that it would win all 40 Lok Sabha seats on its own steam, it was largely seen as a move to marginalise Nitish. It was Sushil again who lost no time tweeting that there had been no discussion on seat-sharing at the core group meeting, perhaps in a bid to reassure Nitish. There are other challenges as well. As Sushil himself puts it, "The biggest challenge this time is people's expectations. When we first started out in 2005, Bihar had been left with a non-functional set-up. There were no targets, no deadlines for bureaucrats and no system in place to deliver at the grassroots level. In the next eight years, our government put a system in place, recruited staff and monitored them closely. Bureaucrats were aligned to the new vision and goals." Indeed, Nitish and Sushil were seen as the architects of Bihar's turnaround at the time. While Nitish focused on creating a new vision for Bihar and delivering good governance, Sushil concentrated on administration and fiscal management. advertisement Now, however, Sushil says, "It is time to take a big jump forward as incremental progress will not satisfy the people." The state's plan size, he says, was Rs 4,379 crore in 2005 (when the Nitish-Modi partnership began). It was Rs 72,419 crore in 2016-17, according to the state economic survey for this year. The total plan and non-plan expenditure is close to 1.5 lakh crore in 2016-17. In the five-year period between 2004-2005 and 2008-09, Bihar's GDP grew by 11.03 per cent, which made it the second fastest growing economy in India in that period after Gujarat, according to the Central Statistics Organisation. Bihar's growth rate of 7.6 per cent in the medium term (2011-12 to 2016-17) is better than the national average of 6.8 per cent. The state's GDP at the end of Lalu's reign in 2004-05 was Rs 77,781 crore. It went up to Rs 82,490 crore the year Nitish took over. When he parted ways with the BJP in 2013, the GSDP stood at Rs 3,43,663 crore in 2013-14. The GSDP for 2015-16 was Rs 4,13,503 crore. Having brought Bihar thus far, the Nitish-Sushil combine will have to think ahead in their second innings, Good governance is still top priority. In successive meetings, first with the vigilance department on September 19 and then with the police brass two days later, Nitish told the officers to shape up or ship out. The CM even compared crime data from January to August this year with the same period last year and asked cops pointed questions, says a police officer. Clearly, with the RJD, now the principal opposition party, accusing him of manipulating the 2015 mandate, Nitish has his task cut out. "Still," as the IAS officer in Patna says, "these are early days for Nitish and Sushil. It's just been two months. It's too little time for the duo to script sweeping changes, especially when they have had to grapple with floods and the Srijan scam at the start of their stint. However, the diligence with which both work and the knowledge that Sushil Modi brings to governance, their leadership will give the state some meaningful direction." For instance, even before the CBI probe was ordered into the Srijan scam, in which Rs 1,300 crore worth of government funds were siphoned off by the Bhagalpur-based NGO Mahila Sahyog Samiti, Sushil, who retains the finance portfolio, told principal secretaries, commissioners and district magistrates to update all government accounts and submit monthly updates to the finance department. A dedicated desk at the department will reconcile the flow of all funds. "The difference that Sushil Modi brings to the Nitish government can be understood fully only if we review this regime in the backdrop of the government Nitish ran with Lalu's RJD," adds the IAS official. According to him, Nitish and Lalu were never on the same page; the former was a stickler for rules and probity, the other was about "impromptu sparks". From calling Shahabuddin in jail, letting a rape accused RJD MLA visit him at his official residence to instructing a police inspector directly about a criminal case, Lalu made Nitish uncomfortable on more than one occasion. The civil surgeon of Darbhanga even issued a letter quoting Lalu's verbal instruction to reinstate a few contractual workers, the official adds. "In March, an RJD minister was accused of visiting a diamond cutting and polishing unit in Patna to pressurise them. The unit had stopped production after the minister's visit. Today, in the BJP's company, Nitish is assured that no minister will do anything to embarrass the government." "Though the compulsion of coalition politics kept Nitish quiet for a long time, he was never comfortable in Lalu's company. Sushil's induction into the government has brought more order to the process of governance," says a district magistrate. An assessment a JD(U) leader concurs with: "The alliance with the RJD gone, governance will be more orderly." THE ROAD AHEAD The two men are already looking at opportunities to make Bihar better. In Hyderabad to attend a meeting of the GST council in the second week of September, Sushil extended his stay to study a few development models in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Having seen CCTV cameras everywhere in Hyderabad and an innovative land compensation package in Telangana, Sushil discussed both ideas with Nitish. Impressed, the CM asked for some more research on the subject. His return to the BJP may be the end of his prime ministerial ambitions, but if there's one thing Nitish could be happy about, it's the return of his bestie. --- ENDS --- For months, officials in Republican-controlled Iowa had sought federal permission to revitalize their ailing health-insurance marketplace. Then President Donald Trump read about the request in a newspaper story and called the federal director weighing the application. Trump's message was clear, according to individuals who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations: Tell Iowa no. Supporters of the Affordable Care Act see the president's opposition even to changes sought by conservative states as part of a broader campaign by his administration to undermine the 2010 health-care law. In addition to trying to cut funding for the ACA, the Trump administration also is hampering state efforts to control premiums. In the case of Iowa, that involved a highly unusual intervention by the president himself. And with the fifth enrollment season set to begin Nov. 1, advocates say the Health and Human Services Department has done more to suppress the number of people signing up than to boost it. HHS has slashed grants to groups that help consumers get insurance coverage, for example. It also has cut the enrollment period in half, reduced the advertising budget by 90 percent and announced an outage schedule that would make the HealthCare.gov website less available than last year. The White House also has yet to commit to funding the cost-sharing reductions that help about 7 million lower-income Americans afford out-of-pocket expenses on their ACA health plans. Trump has regularly threatened to block them and, according to an administration official who was not authorized to speak publicly, officials are considering action to end the payments in November. The uncertainty has driven premium prices much higher for 2018. A possible move by the Treasury Department to ease the requirement that most Americans obtain coverage could further erode a core element of the law. On Friday, Sen. Margaret Wood Hassan, D-N.H., called on the administration to abandon its "attempts to sabotage health-care markets and raise health-care costs for millions." Such efforts, warn health advocates as well as state and local officials, will translate into more uninsured Americans. "In Ohio, the Trump administration has already inflicted the damage," said Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks. After its nearly $1.7 million enrollment-assistance grant was cut 72 percent last month, the group decided it no longer could effectively participate. "We are past the point of no return on this," Hamler-Fugitt said. HHS has told its regional administrators not to even meet with on-the-ground organizations about enrollment. The late decision, which department spokesman Matt Lloyd said was made because such groups organize and implement events "with their own agenda," left leaders of grass-roots organizations feeling stranded. "I don't think it's too much to ask the agency tasked with outreach and enrollment to be involved with that," said Roy Mitchell, executive director for the Mississippi Health Advocacy Program, which receives no federal funding for its ACA efforts. "There's money for HHS to fly around on private jets, but there's not money and resources to do outreach in Mississippi." Administration officials make no apologies for actions scaling back federal support for the ACA, also known as Obamacare. Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and those carrying out the law at different agencies take most every opportunity to claim that it is failing. HHS Secretary Tom Price's abrupt resignation Friday, prompted by the furor over his use of expensive chartered planes for work trips, is not expected to shift this overall approach. "Obamacare has never lived up to enrollment expectations despite the previous administration's best efforts," Lloyd said in an email last week. "The American people know a bad deal when they see one, and many won't be convinced to sign up for 'Washington-knows-best' health coverage that they can't afford." Trump and his aides also are looking for ways to loosen the existing law's requirements, now that the latest congressional attempt to repeal it outright has failed. The Treasury Department may broaden the ACA's "hardship exemption" so that taxpayers don't face costly penalties for failing to obtain coverage, a Republican briefed on the plan said. That is sure to depress enrollment among the younger, healthier consumers whom insurers count on to help buffer the health-care costs of sicker customers. "We should fully expect the Trump administration to take a more activist route to deal with Obamacare, given the inability of Congress to move through with a repeal-and-replace bill," said Lanhee Chen, a research fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution. While the law's open enrollment period has attracted the most public attention, a more obscure battle within the administration over several states' proposed changes for their marketplaces speak volumes about the president's approach to the law. It was a Wall Street Journal article about Iowa's request that provoked Trump's ire in late August, according to an individual briefed on the exchange. The story detailed how officials had just submitted the application for a Section 1332 waiver a provision that allows states to adjust how they are implementing the ACA as long as they can prove it would not translate into lost or less-affordable coverage. Iowa's aim was to foster more competition and better prices. The story said other states hoping to stabilize their situations were watching closely. Trump first tried to reach Price, the individual recounted, but the secretary was traveling in Asia and unavailable. The president then called Seema Verma, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the agency charged with authorizing or rejecting Section 1332 applications. CMS had been working closely with Iowa as it fine-tuned its submission. State Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen has repeatedly described the "Iowa Stopgap Measure" as critical to expanding marketplace options there. The plan would abolish the ACA exchange there and convert consumer subsidies into a type of GOP-styled tax credit. New financial buffers would help insurers handle customers with particularly high medical expenses. Without the measure, "over 20,000 middle class farmers, early retirees and self-employed Iowans will likely either go uninsured or leave Iowa," Ommen warned in a Sept. 19 statement. Those who sign up for 2018 exchange coverage face premium rate increases of 57 percent on average from the single insurer participating. Some administration officials are still pressing for the waiver to be granted, according to interviews with several Republicans. The HHS spokesman confirmed last week that Iowa's application "has been deemed complete and is currently under review" but did not address the president's directive on the matter. Eliot Fishman oversaw such waivers at CMS during the previous administration and said in an interview that President Barack Obama weighed in on those decisions only in "unusual" cases" toward the end of the process. "Things that are tough calls typically go to the president, but they go with a [staff] recommendation that often carries a great deal of weight," said Fishman, now senior director of health policy for the liberal health-care advocacy group Families USA. Iowa is not the only red state to chafe at the administration's unwillingness to allow more flexibility. On Friday, Oklahoma sent a letter to Price and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin saying it was withdrawing its federal waiver request because administration officials had not provided an answer "after months of development, negotiation, and near daily communication over the past six weeks." "While we appreciate the work of your staff, the lack of timely waiver approval will prevent thousands of Oklahomans from realizing the benefits of significantly lower insurance premiums in 2018," wrote Terry Cline, the state's health secretary. In at least one case, CMS has approved a waiver in a way that upended a state's plan to maximize health coverage for its residents. Minnesota applied to CMS for permission to establish a reinsurance program, which can lower premiums by giving insurers a guarantee that they will have limited financial exposure for customers with particularly high medical expenses. The agency informed Gov. Mark Dayton, D, on Sept. 22 that it would provide $323 million for the program since the lower premiums would mean savings to the federal government on subsidies to Minnesotans with ACA health plans. But, Verma added, the federal government also would cut $369 million in funding for a separate program aimed at residents who earn between 138 percent and 200 percent of the federal poverty level and don't qualify for the same subsidies. Minnesota's entire congressional delegation, Democrats and Republicans alike, issued a joint statement saying they were "disappointed that our state is facing a last-minute penalty" and "exploring possible paths forward." Sen. Patty Murray, Wash., the top Democrat on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said Trump should devote time to forging a bipartisan agreement to stabilize the ACA marketplaces. "If he is only interested in sabotaging the market, that is a dangerous road for him to ride, because he will own it," she said. Its not unusual for Dr. Wesley Zeger to recognize his emergency room patients. With several methamphetamine users being brought into the Nebraska Medical Centers ER each day, Zeger and his staff often see patients multiple times over the course of their addiction. They also see the toll meth takes on addicts bodies, the changes over time that might go unnoticed by users who think they dont have a problem. Even a years comparison is drastic, said Zeger, the departments clinical director. We know how they were when they first came in. They might look put together their first time in the ER, with clean clothes and decent teeth. But over time, Zeger and his staff watch as addiction wears away at bodies and minds. Youre not frustrated at the patient, Zeger said. Its frustration with the drug and the problems it causes. Meth kills relatively few people through overdoses, although it can happen. From 2010 to 2015, fatal meth-related overdoses nearly doubled, from 1,388 to 3,314 nationally, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By contrast, prescription opioid overdoses killed 20,101 people in 2015 and heroin overdoses killed an additional 12,990. Most meth-related deaths instead happen more slowly, brought on by the effects of the drug over time. Some effects are obvious: skin sores and bad teeth, extreme weight loss and tremors. But its what happens inside the body that often goes unnoticed and untreated by addicts. What they die of is the complications, said Dr. Ronald Kirschner, medical director of the Nebraska Regional Poison Center. Repeated use changes the brain and can cause personality changes, memory loss, and compulsive and paranoid behavior. Injecting the drug can lead to cardiac infections or diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. The list of possible complications goes on: abnormal heartbeat, repeated seizures, damage to the inside of their nostrils from snorting the drug. Then there are the more life-threatening conditions, such as liver, kidney and heart failure. Some effects can be reversed after a person gets clean, Zeger said, but a lot of it is irreversible. The emergency room teams focus on keeping the short-term effects of the drug under control steps like bringing a patients body temperature and heart rate down, and making sure they dont hurt themselves or others. Often ER patients end up getting checked in to the hospital until they sober up. It takes 20 to 30 hours for a high to end, Kirschner said. Once patients leave the hospital theyre likely to return to their destructive behavior, too preoccupied by their addiction to seek other medical care. Theyre constantly chasing their first high, said Diane Braun, a clinical supervisor with Lutheran Family Services. But some addicts find their way to drug treatment, where they can begin to heal in mind and body. World-Herald staff writer Martha Stoddard contributed to this report The company that hopes to insure 64,000 Iowans health care next year has two plans ready. One would take effect under the Affordable Care Acts existing rules. The other would kick in if federal officials approve the state of Iowas request to waive some ACA rules. Its all supposed to be decided by Nov. 1, when Iowans can start enrolling for 2018 individual ACA health plans. A public comment period in Iowas waiver proposal, known as the stopgap measure, continues through Oct. 19. Were not exactly sure of the landscape in Iowa, said Geoff Bartsh, a vice president of Medica, currently the only health insurer scheduled to offer plans in Iowa next year under the ACA, also known as Obamacare. The state of Nebraska did not apply for a waiver because the potential expense was too high, the process was daunting and approval was uncertain, said Bruce Ramge, director of the State Department of Insurance. Medica had committed to offering ACA policies in all Nebraska counties, Ramge said, so insurance will be available. Some other states waiver requests have been approved, some rejected and some partially rejected, Ramge said. Last week a Washington Post story quoted an unidentified source as saying that in August, President Donald Trump had told federal officials to reject the Iowa waiver. ACA supporters see Trumps opposition to waivers as part of an effort to undermine the law. Iowa officials are prepared for the waiver to be granted or not granted, a spokesman said last week. Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen has said that without the stopgap measure, high prices will prompt more than 20,000 Iowans to go without insurance, essentially shifting their medical costs through doctors and hospitals to people who do have insurance. The stopgap measure would use federal funds differently, such as paying for a separate plan for high-cost individuals medical care. If the government approves the waiver, Blue Cross affiliate Wellmark Health and others have said they would compete with Medica, presumably bringing prices down. ACA plans are not for people with health insurance through their employers or government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. So far, Medica plans premium increases next year averaging 57 percent in Iowa. Bartsh said Medica has filed alternative plans with the state agency for the stopgap measure, but he declined to disclose them. Besides increasing competition, Bartsh said, approval of the stopgap measure would mean big changes for consumers. For example, instead of using the governments HealthCare.gov website to qualify for subsidies and buy plans, Iowans would go to stopgap.iowa.gov for subsidy verification and then buy plans directly from insurance companies or agents. Later this week Medica plans to post its nonwaiver Iowa ACA plans online so consumers can window-shop, even though those plans could change if the stopgap measure takes effect. The timing and the uncertainty are just unfortunate, Bartsh said. We dont want to wait too long or well miss an opportunity to help people understand whats happening. Once the waiver decision is reached, Iowans who have ACA coverage are to receive mailed information from the federal government on their individual options sometime before the Nov. 1 open enrollment period starts. Without the waiver, Medica would be their only choice, swelling its customer list from about 14,000 this year to as many as 64,000 for 2018. Once theres a decision on the waiver, Bartsh said, Iowans will see a pretty robust education effort statewide so people understand whats happening. Chance McElhaney, spokesman for the Iowa Insurance Division, said the agency encourages Iowans to start planning right away during the enrollment period, which ends Dec. 15. Sue Gruttemeyer is a proud breast cancer survivor. And even though she was walking alone on Sunday, the 82-year-old said she wouldnt miss the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. This is the most awesome experience, said Gruttemeyer, of Council Bluffs. Were all here for the same reason: to support those who have had cancer and those who are still fighting. Gruttemeyer, a four-year breast cancer survivor, was one of about 8,000 participants who attended the 24th annual event, which raises funds and awareness for breast cancer research. This is a different kind of race, said Karen Daneu, race director and CEO of Susan G. Komen Great Plains. Its all about survivors. About 400 survivors were met by cheers and applause as they paraded from Baxter Arena to the start line for the 5K race and 1-mile walk. This year, runners and walkers started outside of the arena before winding through Elmwood Park and finishing just north of the farmers market in Aksarben Village. Participants nearly all wearing pink crowded the area outside of the arena before the start. Runners wore pink shirts, shoes, bows and hats. Juli Reed, 53, was part of the sea of pink. She wore the color from head to toe: glasses, T-shirt, tutu and shoelaces. The Omaha woman was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and is now cancer-free. Doctors found the disease early and her course of treatment went quickly. Reed said seeing so many supporters at the event was moving. Its wonderful, she said. It brings a tear to your eye. It was Lanita Fraziers second time attending the event as a breast cancer survivor. Frazier, 47, was diagnosed in June 2016 and finished her treatment this April. The first thing that went through my head was that I had to fight and I had to survive, said Frazier, of Omaha. Before the race, survivors gathered in the arena for a photo and heard remarks from Colleen McQuillan Johnson, who just finished treatment for breast cancer last week. She addressed her survivor sisters and said the diagnosis changes your outlook on life. I truly believe a cure is within reach, she said. Organizers hoped to raise $300,000 through the Komen event. Of that, 75 percent will go toward local programs in Nebraska. This is a disease that were not going to give up on, Daneu said. Were going to be here for these folks until all we have are survivors. LINCOLN I asked Mickey Tran the tough question. Namely this: If she were to lead me to the spot in Lincoln that serves a bowl of pho as close to the one her mom makes, where might that be? She not only told me where to dine, she also met me there for lunch. Lincolns Vietnamese dining scene is second to none, thanks to families, like Mickeys, who immigrated to Nebraska decades ago and opened restaurants to support their own community. Now those spots support the whole capital city with soup, banh mi sandwiches, tea and hospitality. Over three days this summer I did a sort of mini Food Prowl of Lincolns pho that comforting soup made with rare beef and brisket, meatballs, noodles, onions and a slow-cooked bone broth to find my favorite spot. Thanks to Mickey, I did. Drive down North 27th Street and youll spot at least a half-dozen spots serving Vietnamese food. Youll see twice that number of Asian markets. And thats just on one stretch of road. There are about 9,000 people of Vietnamese ancestry in Lincoln, and about 14,000 people of Asian ancestry in Lancaster County, according to the American Community Survey. Vietnamese people started coming to Lincoln in the 1970s, with a large wave of arrivals in the early 1990s, said Sheila Dorsey Vinton, director of the Lincoln Asian Community and Cultural Center. Mickeys parents, who were both here by the mid-1980s, ran a restaurant, Pho Nguyenn, for three years. Now Mickeys aunt runs the restaurant that lots of people suggested I visit, off 27th and Vine Streets, right in the heart of the 27th Street strip. Like the other spots where I dined, its a bare-bones place with little in terms of atmosphere but a menu thats worth exploring. I followed the lead of the mostly Asian crowd and ordered a bowl of noodles and an iced tea. (Delicious, by the way, lemony and sweet. Dont skip it.) Throughout the meals, I stuck with combination pho, which generally comes with rare beef and brisket, meatballs, tendon and sometimes tripe. At Pho Nguyenn, I had rare beef, which arrived pink, brisket and tendon in a mild, soothing, almost clear broth with subtle hints of spice. At Pho Factory, right down the street, diners will find the most atmosphere and the biggest menu, plus a full bar. Pho Factory shares the same plaza and ownership with Little Saigon market where restaurant owner Khanh Nguyen said the restaurant gets its ingredients fresh daily. The family has owned the market for 25 years, and before Nguyen opened Pho Factory, her parents ran New Saigon Restaurant. They moved to Lincoln in 1980 when Nguyen was 4 years old. On the other end of the strip is Banhwich Cafe owned by Nguyens sister and her husband where I had a really tasty taro boba tea and a meaty bahn mi on soft but crusty bread topped with spicy pickles and a side of great cilantro dipping sauce. The strip is sort of like one familys one-stop shop for good Vietnamese. I built my own bowl of pho from the Pho Factorys menus list of ingredients, adding brisket, rare beef and meatballs. Their broth is meatier, with less spice but a strong flavor of slow-cooked beef. Though the brisket was a touch dry, the rare beef was lovely, and I especially appreciated the giant sprigs of basil that came on the side. Nguyen said shes proud to see how Lincoln has embraced Vietnamese food. A few years ago, a lot of locals didnt know what pho even was, she said. The five years since weve been open, a lot has changed. Thats clear, especially when Lincoln can support so many restaurants in such close proximity. Vinton agreed with that summation. Even 15 years ago or so, there were just a handful of places to go eat Vietnamese, she said. The business ownership has exploded, and a lot of them are along 27th Street. After I left Pho Factory, I went across to Vung Tao, which is literally one minute away, on the other side of 27th Street. The broth here is more gentle in flavor, meaty but mild, and the bowl has a different look: thinner, wider slices of beef, lots of tripe tangled in with the noodles and super tender brisket, my favorite element of this bowl. I met Mickey the next day across town, at her favorite spot. Im far from the first person shes taken to House of Hunan, which I guarantee Id not have discovered on my own. From the outside, it looks like the average strip mall Chinese spot, but it is much more than it seems. Nothing beats homemade food, Mickey said, as we settled into our corner booth. But this is the closest to homemade. Mickey doesnt usually order pho when she eats at a Vietnamese restaurant. She instead got bun bo hue, a spicy soup with a bright red broth, thicker noodles and pork, among other ingredients, that she said comes from the middle region of Vietnam. Mickeys parents met in Lincoln her dad, Alex Tran, came here when he was 6, after the fall of Saigon, and her mother, Tuyet Nguyen, when she was in her early 20s. The two met at a Lincoln Vietnamese church, Immaculate Heart of Mary, where they were both in the choir. The family still goes to and volunteers at the church, which is known for serving pho on periodic Sundays and a buffet of takeaway Vietnamese street food and snacks on some Saturdays. (Mickey insisted we check it out, and I left with a savory meat pie and a sweet sesame bun for around two bucks.) Now, Mickey is 19 and the president of the Vietnamese Student Association at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where shes a sophomore. She didnt lead me astray on my pho journey, thats for sure. House of Hunan had, by far, the most flavorful, meatiest, spiciest broth I tried at any place. Mickey said her family likes it because its a good value for the money, and indeed, it did have a ton of meat, noodles and plenty of toppings, but still kept its balance. I wasnt left with a bowl of noodles and no meat when I was finished. So far, Mickey said she hasnt learned her moms cooking secrets; her mom wants her to focus on her computer science studies. Everyone knows my mom is an amazing cook, and I never really took it seriously, Mickey said. But I want to learn. We slurped the last of our noodles and headed out to the parking lot. I felt really lucky that afternoon to have been hanging out with a second-generation Vietnamese-Nebraskan willing to let me in on her family history and help me find the best version of the soup she so clearly loves. If youre smart, youll go find a bowl, too. *** Vietnamese dining suggestions in Lincoln: Banhwich Cafe 940 N. 26th St. 402-261-4655 Pho Factory 940 N. 26th St. 402-261-3213 House of Hunan 2401 N. 48th St. 402-467-2393 Vung Tau Pho Grill 2708 Y St. 402-438-9959 Pho Nguyenn Restaurant 611 N. 27th St. 402-477-2058 *** Food critic Sarah Baker Hansen is from Omaha. Columnist Matthew Hansen grew up in Red Cloud. As a married couple they travel Nebraska to share with each other little-known people, unexpected stops and memorable foods. Come along and discover more of what the state has to offer in "The Better Half," an occasional series prepared with support from the Nebraska Community Foundation. Berkshire Hathaway Inc.s latest investment will turn into an acquisition in a few years, so its fair to revisit our Elephant Contest, which we started in January 2013 to see who could pick the next $5 billion-plus purchase by Berkshire CEO Warren Buffett. Not surprisingly, nobody had chosen the Pilot Flying J truck stop chain. Last week Buffett announced plans to buy 38.6 percent of Flying J for starters, with the share to grow to 80 percent by 2023. The companies didnt disclose a purchase price, but Bloomberg estimated Flying Js value at $9.1 billion. That would make an 80 percent share worth more than $7 billion. The contest seems simple, but its tricky enough that nobody has won so far, even though Berkshire has made a series of purchases in recent years. Each contestant can pick one target for Buffetts elephant gun, a metaphor he used years ago for hunting companies, and can change that choice at any time. The first person to pick the right company wins. Pending guesses by contestants at the moment include Oncor, the Texas utility; Unilever, the global food company; General Foods; Northland Power of Toronto; Yahoo; food company McCormick; health care company Davita; retailer Cabelas; Phillips 66; clothier VF Corp.; and utility Hawaiian Electric. (Some of these have been bought by others, but some people dont bother updating their choices.) Besides bragging rights, the prize continues to languish under my desk: a World-Herald-Berkshire Hathaway messenger bag. You can enter via the e-mail address at the end of this column. Philantrophy listing Buffetts donations to charity so far have totaled about $27.5 billion, so there was some confusion when the Chronicle of Philanthropy cited $46.6 billion in donations in a recent article comparing the generosity of the Top 10 on Forbes magazines wealth list. The larger figure was actually the approximate value of Buffetts charitable pledge, based on the formula he announced in 2006 for distributing shares of his Berkshire stock each year to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and four Buffett family foundations. At the time Buffett didnt put a dollar amount on his pledge, although observers made calculations based on the 2006 value of Berkshire stock. This July, when he made his latest donations, Berkshire issued a press release that gave the total so far as $27.5 billion. Contributions listed by the Chronicle for the others on the Forbes list were for donations and pledges they have made since 2000, in many cases to their own foundations. Even at $27.5 billion, Buffett would be No. 1 on the Chronicle generosity list. In the end, Buffett has said, 99-plus percent of his wealth (about $78 billion these days) will go to nonprofits, either during his lifetime or within 10 years after his estate is settled. Then we can total up the actual amount. Neighborhood help People in depressed neighborhoods are suspicious of outsiders offering to help, Buffett told a meeting of Purpose Built Communities, a consulting network that helps cities start redevelopment projects aimed at reducing poverty. Theres an enormous suspicion of some do-gooders coming in, Buffett said last week. Thats why involving people within the community is essential, he said, even if outside help is necessary, too. At the same time, Buffett said, some people have vested interests in maintaining conditions that perpetuate poverty. He is a backer of Omahas Seventy Five North and its Highlander project, which is developing a portion of North 30th Street into mixed-income housing and other features to create a successful neighborhood. Fighting poverty in north Omaha was a cause championed by his first wife, the late Susan Thompson Buffett. The dream is there, Buffett said. Sheriff and donor Warren Buffetts son Howard is combining his duties as sheriff of Macon County, Illinois, with philanthropy, according to the Decatur Herald & Review. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, funded by his father, is supplying $4.2 million for a new facility to house the new Central Illinois Regional Dispatch Center. The regional operation will start Jan. 1 in downtown Decatur and move to the new facility when it is finished next summer near a $15 million law enforcement training center also funded by the foundation. As an auxiliary deputy, undersheriff and now as sheriff until an election next year, Buffett said, he has observed the great work done by our entire 911 community here in Macon County. He said the new center will enhance the regions quality of life and public safety. The Omaha World-Herald is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc. North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un while speaking to the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea said that the nuclear weapons of the country are a result of it's people's struggle. By Indo-Asian News Service: Kim Jong-Un has lauded his country's nuclear weapons programme as the best way to defend its sovereignty and counter threats from the US. Speaking to the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in Pyongyang on Saturday, Kim Jong-un said "nuclear weapons of North Korea are a precious fruition borne by its people's bloody struggle for defending the destiny and sovereignty of the country from the protracted nuclear threats of the US imperialists", Efe reported citing state news agency KCNA. advertisement Kim who is also the chairman of the WPK, said Pyongyang's nuclear programme, which has led to multiple missile tests this year as well as the detonation of a hydrogen bomb, was "safeguarding the peace and security in the Korean peninsula and northeast Asia". He added his country's nuclear ambitions have provided the foundations for strong economic development, despite sanctions imposed by the "US imperialists and their vassal forces" to force North Korea into abandoning its weapons programme. During the plenary session, which is held at least once a year, the North Korean leader's younger sister Kim Yo-jong was elected to the party's politburo, a sign of her rising importance and clout within the North Korean regime. Choe Ryong-hae, a close aide of the leader, joined the party's Central Military Commission, while Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho was appointed to the central committee's politburo, according to the state agency. --- ENDS --- Omaha police are looking for two people who they think shot at a north Omaha home Sunday afternoon, injuring a woman. Officers responded to a shooting at 12:36 p.m. at a home near 39th Street and Ames Avenue, according to emergency radio. An ambulance took a woman in serious condition to the Nebraska Medical Center. Police suspect that the shots came from at least two people in a white Chevrolet Malibu with dark windows. In a shooting a few minutes earlier, a 26-year-old man told police he was shot while in the parking lot of a fitness center near 57th Street and Ames Avenue. Corey J. Graves went to the Nebraska Medical Center by private vehicle, a police spokesman said. Graves said he was near the parking lot entrance to Planet Fitness when he was shot about 12:15 p.m. Clarification: In this story based off reporting by the Lincoln Journal Star, the Associated Press reported that using coal fly ash to create concrete had caused cracks to form in some Lincoln streets. When fly ash is used properly, it can extend the life of concrete, but the recipe used in Lincoln in the 1980s and 1990s was incorrect and created the need for repairs. LINCOLN (AP) A road condition termed concrete cancer is forcing Lincoln to repair and replace concrete in newer city streets. The culprit is coal fly ash, an ingredient that was used in the 1980s and 90s to make concrete. The problem is the unexpected result of what seemed like a very good idea at the time, the Lincoln Journal Star reported. Normally, the recipe for concrete includes rocks, cement and water, city engineer Thomas Shafer said. But decades ago, paving contractors began using coal fly ash as a substitute for some of the cement. You were doing something positive with a waste product, Shafer said. It made concrete more economical. And it reduced the permeability of the concrete, making it a little more resistant to water. The Federal Highway Administration also mandated the use of coal fly ash in the 1980s. Over time, a dark spiderweb of cracks appears on the ash-made concrete. As it worsens, large holes develop. The condition reduces the life of an arterial street from 40 to 50 years to about 25 years, Shafer said. Experts determined that a chemical reaction between the fly ash and the silica found in river rocks, such as the Platte River rocks found in Nebraska, creates a gel, allowing little cracks for water to get in. The water freezes and expands, and eventually the concrete starts popping out, Shafer said. City engineers estimate that the offending fly ash may have been used in about 50 miles of the citys 1,200 miles of arterial streets. A coalition appointed by Mayor Chris Beutler is discussing how to pay for the damaged streets. Solutions include sealing a road before the cracking begins, overlaying it when tiny cracks appear, removing sections of road or reconstructing it completely. The two Democrats running to be the partys congressional nominee in the Omaha-based 2nd District both want to see stricter limits on guns. Former U.S. Rep. Brad Ashford and nonprofit executive Kara Eastman made statements in support of more gun control after the mass shooting in Las Vegas that killed 58 and injured hundreds. Both said they would support measures to strengthen background check requirements and said they would like Congress to do better at consulting experts on firearms when drafting legislation. Background checks have been a focus of gun control advocates efforts. Federal law requires that licensed dealers conduct background checks on potential gun buyers, but some purchases, such as those at gun shows, dont require background checks. Ashford and Eastman oppose bills that would make it easier to buy a silencer and that would make concealed carry permits applicable across state lines. The incumbent in the seat, Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican, co-sponsored legislation to do both. Proponents say the silencer bill is intended to protect hunters from hearing loss. The concealed-carry bill aims to protect gun owners from inadvertently getting in trouble when they carry their legal firearms across state lines. Bacon also said he doesnt support expanding the federal background check law. He said he would welcome bipartisan dialogue on gun safety and criminal justice. In the wake of the Las Vegas shooting, Bacon and some other House members have asked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to review the legality of bump stock devices, which the Vegas shooter apparently used to allow a semi-automatic weapon to fire continuously. Bacon also noted in a statement and in a tweet Tuesday that Ashford said in a debate during the 2016 election: I dont think we should ban assault weapons. Bacon said on Twitter that Ashford now says the opposite. Ashford said his position hasnt changed. He said he has always wanted to see the country ban the purchase of weapons that are designed primarily for military purposes. However, he said the decadelong assault weapons ban that began in 1994 was ineffective, and he wouldnt want to enact the same legislation again. That puts Ashford somewhat at odds with the state Democratic Party platform, which calls for the adoption of a federal ban on assault weapons, high capacity magazines, and armor-piercing rounds. Ashford said he sees new limits on firearm purchases as politically impossible, and he wants to focus on solutions that could be enacted. So the former one-term congressman said he would want to focus on putting bumps in the road maybe required training or even time at a gun range before a person could buy the most deadly firearms. Ashford said he wants Congress to create a bipartisan commission with input from law enforcement to determine which firearms would fit in that category. Ashford also said its important to fund research into gun violence. I think its a pivotal time in our history, he said. You cant just not do anything. Ashford has long been a proponent of gun control legislation. In the Nebraska Legislature he was the architect of a 1991 law that required a permit for handgun purchases in the state. Fellow Democrat Eastman agrees and she would take it one step further. She said it should be possible to find safety regulations that everyone can agree on and that fit within the parameters of the U.S. Constitution. But if needed, she said, the country should consider a constitutional amendment to define what bearing arms means a process that would require agreement by supermajorities in Congress and among the states. Eastman, too, said Congress needs to consider bringing more expert perspectives into the debate about gun control. She said she would like to see an assault weapons ban, but she also wants to focus on more politically feasible measures, such as investing in mental health resources and preventing domestic abusers from obtaining firearms. There are responsible gun owners out there, and it is a constitutional right to own a gun, she said. How do we come together and say we do not condone these acts and we are going to take bold measures to prevent them? A woman who walked backward into Dodge Street was seriously injured late Friday when she was struck by a sport utility vehicle, police said. Adaysha Watts, 20, was upset and had just gotten out of a vehicle, police said. While speaking with a person in the vehicle, Watts stepped into Dodge Streets westbound lanes at 75th Street about 11:30 p.m. Watts was struck by a westbound 2000 Jeep Cherokee driven by Andrew M. Battaglia, 19, of Omaha, police said. Battaglia was not injured. Watts, who lives in Omaha, suffered abdominal and back injuries, police said. She was taken to Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy, where a spokesman said she was in serious condition Saturday night. Neither speed nor alcohol was considered a factor in the accident, police said. By PTI: Jammu Jammu, Oct 7 (PTI) The Jammu divisional commissioner today directed officials to strengthen treatment facilities and conduct regular fogging to check the spread of dengue in Jammu and Kashmirs winter capital. Divisional Commissioner M K Bhandari issued the directions at a meeting convened by him here to take stock of treatment facilities for suspected dengue patients and measures taken to contain its spread, an official spokesman said. advertisement About 250 cases of dengue were reported since July and the test reports of over 300 people are still pending, he said. The government has intensified measures to prevent the spread of dengue by carrying out regular cleaning and fogging in areas where from maximum number of patients with symptoms of the vector borne disease were reported, the spokesman said. The divisional commissioner has asked officials to upgrade facilities by adding more dedicated wards for the disease in hospitals, he said. He also called for expediting the verification of blood samples taken for tests so that persons with the symptoms are provided prompt treatment, the spokesman said. PTI TAS AB ANB --- ENDS --- Mass shootings expose one of the widest chasms in American politics. They spur heated discussion about the proper role of government in regulating peoples Second Amendment right to bear arms. Neither side speaks the others language in these debates, and few ever concede that their opponents might have a valid point. Special interests amplify the divide, and partisan politicians fall into predictable camps. But in the wake of the worst mass shooting in American history, a refreshingly bipartisan discussion has broken out in Washington. A number of Republicans and Democrats are discussing a small but sensible change to federal law that might have reduced the carnage last Sunday in Las Vegas, in which 58 people were killed and hundreds were wounded. The scope of the tragedy prompted the White House and even the National Rifle Association to back additional regulation. Congress is discussing a ban of the gun conversion kits that police say the Las Vegas shooter used to escalate his deadly force. The device drawing scrutiny is a bump stock, a replacement part that uses recoil to help a person firing a semi-automatic weapon to fire it repeatedly, as if it were a machine gun. With a bump stock, a semi-automatic rifle can fire nine rounds a second, authorities say. Lawmakers in both parties are proposing bills, which are likely to be more effective and resilient than regulatory shifts accomplished administratively. Most proposals appear appropriately narrow, tailored to reinforce a pair of federal laws that prohibit automatic weapons one from 1934 and another signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1986. Some bills might also propose banning other gun conversion kits designed to sidestep federal law. The legal language will need to avoid loopholes that would enable similar devices to be developed later. Such a limited move would not infringe on Second Amendment protections of an individuals right to bear arms, a fundamental constitutional freedom upheld by the Supreme Court. Nor would the proposals extend the governments power to regulate weapons, which the courts have also upheld. This would simply clarify an existing restriction on automatic weapons to prohibit devices and accessories that modify semi-automatic weapons to fire more rapidly. A bipartisan consensus seems to be emerging behind the idea. Republican senators and House conservatives, including leaders of the Freedom Caucus, have expressed openness to such a bill. And Democrats, including many who have pushed before to ban bump stocks as part of broader gun control bills, have expressed a willingness to work with them. I own a lot of guns, and, as a hunter and sportsman, I think thats our right as Americans, but I dont understand the use of this bump stock, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, told the New York Times. It seems like its an obvious area we ought to explore and see if its something Congress needs to act on. Last Sundays callous killings of concert-goers in Las Vegas horrified Americans on all sides of the debate over proper regulation of firearms. A ban on bump stocks and similar gun conversion kits wouldnt have stopped the shooter from taking lives. But it might have made it harder for him to take as many. Congress should seize the moment. The leaders of US and China greeted each other with smiles and a handshake at the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. Joe Biden and Xi.. euronews (in English) 14 Nov 2022 By PTI: (Eds: Recasting overnight story) By Lalit K Jha Washington, Oct 6 (PTI) Pakistans top diplomat has warned India against launching surgical strikes or targeting the countrys nuclear installations, saying nobody should expect restraint from Islamabad if that happens. Responding to a statement of Indias Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa that his forces are ready for a full spectrum operation, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan wants to live in peace and harmony with its neighbours. advertisement But if India carries out any surgical strike in Pakistan or strikes at its nuclear installations "nobody should expect restraint from us", he warned yesterday. Speaking at the US Institute of Peace, a Washington-based think-tank, Asif said the "relationship with India is at a lowest ebb at the moment". Responding to a question on India, he said, "sadly India did not respond" to Pakistani efforts to improve relationship. "What is going on in Kashmir is the biggest roadblock to normalisation to talks," Asif said. Asif, who is here as part of efforts to rebuild bilateral ties frayed after President Donald Trump accused Pakistan of sheltering terror groups, said his meetings with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and National Security Advisor H R McMaster were good. "The meeting went well with Tillerson and McMaster (meeting) was good. (It) was not bad," Asif said, noting that the two countries need to pursue contacts with each other. He favoured adopting an approach of talks and exchange of views more vigorously. Asif in a way acknowledged that the madrasas were training ground for terrorists. "These madrasas were nurseries for American jihad in Afghanistan. People who took those decisions will burn to hell. We are actually living in hell because of that decision," he said, adding that Pakistan is paying the price of such a decision. The US, he said, is focusing solely on safe haven allegations or blaming Pakistan for what they have not achieved in Afghanistan. "There are many more dimension of what is going on in Afghanistan," he added. PTI LKJ ZH AKJ ZH --- ENDS --- CBS News 05 Apr 2021 The latest on U.S. attacks on ISIS and the 2016 presidential campaign, with Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tennessee, Sen. Amy Klobuchar,.. Rumble 13 Nov 2022 The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a fun-filled audiobook that shows life along the Mississippi River in the 1840s. Written by Mark.. Rumble 14 Nov 2022 What's more , never ignore the power of knowledge. Read more books and travel around. For one thing, it can increase your.. By PTI: Mumbai, Oct 8 (PTI) Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde today demanded that culpable homicide charge be slapped against those responsible for the deaths of farmers due to pesticide poisoning. "This is a planned murder of farmers. Not only the pesticide companies and its sellers but even the officials from the agriculture department supporting them (companies) are responsible," Munde said in a release issued here. advertisement Munde was in Yavatmal district today where the deaths have occurred. He met families of those who have died and also met those farmers recuperating in hospitals. Munde said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who hails from Vidarbha region, neither visited Yavatmal nor condoled the bereaved families. He further questioned if the Chief Minister has no time for farmers. "The government should immediately declare Rs 10 lakh compensation for families of those who have died and Rs 2 lakh for farmers admitted to hospitals due to pesticide poisoning," Munde demanded. The NCP leader further said that deaths due to inhalation of poisonous pesticides is not limited to Yavatmal but occurring in Buldhana, Akola and other districts as well. "Immediate steps should be taken to stop the deaths," he said. Munde said that the NCP has provided an assistance of Rs 10,000 to the families of the deceased and the party has taken up the responsibility to treat those suffering from severe eye infections, in Mumbai. PTI MM RMT --- ENDS --- LAS VEGAS A federal judge has agreed to postpone the trial of Nevada cattleman Cliven Bundy and others in a 2014 armed standoff because of the Las Vegas mass shooting. Defense attorneys argued that the attack would cast a shadow over the trial, which was set to start Tuesday in Las Vegas. On Friday, the judge rescheduled it for Oct. 30. Bundy, two sons and others are accused of conspiring to enlist a self-styled militia to prevent U.S. Bureau of Land Management agents and civilian employees from removing Bundy's cattle from federal land in Nevada. Bundy's sons Ammon and Ryan later became key figures in the weeks-long takeover of a federal wildlife refuge in Burns in 2016. Defendant Ryan Payne on Monday asked that the Nevada trial be postponed for up to three months. Payne's lawyers said in a Thursday filing that the Oct. 1 killings shocked and traumatized Las Vegas residents. "There is no potential juror in this community who will be able to set aside the images of Oct. 1 when asked to consider the evidence in this case," Payne's lawyers wrote. "Guns are central to this case. The government will repeatedly show the jury pictures of guns, present testimony about guns and present statement's from the defendants discussing guns." Other defendants initially objected to a delay, but they changed their position as the week wore on. Also Friday, defendant Pete Santilli of Cincinnati pleaded guilty to conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer. The U.S. Attorney's Office said the 52-year-old Santilli faces up to six years in prison when sentenced Jan. 11. Santilli acknowledged using his vehicle to block a BLM convoy, allowing others to surround the convoy and threaten people in the convoy "by force, violence and fear, inducing the officers to leave the place where their duties were required to be performed," the office said in a statement. Santilli's attorney had argued that he was a journalist, and that his calls in internet postings for supporters to rally to the Bundy ranch to lawfully carry guns and protest the BLM plan to impound Cliven Bundy's cattle were constitutionally protected free speech. -- The Associated Press A Molalla man died Saturday in a head-on crash with another vehicle on State Route 211. Oregon State Police say Robert Lowe, 57, was southbound on SR 211 when his Pontiac Sol crossed over the center line and crashed head on into a northbound Honda CRV. Lowe was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Honda, 35-year-old Amanda Hartman of Port Townsend, Wash., was flown to Oregon Health & Science University with critical injuries. Her passenger, 39-year-old Matthew Welch from Chimacum, Wash., was transported by ambulance to OSHU serious injuries. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. -Ted Sickinger 503-221-8505; @tedsickinger Oregon State Police are looking for a man suspected in a 911 call about a shooting that turned out to be a prank. They suspect that Michael M. Stevens initiated the call about 3:45 a.m. Sunday. The caller said he had been shot by a man wielding a rifle and was hiding in nearby woods. Dispatchers kept the caller on the phone while police responded to the scene. They called the "suspect" out of the residence and detained him. Stevens was not found during a search of the woods. Detectives found the phone in a ditch after pinging its location. Police asked that if anyone knows anything about Stevens or his whereabout that they call them at 541-664-4600. -- Lynne Terry State police say a 24-year-old Southern Oregon man will be charged with murder after authorities discovered a dead body on the scene of a trailer fire. Troy Dawson, of Murphy, was arrested Saturday morning, a day after emergency responders were called to a fire in Murphy, an unincorporated community in Josephine County southeast of Grants Pass. Officials found a fifth-wheel trailer engulfed in flames at the property, located along Board Shanty Creek Road, according to Rural Metro Fire. State police have not disclosed where the victim's body was located or any other details about what happened. The victim's name has also not been released. The fire spread to grass nearby, but was contained and did not reach neighboring buildings. Officers named Dawson as a person of interest and issued a public bulletin to help find him. They cautioned that he may be armed with a gun. Witnesses called in to say they saw him 2 1/2 miles away from the scene, according to Oregon State Police. Dawson was booked into the Josephine County jail on one count of first-degree murder and one count of arson. -- Molly Young myoung@oregonian.com 503-412-7056 @mollykyoung Rashad Roynel Banks shuffled into a federal courtroom in downtown Portland last month, his ankles chained together. His attorney immediately objected, and a judge directed two deputy U.S. marshals to escort Banks back out briefly before his arraignment. Defense lawyer CeCelia E. Valentine wanted the judge to explain why her client, charged with illegally possessing a gun as a felon, required leg shackles in court. It's a question routinely asked in state and federal courts since two recent 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rulings made it clear that judges must evaluate defendants before they can enter a courtroom in handcuffs, a belly chain, leg or other restraints. The decisions have led to dramatic changes in Oregon and the eight other states bound by the 9th Circuit. Sheriffs, U.S. marshals and judges are clamoring to figure out the best way to adapt. Many jailers now must evaluate each inmate, based on behavior in custody and past record, and make a recommendation to a judge ahead of court hearings whether the defendant should remain in shackles in the courtroom. In the past, a federal marshal or county deputy made the decisions unilaterally with little oversight from judges. Starting Oct. 30, in the state's busiest court where about 250 people are transferred from jail for hearings each week, Multnomah County Circuit Judge Nan Waller will preside over a new "restraints docket.'' Waller will review sheriff's affidavits that recommend a level of restraint for every defendant, hear oral arguments from defense lawyers and rule whether to order shackles for each of their court appearances. "The recommendation could go from nothing to Hannibal Lecter,'' said Multnomah County's Chief Criminal Judge Edward J. Jones, referring to the extreme restraints worn by the serial killer in the "Silence of the Lambs'' movie. "Right now, nobody is really clear how many disputes there will be.'' In federal court, magistrate judges will make determinations ahead of the daily court schedule based on their review of a defendant's background and recommendation from the U.S. Marshals Service. Defense lawyers will have a chance to object before their clients are brought into court. While the 9th Circuit judges were clear that trial courts must make individual rulings on each defendant, their opinion didn't set criteria for when or what type of restraints should be used. "It's almost written as a philosophical discussion than as a practical handbook,'' Jones said. Federal and state defense lawyers are paying close attention to make sure courts follow the order. But they have different interpretations of what it means, as do judges. Meanwhile, sheriffs complain that requiring individual decisions will slow court procedures and drive up overtime costs as more deputies will be needed to staff courtrooms to ensure public safety, particularly when a defendant is free of shackles. Prominent criminal defense attorneys applaud the ruling, saying it's good public policy to restrict shackling to only those who have a history of violence in court or interfering with law enforcement. The restraints have been used too widely, often justified as a replacement for courtroom security as budgets cuts reduce Sheriff's Office numbers, said Lane Borg, executive director of nonprofit Metropolitan Public Defenders Inc. based in Portland. Some people need the shackles, but many don't, he said, and the handcuffs and leg chains unfairly signal that "this person is a danger," Borg said. When Attorney General Jeff Sessions visited Portland last month, the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association urged him to challenge the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. Lawyers from the U.S. Department of Justice have filed a petition for review with the high court. They argue that the 9th Circuit overstepped its authority, making the courts in Western states an outlier. It's one thing to shield jurors from a defendant's restraints to avoid potential bias, but it's not necessary to shield judges who are "unlikely to be biased by the presence of restraints and can readily accommodate a defendant's practical needs,'' they contend. The Justice Department lawyers also said the marshals or sheriff's deputies should make the decisions on restraints because it's their job to protect court staff, judges and the public. The National Sheriffs' Association and the Western State Sheriffs Association said in a friend-of-the-court brief that the 9th Circuit decisions have "upended traditional courtroom-security,'' hobbled deputies and put their safety and the safety of court workers at risk. NO MORE 'BEAR ON A CHAIN,' COURT SAYS Before the 9th Circuit decisions, Multnomah County deputies and other deputies in Oregon would routinely escort an inmate into a courtroom in handcuffs, a belly chain and ankle shackles, then remove the handcuffs but keep on the other restraints. The exception was for jury trials. Then deputies would remove all restraints, once in the courtroom out of the view of jurors, to avoid prejudicing the jury. In May, a divided 9th Circuit extended the protections to all court hearings, including pretrial hearings and sentencings. The 6-to-5 decision stemmed from a San Diego case, United States v. Sanchez-Gomez. Federal public defenders challenged a U.S. Marshals' policy there to bring defendants to most court proceedings in handcuffs, a belly chain and leg shackles. A follow-up 9th Circuit ruling in late August stressed that trial courts must abide by the order -- even though the 9th Circuit put a hold on its original ruling pending an appeal. Before placing a defendant in shackles, a court must "make an individualized decision that a compelling government purpose would be served'' and that the restraints are the "least restrictive'' way to maintain security and order. The 9th Circuit cited the Fifth Amendment right ensuring that no one shall be deprived of their liberty without due process. Courts can no longer delegate the decisions to deputies or marshals, the ruling said. "This right to be free from unwarranted shackles no matter the proceeding respects our foundational principle that defendants are innocent until proven guilty," the court said. "A presumptively innocent defendant has the right to be treated with respect and dignity in a public courtroom, not like a bear on a chain." In Multnomah County, Judge Jones convened an "Unshackling Task Force'' of deputies, prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges to figure out what to do. The age of the Multnomah County Courthouse and its lack of holding cells beside courtrooms presents problems for deputies taking defendants through public corridors to court, Jones said. Defendants likely still will be escorted in handcuffs through courthouse corridors before reaching courtrooms, Jones said. "It's not workable to be carting people around in public hallways,'' he said. Waller, the county's presiding judge, will start her "restraints docket" at the end of the month with daily 8:30 a.m. hearings. At least two days before a defendant's scheduled court appearance, deputies are to submit a form or affidavit to the court, the defense lawyer and prosecutor with their recommendations for level of restraint, with supporting reasons. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office also is developing response plans in the case of an emergency or escape, said spokesman Lt. Chad Gaidos. Other counties in Oregon and other states affected Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada and Washington are making similar assessments and plans. "The last couple of weeks we've been figuring out the procedures as we go,'' said Washington County jail Cmdr. Matt Frohnert. "The percentage is still pretty high that people are restrained.'' "It's time consuming and very staff intensive,'' Frohnert said, expecting to place more deputies in courtrooms. "We need people to readily respond if a person makes a bad decision.'' HOW ORDER IS PLAYING OUT SO FAR When Rashad Roynel Banks appeared in federal court Sept. 28, U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You ordered him to remain in leg shackles. The judge cited his two earlier convictions unauthorized use of a weapon in 2012 and attempted assault in 2013 as her reasons even though Banks' attorney said the defendant had shown no disruptive courtroom behavior in the past. Lisa Hay, who heads the Federal Public Defender Office in Oregon, said criminal history alone shouldn't be the deciding factor. Instead, judges should consider a defendant's previous behavior in court or evidence of acting out in custody, interfering with officers or risk of escape, she said. She quoted from the 9th Circuit, which called courtrooms "palaces of justice" where the sight of defendants who are "marched in like convicts on a chain gang'' destroys the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. "It should be a rare group of defendants'' brought into court in restraints, Hay said. She already has noticed fewer shackled federal defendants since the rulings, she said. Eric Wahlstrom, supervisory deputy U.S. marshal in Oregon, declined comment on how his agency is responding to the order. In another recent case in federal court in Portland, a defense lawyer asked that her client, charged with escape from a halfway house, not be led into court in leg shackles. "I do not know of any issue where he's acted out in any way that justifies" the restraints, said Assistant Federal Public Defender Michelle Sweet. Her client was accused of not returning to the halfway house, but he wasn't involved in any altercation, she said. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman said her reading of the 9th Circuit decisions allows her to consider someone's criminal past. In this case, the man had convictions for aggravated robbery and disrupting the peace, as well as a history of untreated mental illness, the judge said. She ordered that the leg restraints remain, noting from her perch on the bench that she couldn't see the leg restraints on the inmate as he sat beside his lawyer at the defense table. U.S. Magistrate Judge John Jelderks mentioned, while considering whether to keep a man before him in leg chains, that he had tried on shackles after the 9th Circuit's May ruling. "I found it no imposition on my dignity,'' he said. Assistant Federal Public Defender Mark Ahlemeyer responded that it would affect his client's dignity, particularly if his family and children saw him in shackles. "This is a serious issue,'' Jelderks agreed. "I hope to see a resolution that doesn't require a lot of time being taken up, that protects the prisoners' rights and court safety.'' -- Maxine Bernstein mbernstein@oregonian.com 503-221-8212 @maxoregonian Stephanie Yao Long Above: Piles of trash dot the landscape along the multi-use path parallel to I-205 in the Lents neighborhood. By Molly Harbarger Lynne Palombo contributed to this report. The Oregonian | OregonLive Erik Benson wants to sell his dream home. After nearly 20 years on the double lot, he and his wife are thinking about unloading the Southeast Portland house they customized for their retirement -- high ceilings, hardwood floors, a hot tub in their bedroom. They didn't anticipate that within yards of their front door, dozens of people would make their homes in tents and other make-shift encampments along a state-created pedestrian and bicycle path that runs along Interstate 205. The pathside community has become a hot spot for drug use, Benson says, and litter piles dot the way to Johnson Creek, where a rusted shopping cart and algae-covered jugs mar the scene. Some campers inflict racist graffiti and homophobic slurs on a diverse range of neighbors. Homelessness is not new to Lents. But the throng of people camped there has increased steadily over the last few years, residents say, and exploded after the Springwater Corridor was swept a year ago. Don't Edit Stephanie Yao Long Above: Concerned Lents neighbors gather after seeing emergency vehicles pull into their cul-de-sac for the second time in a week. On this day, the responders get a 911 call that a homeless man is having an allergic reaction to a bee sting. It is the most dramatic example of numerous places around Portland where, as never before, homeowners and people without housing live cheek-to-cheek. The number of homeless people in Oregon's biggest city exceeded 4,000 people this year, official tallies show. And unlike in past years, more than a third of those men, women and children don't bed down on downtown streets or inside shelters but in residential neighborhoods. Although the city and Multnomah County are devoting unprecedented levels of money and staffing to lessening the effects on homeless and housed people alike, the two groups' coexistence remains uneasy in most neighborhoods where it occurs. Currently, it ranges from a reluctant truce in North Portland's Overlook to a crackdown-induced retreat of homeless from Laurelhurst to a caldron of complaints and mistrust in Lents. Calls to the city's hotline for complaints about homeless people or campsites were highest in the latter two neighborhoods this spring and summer. But they dot every part of the city except portions of Hillsdale and the Southwest Hills on the city's west side and Irvington, Grant Park and Eastmoreland on the east. Don't Edit Lynne Palombo | The Oregonian/OregonLive Above: Homeless camp reports in summer 2017. Citywide, calls exceeded 1,600 a month for the first time in the spring, then hit a fever pitch of 2,200 a month or higher in June, July and August, records obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive show. WHERE THE CALLS CAME FROM, MAPPED Don't Edit Stephanie Yao Long Above: People gather south of the Springwater Corridor on the multi-use path parallel to I-205. Advocates say that renters and homeowners have a right to feel safe. But, they say, they also should tolerate homeless people living near them who keep their space tidy, use restrooms and respect quiet hours. City officials want to win back residents who they say have lost compassion during years of seeing more needle caps in their playgrounds. So Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has steered more city money to what he calls "livability" issues -- keeping needles out of parks, towing decrepit RVs out of neighborhoods and more stringently enforcing environmental and public safety laws. Most neighborhoods are seeing results. Don't Edit Stephanie Yao Long Above: Gabi, who lacks a permanent home, travels the multi-use path along I-205. Joint efforts by the city and county have helped conditions for housed and unhoused Portlanders alike. Officials doubled available beds in year-round shelters, and added more that open in winter to allow a record number of homeless Portlanders to sleep inside. The Joint Office of Homeless Services reported record-setting numbers of people lived for a time in subsidized housing meant to help occupants become secure enough to pay rent on their own. Despite those efforts, more people than ever in Portland are forced to live outside. Officials acknowledge the official estimate of 1,600 at any given time understates the problem. A growing number of vocal residents in hard-hit Eastside neighborhoods are calling for more long-term solutions, such as organized camps and stricter enforcement, to ease the repercussions of living side-by-sid Don't Edit Don't Edit Stephanie Yao Long Above: The intersection where the Springwater Corridor and multi-use path cross. UNHAPPY NEIGHBORS INSIDE AND OUT For now, the Bensons have turned to their own solutions. They have three guns hidden in the front room and both Erik and Kristy, his wife, carry handguns at all times. The real protection, he says, is two large cans of bear spray stashed behind a black-and-white photo of their son within reach of the front door. Benson said he bought those on the advice of a police officer who suggested that an intruder is more likely to back down from the spray, knowing you might use it, than a gun whose trigger you would hesitate to pull. His wife faced that very choice months ago, when a man aggressively approached her car as she pulled out of their fenced and gated backyard. When she went into the house to make sure her son was OK, the man followed her in. She held him at gunpoint while her son called the police. The man was arrested and later released. But the incident left them shaken. "I've never stared down the barrel at somebody," Benson said. Don't Edit Stephanie Yao Long Above: Houses line the multi-use path to the right. I-205 is on the left. People who live along the paved trail near I-205 say their lives are made hard by the fact that housed neighbors treat them all as troublemakers or criminals just because a fraction of them are. People whose only transgression is not being able to afford the citys escalated rents not only endure the struggles of living and sleeping outside but also being reported to police or yelled at by those with homes nearby. Gabi lost her housing two years ago when she escaped a domestic violence situation, she said. She didn't want her name used because fears from that abuse still linger. She said she stays along the multi-use path in Lents because it's one of the few places she isn't rousted from her camping spot, as happens to people in city-owned parks that are patrolled every week. Still, she woke a Friday in September to being robbed again while she slept. She lost blankets and her phone, among other smaller items. She says business owners and residents assume everyone uses drugs, but she doesn't. Yet she understands why her friends and fellow campers do. Some drugs keep you awake so you are always on guard. Don't Edit Stephanie Yao Long Above: Gabi, who wants more help, camps in Lents and says she understands why some homeless people resort to drugs, though she does not "I'm not saying drug problems are OK, but how many times will it take you to lose everything but the clothes on your back before you snap?" Gabi said as she piled her scattered clothes into a shopping cart. She says she wants help getting services, but she's been approached by outreach workers only a few times. She missed a recent opportunity to sign up for a low-income apartment, and plans to ride MAX downtown in a few weeks to get on a waitlist. She said most people who rent or own along the bike path don't give her trouble. But some campers say they are harassed for things they didn't do. Many point to the trash bags they fill with old pizza boxes and other garbage as evidence they take care of their space. They also say they have nowhere else to go. Don't Edit Stephanie Yao Long Above photo: This sign posted by ODOT along the multi-use path and near homeless camps warns that personal property will be removed in 10 days. A TRANSPORTATION, NOT HOUSING, AGENCY The bike path is on Oregon Department of Transportation property for the most part, though some areas intersect with TriMet or city jurisdiction. The state agency is required to give campers more notice 10 to 19 days, rather than the six day required by rules governing city property -- that workers will be coming through to tell them to move and dispose of whatever they leave behind. State workers nor city crews have the authority to force campers to leave unless they are on private property, but can strongly encourage it. Lents residents say that from the time they file a complaint, it takes about six weeks before crews arrive, which leaves a lot of time for campers to become entrenched. When the cleaning is over, many move right back, frustrated neighbors say. Don Hamilton, spokesman for ODOT, said agency officials know that the big encampments impact neighbors. "It means fear, it can mean increased crime, it can mean health problems," Hamilton said. "We're also aware of the human consequences of this. This is a problem that tells us about some serious social issues that need to be addressed." The transportation agency is not a homeless services organization, he said, but is trying to balance all sides of the debate and keep people on dangerous highway right-of-ways safe. Don't Edit Beth Nakamura Above photo: People living outside at Laurelhurst Park in Southeast Portland were sent on their way in August 2016. CRACKING DOWN, HUMANITARIAN-STYLE Lents residents are not the only people lighting up complaint lines over the presence of homeless people nearby. Portland police and parks workers now clear Laurelhurst Park every Monday of all trash and possessions that people without permanent homes have left there. Cops scan the park in the upper-middle-class Southeast Portland neighborhood, talking to the people who use it and trying to troubleshoot conflicts between the homeless people who sleep or hang out in or around the park and other park users. "No camping" signs now hang from trees over the sidewalk around three-quarters of the park. It's one of many places in the city, Mayor Ted Wheeler said, that enforcement increased. In an interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive, he listed several steps his administration has taken that Portlanders might not see: towed away 299 derelict RVs parked on neighborhood streets since November under a new program, hired additional staff for the One Point of Contact homeless complaint system, added six walking beats for Portland Police officers, hired more park rangers to patrol downtown, the South Waterfront, Eastside parks and the Springwater Corridor. "There's nowhere trash is acceptable. There's nowhere needles are acceptable. There's nowhere graffiti on public right of ways are acceptable," Wheeler said. He says his predecessor, Charlie Hales, was lax on enforcing laws related to homelessness, which led to the problems residents say they are now seeing. Don't Edit Don't Edit Beth Nakamura Above photo: Laurelhurst Park in August 2016. But his administration isn't just focused on cracking down on infractions, he said. He also wants to make sure people living on the street are reached by social workers and service agencies better than ever. "It's not a clear line, and we're always mindful of the fact -- and the community constantly reminds us -- that we need to focus on illegal activity and have compassion for those who are caught up in this humanitarian crisis," Wheeler said. Laurelhurst homeowner TJ Browning walks her neighborhood park nearly every day with her dog and takes note of where people are sleeping. She keeps a tally of how many needles and people sleeping in the bushes she sees. On a late August morning, Browning noted she hadn't seen so many elderly people, women with strollers and joggers in the park for awhile. Just six weeks earlier, exasperated neighbors demanded action at a meeting with city officials. The improvement since then has been dramatic, Browning said. She is still on watch, though. "I'm starting to feel like a vigilante," she said, mocking herself for scanning the ground for needles. Don't Edit Stephanie Yao Long Above photo: DJ Antlitz (second from right) says he and his father delivered water bottles to the homeless along the Lents multi-use path during the hot days this summer. "We couldn't bear the idea of anyone dying of heatstroke." Richard Christman (right) says firefighters sometimes come to put out camp fires along the path. The park's seasonal maintenance worker said he had picked up four that morning. He was in the midst of ushering an apparently homeless man out of the park with a couple trash bags of possessions. Browning points to that as proof the problem persists. But the scene is a stark contrast to the line of tents that used to barricade one end of the park. Browning's husband, Scott Pratt, is the president of the neighborhood association. He ended up the voice behind the group's June resolution asking Wheeler to step up enforcement of rules against littering, drug use and public urination around all Portland schools and parks. The idea, Browning said, was not to move homeless people from Laurelhurst to other neighborhoods but to create safe spaces around places children congregate citywide. She hopes that if no one is allowed in those public spaces, the city and county will move faster on a plan to put a roof over everyone's heads. Don't Edit Don't Edit "Why are there people without houses? They deserve to be safe, too," Browning said. "If we don't push on City Hall, I don't see it being addressed." In a letter back to the association in July, the mayor formally declined to adopt its proposed ordinance, citing existing Portland laws that deal with camping. But in an September interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive, Wheeler said police were in fact targeting those areas for extra patrols. "We are focusing on high-impact areas, that's parks, that's public right of ways, the vicinity of schools," Wheeler said. Don't Edit Samantha Swindler Above photo: Hazelnut Grove resident Desiree Rose gives a hug to Vahid Brown, a homeless advocate who helped her move into the camp in North Portland. FORUMS FOR THE FRUSTRATED Elsewhere, people who feel the city and county are ignoring their problems are also trying to leverage their neighborhood associations to deal with the same issues. These bodies don't set policy but serve as forums for the frustrated. At countless meetings across the city, residents try to draw a line between criminals and people down on their luck. It's a politically and emotionally fraught subject, made more so as people living in tents and camps have started to show up to neighborhood meetings, too. Montavilla erupted in debate this summer after new board members helped pass a resolution asking the city to stop sweeping homeless people from the neighborhood. Those residents sided with homeless people and their advocates who say the practice causes people without an address to lose belongings and identification, which in turn makes it harder to receive services and prompts some to steal replacement items. Don't Edit Don't Edit Samantha Swindler Above photo: Hazelnut Grove Many Montavilla residents resisted, saying sweeps are the only relief they have from finding urine and feces in their yards or being insulted and harassed. Ben Tertin, a former board member, pastor and seven-year resident of Montavilla, voted against the resolution, saying he wants housed and unhoused people to equally be held accountable for criminal acts. He repeatedly said he wants people who have had a rough time to get help. But he recalled an incident the day before when he said two people shot heroin and fell asleep within a few feet of a church's daycare playground. "What we have to do as a Christian mission, the heart for homeless in the core. It's very big," Tertin said. "But not to the point of saying leave your used condoms and needles at our children's playground." "People are talking more in the neighborhood about homelessness than they ever have since I have lived here," Tertin said. "You have this scenario where that's not something that's happening before, but it's happening now. And it's happening more places than 90th Avenue." Don't Edit Mike Zacchino Above photo: People gather around a fire in a community tent at Hazelnut Grove on Dec. 29, 2016. ARE ORGANIZED CAMPS THE KEY? In the Overlook neighborhood, Chris Trejbal, president of the neighborhood association, toured Overlook Park at 8:30 a.m. Holding his coffee cup, he walked the perimeter, where a chainlink fence separates the freshly mowed grass from a forested cliff. He just finished explaining that many people climb the fence and camp on the cliff to avoid being hassled when he spotted the tell-tale orange cap of a syringe and a few empty cans of beer. The park is directly above Hazelnut Grove, an intentionally created village of semi-permanent tiny houses envisioned as a model way to humanely house homeless people inside Portland neighborhoods. Supporters and Hazelnut Grove members say their community should draw support, not disdain, from those who rent or own homes nearby. Don't Edit Samantha Swindler Above photo: Christian Bolding paints Native American-inspired artwork on the outside of his sleeping pod at Hazelnut Grove. The community, home to more than 20 long-term residents who built and inhabit 19 tiny homes, is bounded by a chainlink fence and nestled in a triangle where North Interstate and Greeley avenues intersect. Residents dug French drains in the dirt and are working on an ever-evolving kitchen and bathroom space. It's the kind of self-governed place some residents of Laurelhurst and Lents say they want: small in scale and well-organized instead of a sprawl of tents and tarps in a public right-of-way or park. Versions of the model are clustered in North Portland. Wheeler struck a deal to move Right 2 Dream Too, a "rest stop" model where people can sleep for up to 12 hours at a time, to a city-owned parking lot between the Willamette River and the Moda Center. Dignity Village, similar to Hazelnut Grove and connected with nonprofit JOIN, is approaching 20 years at its Northeast Portland location near the airport. The city initiated a pilot project in Kenton, where 14 women live in 8-by-12-feet structures meant for sleeping and storing belongings. Don't Edit Stephanie Yao Long Dennis "Mack" McKenzie, Sr., lives in a tiny house at Right 2 Dream Too, an organized rest stop for homeless people across from the Moda Center. Across the country, homeless "villages" with tiny houses are seen as an short-term alternative for people who don't want to be packed into shelters with other people and haven't found permanent housing. They provide an address and and some measure of security. But Overlook residents are ambivalent about the semi-housed residents. While the temporary tiny homes are removed from most other houses, they are down a steep slope that has a high risk of wildfire. The village also attracts hangers-on, who pitch tents nearby and don't necessarily abide by the rules Hazelnut Grove members must follow. The neighborhood association has called for city officials to remove it for about two years. Trejbal recounted a long saga of mediation with Hazelnut Grove and city officials to try to craft a good neighborhood agreement. The latest twist came a few weeks ago when Overlook representatives walked away from the table, saying Hazelnut Grove was conspiring with the city behind their back. Grove members, for their part, say they try to be model neighbors. They volunteer in the community, exist on donations and anything they earn themselves and will give a tour to nearly anyone who walks up to the gate. Don't Edit Stephanie Yao Long Above photo: Benson High School students built these tiny homes and donated them to Right 2 Dream Too. Some neighbors and advocates say that a Kenton Women's Village or Hazelnut Grove should go in every community to provide shelter and spread the burden of taking in the unhoused between wealthy and poorer communities. The small scale of homeless enclaves makes them tolerable to neighborhood associations -- but also makes them an unlikely way to fundamentally solve the crisis affecting much of Portland's East Side. It would take more than 20 Hazelnut Groves, with fewer than two dozen residents, to house the estimated 200 people camped along the I-205 bike path alone. The people who live in them must abide by strict rules, which would turn off many people dealing with substance abuse. Others want more drug rehabilitation and mental illness services dispersed throughout hard-hit neighborhoods, rather than concentrated in Old Town and downtown. While many advocates would cheer that development, the cost of multiple facilities would be high for nonprofits that rely on donations, grants and taxpayer money. Don't Edit Don't Edit See maps showing complaints submitted over one year to the city of Portlands "One Point of Contact Campsite Reporting." Don't Edit Stephanie Yao Long Above photo: Gabi walks to a convenience store on Southeast Foster Road, a few dozen feet from the multi-use path. TRY TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR Most often, people who straddle both worlds say the best solution in the short run is better communication. Hazelnut Grove members' attempt to integrate into the community is a key technique in volatile conditions, Jim Hlava says. Hlava is vice president of housing at Cascadia Behavioral Health, a nonprofit that does outreach to unhoused people with mental illness and operates hundreds of units of housing for those clients. He has invested hours in the Eliot neighborhood, which straddles North and Northeast Portland, and elswhere to smooth tensions with residents resistant to having housing for people with mental illness, many of whom would otherwise be homeless, next door. Don't Edit Stephanie Yao Long Above photo: Edward Krotz chooses to camp outside with Julie "Phoenix" Salmon, despite having an apartment with roommates. It's the only way he knows his girlfriend, who is homeless, will be safe. "Whatever impact we have, we answer calls, we call back, we'll show up to meetings, we'll problem-solve," Hlava said. "We'll negotiate to try to figure out how to be a good neighbor." Stigma against homeless people can make it hard to stay safe for people like Edward Krotz and Julie Salmon, who goes by Phoenix on the street. They worry where they will go if they can't stay in public places. Don't Edit Stephanie Yao Long Above photo: Edward Krotz and Julie "Phoenix" Salmon The couple of five years said they try to move every day or two to avoid upsetting neighbors or getting involved in drama with other campers. On a sunny 80-degree September afternoon, they rested in the grass a few yards from the Bensons' house in Lents. They had been in that spot the night before and would likely not be far from it that night, either, because Salmon was nursing a left ankle swollen to twice its normal size and bruised almost to the point of being unusable. She said it was hit with a baseball bat in another camp. Don't Edit Stephanie Yao Long In August, she was arrested on allegations of damaging hospital furniture in a hospital emergency room. She has not been convicted. "We need to go somewhere," Krotz said. "They call the parks public, so let them be. You don't need to put a house there, but there are ones better than this, so let us go there." Krotz says he has an apartment with roommates after about three years on and off the street but is staying with his girlfriend under a tarp to keep her safe. Don't Edit Don't Edit Stephanie Yao Long They sleep far enough away from the row of five or so tents nearby so they aren't kept awake by people using drugs or fights. But they don't want to be so far away from fellow campers that they are vulnerable to predators. "For everyone else who takes care of their stuff, it makes it look bad for us," Salmon said. "Some people just want to sleep." Don't Edit Stephanie Yao Long -- Molly Harbarger mharbarger@oregonian.com 503-294-5923 @MollyHarbarger The star of such movies as Iruvar, Anthapuram and Puttakkana Highway, Raj has been chosen to receive the Dr Kota Shivaram Karanth Huttara Prashanth, in recognition of his contribution to cinema. By Rohini Swamy: An actor who wants to return his awards shouldn't accept any, Union Minister Sadanand Gowda said of actor Prakash Raj, after the veteran artist was chosen to receive a new accolade. Earlier this week, Raj said he felt like returning his five National Awards to the government, while criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on social media reactions to the murder of senior Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh. But Raj later said he would not return his awards. advertisement The killers of Gauri Lankesh, a close friend of Raj's, have still not been found. "He is very good actor...but nowadays his ideologies support the Left, and that is not in line with what people think today. An actor who says he wants to return his award should not also accept an award - this is my personal opinion," said Gowda, a former Karnataka Chief Minister. The star of Iruvar, Anthapuram and Puttakkana Highway, Raj has been chosen to receive the Dr Kota Shivaram Karanth Huttara Prashanth, in recognition of his contribution to cinema. BJP members on the selection board have now refused to attend the ceremony. Here's the video message in which Prakash Raj denies that he wants to return his awards. "I am not such a fool to give back the National Awards, which have been given to me for my body of work, and which I'm very proud of," he said. What's said...n what's not said. For all out there .. thank you pic.twitter.com/zIT7rnkFxb- Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) October 2, 2017 --- ENDS --- Update: Jerry Cox was located by his family while walking on SW Bell Road Sunday morning. He spent much of the evening at the Shari's Restaurant in Newberg before he was found. Washington County deputies are seeking help locating an elderly man with dementia. Police say Jerry R. Cox, 76, left a home in the 200 block of SW Wooded Hill Lane in southern Washington County at 5 p.m. Saturday for a walk and had not been seen since. Cox is in the ealy stages of dementia and is new to the area. Washington County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue team are deployed to look for Cox, who is 5'10" tall and weighs 165 lbs. He was last seen wearing a green windbreaker jacket and either blue jeans or khaki pants. If you have information on Mr. Cox's whereabouts, please contact non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111. - Ted Sickinger tsickinger@oregonian.com 503-221-8505; @tedsickinger This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate With more than 100 contestants in the Great Amazon HQ2 Beauty Pageant, it takes a little more than good looks and a plucky attitude to get the judges' attention. Some cities are going above and beyond standard proposals to be sure that their pitches for Amazon's second corporate headquarters are on the company's radar. There's the small town charmer offering to name a city after Amazon, a candidate from the southwest who thought a giant cactus might curry favor with the judges, and the southern bell hoping a big, flashy display will get her noticed. These stunts may seem elaborate but consider what the lucky winner will be taking home: A $5 billion project bringing 50,000 jobs to the winning metro region. The deadline for proposals is Oct. 19, which means we could see even more outrageous stunts over the next two weeks. Continue reading for seven of the craziest things cities have done so far. Tucson: A big symbolic gesture The City of Tucson, Ariz. wanted to send a message to Amazon: "We have room for you to grow here." Cards are a bit old-fashioned for a company devoted to innovative new technologies, so Tucson decided to make its point with a 21-foot saguaro cactus, delivered to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Tucson made its point but the cactus won't find a home in Amazon's giant new botanical spheres. The company declined the gift, choosing instead to donate it to a museum. Philadelphia: Enlisting Ivy League brainpower The University of Pennsylvania's business school, Wharton, is partnering with the City of Philadelphia to leverage the creativity of its students. Wharton is holding two pitch competitions one from its communication program and the other as a business case competition asking students to pitch Philly to Amazon. City officials are planning to attend the contests. Philadelphia also sent a fact-finding delegation to Seattle to inform the city's HQ2 pitch and Amtrak suspended development plans in Philly, pending Amazon's decision. MORE FROM GEEKWIRE: Facebook hackathon applies machine learning to Seattle data to solve civic challenges Streaming ratings are a secret, but new report reveals most popular Netflix, Amazon, Hulu shows Study: Amazon Echo owners love the iPhone, while Google Home keeps it in the Android family Elon Musk's tweets about a solar rescue plan spark interest from Puerto Rico Detroit: The Amazon War Room Dan Gilbert, the Detroit billionaire who founded Quicken Loans and Rock Ventures, has established a 59-person committee made up of business leaders and politicians, including the mayor of nearby Windsor, Ontario. The war room is designing an "Olympics-like bid" for Amazon's HQ2, according to Crain's Detroit. Gilbert and his group are promoting Detroit's proximity to Canada as a way for Amazon to access more international talent. Speculation that Amazon will choose a Canadian city for HQ2, to avoid the tumultuous immigration climate in the U.S., has been swirling since the company announced its second headquarters plan. Gilbert also owns large swaths of real estate in Downtown Detroit, which he is offering up to Amazon. Birmingham: Thinking outside the box Birmingham, Ala. has placed three giant Amazon delivery boxes around town as part of a social media campaign to get the e-commerce giant's attention. Residents are encouraged to snap photos with the boxes and post them to social media with the hashtag #bringatob. It's PRIME time for a #shadesvslogan photo opp. #bigcomtwins #bringatob A post shared by Logan Shoaf (@lshoaf) on Oct 5, 2017 at 10:51am PDT "We heard you are looking for a city that makes bold bets, has the mindset of a pioneer, and thinks big," BringATOB.com says. "Well, meet Birmingham: a city that was built on what's possible. Not only are we off the charts on quality of life and affordability, we have some of the most passionate citizens on planet earth." New Jersey: A giant tax break New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and other lawmakers have pledged to offer tax breaks worth $5 billion if Amazon builds HQ2 in the state. The plan would make an exception for "transformational projects" like Amazon's, offering up to $10,000 for each job the company creates in the state each year for a decade. The bill would allow Amazon to carry the tax credits forward for 50 years and sell up to $25 million to third parties for 20 years, Observer reports. Stonecrest: The City of Amazon The City of Stonecrest, Ga. has approved a plan to carve out a 345-acre stretch of land inside the town to give Amazon its own city if it wins HQ2. But don't expect the Amazon executive team to be managing sewer systems and pubilc transportation. The Atlanta Journal Consitution reports that the "City of Amazon" could make a deal with Stonecrest to get municipal services. It's a bit of a hail mary, as Stonecrest's population is roughly half of what Amazon is seeking: metropolitan areas with at least 1 million residents. Plus, Stonecrest will be competing with nearby Atlanta, which is planning to submit its own proposal. Chicago: A 600-person taskforce Chicago leaders have formed a committee with a cool 600 members dedicated to bringing Amazon's HQ2 to the Windy City. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner are leading the massive taskforce, with help from some high-profile CEOs and government officials, The Chicago Tribune reports. As Basecamp CEO Jason Fried pointed out, the attempt may be slightly misguided: But Chicago does meet many of the criteria Amazon laid out in its RFP and Emanuel has reportedly spoken directly to Bezos on several occasions about HQ2. By Rakesh Ranjan: If the railway ministry has its way, thousands of diesel-guzzling locomotives could be a thing of the past in the country. In a move to expedite the complete electrification of rail network, Indian railways has advanced the deadline by two years to 2020. This means the railways would remove diesel engines in the next three years and all 19,000 trains will run only on electric locomotives, a senior railway official said. Railway minister Piyush Goyal has issued directions to speed up the electrification process of rail routes. Railway officials said this will not only contain greenhouse emission but also save cash-strapped railways at least Rs 11,000 crore annually on fuel expenses. advertisement At present, Indian Railways spends Rs 18,000 crore annually on purchase of diesel. On the other hand, its electricity purchase bill is pegged at Rs 9,000 crore. As per estimates, if railways run all its trains on electricity, the expenditure on purchase of power will be Rs 16,000 crore and thus saving Rs 11,000 crore every year. "We are giving a relook to the ways of speeding up the electrification process of rail lines across the country. The cost on account of power is quite less and so we can do a lot of savings in that," Goyal said recently. Senior officials also maintained that shifting train operations to electric mode will drastically reduce import of diesel from foreign countries that will also be beneficial for the country's economy. At present, Indian railways has a fleet of 19,000 passenger and goods trains. Of these, about 5,000 trains run on diesel consuming nearly 300 crore litre of fuel every year. Sources said railway's power purchase cost has also gone down significantly over the past few years. A number of states have allowed railways to purchase electricity from alternate sources and thus its procurement cost has reduced from Rs 9 per unit to Rs 5 per unit. Earlier, railways had to purchase electricity only from state-owned power utilities. It is to be noted that Goyal, during his previous stint as power minister, had offered the railway ministry help to expedite the electrification process. The power ministry had offered to bear the entire cost of electrification at one go as the process involved no land acquisition. Officials said the entire electrification would cost approximately Rs 35,000 crore. "The savings from not using diesel alone will be around Rs 18,000 crore and the cost will be recovered in seven years. Railways will stop production of diesel locomotives in the country if we achieve the target of complete electrification," a senior official said. The railway ministry has stepped up efforts to electrify 4,000-km route in the current fiscal, a quantum jump from the last year's target of 2,000km. Railway also has rolled out an action plan to drastically decrease the use of diesel in order to reduce energy cost and greenhouse gas emission. Currently, only 42 per cent of total track network is electrified, rest section is operating on fossil fuel. Railways energy bill is touching about Rs 32,000 crore a year, of which diesel is about Rs 18,000 crore. During the last three financial years (2014-2017) and for 2017-18, total number of 93 railway electrification projects consisting of 16,815 kilometre at an estimated cost of Rs 17,165 crore have been included in the Budget. The pace of electrification has been increased from present average of 1,700km route per annum to 4,000km in 2017-18, a senior railway ministry official said. According to the action plan, about 22,000km route has to be electrified by 2021. advertisement WATCH | Operation Bombay Dying: No lessons learned from stampede; authorities waiting for another Elphinstone? --- ENDS --- We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Ben Kiesewetter has a lovely new home with many great amenities, some being added even as we speak. There are hardwood floors, a galley kitchen with a fridge and a two-top stove. The solar-panel energy system will power virtually all of his homes energy needs. He has a queen-sized bed area and up on the roof line, a deck, in hardwood, too. Once completed, Ben will be able to sit up on his deck, enjoy the ocean on one side and mountains on the other, then go back into his home for which he paid $1,400, and ... Wait a minute $1,400 ... for an entire home with ocean and mountain views? Enterprising, adventurous, a professed minimalist who wants to live out his 20s with great memories and not the financial tie-downs that can go with life just out of college, Kiesewetter is a 26-year-old graduate of Normal's University High and engineering school at the University of Illinois who these days lives and works in the pricey San Francisco Bay area. And because of all of that, he's also become an alternative-home-building guru, if not a bit of an Internet sensation because so many are watching the videos being shot of his life. Ben Kiesewetter? He lives in a school bus. His home has 145,000 miles on it. Undergoing a remodeling, with a contractor doing the work and Ben chronicling it all on YouTube in a series of highly professional videos that has grown to having 9,000 followers (to see them, access the Flick blog today at pantagraph.com), his home has the life necessities. And his address? Right now," says Ben, "I live in a driveway in San Jose. Negatives? Oh, yeah, sure. One evening, Ben returned home from work to discover something a bit distressing someone had towed away his home. It was because of a miscommunication. That was back when he was living in a re-tooled 1974 Volkswagen bus and it cost him $300 to get his home out of the impounded vehicles lot. Then there was the time his boss at Anheuser-Busch InBev, the brewery giant, called him in nicely, mind you to suggest there were probable insurance liabilities to him living at work. By that, he meant it literally Ben was parking his home out in the company lot. So Ben said he understood, walked all the way home it was at least 175 steps and shifted it into drive. This all probably starts with Ben's dad Marty Kiesewetter, husband of Connie and a now-retired Bloomington accountant and financial adviser. Its probably all my fault, Marty admits, with a laugh. After Bens college graduation, in one of those father-son quality-time things before son-wanders-off-on-his-own, Marty and Ben took a road trip to California, traveling up and down the Golden State, doing the adventure in a '70s-vintage VW bus. It was such fun, Ben decided he wanted to get his own bus, for his own road trips. That's also when one evening, while with friends, one of them suggested Ben not only buy a VW bus but also try living in it. Everybody laughed. But the more I thought about it, says Ben, the more I knew that was exactly what I should do. So Ben found an old VW van an original bright-orange "pop top" and lived in it for a year, at various locales. "Finding a parking place will always be my problem," says Ben. And now, having moved up to a school bus it's one of those yellow short buses, a former 16-seater Ben mulls its advantages. Every day is, as he puts it, a micro-adventure. He saves about $1,500 a month in Bay area rent. He takes with him each day almost everything he owns and, because of obvious space limitations, isn't tempted to buy much else. Time is rarely wasted. I dont have the option to sit on the couch for just a minute, turn on the TV and, three hours later, have no idea where the time went. I also dont have the option to sleep in and get out of bed at noon. A van or bus gets hot once the sun is shining. There are, of course, the vehicular issues. As an example, taking your entire home to the garage can be a hassle. For ease of day travel, he also owns a car, and then drives home each night to his bus. Then there's the occasional nature call and need for a bathroom and shower. (Thank goodness, says Ben, for his gym membership and, if in the middle of a night, "the Gatorade bottle.") But Ben's "biggest fear" in life right now, he says, "is looking back in 30 years and having regrets on how I utilized my time. My fulfillment comes from exploring, adventuring, being outdoors. In the time since living in a van, Ive gotten my skydiving license, traveled to Africa, summited Mount Kilimanjaro, explored the beauty of California, taken many trips to visit friends. Experiences over things is how I try to live. And, oh what an experience is his home. Think about it if life's adventure is in the journey, not the destination, then Ben Kiesewetter is already living that, 24/7/365. And a ritzy, materialistic Park Plaza address? Heck, Bens just trying to find a plaza in which to park. BLOOMINGTON The First Church of Nazarene on Bloomington's east side is celebrating more than 100 years in the community with special ceremonies this weekend. The church at 2207 N. Towanda Barnes Road will hold a centennial service at 10 a.m. Sunday (today) with a focus on its future ministry. A service and reception on Saturday night featured former pastors and members and included reflection on the church's past. On Sunday, the band The Narrow will lead a service by guest preacher Scott Sherwood, a lifelong member will be honored, the mortgage papers will be burned and the congregation will celebrate a remodeled sanctuary. Sunday's service will be followed with a lunch at noon. The Rev. Bob Hasselbring, who has served as pastor for nearly two years, described the celebrations as a look through the rearview mirror and the windshield. The mirror is just there for a glance to look back and celebrate Gods faithfulness, but we cant rest on that view. We have to look out through the windshield for the vision God has for us. We want to find new, relevant, fresh ways to bring the message of Gods healing grace and peace to Bloomington-Normal, he said. Hasselbring said the church of about 100 members was founded in 1915 with four families meeting to worship in their Bloomington homes. It was one of the first Nazarene churches in the area after the denomination was established in 1908, he said. Before settling in the current location on Towanda-Barnes Road 21 years ago, the church home was at 701 W. Washington St. Since then, First Church of Nazarene has planted several sister churches in Central Illinois, including Grace Church of the Nazarene and Point of Change Church of the Nazarene, both in Bloomington. We have a strong heritage, not only in town but across the district. Its a privilege to be a part of this community, said Hasselbring. Besides the regular 10 a.m. service each Sunday, the church also hosts a weekly home school group, Bible study, youth group, children's ministry and prayer sessions. Hasselbring said the church is planning further outreach activities. Khan said the quick repatriation of Rohingya refugees will be the main agenda of his visit. Newly arrived Rohingya refugees board a boat as they transfer to a camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. (Photo: Reuters) By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan is expected to visit Myanmar this month, to hold talks on the repatriation of Rohingya who have fled that nation's insurgency-affected Rakhine state. Khan said Bangladesh wants to "send back all Rohingya to Myanmar successfully." The quick repatriation of the refugees will be the main agenda of his visit, he said. advertisement The home minister said the Sheikh Hasina administration had set up camps to record Rohingya refugees' bio-metric data. As many as 91,423 Rohingya have already been registered, and some 9,000 more join that list every day, he said. Asaduzzaman Khan also refuted a media report that claimed 22 Rohingya posing as refugees had been arrested in Bangladesh for their alleged role in the massacre of Rohingya Hindus. He said the soil of Bangladesh can't be used by any militant group, and that no such arrests had been made. WATCH | MY TAKE with Rajdeep Sardesai | Put humanity before India when deciding to deport Rohingyas --- ENDS --- A Saybrook man was charged in McLean County court Thursday with several counts of possession of a firearm by a felon as well as drug charges. BLOOMINGTON Seventeen months after he asked the Illinois attorney general's office to review allegations that three members of the county's Board of Health conducted public business in secret, McLean County State's Attorney Jason Chambers still waits for a response. Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office was asked in May 2016 to review Chambers' concerns over more than 4,000 pages of emails between former Board of Health President Becky Powell and current members Jane Turley and Cory Tello with former health department Administrator Walt Howe. The records detail a long-running practice of conducting public business, including evaluations of Howe, board appointments and budget decisions, outside open meetings. The three members and Howe routinely met as an executive committee that did not share the entirety of their discussions with the board. After the three members were told by Chambers' office of the need to comply with the Open Meetings Act by posting notice of their meetings, the committee "decided to rename it 'Board of Health Officers' rather than changing the conduct or complying with the law," Chambers said in his request for a review by Madigan's office. In May 2017, Chambers said he is concerned that the extended wait for an opinion could remove the state's option of filing misdemeanor charges against the three members. The 18-month statutory limit for filing a charge could expire in November. Madigan's office did not respond to a request for comment on the protracted review. The health board has made several major changes in how it does business since the disclosure of the emails that also contained evidence of the animosity that existed between Howe and some McLean County Board members. Howe left the agency in February and later took a position with the Illinois Public Health Association and a reorganization of the board under Judy Buchanan has brought more transparency and a better relationship with county officials. Cathy Coverston Anderson was named interim administrator while the board is conducting a search of Howe's replacement. Puerto Ricans are Americans. However, a recent survey by The Morning Consult, a research company, found that only 54 percent of Americans know that people born in Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens. The island, a territory of the United States, may exist in people's minds as not related to us because it's not clear that it will ever pursue statehood, despite years of nationwide referendums with varying outcomes. Until it does, Puerto Rico remains something of a distant cousin to the United States one of those so-distant cousins that most people aren't sure they're actually related. The myth that Puerto Rico is not part of America is so pervasive and ingrained in our society that even children internalize the misunderstanding. At the beginning of the school year, I was observing a classroom in which high school seniors were learning how to form arguments to defend their opinions. The task was for small groups of students to decide on which flavor of ice cream was the best and then persuade the rest of the classroom toward consensus. At this predominantly Hispanic and overwhelmingly Mexican school, the students nominated flavors ranging from ordinary, like plain vanilla and chocolate, to decadent and tropical. One young woman wrote on her group's poster: "The best flavor is coquito, because it soothes my foreign soul." Coquito is a Puerto Rican treat an eggnog-type of drink made with coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk and spices and when I read the student's comment, I nearly jumped out of my skin. Only respect for another teacher's classroom kept me from calling a timeout to discuss this student's egregious mistake. When the bell rang, I ran to catch her and asked, "Are you Puerto Rican?" She shyly said, "Yes." I told her, "Don't ever call yourself a foreigner again Puerto Ricans are American citizens. Your soul is not foreign here, it's as beautiful and as part of America as everyone else's." She broke into a big, wide grin and gave me a sheepish nod. It was a moment that struck me because we were standing less than three miles from Humboldt Park, the epicenter of the Puerto Rican community in Chicago, and the only nationally recognized Puerto Rican neighborhood in the country. Still, it wasn't that surprising. As with all subjects that are taught in school with the exception of writing and math geography and civics are pretty watered down. In units about the geography of the United States, it's rare for much time (if any) to be spent on Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands or other American territories. As such, Puerto Ricans are not alone in these sorts of misunderstandings. My younger son's best friend is from St. Croix, and he is forever forced to deliver his elevator speech about it being part of the U.S. Virgin Islands and that he is a U.S. citizen. (And in stark contrast to the media's albeit late reaction to the plight of Puerto Rico following recent hurricanes, few are talking about the devastation in the U.S. Virgin Islands.) As a music geek, the media and public's anemic handling of the aftermath of Puerto Rico's hurricane-related destruction - largely because too few realize that Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. got Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein's "America" looping through my brain. "West Side Story" has always been my favorite musical, but the tragedy made me listen with new ears. Anita and Rosalia duel about the charms and challenges of Puerto Rico with Anita complaining: "Always the hurricanes blowing, always the population growing." Later the chorus sings the fundamental misnomer, "Immigrant goes to America, Many hellos in America," before it immediately corrects itself: "Nobody knows in America, Puerto Rico's in America!" Repeat after me: Puerto Ricans are not immigrants or foreigners. If anything good can come out of the suffering and devastation our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico are experiencing, let it be that they can rebuild their community to be stronger than ever. And, maybe, their fellow citizens on the mainland can finally understand their citizenship status better. It's past time to do so. After all, Puerto Ricans are the second largest Hispanic-origin group in the U.S., there are more Puerto Ricans living on the mainland of the United States than on the Island, and the majority of them were born here. It really shouldn't have taken a weather tragedy to bring these facts to light. Nelly was arrested for allegedly raping a woman on his tour bus Saturday morning around 3:45am in Auburn, Washington in a Walmart parking lot after his joint concert with country-pop group Florida Georgia Line. According to TMZ, Nelly was booked on second degree rape charges after the unidentified woman accused him of rape. He was taken into police custody but later released without being charged. Both Nelly and his lawyer deny the accusation, calling it a false allegation. "Nelly is the victim of a completely fabricated allegation. Our initial investigation, clearly establishes the allegation is devoid of credibility and is motivated by greed and vindictiveness," a statement from his lawyer reads. "I am confident, once the scurrilous accusation is thoroughly investigated, there will be no charges. Nelly is prepared to pursue all all legal avenues to redress any damage caused by this clearly false allegation." Nelly took to Twitter to defend his innocence: Let me say that I am beyond shocked that I have been targeted with this false allegation. I am completely innocent. I am confident that once the facts are looked at , it will be very clear that I am the victim of a false allegation. Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo) October 7, 2017 I do want to apologize to my loved ones for the embarrassment and for putting myself in a situation where I could be victimized by this false and defaming allegation. Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo) October 7, 2017 In other words y'all know damm well I ain't do no dumm S^*t like this..!! Love ..!!!! Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo) October 7, 2017 To be absolutely clear. I have not been charged with a crime therefore no bail was required. I was released , pending further investigation. Nelly_Mo (@Nelly_Mo) October 7, 2017 His manager Juliette Harris said in an email to USA Today that the rapper would not be playing his scheduled tour stop tonight in Ridgefield, Washington. [h/t Vulture] Image via BFA DJ Steve Aoki has launched a special edition t-shirt through his Vision Street Wear line to benefit victims and families of the Las Vegas mass shooting, with 100 percent of net proceeds going to support the Las Vegas Victims' Fund. Aoki, who lives and works in Las Vegas, honored his home during the Jimmy Kimmel Live Outdoor Concert on Thursday. The Fund was started by Clark County Commission Chair Steve Sisolak and Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo, and has already raised $10 million of its $15 million goal so far. Head here to pre-order a shirt and benefit the victims of the deadliest mass shooting in American history. Images courtesy of Steve Aoki Radio Television Ireland (RTE) reports today that More than 300 people have attended a rally in Athenry, Co Galway, Ireland to support Apple's proposed 850m data centre for the town. The computer multinational was granted planning permission over two years ago but construction has been delayed by legal challenges. A final court decision on whether the project can go ahead is expected on Thursday. The RTE further noted that "Today's march was organized by a campaign group calling itself 'Apple for Athenry'. Organizers highlight the economic benefits of the proposed data centre: 300 construction jobs over multiple phases and 150 technical positions on an ongoing basis. It would be the single biggest investment ever made west of the Shannon. The centre was approved over two years ago, but the project was the subject of a judicial review on environmental grounds following appeals by local residents and a landowner. Apple first announced plans to build a data centre in Athenry in February 2015." In July Patently Apple posted a report titled "Ireland's IDA is calling for a Shake-Up before the Apple Data Center Project and others are lost to other Countries." IDA Ireland is the agency responsible for the attraction and development of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ireland. In July the IDA Chief Executive Martain Shanahan was calling for a shake-up of the planning system amid fears the considerable delays could lead to Athenry losing the Apple project. About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or negative behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus. On September 30, St Hugh's, one of the colleges in Oxford, removed a portrait of the more renowned old scholars from its privileged place at the main entrance. The reason for the symbolic fall from grace was not announced, but since we are talking about Aung San Suu Kyi, it's a fair guess that this was a reaction to allegations of ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims by the Myanmar army, forcing millions to flee their homes. This military action came in response to attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a Rohingya insurgent group, on several security checkpoints, killing of scores of police officers first in October 2016 and then August 25 this year when 12 security personnel died in a coordinated attack. Both times, Myanmar's security forces responded with massive "clearance operations" to root out ARSA, forcing over 500,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh. However, KK Sharma, director-general, Border Security Force, points out that only 200 Rohingya refugees have come into India in the past two years of whom only 12 have been apprehended this year. The UN said the military's response was "clearly disproportionate" to the attacks and warned that Myanmar's treatment of the Rohingya appeared to be a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing". advertisement The flight of Rohingya from Myanmar has sparked global outrage as over half a million of them have fled primarily to Bangladesh in the past five years. Myanmar, however, found an ally in India. During his visit to the country in the first week of September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Suu Kyi: "We share your concern about the extremist violence in Rakhine state and especially the violence against the security forces and how innocent lives have been affected and killed." India is actively pursuing a good relationship with Myanmarese army officials in the hope that it can enlist their help in acting against militants in India's northeast, many of whom are based in Myanmar's jungles. It's perhaps no coincidence that Indian military forces have conducted two operations against northeastern insurgents inside the territory of Myanmar within a span of one year. Going by a letter the Union home ministry sent to all states on August 8, it's clear that the Indian government's stand on the Rohingya was formulated even before the August 25 violence. The home ministry communique said the Rohingya immigrants in India were a potential security threat and a burden on scant resources, and asked the law enforcement and intelligence agencies to take "prompt steps in identifying the illegal migrants and initiate the deportation processes expeditiously". India, according to government claims, is home to 40,000 Rohingya settled in Jammu, Hyderabad, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan. A majority of them entered the country when Myanmar stripped the Rohingya of their citizenship in 1982. As per the latest estimates of the refugee agency UNHCR, India has 200,000 refugees, making it the 25th-largest refugee-hosting country. The country is home to a diverse mix of refugees-Tibetans who came in 1959; Bangladeshis who came in 1971; Chakmas in 1963 and again in the 1970a; Tamils from Sri Lanka in 1983 and 1989, and again in 1995; and Afghan refugees from the 1980s. Refugees have come from all over the world, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Somalia, Congo, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan and Syria. In 2012, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres lauded India's refugee policy as an example for the rest of the world. advertisement For the first time, the Union government has announced its intent to deport a refugee group-home minister Rajnath Singh called them 'illegal immigrants'-though it's unclear how the government would convince Myanmar to take back people who it does not recognise as its citizens. "Are we going to deport an entire community knowing they will certainly face persecution upon return, because they may cause a threat to our demographics in the future?" asks Roshni Shanker, executive director, The Ara Trust, Centre for Refugee Law & Forced Migration Studies. "We have never adopted such a stand in the past and it's unclear why the Rohingya as a community are being singled out." India's reaction to every refugee situation has always been guided by political consideration, not by any constitutional policy as it is among the few countries in the world that neither has a national refugee protection framework nor an immigration policy. India is also not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, or its 1967 Protocol. Nor has India ratified the 1954 UN Convention on Statelessness or the 1961 UN Convention on Reduction of Statelessness. India is under no obligation, therefore, to provide rights set out in the conventions to refugees. It takes decisions on granting long-term visas to refugees essentially on an ad hoc basis. "Due to such an ad hoc arrangement, India lacks a clear and consistent asylum regime which in turn allows different governments to adopt policies driven by their own political considerations," says Shanker. advertisement Most human rights activists allege the BJP government's stand against the Rohingya is driven not by security concerns but its anti-Muslim ideology. "If Tamil refugees did not pose any security threat in India, though LTTE recruited heavily from their ranks, why would the Rohingya be any security threat? Just because they are Muslim and not to be trusted?" asks Irfan Engineer, director, Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai. In India, while refugees from neighbouring countries (barring Myanmar) seek protection directly from the government and are issued documentation by the Foreigner Regional Registration Officers (FRROs), non-neighbouring countries (and Myanmar) come under the UNHCR mandate that assesses each individual asylum claim and issues an ID card to those recognised as refugees after seeking biometric data for registration, followed by a comprehensive interview by the UNHCR officer. The whole process takes anywhere between 6 months to a year. The government currently allows refugees, including Rohingya, with UNHCR IDs to apply for a 'long-term visa', which the government issues on a case-by-case basis. advertisement "Unfortunately, given that the UNHCR is allowed to operate only in New Delhi, not all refugees (including Rohingya) are able to formally seek asylum as they often don't have the means to travel to Delhi or stay there while their case is being assessed," says Shanker. That's the reason why, of the 40,000 Rohingya in the country, only 16,500 are registered with the UNHCR. To make refugee settlement more systematic, the government proposed amending the Citizenship Act, 1955. In July last year, the Union government tabled the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Parliament, which seeks to allow illegal migrants of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian faith, who faced religious persecution in Afghanistan, Bangladesh or Pakistan, to not be imprisoned or deported. The bill, though, doesn't cover Muslim refugees or extend to other neighbours such as Nepal, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. That was the first indication of the government's contradictory stand on Rohingya settlers in India. A joint parliamentary committee is now examining the bill following protests in Assam where the public refused to take the burden of "illegal Hindu immigrants" from Bangladesh. Supporting the bill, BJP leader and Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma even claimed that Assamese Hindus needed 150,000 "illegal Bengali Hindus" to counter the 5.5 million "illegal Muslim immigrants" in the state. Though these are not official numbers, the BJP leader's bizarre logic nullifies a common grouse against the Rohingya-they are a burden on our economic resources. "If 40,000 Rohingya are an economic burden on us, imagine what harm 1.5 lakh Hindu Bangladeshis can cause to a state like Assam. Why only the Rohingya, the government must deport illegal immigrants from Bangladesh who have entered India for economic reasons," says Upamanyu Hazarika, a Supreme Court lawyer. According to Rahul Rai, director of the Indian Institute of Human Rights in Delhi, as a responsible global power, India cannot shy away from its humanitarian responsibility towards the Rohingya. Professor Surya Deva of the School of Law of City University of Hong Kong, whom the UN Human Rights Council has named as an advisor to one of its working groups on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises, agrees. "Consistent with India's growing economic and political status in the international arena, it should play its part in accepting a certain number of Rohingya," he says. The Centre's contradictory stand on refugees was further highlighted when on September 14, the Union government sent humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh to help the country deal with the influx of the Rohingya. "We are willing to provide financial aid to Bangladesh for the same cause but are concerned about the economic viability of doing the same within our borders," says Shanker. Though human rights agencies and activists have criticised the government for its attempt to tar all Rohingya migrants as terror suspects, there has been enough evidence that global jihadi groups have seized upon the crisis. That even UNHCR-registered refugees can pose a threat became evident in the October 2016 attack on an Ansar auxiliary police outpost inside the Nayapara refugee camp in Bangladesh. The man behind the attack, Nurul Avsar, a.k.a. Ruhullah, was a registered refugee at the camp. Veena Sikri, former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, supports the government's decision to deport the Rohingya saying there is every possibility of ARSA radicalising Rohingya in India. In a statement released on September 14, ARSA said it had no links with Al Qaeda, ISIS, LeT or any other terror group. Security analysts and terrorism experts are not convinced as according to a 2016 report by the International Crisis Group (ICG) ARSA leader Ataullah abu Ammar Junjuni, a.k.a. Hafiz Tohar, was born in Karachi and went to a madrassa in Saudi Arabia. ARSA mentor Abdus Qadoos Burmi, another Pakistani of Rohingya descent, has even appeared in meetings with LeT supremo Hafiz Mohammed Sayeed. According to ICG, ARSA is led by a committee of Rohingya immigrants in Saudi Arabia. On September 17, the Delhi Police Special Cell arrested Al Qaeda operative Samiun Rahman, a 28-year-old UK national, who allegedly wanted to set up a terror module in eastern India recruiting Rohingya Muslims. This is not the first time a connection of Rohingya militants with Al Qaeda has come to the fore. After 9/11, US troops found multiple videos of Myanmar jihadists training at Al Qaeda camps in Afghanistan. In 2013, when UPA was in power, the Delhi police's interrogation of alleged Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) operative Khalid Mehmood also threw up evidence of Rohingya militants' connection with Pakistan. While human rights activists agree that the government is within its rights to take action against any immigrant indulging in "anti-national" activities, they think it's unfair to brand an entire community terrorist. "If concrete information is available about certain Rohingya being involved in terrorist activities, they should be denied entry and deported. But it is unreasonable to label the entire class of people as a potential security threat. The government can, of course, put in place an enhanced scrutiny process," says Deva. Following the August 8 order, two Rohingya immigrants in India-Mohammad Salimullah and Mohammad Shaqir-who are UNHCR-registered, filed a petition in the Supreme Court to seek assurance from the government that they would not be deported to Myanmar. In response, the home ministry on September 18 submitted a 16-page affidavit saying that the government would provide evidence of Rohingya links with "extremist groups" and illegal transfer of money. The affidavit went on to say that the government had reports from security agencies and other credible sources indicating linkages of some of the Rohingya immigrants with Pakistan-based terror organisations and similar organisations operating in other countries. It also said there was information on Rohingya involvement in plots by the ISIS and other "extremist groups" to ignite communal and sectarian violence. In a rejoinder petition, the two Rohingya immigrants said they are "not merely illegal migrants" because they fled Myanmar amid severe repression and genocide. This entitles them to protection under several international conventions based on the principle of non-refoulement, according to which, no asylum seeker can be sent back to a country where their "life or freedom would be threatened on account of his race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion". Sticking to its stand that the apex court should not interfere with a core executive function, the Union government told the court that decisions on illegal immigrants are taken on a case-to-case basis. "There cannot be any comparison or claim of discrimination based on an earlier decision taken with respect to one set of illegal immigrants vis-a-vis another set of illegal immigrants," read the government's rejoinder affidavit filed on October 3. Though India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN refugee convention, the UNHCR in Delhi said in a statement that the principle of non-refoulement is part of customary international law and binding on countries regardless of whether or not they are signatories to the convention. In the affidavit it gave the apex court, the Union government claimed it was not bound by the principle, as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that India has signed does not cover it. Besides, the policy of non-refoulement is not absolute but limited by concerns of national security, even under the 1951 convention. However, global criticism and pressure at home-on August 18, the NHRC issued a notice to the home ministry over its decision to deport Rohingya refugees-have forced the government to soften its stance. "We have asked the states to find all illegal immigrants and take action. It's not about any particular community," says Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju. In a written statement to India Today, UNHCR said it had got no official communication from the government on any change in its stance on refugees and there were no reported cases of deportations of UNHCR-registered Rohingya from India. Several observers believe the BJP government's rigid stand against the Rohingya may be rooted in "economic and diplomatic" reasons and have nothing to do with its "communal outlook". In 2011, Myanmar instituted reforms opening up the country to foreign investment. Consequently, the coastal areas of Rakhine state became of strategic importance to India and China as both have been seeking to extend their geopolitical influence in the region. While a transnational pipeline built by the China National Petroleum Company connecting Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine, to Kunming, China, began operations in September 2013, India's Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project aims at developing transport infrastructure in southwest Myanmar and India's northeast. Political observers believe that instead of going after the Rohingya, the Indian government should use its global position to put pressure on Myanmar to create an environment for the Rohingya to return and end further migration. In fact, during Modi's visit to Myanmar, the Indian government gave them a draft memorandum of understanding for a development programme for the Rakhine state. Meanwhile, the Myanmar government is yet to work on the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, headed by former UN General Secretary Kofi Annan. It was Suu Kyi who had set up the commission in October 2016 to draw up proposals to foster reconciliation between different communities in the restive state. The 63-page report, submitted on August 25, concluded that Rakhine was experiencing a threefold crisis related to development, human rights and security. Referring to the majority Arakanese Buddhist group and the minority Rohingya, the report says if these challenges are not addressed immediately, there is a danger of further radicalisation among both groups. The commission specifically recommends the revision of the 1982 citizens' rights law, which took away the citizenship of the Rohingya. On September 7, in an interview to news agency ANI, Suu Kyi defended her handling of the crisis: "It is a little unreasonable to expect us to solve the issue in 18 months. The situation in Rakhine has been such since many decades. Our resources are not as complete or adequate as we would like them to be, but still, we try our best and we want to make sure that everyone is entitled to protection of the law." Protection of law is what the Rohingya are seeking at the moment. The Indian government does not seem to want to oblige them at the moment. --- ENDS --- About 200 security personnel drawn up from the Police and Military service, have been deployed to the scene of a fatal gas explosion that occured at the Atomic Junction off the Madina-Haatso road. Deputy Minister of Information, Hon Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, confirmed this to the media a short while ago The fire was first noticed by attendants at a gas station when LPG that was being discharged at Atomic Junction started to leak. The station attendants saw the leak and evacuated the area. The leaked gas had by then formed a cloud in the sky above the station. According to reports, a khebab seller opposite the station then started a fire to sell his product (chinchiga). Unfortunately, the fire shot up into the air and connected with the "gas cloud"; catching fire instantly. The first explosion was said to be so severe that students of Presec, Legon had to be evacuated. The sky lit up at about 7:30pm, and from a distance of about 30km away, the explosion could still be visible in the cloudy skies. Two more explosions subsequently followed causing passers by, commuters and residents in the area to run helter-skelter. Residents of Haatso, Madina and UPSA area abandoned their homes for dear life. Details of the gas explosion are still sketchy. It is unclear if the fire that led to the gas explosion was as a result of an accident or non-adherence to proper safety procedures, but what initially compounded rescue operations, Peacefmonline understands, was the sudden thunderstorm that hit certain parts of Accra, minutes after the gas explosion. At least 5 cars are said to have been torched, while 7 people are reported to have died. 132 suffered various degree of injuries and were admitted at the 37 Military Hospital, Madina Polyclinic, Pentecost Hospital, Legon Hospital, and the Police Hospital 64 have been discharged, whiles 68 are still on admission. Personnel from the Fire Service and Police Service are said to be at the scene. Meanwhile, commuters are advised to keep off the road leading to Madina, Adenta, Oyarifa, Aburi and use alternative routes for now. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. After a 29-year-old Iraq War veteran used a pickup truck to save 20 to 30 injured people during the mass shooting in Las Vegas, an Arizona car dealership is giving him a truck of his own. Shane Beaus, owner of B5 Motors in Gilbert, Arizona, was so moved when he read about the heroics of Taylor Winston that he offered to give him a silver Ford F-150, the Arizona Republican is reporting. Winston, a U.S. Marine Corps vet from San Diego, is expected to pick up the truck on Monday. "It's very, very courageous what he did," Beus told the paper. "He was willing to risk his life and run back into the storm and help out." Winston told "CBS This Morning" he was dancing with his girlfriend at the Route 91 Harvest Festival country music concert moments before he heard popping sounds that he first thought were fireworks. Winston described the scene as a "mini war zone", and then decided that while he couldn't fight back, he could still help. "I saw a field with a bunch of white trucks. I tested my luck to see if any of them had keys in it, first one we tried opening had keys sitting right there. I started looking for people to take to the hospital," Winston told CBS. "There was just too many and it was overwhelming how much blood was everywhere." He loaded the victims with the most serious injuries into a pickup truck and drove them to a nearby hospital, then made two more trips, according to reports. As Hurricane Nate prepares to make landfall in Louisiana, the remnants of the storm are expected to eventually reach Pennsylvania. Forecasters expect anywhere from 1 to 3 inches in central Pennsylvania, which AccuWeather says will help ease the recent dryness. "The rainfall deficit in many areas is roughly equal to that which Nate has the potential to deliver," according to the report. AccuWeather went on to say that as long as the bulk of the rain doesn't fall in the span of a few hours, the dry ground should be able to soak it up with ease. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, parts of Pennsylvania are classified as "abnormally dry", including parts of Union, Snyder, and Northumberland counties. National Weather Service meteorologist David Martin said areas across the state are anywhere from 2 to 4 inches below average in terms of rainfall in the last 30 days. "Prior to that, it was abnormally wet," he said. Martin explained that while ground water and lake levels are OK, the ground's surface is abnormally dry. Martin said "moderately heavy" rain is expected as Hurricane Nate's remnants affect the region, but added the rain should fall over a span of 16 hours from Sunday into Monday. Martin also said that aside from storm drains blocked by leaves, there are no flooding concerns. "It (rain) should soak in pretty good and not runoff," he said. By Kirstin Snow That sharp pain in your gluteus maximus? Kirstin Snow (PennLive file) That would be President Donald Trump's proposed tax reform plan, unless of course, you are part of 'the 1 percent' or a small business. The White House's ambiguous plan contains all the buzzwords the average American wants to hear: -reduced tax rates; breaks for the middle class; no taxes on the working poor of our nation, and the simplification of the tax-filing process. It also includes a promise from the President delivered in his speech introducing the plan in late September: "Tax reform will protect low-income and middle-income households, not the wealthy and well-connected. I'm doing the right thing, and it's not good for me, believe me." Believe me. We would love to believe our president. I would love to make filing my taxes easier. Every year it feels like my filing is the size of a doctoral thesis, not a tax document. At a scant nine pages, Trump's plan has fewer sheets of paper than most American's returns. Some folks are paying more to have their taxes prepared than the amount of any refund they might receive. The system surely needs a reset, but does this hit all the right buttons? It sounds simple enough- reduce the number of brackets, limit the filing paperwork, double the standard deduction for everyone, and toss in a tax credit for taking care of mom and dad at the same time you're likely sending your kid off to college. One of the changes you're not hearing about is the elusive description of what may have been assumed to be a typo in this column's opening paragraph: "small business." According to Trump, small businesses will benefit from his plan. Believe me. But just what is Trump's definition of a small business? A picture of the current First Family is the perfect example of said definition. Not exactly what we had in mind, eh? Sleuthing through his proposed plan pulls back the curtains on what is obscurely referred to as a "tax rate structure for small business." The affected businesses, however, are not what we would recognize as small, at all. In fact, they're what economists are calling the ''pass-through loophole" that requires closer inspection unto itself. If the proposal goes through, the Trump family, and those businesses like his, will be in for some rather hefty additional tax breaks. Pass-through income is defined as business income reported to the IRS only by partners or owners of the business. Instead of being classified as C-corporations that pay the corporate income tax and whose shareholders pay personal income tax, pass-through small businesses are partnerships, S-corps or sole proprietorships. Some S-corps are traditionally small. Many, however, are massive, global enterprises consisting of hedge and private equity funds, law practices, consulting and accounting firms, and- finance, real estate and holding companies. Does the latter sound familiar? Additionally, Trump's plan would keep the inheritance tax for capital gains. But here's the rub ... that tax would be null and void if the heirs never sold the property. This means they're still able to borrow against the holdings to extract the value of the inheritance. History has shown that widening the pass-through rules doesn't provide the intended result of exponential economic growth and an increase in jobs and consumer spending. Kansas, the only state to completely exempt pass-through income in 2012, did so under tea-party Gov. Sam Brownback. As a result, revenues promptly plummeted and Kansas was staring down the barrel of a budget crisis. Two years later, the state Legislature took action and repealed the exemption- over Brownback's veto. The pass-through loophole is but one of a myriad of vague ingredients in the president's proposed tax reform that could be argued ad-nauseum. There are loud grumblings in the Republican party over concerns the plan would increase the deficit, which many in the GOP simply will not support. As such it's already beginning to look like the reform package is heading down the same bleak tunnel as repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act, and other failed legislative attempts. I'm betting the "Unified Framework for Fixing Our Broken Tax Code," as the proposal is so eloquently called, won't end up seeing the light at the end of the legislative tunnel. Believe me. Kirstin Snow is an associate at Triad Strategies, a Harrisburg lobbying and public affairs firm. Her "Elephants & Donkeys" column appears every Sunday on PennLive, opposite conservative commentator Charlie Gerow. Most Americans agree that tax reform and significant tax cuts are badly needed. Republican strategist Charlie Gerow (PennLive file) The keys to successfully reinventing our tax system are to make it simple, fair, to encourage U.S. competitiveness and to stimulate economic growth. Not many folks would argue that the tax code isn't too complicated. Weighing in at 75,000 pages it's a monstrous compilation of arcane language and unnecessarily complicated gobbledygook. It's grown like kudzu. Throughout the federal tax code's first 25 years it was less than 500 pages. Now it's nearly 200 times longer than it was originally. The code's sheer size is a problem. The bigger issue is its complexity. In the weeks leading up to April 15 Americans realize how terribly complicated it is. Complying with the federal tax code consumes more than 6 billion hours of time each year. That's all pulled out of the productive economy. As congressional Republicans roll out their blueprint, Americans looking for simplicity, fairness, U.S. competitiveness and a growing economy should be smiling. Although its not all that could be hoped for (legislation never is) it's a big step toward making America more competitive in the world market and a big boost for American workers and middle class families. Yet before the announcement had concluded, Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi and their cronies were busy peddling the "tax cuts for the rich" line. Of course they were; they've been mouthing that line for so long they can't believe there's any other message. The truth is that reforms and tax cuts are needed by all Americans. As President John F. Kennedy boldly proclaimed and President Ronald Reagan proved, "a rising tide lifts ALL boats." The rising tide begins with America competing and winning in the world's economy. The GOP plan will cut corporate rates from 35 percent to 20 percent. That's not as low as President Trump wants, but it's a giant step in the right direction. Right now our corporate tax rate is the highest in the industrialized world. Cutting our rate to 20 percent would put us somewhere in the middle of the pack (the "first-world" average is about 22.5 percent) That major tax cut would allow us to compete much more effectively. It would mean more jobs and fatter paychecks for American workers. The plan would also bring back more than $2.5 trillion that is now parked "offshore" as a shelter against an oppressive tax system. Bringing that money back into the American economy benefits everyone. Another "quiet" but enormous benefit to the American economy is the proposed rate reduction for small business owners who "pass through" income on K1s to their personal returns. That rate would be cut to 25 percent, allowing more money to be re-invested in the growth of small family businesses, the great American job creators. Individuals benefit from the proposed plan both directly and indirectly. Folding seven brackets into three is a good start. Doubling the standard deduction to $24,000 for married couples is a big boost for middle income taxpayers. So is the fact that the bigger deduction eliminates the need for many of the exemptions that clog up the current code. Millions of American taxpayers will now be able to fill out their taxes on something as simple as a postcard. Making our tax system simpler and lowering rates reduces tax avoidance and evasion. It provides more certainty for folks planning for their kids college payments or their retirement. It eliminates many of the factors that allow people with similar incomes to pay very different amounts of taxes. The left, especially those dead set on raising people's taxes, can't stand this. In addition to their worn-out "tax cuts for the rich" monotone, they also claim that cutting taxes will "blow a hole in the deficit." Strangely this crowd was very quiet while the debt grew exponentially. The left's "Tax Policy Center" was out decrying the plan even before it was released. Their argument is based upon a stagnant economy. That's understandable as they are accustomed to the slow growth "secular stagnation" of the Obama years. Thank God, the economy is now growing. We went past 3 percent in the last quarter. The whole idea that we as a nation are consigned to 2% or less growth is abhorrent. A thriving and growing economy is stimulated by cutting tax rates. As Kennedy told us, "The right kind of tax cut at the right time...is the most effective measures that this government could take to spur our economy forward." Kennedy's tax cuts produced economic growth above 5 percent. Reagan's averaged nearly 5 percent after they were fully implemented. Both Kennedy and Reagan accomplished their economy-growing tax cuts through bi-partisan action. Kennedy got help from many Republican congressional leaders. When Reagan pushed his first tax cut, almost 50 House Democrats voted for his plan. When he sought additional tax cuts and simplification, the vote in the Senate was 97-3. Even another Kennedy, brother Ted, voted in favor of the Reagan plan. The rising tide of both the Kennedy and Reagan efforts lifted an awful lot of boats. The tide will again rise if enough congressional Democrats will help make economic growth the by-word of the next era. Party of Hope leader Yuriko Koike, right, speaks as Ruling Liberal Democratic Party leader and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe listens during the party leaders' debate for the Oct. 22 lower house election in Tokyo, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017. Just days before JapanAos national election campaign kicks off on Oct. 10, 2017, all eyes are on Koike, TokyoAos populist governor, a political go-getter and a gambler. Will she jump into the race and try to unseat Prime Minister Abe? (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya got married again in a dreamy Christian ceremony. By India Today Web Desk: Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya's three-day wedding celebrations in Goa continued on Saturday evening with a fairytale-like Christian wedding. The groom's father, Nagarjuna, shared pictures from the couple's big day and netizens couldn't stop gushing over how amazing ChaiSam looked. "And they get married again in a beautiful ceremony," Nagarjuna wrote, as he posted some pictures of the dreamy affair. And they get married again in a beautiful ceremony!! ?????? #chaisam pic.twitter.com/FY8Uqo8FXn- Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) October 7, 2017 advertisement Samantha also took to Instagram to share a picture with her "one true love". One true love ?????? A post shared by Samantha Ruth Prabhu (@samantharuthprabhuoffl) on Oct 7, 2017 at 8:55am PDT Samantha looked stunning in her wedding gown, designed by Kresha Bajaj, while Naga Chaitanya made for a handsome groom in his black tuxedo. The couple had earlier wed in a traditional Hindu ceremony on Friday, at midnight. The celebrations are not yet over. Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya will throw a lavish reception in Hyderabad today. ChaiSam got engaged in January this year. They first met on the sets of Ye Maaya Chesave, and have worked together in films like Manam and Autonagar Surya. ALSO WATCH: I share my success with people, says Nagarjuna --- ENDS --- FILE - In this June 7, 2017 file photo Jason Aldean performs during a surprise pop up concert at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn. AuSaturday Night LiveAu has paid tribute to the victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting and the late rock superstar Tom Petty by opening its show with country star Aldean singing one of PettyAos songs. Aldean was performing at an outdoor concert in Las Vegas on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, when a gunman sprayed bullets into the crowd from a high-rise hotel, killing dozens of people and injuring hundreds. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File) Members of the Eagles grounds crew roll up the tarp protecting the field from rain October 8, 2017 getting ready for the game against the Arizona Cardinals. CLEM MURRAY / Staff Photographer Read more Hurricane Nate, downgraded to a tropical depression one notch below a tropical storm is expected to soak the region on Monday. The hurricane, which made landfall on the central Gulf Coast on Saturday, has weakened and will move Northeast on Sunday night through Monday night, bringing about an inch of rain to Philadelphia and the region. Closer to four inches will fall across Western Pennsylvania and New York. The dousing will occur during a six- to 12-hour time frame, most likely late morning to early evening on Monday. It should bring minimal to no flooding and mild winds between 10 and 12 miles per hour, AccuWeather senior meteorologist Frank Strait said. In the Philadelphia region, some airlines were already offering customers alternative flight options for Monday. "It's basically going to give you a rainy day and it could rain hard for a time, but it won't be anything terribly serious for your area," Strait said. He added that the rain would benefit the Northeast, which has experienced a dry spell over the last month. Nate is the third hurricane to hit the United States in six weeks and the first to make landfall in Mississippi since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Flooding and power outages were reported in Alabama, Mississippi, and parts of Georgia and Tennessee. At least 28 people were killed Thursday when the storm hit Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras. Richard Spencer led another torchlight march of white supremacists at the University of Virginia on Saturday night. Read more Richard Spencer, who in August led white nationalists and white supremacists in a torchlight march across the University of Virginia campus that touched off a weekend of deadly clashes, returned Saturday night to Charlottesville. Spencer, a white nationalist, posted video on social media of followers carrying torches to the statue of Robert E. Lee, which the city has sought to remove. The march coincided with the university's celebration of its bicentennial. "It was a planned flash mob," Spencer said in an interview Saturday night. "It was a great success. We've been planning this for a long time." "We wanted to prove that we came in peace in May, we came in peace in August, and we come again in peace," he said. Their message, he said, is that: "Our identity matters. We are not going to stand by and allow people to tear down these symbols of our history and our people and we're going to do this again." Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer sent a tweet denouncing the march. Wes Gobar, the leader of the U-Va. Black Student Alliance, who was trying to finish a paper for class when he learned of the rally, said it was difficult balancing studies while bracing for the next burst of hatred that might seize Charlottesville. On Saturday, some members of his group knelt in protest during the National Anthem and the school's "Good Old Song." Spencer, a U-Va. graduate, said he was unaware that the school was marking its bicentennial. They have been planning this "for a long time." WVIR-TV reported that Spencer and his group arrived at Emancipation Park about 7:45 p.m., and departed 15 minutes later. The video Spencer posted show him and his crowd chanting, "You will not replace us" They promised to keep returning to Charlottesville, which they argued had become symbolic of their right to speak and also had come to symbolize the tearing down of symbols of the nation's history. "You will not erase us." "We are about our heritage. Not just us Virginians. Not just as Southerners. But as white people we'll take a stand. "You'll have to get used to us. "We're going to come back again and again and again." Then they began singing about Dixie. Officials with the Charlottesville police department did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday night. Spokesmen for the University of Virginia did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The August march at U-Va. with people chanting "Jews will not replace us!" touched off violence between demonstrators and counterprotesters the next day. A man drove into a crowd, killing one woman and injuring others, and two police officers who were monitoring the protests died when their helicopter crashed. In the days that followed, several public universities denied Spencer a platform. Last week, the University of Florida reluctantly agreed it would allow Spencer to speak later this month, saying it had no choice because as a state institution, it must allow expression of all viewpoints. The university, in Gainesville, Fla., is charging the National Policy Institute, which Spencer leads, $10,000 to rent a campus facility and to provide security inside the university's performing arts center. Rafael Colon took to the stage at Outfest and sang Moment of Life by Nicki Minaj for his sister, Melanie, whose killer has yet to be found. Read more If Melanie Colon were at Outfest on Sunday, she would have been in the middle of the action. "She'd probably be at the bar," her brother, Rafael Colon, said with a laugh, "getting a drink, already dancing." "She would be everywhere," said her aunt Elizabeth Rivera. "She was so much life." It has been more than five years since Melanie Colon, a mother and popular DJ in Philadelphia's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, left her Philadelphia home and never returned. The 22-year-old's body was found on May 12, 2012, with gunshot wounds and behind a Juniata Park apartment building. No one has been arrested in her killing. So on Sunday, Rafael "Ralphiee" Colon, 23, of North Philadelphia, took to Outfest's main stage at 13th and Locust Streets, in the heart of the city's Gayborhood, to spread the word about his sister's death, and to remind revelers at the annual LGBT block party, billed as the world's largest National Coming Out Day festival, to appreciate life. "I don't want to rain on nobody's parade," said Colon, who spoke shortly before 1 p.m., just as the morning's drizzle began to slow down. On his white T-shirt, two photos were printed side by side. One was of his sister, Melanie; the other was of Franchesca "Cheka" Alvarado. In 2012, just a couple of months before Melanie Colon died, Alvarado went missing in Atlantic City. Her severed foot was found in 2013 at Corson's Inlet State Park in nearby Ocean City, but her killing remains unsolved. Like Melanie Colon, Alvarado was a 22-year-old from Philadelphia who left behind a young child. Rafael Colon connected with Alvarado's family on social media, and they bonded over their shared pain. He has used his platform to share Alvarado's story, too. Colon didn't delve into the details of the women's killings, telling spectators that they could do a quick Google search and find countless stories about their deaths. "Our babies were taken off this Earth for no reason," Colon said, "and we don't know why." He capped his speech with an energetic rendition of Nicki Minaj's "Moment 4 Life." As he sang and twerked, the Melanie tattoo on his forearm faced the crowd. "Everybody dies," he belted, "but not everybody lives." His aunt approached the stage, capturing the performance on Snapchat. His friend Chelsie Huff danced along with her wife, Alicia Huff. The couple had never met Rafael Colon in person before Sunday morning, Chelsie Huff said. Since Melanie Colon died, Huff said, she had followed Rafael Colon on Facebook, where he regularly updates a page dedicated to his sister's story. When Huff heard Colon was going to speaking at Outfest, she decided to attend for the first time. "I just wish he could get justice for his sister," Huff said. Colon chose to speak at Outfest not only because he is gay, but because his sister, who was bisexual, was so active in the community. At clubs throughout the city, she was known as "DJ Kiss" or "Zee." For years, Colon said, he had considered speaking at the event, but he was scared of rejection. This year, he finally gathered the courage to ask. At first, he said, organizers offered him a table alongside the vendors that lined the streets. Yet he worried that people would pass by, glance at the table, and not learn anything meaningful about his sister's legacy. Thankfully, he said, the organizers called back, offering Colon 10 minutes on the main stage. After five years, Colon said, he doubts his family will ever find out who killed Melanie. But he holds on to a sliver of hope that someday someone will hear her story and know something, anything about what happened back in May 2012. To some, "it's a cold case," Colon said, "but it isn't a cold case to me." By Manoj Joshi: The writer, a former foreign secretary of India, is one of the stars of Indian diplomacy. This important book tells us why. It tells us that Saran is not your run-of-the-mill foreign service officer, but someone who has reflected deeply on India's worldview and whose work as a professional has been informed by a deeper understanding which goes back in India's history. advertisement Yet, though Saran evokes the work of Kautilya and Kamandaki, his analysis focuses in the Westphalian world of today, the issues of Pakistan, China, India's relations with the US and Russia, global problems like climate change and so on. The one issue that emerges from his discussion on the influence of ancient thinkers on Indian political thought is the role of geography. The Kautilyan Mandala was obviously born from the circumstances of the Magadhan state, deep in the Indian heartland, surrounded by friends and enemies. Famously, located where they were, the enormously rich and powerful civilisation of China could never think of any other polity as being an equal. Britain, on the other hand always sought to ensure that no one power became dominant in the continent across the Channel. For the US, secure in its own continent, geopolitics began on the shores of Europe and Asia. Photo : Mail Today Saran somewhat poignantly points out, that the central issue for India is the belief that its security interests cover the entire subcontinent, while that entity itself is a divided polity. There are only two ways out of this - the growth of Indian power to achieve Pax Indica, or, devising political, economic and cultural linkages "to create a web of interdependencies." As is evident post-independence, India's policies have veered in both directions. Neither of the two projects have gotten anywhere near the point of take off, and over-securitisation of India's neighbourhood policy has created more problems for New Delhi than it is willing to admit. To put things in proportion, the bulk of the book is about the practice of contemporary diplomacy and the world view that informs it. As a practitioner, Shyam Saran has been at the ringside of many a diplomatic maneuver and initiative and the book benefits from his detailing of some of them and giving us the author's views. Also Read: #NoMeansNo: Now, a book on Pink, the movie that changed lives On Pakistan, for example, he has compellingly argued for a strategy that combines the use of positive and negative levers, and one which does not allow any interruption of the dialogue. He is right in pointing out that any breakdown in direct communication leads to third-party intervention. advertisement Saran's real metier is in his understanding of China. He learnt Chinese as his special language as a foreign service officer and has, over the years, accumulated a vast deal of knowledge and experience in dealing with the Middle Kingdom. There is an interesting discussion in the book about the differences in ancient Chinese and Indian culture, where the former emphasises the written word, and the latter the spoken one and where one privileges the visual, and the other the aural. This of course also spills over into statecraft and strategic culture. Understanding the adversary is half the battle, and in this, India has often not done too well. Also Read: Hillary Clinton's book on whirlwind 2016 US elections fails to tell readers what happened Informed by the past, grounded in the present, Saran is well qualified to peek into the future where he sees an India as a leader in the emerging new world order. He is firmly convinced that what India has going for itself is its existence as an open, liberal and cosmopolitan society which has the ability to manage diversity and adapt to change. In this he sees the "mindless eruptions of narrow nationalism, communalism and sectarianism" as dangers that detract from the promise that India offers to the world. --- ENDS --- advertisement WASHINGTON President Trump instigated an extraordinary feud Sunday with Sen. Bob Corker, a senior Republican who holds sway over the administration's foreign and domestic policy agenda, prompting the Tennessean to charge that the White House had devolved into "an adult day care center." The trash talk not only breaches what had been one of Trump's few personal relationships on Capitol Hill, but also jeopardizes the president's legislative priorities. As chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Corker will help determine the future of the Iran nuclear deal, and his support will be critical in passing sweeping tax cuts. Trump alleged in a Sunday morning Twitter tirade that Corker recently "begged" him for his endorsement, did not receive it and decided to retire because he "didn't have the guts" to run for reelection next year. Corker tweeted a biting retort: "It's a shame the White House has become an adult day care center. Someone obviously missed their shift this morning." Meanwhile, Corker's chief of staff, Todd Womack, denied Trump's characterization of his private conversations with the senator, who announced last month that he plans to retire and not seek reelection in 2018. Trump's outburst comes after Corker made headlines last week when he starkly suggested that the administration's national security team provides the president with badly needed adult supervision. Corker told reporters that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly "are those people that help separate our country from chaos." Trump, who has little tolerance for public criticism and prides himself on counterpunching those who cross him, took to Twitter on Sunday to attack Corker. Trump tweeted, "Senator Bob Corker 'begged' me to endorse him for re-election in Tennessee. I said 'NO' and he dropped out (said he could not win without . . . my endorsement). He also wanted to be Secretary of State, I said 'NO THANKS.' He is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal! Hence, I would fully expect Corker to be a negative voice and stand in the way of our great agenda. Didn't have the guts to run!" Womack said Trump has repeatedly offered to support Corker, and as recently as last week asked the senator to change his mind and run for reelection. "The president called Senator Corker on Monday afternoon and asked him to reconsider his decision not to seek reelection and reaffirmed that he would have endorsed him, as he has said many times," Womack said in a statement. Apparently unwilling to let Corker's "adult day care center" barb be the last word, Trump tweeted Sunday afternoon that Corker was an ineffective senator and could not "get the job done." The squabble comes just days before Trump is expected to "decertify" the Iranian nuclear pact reached with world powers in 2015 and punt to Congress a decision about whether to restore sanctions against Iran. This would be the first in a series of highly orchestrated steps that White House, State Department and congressional officials primarily Corker, as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have been planning for months. Corker has been one of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's few allies and staunch defenders in Washington, working closely on everything from toughening sanctions on Russia to engaging North Korea diplomatically two issues on which Trump has disagreed with Corker. Corker also looks to play a key role in the upcoming debate over taxes. One of the Senate's most committed deficit hawks and outspoken members on budgetary issues, Corker already has expressed some concerns with the Trump administration's proposal on tax cuts and his vote will be key to any deal getting done. Trump's attack also highlighted his increasingly strained relationship with Senate Republicans, who Trump feels have failed to deliver on his agenda. In recent months, Trump has also gone after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sens. Lindsey Graham, John McCain, and Jeff Flake with cutting and sometimes personal insults. Republican lawmakers and operatives have voiced exasperation that Trump is spending his time attacking senators he will need as allies if he hopes to sign any signature legislation. "The Corker-Trump side show, which is all it is, is great if you love reality TV," GOP strategist Rick Tyler said. "We can stay tuned for the next episode. But it doesn't get you anywhere. It may feel satisfying, but it is meaningless in the context of Republicans proving that they can be a governing majority." Corker was a prominent supporter of Trump's 2016 campaign and one of the few Republicans with gravitas willing to embrace the reality television star's candidacy before he won the GOP nomination. Corker publicly praised Trump's first major foreign policy speech in April 2016, at a time during the primaries when most other party elders were shunning Trump. Corker also helped tutor Trump on foreign affairs, and he in turn considered the senator as a possible vice presidential running mate and secretary of state. Both Trump and Corker entered politics after careers as business executives, both in real estate and construction, and their shared backgrounds gave them a level of mutual understanding at a time when few in Congress can claim to understand the president's motivations. Corker was one of only a few senators to develop a personal relationship with Trump and his family. Known for his blunt commentary, Corker had long softened any public criticism of Trump or his administration with carefully worded praise. But that changed this past summer, as tensions between the two men flared. In August, Corker criticized Trump's handling of the deadly white-supremacist rally in Charlottesville, saying, "The president has not yet been able to demonstrate the stability nor some of the competence that he needs to demonstrate in order to be successful." Then, as now, Corker became a subject of Trump's ire. In response to the senator's "stability" and "competence" comments, Trump tweeted, "Tennessee not happy!" Trump later gave Corker grief about the comment during a meeting in the Oval Office, according to a Republican congressional official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the private conversations. But the episode did not seem to derail what was generally a good-natured relationship between the two. When Corker later called Trump to tell him that he had decided to retire a decision Corker made on his 65th birthday, Aug. 24 the president expressed disappointment, the congressional official said. More recently, Trump has fumed over Corker's tangential connection to last month's Alabama Senate Republican primary runoff election, in which Trump's favored candidate, Sen. Luther Strange (R., Ala.) was defeated by former judge Roy Moore, who enjoys the backing of many of Trump's supporters in the state. Corker urged Trump to visit Alabama and campaign alongside Strange in the closing days of the runoff campaign, and the president now partly blames Corker for encouraging him to get involved in a contest that has hurt his political standing, according to a person close to Trump and familiar with the dynamics. Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget, said Sunday that he thinks Corker feels free to speak his mind now that he is not seeking reelection. "I think it's going to be fun to work with him, especially now that he's announced that he's not running for reelection, because I think it sort of unleashes him to do whatever and say whatever he wants to say," Mulvaney said on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday. President Trump continued to make vague threats toward North Korea on Saturday, saying that diplomatic negotiations and agreements over the years have not worked and that "only one thing will work," without elaborating on what that one thing would be. "Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid . . . hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!" Trump tweeted in two messages on Saturday afternoon. North Korean officials have previously called some of Trump's comments and tweets declarations of war. U.S. analysts have said that North Korea's nuclear program has quickly accelerated and the country is now making missile-ready nuclear weapons. Last week, tensions again escalated as North Korea threatened to shoot down U.S. military planes, even if they are not in the country's airspace. The president's latest tweets come as the world continues to try to decipher another cryptic message that Trump issued on Thursday night at the White House, as he posed for a photo with the country's top military leaders. "You guys know what this represents?" Trump asked reporters in the room that night. "Maybe it's the calm before the storm." When pressed to explain what he meant, Trump said: "You'll find out." The White House has declined to explain what, if anything, the president meant with that comment. "We're never going to say in advance what the president's going to do," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at the Friday news briefing. "You'll have to wait and see." As Trump left the White House on Saturday evening, reporters again asked him what the comment meant. "Nothing to clarify," the president said. When pressed again on what he meant, Trump said: "Well, you'll figure that out pretty soon." Trump also said that he has "a very good relationship" with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, despite a report from NBC News this week that Tillerson has been deeply frustrated with the president and even referred to him a "moron" after a meeting at the Pentagon in late July. Trump doesn't believe that report, which was sourced to three officials, and again called it "fake news" on Saturday. "We have a very good relationship," Trump said of Tillerson on Saturday. "We disagree on a couple of things. Sometimes I'd like him to be a little bit tougher, but, other than that, we have a very good relationship." President Trump has his fair share of critics in Congress, but with one Sunday morning tweetstorm, he has risked making a policy rival out of someone who could have counted as an ally for his agenda. Trump's Twitter rant against Sen. Bob Corker (R., Tenn.) comes just days before Trump is expected to announce that he will not certify Iran is in compliance with the nuclear pact with reached with world powers in 2015, the first in a highly orchestrated series of steps that White House, State Department and congressional officials primarily Corker, as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have been planning for months. It also comes as Congress is diving into tax reform, a must-win issue for the GOP if it hopes to check off any bit of its promised agenda in 2017. Corker is one of the Senate's most committed deficit hawks and outspoken members on tax policy. But Corker is now also a free agent, after announcing last month that he would not seek re-election in 2018. Trump focused on that decision in his Sunday morning tirade against Corker, in which he accused the senator of "begging" for an endorsement Trump refused prompting Corker to tweet that someone had "obviously missed their shift" at the "adult day care center" the White House had become. Corker is known for his blunt and witty commentary delivered with a thick Tennessee drawl, but for months, he softened any public criticism of the Trump administration with carefully worded praise. That began to change over the August recess, when Corker told reporters in Tennessee that "the president has not yet been able to demonstrate the stability nor some of the competence that he needs to demonstrate to be successful." Trump later gave him grief about that comment during a meeting in the Oval Office, according to a Republican congressional official familiar with the conversation who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the private conversations. But the episode did not seem to derail what was generally a good-natured relationship between the two. When Corker later called Trump to tell him that he had decided to retire a decision Corker made on his 65th birthday the president was disappointed, the official said. So disappointed, in fact, that early last week, the president called Corker to ask him to reconsider his decision, according to Corker's chief of staff, Todd Womack and reaffirmed that he would have endorsed Corker had he decided to run again. It was not the first time that Trump had extended such an offer of support, Womack said directly contradicting every accusation the president tweeted out Sunday morning. Both Trump and Corker are business executives, a background that gave them a level of mutual understanding at a time when few in Congress can claim to understand the president's motivations. But Corker has always been closer to Trump's secretary of state, Rex Tillerson whose relationship with Trump hit a public nadir last week, after an NBC report that Tillerson had called Trump a "moron" behind closed doors. Tillerson hasn't cultivated many relationships on Capitol Hill during his term as Secretary of State. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.), who chairs the Senate subcommittee that controls the State Department's budget, has heard so little from Tillerson that he called him "the Greta Garbo of secretaries of state" in an interview last week. But Corker and Tillerson have worked closely on everything from Russia sanctions to Iran policy to North Korea engagement. Even though they have parted ways at times particularly on Russia sanctions Corker remains Tillerson's staunchest defender on Capitol Hill and his closest ally. Last week, Corker told reporters that Tillerson, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly "are those people that help separate our country from chaos." Corker's comments have particular relevance to an announcement the president is expected to make this week about the Iran nuclear deal. Since he was a candidate, Trump has excoriated the Obama administration for agreeing to the multilateral pact, which he deemed "an embarrassment" during a speech before the United Nations General Assembly last month. That is not a position that is supported by his national security team: Last week, Mattis told a Senate panel that the Iran deal was important for American national security, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford Jr. reiterated that he believed Iran was in compliance with the deal's terms. Six Democratic senators had a meeting with national security adviser H.R. McMaster to discuss Iran this week and came away with the impression that he agreed with Mattis and Dunford. Still, Trump has been adamant that he wants to discredit the deal, which is why the White House, State Department and Corker have been working together to carefully plan how the president can refuse to certify the deal without wholly extricating the United States from it. The president must report to Congress every 90 days about whether Iran is in compliance with the deal. But Trump's opportunities to do so in the hopes that Congress will then make legislative changes to the U.S. posture on Iran's nuclear ambitions without blowing up the deal are limited. According to a person familiar with coordination between the White House, the State Department and Congress, one of Republicans' key aims is to address the rampant GOP complaint that the deal only delays Iran pathway to a nuclear bomb for a decade or so, instead of erasing it forever. But to do this, they need the support of Democrats, who are loath to do anything that might jeopardize the nuclear pact and are furious about Trump's decertification plans. If there is any Republican on Capitol Hill who stands a chance of persuading Democrats to come on board, it is Corker. As chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, he has built a reputation as being one of the Senate's most bipartisan figures. He worked with ranking Democrat Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland to design the law that gave Congress a chance to review the Iran deal in 2015. He has also been a driving force behind efforts to step up punitive measures against Iran for a recent spate of ballistic missile tests. He again negotiated with Cardin and other Democrats to build bipartisan support for more stringent non-nuclear sanctions, which Congress passed this summer. Before I started researching gun deaths, gun-control policy used to frustrate me. I wished the National Rifle Association would stop blocking commonsense gun-control reforms such as banning assault weapons, restricting silencers, shrinking magazine sizes, and all the other measures that could make guns less deadly. Then, my colleagues and I at FiveThirtyEight spent three months analyzing all 33,000 lives ended by guns each year in the United States, and I wound up frustrated in a whole new way. We looked at what interventions might have saved those people, and the case for the policies I'd lobbied for crumbled when I examined the evidence. The best ideas left standing were narrowly tailored interventions to protect subtypes of potential victims, not broad attempts to limit the lethality of guns. I researched the strictly tightened gun laws in Britain and Australia and concluded that they didn't prove much about what America's policy should be. Neither nation experienced drops in mass shootings or other gun related-crime that could be attributed to their buybacks and bans. Mass shootings were too rare in Australia for their absence after the buyback program to be clear evidence of progress. And in both Australia and Britain, the gun restrictions had an ambiguous effect on other gun-related crimes or deaths. When I looked at the other oft-praised policies, I found out that no gun owner walks into the store to buy an "assault weapon." It's an invented classification that includes any semiautomatic that has two or more features, such as a bayonet mount, a rocket-propelled grenade-launcher mount, a folding stock, or a pistol grip. But guns are modular, and any hobbyist can easily add these features at home, just as if they were snapping together Legos. As for silencers they deserve that name only in movies, where they reduce gunfire to a soft sound. In real life, silencers limit hearing damage for shooters but don't make gunfire dangerously quiet. An AR-15 with a silencer is about as loud as a jackhammer. Magazine limits were a little more promising, but a practiced shooter could still change magazines so fast as to make the limit meaningless. As my coworkers and I kept looking at the data, it seemed less and less clear that one broad gun-control restriction could make a big difference. Two-thirds of gun deaths in the United States every year are suicides. Almost no proposed restriction would make it meaningfully harder for people with guns on hand to use them. I couldn't even answer my most desperate question: If I had a friend who had guns in his home and a history of suicide attempts, was there anything I could do that would help? However, the next-largest set of gun deaths 1 in 5 were young men aged 15 to 34, killed in homicides. These men were most likely to die at the hands of other young men, often related to gang loyalties or other street violence. And the last notable group of similar deaths was the 1,700 women murdered per year, usually as the result of domestic violence. Far more people were killed in these ways than in mass-shooting incidents, but few of the popularly floated policies were tailored to serve them. By the time we published our project, I didn't believe in many of the interventions I'd heard politicians tout. I was still anti-gun, at least from the point of view of most gun owners, and I don't want a gun in my home, as I think the risk outweighs the benefits. But I can't endorse policies whose only selling point is that gun owners hate them. Policies that often seem as if they were drafted by people who have encountered guns only as a figure in a briefing book or an image on the news. Instead, I found the most hope in more narrowly tailored interventions. Potential suicide victims, women menaced by their abusive partners, and kids swept up in street vendettas are all in danger from guns, but they each require different protections. Older men, who make up the largest share of gun suicides, need better access to people who could care for them and get them help. Women endangered by specific men need to be prioritized by police, who can enforce restraining orders prohibiting these men from buying and owning guns. Younger men at risk of violence need to be identified before they take a life or lose theirs and to be connected to mentors who can help them de-escalate conflicts. Even the most data-driven practices, such as New Orleans' plan to identify gang members for intervention based on previous arrests and weapons seizures, wind up more personal than most policies floated. The young men at risk can be identified by an algorithm, but they have to be disarmed one by one, personally not en masse as though they were all interchangeable. A reduction in gun deaths is most likely to come from finding smaller chances for victories and expanding those solutions as much as possible. We save lives by focusing on a range of tactics to protect the different kinds of potential victims and reforming potential killers, not from sweeping bans focused on the guns themselves. Leah Libresco, a statistician and former news writer at FiveThirtyEight, a data journalism site, wrote this for the Washington Post. She is the author of "Arriving at Amen." Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print The week began with the biggest gun massacre by a single person in American history. Fifty-eight more families know the shock and trauma that goes with a loved one dying in a hail of bullets. Over five hundred people were injured, and join the thousands whose lives will never really be the same. Tuesday was the day Mr. Trump threw paper towels at Puerto Ricans, after telling them their suffering is nothing compared to Katrina. The next day in Las Vegas, teleprompter Don returned to remind us that the only thing more painful than watching Trump make a fool of himself, is watching him read words of empathy with all the emotion and sincerity of a rock. The rest of the work week was dedicated to making good on promises (aside from naming Pence as his Vice President) Trump made to secure support from the religious right. It all began with the Sessions memo on religious freedom. Except in the narrowest circumstances, no one should be forced to choose between living out his or her faith and complying with the law. Therefore, to the greatest extent practicable and permitted by law, religious observance and practice should be reasonably accommodated in all government activity, including employment, contracting, and programming. Objectively, this text wouldnt be disturbing if written and interpreted by any other Attorney-General. It sounds reasonable, until you consider the racist, sexist, homophobic character of the Trump administrations ideology. This version of religious freedom amounts to allowing discrimination and a complete obliteration of civil rights protections for the following categories of people: women, religious and racial minorities and the LGBT community provided the individual, group or corporation claims their strongly held religious beliefs. The Sessions memo provides bigots with religious cover to deny services, employment, housing or healthcare to people they dont like, under the pretense that such barbarity is sanctioned by God. It can also result in denial of treatment by doctors and denial of prescribed medication by pharmacists, under the pretense that this has anything to do with morality or religion. This weeks psychological cluster bombing concluded with Trumps latest sabotage of healthcare with his repeal of the birth-control mandate. In other words, employers will decide if woman will have access birth control which is also used to treat ovarian cysts and severe symptoms associated with periods. In free countries, these medical decisions are made by women and their doctors alone. Its a nightmare scenario that bears strong resemblance to the conditions women are subjected to under ISIS. None of this is surprising to anyone who knew who Donald Trump is. It doesnt surprise anyone with even a passing understanding of the belief systems that Trumps coalition of racists, theocrats and fascists represent. The combination of drama, Orwellian policy, Trumps latest comments and gestures are designed to shock, traumatize, overwhelm and envelope us in the darkness of authoritarianism. Knowing and understanding it matters. Resisting it matters more. "According to me, Chinnamma (as Sasikala is often called) had worked hard for the betterment of Amma's government. There is no denial of this fact", Sellur Raju said. By Pramod Madhav: Tamil Nadu minister Sellur Raju on Sunday said VK Sasikala had worked hard "for the betterment" of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's government, shocking members of the coalition of AIADMK factions which runs the state government. Raju is known to be a close associate of Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami. Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam together command the loyalty of most AIADMK lawmakers, but some have sworn fealty to VK Sasikala - a former Jayalalithaa aide who was jailed in a disproportionate assets case in February - and her nephew, TTV Dhinakaran. advertisement "According to me, Chinnamma (as Sasikala is often called) had worked hard for the betterment of Amma's government. There is no denial of this fact", Sellur Raju said. MK Stalin's DMK, he claimed, was the sole enemy of the AIADMK. Although it was Sasikala who paved the way for Edappadi Palaniswami to become Tamil Nadu's chief executive, he has since joined hands with O Panneerselvam, who rebelled against Sasikala before her conviction. The Palaniswami and Panneerselvam factions haven't yet reacted to Sellur Raju's comments. Meanwhile, VK Sasikala happens to be out on parole to meet her ailing husband Natarajan in Chennai. Another Tamil Nadu minister, OS Manian, recently said he wouldn't mind meeting the AIADMK leader during the parole period. WATCH | Tamil Nadu minister floats thermocol sheets on Vaigai dam to prevent water loss --- ENDS --- Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Trump went after retiring Republican Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee with a personal attack that may have killed the Republican plan to cut taxes. The President tweeted about a member of his own party: Senator Bob Corker "begged" me to endorse him for re-election in Tennessee. I said "NO" and he dropped out (said he could not win without Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017 ..my endorsement). He also wanted to be Secretary of State, I said "NO THANKS." He is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017 Hence, I would fully expect Corker to be a negative voice and stand in the way of our great agenda. Didn't have the guts to run! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017 Trump is lying. The story is reversed. It was Trump and Senate Majority Mitch McConnell who were personally begging Corker to run for another term. Corker also turned Trump down for Sec. of State. On Meet The Press one week ago, Corker made it clear that it would not support any tax plan that raised the deficit. Corker has also questioned Trumps mental state and competence, but what seems to have gotten the President going was his comment that Tillerson, Mattis, and Kelly are the only people separating the country from chaos. Trump has placed his own ego ahead of his political goals, and it could cost him dearly. With Rand Paul, Corker, and Susan Collins as potential no votes with more Senate Republicans already wavering, tax cuts for the wealthy could be dead. The President had to open his mouth, and as a consequence, he may end 2017 with zero major legislative accomplishments Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Trump tried to pick a fight with Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN), but only humiliated himself after his claim of refusing to endorse the Tennessee Senator was revealed to be a lie. The President claimed that Corker begged for his endorsement: Senator Bob Corker "begged" me to endorse him for re-election in Tennessee. I said "NO" and he dropped out (said he could not win without Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017 However, multiple sources told CNNs Manu Raju the real story: Two sources familiar with matter tell me this tweet is false. Trump told Corker multiple times he would endorse him. https://t.co/cZKfIUWXe0 Manu Raju (@mkraju) October 8, 2017 Also Trump called Corker early last week and asked him to *reconsider* his decision to retire and said again he'd endorse him, per source Manu Raju (@mkraju) October 8, 2017 When Trump tells a story, it is safe to assume that the opposite is the truth. When Trump claims he had no involvement with Russia during the election, it means that Trump probably colluded with Russia. If Trump says a meeting was great, it was a disaster. Trump claims of having secret plans for various issues mean that hes got nothing. Thats just the way this president works. Up is down. Left is right, and white is black. It is humiliating for the country to have a president who must talked to like he is a toddler who we are collectively trying to get the truth out of. Trump should know that these Twitter lies will easily debunked. The fact that he doesnt care is a striking behavioral example of why he is unfit for the presidency Charleston, SC (29403) Today Thunderstorms likely this morning. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 71F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low 56F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. By PTI: By Gurdip Singh Singapore, 8 Oct (PTI) Singapore has debated the option of dual citizenship for its nationals, with some citing concepts like Overseas Citizenship of India given by New Delhi to Indian diaspora as a middle path. Diplomats and academics have raised pros and cons of allowing Singaporeans to have dual citizenship, according to a report in The Sunday Times today. advertisement In 2013, the government had responded to parliamentary questions, saying that Singapore being "a small and young nation" is concerned as it could dilute citizens commitment to the country. The issue of whether Singapore should one day consider dual citizenship has been raised from time to time in discussions about the future of Singapore citizenship. Barry Desker of the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, a prominent advocate of dual citizenship, argued that it would help Singaporeans living abroad and foreigners in Singapore who are married to Singaporeans. Singapore "may be losing good people" when Singaporeans living abroad are forced to give up their citizenship, said Professor Tan Tai Yong of Yale-NUS College in the National University of Singapore. Associate Professor Eugene Tan of Singapore Management University said that dual citizenship should not have a detrimental impact in terms of peoples sense of belonging to the country. A strong opponent of dual citizenship, Professor Leo Suryadinata of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute argued that citizenship is about political loyalty and it is doubtful if a person can be loyal to two countries. "In an age of growing nationalism and the potential break-up of the European Union, global trends appear to be moving away from dual citizenship," he observed. Institute of Policy Studies researcher Debbie Soon said if Singapore were to one day be in conflict with another country, dual citizenship would be problematic because of the island states conscription system. "But discussions on dual citizenship do not have to yield a binary yes-or-no answer," argued Associate Professor Elaine Ho of the National University of Singapore. There are in-between options that may enhance the links people have to Singapore, she noted. One is the British example of an ancestry visa, which offers foreigners who can prove ancestral links to Britain an inside track to living and working there. A similar concept is the Overseas Citizenship of India. According to Prof Tan Tai Yong the honorary citizenship, which Singapore grants to a very select group of foreigners who have made outstanding contributions to the country, is also an example of an in-between option. PTI GS NSA --- ENDS --- advertisement Ajani Carr had a strong message for Rochester's youth on Sunday: your voice matters. The 14-year-old actor and nonprofit organizer spoke at the "Youth Empowerment Day" event at John Adams Middle School, encouraging local young people to recognize their self worth and become leaders in the community. "One thing I think people need to understand is that different perspectives are really rewarding," Carr said to the 80-person audience, noting young people are often excluded from conversations about the issues that affect them. He recognized that it's tough to be young, especially as a person of color, in any community, but the conversations focused on discrimination including by race and age specific to Rochester. Carr talked about the importance of getting involved in their communities to help shape what's going on. The student-led show included a seven-person panel, where kids shared their experiences with discrimination and the age some noting they were as young as preschool at which they first noticed it. They also talked about being included in serious conversations about race, and what goes on in their neighborhoods and schools. ADVERTISEMENT "Adults often say we are the future of tomorrow... but the truth is we are the present as well and the decisions you are making will affect us," said Munira Alimire, one of the panelists. "It's really important for us to be involved and for us to have a say." And involvement is important, Carr said because it allows young people to feel "not only included, but in charge of what's going on," and gives them a sense of responsibility. That's why Carr started the nonprofit "Building Bosses," a program that pairs young people with local business owners who provide guidance and mentorship for students is designed to help "youth to explore and cultivate their talents, promote leadership and build character through self esteem." Carr is also an actor on NBC's "Chicago P.D." and PBS's "Mercy Street," and a public speaker. The youth empowerment day also included poetry, a dance off and a questions & answer session with the audience all student-led. The event was organized by the Diversity Council and Rochester for Justice, after its founders met Carr at a protest in Madison, Wis., following the death of Tony Robinson, a man who was shot by Madison police. Wilkins said he organized the event because of some of the disparities in the Rochester Public School District, including the achievement gap, the graduation rate gap and discipline disparities between students of color and white students. The event was designed to "reach out to children of color to empower them, to put them in a position to believe in themselves, to find resources for them," Wilkins said. It was meant to highlight the importance of "voicing our experiences and our perspectives directly to school board members and administrators." ADVERTISEMENT And that's something that hit home for many of the students on Sunday. "Often, as a young person, you hear 'you are our future, you are not today, your opinions don't matter,'" said Alimire. "But your opinion does matter and what you do and what you say has an affect on yourself, on the people around and on the community. And you should always be aware of that and appreciate that." It isnt enough for California to contemplate its own state-run single payer health care system that would require, at a minimum, tripling the state budget. Now a lawmaker wants to have the state ban gasoline-powered cars by the year 2040. I certainly hope California follows through and tries this. If nothing else, it will provide wonderful black market opportunities. Think of all the meth labs that will convert to mini-refineries, not to mention the smuggling. It is doubtful we can legally confiscate existing cars, so look for Californias rolling stock to become the equivalent of all those 57 Chevys and Buicks we see on the streets of Havana. Such a scheme assumes widespread availability of electric cars. Maybe this will happen in the fullness of time, but has anyone considered how to supply the massive amount of electricity to charge 25 or 30 million vehicles in California? Its not just the total amount of electricity, but also transmission and fast-charging capacity that will need to be built at our current filling stations. A Canadian engineer has walked through the math of the subject, and concludes that to match the energy equivalent of a typical gasoline filling station today, an electric filling station would have to have the 30 megawatts of capacity, equivalent to the electricity use of 20,000 homes. The whole article is worth reading, but this excerpt gets to the heart of the matter: Factoring in the aforementioned credit card transaction and washing of windshield that might extend gasoline refueling to five minutes, it would still require 600 of those 50kW chargers for a roadside station to service the 2,000 cars those gas pumps could service in a busy 12-hour period. Even that conservative estimate would require a $24-million investment just for the cheapest rechargers. Theyd also need about 30 megawatts of power. For those thinking thats a sh%$-load of electricity, youre right. Thirty megawatts, for perspective, is enough to power about 20,000 homes. In other words, powering these service stations of the future will require about the same amount of electricity as a city of 75,000. Oh, and by the way, all that electricity, unlike off-hour home recharging, happens during peak-usage daylight hours. In other words, all that extra power, at least for intra-city travel, will have to come from new not existing sources. At the most optimistic prices posited for the future cost of solar panels about a buck a watt thats another $30 million. If you want to go the windmill route, youll need 10 of them, each costing roughly $4 million. Just as further reminder, thats for each and every roadside station. Shot: Tesla misses production targets by a wide margin. Chaser, from Holman Jenkinss column yesterday in the Wall Street Journal: The Irish post office, An Post, will release a stamp commemorating Che Guevara 50 years after the Cuban communist was killed while trying, with no success, to export Castros revolution to Bolivia. The Irish government, through its Cabinet, approved this decision. The stamp will cost 1 Euro. The Irish government seems enamored of Guevara, whose grandmother was the daughter of Irish immigrants who left for Argentina during the notorious famine. Earlier this year, it displayed a picture of him in the Miami airport as part of an exhibition about the contribution of people with links to Ireland in South America. The picture drew harsh criticism from members of Miamis Cuban-American population. It was quickly removed, and the Irish government apologized. The governments sentiment towards Guevara hasnt changed, however. Thus, the commemorative stamp. The fact that two of Guevaras eight great-grandparents came from Galway seems like a thin basis for honoring him. The governments admiration must be rooted not just in Guevaras ancestry, but also in his revolutionary persona. Such admiration is, of course, misplaced. The Irish Mirror reminds us: Following the Cuban Revolution, Guevara was put in charge of La Cabana prison where it is estimated that hundreds of POWs (Prisoners of War) were executed under his rule. And thats understating things. Jay Nordlinger laid out a more complete case against Guevara: He was an Argentinian revolutionary who served as Castros primary thug. He was especially infamous for presiding over summary executions at La Cabana, the fortress that was his abattoir. He liked to administer the coup de grace, the bullet to the back of the neck. And he loved to parade people past El Paredon, the reddened wall against which so many innocents were killed. Furthermore, he established the labor-camp system in which countless citizensdissidents, democrats, artists, homosexualswould suffer and die. This is the Cuban gulag. A Cuban-American writer, Humberto Fontova, described Guevara as a combination of Beria and Himmler. Anthony Daniels once quipped, The difference between [Guevara] and Pol Pot was that [the former] never studied in Paris. Also, Pol Pot had no Irish ancestors. Boz Scaggs played with a hot touring band before a packed house last night at the State Theater in downtown Minneapolis. Weve seen Boz there a few times before, but this performance was special. The appreciation of the audience was so intense you could feel it. Something was different. I couldnt figure out what it was was. Even in the several lesser known blues numbers that he interspersed among the hits in his two-hour set, the crowd was ecstatic. Boz responded with three encores. I didnt want the show to end but found it completely satisfying. The crowd appreciated the singing it even cheered Bozs leaps to his falsetto the musicians, the solos, the musicianship. Boz, by the way, is 73. He is still lanky and cool after all these years. Last night he turned back the hands of time. We stopped in at the bar next door to the State at the Capital Grill to come down from the show. There was only one open seat, but a gentleman named Rick Thompson got up let us take his seat next to it. He told us that he books the shows into the State and other downtown venues operated by the Hennepin Theater Trust. I asked Rick why the crowd feeling for Boz was so intense this time around. Rick had a ready answer that he provided with great certainty. Tom Petty, he said, referring to Pettys death last week. You cant take it for granted that Boz will be back, he said. I was dubious, but it seemed like a reasonable hypothesis. When Rick headed to the other end of the bar, a group of Power Line readers approached to say hello. They had seen the show too. Darcy Sperle and Derek Brigham are on the left and Brian Mason is on the right in the photo below. It was their first time seeing Boz perform live. Derek had come with his friends to see him perform this time around, he said, because of Tom Petty. Conclusion: Rick Thompson knows his business. In 2009 we saw Boz perform live with a jazz combo in Minneapolis at the Dakota Restaurant and Jazz Club. Boz put on a beautiful show in an intimate setting, covering some of the standards he had recorded in recent years as well as reinterpreting his hits of the 70s. We loved the show. Boz returned to town later that year with a new touring unit to play the State Theater before a sold-out crowd of old fans. With a larger audience the emphasis was naturally on his old hits rather than his new recordings. That night he spoke fondly of Minneapolis, recalling his first time through town many years ago at the old Guthrie Theater as well as subsequent stops at First Avenue. Backed by a crack five-piece band and accompanied by vocal sidekick Monet Owens, Boz sounded better than ever. In 2010 Boz returned, this time to the Minnesota State Fair on a cold and rainy night to perform with Donald Fagen and Michael McDonald in the group they called the Dukes of September. I thought Boz was the first among equals that night. In concert Boz always plays his first hit, the irresistible Lowdown. I think I could name that tune in two notes from the drum riff alone. The video below is from a performance with the Dukes of September a few years ago. In his first encore last night Boz played his smoldering version of Fenton Robinsons Loan Me a Dime, one of the highlights of his debut solo album nearly fifty years ago. I love this song. The guitar solos inevitably bring to mind the late Duane Allmans contribution to Bozs original recording of it. The song is an extended outpouring of grief for love lost. Bozs vocal cried it out. The lead guitar player (I missed his name) killed it on his solo. The video below is from Bozs Greatest Hits Live DVD, on which he played in San Francisco at his home base. Boz is still a vital artist. He enlisted producer Steve Jordan to take the helm of his 2013 disc Memphis, recorded at Willie Mitchells Royal Studios in the town for which Boz named the disc. Memphis featured Bozs favorite soul and blues numbers. His take on Rainy Night in Georgia is almost naked in its emotion. I thought some readers might enjoy this. Boz played his uptempo hit Georgia last night. Listening to this, you cant be unhappy, can you? Boz sent us on our way with Chuck Berrys You Never Can Tell, a song that also drew from his work with the Dukes of September. What a blast. Berry, one of the founding fathers of rock, died this past March. Bozs tour continues tomorrow night with a show in Billings. After that hes headed to points west in Canada and California. The tour dates are listed here. By PTI: Tirupati, Oct 7 (PTI) Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena today arrived in Tirumala - the sacred abode of Lord Venkateswara - on his third visit as the head of the state. Accompanied by his wife Jayanthi Pushpa Kumari and other Sri Lankan officials, Sirisena reached Tirupati from Bengaluru by road. After an overnight stay, he and his family were expected to participate in Suprabhatha" recitation ritual inside the temple early tomorrow, temple sources told PTI. advertisement He would leave soon after offering prayers to Lord Venkateswara, the sources said. This is his third visit to the Tirumala hills as Sri Lankan president. He previously visited in February 2015 and last year in August. PTI CORR RC ABH --- ENDS --- PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. ATLANTIC CITY Another part of the Boardwalk reconstruction is expected to be unveiled this week. The second phase of the project connects the missing section from Madison to Melrose avenues, near Oscar E. McClinton Junior Waterfront Park. The section now has a rock seawall and a steel bulkhead running parallel to it. This is part of the $50 million project thats working to extend the Boardwalk to Gardners Basin. Its continuous now, Mayor Don Guardian said Friday. Its really the first new-style boardwalk were seeing. When the water splashes against the rocks, the bulkhead will be protected as well as the areas around it during storms, he said. In June, city officials reopened the Boardwalk section from Rhode Island to Oriental avenues, funded by a grant of about $5 million from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The project included handrails and LED lights, as well as new wooden seating and access ramps to the beach. A project to connect the Boardwalk all the way toward Gardners Basin is still underway, and is scheduled to be completed next year. City officials expect the section to officially open Thursday afternoon with a ceremony. SEA ISLE CITY A cultural tradition dating 27 years was on display again Saturday. The citys Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival included a street procession before landing for the celebration on 63rd Street. Weve sponsored it all 27 years, Mayor Leonard Desiderio said of his family. Parades bring everybody together. Whether youre Italian or not, everybody has got a little bit of Italian in them today. The parade, which began at the Sea Isle City Italian-American Club near the bridge, went down to JFK Boulevard and along Landis Avenue. It ended at the Italian Festival in full swing near Kix McNutleys. Some spectators watching along Landis Avenue waved Italian flags. The Ocean City High School Marching Band led the parade with veterans and Scout troops. Desiderio was at the front of the procession. Police and fire departments, the Knights of Columbus and the Italian-American Club were in the parade. Press of Atlantic City meteorologist Joe Martucci served as its grand marshal. Tom Marotta, who has a house in the city and lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was watching his young daughter Gina wave an Italian flag at the festival. I got her excited, Marotta said. I should have brought my flag from home. The proceeds from the event went to the Deborah Hospital Foundation. Desiderio and his family presented the foundation a $10,000 check at the festival. SMITHVILLE Temperatures in the 80s and abundant sunshine were an incentive to bring newcomers to the first day of the two-day Oktoberfest at the Village Greene in Historic Smithville. The celebration this weekend has brought 100 vendors in addition to the 60 regular stores. An international food court is offering autumnal fare and beer along with live music. Dawn Johnson, 52, of Lacey Township, has lived in the Forked River section for 15 years. She had been to Smithville many times but never wandered down this time of year, so it was her first visit to Oktoberfest. Its a beautiful Saturday in October. I decided to come and see how it was, Johnson said. Johnson bought candles, a pair of kitty cat slippers and a Wizard of Oz magnet for herself. Its so amazing. There are so many people and so many vendors. Its what I have been looking for all summer, Johnson said. Former Philadelphian Kyle Casey, 33, of Little Egg Harbor Township, has been visiting Smithville twice a year for years, because his aunt lived in Little Egg Harbor, but Saturday was his first time at Oktoberfest. Casey is half German and half Irish. When he lived in Philadelphia, he attended German and Irish celebrations. They (Smithville) could add a little bit more German accent to it, said Casey, who added the Philadelphia Oktoberfest has at least 100 different beers. Its a beautiful city, a beautiful place and a beautiful day, said Casey, who was drinking a special Coors Light Oktoberfest. Johanne Hulton, a grandmother who lives in Villas, Lower Township, was last at Smithvilles Oktoberfest 10 years ago. She wanted to see how much it had grown and brought her granddaughter, 13. Its much bigger. I think its much better, Hulton said. Hulton said she usually comes on Thanksgiving to eat at Fred & Ethels Lantern Light Tavern. On Saturday, Hulton sat outside Fred & Ethels waiting for dinner while holding a green Christmas sign that featured a couple of snowmen on it. My granddaughter likes it. We havent even seen everything, Hulton said. The second and final day of Oktoberfest will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Village Greene in Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Road. EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP The busy intersection of Blackman Road and Ocean Heights Avenue can be a challenge for drivers trying to make a left onto Ocean Heights. At some times of day, traffic backs up along the township road, and drivers have learned to gun it when there is an opening, or find another route. Help is on the way, with a county plan to install a light at the intersection. But that project may not get underway until 2019. Township officials would like to see it in place sooner. The project was discussed at a recent Township Committee meeting, at which township Administrator Peter Miller lamented the delay. I agree with him, county Executive Dennis Levinson said when contacted after the meeting. We would like it to happen faster also, but we have to go through the permitting process. Welcome to New Jersey. The T-shaped intersection itself is simple, Levinson said, and would be a less complicated project than if it were a full intersection. But there are other issues complicating things, he said. For one, part of the affected area is wetlands, which have extensive protections. Also, a building next to the intersection is historic, which will require additional approvals from the state. This is the price of doing business in New Jersey, Levinson said. I would figure on going out to bid next year, and construction will start at the end of 2018 or the beginning of 2019, depending on permitting. Along with a new light, the intersection will have a left turn lane on Blackman for those heading southeast on Ocean Heights. Levinson estimated the cost at $750,000 to $1 million, to be shared between the county and the township. It probably seems like a lot, he said, but he said designing the project and obtaining the permits is a lengthy process. The cost will be divided because Blackman is a township road, while Ocean Heights, which runs from Somers Point through Steelmanville into Hamilton Township, is a county road. The road forms part of the dividing line between Linwood and Somers Point. Egg Harbor Township police looked at the number of accidents at the intersection, as well as waiting times at peak traffic hours, Levinson said. Both were an issue. Thats why were putting up a light there. At the Township Committee meeting Sept. 20, township officials said neighbors eagerly await the project. Many expected the work to have started already. Its probably the most requested roadwork weve had in 20 years, said Committeewoman Laura Pfrommer. Local control of schools is prized to an extraordinary degree in New Jersey. Partly thats because parents and communities want a say in how their children are educated. But its also because local officials love to have funds and jobs to dispense. Since the community and parents also provide the funds as taxpayers, the interests and responsibilities are aligned. Or at least they were until the state Supreme Court in 1973 managed to find a requirement in the N.J. Constitution that the state must guarantee all students access to a thorough and efficient education. From then on, home rule continued but responsibility for school effectiveness rested ultimately with the state. The state Department of Education, however, wasnt running the schools, just overseeing them with a view to developing policies and practices. It had no recourse when local districts failed to provide that court-ordered education. So in 1987, the state enacted the nations first school takeover law. It was used to take full control of first Jersey City schools and then those in Newark and Patterson. Those temporary takeovers dragged out for decades only this year has the Newark district, taken over in 1995, been scheduled for transition back to local control. The takeover law was deemed flawed, especially in terms of the standards for resuming local control, and it was replaced as part of the Quality Single Assessment Continuum, a statewide system for evaluating schools implemented in 2007. Fiscal monitors for schools, an approach short of a full takeover, also were authorized then. Since a dozen years later Newark still isnt back to local control and Pleasantville just marked a decade under a state monitor, the reforms look like they havent resulted in the shortening of state interventions. Since the state must answer to the court and it is state taxpayers who must pay if a school needs a bailout, theres no question monitors and, in extreme cases, takeovers are needed. And monitors provide an appropriate intermediate step, giving a state designee power over school finances while allowing administrations and boards to retain most other functions. They develop plans to cure problems found in audits, such as poor internal controls, running deficits and failure to comply with federal grant requirements. But deficient schools arent regaining the ability to operate responsibly and effectively themselves soon enough. A bill was introduced this year to have the state pay for school monitors and related costs. That would be exactly backwards, removing one of the few incentives for local officials and taxpayers to help put things right as quickly as possible. We think the problem is partly that the state isnt focusing on rebuilding the local capacity to manage schools properly and partly that many local officials are too content to oppose state control and do the minimum required of them. We think the state needs to develop a defined and measured process for training school administrators and boards to meet their fiscal and educational obligations. Successful completion of such training should be required for officials of distressed districts to keep their positions. Takeover officials and monitors should be on a defined schedule too and have to answer to their DOE bosses when progress benchmarks arent met. Whether these changes can be done administratively under existing law or require a legislative amendment, such a focus should be part of every takeover and monitoring. Changing the rules or law may take time, but local school and state officials neednt wait to start heading in that direction. Frankly, school officials should see a state monitor or takeover as a sign of an embarrassing failure on their part, one that they should be eager to overcome and not repeat going forward. And state officials should start measuring their success in part by how quickly and confidently they can relinquish their temporary local powers. By PTI: (Eds: Updating with fresh quotes) By Natasha Chaku Melbourne, Oct 8 (PTI) Several protests were held across Australia against Indian mining giant Adanis proposed 16.5 billion dollars Carmichael coal mine project, which has been delayed for years over environmental and financing issues. Rallies were held yesterday in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Port Douglas in North Queensland where thousands of protesters took to streets as part of a National Day of Action, according to media reports. advertisement "If this mine does go ahead it drives us into a dirty future and Australia is a country thats smarter than that," Simon Fosterling, a Bondi surf life saver at the Sydney protest, which attracted about 2,000 people, was quoted as saying by the ABC news. "I have a two-year-old daughter and I dont want to have a conversation with her in 10 years time and the mines gone ahead and she says to me, dad, why didnt you do something?" Protesters spelled out #STOP ADANI by standing in formation on the sand. Sydney Stop Adani campaigner Isaac Astill called the construction of the mine an international issue. "Its going to be the biggest coal mine in the southern hemisphere at a time when our climate is crumbling," Astill said. "Its an international issue and thats why were seeing people around the world and in Australia coming out in their thousands to say no to Adani." Reports said around 2000 people rallied in Melbournes Princes Park carrying placards reading Coal=CO2!!! and Protect Our Future. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly OShanassy said she hoped the "big day of action" would send a strong message that taxpayers did not want their money subsidising the project. "It will affect every single living thing on Earth, thats why people in Melbourne and Sydney and Canberra and Adelaide and Cairns all care about this mine not going ahead." OShanassy said. Between 200-300 people turned out at Perths Cottesloe Beach and more than 250 people rallied in Hobart, where speakers included former Greens leader Bob Brown. Meanwhile, Adani Australia CEO Jeyakumar Janakaraj said that the company was committed to create jobs in Australia and there was large support for the project in regional Australia. "We are focussed.. the project is needed in the community and we have their whole support," he said. "Adani is very focused to get jobs started in the next few week. There is a large support for the project in regional Australia," he said. He, however, said there was a loud minority voice against the project. He said the anti-mine protests did not reflect the correct picture of how the project was being received regionally by the local community. advertisement Janakaraj also confirmed that the early works would start in next few weeks as the company was well in advance in starting the works. He said an Adani India festival last night in Townsville attracted 20,000 people which was an indication that the project was supported by the local community. Speaking at the festival, Minister Coralee ORourke welcomed the companys commitment and also praised Adani for adhering to and working with government to deliver a job creating project. Adani and the Queensland government have highlighted that the mine will prove beneficial for the region. This week the company announced it would base more than 1000 fly-in, fly-out workers in both Townsville and Rockhampton. However, environmental activists are concerned about the potential impacts to the Great Barrier Reef as the coal will be shipped through areas close to the national icon. There are also concerns the coal burned will contribute to climate change, which is the biggest threat to the reef. PTI NC ZH NSA --- ENDS --- NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fenton Mobility Products, patent holder, inventor, and manufacturer of the AbiliTrax flooring system, Step-N-Lock seat base, and the Shift-N-Step dual access system has recently filed for patent protection on a seat leg design that dramatically reduces the cost for up-fitting vans that require passenger seating. This quick disconnect seat leg design is called the CAMLock-2 and is a third seat design exclusive to Fenton Mobility Products. ReMounted Factory Seat- Available in single, double and triple seats ReMounted Factory Seat- Available in single, double and triple seats This new Patent Pending design remounts OEM factory seats using "A" track, "L" track, and bolt-in methods. The benefit is further realized when the CAMLock-2 leg is used in conjunction with a flooring system like AbiliTrax. This new remount process effectively reduces costs by up to $5,000 per vehicle up-fit. This is more beneficial than ever as NHTSA standards mandate the use of passenger vans in lieu of a non-compliant cargo van up-fit as of Sept. 1st, 2017. Passenger vans come fully equipped with up to 15 seats at no additional cost to the consumer. Aftermarket seats can exceed $1,000 each when installed in the traditional up-fit replacement process. Fenton Mobility Products has been an industry innovator and now leads in total up-fit cost. The CAMLock-2 will "Reduce up fitting costs," "Re-use factory seating," and "Remount into any AbiliTrax system," Currently the Ford Transit has many useful OE (original equipment) seats installed at the factory including single, double, and triple passenger seats. Most of the OE seats will have a remount solution and all remount solutions will be compatible with any AbiliTrax installation including Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, Mercedes Sprinter, and GM vans. Scott Fenton, President of Fenton Mobility, states: "The CAMLock-2 is a real breakthrough in cost and inventory management for our AbiliTrax dealers. This new design will help dealers be more competitive in the marketplace and get AbiliTrax conversions to market more quickly. No other manufacturer or up-fitter can offer the diverse product solutions offered by AbiliTrax dealers. As always, our products are tested to meet all applicable FMVSS standards. Please visit www.abilitrax.com to find a stocking AbiliTrax dealer." CAMLock-2 can be seen at the APTA show Oct. 8th -12th in Atlanta, GA, the TLPA show October 9th 11th in Denver, CO, and at the AHCA Expo Oct. 15th 18th in Las Vegas, NV, within the TESCO booth. CAMLock-2 is expected to be officially released to market for commerce in the first quarter of 2018. Contact Jen Overfield with Dealer Sales & Marketing for further information. Related Files CAM2 (3).pdf Related Images image1.jpg CAMLock-2 image2.jpg CAMLock-2 Seat Remount image3.jpg image4.jpeg CAMLock-2 Release Flyer SOURCE Fenton Mobility Products, Inc. Mary, a longtime loyal Table Mountain Casino Club Member, had actually been on her way to the store when she decided to take a quick detour by Table Mountain. What a lucky decision that was! Winning this random jackpot of $95,449.94 is certainly the best detour Mary has ever taken. Massive Cash, a Table Mountain players' favorite, is an exciting random jackpot found only at Central California's Table Mountain Casino. 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As the year-long Table Mountain Casino 30th Anniversary Celebration continues, the month of October will continue to bring extra-special promotions, with Play, Spin and Win Tuesdays, the $300,000 Let's Celebrate Slot Tournament on Wednesdays, Earn and Win Thursdays and of course, the dazzling $30,000 Diamond Giveaway, on the 30th of the month. Tuesday, October 31st will offer players the $31,000 Spooktacular Cash and Free Play Giveaway. Every day brings more winnings at Table Mountain Casino. To learn more about all the exciting promotions that Table Mountain Casino has to offer during their 30th Anniversary Celebration, please visit www.tmcasino.com or stop in at any Club Booth at the Casino. Table Mountain Casino is owned and operated by the Table Mountain Rancheria Band of Indians who actively support many community-based agencies and non-profit organizations serving residents of the greater Fresno area and the regional San Joaquin Valley community. Table Mountain Casino proudly operates an alcohol and drug free environment. Must be 18 years of age to game. SOURCE Table Mountain Casino Related Links http://www.tmcasino.com COVENTRY, United Kingdom, Oct. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Gaming solutions company TriForce Tokens confirms support from Coventry University Enterprises Ltd and an ongoing IP audit with the U.K. government's innovation agency Innovate UK. Pre ICO scheduled for Oct. 14th. Blockchain gaming solutions start-up TriForce Tokens continues to build momentum, partnering with Coventry University Enterprises Ltd for corporate and business cooperation, while initiating an IP audit with the U.K. government's Innovate UK for its technology and brand. For more information on TriForce Tokens's vision and development objectives, visit the TriForce Tokens website and read the official whitepaper. TriForce Tokens Steamlike blockchain-based gaming platform is in Early Alpha and can be accessed here for players and here for developers. Taking the booming online games industry into the blockchain era More than 2 billion people almost a third of the entire planet will be playing games online by the end of 2017, generating revenues in excess of $100 billion*. This number is set to increase by more than six percent annually, as mobile users join a growing legion of console and PC gamers. TriForce Tokens seeks to shake up the multi-billion dollar online games industry with a decentralized platform that will enhance game development and improve player experiences. The TriForce Tokens revolution: decentralized gaming for new revenue models TriForce Tokens' chief objective will be to address the main issues that prevent independent developers from producing successful titles, acknowledging that they work with smaller budgets, limited resources and tight deadlines. A decentralized platform promises a way to rapidly deploy common features such as tournaments, P2P trading and peer ranking, across games and platforms. Players on separate games and platforms will not be forced to abandon their digital empires, as TriForce Tokens will look to harmonize all existing digital assets into a single ecosystem of digital wealth. Using a tokenized system, players can trader with others, earn rewards from competitive events. Developers can use the same tokens to compensate users for tasks and charge custom fees for P2P transactions. Blockchain transparency is a feature of TriForce Tokens, encouraging communities that foster happiness, safety and ethical conduct. Helpful players who contribute to collaboration are recognized by a unique and transparent honor system, rooting out fraud and negative elements such as "toxic communities" harmful to player retention. To mitigate player attrition, developers can benefit from TriForce Tokens' big data algorithms and behavioural analysis, learning deep player insights that will greatly assist in creating novel gaming experiences. TriForce Tokens features another blockchain innovation in its authentication network, that hopes to assist developers in copyright and piracy protection. It will also provide alternative methods for developers to still extract some revenue from already pirated content. Strengthening its position through strategic partnerships TriForce Tokens recognizes that a multi-faceted approach must be taken to position themselves as a serious leader in online gaming, with sound business, compliance and corporate structures as vital as technology development. TriForce Tokens now has the pleasure to announce that it has initiated an IP audit process with the U.K. government's innovation agency, Innovate UK. The audit will assess TriForce Tokens' technology and brand, helping to provide a stronger business focus to ensure they deliver maximum value. Innovate UK will work with TriForce Tokens to connect them with relevant partners through its innovation networks. TriForce Tokens will also receive business support from Coventry University Enterprises Limited. Coventry University Enterprises Ltd's award-winning Technology Park is a prestigious location that hosts some of the region's most innovative businesses and is home to the Serious Games Institute. It already benefits from the synergy of membership with two of the industry's foremost advocates: TIGA, a games and publisher network, and trade association with proven political clout in the U.K., and Swiss-based Crypto Valley Association, a collective of the world's leading blockchain and cryptographic tech initiatives. TriForce Tokens and Crowdsale TriForce Tokens (TFT) will be the currency powering payments and rewards on the decentralized gaming ecosystem. They will also be available to trade on external platforms, driving significant appreciation of value as the project grows in strength. TriForce Tokens Steamlike blockchain-based gaming platform is now available for testing. The Early Alpha can be accessed here for players and here for developers. As part of a fundraising exercise to support the development of its platform, TriForce Tokens will conduct a public crowdsale of tokens via an Initial Coin Offering (ICO). A pre-ICO will open on Oct. 14, 2017 (1.30pm GMT) for 48 hours only. Participants in the pre-ICO are able to buy tokens with a 60% discount on top of the standard rate of 1 TFT at $0.20. In addition, 50 random pre-ICO participants will be chosen to receive a free Ledger Nano S hardware wallet. Following this, TriForce Tokens will launch its main ICO event from Nov. 12, 2017 to Nov. 25 (1.30 p.m. GMT), 2017. TriForce Tokens also has ambitions to become the first fully-compliant U.K. ICO, and is working on ISO27001 certification and General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) compliance. The Team TriForce Tokens is backed by an ensemble of experts from a range of sectors, including corporate management, online gaming, computer security and blockchain development. Some of its key team members include: Pete Mardell, CEO Mardell established himself as a strong engineering professional with his work on a range of technical web applications when he was Head of Development for a recruitment agency in the UK. An avid gamer, Mardell is also a long-time cryptocurrency enthusiast. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/petemardell/ Raza Ahmed, CTO Ahmed has vast experience as a Senior Full Stack Web Developer and qualified blockchain developer, with expertise in Solidity (Ethereum), Javascript, SQL, Node.js, and AngularJS, among others. An MSc holder in Software Development, Ahmed has developed web applications for almost eight years. LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/razaahmed47 Dr Nazaraf Shah, PhD Research Engineer An associate professor at Coventry University's Faculty Research Centre for Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, Dr. Shah currently lectures in Ethical Hacking and Computer Security. Profile: https://pureportal.coventry.ac.uk/en/persons/nazaraf-shah Jakub Kafarski, Front-end Engineer Kafarski has worked on front-end engineering for the likes of Noveo, Madkom and Ericsson across Poland, U.K., and Sweden. He works as a front-end software engineer at CycloMedia Technology, a leader in its field. He is skilled at JavaScript, React, Redux and Node.js and is a member of Mensa. LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/jakub-kafarski Sorina Rusu, System Developer Rusu is a passionate developer with extensive experience in PHP and Node.js. Her good organization skills and dedication has been key to her successes with consulting and tech firms in Romania as well in the U.K. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sorina-rusu-1b73a668 Haider Malik, Senior Full Stack Developer A Javascript expert, Malik also doubles as an instructor at learning academies Udemy and Fullstackhour. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haider-malik-41521a8b Simona Patrut, Marketing Patrut has a strong marketing background, including a management role at Romania's Hilmi Medical Center, where she has managed entire product marketing cycles. She is an expert at building new partnerships for strong brand awareness. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-elena-patrut-b4713b98 Mihai Bratoi, Brand Designer Bratoi is a Platinum Designer at U.K. designing firm 99designs. His work focuses on creating unique, memorable designs that respond well to customer needs for corporate needs and social media. Profile: https://99designs.co.uk/profiles/thegunner Learn more on TriForce Tokens's website: https://TriForcetokens.io Read the TriForce Tokens Whitepaper: https://TriForce Tokens.io/resources/white-paper-v3.3.pdf TriForce Tokens on bitcointalk: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2222731 Chat with TriForce Tokens on Telegram: https://t.me/TriForceTokens Follow TriForce Tokens on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TriForceTokens Follow TriForce Tokens on Facebook: https://facebook.com/TriForceTokens Get involved with TriForce Tokens on GitHub: https://github.com/TriForce TokensNetwork Visit TIGA, TriForce Tokens's gaming partner: https://tiga.org Watch the TriForce Tokens video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9WI3w1XPKo Media Contact Contact Name: Jake Ashby Contact Email: [email protected] Contact Phone: +44 (0) 747 332 8053 Location: Coventry, U.K. Company: TriForce Tokens LTD * https://newzoo.com/solutions/revenues-projections/global-games-market-report TriForce Tokens is the source of this content. Virtual currency is not legal tender, is not backed by the government, and accounts and value balances are not subject to consumer protections. This press release is for informational purposes only. The information does not constitute investment advice or an offer to invest. Related Images image1.png TriforceTokens image2.png TriForce Tokens Early Alpha Platform Screenshot Related Links Bitcoin PR Buzz TriforceTokens SOURCE TriForce Tokens Related Links http://TriForcetokens.io If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Kathmandu, Oct 5 : Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has consulted lawyers on the status of his government after the country's major Left political parties, including CPN (Maoist Centre) which is part of the ruling coalition, announced an electoral alliance. He has also sought counsel on the likelihood of a no-confidence motion being filed against the government. Lawyers who met the Prime Minister on Wednesday apprised him of the constitutional and legal provisions relating to the situation and told him that the government would not be affected until the elections, the Kathmandu Post reported. The consultation comes in the wake of the electoral alliance forged among the Communist parties -- CPN-UML led by former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, CPN (Maoist Centre) of former Premier Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', and the Naya Shakti Party-Nepal of former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai. Among those present during the consultation with Deuba on Wedneday were President of Nepal Bar Association Sher Bahadur KC, General Secretary Khamma Bahadur Khati, and senior advocates Radheshyam Adhikari, Badri Bahadur Karki, Surya Dhungel and Prem Bahadur Khadka. Given that the Maoist Centre is a key stakeholder in the incumbent government led by the Nepali Congress (NC), speculation is rife that the Leftist forces are working to form a new government or change the dynamics of the ruling coalition. A section of NC leaders were of the view that the Maoist Centre should withdraw support from the government and have termed its forging an alliance with the main opposition UML as "unethical". The UML leaders, however, maintain that the government, led by the NC and the Maoist Centre, is mandated to hold provincial and federal elections scheduled for November 26 and December 7, and that the party is against changing the government before the elections. As Prime Minister Deuba held consultations with several key stakeholders, including political parties and legal experts, on Wednesday for charting the future course, the UML urged the government to focus on the upcoming polls. "The government should not divert its attention from the upcoming polls," UML Vice Chairman Bhim Bahadur Rawal said, addressing a programme in the capital. He clarified that the act of unifying Leftist force had been initiated with a motive to end the tendency of changing governments at short intervals and to maintain political stability. Senior UML leader Subash Chandra Nembang said the party does not see any possibility of change in the power-sharing dynamics with the election code of conduct in force. During the announcement of the Leftist alliance on Tuesday, Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal had renewed his assurance that the current coalition would continue till the elections and that the current bid was a part of the long-term strategy of bringing Left forces together, the Kathmandu Post reported. Copenhagen (Denmark), Oct 6 : Soon after he became the Mayor of Copenhagen, Morten Kabell sent back his official car and decided commute to office by electric bike, contributing towards taking the city to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025. Kabell is one of the seven Mayors of Copenhagen, which has a population of around six lakh. "There are seven Mayors each one with different areas of responsibilities that are clearly demarcated. The city council has eight parties," Kabell told a group of visiting international journalists. According to him, the biggest challenge was asking the Danes to do away with their cars and switch over to public transport and cycles. "I sold the official car and come to office on an e-bike," he added. According to him, using a cycle is a faster way to commute and the city administration has reduced the number of car parking slots to discourage the use of cars to promote public transport and cycles. "For distances of five-seven kilometres people here pedal their cycles. We would want that to up to 10 kms. People can also use e-bikes," Kabell said. A sizeable number of Danes in Copenhagen commute to their work place on cycles. The bicycle lanes are broad and the administration is planning to widen them to avoid traffic jams and also discourage the use of cars. "Cars occupy space and also transport only one person at an average. You have to plan a city where cars can be used. There the people can buy cars and drive," he added. "We are growing city. The city is growing by two per cent per annum. The challenge is building infrastructure, school and other facilities," Kabell said. Speaking about achieving carbon neutrality by 2025 Kabell said as per the current plans, the city will achieve 92 per cent of the target by that time. "Working out schemes to achieve the balance eight per cent will not be difficult," he said confidently. Copehnagen aims to be the first city in the world to become carbon neutral by 2025. "So far we have achieved 33 per cent of our target. Property owners have been asked to provide for district heating and cooling in their buildings," Kabell said. The city is benchmarking its emissions against 2005 levels. A biomass power plant is also being built and is expected to be operational in 2020 so that 80 per cent of the city's district heating system will be carbon neutral. According to Kabell, source separation of waste at the household level is in place with the municipality giving containers to segregate the waste so that the organic waste could be used in the biomass plant. The city's streetlights have been changed to energy efficient LED bulbs and the majority of the garbage trucks run on gas. Kabell was categorical that it is the responsibility of rich nations to reduce pollution levels and it is not right on their part to ask other nations to do so. "We recycle most of our waste. We have a district cooling system during summer. Our plans would make Copenhagen a sustainable city," Kabell added. The indoor air quality has been improved with installation of valves to let in fresh air, he said when queried on the primary focus on reducing energy consumption by retaining heat/chillness within the four confines of the rooms with efficient sealing. Though the water needs of the city met from ground water sources, the city does not have plans to harvest rain water to recharge aquifers. (Venkatachari Jagannathan is in Denmark at the invitation of Danfoss A/S. He can be contacted at v.jagannathan@ians.in) By India Today Web Desk: Huge protests were held across Australia yesterday against Indian mining giant Adani Enterprises over its proposed Carmichael coal mine. The Adani's coal mine is supposed to be the largest coal mine project in Australia. The protests - 45 in number - were organised by the "Stop Adani" movement. These protests were held in many cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Port Douglas. advertisement The project has been delayed for years over environmental and financing issues. Several environment groups have opposed the Adani's project saying the mine in Queensland state will contribute to global warming and damage the Great Barrier Reef. WHY NATIONWIDE PROTEST AGAINST ADANI? Yesterday's protests were held as part of a National Day of Action. Thousands of protests held placards with slogans of "Adani Go Home". Around 2,000 protesters took to streets in Sydney. "If this mine does go ahead it drives us into a dirty future and Australia is a country that's smarter than that," the ABC news quotes Simon Fosterling, a Bondi surf life saver at the Sydney protest, as saying. He further added, "I have a two-year-old daughter and I don't want to have a conversation with her in 10 years time and the mine's gone ahead and she says to me, 'dad, why didn't you do something?'" "It's going to be the biggest coal mine in the southern hemisphere at a time when our climate is crumbling," Astill said, adding, "It's an international issue and that's why we're seeing people around the world and in Australia coming out in their thousands to say no to Adani." Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy said she said, "It will affect every single living thing on Earth, that's why people in Melbourne and Sydney and Canberra and Adelaide and Cairns all care about this mine not going ahead." WHAT ADANI GROUP SAID? Meanwhile, Adani Australia CEO Jeyakumar Janakaraj said that the company was committed to create jobs in Australia and there was large support for the project in regional Australia. "We are focussed... the project is needed in the community and we have their whole support," he said. "Adani is very focused to get jobs started in the next few week. There is a large support for the project in regional Australia," he said. He, however, said there was a loud minority voice against the project.He said the anti-mine protests did not reflect the correct picture of how the project was being received regionally by the local community. Janakaraj also confirmed that the early works would start in next few weeks as the company was well in advance in starting the works. advertisement He said an Adani India festival last night in Townsville attracted 20,000 people which was an indication that the project was supported by the local community. Speaking at the festival, Minister Coralee O'Rourke welcomed the company's commitment and also praised Adani for adhering to and working with government to deliver a job creating project. Adani and the Queensland government have highlighted that the mine will prove beneficial for the region. This week the company announced it would base more than 1000 fly-in, fly-out workers in both Townsville and Rockhampton. However, environmental activists are concerned about the potential impacts to the Great Barrier Reef as the coal will be shipped through areas close to the national icon. There are also concerns the coal burned will contribute to climate change, which is the biggest threat to the reef. (With PTI inputs) --- ENDS --- New Delhi, Oct 6 : With its efforts to acquire a medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) having fallen through and its squadron strength dipping alarmingly, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is to float a Request for Information (RfI) in two to four weeks to kick-start the process for making single-engined fighters in the country under strategic partnership model and the first batch of new planes are expected to be inducted in another five years, informed sources said. The IAF expects production of sthe single-engined fighters aircraft to start within a five-years period, by which time the first off-the-shelf aircraft of the chosen manufacturing partner start to arrive. By then, the first of the two squadrons of Rafale combat jets that India has purchased from France will also be at full strength. Once the RfI is issued, a couple of months will be given to get replies and within a year, a RfP (Request For Proposal) will be issued. It may take another six months to a year to go complete the selection process for the single engined fighter, with global giants like Lockheed Martin and Saab in the race. While 18 aircraft will be bought off shelf, 96 are to be made in India, the sources said. "Once the contract is awarded, 18 fighters will be delivered off-the-shelf to make up the first squadron. By that time, assembly line is expected to be ready for making the remaining jets in India," a senior IAF officer said. On Thursday, addressing the annual press conference ahead of Air Force Day, the IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, had said that single-engined fighters were being inducted so that the force could make up for the numbers at a lower cost. "In twin-engined fighters, the cost of engine is 30 per cent of the aircraft. In a single-engined fighter, it is 10 percent of the cost. We are right now concentrating on the single-engined jets to make up for the numbers at a lower cost," Dhanoa said, adding that there is also a requirement for twin-engined fighters. In June, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Lockheed Martin had signed an agreement to produce F-16 fighters in India. In September, Saab and Indian infrastructure conglomerate Adani group announced a collaboration in the aerospace and defence sector, eyeing to produce Grippen fighter jets. Lockheed Martin and Saab are presently the main competitors for the single-engined fighter that the IAF needs. Under the recently unveiled Strategic Partnership model, Indian industry majors will be identified and would tie up with global original equipment manufacturers to seek technology transfer and manufacturing know-how to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains. Four sectors have been finalised for the model at present -- fighter aircraft, helicopters, submarines and armoured fighting vehicles and main battle tanks. The single-engined fighters will replace aging fighters like the MiG-21 and MiG-27, around 14 squadrons of which are set to retire between 2015 and 2024. Besides, the IAF is also acquiring 40 Tejas light combat aircraft and will be buying 83 more of these indigenous fighters to make up for its depleting strength. (Anjali Ojha can be contacted at anjali.o@ians.in) Ahmedabad, Oct 7 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in his poll-bound home state of Gujarat for a two-day visit less than a month after inaugurating the ambitious Sardar Sarovar Narmada Project. He began the tour with prayers at the Dwarkadheesh Temple in the historic Dwarka town. During his whirlwind tour, Modi is expected to address as many as six public meetings launching various schemes and projects at five places in three regions of the state. Following his prayers at Dwarkadheesh, he would lay the foundation stone of a sea-link bridge between coastal town of Okha and Bet Dwarka Island. Located about a couple of kilometres away from the temple, Bet Dwarka is frequented by thousands of pilgrims coming to this temple town of Lord Krishna. At present, the pilgrims cross the sea in boats operated by private operators and Gujarat Maritime Board. The new bridge would connect both the pilgrim centres by road. Modi will also address a public meeting here. Next on his itinerary is the foundation stone-laying ceremony of a Rs 2,500-crore Rajkot International Airport on the outskirts of biggest city in Saurashtra. He would also address a public rally at the pilgrim town of Chotila in Surendranagar district just an hour's drive from Rajkot. Less than a fortnight ago, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who toured the Saurashtra region for a three-day campaign, also began his visit with prayers at the Dwarkadheesh temple and subsequently paid salutations to the local deity in Chotila. Modi would then inaugurate the new building of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) near Gandhinagar. On Sunday, Modi will visit his birthtown Vadnagar in North Gujarat to inaugurate a Rs 500-crore civil hospital and a medical college. Here, he will also dedicate the re-developed Sharmistha Lake to the people and inaugurate other public works, including the facelift of the Vadnagar railway station, where he once sold tea as a school boy. The town has been decked up to welcome the son of the soil. Modi would pass by his school and also the old railway station where his father's tea stall was located. Massive hoardings have been put up along the route, depicting his journey from Vadnagar to Varanasi. Some of them have a sketch of Modi as a school boy. The hoardings also highlight several achievements of Modi's three-year rule at the Centre. Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Rs 1,200-crore Devi Ni Mori International Buddhist complex near Shamlaji in Aravalli district, also in North Gujarat. Later, the Prime Minister would lay foundation stone for Rs 3,000-crore Bhadbhut barrage project over river Narmada, as well as a Rs 650-crore Dahej-Ghogha Ro-Ro ferry service near Bharuch in South Gujarat before flying off to New Delhi from Vadodara. Washington, Oct 7 : A hurricane warning has been issued for New Orleans as tropical storm Nate continued to move north through the western Caribbean Sea, causing multiple deaths and damage in parts of Central America. The Yucatan peninsula in Mexico on Friday evening was braced for Nate's arrival, with high "winds, storm surge and heavy rainfall" expected, the Washington-based National Hurricane Centre (NHC) said. The NHC warned of "life-threatening storm surge flooding" along areas of the northern Gulf Coast in Louisiana and Florida, and that residents "should heed any evacuation instructions", reports Efe news. Authorities have also alerted residents from Louisiana to Alabama to urgently complete "preparations to protect life and property". The storm is forecast to bring rainfall of 3 to 6 inches, with isolated totals of 10 inches in areas from the central Gulf Coast into the southern Appalachians in Virginia. Nate has steadily gained in strength as it moves through the western Caribbean and Central America, triggering flash floods and landslides in areas of Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama and Belize. At least 26 people have died, and several were reported missing. Some 500,000 people in Costa Rica were without access to safe drinking water. Nearly 18,500 households were left without electricity. "Due to the size of the event there are a great number of places that are isolated. There is total destruction of bridges, collapses, landslides that have destroyed significant parts of roads or blocked them," President Luis Guillermo Solis told reporters. "We have people trapped in vehicles, who are in good health, but we have not been able to evacuate them because of the conditions." The Red Cross has been working to rescue as many as 60 people who remain stuck in buses and cars on a mountainous stretch of the Inter-American Highway. Moscow, Oct 8 : A new military airfield in Russia's Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad region will receive aircraft by the end of this year, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Saturday. This means that the first phase of large-scale airfield facilities reconstruction in Kaliningrad will be completed by then, Xinhua news agency quoted the ministry statement as saying. After the completion of the reconstruction, the airfield's runway will be able to receive aircraft of any class, according to the statement. The ministry said it is also building integrated storage facilities for missiles, naval underwater weapons and artillery ammunition in Kaliningrad, the headquarters of Russia's Baltic Fleet as well as a hot spot for Russia-West military confrontation. Tehran, Oct 8 : Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has slammed US President Donald Trump for his recent threats to "decertify" the Iranian nuclear deal. Zarif said on Saturday Trump's threats would not "help peace and security in the region" and would harm the long-term interests of the US, Xinhua reported citing Tasnim news agency. Trump has threatened to withdraw his endorsement of the nuclear deal with Iran next week, leaving its survival in the hands of a divided Congress. Trump also called the nuclear deal, reached during former US President Barack Obama's administration, "the worst ever deal" and "an embarrassment" for the US. "I think it is an ill-informed statement, because certainly, any deal would not be a perfect one for all sides; it has to be less than perfect so all sides can live with it," Zarif said on Saturday, adding the international community could never trust Washington again if it violates the deal. "The nuclear deal is the result of 10 years of posturing and two years of negotiations. Unfortunately, this administration is going back to posturing," he said. Any breaches of the deal by the US would result in Iran's partial or complete withdrawal from the agreement, the Iranian minister warned, adding that Tehran would be undeterred by threats of sanctions. Malappuram (Kerala), Oct 8 : Hectic campaigning is on for the October 11 Vengara Assembly be-election, with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) looking favourites to win the seat that was vacated by party leader P.K. Kunhalikutty after he was elected to the Malappuram Lok Sabha constituency in April. IUML - the second biggest ally of the Congress-led UDF, has fielded two-time former legislator K.N.A. Khader. Considered as one of the strongest constituencies of the IUML, Kunhalikutty won the 2016 assembly election from Vengara with a record margin of 38,057 votes, one of the highest margins in the state. However, the CPI-M is expecting its candidate P.P. Basheer, who lost to Kunhalikutty in 2016, to come back strongly this time. The BJP has fielded K. Janachandran Master. With the ground reality favouring the IUML, the CPI-M state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that the poll outcome was not going to be a verdict on the 18-month-old Pinarayi Vijayan government. He instead threw a challenge to Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala to resign his assembly seat and contest again, which he said would be a poll where the result could be seen as a verdict for or against the Left government. The BJP, which managed around 7,000 votes last time, is hoping to take its tally beyond 10,000 this time. They are hoping that the 'Jan Raksha Yatra' flagged off by party president Amit Shah from Kannur district on October 3, and to pass through this district, could give them an unexpected boost. Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy who was in the constituency taking part in family and public meetings told IANS that the outcome is a foregone conclusion and they expect the margin of victory to be better. Chandy said he expects the Vengara electorate, which gave Kunhalikutty a margin of over 38,000 votes in 2016, will do so for IUML candidate Khader this time too. CPI-M's Basheer is confident of victory with Vijayan completing one round of campaigning and star campaigner veteran V.S. Achuthanandan to also campaign. "I can see that there is a perceptible change and that change is going to be in my favour," said a beaming Basheer. However, Khader says there is nothing that will prevent his winning margin to go higher than Kunhalikutty's. The votes will be counted on October 15. Mumbai, Oct 8 : Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says this year he will not be celebrating the festival of lights Diwali or his 75th birthday, which falls on October 11. Though he didn't give the reason, his daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's father Krishnaraj Rai passed away in March after several days of illness. "India thrash Australia in T20, Pink Panthers' extraordinary convincing win, thunderstorm cancels shoot, 30 million on Twitter, and just for your information... no Diwali celebration this year," Amitabh tweeted on Saturday night. The "Piku" star shared more details on his blog. "No, there is no celebration of any kind for the 75th and there's no possibility of my presence here in the city. They speculate...They aver, they get to know from their 'sources', details which can be completely wrong at times... one wishes to be those sources - for we, never ever know who or what they are," Amitabh wrote. Kathmandu, Oct 8 : Former Nepal Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Centre) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has admitted that forging a left electoral alliance without first discussing the matter within the party was a mistake. He admitted that there were some "procedural lapses" while taking the decision of forging a left electoral alliance with the CPN-UML and the Naya Shakti Nepal. On October 3, the three parties announced a left electoral alliance -- sending across a message of bringing all the communist forces under one umbrella. Dahal during the party's politburo meeting and political training on Saturday admitted that forging the alliance without putting the matter for discussion at any of the committees of the party, which is a routine procedure, was a mistake, the Kathmandu Post reported. Leaders, including former Finance Minister Barshaman Pun, had questioned the leadership's "surprising and abrupt announcement". "It was obvious on the part of the leaders to express dissatisfaction as the decision that can impact the life of the party has come out of nowhere," Pun was quoted as saying during the meeting. The CPN (Maoist Centre) chairman, however, attempted to defend the move and said the decision to forge an alliance with the UML was a result of "extreme pressure and compulsion". He admitted that the decision of such huge import should have been taken after holding extensive discussions at different party committees. "But that could not happen." Leaders of both the UML and Maoist Centre have said the left alliance is a precursor to a unified "communist force". Dahal told his party members that he himself had proposed unity between the Maoist Centre and the UML when the latter had come up with the proposal of forging an electoral alliance. Though a section of leaders expressed their dissatisfaction at not discussing the issue within the party before the announcement, all Maoist Centre leaders opined that there had been some problems with the party's partnership with the Nepali Congress and that a left alliance was required. Dahal's "pressure and compulsion" argument on Saturday stems from the fact that the Maoist Centre, which has gone through highs and lows since it joined the mainstream politics in 2006, had of late been finding itself cast adrift. Despite emerging as the single largest party in the first Constituent Assembly elections in 2008, the party lost its sheen by the time the second elections were held when it faced a drubbing. The CPN (Maoist Centre) also performed miserably in all the provinces in the recent local level polls. Beni, Congo, Oct 8 : At least 40 people were massacred by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels on Saturday evening in North Kivu province in eastern Congo. Military sources cited by Xinhua said the rebels had attacked several military camps in Beni, three of which were captured. Survivors of the attacks on military camps told Xinhua the rebels had released randomly some people before they ruthlessly killed the other captives. The situation remains tense at the moment, according to local military authorities. The ADF is considered a terrorist group by the Ugandan government. It was originally based in west Uganda but has expanded into the neighbouring Congo. The eastern region in Congo is beset by instability due to the presence of several home-grown and foreign armed rebel groups. UN data showed thousands of civilians have been killed in various armed conflicts in the region since 2016. Hyderabad, Oct 8 : Actress Tamannaah Bhatia on Sunday participated in a walk organised here for breast cancer awareness. The actress along with Dharini, who fought breast cancer affecting both breasts at a young age of 24, flagged off the run in which about 3,000 people from various walks of life participated. The ninth edition of the 2K Pink Ribbon Walk was organised by Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation (UBF) and KIMS-Ushalakshmi Centre for Breast Diseases with the slogan 'Does your heart beat for early detection of breast cancer'. Breast cancer 'conquerors' and their families in addition to large number of students from old city participated in the run, expressing solidarity with the Pink Ribbon campaign. The walk was aimed at creating awareness about importance of early detection of breast cancer, salute survivors, and spread the message of hope, courage and survival in the fight against the disease. KIMS chairman B. Krishnaiah, KIMS MD and CEO B. Bhaskar Rao, UBF CEO and KIMS-Ushalakshmi director P. Raghu Ramm UBF founder chairperson Ushalakshmi and other eminent citizens participated in the walk. UBF and KIMS-Ushalakshmi Centre for Breast Diseases, which completed 10 years, has undertaken many unique initiatives to empower people about importance of early detection of breast cancer. In India, over 150,000 women are newly diagnosed with breast cancer every year; a staggering number that has overtaken cervical cancer to become the most common cancer affecting women. Contrary to the western world where breast cancer is common after the age of 50 years, the highest incidence of breast cancer in India is between the ages of 40 and 50 years, said Raghu Ram. More than 70, 000 women succumb to breast cancer every year - a woman dies of breast cancer every 10 minutes in India. Ram said that more than 60 per cent of breast cancers in India present in the advanced stages and hence death rate from breast cancer is also very high. Lack of awareness and absence of an organized national breast cancer screening programme are the main reasons accounting for late presentation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that his birthplace Vadnagar has a special connection with the hometown of Chinese President Xi Jinping through the accounts of Hiuen Tsang about 1,400 years ago. By Prabhash K Dutta: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited his hometown Vadnagar in Mehsana district of Gujarat for the first time since winning the Lok Sabha elections in 2014. Addressing a gathering at Vadnagar, Narendra Modi said that his ancestral village had a special place in history and unique connection with Chinese President Xi Jinping's hometown, Xian. PM Modi said, "When President of China Xi Jinping visited Gujarat, he told me, your birthplace has a special connection with my birthplace in China." advertisement "Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang (also spelt as Hsuan Tsang and Xuan Zhuang) stayed at Vadnagar during his India visit and when he returned to China, he stayed in Xian, the hometown of Jinping," Narendra Modi said to thundering applause from the crowd. VADNAGAR IN HISTORY Narendra Modi's claim is not unfounded. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has carried out extensive excavations at Vadnagar in least three phases. It began in 1953-54 under noted archaeologist SR Rao. But, it remained largely unexplored for next over 50 years. The second phase of excavation was carried out by YS Rawat of State Archaeology, Government of Gujarat at Vadnagar from 2006-2010 when Narendra Modi was the chief minister. The third phase began in 2014-15, after Narendra Modi became prime minister. #WATCH: PM Modi talks about Chinese President says,'scholar Xuanzang visited my village in India & in China he visited Pres Xi's village' pic.twitter.com/jZOuCTlxxM- ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2017 The latest excavation was aimed at, according to the ASI, finding the "lost city" at Vadnagar. The excavations are being carried out to corroborate the narrations of Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang, who visited the place about 1,400 years ago. The excavations till date have pointed to existence of Buddhist monasteries as mentioned by Hieun Tsang in his travelogue. Hieun Tsang has said that he saw 10 big Buddhist monasteries at Vadnagar during his stay in the ancient city. WHAT HIUEN TSANG SAID ABOUT VADNAGAR? On his return to his homeland, Hiuen Tsang wrote his account in Si-Yu-Ki. It was translated into English for the first time by British scholar Samuel Beal in 1884. The English translation was published under title, The Buddhist Records of the Western World. Hiuen Tsang has written about Vadnagar in his account, which is kept at Xian. Narendra Modi today said that during his visit to China, Xi Jinping took him to his hometown and personally read out to him from Hieun Tsang's manuscripts about Vadnagar. Hiuen Tsang has pronounced Vadnagar as O-nan-to-pu-lo, which translates into Anandapura, the name for the ancient city. In Hiuen Tsang's words, "There are some ten sangharama with less than 1,000 monks. They follow the Hinayana sect of Buddhism and study in accordance with Sammatiya school. There are several big Deva temples, and sectaries of different kinds visit them." advertisement Harshavardhana of Kannauj was the ruler of the region when Hiuen Tsang visited his court and also Vadnagar. Interestingly, Abul Fazl, the court historian of Mughal emperor Akbar, also mentioned Vadnagar as a flourishing town and a trade centre. The city of Vadnagar was believed to have been built around Sharmishtha Lake. The ASI is now trying to bring out the ancient city out of the accounts of Hiuen Tsang and medieval writers. --- ENDS --- Mumbai, Oct 8 : Superstar Aamir Khan, known for producing and acting in some of the most commercially successful films like "Dangal" and "Taare Zameen Par", says test screening is necessary as it helps him to understand various aspects. "Test screening is a very important process for me because it gives me a great deal of understanding on many aspects. When you make a film, you become so close to it and subjective, you lose your objectivity. "But during test screening when I share the rough cut with a group of people who are completely out of the film business, their feedback brings a different aspect," the actor told media here on Sunday. He started this process from "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak" (1988). "I think it is very important to understand how our cine, our communication is being received, and if there is any miscommunication, we can correct that before the film releases. So we invite random people, show them the film and take feedback," said Aamir. The actor has shared his screen space with a lot of child actors in films like "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke", "Dangal" and "Taare Zameen Par" and now "Secret Superstar". "I think the responsibility is more because you have to understand that you cannot make them overwork or for long working hours. Once the right casting is done, you know that the actor will deliver, whether a child or an adult... you will get the moment right on-screen. "But filmmakers have to be little more sensitive towards the child. We have to keep short working hours, have to give them breaks in between so that they are not exhausted," he said when asked about his experience of working with children. Aamir's upcoming home production "Secret Superstar" is releasing on October 19. Guwahati, Oct 8 : Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived at Assam's Tezpur on Sunday as part of her maiden visit to the Eastern Command. The minister who was accompanied by army Vice Chief Lt Gen Sarath Chand and Eastern Command Lt. Gen. Abhay Krishna was received at Tezpur Airforce Station by Gajraj Corps commander Lt Gen A.S. Bedi and other senior dignitaries of the Army and the Air Force. The visit which is part of Sitharaman's familiarization with all the formations of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) comes close on the heels of her visit to Northern Command recently and her visit to Sikkim on Saturday. She also reviewed the operational readiness of the airbase, seeing the Sukhoi fighter aircraft and other IAF assets at first-hand. The Defence Minister extended her good wishes to the Air Warriors on the occasion of 85th Air Force Day anniversary as she interacted with them at the strategically important eastern airbase of Tezpur. She also visited the Gajraj Corps headquarters where she was briefed by Lt Gen Bedi, on the overall security situation in Assam and the Kameng Sector of Arunachal Pradesh and the operational preparedness of the Corps. Sitharaman subsequently visited Solmara Military Station near Tezpur where she interacted with the officers and jawans over a cup of tea. She appreciated the high standards of military discipline and preparedness of the army men and women and their excellent performance in the difficult terrain and challenging environment in which they are operating. Brasilia, Oct 8 : The Indian Embassy in Brasilia held the launch of 'India-Brazil Diplomatic Relations (1948 - 2017)', a book that celebrates 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, at an event attended by Brazilian diplomats, the Indian community and media. The bi-lingual publication presents a coherent analysis of the evolution of the relationship in a bilateral and multilateral context, said the Indian Embassy in a press release. The book has a foreword by Sunil Lal, Ambassador of India to Brazil. The contributors to the book include Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs and former Ambassador of India to Brazil, Tovar da Silva Nunes, Ambassador of Brazil to India, B.S. Prakash, former Ambassador of India to Brazil, Abhilasha Joshi, former Consul General of India in SAo Paulo, and Krishna Mendes Monteiro, Secretary, Trade Section in Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi. The book delves into the historical, political, cultural and commercial aspects of the relationship, presenting a panoramic view of the partnership to the readers. New Delhi, Oct 8 : Rebel Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav on Sunday said there was a need for a Grand Alliance at the national level to save the country's composite culture which "was in danger". "Our composite culture is in danger. If the composite culture is in danger, then the (Indian) Constitution is also in danger. There is a need for a Grand Alliance to combat the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre," Sharad Yadav said while addressing his JD-U faction's national council meeting here. The former Union Minister also criticised the Narendra Modi government over demonetisation and Goods and Service Tax regime and said it had slowed the national economy. Five crore people lost their jobs due to demonetisation whereas Modi had promised to provide jobs to two crore people annually, the JD-U leader said. He also targeted Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for joining hands with the BJP after dumping the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal in Bihar, accusing Nitish Kumar of betraying the people as he made a U-turn after vowing to fight communal forces. The Grand Alliance formed for the 2015 Bihar assembly elections was a success as it defeated the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Sharad Yadav said, adding there was need for such alliance at the national level as well. He said he was with the Grand Alliance of the RJD and the Congress in Bihar. New Delhi, Oct 8 : The Indian Army on Sunday said wrapping the bodies of men, who died in a helicopter crash in Arunachal Pradesh, "in local resources is an aberration". Pictures circulating on social media showed bodies of killed personnel wrapped in what appeared to be plastic sheets and cardboard, inviting criticism. "The mortal remains of helicopter accident on October 6 recovered, (and) sent wrapped in local resources is an aberration," the Army said in a tweet from its official handle. "Fallen soldiers always given full military honour. Carriage of mortal remains in body bags, wooden boxes, and coffins will be ensured," another tweet said. Lt General H.S. Panag (retired) earlier tweeted a picture and said: "Seven young men stepped out into the sunshine yesterday, to serve their motherland. India. This is how they came home." "Proper military body bags must be used to transport bodies from forward locations until ceremonial coffins available," he said. An Indian Air Force Mi-17 V5 helicopter crashed on Friday morning in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang district near the China border, killing five men of the Indian Air Force and two of the Army. The Russian-manufactured chopper had taken off from Khirmu and was on way to Yangtse to drop off kerosene jerrycans at an Army camp of the 10 Madras Regiment. The wreckage was located at Tapugar area, about 130 km from Tawang. New Delhi, Oct 8 : The Congress, CPI-M and the AAP on Sunday sought an inquiry into allegations by a news website that the turnover of a company linked to Jay Shah, son of BJP chief Amit Shah, increased 16,000 times after the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014. The BJP rubbished the allegations and Jay Shah issued a statement saying the article carried by the website 'The Wire' had made "false, derogatory and defamatory imputations" against him. Jay Shah said his businesses were fully legitimate and he had decided to "prosecute the author, editor and owner of the aforesaid news website for criminal defamation and sue them for an amount of Rs. 100 crore". He said the article creates an impression "that my business owes its success to my father Sri Amit Bhai Shah's political position". Congress leader Kapil Sibal said at a press conference in the afternoon that information obtained from the Registrar of Companies had revealed that Temple Enterprises Pvt Ltd, a company in which Jay Shah was a Director and which had a turnover of just Rs 50,000 in 2014-15, suddenly saw a spike of 16,000 times in its turnover in a year. Aam Aadmi Party leader Ashutosh also held a press conference and made similar allegations, saying the fortunes of Amit Shah's son rose after the BJP came to power and he became the party chief. The AAP demanded a probe into the matter. Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury said in a tweet: "Serious corruption charges against BJP President's son need investigation. BJP Presidents eg Advani, Laxman had resigned on lesser charges." Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi also hit out at the Modi government. "We finally found the only beneficiary of Demonetisation. It's not the RBI, the poor or the farmers. It's the Shah-in-Shah of Demo. Jai Amit," he said in a tweet. Sibal said at the media briefing that Temple Enterprises had recorded losses in 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 of Rs 6,230 and Rs 1,724, respectively, but showed a profit of about Rs 18,000 in 2014-15. The following year (2015-16), its turnover jumped to a whopping Rs 80 crore, he said. The change in fortunes of the company came after it received an unsecured loan of Rs 15.78 crore from KIFS Financial Services owned by a relative of a BJP Rajya Sabha member, Sibal claimed. The Congress leader also alleged that Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, a PSU under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, had given a loan of Rs 10. 25 crore to Kusum Finserv, a limited liability partnership or LLP, in which Jay Shah had a 60 per cent stake, even though this company had no prior experience of operating in the power sector. "We are only saying that pradhan sevak should probe because this is excellent example of crony capitalism." The BJP fielded Railway Minsiter Piyush Goyal to counter the allegations that he termed as "malicious and defamatory". "The article through malicious imputations is trying to damage the reputation of our leader Amit Shah " he said. He termed Congress' allegations as "old Congress style". Clarifying about the dealings of Jay Shah's companies, Goyal said Shah carries out "fully legitimate and lawful business". On the sudden spiking in Temple Enterprise's turnover to Rs 80 crore, Goyal said that the firm was dealing in agri-commodities in which there is "high volume and high value but low profit margin". "So even if you do just a few transactions, the volume becomes very high. Rs 80 crore is not a large turnover in commodity business," he said. On loans taken from KIFS Financial Services owned by Rajesh Khandwala, Goyal said that normally banks do not extend loans to new and small companies and hence the loan was taken from registered NBFC KIFS on "commercial rates and commercial considerations" and has been repaid with interest. He said that the Kalupur Commercial Cooperative Bank did not give a loan of Rs 25 crore to Kusum Finserve but gave only a Letter of Credit (LC) on security. "In addition, 10 per cent cash margin was given and apart from that property of Amit Shah and office premises of Kusum Finserve were also mortgaged for this LC facility," Goyal said. On the loan given by IREDA, he said it is engaged in commercial lending to promote renewable energy in the country" and has "already given more than 2,000 loans and sanctioned over Rs 50,000 crore." "This is malicious and deplorable effort to try and attribute motives. We thoroughly reject all these baseless allegations." Jay Shah in his statement said that the "highly slanted" article had damaged his reputation and law suits will be filed at Ahmedabad, where he stayed. "My businesses are fully legitimate and conducted in a lawful manner on commercial lines which is reflected in my tax records and are through banking transactions. I had taken loans either from NBFC or Non Funded Credit Finance Facilities from Cooperative Banks on purely commercial terms strictly in accordance with the law." Sibal later countered Goyal and asked if it was right for him as a minister to defend Jay Shah. "Why is Piyush Goyal, being a minister, defending Shah? He can defend the government. Does he (Goyal) keep talking to Jay Shah. Is there so much closeness?" He also countered Goyal over his charges on the Dhingra commission report that probed land deals of Congress presdent Sonia Gandhis's son-in-law and said it was BJP-ruled Haryana Government which did not want to put the report in the public domain. Sibal said the party had not said anything malicious and was only seeking information on Jay Shah's deals. He also said that details should be given of goods and equipment "hypothecated against the loan". New Delhi, Oct 8 : Indian Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday again raised the issue of premium being charged on oil supplied to Asian countries by some OPEC members and asked that a reasonable pricing policy be adopted by the 13-nation producers' cartel. According to a Petroleum Ministry release here, the issue came up in the talks between Pradhan and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary General Sanusi Mohammad Barkindo, who is in India to attend the first CERAWEEK India Energy Forum. "Pradhan reiterated that OPEC should work towards responsible pricing, which is important for India for socio-economic and developmental reasons," the statement said. "He emphasized India's earlier view of 'Asian Dividend', rather than charging 'Asian Premium', on the crude supplied and said that countries like India should actually be the preferred destination," it said. Pradhan highlighted that in the currently oversupplied crude market, it is important for producers to understand the perspective of consuming countries and the changes that have taken place in these demand centres, and suggested that the OPEC at its ministerial meetings give wider consideration to Indias requests. Noting that India is putting a lot of emphasis on diversifying its crude oil supply sources, he pointed to the recent arrival of two shipments of crude oil cargo of 1.6 million barrels from the US. "Three Indian public sector refineries have already placed a cumulative order of 7.85 million barrel from the US. "In addition, a private refiner has placed an order of 2 million barrels from the western nation," the statement said. The minister, who was accompanied by senior officials, also extended an invitation to the Secretary General to attend the 16th ministerial meeting of International Energy Forum scheduled to take place in India in April 2018. Pradhan had earlier raised the issue of premium being charged on oil supplied to Asian countries by some OPEC members when the two last met in Vienna in May this year for the 2nd India-OPEC Institutional Dialogue. The demand for crude oil in India is expected to grow by over 3 per cent in 2017 at around 4.5 million barrels per day. Last November, major oil producers agreed to cut output as a response to the global supply glut that had been pushing down prices for nearly two years. In May, Saudi Arabia and Russia agreed on the need to prolong the current agreement on cuts until March 2018. Washington/New Delhi, Oct 8 : In yet another rap on the Congress partys dynastic leadership, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said the party is not likely to expand itself unless it selects its leaders based on "calibre and potential". The Finance Minister's observation came while responding to questions after delivering his keynote address via video conference to Berkeley India Conference. He said Congress party is out of sync with the ground realities and aspirations of India. Just weeks back Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi had addressed the students at the University of California in Berkeley where fielding a question over dynasty in the Congress, he had said that not only Congress but most political parties are dynastic. Responding to a question, Jaitley said: "The (Congress) party's whole process of leadership creation within the party...does not just get on with the rest of aspirational India." "So, unless it goes back to being a more structured party which selects its leaders based on calibre and potential...I do not think it will be able to substantially expand its position," he added. Jaitley is set to leave on an official visit to the US early on Monday to participate in the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Responding to Jaitley's jibe that Congress had lost contact with ground realities, Congress leader Kapil Sibal said that Jaitley first need to establish contact with his own Prime Minister. "He reportedly came to know of demonetisation through TV...The fact is that this government is being run by only two people-- Narendra Modi and Amit Shah," Sibal said. New Delhi, Oct 8 : When Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited the India-China border on Saturday, she did not just review security there but also taught Chinese soldiers how to greet with a 'namaste'. The video clipping of the visit shows a Chinese soldier introducing one of them to the Minister, after which Sitharaman gave the traditional salutation of "namaste". "You know what namaste is?" Sitharman is seen asking a Chinese soldier who is speaking in English. While some on the Indian side tried to explain what namaste was, Sitharaman asked them to let the Chinese soldier tell what he thought it meant. "He knows; let him say," said Sitharaman. "Does that mean nice to meet you," the Chinese soldier asked. At this, she asked: "What would you say in Chinese". As he responded: "We just say 'ni hao'", she said: "So, I say namaste." The Chinese soldiers replied saying 'ni hao' with folded hands. The Chinese soldier who was translating then explained his name meant 'king' in English, at which Sitharaman quipped: "And to have a king do the translation..." Amid laughter from both sides, the soldier explained his English was good. Sitharaman was at the Nathu La pass on Saturday when she met the Chinese soldier. The Defence Minister was on a tour to Sikkim after India-China stand-off and was also supposed to visit the stand-off area but could not due to bad weather. On Sunday, Sitharaman visited Tezpur as part of her maiden visit to the Eastern Command as Defence Minister. Accompanied by Army Vice Chief Lt Gen Sarath Chand and Eastern Command chief Lt Gen Abhay Krishna, she was received at the Tezpur Airforce Station by Gajraj Corps commander Lt Gen A.S. Bedi and other senior dignitaries of the Army and the Indian Air Force. The visit, which is part of her familiarisation with all the formations of the Indian Army and the IAF, comes close on the heels of her visit to Northern Command recently and her visit to Sikkim on Saturday. An official statement said the Minister extended her good wishes to the Air Warriors on the occasion of 85th Air Force Day as she interacted with them at the strategically important Tezpur airbase and reviewed its operational readiness, while seeing the Sukhoi fighter aircraft and other IAF assets first-hand. Sitharaman also visited the Gajraj Corps headquarters where she was briefed by Lt Gen Bedi on the overall security situation in Assam and the Kameng Sector of Arunachal Pradesh and the operational preparedness of the Corps. She subsequently visited Solmara Military Station, Tezpur where she interacted with the officers and jawans over a cup of tea and appreciated their high standards of military discipline and preparedness. The Minister also extended her greetings to the troops for Diwali before her departure for Delhi. New Delhi, Oct 8 : The three women fighter pilots set to be commissioned in a fighter squadron in December are likely to fly Mig 21 Bisons, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa said on Sunday. "According to me they will be sent to Mig 21 Bison (squadron). This will enhance their skills. I am not saying that twin cockpit fighters do not require skills, but your piloting skills are enhanced when you fly manually," Dhanoa said at a press conference on 85th Air Force Day. The first three women fighter pilots - Bhawana Kanth, Mohana Singh and Avani Chaturvedi - are about to complete their training, and are to be commissioned in a fighter squadron in December. Another batch of three women pilots have started fighter pilot training as well. The Indian Air Force, in June last year, commissioned three women as fighter pilots. Women form a very minor section in the armed forces, with the IAF having the highest number at 1,350 followed by the army with 1,300 and the navy with 450 women officers, according to official information. The 1.3 million-strong armed forces have 59,400 officers. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her visit to Nathu La not only waved at Chinese soldier across the border, but also interacted with them for a short while. The Indian and Chinese sides are seen in a video displaying great camaraderie. Nirmala Sitharaman earlier shared this photo showing her waving at a group of Chinese soldies who she said were taking her photograph from across the border (PTI photo) By India Today Web Desk: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, it turns out, not only waved at Chinese soldiers posted across the border at Nathu La, but even interacted with them. Earlier, Sitharaman tweeted a photo that showed her smiling and waving at, what she said was, "a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence who were taking pictures [of Sitharaman] reaching Nathu La." advertisement That was not the end of the story. The defence minister, who recently assumed office, seems to have walked up all the way up to the actual border and interacted with the soldiers posted on the Chinese side. A short video released by the Defence Ministry on Twitter shows Sitharaman conversing with a man who seems to be the senior-most Chinese officer at the Nathu La post. At the beginning of the video, the officer is seen introducing his colleagues and explaining their roles and duties to Sitharaman. Halfway through, the defence minister greets the officers' colleagues with a "namaste". With the Chinese soldiers looking a little confused, Sitharaman asks, "Do you know what namaste means?" At this point, the Indian soldiers standing nearby try to help their Chinese counterparts, but their boss Sitharaman promptly shuts down their efforts, telling them to let the Chinese figure out the meaning on their own. The Chinese officer, after a couple of failed attempts, finally hits upon the correct meaning of namaste and proceeds to teach Sitharaman the Chinese phrase to greet someone - "Ni hao". Snippet of Smt @nsitharaman interacting with Chinese soldiers at the border at Nathu-la in Sikkim yesterday. Namaste! pic.twitter.com/jmNCNFaGep- Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) October 8, 2017 The video ends abruptly, just as the two sides are seen laughing over a joke. Incidentally, the interaction between the Chinese and Indian sides came not too far away from Doklam, which up until recently was the site of a major high-stakes standoff between soldiers of the Indian Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The standoff, sparked after Indian troops moved in to stop PLA soldiers constructing a road on the Doklam plateau, lasted nearly 70 days and was marked by a steady rhetoric from Chinese media. The standoff ended late August, with both sides entering into a "disengagement agreement". Notably, recent media reports have suggested that Chinese soldiers remain in the vicinity of the Doklam standoff site. Reacting to the media reports, the Ministry of External Affairs denied that the disengagement agreement had been violated. --- ENDS --- Marking seven years as the official uniform sponsor of the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, Chef Works, a global designer and manufacturer of culinary apparel, is proud to support the festivals evolution from a 3-day Waikiki event to one of the worlds most sought-after culinary celebrations. Now in its seventh year, the three-week festival spans three islands and will host nearly 9,000 people for exclusive events, tastings, and winemaker series. Fusing Hawaiian heritage and culture into the festival, Chef Works supplies customized chef coats to nearly 300 participating chefs from around the world. Continuing our collaboration with legendary Hawaiian print designer Reyn Spooner, these jackets feature a pop of Hawaiian print on the collar and cuffs, and include custom embroidery that helps to reinforce the elevated event feel and unify the festivals look. Hawaii Food & Wine Festival organizers selected several designs from Chef Works newly released 2017 chef coats. Proud to be sponsoring the event, Chef Works will be outfitting chefs in the Morocco and Springfield Essential Chef Coats in Dove Grey, a new color for 2017. Attracting global talent to the island, the Hawaii Food & Wine Festivals revered line-up includes chefs Michael Voltaggio, Michelle Bernstein, Alvin Cailan of Eggslut fame, Graham Elliot, Ravi Kapur of Lihloliho Yacht Club in San Francisco, James Beard Award winner Stephanie Izard, Nancy Silverton, and many more. All chefs will be outfitted in Chef Works apparel. Of the upcoming festivities, Chef Works Marketing Vice President Amanda Stuckey notes, First and foremost, the event is spectacular and the team at Hawaii Food & Wine are top notch. It is an honor that we have been able to support them from the very beginning and watch them grow year after year. We also love this festival because it is an intimate event with some very elite culinary talent. This allows us to really connect and talk to the chefs about how they feel in their Chef Works gear. Hows the fit? Is it comfortable? How is it working against the wonderful yet hot humidity! Its important to us to get direct feedback from the people who wear our designs day in and day out; especially when they are in an area of the world where our moisture wicking technology is put to the ultimate test. Chef Work staff will be onsite during the event and are looking forward to connecting with like-minded industry professionals and chefs at the 2017 Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. With a dedicated social media presence, Chef Works will also be broadcasting live from the event, and posting updates regarding the festival throughout the duration of the event. About Hawaii Food & Wine Festival: The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival operating as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is the premier epicurean destination event in the Pacific. Set in the lush island paradise of Hawaii, the Festival will take place over three weekends on multiple islands, featuring a roster of over 100 internationally renowned master chefs, culinary personalities, and wine and spirit producers. The Festival on Hawaii Island, Maui, and Oahu will showcase wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, one-of-a-kind excursions, and exclusive dining opportunities with dishes highlighting the states local farmers, fishermen, and ranchers. About Chef Works: Established by South African natives Alan and Dale Gross, who gained experience working in their fathers uniform supply company, J.Gross & Co., Chef Works has evolved into a global force as a solutions based company, supplying culinary apparel to over seventy countries. Chef Works dresses back of house and front of house staffs for a diverse range of customers including, international hotel chains, award-winning restaurants and bars, culinary schools, food service companies, laundries, and assisted living facilities. Headquartered in San Diego, California, the family-operated corporation has helped pave the way for the current culinary uniform movement by working directly with chefs and culinary personnel to develop innovative, fashion-forward garments. For more information, visit http://www.chefworks.com, follow us on Facebook (@ChefWorksHQ), Instagram (@Chef_Works), and Twitter (@Chef_Works). Welcome Guest! You Are Here: During a visit to Nathu La on the India-China border, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman came across an unexpected group of shutterbug - a row of Chinese soldiers just across the border. By India Today Web Desk: As a Union minister in the government of India, Nirmala Sitharaman is no stranger to having cameras pointed at her wherever she goes. But this weekend, when the newly minted defence minister was at the Nathu La pass on the India-China border, she came across an unexpected group of shutterbugs - Chinese armymen who had turned their camera lenses towards Nirmala Sitharaman. advertisement If Defence Minister Sitharaman was surprised, she certainly did not show it. In fact, Sitharaman turned towards "the row" of Chinese soldiers and waved at them with a wide smile on her face. Similar smiles were seen on Indian Army personnel surrounding Sitharaman. In pictures shared by Sitharaman on Twitter, the Indian troops and the defence minister herself can be seen pointedly looking at the Chinese soldiers who are not in the photo's frame. "Acknowledged a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence who were taking pictures on my reaching Nathu La," Sitharaman captioned the picture on Twitter. Upon arrival Smt @nsitharaman is accorded with a Guard of Honor at Nathu-la pic.twitter.com/UdVGnAyRh1- Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) October 7, 2017 At Nathu La, Sitharaman interacted with Indian Army personnel as well as officials of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Sitharaman made the arduous journey to the border pass via road, and in pictures shared by the Defence Ministry, she was seen sharing sweets with the soldiers posted on the border. Notably, Nathu La is close to the Doklam plateau, the site of an intense nearly 70-day-long standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies. Recent media reports have suggested that Chinese soldiers remain in the vicinity of the Doklam standoff site. Some pictures on my way back from Nathu La amidst fog and cloud cover. The beautiful Tsongo lake reflecting light at dusk.@DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/mWSvbxU7RH- Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) October 7, 2017 Reacting to the media reports, the Ministry of External Affairs, in a recent statement, denied that the India-China "disengagement agreement", which brought the Doklam standoff to an end, had been violated. Incidentally, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was scheduled to undertake an aerial survey of the Doklam region and forward border posts in Sikkim during her visit to Nathu La. However, this was not possible due to bad weather conditions, the Sikkim government said in a statement. --- ENDS --- Thanks for signing up for our daily insight on the African economy. We bring you daily editor picks from the best Business Insider news content so you can stay updated on the latest topics and conversations on the African market, leaders, careers and lifestyle. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Around 7:30PM on Saturday, 7th October, a gas station at Atomic Junction went up in flames with a loud explosion. READ ALSO: Trotro driver tries to flee after knocking down 2 PRESEC students The flames from the explosion spread to nearby filling stations and cause multiple explosions. One of the students from PRESEC who fled the school premises told local television network, TV3, "We didn't know where we were running to, but we kept running". Other reports stated that some students from Ghana Hostels and TF Hostels, which were closer to the epicenter of the explosion, fled the campus to avoid the flame and heat from the incident. One Franklin Badu Jnr, told Citi FM that the explosion rocked the "roofing of the Pentagon". He continued, "There was a huge explosion that shook the Pentagon hall where I was. It appears that the gas flared into the atmosphere and the inferno followed suit. Students numbering thousands are fleeing for their lives". The fire, which started at about 8:40am Sunday morning, affected three rooms of the two storey building, the Assemblyman for Adansi electoral area, who also doubles as a teacher in the school, told Pulse.com.gh. According to him, only two buildings of the ground floor of the story building could be used, adding that two spare classrooms have been arranged as alternative accommodation for the affected students. He also disclosed that officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Police and the Fire Service have been to the school to assess the impact of the damage. No casualties were recorded, Busia said. About Asuom SHS Asuom Senior High School, otherwise known as ASEC located in Asuom near Kade in the Kwaebibirem District of the Eastern Region of Ghana was established in 1968 as a community Secondary School to serve the people of Asuom and its environs. The vision is to position the school as a living organism that will have a continuum of progressive infrastructural and human development to provide quality education to its students to aspire to higher heights through academic and moral discipline. The slim looking actress, who has not confirmed or deny that she is pregnant, has gained considerably weight often associated with pregnancy. READ MORE: Actress is pregnant In July, she appeared to have tacitly confirmed her pregnancy when she acknowledged that she was putting on weight. Charley I know, I know, I know am looking big I am looking fat I know. I know, I know I am aware. I know, the Heels and Sneakers" actress said in a Snap Chat video. In a fresh post last week, respected Nigerian blogger, Linda Ikeji, said she can exclusive confirm that Yvonne Nelson is expecting her first child. Pulse.com.gh first reported that she was pregnant, after speaking to multiple sources close to the actress. Yvonne in her recent interview with BBC divulged her plans to get married this year after breaking up with Nigeria's Iyanya. READ MORE: Actress breaks silence on pregnancy rumours Speaking to BBCs Veronique Edwards, Yvonne said, This year, Ill be getting married this year. By PTI: Bengaluru, Oct 7 (PTI) An animal keeper was allegedly mauled to death by two white tiger cubs inside the Bannerghatta Biological Park today. Anji (41), who was recruited about a week ago, had gone to place meat inside the enclosure for the animals without noticing that it was open on the other side where the cubs were resting, park sources said. advertisement Though he tried to escape, the cubs of white tigress Sowbhagya, chased and allegedly mauled him to death, they said. Based on a complaint by the park authorities, police registered a case of unnatural death. Confirming Anjis death, the executive director of the Bannerghatta Biological Park Santosh Kumar said "Since police investigations are on into the matter, it is not fair on my part to give any reason behind Anjis death." About two years ago, some lions had attacked another animal keeper. He escaped but was injured badly. The park was in the news recently when five royal Bengal tigers attacked and killed a white tiger. PTI GMS BN DIP --- ENDS --- The gas station, located close to the GOIL fuel station at Atomic Junction, exploded before the fuel station later caught up in flames. Currently, the cause of the explosion is yet to be ascertained but sources say tell Pulse.com.gh the explosion occurred from a gas container at the filling station setting the entire fuel station ablaze. According to eyewitness reports, a huge ball of flame went up immediately after they heard a loud sound of explosion in the area. Several properties are reportedly up in flames with many fearing the explosion could be fatal. A few hours after the incident, top Ghanaian personalities have taken to the various social media platforms to show their concern. Celebrities including Sarkodie, AJ Nelson, M3dal, FaReed, Pam, Pope Skinny, Efya, Eazzy, Edem, E.L, Nikki Samonas, Chase, Kontihene, KMJ, Sister Deborah, Wanlov, M3nsa and others have reacted to the incident. This is not to say that I had a dislike for s songI rather absolutely loved it and subjected my colleagues to at least 4 plays of the fast-paced banger every day at the office. READ ALSO: 10 Ghanaian musicians who are making waves in 2017 But I would always make a mockery of the lyrical content of the song. In all honesty, it is not like the average Ghanaian musician these days included such lyrical dexterity in their music, but Patapaa Amistys was really at the bottom of the food chain when it came to lyrics. The song, however, was a FUCKING predator in airplay and virality. My good friend, David Mawuli was one of the first few people to put the song up for download online when he posted it on Pulse.com.gh and that was how I got the song on my phone. This is not to say I hadnt heard of the song before David listed it online, but I am an avid user of Apple Music and Spotify, and if a song is not on those two platforms, it would be very difficult for me to have it on my devices. Though I must add, prior to chancing upon the downloadable version of the One Corner song on Pulse.com.gh, I had searched for it on Google to no avail. And when I did download the song, it became a routine for me to either start my day with it or end my day with it. I would play One Corner when I am sad, overly happy, angry or even just boredand it gave me the right vibes every time I needed it to. This is coming from me someone who got into trouble in Pope John Senior High School for spending time with Dela Amenyedzie dissecting Eminem, Kanye and Jay Z rap lines in search of deeper poetic context, someone whos Genius IQ is on a high, someone who calls out Medikal openly over the #NonfaPunchlines everyone else celebrated as dope. Somehow, I loved One Corner, but in equal measure, I hated the lyrics of the song so much, I didnt want to be associated with it. So when these music connoisseurs I held in high regards would bash the song and proclaim a deafening death for it, I would tag along and nod my head like the proverbial agama lizard. And you can be sure that once I left those gatherings, I would turn up in my Uber (if the Driver Partner has an aux cable) with the One Corner song without shame I mean, whos there to judge me. So this post is also sort of an expose, it is my coming out as an avid fan of Patapaa Amistys One Corner. I formulated some theories about why I (and thousands across West Africa) loved the One Corner song. At first, I attributed it to the beat, which is indeed the catchy tune on its own. The beat would easily send you cracking some crazy dance moves even without Patapaas lyrical content. And then I attributed it to the rather awkward version of twerking that accompanied the song. After all, the song went viral in a video showing some Swedru youth breaking out crazy moves to the tune. Patapaas song drove Patrons "mad" at Swedru Akwambo festival And like many other critics, I prophesied an instant death for Patapaas music career that would be timed with the slow decline of the virality of One Corner but with the release of his follow-up song, featuring Buda, he has changed my point of view. Maybe it is too early to call it, but it seems Patapaa, like Shatta Wale, Kwaw Kese and even Lilwin, has found the G-spot of the Ghanaian music lover. You see, the G-spot is not stimulated by sensible lyrics or deep wordplay, it is not moved by a wild composition or unique flow. Like the G-spot in women, it is the spot where if you find, anything you do to it would cause a beautiful reaction. What do most Shatta Wale, Kwaw Kese and Lilwin songs have in common with the two Patapaa songs? You should have answered, nonsensical lyrics and a constant return to the winning instrumental with slight changes. And this is what you find in Shatta Wale songs an unbridled outrage, cloaked rubbish, repetitive catchphrases or even direct trash. Cue Kpo Kpa etc. And this trend is repeated by Lilwin, he keeps saying a bunch of words with no coherence, repeating some catchy parts on a rather dance-able and fast-paced instrumental. Kwaw Kese might be the biggest offender when it comes to spewing lyrics that seem to have no connection at first look. Though over the years, Kwaw has evolved, but he has stayed true to his fame-bringer which is nonsensical lyrics. Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! "An investigation has commenced into the cause of the explosion and shall be followed with firm action to forestall similar future recurrences," the statement said. The statement, which was released shortly after the Vice President visited some of the victims of the gas explosion at the 37 Military Hospital and Police Hospital, put the death toll at seven. It also said 132 people were injured but 64 of them have been treated and discharged. The statement said "Any injured persons who may have been evacuated from the scene on their own should kindly inform the Ghana Police Hospital of their location," the statement said. Pulse.com.gh earlier reported on how a filling station located at Atomic Junction in Madina had reportedly went up in flames amidst explosions. READ ALSO: Another explosion shakes Atomic Junction as fires keep blazing Subsequently, aftershocks and other explosions were heard and experienced around the areas. According to reports, the trotro driver, who was driving at top speed, knocked down the 3 students and decided to bolt off instead of stopping to cater for them. However, a witness who spoke to Joy News on live television, indicated that the police, with help from bystanders quickly arrested the trotro driver before he could run away. Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports state that the fires still continue to spread amidst efforts by the Ghana National Fire Service to douse the flames. The statement, signed by the Minister of Information, Mustapha Hamid, was released shortly after the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, visited victims of the accident at the 37 Military Hospital and the Police Hospital where they were rushed to. An investigation has been commenced into the cause of the explosion, the statement said, adding: and shall be followed with firm action to forestall future similar occurrences. "Any injured persons who may have been evacuated from the scene on their own should kindly inform the Ghana Police Hospital of their location," the statement said. Earlier, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said the death toll was six and the injured persons, 35. About 200 police officers and 12 fire tenders were deployed to douse the fire which stated around 7:30pm at a Goil filing station and spread to a Total petrol station across the street at Atomic Junction. READ MORE: Students of PRESEC and UG flee campus following multiple explosions However, several witnesses told Reuters that they had counted about four to five dead bodies following the gas explosion. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, a Deputy Minister of Communications, said: "Unfortunately there are some fatalities and we are working to have the numbers. There are quite a number also injured." He also noted that about 200 police officers had been deployed to the accident scene and about 12 fire tenders to get the fire under control. "A number of injured persons have been taken to a number of medical facilities," he told Joy News. The explosion, which started about 7:30 PM, begun at a Goil filing station. It then spread to a Total petrol station across the street at the Atomic Junction and caused multiple explosions. The loud explosions sent residents as well as students of the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School and the University of Ghana running to safer places for cover. READ MORE: Trotro driver tries to flee after knocking down 2 PRESEC students We didn't know where we were running to, but we kept running," One of the students from PRESEC who fled the school premises told local television network, TV3. Other reports stated that some students from Ghana Hostels and TF Hostels, which were closer to the epicentre of the explosion, fled the campus to avoid the flame and heat from the incident. One Franklin Badu Jnr, told Citi FM that the explosion rocked the "roofing of the Pentagon". He continued, "There was a huge explosion that shook the Pentagon hall where I was. It appears that the gas flared into the atmosphere and the inferno followed suit. Students numbering thousands are fleeing for their lives." On Twitter, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly authorities warned of an explosion in Legon and Madina areas, urging people heading there or around there to be cautious. READ MORE: Students of PRESEC and UG flee campus following multiple explosions READ MORE: Riot in galamsey community after Chinese man kills Ghanaian A misunderstanding ensued during which the Chinese shot Boah. Violence erupted in the town on Friday shortly after the youth in the community heard of the shooting incident. They vandalized properties, set on fire cars belong to the Chinese and allegedly attacked them, in a reprisal attack. The four Chinese who were arrested by the police were named as Chu Chan Jun, 34, Li Ju, 33, Su Soglan, 46, and Jan Gi Hi 49. READ MORE: 4 killed in gas explosion at Tulip Inn Hotel They were taken to the Asankragwa Division for investigation. According to reports, six people have been confirmed dead with over 35 people injured. Four others are in critical conditions and have been placed at the Intensive Care Unit at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra. Eleven other victims are currently on admission at the Legon Hospital bringing the number to 45 the number of injured persons recorded at the 37 Military and Legon Hospitals. Others are also receiving treatment at the Ridge Hospital. President Akufo-Addo in a tweet on Sunday morning, expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved and has wished the injured speedy recovery. By PTI: By Aditi Khanna London, Oct 8 (PTI) A 30-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly trying to scale the front gates of Buckingham Palace in central London, Scotland Yard said today. The Metropolitan Police, however, clarified the incident that took place yesterday was not related to terrorism. ?The woman, believed to be in her 30s, was quickly detained by officers before she gained access to the palace grounds. advertisement She was arrested on suspicion of trespass under Section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, trespass on a designated site and is currently in custody at a central London police station,? the Met Police said. Videos Circulating on social media show a woman, wearing jeans and a black top, shouting as she was led to a waiting police car. A crowd of tourists had gathered, with many of them filming the incident on their phones. The railings on the side of Queen Elizabeth II?s official London home are 21-feet-high compared to the gates which stretch to 29-feet. There have been a number of other incidents in recent years in which people have tried to get into the palace grounds. Last year, a 21-year-old man was arrested for climbing over a side wall to the palace. In 2003, a retired midwife from Leeds, Lindis Percy, , had scaled the 21-feet-high gates at the front entrance to protest against former US president George Bush, during his state visit. PTI AK DPB KUN DPB --- ENDS --- According to reports, six people have been confirmed dead with over 35 people injured. Four others are in critical conditions and have been placed at the Intensive Care Unit at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra. Others are also receiving treatment at the Ridge Hospital. How it happened Two filling stations at Atomic junction were engulfed in flames after a gas station around the area exploded and setting ablaze many vehicles at a nearby taxi and commercial buses hub. Students from the nearby Presbyterian Boys Senior High School as well as some hostels around the University of Ghana campus were seen in video reports fleeing for their lives. Hundreds are walking to the scene of the explosion this morning to see for themselves what the fire which caused thousands to flee their residence left in its wake. Some reports have also said Dorri Esfahani has British citizenship. "The court sentenced him to five years in prison and the verdict is final," Ejeie said. "He also has a financial corruption case for which a bail has been issued but no indictment has been issued yet." Dorri Esfahani has a background in the banking sector and was a member of the supervisory board overseeing implementation of the nuclear deal signed between Iran and world powers in 2015. Since mid-2016, conservative websites and members of parliament have repeatedly accused Dorri Esfahani of spying for Britain. This was flatly denied by Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi in October 2016, but the case remained open. The conservative-dominated judiciary has jailed a number of dual nationals and foreigners since the nuclear deal came into force, highlighting the ongoing concern within parts of the establishment over improving ties with the West. Anis Hanachi was arrested on Saturday night in Ferrara, in the country's north, after French authorities issued an international arrest warrant, Italian police said, adding he is at the disposal of Bologna's public prosecutor. He is accused of being complicit in his brother's attack and of participating in a terrorist organisation. His brother Ahmed Hanachi, who killed two cousins on October 1 at Marseille's Saint-Charles train station before being shot dead by anti-terror troops, spent several years in Aprilia, south of Rome. "He married an Italian in Aprilia in 2008, and was registered as a resident there between March 2010 and 2017," a city council press officer told AFP on Wednesday. The accused, who include the director of Amnesty Turkey Idil Eser, several prominent Turkish rights activists and one German citizen and one Swedish citizen, have been charged with "giving help to an armed terror group", the Dogan news agency said. Prosecutors have asked for jail sentences of 7.5 to 15 years, Dogan said, without specifying the request for each suspect. In the indictment, the activists are accused of seeking to create "chaos in society" similar to the anti-government protests that rocked Turkey in the summer of 2013. Ten activists were detained in July in a raid by police on a workshop session of human rights activists held on the island of Buyukada, a popular getaway spot off Istanbul. A month before, Amnesty International's Turkey chair, Taner Kilic, was remanded in custody on charges of links to the alleged mastermind of the July 15 failed coup, the Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen. Gulen rejects the accusations. His case has now been merged with that of the other ten activists and faces even more serious charges of "membership" of an armed terror group. State-run Anadolu news agency said Kilic faced up to 15 years in jail and the other suspects from between five years to 10 years. 'Absolutely incomprehensible' The two foreigners -- German Peter Steudtner and Swede Ali Gharavi -- were leading the digital information workshop on Buyukada and have been under arrest ever since the July raid. Steudtner's detention has stoked tensions in particular with Berlin, whose relations with Ankara have plunged in recent months. Germany sharply criticised the mass crackdown that followed the failed coup which has included the detention of several German citizens. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said he saw "with great concern" charges being laid against Steudtner and the other activists. He said the terror charges against Steudtner were "absolutely incomprehensible" and the threat of a jail term "unacceptable", adding that Berlin had immediately contacted Ankara. "We continue to do everything we can to bring the imprisoned German citizens, including Peter Steudtner, back to Germany," he said. Amnesty describes Gharavi as an IT strategy consultant and Steudtner as a "non-violence and well-being trainer". Eight of the suspects -- including both foreigners, Eser and Kilic -- are being held in jail ahead of trial and three others free but still charged. It is not yet clear when the trial will start. Those charged are accused of having links with various organisations outlawed by Turkey as terror groups including the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), the group of Gulen and the far-left Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C). Trump has engaged in an escalating war of words with North Korean strongman Kim Jong-Un, trading insults amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals. "Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid," Trump tweeted. It "hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!" The US has not ruled out the use of force to compel Pyongyang to halt missile and nuclear tests, and Trump has threatened to "totally destroy" the country. The mercurial American president also told journalists at a recent gathering with military leaders to discuss Iran, North Korea, and the Islamic State group that this "could be the calm before the storm," declining to clarify his remarks. Last week, as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson flew home from meeting with top Chinese officials, Trump tweeted that his envoy was "wasting his time" in trying to probe North Korea's willingness to talk. Mueller was appointed special counsel after Trump fired Comey in May. Initially, the White House said Trump's dismissal of Comey was based entirely on Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein's recommendation and because of his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation. Shortly after, however, Trump told NBC's Lester Holt that "this Russia thing" had been a factor in his decision, and that he was going to fire Comey regardless of Rosenstein's recommendation. Comey also told the Senate Intelligence Committee in June that before firing him, Trump had asked him to shut down the FBI's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, which included examining whether the Trump campaign had colluded with Moscow to tilt the election in his favor. Though Comey privately told Trump that he was not under investigation, he did not do so publicly in case he had to amend or retract his statement down the road, and it's likely Mueller will make the same call because of that reason. Mueller is reportedly investigating Trump for obstruction of justice based on his decision to fire Comey. The special counsel is also examining Trump's role in crafting a misleading statement his son, Donald Trump Jr., issued in response to reports that he met with a Russian lawyer offering damaging information on Hillary Clinton last June. Trump's advisers reportedly urged more transparency in the initial statement, but he overruled them and the statement had to be amended several times as new details about the meeting emerged. Trump's legal team at first contemplated undertaking an aggressive strategy meant to discredit Mueller and the Russia investigation, but they reportedly switched gears after white-collar criminal defense attorney Ty Cobb took over the White House's response to the probe. He made the disclosure during a recent interview with Punch's Sunday Scoop. He said: A lot of people have been asking me this question lately. "If you notice, many of the people in my category that we started acting at the same time are no longer that vibrant in the industry. It is because we are afraid of the type of scripts that the children are churning out these days. "Even in my house, I cannot watch most of the films that are released nowadays because there is really nothing to learn from them. Many of the actresses dont dress properly. And because we are not their parents, they dont listen to us. "You cannot expect people whose parents are not responsible to behave well. You cannot see people whose parents are theatre practitioners, or those who actually trained for the job, behaving badly. ALSO READ: EbonyLife is making a movie about the fate of Afro Germans under Nazis Some might say Elesho has a point, considering the roles he has played in the Nigerian movie industry. The cybercrime cell is investigating the complaint filed by the KPCC Legal Cell Chairman, CM Dhananjay. By Rohini Swamy: Trouble seems to be brewing for the Karnataka state BJP president B S Yeddyurappa and Union Minister Ananth Kumar as the forensic laboratories have confirmed that an audio clip shared by senior Congress leader V S Ugrappa has the voice of the two BJP leaders. The cybercrime cell is investigating the complaint filed by the KPCC Legal Cell Chairman, CM Dhananjay. advertisement The cyber cell then referred the audio clip to the forensic sciences laboratory to check the veracity of the clip and match the voices. The anti-corruption bureau today lodged an FIR against both Yeddyurappa and Kumar after the FSL matched their voices. Releasing the audio clip to media in February this year, Ugrappa alleged that in a private conversation between the two leaders that the Kumar and Yeddyurappa admitted to giving money to the BJP central leadership. The incident is said to have taken place during the Bharatiya Janata Party's Core Committee meeting in February this year. Now the cybercrime cell is contemplating handing over the case to the anti-corruption bureau in a few days time to investigate the bribery angle as it does not fall in the purview of the cyber cell. It may seem to be a tit for tat after the Siddaramaiah government was accused of giving money to the party high command by the BJP where they claimed that the transactions were mentioned in a diary of a Congress leader. --- ENDS --- Davido shared news of his passing, mourning him on his Snapchat. 2 brothers gone in 4 days, Davido wrote on his Snapchat. We killed shows back to back for four years straight. A part of me is broken. I love you bro, God take control. RIP Olu, I love you more than you can imagine. Till we meet again. DJ Olu, Born Olu Abiodun to Nigerian successful entrepreneur Dapo Abiodun started off as an underground DJ in 2010 while studying for his A levels in England. After djing and headlining numerous parties across the country, It didnt take long for him to get noticed. In June 2011 he was signed as the official DJ for Davidos HKN record label. Now, two U.S. representatives are pushing for this practice to be classified as rape, according to Buzzfeed News. On October 4, Ro Khanna and Carolyn Maloney, representatives from California and New York, respectively, sent a letter to the House Judiciary Committee in the hopes of addressing it. "Nonconsensual condom removal done without the other partner's knowledge is an emerging section of policy and legislation on sexual assault and rape," they wrote. They added that a hearing would provide the opportunity for lawmakers "to gain knowledge and expertise on an issue that is becoming increasingly relevant." The author of the original stealthing study, Alexandra Brodsky, told HuffPost in April that she wanted to examine the phenomenon when she started Yale Law School in 2013. She found that many of the women she spoke with had been "stealthed," but weren't sure whether or not the behavior was considered rape. One stealthing victim wrote that when she discovered her partner had removed the condom during sex without her knowledge, she felt violated and "freaked out." As Khanna and Maloney's letter points out, besides psychologically harming victims, stealthing can also lead to unplanned pregnancies and STDs (the rates of which are already a lot higher than they used to be, as Men's Health has previously reported). Consent is not up for discussion, it is a requirement for the entirety of any sexual interaction," Rep. Khanna said, according to BuzzFeed. "Stealthing violates an agreement between partners and is a dangerous form of sexual assault." About six months ago, two lawmakers in Wisconsin and California also tried to tackle stealthing, introducing bills to change the definition of consent and rape to include interfering with condom usage without telling the other person. BuzzFeed reports that the California lawmaker said her bill failed to get enough votes to move forward. Only time will tell what kind of effect Khanna and Maloney's letter will have. The two convicts are: Lucky Sama and Balogun Joseph with charge numbers CME/566c/17 and CME/669c/17, respectively. A statement signed by Mr Emeka Monday, the Public Relations Officer of the Prisons command in the state, and issued in Enugu on Sunday, said the convicts escaped from the prison around 11.00 p.m. on Friday. Monday said the prisoners were sentenced to two years imprisonment by an Enugu East Magistrates Court, for stealing . He said that the Controller of Prisons in the state, Mr B.N. Ogbodo, had deployed intelligence unit and search party throughout the state and beyond for their arrest. The prison spokesperson said that the service was also collaborating with sister security agencies in the manhunt of the prisoners. He described as `false some media reports of jail break in the Enugu Maximum Security Prison. Monday said that the prison formation was peaceful and calm, adding that the inmates were in safe custody. According to Daily Post, the group also called on the President to bring new hands into his cabinet. He said A situation where majority of Nigerians languish in object poverty and penury, where people can no longer eat two times a day not to talk about three square meals a day is a worrisome development and a cause for concern for us and we believe should be for all well meaning Nigerians. Time for change is now before it is too late; the alarming situation, however, is that there seems not to be any concrete or genuine solutions coming from government and its agencies on how to ameliorate the present quagmire that is threatening to take the country to the precipice. It is because of this we are calling on the President to immediately undertake a cabinet reshuffle and bring in capable Nigerians who can assist him in changing the present status quo. As an organization with affiliates across the 19 Northern states and Abuja and as working stakeholders across the whole country, there is a concensus that the ship of state is in dire strain. The bottom line is that Nigerians standard of living is at one of its lowest ebb in history and as a government that campaigned on the mantra of change, the time to change things cannot be better than now. As the umbrella organization of all youths in the north and committed to the wellbeing of Nigerian youths as a whole, we are worried about the prevailing situation in the country. But instead of solutions, we are daily inundated with news on alleged graft, in house fighting and at other times mundane issues from this government that was given so much by Nigerian people who are yet to see the fruit of their sacrifice and battle to root out the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) that failed to live up to the expectations of the people after 16 years in power. While we are not unaware of the rot and desolate situation that the All Progressives Congress, (APC) and its main flagbearer President Muhammadu Buhari met on ground, we also make bold to say that we, nay Nigerians expected better performance from the PMB led administration more than two years in the saddle. Let the President and his co travellers know that majority of Nigerians were in unison that the PDP failed, even your party APC know that fact and we believe that is why they came with the change mantra. But alas, two years down the road, many things have refused to change and instead the downward slope from the previous administration that Nigerians so much abhor and voted massively against and in favor of the APC and many others for President Buhari as an individual. The sluggishness of this administration in tackling some salient issues of governance has left so much to be desired. Up till now, Nigerians are still waiting for report of the Osinbajo committee that investigated the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF) and Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA) boss; government has continued to keep mute. The recent allegation by the Minister of state, Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu against the GMD of NNPC, Maikanti Baru is trending and government has not deemed it necessary to speak to Nigerians on the matter. This is a sour point for this administration and President Muhammadu Buhari who many had so much faith in. ALSO READ:President Buhari says NO to Biafra Consequently, after an overview of the polity and the present predicament of the populace, we want President Muhammadu Buhari to know that his cherished reputation and integrity which was a major factor in the victory of the APC in the 2015 general elections is gradually being eroded. This is because his government is not coordinated and majority of Nigerians who hitherto believed so much in him are suffering more than ever before. According to The Guardian, the bandits, who were well armed, set an ambush on the way, but they were over-powered the Governors security team. Reports say the gun battle lasted for hours on Thursday, October 5, 2017. The Director General on Media to the governor, Malam Saliu Tanko Yakasai, confirmed the attack to journalists. An eyewitness who spoke to The Guardian said It took the intervention of Mobile policemen and members of Department of Security Service attached to the governor to save the situation. ALSO READ:Buhari denies snubbing Governor Ganduje in Daura We observed that the pilot car leading the convoy slowed down and there was a road block mounted by robbers. It was late into the night and suddenly the mobile Police opened fire on the robbers, while the DSS and other police men in the convoy later joined in the shooting till the robbers scampered away. According to Vanguard, Onochie said this in a statement which she posted on her social media page. The presidential aide in a post titled: The Bubble Is About To Bust, Be Patient, said How can we rid Nigeria of Corruption unless Corrupt practices especially in high places were exposed and dealt with? Theres a popular song that encourages us to shine the light for everyone to see. Very true, the war on corruption is on. One can say that unless every corrupt act is punished, Nigerians who live off corruption will continue to do so. But you see, corruption is not like a social get together where people, are invited to witness the occasion. Corruption is conceived in the heart of man, a secret place. Corruption is executed in the dark secret places of our institutions. A dingy dark tunnel where many practitioners are sworn to secrecy. People take Newspaper adverts to felicitate with acquaintances on their birthdays. Even to announce the deaths of beloved ones. But no one would proudly publish their corrupt activities in the tabloids for all to see. This is where whistle-blowing comes handy. This is where shining the light for all to see, becomes the only way Nigerians would know for sure, those secret corrupt acts, conceived in the hearts of men and executed in the secret board rooms of our institutions. Its a welcome development that allegations are flying all over the place. I dare say that its the light in Muhammadu Buharis administration that is exposing these dark allegations. But I guess the PDP, a party that is a synonym for corruption and populated by people who do not see stealing as corruption, does not have the ability to understand that allegations of any kind, including corruption, need to be investigated thoroughly so that only the guilty is punished. Under the now quashiokor PDP, depleted of membership, corruption was nursed into the muscular gigantic monster we are now dealing with. What we are witnessing is the remnant of the institutional corruption and power play, a carry over of the 16 years reign of impunity by PDP. The fact that there are still unsavoury things coming to the fore now, is a sign that the Buhari administration is striking the right cords. Its also a sign that the light the administration of Muhammadu Buhari is shining in the dark crevices, is exposing the secrets held by the dark. Every hidden evil deed against the people of Nigeria, will be exposed. Every exposed unlawful deed will be judged. Every judged evil and unlawful deed will receive an equal and commensurate recompense. As the light continues to shine, therell be more gruesome revelations. Lets not despair, they are signs that the kitchen has become too hot for the wicked. All we need to do is be patient still, and watch as things continue to unfold in our favour. According to President Muhammadu Buhari, work is just beginning. The bubble is about to bust! With your support, corruption will continue to be exposed. With your support, we will KILL corruption. THANK you for your patience. God bless Nigeria. The party also asked President Buhari to suspend the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru. Kachikwu had earlier alleged that Baru awarded contracts worth $26 billion without following due process. Speaking further, the ADP National Secretary, James Okoroma said In view of the seriousness of the allegations made by the Minister and the dangers they pose to the economy and image of our nation, we demand the image suspension of the NNPC GMD to enable investigations to commence. The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kackiwku should come out bold and resign his appointment having become a stranger in president Buharis cabinet. You will recall that the minister of state, in the letter which he wrote to President Buhari, complained of humiliation by the NNPC GMD. ALSO READ:NNPC Act does not recognise the minister of state Meanwhile, a source in the oil corporation recently revealed why Baru ignored Kachikwu. The source who said that the NNPC boss did nothing wrong by reporting to Buhari directly, added that the NNPC act does not recognise the portfolio of the minister of state. Iworiso-Markson urged residents of the state to report all suspected cases of the disease by calling the toll free hotlines 08066987752 and 08035474676 to reach the rapid response team of the health ministry. The commissioner said that the sensitisation campaign in the media was with translations in all the local dialects in the state and would be aggressively sustained. He also said that government had commenced sensitisation campaign and advocacy visits to communities in the state to reassure them of governments intervention and activities in curbing further spread of the disease.The commissioner said that the government had curbed further spread of the disease. Iworiso-Markson explained that out of the number of those quarantined at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Okolobiri, many were already showing signs of recovery. He stated that two out of the index cases and the doctor affected by the disease had since fully recovered and discharged, expressing joy that no death had been recorded so far. To further allay the fears and reassure Bayelsans of governments effort in curbing the disease, let me make it clear that we are on top of the situation. However, it is important for people to take note of the fact that prevention is better than cure. Hence, they are required to always wash their hands, avoid monkeys, bush meat and dead animals. They should also be on the lookout for symptoms which often manifests as various stages of rashes and an intense weakness of the body, severe pains, among other things, he said. The Commissioner for Health, Dr Inyang Asibong, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar. Cross River is not far from other states in the South-South that have witnessed the outbreak, we are working round the clock to prevent the disease in the state. As soon as we heard about the outbreak, we took extra precautions. Already, we have a team set up for infection, disease preparedness and control. We are always on alert and in constant surveillance of any disease outbreak. We have held several meetings with the state epidemiologists because we believe that prevention is better than cure. Currently, we are carrying out sensitisation and advocacy campaigns in communities through community leaders, town announcers and the media, she said. Asibong said that the state had also taken proactive measures by dispatching its epidemiological team to strategic areas in the state.She described monkey pox as a rare viral disease transmitted to humans from animals, adding that the first case was noticed in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970. According to her, infection of the disease results from direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids and muscular injury of infected animals. She said that the incubation period ranged five to 21 days. According to her, the first five days known as `invasion period, is characterised by fever, intense headache, swelling of the lymph back pain and others. The commissioner also described as false, some online reports alleging that a case of monkey pox had been detected in Okuni Village in Ikom Local Government Area of the state. The commissioner also told NAN that security personnel on border areas across the state had been sensitised about the disease. ALSO READ: Atiku begs for monkeypox outbreak to be handled like Ebola She said that an infected person who contacts the disease usually notices symptoms similar to chicken pox and it normally starts from the face, palms and to the sole of the feet. We have informed security personnel to look out for these symptoms and alert us accordingly. The NNPC disclosed this in Abuja on Sunday in a statement by the corporations Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr Ndu Ughamadu. Ughamadu explained that the profit was due to the write-back of deferred tax of N8.05 billion in 2015 and part of the dividends of the ongoing transformation. The Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of NGPTC, Mr Saidu Mohammed, disclosed that the profit before tax for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016 was N24.4 billion as against N20.9 billion in 2015. This represents an increment of 16.8 per cent, while the profit after tax reduced from N22.6 billion in 2015 to N15.81 billion in 2016. Also, earnings per share reduced from N4,510 in 2015 to N3,163 for 2016. The total revenue generated from gas sold and transmitted during 2016 amounted to N219.5 billion as against N155.5 billion in 2015, representing a 41 per cent increase over the previous year, he said. Ughamadu said that the increase was due to revenue generated from application of higher transportation tariff and new commercial customers that came on stream. An overview of NGPTCs business performance for the year 2016 shows that 307 billion standard cubic feet (bscf) of gas was sold and transmitted as against the planned 463 bscf, thereby achieving 66.4 per cent of its target. The year 2016 also reveals a performance of four per cent below the volume of 319.25 bscf sold in 2015, the public affairs manager said. He noted that the company was confronted with the challenges of incessant vandalism of the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System 1 (ELPS 1), Trans Forcados pipeline and evacuation bottleneck of condensate in 2016. He acknowledged the continued support of NGPTCs host communities for the sustained peace and tranquility in the companys areas of operation. The NGPTC, formerly Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) Ltd., a fully-owned subsidiary of the NNPC, was incorporated in 1981 and commenced business in 1988. Kachikwu, in a letter to President Buhari, complained of humiliation from the NNPC boss, Baru. He said that the Act stipulates that the chairman of the NNPC board is the minister of petroleum. The source also added that since Buhari also acts as the minister of petroleum, Baru did not wrong to report to him. The NNPC Act does not recognise a minister of state. The act is explicit that the petroleum minister is the chairman of the NNPC board, the source said. Another source who spoke to Punch denied the allegation that Baru awarded contracts without following due process. The source also said There is a lower tenders board at the NNPC and there is another which is higher and is referred to as the NNPC Tenders Board. The Bureau of Public Procurement is aware of this. The NTB handles or awards contracts of up to $20m. Anything beyond that goes to the Federal Executive Council. This is what has been happening at the corporation in the last three to four years. The AKK pipeline contract, valued at about $3bn, for instance, has been there for the past five years. Baru did not award it, as well as some others listed in the allegations, rather he inherited it. That the NNPC has not come out to make any official comment does not mean that it does not know what to say. Some of these contracts were awarded years back. The corporation will come out to say something, but for now, silence is a strategy. Trump is a stern critic of the 2015 accord, which he has called "the worst deal ever", and US officials say he intends to tell US Congress next week that Tehran is not honouring its side of the bargain. "The United States is likely to quit the Iran agreement next week -- that is my great concern," Gabriel was quoted as saying by national news agency DPA. However Gabriel said Germany remains committed to the agreement, which Berlin helped negotiate, to stop Iran from building a nuclear bomb. Gabriel, speaking at a state election campaign event, said his question to Washington was: "What good will come of us treating Iran as though it is developing nuclear weapons after all? ... Nothing." He accused the US administration of "replacing the rule of law with the law of the strongest". "And that is a great danger for us because if the United States of America takes that course then the world will change," he said. Trump is expected to announce that he is "decertifying" Iran's compliance with the agreement it signed to limit its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. US officials insist this will not sink the deal itself but open the way for Congress to possibly develop new measures to punish other aspects of Iran's behaviour. Resumed sanctions could derail the accord negotiated with Tehran by former president Barack Obama and other major world powers. Congress requires the president to certify Iranian compliance with the deal every 90 days. The next date certification date is October 15. Most of the northwestern region is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group led by Al-Qaeda's former Syria affiliate, which ousted more moderate rebels in recent months. Turkey has massed special forces and military hardware including tanks on the border but the operation has yet to begin in earnest, monitors and sources on the ground said. But Turkish forces fired seven mortars over the border with the aim of easing the passage of the pro-Ankara Syrian forces, the Dogan news agency reported. Turkish forces have also been seen removing parts of the security wall Ankara has built on the border so that military vehicles can pass through into Syria. Pro-government media said that the operation was now into its "second day" and it was not immediately clear what the Turkish military's next move would be. 'HTS warns' On Sunday morning, HTS jihadists opened fire on Turkish forces removing part of a wall along the border between Turkey and Idlib, witnesses and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said. The Observatory reported "heavy exchanges of fire", but said the incident did not appear to mark the start of the operation Erdogan described on Saturday. Turkish armoured vehicles and troops were waiting on the border, from where smoke could be seen from the mortar fire, an AFP photographer said. Television images showed locals in the Turkish border town of Reyhanli in Hatay province cheering as more armoured vehicles were driven through the town overnight. Ankara appears keen to oust the HTS from Idlib in order to create a de-escalation zone into which it can send military monitors to implement a ceasefire. Turkey, along with Syrian regime allies Russia and Iran, earlier this year agreed a deal to implement four such ceasefire zones in Syria as a prelude to talks on a peace deal. The zone encompassing Idlib is the last one to go into effect, and its implementation has been held up by fierce opposition from HTS. On Saturday, the group warned "treacherous factions that stand by the side of the Russian occupier" should only enter the area if they want "their mothers to be bereaved, their children to be orphaned, their wives to be widowed". 'Tomorrow Afrin' Turkey earlier this year wrapped up its half year Euphrates Shield operation against jihadists and Kurdish militia in Aleppo province that involved both the Turkish army and Syrian rebels. The Hurriyet daily said the pro-Ankara forces involved in this operation, which Turkey calls the Free Syrian Army (FSA), would be the same as in Euphrates Shield. "Since summer, Turkey has been reorganising those rebels and pulling them into a new politico-military structure that is supposed to be more cohesive," said Aron Lund, fellow with The Century Foundation think tank. Turkey is working in cooperation with Russia, even though they have been at loggerheads throughout the over six-year Syrian civil war, with Moscow backing the regime and Ankara the rebels seeking to oust President Bashar al-Assad. After meeting Erdogan in Ankara on September 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the right conditions now existed to end the war that has killed an estimated 330,000 people since 2011. Turkey has also long warned it could also move against the People's Protection Units (YPG) Kurdish militia who control Afrin to the east and which Ankara considers a terror group. Erdogan on Saturday warned that "new initiatives" would follow after the Idlib operation. PEORIA, Ill. (AP) For years, dusty, battered volumes of records from the 19th and early 20th century have been stored in boxes in a forgotten corner of the Peoria County Courthouse. The dirty, yellowed and rodent-chewed pages were on the verge of becoming useless. That was until Peoria resident Bob Hoffer stumbled across the books on a genealogical hunt for details in the death of his wife's great-grandfather. "They were going to dust," Hoffer told the Journal Star in Peoria. "Left like they were for too much longer and they might not have had any value at all." They are called the undertakers' records. They were compiled and stored by a fledgling Peoria County Health Department in the 19th century then moved to the county courthouse to free up storage space. Inside the damaged books are the scribbling's of local undertakers, who by order of the state Legislature were required to record the name, date of death, burial location, home address, age, birthplace, undertaker, doctor and cause of death of every person who died in Peoria. Hoffer's interest in the records prompted the transcription of local undertakers' writings in the early years into tidy, easy-to-read computerized columns. The records, which cover deaths from 1872-1881, contain 4,180 entries, and are available for purchase from the Peoria Genealogical Society. They can be used for free in the Local History section on the lower floor of the Peoria Main Library. The records are a snapshot of a bygone era, reflected mainly beneath the "Cause of Death" column. "They are the missing link in Peoria genealogy," said Amber Lowery, who works in the local history section of the Peoria Public Library, and who discovered a couple of her own ancestors listed in the books. "Their value to genealogists can't be overstated." Hoffer gets credit for the first part of the salvaging of the information written in the undertakers' records. He took the books to Peoria Camera, which donated space and equipment to the project to do it right. The photographed images on a computer flash drive were then given to Alice Brophy, a retired schoolteacher and volunteer database creator for the Peoria Genealogical Society. Brophy then typed the information from the photographed images into her computer to create the database. She is working on the second volume of the Undertakers' Records. She transcribes the records for hours every day. RT, October 6, 2017 Protesters took to the streets of the Afghan capital, Kabul on Friday to demand an end to the American occupation as the country marks 16 years since the beginning of the US and NATO invasion. Hundreds took to the streets, according to RTs Ruptly video news agency, shouting anti-American and anti-NATO slogans. Protesters carried banners in both English and local languages, reading Yankees go home. The demonstration, in which both male and female protestors took part, was organized by the Solidarity Party of Afghanistan. We cant bear occupation anymore, a member of the Solidarity Party told Ruptly, adding that every day we witness them (US and NATO) bombing our cities and thousands of innocent people are killed. Our people gather here and we want justice. We want all the US and NATO occupiers to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible and leave the country to the Afghan people to decide what they want, he said. No occupied country has reached freedom and democracy. Its only the power of people that can bring democracy, peace and freedom to our country. The leftist Solidarity Party of Afghanistan is fighting for womens rights, secularism, and the expulsion of the US and NATO from the country. US troops invaded Afghanistan on October 7, 2011 with the aim of fighting terrorism, following the 9/11 attacks. The 16-year stay in the country became the longest war in US history, in which over 2,400 American troops have lost their lives, according to official figures. However, according to the UN, its the Afghan civilians who have been paying the highest price for the conflict, during which thousands have died. The civilian death toll has reached record numbers this year, with 1,662 killed in the first half of 2017 alone, according to UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). UNAMA also noted an increase in civilian casualties, especially among women and children, from US and Afghan airstrikes, saying that it documented 95 civilian deaths and 137 injuries in such operations. During his visit to Kabul in September, US Defense Secretary James Mattis announced a boost of almost 4,000 more soldiers to the American military contingent, which would bring the total number of NATO troop in Afghanistan to over 17,000. The US says its presence in the country is necessary in order to train the Afghan forces to effectively counter Taliban militants. Property details: PLEASE READ THE DESCRIPTION BEFORE HITTING THE BUY IT NOW, LAST BUYER FAILED TO DO SO AND ALSO DID NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO PAY! 4.66 acres of land in Bald Mountain, Talkeetna, Alaska I have for sale 4.66 acres of land just outside Talkeetna, Alaska. The land is 8.5 miles from the city of Talkeetna and just 25 miles southwest of Denali National Park. Anchorage is just 76 miles to the south. There is legal access to the lot, a road will bring you to with 1/3 of mile of the land and then you can ATV ... Price: $ 1,000 Seller State of Residence: Alaska State/Province: Alaska City: Talkeenta Type: Recreational, Acreage Zoning: Residential Location: 995**, Anchorage, Alaska You will be redirected to eBay Nearby Residential Between school, social life and sleep, trying to get a job on top of all that can be extremely stressful. Here's a list of four side hustles that are possible for any UGA student to do. IMAGE: Jay Shah poses with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his father, BJP chief, Amit Shah at his wedding reception. Photograph: PTI Photo Jay Shah, son of Bharatiya Janata Party national president Amit Shah, will be filing a criminal defamation suit against news website The Wire for alleging that Jays company posted a massive turnover in 2015-16, informed BJP leader and Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Goyal said, Mr Jay Shah will file a criminal defamation suit of Rs 100 crore against author (of article), editor and owner of news website The Wire. The article makes false, derogatory and defamatory imputation against me by creating in the minds of right-thinking people an impression that my business owes its success to my father Shri Amitbhai Shahs political position My businesses are fully legitimate and conducted in a lawful manner on commercial lines, which is reflected in my tax records, and are through banking transactions, Shahs son said in a statement. We reject any allegations sought to be made against Mr Jay Shah or any of our leaders. Mr Jay Shah will file a civil and criminal prosecution for defamation in the Ahmedabad court, he added. The BJP leader further said that the article is written to damage the reputation of party president Amit Shah. A report, written by Rohini Singh in The Wire, details the growth of Jay Shahs company, Temple Enterprise Private Ltd, from 2014-2015 to 2015-16. All loans taken (by Jay Shah) were in accordance with the law and were paid back with full interest, well within the time limit, said Goyal. Earlier in the day, opposition parties sought a probe after the report emerged on the website. Training their guns at the Modi government by citing the news storys content, the Congress, the Left and the Aam Aadmi Party demanded an investigation, with Congress leader Kapil Sibal alleging that it was a case of "crony capitalism". Communist Party of India-Marxists Sitaram Yechury claimed that it is the latest in a series of cases of corruption under the Modi government. Today, we ask a question to the PM, the pradhan sevak ... Now, what do you have to say about crony capitalism? Will you give direction to the Central Bureau of Investigation to probe the matter? Will you ask Enforcement Directorate to arrest these people, Sibal asked at a press conference. To a query whether there was any wrongdoing, Sibal said, I am talking about crony capitalism. Offence will come to light when we get to know why the loan was sanctioned. We know who the CBI and ED will investigate and who the agencies will not investigate. Issue is whether the prime minister is honest enough to say that investigate son of Amit Shah. Attacking Modi, Yechury tweeted, Latest in the series of corruption cases under Modi. Birla-Sahara Dairy, GSPCL, Vyapam, Lalit Modi, rice and mining scams. Why is PM silent? CPI leader D Raja demanded a high level SIT probe monitored by the court. The Aam Aadmi Party also demanded a probe into allegations and said a criminal probe should be started. -- With inputs from PTI Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had a brief conversation with Chinese soldiers during her maiden visit to the Nathu La border post in Sikkim and was even seen teaching them how to say Namaste. A short video of her interaction with the Chinese soldiers on Saturday was posted on Sunday by the defence ministers official Twitter handle (external link), where she was seen in the clip greeting the Peoples Liberation Army personnel with a namaste. Do you know what Namaste means, Sitharaman was seen asking one of the PLA personnel who appeared confused and said Namaste while trying to explain the meaning. At this point, some Indian soldiers tried to come to the assistance of their Chinese counterparts but Sitharaman asked them to let the PLA men find the meaning on their own. After some time, one of the soldiers, with a smile on his face, said Namaste means nice to meet you. Then Sitharaman asked What would you say in Chinese? Ni hao, responded the Chinese soldiers, triggering laughter on both sides. Earlier, one of the Chinese soldiers was seen introducing his commander to Sitharaman. The video has gone viral on the social media. On Saturday, Sitharaman had posted a photo of her waving at the Chinese troops. Acknowledged a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence who were taking pictures on my reaching Nathu La, she had tweeted. The defence minister visited various forward areas along the India-China border yesterday in Sikkim including Nathu La, which is around 30 km from the Doklam, the site of 73-day-long standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers. Her visit came amid reports that China has strengthened its military presence at the Dokalam Plateau and even started widening an existing road which is at a distance of around 12 km from the area of the conflict. The Indian Air Force is celebrating its 85th Air Force Day with a large parade. A series of air displays will be organised at the Hindon air base near Delhi. The day is being observed in the shadow of the helicopter crash in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday that killed seven military personnel on board. Here are some glimpses from the parades. Indian Air Forces Sarang Helicopter Aerobatic team displaying their skills during the parade. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/PTI Photo Indian Air Force fighter planes display their power and skill at the parade in Hindon. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/PTI Photo Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa inspects the guard of honour ahead of the parade and celebrations at the Hindon base. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/PTI Photo Captain of IAF Sachin Tendulkar being greeted by Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa during the celebrations. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/PTI Photo Members of Akash Ganga Sky diving team display their skill during the 85th Air Force Day parade at Hindon Air Force base. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/PTI Photo Air Force paratroopers show their skill during a program at the Panagarh airbase in West Bengal. Photograph: PTI Photo Indian Air Force personnel perform a drill with rifles during 85th Air Force Day parade at Hindan Air Force base in Ghaziabad. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/PTI Photo On his first visit to his birthplace since occupying the top post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a roadshow and visited his school and said the town had taught him to drink poison. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives greetings of the public during a roadshow in his home town Vadnagar, Gujarat on Sunday. Photograph: PTI Photo At the B N High School where he studied, he smeared sand from the premises on his forehead. Modi, who once sold tea at the Vadnagar railway station, recalled his journey to Delhi from Gujarat where he was the chief minister for 13 years from 2001. He said he has managed to serve the nation with the blessings of Lord Shiva since 2001 despite some people spewing venom at him during these years. IMAGE: Chants of Modi, Modi were heard and followers showered the PM with flower petals during his roadshow. Photograph: PTI Photo He was apparently referring to the attacks on him during his tenure as Gujarat chief minister after the riots of 2002 in the state. Vadnagar has taught me to drink poison, he said, while noting that his birthplace is the land of Shiva, like Kashi (Varanasi), his Lok Sabha constituency. Modi was addressing a public meeting after inaugurating a newly-built medical college and launching an immunisation programme. I started my journey from Vadnagar and now I have reached Kashi. Just like Vadnagar, Kashi is also the town of Bhole Baba. Bhole Babas blessings gave me immense strength, and this strength is the biggest gift I have received from this land, he said. The blessings of Bhole Baba (Lord Shiva) gave me the strength to drink and digest poison. Due to this ability, I was able to counter all those who spewed venom against me since 2001. This ability gave me the strength to serve the motherland with dedication over these many years, he said. IMAGE: Modi offers prayers at Hatkeshwar Temple in Vadnagar, Gujarat on Sunday. Photograph: PTI Photo The prime minister did his schooling in Vadnagar, an ancient town which was once home to a Buddhist monastery and has a centuries-old Shiva temple. On the second day of his visit to poll-bound Gujarat, Modi held a roadshow here. A large number of people lined the road to greet him. There were chants of Modi-Modi and flowers were showered on him along the route. IMAGE: Modi administers vaccine to a kid under Intensive Indradhanush Misssion during public meeting in his hometown Vadnagar. Photograph: PTI Photo Before inaugurating a newly-built medical college in the town, he visited the Hatkeshwar Mahadev temple where he performed puja along with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. I am touched by the immense love showered by the people of Vadnagar today. It gave me new energy to serve the nation with more zeal, Modi said, addressing a public gathering after the roadshow. I saw many faces among the people who came to greet me. Those faces brought back many memories of my childhood, he said. IMAGE: The PM during a visit to GMERS Medical College, Vadnagar, Gujarat on Sunday. Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani is also seen. Photograph: PTI Photo Mayawati is now gearing up for a fresh start for the 2019 general election. Unconfirmed reports from the BSP camp suggest she has already reached out to arch-rival Akhilesh Yadav, reports Sahil Makkar. The result of the Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly election gave two important lessons to the Bahujan Samaj Party and its chief, Mayawati. The BSP now believes that entering the poll fray with around 100 Muslim candidates was a grave mistake. The move alienated its already disillusioned Dalit vote and the party's social engineering plank was rejected by all castes. Mayawati had announced the names of her party candidates two years before the election, to get enough time to recover from the partys drubbing in the 2014 Lok Sabha election. Her plan was to begin early and win the state on the combined strength of Dalits, who are 20-21 per cent of UP voters, and Muslims who are 18-19 per cent. Mayawati believed another four to five per cent from upper castes (who helped vote her to power in 2007) and some backward castes (OBCs) would seal the ballot boxes in her favour. Like Muslims, she gave over 100 tickets to upper caste candidates. However, she didn't get enough support from either Muslims or upper castes. And, lost a chunk of her core vote bank. The BSP vote fell from 25.9 per cent in the 2012 assembly election to 22.3 per cent. Its seats went down from 80 to 19. "The BSP lost because its tactics to include Muslims voters backfired. The move resulted in counter-polarisation. As a result, the party didnt get votes of upper castes and OBCs. A floating population of Dalit voters also went with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Muslims, too, didnt vote BSP," says Raj Kumar, a Delhi University teacher who's associated with the party. Mayawati is now gearing up for a fresh start for the 2019 general election. Since the 2014 general election, when her party drew a blank and registered one of its worst defeats, Mayawati has lost a significant number of core voters and senior leaders. The latter include the party's Muslim face, Naseemuddin Siddiqui, and OBC face, Swami Prasad Maurya. "It is clear that minorities preferred the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) in the 2017 election. A majority of them will still not vote for the BSP. And, it is almost certain that Dalits would not go with the Congress and SP. So, the thinking in the BSP rank and file is to join hands with these two parties to defeat the BJP in the state," Kumar says. Unconfirmed reports from the BSP camp suggest Mayawati has already reached out to arch-rival Akhilesh Yadav. There could be an alliance or some understanding between the two parties just before the 2019 election. BSP and SP have fiercely contested against each other in the past two decades. Earlier, though, in the 1993 assembly poll, BSP founder Kanshi Ram and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh had joined hands against the BJP. This was in the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition of 1992. The BSP and SP jointly got 29 per cent of the vote and 176 assembly seats; the BJP got 33 per cent of the votes and 177 seats. In the 2017 assembly election, had the BSP, Congress and SP fought together, they combined voter share would have been 50 per cent. The BJPs was 39.7 per cent. The analysts are also drawing hints of a pre-poll alliance from Mayawatis speech at a mega rally on the outskirts of Uttar Pradesh last month. She has blown the trumpet for the 2019 general election in advance and would be holding similar rallies in the state. In her speech, she lambasted the Narendra Modi-led BJP government at the Centre and the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in UP, carefully avoiding the Congress and SP. Anil Kumar, a Faizabad-based political analyst, says a BSP revival in the state is difficult. "There is disillusionment among its core voters. They believe Mayawati has strayed from Kanshi Ram's ideology and politics," he said, adding, "And, it would be difficult for Mayawati to forge an alliance with the SP because of pending CBI cases against her." Ram Kumar, teacher at Jawaharlal Nehru University and BSP acolyte, says Dalits dont have options and still believe in Mayawati. "But, she needs to prepare the second rung of leadership, evident during Kanshi Ram time," he says, believing voters would return to the BSP after getting fed up with the BJP and its performance on ground. Hugging Saint Mata Amritanandamayi's hospital has developed protein nanomedicines for drug-resistant leukemia and nano-structured wafers to prevent recurrence of brain tumours. Nikita Puri/Business Standard reports. As it begins to pour at Amritapuri, Mata Amritanandamayis ashram in Kollam in Kerala, hundreds of people gather in an open hall. Mostly foreigners, they are dressed in white and are wearing rudraksha malas and bracelets. Unfazed by the rain, Amritanandamayi makes her way across water puddles in her white sari, and the meditation begins. The only ones who arent sitting cross-legged with their spines erect and eyes closed are the armed men in uniform by the doorways, and the two men in safari suits next to where Amritanandamayi is seated. It has been about two months since Amritanandamayis ashram has seen Z category VIP security in action, after she returned from her annual international tour. Hawkish, the men attempt to observe all of the 3,000 ashram residents who frequent the salmon-coloured buildings here. Today is one of their better days: on a regular darshan day, thousands stand in queues for hours for a few seconds with Amritanandamayi who turned 64 on September 27. The uniqueness of Amma The most prominent of Indias modern-age gurus such as charismatic Jaggi Vasudev (Sadhguru), self-proclaimed peace ambassador Ravi Shankar (Sri Sri) and contortionist Ramdev (Baba) use their words and the glorious potentials of yoga to draw crowds; Amritanandamayi pulls them straight into a hug during sessions that can go up to 22 hours without a break. It is these embraces that have earned Amritanandamayi the title of Amma, and the hugging saint. These hugs have captured the devotion of millions across the globe, and have helped build her multi-faceted empire of ashrams, schools, universities and hospitals across India. She has reportedly embraced over 36 million people. Amritanandamayis first disciple, Amritaswarupananda Puri, often translates for her. He met her when he was a student; today his ochre-coloured robes mark him as a sanyasi. He leads the way to her residence, only metres away from where she was born as Sudhamani to Damayanti and Sugunanandan Idamannel. Her father may have owned some cattle and a few boats while he traded in chemmeen (sundried shrimp), but their family was still low on Indias infamous class rungs. In her small living room, there are no photographs of her having rubbed shoulders with the worlds whos who, like leaders at the United Nations and Vaticans Pope Francis, or of the work she has done through her charities (Mata Amritanandamayi Math and the Mata Amritanandamayi Mission Trust). The story of how she became Amma has been told many times over, yet she narrates it like it has never been told. I was seven or eight years old when Id go house to house to collect fodder for the cattle my family owned. This was when I first saw suffering and the harsh realities of life. Many were starving, and the elderly had no one to look after them, recalls Amritanandamayi. I just couldnt bear it. I wanted to hurl myself into fire. Karma, a voice told her, was why some suffered and others didnt. But if someone is running and the person falls into a ditch, is it our dharma to walk away saying that the other persons karma resulted in their downfall? My dharma is to serve people, she says. I even began stealing from those who had enough, she says, thinking about the times she pilfered rice, cooked and uncooked. Between bouts of laughter, she says her father wasnt too pleased when his daughter, who had to drop out of school early on, starting bringing in children and elderly to their home for a bath or a hot meal. Soon, people started coming to her on their own. This became a daily routine. I lost all sense of differentiation; a woman and a man became the same to me, she says, weaving in the analogy of how one arm doesnt hesitate to comfort the other arm when hurt. Figurines of deities like Krishna, Ganesha, a portrait of Jesus and a Hanukkah lamp are all present in her room. While compassionate, Amritanandamayi has also been defiant. She grew up in a society where women werent to be heard or seen in public places. But Amritanandamayi would sneak out to meditate on the beach at odd hours, often dressed up in her brothers clothes. Some in her extended family felt her actions were bringing dishonour, and there were even two attempts on her life when she turned down marriage prospects. APJ Abdul Kalam donating 10 months of his presidential salary to Amritanandamayis charity in 2003 is a seal of approval for her work, and though she continues to be courted by the political powers that be, the guru has received criticism too. A book (Holy Hell) penned by a former ashramite, makes up for a bulk of this. Much to the dismay of her followers, she brings up the topic herself and heartily laughs at the allegations. When I went to the US for the first time in 1986, people said I had married a foreigner. When I came back after the tour, they said I was back because I was HIV positive. Thats just how rumours work, she says, adding how she still loves them. Maneesha V Ramesh, director of the department of wireless networks and applications at Amrita University, feels Amritanandamayi is always in touch with peoples problems. When her team had received a grant to research early landslide-detection technology, Amma told us to return the grant if our research wasnt going to actually help people, she remembers. Soon enough, the technology was successfully tested in Munnar and then taken to Sikkim and Uttarakhand. Low cost, subcutaneous insulin delivery is another ingenious finding that is expected to soon come out from Amrita University. Theres an enormous amount of research being done in India, but its the leadership that makes all the difference, feels Ramesh. In 2010, a fishing boat in the Arabian Sea collided with a ship. Several were killed, some were never found. Amma called me and asked what I felt about this. I said I felt sad. She then asked me if that was it, recalls Ramesh. The incident prompted Amrita University to develop Amrita OceanNet to communicate with and track fishing vessels in real time 60 km into the sea. This is a god-send to fishermen who are away for days at a stretch. Amma has an intuitive grasp of the challenges involved in translating theories into applications. Knowledge doesnt mean anything without awareness, and Amma is established in awareness, says Shantikumar V Nair, director of the department of nanosciences and molecular medicine at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi. Nair recalls the time when they discussed medical implants with Amritanandamayi. She said sukshma materials were far superior than metal implants, he says. Roughly translated, sukshma means subtle, or nano. I realised she was talking about nano materials, says Nair. Today, the hospital has developed protein nanomedicines for drug-resistant leukaemia and nano-structured wafers to prevent recurrence of brain tumours. These developments are exciting and the teams efforts should be lauded, says Vishal Rao US, surgical oncologist at Bengalurus HCG Cancer Centre. The beauty of nano-technology is the power it has to condense a molecule and take it to places where it conventionally wouldnt reach. We cannot wait for the West to solve problems, and India can lead the world with breakthroughs with such research, says Rao. After making strides in 3D organ-printing, Amritas researchers have developed their own 3D printer to test printing of blood-vessels. Soon, Amritanandamayi will hit the road in the camper van she fondly calls the washing machine (because of how shes tossed about in it). Bathed in the comforting fragrance of talc used by mothers and grandmothers, her embrace is enveloping and comforting. As she draws in people to be part of something greater than yourself, this is Amritanandamayis way of changing the world, one hug at a time. Images: Mata Amritanandamayi, the hugging saint, on a visit to New York. Photographs: Paresh Gandhi/Rediff.com. Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerces 2017 Economic Summit will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 a.m. at the Torrington Country Club. The keynote speaker is Donald Klepper-Smith of DataCore Partners, LLC. Don has been a professional economist for 30 years and served as Chairman of Governor Rells Economic Advisory Council from 2007 to 2010 and as an Economic Advisor during the Weicker Administration. Prior to his work for the state, Don served as Corporate Economist for Southern New England Telephone from 1982 to 1996. He has also served as President of both the Economic Club of Connecticut and the Hartford Area Business Economists, two organizations which explore economic issues of importance to the State with a focus on business, government and education. Don is a long-time observer of the regions economy, and is regularly quoted by various media sources on his perspective and insights on the domestic and Connecticut economies including as a frequent commentator on WTNH Television in New Haven. He is a professional researcher, developing and directing strategic planning initiatives for his clients. Don will share his wealth of knowledge, provide an outlook for the state and countrys economy and answer questions at this years Economic Summit. His appearance at the Summit is made possible through an Employer Services Grant from the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board. A full breakfast will be served at the Summit. Reservations are required and can be made at nwctchamberofcommerce.org/calendar. Tickets are $30 per person. Call the Chamber with any questions at 860-482-6586. Joining the Chamber makes sense Have you considered joining the Chamber, but never got around to it? Do you need an extra incentive to get involved? Take advantage of a special New Member Bonus Package for members who join the Chamber NOW - before Oct. 31. The Bonus Package has a $1,240 value - in addition to all the Chamber membership benefits. This Fall New Member Bonus Package includes: Recognition in radio advertising on WZBG Radio - $120 value Republican-American advertising package - $500 maximum value 30% discount on advertising packages on KBJB Radio (kbjbradio.com) - $75 maximum value Free ads in Chamber newsletter (2 quarter page ads and 2 business card size ads) - $250 value Free ad in the Chamber Exchange email - $50 value Free banner ad on the Chamber website for one month - $150 value Free ticket to the Chambers Annual Meeting (April 2018) - $40 value Free ticket to the Chambers Economic Summit (November 2017) - $30 value $25 coupon off exhibitor space in the Chambers Great Giveaway Business Showcase (June 2018) No business is an island. All businesses have some common interests, challenges and concerns. When we work together, we work smarter, advance, prosper. Northwest Connecticuts Chamber of Commerce builds bridges and creates opportunities. Chamber membership: Whats in it for you? Take advantage of programs and resources to help your business grow Make connections, knows whos who, what they do in over 20 area towns Develop and motivate your workforce Meet local, state and federal leaders Increase your sales and marketing opportunities Support education and community life Mix business with pleasure along the way Recognize that Chamber membership is more than meetings and events - its about being part of your business community - with mutual benefits The chamber works for every type and size business. Gain insights into business management: Take advantage of free business consulting, Chamber-sponsored professional workshops and training seminars. Learn from industry experts and peer groups in your field. Develop skills and motivate employees: Help your employees learn through training and skill-building programs and sponsored events - opportunities for new and seasoned employees to grow. Or have your own training programs in the Chambers facilities. Employees can benefit from the member discount program - and you support local businesses at the same time. Be informed, make contacts: Our diverse membership provides connections to share news on our website, in our newsletter, by member emails, with social media and at our many professional programs and casual social events. Roundtables with local, state and federal leaders provide the forum for valuable dialog and a collective, stronger voice in government. Promote your business: Both structured and informal networking gatherings - morning, noon and night - are opportunities to tell your story, make contacts, and create new partnerships. And if you cant get to events, you have the membership directory, website, newsletter, social mediaor host your own event at your business. Membership connects you with representatives of over 800 businesses and organizations. Invest in education: Partnerships and Chamber initiatives educate employers, employees, residents and school children of all ages throughout the region. Make the Chamber your own: The Chamber reflects the needs and interests of your local business community. If you dont see what youd like to see, lets discuss how we can help you. To learn more, visit http://nwctchamberofcommerce.org/membership/bonus/ Check out our website at www.nwctchamberofcommerce.org for more Chamber happenings. *This institution is an equal opportunity provider* This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Columbus Day Weekend could end on a soggy note, according to the National Hurricane Center, which projects that the remnants of Hurricane Nate could strike Connecticut late Sunday night into Monday morning. As of 11:30 p.m. Friday, Nate was with clocked maximum winds at 80 mph with higher gusts expected, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida. The National Hurricane Center said that Connecticut could see the effect of Nate, which was upgraded to Category 1 hurricane overnight Friday, before the end of Columbus Day Weekend. The storm is expected to affect parts of southwestern Connecticut as early as late Sunday into Monday morning. The National Hurricane Center estimates that parts of Western Connecticut could experience between 1-2 of rainfall and winds of up to 30 mph. Nate is currently barreling toward the central part of the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to make landfall in Louisiana around 1 a.m. Sunday. There are hurricane warnings in effect from Grand Isle Louisiana to the Alabama and Florida border, with winds expected to increase by the time it hits the mainland. The storm should weaken rapidly once it strikes land, however. After landfall, weakening is anticipated and Nate is forecast to dissipate in 96 hours or sooner, said the National Hurricane Center. The forecast Today: Patchy fog before 10 a.m. and mostly sunny afterward, with a high near 79. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers after 3 a.m. Areas of fog after 3 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 10 mph. Sunday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11 a.m. Areas of fog before 10 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. South wind 11 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Monday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, with a high near 72. South wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible. Monday Night: Showers likely. The rain could be heavy at times. Cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. MIDDLETOWN A man who is suing the city claims he was arrested under false pretenses and suffered irreparable damages when police accused him of brandishing a toy gun while he was paying his property taxes at Town Hall two years ago. Robert Baranowsky of Middletown filed a complaint Aug. 30 in Superior Court at Middletown against the city, Mayor Dan Drew, Tax Collector Taylor Funaro and police Officer Matthew Bloom, also alleging malicious prosecution, unreasonable seizure and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The suit follows Baranowskys arrest Sept. 25, 2015, on charges of second-degree breach of peace. The state later reduced the charges to two counts of creating a public disturbance and Baranowsky was eventually acquitted, according to court documents. The police report said Baranowsky told Funaro, Youre going to think Im crazy, but I have a kids toy gun on me to keep the kids entertained, then pulled out the mock weapon from his back pocket and placed it between them. Baranowsky took out his wallet to pay the $1,500 in taxes, put the toy gun back into his pocket and left, authorities said. He alleges the transaction lasted nine minutes. At no time did the plaintiff brandish the toy, threaten anyone, or in any way indicate that the toy was, in fact, a real weapon, the suit says. Baranowsky told officers he found the toy earlier in the day while cleaning out his car, but didnt realize it was in his pocket until he went to pay his bill, according to the police report. Baranowskys complaint alleges that Drew directed Bloom to arrest him without cause. Drew had no contact with the arresting officers in the case, Middletown General Counsel Brig Smith said. The state brought criminal charges and, while the case did not ultimately result in conviction, it was clearly serious enough to bring the charges in the first instance, Smith said. The complaint also alleges Baranowsky suffered psychological trauma, profound feelings of humiliation, loss of dignity, anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, harm to his standing in the community and he was unable to work because of the charges. The defendants acted with malice, primarily for a purpose other than that of bringing an offender to justice, the lawsuit says. The city is defending this case aggressively, as we take the safety of our citizens and employees with the utmost seriousness, especially in these times, said Smith. Our employees had reason to fear for their safety and our police department acted correctly in arresting Mr. Baranowsky for misdemeanor breach of peace. The toy gun had an inverted barrel, which on its face was a toy and acknowledged by the arresting officer to be a toy, court documents say. Baranowsky is seeking monetary damages in excess of $15,000, punitive damages and to recoup his attorney's fees and related costs. On Oct. 4, the city filed a notice of removal to federal court because it involves a federal question and the deprivation of constitutionally protected civil rights, according to the citys motion. Businesses hosting food collection drive THOMASTON Plymouth Glass and Mirror LLC and Thomaston Insurance LLC, both headquartered in Thomaston, are joining forces to lend support to the Thomaston Food Pantry and Thomaston Social Services office. The two businesses will be collecting food items and donations for the upcoming holidays. Some of the most needed food items include canned fruit, coffee, jelly, tomato products, kitchen staples (vinegar, oil, sugar, flour) and kitchen supplies (foil, plastic wrap, trash bags, paper towels, napkins). Any other food items are also welcome. Donations for the Social Services emergency fund can be made by personal or business check. All food items and donations can be dropped off at Thomaston Insurance, 89 Main St., or at Plymouth Glass, 142 East Main St. For more information, contact Tracy Wivestad at 860-921-8130 or David LaManna at 860-283-0278. Girl Scouts launch new initiative Girl Scouts of Connecticut and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) today launches the G.I.R.L. Agenda Powered by Girl Scouts,* a nonpartisan initiative to inspire, prepare, and mobilize girls and those who care about them to lead positive change through civic action. The multiyear effort celebrates the Girl Scout legacy of civic engagement, and for the first time ever, GSUSA is sharing free, expert-curated civic engagement resources beyond its 2.6 million members. The resources are derived from Girl Scout programming that has driven generations of girls over the past century to become leaders. Introduced at G.I.R.L. 2017, a gathering of girls and women from around the world, including 41 Girl Scouts and adults from Connecticut, the G.I.R.L. Agenda makes it simple to access civic engagement resources that are tailored to prepare every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) to stand up for what they believe in. The tools provide a roadmap for how people can take action in ways such as challenging unfair policies, mobilizing communities to support important causes, and meeting with public officials and community leaders to educate them about key issues The G.I.R.L. Agenda will give hundreds of thousands of girls and adults tangible ways to take civic action on topics of their choosing. Also part of the initiative, Girl Scouts announces its new Good Neighbor badge for Daisies (girls in grades K-1). It joins the organizations existing Citizen badgesCelebrating Community, Inside Government, Finding Common Ground, Behind the Ballot, and Public Policywhich engage girls in age-appropriate activities involving community service, public policy, government, voting, and more. We always hear that girls want to be active in public policy and learn how to advocate for positive change, so this is a great way to give them the resources they need to stand up for what they believe in and help make our world a better place, said Girl Scouts of Connecticut CEO Mary Barneby, in a written statement. Learn more about these resources on www.GIRLagenda.org. To sign up for Girl Scouts or to sign up as a volunteer, visit gsofct.org/join. Beirut Lebanon service set in Bantam BANTAM David Seelye, Chairman of the Connecticut Beirut Memorial Committee and Post 44 of the American Legion of Bantam announced that its members will celebrate the lives of troops who were killed while in Beirut on a peace-keeping-mission during the Lebanese Civil War, Saturday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. The 220 Marines, 18 sailors and 3 soldiers who lost their lives on Oct. 23, 1983 in the Beirut barracks bombing will be honored at the All Wars Memorial in front of the Bantam Cemetery on Route 202 in Bantam, Connecticut. This will be the 20th annual service conducted by Mr. Seelye and his group. Connecticut State Representative, Jay Case of the 63rd district, and Sean Connolly of the Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs will be guest speakers. The public is invited to attend and give thanks for the sacrifices made by these heroes. For information, email post44.bantam@gmail.com. Register now for 41st Annual Kent Pumpkin Run KENT Registration is now open for the 41st Annual Kent Pumpkin Run, on Sunday, Oct. 29. The event will offer races, food, prizes, a costume contest, music and more, all part of the main event. Register before Friday Oct. 20 and save $5 off the Race Day entry fee of $30. Additionally, the first 600 registered runners receive a commemorative performance shirt. A Kids Fun Run starts at 11:15 a.m., followed by a 5 mile run/walk at noon. Both races begin and end on the Kent Green in front of the Kent Town Hall. Runners wearing costumes have a double chance to win once as a runner and once for a clever costume. Judges will review costumes and determine the winners. Since 2010 the Kent Pumpkin Run has partnered with the Kent Food Bank; as the fall and winter holidays approach, town food banks become more important than ever. Spectators and race participants are encouraged to donate online or bring a gift of non-perishable food to support the Kent Food Bank. Non-perishable donations can be dropped off off at the registration area on race day or at the Davis IGA during race week. Visit www.kentpumpkinrun.com to register and for more information about the race. TORRINGTON Fifty-two people rappelled 111 feet down Torrington Towers Sept. 16 in support of the three partnering non-profits Prime Time House, the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council, and the Northwest Connecticut Chamber Education Foundation. The event raised more than $76,000 from the efforts of each of those who rappelled, or Edged for the three non-profit beneficiaries, which will share in the proceeds equally. The event was made possible thanks to the support of the Torrington Housing Authority, Sharon Hospital HealthQuest, PAC Group LLC, O&G, Crystal Rock Water, Litchfield Distillery, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, as well as media sponsors Republican American, FM 97.3 WZBG, CT Art Services and Giordano Signs. Because of the generosity of the event sponsors, more than 90 perrcent of the money raised will be shared equally between the three partnering nonprofits. These proceeds will narrow financial gaps at a critical time for the three regional nonprofits, according to a press relese. Each organization provides valued services throughout the county. For the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council, these funds will support important free promotion services for artists and cultural treasures in the region, and keep the constant flow of information open and accessible to all. This funding will allow us to be responsive to the regions needs and strategic in our role as the go to source for both the cultural community and the culture-curious public, said Amy Wynn, executive director of the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council. Lisa Lynch, director of Prime Time House, said, The funds raised will keep critical counselling and support services accessible to those struggling with mental illness in the area. There is a huge need for scholarships to both begin an undergraduate education and continuing education, and this funding will have a major impact on the Chambers ability to provide these resourcesm, said JoAnn Ryan, president and CEO of the Northwest Connecticut Chambers Education Foundation. She also participated in the event. Forty-eight Edgers were very busy fundraising to reach their goals to rappel, and succeeded in attracting more than 550 donors. JoAnn Ryan said, It is the effort of the 48 edgers who garnered the support of those 550 donors that made this wonderful result possible, Ryan said. Many of those same edgers are looking forward to doing this event again next year, which we hope will be possible. We couldnt have wished for a better rappel site or weather, said Lynch, who also rapelled down the side of the 14-story building. The Torrington Housing Authority was extremely supportive from the very beginning and throughout the preparation and the event day. So many people in the crowd commented on how lovely the grounds at the Towers are along the river. Plus, we absolutely loved having the buildings residents come out to join the crowd of spectators cheering on those who were rappelling. Since 2008, Over the Edge Global has helped non-profits raise more than $55 million and put 25,000 fundraisers safely over the edge. Individuals must raise a minimum of $1,000 for the partnering non-profits to secure their rappelling position. Further information is available online. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Heres what Darren writes: As previously reported here , the first meeting of the Financial Services Brexit and Brands Roundtable took place late last month, with Steve Rowan, Director Tribunals Trade Marks and Designs of the UK Intellectual Property Office, attending to outline the hard work the Office is undertaking to get the UKs IP assets ready for action when B-Day arrives just 536 days from now. Here are the big points both on what has happened since the Brexit vote, and what might be happening next. More UK trade marks up 21% this year 1. There has been a significant uptick in UK trade mark filings last financial year 21% more, equating to about another 10,000 applications on the 2015/16 figure. 2. There is a much larger spike in the number of applications for registered UK designs these are up 125%. 3. The demographic of filers has shifted slightly there are now more international applications, and more applicants are represented than before (perhaps the two go hand in hand). Applications from the US and China have doubled. 4. There are signs of double banking applicants applying for UK and EU trade marks at the same time (in my view, this must be as a Brexit-protection strategy), although not everyone is doing this. 5. The UKIPO is still working hard to process the increased numbers, and continues to hit its KPIs. 6. The opposition rate for applications remains stable at 4%, however more applications means overall more oppositions, and increased pressure on resources. The office has recruited extra staff to deal with the increase in workload. All options on the table for what happens on B-Day including automatic cloning of EUTMs/RCDs and other unitary rights 7. The UK government has not taken any official position on how it wants to deal with IP rights, notwithstanding that the EU has done so . Although IP is in some sense technical, it is rolled up with the other Brexit issues which are being negotiated, so there is no timetable for the UK government telling us either its primary or fall back positions (one surmises the rationale is not to give too much away). *Many* options on Greg's table 8. The UKIPO is planning to be ready for all possibilities, and is working out how its IT systems will have to change depending on each possible outcome. 9. One option is to negotiate to stay part of the EU IP machine, with no change to present arrangements. 10. The Tuvalu and Montenegro options remain contenders, as outlined in my first Brexit blogpost here . In essence these options involve to use the UKIPOs preferred term cloning of EU unitary rights into UK equivalents (I have previously referred to this process as division dont call it conversion, as that is something else). Tuvalu sees cloning on request, Montenegro clones everything on Brexit day whether the trade mark owners like it or not. This will see something like a million EUTMs cloned to the UK register and 700,000 or so RCDs, if this option is implemented. 11. The UKIPO is and continues to be very keen to consult informally, so if you have views, put them forward it is not clear at this stage whether there will be a formal consultation. One might think that Tuvalu raises some issues, such as deprivation of rights if no opt-in (which may have human rights impacts), the cost of opt-in and the burden of administrating the process. It might be said that Montenegro will lead to cluttering of the UK register, although to the extent that becomes the case, this should gradually solve itself as cloned marks come up for renewal. 12. Cloned rights present obvious challenges, which the UKIPO's discussions with user groups seem to be exploring in some depth. These include: non-use issues, what to do about pending applications and ongoing oppositions, should the EUIPO decision on an EUTM application be honoured in respect of a cloned UKTM, or a separate decision reached, how to deal with seniority/priority claims, how to deal with EUTMs with non-English specifications, how to communicate with a million EUTM owners who suddenly have UKTMs too. And so on. 13. On the subject of exhaustion the issue is being discussed with user groups. 14. The UKIPO does understand that IP owners want certainty, and that they want to plan for changes. 15. On geographical indications, this is a Defra lead. So: plenty to think about. One of the biggest frustrations of Brexit in almost all areas is that, whether you think leaving the EU is a good idea or an absolutely crackers one, we don't know what Brexit actually looks like. And while we still have a while to go, business needs to plan ahead. Not just the brands and IP owners we act for big or small but us solicitors and trade mark attorneys too. Never mind the UKIPO's IT systems, could your trade mark management database handle the sudden cloning of your entire EUTM and RCD portfolio? How will it be done? Who will pay for it? Leaving you with those thoughts, I say thank you UKIPO for your attention to the detail here. To the politicians: please get on and tell us what you want our IP system to look like! A man was taken to a hospital after leading police on a chase from Richmond to Hanover County and then shooting himself, according to Virginia State Police. His injuries were considered serious. State troopers joined Richmond police in the chase about 7:30 p.m. Saturday after the fleeing driver got onto Interstate 95. The driver exited at Exit 89 for Lewistown Road, where a passenger jumped out, and then kept driving and crashed nearby, according to state police. Officers heard a gunshot when they approached the vehicle. The passenger was arrested without incident, and troopers and Hanover deputies began searching for the driver. Police later heard a gunshot at 12:45 a.m. Sunday and found the driver suffering from a self-inflicted wound near U.S. 1 and Fox Cross Road, state police said. No law enforcement officers fired their weapons, state police said. David Creasy knew fighting fires could kill him, just not this way. Doctors diagnosed Creasy with cancer in 2014. He believes the disease stems from his 50-year career in the regions fire service. Creasy, 66, had served as Richmonds fire marshal since 2008. The job put him in charge of the Richmond Fire Departments Fire Prevention Bureau, which investigates fires; works with code enforcement to inspect structures for fire safety; and seeks to educate residents and businesses about how they can prevent fires. Creasy continued working while undergoing treatment during the past three years, motivated by reaching the half-century mark. He left the bureau last month to spend more time with family, and hell formally retire at the end of the year when his leave time runs out. Even when he does, his work wont be completed. He plans to lobby lawmakers during the 2018 Virginia General Assembly session to expand a provision of the states workers compensation law, which states that police, firefighters and other public safety employees who develop certain diseases because of their jobs are eligible for financial relief. Firefighters diagnosed with breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, rectal and throat cancers are eligible under the law. Creasy, fighting a form of cancer called neuroendocrine carcinoma, is not, so what costs insurance hasnt covered for his treatment he has paid out of pocket. The bill has been in the tens of thousands of dollars. I chose this profession. I dont blame the profession at all, Creasy said. I love what I did, and if I had to do it over again, I would do the same thing because I love the fire service. Ive given my life to this career, and Im not covered for whats taking me down. Creasy and his wife, Martha, have vowed to share their familys story and warn firefighters of the risks that can befall them long after they roll up their hoses, shed their gear and return to the station. *** Firefighting was Creasys first love. Martha calls it his first wife. He began his career in Chesterfield Countys Manchester volunteer department in 1967. It was around then that he and Martha began dating. The high school sweethearts had attended Ramsey Memorial United Methodist Church on Hull Street Road together since they were children. On Marthas 16th birthday, the couple were out on a date when the radio Creasy kept with him began to chatter. Crews were headed to a nearby fire. Recognizing the location, he made a beeline for it. When the couple arrived on the scene, he jumped out, yanked his gear from the back of the car, thrust it on and headed into the blaze. He emerged two hours later to find Martha waiting. I spent my 16th birthday with my cake on my lap sitting at a garage fire, Martha said. The couple have now been married for 44 years, a commitment exceeded only by Creasys tenure in the fire service. He accepted his first full-time position in the city in 1971 but returned to Chesterfield in 1974 when the county grew its workforce at the Ettrick firehouse. In addition to his regular shifts running calls, Creasy became a certified instructor earlier in his career and trained new firefighters. That meant spending extra time in and around burning structures. Back then, equipment was less advanced and safety standards were more lax, Creasy said. When I started, we didnt always wear a breathing apparatus, he said. We just went in as far we could take it, and thats what you got. The fires they fought were different, too, because what burned was still mostly made of natural materials. That changed during his 28 years working in Chesterfield. He ascended the ranks and became a senior battalion chief, overseeing 20 stations and four volunteer rescue squads on a 24-hour shift before retiring from the department in 2001. He kept teaching part time in the county and as an adjunct professor in the Virginia Community College System. Now, the average house fire releases tens of thousands of carcinogens from synthetic materials laminates, lacquers, plastics commonly used to make household goods. They burn or melt in a blaze, emitting a toxic cocktail of chemicals in the smoke. Protective gear, including pressurized breathing masks, limits firefighters exposure to the contaminants, but not totally. They can breathe in the smoke or absorb it through their skin if it seeps into their clothing. The contaminant-laced soot also builds up on the gear, presenting a risk if its not shed, stored and cleaned properly after the fire is out. Theres no way to be sure, but looking back, Creasy thinks the simplest of actions throwing his coat over his arm at the end of his shift exposed him to harmful chemicals that contributed to his diagnosis. Sometimes when I was teaching in the training division, I wouldnt wash my coat every day. Id wait until the end of the week thats five days worth of exposure, Creasy said. Lord knows that probably didnt help me any through the years. *** Cancer incidence among firefighters has become one of the professions most pressing concerns. A National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health study conducted between 2010 and 2015 examined 30,000 firefighters in three cities. It found they were more likely to develop and die from cancer than the general population. In September, the U.S. House of Representative signed off on a bill requiring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to maintain a voluntary registry documenting cancer among firefighters, an initiative that could aid in defining the scope of the problem. Doctors arent sure when Creasys cancer originated and cant definitively say what caused it, but in May 2014, they discovered 25 tumors on his liver. They diagnosed him with neuroendocrine carcinoma. It was stage 4, the most advanced stage. They estimated he had one year to live, but he didnt know it at the time. Martha thought it better not to tell him. I wanted him to fight, she said. And he would fight harder if he didnt know it was stage 4. Surgery wasnt an option. Neither was a transplant, so he began treatment immediately, starting with six months of chemotherapy and radiation. He decided to work through it, telling his staff what he was facing. Calls of support and help flooded in from all over. A team of about 15 close family friends accompanied him to appointments and provided moral support. Members of the Richmond and Chesterfield fire departments have helped the family throughout the process, too. Initially, the treatment helped reduce the number of tumors in Creasys liver. For a while, he and Martha thought it may have been under control. But in the last year, the cancer resurfaced in his back, hip and femur. A new tumor is now growing on his liver. Coupled with the physical and emotional toll the disease has taken, it has also squeezed the familys finances. They spent $60,000 in the 18 months after his diagnosis and have since lost track of how much theyve paid in medical bills. With their savings dwindling, they decided to sell a Lake Gaston home they had bought years ago when planning for their retirement. Creasy takes nine drugs as a part of the most recent regimen doctors have prescribed him. They cost about $1,800 a month after insurance; the costs have surged as high as $8,000 a month at times. We even had the discussion about when it was just too expensive to keep me alive, Creasy said. Thats not an easy discussion to have with your wife, with your family. *** Creasys situation has become a rallying cry for the Richmond Professional Firefighters Associations efforts to expand a provision of Virginias workers compensation law that classifies certain diseases as job-related, said Keith Andes, president of the organization. During the 2016 session, then-state Sen. A. Donald McEachin, D-Richmond, and Sen. Jeremy S. McPike, D-Prince William, proposed expanding the laws cancer provision to include colorectal cancer. A Senate committee voted the bill down. With Creasy in the fold, Andes said his organization is planning to raise the issue again. I dont know how long we have him to be the voice for this, but I can tell you, when hes gone, its going to be the next person up, Andes said. Thats the frightening thing about this. Since receiving the diagnosis, the Creasys have held more than 20 workshops at fire departments across the state to educate firefighters about the risk cancer presents and what precautions they can take to limit their exposure to the hazardous chemicals they encounter. They have a workshop scheduled in Front Royal this week. Earl Dyer worked for eight years alongside Creasy during his stint as Richmonds fire marshal. Beyond Creasys fortitude, his openness throughout the ordeal has left an impression on Dyer. A lot of people wouldnt be so open with you about what they were going through, the effects that the medication was having on them, the struggle, or some of the things he had to experience and had never experienced before, how it made it difficult for him to come to work and do the things he enjoyed doing, Dyer said. Dyer is serving as the citys acting fire marshal while Creasy is on leave. Creasy didnt pack up his office on his last day in September, Dyer said, but he did grab one thing. When he left, he took his radio, Dyer said. His wife asked him, Why are you taking that? Creasy keeps it on the fire stations frequency so he can listen to the calls coming in from his Chesterfield home. The chatter takes him back. Hes not ready to tune it out yet. Hell die with that radio in his hands, Martha said. You can bet on that. Two men were fatally shot in the Shockoe Bottom business district early Sunday. One witness said the shooting happened less than half a block from where police were already outside working. Officers in the area heard gunfire around 1:16 a.m. One man who had been shot near the intersection of 17th and Main streets was pronounced dead at the scene, and a second man was taken to VCU Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, police said. Police identified the man who died at the scene as Oscar W. Lewis II, 25, of the 1700 block of North 29th Street. The other man, Deonte M. Bullock, 19, of the 2200 block of Carrington Street, was pronounced dead at the hospital Sunday afternoon. Police did not release further details on what they believe led to the shooting. The area is home to clubs, bars and restaurants that stay open late. David Napier, who owns a catering business near the 17th Street Farmers Market, went outside after hearing gunfire. Because it was a busy night, police were already on the scene directing traffic when the gunfire happened less than a block away, he said. People were pouring out into the streets and everybody was screaming on their cellphones, he said. He saw a crowd surround a person shot outside of Sumo San restaurant. Some people were filming with their phones, while others filmed while they ran, he said. Angela Jones, a manager at Sweet Teas restaurant, which was closed when the shooting happened, said the night manager told her there were a lot of people outside when the gunfire began. People ran for cover and jumped over our patio to try to hide, Jones said. Police asked that anyone with information on the shooting who wishes to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Violence in the area is not uncommon. In May, an argument that started in the parking lot of Main Street Station in the early morning hours led to two women being fatally shot after someone chased their vehicle onto Interstate 95. Tanna D. Gardner, 23, was driving a 2017 Nissan north on I-95 near Exit 75 about 3:40 a.m. May 14 when a white, newer-model sedan pulled alongside and fired several shots. Gardner died just hours after graduating from Virginia Union University. Passenger Sharayne Holland, 26, of Manassas, also was shot and later died. Three people were shot, one fatally, in an early morning shooting near the 17th Street Farmers Market in June. Robert D. Turner, 26, of the 2300 block of Fairfield Avenue in Richmond, was killed. Napier said he wants more facts about what happened Sunday. Its just senseless, he said. Somebody loves that person dearly, and these kinds of things can be prevented. Its bad for business, but its bad for humanity. Ed Gillespie, the Republican nominee for Virginia governor, had every reason to preen after winning the endorsement of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, which four years ago threw in with Terry McAuliffe, Gillespies high-decibel Democratic equivalent as a Washington, D.C.-enriched insider with time and money on his hands. Like the endorsement by former U.S. Sen. John Warner, the on-again, off-again Republican, the chambers backing was supposed to be a sign to increasingly Democratic suburban voters that Gillespie isnt some flaky fringe figure. Rather, hes a clear-headed adult you can welcome into your home without worrying that hed put his feet on the furniture, break the china, overwhelm the plumbing or frighten the dog. But glory is fleeting. Eight days later, President Donald Trump took to his preferred communications platform, Twitter, to endorse Gillespie as a figurative wall against murderous immigrant Hispanic gangs, such as MS-13. It was a surprise or so Gillespie insists for a candidate who has spent most of the 2017 contest running from Trump because the president is less popular now in Virginia than he was when he lost the state to Hillary Clinton last November. Barely 30 days before the election, that may be just fine for Gillespie. If the Virginia race, despite external influences such as Trump, the GOP failure on health care and the Las Vegas mass shooting that recalled the horror of Virginia Tech in 2007, is ultimately a base election that is, lower-turnout and dominated by hard-core partisans on both sides the presidents endorsement could be a tipping point. It could mobilize for Gillespie a swath of the GOP coalition put off by his Establishment credentials that include the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee, a prosperous stint as a lobbyist for big business and as an aide to Bush 43 a pointed Trump critic who refused to vote for him. But in a state where the Democratic presence is growing, nationalizing even local elections, the endorsement fully tethers Gillespie to Trump, allowing Ralph Northam to play the guilt-by-association card in voter turnout and fundraising. However, Northam cant risk overdoing it. Ultimately, Virginians are choosing someone whose day job is keeping them safe, fixing roads, financing schools and protecting the social safety net not jousting with the president. Its an approach adopted by Gillespie, largely out of self-preservation. At the merest mention of Trump, Gillespies reflex if only as a diversionary tactic has been to double down on his emphasis on Virginia-specific issues. About the same time Friday that he was fending off questions from reporters about the Trump endorsement, Gillespies campaign was blasting out a tweet on his proposed income-tax cut, an idea that endeared him to the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. One of the privately conveyed deal-sealers for that Republican-heavy business group that Gillespie would resist, as a threat to Virginias service-based economy, a North Carolina-type bathroom bill thats stalled in the legislature was supposed to be a comfort to educated, moderate middle-class voters. Instead, it stirred the suspicions of the Republican right, which wants to think that Gillespie is loyal to its agenda. Don Blake, president of the Virginia Christian Alliance, publicly gave voice to those worries by way of one of the biggest megaphones around, The Washington Post. Blake told the newspaper, Its a very dangerous thing to speak out on positions that offend your base. That was only the first of multiple frustrations for Gillespies handlers, whose disciplined focus on the perilous balancing act that is this years Republican campaign reflects that of a candidate who before becoming one made a fat living advising others. Next, a usually Republican tech industry group declined to make an endorsement, saying that both Gillespie and Northam were acceptable. It was the first time since its founding in 2002 that the Northern Virginia Technology Council refused to back a Republican for governor. Later that day, Trump announced Gillespie as his preference for governor, in the process, invoking the racially tinged theme of immigrant violence that may arouse white rural voters but alarm those in the multi-hued suburbs. It was one of those weeks for Gillespie. He cant afford many more like them. The Virginia campaign close in most public opinion polls, despite apparent outliers as the Post and Quinnipiac University surveys that show Northam leading Gillespie by double digits is certain to take several more surprising swings, some Trump-induced. But key fundamentals have been in place for some time: a Trump-hostile electorate concentrated in vote-rich suburbs such as Northern Virginia and Henrico County, outside Richmond, and the determination of Democrats to repudiate Trump by electing Northam, much as Republicans did to Barack Obama in 2009 by installing Bob McDonnell as governor. That may explain Northams tilt left, even on issues on which his position was mainstream. On Confederate statues, Northam a VMI-educated descendant of rebel soldiers and slave owners shifted from keep-them-up to take-them-down. Republicans now accuse him of betraying Virginias history. Also, theres been a steady geyser of outside money for Northam thats more than offset Gillespies early, $2 million advantage in total fundraising. Northams multimillion-dollar underwriters include Planned Parenthood, the abortion-rights organization, former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, a gun-control advocate, and Tom Steyer, the green-energy billionaire. This past Wednesday, Northam traveled to Manhattan, where Hillary Clinton opened the spigot of her cash machine in his behalf. Gillespie is looking to handsomely supplement his cash trove with appearances by Bush in Alexandria and Richmond on Oct. 16 at closed events with ticket prices ranging from $150 to $100,000. Another possible plus for Northam: a surprising number of challenges to Republican incumbents in the House of Delegates. Democrats are contesting more than 50 of 66 GOP-held seats. That could generate additional grass-roots enthusiasm for the gubernatorial nominee, even in Republican districts where the outcome is ensured by hyperpartisan gerrymandering. Still, the arc of the race that Gillespie and Northam are fighting over roughly 500,000 swing votes, many in the outer suburbs of Washington and decisions by the Northam organization to spend more money and time in metropolitan areas, including his home base of Hampton Roads, is dispiriting to some Democrats. In the ordinarily red countryside, where after Trumps victory, once-moribund Democratic committees reported a surge in new members, there was an expectation that Northam, given his Eastern Shore roots, drawl and self-effacing manner, could make inroads among rural voters. That optimism has faded somewhat, though some Democrats hope Northam can hold down Republican margins in eastern Virginias rural counties, where Northam has been seen and heard since 2007, when he was elected to a Chesapeake Bay-spanning district in the Virginia Senate. But theres little doubt that Northam is gambling that the cities and suburbs, hotbeds of anti-Trump sentiment, can over-perform for him. Consider his schedule since summer: Northam, by Republican reckoning, has passed on nearly a dozen traditional stops for candidates in both parties; that hes sent a surrogate or appeared by video or Skype. But the technology that worked for Trump and by extension, might work against Gillespie just might work for Northam. When redistricting came up at the first debate of the Virginia governors race, Democrat Ralph Northam turned to Republican Ed Gillespie with a ready-made attack line. You were the architect of what we see now as current-day gerrymandering, Northam said. It was Elbridge Gerry. But ... Gillespie interjected, referring to the Massachusetts governor who became the patron saint of partisan map-drawing in 1812 when he approved a legislative district that looked like a salamander. It may not rev up the crowds on the campaign trail, but few issues in the gubernatorial race will shape the future of Virginia politics more than redistricting. When the General Assembly redraws Virginias congressional and legislative electoral maps after the 2020 census, the next governor will have the power to sign off on or veto lawmakers proposed new political districts. Even though Virginia Democrats are riding a winning streak in statewide elections that dates to 2009, Republicans have majorities in both statehouse chambers and hold seven of the states 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. In many legislative races, incumbents go unchallenged or cruise to easy victories over longshot challengers. Defenders of the states electoral maps say the balance of power can be explained largely by GOP-favorable turnout in off-year elections and the fact that Democratic voters tend to cluster in population centers while Republican voters are spread across a larger geographic area. To critics, its a sign that the often bizarrely shaped districts were drawn that way for a reason: To rig the map for maximum political advantage. Calls for taking map-drawing power away from politicians by establishing a nonpartisan, independent redistricting process have gained some bipartisan support at the General Assembly, but Northam and Gillespie have struck different tones on the question of whether reform is needed. Northam, the beneficiary of a $500,000 donation from the National Democratic Redistricting Committee led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, has declared support early and often for nonpartisan redistricting. I will stop the gerrymandering, Northam said at the mid-July debate in Hot Springs. And I will not sign a map unless it is drawn by a nonpartisan redistricting commission. Its hard to take the politics out of politics, said Gillespie, who once led a national redistricting effort to preserve and grow GOP power in statehouses and Congress through the Republican State Leadership Committee. Its Redistricting Majority Project was called REDMAP. Gillespie added that although he agrees that the technological precision of modern map-drawing probably has been a factor in Americas political polarization, hes not convinced that nonpartisan maps would be a dramatic improvement over the partisan ones. I dont rule out the notion of redistricting reform, but Im not putting forward my own plan in that regard, Gillespie said in a recent interview. Brian Cannon, executive director of redistricting reform group OneVirginia2021, called Gillespies stance disappointing given that the Republican has come out with detailed proposals for everything from taxes to fireworks. He would be a great ally to help fix it, Cannon said. But he has not been willing to walk through that door. The anti-gerrymandering effort has drawn some bipartisan support in the General Assembly, including from state Sen. Jill Vogel, R-Fauquier, Gillespies current ticket mate as the GOP nominee for lieutenant governor. But many Republicans some of whom feel the true aim of the ostensibly nonpartisan push is to oust GOP lawmakers without having to win at the ballot box have balked at the idea, arguing that Democrats too have drawn maps to their advantage when they have had the power to do so. The strength of the Republicans 66-34 majority in the House of Delegates will be tested in next months election, when Democrats will hope to see several GOP-held seats in suburban areas flip to their column. Even if Democrats only pick up a handful of seats in the House this year, theres a strong chance that several redistricting lawsuits in the works could lead to new district lines and even trigger a round of special elections next year. This week, a panel of federal judges in Richmond will hold a hearing in a case that argues that in the last round of redistricting, after the 2010 census, the House of Delegates unconstitutionally packed too many African-American voters into majority-minority districts, diluting their voting power elsewhere. In March, the U.S. Supreme Court sent the case back to the Eastern District of Virginia for further examination, ruling the lower court had erred in an earlier ruling upholding the constitutionality of the districts in question. On Oct. 17, the Supreme Court of Virginia will hear an appeal in a case brought by OneVirginia2021 that argues several House districts are so oddly shaped they violate constitutional requirements for compactness. Virginias congressional boundaries also were subject to legal action after the redistricting that followed the 2010 census. In January 2016, a three-judge panel imposed a new Virginia congressional map after ruling that Virginia legislators had packed too many additional black voters into the 3rd District, represented by Rep. Robert C. Bobby Scott, a Democrat. The most difficult thing about a hot spring in the middle of a chilly summer is forcing yourself to get out of it. It already took a lot of willpower to dip into the stream, but now that youre there, your body is dreading the feel of the cold air again. Iceland has about 800 hot springs with temperatures typically around 167 degrees Fahrenheit, and they have become a popular pastime for locals and tourists. The pool I was sitting in this summer is at Landmannalaugar campground in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in southern Iceland. Landmannalaugar, meaning the peoples pools, is a popular spot for adventurous hikers because of its location at the peak of one of Icelands most famous hiking trails, the Laugavegur, a 34.1-mile trek from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork. The land of fire and ice offers this scenic hike seemingly undisturbed complete with volcanic wastelands, glacier lakes and lush valleys. Most of the year, a bus runs from the capital city of Reykjavik to Landmannalaugar and back. It stops service only for the winter months when roads are inaccessible. I was on this trip with three friends, and we found it cheaper to rent a Suzuki Jimny and drive there ourselves. The drive is what I imagine the rovers on Mars have to go through: The trail is extremely rocky, winding through dusty red soil, and requires crossing small rivers without bridges every few miles. We picked this four-day hiking trek because of its reputation among hikers. It covers some of the most beautiful landscapes in Iceland that are virtually untouched by humanity. The first stop at Landmannalaugar established this for us. We set up our tent and immediately took in the sights of the colorful mountain ranges, with sheep and horses populating the fields underneath, while soaking in the natural hot spring. The first day of hiking was physically tough, but its hard to notice when youre awestruck by the surrounding scenery. Thirty-four miles felt like one very large film montage, similar to the ones in Lord of The Rings and Game of Thrones. Every time you blinked, everything seemed different. The landscape and weather were forever changing. One second, you were stepping through rolling hills of ice and bright green valleys; a second later, you found yourself in the colorful mountains of Brennisteinsalda, painted with streaks of bright blue and orange. At many points in the hike, the air was heavy with the strong smell of sulfur. From many pockets throughout the trip sulfur vents out of the Earth as smoke; if youre brave enough to put your nose close, youll notice the bright white and green colors surrounding the pockets and the water at the source thats hot enough to boil an egg. My group reached the first campground, Hrafntinnusker, in about four hours and 7.4 miles of hiking. But an official at Landmannalaugar recommended not staying because of weather conditions, so we ended up continuing on. Because of Hrafntinnuskers high altitude, campers had stacked rocks, walling in their tents, in an effort to keep them from blowing away. We made our way to the quiet lakeside campground at Alftavatn. Hikers have a few options for lodging along the trail. There is basic tent camping at designated campgrounds that run about 2,000 ISK ($20) a night, or huts, a bit more expensive choice, ranging from $90 to $270, depending on privacy level and availability. Camping outside of designated campgrounds is illegal, and so is hiking off the path. Iceland has strict laws to protect its fragile environment. The campgrounds are pretty well-equipped with showers, toilets, and rangers to help you with questions about your journey. Keeping an eye on the time was essential in the summer, since nighttime never really felt like night. Iceland is far up in the Northern Hemisphere, so summer days are long and winter days are short. I regretted not buying an eye mask to combat the midnight sun when it was time to sleep. From Alftavatn we journeyed to Emstrur. The hike required us to take our shoes off to cross two glacier rivers, and that was immediately followed by a trek through Maelifellssandur, a valley of black sand where only patches of small white flowers grow. Distant mountains break away to give views of the large Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers. Their bright white caps reflecting the sun, are easily visible from a distance. The trail is hikeable only in the warmer months. In colder months, certain areas are inaccessible due to snow. Even during summer, harsh weather is a concern. Only feet away from Hrafntinnusker, we passed a memorial to a 25-year-old man who died in a blizzard in June 2004. My group was lucky to run into a small group of hikers from Washington state. Andrew, an aspiring tour guide, pointed out a canyon that was slightly off the beaten path, near the campground at Emstrur, called Markarfljotsglijufur. The canyons dizzying height proved to be no challenge for the local sheep. In the evening, the sun sits at the top of the canyon for hours, giving it and the river below a golden appearance. Thorsmork, the mountain range named for the Norse god of thunder, Thor, is the last stop for many tours. Thorsmork rests at the foot of Eyjafjallajokull glacier. The valley of the Norse god is a steppingstone to farther destinations. Just when you thought youd heard the worst, Equifax announced that another 2.5 million consumers had their personal information stolen from its database, bringing the total to 145.5 million folks left vulnerable to identity theft. Last week, a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee held a hearing that immediately turned into a grilling of the credit bureaus former chief executive, Richard Smith. Equifax deserves to be shamed, Democratic Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois said during the hearing, and just about every legislator in the room did just that. Smith apologized numerous times for the companys failing to protect peoples data. But no matter what the company does, consumers cant be made whole. Equifax cant yank back our data from the hackers, who stole it after the company failed to do its job of protecting our information. Smith said that under his leadership, Equifax put together a cybersecurity team of 225 experts around the world. Yet not one of them moved to adequately heed a warning from the Department of Homeland Security that certain software Equifax was using was vulnerable. According to Smiths testimony, they knew about a patch but failed to implement it. Lots of readers are asking me what they should do. Most of all, stay informed. This means regularly visiting the website Equifax set up to provide updates on this data breach: equifaxsecurity2017.com. The company recently announced a few things you especially need to know. By the end of January 2018, Equifax will be offering a free credit lock for life. With this new service, youll be able to use your smartphone or computer to easily lock and unlock your Equifax credit file. It will be reliable, safe and simple, said interim chief executive Paulino do Rego Barros Jr. in an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal. Id like to offer some advice to Equifax: Please stop telling us stuff is safe now. We still feel very unsafe from a breach that could have been avoided. And if the lawmakers who blasted Smith at Tuesdays hearing want to prove they care about the safety of our information, they should immediately pass legislation. Make credit freezes easy to place at all the credit bureaus through one portal, like where you can go to get your free credit reports (annualcreditreport.com). Right now, state laws dictate the cost and ease of placing and removing a freeze. Smith took pains to explain that a lock is different from a credit freeze because its easier to use. But lawmakers struggled to see why there is a difference. Equifax previously announced that people had until Nov. 21 to sign up for its free monitoring service, TrustedID Premier. The enrollment has now been extended until Jan. 31. The deadline to sign up for a free credit freeze different from a lock has also been extended to the end of January. But consumers are still confused. For example, I recently received the following question: Ive gone to the Equifax security site several times to see if I was impacted by the breach. ... Fortunately, if these numbskulls are to be believed, my information was supposedly not breached. Other than continuing to regularly check my account statements and getting the free updates from the three major credit reporting firms, should I do anything else (e.g., freeze and/or lock accounts, sign up for free monitoring with Equifax, etc.)? You may have checked the feature on equifaxsecurity2017.com to see if your information was stolen and found you were spared. But with the new disclosure, this may not be true anymore. Equifax says that, to minimize confusion, it is mailing notices to the new folks. By this week, the website will be updated to reflect the additional impacted consumers. But whether your personal information has been compromised or not, you can still enroll in the free monitoring service. I suggest you sign up. If you go the route of a security freeze, to make it most effective you need to freeze all your accounts with all the credit bureaus, including the lesser-known Innovis. Placing a freeze on your files locks out potential new creditors from getting access to your financial information. Ive heard from a number of readers who are experiencing trouble with signing up for a freeze. Either they get error messages online or they are told to mail in their personal information to complete the freeze. All the bureaus tell me they are overloaded with freeze requests. So keep trying. Make no mistake: The Equifax breach was an epic heist of data by hackers. And now it falls on you to be as proactive as possible in protecting your personal information. Michelle Singletary is a personal finance columnist for The Washington Post. Her column runs on Sunday. When Caleigh McKinnie moved to Roanoke in 2015 she didnt have a job, but she did have skills. After working as an academic adviser in New Orleans, she wanted to return to Roanoke, her hometown, whether she had a job lined up or not. She had a variety of creative skills and was used to having a side job or two, and she figured she could make it work in the right environment. McKinnie got in touch with Samantha Steidle, who works with Virginia Western Community College as an innovation officer and had a key role in opening the Grandin CoLab co-working space. Steidle helped McKinnie get into gigging, taking side jobs until she found something full time. McKinnie took on some graphic design work. She dabbled in building websites. She did some presentations on how to train professionals. McKinnie likes to call these jobs her side hustles. I became a gigger without meaning to, she said. Her temporary work is part of a fast-growing piece of the national economy. Often called the gig economy, the sharing economy or the on-demand economy, its a business model in which jobs are temporary and workers are often employed as independent contractors instead of full-time employees. Its growth has been bolstered by the success of technology-based sharing services like Uber, Airbnb and Etsy, which have been in the Roanoke Valley for years, providing income for hundreds of people. As demand grows for these services, more people are expected to work in this sector in the next few years. And with the growth of co-working spaces and entrepreneurial efforts, it is becoming easier for people to work traditional freelance jobs, such as writing, plumbing, and graphic and web design. Some people do it for the extra cash and some as a creative outlet. A lot of people in Roanoke are part of this economy, but many dont even realize it, said Steidle. Flexibility and extra cash Virginia Western recently received a state grant to develop entrepreneurial classes at the RAMP business accelerator in downtown Roanoke. Steidle, who represents the college at RAMP, said these funds will be used in part for programming targeted at people working in the gig economy. She said in order for people to thrive in this economy, everyone needs to understand it better. This economic sector includes people of varying educational levels and backgrounds, and she wants the programming to reach everyone. Its not just Uber, Steidle said. Its like a high-paid consultant who wants to do something on his own hours. Its hard to find any official data on how many workers are currently employed in the gig economy, since working hours are sporadic. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics information is more than a decade old, reflecting a time when many of the largest sharing services were less common. Intuit Inc., a business and financial software company that owns TurboTax, has produced a comprehensive, often-quoted study with Emergent Research that predicts that more than 7.6 million people will be gigging by 2020, more than double the current number. The industry was boosted by the Great Recession and the stagnant wages left in its wake, as more people needed to work and were willing to take temporary jobs if thats what they could get. Kim Hostetters side gig began because she loved dogs. The 28-year-old Roanoke woman signed up as a pet sitter for Rover.com in March 2016. A friend had told her about the website, which connects dog owners with dog sitters and walkers. A Rover spokesman said more than 2,000 people have joined the service in the Roanoke area as sitters and users. Hostetter wanted to find a part-time job, and Rover allowed her to set her own hours, stay home with her kids and earn money doing something she loves. Business was slow at first, she said, but she made it a point to be flexible with her hours and respond quickly to requests. She eventually got some regular clients, and now she typically makes $200 to $400 a month with Rover, and more if she extended her hours. Its like running your own business right here in your own home, Hostetter said. And the cost of necessities such as insurance fall to Rover, not to her. This is true of many of the popular shared services businesses, such as Airbnb. River Laker said he was one of the first people in Roanoke to sign up as a host with Airbnb, which allows people to rent out their living spaces short-term. Airbnbs website now lists more than 200 rentals in Roanoke. Once or twice a week, he will have a guest in one of the bedrooms of his home. He spends about two hours of work per guest. He has a full-time job, but this provided him with some extra funds. He blocks off some days otherwise, he said, he would have a nearly constant stream of guests. That is the way we have to go now, you have one job and you need another stream of income, Laker said. He was also excited about who he would meet through Airbnb. Some of his guests have become friends he keeps in contact with, he said. There is a similar demand for drivers, according to Dustin Meredith, who has driven for Uber and now drives mostly for Big Lick Boomerang, a Roanoke-based designated driving service. Meredith has a full-time job at a warehouse working 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week, and he often clocks 20 hours or more as a driver. He has two children, he said, and he needs the extra income. He also likes driving, and he feels like driving people home through Big Lick Boomerang serves a useful purpose. Driving is one of several side gigs Meredith, who is 30, has done to bring in some extra income. I think the side gigs for people a generation before me was like collecting cans, he said. The time is ripe for people who want to take on extra work, he said. Creative side For some, gigging is a creative outlet. McKinnie now has a full-time job in marketing, but she still likes to keep an occasional side hustle. I would use side gigs to exercise my creative side or to test out new abilities and skills, she said. The creative side particularly flourishes at Etsy, an e-commerce website where people can set up their own businesses and sell handmade and vintage items. Etsy is where Jack Ferguson found a place for his business, Appalachian Flutes & Dulcimers. Woodworking was a hobby for Ferguson for many years before he joined Etsy in 2007. When he retired from the city of Roanoke in 2011, he put almost all his time into building and researching dulcimers, a wooden stringed instrument with deep Appalachian roots. He had savings and Social Security, but this allowed him to bring in a little extra money and spread awareness about dulcimers and music, something he is passionate about. He has custom-made 234 dulcimers for people all over the world since joining Etsy. Each one costs about $300 to $500. His business has picked up so much since he retired that he rented out a shop space in Salem to fulfill his orders. Roanoker Beth Mullins, who has been on Etsy for nine years, spends 10 to 20 hours a week on her weaving business, Frederick Avenue. I like the ease of selling online that Etsy offers without having to maintain my own website, she said. The listing cost is minimal, as is the commission Etsy takes per sale. Vicky Aldrich, 54, joined Etsy in 2007. Her shop, Naturel Mistik, sells handmade items, from jewelry to bumper stickers. She started a group for local Etsy sellers to network and learn about craft shows. She said most people in the group are part-time sellers. Aldrich lost a full-time job about five years ago but kept up with Naturel Mistik to supplement her income. She added a new part-time job last year and now she entirely relies on her side gigs for income. I miss the security of a regular job and benefits, but, dang, do I like the freedom of what I do now, she said. Aldrich said there needs to be a big change in attitudes about what makes a career. She works hard and enjoys her jobs but would like to have more of a safety net. There are efforts underway to do that, but government bureaucracy has been slow to keep up with the changing economy. Facing the future Gigging full-time typically provides few, if any, benefits to its workers. In May, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., introduced legislation to test and evaluate portable benefit designs for the growing independent workforce. Whether by choice or necessity, a growing number of Americans are working without a safety net and have difficulty planning and saving for retirement, health care needs, or on-the-job injuries. The nature of work is changing rapidly, but our policies largely remain tied to a 20th century model of traditional full-time employment, Warner said in a news release. His plan would establish a portable benefits pilot program at the Department of Labor. Other federal legislation and local ordinances have been introduced to manage the growing shared services sector, but their arrival hasnt always been smooth. Some of these services, especially Airbnb and Uber, have clashed with local regulations in cities across the country, leading the businesses to be stifled or even banned in some places. Gig economy business models often dont fit in with traditional business models and the regulations that allow them to operate. For example, when Airbnb arrived in Roanoke, the city council had to change zoning ordinances to fit the new model. Yet officials have found that enforcement can be a challenge. There are now entire educational sectors devoted to explaining how businesses and workers can thrive in the gig economy, with the idea that the more people understand the business models in the sharing economy, the easier they will be to regulate and the more successful they will be. Steidle wants people who attend the upcoming gig economy programming at Virginia Western to know they dont just have to be giggers, but they can create their own Uber or Etsy that uses the growing independent workforce. Some Roanokers already have done this. Diane Rumbolt was a stay-at-home mom when she launched Big Lick Boomerang last year. Its a driving service, sort of like Uber or Lyft, except the driver gets behind the wheel of the customers car and drives him home in his own vehicle. A second driver follows and picks up the first driver when the ride is over. The service caters to people who need a ride but dont want to leave their car somewhere. Boomerang now handles about 35 calls a month. Starting a business like this doesnt involve a lot of overhead, but it has required a lot more marketing to get the word out about the service than Rumbolt expected. She also is still trying to get people in the region to understand the concept of a technology-based driving service like this. However, she said its getting there. Logan Bittle, 28, decided to create his web-based business when he had trouble getting a quote for house cleaning. He wanted to apply the Uber business model to cleaning. So about six months ago he used his skills as a web designer, which he did as a side gig, to create Kempt, an online cleaning service where people can update, monitor and schedule cleaners online in a few minutes. Bittle said he believes this type of business and this line of work is the future. His generation is used to having the convenience of the internet and fast service, he said, and having a side job or two is common. We like information super quick and like it in our hands immediately, he said. These businesses are popping up to cater to that. An Indiana man wanted on a charge of assault and battery stemming from the Aug. 12 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville was extradited to Virginia on Friday. Dennis Mothersbaugh, 37, of North Vernon, Indiana, was booked into the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail on Friday, according to jail staff. Mothersbaugh is charged with one count of assault and battery in the violence that erupted at the Unite the Right rally. He was arrested in Indiana on Sept. 28. A video that appeared on the internet shows a man alleged to be Mothersbaugh throwing a punch at a counter-protester, who parries the blow, outside of Emancipation Park. A few seconds later, the man is seen punching a woman in the face as she shouts at him and others walking down Market Street. Though the exact location of its original cornerstone remains a mystery, the University of Virginia celebrated the early milestone with speeches, the Good Ol Song and a new marble time capsule Friday. The event was part of the kickoff to UVas two-year bicentennial festivities. Faculty, the governor and current and former presidents of UVa joined together to praise the universitys past and to highlight its momentum moving forward. President Teresa Sullivan described the growth of the school, from Thomas Jeffersons first proposal of a university in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to its first class of students in 1825. The history of the university is inextricably linked to the history of the United States, she said, by Jefferson, by ideals of reason and freedom and by the history of slavery and oppression. In a profound sense, the story of UVa is the story of America, born from an idealistic sense of mission, risen now to a position of global prominence, imperfect in its history yet perfectly optimistic as we look to its future, Sullivan said. That history was referenced by Bobby Battle, co-chairman of UVas Bicentennial Commission, as he described the remarkable journey of the university from a field, well-situated to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But we must pause to remember, these lands were originally home to the agriculturally advanced Monacan Indians, and that these grounds were originally surveyed with the assistance of enslaved laborers, and that the Academical Village was originally built, staffed and served by enslaved laborers, as well. Gov. Terry McAuliffe praised the universitys role in forming so many leaders in the commonwealth. We are a better nation and a better globe today because of the University of Virginia, he said. Time and time again, the university has been a leader. Thomas Jefferson set that in motion 200 years ago. Moving forward, Bryanna Miller, student representative to the Board of Visitors, said todays students can be inspired by that history and determined to continue using those ideals and goals to make the world a better place. We should be inspired by students, Miller said. Because those are the ones we are the ones who are the seeds of the future. And each one of you alumni, staff and faculty members have had a role in planting each of those seeds. While the university has had to reckon with its past over the years, and especially in recent weeks, since white nationalists stormed the Grounds on Aug. 11, students should still be proud to attend, said Dr. Marcus Martin, UVas vice president for diversity. Martin was the first African-American head of a clinical department at the university. He described going to a segregated elementary school and being in the first generation of his family to go to college. His success, and the success of the university, he reminded the audience, lay on the backs of enslaved workers. RADFORD Southwest Virginia gets limited respect in Civil War history circles, but a recently-discovered cache of letters tied to the Glencoe Mansion Museum may change that. In my experience, it is a unique collection, Virginia Tech history professor emeritus William Jack Davis said of the letters. And I use the word unique in its literal sense. Ive never seen any other like it. Davis, 70, has studied the war for more than four decades. He is a former director of the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies and has continued to write and lecture about the conflict since his 2013 retirement from the university. The collection may be the largest cache of Civil War correspondence found to date, Davis said. The more than 500 Glencoe letters were written between 1863-65 by Confederate Gen. Gabriel Wharton and Nannie Radford Wharton, a founding family of present-day Radford. Discovered five years ago by Sue Bell, great-great granddaughter of the Whartons, the collection illustrates Civil War-era life in Radford and on the western battlefields of Virginia. To have virtually hundreds of letters from Nannie, written from Radford with some commentary on what life was like behind the lines through the war, and to have Gen. Whartons letters from Narrows and Saltville and other such places that we dont know a lot about really opens a window on a lot of unappreciated history of the Civil War and of Virginia, Davis said. Theres nothing like it in my experience. No big battles were fought in the area, but the region provided iron, coal, salt, lead, rail transportation and more that kept the Confederacy going, Davis said. Protecting the region from Union forces was paramount because it was the geographic back door to the Confederate capital in Richmond. Despite this, Southwest Virginia hasnt gotten very much attention either during the war or since, Davis said. At first, Bell said she began transcribing the letters as a family history project, but people kept telling her to publish them. So Bell went searching for a historian to help. She found Davis. For the past two years, the pair has worked transcribing and annotating the correspondence. They hope to publish the collection as early as 2019. News from home Gabriel Wharton, born in 1824 to a prosperous farming family in Culpeper County, graduated from Virginia Military Institute in 1847 and became a railroad engineer. He joined the Confederate Army in 1861 and spent much of the war commanding troops in Southwest Virginia. Anne Rebecca Nannie Radford was born in 1843 to Dr. John and Elizabeth Radford, the family after which the city is named. Following the war, she would run businesses and write for her own newspaper. Together, the couple would build Glencoe Mansion today a museum, art gallery and visitor center beginning in 1874. Wharton met Radford sometime in 1862 on his way through The Central, as the city was then known, and despite a 20-year age difference, they were married the next year. They remained apart for most of the first two years of their marriage, and so began their voluminous correspondence. They wrote each other a letter almost every day during the rest of the war, sometimes two or three letters a day, Davis said. The early letters mostly show newlyweds getting to know one another. You could wish sometimes that there was a little more in his letters about whats going on out on the battlefield, Davis said. He knows everybody, so he has dinner with Robert E. Lee and other famous generals. But about half of each letter is Oh, I miss you so much, Nannie. Lets get this war over with so we can be together forever. But after a while, Bell said, the Whartons began to write more about their daily lives he describing battles and military tactics, and she giving him career advice and even criticizing the leaders of the day. Nannie is not the quiet Southern woman you expect, that the books all say they are, Bell said. She is opinionated, educated. Shes only 19, but she is totally advising him. Hes only a colonel when they are married, and hes waiting for his promotion, Bell said of her grandfather. Shes telling him: I would advise you that if they offer you a regiment, thats fine. But if they offer you a brigade, you should not accept it before youve gotten your promotion. The young womans views of one now-venerated Confederate leader might be shocking to some. She thinks Robert E. Lee has a glorified reputation that he doesnt deserve, Davis said. Bell said her grandmother was partial to Gen. Thomas Stonewall Jackson. The Whartons also vent frustration with the course of the war. At a couple of points, they both talk about if things dont get better, theyll just leave the Confederacy and go abroad and suit themselves and to hell with the South, which is something you dont often see, Davis said. [Nannie] is fairly pessimistic about the ultimate fate of the Confederacy. [Wharton] is quite the opposite. That Nannie Whartons letters exist at all makes this collection unusual. Typically, in Civil War correspondences, the womans letters tend not to survive because they get carried around in the campaign by the solider, Davis said. They get wet or read and re-read until they just fell apart. But he saved hers and sent them back to her. Nannie Wharton then arranged them in chronological order and literally sewed them together in packets. After the war, they were stored in the Glencoe attic and forgotten for more than a century. Bell found them in her parents Florida garage, where they had been stored since 1981 the year the family sold the historic mansion to Kollmorgen Corporation. That year, Bell and her mother, Sally Wharton van Solkema, cleaned out the house, which eventually would become a museum. I just remember my mother looking at the attic and saying, I dont know whats up here, and I cant throw it out, Bell recalled. They threw everything into boxes, haphazardly. The mansion became a city museum in 1996. In 2012, Bell decided to tackle the artifacts packed in the garage, and the task revived a long-buried impulse in the Virginia Tech alumna. I remember wanting to be a history major, Bell said. And my father said: Youve got to do something that will get you a job. Bell majored in finance and French. She went on to work in computer consulting before raising four children. After she found the letters, Bell sometimes spent hours a day reading, organizing and transcribing them while her kids were in school. Over the past five years, she estimates, shes put in up to 20 hours a week on the project. Its ironic; here I am writing a book about history, and thats really what I had wanted to be, Bell said. I got to come full circle. People who saw the letters encouraged her to publish them, so she went looking for a historian to help. She found Davis, who unbeknownst to Bell, had searched for those letters 40 years ago. Bringing the past to life In the 1970s, Davis said he was researching a book on the Battle of New Market and tracing the descendants of men who fought there, including a Confederate brigade commander named Gabriel Wharton. Wharton had a grandson still living at Glencoe at the time, Davis said. But the descendant told him that the family had no documents. Meanwhile, in the attic lay not just the Wharton letters but at least 1,000 other important documents, including letters to Wharton from many major Confederate generals of the day. A.P. Hill, James Von Street, John Cabell Breckinridge, P.T. Beauregard, Jubal Early one famous Civil War personage after another, Davis said. Getting his hands on such a significant collection has been intoxicating for Davis. On a visit to Bell in Massachusetts, he sat, transfixed, for hours a time, she said. Its the closest I think a historian can come to feeling like Christopher Columbus, Davis said. Youre hoping to find something like this for years and didnt think it was there, and then, boom, it suddenly falls in your lap. For Bell, the project has literally brought history to life. The family has always known that Gen. Wharton fought in the Civil War. Before finding the letters, it was a fact removed from daily life. It does make you feel more in touch with them, Bell said. These people, I hardly think that theyre dead because they feel so alive to me as I read all these letters. The tragedies feel fresh, and they prick compassion, not just for her own ancestors, but for the country. So many of Gen. Whartons friends were killed in the war, she said. Nannie lost two brothers. You think about what all these families had to go through, both North and South, losing their kids, their cousins, their friends. You know, its just tragic, Bell said. And I dont know if we can understand that now. Bells relationship to the museum dedicated to her familys history has enriched its offerings. She said the family has donated some items, such as furniture. As she finds new information, Bell shares it with museum Director Scott Gardner. These were living, breathing people with strengths and faults, Gardner wrote in an email. The wealth of information we are learning is doing so much to teach us about the history of our region. Every region has a unique role in history, and we want to openly portray to people what life was like in the late 19th century in Southwest Virginia. The Wharton papers offer a window not just on the war but on Reconstruction in the area and its effect on the family. They stay in Radford, and they set about trying to rebuild Southwest Virginia, which is fairly destroyed by the war, Davis said. Gabriel Wharton sets about trying to build railroads, factories and foundries. The general also served three terms in the Virginia House of Delegates, where he supported legislation that established the states land grant college in Southwest Virginia despite efforts to put it near Richmond. Today that college has grown into Virginia Tech. Nannie Wharton grew in influence after the war, too. She publishes and edits a newspaper, writing editorials about American foreign policy, Davis said. She runs a hotel for a time, takes some Radford family property and becomes a developer, dividing it into roads and home sites. She also ran the familys 554-acre farm and a mill, Bell said. But none of the Reconstruction material will go into the Civil War book, which by itself is more than 350,000 words, Davis said. Despite the size, several publishers are interested. Davis said he could see several doctoral dissertations coming out of the Wharton collection that look at Reconstruction and beyond. Bell said that she eventually will donate the entire Wharton artifact cache to an institution where scholars will have access to it. Archrival moved into Lincolns Haymarket 10 years ago and quickly established itself as the cool kid on the block not surprising since the design firm specializes in youth brands and culture. As the firms client base grew all the way to the coasts, their headquarters grew, too. Archrival co-founder and Managing Director Clint Runge said the company took over additional space in the building as it became vacant over the years and while the office got bigger, it fell behind in functionality and expression of who and what the company is all about. Who we were 10 years ago is not the same company we are today, said Runge. I felt our space was aspirational when we first built it. It was almost cooler than we were, but somewhere along the way we caught up and surpassed it. It was time to re-up and bring those things into alignment. The Archrival team believes strongly in its own company culture and wanted a renovated space that reflected that. When it came to choosing an architectural firm to handle the renovation, Runge put another one of Archrivals core values into action. He wanted to hire a local firm to keep the work close to home, but he also insisted on hiring a young designer. Because Archrival started when I was 22, Ive always had that chip on my shoulder that young, inexperienced people can have great ideas, said Runge. Runge believes that the best idea for a job can come from the most experienced creative director or it can come from an intern. He said that since the company is in the business of youth culture, Archrival always has to be challenging the status quo and seeking out young, fresh ideas. BVH Architecture handled the redesign of the space. Runge said the company's young architects all submitted different ideas. They listened to everyone and chose one they thought was the most in line with where theyre headed as a design company. Architects can help us build the construction elements of it but the things that really bring it to life, the clever ingenuity, thats something that Archrival does. Were good at that, said Runge. Once we teamed up our creatives who challenged status quo thinking, thats what led to a really great collaboration with the architecture team. The companys willingness to take risks and belief in a flat hierarchy are what continues to drive their own company culture forward. You certainly walk into spaces where the company was dictating the culture from the top down. But when you walk through the space, its not real, said Runge. Weve always believed pretty strongly that culture, in any company and any brand, truly is bottom-up. You only are the collection of what your people think and believe, and the way that they express those thoughts and beliefs. A Midwest headquarters is something that Runge said will always be a part of Archrivals culture. The firm has strategic offices in Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles so it can work closely with large clients in those cities, but the bulk of its work will always grow out of Lincoln. When we go and present our work and (clients) learn where were from, its almost a shock to them. In that way, were interesting, said Runge. The fact that were doing this from Lincoln, Nebraska, gives a sense that theres something going on here. Theres something magical, theres something about the culture and the people. I think weve championed that. Eyes across the commonwealth will turn to Virginias coalfields region Monday as Ed Gillespie and Ralph Northam face off in the third and final gubernatorial debate. It will mark the first time Virginias gubernatorial nominees will participate in a televised debate in Southwest Virginias coalfields region, which is closer to five other state capitals than it is to Richmond. Virginias coalfields region is struggling with declines in coal employment and population, and increases in poverty and opioid abuse. For many in the region, it is the opportune time for the statewide candidates to discuss the challenges facing Southwest Virginia and for Gillespie, a Republican, and Northam, a Democrat, to pitch their own solutions at the University of Virginias College at Wise. Libertarian Cliff Hyra was not invited to participate Monday or in the two previous gubernatorial debates. UVa-Wise Chancellor Donna Henry said shes thrilled the candidates have accepted the debate in Southwest Virginia and recognize the need to discuss Virginias rural areas. Unlike the previous debates in Northern Virginia and Bath County, Mondays 7 p.m. debate will focus specifically on issues facing Southwest Virginia and other rural areas. Larger conversations about the future of Virginias rural areas are happening across the state, Henry said, citing the work of the Appalachian Regional Commission and the recent Governors Summit on Rural Prosperity. It makes sense that Virginias next governor would want to join in those conversations now, she said. Whether its the first, second, third or fourth [debate], we are at a period of time where I believe we need to focus on whats happening in rural areas of Virginia, Henry said. In the grand scheme of things, gubernatorial debates dont translate to votes, said Geoffrey Skelley, a political analyst at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Presidential debates have little-to-no effect on voter turnout, and gubernatorial debates have even less of an influence in a low-turnout governors election, he said. Voters who are engaged in the governors race already know whom theyre going to vote for, and unengaged voters are unlikely to watch any of the debates, Skelley said. Average voters are more likely to see news coverage of debates rather than watch the televised debates themselves. I wish debates mattered, he said. I think thats probably the best way to look at it because I wish people were more flexible and open-minded, but thats just not the case in this day and age. But for Wise County Circuit Court Clerk Jack Kennedy, Mondays debate is symbolic. This debate is special because it is the westernmost gubernatorial debate in Virginias history, said Kennedy, a Southwestern Virginia Technology Council representative. The Tech Council, the University of Virginias Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and UVa-Wise are partnering to host the event. Previously, the westernmost televised debate was held in Blacksburg when Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Ken Cuccinelli faced off at Virginia Tech in 2013. (Previous gubernatorial candidates have debated at the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia in conjunction with Virginia Bar Association events.) Virginias coalfields region is suffering, Kennedy said. Southwest Virginias poverty, economic and opioid problems must be addressed before the region can start to reinvent itself, he said. Meanwhile, as population declines in Southwest Virginia, the region has lost legislative seats, and its voice becomes more muted in Richmond, Kennedy said. The problems of far Southwest Virginia are complicated and no one can turn around the regions economy overnight, Kennedy said. Reviving Virginias coalfields region will take a timely, concerted effort so its best to get Virginias next governor talking about it now, Kennedy said. Life is a matter of priorities, and a governor is a human being facing similar priorities, he said. I want this region to be high on an incoming administrations priority list. With that, weve got a fighting chance. Without it, we have status quo. Both candidates have pitched plans for improving Southwest Virginia. Gillespies plan revolves on growing Virginias tourism and outdoors economy. He aims to better market the commonwealths natural beauty, especially the mountains and rivers in Southwest Virginia. Specifically, Gillespie has pledged to complete the Clinch River State Park within his four-year term should he be elected in November. Last year, Virginias General Assembly allocated an initial $2.5 million for the first phase of the state park, but Gillespie has promised to move the project forward and allocate additional funds as necessary. An economic analysis predicts the state park will attract 100,000 annual visitors by its third year and have a $2.53 million annual boost to Virginias economy. Northam has presented plans for a $15 million expansion of UVa-Wise so the college can enhance its course offerings in high-demand job fields like cybersecurity, energy, computer science and unmanned aerial systems. Under Northams proposal, the expansion would be a public-private partnership, but the state would double its current $15 million annual investment for at least one year. Northam has also called for a two-year tax break for small business that open in rural or economically depressed areas of the commonwealth. A Real Clear Politics average of nine polls gauging the Virginia governors race shows Northam leading Gillespie by 5.4 percentage points. For Del. Chris Head, this election cycle is all about Republicans taking back the governorship and with it, the power to control executive vet Don Walton Political reporter/columnist Don Walton covers politics and the Legislature along with writing a weekly column. Follow Don Walton Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Congressional and legislative redistricting is in the spotlight as we move closer to the next round of reapportionment that will follow on the heels of the 2020 federal census. What could be a landmark challenge of a partisan legislative redistricting plan in Wisconsin is now before a divided U.S. Supreme Court. Early hints suggest Justice Anthony Kennedy may tip the court toward a breakthrough ruling striking down excessively partisan redistricting plans. That could be a game-changer, although the court faces a difficult challenge in determining and defining what might be considered to be excessive. It's a reminder of what Justice Potter Stewart said when he struggled to define obscenity in a 1964 Supreme Court case about pornography: "I know it when I see it." * * * Two proposals to reform Nebraska's redistricting process are waiting in committee when the Legislature reconvenes in January. Both are designed to distance the Legislature from the initial process of drawing the boundaries of proposed new districts by assigning that task to a citizens commission, but final authority for constructing new districts would remain in the Legislature's hands. The Legislature approved a redistricting reform bill in 2016, but it was vetoed by Gov. Pete Ricketts, who questioned its constitutionality. That proposal, which would have created an independent citizens commission to draw proposed maps, was the product of more than two years of negotiation by Sen. John Murante of Gretna, a Republican, and Sen. Heath Mello of Omaha, a Democrat who was term-limited out of the Legislature at the end of the year. Murante chose to not attempt to override the governor's veto. Instead, he introduced a new bill this year and said he would seek agreement with Ricketts on language that would meet the governor's objections. The bill (LB653) remained in the hands of the Legislative Council's executive board when the Legislature adjourned for the year. Murante's proposal establishes equal distribution of population among districts as the top priority to be achieved in redistricting. The bill would specifically prohibit "cracking, packing or otherwise diluting the voting rights of any voting majority or minority based on race or language." Its language also prohibits the citizens advisory commission from considering "political party affiliation of registered voters or previous election results" in making its recommendations to the Legislature. Sen. Burke Harr of Omaha, a Democrat, also has a bill (LB216) pending that would create a citizens advisory committee, which would recommend redistricting plans that senators could either accept or reject. Equity in population would be the paramount consideration in drawing new boundaries, according to the terms of his bill. * * * Harr was a newly elected senator in 2011 when the Legislature last tackled the redistricting challenge. "I remember a senior senator told me that was the only time we were allowed to be partisan," Harr recalls. "I think Senator (Chris) Langemeier tried to be as fair as possible while making sure his own team did OK." Langemeier, a Schuyler senator who chaired the last legislative redistricting committee, was on the Republican team. "But now I think this body is a bit more partisan than it was in 2011," Harr said. "I hope it will continue to do the right thing." A seat on the redistricting committee is a plum assignment for protecting turf, but it also subjects a senator to the possibility, even the probability, of disappointing an array of colleagues who might not get the exact legislative district boundaries they may crave. One prediction probably is almost certain: A majority of members of the special committee will be Republicans. * * * Nebraska's nonpartisan legislature clearly has displayed partisanship in congressional redistricting. Redistricting following the 2010 census was carefully crafted to increase Republican voting strength in metropolitan Omaha's competitive 2nd District by shifting designated portions of Sarpy County between the 1st and 2nd districts. Offutt Air Force Base, which is intimately tied to Omaha and its corporate community, was moved into Lincoln's 1st District during the behind-the-scenes deliberations. Republican Gov. Dave Heineman was actively engaged in that process. Negotiated reapportionment of nonpartisan legislative districts traditionally has centered more on incumbent protection than partisan concerns. But some observers of the 2017 legislative session, in addition to Harr, suggest that there is more open and internal partisanship today and that may be more of a factor in legislative, as well as congressional, redistricting decisions next time. Finishing up * If Congress wouldn't act when 20 school children were slaughtered in their classrooms at their elementary school in Connecticut in 2012, there's no reason to believe it will do anything meaningful now. But there also is no good reason we have to live and die this way. * Deb Fischer was ranked as the 13th-most effective U.S. senator in a study by the Center for Effective Lawmaking, a joint initiative by the University of Virginia's Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and Vanderbilt University. The survey explores how successful senators are at moving legislative proposals into law. Ben Sasse was 95th on that list in a cluster with some familiar Senate names: Bernie Sanders, Jack Reed, Thad Cochran, Jeff Sessions. * Rich excerpts from the writing of Willa Cather in an article in The New Yorker along with lots of insight into journalist Matthew Hansen's Red Cloud. * Mike Johanns will be honored by the Nebraska Society of Washington as its Distinguished Nebraskan Award recipient for 2017 at a reception at the National Press Club on Nov. 6. By J. David Thompson Thompson is a Juris Doctor candidate at Washington & Lee University School of Law. He has a bachelors and masters degree from Liberty University. He is online at www.jdavidthompson.com The Trump Administration recently announced a revised travel ban, revising the original Executive Order with broader restrictions and bringing the list of banned countries to nine. In response, the U.S. Supreme Court abruptly canceled oral arguments for the Muslim ban case, which were scheduled for October 10th. The administration further capped the number of refugees that will be permitted to resettle in the U.S. to a historically low number a number not seen since first enacted by President Reagan. As a response, Americans will continue to debate legal principles in an unprecedented manner. In the past year, everyday Americans have questioned the legal definition of collusion and the Constitutional balance of powers. As a law student and Co-Director of Service to Schools law school division, which is an organization that helps veterans maximize their education benefits, I really enjoy the nuances of these discussions. Despite this affinity, discussions around the law are secondary to the question we should ask ourselves: are we promoting the values for the type of country we want to be? The Supreme Court will decide the legality of the travel ban, but the majority of us should discuss if this Executive Order encourages the values we want to promote. When I served in Afghanistan and Jordan with the U.S. Army, I advocated the American ideals of equality, inclusivity, respect, diversity, democracy, and basic human rights. We are only as good and our thoughts are only as strong as the diversity around us. In Afghanistan, I helped instill these values in the police, army, and government officials as we provided security and helped the Government of Afghanistan become the best viable option. In Jordan, I assisted communities impacted by the refugee crisis and sought to alleviate the factors that increased the propensity for marginalized populations towards radicalization. None of this would have been possible if I would have only concerned myself, and thus my partners, with technicalities of legal discourse. Instead, we discussed what type of country and community we wanted to have. We came together, often with different viewpoints, but found common ground and shared interests. Ultimately, we were able to work together to help better the lives of those around us, promote national security, and accomplish our objectives. These are the exact discussions that Congressman Bob Goodlatte has avoided. Congressman Goodlattes moral disregard prevents him from being able to have effective dialogue with his constituents that may disagree with his unwavering support for Donald Trump, and, as such, he has not held a single town hall meeting this term. His ineffective leadership and unwillingness to promote the American ideals that our servicemembers defend in combat have assisted in the polarization of American discourse. Bob Goodlatte continuously fails to support equality, inclusivity, and values-based leadership falling short of what we ask of our servicemembers. Veterans have worked across party lines to accomplish a single objective. We often had wildly different personal and political views from that of our fellow service members; however, we came together to accomplish a mission. Veterans for American Ideals is one organization comprised of military veterans that support refugees, promotes civil discourse, and counters Islamophobia. We stand for democracy, inclusiveness, and human rights in American society, and it was these same values that we defended in combat. It is these ideals and values that should drive our conversations. The Supreme Court will decide the legalities of the travel restrictions in what is sure to be a hotly-contested opinion, but we all should share our opinions as to what type of nation we want to be and the values we want to espouse. Maybe our leaders, like Congressman Goodlatte, would be willing to share the values of our veterans. On Monday, Republican Ed Gillespie and Democrat Ralph Northam do something that no candidates for governor have ever done: They will hold a debate in far Southwest Virginia. Four years ago, Terry McAuliffe and Ken Cuccinelli debated in Blacksburg. On Monday, this years candidates will be about three hours drive further west. When Gillespie and Northam meet on the campus of the University of Virginias College at Wise, they will be closer to seven other state capitals than they will be to their own in Richmond. If they ventured three miles further west to the outskirts of Norton they could make it eight. That alone ought to be instructive. The issues that matter in Richmond are not necessarily the issues that matter in Southwest Virginia. This will be the third and final debate between the two candidates, and it will be tempting for the candidates to play to voters watching across the state. We hope they dont. If the candidates talk about President Trump or Confederate statues any of the other issues theyve been prattling on about, they may as well be in a generic television studio somewhere. The whole point of having a debate in the coalfields is to force the candidates to talk about the unique economic issues facing that part of the state. So do it. Roanoke Times reporter Carmen Forman will be asking the questions. We dont know what shell ask, but here are some questions wed like to see the candidates answer: n Northam has proposed expanding the school that is hosting the debate, and adding graduate programs. Right now, UVA-Wise is one of just two state colleges that doesnt offer graduate programs. That other school is Virginia Military Institute, which is always something of a special case. We know that colleges are economic engines in the new economy. For Gillespie, will you commit to expanding UVA-Wise, as well? n What were the best ideas for rural Virginia and particularly Southwest Virginia to come out of the recent reports by the GO Virginia economic development councils? Youve read them, right? n Most localities in rural Virginia are losing population, particularly young adults. That exodus is especially pronounced in the coalfields. The GO Virginia reports cited a shrinking labor pool in Southwest Virginia especially skilled labor as the regions biggest impediment to economic growth. In fact, the report warns that some existing companies may leave if the labor pool continues to contract so demography and the economy are inextricably linked. How would you encourage young adults to stay in Southwest Virginia, or rural areas in general? n Demographers with the University of Virginias Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service paint this picture of the demographic crisis in the coalfields: The residents there tend to be some of the oldest in the state. That means even if we could persuade people from moving away, the region will still lose population and at ever-increasing rates simply because more people will be dying. Right now, the population in the coalfields is going down about 600 a year simply through the natural process of deaths outnumbering births. Over the course of the next decade, that annual population decline is projected to reach 1,300 to 1,800 a year even before we count those who move away. Lets assume that somehow we persuade every young adult to stay at home. How does the region make up an annual population deficit of up to 1,800 people a year? n Kansas has tried to lure more young adults to rural counties by offering certain tax breaks and paying off student loans. Some communities in rural Canada have offered building lots for $10 if people agree to build a house there and live in it. Should Virginia look at enacting similar incentives for young adults to move to rural areas? If so, can you give us some details of what such a plan might look like? n A recent report by Georgetown University says that 99 percent of the jobs created since the recession ended have gone to applicants with at least some college education. In effect, the rules of the marketplace have changed but state policy has not. Virginia provides free education through high school because once that was all that was necessary for minimal participation in the workforce. Now, its not. Were about an hours drive from the Tennessee line. In Tennessee, the Republican governor has proposed and the Republican legislature has enacted a program for free community college. Tennessee has done this as an economic development measure to address the skills gap between the skills that our workers have and the skills required by the jobs being created in todays economy. Those GO Virginia reports said that same skills gap is the single biggest problem slowing the growth of Virginias economy, especially in rural communities. Given all that, why arent either of you proposing free community college, or at least a pilot program for free community college targeting rural areas? n If youre not proposing free community college we recognize Northam has a complicated plan that gets us closer how do you propose to get more workers into credentials programs at community colleges? Especially older, non-traditional students in rural communities, which have been hardest hit by the decline of traditional industries? n Those GO Virginia reports also singled out another obstacle to economic growth in rural communities a lack of broadband internet. Much of rural Virginia has internet speeds that creep along at Third World levels. Both of you have proposed plans for rural broadband, but neither of you have put a dollar figure on them and those state dollars are necessary because the free market on its own cant make a profit today on extending broadband into many rural areas. Likewise, neither of you have set a goal for what percentage of the state should be connected to broadband by the end of your term. For context, Virginias current program on rural broadband is funded at $1 million a year, but Minnesotas is funded at $35 million. Minnesota has also set a goal of getting everyone in that state on broadband by 2022. What should the state be spending on rural broadband? And what percentage of the state do you think realistically can be connected by the time your term ends in January 2022, the same year that Minnesota hopes to be at 100 percent? The De Beers logo is still on the 12-storeyed building next to the Angolan state-owned Endiama Corporation headquarters in Luanda. The construction of the building started in 1997 as the De Beerss operations centre in Angola, the site for sorting, evaluation and purchasing of the Angolan rough diamonds like the similar facilities in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. The De Beers logo here may look logical for the people watching the world go by in the Angolas capital, and there are not many of those, the expats - mainly the employees of the resource companies mining in Angola - live in the condominiums in Luanda. The largest diamond miner simply cannot ignore the country ranking fourth by the volume of diamond production. Nevertheless, the logo on the high-rise building in the centre of Luanda is one of those few things that remind about the once powerful presence of De Beers in Angola. Generally speaking, De Beers had to leave Angola in the early 2000s when the MPLA that won the civil war suspected the company in co-operation with its opponent, the UNITA. Later on, De Beers made efforts to start operations in Angola again but it could not return the rights for the northern part of the Cuango River basin where most of the Angolan diamonds were historically mined, or have an access to other significant deposits. One of those the Luele kimberlite pipe that was regarded by the De Beerss geologists too complicated to be developed, which according to the local experts might be a mistake as big as the support rendered by De Beers to the UNITA. Last May, it became known that ALROSA would buy a share in Luele that is part of Luaxe concession. The Russian company considers the Luele pipe as the largest among the deposits discovered over the last 60 years. This is a kind of a conditional forecast but, on the other side, it is not the first year that ALROSA studies this pipe and works at Catoca, Lunda Sul province, located 20 km away from the Luele pipe. For the first time, the Russian specialists came to this area in 1995, and the Russian technologies were used to build the Catocas beneficiation facilities, and over this period, it has become the fourth miner in the world by volume. Nowadays, Catoca accounts for 75% of the Angolan diamond production, and this year the mine will produce 6.5 mn carats worth $600 mn. The former ALROSA employees headed by Sergey Amelin, the then Deputy Director of Severalmaz on production who became Director General of Catoca in spring 2015, form the technological core and intellectual sinew of the enterprise. At present, ALROSA controls a 32.8% share in Catoca (and plans to increase the figure up to 41% this year) and it plans to participate in the new diamond project via this share and to directly purchase 8% in the Luaxe as well. The effective share of ALROSA in Luaxe will make about 24.5% and it can reach 28.5% after the anticipated increase in the share in Catoca. ALROSA and Endiama came to this agreement in last May when the parties signed the International Investment Contract for the Luaxe Concession. This agreement has formalized the change in the shareholders structure of the top Angolan diamond miner, which was long awaited due to the financial problems of the Brazilian Odebrecht (that owned 16,4% of Catoca until recently) and also, according to ALROSA, enabled to make the principal decision about its participation in the Angolan projects. Now, ALROSA gets the dividends on its block of stock in Catoca without its share in sales. Endiama Sodiam sells the Catoca's rough diamonds. Since the start of mining operations in 1995, ALROSA has received over $418 mn, which is well over the investments in Angola, and it made the Russian officials to be loyal to the foreign active efforts of ALROSA even in the 2008-09 crisis period. But they were always keen to have a control over the part of sales of the Angolas rough diamonds from the point of view of the maximization of its value and also to get rid of the unwelcome market overhang. In Luaxe concession, ALROSA expects to gain a control over the part of sales that is proportional to the companys share in the capital, Sergey Ivanov, president of the Russian Company, said in May. Putting the Luele pipe into production allows maintaining Catocas output that is approaching the middle of its lifetime. From 1995 through 2016, 138.2 mn tonnes of ore were processed at Catoca and 93.5 mn carats rough diamonds were recovered, and for 2017-2034, it is planned to process 160 mn tonnes containing 101.1 mn carats of rough diamonds, according to the Companys presentation. The anticipated sales are $9.1 bn (compared to $7.3 bn since the launch of the production in 1995). In addition to Luele, kimberlite ate 42 will be added but it is a small-scale project with its diamond reserves of about 3 mn carats. The Luele kimberlite pipe is explored down to 400 meters. The commercial production may start at the end of this decade, and at its peak, it will produce more than Catoca does. It is said that the Luele pipe diamonds are of the same quality as the diamonds from Catoca. This year, bulk sampling started at the mine (sampling of large-size diamonds with the quality corresponding to the average level in the whole ore body), CEO of Catoca Sergey Amelin says. From the geological point of view, this pit is well suited for bulk sampling, he thinks. It is estimated that the diamonds of the bulk sample would be sold for $66.1 mn. Not much is known about the development of such a big-scale project. The local media estimated the total investment about $1 bn. The investments to the exploration, engineering and the onset of the try-out and development of the pioneer pit in 2012-16 ($23 mn) were made by Catoca and it will continue to bear the substantial part of the expenses for the deposit development. The expenses for the first stage of the try-out and development of the pit are about $101 mn. The deposit development is complicated by the difficult geology, Catocas head said. Wed like to add that probably it is these circumstances that frightened the De Bees geologists. There is a stream along the edge of the open-pit mine that turns into a real river in monsoon, which results in sloughing. That is why, according to S. Amelin, the so called combined uncovering will be used the areas adjacent to the stream will be developed using hydraulic excavation (the most of technological processes will be done using the water moving flow energy). The construction of a standalone plant is under consideration at this project, although the first batch of the Luele pipe ore can be processed in early 2018 at the Catocas plant. In the second case, the ALROSAs experience will be used to supply the ore by long haul trucks (that was also used in the trial transportation of the Verkhne-Munskoye mine ore to the Udachninsky GOK (mining and processing integrated works), S. Amelin said. Now we would like to calculate the economics: how the project will look like if we do not build a plant (at Luele), he said. The Technical Feasibility Study is being elaborated by the Yakutniproalmaz Research and Development Institute. According to Sergey Ivanov, president of ALROSA, the Institute should give the figures how beneficial it is to carry out the ore dressing by decreasing production at Catoca and loading the ore from Luaxe to the plant, or by launching the pilot plant at Luaxe. The next step is the coordination of the development scheme with Endiama and other Catocas shareholders, ALROSA president explained. According to industry expert Paul Zimnisky, the Luaxe concession mining is now the most significant development project in the diamond mining industry. The Angolan mine really stands out not only on the background of other projects getting ready to be put into operation (the diamond miners like to show the depletion of their reserves in their reports) but also on the background of main current operations in the industry. Taking into account the announced ranges in the production and the anticipated average price of rough diamonds, the new project in Angola justifies the comparison with the Yakutian Udachnaya (Lucky) pipe once made several years ago by the ALROSA production experts. However, there are no two similar mines and it is difficult to call the business conditions in Yakutia and Angola as similar ones. With all the complicated geological and mining conditions in Africa, it is unlikely that they will be an unsurmountable obstacle for the ALROSA engineers who have an experience of working in much more extreme environment. The main risks in the work of a mining company in any African country, especially in those that started indigenization process in early 21st century, lie sooner in the political, social and cultural areas. The educational and qualification level of the local population in the remote Angolas province not always allows its representatives to be involved in such a complicated sector as mining. And the demonstrative punishment of De Beers arranged by the Angolan government although it was largely a reaction to the behavior of the De Beers Group bodes no good from the point of view of respecting the contractual commitments by the authorities of this country. Endiama and De Beers had an official contract of 1991 that was canceled when the MPLA came to power, which is not an example of flawless business practice. Recent news from De Beers also does not bode well for the prospects of work in Africa the renewal of the agreement for operation in Namibia that demanded to increase its share in the Namdeb sales and the cancellation of the favourable taxation for the rough diamond exports by De Beers Consolidated Mines, South Africa. Russian companies historically have a good footing to work in Angola, and the political regime is fairly loyal and stable as the recent elections have shown where the MPLA got a confident victory. Angola's President Joao Lourenco graduated from the Moscow Lenin Military Academy and is a representative of the Angolan elite once oriented towards the USSR. Probably, all other things being equal, he will not spring an unpleasant surprise disowning the commitments agreed upon in May, 2017. But on the whole, it should be admitted that bringing the Angolan project to commercial production and the implementation of the agreement about the share in sales will be a great ALROSAs success, which is so far not guaranteed, however. Igor Leikin, Rough&Polished Lucara Diamond recently announced that Graff Diamonds had bought its 1,109 carat diamond Lesedi La Rona for $53 million. The stone, which is the worlds second largest diamond found since the discovery of the 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond in 1905, failed to find a buyer at a public auction in London on 29 June, 2016 and the company vowed not to auction the diamond again. Reports suggested that the stone had a reserve price of $70 million, but bidding stalled at $61 million. Lucara had, however, partnered with Nemesis International DMCC a month prior to the London auction and sold its 813 carat diamond named The Constellation for $63,1 million. Company chief executive William Lamb told Rough & Polisheds Mathew Nyaungwa that one shouldnt fall into the trap of comparing the revenue accrued from the sale of both stones. He said what was significant was the fact that the stones were collectively sold for almost the same amount as the cost of building Karowe Mine, in Botswana. The diamonds originated from the south lobe of Karowe Mine. Lamb admitted that they had had some learning to do on the best way to market large diamonds. Below are excerpts from the interview. You have finally sold your 1,109 ct rough diamond for $53 million to Graff Diamonds. However, Lucara sold its 813-carat Constellation diamond for $63 million in May 2016. Is it, therefore, safe to conclude that big stones are difficult to sell? Both fortunately and unfortunately, all diamonds are not created equal. It would not be correct to compare the 813-carat Constellation diamond with the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona. They were two very different stones, both in terms of the complexity (difficulty in assessing the polished outcome) and their historical significance. It should be noted that these two stones, together, sold for almost the same amount as it cost the Company to build the mine. What is your take on reports that Botswana wants priority to buy big stones recovered in the country? As stated in this proposed legislation, the Government would purchase the unusual diamond at market prices. As the purchase of a stone would be at market price then the Company would not be worse off, this being contingent on defining the process to determine the market price. This bill allows the government to monetize unusual stones which mining companies may choose to display in museums for a long period of time. Lucara seeks to monetize the value of its diamonds and does not expect that this bill will impact on the overall value it achieves from the sale of its stones. Did Botswanas plans to buy big stones produced in the country, had an influence in the sale of Lesedi? No, the negotiations with Graff and others had been ongoing for many months prior to the sale being concluded. Given the challenges you had selling Lesedi, would you look forward to recovering stones of that size in future? Most definitely. The value that the recovery of the Constellation and Lesedi had for the country of Botswana and the shareholders of Lucara was significant. The Company has also developed a thorough understanding of the best routes to market for these stones. How far have you gone with the resource evaluation work on the AK6 kimberlite at Karowe Mine as well as a pre-feasibility level underground study? As per our second quarter results, we have determined that we will complete a preliminary economic assessment on the underground potential first. This is progressing well and we expect to have information available to the market in Q4, 2017. This PEA will lead into a pre-feasibility study which we expect to be completed in H1, 2018. Lucara initiated a large diameter drilling sampling programme at AK11 during the second quarter of 2017. Can you provide an update on this exercise? Exploration work on the AK11 kimberlite is progressing according to plan. The first three LLD holes have been completed and the bulk sample plant has been prepared and is ready to receive these samples. Can you also provide an update on the microdiamond work conducted at AK13, which your company said may lead to a further drilling programme? These samples are still at the SRC lab awaiting processing. We moved the AK6 deep drilling samples ahead of these as the priority is to get the updated resource statement out for AK6 which will support the pre-feasibility study for the underground. Your company recently said that it was setting the groundwork for a paradigm shift in the way diamonds are recovered by replacing the dense medium separation (DMS) plant and entire recovery process with a single machine. How effective is the Mega Diamond Recovery (MDR) and new Sub-Middles XRT circuit? The XRT technology utilizes a different discrimination technology which targets the primary component of a diamond Carbon. At this stage, it is too early to determine the overall impact the new machines will have on the circuit. They have only been operating for 4 weeks and we have not yet had time to analyze costs, availability, etc. We are also in the process of collecting and auditing the machines to ensure optimal efficiency. Lucara is also said to be investing heavily in exploration and material testing at depth to secure Karowes future beyond the projected 2026 end of open-pit extraction, and below the 320m pit plan. Can you shed more light on this? The Company, in 2016 commenced with a deep drilling campaign to extend the indicated resource at depth. Currently we have an Indicated resource to 400m below surface (the open pit will extend down to a depth of approximately 320m below surface). The deep drilling is planned to extend the Indicated resource to a depth of approximately 600m below surface. By doing this, we will have sufficient indicated resource to complete a NI43-101 compliant pre-feasibility study for a potential underground operation. In order to understand the potential for the underground early, the Company is in the process of finalizing a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Underground which we expect to provide information Q4. In addition to the work being done at the Karowe mine, we have advanced our exploration program on the AK11 kimberlite. Delineation and pilot holes for a Large Diameter Drill (LDD) programme have been completed and we have commenced with the LDD holes. It is expected that the samples will be processed through the bulk sample plant commencing in Q4, 2017. Micro diamond work is also ongoing on holes drilled into kimberlites AK13 and AK14 which also lie within our exploration license areas. What is your diagnosis of the diamond industry this year? Since the beginning of the year, rough diamond prices have remained strong with small changes in certain size and quality categories as polished inventories from these sizes have increased. From a Lucara perspective, we continue to see very strong bidding and subsequently, strong pricing in the larger single stones, which contribute more than 70% of our revenues. We have seen some weakness in the polished diamond space, specifically in the smaller, lower quality categories. This has started to make its way into the rough prices achieved and we expect this to affect those diamond miners who produce a majority of smaller and lower quality diamonds. What is also your projection of the state of the diamond industry in 2018? Looking to 2018, the new production from the three new mines which came on stream at the end of 2016 should now be well known in the market and the effect that this additional production has on the supply of rough into the market would have stabilized. With no new production coming on line in the new future, the supply of rough will be constrained for some time. The two factors which will affect rough diamond prices into 2018 and 2019 will be the availability of finance to the middle market and the polished prices. If polished prices do not see a sustainable increase, margins will continue to be squeezed which will increase the pressure from debt providers. The market remains stable for now but vigilance will be required. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished In its monthly analysis of gold-backed ETFs, the World Gold Council (WGC) presented detailed information and insight on global trends of gold investment demand through ETFs. According to the WGC, a study of the regional fund flows shows that in North America investors added 36.0 tonnes (t) (+$2.5bn, +4.7% AUM) of gold through funds listed in the region. In Europe, there were outflows worth 12.0t (-$229mn, -0.57% AUM) over the month. And in Asia, funds lost 1.7t (-$57mn, -1.7% AUM) with most of the regions gold-backed funds losing assets. As per individual fund flows, SPDR Gold Shares led flows in September accounting for 60% of gross global inflows while iShares Gold Trust added 5.2% to its AUM. On the other hand, Gold Bullion Securities, listed in London, lost 8.0t (-$312mn, -7.3% AUM). Two Swiss-related funds had meaningful gains: ETFS Physical Swiss Gold 0.9t (+$44mn, +8.1% AUM), iShares Gold CHF Hedged ETF 0.6t (+$29mn, +8.2% AUM). The WGC's insight on the year-to-date trends reveals that global gold-backed ETFs collectively hold 2,357t, as funds added 191.9t of gold, equivalent to $7.5bn so far, this year. This represents an increase of 7.7% of global AUM from December 2016. As far as North American gold-backed funds are concerned, they are catching up to European funds in global growth in 2017, but still trail 38% to 57%. And, inflows into SPDR Gold Shares and iShares Gold Trust overtook German-based ETFs Xetra-Gold and db Physical Euro Hedged ETC year-to-date. Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished The significance and potential impact on the jewellery industry of Regulation (EU) 2017/821, which will control the import into the European Union of gold, tin, tantalum and tungsten from conflict and high-risk areas, came under the spotlight at a seminar for the jewellery industry in Vicenza, organised by CIBJO and the Italian Exhibition Group. Participants were welcomed by Gaetano Cavalieri, CIBJO's President, and by Matteo Marzotto, IEG's Executive Vice President. The seminar, which was moderated by Philip Olden, a consultant to Signet Jewelers and the former managing director of the World Gold Council, brought together a panel of expert speakers, representing government, international and European organisations, business standards organisations and the jewellery, precious metals and gemstone industries. While the regulatory regime established by the new law will be fully enforced only from January 2021, providing sufficient time for businesses to adapt to its provisions, its basic framework has been outlined in the legislation that was passed by the European Parliament in May. But there are still benchmarks, procedures and requirements that need to be formulated by the European Commission, which will be providing guidance to the business community in the months ahead. This will include a white list of approved refineries and smelters, located both inside and outside of the EU, from which purchases of gold will not trigger automatic third-party auditing requirements. Panel members included Marten Westrup, Coordinator of Energy and Raw Materials at the European Commission, DG Trade explained that the EU's approach to conflict minerals and the recently enacted regulation has the main objective of ensuring sufficient supply chain due diligence in imports of gold and 3Ts from conflict-affected and high-risk areas. He noted that the four-year lead-in time before the requirements are to be met and the setting of thresholds below which importers are exempt from the legal requirements for due diligence are in part meant to meet the concerns of small and medium-sized enterprises. He explained that the thresholds set out in the regulation (100 kilogram per annum for gold) are intended to ensure that at least 95 percent of imports of each metal or mineral are covered, while at the same time underlining that companies without legal obligations under the EU regulation also should carry out due diligence as far as possible. Hannah Koep-Andrieu, Policy Adviser-Extractives in the Responsible Business Conduct division at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), noted that the five-step process outlined in the OECD's Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas forms the basis of the new EU regulations, and that all companies could begin integrating its requirements into their systems of management, so as to become compliant with the new regime before 2021, regardless of size. She also pointed out that the guidance is applicable to all minerals, and not only gold and the 3Ts. France Capon, Secretary General of the European Precious Metals Federation (EPMF), outlined the efforts already taken by the members of the European Precious Metals Federation to ensure that the gold they are importing is subject to the type of due diligence outlined in the new EU regulations. She also was critical about the 100-kilogram threshold, saying that it undermined the efforts of other companies seeking to become compliant, while suggesting that it be reduced significantly or eliminated completely. Relating the experience of the diamond industry in implementing a rigid regulatory system to stem the flow of minerals financing conflict, Stephane Fischler, Acting President of the World Diamond Council (WDC), noted that the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme differs from the EU regulations in that places a significant burden on government, while the European system focuses its attention predominantly on company self-regulation. Nonetheless, he added, while government is more directly involved in monitoring rough diamond imports and exports, diamond companies still need do due diligence, both in maintaining records of KP certificates in the rough diamond trade, and in complying with the WDC System of Warranties in the polished diamond business. While the approach of the Kimberley Process differs from that of the OECD guidance, Mr. Fischler said he is supportive of the principles expressed in the OECD document, and stressed that the industry in general needs to promote a mutual commitment to "a duty of care." In his concluding remarks, Philip Olden remarked that, while the introduction of the EU regulations will represent a formative moment for both the precious metals and jewellery sectors, the seminar demonstrated that systems are already in place to make compliance more achievable than some may have feared. "If you insist that your bank buy only from LBMA-approved refiners, and you are certified by a code of practices such as that of the Responsible Jewellery Council, then in all likelihood you will have in place all the various elements required to become compliant," he said. Mr. Olden proposed that the speakers on stage endorse the following statement: "This panel supports the principles of duty of care and supply chain due diligence. We encourage participants in the jewellery supply chain to engage with industry organisations to ensure compliance with industry guidance and standards relating to responsible sourcing." The speakers supported the resolution. Alex Shishlo, Editor of the Rough&Polished European Bureau in Brussels Police took a man into custody after shots were fired downtown early Sunday morning. Officers working in the area heard a shot fired around 2:30 a.m., which was quickly followed by more shots, Capt. Danny Reitan said. They followed the sounds to the Wendy's parking lot at 14th and Q streets. Carlos Brito, 25, was seen crouching down suspiciously and when officers gave commands, he bolted. Reitan said he tossed a handgun while he was running. Brito was arrested on suspicion of discharging a firearm within city limits and failure to comply, Reitan said. Officers do not believe Brito aimed the shots at anyone and no property damage resulted, Reitan said. Brito had been drinking before the incident, officers said. Fears of a fresh diamond disaster similar to that of Marange is looming in Tsvingwe, near Penhalonga, in Manicaland province, following reports that the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Mining Company (ZCDC) has commenced diamond exploration in the area. The Zimbabwe Independent quoted director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance, Farai Maguwu as saying that ZCDC had told Tsvingwe villagers last march that they may be evicted to pave way for diamonds mining. "We engaged ZCDC officials, who said the exploration is underway, but surprisingly they came back and asked villagers to sign forms accepting that they will be evicted and compensated by government, he said. "Our issue is very simple, deal with villagers who are yet to be compensated in Chiadzwa first and then come to Tsvingwe. We cannot allow another Chiadzwa to take place in Tsvingwe." The weekly reports that the presence of mining engineers in Tsvingwe was seen as a precursor of government's take-over of the fields and displacement of villagers reminiscent of what happened in Chiadzwa where villagers were subjected to gross human rights abuses when government launched Operation Hakudzokwi (Operation No Return). Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished Coal miner Kolmar ready to employ the workers of Mir Mine 09 october 2017 News Kolmar, a coal mining company operating in Russias South Yakutia, is ready to employ some of the workers put on downtime after the accident at ALROSAs Mir Diamond Mine in August 2017. In the first days of October, the City of Mirny held the first Day of Vacancies to offer job options to the Mir Mines employees at Kolmars operations. The event was attended by about 100 employees of the Mir Mine and the Mirny Mining Division truck fleet, where they were offered a wide range of vacancies - from machinery operators to electricians. At present, more than 420 out of 1,067 workers of the Mir Mine are employed by various divisions of ALROSA. The company also provides about 400 free vacancies, the number of which will be replenished, including through the commissioning of new production facilities. In this case, the employees of the Mir Mine have the opportunity to undergo retraining for another profession or to upgrade their qualifications. "At the same time, we are looking for employment opportunities outside the company for those who for some reason cannot find a suitable vacancy with ALROSA. Negotiations regarding their employment are underway with several companies that have production facilities in Yakutia. We are grateful to the management of Kolmar, who readily responded to our proposal and have already provided concrete employment options at one of their new facilities," Sergey Ivanov, President of ALROSA said. According to Sergey Tsivilev, CEO of Kolmar, the company offers employment opportunities both for those wishing to work underground and in other areas. "We are interested in recruiting specialists from ALROSA. In addition to the Day of Vacancies held in Mirny, it is planned to organize other events, where the employees of the Mir Mine will be offered employment opportunities available at our company," Sergey Tsivilev said. The most important measures to support the industry include the abolition of VAT on the purchase of rough diamonds in the domestic market and reduction of administrative barriers for their import and export. Commenting on the abolition of VAT, Deputy Finance Minister Alexey Moiseev said in an interview with TASS on Friday: "We can say that this is a decision already taken." "While buying rough diamonds, manufacturers spend some time to study them for possible cutting options. All this time the stones are in work, therefore manufacturers have to pay VAT. That is, the working capital, which they have to finance and pay interest to the bank, is increased by 18%. Therefore, the abolition of VAT on rough diamonds is even more important than its abolition on polished diamonds," the deputy minister added, noting that it is important to discuss the issue regarding the relationship between ALROSA and diamond manufacturers. "We must submit a solution on VAT before the end of the year and other problems cannot even be considered until we solve the VAT problem," Alexey Moiseev said. According to him, the possibility of abolishing VAT on polished diamonds is also being considered, but the government will discuss this in conjunction with the abolition of VAT on gold. "Id like to note that so far there is no final decision, as to how and whom we will exempt from taxes," he stressed. "The abolition of VAT on polished diamonds will make them more competitive compared with those imported from other countries illegally, without paying taxes. It is very difficult to control this process," Alexey Moiseev said, explaining that gold is an exchange traded commodity and its price is always known, but it is not so simple while dealing with gemstones, because there is no uniform standards system for them. Another problem being tackled by the government is how to trace the natural origin of diamonds, according to the deputy minister. "Currently, there is no way for a buyer or even for a jeweler to understand the origin of the stone for 100%. Soon, such a possibility will appear, and the traceability of diamond origin will enhance the attractiveness of Russian diamond cutting," Alexey Moiseev said. Theodor Lisovoy, Rough&Polished, Moscow National Agricultural Development Company or NADEC announced that it has entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Al Safi Danone to commence discussions to study the possibility of a combination. NADEC specified that shareholders of Al Safi Danone will own 38.75 percent of NADEC at the completion of the proposed transaction. "The term of the MoU is for a period of six months. The parties have agreed on an exclusivity period during which they will conduct financial, commercial and legal due diligence," NADEC said in a disclosure to the Saudi stock exchange. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Cindy Lange-Kubick Columnist Cindy Lange-Kubick has loved writing columns about life in her hometown since 1994. She had hoped to become a people person by now, nonetheless she would love to hear your tales of fascinating neighbors and interesting places. Follow Cindy Lange-Kubick Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Stevie Lottman lives in Friendswood, Texas, where the wrath wrought by Hurricane Harvey didnt disappear with the headlines. The 35-year-old grew up in Wymore. She followed a man south 11 years ago, got married and is in the midst of a hard divorce. I wrote about her in late August, after the sky dropped 40 inches of water on Stevie and her two sons and millions of other Texans. During those horrible days of relentless rain, shed watched her neighbors house burn down, helpless to stop it. When the skies cleared, shed waded through muddy water and fought off mosquitoes and ants and water roaches. Shed walked a street piled high with the belongings of her friends and neighbors. She sent me a photo Friday, the view outside her windshield: rotting pieces of people's homes still piled at the curb. Ive been thinking about Texas and Florida and Puerto Rico as I watch mushrooms sprout in my own soggy backyard. Ive been thinking about Stevie. Shed taken down her Facebook page, a friend of hers in Lincoln told me. She was overwhelmed. She cried when I called her, taking a break from her job at a car dealership to share an update, her story a microcosm of post-flood life the feelings of gratitude giving way to a reality that includes bills and illness and a sense of dread listening to the Weather Channel. We ended up having mold spread throughout the whole living room, she says. Me and the boys got sick. Headaches and diarrhea, vomiting and sleeplessness. It kept smelling like a storm cellar and we didnt know why, she says. Finally, a friends contractor husband came by and pulled back the paneling next to her chimney. The paneling is gone now, and all the drywall in the living room has been replaced. The Nebraska grandparents who raised her came with dehumidifiers and stayed to help. But mold from the garage is starting to creep in and she doesnt have the time or tools to stop it. I cant take off work because I cant afford to take time off, she says. Im trying to go back to my daily life and fix up my home and not having the money to fix it. Stevie felt lucky after the rain stopped. She had damage to her garage and damage to her chimney and water leaking through the bricks but her house was still solid and her furniture wasnt standing in 2 feet of water. She had good neighbors and a good boss and her good sons. A community that had reached out. At Wedgewood, her sons school, they organized Wedgemart, with clothes and groceries and toiletries and gift cards to Walmart. At work, theyre still giving away a free dinner to a different employee each week. Back in Lincoln, readers sent her money and gift cards that she used for supplies to try to put her house back together. Im so grateful for all of that, she says. But when she called her insurance company for help, they said the damage wasnt covered. When she called FEMA, the inspector who visited told her, sorry. She applied for a FEMA loan. It was denied. The millions of dollars of hurricane relief money hasnt hit Friendswood. My neighborhood doesnt get anything, Stevie said. Thats for Houston alone. The bugs are gone, but the spray the city used to kill them has been banned in other countries. And the rotting piles at the end of driveways are loaded with mold. Everybody's getting sick. Right now, Stevie and her boys arent sick from breathing mold, but last month, two years after a mastectomy, Stevie started experiencing breast pain. Shell go in for a mammogram next week. When it rains it pours, basically, she says. Its just getting very heavy. She worries about her boys, coming home to an empty house that doesnt even look like a house, while she works long hours. You put on a strong face at work and for your kids, because you dont want them to see how broken you are. She cries over the phone. She says it will all work out. She hopes it will all work out. But shes worried about the path of Hurricane Nate, heading for the Gulf Coast. If it comes, Im leaving, she says. I just cant go through that again. President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the air warriors and extended greetings on the occasion of 85th Air Force Day. "On Air Force Day, I salute the valour, commitment and dedication of our brave air warriors. They safeguard our skies," Kovind tweeted. In a tweet, Modi said: "On Air Force Day, best wishes to our courageous air warriors and their families. Their determination and prowess ensure that our skies are safe." Union Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre also greeted air warriors and their families. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrating the 85th anniversary at Hindon Air Force base in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad district on Sunday where a series of scintillating air display will be organised. Perelini Ahki of Satapuala is a woman who is all about family love. Today as the nation celebrates White Sunday, she believes it is a time to cherish with children. White Sunday is one of the best days in Samoa, not only in the lives of our children, but also of our parents because they get to spoil their kids and shower them with extra love, said the 46-year-old told. She spoke with the Village Voice while on her way to church with her son for their final White Sunday rehearsal. I believe theres no better relationship than the relationship you have with your children. For me, I think everything good for our children starts from home because we never know what another day brings, so it is better to make use of our time with them. Perelini told Village Voice in order for parents to be content about how successful and responsible their children would be in the future, nurturing and teaching their children at a young age was essential. Children are Gods gift to us. And if they fail in the future, you have no one to blame but yourself because you need to really ask yourself if youre really doing your job or not. She added: Playing your role as a mother doesnt come with a schedule, you must always remember to be open to your kids so they can open up to you and also never hold back from correcting them when you see theyre doing the wrong things in life. Perelini also believed that families, together with the church, can influence the lives of many for the better. Families and churches have huge impacts on the lives of children. And if we work together to encourage all our kids and lead them to the right path, I can assure you that our children will be fine. Theres no love better than tough love and thats how the old generation was raised and I think thats how we should raise our kids now because we are Samoans, not Europeans. Thats why it is important for us to not only teach our kids but also make them feel extra special sometimes because we all deserve to be treated special. Perelini and her family are members of the Assembly Church of God at Satapuala. WASHINGTON (AP) Retired Marine Gen. John Kelly is a battle-hardened commander who would bring a background of military discipline and order to President Donald Trump's roiling White House as the new chief of staff. Kelly's experience as Homeland Security secretary and a veteran of three tours in Iraq along with a sobering family tragedy suggests he'll be a loyal manager for Trump when he starts the job Monday. "He has been a true star of my administration," the president tweeted Friday, announcing that his current secretary of homeland security was in, and White House chief of staff Reince Priebus was out. Trump called Kelly a "great leader" and "great American." He called Priebus, ousted after a tumultuous six months, a "good man." As Homeland Security secretary, Kelly has taken the lead on some of Trump's most controversial policies, including his executive orders suspending the admission of refugees and temporarily barring visitors from several Muslim-majority nations. Those orders have been stripped down by courts pending a Supreme Court review this fall. People who know Kelly told The Associated Press that he was not aware of the details of the initial orders until around the time that Trump signed it. Yet, just days after taking office, he had to lead the agency as it dealt with the chaos and confusion that ensued at airports in the U.S. and around the world. He defended the orders to reporters and lawmakers and insisted he indeed had been part of the decision-making process. Kelly has stood up to Congress, another facet of his history that Trump might find attractive. In April, Kelly bluntly challenged members of Congress critical of the Trump administration's aggressive approach to immigration enforcement to either change the laws or "shut up." But Kelly has won bipartisan respect from lawmakers as a result of his distinguished military career. He joined the Marine Corps in 1970, carving out a reputation as a highly respected but often outspoken commander who could roil debate and issue unpopular directives on issues ranging from women in combat to the treatment of detainees at the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, detention center. Kelly was the fifth person to lead the Department of Homeland Security, which includes agencies that protect the president, respond to disasters, enforce immigration laws, protect America's coastlines and secure air travel. His selection as secretary bolstered concerns about an increase in military influence in a Trump White House. Kelly also holds a somber distinction. He was the highest-ranking officer to lose a child in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan. Kelly's son, Marine 1st Lt. Robert Kelly, was killed in November 2010 in Afghanistan. He retired from the military last year, wrapping up a three-year post as head of U.S. Southern Command, which spanned some of the more fractious debate over the Obama administration's ultimately failed attempt to close the detainee facility at Guantanamo. In his final Pentagon news conference, Kelly spoke about the loss of his son a topic he didn't often discuss publicly. "To lose a child is I can't imagine anything worse than that. I used to think, when I'd go to all of my trips up to Bethesda, Walter Reed, I'll go to the funerals with the secretaries of defense, that I could somehow imagine what it would be like," Kelly said. But, he added, "when you lose one in combat, there's a in my opinion there's a pride that goes with it, that he didn't have to be there doing what he was doing. He wanted to be there. He volunteered." Kelly said he gets "occasional letters from Gold Star families who are asking, 'Was it worth it?' And I always go back with this: It doesn't matter. That's not our question to ask as parents. That young person thought it was worth it, and that's the only opinion that counts." Members of the Bahai Faith community in Samoa are counting down the days for a very special celebration. In two weeks time, they will join other members from around the world to celebrate 200 years of the birth of Bahaullah, the Prophet Founder of the Bahai Faith. He was born in Tehran in 1817. Two centuries later, the day of his birth is celebrated around the world alongside the birth of the forerunner of his revelation, the Bab, born on 1819. These Twin Holy Birthdays are celebrated by Bahais and their friends as one annual festival where the closely interwoven lives and missions of these two Divine Luminaries are remembered together. The celebration will kick start on the evening of the 20th and 22nd of October at the Mother Temple of the Pacific Ocean at Tiapapata. This was revealed during a press conference held at the House of Worship at Tiapapata. According to the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Bahais, Peseta Demetrius Taofiga, Samoa will be the first country in the world to celebrate this event. Samoa will be the first country in the world to celebrate this event given its proximity to the International dateline, he told the media. Bahaullah is the latest manifestation of the word. He is the latest in the series of divinely inspired moral educators who have guided humanity from age to age and has proclaimed that humanity is now approaching its long waited stage of maturity and unity at the global level of social organization. He offers to the people of the world a unifying story consistent with our scientific understanding of reality. Moreover Peseta said there would be services held on those two days. We will be inviting Church and Government Leaders, Diplomatic Corps. Judiciary members, heads of Govt. Ministries and private sectors, he said. We are speaking also on behalf of American Samoa Bahais because according to the Bahais National Spiritual Assembly, an instructor, we also cover American Samoa although we are two different countries. Local celebrations will also be held in most Bahai communities throughout Samoa and American Samoa in the lead up to this event. Lincoln City Council members usually don't hang out at Barry's Bar & Grill, but Saturday, it was their first stop on a tailgate tour unlike any other. Decked out in Husker gear, they pulled out their IDs for door security to check and filed into the packed bar. They walked across the crowded room, trying to keep track of one another as music blared and bright-red lights bounced off the walls. They climbed the stairs and stopped amid the partygoers on the rooftop to take pictures and observe. Although they're all rooting for the Huskers and there was plenty of fun during the tailgate walk, it had a serious purpose. Council members Carl Eskridge, Roy Christensen and Bennie Shobe, the three voting members of Lincoln's Internal Liquor Commission, were on a mission to check out the tailgating culture. The group headed to their next stop The Railyard in the Haymarket. "We look to see how many people are here, we're looking at their security, looking to see if there's any obvious overconsumption, and frankly, we're looking to see if there are any underage people here," Christensen said. The last few years, Internal Liquor Commission members have headed out at about midnight to tour The Bridge Behavioral Health, where police bring intoxicated people. They then visit several O Street bars and end at a parking garage at 2 a.m. to observe how many people flood from the bars and into their vehicles after closing time. They go on the tours once a year, Christensen said, as a way to stay updated on what's happening in the city. With the boom of downtown student housing, Christensen said he's concerned with the increasingly high blood-alcohol content levels. Many students are choosing to drink at their apartments before heading to the bars, which can create dangerous situations if they've consumed too much at home. "The bars complain about that because it's lost revenue to them," Christensen said. "And it's also hard for the bars, because they don't know how much someone has consumed before they get there. They could very well have had three or four drinks and show up without symptoms, then order a few more drinks and by then they're completely blitzed." Since there are no laws against public intoxication, police only transport people to The Bridge when it's believed they could be a danger to themselves or others, Christensen said. While he's happy to see the number of people being detained in detox go down, the average BAC level that people are brought in with has steadily increased over the last few years. Nearly every gameday, The Bridge fills up, noted Phil Tegeler, the center's executive director. However, because of the maximum holding time of 24 hours, people are constantly coming and going from the center, so it usually isn't full for the entire night. "If we can be of help to the community, that's our role," Tegeler said. When the center fills up, police typically stay with intoxicated individuals they would normally transport to The Bridge until a family member or friend is able to pick them up. Tegeler said he's been on about six bar or tailgate tours. He and others from the tour share their observations during the Internal Liquor Commission's monthly meeting, which includes police, bar owners and university officials. "I think it's really helpful to get a better idea of how the community comes together," he said. On Saturday, the group headed toward the Haymarket Park parking lots before making its way to the North Bottoms, where the Nebraska State Patrol and Lincoln police have partnered to shut down backyard tailgate parties hosting hundreds of minors this season. This year, Christensen said, seemed pretty typical. The determining factor will come later, though, when members are able to analyze statistics compiled by police and The Bridge about alcohol-related incidents. While they had a serious job to do, the members of the group still managed to have fun. Before they said goodbye, Shobe and Christensen smiled for a picture. "My phone died, I took too many selfies," laughed Shobe. Wandering through the narrow maze of stalls in the Savalalo markets is a lot like stepping into an airless sauna with no reprieve. Without the distraction of some of the many beautiful crafts there, you might find yourself heading straight for the exit. So of course, the Sunday Samoan couldnt help but notice that Martin from New Zealand had the perfect solution to combat the muggy ambience of the market so that his family could shop more comfortably. Trailing after his son Ethan and his wife Carol (who was cradling their newborn Leah), Martin was armed with a hand fan and was furiously fanning the air around his family to keep them cool. We followed them for a good two minutes hoping to benefit from some of that manual air conditioning before we caught up to the lovely family. We arrived on Monday night and we are staying over in Le Uaina Resort, said Martin. Its very, very nice. Weve been to Fiji twice and Rarotonga and we thought we would try something new. Were having a little day adventure today. Ben our driver is out there somewhere waiting for us. Hes going to take us to the museum and to the cathedral and somewhere nice for lunch. Having a newborn baby didnt stop the family from travelling and when they decided on a destination for a quick getaway, travelling time was a factor in their decision. Especially since weve got a little baby with us, we thought beforehand that if we were going to come, we can stay home a bit longer or come on a little holiday for a few days and its such a short trip from New Zealand its so easy to do. The family has only been in Samoa for three days but they already have a favorite swimming spot. The Piula cave pool is really cool. Swimming with the fishes, weve been three times already and weve only been here two and a half days and weve already had like 3-4 swims in there so yeah we are having a great time, said Martin. The heat was somehow of a challenge as their baby Leah needed to keep cool but the couple worked around it and continued to enjoy their travel experience. We went over to the ocean trench yesterday. Weve been taking little short excursions before heading back to air conditioning where its cool and she needs to be kept cool. Its definitely a lot more humid than Fiji but you kind of get used to it, I dont mind the rain here thats for sure, it cools everything down. Having a wee one means their holiday has been centered on their baby and so it was important to the couple that they brought their family to a place that was family friendly and they were very pleased that the accommodation they chose was the right fit. We will definitely come back, said Carol and, I think we will wait till Leah is a little bit older and then she will be able to deal with the heat better but we will definitely come back and to the same resort too. Its been wonderful there because its family friendly and quiet. Martin agreed, Oh yeah definitely family friendly there and people who had other children played with our little boy and they did a bit of snorkeling, bit of paddle boarding together. It has been a blessed week for the children survivors of violence and neglect cared for at the Campus of Hope shelter facility. This is through local and international supporters of Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.) who visited, fellowshipped and treated the children for White Sunday. Christina Swan and family from Sydney Australia who later shared on the life changing experience after visiting the Campus. According to Christina One of the most humbling and touching experiences of my life, visiting the House of Hope orphanage . I don't even really have to words to express how I'm feeling I know for sure the time they gave me has changed my perception on the importance of time I share and give away, their cuddles have changed my perception on what a small gesture can do for another. And their eyes those curious, bright, hold me, hug me, love me eyes they have changed my life! Thank you so much Christina and family for the time spent with the children, they loved it and appreciated it. Thank you also for the gifts you brought for the children. Siliniu Lina Chang The highlight was the beauty session with Peata and the team from Peatas Salon, who treated all the children to a new hair style. It took hours for the team as they groomed the children according to the style that suits them. To Peata and the team, the cost to them in terms of the clients forgone during this busy time while treating the children at the Campus, did not matter. Most importantly to them was the smile they put on the childrens faces, as they happily showed their new hair style to each other. It was just simply amazing just to watch the transformation and the smiles on the childrens faces. Thank you so much Peata for this kind gesture, you surely gave the children a beautiful treat this White Sunday, S.V.S.G. President, Siliniu Lina Chang. Finally, we had Mika and Agnes Mika with their young family from New Zealand. Mr. Mika encouraged the children never to give up hope as he shared on his family life, struggling to make ends meet, but they never gave up. Miscellaneous food supplies were donated by the Mika family for the children. Thank you Mika and Agnes for stopping by to visit the children, and encouraging them through sharing your own story. The children of Hope wish all the children of Samoa a blessed White Sunday. Mercado del Barrio, the long-dreamed town center for Barrio Logan, is coming into its own. Five years after the $80 million, three-building project opened at National Avenue and Cesar Chavez Parkway, the mixed-use development of subsidized apartments and retail shops is 96 percent leased. Advertisement The location of it was great, said Peter Park, vice president and asset manager for Shea Properties, which is responsible for the nonresidential portion of the project. It just took time to mature and evolve. The biggest new tenant and the largest in the main building is Attitude Brewing Company, a new microbrewery concept that will occupy nearly 5,000 square feet at the northwest corner of the site. Its the dream of Kurt Bach, 50, who arrived in San Diego from Portland, Ore., in April. His heritage may be Irish-German, but he spent years doing business in Mexico. (His wife is from Mexico and he speaks fluent Spanish.) I like Mexico, I like the culture of Mexico, but its difficult to do business in Mexico theres a lot of red tape and weirdness, now a lot of insecurity, so Im back in the U.S. He also worked in Oregon breweries and thinks he can elevate the taste of Mexican-style beers far beyond whats familiar with popular brands like Dos Equis, Carta Blanca and Tecate. His lagers, IPAs, stouts and other brews will carry names commensurate with the hip Mexican actitude he wants to celebrate, such as rebellious and courageous rebelde and valiente in Spanish. He is working with a brewmaster familiar with Mexican beer tastes and hopes to source Mexican-grown hops. The menu will feature wraps made from Peruvian-style tortillas and gourmet burgers with a hot Mexican flare. If Bachs Attitude Brewing fulfills his dreams of drawing a big crowd from the neighborhood and beer lovers beyond, Mercado del Barrio could truly become the long-desired lively, commercial center for the community just west of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge and historic Chicano Park. The growing liveliness in Barrio Logan also fits the vibe Bach wants to infuse at his business. When you come to my place, there will be no borders, no fronteras, Bach said. Its going to be a place of cultural exchange. It will be a happy place thats why its called Attitude Brewing Co. Everybody there will be bilingual and understand the diverse culture as well. We want to elevate people with our good attitude when they come and eat at our place. Scott Kessler, a consultant to the Barrio Logan Association, said the only hesitation locals have about newcomers like Bach is that they may succeed so well that they drive up rents and outcompete existing businesses. But he intends to hire locals and commission artwork from neighborhood artists. Twenty years in the making, Mercado del Barrio includes three buildings on a 6.8-acre site, bounded by National Avenue, Cesar Chavez Parkway, Main Street and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. Northgate Gonzalez Market opened in a 36,000-square-foot building in December 2012 on Main Street, becoming the barrios first major supermarket. The 13,500-square-foot retail building on Cesar Chavez Parkway is fully leased with six businesses Mariscos El Pulpo, Asia Wok, Little Caesars Pizza, Sally Beauty, T-Mobile and Tocumbo Ice Cream and Tortas. Special events take place around a decorative fountain in the adjacent plaza. The main building at National and Cesar Chavez includes 92 fully leased, rent-restricted apartments developed by Chelsea Investment on the upper floors and 34,947-square-foot commercial space on the ground floor. With the opening of six tenants and two more in negotiation, only 3,365 square feet will be available in three final storefronts out of 84,447 square feet in all three buildings. Currently, five businesses are open: Iron Fist Tasting Room, Fathom CrossFit, National Laundry, Fade Factory barber shop and Posh & Polished nail lounge. Besides, Attitude Brewing, the other new tenants are Barrio Bros. Pizza; two Asian restaurants, Pho-Bo and Oi Asian Fusion; Tacqueria Revolucion; the Partners Personnel staffing agency. Barrio Logan, named for a Civil War general who championed a transcontinental railroad line to terminate in Southern California, still represents a mixture of heavy industry, mom-and-pop businesses and 1,300 homes for 4,200 residents. Lately its attracted an influx of artists, startups and renters looking for affordable homes to buy and new shops, restaurants and brewpubs. Plans are afoot to link the barrio with East Village via a spruced up promenade along 14th Street from City College to National Avenue. The San Diego Community College District also opened the Cesar Chavez Campus for continuing education on Main Street across from the Mercado del Barrio. Business roger.showley@sduniontribune.com; (619) 293-1286; Twitter: @rogershowley Kyle Escobar-Humphries made it a point to attend mass Saturday morning at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church. Located in the heart of Hillcrest, the historic epicenter of the gay community in San Diego, St. Johns hosted a special service aimed at reaching out to LGBT members, their families and friends. Escobar-Humphries is gay and has been married for nearly three years to another man, Snapper Escobar-Humphries. Together they sat near the front of the church with their 8- and 9-year-old children as Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego celebrated mass before a crowd of about 300. Advertisement Its important because my kids have two gay dads and I would like for them to understand that this church is open for everybody, said the 46-year-old, who said he is a lifelong Catholic. I want them to understand how to treat each other equally. The service commemorated the 20th anniversary of a document released by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops called Always Our Children that offered an outstretched hand to parents and family members of gay Catholics. Accompanied by San Diego Bishop Robert McElroy and priests from around the area, Dolan underscored the pastoral message released in 1997. To you parents, there is no denying your own sons and daughters, whatever their walk in life, Dolan said during his homily. Just before mass, Dolan said: This parish falls within the Hillcrest district and there are a number of people in our community here who want to participate in the life of the church, and we want to make sure they have a welcome home in some fashion here within the church. McElroy said the diocese is making an effort to reach out to LGBT members at parishes across the San Diego area, but the mass Saturday amplified something larger. Pope Francis is calling us to reach out to everyone with a message of radical inclusion, McElroy said. Sadly, there has been an estrangement and an alienation with LGBT people, and the Church needs to take steps to heal that. Since becoming pope in 2013, Francis has not made major changes to the Catholic Churchs doctrine against homosexual acts but made headlines when, early in his papacy, he said, If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge? Richard Peterson, 26, is a gay parishioner at St. Johns who volunteers with the churchs LGBT ministry. Although Peterson said hes never had a large crisis of faith, he acknowledged that many in the gay community have problems with Roman Catholic leadership. The church is made of humans and humans are not perfect, Peterson said. I think at the core of it you have to look at what the church stands for, which is love and mercy and forgiveness and community. Thats what this parish is trying to do here. But while the church gets criticism for not moving fast enough on sexual and cultural issues, it also gets grief from some on the opposite end. A group of about a half-dozen gathered outside St. Johns, handing out literature criticizing Saturdays service. Were criticizing the church for modernism, said Allyson Smith, a Catholic from El Cajon who called the Always Our Children pastoral message a flawed document that had to be revised the following year. The church is bending with the cultural zeitgeist. The church is bending with the times and with the pervasiveness of homosexual activism throughout the country and indeed the globe, Smith said. And we feel the Church should stand strong as a bulwark against cultural trends Our concern today is the Church is becoming too accommodating to homosexuality. Bishop McElroy said he understands the criticism the church receives from a variety of sources. Our founder was Jesus Christ. Jesus took it from all sides, McElroy said. And even if were doing things right and Im not saying we are doing all things right, weve got things to learn about this but even when were doing it right, its not a bad sign if youre getting it from all sides. Emily Reimer-Barry, an associate professor and theologian at the University of San Diego, attended Saturdays mass and called it beautiful and empowering. I think anyone who doesnt wrestle with their faith is not a thinking person, said Reimer-Barry, who is heterosexual, married with two children and Catholic. Its not an easy process. But I also have faith that God is there in the messiness An event like todays is a time when the community gathers to support each other and say, yes, we are all in this together. Business rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski Its going to cost Chula Vista roughly $30 million annually money the city doesnt have if it wants to alleviate chronic understaffing in the police and fire departments. The price tag was the topic of a lengthy public safety report to the City Council on Sept. 26. City staff and council members talked about potential options to come up with additional money. Advertisement The conversation follows a request from the council during June budget talks for staff members to return with a long-range staffing plan to address public safety. The report included an assessment of historical and current staffing levels for both departments and outlined possible alternatives to make operations more effective, reduce costs and find potential funding sources. The City Council agreed to have staff members work on a ballot measure for 2018 that would ask voters to fund public safety, create other alternatives for a revenue stream and educate residents on current fire and police staffing levels. Its the No. 1 priority for government the safety of our community, said Councilman Mike Diaz, a former Escondido firefighter. Its been years since either department has met standard thresholds set by the citys growth management oversight commission. We need to hire five officers a year come hell or high water, and we need to man two new fire stations, said City Manager Gary Halbert During the meeting, stories were shared about how inadequate staffing levels endanger residents. Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy said the process of digging up information for the report has been eye-opening. Were not here to blame anyone or complain, but to explain the challenges we face due to understaffing, she said. Simply put our personnel and the community are feeling the impacts of this. The report identifies the need for 43 additional police officers, which is estimated to cost about $10.3 million annually. In addition, the report estimates that community patrol, arguably the citys most important policing function, is more than one-third understaffed. Today the Police Department has 232 sworn officers for a population of about 265,000. Its operating budget is roughly $53 million. The citys Police Department is the lowest staffed in the county, and Chula Vistas Fire Department is the lowest per capita in the state, according to the staff report. The Fire Department per capita staffing is .44 firefighters per 1,000 residents, half the western region average, according to statistics. Because of this, communities citywide are experiencing unacceptable wait times for fire and medical emergency calls, according to fire department officials. For the Fire Department, its estimated it would cost $17.9 million for increased staffing at existing fire stations, staffing for future fire stations on the bayfront and in eastern Chula Vista, and for new medical squad units. The current Fire Department operating budget is $27.5 million for employees and 130 sworn staff. The city has nine fire stations organized into two battalions staffed with 39 firefighters daily. Last November the city asked voters to pass Proposition P, a 10-year, half-cent sales tax to fund priority infrastructure projects, including new buildings and equipment. They did, but this money cannot be used for staffing, only infrastructure and maintenance. A final report is expected to return to the City Council in December with various options to address public safety staffing. Were hopeful that theres some way we will come up with some options to help us restore us where we were at least in 2008, Kennedy said. Following a trend since the boom of San Diego craft beer, 13 breweries won awards Saturday morning at the nations largest craft beer competition. The Great American Beer Festival in Denver drew more than 4,000 beers, including 35 from San Diego County breweries. Here are the results: Advertisement Gold medalists Brown Porter: Tabula Rasa Toasted Porter, Second Chance Beer Co. Imperial India Pale Ale: Manta Ray, Ballast Point Honey Beer: Orange Blossom Common, Karl Strauss Brewing Company Other Belgian-style Ale: Witty Moron, Stone Brewing Session Beer: Guillaume, Pizza Port Ocean Beach Silver Medalists American-style Amber or Red Ale: Legally Red, Second Chance Beer Co. Baltic-style Porter: Herd of Turtles, Bagby Beer Company English-style Summer Ale: Back in the ESSA, Monkey Paw Brewing Export Stout: Z-Man Stout, Pizza Port Carlsbad Fruited American-style Sour Ale: Sour Wench Blackberry Ale, Ballast Point Brewing German-style Wheat Ale: Hidden Gem, OB Brewery Bronze Medalists Golden or Blonde Ale: Blonde, Culture Brewing Company Scotch Ale: Wee Heavy, AleSmith Brewing Company Specialty Beer: Agavemente, SouthNorte Brewing Company Look back at previous medals won Even though San Diego is known for redefining craft beer by bringing extremely hoppy and bitter flavors to taphandles, the majority of San Diego medals were in darker, maltier styles. The only India Pale Ale medalist was the Manta Ray from Ballast Point. Also, Mother Earth Brew Co. won a bronze medal in the Fresh or Wet Hop beer category, but that beer came from its Idaho facility. The full results are here. Data Watch Videos On Now Data Point: Media Mergers 2:58 On Now Jaywalking infractions in San Diego 1:24 On Now Video: Finding the recipe for the perfect burrito 2:09 On Now Video: Where marijuana is legal in the United States 0:53 On Now Report: Correctional system fails women 1:22 On Now San Diego students have larger classes On Now Hierarchy of cuisine prices On Now Pay phones: Is that still a thing? On Now 2016 border apprehensions On Now STD trends, San Diego County Reach the writer at: daniel.wheaton@sduniontribune.com or @theheroofthyme Over the past couple of years, Jennifer Paredes has made an indelible mark as not only of San Diegos most-sought after young actors, but one of its most fearless. Paredes has played a severely disabled girl who finds voice through haunting fantasy sequences in Ion Theatres Lydia; a conflicted and closeted 50s-era secretary in Intrepids Perfect Arrangement; and a black-leather-clad Goth teen in San Diego Reps Into the Beautiful North, among other attention-getting turns. But as bold as such choices have been, Paredes still acknowledges theres one theatrical challenge that gives her the jitters. Advertisement Its true: Shakespeare makes her shake. Which is why, Paredes explains, she is barreling straight into the Bard not only acting in her first full-length Shakespeare play but making her Old Globe Theatre debut, a milestone moment for any stage artist. The occasion is Globe for All, the Balboa Park theaters outreach program that takes Shakespeare to a wide variety of untraditional venues around the county. Its the marquee piece in the Globes ever-expanding roster of arts-engagement offerings, a major priority of artistic director Barry Edelsteins since he came aboard nearly five years ago. This year, the mobile program is staging the comedy Twelfth Night, in a 17-stop tour that starts Oct. 31 and culminates with low-cost public performances back at the Globe on Nov. 19. Paredes is playing the lead role of Viola, the young woman who finds herself shipwrecked on distant shores and must assume a new identity (cue the character Cesario) while searching for her vanished brother. Its a big part in a beloved play, but Paredes says the intimidation factor is part of what compels her to do it. One thing among a lot of things Ive learned over the past few years is that if a project feels as if it might like a little bit too big of a bit to take, if it might feel scary or challenging, if I feel terrified about it, its probably a thing I need to investigate and go into, she says. Because I think ve probably grown the most in the projects Ive been most scared of. I think im just trying to befriend that scary feeling, because it has proven to be really worthwhile. Its taken me to a couple of crazy places. But theyre good places! One aspect of Globe for All thats not new to Paredes is its on-the-go nature (the actors have to set up and break down the spare set for each performance): She worked on a touring school production with Lambs Players Theatre a couple of years ago. Paredes is joined in the Twelfth Night cast by Amara James Aja (Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Orsino), Amanda Arbues (Olivia) and Lorenzo Landini (Sebastian, Curio); as well as Ajinkya Desai (Malvolio, Officer), Kevin Hafso Koppman (Feste, Captain), Christina Okolo (Antonia, Valentine), Suzelle Palacios (Maria, Priest), and Mike Sears (Sir Toby Belch). Director Jerry Ruizs production will integrate Spanish-language words and phrases into the play, whose setting of mythical Illyria is transplanted to what Paredes describes as a modern-day social getaway for the rich and fabulous. Thats the world that Viola is coming into, as a Mexican immigrant a place where everyone looks amazing and has a very different way of life. Paredes is herself a first-generation child of immigrants; the Chula Vista native was born to a Peruvian dad and a mom from Tijuana. She graduated from Otay Ranch High School before studying acting at the University of San Diego, and now has become a study in artistic persistence and energy. Paredes still cant quite process the fact shes making her Old Globe debut its so crazy to say and think of, she says. Its kind of bizarre. I didnt think it was possible, to be honest. But as for the show: Its really exciting to share this story with people from tons of different backgrounds. Were going to some naval bases, senior centers, youth and refugee programs the scope of people that are going to see the show is amazing. Its really exciting to make it accessible to them, not only physically but mentally. Its a stunning thing to be able to reach out to such a diverse community that really represents San Diego as a whole. Globe for All 2017 schedule Twelfth Night will have free public performances at the following locations: Opening night: San Diego Military Family Collaborative/Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) San Diegos Serra Real Connections Healthy Start Program (Junipero Serra High School, 5156 Santo Road, San Diego) on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 5:45 p.m. Fourth District Senior Resource Center (The George L. Stevens Senior Center, 570 S. 65th St., San Diego) on Friday, Nov. 3 at 1:30 p.m. San Diego Public Library City Heights/Weingart Branch Library & Performance Annex (3795 Fairmount Ave., San Diego) on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 1 p.m. San Diego Public Library Otay Mesa-Nestor Branch Library (3003 Coronado Ave., San Diego) on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 1:30 p.m. Chaldean Middle-Eastern Social Services/San Diego County Library El Cajon Branch Library (St. Michael Chaldean Catholic Church, 799 E. Washington Ave., El Cajon) on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m. Lemon Grove Academy/Lemon Grove Historical Society/San Diego County Library Lemon Grove Branch Library (Lemon Grove Academy, Roberto Alvarez Auditorium, 3171 School Ln., Lemon Grove) on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Location TBA, Saturday, Nov. 11, time TBA San Diego Public Library Central Library (Joan & Irwin Jacobs Common, Shiley Special Events Suite, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego) on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. Naval Base San Diego (Navy Region Southwest, Anchors Catering & Conference Center, Main at Yama St., 2375 Recreation Way, Building 3210, San Diego) on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. (open to Navy personnel and family members) A Reason to Survive (Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 140 E. 12th St., Suite B, National City) on Friday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. El Corazon Senior Center (3302 Senior Center Dr., Oceanside) on Saturday, November 18 at 6:30 p.m. (There will be additional non-public performances.) The tour culminates with two low-cost public performances in the Old Globes Festival Rehearsal Room in Balboa Park on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at $15 for the general public and $10 for subscribers. Each community partner organization is offered a pre-show Bard Basics workshop to become familiarized with Twelfth Night. Each performance also begins with a preshow warmup led by teaching artists Damon Shearer, Tara Ricasa, Blake McCarty and James Pillar, and ends with a talk-back. For more information, contact the theater at (619) 234-5623 or theoldglobe.org. Organizations interested in partnering with Globe for All in the future can contact Karen Ann Daniels, Arts Engagement Programs manager, at kdaniels@TheOldGlobe.org or (619) 231-1941, Ext. 2105. jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @jimhebert If all goes well, El Cajon residents Rex and Christiane Beckham soon will be spending six months in Ireland, then six months in Germany, then who knows where. My wife and I are getting ready to retire, Beckham said Saturday. Were going to do a lot of traveling, and were looking at our options. As part of their retirement research, the Beckhams joined thousands of others at the one-day Successful Aging Expo at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Advertisement We need to look at our retirement income and start to live within those means now, while were still working, to see if we can manage that, his wife said. People thinking about retirement also should look for ways to declutter and downsize, she said. And they need to prepare ahead for ways to keep themselves occupied after theyve left their full-time jobs. Its really important to prepare for that change, she said. Its huge. After six years at the Town & Country Resort in Mission Valley, the aging expo moved to the fairgrounds this year to make more room for guests, speakers and exhibitors. The event grew from 140 booths last year to 245 booths this year. Were trying to give people the tools they need, said consultant Beth Reynolds, who worked with sponsors The San Diego Union-Tribune and Sharp Healthcare to organize the event. Theres a lot of interactive information here. Tory Chainel wears 360-degree virtual reality goggles at the California Earthquake Authority booth during The San Diego Union-Tribune Successful Aging Expo at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and experiences a simulated 5.0 to 6.0 magnitude earthquake. (Howard Lipin/U-T) Exhibitors ranged from health services to legal firms, from hearing-aid sales to real estate agents. Longtime San Diego television meteorologist Pat Brown offered travel tips, newspaper columnist and radio host Richard Lederer delivered a talk titled The Gift of Age, and experts in other fields shared their wisdom. Carlsbad resident Charles Ables said he was there to learn more about long-term care, an important issue for many older families. He and his wife, who uses a wheelchair, have made some modifications to their home, and they want to stay there as long as they can. He was collecting information from an organization that helps disabled people stay independent. Long-term care is a big issue for us, Ables said. Its great to have everything like this in one place. Medical marijuana dispensary Torrey Holistics also joined the participants for the first time, providing a booth and a speaker to discuss the latest developments in the use of cannabis for healing and pain relief. Gray-haired guests lined up three deep at the counter to ask questions about cannabis laws, dispensaries and consultants. Our booth has been busy all day, employee Aleks Kirilenko said. Gerontologist Diane Darby Beach talked to a room of 50 or more people in the Mission Tower building about the four keys to a healthy brain: nutrition, social connections, mental exercise and physical exercise. Your brain is a muscle, Darby Beach said. It needs to be exercised. Your brain craves novelty. Getting out of the house, maybe for dinner with friends, could be one way to cover all four of those brain-boosting activities. We as human beings were made to interact with other human beings, she said. If we get isolated, we get depressed. Recent research shows people continue to grow brain cells all their lives, she added, so new activities have a positive effect on people of all ages. philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @phildiehl Experts say San Diego took all the right steps in addressing what is now one of the largest hepatitis A outbreaks the country has seen in decades, but variables unique to the citys situation contributed to the outbreak. At least 481 people have been infected and 17 have died of the infection since November in San Diego. Another 88 cases have been identified in Santa Cruz and Los Angeles counties, where hepatitis A outbreaks have been declared. Officials throughout the state are now scrambling to vaccinate homeless populations, which are considered the most at risk. Doctors say people who have already been infected could travel and unknowingly spread it elsewhere. Advertisement Dr. Janet Haas, president-elect of the Assn. for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, said the outbreak is unusual for the U.S. because the spread of the liver infection has been blamed on a lack of basic hygiene and sanitation, not contaminated food. This means public health officials cant solely rely on previous containment methods. Its not like theres never been a hepatitis A outbreak before. We know whats worked in the past. Usually that contains it and the story ends, Haas said. But sometimes it doesnt work, or circumstances are different and you have to ramp it up. In San Diego, where nearly 85% of all confirmed cases are located, cleaning crews are hitting the streets, attacking them with high-pressure water mixed with bleach in an effort to sanitize any surfaces contaminated with feces, blood or other bodily fluids. A private company was hired in September to deliver portable hand-washing stations in locations where homeless residents tend to congregate. Despite these efforts, the disease is spreading and many are asking what could have been done and what will effectively prevent future transmission. According to Dr. Monique Foster of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions division of viral hepatitis in San Diego this last week for a national infectious disease conference there is no national standard that outlines how every public agency should respond. You cant have a checklist that says do x, y and z, because no outbreak is the same, Foster said following an impromptu session at the conference about San Diegos outbreak. The type of illness, the group of people its affecting and how its being spread are all factors that will impact how a government should respond and when the public should be notified. For example, San Diegos problem looks similar to a hepatitis A outbreak in Michigan, where state health officials have confirmed at least 341 cases since August 2016. Of those, 268 people have been hospitalized and 14 died. But Michigan and San Diego have different resources, Foster said. The underlying populations being affected are different and the laws in both areas are different. This is why the CDC assists. We connect them with people who have answers, but we dont come in and take over, Foster said. The local governments and local health departments are the first in line because they know their needs better than we do. The California Code of Regulations outlines reporting procedures for hepatitis A cases among a specific class of people, including daycare workers, healthcare facilities and food handlers who are more likely to spread the liver disease to other people. County health officials have been hesitant to release any additional information about where the cases are specifically concentrated, citing state and federal health privacy laws. This information is gathered from confidential medical interviews and documents, Eric McDonald, director of the countys epidemiology and immunization services branch, said after presenting with Foster at the infectious disease conference. The publics need to know has to override the confidentiality of the infected individuals. According to Dr. Oscar Alleyne, senior public health advisor to the National Assn. of County and City Health Officials, the Control of Communicable Diseases Manual is often referred to as the bible among health officials. The American Public Health Assn. lists the book, which is now in its 20th edition, as a must-have sourcebook on identifying and controlling infectious diseases. Alleyne said its the closest thing to a guidebook public officials have and has been an industry standard reference for more than 100 years. According to the manual, prevention is key for hepatitis A, since the vaccine provides lifelong immunity. Data show since being added in 2006 to the recommended list of vaccinations for young children, the number of hepatitis A cases in the United States has decreased by 95%. Officials are instructed to control patients confirmed to have hepatitis A and quickly vaccinate those in immediate contact with infected individuals to increase the likelihood that the vaccine will be effective. County epidemiologists identified the rash of hepatitis A cases in early March, and dated the infection to the previous November. From the outset, the priorities have been vaccination and education, in line with manual instructions. Its easier said than done. The normal method for preventing other people from getting sick gets thrown out the door when the community its infecting lives outside, Alleyne said. You have to know where they went, who they came in contact with. The likelihood of being able to capture everyone on that list is small. In the event of an outbreak, public health officials should first determine how hepatitis is being spread, vaccinate the at-risk community and make special efforts to improve sanitary and hygienic practices to eliminate fecal contamination, the manual says. By early summer the official focus shifted to sanitation hand washing and street cleaning. According to Dr. Jeffrey Engel, executive director of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, that might not be enough. I can tell you that washing the doorknobs is not going to do it, Engel said. This is more about human behavior than anything else. Hepatitis A is more commonly transmitted through contaminated food. In 2003, 935 people in multiple states were infected by eating contaminated green onions at a restaurant. It was the largest outbreak since 1998, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No one died. Lauryn Schroeder writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune. How many bullets are enough? In California, both legislators and voters answered: 10. They pointed to mass shootings Sandy Hook, Orlando, San Bernardino saying it should be illegal to be able to inflict so much firepower without having to frequently pause to reload. The law they passed makes it a crime to possess gun magazines with more than 10 bullets. But some gun owners, backed by the state affiliate of the National Rifle Association, are challenging the high-capacity magazine ban in San Diego federal court and already scored an early win when a judge blocked the law from taking effect over the summer. Advertisement This next week, while state Attorney General Xavier Becerras office puts the final touches on its opening brief to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal on the matter, the nation will continue to grapple with what comes next after Las Vegas, the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history. And part of that debate is sure to focus on whether a federal ban on high-capacity magazines is an appropriate or viable solution. Details about the cache of guns used by Las Vegas shooter Stephen Paddock which were apparently purchased legally are still coming out, but it stands to reason that many took high-capacity magazines. Authorities have already confirmed he had bump stock attachments on 12 of the 23 guns in his Mandalay Bay hotel room, devices that allow a legal semi-automatic firearm to mimic the rapid fire of a machine gun, emptying a large magazine in seconds. The tragedy quickly put bump stocks in the crosshairs of lawmakers, and a measure to outlaw such devices that skirt the federal ban on machine guns appears to be gaining bipartisan support. The NRA, which has lately been reticent to surrender any ground on gun rights issues, even admitted the adapters should probably be regulated. Bump stocks and other similar devices have been illegal in California since 1990. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra (Rich Pedroncelli/AP) But bump stocks are just the beginning when it comes to the gun control debate that is brewing again. We have a public health epidemic in this country with respect to gun violence, and we need to look at comprehensive solutions, Kristin Brown, co-president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, said in an interview. We know there are sensible policies that can be put into place that dont restrain peoples Second Amendment rights that provide a level of safety and protection, but reflect a balance of other constitutional rights the right to peaceful assembly, the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the right to not live in fear of being shot. In 1994, Congress outlawed possession and transfer of large-capacity magazines but grandfathered in existing ones. But Congress also put a clock on the law, and when it came time to decide whether to renew it in 2004, lawmakers let the law expire. Other states have enacted laws outlawing total possession of large-capacity magazines in some instances limiting magazines up to 15 bullets including Hawaii, New Jersey and New York. In California, high-capacity magazines have been illegal to sell, manufacture, import or transfer since 2000, but owners were allowed to hang onto the magazines they already had. The states latest version goes further and criminalizes mere ownership. The state legislature passed a measure in July 2016 and a similar magazine ban was wrapped into Proposition 63, a more comprehensive gun control package that voters passed in November. The law which also requires background checks to buy ammunition and a ban on bullet buttons that allow for easy magazine release was in response to the terrorist shooting in San Bernardino that killed 14 and wounded 22. Five San Diego County gun owners who are challenging the law say 10 bullets are not enough. Three plaintiffs want more rounds for self-defense in the home, while two others are military veterans who already own the large-capacity magazines and say they should not have to give them up. The reasons citizens benefit from having more than 10 rounds immediately available in a self-defense emergency are clear, C.D. Michel, the Long Beach-based attorney representing the gun owners and the California Rifle and Pistol Association, wrote in a motion for preliminary injunction. Given that criminal attacks occur at a moments notice, taking the victim by surprise, usually at night and in confined spaces, victims rarely have multiple magazines or extra ammunition readily available for reloading. Regardless, the victim likely cannot hold a spare magazine as she scrambles for cover, Michel argued. Often both hands will be on the firearm. If they are not, one hand is likely holding the phone to call the police. And certainly, most people do not keep back-up magazines or firearms strapped to their bodies while they sleep; they must typically make do with a single gun and its ammunition capacity. But an analysis of self-defense incidents involving guns reported to the NRA suggests otherwise, that 10 is more than enough. According to an expert witness hired by the state, an average of 2.2 shots were fired during self-defense incidents, and in many instances no shots were fired at all. Between 2011 and May 2017, two of the 736 incidents documented told of a person firing more than 10 rounds, according to the expert. Deputy Attorney General Alexandra Robert Gordon argued that the people served best by high-capacity magazines are mass shooters. When (large-capacity magazines) are used to commit crime, more shots are fired, more victims are wounded, and there are more wounds per victim, Robert Gordon wrote in a motion. This in turn leads to more injuries, more lethal injuries, and higher rates of death than crimes involving firearms with conventional magazines. U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez in a strongly worded 66-page opinion that raised eyebrows both sides of the gun lobby acknowledged the tragedy inflicted when people misuse guns, but he firmly stated that public safety interests may not eviscerate the Second Amendment. He said gun owners should be able to individually judge based on the situation how many bullets are enough. The same goes for citizens wishing to arm themselves as part of a militia to protect the state from foreign or domestic enemies, he said. Defensive gun violence may be the only way a law-abiding citizen can avoid becoming a victim, concluded Benitez, a 2003 Bush appointee. The ruling granted the gun owners request for a preliminary injunction, stopping the magazine ban from going into effect July 1, 2017, until the case can be further litigated. The Attorney Generals Office is appealing to the 9th Circuit, and the opening brief is due Thursday. This kind of appeal that occurs in the midst of litigation, called an interlocutory appeal, typically moves faster through the 9th Circuit than an appeal that is brought at the end of a case. There is some doubt that the 9th Circuit will agree with Benitez. The U.S. Supreme Courts landmark ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller confirmed an individual right to bear arms in the home but also found that right is limited in scope and subject to regulation. And the 9th Circuit upheld a similar magazine ban in 2015 passed by the Bay Area city of Sunnyvale. Sunnyvales interests in promoting public safety and reducing violent crime are substantial and important government interests, wrote 9th Circuit Judge Michael Daly Hawkins, nominated to the bench by President Bill Clinton. (After losing the preliminary injunction fight, the gun owners ultimately asked to have the case dismissed.) Benitez said this case was different. For one, Sunnyvale is a densely populated city the crown jewel of Silicon Valley while San Diego and Imperial counties have large swaths of backcountry. Also, the judge argued, Sunnyvales attorneys presented credible evidence, whereas the attorney general in this case submitted incomplete studies from unreliable sources upon which experts base speculative explanations and predictions. The evidentiary record is a potpourri of news pieces, State-generated documents, conflicting definitions of mass shooting, amorphous harms to be avoided, and a homogenous mass of horrible crimes in jurisdictions near and far for which large capacity magazines were not the cause. Adam Winkler, a UCLA law professor and Second Amendment expert, predicts the 9th Circuit will view the states evidence more favorably. The evidence hes demanding is evidence that would be impossible to obtain, Winkler said. Under Benitezs standard of evidence, there would be no gun reform. Another major sticking point under the magazine ban is the requirement to get rid of property, which gun owners argue violates the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment. Owners of high-capacity magazines are required under the law to sell their outlawed magazines to a gun dealer, take them out of state, surrender them to law enforcement or destroy them. The suing gun owners argue that they are forced to give up what is rightfully theirs without proper compensation, while the state points to the ability to sell their illegal magazines. No matter, in areas that have already passed strict possession laws, gun owners for the most part have ignored calls to surrender magazines, including in Los Angeles and San Francisco, experts say. Its a well-intentioned idea. The lethality of weapons is the right idea, the right way to focus on the problem, said Winkler. But, he said, for so many years, law-abiding firearms have come standard with high-capacity magazines, and gun owners just dont turn them in. The vast majority of shooters and hobbyists dont believe it is a dangerous item and live with them on a daily basis, Winkler said. I just dont believe its an effective method. San Bernardino gun law attorney Bruce Colodny agreed: Heroin has been illegal since 1914. There doesnt seem to be any shortage of it. Brown of the Brady Campaign, who spent part of last week in Las Vegas with victims, hopes what happened at the country music festival will change perspectives on gun control. But others are doubtful significant change at the legislative level anyway will come of it. There may be a push banning high-capacity magazines at the federal level, Winkler said, but I predict it will go nowhere. kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @kristinadavis Despite a call from a coalition of business, agriculture and political leaders to act, the Southeast Community College Board of Governors wont reconsider its property tax rate next year. On Thursday, 10 members of a coalition that formed last fall in opposition to a proposed bond issue vote put forward by SCC Vote No 369 signed a letter to the college asking for it to lower its 2017-18 property tax rate. The SCC Board on Sept. 19 unanimously approved raising the property tax rate for the 15 counties in its district from 7.52 cents per $100 of valuation to 9.07 cents per $100 of valuation for the 2017-18 school year, a 21 percent increase. Under the increase, homeowners with an average property in Lancaster County would expect to pay about $165 in property taxes to support SCC next year. Dale Kruse, the boards president, said SCC spent months studying its options for funding new facilities on each of the colleges three campuses after a $369 million bond issue put before voters last fall was defeated. At the September meeting, the board decided to go in the direction were going and that was a unanimous vote, Kruse said. I dont see a special meeting being called to change that. Organized a year ago to oppose the bond issue, the Vote No 369 coalition said the margin by which the bond issue failed a two-thirds majority signaled broader opposition to any major property tax increases levied by the colleges governing board. Steve Nelson, president of Nebraska Farm Bureau, said the ag groups members are questioning how the SCC board could ignore the wishes of taxpayers who clearly indicated they wanted SCC to demonstrate restraint when it came to future tax increases. But leaders from SCC said the increase will help the college meet workforce demands in areas such as skilled health care and manufacturing, where inadequate facilities and waiting lines are limiting the number of graduates SCC can produce. The majority of the tax increase goes into the colleges capital improvement fund, which increased from 1.05 cents per $100 of valuation to the 2 cent per $100 of valuation lid. Those funds are earmarked for a new health sciences education building in Lincoln, a diesel technology facility in Milford and a general education building in Beatrice, SCC President Paul Illich said. The needs havent changed, Illich said. Weve got to increase our capacity to meet our need. When the board made that decision, they were basing it on what our needs were to meet that goal. Illich added that even after the increase, SCC has the second lowest property tax levy of Nebraskas six community colleges after Mid-Plains Community College. He added that the community college tax levy represents about 5 percent of the total tax bill for property owners in the 15-county area. While the board does not plan to meet before Oct. 13, the date its tax levy will be certified, one member of the board voiced some regret for supporting the increase. I feel Ive let the voters down, said Don Reiman, who represents several extreme Southeast Nebraska counties on the SCC board. Theyre not happy. Its a huge increase. But Reiman said he is also conflicted. While he went against the majority of the board who supported the bond issue last year, Reiman said he also believes SCC needs to invest in new facilities, particularly in communities without a campus. Community leaders in places like Falls City, where a new learning center will be built using revenue generated from the recent tax increase, have asked SCC to help train new workers, particularly in areas like manufacturing. Weve been overlooked so long down here, he said. We get a Career Academy up in Lincoln, but that isnt doing us any good down here. What began as a dispute over access to records of the Neighborhood Market Association, a countywide trade group for owners of corner markets and liquor stores, has grown into a bitter lawsuit rife with accusations of financial wrongs, possible tax violations and witness intimidation. At the center of the lawsuit is Mark Arabo, the longtime leader of the NMA who is also a prominent advocate for persecuted Iraqi Christians, appearing regularly on Fox News representing the Minority Humanitarian Foundation. The lawsuit was brought by current and former members of the NMA, which is made up largely but not exclusively of Chaldean immigrants. More than two years ago they sought access to the non-profit association records concerning sale of the NMA office building in 2014. Advertisement Arabo earned $210,000 from the sale of the building a payment approved by the NMA board even though he is neither a real estate agent nor broker, court records say. He also was paid $38,000 for expenses that the plaintiffs say he had already been paid for and should not have been paid out in the first place because they were for non-NMA business. Arabo stepped down from his role at the NMA just before the suit was filed. He started a management firm that the NMA pays $42,000 per month to run the daily operations of the group. The suit wants that contract terminated. Neither Arabo or his lawyer responded to request for comment this week. They have maintained that the payments were approved by the board, and in court papers allege that the suit is little more than a vehicle from a vindictive faction of the NMA to get Arabo. Plaintiffs have used this case as a tool for retribution, political purposes, and public disparagement of Mr. Arabo and his family at every opportunity, Arabos lawyers wrote in one filing. But Charles LiMandri, the Rancho Santa Fe lawyer who is representing the former members, said that is not the case. In court papers he said that after filing the suit, lawyers uncovered a troubling and complex scheme of illegal activity. Among the allegations are that NMA funds were used to support Arabos lavish lifestyle, which the plaintiffs said in court papers included thousands spent on hair transplants, gift cards, luxury items, even stem cell preservation/harvesting services. There are other unsavory allegations as well. During the run-up to the trial the law firm bank account for attorney Norman Grissom, who initially filed the suit in Oct. 2015, was hacked into twice. LiMandri said both times it was done by an NMA board member hostile to the suit and was meant to intimate him . To us it was a message like, we can do whatever we want, he said. Grissom has continued to represent his clients in the suit, and declined to comment. The lawsuit also said a witness who once worked for the NMA agreed to sign a declaration on behalf of the plaintiffs. In a trial brief LiMandri wrote the witness subsequently received phone calls from NMA board members who told him that they would go after him if he did not retract his testimony. The witness is a seminarian with the Chaldean Catholic Church. After he refused to recant court papers said a graphic and embarrassing photo of the man taken years earlier was delivered to the Bishop of the church. In all, the suit seeks the return of $463,000 to the NMA, as well as what will likely be substantial legal expenses five different law firms have been drawn into the protracted legal battle. The court docket shows 435 separate entries. At least four mediation sessions to try to resolve the suit ended in failure. Some 86 potential witnesses appear on a witness list probably fewer than half will testify and there are close to 1,000 exhibits ready for trial. Though Arabo declined to be interviewed, Lundon Attisha, a spokesman for the foundation and longtime aide to Arabo, provided copies of NMA board minutes from the day the $210,000 payment was approved. The minutes show that board members described the payment as a bonus equaling 15 percent of the net proceeds of the sale of the building. They credited Arabo with getting a higher price on the sale than originally offered. The bonus was approved after a 27-minute closed session, with two board members voting no. LiMandri said that the evidence at the trial will show the payment to Arabo was not justified. Moreover, he said that the bonus payment came during a period when the organization was hemorrhaging money losing what the plaintiffs say in court papers was $1.6 million between 2013 and 2015. NMA board members in prepared statements backed Arabo and Amir Oram, the NMA treasurer who is also a defendant. This is sour grapes from a bunch of losers who continue to embarrass themselves after every failed bid at a board election, said NMA member Ronald Lacey.Its quite simple that these are a bunch of failed board candidates who are simply trying to regain a sense of prominence. LiMandri said that his clients want the NMA on better footing. The plaintiffs want the money paid back and the NMA placed under the care of a receiver to manage it back to health. Our clients want to save the NMA and see it be a strong and successful organization for its members, he said. The trial is expected to last at least two weeks. Twitter: @gregmoran greg.moran@sduniontribune.com An armed robber stole an unknown amount of money Saturday night from a Subway restaurant in the Lake Murray area, police said. The man, wearing a black bandana over his face and carrying a handgun, walked into the Subway on Navajo Road around 9:20 p.m. and demanded money from an employee, police said. A getaway car, described by police as an older, silver four-door sedan, waited outside for the man. After the employee handed over an unknown amount of money, the man got in the passenger seat of the car and left. Advertisement Police were not able to get a description of the getaway car driver. They said the robber was described as a thin, white or Hispanic man in his 20s or 30s, about 5 feet 8 inches tall with dark brown eyes. He was wearing a gray hoodie, police said. San Diego Police robbery detectives are investigating. Immigration Videos On Now New developments in family separation case 9:53 On Now A San Diego woman volunteered as a medic in Texas helping migrant families 2:35 On Now Immigration policy protests in Carlsbad nearly cancelled after permit issue 1:38 On Now When children are separated from their parents at the border, here is where they go next On Now Prospects of a deal for 'Dreamers' may hinge on separating Trump from hard-liners on his staff On Now What is DACA? On Now Border wall prototype contractors selected On Now Video: Ukrainian boxer wins asylum in U.S. On Now 30 apprehended after Border Patrol agents discover tunnel On Now Video: Kurdish diaspora prepare to vote on independence Follow me on Facebook for live updates about immigration news kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate on Twitter Church, Democrats lean too far to the left Re George Mitrovichs How fundamentalist and evangelical Christians differ (Sept. 29): Mitrovich, a Democrat, seems befuddled as to why fundamentalist and evangelical Christians voted en masse for Donald Trump instead of Hillary Clinton. The answer is simple. Conservatives have been abandoning the Democrat Party for years. Currently, less than 20 percent of Democrats are conservatives while more than 50 percent are liberals. A recent Pew Survey stated that 44 percent of liberal Democrats consider the church detrimental to American society. Next, Mitrovich blames the divide between fundamental and evangelical Christians on the media. While the media may be part of the problem, I would argue that mainline Protestant churches have brought on the problem themselves. As themes such as liberation theology, gay marriage and plenary inspiration have made their way into the pulpit, many mainline Protestants have opted for more fundamentalist churches or left the church altogether. Jon C. Jacobson Advertisement San Diego True believers would love their neighbors Thank you for this informative piece by Mitrovich. It explains a lot and easily defines the differences. Personally, I knew some of the variations but not all. It still begs the question to fundamentalists: How do they explain their shunning of the Bibles call to love thy neighbor as yourself and do unto others as you would have them do unto you? If they followed this belief they would support health care for all, including pre-existing conditions. Also, they would willingly give to those in need without judgment. Jesus loved everybody, even the outcasts lepers, prostitutes, indigent. As Christians, we should all remember Judge lest ye be judged. Until we walk in someone elses shoes, we truly cannot understand their plight. Sharon Smith La Mesa Letters and commentary policy The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below. Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook. Like so many in the criminal justice system, international businessman Nathan Jacobson opted to avoid the risk of a trial and plead guilty. The thing was, he continued to swear he was innocent, he had no idea the global Internet pharmacy he worked with was illegal. Six years later, a San Diego federal judge issued a rare order allowing him to withdraw his guilty plea, finding fair and just reasons to declare the plea agreement null and void. This week, Jacobson emerged ebullient from the downtown courthouse, a free man. He packed up his belongings at The Sofia Hotel across the street, where hed been living under GPS monitoring for the past year fighting his case, and rejoined his wife and daughter in Toronto, Canada. Advertisement Its a very significant step, an extraordinary step, and one that leads to complete vindication for Nathan, which was well deserved, said Jacobsons attorney, Mike Attanasio of Cooley LLP. Jacobson contended his decision to plead guilty in 2008 was influenced by bad advice from the Canadian attorney who supervised his defense an assertion the attorney has adamantly denied. On Monday, the U.S. Attorneys Office agreed not to fight the effort to withdraw the plea and went a step further, promising to not pursue further prosecution. The substantial government resources that had been tied up in the litigation, coupled with the financial hurt and other consequences already suffered by Jacobson, led to the prosecutions decision to resolve the matter, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Halpern. Prosecutors also considered Jacobsons likely punishment, given that the last handful of defendants in the case got probation. This disposition was a fair and equitable one for all parties, Halpern said this week. The ruling was yet another strange twist in the long-running prosecution against Affpower, a global online pharmacy company, and its network of affiliated websites, doctors, brick-and-mortar pharmacies and payment-processing companies the latter of which were owned by Jacobson. The case was considered groundbreaking in 2007. It was the first time an online pharmacy had been charged with racketeering, and it was meant to send a strong message to other outfits operating illegally. It all came as a surprise to Jacobson, he claims in court filings. The 59-year-old Canadian entrepreneur who did a stint in the Israeli army in the 1970s invested in a friends payment processing business, Rx Payments, to serve the growing demand of mail-order pharmacies. The firm went to lengths to make sure it was partnering with legitimate pharmacies, working with the Canadian Internet Pharmacy Association and also hiring consultants to check into the pharmacies practices, he said. Rx Payments scrutiny of Affpower did not turn up any red flags and they agreed to do business, Jacobson said. But prosecutors said Affpowers prescription drug operation was illegal. The company, based in Costa Rica, received more than 1 million orders of pharmaceuticals and generated more than $126 million in revenue over two years. Customers would fill out online questionnaire that were then reviewed by physicians in the United States. The doctors, who were paid $3 for each form they read, would often approve the prescriptions within seconds, prosecutors said. According to laws in the U.S., a doctor-patient relationship must exist and/or an exam must be performed before drugs can be legally prescribed. Pharmaceuticals such as Xanax, Viagra, Ambien and Zoloft went out to customers around the country, including to several dozen in San Diego County, the 318-count indictment reads. The credit card payments were handled by Jacobsons company in Israel, and Affpowers revenue was deposited in a Cyprus bank. At some point, Jacobson became suspicious of Affpowers practices and took steps to end the business relationship, he said. He was shocked to learn of his indictment along with 23 others. Jacobson hired prominent Canadian attorney Steve Skurka to head his defense, while U.S.-licensed attorneys made official appearances for him in court. Jacobson maintained his innocence and desire to fight the charges, but was ultimately fearful of Skurkas comments that he would be crushed like a walnut by the U.S. justice system, he said. The attorney allegedly described the grim prospect of a 27-year prison sentence, along with the loss of Jacobsons family and good name, if the case were allowed to proceed to trial, Jacobson said. Mr. Jacobson was a fiercely independent man. He was strong-minded. He was decisive. He was in command. He was smart. He was knowledgeable, Skurka recently testified. And all of those factors were taken into account when we received the indication that he wished to plead guilty. And so he did on May 7, 2008, swearing to a judge that he had conspired to launder money, that he understood the consequences and that he had not been coerced into the plea deal. The agreement called for Jacobsons further cooperation in this case and others, and for the forfeiture of $4.5 million. He said an additional $3 million went to pay Skurka. His sentencing was delayed for about three years. During that time he fired his defense team and asked to withdraw his plea. When his sentencing finally rolled around, in 2012, he hadnt heard back from the court and was working in Myanmar. A warrant was issued for his arrest. He returned to Canada, hired new attorneys, and checked into the San Diego hotel for a lengthy stay. Skurka has continued to stand by his representation of Jacobson. Mr. Skurka acted both effectively and with utmost professionalism throughout his representation of Mr. Jacobson, Skurkas lawyer, Brian Greenspan, said in an email. A series of demonstrably false allegations were made, a number of which were recanted and none of which were true. It must be emphasized that the Court, in permitting the withdrawal of Mr. Jacobsons plea, made no adverse findings against Mr. Skurka. Not counting Jacobson, 22 people have pleaded guilty in the scheme, and prosecutors say the case helped to largely put an end to such illegal mail-order pharmacies. But the effort was not without its bumps. When the jury was being polled after returning a guilty verdict against seven of the defendants, one juror changed her mind, resulting in a mistrial. As they prepared for a second trial, defense attorneys claimed prosecutors had withheld evidence, which they denied. At one point, the judge said she was going to consider dismissing the case. Before she could make that determination, the seven pleaded guilty and got probationary sentences. Affpowers manager, Mark Anthony Heredia, remains a fugitive. Lancaster County Treasurer Andy Stebbing was reimbursed at least $70 for mileage costs for driving to and from the Lincoln Auto Auction in Waverly over the past two years. Stebbing, who has been accused of selling cars without a dealers license and helping customers evade taxes, purchased those cars at the auto auction, based on investigative reports by the Nebraska State Patrol. Getting paid for mileage that is not connected to work is a violation of state and county rules, but Stebbing says the trips to the auction were on county business. My best ideas come from the public, my staff, my own two children and the dealers, Stebbing said in a telephone interview. Stebbing said he went to the auction to talk with dealers, who routinely use the treasurers office, and to solicit ideas for improving the office. Stebbing mentioned two improvements that came directly from his dealer contacts at the auction: being able get titles and get refund checks for returned plates that day at the treasurers West O office. Previously those could be handled only at the 46th Street location, he said. Those are just two off the top of my head, Stebbing said. Retired County Treasurer Richard Nuernberger said the auto auction in Waverly is not a place a county treasurer needs to drive to as a part of the job. There is no reason for a county treasurer to go to the auto auction, Nuernberger said, when asked about what kind of business a treasurer would have at the auction. Nuernberger said he would get reimbursement for mileage as county treasurer when he went out of town on office business, like a meeting at a bank in Hickman. Stebbing said Nuernberger never left the office: He joked about that." Stebbing also said he put in for a fraction of his expenses in order to keep costs down. I was going to the auto auction not to deal on cars, but to meet constituents and get ideas, he said. A review of Stebbing's expense reports since October 2015, which corresponds with the period of the state patrol investigation, showed Stebbing was reimbursed for at least 128 miles covering 10 trips to the auction. The county uses federal mileage guidelines, which ranged from 54.7 cents to 54.5 cents per mile over the three years. The auto auction trips were part of a total reimbursement for Stebbing of almost $2,300 for mileage over 18 months. Most of the mileage reimbursement covered trips between the three treasurers offices: 555 S. 10th St.; 625 N. 46th St. and 500 W. O St. Stebbing stopped seeking reimbursement for mileage after March 2017. Those reimbursements for the auto auction trips might be in violation of the county rules and state law covering travel and mileage reimbursement. County employees and elected officials can be reimbursed for mileage for driving their own vehicles in connection with their jobs. But they cannot be reimbursed for miles driven for private or personal reasons, according to Doug Cyr, chief deputy county attorney. The state auditors office has apparently asked for Stebbings expense reports. When asked about an investigation, state Auditor Charlie Janssen said, "We have been asked by the attorney general to look at some items but we can't discuss details at this time." Todd Wiltgen, current chair of the Lancaster County Board, says his review of Stebbings reimbursement reports has raised concerns beyond whether the trips were for official county business or not. The level of detail on the expense reports is inadequate, said Wiltgen. For example, Stebbing wrote brief descriptions of where he was driving to and from on the reports, often using DT, 46R and WO for the three treasurers offices. At least 10 times, Stebbing wrote "auto auction," "auto auction Waverly," or simply "auction" on those expense reports. In addition, Wiltgen believes Stebbing should not have been allowed to approve his own reimbursement claims. Expense reports from all county department heads, except elected officials, are reviewed and approved by Kerry Eagan, the county boards chief administrative officer, Wiltgen said. The County Board will be reviewing procedures "to ensure we do not have this issue in the future," Wiltgen said. Stebbing has been charged with five felony counts. They include two counts of falsifying bills of sale, two counts of filing fraudulent state income taxes and one count of selling cars without a license. He appeared in court Sept. 22 for a procedural preliminary hearing, but has not made a plea on the charges. Stebbing has said he will not resign from office during the court procedures and that he plans to run for re-election Wiltgen, a fellow Republican, has called for the treasurers resignation. The fact that he has not resigned is disrespectful to the county taxpayers or employees, and the fact that he has talked about running for re-election is insulting, Wiltgen said. I've done some ridiculous things in my lifetime, some of which I don't mind sharing, and some of which are so ridiculous they will go with me to the grave. If it were at all possible I would start back to school tomorrow, in the first grade, no less. There is just so much I feel that I missed as I was coming through the grades. I was thrilled beyond measure the day Mr. H. M. Floyd, superintendent of Florence County District Five schools, came to my house to see if I was interested in serving as school secretary. (That was in the days before rural telephones.) It was my first employment and having been " house bound" with four children at the time, it is a wonder he would even consider me as such. I had grown so stale, but he must have seen something in me. He had the patience of Job, and quite frankly, I think he considered me as one of his children. He taught me a lot. A teacher in one of the area schools, which I will not reveal, was telling a group of us how hard it is for her this year. She said she does not yell at school, but it is getting very tempting. She asked for prayer for her and several other teachers as well as the students who are causing so much trouble. After I retired (did i ever really retire?) I became bored and decided I would try substituting as a teacher. I had my most favorite class at Pleasant Hill High School. I was called one day to a class in an elementary school. Talk about bad, but I think these kids invented the word bad. I could do nothing with them. I left the teacher a note as I was asked to do and tried to be as honest as I could. I was called back there, but for another class. The teacher I had previously subbed for saw me as i was checking in at the office. She asked that when my schedule would allow it to please come to her room. She had those students apologize to me personally and she had had them write me a letter of apology. She had each child go to the front of the room and read their letter to me. Although that has been a long time, I have them still and read them just last night. They weren't the only bad students. High school students could be even worse. Below are some of the letters i received from high school students: Mrs. Mildred, i would like to apologize for my actions on February 10. I understand that i was a bit too talkative and that is not fair to you, the substitute. Next time you are my substitute, I will make very sure that i am on my best behavior. Janna Mrs. Mildred, I am sorry about how my classmates and I acted on Tuesday. We were loud, rude and disrespectful to you while our teacher was absent. Again, I apologize, and it will not happen again. --Lionel Dear Mrs. Hughes: I apologize for the behavior in fourth period yesterday. We were taking advantage of you because you didn't know who we were or where we sat. The next time you substitute our class I will be on my best behavior. I'll try to get the class to behave for you, too. But if I don't, don't hold it against me. Please forgive me. It will never happen again, because I was acting foolish.Andy Dear Mrs. Hughes, My name is Lauren. I am a ninth-grade student at high school. I am writing to express my deepest apologies to you. I was in Mrs. .. 4th-period art class Tuesday, February 10. We misbehaved very badly. We had no reason to be so rude. It was very kind of you to come and be with us while the teacher was away. I am sorry if we inconvenienced you or upset you in anyway.Lauren FLORENCE, S.C. More than 65 people ran and walked in the Breaking Free race hosted by the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault. The Coalitions fifth annual race began at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Saturday morning. The race takes place during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It raises funds and awareness for "breaking free" from abusive environments and relationships. Shonette Dargan, Florence Shelter Program director, said South Carolina is not the largest state in the nation, but it does rank fifth in the homicide of women by men. Dargan said that people are becoming more aware of domestic violence statistics, partly through awareness efforts such as the race. Its a community effort, Dargan said. Its something that everyone needs to take part in and raise awareness of. The Pee Dee Coalition provides a variety of services such as self-defense training, community education and awareness, assistance to victims and emergency safe houses. Proceeds from the race will go toward the Florence emergency safe house. Everything it takes for a house to run, it takes for a shelter to run, Dargan said. Dargan said sponsorships are still coming in, so the coalition was unable to report the amount raised. A shelter resident who volunteered at the race said she was skeptical about going to a safe house at first. However, since she became a resident in July, the support has positively affected her life. It was a safe haven, she said. I felt so safe. The resident said there are different types of abuse, but all residents have something in common and sharing with each other brings healing. Now, she said, she mentors other women, encourages them and gives a listening ear. You can look at a person and not have a clue what they went through until they share their story, she said. Dargan said that the volunteer base for the Breaking Free race has grown each year. This year, 25 students in the South Florence ROTC program helped set up, direct runners during the race and clean up afterward. The overall top female runners in the 5K race were Laurie Rotan, Nicole Moore and Patricia Blackwell. The overall top male runners in the 5K race were Michael Griffin, Matthew Terrio and Landon Kirby. These runners and the top runners in each age category received trophies. All runners received a T-shirt and medal. Volunteers gave runners snacks and water. Information tables about Pee Dee Coalition were also set up, and some tables were lined with gifts made by safe house residents. Fake news has come to the high court. At Tuesday's argument before the Supreme Court about gerrymandering -- the science of using map-drawing and Big Data to keep ruling parties in power even when a majority votes for the opposition -- Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. was searching for a way to uphold the unsavory practice. But there was a problem: Gerrymandering is making a mockery of the right to vote in Wisconsin, the focus of the case before the court, where a redrawn map allowed Republicans to hold more than 60 percent of the state assembly while getting less than half the vote. And so Alito resorted to subterfuge. He waited until the closing minutes and hit Paul M. Smith, the lawyer arguing against the Wisconsin plan, with the last question of the argument. "You paint a very dire picture about gerrymandering and its effects," Alito said, "but I was struck by something in the seminal article by your expert, Mr. McGhee, and he says there, 'I show that the effects of party control on bias are small and decay rapidly, suggesting that redistricting is at best a blunt tool for promoting partisan interests.' So he was wrong in that?" The question baffled Smith, who said he would need to see the context. "Well," Alito retorted, "that's what he said." No, it isn't. I called Eric McGhee, the expert, after the argument. The quote Alito pulled was not from the "seminal article" McGhee co-wrote proposing the legal standard for gerrymandering at the center of the case. It was from an earlier McGhee paper, using data from the 1970s through 1990s. In the paper at the center of the case, by contrast, "we used updated data from the 2000s," McGhee told me, "and the story is very different. It's gotten a lot worse in the last two cycles. ... The data are clear." Why would Alito resort to this sleight of hand? Perhaps because it's clear that if he stuck to the facts, he'd have to acknowledge that the growing abuse of gerrymandering threatens democracy. Political gerrymandering has become dramatically more precise in disenfranchising voters with the revolution in data analytics -- both in states such as Wisconsin and in Congress, where Democrats need to win the popular vote by more than seven points to break even in the House. (Democrats abuse gerrymandering, too, though they hold power in fewer states.) There's also no obvious legal reason that the court can't intervene to curb the practice on grounds of free speech or equal protection. "What's really behind all of this," Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said during arguments, is "the precious right to vote. If you can stack a legislature in this way, what incentive is there for a voter to exercise his vote?" Smith predicted that if the court fails to intervene in Wisconsin, "you're going to have a festival of copycat gerrymandering the likes of which this country has never seen. ... The country is going to lose faith in democracy." Three members of the court's conservative bloc -- Alito, Neil Gorsuch and John Roberts Jr., the chief justice -- were searching for reasons not to intervene. (A fourth, the silent Clarence Thomas, previously voted against court involvement.) That likely leaves the decision to Anthony M. Kennedy, who is more prone to bouts of fairness than his conservative colleagues. In an unusual soliloquy, the chief justice argued that the court shouldn't get involved in the Wisconsin case because then it would have to intervene in others. "It's going to be a problem here across the board," he lamented. The poor dears. Maybe, given that democracy is at stake, they could shorten their summer holiday, which just ended Monday? Roberts continued: "The intelligent man on the street" will deduce that, if the Supreme Court rules with Democrats in a gerrymandering case, "it must be because the Supreme Court preferred the Democrats over the Republicans. ... And that is going to cause very serious harm to the status and integrity of the decisions of this court in the eyes of the country." Now he's worried about the public standing of the court? After Bush v. Gore, campaign finance rulings that give the wealthy dominance over elections and the brazen politics of the Merrick Garland fiasco? In the gerrymandering case, the justices have a chance to restore "integrity" by defending the principle of one person, one vote. Alternatively, the five Republican appointees can defend their patrons by allowing this perversion of democracy to continue. Sen. Bam to netizens: Make a stand, be vocal Stressing that the Philippines is a democracy, Sen. Bam Aquino encouraged netizens, whether pro- or anti-government, to speak up on crucial issues hounding the country, such as the extrajudicial killings (EJKs). "It's time to speak up, whether it's for or against the administration, the opposition, the EJKs, etc. It goes for all sides," said Sen. Bam during the Senate hearing on fake news on social media. "Now, more than ever, kailangan tayong tumayo at manindigan. Laban kung laban. Tagisan ng talino, tagisan ng kuro-kuro but we have to do it through civilized means," Sen. Bam asserted. Sen. Bam called on pro- and anti-government bloggers and netizens to be more circumspect in expressing their views, to condemn hate speech, and to stop the spread of fake news. Sen. Bam then submitted a list of fake news sites to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to unmask those behind the propagation of misinformation online. Many of the websites used the name of the president. "Hindi ba nakakasama sa administrasyon kapag ginagamit and pangalan ng pangulo para magkalat ng fake news?" Sen. Bam posited. The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) conceded there are websites bearing the President's name that do create fake news and that they should take actions against it. Sen. Bam added that the Senate is ready to step in and legislate a measure to provide rules of engagement for social media to avoid the situation from getting worse. "It will intensify, from both sides. And if we need rules of engagement, then we will legislate," said Sen. Bam. Press Release October 7, 2017 Legarda Invites Public in Weaving Demonstrations at the National Museum on October 7-8 Weavers and embroiderers from Abra, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Laguna and South Cotabato are at the National Museum of Anthropology on October 7 and 8, 2017 to share their traditional and indigenous knowledge with the public. The weaving and embroidery demonstrations were organized by Senator Loren Legarda, with the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) and the National Museum. Among the demonstrators are inabel weavers Irene Abucay and Clarita Madarang, who were trained by National Living Treasure for weaving Magdalena Gamayo from Pinili, Ilocos Norte; ikat weavers Angelina and Sammy Buhle from Hingyon, Ifugao; Tingguian embroiderers Librada Donato, Norma Mina and Normandino Mina from Penarrubia, Abra; pina embroiderers Lorna Trillana and Irma de Robles from Lumban, Laguna; and t'nalak weavers Haide Forod and Nida Menson from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, who were taught by the late National Living Treasure for weaving Lang Dulay. The weaving and embroidery demonstrations can be viewed on October 7 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM and on October 8 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Reception Room, Fourth Floor, National Museum of Anthropology (Old Finance Building) Ermita, Manila. The demonstrators will also have products for sale. Aside from the demonstrations, guests may also visit other galleries in the museum: Hibla ng Lahing Filipino gallery, Rice, Biodiversity and Climate Change exhibit, Baybayin gallery, Baskets and Mats exhibit, Bangsamoro gallery and the Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasures) gallery, to further enrich their understanding of indigenous and traditional Filipino knowledge. The weaving demonstrations are part of the Senator Loren Legarda Lecture Series on Philippine Traditional Textiles and Indigenous Knowledge, which was launched in 2012 coinciding the opening of the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino gallery. The Hibla gallery, a brainchild of Senator Legarda, is the first permanent textile gallery in the country. It houses the National Museum's extensive textile collection, such as the Abel Iloko from Vigan, Tinguian blanket from Abra, Gaddang garments from Ifugao, Textiles from Polomok, South Cotabato and Maranao garments from Southern Mindanao, to name a few. Weaving looms, including those from Senator Legarda's personal collection are displayed in the galleries; while Wyg Tysmans' photos of indigenous people wearing their traditional garments decorate the walls of the museum. Senator Legarda, a staunch supporter of art and culture, said that she hopes through these constant efforts to highlight the various aspects of our culture, more and more Filipinos and even other nationalities will be interested to learn more about Philippine heritage and interact with traditional artisans, indigenous peoples and also contemporary artists who keep this rich heritage alive. "Our pride in being Filipinos fundamentally begins with the awareness of the beauty of the Philippines--the land and its people--our heritage, and this textile museum will be a testament to the greatness and richness of the Filipino culture," said Legarda. Press Release October 8, 2017 'Is it 1.8M drug addicts or 4.7M?' Drilon says PSA should help find out Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon criticized the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for failing to help provide correct and reliable data that can aid the government's campaign against illegal drugs. Drilon raised the issue amidst the confusion brought about by the conflicting statistics related to the anti-drug campaign, such confusion even caused the removal from post of a top official of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB). "The law provides that the data produced by the PSA shall be the official and controlling statistics of the government," Drilon said at the agency's budget hearing on Friday. Under the Republic Act No. 10625 or the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013, the PSA shall be primarily responsible for all national censuses and surveys, sectoral statistics, consolidation of selected administrative recording systems and compilation of the national accounts, according to Drilon. Drilon asked PSA regarding the extent of its participation in getting the real data on the supposed gravity of the Philippine drug problem. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Loren Legarda responded that the PSA merely relies on the data submitted by an inter-agency body composed by the Philippine National Police and the Department of Justice, among others. To which Drilon replied: "To me, that is very discomforting if we are just relying on the data of the police who may have other motives or agenda in dishing out statistics." "I cannot understand why a major policy thrust of this administration, which is solving of the drug problem, is not supported by reliable data from the PSA," Drilon said in dismay. Last May, President Duterte sacked DDB chairman Benjamin Reyes for saying that there are only 1.8 million drug dependents in the country, way below the 4.7 million figure cited by the President and PDEA. "If we are saying that we just rely on the police whose motive insofar as the data is concerned is suspect, then we really have a problem," he stressed. "What is PSA for if it will not have its own independent data? I cannot believe what I'm hearing. We have no independent data upon which our policies will be based," Drilon added. The minority leader said that having reliable and correct data is crucial in crafting the correct government policy. "Reliable data should be the basis of policy. Kung mali-mali ang data, mali-mali ang polisiya na ating gagawin. We should shift to data-driven policy-making, especially in this war against drugs, instead of generating suspect data for the sole purpose of backing up policies already made," Drilon said. He said the PSA and NEDA's expertise can be put to good use. "The PSA and NEDA can shed light on this issue that has long been the subject of confusion and debate. I suggest that PSA and NEDA utilize their budget and capability in coming up with reliable data that could aid the government in crafting sound and better policies," Drilon said. He advised the PSA and its head agency, the National Economic Development Authority, to conduct their own survey concerning the extent of drug problems in the country. "This is not rocket science. Certainly finding out number of drug dependent is a matter that can be determined by appropriate surveys," he added. Press Release October 8, 2017 Recto bats for P15 B more for Marawi rebuild Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto is proposing that Malacanang be given a standby fund of P15 billion for Marawi reconstruction, on top of the P10 billion that is already in the 2018 national budget bill. Recto said the additional P15 billion for the rehabilitation of the war-destroyed city can be included in the Unprogrammed Appropriations portion of the P3.76 trillion spending measure. Recto said that parking that amount in the Unprogrammed Appropriations would cancel the need for the passage of a supplemental appropriation bill in the event that the P10 billion for Marawi is not enough, or has been fully spent before the end of next year. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had announced that "at least P50 billion" will be needed to rebuild Marawi, which Recto described "as more damaged than Mosul," the northern city in Iraq recently liberated from ISIS. The senator explained that under budget laws, amounts authorized under Unprogrammed Appropriations can only be released when tax and non-tax revenues exceed collection goals, or if loans for a particular activity are secured. Recto believes that these "two triggers" will be satisfied as "there is a high interest from donors of official development aid, or ODA, and our economic managers are gung-ho in meeting revenue targets. " "Thus, in anticipation of any of these, what Congress can do is provide the spending authority in the General Appropriations Act, which the executive branch can later use," Recto said. He explained that Unprogrammed Appropriations, which is pegged at P75.34 billion for 2018, "is a regular, important, but not so prominent feature of the budget. It is the hidden big ticket item." For next year, P5 billion for AFP modernization is charged to this fund, and so is P18.9 billion in "support for infrastructure and social programs." But the biggest item in the Unprogrammed Appropriations, Recto pointed out, is for the so-called "risk management", for which P30 billion is authorized to cover maturing obligations and other government commitments under various Public Private Partnership projects. "Kung mayroon tayong inilalaan na P30 billion for the change orders, cost overruns, contingent liabilities sa PPP, bakit hindi rin natin gawin ito para sa Marawi?" Recto said. "We can rearrange, revise the components of the unprogrammed fund to accomodate the needs of Marawi, which must be prioritized," Recto said. In batting for a bigger "Bangon Marawi Fund," Recto said Marawi has given Mindanao "knowledge and power" worth hundreds of billions of pesos over the years. "Let us always keep in mind that Marawi is the capital of the province where Lanao Lake is, which is the source of about 40 percent of Mindanao's power supply," Recto said. It is also where the main campus of the Mindanao State University is located, Recto added, referring to the "UP of the South" which has produced thousands of graduates since its founding in 1961. "Marawi is both a source of light and enlightenment. Thus any aid package should be viewed within that context. To a large extent, the aid we will be giving is some sort of a payback," Recto said. White men scare me. There, I said it. Based on my conversations with Latino and African-American friends, I think many of them feel the same way. If they're walking down a dark street at night and see three white men in their 20s walking toward them, they're thinking hate crime. After all, pick up a history book, and look at what white men did to black slaves, American Indians, Chinese immigrants and Mexicans in the occupied Southwest. They're the original bad hombres. And so, after the Las Vegas massacre -- where a 64-year-old white man named Stephen Paddock carried 23 guns into a hotel suite on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and opened fire on an outdoor concert crowd, killing at least 59 people and wounding nearly 500 others -- it's fair to ask: "Is it time for authorities to start profiling white males who purchase unusually large amounts of high-powered weapons and ammunition?" Yes, it is. And why not? There is plenty of evidence that law enforcement officers routinely profile African-Americans, Latinos and Muslims. It's become part of police work. In 1999, the New Jersey State Police admitted to pulling over African-American motorists more often than white drivers. In 2010, Arizona lawmakers codified ethnic profiling by requiring local police to determine the legal status of those suspected of being in the country illegally (read: Latinos). So how did white men get to be so special that -- in an era when so many mass shootings are linked to gunmen who fit that profile -- it is still considered outrageous to say that this demographic merits extra scrutiny? Talk about white male privilege. Given the carnage in Las Vegas, a lot of folks -- on both the right and the left -- are instinctively talking about guns. That's a circular, highly charged argument that goes nowhere. What we should be talking about is race. Not the race of the victims, but the race of the shooter. Authorities insist that Paddock -- who was reportedly wealthy, liked to gamble and had no known political or religious affiliations -- fits none of the established profiles. But actually, Paddock does fit one. He's a white male, and most serial killers and mass murderers are white males. For the sake of public relations, and because -- in the era of "If you see something, say something" -- law enforcement doesn't want the public discounting anyone who might look suspicious just because of skin color, the FBI claims that it's a myth to suggest that "serial killers are all white males." The agency insists that serial killers span all racial groups. Sure. But note that I said "most," not "all." The majority of mass murderers are white men. The fact that we might be able to find the occasional serial killer who is a woman of color does not significantly change the pie chart. Besides, the FBI would be more convincing if it practiced what it preached. In 2002, federal agents were frantically searching for the so-called Beltway Sniper, who killed 10 people and wounded three more in the Washington metropolitan area. Authorities got off to a slow start because, according to the profile, serial killers are usually white men. Retired FBI profilers went on broadcast media and said -- as one put it at the time -- "this is something white males do." The shooters -- John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo -- were African-American. Like many Latinos, when I hear about a tragedy like the one in Las Vegas, I hold my breath and hope the culprit wasn't one of ours. My African-American and Muslim American friends do the same. I've even heard a religious conservative call into a radio show and say he does it, too. It's human nature. Still, I have to wonder if white men go through that exercise. I don't think so. That must be yet another ancillary benefit to being white and male. Well, the free pass has expired. It's time for law enforcement authorities to keep track of white men who stockpile guns. To the profiled, I say: "Put up with it. After all, President Trump called my Mexican immigrant grandfather -- who came to the United States legally a hundred years ago -- a criminal and a rapist, and I survived. I can help get you through this. We shall overcome." And to those who think this whole concept is loony, and that -- when it comes to who commits crimes -- we can't make sweeping generalizations about whole groups of people based on prejudice, I say: "Exactly. Now you're getting the idea." Is there something weird about Californias standardized test scores? Last year, 49 percent of California students who took the test scored as meeting the states reading and writing standards. This year, that number flatlined at 49 percent. So despite most teachers and students having an additional year to get familiar with the exam, and an additional year of instruction conceivably tailored to improve on student weaknesses identified in the test, California public schools are no better at getting students to master state English standards. Thats certainly plausible. State English standards are tougher now than they used to be since California adopted Common Core, a set of academic standards intended to measure a deeper understanding of math and English. And Californias relatively large population of low-income children and non-English speakers has long suffered from a persistent achievement gap that could make it difficult to significantly bump up test scores from one year to the next. But its not only California experiencing lackluster 2017 scores. The other 12 states that have published scores and administered the same standardized test with the same questions known as the Smarter Balanced Assessment all saw their scores dip or remain stagnant. No state among the 12 saw progress on the English portion of the test. When you see all states losing ground or holding flat, its like, Really? said Paul Warren, an education researcher at the Public Policy Institute of California. Everybody had that same problem? That bears some looking into. Californias Department of Education has not expressed any dissatisfaction with the test itself in any of its official communication. In a statement, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said he is pleased we retained our gains, but we have much more work to do. Chris Barron, a spokesman for the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, the organization that designed the test, said he has confidence in this years version of the exam. At this point, Smarter Balanced has every reason to believe that the spring 2017 scores accurately describe what students knew and were able to do related to the (English language arts) and mathematics content standards, Barron wrote via email. While English scores on the Smarter Balanced test plateaued or declined across all states, a different test intended to measure the same thing how well students are mastering Common Core yielded a markedly different trend. In the six states and one city that administer the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers tests, five saw increases in their English test scores this year over last. The most surprising thing to me is how different the growth patterns have been for Smarter Balanced versus PARCC, said David Pearson, an education researcher at UC Berkeley who helped advised Smarter Balanced on the English component of the test. The growth patterns on PARCC looks more like what you would expect over the three years of the test. Whenever a new standardized test is dropped on students, researchers typically see a trend: Proficiency scores decline markedly from the last year of the old test to the first year of the new test. Then in subsequent years, as students and teachers get familiar with the exam, scores improve. The first two years of Smarter Balanced and PARCC both first deployed in 2015 roughly fit that trend. Many Smarter Balanced states saw larger increases in proficiency than PARCC states. California saw a gain of four percentage points on the English portion of the test between 2015 and 2016. But the leveling off of Smarter Balanced scores particularly in contrast to the upward trajectory of scores in PARCC states raises a red flag. To me, the only thing that makes any sense is that ... there was something going on with the assessment or administration (of Smarter Balanced) that year that would account for that, Pearson said. Barron, the spokesman for Smarter Balanced, calls it misleading to compare the two tests. PARCC is a different test administered in different states with different achievement standards and should not be directly compared with Smarter Balanced, he said. Matt Levin is a reporter with CALmatters.org, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics. This is an abridged version of the full story, which is available at www.calmatters.org. A San Jose middle school music teacher has been arrested on suspicion of having sex with one of his students, police said. Samuel Neipp, 34, of Gilroy, was arrested and jailed Friday for lewd conduct with a minor under 14 and extortion, lieutenant Jason Ta said. A 37-year-old woman was found dead inside a Contra Costa County home, prompting police to launch a homicide investigation, sheriff officials said Saturday. Deputies found Emily Courchesne of Danville dead inside a home on the 24000 block of Marsh Creek Road in Byron about 10:05 Friday morning, according to Jimmy Lee, Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office spokesman. TEACHER ARRESTED: San Jose teacher arrested on suspicion of lewd acts with minor Authorities released few details on what led detectives to classify the death as a homicide. Deptuies were initially dispatched for a Medical PD call, Lee said. The coroner is scheduled to perform an autopsy Monday. MARIN COUNTY CRASH: Man dies in Marin County crash Anyone with more information can call investigators at (925) 313-2600 or reach the anonymous tip lines at (925) 313-1166 or (866) 846-3592 and email tips@so.cccounty.us. Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno Apparently, it was all legal. Though an investigation continues, it appears that everything Stephen Paddock did last Sunday night, before breaking the windows in his 32nd-floor hotel room and pouring gunfire onto a crowd at a Las Vegas country music festival, complied with state and federal gun laws. No law prohibited Paddock from buying the 23 firearms, including semiautomatic rifles, that were found in his room after the slaughter. And although federal law has forbidden the sale of machine guns since 1986, except for a limited number of high-priced weapons made and registered before then, neither U.S. nor Nevada law bans the modestly priced kits that Paddock apparently used to convert 12 of his weapons to automatic rifles that could fire hundreds of rounds per minute. The worst civilian mass shooting in modern U.S. history has revived the long-running debate about gun control, public safety and the rights of gun owners. The carnage at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., in 2012 and a nightclub in Orlando in 2016 prompted much talk but no action, at least at the federal level; this time, some congressional Republicans have expressed support for banning bump stocks, the semiautomatic weapons conversion kits. The events of last Sunday have also illuminated the gaping divide in gun regulations among states and the federal government. Nevada fits the definition of a purple state a Republican governor, a Democratic Legislature, U.S. senators from each party, and an electorate that voted narrowly for Hillary Clinton last year but its gun laws are among the nations most lenient, reflecting regional attitudes and the influence of firearms groups. Anyone in the state who passes a federal background check can buy an unlimited number of handguns or long guns and, after meeting minimal permit requirements, can carry guns openly in public. Semiautomatic weapons are legal, as are federally registered machine guns and converter kits. Nevada, like the federal government, requires background checks only for purchases from licensed gun dealers. The states voters narrowly approved an initiative last November to extend the checks to private sales and gun shows, but Nevadas Republican attorney general, Adam Laxalt, declared the law unenforceable after a dispute over whether the FBI or a state agency would conduct the reviews. Neighboring California, by contrast, has perhaps the strictest gun regulations of any state. State law bans semiautomatic rifles and converter kits. Federally licensed machine guns are technically legal in California, but permits are generally available only to members of the military, police and film studios. State law prohibits the sale of gun magazines that hold more than 10 cartridges, and a new law, passed by voters, would bar their possession as well, but is currently blocked by a federal judge. California also requires background checks, and a 10-day waiting period, for all purchasers of firearms, and will require them for buyers of ammunition starting in 2019. To some extent, states like California can fill the gap, said Adam Winkler, a UCLA law professor who studies gun regulation. But with the stark differences among states, he said, laws will be less effective than they otherwise might be. If you can buy one of these bump stocks in Nevada and transport them across the state border, a determined shooter will be able to get their hands on them. Another obstacle, Winkler said, is the shortage of research on gun violence due largely to federal budget amendments, backed by gun groups since 1996, that have halted firearms studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Federal data are available for deaths caused by firearms, however, and they show that after California began tightening its gun laws in 1993, following the murders of eight people at a San Francisco law office, gun-related deaths fell by 56.6 percent in the state over the next 20 years, more than twice the rate of decline in the rest of the nation. Another study, released in June by researchers led by Stanford law Professor John Donohue, found that overall violent crime rose 13 to 15 percent more over a 10-year period in 33 states that allow their residents to carry concealed handguns, with few or no restrictions, compared with states like California that allow local law enforcement offices to deny requests for handgun permits. Using data through 2014, Donohue found no evidence to support a 1997 study by two University of Chicago researchers that concluded right-to-carry laws reduced violent crime. Research has been less conclusive on the impact of a federal ban on semiautomatic weapons, which was sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., after the 1993 San Francisco shootings and remained in effect until 2004, when Congress refused to renew it. Some studies found no impact on violent crime, while others reported a decline in mass shootings while the ban was in effect. In general, the studies show that California law is a good model, said Hannah Shearer, an attorney with the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, a gun-control group based in San Francisco. In a nation horrified by the events in Las Vegas, she said, now is exactly the time to have that conversation. Its precisely the wrong time to make political decisions, countered Craig DeLuz, spokesman for the Firearms Policy Coalition in Sacramento. Those who seek to ban the right to keep and bear arms are utilizing this tragedy in order to advance their own political agenda, DeLuz said. He attributed Californias 20-year drop in violent crime to the enactment of laws like three strikes that increased prison sentences, and to an increase in statewide gun sales during that period despite the laws restricting certain weapons. While California continues to pass gun-control laws bills on Gov. Jerry Browns desk would ban carrying rifles openly in non-hunting areas and eliminate school officials authority to let staff members carry guns Congress is considering legislation that would allow gun owners to carry concealed handguns anywhere in the country if they have permits from their home states. Republican sponsors put that measure on hold after the Las Vegas shootings but are likely to return to it after the furor dies down. But the usual partisan divide may not apply to one measure aimed squarely at gunman Paddocks arsenal: the bump stock kits that convert semiautomatic weapons into the equivalent of machine guns. A bill introduced Wednesday by Feinstein would outlaw them. Feinstein included a similar ban in a 2013 measure that attempted to revive the federal prohibition on semiautomatics. The bill was rejected along party lines. Her new bill has two dozen co-sponsors, all Democrats, including Californias Kamala Harris. But a Republican congressman, Carlos Curbelo of Florida, is proposing a bump-stock ban in the House, and several Republican senators have also voiced support, including Senate majority whip, John Cornyn of Texas. For the first time in decades, there is growing bipartisan consensus for firearm reform, Curbelo said in announcing his legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass. The effort gained momentum Thursday when the National Rifle Association said it would support additional regulations of the devices. Congress may be emboldened to act against the converter kits, said UCLAs Winkler, because gun owners dont like them. They make firearms highly inaccurate. Although public opinion on firearms regulation fluctuates support for restrictions tends to rise, usually only briefly, after mass shootings polls generally indicate that gun control is more popular with the public than with a majority of Congress. Gallup reports that 55 percent of those surveyed a year ago said gun laws should be more strict than they are, compared with 34 percent who said they should be less strict. Majorities approaching 90 percent favor background checks for all gun sales, the polling company reports, but a ban on semiautomatic rifles, once popular, had less than 40 percent support in the most recent survey. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko Californias firearms laws Here is a closer look at Californias regulation of firearms common-sense gun laws, as described by Hannah Shearers group and like-minded organizations, which say they could be a model for the nation; or, in the view of Craig DeLuzs group, as attacks on the right to keep and bear arms. Background checks: All purchasers must have their backgrounds checked for serious criminal convictions and other disqualifying factors, such as mental disorders, drug addiction and domestic violence restraining orders. California conducts a more searching examination than federal background checks and imposes a 10-day waiting period before gun delivery. A law approved by state voters last November, the first of its kind in the nation, will require background checks for buyers of firearm ammunition, starting in 2019. Handgun limits: The state limits private citizens to one handgun purchase per month, a law passed in 1999 after two high school students in Littleton, Colo., used multiple firearms to kill 12 fellow students and a teacher before taking their own lives. Similar laws exist in Maryland, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. Legislation to extend the one-per-month limit to rifles and shotguns was vetoed by Brown last year, and another attempt this year was rejected in the Assembly. Assault weapons: The nations first ban on assault weapons semiautomatic firearms with detachable magazines was narrowly passed in California in 1989 and signed by Republican Gov. George Deukmejian after a gunman used such a weapon to kill five schoolchildren in Stockton. Lawmakers expanded the ban to additional rifles in 2000 and enlarged it again last year to cover guns with bullet buttons, devices that allowed users to manually remove magazines and reload quickly. The National Rifle Association, which campaigned successfully to block renewal of the federal law sponsored by Feinstein, has sued to overturn assault-weapons laws in California and other states, arguing that the guns are no more dangerous than other firearms and are legitimate weapons of self-defense. A federal appeals court upheld Marylands law in February, and gun owners backed by the NRA have appealed to the Supreme Court. Lower federal courts are reviewing Californias law. Large-capacity magazines: In 2000, California banned manufacture and sale of gun magazines carrying 10 or more cartridges, a prohibition that was also part of Feinsteins federal law against semiautomatic rifles and stayed in effect after the nationwide law expired. The new voter-approved law would take it a step further by banning possession of large-capacity magazines. It was scheduled to take effect in July but was blocked two days earlier by a federal judge in San Diego, who said lawmakers would be disarming Californias law-abiding citizens. The state has appealed. Concealed-carry permits: California, and seven other states, allow local law enforcement agencies to decide whether to issue a permit to carry a concealed handgun outside the home. Such permits are usually granted in rural areas of California to those without criminal records, but are generally denied in populous counties except for police and security guards. The concealed-carry laws were fiercely challenged by gun organizations, who argued that the constitutional right to bear arms, which the Supreme Court invoked in 2008 to allow possession of handguns at home for self-defense, applies equally outside the home. But a federal appeals court upheld Californias law in June 2016, and the nations high court denied review a year later. Family/police intervention: Family members or police can ask a judge to prohibit gun ownership by persons who are determined, after a court hearing, to be dangerous to themselves or others. The law was passed in 2014 after a mentally disturbed man fatally shot three UC Santa Barbara students and stabbed three others to death in the college town of Isla Vista before killing himself. Gun violence research: In July, California introduced another first-in-the-nation project, the Firearm Violence Research Center at UC Davis, with a five-year grant of $5 million approved by the Legislature last year. The political sensitivity of such research had been clear since 1996, when Congress, at the NRAs prodding, prohibited the Centers for Disease Control and Education from using any federal funds to advocate or promote gun control, a ban the agency has interpreted to apply to any studies of gun violence. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., hinted strongly Sunday that she will seek re-election for a fifth term in 2018. On NBCs Meet the Press, the 84-year-old said she was ready for a good fight. Ive got things to fight for, Feinstein said. Im in a position where I can be effective, and hopefully that means something to California. When asked directly if she would run, she told the programs host, Chuck Todd, Youre going to find out about that very shortly. The former San Francisco mayor and oldest U.S. senator has dodged questions recently about whether she will seek a fifth term, leaving the Democratic leadership in limbo in grooming potential candidates to run for the coveted seat. Now Playing: Senator Dianne Feinstein told the crowd at the Commonwealth Club interview on August 29, 2017 that if President Donald Trump can learn and change, I believe he can be a good president. (Video: Commonwealth Club) Video: San Francisco Chronicle Feinstein, who was first elected to the Senate in 1992 and had a pacemaker implanted in January, has raised millions of dollars, and some top Democrats have said they expect her to run for another six-year term. The electorate, though, has shown signs that it may not be as supportive of Feinstein as in past years. About half of likely California voters dont think she should run for re-election, according to a survey released last month by the Public Policy Institute of California. The poll found 54 percent of likely voters approve of her job performance, but a majority of independents and Republicans dont think she should seek re-election. Among her fellow Democrats, 57 percent said they support her running for another term, the survey found. The partys leadership has faced a crisis in the wake of President Trumps election. Top Democrats have struggled to reconcile an increasingly divided party embodied by the contentious primary race between the more progressive candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, independent-Vt., and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a moderate Democrat. Some progressives contend that Feinstein has not been aggressive enough in opposing the Trump administration. Feinstein appeared on the Sunday news show one week after a mass shooting in Las Vegas left 58 victims dead and hundreds more wounded. The longtime advocate for stricter gun laws introduced legislation Wednesday to ban bump stocks and other devices that make semiautomatic weapons fire like machine guns. The Las Vegas shooter, Stephen Paddock, had 12 rifles equipped with bump stocks when he unleashed a torrent of gunfire from his 32nd floor suite at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino into the crowd of thousands below attending the Route 91 Harvest country music festival on Oct. 1. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. This is one simple thing that stops the making of a semiautomatic weapon into a machine gun, Feinstein said Sunday. This can happen to anyone today in America. We can do one simple thing to change it to make these additive devices, whatever they are, illegal. The National Rifle Association last week signaled it may be open to regulating such devices a shift in tone from the organization that is typically rigidly opposed to any proposed limits to gun rights. The NRA believes that devices designed to allow semiautomatic rifles to function like fully automatic rifles should be subject to additional regulations, the pro-gun group said in a statement. The NRA, though, called on the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to immediately review whether devices like bump stocks comply with federal law. Feinstein said Sunday that such regulations needed to be codified by Congress so they cant be easily changed. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky The week that was: Last Sunday, President Trump once again publicly humiliated his secretary of state, this time tweeting that Rex Tillerson was "wasting his time trying to negotiate with Little Rocket Man." On Tuesday, the president tossed rolls of paper towels to hurricane victims in Puerto Rico like T-shirts at a sporting event. He contrasted the disaster they are enduring to the "real catastrophe" of Hurricane Katrina and lauded the "great job" his administration has done responding to Maria. On Wednesday, Tillerson non-denied an NBC News report that he had called the president a "moron." The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee opined that Tillerson, Secretary of Defense James Mattis and White House chief of staff John Kelly "are those people that help separate our country from chaos." On Thursday, a day after the Senate Intelligence Committee's bipartisan leadership reaffirmed the intelligence community's conclusion that Russia tried to interfere in the 2016 election -- and the panel's Republican chairman said that "the issue of collusion" with the Trump campaign "is still open" -- the president tweeted that the panel should be "looking into the Fake News Networks in OUR country to see why so much of our news is just made up-FAKE!" This situation is not normal. This behavior is not OK. We -- we in the media, and we Americans -- need to keep reminding ourselves of this, day after day, tweet after tweet. We need to call out every false statement. We need to remember, after every failure of empathy and every narcissistic demand for praise, after every impulsive, bellicose taunt and every challenge to constitutional norms, that this is not the way a president acts. Each of the past week's episodes -- and last week offered an overflowing but not unique bounty -- is disturbing and disappointing in a different way. They exposed Trump's dangerous recklessness and his racially tinged indifference to the suffering of U.S. citizens, his appalling ignorance and his even more appalling lack of respect for democratic values. Taking them in order: First, Trump's serial undercutting of Tillerson erodes his standing to speak for the United States. If there is method in the insults he hurls at Kim Jong Un, Trump is playing an awfully risky game. Second, at this point, Trump's empathy impairment is no surprise, nor, sadly, is the particular failure of his empathy when it comes to victims of color. But the glaring gap between Trump's energetic response to the hurricanes in Texas and Florida and his lackadaisical approach to the disaster that has befallen U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico has been especially repellent, tweeting that the people there "want everything to be done for them." The jarring insouciance of the towel-tossing put a fittingly ugly coda on all that had gone before. Third, let us pause for a moment to take in that it is entirely believable that a member of his own Cabinet would call the president a moron, not to mention that this remarkable effrontery would leak -- or that many Americans hearing it would nod in agreement. Americans, maybe even Cabinet secretaries, have scoffed at their presidents before, but the depth and combination of Trump's inattention, ignorance and bluster know no equal. Similarly with Republican Sen. Bob Corker's chilling comment: When, before, have we imagined the Cabinet as a thin blue line against presidential chaos? Finally, perhaps most alarming of all, Trump's persistent indifference to a foreign adversary's efforts to undermine our democracy. He has directed more anger at the mayor of Puerto Rico than at Vladimir Putin. This is a terrible thing to have to say, but the president is not a patriot, if an essential part of patriotism means being willing to stand up for your country when it is under attack. And the authoritarian, anti-constitutional suggestion that the Senate intelligence panel should have some role in probing "Fake News Networks" at home betrays, yet again, Trump's contempt for, if not fear of, a free press. Clamping down on information and dissent is the first instinct of every would-be dictator. Our Constitution and our governing institutions are, I trust, too resilient to let Trump translate that urge into reality. Still, the desire alone is scary enough. Properly calibrating degrees of outrage is a delicate task in the age of Trump. There is so much to lament and to call out. Energies understandably flag with the fourth unhinged tweet of the day. Episodes that would ordinarily consume news cycles for days pass with scarcely a there-he-goes-again shrug. This is no time for shrugging. An old rule of thumb holds that when someone says its not about the money, its really about the money. But there are exceptions to almost every rule. The National Rifle Association is a case in point. In the wake of the horror in Las Vegas this week, countless politicians, journalists and commentators are insisting that the National Rifle Association has a stranglehold on the Republican Party. Hillary Clinton claimed that the GOP-controlled Congress simply does whatever they are told to do by the NRA and the gun lobby. The Washington Post and New York Times laid out splashy reports chronicling how much money the NRA has given to Republican congressmen. Since 1998, the National Rifle Association has donated $3,533,294 to current members of Congress, the Post reported in 2016. The New York Times listed total NRA donations to certain GOP politicians alongside their statements offering condolences and prayers for the victims in Las Vegas. And the opinion pages have been suffused with claims that the NRA has bought Republicans with blood money, stifling the popular will and thwarting democracy in the process. Theres just one problem: Its not true. Oh, its certainly the case that the NRA and related groups have given a good amount of money to Republican politicians (and quite a few Democrats) over the years. But in the grubby bazaar of politician-buying, the NRA is a bit player. Consider that $3.5 million in donations over nearly 20 years the Washington Post made such a fuss about. According to Opensecrets.org, the legal profession contributed $207 million to politicians in 2016 alone. Fahr LLC, the outfit that oversees the political and philanthropic efforts of billionaire anti-global-warming activist Ton Steyer, gave $90 million (all to Democrats) in 2016. In terms of lobbying and political contributions, the NRA and the gun industry generally spend next to nothing compared with the big players. According to OpenSecrets, the NRA spent $1.1 million on contributions in 2016 and $3 million on lobbying. The food and beverage industry has spent $14 million on lobbying in 2017 alone. Alphabet, Googles parent company, spent $9 million on contributions in 2016. In fairness, NRA-related outside PACs do bundle a good deal more cash, but its still a fraction of what big labor and the trial lawyers pony up. All NRA-related outside expenditures in 2016 added up to about $54 million. A single liberal super PAC, Priorities USA, spent $133 million. Some people, even when they know these numbers, still cant let go of the idea that opposition to gun control is bought and paid for. Tim Mullaney, a writer for Marketwatch, wrote a richly detailed essay in which he chronicled just how minuscule the NRAs financial support is and how small the entire gun industry is and yet he still concluded it has to be about the money. He writes that its shocking when you realize that it costs only $2,500 per each of the 22,000 or so gun-murder victims of the last election cycle to make Congress cower and refuse to tighten gun rules. Part of the problem, I think, is that people who hate guns and gun rights cannot believe that people disagree with them in good faith. There must be evil motives, chiefly greed, that explain everything. The simple reality is that the NRA doesnt need to spend a lot of money convincing politicians to protect gun rights. All it needs to do is spend a little money clarifying that a great many of those politicians constituents care deeply about gun rights. If you dont know anyone who has a gun, then you live in a bubble. Four out of 10 Americans have a gun in their household, according to a Pew Research Center survey. And 73 percent of gun owners say they cant imagine not owning a gun. A quarter of gun owners say having a gun is very important to their overall identity. This is why gun control is a great issue for Democratic fundraising but an even better issue for Republican get-out-the-vote efforts. Politicians understand that. Politicians may be craven its often the safest assumption but their priority is winning elections. Money-grubbing is a means to that end. And so is vote-grubbing. Maybe some politicians secretly favor stricter controls on guns. But what keeps them from pursuing such restrictions isnt cash from the NRA; its votes from their passionate constituents. In other words, dont follow the money, follow the votes. 2017 Tribune Content Agency, LLC Jonah Goldberg is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a senior editor of National Review. Email: goldbergcolumn@gmail.com Twitter: @JonahNRO To comment, submit a letter to the editor at SFChronicle.com/letters. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate In the East Bay hills, there are roughly 80 village sites and 2,000 mortar holes from ancient tribes. Dozens more can be discovered in Marin County, the Peninsula and hills of the South Bay. Each fall, the ancients used the mortars to grind the seeds of acorns into flour. About 8 million people now live in the Bay Area, depending on where you draw the boundaries. Few seem to know that 200 years ago, about 10,000 lived here in a matrix of tribes and that the fall acorn harvest was a foundation of their culture. Perhaps a template for how to educate the public and protect the sites at the same time is available at Indian Grinding Rock State Park. The centerpiece is the grinding rock, where you can see 1,185 mortars, along with a reconstructed Mi-Wok village. It is located in the foothills of Amador County near the town of Volcano, east of Jackson. Visiting the park is like a living history lesson. Last weekend, the park held its annual Acorn Harvest Festival. Over the years, Ive shelled the acorns, ground them with a pestle, and then, just as the ancient tribes once did, tried to rinse out the bitter acorn taste to make a base flour to cook with. Turns out as a fisherman and hunter, I may have been able to survive in the ancient days, but as a cook, well, pretty much a failure! The flour looked kind of like a tannish glop, and to eat it set off gag reflex. But it was a lot of fun and I learned a lot. The American Indian sites in the Bay Area could take on the same historical and educational values as Indian Grinding Rock. In the foothills surrounding the Bay Area, for instance, while hiking or mountain biking, keep an eye out for sandstone outcrops. You can sometimes find grinding mortars in them. Then you can transport yourself back in time to the ancient days, to when the tribes caught salmon in the creeks, hunted deer and elk, and collected acorns from the oaks. A group called the East Bay Hill People has envisioned a park where existing parks with American Indian sites would be linked and protected. Their motto: Respect the history. The template for how to do his is at Indian Grinding Rock. Re-created villages are also available at Point Reyes National Seashore and Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. Fall flight spectacle The first aerial survey of the fall season counted 209,755 waterfowl that already have arrived at the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge Complex, reported Mike Carpenter at the refuge. That number includes 107,951 pintail ducks and nearly 40,000 geese. By Thanksgiving, more than 500,000 pintail are expected to arrive. As fall arrives, the flyways will be full of ducks, geese, shorebirds and migrants of all kinds, heading to California and the wetland marshes and uplands of the Sacramento Valley, San Joaquin Valley, bay and delta. The best driving tour is on the levee roads amid the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, located along Interstate 5, just north of Maxwell. Information: U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, (530) 934-2801; www.fws.gov/refuge/sacramento. Tom Stienstra is The San Francisco Chronicles outdoor writer. Email: tstienstra@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @StienstraTom Indian site info Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, (209) 296-7488, www.parks.ca.gov East Bay Hill People, www.eastbayhillpeople.com Point Reyes National Seashore, (415) 464-5100, www.nps.gov/pore Coyote Hills Regional Park, (888) 327-2757, option 3, ext. 4519, www.ebparks.org. Eradicating litter, continued Last Sundays column about the push to eradicate litter from parks drew a lot of support and many ideas from readers. If you missed it, it is archived at www.sfchronicle.com. A capsule summary of suggestions: Engage the mission at entrance kiosks, provide a free trash bag, ban cigarettes with filters, post logos, repeat the message, require all employees to join in, eject violators from parks. Readers had the following additional suggestions: Reward, Part 1: How about offering a trash bounty, such as an entrance fee rebate, for anyone who fills a larger bag with trash. Mark Dwight Reward, Part 2: Seek corporate sponsors to help incentivize people to clean up. Perhaps having rangers roam around to reward the people (who pick up) with a gift card from Business X might help to boost this movement. Michael J. Vandierdonck Speak up: When you see someone littering, speak up. John Kelly Part of culture: If we make picking up litter part of our culture, it will work. Jim Musselman Pass a test: Visitors should pass a test before admission to the park. Bill Cutler Always carry a bag: My two retired outdoor buddies and I have taken up cleaning the local reservoirs from our kayaks. Bill Fitch Strategic locations: There should be trash containers at the vista points where people tend to collect in groups. Patricia Donnelly Belt containers: We need to do something about the cigarette butts. We have to get (smokers) packing their butts in a nice metallic container. As it is, I think they do not realize there is a good alternative to discarding them, and they just dont see it as litter. Tom Haley No balloons: The hills are littered with the balloons that people release. Roy Towers Disposal: More refuse cans are needed (and need to be emptied when full) to go along with the free trash bag handout. Karen Kannegaard Parents examples: Litter is a mind-set. It begins with kids watching adults doing it. Dan Matarozzi Free for students Students of any age will be admitted free at my benefit show, Wildlife Up Close, Bears to Bigfoot, this week at the San Francisco Commonwealth Club. The show will start at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Clubs new location at 110 Embarcadero in San Francisco, within walking range of the ferry at the Port of San Francisco, with parking at Steward & Howard. Advance tickets available at www.commonwealthclub.org. If you have any question for me, Ill be available to connect for a while before and after show. Tom Stienstra The extra mile: Kirby Cove is the most famous site in the Bay Area that many have never seen. To get there requires the extra mile, actually a 1.2-mile walk one way to waters edge. You arrive at a pretty beach with a water view, looking across the entrance to San Francisco Bay sweeping over to the Golden Gate Bridge. Location: Kirby Cove and beach are nestled at waters edge at the Marin Headlands, just west of the northern foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors get access from the parking area for Battery Spencer, from where you hike down on Kirby Cove Road. Why now: Some of the prettiest days of the year, clear and warm, for the San Francisco and Marin coastline are in October and early November. At Battery Spencer: On first arrival, dont panic if all the parking spots are full. It usually doesnt take long for a spot to open up. Many visitors are tourists from Europe who will park their rental cars, walk out to the viewpoint for the photo of the Golden Gate Bridge with San Francisco as a backdrop, and then return and leave. Hike: From Battery Spencer off Conzelman Road, look for the gated road just west of the parking area. This is Kirby Cove Road and leads 1.2 miles with a 475-foot descent to Kirby Cove. The hike starts by traversing open headlands westward with pretty water views. It then slopes down into woodlands and you emerge on a valley floor. 2.4-mile round trip. Explore: The road (and trail from the primary campsites) will feed you to an old concrete bunker called Battery Kirby. That fronts a pretty beach, about 900 feet long, and bay waterfront. You can peer across the water and watch passing ships and boats, and then gaze up at the Golden Gate Bridge. Its spectacular and the site of many commercials; one for the Marines might be the most recognized. Camp: The inland valley is sheltered from wind by forest and ridges and is the primary area for campsites. Camp 1 has a water view and panorama of the Golden Gate Bridge, with a few 10-foot flat spots on the bluff top for a bivy. Camping details: tent only, backpack-style; bring your own water, pack out all your trash, no pets. $25 per night (going up next year), reserve at www.recreation.gov, (877) 444-6777. Open through Nov. 30 (reopens April 1). Limited to three nights per year; violators who use multiple websites to get reservations and exceed this limit will be banned. Military past: Battery Spencer and Battery Kirby were part of a military outpost. From 1890 to 1910, a coastal gun battery operated there as part of the defense of the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Cost: Parking, access are free. Map/brochure: PDF at website. Contacts: Marin Headlands Visitor Center, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, (415) 331-1540; www.nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands.htm. How to get there From San Francisco: Take Highway 101 north over the Golden Gate Bridge and continue 0.5 of a mile to the exit for Alexander Avenue. Take that exit west, keep left at the fork and drive 0.2 of a mile under the highway (signed for U.S. 101 South/San Francisco) and curve south to Conzelman Road, signed Marin Headlands Coastal Route. Turn right (west) on Conzelman and drive 0.3 of a mile to parking for Battery Spencer on the left. Look for the gated road (Kirby Cove Road) just west of the parking area. Distances: 3 miles from downtown Sausalito, 7 miles from downtown San Francisco, 17 miles from Pacifica, 20 miles from Berkeley, 34 miles from Walnut Creek, 56 miles from San Jose. Tom Stienstra This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A tilted smokestack appears first, leaning diagonally above the ruins of the S.S. Julia B. Thrashing along a trail. I come across rusted boilers littered among collapsed wooden decks and wheelhouses before I spot rising eerily above the trees the S.S. Schwatkas towering paddle wheel, which once propelled her along the Yukon River. Seven of these abandoned stern-wheelers make up Paddlewheel Graveyard, evidence of a forgotten era in which waterways served as a primary means of transportation throughout North America. My buddy Moe and I are on an eight-day canoeing adventure down the Yukon, paddling in the path of the 1896 Klondike gold rush stampede and the bold pioneers who followed them. The Yukon Territory is a wild area the size of California with only 36,000 residents, and its main artery is the river, which runs 1,980 miles from northern British Columbia to Alaskas Bering Strait. The most popular stretch for canoers and kayakers is the 444-mile leg from the territorial capital, Whitehorse, to Dawson City, a stretch of old settlements, gold mines, trading posts, North-West Mounted Police outposts and beached stern-wheelers. Keen to see the uniquely preserved Fort Selkirk (built in 1848) and to paddle through Five Fingers Rapids, Moe and I decide on a less-traveled, 252-mile section from Carmacks north to Dawson. We hop a 2-hour shuttle from Whitehorse to Carmacks, load our camping gear and food into a 17-foot fiberglass canoe and launch into the river, heading north. We are following the final stretch of a yearlong journey stampeders undertook to reach Dawsons gold fields. More than 100,000 international dreamers, schemers and charmers arrived in Skagway, Alaska, clambered in winter over the Chilkoot Pass carrying 1 ton of supplies, then built boats at Bennett Lake in spring to reach the Yukon River. Only 30,000 made it, and most who profited during the rush mined the miners. One of the profiteers was Frederick Trump (Donalds grandfather), whose empire began with a hotel and restaurant on the Chilkoot Trail. Wide and loopy, the Yukon sweeps along at a swift 5 to 8 mph through a spectacular sub-alpine landscape of low hills blanketed in aspen, black spruce and lodge pole pines. Within an hour, we spot a black bear on a shoreline purple with fireweed. Sandstone river banks are pockmarked with the nests of swallows swooping in clouds. Kingfishers dive-bomb around our boat. Stay tight, river right, Moe, an experienced whitewater canoer, advises from the stern. And dont stop paddling, whatever you do. Adrenaline fires my system as we approach Five Fingers, choppy whitewater rushing between tall cliff islets. Waves splash over the bow, the canoe bobs and bounces, and we flush into calm waters. Easy for us, but often a disaster for makeshift boats and paddle wheelers that had to be winched upriver through the rapids. Farther on, we pull in to Merrice Creek just as a Toronto couple camping there land an Arctic grayling for dinner. Are you going to the festival? they ask. Everyone weve met on the river is heading for Dawsons annual music festival, a lively affair that takes over the historic gold rush towns churches, gazebos, pubs and parks. Puttering along the next day, Moe and I pass landmarks with names like Trouble Hill, Sleepy Hollow Bar, Push Button Bend and Lucky Joe Creek. Stacks of logs appear at some of the many riverside wood camps fuel for stern-wheelers that once burned two full cords every hour. We beach at an old log homestead where a spruce tree has sprouted up through a partially collapsed roof. I poke my head in a window frame lined in vintage bottles at a cast iron frying pan atop a battered wood stove. Rusty gold mining pans and tobacco tins line a shelf dangling diagonally off the wall. Alongside, half-buried in tall grass, the bed of a 1930s-era truck is still loaded with firewood. Over the course of the trip, Moe and I encounter brilliant sunshine interspersed with torrential downpours of warm rain and a lightning storm that has us huddling under a tarp nibbling gorp. Often we just let the canoe drift in the current, enjoying the views, sipping rum and coke. At Minto Bluff, dozens of Dall sheep dot a steep slope. We watch a black bear slip into the river and beat the current to the far shore. Then a moose and her calf swim in front of us. We slip out of the main stream to explore lazy back channels where we pass huge beaver dams and spot two bald eagles sitting protectively atop a hefty salmon on a gravel bank. On Day Four we spot an intact village ahead of us perched on a bluff. Fort Selkirk, established as a Hudsons Bay Co. trading post in 1848, had a rough history: Attacked by First Nations, it became a settlement and North-West Mounted Police post, then was abandoned when the new Klondike Highway to Dawson killed the stern-wheelers. Remarkably, the wooden buildings never burned and more than 40 have been restored. We wander through the deserted towns homes, shops, churches, garage, cemeteries and schoolhouse, some partially furnished with wrought iron beds, rocking chairs, rows of shoes, mementos. One is still wallpapered with 1903 issues of the Montreal Gazette newspaper. A few more days on the river and we approach our destination. We hear Dawson before we see it festival music drifting upriver. Stepping ashore, we schlep our gear through crowds along Front Street, numb with culture shock, to a funky outpost selling everything from wild animal pelts and antique tea sets to chunks of woolly mammoth tusks pulled from permafrost at mining sites. Wed spend the weekend visiting shops where miners still bring pouches of nuggets, listen to buskers and bands and watch can-can dancers twirl at Diamond Tooth Gerties casino. But first I check into my modern Klondike Kate log cabin for my first shower in a week. Mud swirls down the drain at my feet. At the end of eight days on the river, the only gold I want to see is liquid, crisp, and served in a tall frosty glass. Margo Pfeiff is a freelancer writer based in Quebec. Email: travel@sfchronicle.com If you go GETTING THERE Summer temperatures can reach 86-95 F. Spring and fall might be chilly, especially at night, but autumn colors are a spectacular bonus from mid-August through September. WHERE TO SLEEP Westmark Whitehorse Hotel: 2001 Wood St., Whitehorse; (867) 393-9700; www.westmarkhotels.com. Rambling, homey hotel in downtown. Double rooms from $140. Coast High Country Inn: 4051 4 Ave., Whitehorse; (867) 667-4471; www.coasthotels.com/hotels/yukon/whitehorse/coast-high-country-inn. Comfortably new accommodations a short walk from downtown. Double rooms from $150. Klondike Kates Cabins: 1102 Third Ave., Dawson City; (867) 993-6527; http://klondikekates.ca/cabins. Cozy log cabins in the heart of the historic downtown alongside a well-loved local eatery, Klondike Kates (http://klondikekates.ca/restaurant), which is open for lunch and dinner daily. Double cabins from $110. Meals for two from $40. Bombay Peggys Inn and Pub: 2nd Avenue and Princess Street, Dawson City, (867) 993-6969, www.bombaypeggys.com. Gold rush-era Victorian elegance in nine rooms within a former brothel. From $165 for double rooms; $83 with shared bathrooms. Continental breakfast included. WHERE TO EAT Giorgios Cuccina: 206 Jarvis St., Whitehorse; (867) 668-4050; www.giorgioscuccina.com. Italian-styled seafood and steak house fine dining. Dinner for two from $80. Klondike Rib and Salmon: 2116 2nd Ave., Whitehorse, (867) 667-7554; www.klondikerib.com. Popular and funky gold rush-themed restaurant specializing in Northern foods in one of the towns oldest buildings. Lunch for two from $40. Drunken Goat Taverna: 950 Second Ave., Dawson City; (867) 993-5868; www.facebook.com/pages/The-Drunken-Goat-Taverna/306260896177588. Lively, casual tavern serving Greek cuisine. Dinner for two from $60. Sourdough Joes: 902 Front St., Dawson, (867) 993-6590 https://dawsoncity.ca/eat-and-drink/sourdough-joes-restaurant. Casual patio dining serving burgers and the best fish and chips in town. Lunch for two from $30. Alchemy Cafe: 878 Third Ave., Dawson; (867) 993-3831; http://alchemycafe.ca. Vegan-friendly gathering spot with excellent food and coffee. Good breakfast. From $25 for two. WHAT TO DO Kanoe People: 1147 Front St., Whitehorse; (867) 668-4899; www.kanoepeople.com. Riverside outfitter offering a broad menu of guided paddling options as well as canoe and kayak rentals. Bring your own tent, sleeping bags, mats, stove, etc. Shuttle service available as well. Up North Adventures: 103 Strickland St., Whitehorse; (867) 667-7035; http://upnorthadventures.com. Full-service outfitter with a menu of guided and self-guided paddling trips canoe, kayak and SUP hiking and fishing adventures. Also rents all camping gear from sleeping bags and tents to stoves, dry bags and camping chairs. Note: If youre heading out on a river on your own, be sure to confirm all your gear is there and working pitch your rental tent and start your stove before departing. Parks Canada Walking Tours & Information Centre: 102 Front St., Dawson City; (867) 993-7210; www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/yt/klondike. Take an insightful walking tour through Dawson City part of a national historic site with a costumed guide. INFORMATION Tourism Yukon: www.travelyukon.com Yukon River guidebooks by Mike Rourke with great reading and essential paddling maps: www.riversnorthonline.com Dawson Sternwheeler Ghosts drone video: www.explorenorth.com/videos/sternwheeler_graveyard.html Dawson City Music Festival: www.dcmf.com Yukon River Quest: www.yukonriverquest.com Political events in the Bay Area Haiti: A screening of the new documentary Serenade for Haiti with a question-and-answer session afterward. The show will benefit Engineers Without Borders working in Haiti. 7 p.m. Wednesday. Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., San Francisco. http://bit.ly/2hSWieo Democracy, explained: Learn how to run a campaign and get appointed to a commission from the Lamorinda Democratic Club. Features elected officials, campaign managers and consultants. 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3401 Mount Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. http://bit.ly/2wCoUuI Civil discourse: The League of Women Voters of North and Central San Mateo County holds an interactive workshop on civil discourse. 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 24. Silicon Valley Community Foundation, 1300 El Camino Real, San Mateo. http://bit.ly/2xo4EfV Limits of whiteness: Neda Maghbouleh, assistant professor of sociology at University of Toronto, will lecture on how Iranian Americans move across a white/not-white color line, discussing race in North America today. 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 26. Humanities Auditorium, San Francisco State University. http://bit.ly/2fHvtFF Black Panther history: Joshua Bloom and Waldo E. Martin Jr., authors of Black Against Empire: The History and Politics of the Black Panther Party, discuss their book. 1 p.m. Oct. 29. Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Public Library, Main Branch, 100 Larkin St., S.F. Information about this event and others noting the books selection in the One City One Book program: http://bit.ly/2eTr1mz To list an event, email Annie Ma at ama@sfchronicle.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BART should be fined $220,000 and overhaul lax safety rules and practices that contributed to the deaths of two workers on a track near Walnut Creek in 2013, a state hearing officer recommended Friday. The evidence in this case shows that there may be a serious safety culture problem at BART, said Kimberly Kim, an administrative law judge for the state Public Utilities Commission. Christopher Sheppard, 58, of Hayward, a BART track engineer, and Lawrence Daniels, 66, of Fair Oaks (Sacramento County), a contract employee, were fatally struck by a train in October 2013 while they were checking on a reported dip in the tracks between the Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill stations. The accident happened on the second day of a strike by union employees that lasted four days. The train, traveling at 60 to 70 mph, was being operated by a manager who was being trained to take over driver duties in the event of an extended walkout. At the time, BART trains did not slow down during routine track maintenance, and workers were supposed to look out for their own safety. A coroners report found that neither of the workers had been acting as a lookout for oncoming trains. State regulators with Cal/OSHA found the practice unsafe in 2014 and fined BART $210,000. The district has also settled a suit by Daniels family for $300,000. BART has since changed its policy. Kim found numerous safety violations in Fridays decision. She said a veteran BART manager, Paul Liston, who was supposed to be training and supervising the operator, instead had been on his cell phone for hours, including the moments before the accident. Five top-level managers on the train did nothing to stop him, Kim said. She said neither Liston nor the train operator, Richard Burr, sounded the horn as they approached the work site, and other managers failed to warn them of the presence of track workers. Kim also said BART was supposed to investigate the accident and file its report with the Public Utilities Commission within 60 days, but did not submit its report until January 2017. Kim said the violations warranted $659,000 in fines, but recommended that BART pay only one-third of that amount while upgrading its practices. She said the transit district, within six months, should propose improvements to its safety training programs and require managers to undergo at least 40 hours of training, with the PUC monitoring its compliance. BART or a PUC member can seek review of Kims decision by the full commission. BART spokeswoman Alicia Trost said the district is reviewing the decision. After the 2013 accident, Trost said in a statement, BART moved swiftly to implement profound changes to its trackside procedures. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@egelko It is not an exaggeration to say that our Nebraska prisons are in crisis. We now have the second-most-overcrowded prisons in the nation. Riots, murders, assaults, escapes, frustrated inmates, overworked staff -- mostly because of overcrowding -- have plagued our prison system. In his annual report, Doug Kopepernick, inspector general for corrections, described corrections as being in a downward spiral. And the Department of Correctional Services now faces a federal lawsuit filed by the ACLU. There have been studies, meetings and initiatives to address the problem. To his credit, Director Scott Frakes has met with inmates, cooperated with the Legislature, introduced new programming, tried to modify segregation and initiated small building projects. But these incremental changes have been too little and too late. Understaffing and overtime has caused low morale among employees. Added restrictions have heightened frustration and unrest among inmates. We need to think outside the box. The prison population is at 157 percent of capacity! The Legislature has given the governor authority to call a state of emergency and mandate the release of nonviolent inmates, those who are near the end of their sentences and would present little danger to the community. Gov. Pete Ricketts could and should do this immediately. This would entail changes in overly rigorous parole board policies, increased supervision for former inmates and provisions for housing and employment, plus programming for drug and alcohol treatment. But these resources could be provided. The alternative is to continue the downward spiral of corrections with increased danger to all. John Krejci, Lincoln This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Lucinda Williams helped close out the 17th annual Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival with a ringing note of defiance. As the sun dipped behind the trees on the west end of San Franciscos Golden Gate Park on Sunday, Oct. 8, the singer-songwriter tore into Protection, a song from her album Where the Spirit Meets the Bone. Livin in a world full of endless troubles. Livin in a world where darkness doubles, But my burden is lifted when I stand up, And use the gift I was given for not givin up. The free three-day outdoor concert, a gift to the city by the late financier and philanthropist Warren Hellman that kicked off Friday, Oct. 6, has long offered a refuge from the daily grind with its freewheeling music and attitude. This year, it seemed to serve a higher purpose. After a grim week marked by the massacre at a country music festival in Las Vegas that left 58 victims dead and hundreds injured, and the death of American rock icon Tom Petty, Hardly Strictly brought together thousands of music lovers eager to embrace the good vibes and great tunes. We wouldnt miss this for anything, said Anne Baylor of Santa Rosa, who brought her family out Saturday morning to stake out a prime spot in front of the main stage in Hellman Hollow. It was a sentiment that was echoed across the festival. Under clear autumn skies (and the occasional roar of Fleet Week stunt planes zooming overhead), thousands of fans filled out the grounds, which also stretched into Marx and Lindley meadows. People spread out blankets and lawn chairs and shared bottles of wine with friends. Children blew bubbles and ran through the crowds. And there was a lot of dancing; most of it carefree, some of it brazen. Organizers expected approximately 250,000 people in the park each day, with a total of 750,000 fans over the weekend. You have to live your life, said James Reid of San Francisco, who brought along his own guitar to fill in time between acts. You cant live in fear. As always, Hardly Strictly was about so much more than banjos, mandolins and fiddles. The festival offered some 100 acts on seven stages, many paying tribute to Petty throughout the weekend, from San Franciscos own Sam Chase and the Untraditional, who opened the Swan Stage at noon Friday with a rip-roaring cover of I Wont Back Down, to Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, who sparked a near-festival-wide sing-along with a rendition of American Girl on the Swan Stage on Sunday afternoon. Along the way, fans were treated to a set of solo material by Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach on Saturday at the Rooster Stage; infectious Afro-beat by Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, whose Friday set on the Swan Stage was highlighted by a cover of father Fela Kutis Expensive S; a bass-heavy set from the Queen of Bounce herself, Big Freedia; and a dream round robin featuring songwriters Steve Earle, Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller and Williams bringing the political message of their Lampedusa tour for refugees to the Rooster Stage on Sunday, with a special cameo by the Grateful Deads Bob Weir. From time to time, it felt as though the ills of the world the tragedy in Nevada, the hurricanes, the tensions swirling around the White House seemed to dissipate into the warm, lazy autumn sunshine. But the news of the day still found its way into the park. Now Playing: For the 17th year of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, the San Francisco Police Department is increasing the presence of officers at the event following the deadly mass shooting at a country concert in Las Vegas nearly one week ago. Video: KTVU During his Sunday afternoon set on the Swan Stage, Randy Newman delivered his family-friendly tunes with a political twist. Diving into new tracks from his latest album, Dark Matter, he introduced the track Putin as a song he wrote about one of the most powerful people in the United States. Even his 2004 Its a Jungle Out There sounded poignant with lyrics like Its a jungle out there / Violence and danger everywhere and Even the cops are scared today / So if you see a uniform / Do exactly what they say / Or make a run for it. British singer and songwriter Billy Bragg was more outspoken as he chastised the U.S. for electing President Trump (whose name he tried not to use very often) and spoke out about the refugee crisis. We will be judged by our children and childrens children, he said, shortly before he remade Bob Dylans The Times They Are a-Changin as The Times They Are a-Changin Back, and invoked the line: In the land of the free and the home of the brave / Martin Luther King is spinning in his grave. Before each performance, stage hosts such as Tim Lynch emphasized the message Mayor Ed Lee had issued in the aftermath of the Las Vegas shooting: If you see something, say something. But by the time Nelson took the stage Sunday, nothing could keep him or the crowd down. Id rather live a short life full of love than a long life full of fear any day, Nelson said. Aidin Vaziri is The San Francisco Chronicles pop music critic, and Mariecar Mendoza is The Chronicles arts content editor. E-mail: avaziri@sfchronicle.com, mmendoza@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MusicSF, @SFMarMendoza Instagram: @sfchronicle_scene WASHINGTON Congressional Democrats Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and potential 2020 presidential contender Sen. Elizabeth Warren among them are starting to give charities thousands of dollars in donations they had received from disgraced Hollywood titan Harvey Weinstein. Weinstein and his family have given more than $1.4 million in political contributions since the 1992 election cycle, virtually all of it to Democratic lawmakers, candidates and their allies, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics. The partys effort to distance itself from the 65-year-old film executive came after the New York Times reported that he settled sexual harassment lawsuits with at least eight women. Weinsteins contributions are tiny compared with those who donate tens of millions of dollars during a two-year election cycle, easily leaving him out of the top 100 funders, the centers figures show. But hes been a fixture among Democratic supporters and close to party luminaries for decades, making the revelations especially embarrassing for a party that touts itself as pushing progressive policies for women. The biggest beneficiary of funds from Weinstein and his family was the Democratic National Committee, which received about $800,000 in several of its accounts, according to the center, which analyzes political spending. Democratic National Committee spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa said the party plans to give more than $30,000 to Emilys List, Emerge America and Higher Heights. All three groups work to elect women to office. Hinojosa said the amount was for the funds Weinstein himself donated to the party during the 2016 campaign. Other major beneficiaries of the Weinstein familys largesse included almost $200,000 to the partys Senate campaign accounts, $23,200 to its House campaign arm, and $46,350 to Hillary Clinton, the 2016 presidential candidate, and to HillPac, a committee Clinton used to support other Democrats while senator. The figures include contributions attributed to Weinstein, first wife Eve Chilton and current spouse Georgina Chapman. Weinstein and Chapman also contributed $10,000 to President Barack Obama. Weinstein visited the White House during the Obama presidency and helped put on a film workshop in 2013, where then-first lady Michelle Obama described him as a wonderful human being, a good friend and just a powerhouse. Aides to Clinton and Obama did not immediately return requests for comment. The GOP jumped on the episode. Returning this dirty money should be a no-brainer, said Republican Party Chair Ronna McDaniel. And RNC spokeswoman Cassie Smedile said Democrats decided to shirk the moral high ground and instead chose to launder the dirty Harvey Weinstein money to fellow Democratic political organizations. Schumer, D-N.Y., is donating thousands of dollars to several charities supporting women, said spokesman Matt House. Warren spokeswoman Kristen Orthman said the senator is giving $5,000 to Casa Myrna, Bostons largest provider of services to domestic violence victims. Other Democratic recipients of Weinstein contributions who said theyre donating to charitable groups include Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Al Franken of Minnesota, Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Kamala Harris of California. Alan Fram is an Associated Press writer. WASHINGTON Sen. Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and an early supporter of Donald Trumps candidacy, said Sunday that the White House had devolved into an adult day care center and warned that President Trumps behavior is setting the nation on the path to World War III. Corkers comments, first made via Twitter and later in an interview with the New York Times, came in response to an extraordinary feud instigated by Trump in a Twitter tirade and marked the sharpest rebuke of this president by a senior Republican officeholder. He concerns me, Corker told the Times. He would have to concern anyone who cares about our nation. He added, I know for a fact that every single day at the White House, its a situation of (senior administration officials) trying to contain him. The explosive comments not only breach what had been one of Trumps few personal relationships on Capitol Hill, but also jeopardize the presidents legislative priorities. As chairman of the foreign relations panel, Corker, R-Tenn., will help determine the future of the Iran nuclear deal, and his support will be critical in passing broad tax cuts. Trump alleged Sunday morning on Twitter that Corker recently begged him for his endorsement, did not receive it and decided to retire because he didnt have the guts to run for re-election next year. Corker tweeted a biting retort: Its a shame the White House has become an adult day care center. Someone obviously missed their shift this morning. Meanwhile, Corkers chief of staff, Todd Womack, denied Trumps characterization of his private conversations with the senator, who announced last month that he plans to retire and not seek re-election in 2018. Trumps outburst comes after Corker made headlines last week when he starkly suggested that the administrations national security team provides the president with badly needed adult supervision. Corker said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly are those people that help separate our country from chaos. Trump, who has little tolerance for public criticism and prides himself on counterpunching those who cross him, took to Twitter on Sunday to attack Corker. Trumps attack highlighted his increasingly strained relationship with Senate Republicans, who Trump feels have failed to deliver on his agenda. Republican lawmakers and operatives have voiced exasperation that Trump is spending his time attacking senators he will need as allies if he hopes to sign any signature legislation. Philip Rucker and Karoun Demirjian are Washington Post writers. WASHINGTON Trying to revive health care talks, President Trump tweeted Saturday that he had spoken to the Senates Democratic leader to gauge whether the minority party was interested in helping pass great health legislation. The answer back: Democrats are willing to hear his ideas, but scrapping the Obama health law is a nonstarter. Trumps latest overture to Democrats follows GOP failures so far to fulfill their promise to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act despite controlling the White House and Congress since January. The president tweeted that he called New York Sen. Chuck Schumer on Friday to discuss the 2010 law, which Trump said is badly broken. Trump said he wanted to see if the Dems want to do a great HealthCare Bill. Schumer said through a spokesman Saturday that Trump wanted to make another run at repeal and replace and I told the president thats off the table. Schumer said if Trump wants to work together to improve the existing health care system, we Democrats are open to his suggestions. Trump has suggested before that he would be open to negotiating with Democrats on health care, but there have been no clear signs of a compromise between Republicans who have sought to scrap former President Barack Obamas law and Democrats who want to protect it. Schumer said a starting point could be negotiations led by Sens. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Patty Murray, D-Wash., who have been discussing a limited bipartisan deal to stabilize state-level markets for individual health insurance policies. Trump irritated GOP leaders in Congress when he reached a deal with Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, on a spending bill and the debt ceiling. The Trump administration announced Friday that it would allow more employers to opt out of no-cost birth control for women by claiming religious or moral objections. The move was one more attempt to roll back Obamas health overhaul, prompting Democrats to question whether Trump is committed to avoiding sabotaging the law. Ken Thomas is an Associated Press writer. LAS VEGAS Vice President Mike Pence praised the heroic response by police and the resolve of the American people at a prayer service Saturday in Las Vegas before organizers released 58 white doves in memory of each victim killed in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. At the same time, federal agents started hauling away piles of backpacks, baby strollers and lawn chairs left behind by fleeing concertgoers who scrambled to escape raining bullets from a gunman who was shooting from his high-rise hotel suite. It was a tragedy of unimaginable proportions, Pence said as he addressed nearly 300 people at Las Vegas City Hall. Those we lost were taken before their time, but their names and their stories will forever be etched into the hearts of the American people. Investigators remain stumped about what drove gunman Stephen Paddock, a reclusive 64-year-old high-stakes video poker player, to begin shooting at the crowd at a country music festival from his 32nd-floor Mandalay Bay hotel suite last Sunday, killing 58 and wounding hundreds before taking his own life. Investigators believe a note found on a nightstand in Paddocks hotel room contained a series of numbers that helped him calculate a more precise aim, accounting for the trajectory of shots being fired from that height and the distance between his room and the concert, a law enforcement official said Saturday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity. The unity service Saturday afternoon came after dozens of people many wearing shirts that said Vegas Strong marched from Mandalay Bay to City Hall. After speeches from Pence and other politicians, doves were released into the air, flying in a wide arc and then disappearing into the distance as someone shouted, God bless America! On Sunday night, Las Vegas came face-to-face with pure evil, but no evil, no act of violence, will ever diminish the strength and goodness of the American people, Pence said. In the depths of horror, we will always find hope in the men and women who risk their lives for ours. Lisa Rhoads-Shook, whose brother-in-law was inside the Mandalay Bay when the shooting broke out, said she wanted to attend the unity service to be part of the conversation about change. Im so sad and its not fair, really, for us to experience another avoidable tragedy. We have to acknowledge that there is no better time to talk about gun control, she said. I dont think the Founding Fathers wanted the right to bear arms to become the right to build an arsenal in your home. Investigators have chased 1,000 leads and examined Paddocks politics, finances, any possible radicalization and his social behavior typical investigative avenues that have helped uncover the motive in past shootings. But Clark County Undersheriff Kevin McMahill said theres still no clear motive. What officers have found is that Paddock planned his attack meticulously. He requested an upper-floor room overlooking the festival, stockpiled 23 guns, a dozen of them modified to fire continuously like an automatic weapon, and set up cameras inside and outside his room to watch for approaching officers. Billboards will serve as a stark reminder that investigators remain stumped about Paddocks motive. The FBI announced that billboards would go up around the city asking anyone with information to dial (800) 225-5324 toll-free. If you know something, say something, said Aaron Rouse, agent in charge of the Las Vegas FBI office. We will not stop until we have the truth. McMahill said investigators had reviewed voluminous video from the casino and dont think Paddock had an accomplice in the shooting, but they want to know if anyone knew about his plot beforehand. In their effort to find any hint of his motive, investigators were looking into whether he was with a prostitute days before the shooting and were scrutinizing cruises he took, a federal official said. The U.S. official briefed by federal law enforcement officers wasnt authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The official said investigators were interviewing other call girls for information and looking into at least a dozen cruises Paddock took in the last few years, including one to the Middle East. It is unusual to have so few clues five days after a mass shooting. McMahill noted that in past mass killings or terrorist attacks, killers left notes, social media postings and information on a computer, or even phoned police. The lack of a social media footprint is likely intentional, said Erroll Southers, director of homegrown violent extremism studies at the University of Southern California. Were so used to, in the first 24 to 48 hours, being able to review social media posts. If they dont leave us a note behind or a manifesto behind, and were not seeing that, thats whats making this longer. McMahill said investigators are looking into Paddocks mental health and any medications he was on. His girlfriend, Marilou Danley, told FBI agents Wednesday that she had not noticed any changes in his mental state or seen indications he could become violent, according to a federal official who wasnt authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Michael Balsamo and Amanda Lee Myers are Associated Press writers. We are at war in the United States, a cultural war against the left that began in 1947 with the Supreme Court's decision separating church and state. Since 1947, the left -- with the aid of Congress, the Supreme Court, presidents and media -- has, by incrementalism, successfully chipped away at every value and/or freedom this country was founded upon (with civil rights a worthy necessary battle, of course): religion, marriage, media, immigration, relationships, speech, middle class, country, flag, anthem, military, police and on and on. Ronald Reagan is the only president who has temporarily stopped the left's onslaught. Then it began again -- even during Republican administrations -- until Barack Obama, when he led a progressive battle against our (my) values until many of them have become totally unrecognizable. We watched in disbelief as this unfolded with no way to fight back until we elected Donald Trump to fight the fight of our lives. Finally, after 70 years, we have a president who is fighting the cultural war on our behalf. He will stay the course, and no amount of the media's hatred and vitriol deter him. We understand completely the left's plan of attack, and it has no effect on him or us. President Trump is not perfect, of course, but he is our cultural warrior and savior, and we will continue to strongly support him as he fights this war. In this fight, we are him, and he is us. David Stempson, Lincoln LAS VEGAS An auto dealership owner plans to give a pickup truck to Taylor Winston, who helped save people during the Oct. 1 mass shooting along the Las Vegas Strip. Shane Beus of B5 Motors near Phoenix said he reached out the 29-year-old Marine Corps vet from San Diego to offer him a Ford F-150, The Arizona Republic reported. Winston previously said he transported about 20 to 30 people who were injured to the hospital; he repeatedly noted how other people made rescues, too. WHERE'S MY TRUCK? Truck owner messages Marine who took his pickup to save lives The shooting killed 58 people and injured nearly 500 others. The gunman, who attacked people at an outdoor concert while he was on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay resort and casino, later took his own life. Winston helped people over a fence and also saw trucks that he thought might have keys in them that he could use to help people. The first vehicle he checked had a key to drive it, he told CBS News. Winston, who plans to sell his current vehicle and donate the money to victims of the shooting, is expected to visit the dealership Monday, according to The Arizona Republic. STURTEVANT When Hiawatha Bar and Grill owner Tammy Graceffa thinks about Foxconn coming to the area, she has reasons for both happiness and sadness. On Wednesday, Foxconn Technology Group and area officials publicly announced the Taiwanese company will build its $10 billion manufacturing campus on 1,198 acres between Interstate 94 and highways H, 11 and KR. The campus, where Foxconn will manufacture liquid crystal display screens and finished products such as televisions, is expected to employ about 3,000 people initially and many thousands more in the future. A second, 1,073-acre area to the north will be reserved for future expansion, and another 622 acres directly east will be used for construction staging and later, development. I have a two-sided opinion, Graceffa said. Her family owns land on Braun Road in Foxconns Area 1 and has a house in Area 2, the potential expansion area. Theyve accepted a purchase offer for their 20 acres in Area 1, and she said, This is a big bonus for us. Then again, its turning all this beautiful farmland into concrete, Graceffa said. But shes excited about what Foxconn can do for her Hiawatha business. Everythings just going to boom; its got to, Graceffa said. Gas stations, stores, restaurants. I hope Sturtevant can keep its small-town feel. Another Sturtevant resident with some mixed emotions is Michelle Nelson, a hair stylist at Partners in Design in Racine. I feel bad for the people who might have to move, said Nelson, who lives on 97th Street. Other than that, I think its wonderful. The unemployment rate in Racine is terrible. It seems like it will be a good place to work. The incredible number of jobs and people this will impact is huge. Other business reactions Many Sturtevant business people are embracing what Foxconn can bring. I dont think it could be anything but good, said Kevin Milaeger of Milaegers, which has one of its two stores at 8717 Durand Ave. But how good, its too early to say. Another Foxconn enthusiast is Mike Aiello, owner-operator of Sturtevant Transmission and Auto Repair, 9800 Durand Ave. Racine is nothing but a service community now instead of a manufacturing community. Theres just no money in Racine, and businesses such as his are having to hold down their prices just so customers can afford goods and services, Aiello said. I think the Racine and Kenosha area is long overdue for something like this, Aiello added. Martha Rapeta, owner of Annettas Cafe, 8020 Durand Ave., said about the Foxconn impact, I think its going to be busy everywhere not just my business, but everywhere. It will be nice if it puts people to work, Rapeta said, but a lot of people dont want to work. I welcome Foxconn to Racine County, Village President Jayme Hoffman said. The addition of jobs and increased tax base is a benefit to the area. We welcome the opportunity to work with all parties involved with the project to ensure the development would have a positive impact on the community. Sturtevant village trustee John Johnson said residents hes talked to have been about evenly split on Foxconn, with the doubters opinion being: Taxpayers should not be on the hook, a reference to the states $2.85 billion incentives package. But Johnson himself is enthusiastic. I think it will be great, he said. The whole area is going to grow beyond what anybody has envisioned, ever. Most of these people should be able to get back to work who are not working. The Village Board has a strong desire to see the Highway 11 corridor improved, and Johnson said Foxconn will be a stimulus that will allow us to develop that corridor. A doubter One doubter about what Foxconn will bring to the Sturtevant area is Brad Bartel, a mechanic for Roundys, who lives on 97th Street. Im against it, he said. What is in it for us? There will be more traffic, more crime, more people, more everything. Ive lived in Sturtevant my whole life, Bartel continued. This is a quiet community. I think with all that coming in, it will be chaotic. Bliffert Lumber & Hardware could be one of the largest beneficiaries of having Foxconn settle into the area. Eli Bliffert, vice president and majority owner of Bliffert Lumber & Hardware, 10050 Durand Ave., said they expect to get business not just during construction of the manufacturing campus but also from suppliers, warehouses and trucking facilities that will be constructed, and then maintenance supplies. The main part that will be good for us will be the demand for housing it will create in the Racine and Kenosha area, Bliffert said. We have been doing very well (in the Sturtevant area), and this should keep that rise in continuing spending for 10 to 15 years, he predicted. JAKARTA, Indonesia Dozens of men, including several foreigners, were arrested in a raid of a gay sauna in Indonesias capital, police said Sunday, as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people face increased hostility in the worlds most-populous Muslim nation. Police spokesman Argo Yuwono said Fridays raid in downtown Jakarta will lead to seven people being charged under Indonesias pornography law, including the saunas owner and staffers. They face penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines. Yuwono said the other 51 men will be released if they are found to not be criminals or carrying drugs. TEHRAN The chief of Irans powerful Revolutionary Guard warned Sunday that the U.S. should move its military bases farther from Irans borders and beyond the range of Iranian missiles if it imposes new sanctions against Tehran, the official IRNA news agency reported. The Sunday report quotes Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari as saying: If new sanctions go into effect, the country should move its regional bases to a 2000-kilometer (1,240-mile) radius out of the range of Iranian missiles. 1 Denmark slaying: Divers found the decapitated head, legs and clothes of a Swedish journalist who was killed after going on a trip with an inventor on his submarine, police said Saturday. The body parts and clothing were found Friday in plastic bags with a knife and heavy metal pieces to make them sink near where 30-year-old Kim Walls naked headless torso was found in August, Copenhagen police investigator Jens Moeller Jensen said. Peter Madsen, 46, the Danish inventor who is in pretrial detention on preliminary manslaughter charges, has said Wall died after being accidentally hit by a hatch on the submarine, after which he buried her at sea. But police have said 15 stab wounds were found on the torso found off Copenhagen on Aug. 21. 2 Myanmar refugees: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Saturday that her government would continue to support nearly 1 million Rohingya Muslims who have fled neighboring Myanmar to escape violence. Hasina said the government was pursuing a plan to build temporary shelters for the Rohingya with the help of international aid agencies whom she praised for their support. More than 500,000 Rohingya have crossed over to Bangladesh since late August, when Myanmar security forces responded to militant attacks with a broad crackdown. An equal number of Rohingya have previously fled Myanmar since 1978. BEIRUT Turkish forces shelled areas along its border with Syrias northwestern province Sunday, an area dominated by al Qaeda-linked militants, a day after Turkeys president said an operation in the area was under way to enforce a de-escalation zone. Mustafa Sejari, spokesman for a Turkey-backed Syrian armed group, said Turkish artillery responded with shells after coming under attack from al Qaeda-linked fighters across the border. Turkeys private Dogan news agency reported that Turkey fired seven howitzer rounds into Idlib on Sunday. The tension came a day after Turkeys president announced his country has launched a serious operation in Syrias northwestern Idlib province with Turkey-backed Syrian opposition forces, following international efforts to calm the fighting in the war-torn country. Sejari said the operation aims to deploy Turkish-backed opposition fighters in the province currently dominated by al Qaeda-linked militants. So far our forces have not entered Idlib, Sejari said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Turkish shells fell near a displaced peoples camp along the border, causing a panic but no casualties. The Observatory said the shelling was followed by brief clashes and the lobbing of missiles as tension continued. The Observatory also said al Qaeda-linked militants have deployed new fighters to the area where the brief clashes occurred, in Kafr Lusin village, along the border. In announcing the operation, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned his country would not permit a terror corridor along its border, referring to extremists groups as well as U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish militants that Turkey considers terrorists. The official Turkish news agency Anadolu said the new deployment would serve as a wall between Kurdish-controlled Afrin in northwestern Aleppo and Idlib province. The plan to enforce a de-escalation zone in Idlib involves deploying Turkish special forces and observation points, according to Sejari, from the Turkish-backed Al-Mutasim Brigades. He said the plan also is to foil foreign projects that aim to occupy the north of Syria under the pretext of fighting terrorism, in an apparent reference to the U.S-backed Kurdish forces. Last year, the Turkish army launched a cross-border operation with Syrian opposition fighters to clear an area along its border of the Islamic State group and prevent the dominant Kurdish group from forming a contiguous entity from northeast to northwest Syria. There are no known plans by the Kurdish forces to take on al Qaeda-linked militants in Idlib. Also, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said late Saturday that Turkish observers would deploy in safe areas. Sarah El Deeb is an Associated Press writer. In what could lead to a landmark ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court last week heard arguments in a Wisconsin case that challenges the despicable practice of political parties drawing up legislative and congressional districts to lock in their power and disenfranchise voters. Its called packing and cracking, a two-edged sword that maximizes the political clout of a political party in power in Wisconsins case, Republicans to pack voters who have historically voted Democratic into a district in order to keep those voters from influencing the results in a neighboring area that might be more competitive and cracking by drawing the lines of a district to spread voters who favor Democrats over a wide area to dilute their vote. Racine had a front row seat in this process when state Republicans drew up the district maps after the 2010 Census to pack the cities of Racine and Kenosha into one district. The effect was to lessen the competitiveness of area districts and lessen the power of voters to switch back and forth from Republicans to Democrats and vice-versa from election to election. In the far western part of the state, La Crosse was gerrymandered into a far-reaching district that ran up through the central part of the state in an effort to closet Democratic voters in a single district again to lessen voters chances of affecting other neighboring districts. In a politically divided Wisconsin, it played out like this: In 2012, when state voters supported Democrat President Barack Obama and Democratic candidates got nearly 52 percent of the vote in races for the state Assembly, they won only 39 of the 99 contested Assembly seats and Republicans won 60. Four years later, when President Donald Trump took the state by a narrow margin, Republicans took a 64-35 Assembly majority. But the impact goes far beyond Wisconsin it impacts every state in the nation as politicians from both parties have gotten more aggressive about gerrymandering districts. In other states where Democrats have wielded the redrawing pens, the impact has been just as stark, with Democrats solidifying their hold on legislative and congressional seats by gerrymandering voters into districts that give politicians the most political power. In essence, the politicians of both parties are picking their voters to grasp political advantage. That is backward. It is voters who should be picking their political representatives and they have a right under the Constitution to do so without being packed into a district and having their vote diminished. For years, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that such gerrymandering to diminish the power of voters based on race is illegal under the Constitution. In the Wisconsin case, it has a chance to extend that concept and rule that redistricting solely for the purpose of partisan political gain is also against the countrys best interest and a violation of our citizens constitutional rights. Unless the high court which is closely split on this issue puts up a roadblock and affirms the value of a citizens vote, the political parties will only become more brazen in their gerrymandered maps that disenfranchise voters everywhere. Voters deserve a choice. Elections should be competitive and not decided in secret by politicians with self-serving interests. 5th EPG meet ends with positive gestures to end status quo of 1950 treaty The fifth meeting of the Eminent Persons' Group (EPG) formed to offer recommendations by studying the entire aspects of Nepal-India relations ended Sunday. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As the city continues is long-term vasectomy strategy to reduce Staten Island's booming deer population, the problem is growing more critical by the day. Do we have to wait until someone is injured or killed before more aggressive action is taken? Just days after reporting a huge increase in collisions with deer on borough roadways, there was a frightening and potentially deadly encounter on New Dorp Lane. For years, we've been reporting repeated incidents of deer in residents' backyards, sightings from one end of the Island to the other. We even had one flopping around in a Rosebank swimming pool at one point. But this was in the middle of the afternoon on one of the borough's busiest commercial strips. A deer that was badly injured in a car accident nearby on Hylan Boulevard darted through the open doors of the dress shop. It terrified those inside and spattered blood on the windows, walls and clothing. The animal was eventually tranquilized and taken away by Parks Department personnel. But the out-of-control animal could just as easily have smashed the store's large plate glass windows or doors, trampled one of the store employees or shoppers -- someone could have been badly hurt or even killed. This came on the heels of our report on the massive increase in deer strikes on Staten Island roads. At least 35 collisions between vehicles and deer have been reported through August of this year and a city contractor is on track to remove more of their bodies from borough streets than in 2016, according to officials. A Sanitation Department contractor took 106 dead deer off city streets and other public property on Staten Island this year through Sept. 20, an agency spokesman told the Advance. The same contractor collected just 118 deer carcasses in the borough all of last year and 79 in 2015. It's just pure luck that, as far as we know, no one was hurt or injured in any of the collisions. The make matters worse, the number of collisions tends to increase during the mating season, or "rut," for white-tailed deer because bucks and doe are less cautious and are primarily focused on mating. The rut in New York is typically between October and January. So with the most dangerous months upon us, the city's effort to reduce the herd slowly continues. The vasectomy effort is expected to eventually reduce the herd 10 to 30 percent annually, though some wildlife experts thought the plan won't work because the city is ignoring basic deer biology and conventional herd management practices. Translation? The deer population could be nearly the same or perhaps even larger when the vasectomy program is over. At the very best, it will put a minor dent in the herd. Then what? The remaining bucks that weren't caught and clipped will step in for those that were. Even when the plan was first unveiled, wildlife experts, including those who were consulted in formulating the plan, agreed on one thing: It was a bad idea. And they were very blunt in their criticism. "It's difficult for me to come up with all the reasons why this is a really stupid plan," Bernd Blossey, an ecologist at Cornell University who consulted City Hall on deer management strategies, said at the time. "It's ridiculous from the onset." "This plan has very low likelihood of success," added Paul Curtis, another ecologist at Cornell who was part of the city's interagency deer task force. So if the experts involved in developing a deer management plan didn't back the strategy, why is it in place? Is it as simple as bowing to political pressure from animal rights activists? Whatever the reason, the vasectomy approach was adopted and we're left the deal with an exploding population while this "more humane" approach plods along. So, we reiterate our position that the use of a lethal strategy must be considered. ODDO RECOGNIZES CRISIS And we're standing solidly behind Borough President James Oddo's effort to convince the city that a cull is an essential step. Pointing out that "We are now entering the rut, the time when bucks are most active and we see the most collisions with vehicles," the borough president stated on his Facebook page, his administration has "tried to raise the alarm with literally every level of government." He added that: "We even got the federal, state, and city officials together to discuss a solution that could have included a cull of the population, and the federal government undertook an environmental assessment throughout 2015. In fact, the USDA and State DEC were ready and willing to undertake a cull, similar to what has been done in other jurisdictions similar to Staten Island. This was stopped because the NYPD blanched, the City of New York refused, and activists were waiting on standby to bring lawsuits that some believe would have delayed any action for many years." No doubt many will slam the notion, but do we have to wait for someone to die or be maimed to take drastic action? Others have done it. Ann Arbor, Mich., spent $35,000 to hire federal sharpshooters to kill 63 deer as part of that city's deer management plan. More than 1,000 pounds of venison were donated to feed the hungry. A deer specialist at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources -- which had to approve the Ann Arbor cull -- called the Staten Island sterilization plan "short-sighted." For the record, I'm an animal lover and deer are beautiful, graceful creatures, but given the circumstances and potential for tragedy, it's clear aggressive, immediate action is called for. Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration, however, is a very long way from considering the lethal option. Given that reality, let's come up with some ideas to at least corral the herd and take major steps to warn Staten Islanders of the danger. Now that the vasectomy program and preceding studies have given officials an idea of their migration patterns and population density, get more warning signs out on key Island roads. In addition to that, find ways to manage the freely wandering population -- with low-voltage electrified fencing, for example. And, as the BP added: "Be aware that this can be a dangerous time. Slow down, and everyone should put down their phones." A Park Department spokesman told the Advance that some of these additional steps were being taken to protect the borough population and environment, but the numbers of vehicle strikes alone indicate what's being done is not sufficient. One thing we do know is that incidents like the one at the dress shop and the collisions will continue to climb until a tragedy wakes the city up. Alliance with UML out of compulsion: Dahal CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal told his party members on Saturday that there were some procedural lapses while taking the decision of forging a left electoral alliance with the CPN-UML and the Naya Shakti Nepal. Build the basics Comprehensive early childhood care and education should be enhanced and bettered Detained Tilathi father, son duo freed Indian authorities released Dev Narayan Yadav, who was detained by the Indian police on October 1, along with his son Ajaya on Saturday. By clicking Agree, you consent to Slates Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and the use of technologies such as cookies by Slate and our partners to deliver relevant advertising on our iOS app to personalize content and perform site analytics. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information about our use of data, your rights, and how to withdraw consent. Agree The NDIS rollout has seen 350 jobs cut. Credit:Marina Neil Keep your coffee handy and we'll take you through what's making headlines today. Happy Monday! We're in for a rainy day with a top of 25 degrees. More than 300 frontline disability services staff within the ACT government have been slashed in the move to the NDIS. The revelation comes from documents accessed under freedom of information laws. The confidential document also warns of the need to rein in rapidly increasing costs as more Canberra kids move into out-of-home care. You can read Steven Trask's story here. Protesters call for government to welcome refugees When Second Lieutenant Terry Langlands wasn't drafted in the national service ballot in 1965, he volunteered. And when his platoon wasn't deployed to Vietnam, he asked to go on one that was. The last post ceremony for Terrance Langlands at the National War Memorial. (L-R) Members of Langlands' class Ian Kelly, Greg Monteith, Mick Woolan, David Gray, Terry Wesley-Smith and Ian Paton with Langlands' nephew David Langlands with his daughter Amber Langlands. Credit:Rohan Thomson For his classmates at the officer candidate school in Schyville - who marked their 50th anniversary this month - that is all you need to know about him. Lieutenant Langlands was killed in battle in Vietnam in early 1969 after he tried to help a wounded soldier in his platoon. Canberra's Islamic community finally has a new place of worship, 17 years after plans were first made. The building of the long-awaited Gungahlin Mosque was plagued by years of delays after a group fought its development approval through the courts. The opening of the new Gungahlin Mosque. (L-R) Muhammed Talib of Bonner, Yusuf Al-Samadi of Gungahlin, Jawad Al-Samadi of Gungahlin and Moumin Talib of Gungahlin. Credit:Rohan Thomson The mosque officially opened on Sunday and will service North Canberra's growing Muslim population, which is estimated to be 5000 to 6000 strong. The community had been using a demountable shed on The Valley Avenue site as a temporary mosque. Refugee Zaki Haidari shared the story of his harrowing journey to Australia with protesters before they filled Civic's streets with chants on Sunday calling for the government to welcome asylum seekers. Cries of "free the refugees" and "refugees are welcome here" echoed as 1000 to 1500 people called for Australia to end its policy of offshore detention and accept people sent to Manus Island and Nauru. Canberrans march against Australia's fefugee policy through Civic on Sunday afternoon. Credit:Rohan Thomson Mr Haidari, a Hazara man who fled Afghanistan, told the crowd gathered in Garema Place that he had lost his father, brother and friends to persecution and that he was in danger every day. He began a journey through India, Malaysia and Indonesia, eventually arriving on Christmas Island in 2012 speaking little English. On a boat he described as "broken", with no food and scant water, his five-day journey to Australia had him fearing for his life. Back in 2013, Freelancer listed on the ASX, after rejecting overtures from overseas exchanges and offshore trade buyers. It was a triumphant moment for the fledgling local tech industry. According to reports at the time , CEO Matt Barrie rang the opening bell so hard it broke. Now just as concerns about the impact of the casualisation of work on society begin to mount analysts say the company is at a crossroads. For a while in the days before anyone really talked about the "gig economy" the online outsourcing marketplace was considered the great hope of the nation's tech industry. The float was a coup for the the local exchange, which is dominated by mining and financial services stocks, and known for a dearth of quality tech companies. It was the first significant internet listing on these shores since the dot com bust at the turn of the millennium. Freelancer's shares initially soared, valuing the business, ever so briefly, at $1 billion. Now, nearly four years later, and the picture is markedly different. Last month, Freelancer's shares slipped below their 50 IPO price. And last week the stock closed at 46, equalling its lowest level since listing. All up the share price has fallen 69 per cent over the past year. Over the same period, the All Ordinaries Index (which has significantly lagged other developed markets in recent years) has risen 4 per cent. What happened? Freelancer is a classic example of an online marketplace business. Like Uber (and all the businesses you see described as an "Uber for" something else) or eBay, or a real estate listing's portal or even a stock exchange, it is a platform where buyers and sellers meet to transact. The marketplace makes money by taking a cut from each transaction on its platform. The University of Sydney's first deputy vice-chancellor for Aboriginal services, Professor Shane Houston, is taking legal action over his dismissal from the position. Senior academics have told Fairfax Media they were mystified about the reasons behind an email they received in which the university's vice-chancellor Michael Spence announced Professor Houston's sudden departure with "regret and disappointment" on August 24. Shane Houston was the inaugural deputy vice-chancellor (Indigenous strategy and services) at the University of Sydney. Credit:Tamara Voninski Fairfax Media has confirmed Professor Houston, who was the the University of Sydney's inaugural deputy vice-chancellor for Indigenous strategy and services, has made a general protections application to the Fair Work Commission in response to the termination of his employment. A spokeswoman for the University of Sydney said it was aware of the case lodged in the Fair Work Commission "and vigorously denies any wrongdoing". Bougainville's main political leaders say getting the mine reopened is critical. "If the independence of the people is to be sustained then we need Panguna to run," Bougainville Vice-President and Mining Minister Raymond Masono told Reuters in a phone interview. He said he believes BCL has first right of refusal to operate the mine under laws passed three years ago, and only if BCL declined to take up that right should an open tender take place. Deep resentment The abandoned copper and gold mine contains one of the world's largest copper deposits. During its 17-year life until the closure in 1989, Panguna was credited for generating almost one-half of Papua New Guinea's gross domestic product. It's not bribery, it's business. Ian de Renzie Duncan, Sydney businessman The civil war was largely about how the profits from the mine should be shared, and about the environmental damage it had caused. There was deep resentment among the Indigenous Bougainville people about the amount of the wealth that was going to Papua New Guinea and to the mine's then operator, Conzinc Riotinto of Australia Ltd, a forerunner of Rio Tinto . The mine was forced to shut after a campaign of sabotage by the rebel Bougainville Revolutionary Army. The conflict between Bougainville's rebel guerrilla army and Papua New Guinea forces left as many as 20,000 dead over the following decade, making it the biggest in the region known as Oceania since the Second World War. Rio Tinto divested its stake in BCL in 2016, and the listed company is now just over one-third owned by the Bougainville government and one-third owned by Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said last year his government would gift the shares received from Rio Tinto, or 17.4 per cent, to the people of Bougainville, although that is yet to take place. Never again The challenge from the Australian consortium that now includes listed gold and copper explorer RTG Mining was made public in June. Duncan and his fellow investors have joined forces with a group of Panguna landowners, the Special Mining Lease Osikaiyang Landowner Association (SMLOLA) led by Philip Miriori. Miriori was in the Bougainville Revolutionary Army as the private secretary to the late Francis Ona, the former BCL mine surveyor who became leader of the resistance. Ona had declared that BCL should "never again" be allowed to run the mine and Miriori, Ona's brother-in-law, still supports that stance. "They have caused a lot of damage, they don't have the money and they are not telling the truth and so I wouldn't accept them," Miriori said in a telephone interview from the Bougainville town of Arawa. The consortium's challenge is based on new mining laws introduced in 2014 that downgraded BCL's mining rights to an exploration licence and gave landowners powerful rights over the minerals on their land to acknowledge the losses suffered by those in Panguna during the conflict. Miriori said the government did not have authority over mine negotiations. Payouts to landowners Duncan, a former barrister with a background in mining law, heads an entity called Central Exploration that has a half share of the consortium. Duncan's consortium has been paying money, described as a stipend, to some of the landowners, but denies this amounts to bribery. "We are really talking about people receiving a couple of thousand kina ($608) a month," said Duncan, who added that the money helps the landowners to travel and find accommodation in towns where Panguna negotiations take place. "It's not bribery, it's business," he said. BCL claims to have the support of eight other landowner groups in Bougainville with an interest in the project. They have land rights covering access roads and the port site, among other areas, though crucially not the mine site itself. BCL chairman Robert Burns, who formerly worked for Rio Tinto, said Bougainvilleans were the ones being impacted by Duncan's attempt to gain control of the mine. "Everyone is being frustrated and impeded by this issue," Burns told Reuters in a phone interview from the PNG capital, Port Moresby. Financing doubts The uncertainty is going to make it difficult for either group to raise the capital that will be needed to get the mine restarted. In 2012, BCL estimated the cost of reopening at $US5 billion ($6.43 billion). With few of its own assets, the company would need to secure the mining rights before tapping capital markets. Dont doubt our commitment to democracy, UML tells NC The main opposition CPN-UML has asked the Nepali Congress not to question its commitment to democratic values. Catalonia will likely declare independence from Spain in a matter of days. The images of police charging with batons and shooting rubber bullets at people waiting to vote in the Catalan referendum last weekend were disturbing. Especially for Australians like me who have relatives and friends who queued up to vote. My 86-year-old aunt Maria was one of them. She lives in a nursing home in a small Catalan town and insisted on being taken to a polling station in her wheelchair. She managed to vote, thankfully without being caught up in the violence. She could have easily been one of the almost 900 people injured by police. One must ask: what was the Spanish government thinking when it authorised such violent action? It must have been clear that the international reaction would be unfavourable. The most plausible explanation is they were trying to appease the broader Spanish constituency the same people who, as Spanish police were leaving their towns to go to Catalonia to disrupt the referendum, cheered with: "Go get them!" Them? Following the logic of Spanish unionists, shouldn't it be "us" rather than "them"? Sadly, the Spanish government believes the savage reaction will increase support for Spain's ruling party the Popular Party. This attitude is part of the DNA of this political group; it is a party which was founded by former ministers of Franco's regime. Can you imagine if Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union had been founded by former Nazis? Unthinkable in Germany; normal in Spain. The tortuous history of Spain is still a heavy baggage to carry. Like Port Arthur did to gun control, it so often takes a shocking event to spur government into action; deadly influenza is doing that to the health system. Influenza claims about 3000 Australian lives annually, mostly people over 65 years old. Compared with other infectious diseases, influenza-related deaths are much more common but usually don't make headlines until recently with spikes in the numbers of deaths of healthy young children and adults and of residents in aged-care facilities. The outbreak is not yet over. For decades the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA warned that without strong control measures, deadly influenza outbreaks particularly in aged-care facilities were inevitable. Here in Australia, the Influenza Specialist Group has long pushed this position but its advocacy also went unheeded. Now sadly, in 2017, the inevitable occurred. Influenza hit hard resulting in the largest outbreak of laboratory-confirmed cases on record in Australia. Tragically three children are among the 288 recorded deaths in NSW, but across the nation, aged-care facilities have been devastated. By early September, in Tasmanian facilities alone, 21 separate outbreaks were reported while at least 94 deaths were noted in Victorian facilities. Undoubtedly multiple deaths have occurred in a lot of other centres but have received far less attention, mostly flying under the radar, as a recent study in NSW suggested that less than 10 per cent of influenza outbreaks in aged-care centres were reported to public health authorities. The Turnbull government has responded rapidly, announcing a push to mandate influenza vaccination among aged-care workers, a move strongly supported by peak groups, including National Seniors Australia and COTA Australia. And the case is compelling. But, logically, it should be extended to all health care and childcare workers too. Vanika Idnani is one of three child flu deaths in 2017 reported by NSW Health. Many people are unaware that influenza poses such a deadly threat to those over 65, for whom free flu vaccination is available. For most of us, flu is just an irritation. Life goes on, perhaps punctuated for a few days by mild symptoms brushed off as "a cold". Others soldier on to work. Usually, only a small number of healthy adults require hospitalisation. But here's the kicker a large percentage of people infected with influenza have no symptoms at all (they are "asymptomatic"). Importantly asymptomatic people also pass influenza on to others. It's unintentional but the chance of doing so is high because being quite well they mingle with the community and co-workers. So next time you hear someone say, "I never get the flu" they probably do and are just unaware of it. Compounding the issue is the low uptake of the free influenza vaccine, with only 70 per cent of high-risk elderly Australians opting in. For the over 65s, influenza paints a very different threat. With advancing age, immune function declines rendering especially the frail elderly more vulnerable to infectious diseases. They are less well-equipped to fight infection off and less responsive to immunisation. Declining breeding rates of the shy albatross, Australia's only endemic species of the spectacular bird, have prompted conservationists to make an unusual intervention. Found only on three islands off Tasmania, the bird whose wingspan can stretch to 2.6 metres has survived previous assaults by humans particularly during the 1800s when sealers and then feather collectors arrived. Now, with signs climate change and other man-made threats are undermining survival rates, WWF-Australia has teamed with the federal and Tasmanian governments, CSIRO and the Tasmanian Albatross fund to start building artificial nests to give the shy albatross a helping hand. "It's bold," Darren Grover, head of living ecosystems for WWF-Australia, said. "We've got too much to lose to do nothing." The NSW government will move to weaken laws protecting Sydney's water catchment to circumvent a court's ruling that threatened fuel supplies to the state's newest coal-fired power station. Opponents of the move called the plan "reckless" and an "offence to the rule of law". The government on Monday said it would introduce new laws aimed at side-stepping a decision by the Court of Appeal in August that found the licence for the extension of the Springvale coal mine was invalid because its operations harmed the quality of Sydney's drinking water. The Court of Appeal sent the matter back to the Land and Environment Court for the parties to reach a resolution to allow the mine near Lithgow to continue operating. A breakthrough leukaemia and lymphoma drug that normally costs $187,000 per treatment will become easily affordable under a new $460 million Turnbull government subsidy. Ibrutinib, known as Imbruvica, will cost patients $38.80 a script or $6.30 for concessional patients - once it is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from December 1. The drug will be available to all eligible patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will announce the listing on Monday, saying the drug considered significantly more effective than many of the treatments already available through the PBS will change lives. A Labor government would overhaul National Energy Market rules to better serve consumers and relax renewable energy investment thresholds to get more capital flowing into electricity storage projects. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is also pledging to create Renewable Energy Zones geographic areas with the right resources, topography and developer interest to drive cost-effective renewable projects. Bill Shorten wants to relax the rules around renewable energy investment. Credit:Janie Barrett In a speech to be delivered to the Australian Financial Review's National Energy Summit in Sydney on Monday, Mr Shorten will also reiterate Labor's willingness to negotiate with the Turnbull government a "fair dinkum" clean energy target. "This does not mean compromise at any cost. A framework that isn't fair dinkum will not receive our support," Mr Shorten will tell the conference. The Turnbull government is hinting that the rapidly declining cost of renewable energy is undermining the case for further clean-energy subsidies, as it maintains it will make a decision on a clean energy target in coming months. In a speech to the Australian Financial Review's National Energy Summit in Sydney on Monday, Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg has emphasised the "declining cost curve" for wind, solar and renewables storage. "Globally in the past seven years, the cost of wind-powered generation has more than halved. Domestically, solar PV costs have dropped more than 50 per cent," he said. "By 2020, costs of battery technologies are expected to fall 40 to 60 per cent and over 70 per cent to 2030. A Labor MP who stirred controversy by using a taxpayer-funded allowance to pay for attacks against an ABC journalist says he won't be running any further ads after a slapdown from Bill Shorten and an internal backlash. Michael Danby is refusing to apologise for the two ads - placed in the Australian Jewish News - that criticised ABC Middle East correspondent Sophie McNeill, accusing her of displaying an anti-Israel bias in her reports. The ABC hit back hard at the ads, with director of news Gaven Morris calling them "wrong", "unfair" and "bizarre". But Mr Danby on Sunday said he "does not resile at all from the content of my criticism". The ardent Israel supporter said the ads were "proportionate" given the concerns of his Jewish constituents in his seat of Melbourne Ports - which he first won in 1998 but now holds on a margin of just 3 per cent. "I spend my communications allowances as every other member of Parliament does on communicating a wide range of issues to people," he told Sky News on Sunday, in his first interview since the controversy. The Grants Commission was limited to considering how to apply the agreed principles for distributing goods and services tax revenue that have been in place since 2000. The Productivity Commission has been asked to examine those principles afresh and advise on alternatives . The Productivity Commission's draft report on horizontal fiscal equalisation is far more wide-ranging than the separate Grants Commission review which last month suggested penalising states such as NSW and Victoria that restricted coal seam gas mining . States that fail to fully develop their gas and mineral reserves will come under further pressure on Monday with the release of a blueprint commissioned by Treasurer Scott Morrison for a shake-up of the way the Commonwealth delivers grants. Treasurer Scott Morrison has commissioned the report on changing the way the Commonwealth delivers grants. Credit:AAP The Commission is understood to be attracted to the findings of the Abbott government's Commission of Audit which recommended in 2014 that revenue raised from the goods and services tax be distributed to states on the basis of population rather than need. The arrangement would leave states free to raise as much as they wanted from mining without endangering their GST distribution. It goes beyond last month's Grants Commission proposal to guarantee that they could keep 50 per cent of any increases in mining revenue without endangering their payout. The Audit Commission suggested the Commonwealth deliver top-up grants to states that would suffer under the new arrangement including Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania. The top-up grants would be funded by cutting so-called tied grants for purposes such education and health. Monday's Productivity Commission draft report will make the point that the Commonwealth delivers much more to the states via tied grants and national partnership agreements ($160 billion) than it does via the GST ($60.7 billion) and that these tied grants are already made on the basis of need. It will raise the possibility of no longer using GST distributions to compensate the Northern Territory for its relatively large remote Indigenous population, providing funding for Indigenous disadvantage in another way. At present the Territory gets five times the GST distribution that it would on the basis of population, in part because of its large Indigenous population. Western Australia gets less less than one third of what it would on the basis of population, in part because of earlier high mining tax revenues. Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison are not insensitive to their WA-based federal colleagues regarding that state's GST shortfall, it's just that the problem is so diabolical. To date, they have praised MPs from the resource-rich west for their advocacy, while conspicuously failing to give them comfort. That WA's return had fallen as low as 30 cents in every dollar two years ago, focused the minds of sandgropers. Credit:Virginia Star Both know retaining WA seats is fundamental to their own survival as well. Plainly, directing more money westward means taking it from elsewhere, and the other states will not let that happen without the mother-of-all fights. Neither wild, nor free Bulls are mistreated in South Asia, even as Hindus pray to them as gods Scott Kelly and partner Amiko in Red Square, Moscow. Credit:Courtesy of Penguin Random House Australia "Amiko," I finally manage to say. She is alarmed by the sound of my voice. "What is it?" Her hand is on my arm, then on my forehead. Twin future astronauts Mark (left) and Scott Kelly, in 1967. Credit:Courtesy of Penguin Random House Australia Her skin feels chilled, but it's just that I'm so hot. "I don't feel good," I say. Over the past year, I've spent 340 days alongside Russian astronaut Mikhail "Misha" Kornienko on the International Space Station (ISS). As part of NASA's planned journey to Mars, we're members of a program designed to discover what effect such long-term time in space has on human beings. This was my fourth trip to space, and by the end of the mission I'd spent 520 days up there, more than any other NASA astronaut. Amiko has gone through the whole process with me as my main support once before, when I spent 159 days on the ISS in 2010-11. I had a reaction to coming back from space that time, but it was nothing like this. The International Space Station, where Scott Kelly spent 340 consecutive days. Credit:Courtesy of Penguin Random House Australia This exposure would increase my risk of a fatal cancer for the rest of my life. I struggle to get up. Find the edge of the bed. Feet down. Sit up. Stand up. At every stage I feel like I'm fighting through quicksand. When I'm finally vertical, the pain in my legs is awful, and on top of that pain I feel a sensation that's even more alarming: it feels as though all the blood in my body is rushing to my legs, like the sensation of the blood rushing to your head when you do a handstand, but in reverse. I can feel the tissue in my legs swelling. I shuffle my way to the bath room, moving my weight from one foot to the other with deliberate effort. Left. Right. Left. Right. I make it to the bathroom, flip on the light, and look down at my legs. They are swollen and alien stumps, not legs at all. "Oh shit," I say. "Amiko, come look at this." She kneels down and squeezes one ankle, and it squishes like a water balloon. She looks up at me with worried eyes. "I can't even feel your ankle bones," she says. "My skin is burning, too," I tell her. Amiko frantically examines me. I have a strange rash all over my back, the backs of my legs, the back of my head and neck everywhere I was in contact with the bed. I can feel her cool hands moving over my inflamed skin. "It looks like an allergic rash," she says. "Like hives." I use the bathroom and shuffle back to bed, wondering what I should do. Normally if I woke up feeling like this, I would go to the emergency room. But no one at the hospital will have seen symptoms of having been in space for a year. I crawl back into bed, trying to find a way to lie down without touching my rash. I can hear Amiko rummaging in the medicine cabinet. She returns with two ibuprofen and a glass of water. As she settles down, I can tell from her every movement, every breath, that she is worried about me. We both knew the risks of the mission I signed on for. After six years together, I can understand her perfectly, even in the wordless dark. As I try to will myself to sleep, I wonder whether my friend Misha, by now back in Moscow, is also suffering from swollen legs and painful rashes. I suspect so. This is why we volunteered for this mission, after all: to discover more about how the human body is affected by long-term space flight. Scientists will study the data on Misha and my 53-year-old self for the rest of our lives and beyond. Our space agencies won't be able to push out farther into space, to a destination like Mars, until we can learn more about how to strengthen the weakest links in the chain that make space flight possible: the human body and mind. People often ask me why I volunteered for this mission, knowing the risks: the risk of launch, the risk inherent in space walks, the risk of returning to Earth, the risks I would be exposed to every moment I lived in a metal container orbiting the Earth at 28,100 kilometres an hour. I have a few answers I give to this question, but none of them feels fully satisfying to me. None of them quite answers it. Scott Kelly (at left) undertaking a dangerous space walk outside the International Space Station. Credit:Courtesy of Penguin Random House Australia A normal mission to the International Space Station lasts five to six months, so scientists have a good deal of data about what happens to the human body in space for that length of time. But very little is known about what occurs after month six. The symptoms may get precipitously worse in the ninth month, for instance, or they may level off. We don't know, and there is only one way to find out. During our mission, Misha and I collected various types of data for studies on our selves, which took a significant amount of our time. Because Mark and I were identical twins, I also took part in an extensive study comparing the two of us throughout the year, down to the genetic level. The ISS was a world-class orbiting laboratory, and in addition to the human studies of which I was one of the main subjects, I also spent a lot of my time during the year working on other experiments, like fluid physics, botany, combustion and Earth observation. When I talked about the ISS to audiences, I always shared with them the importance of the science being done there. But to me, it was just as important that the station was serving as a foothold for our species in space. From here, we could learn more about how to push out further into the cosmos. The costs were high, as were the risks. On my previous flight to the space station, a mission of 159 days, I lost bone mass, my muscles atrophied, and my blood redistributed itself in my body, which strained and shrank the walls of my heart. More troubling, I experienced problems with my vision, as many other astronauts had. I had been exposed to more than 30 times the radiation of a person on Earth, equivalent to about 10 chest X-rays every day. This exposure would increase my risk of a fatal cancer for the rest of my life. None of this compared, though, to the most troubling risk: that something bad could happen to someone I love while I was in space with no way for me to come home. I had been on the station for a week, and was getting better at knowing where I was when I first woke up. If I had a headache, I knew it was because I had drifted too far from the vent blowing clean air at my face. I was often still disoriented about how my body was positioned: I would wake up convinced that I was upside down, because in the dark and without gravity, my inner ear took a random guess as to how my body was positioned in the small space. When I turned on a light, I had a sort of visual illusion that the room was rotating rapidly as it reoriented itself around me, though I knew it was actually my brain readjusting in response to new sensory input. The light in my crew quarters took a minute to warm up to full brightness. The space was just barely big enough for me and my sleeping bag, two laptops, some clothes, toiletries, photos of Amiko and my daughters, a few paperback books. I looked at my schedule for today. I clicked through new emails, stretched and yawned, then fished around in my toiletries bag, attached to the wall down by my left knee, for my toothpaste and toothbrush. I brushed, still in my sleeping bag, then swallowed the toothpaste and chased it with a sip of water out of a bag with a straw. There wasn't really a good way to spit in space. I didn't get to spend time outside the station until my first of two planned space walks, which was almost seven months in. This was one of the things that some people found difficult to imagine about living on the space station, the fact that I couldn't step outside when I felt like it. Putting on a spacesuit and leaving the station for a space walk was an hours-long process that required the full attention of at least three people on station and dozens more on the ground. Space walks were the most dangerous thing we did in orbit. Even if the station was on fire, even if it was filling up with poison gas, even if a meteoroid had crashed through a module and outer space was rushing in, the only way to escape the station was in a Soyuz capsule, which also needed preparation and planning to depart safely. We practised dealing with emergency scenarios regularly, and in many of these drills we raced to prepare the Soyuz as quickly as we could. No one had ever had to use the Soyuz as a lifeboat, and no one hoped to. I opened a food container attached to the wall and fished out a pouch of dehydrated coffee with cream and sugar. I floated over to the hot-water dispenser in the ceiling of the lab, which worked by insert ing a needle into a nozzle on the bag. When the bag was full, I replaced the needle with a drinking straw this way the liquid didn't escape into the module. It had been oddly unsatisfying at first to drink coffee from a plastic bag sipped through a straw, but now I wasn't bothered by it. I flipped through the breakfast options, looking for a packet of the granola I liked. Unfortunately, everyone else seemed to like it, too. I chose some dehydrated eggs instead and reconstituted them with the same hot water dispenser, then warmed up some irradiated sausage links in the food warmer box, which looked a lot like a metal briefcase. I cut the bag open, then, since we had no sink, cleaned the scissors by licking them (we each had our own scissors). I spooned the eggs out of the bag onto a tortilla conveniently, surface tension held them in place added the sausage and some hot sauce, rolled it up, and ate the burrito while catch ing up with the morning's news on CNN. All the while I was holding myself in place with my right big toe tucked ever so slightly under a handrail on the floor. Handrails were placed on the walls, floors and ceilings of every module and at the hatches where modules connected, allowing us to propel ourselves through the modules or to stay in place rather than drifting away. There were a lot of things about living in weightlessness that were fun, but eating was not one of them. I missed being able to sit in a chair while eating a meal, relaxing and pausing to connect with other people. "I missed being able to sit in a chair while eating a meal, relaxing and pausing to connect with other people," writes Kelly of life on the ISS. Credit:Marco Grob More than 400 experiments took place on ISS during this expedition. NASA scientists talked about the research falling into two major categories. The first had to do with studies that might benefit life on Earth. These included research on the properties of chemicals that could be used in new drugs, combustion studies that were unlocking new ways to get more efficiency out of the fuel we burnt, and the development of new materials. The second large category had to do with solving problems for future space exploration: testing new life-support equipment, solving technical problems of spaceflight and studying new ways of handling the demands of the human body in space. Science took up about a third of my time, human studies about three-quarters of that. I had to take blood samples from myself and my crew mates for analysis back on Earth, and I kept a log of everything, from what I ate to my moods. I tested my reaction skills at various points throughout the day. I took ultrasounds of blood vessels, my heart, my eyes and my muscles. I also took part in an experiment called Fluid Shifts, using a device that sucked the blood down to the lower half of my body, where gravity normally kept it. This tested a leading theory about why space flight caused damage to some astronauts' vision. In fact, there was much crossover between these categories of research. If we could learn how to counteract the devastating impact of bone loss in microgravity, the solutions could well be applied to osteoporosis and other bone diseases. If we could learn how to keep our hearts healthy in space, that knowledge could be useful on Earth. The effects of living in space looked a lot like the effects of ageing, which affected us all. The lettuce we grew was a study for future space travel astronauts on their way to Mars will have no fresh food but what they can grow but it also taught us more about growing food efficiently on Earth. The ISS's closed water system, where we processed our urine into clean water, will be crucial for getting to Mars, but it also has promising implications for treating water on Earth especially in places where clean water was scarce. I tell my flight surgeon, Steve, that I feel well enough to get right to work immediately upon returning from space, and I do, but within a few days I feel much worse. This is what it means to have allowed my body to be used for science. I will be a test subject for the rest of my life. A few months after arriving back on Earth, though, I feel distinctly better. I've been travelling the country and the world talking about my experiences in space. It's gratifying to see how curious people are about my mission, how much children instinctively feel the excitement and wonder of space flight, and how many people think, as I do, that Mars is the next step. I also know that if we want to go to Mars, it will be very, very difficult, it will cost a great deal of money and it may likely cost human lives. But I know now that if we decide to do it, we can. After the session had finished, his gentle and reasonable approach helped me find the courage to approach him about the issue, and we talked. I made my points and he listened carefully. He made his points and, following his example, I also listened carefully. I don't think he entirely agreed with me and I did not entirely agree with him, but I enjoyed our conversation and I learnt a lot. We parted friends and I felt not only genuine admiration for the devoutly religious man I had just met, but gratitude that his grace had shattered my prejudice. I am still not very good at approaching those I perceive as ideological and political opponents. I'd have lots of problems with a No voter or a gun enthusiast, for example, not that I meet too many of them that's how far into my armed camp I have retreated, but I now think I should make more of an effort. In the face of the appalling massacre in Las Vegas, for example, we can see the usual responses from both sides. There are those who shake their heads in disbelief (like me) at the inability of the US to legislate sensible gun controls, and who cry out in their grief, anger and frustration against the gun lobby. I have been guilty of it on social media myself in the last couple of days. But all that seems to do is make the gun enthusiasts dig deeper into their bunker and, worse, if gun sales are any guide, add to their arsenals. Yet, as the initial shock fades, and I look around me at the entrenched and ever-widening ideological, religious and political divides in the world, it seems we have never needed to talk to our enemies more. Newsome said of his experience at the Trump rally, "I feel like two sides that never listen to each other actually made progress today". The credit for that progress must go both to Tommy Gunn, who gave Newsome the chance to speak, and to Newsome himself who spoke with generosity and grace. Queensland Deputy Premier Jackie Trad has denied a dispute over tree-clearing legislation prompted former agriculture minister Bill Byrne to resign. Mr Byrne stood down on Saturday, citing ill health, but the opposition has suggested internal clashes led to his departure, most recently over the government's push to reintroduce restrictions to tree clearing. Deputy Premier Jackie Trad has denied Bill Byrne's resignation was over a dispute about tree-clearing legislation. Credit:Dan Peled/AAP Ms Trad on Sunday rubbished those suggestions, saying Mr Byrne was a good friend and she had his support for the tree-clearing reforms before his resignation. "Bill has been a tremendous friend and a great contributor to the cabinet process on a range of subject matters," Ms Trad told reporters in Brisbane. Melbourne Express: Monday, October 9, 2017 Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss London: British Prime Minister Theresa May has signalled that she could sack Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, a newspaper says, as she tries to reassert her authority after a series of political disasters. The Sunday Times said it asked May about her plans for Johnson, who has professed loyalty but is accused by some of the prime minister's allies of undermining her by putting forward his own vision for Britain's exit from the European Union. "I'm the PM, and part of my job is to make sure I always have the best people in my cabinet": UK Prime Minister Theresa May. Credit:Chris Ratcliffe "It has never been my style to hide from a challenge and I'm not going to start now," it quoted May as replying, in what it called a signal that she was prepared to bring in new ministers to her cabinet and axe those who had caused her problems. "I'm the PM, and part of my job is to make sure I always have the best people in my cabinet, to make the most of the wealth of talent available to me in the party." Beijing: China has denied responsibility for alleged cyber attacks in the US appearing to target exiled tycoon Guo Wengui, who has levelled corruption allegations against senior Communist Party officials and applied for political asylum. In a statement provided to Reuters on Sunday, the Chinese Ministry of Public Security said an investigation had found "no evidence" of Chinese government involvement in the alleged cyber attacks. Guo Wengui, a Chinese real estate magnate who now lives abroad, and is a member of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago. Credit:New York Times The Washington-based Hudson Institute think-tank said it had detected a Shanghai-based attack aimed at shutting down access to its website several days earlier. The suspected attack prompted a complaint from US Attorney-General Jeff Sessions during a meeting with China's Public Security Minister Guo Shengkun on Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported London: Theresa May has decided to commit billions of pounds on preparing Britain to leave the European Union without a deal in a bid to save her premiership. The spending, which will be "unlocked" in the new year if no progress is made with Brussels, is intended to send a signal to pro-Brexit MPs that she is serious about regaining the upper hand in the negotiations. It came as rebel MPs gave Mrs May until Christmas to make real progress on Brexit to avoid another attempt to oust her. One group of rebels, led by former chairman of the Conservative party Grant Shapps, said they had not been appeased but would wait before attempting to prise Mrs May out of 10 Downing Street. Key figures who loom as possible replacements for Mrs May - Boris Johnson and Amber Rudd - were said to be "biding their time", while an ally of David Davis said Mrs May had one disaster left "before she falls". Kuala Lumpur: The trial of two women accused of killing the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un enters its second week with the court moving temporarily to a high-security lab to view evidence tainted with the toxic VX nerve agent. High Court Judge Azmi Ariffin declared that prosecutors and defence lawyers, along with the two suspects, will hold court at the laboratory for chemical weapons analysis to examine samples of the women's clothing before they are formally submitted as evidence. An entrance of the Shah Alam court house is cordoned off as the trial of two women accused of killing North Korean leader's brothee. Credit:AP The decision came after government chemist Raja Subramaniam told the court that VX found on the clothing may still be active. Such a move is not unusual in criminal cases in Malaysia, where judges often visit crime scenes. Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has sounded the alarm on the threat of a Russian-waged information war waged for Western democracies in a speech in California on Friday. Calling Russian information war, or influence operations, a "clear and present danger to our democracy", the former candidate for president gave the example of the use of social media accounts to stir up divisions over race and politics in the US in recent weeks. "Make no mistake this isn't just about what happened in 2016, it's about what is happening right now," she said in a speech given at the Stanford Centre on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law. Her address comes as the American public and lawmakers seek answers from Silicon Valley about the effect social media platforms had on US electoral politics. New Orleans: Hurricane Nate, the fourth hurricane to lash the United States in just over six weeks, made landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi River as a Category 1 storm on Saturday evening, threatening parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama with torrential rain and potential flooding. The governors of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi declared states of emergency ahead of the storm, and counties along the coast issued curfews and ordered evacuations in low-lying areas. Late Saturday, President Donald Trump declared an emergency in Mississippi, as he already had in Louisiana. The declaration authorises the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief in the affected counties there. Fifth EPG meeting: Nepali side presents clear views on all related issues The fifth meeting of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on Nepal-India Relations began in Kathmandu on Saturday. Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has elevated his sister, Kim Yo-jong, to an alternate member of the politburo - the top decision-making body over which Kim Jong-un presides. Alongside Kim himself, the promotion makes Kim Yo-jong the only other millennial member of the influential body. South Koreans watch a TV news program showing Kim Yo-jong, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's younger sister, in 2014. Credit:AP/File Her promotion indicates the 28-year-old has become a replacement for Kim's aunt, Kim Kyong-hee, who had been a key decision maker when former leader Kim Jong-il was alive. "It shows that her portfolio and writ is far more substantive than previously believed and it is a further consolidation of the Kim family's power," said Michael Madden, a North Korea expert at Johns Hopkins University's 38 North website. Las Vegas: Investigators believe a note found in the Las Vegas shooter's hotel room contained a series of numbers that helped him calculate more precise shots. A law enforcement official told AAP the numbers found on a note on Stephen Paddock's hotel night stand included the distance between the high-rise hotel room that Stephen Paddock was using as a perch and the concert the victims were attending. Las Vegas gunman Stephen Paddock in an undated photograph provided by his brother Eric. Credit:AP "I could see on it he had written the distance, the elevation he was on, the drop of what his bullet was gonna be for the crowd," said Officer Dave Newton of the Las Vegas Police Department's K-9 unit, the NY Daily News reported. "So he had that written down and figured out so he would know where to shoot to hit his targets from there." Washington: It started as a scrappy grass-roots protest movement against President Donald Trump, but now the resistance is attracting six- and seven-figure checks from major liberal donors, posing an insurgent challenge to some of the left's most venerable institutions, and the Democratic Party itself. The jockeying between groups, donors and operatives for cash and turf is occurring mostly behind the scenes. But it has grown acrimonious at times, with upstarts complaining they are being boxed out by a liberal establishment that they say enables the sort of Democratic timidity that paved the way for the Trump presidency. Indivisible supporters rally in Balitmore in February. Credit:Elvert Barnes The tug of war, more than the lingering squabbles between supporters of Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, foreshadows a once-in-a-generation reorganisation of the American left that could dictate the tactics and ideology of the Democratic Party for years to come. If the newcomers prevail, they could pull the party further to the left, leading it to embrace policy positions like those advocated by Sanders, including single-payer health care and free tuition at public colleges. The upending of the left comes amid a broader realignment in American politics, with the Republican Party establishment also contending with a rising rebellion, driven by pro-Trump populists. Just as the new forces on the right are threatening primary challenges to establishment Republicans, some groups on the left have begun talking about targeting Democratic incumbents in the 2018 midterm elections. A few years ago when I was a student at the University of St. Martin (USM) I was fortunate enough to do two political science classes. One with Khalilah Peters and another with Arjen Alberts. Both classes were very insightful: Khalilahs class was an introduction to political science and Arjens class focused on politics in the Caribbean and examined governance in various non-independent and independent Caribbean countries. These classes allowed me to see the big picture and develop an informed opinion on Independence. This opinion is that neither side of the island is ready or will ever be ready for the responsibilities that come with Independence. Most people believe that Independence means freedom but in reality, it means responsibility. The government of an independent country has three primary responsibilities to its citizens: sovereignty, authority, and legitimacy. Sovereignty deals with a governments ability to protect its citizens not only from one another but also from outside attack. To provide sovereignty some countries build great walls and develop large armies. Others strategically use landscape to their advantage and build towns in areas protected by high mountains, wide rivers or vast deserts. Authority deals with the power to create and enforce rules (laws). This is why we have the three branches of government: the legislative branch (parliament) who creates laws, the executive branch (ministers and law enforcement officers) charged with the execution and enforcement of laws and the judicial branch (judges and courts) who is responsible for the interpretation of laws. Legitimacy is the degree to which people accept the authority of the government. A government that rules justly and wisely may enjoy a great deal of legitimacy, as long as their authority is accepted. In the case of dictators, their legitimacy may be acquired through fear. As long as the feared ruler is seen as bringing about prosperity or protecting the lives of his citizens, it is entirely possible that his people will be happy. These responsibilities are interrelated. To ensure sovereignty you need authority and to maintain authority you need legitimacy. Currently, the Dutch side has its own constitution. However, the Netherlands provides our sovereignty and has involvement in our authority and legitimacy. We have control in who we elect to parliament/government and we have some autonomy in the laws we enact. However, due to the lack of local resources, we rely on personnel from other countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands to fill certain positions (prosecutors and judges) in our judicial system. Comparatively, on the French side, there is far less autonomy. The French side is an Overseas Collectivity which is considered an integral part of France that happens to be in the Caribbean, as such it is covered by the Constitution of France. Being considered part of France means that France provides our sovereignty, authority, and legitimacy. There is a locally elected senator, deputy and government (Territorial Council). The senator and deputy represent us in both houses of the French Parliament and the Territorial Council is responsible for taxation, regional planning, economic development, and social affairs in St. Martin. However, France retains control of foreign affairs, security, and immigration laws. A state representative (Prefet) is also appointed by France. To be Independent would mean our 37 square mile island has to leave the umbrella of France and the Netherlands and take on all these responsibilities. Quite frankly, neither side of the island has the resources to provide and maintain sovereignty, authority and legitimacy. Additionally, both sides of the island rely heavily on tourism and there are no plans to diversify the economy. Our lack of resources is increasingly evident during disasters. Hurricane Irma devastated both sides of the island and in the aftermath, there was widespread looting and chaos. This was partially due to telecommunications being brought down for the entire island for several days. Nevertheless, both sides were unable to maintain authority and relied on the Dutch Marines and Support Law Enforcement from France to regain control of the island. This is just one example of what happens if we cant meet these responsibilities and just go independent anyways. There are many other examples in the Caribbean, countries that have gone this route struggle in the face of globalization and accrue debt to the point that most of them have become dependent on foreign investors such as China and the USA. Chinas relationship with Caribbean countries has been seen as a form of modern-day colonialism. To be clear, China does not provide these nations with sovereignty, authority or legitimacy. They practice cheque book diplomacy which affords them influence in the region. This could happen to St. Maarten, we already have Chinese investors making lavish promises on St. Maarten and when speaking about Independence our leaders have a tendency to focus on political conflicts or our colonial history. They often highlight the benefits that come with a change of status while neglecting to mention the additional responsibilities the country has to take on. This was apparent when the Dutch side changed its status on 10-10-2010 and the French side on 15-07-2007. In recent years, Independence has been actively discussed on the Dutch side. During the most recent election campaign, the Independence for St. Martin Foundation (ISMF) organized a debate where most political parties agreed that it is the right of the people but the country isnt ready. They all stated that instability in government was a major issue. Realistically speaking an unstable government poses its problems but in the context of Independence, its not our primary concern. Sovereignty is of utmost importance, this determines whether or not we will be able to defend ourselves and the future generations of St. Martiners. Ramzan Juman Georgetown, SC (29440) Today Rain this morning with thunderstorms by evening. High 69F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Low 54F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. New York, Oct 8, 2017 (SPS) -The US NGO Western Sahara Foundation said in New York that the failure of the United Nations to hold a referendum on self-determination in Western Sahara had "tragic" consequences on the Saharawi people who underwent torture, imprisonment and disappearances. Speaking before the 4th UN Decolonization Committee, President of Western Sahara Foundation Suzanne Shcolte stressed that the UN "failed to hold a referendum on self-determination awaited by the Sahrawi people since 26 years and to entrust the MINURSO with a mandate of monitoring human rights in the occupied territories." She recalled the statements made by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2016, who called Morocco's presence in Western Sahara "an occupation." Shcolte stressed before the 4th Committee the Sahrawi issue "is one of the forgotten human tragedies of our time, and this situation is unacceptable." Shcolte also urged the UN to put an end to this 40-year-old conflict and to "call the King of Morocco to end this illegal occupation." "The King's plot consists in trying to link the Polisario Front with terrorism," but "the Sahrawi People have never resorted to terrorism and have always respected ceasefire" despite "the atrocious violations inflicted to them," she said, rejecting Morocco's misleading accusations on the matter. (SPS) 062/SPS/APS Nepali youth dies in Qatar A Nepali migrant worker died in Qatar last Sunday. The deceased has been known as Narsingh Kewat of Nawalparasi. New York, Oct 8, 2017 (SPS) - Representative of the Polisario Front to the United Nations, Mr. Boukhari Ahmed, has reaffirmed the firm commitment of the Polisario Front to cooperate with the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Horst Koehler, in his mission. Mr. Boukhari Ahmed stressed that the position of the Polisario Front on the issue of decolonization through the principle of self-determination remains a consistent, clear and transparent position, which is the same position adopted by the African Union and the United Nations. He considered the prolongation of the Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara is primarily a blow to the credibility of the United Nations, as well as the protraction of the suffering of the Saharawi people who have lost thousands of martyrs on the battlefield and dozens of political prisoners are now imprisoned in Moroccan jails, such as the heroes of the Gdeim Izik group. (SPS) 062/SPS/TRA Editors note: This article was written by a Stamford High School student and published in the schools newspaper, The Round Table. The Stamford Advocate is republishing the article as part of a collaboration with Stamford Public Schools. STAMFORD It seems the fight about immigration reform is not going to end soon. The controversy over President Donald Trumps plans to increase border security and enforce immigration policies for undocumented immigrants hits close to home for many in Stamford. Trump announced last month he plans to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an executive order from former President Barack Obama in 2012. Below a Stamford High School student who is a DACA recipient discusses the impact of Trumps decision. The students name has been withheld to protect the persons identity. Q: When did you first apply for DACA? A: I applied in the fall of 2016. Q: What were your initial thoughts about DACA? A: Well, my mother and I both knew about the program when it first started, so we waited until I was 16 because by then Id be qualified to apply, which was relieving. I used to think college was some unattainable thing I could never afford because of my status, but the executive action gave me hope. Q: So prior to DACA, did you hear about options for undocumented kids from administration or guidance? Or maybe there werent really that many options? A: I never personally sought information because I didnt think there were any programs, and the few that were there were mainly from private grants that were merit based, which made them harder to get. Q: Speaking of which: what were some of the benefits and flaws that you saw with DACA? Personally speaking, what did you feel were its best and worst traits? A: The best trait was its efficiency. The USCIS didnt make the filing process difficult and they were concise with filing and telling you your benefits. The main issue was that you still had no legal status. I couldnt qualify for any federal welfare programs or federal student aid. Q: That includes FAFSA and CSS for College Board, right? And in terms of legality, did this help with any private scholarships or loans, or were those still hard to get? A: I was able to qualify for a scholarship from the DREAM program, and now Im able to apply for scholarships and programs that require Social Security numbers. Q: So present-day status: are any of these scholarships still available for you now? Is the DREAM program still running for 2018? A: It will still run, and Ill keep my deferred status until the end of 2018. Q: And after that, its really up in the air until Congress makes a decision? A: It is. I dont know about Trumps actions, but I doubt Congress will pull through together. Q: And speaking of Congress, if there was any advice you could suggest about them making changes to DACA? What would you advise? A: DACA needs to be more specific about deferred peoples abilities to do things. Banks, for example, have no idea about loaning to people with DACA, and private student loans dont even lend to DACA kids. Along with that, there needs to be better definitions on things like applying for schools, since some schools allow DACA kids to apply like normal but some kids have to apply like theyre international students. And you know, a path to attaining a green card would be ideal. Q: Yeah, it seems like there was a lot of gray area that came with DACA. So has this changed your plans for the future? Like in terms of applying to college later? A: Well, the actual announcement changes nothing. And I fully plan on finding a way to stay, because this is my country. I am an American in everything but citizenship. Theres no country Id rather be in than the USA. Brianna Jean is a Stamford High School student and writer for the schools newspaper, The Round Table. Editors note: This article was written by a Stamford High School student and published in the schools newspaper, The Round Table. The Stamford Advocate is republishing the article as part of a collaboration with Stamford Public Schools. STAMFORD The competition is on for Stamford Highs science scholars. Several Stamford High School students recently attended their first meeting for the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) to begin planning for the experiment design competition hosted by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE). Stamford High was among 30 schools chosen out of 11,000 applicants to participate in the NCESSE competitive program to develop an experiment design that will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) in NCESSE Mission 12. Stamford High School science teacher Sue Dougherty spearheaded the effort. In order to participate in the program, schools selected for the SSEP were required to raise $24,000 to fund their experiments. Dougherty, who is also the community program director for Mission 12, attained the funds through grants from various organizations including the NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium at the University of Hartford, Peoples United Bank, The Fairfield Community Foundation and Center For the Advancement of Science in Space. This program is an amazing opportunity to get real science research experience, Dougherty said, as students will utilize their skills and knowledge on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). I am excited to immerse myself in the research and experimental procedures real-world scientists regularly perform, especially because I aspire to be a NASA astrophysicist, said senior James Pease, a student participant in the SSEP. Dougherty held an info session for the participating students to prepare them for their weeks of work ahead. It is undeniable that the students who attended the meeting and signed up to compete in the SSEP showed great intent on working their hardest. , Round Table editor-in-chief and another participant in the SSEP, said that Its really an amazing experience that weve been given, senior Kiran Jagtiani said. Im so excited to be able to see what my peers and I are able to come up with. Im also really excited to see a Stamford High team be able to send an experiment to the ISS. Its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. SSEP participants can also be a part of their own science conference in the Johnson Space Center at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, where they will present their experiment to visitors during the launch of the Mission 12 rocket. SHS will continue its fundraising efforts to raise money to send students to Washington. To donate, contact Dougherty at sdougherty@stamfordct.gov. Jude Infante is a Stamford High School student and writer for the schools newspaper, The Round Table. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate President Donald Trump continued to make vague threats toward North Korea on Saturday, saying that diplomatic negotiations and agreements over the years have not worked and that "only one thing will work," without elaborating on what that one thing would be. "Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid . . . hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!" Trump tweeted in two messages on Saturday afternoon. North Korean officials have previously called some of Trump's comments and tweets declarations of war. U.S. analysts have said that North Korea's nuclear program has quickly accelerated and the country is now making missile-ready nuclear weapons. Last week, tensions again escalated as North Korea threatened to shoot down U.S. military planes, even if they are not in the country's airspace. Now Playing: Trump made that cryptic declaration at a White House dinner with military leaders and was not very forthcoming with details when pressed further by media. You'll find out. The U.S. is currently at odds with North Korea and Iran over the latter's nuclear program. Video: Wibbitz The president's latest tweets come as the world continues to try to decipher another cryptic message that Trump issued on Thursday night at the White House, as he posed for a photo with the country's top military leaders. "You guys know what this represents?" Trump asked reporters in the room that night. "Maybe it's the calm before the storm." When pressed to explain what he meant, Trump said: "You'll find out." The White House has declined to explain what, if anything, the president meant with that comment. "We're never going to say in advance what the president's going to do," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at the Friday news briefing. "You'll have to wait and see." As Trump left the White House on Saturday evening, reporters again asked him what the comment meant. "Nothing to clarify," the president said. When pressed again on what he meant, Trump said: "Well, you'll figure that out pretty soon." Trump also said that he has "a very good relationship" with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, despite a report from NBC News this week that Tillerson has been deeply frustrated with the president and even referred to him a "moron" after a meeting at the Pentagon in late July. Trump doesn't believe that report, which was sourced to three officials, and again called it "fake news" on Saturday. "We have a very good relationship," Trump said of Tillerson on Saturday. "We disagree on a couple of things. Sometimes I'd like him to be a little bit tougher, but, other than that, we have a very good relationship." SC issues interim order to reinstate sacked NOC chief Khadka The Supreme Court has issued an interim order instructing the government to reinstate controversial Managing Director of Nepal Oil Corporation Gopal Khadka for the time being. Search on in Arghakhanchi for man-eating leopards Security personnel of the Nepal Army and the Nepal Police have been deployed in Dhikura and Khanchikot forests in Arghakhanchi district to search man-eating leopards. OGALLALA Five hundred and thirty-six high school students and teachers from 46 schools from across Nebraska visited Keith County on Wednesday, Sept. 27, to test their knowledge of rangeland management during the 63rd annual Nebraska State Range Judging Contest. The attendance at this contest was the largest attendance ever at a Nebraska range judging contest surpassing by far the previous record of 450 students in 2013. Each fall, students enrolled in agriculture or natural resources classes compete for top honors in range judging contests. Contestants compete as individuals and as teams in either the Junior or Senior Division. Six area contests are held in mid to late September in addition to the state contest. The contests are sponsored by the Nebraska Section Society for Range Management. Co-sponsors include Nebraska Extension, Natural Resources Districts, and Natural Resources Conservation Service. Volunteers from these and other natural resource agencies and groups assist local committees with organizing and conducting the contests. Over the last 10 years, attendance at area contests has averaged 1,100 students. Range Judging Contests test the participants skills and knowledge of plant identification, ecological site identification and composition, rangeland conservation and grazing management. While studying for range judging competitions, students learn about one of Nebraskas major land uses. Rangelands cover nearly 50 percent of Nebraska and approximately 60 percent of the United States. Even if these young contest participants do not pursue a career in rangeland or natural resource management, they will gain an understanding of a major natural resource that will be remembered throughout their lifetimes. The Junior Division included 262 individuals and 63 teams. Sheridan Wilson from Arthur County took first place individual honors in the Junior Division. Olivia Fredrick, Amherst FFA placed second; Bridget Slagle, Sargent FFA placed third; and James Wetovick from Fullerton FFA placed fourth. Members of the first-place junior team from Hayes Center are Ashton Erickson, Jakob Anderjaska, Jaycee Lapp and Avery Johnson. Members of the second-place junior team from Arthur County are Sheridan Wilson, Emma Ohm, Kaden Wykert, and Gracie Wenzel. Members of the third- place junior team from Imperial are Austin Bernhardt, Taylor Jablonski, Brooklyn Christensen and Kambree Meekse. Members of the fourth-place junior team from Ord are Tye Bruha, Meo Hill, Alex Flessner and Treaven Scheideler. The Senior Division included 243 individuals and 64 teams. Wesley Wach from Hayes Center took first-place individual honors in the Senior Division. Mason Hale, West Holt FFA placed second; Rebecca Taylor placed third and Sam Wilkins placed fourth. Rebecca and Sam are both from Ainsworth FFA. Members of the first-place senior team from West Holt are Mason Hale, Casey Coburn, Emily Burk and Caitlin Butterfield. Members of the second-place Imperial FFA team are Brady Gittlein, Ryelee Christensen, Jose Medrano, and Katelyn Leibhart. The third-place Sargent FFA team includes Justin Kemp, Alex Horky, Corri Slagle and Colten Brown. Members of the fourth-place senior team from Ainsworth are Rebecca Taylor, Sam Wilkins, Henry Beel and Maria Harthoorn. Thirty-one adults also participated in the contest. Kevin Wetovick, ag-ed instructor from Fullerton, placed first in the adult competition. Additional contest information is available on the Nebraska Section, SRM Website, http://www.nesrm.org/RangeJudging.html. The Old West Regional Range Judging Contest is an additional opportunity for range judgers. The Old West Region includes the states of Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska. This year, the Old West Regional Contest will be held in Valentine, on Oct. 12. See the Nebraska Section, SRM website for details. GERING Even with brisk winds, the 12th annual Gering Kiwanis Family Fun Day was a big hit for families around the area. Kids tried launching potatoes at Wisconsin Badger targets, climbed on a haystack, tried their archery skills, took tractor rides around the Legacy of the Plains Museum campus, and a lot more. Kiwanis member Rick Myers said the service group first teamed up with the Farm And Ranch Museum and continued the tradition after a merger with the North Platte Valley Museum that formed Legacy of the Plains Museum. This is the largest fundraising event for Gering Kiwanis, he said. It helps us support a number of youth and family projects in the area. The Saturday event had a number of simple, family-oriented games for people to play, from the potato launcher, pedal tractor course, archery, face painting, a pumpkin patch, beanbag and more. Also in attendance were members of the North Platte Natural Resources District and AmeriCorps Conservation volunteers doing face painting and talking about butterflies and other pollinators that help keep flowers growing. The event is just to get families to come out for an afternoon of fun together, Myers said. I see parents, grandparents and even several generations here. People also come from eastern Nebraska. We have good crowds for the day. Some of the activities Kiwanis supports throughout the year are the weekend food pack program for students, the Gering High School after prom party, the Cradle Catchers reading program for new parents, the annual Easter egg hunt, plus supporting the Gering Key Club and Builders Club. People really like this event, Myers said. Its affordable and just a nice time of getting outside and having fun with the family. Myers, who also volunteers at Legacy of the Plains Museum, said they have a new interactive Halloween display in the gallery, depicting what Halloween celebrations were like in the 1920s. SCOTTSBLUFF The St. Agnes School Foundation is selling tickets in preparation of the Premiere Event on Nov. 13 at the Gering Civic Center. Premiere is our annual fundraiser for the foundation. And it is a gala, silent auction and live auction event, Bridget Peck, president of the St. Agnes School Foundation, said. We will have about 200 auction items available, which definitely makes it the largest auction in the area, the largest event like this. The auction items were donated not only by local individuals and businesses, but also by those all around the nation. We have auction items donated not only from many generous local businesses, but also many from out of the area as well, Peck said. We try to cast a pretty wide net so that we can offer items that you cant get at any other event. As an example, we have tickets to a Chicago Cubs game, definitely not local. The foundation plans to sell 400 tickets to the gala for $75 each. Already, they have sold over 100 tickets. Peck also shared about the purpose of the foundation, which was started in 1984, and the gala, which is in its sixth year. The purpose of the foundation is for the long-term financial stability of the school and parish. What that really means is if there is any large expenditure at the school, we want to have this foundation in place to cover those, she said. The point of Premiere is to be a community event, not just a St. Agnes event. Some of the expenses covered by past Premiere events include new doors and windows as well as improved air conditioning systems for the school. Along with the silent and live auctions, there will be a special Paddle Auction at Premiere. The Paddle Auction raises funds for a specific project each year. This year, the Paddle Auction goes toward a new floor for the gymnasium. Peck shared about the importance of the gym floor. The thing about the gym is its not just the gym. Its also our cafeteria, theres also a stage so we have all of our school performances there. The church uses it a ton for our fish fries during Lent, Peck said. And the other thing is were right next to the middle school so those students use our gym. So we really think of our gym as a community. The gym is an investment that extends beyond the St. Agnes students, Peck said. Peck shared her hopes for the gala to sell out completely and to have an engaged crowd at the event. The emcee for this years event is a special guest from Lexington, Kentucky, Father Jim Sichko Peck said, Were so excited to have him back in Scottsbluff and feel really lucky we were able to get him. Sichko has traveled worldwide and visits many parishes throughout the country. This will be his second trip to St. Agnes. Each year, the gala commits to a fun and exciting theme. This years theme is Puttin on the Ritz. Premiere Planning Team and Board member Kathy Carney shared about the theme. We have a large decorating committee and we will decorate to that theme, the ceiling, the tables, even the bathrooms get decorated, Carney said. Its absolutely fun and its just beautiful. The gala starts at 5:30 p.m. with a complimentary cocktail hour serving wine and beer. But this year, we have an added thing for a $25 fee; people can attend a whiskey tasting. You get four flights of whiskey, Carney said. Although invitations were sent out to last years gala attendees and those who asked to receive them, the whole community is invited to purchase a ticket for the gala. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit stagnesonline.maestroweb.com. SCOTTSBLUFF Western Nebraska Community College is preparing for renovations to its main building. Its all happening in the main building, and our building is 50 years old, Allison Judy, public relations and marketing director at WNCC, said. Its starting to show its wear and tear, it needs some repairs. So the administration identified that a few years ago and kind of developed this whole master facilities plan and they identified the biggest needs. Judy said the renovation is broken into three parts. The performing arts center, the library and the student success center. The performing arts center will be called the Platte Valley Companies Performing Arts Center. Inside the center, the theater will bear the name of longtime director Judy Chaloupka, Judy said. Shes been the Theatre West Company managing director for years and years. Changes are also coming to the library. We have our current library thats going to get completely remodeled and its going to be known as a learning commons. What youre going to see with that, the students are going to have a lot more ability to collaborate together in small group space. The renovations will bring about a modern and current feel for the students and include a cafe and bookstore. The third piece of the renovation puzzle, the student success center, will provide an easier way for students to work with financial aid, billing and counseling service. Currently, these services are inconveniently located in different areas Judy said. Our Howard P. Olsen Student Success Center is going to streamline services for students and make it way more convenient. Its really supposed to be a seamless process. Funding for this project came from different sources. Judy said the comprehensive campaign from last year raised over $9.6 million. This was our first ever major gifts comprehensive campaign and the Panhandle, I would say just showed overwhelming support for it, Judy said. Judy said some funds also came from the fiscal planning and responsibility of WNCC. Judy talked about the benefits of the renovations for the community. She said the performing arts at the college have provided a cultural hub for the area. Our performing arts in general, theyre so successful. We always have a great following here with our performing arts and thats that cultural piece, Judy said. We are one of those venues that we are known for that. And so we really wanted to take it up a notch. During that campaign, that was something that Platte Valley Companies really believed strongly in and theyve put their stamp of approval on it with the naming of it. We get a lot of community support for that. Judy said shes excited for the students who get to experience all the renovations. This is going to transform the college experience for them... she said. I think people are going to just be so excited and I think that theres great support for the college from the community but I think this is going to make them even more proud. Judy explained that the biggest thing she wanted to alert the community about is the relocation of services during the renovations. Were partnering with SWBC. Theyve been really great leasing available space in their building, Judy said. Weve got basically our whole student services division moving across the street. Theres going to be three different waves of moves. The moving will begin Oct. 10 with student services and continue on through December. Most of our important services are going to be over in SWBC for the next two years, Judy said. The renovations are scheduled to begin with demolition in January 2018 with the theater addition finishing in May 2019, and the learning commons, welcome center, main entrance, exterior landscaping and sidewalks complete by July 2019. More information as well as predictive photos of the renovations can be found in the WNCC fall magazine. The massacre in Las Vegas has Americans screaming for the government to end these insane acts of violence by passing more laws. If only it were that simple, dont you think we would have done that by now? I want these to stop as badly as you do, and everyone, included me, wants to do something to ensure this is the absolute last time this will happen. So what will it be? More gun laws? Better background checks? Longer waiting periods? More banned weapons? Close more gun show loopholes? None of the above? All of the above? We could disagree about it for another decade, but whatever we do, lets make sure it will end these tragedies. Maybe we should begin the discussion on a couple things we surely can agree on. Number one, we have a law: murder is illegal. We can agree on that. Number two, murderers dont obey the law. I think we can agree on that too. And therein lies the problem. We can pass a dozen more laws or a hundred more laws. Isnt it already against the law to own automatic assault weapons? We can make bump stocks and cartridge clips illegal. We can limit the number of guns one can own, or the amount of ammunition one can possess. Would any of this stopped what happened in Las Vegas? What would make us believe that once this deranged individual made the decision to break the law by committing mass murder, would he all of a sudden decide to obey a gun law? It is irrational to believe he would. So does that mean we should do nothing? Of course not. We should do everything we can to prevent another human slaughter of innocent people. But given the fact murder is against the law, and murderers dont obey the law, asking the government to end this madness through legislation is more like wishing it away. To believe the government can stop this with more laws is naive. Can we or should we do something? Of course we should, with the understanding there is no absolute legislative solution. Toss in another fact: we have over 300 million guns in the country, about one for every person. And yet another fact: every time there is a massacre, gun sales sky rocket. Every one of these facts circle us back to, What should, or what can we do? We cant disarm the American people. Guns are more than woven into the fabric of American history from before we declared our independence and went to war with Great Briton right up to today, and gun ownership is a fundamental right under the Second Amendment. At every turn we are challenged to come up with a solution to these mass murders. It is because there is no single answer. It is because these tragedies run much deeper than laws restricting or forbidding gun ownership. The problem is hate, disregard for human life, selfishness and immorality, and this should come as no surprise as our society slowly drifts further away from religious lessons. We as a nation seem more filled with hate than any point in my lifetime. We cant have a civil and constructive conversation if we are from different political parties. We cant seem to have that conversation about race, religion or immigration. My God, we cant even agree on how to make health care affordable and accessible for Americans, so now we are to expect a substantive dialogue on gun control? But we must. Yet it seems we get better at hating every year. What is our future if we continue to go down this road? We deserve so much more; a land of liberty, of opportunity as well as security. Maybe there is another thing we can agree on while this debate plays out. We cant turn to Washington to solve all our problems. We cant turn to Washington to make America great. These are things we must do ourselves by using the power the Constitution gave to We the People to encourage Washington that it would be easier if they were to work with us and not against each other. I have said this many times: I believe in the American people, our strength, our faith, our patriotism, our motives, our work ethic and our values, much more than those under the soundproof dome in our capitol. I sure dont have the answers, so I am asking you, our Star-Herald readers, what your solution/s are to end these evil mass murders? Please contact me at greg.awtry@starherald.com and let me know what law you would pass, and if you think your new law would have stopped this carnage in Las Vegas. The U-Ms new research playground for drones has helped push the universitys 130-year-old weather station off campus. The $800,000 outdoor fly labdubbed M-Airwill adjoin the engineering departments new Robotics Building, scheduled to open in fall 2019. The huge, net-topped area will let students and researchers conduct tests without worrying that their high-tech toys will endanger U-M hospital helicopters or other aircraftbut its also the last straw for the climate data collection center, housed nearby at the space research building. North Campus has grown immensely since what is now the climate and space sciences department moved there in 1974. Since more buildings and more concrete can heat up an area, there were concerns we might be nearing a point where there might be some impact on temperature readings, says climate professor Frank Marsik. Originally housed at the U-M Observatory, the station moved to the Geology Building (now C.C. Little) from 1944 to 1956, then to East Engineering (now East Hall) before relocating to North Campus. Its next location should be safe from encroaching development: its moving to Matthaei Botanical Gardens. TIAs traffic hits 1.87m in first half of 17 The Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has witnessed a solid growth in the first half of 2017, setting the stage for receiving a record number of flyers this year. There was little drama on election night in Iredell County as Republicans won races up and down the ballot. Paul Mason Barnes, the go-to guy for Shakespeare at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, acknowledges that the current production poses a unique challenge. The production is Hamlet. It is intimidating, says Barnes, whos directed seven previous Rep shows. Its a big play big in the size of its cast, big in its ideas. Its quite a ride. That helps explain why the Rep, which marked its golden anniversary last season, has never before staged what is widely considered the greatest play in the English language. The stars aligned, Rep artistic director Steven Woolf says with a laugh, adding that the theater needed to have the right amount of money and the right director. Paul has a gift for making a story clear and for keeping it moving. Paul points out that somebody in Hamlet is always talking and when they speak, its poetry. So you cant stop. This story is a train, always in motion. There have been four recent London productions of the great drama about a Danish prince who learns (via ghost) that his uncle now his stepfather killed his actual father, the king. Obliged to avenge the murder but hesitant to proceed, Prince Hamlet spends five acts making up his mind, an exercise involving seven soliloquies (including O that this too solid flesh would melt, O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I and, of course, To be or not to be: that is the question.) Add to all that encounters with his sweetheart, Ophelia, his mother, Gertrude, and his life in a court teeming with murderous schemes. It takes a little time; Hamlet is Shakespeares longest play. And even though the London productions had been cut, Woolf says, each ran about four hours. He told Barnes, Were not doing that. And indeed, Barnes has cut this Hamlet to under three hours a daunting assignment. I cut 1,000 lines, he says. When you cut a great piece of literature, you have to say to yourself, Who do you think you are? But you also think, Whats the audiences attention span? Whats the turn-around time on a day with two performances? So you go ahead, carefully. For me, its about finding the spine of the play, about keeping its heart and its guts. Spine. Heart. Guts. This is an uncommonly physical description of the classic theater. That was on Barnes mind when he cast Jim Poulos as the Prince. A lithe and charming actor, Poulos has worked with Barnes at the Rep before. He played the juvenile, incomparably gifted Mozart in Barnes 2009 staging of Amadeus and the delightful fairy Puck in Barnes exquisite 2014 treatment of A Midsummer Nights Dream. (Midsummer brought Barnes his second St. Louis Theater Circle Award for outstanding direction of a comedy. His first was for The Comedy of Errors in 2012, which also won the Circle Award for outstanding production of a comedy. Poulos appeared in that show, too.) Woolf says he sees a common thread tying Puck to Prince Hamlet. Both reveal an antic disposition (as Hamlet puts it), and both make trouble, one in a fairy kingdom and one in the kingdom of Denmark. Both, Woolf adds, struggle to get free. I knew I needed a young actor who was willing to take risks to play Hamlet, Barnes says, and who had experience with Shakespeares language. Also, Jim is a musical theater actor. Thats a big plus with Shakespeare, because of the rhythms. The cast also includes Michael James Reed (who won his own Circle Award for Midsummer, playing Bottom) as Claudius, Robynn Rodriguez as Gertrude and Kim Wong as Ophelia. Tarah Flanagan, who played the title role in Barnes shimmering production of Saint Joan at the Rep in 2009, is also in the cast, along with many (many, many) others. SUNDAY Christian Robinson Childrens illustrator signs Whens My Birthday? at 11:30 a.m. at Left Bank Books, 399 North Euclid Avenue. Free. 314-367-6731. Epic Reads for teens Young adult novelists Lauren Oliver (Ringer) Kristen Ciccarelli (The Last Namsara), Katie Cotugno (Top Ten) and Zac Brewer (Madness) talk about their work at 3 p.m. at Spencer Road library branch, 427 Spencer Road, St. Peters. Free. youranswerplace.org. TUESDAY Ed Wheatley Co-author discusses St. Louis Browns at 10:30 a.m. at Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Bouelvard. Free. 314-361-4302. Tim Wise Author discusses books on race, including Under the Affluence, at 7 p.m. at Harris Stowe State University, Bank of America Theatre, 3026 Laclede Avenue. Free. 314-340-3670. WEDNESDAY Bryn Greenwood Novelist discusses All the Ugly and Wonderful Things at 7 p.m. at Left Bank Books, address above. Free. Marianne Richmond Childrens author to read Be Brave Little One at 6:30 p.m. at the Novel Neighbor, 7905 Big Bend Boulevard. Free. Children encouraged to wear pajamas. 314-738-9384. THURSDAY Sam Lightner Jr. Author discusses historical novel Heavy Green: The Collision of Two Unlikely Missions in Americas Secret War at 7 p.m. at Left Bank Books, address above. Free. OCT. 14 Rhonda and Kaley Rhea Childrens authors sign Turtles in the Road at 10 a.m. at 6 North Cafe, 10 Cliff View Drive, Wentzville. 636-856-8066. Tony Messenger Tony Messenger is the metro columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Tony Messenger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today The long standoff at the home on Chippewa Street had ended and St. Louis police Lt. Latricia Allen was preparing to leave the scene. But first, a member of the Shegog family did something unusual. Somebody just reached out and hugged me and thanked me, Allen said. It was awesome. The family had reason to be happy. Gregory Shegog is a 60-year-old black man with a felony record. On Wednesday night, he stood on his porch randomly firing a handgun. Gunshots are not unusual in that Gravois Park neighborhood south of Cherokee Street. But neighbors had called. As two police officers who responded to the incident Officers Bryan Lemons and Jonathan Senf neared Shegogs home, he fired at the officers. Lemons fired back and missed. Two more officers, Jeffrey Trares and Nicholas Holt, showed up and Shegog pointed his gun at them, according to charging documents. They didnt fire. The suspect retreated to his house, and the standoff began. Hours later, after intense negotiations with the hostage response team SWAT team at the ready Shegog left the house under arrest. But he was alive. For three weeks now, protesters have hit the streets in St. Louis every night bringing attention to the issue of police in the region (and the nation) shooting and killing black suspects at an alarming rate. This one ended differently. Many of them do, Allen says. And it is worth examining what went right. I think the lesson is that we really did listen to the family, Allen says. And the family provided us information that made it successful. The cooperation was key. Shegog has a history of mental illness, and the family told police officers that he was not on his medication, Allen said. She and Sgt. Sally Panzer, who both have supervisory roles in the hostage response team, say that it isnt unusual for police to have to deal with such situations, responding to armed individuals when mental health is a part of the equation that controls how police engage. De-escalation is always very important, Panzer said. In this case, time was on our side. After Shegog retreated to his house, the SWAT team was called, and two negotiators talked to both Shegog and his family, eventually getting him to put the gun down so he could be peaceably arrested. He faces multiple felony counts for firing at officers. As the SWAT team disrupted the neighborhood, some residents went to the Next Door social media site to wonder about what was happening. Some complained. Some worried. Many had questions. Alderman Cara Spencer saw it and called the 3rd District commander. When she found out the incident ended with nobody getting shot, Spencer posted items on Facebook and Twitter, thanking police. The response, she said, was overwhelming. I think it is worth celebrating that the event didnt end differently, Spencer said. This was a job well done. It was also the sort of police-citizen interaction that happens all too often in some parts of St. Louis, including her ward, Spencer said. We have a lot of mental illness in the community, and a lot of drug addiction. Instead of dealing with these issues medically, we burden the police with it. Failed policies on the state and federal level such as the lack of Medicaid expansion force police in cities like St. Louis to have to be mental health workers and drug counselors as well as agents of law enforcement. It doesnt always end well. Just Saturday, a knife-wielding man entered a Dogtown bar and threatened employees. Police arrived and told him to drop the knife, police say. He didnt. They used a Taser on him. He died on the way to a hospital. When these incidents do end well, Allen says, look to the training. Training is everything. You have a lot of people with mental illness that are detected and undetected. Of course, training takes time, and with the St. Louis police force down in numbers, it makes it more difficult to take officers off the street so they can learn and relearn the de-escalation techniques that lead to the sort of peaceful ending that happened last week. For the most part, many police and protesters agree on the training issue. Getting there is the hard part. Shegog wont be coming home for a long time. Thats what happens when you fire your gun at police officers. But he is alive to possibly get the treatment he needs. We had a very successful outcome, Panzer said. It ended with hugs. Towards a happy workplace Laws are needed to safeguard the rights of employees with mental health problems ST. LOUIS Customers were already lining up to order food shortly after noon on Sunday when Tamm Avenue Grill reopened its doors, a day after the death of a man who threatened employees with a butcher knife and was shocked with a stun gun by police. On Saturday morning, a man in his 60s forced his way into the Dogtown bar and grill, wielding a knife, and made threats against four employees working at the time, authorities and owner Bob Brazell said. He said none of the employees knew or recognized the man, who police had not identified as of Sunday afternoon. Officers responding to a call for help ordered the man multiple times to put the knife down, police said, but when he didnt obey, he was shocked with a Taser. Police released a statement on Saturday saying the man had stopped breathing while being taken into custody and was pronounced dead at a hospital. Brazell said he could not discuss the specifics of the incident, beyond confirming all employees were safe. Were done. Its been nonstop. Nobodys slept. Weve been here two days, he told the Post-Dispatch on Sunday. The bar and grill remained closed on Saturday and resumed normal hours on Sunday. Brazell said the Dogtown neighborhood has always been supportive, even before the incident. Were just ready to get back to normal, he said. A statement on the companys Facebook page Sunday morning urged customers to fill the building with smiling faces and positive vibes today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the man that was involved, it read. The mans motives remained unclear. The police departments Force Investigative Unit is handling the investigation of his death. Tasers, the electroshock weapon widely used by U.S. police departments, have long been marketed as a nonlethal device strong enough to subdue uncooperative suspects without killing them or causing significant harm. But in a five-part series published in August and September, Reuters found more than 150 autopsy reports citing Tasers as a cause of or contributor to deaths across America. Most of the deaths have occurred since the early 2000s. Theres no consensus on the lethality of Tasers, Reuters reported, but an examination of company documents, medical literature and court and patent records indicated that some of the devices safety assertions were exaggerated. While the chance of cardiac arrest is believed to be low, the weapons true risk is difficult to determine. Human trials that would truly mimic police encounters in which officers would use a Taser come with ethical challenges, and some who have died from Tasers showed other risk factors, such as underlying heart disease. ST. LOUIS Homicide detectives have been called to a shooting scene in the 5900 block of Sherry Avenue in the Walnut Park West neighborhood. A man was found shot in the head at 4:29 p.m. Saturday, according to police. The victim was not conscious or breathing. Neighbors said they heard shots. Police refused to provide additional details. The street was blocked off with yellow tape at Mimika Street as a crime lab unit pulled up. Crime in the Walnut Park West neighborhood is up 22 percent in the last six months, compared to the same period a year earlier. Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg belatedly has given investigators some 3,000 advertisements from around 470 accounts associated with a Kremlin-linked troll farm. Congressional committees and special counsel Robert Mueller are trying to determine how deeply Russia interfered with last years presidential election. The ads may have been seen by 10 million people, Facebook says, and there may be more where they came from. Election interference is just part of why this is important. At a broader level, its about political speech, the limits of internet privacy and tech firms desperate attempts to ward off government regulation. Its a big deal now and could become a gigantic deal down the road. Theres never been a company as disruptive to political discourse as Facebook. For all its association with cat videos and celebrity gossip, Facebook is changing the way Americans get their news about politics and politicians. Its powerful algorithms target users susceptible to specific messages, and unless someone complains, human beings rarely intervene to halt the targeting. Facebook spearheaded the internets democratization of mass media while making sources of information less transparent. Facebooks algorithms dont care where messages come from or whether theyre true. Facebook doesnt broadcast, it narrowcasts. Algorithms decided which users might be interested in messages that encouraged social division in America, the wheelhouse of Donald Trumps presidential campaign. Did 3,000 Facebook ads turn the election? Probably not. The Russian agents only spent $100,000. But the messages reverberated inside the conservative media silo as part of a larger campaign to manipulate voters. Investigators in Congress and the Justice Department who have seen the ads say they are remarkably sophisticated, showing a keen awareness of the fault lines in American society. They mirror the kind of disinformation campaigns that Soviet intelligence used to wage. Their aim was to sow chaos, Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told The Washington Post. In many cases it was more about voter suppression rather than increasing turnout. On Sept. 6, Facebook admitted having discovered that the ads were bought by accounts linked to the Kremlin. Initially it refused to turn them over to investigators, doing so only after public outcry. Facebook, Google and other media platforms are wary of government regulation, but other forms of political advertising are subject to government transparency rules. Facebook should be no different. Political speech should be open and vibrant. But Americans have a right to know whos financing it. Anonymous internet ads, like anonymous dark money political committees, subvert transparency. They can subvert elections. If Facebook, Google and other social media outlets dont impose standards of transparency and accountability on themselves, Congress might need to do it for them. A Paid for by Vladimir Putin tagline is not too much to ask. Missouris Planned Parenthood affiliates expect to expand services across the state following a federal appeals court decision last week reversing state regulations on abortion. While they do that, abortion opponents should turn their attention to helping women prevent unintended pregnancies instead of continuing to fight against reproductive rights enshrined in federal law and upheld repeatedly by the U.S. Supreme Court. Better methods of birth control, primarily long-acting, reversible contraception, and improved sex education have already sent teen pregnancies plunging to their lowest rate in decades. Unintended pregnancy rates are only about 5 percent for adult women who use contraceptives, compared with a 45 percent unintended rate among all women, the Guttmacher Institute reports. Reducing unintended pregnancy rates is the best way to reduce demand for abortions. Challenging abortion clinics is not the most effective way to bring down the abortion rate. The smarter way is to continue providing useful information, support reproductive health research and make tools available to help women make smart decisions about family planning. The U.S. Supreme Court has seen through the false assertion of protecting womens health as the justification for imposing strict regulations on abortion clinics. A year ago, the court in Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt struck down Texas laws requiring doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital and demanding that abortion clinics have facilities comparable to ambulatory surgical centers. In a 5-3 ruling, justices said the laws were an obstacle for women seeking a legal procedure and violated the Constitution. In her concurring opinion, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote, It is beyond rational belief that (the Texas law) could genuinely protect the health of women, and certain that the law would simply make it more difficult for them to obtain abortions. She added, Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers laws do little or nothing for health, but rather strew impediments to abortion and cannot survive judicial inspection. Even after the ruling, abortion foes pursued regulations in Missouri that were nearly identical to those in Texas. Planned Parenthood challenged the rules, saying they left only two facilities providing abortions across Missouris 70,000-square-mile expanse. That imposed enormous burdens on low-income women or those with medical conditions or pregnancies resulting from abuse. A federal district court temporarily blocked Missouri from enforcing the requirements, citing the Supreme Courts ruling. Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley asked a federal appeals panel to freeze the lower courts order, but it denied the motion last week without comment. Reducing demand for abortion matters to us all. Women who have made the difficult decision to terminate a pregnancy deserve fair treatment under the law. Better sex education and fewer barriers to birth control are the most effective ways to bring down the abortion rate. Entertainment Tonight co-host Kevin Frazier has traveled the world for his job. But before he began working on air, he manned the camera behind the scenes. I worked as a cameraman, Frazier said from Los Angeles, where he resides with his family. (One day I) got to do a story about a peewee football team that was going to the big championship game. I went out and set everything up and shot that football practice and did my little stand-up. At the time, he was 27 years old and making $13,000 annually. But Frazier, 58, said he wouldnt trade his humble start for anything, because his early years gave him the foundation to work in every aspect of broadcast journalism. Im weary of those entitled passengers who are continuously whining and complaining, says Lisa Thomas, a veteran flight attendant based in Denver. I feel like telling them, Take some responsibility for your choices. Thomas comments, made to me after a recent column about the rise of fees in the travel industry, triggered a fascinating debate. Many travelers say that they think fees are out of control, particularly in the airline business. The top 10 airlines collected more than $28 billion in revenue from extra fees and services last year, up from about $2 billion a decade ago, according to a recent study by the consulting firm IdeaWorks. At the same time, many in the industry say that they think people are getting exactly what they paid for: a quality product at a ridiculously low price. Industry employees like Thomas suggest that travelers have become spoiled. So whos right? Thats a difficult question, particularly if you remember flying before the airline industry was deregulated and the travel industry grew dependent on extra fees. But considering it might ensure a smoother trip, no matter how you get there. Whether youre flying, cruising or checking into a hotel, you probably want to pay as little as possible and maybe nothing for travel. The nothing part is no joke; thats the implied promise of loyalty programs, with their free flights and stays. Insiders call this the deal economy, and they blame it for opening a chasm between what travelers pay for and what they anticipate. Say, for example, you find an amazing bargain at a five-star hotel through an online travel agency. The hotel knows you only care about a low price, and will invariably give you the keys to a broom closet. So, despite getting a deal on a resort experience, the customer is then relegated to the lowest possible room type, regardless of occupancy, says Amy Draheim, who has worked as a marketing director for a dozen award-winning hotels. I know what the deal economy can do to tarnish a guest experience. The truth is at risk of cliche that you get what you pay for. This rift between expectation and experience may be widening, experts say. Part of it stems from a tremendous information gap, explains Samuel Engel, a global managing director for aviation at ICF International, a consulting firm based in Fairfax, Va. He says nearly half of all airline passengers take fewer than two trips per year, so they dont know where to get information about extra fees or the quality of their travel experience. Perhaps they dont even care. Most of them are simply buying a ticket based on time and price, he says. How can they possibly know what to expect? But theres a little more to the story. True, travelers are interested in even obsessed by saving money, but one reason is that theyre barraged by advertising messages that promise they can have it all: a low price, great service, and eventually, if they book enough trips, free flights and hotel stays. Theres plenty of that kind of information being transmitted to travelers, but not enough information about the travel experience. Fees, surcharges and other extras are often hidden deep on the travel companies websites, revealed only at the last moment when you book a trip. For travelers, it all adds up to a feeling that somehow, travel, and especially air travel, isnt as good as it used to be. And that often triggers a defensive reaction from people in the business. It was expensive to travel back then, recalls Thomas, the flight attendant. Tickets typically went for $600 to $700. That was 40 years ago, when a house cost $19,000, and a brand-new car was probably only a few thousand dollars. Now, you can fly somewhere at 36,000 feet, at 500 miles per hour, for $100 round trip! But travelers who flew during the days when the price of an airline ticket was the actual price you paid remember things differently. John Madden, a retired civilian Army employee who lives in Troy, Mich., took his first commercial flight in the early 1950s, and recalls paying just $72 to fly from Washington to San Francisco in 1967. He still has the ticket. In economy class, the flight attendants served passengers steak on real plates, he says. You didnt pay to reschedule a flight, to catch an earlier flight, to select a seat or to sit with family or friends, he says. We werent charged for checked or carry-on bags, and the people who crammed oversized bags in overhead compartments were businessmen in suits in a hurry to deplane. The math is more confusing when some airlines can offer no baggage fees and have no change fees while others continue to raise theirs year after year. And its even more perplexing when other travel companies follow the airline industrys lead, adding fees to their products that used to be and probably should still be included in the product. Even if the economic model has shifted, making it necessary to quote a low price and then add fees, couldnt the travel industry be a little nicer about it? Maybe, if the airlines were not so busy trying to grab every dollar and would be a little kinder to people, customers would react in kind, says Cynthia Kelley, a retired driver from Sandpoint, Idaho. In other words, cut back on commercials that promise free travel, tell us whats included in your product and remember that youre in the hospitality industry. In the end, the answer to the question of whos right? may be everyone. Fees are too high and so are customers expectations. And while the reasons may be complicated, the solution isnt. Now more than ever, travelers have to look past the hype and the come-ons for loyalty programs and familiarize themselves with the product theyre booking. Eva Doyle, a professional speaker from Columbia, Md., says she researches every reservation she makes. I read up as much as I can on what Im really getting for my travel dollars, she says. I prepare for long waits and indifferent employees. I play a lot of solitaire on my phone. I join loyalty programs when it makes sense to do so, and try to take advantage of whatever benefits I can. Doyle says she often encounters the you-get-what-you-pay-for attitude, and theres no argument that will prevail against it. Instead, she tries to reinforce good behavior. When she receives outstanding service, she sends a message to that persons supervisor, praising their helpful attitude. Focusing on the positive in this standoff may be the best advice of all, and that doesnt just mean recognizing the best employees. It also means giving your business to an airline, hotel or car rental company that treats you fairly and honestly, instead of the one that quotes you the lowest price. The Mayor of Stratford upon Avon, Victoria Alcock, also visited Scholars Mews to lend her support to the worthy cause. AVERY Healthcares care home, Scholars Mews, was delighted to be asked to support the Care Workers Charity Ride on 28th September. More than twenty cyclists took part in a 75-mile sponsored bike ride from Rugby to Oxford to raise funds for the Care Workers Charity. Scholars Mews in Stratford-upon-Avon provided a lunch stop for the cyclists with a healthy, high energy packed meal to aid the cyclists on their way, along with drinks. The Mayor of Stratford upon Avon, Victoria Alcock, also visited Scholars Mews to lend her support to the worthy cause. The CWC Cycle Challenge has set the admirable target of 30,000, which will help the CWC support and assist some of the most giving and often undervalued members of society, care workers. There are more than two million care workers in the UK at present, working hard to look after some of our most vulnerable individuals, often facing tough challenges and financial hardship. Since 2009, the CWC has dedicated itself to helping these everyday heroes get the help that they need. Youth participation key to attaining SDGs: Experts A workshop on Global Leadership and Youth Forum on Sustainable Development Goals (SGD) ended in the Capital on Saturday, with a conclusion that creating opportunities for youths and enhancing their capabilities hold to achieving those goals. Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that he wants every kid, whether boy or girl, should be enrolled for education in Sindh and rest of the country. Education is the only weapon to defeat evils spread by ignorance and illiteracy and for grooming a harmonious society, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto stated while presiding over a meeting about efforts being made by Sindh government for improving education and literacy in the province. The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Minister Education Jam Mehtab Dehar, Managing Director of Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) Ms. Naheed S. Durrani and others. Team led by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah briefed the Chairman about steps and actions taken by the Sindh government in education sector and improvement in enrolment of out-of-school children. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that education has always been a key priority in the Party manifesto and urged Sindh government to play more proactive role in achieving the goals. PPP Chairman said that though Sindh government has reopened thousands of closed schools but he wants this syndrome should be completely eradicated. He pointed out that World Bank has appreciated the smart solutions adopted by the Sindh government to improve education. It may be recalled that World Bank highlighted in a report that the Sindh School Monitoring System, which spreads across 15 districts and to the remotest parts of the province. Plans are underway to expand it to the entire province. This first digital system in the education sector in Pakistan allows transparent and effective monitoring of staff, students and school infrastructure. More than 210,000 teaching and non-teaching staff have been profiled using biometric information, covering more than 26,200 schools. Computer-rendered plans have been released showing the proposed $100 million-plus Farmers redevelopment will feature a strip of cafes and restaurants along Elizabeth St with balconies overlooking the city centre. The plans also show that, in addition to the 73 apartments announced earlier, the building will include nearly two dozen executive townhouses to be constructed above the two-storey retail plinth. Elizabeth Properties Limited part of James Pascoe Group that owns Farmers and other popular retail brands says the cafes and restaurants are being included as part of a global trend towards broadening the experience of shopping. Company spokesperson Brett Nicholls says Tauranga will be among the first cities to experience this new level of sophistication in New Zealand. Its an exciting idea that has caught on in shopping areas overseas. People are looking for a whole new experience when they go out. Theyre enjoying a quality meal at their shopping destination, rather than eating and shopping separately. The proposed building will feature 320 car parks, and two towers containing the 73 apartments, and 23 townhouses. Around 180 of the buildings car parks will be available to the public. This is more than twice as many that are currently publicly available at Farmers. Brett says the companys intention behind the introduction of the executive townhouses is to offer greater residential choice. The two- to three-bedroom executive townhouses will come with the benefit of all that the wider development offers, but at a price point that suits purchasers looking to get into the Tauranga market. The plans also aim to transform a lane between Elizabeth St and First Ave with hole-in-the-wall eateries accessible to pedestrians. Brett says this is one of his favourite aspects of the design. Were aiming for a Melbourne feel, with outdoor seating and dining. Features such as these will be a real catalyst for change for Taurangas CBD. The images have been released after meetings between Brett and representatives of iwi, Heart of the City, Tauranga City Council, Priority One, Mainstreet Tauranga and neighbouring businesses. Brett says consultation is an extremely important part of the development process, as it is crucial the new building fits in with the character of Taurangas downtown area. He is keen to hear feedback and answer any questions about the proposal, and says a public open day is planned in the near future. A development on this scale is a tremendous commitment, but its one were willing to make because Farmers has played such an iconic role on that corner. We have faith Tauranga is ready for this kind of development, and we intend to deliver. The Farmers corner has a long history of retail stretching back to its roots as a mall in the early 1970s. Farmers will move to Tauranga Crossing while the site is being developed and will move back when it is completed. Other retailers expected to move into the building include Stevens Homewares, Whitcoulls and Pascoes the Jewellers. The development comes at a time in which the councils Heart of the City campaign looks for ways to reinvigorate the CBD by drawing people into town and spurring the local economy. Tauranga mayor Greg Brownless, Priority One chief executive Nigel Tutt and Downtown Tauranga spokeswoman Sally Cooke have all publicly endorsed the development. The company expects to lodge consent applications before the end of this year. An expected opening date is yet to be finalised. By the numbers - $100+ million development - Six cafes and restaurants - Two levels of retail - 8000 square metres retail - 320 car parks on 5 levels - 73 high-end apartments - 23 town houses - Farmers to return (taking 3/4 of retail space) - Other retailers to join Despite the weather, Edgecumbe continues to get all dressed up as the town prepares to welcome the Americas Cup this afternoon at Edgecumbe Wall Memorial Mall. The event, which will see members of Emirates Team New Zealand bring the Auld Mug to the township, was secured after being suggested by Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce chief executive Gerard Casey. He says the event is expected to help boost morale and highlight the fact that Edgecumbe is firmly back in business. We originally thought three members from Emirates Team New Zealand would be coming along, but now six of them have confirmed, including one of the cyclers so theres definitely going to be a renewed amount of energy come from that, says Gerard. He says he is excited for the day. Its great when you set yourself a goal and you actually see the event come together, says Gerard. Probably the only thing Im disappointed in is the weather. We thought the weather was going to be a bit finer than it was but weve just shifted the event to the Edgecumbe War Memorial Hall. Thats something we cant really control and it wasnt really something I was ever worried about just the fact we could get the team here is absolutely superb and regardless, we still think that we will get a whole lot of people showing up for it. He says people from around the region are expected to show up, to witness the once-in-a-lifetime visit, which will take place from 12-2pm today. Hopefully we are going to encourage a lot of people to come from around the Eastern Bay to Edgecumbe, to see what the town is all about. Six months on, things are looking better but theres still a lot to go, says Gerard. We are hoping this will be a midpoint where the Edgecumbe community will get an uplift and feel inspired seeing these guys come here and also that people will come here today and then want to return and visit the town again. As the event is in the middle of the school holidays, there will be childrens activities onsite from 11am, and local businesses will be offering their products via market stalls. The main event will start with a welcome to Emirates Team NZ representatives and the Americas Cup at midday, followed by brief speeches; a short crowd question-and-answer session with the team members; and then a public selfie or photo-opportunity with the Cup and team members. GLADE SPRING, Va. Meghan Heath got a bright idea when she decided to open her own business in downtown Glade Spring. Two weeks ago, the 30-year-old hung out a sign to Made New 517 Company, a business that uses the healing powers of light to treat a variety of health ailments from skin problems to body pain. This business is my happy place, said Heath, who decorated the shop in cozy pastel colors and homelike accessories. I want people to feel at home here. I want them to feel renewed and to receive the help they need to live more fulfilled lives. I really look for this technology to deliver people from having to take many unnecessary medications. Rebecca Dickenson of Glade Spring said she started using the therapy to help alleviate eczema and other skin imperfections as soon as she learned the local business had opened. I can already tell a difference, said Dickenson. I feel like I have a rosy glow on my complexion. Ill definitely continue treatment. Im looking forward to having younger, healthier skin. The two LED red light therapy beds at the new business may look like tanning beds, but they are not. Heath said unlike the damages that can occur from tanning beds, red light therapy offers all sorts of good benefits for the body. According to her, the deep, penetrating red light therapy is a noninvasive treatment that has no known risks. Customers wear protective eye goggles as they relax in a red light therapy bed that covers the entire body. Sessions last 20 minutes each. The light penetrates below the skin into the cells and the bloodstream. It basically heals you from the inside out and allows the body to produce collagen again, start reproducing cells and promoting circulation, said Heath. The healing time from surgeries and injuries is increased. It forces blood back into those areas at a faster rate and in turn produces more oxygen to flow through the body. The therapy is known to help treat skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, scars, stretch marks and varicose veins. It can help wounds heal faster. It helps mood and sleep-related conditions. Customers have seen positive results for back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, muscle strains, sprains and other physical problems. Heath said her 85-year-old grandmother tried the red light therapy to help with shoulder pain and to speed healing of a broken wrist. Her doctor basically told her she was too old to fully heal, said Heath. She immediately noticed relief from taking the therapy. Heath is also a firm believer in the therapy, as well as her mother, Jamie Halsey, who helps out at the business. In 2015, Heath was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I was physically and emotionally overwhelmed being a wife, working full time and raising two kids under age 3. The only way Heath knew to deal with the body aches and low energy was to come home from working as a dental assistant and go to bed. It was a struggle. When she reached out to the internet to find natural ways to treat her symptoms, Heath stumbled upon the red light therapy. I knew this was something good. I called my mom and told her this was it. This was the business I was looking for. Ive loved it from the get-go. The first time I laid in the therapy bed, I could tell something was happening. The warmth feels good, but theres more to it. You can feel the tingling, especially in areas I have the most inflammation, Heath said. My greatest struggle was sleep issues. People with fibromyalgia dont rest well because thats when you become more aware of your pain. After treatments, I began to rest well, and my energy level was boosted. Heath said research shows people see the best results if they are consistent with therapy three to four times a week for the first 12 weeks. After that, people can drop back to one or two times a month if they have reached the desired results. An aromatherapy room at the business is also used for people who need help with seasonal allergies and respiratory ailments. It also promotes relaxation, she said. Everything retail in her store has a purpose to help someone else or to promote good health. She carries Fair Trade products handmade by artisans and farmers in 25 countries throughout the world; jewelry, bags and accessories; clothing; skin care products; salt lamps that purify the air; and locally made organic natural soaps. My mission is to give, serve and love, said Heath, who named her business after 2 Corinthians 5:17, which reads: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are made new. My goal is to help peoples lives change. We give a portion of every dollar to families in need, we help mission and outreach groups, and we aid in feeding local children, as well as those children in third world countries, she said. Heath said she serves the community by offering the natural healing methods that are making a difference in so many lives. And, above all, we love, as we are called to love one another as ourselves. Creating a new place to play and, in the process, improving students physical and academic fitness. That is the objective behind a newly dedicated playground at Atkins Elementary School. School officials, state representatives and special guests joined students Friday to cut a ribbon and watch demonstrations of new equipment for Project Fit America Day designated by Gov. Terry McAuliffe across the commonwealth. The project came about from a grant written by Atkins Elementary physical education teacher Ashley Cannon to the Wellmont Foundation and Tri Cities Childrens Miracle Network for state-of-the-art fitness equipment. This equipment is specifically designed to address the deficit areas where children fail fitness tests, said the Wellmont Foundation, such as arm and leg strength through climbing, jumping, pull-ups and push-ups, and crossing monkey bars. At Wellmont Foundation and Tri Cities Childrens Miracle Network, were passionate about improving wellness in the communities we serve, and we especially want to do our part in the fight against childhood obesity, said Anita Campbell. Were thrilled to fund and support Atkins Elementary to empower these children to learn healthy habits and enjoy healthier lives. The kids will have a great time on the equipment, Campbell said, and I hope they will continue to be healthy and make the community stronger and better through programs like this. The $18,200 Project Fit America youth grant provides outdoor and indoor fitness equipment and installation, a curriculum with games, activities and challenges, and helps teach character development, sportsmanship, teamwork and leadership skills. The academic emphasis is to create physically educated children and to empower them to take personal responsibility of their health with enthusiasm, said the Wellmont Foundation. Research does show that not only is physical education important for a childs physical development, it actually helps kids read and learn math, said Stacey Cook, executive director of the Wellmont Foundation and Tri Cities Childrens Miracle Network. Physically active kids are better learners. Quality fitness in education has a direct impact not only on a childs health but their academic success. Special guests at the dedication included state representatives Sen. Bill Carrico, Del. Jeff Campbell and Del. Israel OQuinn. Being outside is an important part of your life and being healthy, said Carrico. Make playing a part of being healthy and eating healthy for lifetime fitness. Lifetime fitness is important, and at the age you are, if you stay physically fit you will more likely stay that way all your life, Campbell said to the students, who confessed that recess was his favorite part of school. This is a fantastic facility and you are very fortunate to have it here, said OQuinn. It takes a lot of people to make something like this a reality. Each of the representatives and Dr. Dennis Carter, superintendent, praised Cannon for her efforts in writing and securing the grant. Carter also praised the friendships and partnerships with the state representatives, community organizations and the Wellmont Foundation and Tri Cities Childrens Miracle Network for making this project a reality, and the United Way of Southwest Virginia for all its help in healthy lifestyle projects for Smyth County schools. Carter also read the resolution from Gov. McAuliffe designating Sept. 29 as Project Fit America Day across the commonwealth with the launch of the initiative at Atkins Elementary School. Cannon added her thanks to the students for being her inspiration. You love it, and I love doing it for you, Cannon said of the play equipment. Indoors, the equipment includes hula-hoops, medicine balls, jump ropes, stacking games and more. The PFA youth grant initiative will be an excellent booster in our schools efforts to encourage healthy lifestyles, said Principal Gary Roberts. Ashley Cannon constantly strives to make physical education interesting, fun and is always changing it up in order to keep interest by the students and stay current. PFA will provide all the more opportunity for our students to keep up with current trends in physical education and help encourage self-confidence. Project Fit America provides support to the schools for two years along with on-site training for each physical education teacher. The mass shooting in Las Vegas, leaving 58 people plus the gunman dead and more than 500 injured, dominates the editorial cartoons this week. Through their artwork, the cartoonists ask such questions as : Is it too soon to talk about gun control? Why are people turning to talk show host Jimmy Kimmel for policy prescriptions? Why does the NRA have so much sway in the debate over gun control? The other main topic in the news was President Donald Trump's visit to hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico. The president declared his administration's relief efforts to be more than satisfactory -- a conclusion disputed by some Puerto Ricans still waiting for the necessities of life two weeks after the storm. Cartoons were drawn by Chan Lowe, Dan Wasserman, Dana Summers, Jack Ohman, Drew Sheneman, Scott Stantis, Walt Handelsman and Phil Hands of Tribune Content Agency; Tim Campbell, Mike Lester and Darrin Bell of the Washington Post Writers Group; and Tom Toles of Andrews McMeel Syndication. Here's a bonus video from Bell, showing how he drew his cartoon about the NRA: NEW ORLEANS -- Hurricane Nate came ashore at the mouth of the Mississippi River on Saturday and pelted the central Gulf Coast with wind and rain as the fast-moving storm steamed toward the Mississippi coast, where it was expected to make another landfall and threatened to inundate homes and businesses in vulnerable low-lying areas. Nate was expected to pass to the east of New Orleans, sparing the city its most ferocious winds and storm surge. And its quick speed decreased the likelihood of prolonged rain that would tax the city's weakened drainage pump system. Still, the city famous for all-night partying was placed under a curfew, effective at 7 p.m., and the streets were not nearly as crowded as they would be on a typical Saturday night. Cities along the Mississippi coast such as Gulfport and Biloxi were on high alert. Some beachfront hotels and casinos were evacuated. Rain began falling on the region Saturday and forecasters called for 3 to 6 inches (7 to 15 centimeters) with as much as 10 inches (25 centimeters) in some isolated places. Nate weakened slightly and was a Category 1 storm with maximum winds of 85 mph (137 kph) when it made landfall. Forecasters had said it was possible that it could strengthen to a Category 2, but that seemed less likely as the night wore on. Storm surge threatened low-lying communities in southeast Louisiana, eastward to the Alabama fishing village of Bayou la Batre. "If it floods again, this will be it. I can't live on promises," said Larry Bertron as said as he and his wife prepared to leave their home in the Braithwaite community of vulnerable Plaquemines Parish. The hurricane veterans lost one home to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and were leaving the home they rebuilt after Hurricane Isaac in 2012. Governors in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama declared states of emergency. The three states have been mostly spared during this hectic hurricane season. "This is the worst hurricane that has impacted Mississippi since Hurricane Katrina," Mississippi Emergency Management Director Lee Smithson said Saturday. "Everyone needs to understand that, that this is a significantly dangerous situation." Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards urged residents to make final preparations quickly and stressed that Nate will bring the possibility of storm surge reaching up to 11 feet in some coastal areas. "It's going to hit and move through our area at a relatively fast rate, limiting the amount of time it's going to drop rain," Edwards said. "But this is a very dangerous storm nonetheless." Streets in low-lying areas of Louisiana were already flooded. Places outside of levee protections were under mandatory evacuation orders and shelters opened there. Some people worried about New Orleans' pumping system, which had problems during a heavy thunderstorm on Aug. 5. The deluge exposed system weaknesses - including the failure of some pumps and power-generating turbines - and caused homes and businesses to flood. Repairs have been made but the system remained below maximum pumping capacity. On Alabama's Dauphin Island, water washed over the road Saturday on the island's low-lying west end, said Mayor Jeff Collier. The storm was projected to bring storm surges from seven to 11 feet near the Alabama-Mississippi state line. Some of the biggest impacts could be at the top of funnel-shaped Mobile Bay. The window for preparing "is quickly closing," Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hastings said. Florida Gov. Rick Scott warned residents of the Panhandle to prepare for Nate's impact. "Hurricane Nate is expected to bring life-threatening storm surges, strong winds and tornados that could reach across the Panhandle," Scott said. The evacuations affect roughly 100,000 residents in the western Panhandle. The Pensacola International Airport announced it will close at 6 p.m. Saturday and remain closed on Sunday. However, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport was open Saturday. "We are urging customers to check with their specific airlines to see whether their flights have been canceled because there have been some of those," spokeswoman Michelle Wilcut said. At 8 p.m. EDT Saturday, Nate was about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River. The storm is expected to quickly weaken as it cuts a path through the Southeast on its way to the Northeast, which could see impacts from Nate early next week. Nate killed at least 21 people after strafing Central America. Waterside sections of New Orleans, outside the city's levee system, were under an evacuation order. About 2,000 people were affected. But not everyone was complying. Gabriel Black stayed behind because an 81-year-old neighbor refused to leave. "I know it sounds insane, but he has bad legs and he doesn't have anybody who can get to him," Black said. Ahead of Saturday night's curfew, some bars were closed in the French Quarter but music blasted from others. By Janet McConnaughey, Melinda Deslatte and Jeff Amy, Associated Press. Associated Press writer Kim Chandler in Alabama and Kevin McGill in New Orleans, and AP photographer Gerald Herbert in Plaquemines Parish, contributed to this report. Summer break is often the time we begin to work through or revisit all those novels weve always meant to read. This summer I caught up with a modern classic: Donna Tartts compelling novel The Secret History. The premise; a collection of students at an elite college in New England who take their studies in Classics, under an enigmatically influential and profoundly selective professor, to a real and extreme level. I therefore thought this book the perfect read with the prospect of beginning my first year at Cambridge. Now, Im not saying by any means that the dark and murderous events which Tartt unfurls through her protagonist Richards flawed narrative are reflective of the typical Cambridge undergraduate experience, however I ask you to humour my comparison for the sake of this review. Tartt defies the typical trope of a thriller by revealing the assumed climax of the story within the first line; a boy called Bunny has died. More specifically, he has been murdered. I feel that the books depth comes from the readers complicity in the events and ultimate crime, Tartt often using the second person in phrases such as you know to create a confidentiality and intimacy between the reader and narrator. This conspiratorial engagement only makes this enthralling novel harder to put down. Tartt plays with the third wall in the book: we are simultaneously onlookers and intimate insiders, a conscious nod to the role of the reader who also bears witness to the cold-blooded events which occur. This adds an unsettling sadism: like Richard, we are immersed in the events which unfold like a Greek tragedy. The narrator, Richard, is prone to romanticising, sometimes perhaps going as far as to falsify characters, either due to his own ideals of what he desires those around him to be, or through a need to convince the reader of the righteousness of his own morally perverse actions. In the epilogue, he openly acknowledges his authorial role and power over the shaping of events. He states of course, it would be easy for [him] to falsify characters and events, although it wasnt at all the truth. This unreliable narration is felt keenly throughout. Richard acknowledges that a quality he shares with Julian is an inability to see anyone, or anything, in its true light which for me created a constant ambiguity as to the true nature of characters and events. An underlying sense of distrust for the narrative voice adds an addictive intrigue to this multifaceted thriller. An interesting notion that stood out to me in Tartts novel is the deep-rooted nature of the human desire to fit in, emphasised here through the dramatic extreme of sanctifying murder. This is particularly prevalent on the part of Richard; in order to remain part of the privileged and exclusionary group of friends that he continually places on a pedestal, he wilfully ignores common morality and humanity or perhaps more terrifyingly, is so taken by the notion of belonging to a pack that is so elite and above common moral values, that it can actually redefine what is moral and justifiable. In this sense, the young college students are portrayed by Tartt as Godlike; applying the hierarchical classicist ideals of Ancient Greece to a modern day liberal America. Class and hierarchy play large roles unequivocally throughout the novel, which forces us to question the extent to which class shapes and defines peoples fates. Especially considering that the prologue, set in the future with a tone of prophetic doom, makes us aware that these wealthy students have in fact from a legal standpoint got away with murder. Overall, Tartt has devised a compelling novel filled with thrill, suspense and intrigue, making it an enjoyable and addictive read. Yet beneath these literary pleasures lay multi-layered questions about human nature and concepts of morality. With the beginning of term upon us, for readers of this book who are embarking on the beginning of their university experience or those returning from their break, the only moral to take from this story is this: be careful who you befriend in freshers week, lest you get caught up in a Delphian plot of intrigue and cold-blooded murder. Hurricane Nate zipped across the Gulf Saturday making landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi Saturday night with forecasters warning dangerous storm surge could follow anywhere from Grand Isle to the Florida Panhandle. The National Hurricane Center in its 7 p.m. Central Time advisory Saturday issued a storm surge warning for the northern and western shores of Lake Pontchartrain. A hurricane warning was in effect from Grand Isle to the Alabama, Florida border, the National Hurricane Center said. The hurricane warning for New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain was downgraded to a tropical storm warning. The Baton Rouge area got its first taste of the outer bands of the hurricane when dark clouds and sheets of rain rolled in Saturday at about 3 p.m. With sustained maximum winds of 90 miles per hour earlier in the day, Nate, which had been forecast to be a Category 2 storm, remained a Category 1 hurricane as it raced toward the Gulf coast Saturday, the National Weather Service said. "It looks like it's maxed out at intensity," Alek Krautmann, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's New Orleans/Baton Rouge regional office said at 4 p.m. Saturday. "It came very close to a Category 2," he said. While the storm's intensity has slowed, Krautmann said, the hurricane has sped up. "It's at 23 mph. That is exceptionally fast for a hurricane," Krautmann said as the storm made its way across the Gulf of Mexico earlier Saturday. At 4 p.m. the center of the storm was 50 miles south of the mouth of the Mississippi and expected to move across the deltas at the mouth of the river within the next couple of hours, Krautmann said. The south Louisiana region was expected to get tropical storm winds of 39-74 miles per hour, so there still could be power outages, Krautmann said. The highest storm surges from Hurricane Nate will possibly be 7 to 11 feet along the coast from the mouth of the Mississippi in Louisiana eastward to the Mississippi/Alabama state line, he said. Earlier on Saturday, Gov. John Bel Edwards said at a news conference that people should avoid driving Saturday night. Report: Red Cross shelters open in Tangipahoa Parish as Nate draws near Two Red Cross shelters opened for people in need of shelter as Hurricane Nate nears the Gulf The storm will move through quickly, but is "still a dangerous storm, nonetheless," Edwards said. Every area under an evacuation order has a shelter open in their parish, Edwards said. Residents can call their parish office of emergency preparedness for details. This will be a nighttime event, Edwards said. "Do not drive at night time," he said. Storm surge will be higher than originally expected, he said. The wind speed is about 10 to 15 miles per hour stronger than it was on Friday, the governor said. Three quarters of deaths in storms have to do with water, he said, often with people driving at night. "No one should take this storm lightly. We are extremely concerned that no one be complacent," he said. Residents can go to 511la.org for updates, the governor said. U.S. Army National Guard Maj. Gerry Curtis said at the Saturday news conference that 1,300 guardsmen are on active duty, with high-water vehicles and boats on stand-by. "We have liaison officers plugged into" local goverments across south Louisiana, he said. The National Guard has 60 buses with drivers in New Orleans, in case evacuations are required, and 40 south of Baton Rouge that are "ready to respond if needed," Curtis said. "Be prepared, offer a prayer, and we will be in good shape," Edwards said. The East Baton Rouge Mayors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will partially activate its Emergency Operations Center Saturday evening at 7 p.m. until Sunday at 7 a.m. This includes having essential personnel and first responders at the EOC to respond to situations immediately, according to a news release. Agencies include the Baton Rouge Police Department, Baton Rouge Fire Department and East Baton Rouge EMS, the mayor's office said in the release. While this is a partial activation of the EOC, all agencies will be on standby throughout the weekend, the mayor's office said. There is currently no mandatory curfew for East Baton Rouge Parish. FEMA along with federal partners are actively monitoring the track of Hurricane Nate and urging Gulf Coast residents to follow local officials guidance, the agency's headquarters in Washington, D.C. said Saturday. In advance of the storm, FEMA liaison officers are deployed to the emergency operations center in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia to help coordinate any requests for federal assistance. FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams are also on site at the Louisiana Emergency Operations Center and the Mississippi Emergency Operations Center to support response activities. On Friday, President Donald Trump signed a federal emergency declaration for 17 parishes in the state to provide federal assistance to supplement state and local response efforts as a result of the Tropical Storm Nate, at the request of Governor John Bel Edwards. Ask The Advocate: What are those bags blocking the street drains? How often are fire hydrants inspected? Adults have long had websites aplenty to find out more information about Louisianas Capital city. Now kids have one of their own. Its called www.kidslovebatonrouge.com. The site was created by the sixth to eighth grade students at Baton Rouges Southeast Middle School. The homepage declares that its student creators have a mission: To convince the rest of the world that Baton Rouge is a great place to live, with a rich and unique culture. Explore their site and see Baton Rouge from a new perspective. Click on the page labeled Fun, and its evident that kids are behind this effort. A bowling alley, laser tag arena, an arcade, a haunted house and a water park all get short writeups. In writing about the arcade known as Quarters, writer Zakiya no last names are used lets readers know that it has more than 50 video games, including Crossy Roads, Piano Keys and MotoGP Arcade Motorcycle Simulator. Quarters also offers its own laser tag area, which is filled with LED lights, easy to maneuver around and is a great place to get your energy flowing," Zakiya said. The public school, which is located at 15000 S. Harrells Ferry Road, unveiled the new marketing effort Wednesday night at a special project night held at the school. About 150 students showed off the work they did to fill out the website. Most of the displays resembled a social studies fair. The library and hallway were filled with posters showing the research the students did as they tried to figure out how to market Baton Rouge. Nina Donald and Haven Stewart, both 13, showed off their research into Louisianas French heritage, with headings such as Crawfish, Bayous, and Alligators. Mostly I learned about the food, admitted Nina. Their poster featured a recipe for crawfish etouffee, a dish which was a discovery for Nina, who recently moved to Louisiana from Miami, but not for Haven whose family harks from Opelousas. What I like about Baton Rouge is its like a city, but its still the country, Nina said. Students in Southeast Middles magnet program, known as DATA, short for Digital Arts & Technology Academy, led the way in filling out the website and preparing the exhibits on display Wednesday. It was the first of four schoolwide projects they do each year. John Hayman, coordinator of the magnet program, said he wanted the website to look like it had been professionally done as opposed to a project for middle school students. Hayman said the marketing campaign grew out of discussions he had with fellow teachers where they talked about the flooding and other news events that have left Baton Rouge residents with little pride in their city. They wondered whether students could help change that. Hayman said the lack of pride in Baton Rouge is far different than residents who live in other places have for their hometowns or states. He cited as an example the level of pride residents of Texas have. Im from Texas and we pledge allegiance every day to the flag of Texas, he said. Teachers, though, avoided talking much the issue with students. We dont want this to be negative and be a self-defeating thing, Hayman said. The nine-week project began with a trip to downtown Baton Rouge, organized like a scavenger hunt. Every time they reached a destination, the teacher would read a riddle and they would have to predict where the next place was, Hayman said. Along the way, the middle schoolers took pictures and gathered material, much of which later ended up on the website. The majority of the students had either never been downtown, or had, but the visit barely registered with them, Hayman said. That recent day downtown clearly stuck with the students. Destiny Sonnier, Gabrielle Edwards and India Magee on Wednesday showed off what theyd learned about when they visited the old and the new state Capitols. (Huey Long) did not like the look of the old state Capitol, Gabrielle said. It was too Gothic for him. He didnt like it because of his impeachment, India said, noting the 1929 attempt to remove then-Gov. Long from office occurred in that building. Southeast Middle was filled Wednesday with parents and family members of the students, touring exhibits. Patricia and Howard Scott came because their granddaughter, Aja, attends the school. Recently relocated to Baton Rouge from Ohio Were loving it, said Howard Scott. They are still learning about their new home. I didnt know what that is, the snowball? said Patricia Scott, pointing at a picture of the shaved ice and syrupy concoction. Wednesday nights event featured more than just posters. There were specially made T-shirts, which quickly sold out. Miracle Sanderson, 13, walked around with a picture frame that she had passers-by step into and get their pictures taken. A Cajun band played in the gym. Nathan Powell, who teaches music engineering at the Middle School, manned a bank of headphones where visitors could listen to student-made jingles promoting Baton Rouge. I urged them to come up with words that would grab peoples attention, Powell said. Hayman said hes still the jingles, as well as videos and other student writings to the website. Students also have been added local restaurant reviews. Hayman said representatives from Visit BR, the citys official travel website, have urged him to continue, as well as have students contribute to their website. What I'd like to do is have the kids keep it up through the year and go onto other projects, he said. website, urged him to continue with the project as well as have students contribute to their website. What I would like to do is have the kids keep it up through the year and go onto to other projects, he said. A forensic toxicologist has warned Canberra's pill testing trial is no "magic bullet" for preventing drug deaths. Andrew Leibie, from Safework Laboratories, says he and other toxicologists - who can't speak out because they work in the public sector - were concerned about a lack of scientific debate. Dr David Caldicott: says the methodology to be used at the festival is tried and tested across the world. Credit:Melissa Adams But pill testing advocates have dismissed his claims, saying their technology was well placed to detect dangerous drugs and prevent deaths. The ACT government last month gave the green light to a pill testing trial at Spilt Milk festival in November. Keep on the sunny side I cannot believe the negative attitude of Alan Barron and his archaic thoughts on renewable energy (Letters, October 5). We are all aware the sun does not shine 24/7, but battery storage is now becoming more popular and more affordable. The battery farm in South Australia is almost completed without any cost to the government. Government subsidies are not being used by all companies setting up solar farms in Australia. A proposed solar farm near Bathurst is being fully funded by Photon Energy without any government assistance. These solar panels will provide power to 42,000 homes. A country such as Australia is a perfect place for solar power and will save digging up more valuable farmland to produce so-called clean coal. Anyone who has travelled extensively in Europe, the US and the UK will have observed solar farms and wind farms. If the northern hemisphere can achieve so highly Australia is the perfect country to promote renewable energy with our abundance of sunshine and wind. Robyn Lewis, Raglan, NSW Inconveyance Meeghan Fitzharris, spokesman for the minister for transport and city services, says the new bus timetables "will result in an overall improvement for passengers across the network". Perhaps she's right, but it's at the expense of the many for whom there will be quite some inconvenience. Surely this will result in lower patronage of the network. Graham Downie (Letters, October 3) makes this point very well. He is quite right also in his assertion that many of us are being softened up to learn to make bus changes in what was, up to last weekend, a one-journey, easy trip. Kaleen/Giralang residents now have to use the Dickson "interchange" to travel to Civic on the weekend and it will be worse with the tram as the change will include crossing Northbourne. For those of us not getting any younger having to change buses, waiting about in the heat or cold or rain, rushing along the "platform" when your bus is at the far end, having to find a seat in a crowded bus, and the time added to make the journey will mean it's much simpler to use the car. Judith Ballard, Kaleen Now is the hour Fun as it is for summertime picnickers and outdoors revellers, the government's adoption of daylight saving time may have outlived its intended usefulness. When reintroduced to postwar Australia in 1971 (Tasmania 1968) the stated aim was to save domestic energy use by delaying the need to switch on home lighting by one hour. Not envisaged in 1971 was today's widespread use of domestic airconditioners. Now workers return home in the hot late-afternoon and turn on their airconditioner (if they haven't left it running all day) consuming far more power than light bulbs ever did. But why let logic spoil a good thing let's just enjoy daylight saving whilst we can. Penleigh Boyd, Reid Chimes of freedom So Turnbull is determined to "keep Australians safe" ("Malcolm Turnbull pushes for law to detain terror suspects for up to 14 days before charges", canberratimes.com.au, October 4). Tony Abbott claimed his government "stood for freedom and would be freedom's bulwark against the encroachments of an unworthy and dishonourable government". Given that assertion and given his successor intends to make it an offence to "make terrorism hoaxes", perhaps Australians should question if our politicians and bureaucrats will be subject to the same law. Perhaps these self-appointed protectors of our "freedoms" could explain their claims to Mohamed Haneef? John Richardson, Wallagoot, NSW Smoke and fire Sixty years ago in the UK, my father promised myself and my brother each a lot of money if we had not smoked by the time we were 21. He'd read something to the effect that if you hadn't smoked by that age you'd be a lot less likely to pick it up later on. Neither of us ever smoked. It's possible Andrew Forrest has based his support of the anti-smoking lobby on a similar bit of research. Gareth Jones, Wamboin, NSW Absence of creative thinking is destroying our once-beautiful city May I sound an alert to the educationists who are proudly adopting and advertising the STEM curricula of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics so uncritically into their schools. It can lead to unedifying imbalance. The hard sciences without the balancing support and leavening of the softer arts lead to hard consequences. A walk around the degenerating business centre of Civic is proof enough of this widening gap in our social perception. It badly lacks a softening dose of visual perception and philosophy, the mental discipline of critical thinking, respect, enthusiasm, joyfulness and communication skills in our urban areas. A wider look at CSIRO's industrial imagery on Black Mountain now revealed by the demolition of Bruce Hall shows a complete lack of vision, created entirely by the dictates of the National Capital Authority, with no respect for the Griffins' terminal vista along University Avenue. It also seems likely that our magnificent views of the Brindabellas from City Hill may well suffer if West Basin is developed as planned with so little public consultation as to promote public outrage. The insensitive extension of the ACT Court building obtruding onto Vernon Circuit is showing every sign of visual disrespect to Roy Simpson's elegant ACT Court building. My heart bleeds as I see Canberra so quickly becoming a copy of Sydney's decrepitude advertising has become raucous and rampant. Where is the public outrage? Where is the evidence of our enlightening education? The arts do matter. Don't we care ? Derek F. Wrigley, Mawson Don't give in on drugs I don't agree with the remarks made by Bill Bush, president, Families and Friends of Drug Law Reform (Letters, October4). I think it ridiculous to say prohibition of illegal drug use has criminalised our kids. We have limitations on smoking and drinking within prohibiting laws and they haven't made our kids jail fodder. I don't understand why we try as hard as we can to cure people of all kinds of sicknesses, but when it comes to our youth and drugs a curative approach is not taken. If they are on opioids, nearly all go on the drug methadone which they tell me is called liquid handcuffs, and they can be on that indefinitely. I've read where there are rehabilitation treatments to get our kids off drugs permanently but government funding for them is virtually nil. Not good enough. Geoffrey Fitzgibbon, Higgins Key to mental health Mass shootings happen. There's a massive cry for action on gun laws, and no doubt funding to flow there too. Where is the cry or the money for mental health research? If we think about it, mental health issues are responsible for so much hurt, injury and death, not just to the sufferers. For the really serious conditions, the current treatments on offer medical and psychological are Band-aids at best. Sure, don't pull back on reducing the weapons or blocking actions that might lead to harm. But let's try to address one of the major sources of the problems too. I'm calling for more funding for mental health research emphasise, research. We need new and better treatments for these debilitating and hurtful conditions. Margaret Stewart, Melba Shooting from the lip Stu Bykofsky ("It's getting harder to justify gun deaths"; October 4, p.15) writes "I do believe that my guns protect me and endanger no one else". Here we are again with faith trumping evidence. Why would he believe his guns protect him unless he's prepared to shoot at someone else? And then why would Mr Bykofsky expect others to trust that his guns endanger no one else? Oh, of course! They're his guns, safe guns perfectly operated, not somebody else's guns. Not exactly QED. Three bold assertions in a short sentence believe, protect, harmless that lead Mr Byskofsky to " ... wait for the next horror and wonder what I will say next time". Don't say anything. We've heard it all before. John Young, Isaacs Picking numbers If people in Belconnen think the new bus timetable is a disaster what about southside residents? In Bonython the government decided to change numbers only. Bonython has been always serviced by route 319 (weekdays) and 919 (weekends), but from Saturday, October 7, it will be 318 and 918. Nothing will change in the way these buses will be running, just numbers. Here there is another great idea of ACT government? Just to confuse commuters and spend taxpayers' money on new advertising on each bus stop in my suburb. Mr Barr and the team, I ought to congratulate you on the hard work you are doing to make our lives easier and better. Robert Solecki, Bonython Beware Adani Having in the past worked in both the Coal Branch and in the Foreign Investment and Foreign Takeovers sections of the then Department of Resources and Energy, I support the sentiments aired in the ABC 4-Corners program on Adani. In my view the Adani Carmichael mine should not be promoted by the state and federal governments without a very thorough investigation. In my view, projects associated with both India and China must be viewed with suspicion as they have a completely different view on what constitutes a binding contract in the Western sense as companies like ANZ, Fosters, Telstra, Lion Nathan and many others have discovered to their cost. Ric Hingee, Duffy Reducing freedoms The COAG decision to use mass identity scanning will be the thin edge of the wedge. How long until scanning will be used to locate parking fine non-payers, with Gladys Berejiklian in "violent agreement". Thos Puckett, Ashgrove Snared by her ego The young lady who sued her matchmaker over the quality of suitor they supplied complained he showed no interest in her. Perhaps he too was disappointed with what was on offer. M. Strong, Watson TO THE POINT TERROR DEFINED When you invade a country such as Iraq, based on US lies, reaction can be expected. War breeds terrorism. Even media morons understand that. Terrorism is a natural reaction to war. For the record, Australia has not yet experienced a real terrorist attack on its soil. Richard Ryan, Summerland Point, NSW DRUGS TO BLAME All major shootings in the past 20 years seem to have a common factor of psychiatric drugs. Will the latest one be any different? Will the psychiatric drugs get the real blame or will guns? G. J. May, Forestdale, Qld THANKS TO HOWARD We all owe Mr Howard our gratitude for his stand on gun control. We should remember, too, that he was fully supported by the opposition and by the leader of the Nationals. I doubt we will ever see such dedication to the common good again given the behaviour of the mob currently occupying parliament. Rod Keefe, Eli Waters, Qld ACTION ON GUNS Despite blaming John Howard for most things in the past two decades, I agree 100 per cent that he should be saluted and thanked for his gun control action. His greatest achievement. Don't get me started on the other two. Anthony Bruce, Gordon WEAPONS NIGHTMARE I'm deeply dismayed at the infantile state of enlightenment world leadership is in. Private individuals having access to mass produced military weapons is a consumerist nightmare. Governments having easy access to mass produced military weapons is just as contentious. Matt Ford, Crookwell, NSW IF THE CAP FITS Trevor Wilson (Letters, October 6) says that Peter Dutton is not fit to be a minister in the Turnbull cabinet. I beg to differ Dutton is a perfect fit for that cabinet. Peter Moran, Watson BEAZLEY'S EFFORT Letters and articles in your paper are praising John Howard for Australia's gun control measures. I agree with them. But I would also like to add then Opposition Leader Kim Edward Beazley for the support he accorded to the PM. Sankar Kumar Chatterjee, Evatt, ACT An updated vaccine that will protect recipients against almost all cervical cancers will be given free to Australian students. The federal government has approved Gardasil 9 to be given to 12- and 13-year- olds from 2018. The federal government has approved Gardasil 9 to be given to all 12 and 13-year-olds from 2018. Credit:Karleen Minney The improved vaccine will protect recipients against nine strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), instead of the current four, and prevents 90 per cent of the virus strains that contribute to cervical cancer. The vaccine also offers protection against anal, vulvar and throat cancers caused by HPV, as well as genital warts. Eight months after succeeding Mike Baird as NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian is holding her own against the Labor opposition but the leadership switch has failed to deliver the government any real bounce, exclusive polling shows. A ReachTel poll commissioned by Fairfax Media also reveals support for minor parties increasing at the expense of Labor and the Coalition ahead of two byelections in the rural seats of Cootamundra and Murray this weekend. The poll of 1647 NSW voters taken on Thursday night shows the Liberal/National Coalition leading Labor by 52 per cent to 48 per cent on a two-party preferred basis using preference flows from the 2015 election. This is a one percentage point slip for the government from a ReachTel poll taken in December just weeks before Mr Baird quit as premier in January citing the need to "refresh" the government for the 2019 election. A Brisbane man stabbed outside a Gladstone convenience store has driven himself back to a house party to seek help, according to police. The man, who was rushed to hospital in critical condition, had been at a party on Breslin Street in West Gladstone on Saturday night before he drove to a convenience store on the Dawson Highway. It will be alleged he became involved in an argument with a group of people in the store carpark just after 8.45pm and was stabbed in the torso. The 23-year-old Kedron man drove himself back to the house party to seek help and he was rushed to Gladstone Hospital. A 22-year-old West Gladstone man has since been arrested and charged with grievous bodily harm. He is due to appear in Gladstone Magistrates Court on Monday. The Bruce Highway was engulfed by "traffic gridlock" north of Brisbane on Friday afternoon after a nasty two-car crash led to debris being strewn across both north and southbound lanes. A four-wheel-drive veered onto the opposite side of the road and crashed into another oncoming four-wheel-drive, causing one of the cars to flip, seriously injuring both drivers. The crash scene on the Bruce Highway at Elimbah. Credit:Twitter - @QldPolice The crash happened at Elimbah just after midday, with paramedics taking a man to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in a critical condition as well as a woman to the same hospital in a serious condition. Progress appears slow on one of Labors key climate change policies to encourage coastal Queensland councils to formally adopt a 0.8-metre higher sea level to combat beach erosion and storm surge problems. The state government cannot say how many of the 41 coastal councils in Queensland have formally adopted the higher sea level, despite two departments being given four days to answer. However, funds from the $12 million set aside by the state government has now gone to 21 of the 41 oceanside councils to develop plans. Gold Coast City Council last week formally adopted the higher sea level when they updated their Gold Coast City Plan last week, as part of Queenslands Climate Adaption Strategy. "By setting up an e-store on DaigouSales, Australian businesses can offer their products to the daigou community in a format which enables direct sales and flow-on sales into China." Toni Joel and Nikki Horovitz started tonic, which makes luxurious personal care products, 25 years ago. It is a multi-level marketplace, he says. The brands have flagship stores and pay $249 a month, plus a 2 per cent transaction fee. "We have only been running for four months and we have almost 50 brands on our platform." Tonic makes luxurious personal care products. DaigouSales expects to have 350 brand e-stores over the next 12 months. McDougall says while some businesses have achieved significant growth of up to 500 per cent through the business-to-daigou market, others are achieving growth month on month in an incremental manner. Chris Greben and Ryan Mets are the founders of CaveWire. Credit:Julian & Angela Pennisi We offer a true market space for Australian brands and daigou to meet, deal and purchase. Mathew McDougall The daigou on the platform have storefronts. They can pull through brands from the marketplace into their storefront. The daigou does not have to pay a fee if they do at least one transaction a month. If they don't make any transaction in a month, they are charged $3. CaveWire's growth in China has been organic. Credit:Julian & Angela Pennisi The products are sent via airfreight from Australia to China, and delivered to the door of the buyer. McDougall self-funded the company which was incorporated in May and it has "been profitable from month one". "We are expecting to have at least 100 per cent growth year on year for the next few years," he says. "In our first year of operation we expect a turnover of more than $5 million, at least doubling in the second year." He opened an Auckland office three weeks ago and intends to head to the US as well. Different way of doing business So how are other Australian SMEs faring in China? Melbourne-based Toni Joel and Nikki Horovitz started tonic 25 years ago, which makes luxurious personal care products. They began exporting to China 14 months ago. "The main products where interest has been strong are the items we make in Australia," says Horovitz. Among their best-selling products are the heat pillow and the eye pillow. "We have enjoyed learning about a different way of doing business," says Horovitz of their experience in expanding to China. "China is a different culture and the customers are very aware of up-to-date fashion and global trends." Last year, tonic's turnover was between $2 to $3 million. This financial year, they are targeting a turnover of $3 to $5 million. Although their export sales internationally are growing strongly, Joel says the China revenue is more moderate. "But we are expecting increased growth over the next three years as interest is very strong, especially in our locally produced items. We have recently engaged a distributor off the back of our growing footprint in Hong Kong." Joel says they faced a variety of challenges exporting to China. "Finding the right partners and marketing can prove to be difficult. We are working hard to really get the brand known so that people understand our USP why they would buy us and what makes us different," she says. She says getting the brand known and explaining their products such as the heat pillow which is a bestseller in Australia and other markets needs some work. Organic growth Chris Greben and Ryan Mets run an online software company Cavewire, which started exporting its software to China at the start of the year. "Our main product being used in China is our enterprise software Cavewire," says company co-founder Mets. "This solution allows branded manufacturers to streamline manufacturing, tracking orders and inventory to drive sales from their retailers." A proposal to create a new euthanasia pill using a cocktail of legal medication has been slammed by assisted dying advocates on the eve of one of state parliament's most contentious debates. With Victoria set to decide if terminally ill patients should have the right to an assisted death, the Andrews government has approached Monash University's pharmacy department to research the kind of pill that could be developed if the legislation passes. One proposal, outlined by Fairfax Media last month, involves creating a new drug through a combination of medication that has already been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, rather than legalising Nembutal, a barbiturate that is for assisted dying overseas. Nembutal is used by vets to euthanise animals in Australia but is banned for human consumption. Her father was a force in Australian politics, founding the Australian Democrats and famously promising to "keep the bastards honest". Now Don Chipp's daughter, Laura, is hoping to launch her own political career as a Reason party-endorsed candidate in the Northcote state by-election next month. Fiona Patten (right) and Reason Party (former Sex Party) candidate for Northcote Laura Chipp. Credit:Luis Ascui She hopes to rise above the adversarial din that colours much of modern politics and present voters with a genuine alternative. "I think we've got a good chance," Ms Chipp said. "We're not a protest vote as an activist party. We're a vote to work with the government of the day to make sure there is compassion and reason in politics." Peter Acocks with family and friends at the funeral of his wife, Claire. Credit:Fairfax Photographic The full transcript of Penny's 2015 committal hearing has been released to Fairfax Media. Day two began with magistrate Carolene Gwynn announcing the overnight arrival of the forensic report. It was a blow for the prosecution. The report, she told the court, "does not support" the theory that Penny had been there. A man had indeed been in the salon, and in contact with the tissue paper. The problem was that the partial male DNA sample identified did not match Penny's, nor that of anyone else on police databases. A hairdresser's tail comb found at the scene of the killings. Gwynn all but invited the senior Crown prosecutor, Michele Williams, SC, to abandon the case against Penny there and then. "I mean, it just appears to me that the Crown need an opportunity to regroup as well as you in the light of that new material because they need to decide if they've still got a case they wish to prosecute and if so, what it looks like, because it has changed," she said. Then she adjourned the hearing until May 2 the following year. Claire Acocks was killed alongside Margaret Penny in her Portland hair salon in 1991. Penny's committal hearing never got going again. He died four months later, aged 83, still accused of double murder. Penny's death during legal proceedings could lead to an assumption that the Portland case is as good as solved. After all, police investigated and charged someone. That Penny died so soon wasn't anyone's fault. But this would be a wrong assumption. Police have not closed the book on the Portland case, and there is a view among senior officers that the evidentiary basis for charging Penny was questionable. Margaret Penny about nine years before she was killed. "This investigation remains active and the Victoria Police homicide squad is committed to finding the person (or persons) responsible for these deaths," is all a police spokeswoman would say in response to questions about the Portland case. Police and the Office of Public Prosecutions provided no further comment. Williams, who is no longer senior Crown prosecutor, could not be reached. It is possible she may have decided to argue that even though the DNA report did not show Penny in the room it did not preclude him from colluding with the killer. Conjecture aside, these revelations prompt important questions for police and the Office of Public Prosecutions: did investigators get "tunnel vision" on Penny? Did the OPP really believe it had a realistic chance of proving his guilt beyond reasonable doubt? Does the charging of Penny make it harder to convict another person for the same crimes? Most importantly: if Penny didn't do it, who did? A FRESH LOOK Penny had not been a suspect until 2013 when homicide detective Tom Hogan was handed the file on the unsolved Portland case. Hogan faced a formidable task, one which had already consumed thousands of police hours, generated more than 1500 information reports and left some of the force's best investigators perplexed. The deeper Hogan looked, the more he was drawn to Penny. There was a claim Penny made to Acocks' husband and his own children that a tail comb had been used to attack the women inside the Old London Coiffure salon. How could he know this unless he killed them or had spoken to the person who did? There was also his behaviour after the murders, which some saw as odd. A day or two later, a shop owner said a "jovial" Penny was asking what he could use to get blood out of something. A decision was made to target Penny. His house and phone were bugged. Old witnesses were re-interviewed. Hogan's desire to do what others had been unable to do by solving the Portland mystery was admirable. He built a great rapport with the victims' families. Eventually, a circumstantial case formed against Penny. Hogan's brief went up the chain at Victoria Police and across to the normally risk-averse Office of Public Prosecutions. It was reviewed and approved by some of the state's most senior law enforcement figures. In April 2015, Hogan was given the nod to charge Penny. But with an ailing accused and ageing witnesses, justice was going to be a race against time. With Penny's death 11 months later, time won. It wasn't just Hogan who was suspicious of Penny. Penny's son Tony is a softly spoken man who had barely talked to his father since his mother's killing. He still cannot get his head around the speed with which his father began a relationship with a younger woman called Kim Kimmorley after the murders. It was, according to Tony, disrespectful to his mother's memory and a big reason for distancing from his father. Penny moved in with Kimmorley months after the May 1991 death of his wife. They opened a joint bank account. The pair married in September 1992 and remained together until Penny's death. Some believed they had been having an affair before Mrs Penny and Mrs Acocks were killed. But Robert Penny and his second wife, who is not suspected of any involvement, always denied it and no one could prove otherwise. In findings delivered on June 30 this year, coroner Jacqui Hawkins said there was conflicting evidence as to whether Robert and Margaret Penny were having marriage difficulties prior to her death. "Some say they were a loving and happy couple while others say it was a volatile relationship," the coroner said. "I am also satisfied that there was no direct evidence Mr Penny and Kim Penny were in an intimate relationship prior to [Margaret] Penny's death. "Therefore, I am not satisfied on the evidence before me that Mr Penny had a motive to kill his wife or Mrs Acocks." Yet Tony remains torn on the crucial question of whether he believes his father is a murderer? "I just don't know," he says. Penny's position was always that he was at home building a swing with his young granddaughter at the time of the murders. It was a position that two of the original homicide detectives, Rod Wilson and John Morrish, never had cause to question even though experience taught them that most victims knew their killers. Last year, a second coronial inquest into the killings was held. Wilson, now a superintendent in the force, told this hearing that the particularly violent nature of the crime suggested someone other than the 59-year-old retiree. The Old London Coiffure hairdressing salon. Credit:Fairfax Photographic "Do we really think that Bob Penny would drive down to the middle of [Portland to]the London Hair Salon on a Friday afternoon, he's known in the town, and be seen going into the salon, slaughter two women and then just casually go home again? It doesn't fit for me as a crime that he would commit in that type of style," Wilson said. Others, though, had their suspicions about Penny from early on. One policeman who was a lightning rod for these suspicions was Tim Acocks, the son of Claire Acocks. In a cruel twist of fate Tim Acocks was on duty at the Portland station when the call came in to report that two bodies had been found in the salon. He attended the scene. Acocks received two phone calls; one in 1991 from Tony, who told him he was suspicious of his father, and another from one of Penny's nephews in late 1992. He suggested his uncle should be looked at more closely as there were "skeletons in the wardrobe" concerning his trips to Asia and business partners. Acocks passed it on to homicide. This led to Penny willingly attending an interview with homicide detectives in May 1993. A note made by police after the meeting stated there was "not a piece of evidence to implicate him". Still, there were issues arising out of the interview that police needed to follow up on. But as the second coronial inquest found, there appears to be no record to show further inquiries were made and Penny's new wife, Kim, was never asked about when their relationship began. Penny's son Tony is still upset by the initial police investigation. So is Claire Acocks' sister, Pammy McIntyre, who believes Penny should have been under more scrutiny from day one. If homicide investigations always start with family members and work outwards, then why did police not speak for example to Tony until 1995? Why were the loose ends from Penny's 1993 interview never followed up? While coroner Jacqui Hawkins found that some opportunities had been missed in the initial police investigation, she said it was appropriate for Penny not to have been considered a suspect during the initial probe. TAPPED PHONES AND TAIL COMBS A tail comb is a useful tool for a hairdresser. At one end is a plastic comb and at the other is a long tapered metal pin used to part hair. The tip of the pin is sharp enough to pierce skin. Those who attended the scene that May afternoon in 1991 were confronted by a terrifying sight. The two women had had their throats cut. More detailed examinations of the women by pathologists revealed distinctive puncture wounds to Margaret Penny's back and unexplained abrasions on Claire Acocks' body. According to Penny's son and daughter, as well as Acocks' husband, Robert Penny had declared in the 24 hours after the murders that a knife, a tail comb and possibly scissors had been used by the killer. The crime scene. Photo: Victoria Police Robert Penny's comments to his children and Claire Acocks' husband so soon after the two women were killed may seem odd and insensitive, but few, if any, attached greater significance to them until Hogan began his review of the Portland case in 2013. With so much time having passed and the absence of any other suspect, Penny's certainty on the tail comb was an avenue worth pursuing. Hogan's theory would be boosted if pathologists could confirm the unusual wounds were indeed caused by a tail comb. Once again though, nothing concrete could be established. Professor Stephen Cordner, one of Victoria's most experienced and respected forensic pathologists, studied photos of the wounds and was asked by Coroner Hawkins to consider a tail comb as the weapon. Cordner, who attended the crime scene back in 1991, told the inquest he believed not. However, another pathologist expert, Nathaniel Carey from Great Britain, said this was a "possible and plausible" explanation for what everyone agreed were unusual wounds. Hogan, who was unable to discuss the case due to police rules on unauthorised media interviews, has since been promoted to sergeant. He is in the transit division now, not homicide. While investigating Penny, he got the UK National Crime Agency to search its database for cases involving a combination of knives, tail combs and scissors. Eighteen cases were identified. However, none had the same size and shape of puncture wounds as found on Margaret Penny. Recently though, researchers with an interest in solving the Portland case found a 1966 British case in which an 18-year-old had been fatally stabbed in a fight with another young man on their way to a dance. The survivor admitted to police that he had used a metal tail comb in the fight. A puncture wound to the spinal cord caused by the comb was responsible for the 18-year-old's death. Those familiar with the Portland case say the photographs of the 18-year-old's wounds are remarkably similar to those found on Margaret Penny's body. This 1966 case was not referred to at last year's coronial inquest. Would this have added more weight to the Penny theory? As for Robert Penny, how did he come to be of the opinion that a tail comb had been used? At the time he made his comments to his children and Claire Acocks' husband, police were only aware that the women had been stabbed and their throats cut. He told police that he couldn't remember how he came to know. Perhaps it was a police officer or the undertaker, he speculated? The undertaker's elderly wife was heard telling Penny on an intercepted phone call that her husband would not have known about a tail comb. BACK TO SQUARE ONE Maybe we will never know what happened inside the hairdressing salon all those years ago. For both families, not to mention Hogan and the Office of Public Prosecutions, the way the case ended up has been unsettling and upsetting. Coroner Hawkins neatly summed up their predicament and how it came to be in her inquest finding in June this year, which all but cleared Penny. "The prosecution of Mr Penny gave great hope about the prospect of closure or finality to a pain so immeasurably etched into their hearts. "The threads of circumstantial evidence when woven together have given the perception that Mr Penny was a plausible suspect however, those threads begin to unravel, and [as] they are analysed alone and as a whole, as has been done in this inquest, the likelihood of Mr Penny's involvement fades and many of the questions remain painfully unanswered." That the Portland case remains active means there is still hope of solving it. A partial footprint found in the salon remains an important clue. As does the identity of the "horrible man" Claire Acocks spoke of coming to the salon about two weeks before her death. Hawkins nominated three other possible, but dead, suspects. More information might turn up to solidify the Penny theory. Tim Acocks is but one member of the Acocks and Penny families hoping for resolution: "I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. It's consumed the latter half of our lives. It's daily. It's confronting. It wears you down. PNGs democracy had been eroded through malpractice, fraud, violence, intimidation, bribery and corruption, he said. Dr Ketan, a political scientist and former head of PNG Studies and International Relations at Divine Word University, concluded the election showed PNG descending into community dictatorship which "compromised the principles of democracy". Now Western Highlands-born academic Dr Joe Ketan, who spent four months intensively observing the election, has delivered what the Australian Broadcasting Corporation has termed a scathing assessment of what transpired. NOOSA Far from being a celebration of democracy, Papua New Guineas recent general election provided a toxic banquet of malfeasance, deception, connivance and deadly violence. The lack of integrity at all levels of state society relations, with loss of trust in government institutions, is a cause for concern, he said. Democracy was very fragile and might take hundreds of years to restore as people had grown thick skin and were tolerating the current situation. Dr Ketan accused the PNG electoral commission of turning a blind eye to much of what happened. He said the only hope for PNG was to teach the younger generation not to carry on this cycle of corruption so they could teach their children and the generations to come. You can listen to Joe Ketan discussing his election report here Dr Ketan also questioned reports by international observers on the conduct of the election, calling them very diplomatic. His experience varied significantly from their expressed views. As you would expect, prime minister Peter ONeill built a veneer of triumph around the election, but what proved harder to stomach were the ingratiating and less than candid reports and commentaries offered by Australian and Commonwealth officials. The Australian government congratulates PNG, one of our closest friends and partners, on its successful election, said Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop. Our group was of the view that despite the challenges observed with the electoral roll, there were some positive aspects observed, in particular the high voter turn-out and enthusiasm by the people to participate in their democratic process, reported the Commonwealth Observer Group, pulling many punches. And Australian senator Linda Reynolds told parliament, I had the great privilege of representing the Australian government as one of four Australian observers to the 2017 PNG elections. I would like to start by warmly congratulating Papua New Guinea on the successful conduct of their ninth election since independence. The report of this delegation has still not been tabled in parliament. Neither has there been any report on election-related deaths, estimated to be more than 100, tabled in the PNG parliament. And we should constantly remind ourselves that, while there are 111 seats in the PNG parliament, not a single woman representative was elected, a reality the PNG government needs to take substantive steps to correct - preferably through a reserved seats system. Beirut: Civilian casualties have spiralled across Syria in recent weeks as pro-government forces launch hundreds of bombing raids across areas marked for international protection. Groups monitoring the conflict have recorded hundreds of strikes since the end of a sixth round of peace talks among Russia, Iran and Turkey in mid-September. On Friday, the White Helmets rescue group reported that 80 percent of those attacks targeted civilian areas. The Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets search in the rubble after airstrikes hit in Khan Sheikhou. Credit:AP September was the deadliest month on record this year in Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group, with almost 1,000 civilians killed across the country. "Now the planes are back, there is just terror all the time," said Tim al-Siyofi, an activist from the besieged Damascus district of Douma. Madrid: The Spanish government could use its constitutional powers to suspend Catalonia's autonomy and prevent the region from splitting from Spain, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy says. In an interview with newspaper El Pais published late on Saturday he was asked if he was ready to trigger the article 155 of the constitution, which enables him to sack the regional government and call a fresh local election. "I don't rule out absolutely anything that is within the law ... Ideally, it shouldn't be necessary to implement extreme solutions but for that not to happen things would have to be changed," he said. Rajoy also said he planned to leave in Catalonia the extra 4,000 police officers the government had shipped in to region for an independence vote on October 1 until the crisis was over. A ball mill in the backyard of a home in Sekotong village. Credit:Amilia Rosa But there is also jarring poverty, such as in Sekotong, where thousands of villagers eke an existence out of illegal gold mines that dot the dusty landscape. The ball mills are used to crush ore extracted from the mines. After a few hours, water and mercury are added. Flecks of gold from the crushed ore bind to the liquid metal. The amalgam is then torched, which burns off the mercury and leaves behind a lump of gold. It's a popular technique, simple and cheap. But it can have devastating consequences. A gold mine worker holds rocks at the base of an illegal mine in Sekotong village. Credit:Amilia Rosa The World Heath Organisation says mercury, a potent neurotoxin, can cause serious health problems and damage the brain and nervous system of children exposed in utero. Elawati is one of 1044 participants in an international study that tested the mercury levels of women of childbearing age in 25 developing countries. The highest levels were found in Indonesian women from small-scale gold mining areas in Elawati's village of Sekotong in Lombok and Pongkor in West Java. Sifaiyah swirls a bucket with mercury that has attracted the gold to it. Mercury is being used to extract gold from ore. Credit:Amilia Rosa Elawati has not yet received the results of her test, but 94 per cent of the women tested from Sekotong had mercury levels greater than the internationally recognised safety threshold of one part per million (ppm). "The harmful effects that can be passed from the mother to the foetus when the mother's mercury levels exceed 1ppm include neurological impairment, IQ loss, and damage to the kidneys and cardiovascular system," the study says. Sifaiyah holds the gold extracted from the mercury process in Sekotong village. Credit:Amilia Rosa "At high levels of mercury exposure this can lead to brain damage, mental retardation, blindness, seizures and the inability to speak." The study released last month was produced by IPEN, a coalition of NGOs including BaliFokus from more than 100 countries that work to eliminate the harm to human health from toxic chemicals. It says where sampling was conducted in Indonesia there had been numerous reports of birth defects and people displaying symptoms of mercury intoxication. Saskia, aged six, at home in Sekotong village. She was born with deformed hands and feet. Credit:Amilia Rosa According to 2014 figures, there are 250,000 illegal miners digging at 850 "hotspots" throughout Indonesia. Yun Insiani, the director of hazardous and toxic material at the forestry and environmental ministry, says the symptoms of mercury-induced Minamata disease dizziness, tremors, speaking difficulties and uncontrollable movements of body parts have been observed in illegal mining areas: "The most at risk are pregnant women because they can deliver defective babies." Insiani says the IPEN study is "shocking". "The result is that Indonesian women are the ones most contaminated by mercury. And this is what we are afraid of because it means we may have lost a generation." Indonesia has outlawed the use of mercury in small-scale gold mining, although the ban is not widely enforced. On September 20, Indonesian President Joko Widodo ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty designed to limit mercury use and emissions internationally. (Australia has signed but not ratified the convention.) The Minamata Convention is named after a city in Japan where a chemical factory dumped mercury waste into the bay between 1932 and 1968. For many years no-one realised that fish in Minamata had been contaminated by mercury and it was causing a strange disease. At least 50 000 people were affected and more than 2000 cases of Minamata disease certified. "While the mothers were usually without symptoms of mercury poisoning, their babies were born severely damaged with microcephaly, cerebral palsy, severe mental retardation, seizure disorders, blindness, deafness, and other malformations," the 2010 paper Mercury Exposure and Children's Health says. The Indonesian government says that by ratifying the Minamata Convention, it will more strictly regulate the use of mercury. "Ratification also opens opportunities for international cooperation to increase public awareness and knowledge about the dangers of mercury," the foreign ministry said. 'The doctor said there was no cure' Sifaiyah is emptying out a ball mill, channelling silvery mercury into a bucket where it squirms like a live animal. She pours the mercury into a maroon piece of material and squeezes. A tiny nugget is left inside the cloth. Sifaiyah tried wearing gloves once but they made her clumsy. Mercury-contaminated slurry from the mill sloshes over her bare feet and into a tailings pond. Later, chopping chillies in a tiny shack a few metres away, Sifaiyah assures us that she has been processing gold like this in Sekotong for eight years and everyone in her family is fine: "I have never heard of anyone getting sick because of mercury." The most dangerous work of all is done at roadside stalls or, even more perilously, inside people's homes. Edo, an amiable man in a T-shirt covered with flamingos, operates out of a blue-walled concrete room, open to the street. "Beli mas" (Buy gold) says a big yellow sign. Edo roasts the amalgam with a blowtorch on a makeshift stand and then weighs and values the gold. The burning releases toxic fumes: WHO warns vapour inhalation may even be fatal. Edo is aware mercury is dangerous but isn't sure exactly why. He says he usually uses a mask but borrows one from us because he has run out. Edo uses a blow torch to purify the gold and release foreign particles such as mercury. Credit:Amilia Rosa Children cluster just metres away. Edo positions the fan on his wooden desk so the vapour goes elsewhere. "Sometimes at night I feel dizzy," he says. "But if I avoided fumes completely I wouldn't be able to work. That's the reality." In 2014, BaliFokus measured mercury vapour at several locations in Sekotong and found medium to high concentration levels. Villagers are potentially exposed to a double whammy of mercury. Gold processing waste is often dumped near or in waterways where the mercury contaminates fish and rice. A 2012 study found Sekotong's mercury levels in rice alone represented a potential threat to the health of local residents. Muhammad Fikri is almost eight. He lies listlessly on a mattress, his tongue lolling and his legs splayed at strange angles. He had a seizure after he was born and can't communicate or even chew. His family masticate his food and feed it to him as if he is a baby bird. "The doctors said there was no cure, they can't fix the baby," his father Kurdi says. Muhammad Fikri, aged eight, suffers from severe mental and physical disabilities. Credit:Amilia Rosa BaliFokus co-founder Yuyun Ismawati estimates about 5 to 10 per cent of children in the area are born with birth defects and up to 15 per cent have delayed development. "I have observed many babies and children suffer from frequent seizures in many small-scale gold-mining hotspots." But paediatrician Stephan Bose-O'Reilly, a world expert on health hazards posed by mercury in small-scale gold mining, says "unfortunately" he cannot confirm the children have birth defects due to their exposure to mercury. "The only way to answer this question would be to set up a proper scientific study, with a birth defect register," he says. "But what I can confirm is that mercury is toxic for children." A 2007 study, co-authored by Bose-O'Reilly, examined 166 children from gold mining areas in Indonesia and Zimbabwe. "Compared to the control groups, the exposed children showed typical symptoms of mercury intoxication, such as ataxia (lack of muscle coordination)," the abstract says. Dr I Nyoman Adnyana, the head of the medical clinic in Sekotong, stresses there is no proven link between mercury exposure and birth defects in the area. "Without a valid result we can't say one way or the other," he says. "Birth defects happen in all areas, not just Sekotong." Adnyana points out that Sekotong is a tourism area. He says if a direct link between mercury contamination and birth defects was proven it would need to be exposed. But in the absence of this, he worries about the impact on the local economy. In 2010, West Lombok authorities tried to shut down illegal gold mines in Sekotong. The community rebelled. "The people said they could drink mercury and were fine," says Rachman Sahnan Putra, the head of the West Lombok health department. He says he has tried everything to educate the community on the dangers of mercury, including screening films and holding seminars. But the message isn't getting through. A youth group recently contacted him wanting assistance to breed fish in an old tailings pond. "That's the limited understanding. If they can't see silver, they think there is no mercury." Regulatory efforts have also been continuously frustrated. A ban on the supply of mercury saw it smuggled in on small boats. Rachman is sympathetic to BaliFokus' concerns but he is also a realist: "Stopping the use of mercury won't work unless local communities are offered an alternative so they can maintain their livelihoods." The Association of Community Mining in Indonesia (APRI) says there are ways of processing gold that do not use mercury or even cyanide, another toxic chemical commonly used in gold mining. "There's a way of processing using no chemicals, or using harmless chemicals," says association head Gatot Sugiharto. "The harmless chemicals are actually cheap, but we need to educate people to use them. That's why we want the government to work together with APRI." Fatimah is another of the 32 women in Sekotong who was tested for mercury as part of the IPEN study. Last year her only son, Iqbal, died aged three. "He couldn't do anything like a normal baby, like crawl or communicate," Fatimah says. "After 2 years he started getting very sick and not wanting to eat." Nursah, left, and his wife Fatimah hold photos of their son Iqbal, who died at the age of three. Nursah worked in an illegal gold mine where he used mercury. Credit:Amilia Rosa Iqbal's father, Nursah, used to torch gold amalgam by the side of the house. Ismawati, from BaliFokus, warned the couple this might have caused Iqbal's illness. "When Ibu [Ms] Yuyun advised me of the danger, I sold my ball mill and became a construction worker," Nursah says. "Mining is more profitable but it is just not worth it. I don't want what happened to Iqbal to happen again." Barcelona: Catalonia will apply the law that calls for a declaration of independence following a majority 'yes' vote, Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont says in a television program to be broadcast later on Sunday, local time. "The declaration of independence, that we don't call a 'unilateral' declaration of independence, is foreseen in the referendum law as an application of the results. We will apply what the law says," Puigdemont says in the program on Catalonia's TV3, according to excerpts on the broadcaster's website. People on a rooftop wave Spanish flags during a march in downtown Barcelona, Spain, to protest the Catalan government's push for secession from the rest of Spain, on Sunday. Credit:AP The Catalan government says more than 90 per cent of people who voted in the October 1 referendum voted in favour of independence from Spain. The referendum was declared illegal by Spanish authorities and turnout was only 43 per cent. The Catalan law paving the way for the referendum said the Parliament of Catalonia would declare the region's independence within 48 hours of a "yes" vote being proclaimed by the Catalan electoral office. Concerts of Carter Creek will begin its new season at 5 p.m. today with Brass Beats in the sanctuary of Bryan's First Presbyterian Church. The concert is free -- a gift from the congregation of First Presbyterian Church -- and includes free child care. Brass Beats is composed of talented musicians from the Houston area. Robert Chambers is principal trumpet of our own Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra. Brass Beats plays music from the Baroque and Classical eras all the way to the jazz, funk and rock of today. The band was formed in 2015. In addition to Chambers, members include James Kwon Lee, trombone; Phillip Scoles, trumpet; Emily Nagel, French horn; Victor Gomez, tuba; and Luke Hubley, percussion.. The program for tonight's concert is scheduled to include My Spirit Be Joyful by Johann Sebastian Bach; Arioso by Bach; La Virgen De La Macarena by Monterde; In the Stone by Earth, Wind and Fire; La Vie en Rose by Edith Piaf; and Barber of Seville by Giochino Rossini. Also, Saturday in the Park by Chicago; Married Life from Up by Michael Giacchino; Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen; Star Trek by Giacchino; Armed Forces medley; That's a Plenty; and America the Beautiful. Concerts on Carter Creek is marking its 35th anniversary of providing great music by professional musicians at no charge to the community. It is funded by the John G. Otts Jr. estate, the Gilbert and Thyra Plass Arts Foundation, the Ham Trust and donations by concert patrons. Beautiful music Jungjin Kim, a native of Seoul, South Korea, who now makes her home in Bryan-College Station, will present an classical organ concert at 5 p.m. today. Location of the concert has been changed to First United Methodist Church in Bryan due to delays in installing the new organ in the original location. The church is located at 506 E. 28th St. Kim is associate director of music ministry at A&M United Methodist Church in College Station, where she plays organ and piano and oversees the adult handbell ensemble and childrens chime choir. She began studying the piano at age 4 and later majored in organ studies in the church music department of Yonsei University, earning a bachelors degree in organ performance with highest distinctions. She came to the United States in 2008 and earned a masters degree and doctor of musical arts degree in organ performance at the Butler School of Music at The University of Texas at Austin. Todays concert will include Prelude and Fugue in G Major BWV 541 by Johann Sebastian Bach; Allegro ma non troppo op.18 no. 7 by Alexandre P. F. Boely; 24 Preludes liturgiques by Gaston Litaize; Trio Sonata No. 6 in G Major BWV 530 by Bach; Messe pour orgue by Nicolas de Grigny; and Toccata in F Major BWV 540 by Bach. Kim has won several organ competitions, including firsts prize in the 39th William C. Hall Pipe Organ Competition. She was the quarter-finalist in the 2012 National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance, as well as finalist in the 2012 North American Classical Organ Competition. Her performance in that competition was featured on American Public Medias Pipedreams. She recently was invited to perform at the 2017 Oregon Bach Festival and, later this month, will participate in the 2017 Marchal-Litaize International Organ Competition in Paris. Todays concert is presented by the Brazos Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The concert is free, but donations will be accepted. Free afternoon The Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley will have a Free Sunday today with free admission. The museum, at 4001 E. 29th St. in Bryan, will be open today from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibits include a giant piano, a reading nook, a family pet center and its new Illumination Station donated by BTU. On Oct. 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the museum will host Night at the Museum: A Mummy-Son Night of Fun. Mothers and son will enjoy games, slime, food, Lego robotics and costumed characters. There will be a contest for the best mother-son costumed duo. Tickets are $30 per mother and son, with an additional $10 for each additional child. To RSVP, go to cmbv.org. Hands on The Museum of the American G.I. will host a World War I Hands on History weekend Saturday and Oct. 15. Visitors will be able to explore the challenges as America equipped itself for the "war to end all wars" a century ago. There will be weapons and artillery demonstrations, living history displays and hands-on activities. Learn how American "doughboys" put on their leggings. Explore the differences in uniforms and weapons of both sides and meet with living historians for both sides. A World War I artillery demonstrations at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. both days. The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Cost at the door is $6 for adults and $5 for children. The Museum of the American G.I. is located at 19124 Texas 6 S. between College Station and Navasota. Overtures Today through Oct. 22 -- Disney's Beauty and the Beast, The Theatre Company behind JoAnn Fabrics in Bryan's Tejas Center, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., $7 to $20, several shows close to selling out. (www.theatrecompany.com) Thursday through Oct. 21 -- The Desk Set, StageCenter at 201-B W. 26th St. in Downtown Bryan, above Mr. G's Pizza, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., $10 to $15. (www.stagecenter.net) Through Oct. 15 -- A Grand Night for Singing, a tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein, Unity Theatre, 300 Church St. in downtown Brenham, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays. $30. (tickets.unitybrenham.org) Friday and Saturday -- Laugh Out Loud! improvisation show, Brazos Valley TROUPE, 29th Street Studio, 3702 E. 29th St. in Bryan's Town & Country Center. (bvtroupe.com) Oct. 20 through 22 -- Lights, Camera ... Action!, Brazos Valley TROUPE, 29th Street Studio, 3702 E. 29th St. in Bryan's Town & Country Center. (bvtroupe.com) Every Sunday -- Open mics and poetry slams sponsored by Mic Check Poetry, 8:30 p.m. Revolution Cafe in Downtown Bryan, (miccheckpoetry.com) Items for Arts Watch should be emailed to robert.borden@theeagle.com. Deadline is noon Tuesday before the weekend you want it to run. From left, Olivia Williams, Hannah Czajkowski and Abigayle Williams. Brazos County 4-H members Abigayle Williams, Hannah Czajkowski and Olivia Williams were named national champions at the National 4-H Food Challenge Contest in Dallas on Tuesday. To qualify for the national contest, the trio beat out 46 teams from across Texas at the State 4-H Food Challenge Contest in June. The National 4-H Food Challenge Contest includes culinary expertise, food knowledge and public speaking skills. Teams receive a bag of mystery ingredients and have 40 minutes to prepare a dish. Teams then proceed to a judging panel where they give a presentation and answer questions regarding their food preparation, nutrition and food safety knowledge. Food Challenge is a contest of the 4-H program, the nation's largest youth development organization. Hannah Czajkowski attends Bryan High School. Abigayle and Olivia Williams attend Bryan Collegiate High School. All are juniors. Ann Busch, Kappa Gamma President Penny Byrne and Judy Weir welcome new members Mia Leland, Melissa Musser, Nancy Self and Jane Rankin. At right is initiation and installation chair Dana Brown. The Kappa Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International welcomed new members at its first meeting of the year on Sept. 11. An initiation ceremony was held for Mia Leland, Melissa Musser, Jane Rankin and Nancy Self. The group's awards for 2016-17 were Early Bird Award for Yearbook, Exemplary Award for Chapter Yearbook and Annie Award Five Star Chapter Award for Newsletters. This year's service project is Scotty's House Brazos Valley Child Advocacy Center. The purpose of the group is to promote professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. From the historic mission fortress where the 13-day siege in the battle for Texas independence was fought to an old fire station at a former Air Force base in Bryan, it's been a long journey to preservation for cannons used during the Battle of the Alamo. Students and staff at the Conservation Research Laboratory on the Texas A&M University System's RELLIS Campus will conserve seven of the 21 cannons used in the 1836 battle during the Texas Revolution, along with two other cannons from the same period. Two cannons arrived at the lab Tuesday. The cascabels and trunnions -- parts used to pivot and aim the weapons -- have been broken off. A cannonball still sits in the muzzle of the larger of the two, which likely came from the Rio Grande Valley. The smaller cannon, the one from the Alamo, also was rendered inoperable by Mexican troops, who filled it with rocks and drove a nail into the vent hole so it couldn't be fired. Jim Jobling, research associate at the Conservation Research Laboratory, said these imperfections are part of history. The lab's job, he said, is to clean and preserve the cannons so they can be put back on display. "This is part of Texas history," he said. "It's when it all started, and it's a very important part of our history. And unfortunately, over time, things do start to fall into disrepair." On Monday, Texas General Land Office Commissioner George P. Bush announced the conservation project and partnership with the Texas A&M lab. Bush's address followed a weekend of demonstrations and displays at the Alamo during Cannon Fest, an event that explored the artillery of the Texas Revolution. "These cannons were used in the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836," Bush said during the event. "They sat on platforms of new wood on the perimeter of this fortress, trained on the enemy. Heroes died manning them. We need these cannons to last so future Texans can see 1836 for themselves." The cannons will be sent to the lab two at a time to be conserved before returning to the Alamo for display. Outside the bays of the former fire station tucked away on the RELLIS Campus, Jobling said they'll be submerged in a vat of sodium hydroxide solution and subjected to an electrical current. Jobling said the process will slough off thick layers of paint and remove corrosion. They'll then be moved to a smaller vat and boiled to remove residual chemicals before being coated with tannic acid to reduce the onset of corrosion. Black paint will then seal the surface of the cannons. He said the entire process will last less than six weeks, and estimates the entire project will be complete within eight months. Donny Hamilton, director of the Conservation Research Lab, said the lab has completed 150 projects and conserved about 2 million artifacts -- probably more than the rest of the country's conservation labs put together. There are currently 15 ongoing projects, including the preservation of a Revolutionary-War era ship discovered during the excavation of New York's new World Trade Center site and a prehistoric Native American dugout canoe Jobling said two students will be assigned to the Alamo cannons project, but more will be able to have a hand in it as they gain experience in conservation work. He said it's a "win-win" situation where students learn in the classroom with Hamilton and draw on those lessons to perform the practical side of conservation. During the preservation process, Jobling said the lab will also do some research to see if an age and origin of the cannons can be determined. It's unknown whether they're Spanish or whether they were bought from the British and used by Spain in Texas. Using a laser scanner, the lab also will be able create a computer model with the exact dimensions of a smaller cannon from the Alamo that will soon arrive in Aggieland. Like the two that have already arrived, the trunnions are missing from the small cannon. Using the model, the lab will be able to redraw them and correct other errors before sending the data to the Alamo, which Jobling said could choose to have a cast made of the cannon to show visitors how it would have worked. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise $50,000 to preserve the cannons, and the Brown Foundation in Houston donated a lead gift of $7,000. As of press time, the GoFundMe campaign for the project had raised about $5,500 toward its goal. All donations toward the conservation efforts, and any funds raised over the $50,000 goal will be placed in a restricted fund for the preservation of more Alamo artifacts. Texas A&M Professor of American Politics Brittany Perry will lead an information session on voting rights, Texas election laws and the importance of casting a ballot in local elections at a forum set for this afternoon. "It's these local elections that are going to affect your day-to-day life," Perry said, echoing the "all politics is local" aphorism. Perry said her goal for the information session -- set for 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Brazos Valley African American Museum -- is threefold. By the end of the session, Perry said she hopes attendees will know: Who can vote; what the voter ID requirements are and what voters must take to the polls; and their rights when casting their ballots. "Most Bryan residents don't even know there's an election happening right now," Perry said of the ongoing early local election on Bryan ISD's tax rate. (The official election day is Tuesday) Trudy Hancock, Brazos County elections administrator, said there are 104,091 registered voters in the county, almost two-thirds of whom voted in the November 2016 elections. That said, according to Hancock, about 0.7 percent of eligible voters in Bryan have voted in the early ongoing Bryan ISD tax ratification election. Valentina Tovar, Texas A&M University junior class vice president and a former member of Gig the Vote, a nonpartisan Student Government Association organization that helps students register and encourages them to vote, said the student response to local politics is similarly anemic. "College students are voting more in campuswide elections than local elections," Tovar said, suggesting that A&M students feel connected to the Aggie community, but not the College Station one. Based on numbers collected from on-campus precincts and those precincts located off campus that are mostly comprised of students, Tovar said 6,574 students voted in the November 2016 national election. Of that number, 4,805 cast a ballot for a local race. Tovar suggested students coming to school from outside of Aggieland change their voter registration to Brazos County,so they can cast ballots in local elections. Living in College Station for four years means students can have a big impact on local elections, she said. Tovar said students tend to "put in a box how much they should know about politics," but candidates don't spend much time on campus campaigning, either. The result is a student body largely uninterested in local politics and unfamiliar with names in the local candidate sections of ballots. Tovar emphasized the importance of changing voter registration when students come to A&M, since local politics affect residents much more than presidential ones. She said many students stay registered in their home districts, but a substantial portion of students graduate from A&M and move somewhere far away from both their hometowns and College Station. For those students, she recommends changing registration to Brazos County once they get to school. "You can just register again [once you move]," Tovar said. Perry said she hopes she can convince attendees of today's information session to vote in Tuesday's Bryan ISD election, but also for the impending November 2018 elections, in which a range of federal, state and local seats are up for grabs. "This is your opportunity to have your voice heard," she said. In addition to free pizza, there also will be a deputized registrar and a representative on hand at today's information session to discuss charter amendments and state propositions. February 24, 1939 - September 20, 2017 Marilyn Joyce (Krutsch) Dick, 78, of Bryan passed away September 20, 2017. A memorial service will take place at a later date. Marilyn lived at Generations Center Senior Living in Bryan, Texas. She was born in Los Angeles, California on February 24, 1939. She was raised in Sierra Madre, attended Pasadena High School. She attended Nursing School in California and Art School at Arizona State. Marilyn met and married Donald Edward Dick while he was attending Cal Tech in 1952. She was a tireless advocate for education and equality for all and was member of numerous organizations. Survivors include her husband, Donald Edward Dick, of Missouri; her son, Blake Dick and wife, Gloria of Texas; daughter, Michele Laurel and partner, Myrt, of Calif.; sister, Diane Lowe and husband, Robert of Ariz.; grandchildren, Christopher Wyrick, Ian Dick; Amanda and Teresa Mitchell, Rae and Justin Copeland; great-grandchildren, Navaeh Frank, Robert Frank, Farriah Wyrick, Sophie Copeland, and Tobias Copeland, all of Texas. In lieu of flowers family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association, Parkinson's Foundation, or the charity of choice. August 12, 1929 - October 6, 2017 Dortha "Nelda" Green, 88, of College Station, passed away Friday, October 6, 2017 at her home. Nelda was born in San Saba County, Texas, the only daughter of David Lee Smith and Gladys Patton Smith. Her parents preceded her in death in 1955 and 1963 respectively. She was also preceded in death by her two brothers, David Lee Smith, Jr. and Gailyian Patton Smith and a great niece. Mr. and Mrs. Mark Oliver Patton and Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Smith were her grandparents. Nelda graduated from San Saba High School in 1946 at age sixteen. Unable to attend a four-year college, she completed a year of business study in Austin, Texas and began her career immediately at the Texas Highway Department (now TXDOT). By age twenty she had become Administrative Clerk for Dewitt C. Greer'23, the State Highway Engineer. That began a career of more than forty years of assisting top administrators, including several presidents and chancellors of Texas A&M University and The Texas A&M University System, among whom were President James Earl Rudder '32 and President/Chancellor Jack K. Williams. In 1974, she became the first woman to be named Assistant to the President of Texas A&M. Her greatest satisfaction came from working behind the scenes to provide the utmost assistance to her employers. To her colleagues, Nelda was determined, courageous and inspiring. She was a friend and mentor to many. Said one of her colleagues: "Nelda was approachable and treated everyone with fairness and with an even amount of respect. But her soft voice and sweet smile were always translated as a reminder that she and the President expect the best." A framed quotation in a private nook in her home reads: "This isn't a dress rehearsal. We get one time around to be the best we can be." In her quiet, competent manner, she lived by this motto. Together with Harry J. Green, Jr. whom she married in 1980, her life was filled with service to others; and retirement did not mean rest. The two of them were active in fundraising for worthwhile causes, such as for the Veryl Goodnight sculpture, "The Day the Wall Came Down," a focal point at the George Bush Library and Museum. They supported many organizations, including Texas A&M's 12th Man Foundation, The Association of Former Students, and the Corps of Cadets, contributing to an Endowed Century Club gift and funding of an Earl Rudder Corps Scholarship. She and Harry were endowed scholarship members of the 12th Man Foundation. She was active for many years with the Friends of the Sterling Evans Library. Nelda had many interests, and she pursued as many as time permitted. She served as a resource person for Dr. Thomas M. Hatfield, author of the Earl Rudder biography, "Leader to Legend". As much as Nelda enjoyed her career, she enjoyed being a homemaker in the fullest sense of the word; and she took great pleasure in maintaining their many friendships. She will be remembered for her kindness to others and for her ready smile. Nelda was baptized into the Christian faith in 1947 in Austin, Texas. Faith in God and belief in Jesus Christ were a central part of her life. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Bryan. Nelda is survived by her husband, Harry. She is also survived by two nieces, five nephews and several great nieces and nephews whom she loved and nurtured. She will be missed by them and by a host of friends, many of whom were considered as extended family. Memorials may be made to Sterling C. Evans Library, 400 Spence St., College Station, TX 77840 and Salvation Army, P.O. Box 73, Bryan, TX 77806. Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, October 9, at Callaway-Jones Funeral Center, 3001 S College Ave in Bryan. A memorial service is set for 1 p.m. Tuesday, at First Presbyterian Church in Bryan, with Pastor Ted Foote officiating. A private burial will be in the College Station City Cemetery. Express condolences at CallawayJones.com Like probably just about every public school district in the country, Bryan schools need more money. Without enough money, programs will have to be cut, teachers won't get pay raises they need, maintenance won't get done, new school buses won't be purchased. What if the Bryan school district could get some $4.4 million more this year, two-thirds of it from the state -- while at the same time lowering property taxes by a penny? So school district property owners will be able to save a bit and at the same time bring in those badly needed funds. That's the opportunity Bryan district voters have Tuesday if they approve the Tax Ratification Election. We believe in public education and urge voters to pass this critical election. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at three locations: Arena Hall, 2906 Tabor Road in Bryan. The Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive in Bryan. The Brazos County Administration Building -- the former First Baptist Church -- at 200 S. Texas Ave. in Bryan. If approved Tuesday, the Bryan school district tax rate will drop from the $1.35 tax rate for 2016-2017 to $1.34 per $100 assessed valuation for the current school year. Remember that the value of your property is set by the Brazos County Appraisal District and not the Bryan school district. Under the proposed rate, the Bryan district will bring in about $4.4 million more this school year $1.4 million from local taxpayers and a whopping $3 million from the state. We'll get to the reason for this windfall in a bit. First, last year, Bryan schools taxed $1.04 per $100 assessed value for day-to-day operations of the school and an additional 31 cents per $100 for repayment of debt for major expenses such as new schools. There is no limit on what schools can spend on debt repayment, also called Interest and Sinking. In this year's budget, Bryan school trustees were able to reduce the debt repayment to 28 cents per $100. The maintenance side of the equation is a bit more complicated. Under state law, school districts can charge up to $1.17 per $100 assessed value, but ... . Districts have to ask for voter permission to raise maintenance and operation taxes above $1.04, which is exactly what the Bryan district is doing Tuesday. The district hopes voters will agree to raise the maintenance and operation tax to $1.06 per $100 assessed value. That additional 2 cents is "golden" under state rules. Several years ago, state lawmakers -- refusing to fund public education fully, as the Texas Constitution requires -- created a plan to allow school districts to add up to six "golden pennies" to their maintenance and operations side of the school ledger. These golden pennies will bring in more from local taxpayers, while bringing in a lot more in state funds. The amount of additional state funding from the golden pennies is based on the amount the state provides the Austin school district. In recent years, Bryan trustees used four of the golden pennies to bring the maintenance and operation tax rate to the $1.04 maximum without needing voter approval. Now, it wants to use the final two golden pennies and needs approval from district voters to do so. Yes, it all is complicated, but school funding in recent decades has become increasingly complicated. If voters reject the tax increase on Tuesday -- and we hope they don't -- the Bryan district will have to make cuts to bring spending down. Those cuts haven't been identified but it never is good when public school districts have to slash the budget. So, what do voters need to know before going to the polls on Tuesday? They will be asked to raise the maintenance and operations side of the tax rate from $1.04 to $1.06 per $100 assessed valuation. At the same time, that 2-cent increase will be more than offset by the 3-cent decrease in the debt portion of the tax rate. That leaves distinct property owners paying $1.34 per $100 value, down from the $1.35 per $100 they paid last school year. At the same time, Bryan schools will take in some $4.4 million more this year. The last thing to understand is that the Bryan district couldn't wait for the Nov. 7 city and school elections to hold this tax election. In Brazos County, property taxes can be paid in full by Jan. 31 or, as many people do, they can be paid half by the end of November and the other half by the end of June. The Brazos tax district would not be able to prepare tax notices with the new rate in enough time for voters utilizing the half and half plan. The earlier tax rate vote on Tuesday gives the tax district enough time to meet the deadline to send out tax notices. Don't think Tuesday's election doesn't matter. Early voter turnout has been abysmally small. Please take the time to vote on Tuesday and, when you do, please vote in favor of the plan presented by the school district. State law requires Tuesday's ballot to be worded in a confusing manner. Just remember, a vote of yes is a vote for our children. That's all you need to know. You have a character that goes through the scrutiny of being sexualised , and then an audience that does the same thing. The Milford Public Library and the advocacy group Milford Speaks Out will be co-hosting a presentation, "ISIS vs Islam," by Imam Sami Abdul Aziz. The event will be held in the library program room on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. He will be discussing ISIS, terrorism and how it differs from Islam; and will touch on world wide extremism by other groups in contrast to Islamic extremism. This is a return engagement for Imam Sami. Last Spring he discussed "Understanding Islam." He is the Muslim chaplain at Wesleyan University and president of Common Ground Services; a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education, consultation and community outreach of Islamic life and faith. He is Imam of the Bloomfield Muslim Community Center. - jburgeson@ctpost.com Sons of Italy to fete Columbus Monday The Valley Regional Lodge #151 Sons of Italy in Derby will fete Christopher Columbus during a Monday morning program. The program will begin at 11 a.m. at the Sons of Italy headquarters on 73 High Street. There will be an Italian flag raising, a tribute to Columbus and lunch. For more information, call Kathryn Gasparini at 203-734-6261. - mmayko@ctpost.com Hudson Shakespeare Co. does 'Macbeth' The Hudson Shakespeare Company will return this month with a special Halloween season offering of "Macbeth" that will be performed in the Stratford Library, 2203 Main Street, on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m. in the library's Lovell Room. Admission is free. Halloween is not usually a subject associated with Shakespeare, but the Bard of Avon could present scenes of bloody horror that rivaling any movie from Hammer Productions. And no other Shakespeare play is more closely associated with the witches, black magic and ghosts than "Macbeth." As everyone knows, Macbeth is where the oft-repeated "Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble," got its start - lines that get a lot of use around Halloween. - jburgeson@ctpost.com Weir Farm recognizes Young Stewards Friends of Weir Farm National Historic Site awarded its first Young Stewards awards to three seasonal interns who have been working at the park during the 2017 season. Weir Farm's Youth Internship Program exposes interns to a variety of National Park Service careers and hands-on experience by completing projects and working with park staff, partners and volunteers. Awards were given to Natural Resources Intern Tanner Burgdorf, of Bridgeport; Youth Ambassador Intern Joshua Pfohl, of Ridgefield; and Youth Ambassador Intern Claire Tensa, of Danbury. Burgdorf was selected as an intern through the long-standing engagement partnership with Groundwork Bridgeport and has taken on a special project to inventory, photograph and map all the dry stone walls in the park. Pfohl conducted assessment of the park's digital history offerings and developed a thorough report including recommendations for virtual engagement. Tensa created a database for community outreach events and made recommendations about future outreach in new communities. -skim@hearstmediact.com Restaurant Week features 30-plus eateries Fairfield Restaurant Week makes its return Monday and runs through Oct. 15. First Selectman Michael Tetreau also announced that Bankwell has renewed its commitment as the lead sponsor of the event, now in its sixth year. More than 30 restaurants are expected to participate, with special prix fixe lunch and dinner menus showcasing their finest culinary offerings. Bank foundation awards grants First County Bank Foundation has awarded five Westport-based nonprofit groups a total of $22,500 in grants. The foundation says it has awarded individual grants worth over $8.2 million since its inception in 2001. First County Bank Foundation granted $2,500 to Earthplace for their natural history museum, wildlife rehabilitation program, water-quality laboratory, after school and summer camp programs; $10,000 to Homes with Hope for their emergency shelter for homeless single mothers and their children; $5,000 to Positive Directions for its adolescent behavioral health treatment program; $2,500 to the Westport Library Association for its year-round assistance and enrichment program; and $2,500 to United Way of Coastal Connecticut-Westport for general programs. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STAMFORD The city has settled the second of three civil lawsuits brought by the family of the three girls and their grandparents who were killed in the Christmas 2011 fire in Shippan. Director of Legal Affairs Kathryn Emmett said the city will pay $1.35 million in the suit filed by Wade Johnson on behalf of his parents, Pauline and Lomer Johnson, who died with their granddaughters, Lily Badger, 9, and twins Sarah and Grace, 7. Wade Johnson, brother of Madonna Badger, the girls mother, is the administrator of the Johnsons estates. He sued for property damage, personal injury and civil rights violations that he said resulted when the city negligently knocked down his sisters house the day after the fire, destroying evidence that hindered investigation into the cause. The settlement follows one reached with the girls father, Matthew Badger, for $6.65 million. Probate court papers filed in June revealed the amount, which ended the wrongful death lawsuit brought by Matthew Badger, who died of natural causes in February at age 51. He and Madonna Badger were divorced. Matthew Badger alleged that city officials tore down the burned house at 2267 Shippan Ave., and quickly carted away the debris to cover up inadequate inspections of a botched renovation. The city has agreed so far to pay $8 million to settle lawsuits resulting from the fire. A third suit brought by Madonna Badger in federal civil court over the alleged improper disposal of her house will not be finalized for at least a month, Emmett said. Emmett said there are no other costs associated with the fire cases. The city was represented by Assistant Corporation Counsel Barbara Coughlan and did not hire outside law firms, she said. The citys two insurance companies, Everest and Chubb, used their own attorneys. The city is self-insured up to $1 million and its two policies have a combined coverage of $30 million. So taxpayers are responsible for the first $1 million and any amount that exceeds $30 million. Emmett said she does not expect insurance premiums to rise because of the legal costs and settlements resulting from the fire lawsuits. In announcing the $6.65 million settlement earlier this year, the city and Matthew Badgers team said the claims were resolved without reflecting any liability or fault on Stamfords part. Matthew Badger alleged that city officials engaged in a cover-up and were reckless in issuing a building permit to Madonna Badgers contractor, who was not registered in Connecticut and had a trail of legal judgments against him. He also alleged that the city fell short on its investigation, quickly concluding the fire started in ashes that were swept from the hearth without thoroughly checking for a possible electrical cause when there were questions about how the house was powered. There were also questions about smoke detectors, which did not sound during the blaze. Fire marshals found a system had been installed but not powered. Matthew Badger also sued several contractors who worked on the house, settling with them for a total of more than $8 million. In 2012, he founded the Lily Sarah Grace Fund, which awards grants to teachers who use art a passion of the Badger girls in classroom instruction. News of the tragedy went around the world that Christmas morning six years ago. Madonna Badger crawled out her bedroom window and ran along the porch roof, where firefighters found her trying to get into the windows of her daughters bedrooms. The Johnsons and the girls moved around the house after they woke to fire just before dawn. The state medical examiner determined that Pauline Johnson, 69, and the girls died of smoke inhalation. She was found on a stair landing, shielding one of her granddaughters. Lomer Johnson, 71, died of head and neck trauma after falling through the porch roof outside a bedroom window. Firefighters found one of the girls on a stack of books just inside the bedroom, and surmised that Lomer Johnson placed her there so he could reach in and pull her through the window once he was outside. Lomer Johnson was the safety director for liquor manufacturer Brown-Forman Corp. in Louisville, Ky. At the companys headquarters and production plants, where his duties included planning fire drills, he was known as a stickler, his former boss told The Associated Press in the days after the fire. Johnson spent his career trying to keep others safe, the boss said. The irony is that he dies in a fire. After the Johnsons retired, they moved to Heritage Village in Southbury to be near their daughter and granddaughters, and to be closer to Newfoundland, Canada, where Pauline was born and they maintained a home. Lomer Johnson then grew a long white beard and began working as a department-store Santa during Christmas. He played St. Nick at Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan the day before the fire. Pauline Johnson may have imparted an entrepreneurial spirit to her daughter, Madonna Badger, founder of a notable Manhattan advertising agency, Badger & Winters. Pauline Johnson was a successful business woman in her own right. According to her obituary in The Courier-Journal, she worked as a bookkeeper at John Waters, a heating, cooling and electric repair and installation company in Louisville, Ky. One day her boss told her he was selling the company, but she could keep her job under the new owner. Pauline Johnson replied, Forget that. I want to buy the company, according to the obituary. She found a partner, purchased the company and grew it from a dozen employees to more than 100. NORWALK The Norwalk Public Library now offers free 2017 Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles practice tests and study materials to library cardholders. Now you can prepare for the written part of the exam by answering practice questions and reviewing the manual, without having to borrow it from the library. Simply use your library card to access this database on the librarys website from your home computer, or from the library. These practice tests are good for the following tests: drivers permit; drivers license; senior citizens refresher; motorcycle license and commercial drivers license. This is the only site of its kind to include accessibility tools that let users hear selections read aloud, make them into MP3s, translate pages into other languages, magnify text and mask portions of the screen for greater visibility on the practice tests. A FAQ section with detailed answers to over 100 DMV-related questions also is included. Honors & awards Natasha Hongsermeier-Graves, daughter of Ivan and Jennifer Hongsermeier of Phillips, served as an officer in the Morningside College chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta that recently received a Maintaining the Flame Award from the National Council of ALD for pursuit of excellence. She is a 2012 graduate of Aurora High School and a 2017 graduate of Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. Hannah Gilbertson of Grand Island won a Red Dot Award in the advertising category of the international Red Dot communication design competition. Gilbertson is an advertising major at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Ga. Her project, Guitar Center Elevator Musicians, was recognized as a top submission by a panel of international judges who are leaders in the creative industry. Activities Grace Bartling of Grand Island is playing the role of Frances, a painfully sweet but sheltered fundamentalist, in the University of Nebraska at Kearney presentation of Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. The plays final performance will be at 2 p.m. today in the Miriam Drake Theatre in the Fine Arts Building at UNK. Courtney Anderson of Hastings was chosen as an attendant for Chadron State Colleges Homecoming queen. For Tracy Overstreet, following in the footsteps of Hall County Election Commissioner Dale Baker is a true honor. The Hall County Board of Supervisors voted 7-0 Tuesday to appoint Overstreet as Hall Countys next election commissioner. Her term will be effective upon the retirement of Baker on Jan. 1. I am very honored to follow Dale as Hall County election commissioner because she has really raised the bar for elections, Overstreet said. I think voting itself is a very special and important thing for a democracy. To be the person to shepherd that and oversee it (election office) is a fantastic responsibility that I take very seriously. Upon her retirement, Baker will step into the position of assistant to the election commissioner to help Overstreet through her first election. Overstreet said in her interview with the county board Tuesday that she will have the opportunity to train with one of the premier election officials in the state of Nebraska. She said in an interview with The Independent Thursday that she is looking forward to learning about the election process, the accuracy of it, timelines and deadlines from Baker and the current assistant to the Hall County election commissioner, Denice Kruse. Obviously, in the news business (where she worked for 25 years), I am used to deadlines, Overstreet said. But these are really firm, statute-written deadlines. I want to make sure things are done right. I know Dale has been through that process and she knows how to do things right. I am so grateful she is going to be training me. She told the county board Tuesday that while she may not have experience being directly involved in an election, she is still familiar with how elections work. She has been through poll worker training and feels she has a bit more understanding than the everyday citizen on the duties of the election commissioner. One thing Overstreet said she has already done to prepare for her new job as election commissioner is to change her voter affiliation to nonpartisan. I really am adamant about showing nonbias and nonfavoritism. I want to be fair and equal to everyone, she said. I dont want someone to come in to register for office, or to vote, and think that they may not get the same treatment if I am one party or another. Overstreet added this philosophy ties back to her 25-year journalism career at The Grand Island Independent, KRGI radio and KHAS radio. She said honesty, integrity, fairness and accuracy are all key qualities that are important to her and ones she hopes to bring to her new position. As far as her goals as election commissioner, she said she wants to create a better understanding of which elected offices are open and what these positions entail. She added she is using Lancaster County as a model for how to accomplish these goals. I think it makes the whole process better when you have a robust election with a number of candidates, Overstreet said. If we can help people understand those positions and how to apply for them, I think everybody is better in the long run. She said she would also work to increase voter registration. Grand Island has experienced a lot of growth in recent years, but the voter base has not experienced this same growth, so she aims to potentially have Saturday registration drives to help solve this issue. I looked at Lancaster County and they were doing some voter registration activities at their public library on Saturdays, Overstreet said. I could see maybe a community event, too. If somebody has a community event set up, it might translate well into a voter registration table being set up there. As the local government reporter at The Grand Island Independent for 18 years, she said she is aware of the need to have fast election results and work to ensure this as election commissioner. I will make them as speedy as we can, she said. But accuracy is first, followed by efficiency. Other issues Overstreet said she will have to deal with include a changing of the guard at the state level with a new Nebraska secretary of state to be elected, security issues, the 2020 U.S. Census and redistricting issues. She said as she looks forward to starting her new position, she has emotions that are kind of like a roller coaster. I am excited and then I am also scared because it is an awesome responsibility, Overstreet said. Then I am kind of freaked out because it is this awesome responsibility and I am excited. But, I am also sad, too, because I really love the job I have at the city and what I am doing with the city. She emphasized she is happy in her current position as administrative assistant for the Regional Planning Department and has a great boss in Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity. However, she said she had the unique opportunity to apply for the election commissioner position and had to pursue the opportunity when she could. I think it is going to be a fun next step, Overstreet said. A festive Saturday Salute goes this week to everyone involved in making the 76th annual Harvest of Harmony such a fantastic fall event. From the Harvest of Harmony Pageant on Friday night to all the marching bands, floats and other entries in the Harvest of Harmony Parade Saturday morning and the marching band field competition that follows the parade, this is a huge celebration that takes a huge number of people for it to be carried out. There are 98 bands in this years parade, including Parkview Christian from Lincoln, Conestoga Jr./Sr. High, and Pierce High School, which are new to Harvest of Harmony. The largest band is from Lincoln East High School, with 255 members. Bands travel to Grand Island for the parade from across the state, from the Big Springs High School band that traveled 220 miles to be her this morning to the Grand Island schools bands, which have the shortest trip to Arrive Railside. Community organizations and businesses will also be part of the parade, with floats and people walking the parade route. There also are 28 high school seniors who participated in the pageant Friday night and will appear in the parade along with their schools bands. Congratulations to all of them for being selected to represent their schools and a big salute goes to our 2017 Miss Harvest of Harmony, Gracie Williams of Broken Bow High School. Kristin Johnson, marketing and events coordinator for the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, has been organizing the parade, but its the large number of volunteers who make everything run smoothly. We salute all of you for all you have done to carry on this tradition that is so important to our community and the high school students across the state who every year look forward to this special event. Nebraska has celebrated in style We also take this opportunity to salute all the members of the Nebraska Sesquicentennial Commission, who are wrapping up the states yearlong celebration of its 150th anniversary of statehood. The commission will be represented in the Harvest of Harmony Parade by Deanna Frankforter and Mike Bockoven, both of Grand Island. Frankforter is driving a convertible and Bockoven, along with Frankforters husband, Scott, will carry a banner calling attention to the sesquicentennial. The Harvest of Harmony pageant, parade and field competition are official sesquicentennial events. The theme of this years parade is Nebraska, Lets Celebrate 150 Years! Commission members are spread around the state and they have been taking turns attending official sesquicentennial events throughout this year. Frankforter pointed out that the celebrations mission has been to bridge Nebraskans across different communities, perspectives and cultures, build a connection with every Nebraskan to the celebration and the state and instill in every citizen an even greater sense of pride. That has been a worthwhile effort and we hope that our states communities and citizens will carry on that connection as 2018 arrives. The third Hall County Vietnam Veterans Hero Flight will depart early Monday morning on an Allegiant charter airplane out of Central Nebraska Regional Airport bound for Washington, D.C. Eighty-six veterans, their escorts and support volunteers will spend the better part of three days on a journey of discovery. They will visit Washington sites and the magnificent war memorials dedicated to generations of veterans who dutifully served and sacrificed for their country and the preservation of freedom. Initially, the Vietnam era veterans of Hall County were reticent to sign up for the Hero Flight program. Many said that they didnt feel deserving or that they would wait until after their fellow veterans had the chance to go first. Others simply had no interest in traveling their nations capital because of what it represented during an enigmatic and harrowing time in their young lives. The Hall County Hero Flight committee wondered if there would be enough interest to fill two flights. That changed when the first flight returned to Grand Island to a hometown heros welcome that was more than 40 years overdue. Though there were no veterans on the flight who would claim they were heroes, they received a priceless gift in finally receiving the love, respect and gratitude they deserved. There were no dry eyes on that day or upon the arrival of the veterans from the second flight a year later. The servicemen and women of the Vietnam War era simply did what was asked of them by their country. Upon their return from Washington, their long journey will have come full circle, from a troubled time and wounds that would remain hidden over the passage of time to a place of peace, healing, honor and bonding that can only be understood by those who have walked the same path. The homecomings at the airport have also lifted the hearts and spirits of those who went there to welcome them home. It has been especially gratifying to see so many young people, so far removed from the Vietnam chapter of American history, present in support of and witness to the remarkable show of appreciation by a grateful community. For the past six years the Hall County Hero Flight Association has raised funds for the Washington, D.C., trips through the generosity of area residents and businesses. The association operates completely with volunteer help and most of the food products, advertising and other needs are donated by area businesses, so overhead costs are held to a bare minimum. There is now enough interest from area Vietnam veterans to organize a fourth flight, which is planned for early May of 2018. A fifth flight, if needed, will be organized as well. The final deadline to apply for the next Vietnam Veterans flight is Veterans Day, Nov. 11. We encourage the community to come out to the airport at 5 p.m. Wednesday to give a Hall County heros welcome to our returning Vietnam veterans. A brief program will be presented shortly after the plane lands at Central Nebraska Regional Airport. For more information on the Vietnam War Hero Flight, contact Don Shuda at (308) 383-1950 or dons@hallcountyne.gov, Direct donations to the Hall County Hero Flight can be dropped off or mailed to Five Points Bank, Attn. Linda Green, 2009 N. Diers Ave. Grand Island, NE 68803 or The Grand Island Independent, Attn. Hall County Vietnam War Hero Flight, P.O. Box 1208, Grand Island, NE 68802. Eagles rally, then get sloppy in 4th quarter as undefeated hopes end Several observations from the Eagles' Monday night game against the Washington Commanders. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, October 8, 2017 17:33 1863 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a23a1002 4 Health study,health,Emotion,depression,mood,Friends Free A good mood or bad mood could be spread among friends, according to a recent study published in the Royal Society Open Science journal. The research, however, found that the effect is not enough to lead to depression. As reported by health.com, the study measured social and mood changes over time, providing evidence that mood can spread over social networks in what scientists called "social contagion. As many as 2,194 students were included in the analysis, which used a mathematical model to look for connections among networks of friends. It looked at individual components of moods, such as appetite, tiredness and sleep, spreading through adolescent friendship networks in the United States. Groups of junior high school and high school students took part in depression screenings and answered questions about their best friends, many of whom were also enrolled in the study. "We find that having more friends with [bad] moods are associated with a higher probability of an adolescent worsening in mood and a lower probability of improving, and vice versa for friends in better mood, for the overwhelming majority of mood components," according to the study, which was published on Sept. 20. Read also: Instagram photos can reveal signs of depression, study suggests Those with friends who suffer from bad moods were more likely to report bad moods themselves and were subsequently less likely to have improved when they were screened again six months later. Conversely, people with more happy friends were more likely to have improved moods over time. Robert Eyre, lead author and doctoral student at the University of Warwick's Center for Complexity Science, points to the mood spreading pattern as a "normal empathetic response that we're all familiar with, and something we recognize by common sense." Eyre says the fact that negative feelings spread across networks does have important health implications, but it's not a reason to stay away from friends who are going through difficult times. He further says friends do not put each other at risk of illness, as the study found that having friends who were clinically depressed did not increase participants' risk of becoming depressed themselves. Eyre suggests supporting friends in such cases, saying that to boost their moods, friends could partake in activities that they both enjoy, as well as inviting other friends along to further spread good feelings. The good news from our work is that following the evidence-based advice for improving mood, like exercise, sleeping well, and managing stress, can help your friends too, Eyre says. (liz/kes) Topics : study health Emotion depression mood Friends Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Tangerang Sat, October 7 2017 A man was shot to death by an unidentified person in Benda, Tangerang, on Friday, as he tried to stop the shooter from stealing his motorbike. The victim, Alif Rizki Maulana, 26, succumbed to his wounds at a local hospital. The incident occurred at around 1:15 a.m., when Alif realized that his motorbike had just been stolen and chased after the robber, said Tangerang Police chief Sr. Comr. Harry Kurniawan, wartakota.tribunnews.com reported. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Harry Pearl (Agence France-Presse) Jakarta Sun, October 8, 2017 19:30 1863 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a23a2708 2 Business Indonesia,start-up,Go-Jek,Tokopedia,Alibaba Free Big-name investors including Expedia and Alibaba are pumping billions of dollars into Indonesian tech start-ups in a bid to capitalize on the countrys burgeoning digital economy and potential as Southeast Asias largest online market. Indonesia has seen a surge of cash into its technology sector over the past two years, helping support dozens of homegrown start-ups ranging from ride hailing apps to e-commerce firms. And with a population of more than 250 million, a swelling middle class and growing availability of cheap mobile devices, firms from across the world are piling in. "We believe that Indonesia is poised for a huge leap forward for its digital economy, following China's growth and becoming the leading tech destination in the Southeast Asia region," Adrian Li, a partner in Jakarta-based Convergence Ventures, told AFP. Last year $631 million in disclosed venture capital was ploughed into the country, according to research firm CB Insights, up from $31 million in 2015. But that figure has already been shattered in 2017, with $3 billion worth of deals clinched as of September 2017, said Meghna Rao, a tech industry analyst at the firm. Tokopedia -- a marketplace that allows users to set up online shops and handles transactions -- won $1.1 billion in capital from Chinas Alibaba in August. Motorbike on-demand service Go-Jek secured $1.2 billion from Chinese tech giants JD.com and Tencent Holdings in May, according to data from Crunchbase. In another sign of confidence, Koison became Indonesia's first e-commerce service to go public in October. "While it's too soon to say that this investment is indicative of a larger pattern of Indonesian startups pulling in many big ticket investors, it is part of a growing clutch of mega-rounds," Rao said. A golden opportunity Internet use is growing faster in Southeast Asia than any other region in the world, with 124,000 users coming online every day over the next five years, according to a 2016 report from Google and Singapores Temasek Holdings. By 2020 an estimated 480 million people are expected to be connected to the internet, up from 260 million in the region last year. Indonesia's mobile-first market will comprise more than half of Southeast Asias e-commerce market by 2025, with an estimated value of $46 billion, the Google report said. This picture taken on Sept. 12, 2017 shows Willson Cuaca, one of the co-owners of the EV-Hive event space, a co-working space, in Jakarta. Big-name investors including Expedia and Alibaba are pumping billions of dollars into Indonesian tech start-ups in a bid to capitalise on the countrys burgeoning digital economy and potential as Southeast Asias largest online market. Indonesia has seen a surge of cash into its technology sector over the past two years, helping support dozens of homegrown start-ups ranging from ride hailing apps to e-commerce firms. (Agence France -Presse/Goh Chai Hin) "When you do startup business in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, the cost, effort and time that you spend is almost even. But when you go to Indonesia (growth) is unlimited -- the market is so big," said Willson Cuaca, whose venture capital firm East Ventures specializes in early-stage investments. As a result, big names like US venture capitalist Sequoia Capital, Japan's Rakuten Ventures and travel company Expedia -- as well as Chinese tech giants -- have all made investments in the country. Navigating challenges President Joko Widodo has been a vocal supporter of digital innovation, most notably in his plan to create 1,000 local tech start-ups worth $10 billion by 2020. But the sector still faces a number of challenges. A limited pool of engineering talent to draw from, low rates of internet penetration outside densely populated Java, bureaucratic delays, and poor quality infrastructure are all obstacles to growth. For e-commerce companies, the large number of "unbanked" Indonesians limits the scope of online transactions, and logistics problems make it hard to move goods. While young entrepreneurs and small businesses are flocking to co-working spaces springing up in major center, it is a decidedly different scene in most parts of the country. This picture taken on Sept. 12, 2017 shows entrepreneurs working at the EV-Hive event space, a co-working space, in Jakarta. Big-name investors including Expedia and Alibaba are pumping billions of dollars into Indonesian tech start-ups in a bid to capitalise on the countrys burgeoning digital economy and potential as Southeast Asias largest online market. Indonesia has seen a surge of cash into its technology sector over the past two years, helping support dozens of homegrown start-ups ranging from ride hailing apps to e-commerce firms. (Agence France -Presse/Goh Chai Hin) Farid Naufal Aslam, the chief executive of Aruna, an e-commerce company that links fishermen to buyers, said navigating Indonesia's disparate communities is a challenge too. "One of the biggest challenges faced is on social approach," Aslam, 23, said. "Indonesia is a unique country with diverse communities and different customs in each region." Yet many venture capitalists and entrepreneurs remain optimistic. "The window of opportunity is there," Cuaca said. "As long as you can innovate and solve real problems using technology, you can be successful." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, October 8, 2017 14:02 1864 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a239aaa3 1 Politics Gatot-Nurmantyo,Wiranto,weapon,weapon-procurement,TNI,National-Police Free Amid recent controversies surrounding the purchase of firearms, the government is set to review overlapping regulations regarding weapons procurement before issuing a single policy to regulate firearms, the country's chief security minister has said on Friday. From 1948 up until now, many regulations have been issued relating to weapons procurement, from laws to Presidential Decrees and ministerial regulations, Coordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto said. The regulations have resulted in different perceptions among state security institutions who use firearms in their operations. We will immediately conduct an assessment and review the regulations regarding firearms and issue a single policy in order to stop confusion among institutions," Wiranto said after a coordination meeting at his office on Friday. Controversies arose after circulating reports stating that 280 stand-alone grenade launchers (SAGL) and 6,000 rounds of ammunition belonging to the National Police's Mobile Brigade (Brimob) were held by Customs and Excise Authorities at Soekarno Hatta International Airport. The National Police confirmed the order and argued that the shipment procedure was in line with regulations. The weapons have yet to be retrieved, pending approval from the military's Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS). Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, who also attended the meeting, asserted that procurement of strategic weapons by state institutions should refer to the 2012 Defense Industry Law, which stipulates the purchase should proceed after permission from the defense minister. The meeting was also attended by TNI chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian, State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief Budi Gunawan, Deputy Foreign Minister AM Fachir, Customs and Excise Director-General Heru Pambudi, and state-owned weapons producer PT Pindad director Abraham Mose. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nova Safo and Bryan Tarnowski (Agence France-Presse) New Orleans, United States Sun, October 8, 2017 15:05 1864 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a239d487 2 World disaster,Hurricane-Nate,trump,US,Louisiana Free Hurricane Nate slammed into the US Gulf Coast for the second time in hours early Sunday after leaving a trail of death and destruction in Central America. Officials urged residents to evacuate some vulnerable areas before the storm first made landfall on the southeastern tip of Louisiana on Saturday evening, and residents scrambled to make last-minute preparations ahead of the third hurricane to hit the region in less than two months. Around 1:30 am (0530 GMT), the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Nate struck again about five miles (eight kilometers) west of Biloxi, Mississippi, where storm surges caused sea levels to rise dramatically. But US President Donald Trump said federal officials were ready for the fast-moving storm, urging residents of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi to "listen to your local authorities & be safe!" The storm, a Category One hurricane on the five-point Saffir-Simpson scale, with winds swirling at 85 miles (140 kilometers) per hour was heading north at about 20 miles per hour, the NHC said. The NHC predicted Nate would pass over portions of several southern states through late Sunday. The center warned that "the combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline". Alabama Governor Kay Ivey tweeted that she had asked Trump to make a disaster declaration "to ensure we have all possible resources in place to respond to #HurricaneNate." I've signed request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration to ensure we have all possible resources in place to respond to #HurricaneNate pic.twitter.com/5vHPc0C5ZE Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) October 7, 2017 Trump earlier issued an emergency declaration for Louisiana and Mississippi allowing federal aid to be sent there to help mitigate the storm's impact. New Orleans, which was ravaged in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina, leaving 1,800 people dead in the region, appears to have largely escaped Nate's wrath. The mayor's office lifted a mandatory curfew that had been imposed as a safety measure, saying the hurricane warning for the city was no longer in effect. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, October 8, 2017 16:50 1863 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a239ff60 1 City TNI,attack,parking,abuse Free Police in South Jakarta said on Sunday that a man suspected of attacking a parking attendant at Gandaria City shopping mall was not member of the Indonesian Military (TNI). Chief of Kebayoran Lama precinct Comr. Kurniawan Ismail said the individual, identified as Anwari, was in fact the spouse of a doctor who worked at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital. "The official TNI car is used by his wife and since she is employed by the Army hospital, he can use the car as well," Kurniawan said as quoted by kompas.com. Kurniawan also said Anwari had been named a suspect for allegedly assaulting the parking attendant. "We already detained him at the precinct. We're still digging deeper," he said. As earlier reported on Saturday, a man thought to be member of the TNI allegedly attacked a parking attendant, identified as Zuansyah, 21, and fired a gun into the air of the basement parking lot of the mall in South Jakarta on Friday evening, after reportedly refusing to pay his parking fee. While exiting the basement, the parking attendant reportedly asked him to pay Rp 20,000 (US$1.48), but the man allegedly complained. After reportedly arguing with Zuansyah, the man finally paid the parking fee and left the basement. A few moments later, however, he returned to the basement with another man. Topics : TNI attack parking abuse Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, October 8, 2017 18:01 1863 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a23a16ef 1 Politics TNI,PPATK,investigation,corruption Free Indonesia's financial authorities are investigating a report that Indonesians with ties to the Indonesian Military (TNI) had wired US$1.4 billion to accounts managed by the UK-based bank Standard Chartered. The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) said it was working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies to corroborate the report. We are communicating with relevant parties to investigate the case, PPATK chairman Kiagus Ahmad Badaruddin told The Jakarta Post on Sunday. Asked if the PPATK would investigate details as to who the individuals were involved in the reported transactions, Kiagus said the agency had attained records of the transactions in the accounts in question. Bloomberg news wire previously reported that some Indonesian clients, including some believed to have links to the military, had transferred a total $1.4 billion to Singapore from Guernsey in late 2015, months before the Guernsey adopted the Common Reporting Standard, a global framework for exchange of tax data. Bloombergs sources in Guernsey highlighted there were disparities between the earnings of some customers and balances in their accounts, with clients, in the most egregious case, had a stated annual income of tens of thousands of dollars yet held tens of millions in their accounts. Topics : TNI PPATK investigation corruption Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Daniel Silva and Diego Urdaneta (Agence France-Presse) Barcelona, Spain Sun, October 8, 2017 17:25 1863 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a23a05a2 2 World catalan,Spain,independence,protest Free Protesters flocked to Barcelona on Sunday wrapped in Spanish flags to rally against plans by separatist leaders to declare Catalonia independent following a banned secession referendum. Catalans calling themselves a "silent majority" opposed to leaving Spain broke their silence after a week of mounting anxiety over Spain's worst political crisis in a generation. Hundreds of people gathered on the city's Urquinaona square waving red and yellow flags and singing "Viva Espana". "We have perhaps been silent too long," Alejandro Marcos, 44, told AFP. "It seems that the one who yells the most wins the argument. So we have to raise our voices and say loud and clear that we do not want independence." Some protesters called for the region's separatist president Carles Puigdemont to go to jail for holding a vote on independence in defiance of the Spanish government and courts. "The unity of Spain cannot be voted on or negotiated -- it must be defended," read one sign in the crowd. Recent polls had indicated that Catalans are split on independence, though leaders said the violence during the referendum turned many against the state authorities. On the eve of the rally, Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy issued a stern warning to Catalan leaders who have said they could declare independence this week. He did not rule out suspending Catalonia's regional autonomy -- a move that could risk sparking unrest. "I rule out absolutely nothing that is allowed for under the law," he said in an interview published in El Pais newspaper. "The ideal would be not to have to take drastic measures," he said. "I would like this threat of a declaration of independence to be withdrawn as quickly as possible." Topics : catalan Spain independence protest Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Andrew Harris (Bloomberg) Washington, United States Sun, October 8, 2017 14:00 1864 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a239a655 2 World trump,NorthKorea,Nuclear,KimJongUn Free President Donald Trump returned to saber-rattling against North Korea, saying that only one thing will work! after years of diplomacy have failed, even as his counterpart in Pyongyang termed nuclear weapons a powerful deterrent. Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid hasnt worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of US negotiators, Trump said in a pair of tweets. Sorry, but only one thing will work! the president concluded to his 40 million Twitter followers in a message that at least implied he may have settled on a military option against North Korea and its leader Kim Jong Un. ...hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2017 On Saturday, leaving the White House to travel to North Carolina for a fundraiser, Trump was asked by reporters to clarify his comment. Well, youll figure that out pretty soon, he said. The remarks came two days after Trump cryptically said during a dinner with American military leaders that observers were witnessing the calm before the storm. He refused to clarify the comment, adding only that youll find out. On Saturday, Trump said there was nothing to clarify. North Koreas Kim has heightened global tensions this year with a series of increasingly provocative missile launches and an underground nuclear test. The countrys foreign minister even floated the idea of exploding a warhead over the Pacific Ocean. Two Russian lawmakers said this week that Kim is now planning to test an missile capable of reaching the US west coast, a range of approximately 9,000 miles (14,500 kilometers). Kim and Trump have traded public barbs, leading the North Korean to contend that the US has declared war on his nation. While Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has sought a diplomatic solution, Trump said in a tweet on Oct. 1 that the top US diplomat was wasting his time trying to negotiate. Topics : trump NorthKorea Nuclear KimJongUn Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Mon, October 9 2017 Indonesia has been progressing a lot after experiencing the worst economic crisis in its history 20 years ago, during the 1997 Asian financial crisis. With the International Monetary Funds (IMF) strict assistance, the country undeniably has become more resilient. The Jakarta Posts Grace Dwitiya Amianti interviewed Luis Enrique Breuer, the IMFs division chief for the Asia and Pacific department, to get some insights about what Indonesia should do to further tweak its economy. Here are the excerpts from the interview: to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login TheJakartaPost Please Update your browser Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below. Just click on the icons to get to the download page. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta Sun, October 8, 2017 14:02 1864 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a239afa1 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Bitung,North-Sulawesi Free Bitung city in North Sulawesi is currently hosting the Lembeh Strait Charm Festival (FPSL) 2017 which runs from October 6 until 10. This event shows how prosperous the marine potential in Lembeh Strait that covers a total area of 7.5 kilometers. With this potential and the FPSL event I believe that Bitung will attract more overseas tourists, said Bitung mayor Maximillan Jonas Lomban. Thank you for the support from the tourism ministry who gives us more than 1,000 percent support for this event as well as for the Navy, this collaboration provides safety and comfort for tourists who come to Bitung, added Maximillan. FSPL is being held to commemorate the 27th anniversary of Bitung. The event showcases more than 1,221 ships consisting of three Indonesian ships, trade ships and fisherman ships. Read also: Sriwijaya's trick of the trade in maintaining maritime sovereignty Lembeh Strait is one of the worlds best diving spots, this can motivate the administration of Bitung to develop the marine tourism more that in turn will move the economic cycle of the locals, explained tourism ministry's archipelago tourism marketing development deputy, Esthy Reko Astuti. The event also features other activities such as 10K-run, art and culture performances and competitions, underwater and landscape photography competitions, culinary festival, Lembeh Strait swimming competition, decorated boats parade and competition, an attempt to break MURI record for the biggest Manekin, yacht parade, tuna festival and Bitung anniversary celebration for the finale. The tourism ministry has set Bitung as a Special Economic Zone (KEK) area since the city is located in the Pacific Rim area. Last year, North Sulawesi welcomed 1.8 million local tourists and 30,000 international tourists with 13,019 of the local tourists and 20,133 of the international tourists visited Bitung. (asw) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta Sun, October 8, 2017 16:02 1863 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a239fc65 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Kupang,komodo Free Kupang is set to host the Komodo Travel Mart (KTM) 2017 that will be held on October 18 until 21 at the Swiss-Belinn Kristal Kupang hotel. The expo, that is initiated by The Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (ASITA) NTT, the NTT tourism industry and PT Angkasa Pura I, will offer tourists destinations located in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to 16 countries. There will be two programs that will be highlighted in this event, the first one is tourism travel mart exchange on October 18 until 19 in Kupang and the other one is a post-tour on October 20 21 where participants will travel to Atambua, Soe, Kupan, Labuan Bajo, Ende and Lembata. Labuan Bajo will be the main highlight of this event, as well as Kelimutu tri-colored lake in Ende regency that has been called as the next Labuan Bajo. Read also: Five lush accommodations across Indonesia for millennial travelers And then Atambua which is the center of cross-border activities from the government and tourism ministry. The last two destinations are Kupang and South Central Timor regency that will be put into one tour package, told ASITA NTT head, Abed Frans. Up until the early October, there are already 200 buyers who have confirmed their attendance for the event. These buyers come from 16 different countries in the South America and the Caribbean as well as 20 Indonesian provinces. There will be 50 sellers from NTT who will promote and sell NTT tourist destinations, Abed added. PT Angkasa Pura is planning to hold a focus group discussion about tourism improvement with NTT as the main focus, the company is also hosting a tourism human resources training as a way to support the sustainable tourism development in NTT. Last year, NTT welcomed a total of 882,395 tourists, 769,962 of them were local tourists and the rest 112,433 were international tourists, it was 40 percent higher than the total number of tourists in 2015. (asw) A team of investigators believe that artificial intelligence could help solve a case which has baffled historians. Forensic investigators will use cold case techniques and AI to answer the question: Who betrayed Anne Frank? The teenager, famous for the diaries documenting her time in hiding in the German-occupied Netherlands in the Second World War, was arrested in 1944 after more than two years in hiding at Prinsengracht 263 in Amsterdam. What led to the arrest remains unclear to this day. Betrayal seemed to be the only logical conclusion, but by whom and why? asks the team. The team includes former FBI agent Vince Pankoke who was previously honoured for tracking and investigating Colombian drug traffickers and who went undercover to infiltrate Wall Street criminals. He will be working with Dutch big data company Xomnia, which will apply its new analysis techniques to his findings. The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam (Chris Radburn/PA) Marius Helf, chief data scientist with Xomnia, said: Xomnia is building an information storage and retrieval system that allows the researchers to record any information they find in the historical archives. Our software allows them to search the data and visualise it (in) new ways. This has already led to a few new traces. In the future, we plan to make the systems more intelligent, in the sense that it will be able to automatically connect persons, events and places. We hope that this way we can find important and new clues to understand what actually happened in the weeks preceding the arrest of the Anne Frank family (on) August 4 1944, and eventually be able to identify the traitor with high confidence. After Anne and her family were arrested they were deported first to the Westerbork transit camp and then Auschwitz. Anne and her sister Margot died in Bergen-Belsen from exhaustion and disease. Of the eight arrested, only Annes father, Otto Frank, survived the camps. Gravestone of Anne Frank and her sister Margot at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA) At the end of the war, he called for an investigation into the betrayal and pointed the finger at a warehouse worker called Wilhelm van Maaren. A first police investigation found no evidence against him, a second cleared him. Since then there have been some 30 suspects named by historians, journalists and researchers. To support the new investigation, the Anne Frank Cold Case team is asking for financial support on its dedicated website. The website set up to help investigators solve the case of who betrayed Anne Frank (coldcasediary.com) It states: To remain independent and impartial, we rely on funding from a wide variety of sources. Your help enables us to continue our search for the truth. Please support our investigation with a donation. Anyone who donates more than 25 euros (about 22.40) can opt to be listed on a supporter website while a donor of 100 euros (about 90) or more gains free admission to an exhibition scheduled for August 2019. That dates marks the 75th anniversary of Anne Franks arrest. Among the archives being searched are the Dutch National Archives; the Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies (NIOD); the Amsterdam City Archives; and the Anne Frank House. In addition, documentation from the US National Archives and the US Holocaust Memorial Museum will be analysed. Former FBI man Pankoke wrote in his investigation blog: I have already found unique materials that were never linked to Anne Frank before. Lets get it out there in the open - London's not that great of a place, and I don't like it. Why does everyone get so doe eyed about the place? Why do so many people come for weekends and then fall in love, leave their heart here, find their soul... and all the rest of that sentimental crap? WHERE IS THE ALLURE?! But then again, before you all get your pitchforks out, let me explain the ten reasons why I strongly dislike London. In no particular order... 1. The London Underground Even looking at the map makes me feel dizzy. It's getting on at one station, going along three stops, getting off, finding the right line to get to (and that's if you know where you're going), get potentially crushed by other people, get freaked out by signs telling you pickpockets are everywhere, get onto another train and eventually you end up getting from point A to point B via point M. And apparently if it's delayed by four minutes that's a bad thing? Have you experienced the national rail network? 2. House prices are high The prices of London's housing forever baffles me. You're paying how much now for what now? And you're living on the breadline to keep it up? It's crazy. Personally I'm more than happy to sit in my mansion on a throne made of cash bundles coated in gold. 3. It's so expensive to get and live there 45.10 to get from Swindon to London Paddington (without a rail card). In comparison to go from Swindon to the Welsh capital of Cardiff is a faction of the price and just the same distance by train. Plus all food/drink/service etc. operate at a higher price compared to the rest of the country. Yes, your wages are a bit higher to compensate, but does it really cover the additional outgoings? 4. Londoners You guys think London is the best God-damn place in the world and will not hear a single word against it. If I went into a pub and exclaimed London was a pile of poop I'd expect to get a right earful back. If a Londoner came to Swindon and said the same phrase no one would bat an eyelid. Not everyone wishes and dreams of living in Zone 6. This leads me onto my next point... 5. The whole world doesn't revolve around London Everything HAS to happen in London. Theatre, exhibitions, politics. Yes, there are things going on outside London but they always seem disproportionate compared to the capital. The only time I see politicians outside of London is either for political conferences or because somewhere's been flooded. 6. Boris Johnson This guy was democratically elected to to run London, twice. Nuff' said. 7. Train stations This is really one linked just to me, but the local train station to my family is a small, unmanned, affair with two platforms. With my poor knowledge of train stations I assumed a super big station such as Paddington would have three platforms. It was only when I got to London I realised Paddington actually has 12. Cue scream face. 8. First to get new things Example: according to Wikipedia London was the first place in the United Kingdom to get electricity. Ok, so I struggled to come up with an example, but put it this way - Londoners will be the first to travel around on hover boards. 9. Assumption that all professionals live there Many of the careers talks I've attended have implied that to get a good job is to move to London. While I agree a lot of companies are located in the captial, it's not always a given that the streets are paved with gold. More jobs/companies should be encouraged to have offices in places such as the North of England or the South West, for example. Having everything in London only drains these areas of young, intellectual, people and makes the economic imbalance in Britain all the more worse. (Just my opinion...) 10. Pollution I'm told that in London everyone gets used to sirens at 4am but where my family lives hearing a single siren is a big deal and if you screamed there is a good chance no one would hear you. London's air quality meanwhile needs no explaining. I dislike it and feel ill just watching children walk through it, however I'm hopeful steps will be made to address it soon. And in general it's just, well, dirty (sorry, not sorry). 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Was Phineas Fogg content with his routine lifestyle after his round-the-world trip? What was the subsequent life of Jane Eyre or Elizabeth Bennet like? What did the Count of Monte Cristo go on to do after his long and elaborate revenge? What other cases did Sam Spade take up after solving the Maltese Falcon matter? All devoted readers will have favourite characters they would like to see more of, with their appetite scarcely being whetted with their sole appearance. Perhaps since we have left them soon after they have performed their quest, found the love of their life, or otherwise found closure or some measure of stability or security though the future ahead is still uncertain If we use only the last scenario as a yardstick, the obvious genre is of thrillers, including those in alternative futures. This may owe to the fact that this particular sphere has a number of prolific authors skilled in spinning entrancing yarns across one particular character and then for their next, create someone else entirely to replicate their narrative magic. So let us take, say, half-a-dozen cases where some masters of the art have created some unique characters but limited their appearances to one only so far. A good example to begin with is Len Deighton, deemed one of the top spy novelists of all time along with Ian Fleming and John Le Carre, but unique in spinning long series along with stand-alone works. And it is the latter which must be considered here. Take his chilling SS-GB (1978), set in Nazi-occupied Britain, and now known to a new generation through the BBC TV series. It ends with a considerable number of characters killed in pursuance of a plan to preserve King George VIs reputation and draw the US into the war, but what is the future of its hero Detective Superintendent Douglas Archer of Scotland Yard, who is otherwise safe but still in his country. Doubtless there will be a new set of challenges. There is Jimmy Ross of City of Gold (1991), set in Cairo during the middle of World War II. Being brought to Cairo for court-martial, he, by a quirk of fate and some quick thinking, is put in charge of unearthing a spy feeding information to the approaching forces of Desert Fox, Field Marshal Edwin Rommel. He performs his task at the risk of his life, but his disguise is rumbled and he is to be posted to India. It is certain his career there would be of considerable interest, as would be of most other characters in the tale. Alan Furst, who is known for his historical spy novels set before and during World War II, has made a entire career of this trend. Of the 14-set Night Soldiers series, only the first eponymous one ends with the war over and all the principal protagonists resettled, and all the others end up with their heroes currently safe but still in Nazi-occupied Europe or, at best, a neutral country. Virtually all his heroes future would be of interest, but if asked to pick three, the top would be Captain Alexander de Milja of the Polish General Staff (The Polish Officer, 1995), who escorts out his countrys gold reserves and returns to help the resistance in Paris and Warsaw and ends up with partisans in Soviet Ukraine. Then there is Greek police detective Costa Zannis (Spies of the Balkans, 2010), who is helped across the Turkish frontier along with his love after hair-raising adventures in Albania and Yugoslavia but is still a long way from retirement, and French film producer-turned-resistance fighter Jean Casson of The World at Night (1996) and Red Gold (1999). The subcontinents literature also has some characters we would like to see more off police officers Constantine DSouza and Akbar Khan and intelligence operative Col Tarkeen from Pakistan Police officer Omar Shahid Hamids The Prisoner (2013) and a most promising but under-utilised figure from Indian mythology from Krishna Udaysankars Immortal (2016). We can just live in hopeful anticipation. In the latest edition of a book on Indian trees, which I skipped through yesterday, I saw the statement that the palmyra was probably not indigenous to India, this was only repetition of an opinion expressed long ago by a distinguished botanist-I am not sure of this name now, but have a vague recollection that it was either Hooker or Roxburgh. According to this authority the palmyra came into India from Africa, in which country also it is common. As I said, whoever it was that pronounced this opinion was a distinguished and systematic botanist. I have the highest regard for the meticulous scientific methods and painstaking care of the botanists who contributed so much to our knowledge of Indias great flora, but have an even higher regard for the truth, and the truth, and the truth is that the palmyra is very much an Indian tree. In the oldest Tamil literature (probably at least 18 centuries old) we find many circumstantial references to this palm; it was highly valued as a most beneficial and versatile palm, and people in those days knew perfectly well that male and female palmyras were distinct from each other. One of the miracles attributed to an Eighth Century Saivite saint was the conversion of a number of male palmyras into females. Authorities on the history of South India agree that some 2,000 years ago there was maritime trade between the far South and many distant countries, including Arabia and possibly Africa. It could well be that the palmyra went to Africa from here, but however that might be, to question its being an authentic native of India seems ridiculous to me. Of course, the palmyra is not confined only to the far South (where it is plentiful, and in the drier and more sandy areas the dominant tree) but is distributed along the coast from Madras right up to Calcutta, and is also found in other parts of India. For centuries before prohibition, this palm was highly valued for the excellent toddy which it yielded and even in the old days jaggery made from the freshly-tapped juice of the palmyra was a very tasty and nourshing countryside snack. As a boy and as a young man I have often been content with a meal consisting of a hemisphere of palmyra jaggery shaped in a coconut shell mould, spiced with dry ginger and roasted green gram; experto crede, the palmyra jaggery now being produced on the scale of a subsidized cottage industry is neither as pure nor as tasty as that made in the countryside of Ramnad and Thirunelveli 30 years ago. Palmyra leaf is now mainly used for thatching, coarse mats, and as packing material, but we must not forget that the carefully processed and bleached young leaf of the palmyra was for centuries the material on which Tamil literature was in scribed with a stylus before the advent of paper. There is hardly any part of this most versatile palm that is not of real use. The trunk, with the pith hollowed out, is used as pipe line to convey water, and being very hard in its peripheral wood makes excellent rafters and beams. The ripe fruit is eaten, roasted, and the tap-roots are boiled. There are many other uses to which palmyra is put but I would like to mention only the young fruit. People all over India are familiar with the cooling nourishment of coconut milk as drink but I have been surprised in many parts of India where the palmyra grows by their ignorance of the cool, jellylike delight of the young palmyra fruit ~ the **nongu** familiar to everyone in South India. Our coastal plains have no more refreshing and delicious compensation to offer for the parching heat of summer. Senior BJP leader Prem Kumar Dhumal today hailed the GST Councils decision to lower the rates on 27 items and providing concessions to the business community. However, the Leader of Opposition in Himachal Pradesh Assembly rejected the development model of Congress-led government in the state and said that it was not acceptable. The concessions given in GST rates would go a long way in ending the suffering of the business community and the buyers will also benefit, he told reporters here. The BJP on returning to power would extend all help and relief to the business community along with others, the former chief minister said. Dhumal dubbed the Himachal model of development, which was appreciated by AICC Vice President Rahul Gandhi during a rally at Mandi, as anti-people and thereby unacceptable to the masses. He said that Gujarat model of development had been appreciated throughout the world and rejection of it by the Congress has proved that it never believed in real development. Dhumal claimed that Mandi rally of the Congress failed to evoke much response and in fact it was a big failure. He said that even by managing support from the official agencies, the crowd in rally was not more than 15,000. He said the Congress would face defeat in the upcoming state Assembly elections as people were disenchanted with its working and wants to bring the BJP back to power in state. Three months after the rollout of the new indirect tax regime, the GST Council yesterday made sweeping changes to give relief to small and medium businesses on filing and payment of taxes, eased rules for exporters and cut tax rates on more than two dozen items. Businesses with annual turnover of up to Rs 1.5 crore, which constitute 90 per cent of the taxpayer base but pay only 5-6 per cent of total tax, have been allowed to file quarterly income returns and pay tax instead of the current provision of monthly filings. As Republicans are lining up for the opportunity to challenge Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2018, a handful of Democrats are exploring the possibility of giving the incumbent a competition for the party's nomination. One of the Democrats considering a primary bid is Terry Gipson, a former state senator from the Hudson Valley. His interest in the race, he said in a phone interview with The Citizen, stems from his experience in the state Senate he served from 2013 to 2015 and other factors, including the small design business he owned and his work as a local government official in Rhinebeck, a Dutchess County village. "It's in all of those various roles that I've continued to see a state government that refuses to do what it needs to do to serve the needs of the people," Gipson said. "And certainly as a Democrat, I am continuing to be frustrated that we live in one of the bluest states in the country and our state government continues to govern as if we live in Oklahoma." Gipson echoes the frustrations shared by progressives that New York hasn't led on key issues, such as election reform, environmental protection, health care and public school funding. A major hurdle in achieving any of these legislative goals is the current makeup of state government. Democrats are in control of the executive branch and they hold a vast majority of seats in the state Assembly. In the state Senate, 32 of 63 members are registered Democrats. However, eight of them are members of the breakaway Independent Democratic Conference, which has a power-sharing deal with Republicans. Another senator caucuses with the GOP. There has been criticism of the Independent Democratic Conference members since the group's formation in 2011. Gipson, who served with members of the IDC, acknowledged that progressive groups have expressed frustration about the current arrangement which robs Democrats of a narrow majority in the Senate. Critics also point to Cuomo's lack of action in reuniting IDC members with the mainline Senate Democratic Conference. He isn't interested in helping negotiate a settlement. In July, he told reporters that he has "no power or role in forcing the marriage." Gipson believes one way to end the IDC is to elect a strong Democratic governor who will build a strong Democratic Party. He views the state party, which is controlled by the governor, as inefficient. Local party committees, he said, have been successful despite receiving little support from the state party. "Ultimately, you have to have a new leader of the Democratic Party. You have to have a new Democratic governor to achieve all of these things," he said. "That person has to be a very committed Democrat that's willing to stand on hardcore progressive Democratic principles and not budge from those things and insist that his legislators come along and support him on that." The IDC is one of the main reasons why Gipson is seriously considering a gubernatorial run in 2018, but it's not the only issue on his mind. He's heard from New Yorkers who are concerned about public school funding. Education advocates have long complained about the state school aid formula and how it's hurting schools, especially poor districts that lack resources of their own to fund programs. Cuomo, Gipson said, hasn't made an effort to address the funding gap for struggling schools. "The system needs to change," Gipson said. "The way to fund schools needs to change." Gipson also supports election reform. He's a proponent of automatic voter registration, early voting and open primaries. Currently, the state doesn't have automatic registration, early voting and primaries are closed to members of the respective political parties. To make his case for each of these proposals, Gipson recalled what happened in the 2014 gubernatorial primary. More than 574,000 Democrats voted in the three-way primary between Cuomo, Zephyr Teachout and Randy Credico. At the time, there were more than 5.4 million active Democratic voters, according to the state Board of Elections. Cuomo, Gipson noted, didn't win the primary because of overwhelming support from the state's Democrats. "He's sitting there because almost 90 percent of the registered voters didn't even vote," he said, adding that automatic voter registration, early voting and open primaries could boost turnout in New York. Other issues on Gipson's agenda include high incarceration rates and a sizable prison population that is "a real drag on the economy." Infrastructure is another high priority for him. He believes the state has fallen short in supporting infrastructure projects, whether it's the water mains in Syracuse or the subways in New York City. "There probably isn't a local government in this state that isn't in need of help from its state government to help to fix some type of infrastructure," he said. Gipson has been exploring a gubernatorial campaign for three months. He has been meeting with progressive groups across the state to discuss his ideas and collect feedback on why Cuomo should be challenged. So far, he's received a positive reception from activists who are tired of the status quo and want change. He expects to make a final decision soon on whether he'll formally enter the race. "If the answer continues to be yes, if the answer continues to be 'We'll support you,' then I'm going to do that," he said. The National Green Tribunal has directed the Delhi Traffic Police to install cameras before the end of this year to monitor the speed of vehicles and to record their details on the extremely busy Outer Ring Road stretch running along Panchsheel Park. A bench headed by Justice Jawad Rahim ordered that the portion of the outer ring road which passes through Panchsheel Park should be made of smooth asphalt as recommended by IIT Roorkee in order to curtail noise pollution. The green panel also directed planting of trees and shrubs along both sides of the road to stop noise pollution. It also asked the Delhi Police to strictly implement existing ban on pressure horns and prevent entry of overloaded trucks in this area. We direct that the installation of speed cameras has to be completed within December 2017 and immediately thereafter the violators should be challenged. We further direct that Delhi Development Authority, Delhi government and Public Works Department to report to the NGT every three months about the progress on the directions issued by this tribunal, the bench said. The tribunal had earlier issued directives for declaring Panchsheel Park in South Delhi a silent zone and restricting the speed limit of vehicles to 30 kmph in the area. It had directed the traffic police to ensure no overloaded vehicles plied in the area and that no pressure horns were used. The directions came on a petition filed by former IAS officer and a resident of Panchsheel Park Omesh Saigal, who alleged that noise pollution, generated by heavy traffic flow on the Outer Ring Road, was affecting the health of people living in the area. The petition sought directions to the government or civic bodies to erect screens or walls along both sides of the road to block the noise. However, the Delhi government told the NGT that erecting high walls on both sides of the road to block noise would adversely affect aesthetics, block the view of residents and traffic. The petition had alleged that sound levels in the area were above the norms stipulated under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000. A Delhi court has acquitted former customs commissioner Atul Dixit and two others, including his deputy, in a suspected graft case of Rs 74.6 crore arising out of alleged dubious remittances of Rs 8,000 crore. Besides Dixit, who was working as an Inland Container Depot (ICD) Customs Commissioner, the court acquitted the then deputy commissioner Nalin Kumar and businessman Sahdev Gupta who were arrested in August 2015. All the three accused were currently out on bail. The case was related to alleged fraudulent exports worth Rs 8,000 crore, using inflated price tags, by Gupta in 2013-14 to companies based in Hong Kong and Dubai. In the order, Additional Sessions Judge Virender Kumar Goyal said that the prosecution failed to establish the case against the accused beyond reasonable doubts. In its charge sheet, the CBI had alleged that garments purportedly exported were over invoiced to claim inflated duty draw back. While probing the case, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) allegedly found that companies to whom the exports were claimed to have been made denied giving any such orders whereas Rs 8,000 crore were received by Gupta in his accounts, the CBI said. Based on its investigation, the DRI had asked Dixit, a 1988-batch officer, and Kumar to block duty drawback claim of Rs 300 crore presumably made by Gupta, it said. It is further alleged that in order to favour the private person, the said public servants deliberately did not suspend the duty drawback of the firms immediately and ensured that the amounts claimed by the firms as duty drawback are transferred to their bank accounts, the CBI said. The central probe agency claimed that there was a wrongful revenue loss of around Rs 74.61 crore to the government and corresponding gain to the private parties. During the searches, the agency had allegedly recovered Rs 85 lakh cash from the lockers of Kumar and property documents worth crores from Dixits lockers. Himachal Pradesh Transport Minister G S Bali said he was not a claimant to the chief ministers post and the incumbent Virbhadra Singh was the right choice for the position. Assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh is due in November this year. Speaking to mediapersons, Bali said, This chapter has been closed as Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had already been named as next CM, if Congress returns to power. Moreover, it was for the Congress high command to take the final decision in this regard and that had been taken, he said, adding Singh was the right choice. Bali said the state government was keen to set up a modern bus stand at Hamirpur, but paucity of land was the main hurdle and criticism by the BJP on the issue would not help. The minister laid the foundation stone of the office of the Regional Transport officer and inaugurated the new office of the divisional manager of Himachal Road Transport Corporation here. Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehras hit film Rang De Basanti is being screened at the Mauritius Film Festival on Saturday and Sunday. Mauritius is celebrating 50 years of independence next year and the inaugural film festival is a part of the celebrations. Rang De Basanti is one of the films that is being screened at the gala, which is focused on films that champion the theme of freedom and independence. Mehra has been invited as a guest of honour by Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth to be part of the celebrations. He will also be a part of a Film Directing Masterclass with actor and director Justin Chadwick. Its a rare honour to be invited for the inaugural Mauritius film festival. Rang De Basanti has been chosen to be showcased among a prestigious selection of movies from around the globe like Gandhi, Amistad, 12 Years A Slave and Mandela to name a few. The event celebrates 50 years of Independence of the island country and the movies selected celebrate the human spirit, Mehra said in a statement. His Rang De Basanti, starring Aamir Khan, Kunal Kapoor, Siddharth, Sharman Joshi, R. Madhavan, Atul Kulkarni, Soha Ali Khan and Waheeda Rahman, adopted a unique format to tell the story of a freedom that people have taken for granted. Actor Hrithik Roshan caught the nation by surprise when he broke his silence over the recently reignited feud with Kangana Ranaut. The actor took to social media to pour his heart out to the audience and also gave his very first media interview on the subject last evening. The interview took social media by storm as the citizens united in support of Hrithik. The interview was touted as under confident but real with Hrithik laying down his guard and exposing his vulnerabilities to the world, being more human than a star. Almost immediately after the 10 min teaser of the interview with The Republic was out, social media went into a frenzy witnessing a never seen before avatar of Hrithik Roshan. Social media went ablaze with active conversations discussing the actors revelations and explanations. The audience hailed the actor for presenting facts and evidence supporting his claims. Here are a few tweets of the massive support that the citizens extended to the Bollywood Superstar. The actor not only confessed to being uncomfortable speaking about the issue on National television, but also expressed that he feared that his words would be misconstrued. Hrithik Roshan took to a national platform to address questions and present his side of the story, maintaining that he is a peace loving person and doesnt want to fight but merely present his side of the story. The actors words have touched chords with the viewers who are seen taking to social media to praise his dignified stance. Six foreign tourists, who had lost their way in Srinagar, were rescued by the Jammu and Kashmir Police from a mob which suspected them for braid-choppers on Sunday. The tourists three Australians and one person each from England, South Korea and Ireland were on their way to Srinagar from Leh in a vehicle when they lost their way while using Google Maps, a police official said. On reaching Kanikachi Lati locality in Rainawari area of the city, the tourist group was stopped by a group of locals. Later, people started gathering at the spot suspecting that they were braid-choppers. The taxi driver abandoned the group at the spot fearing harm from the locals. Some locals tried to protect the tourists and called the police which rescued them from the spot. They were lodged in a nearby hotel and were later seen off to their next destination, the official said. Several incidents of braid-chopping have been reported in Kashmir, leaving the valley on edge. On 6 October, a 70-year-old man was stoned to death by a mob in the Anantnag district of South Kashmir, after being suspected as the braid-chopper. The incident was reported in the Danter village of Anantnag where the elderly man Abdul Salam Wani was beaten to death with bricks as a mob mistook him for a braid-chopper when he came out of his house early morning to answer the call of nature. On 6 October, three locals were also on rescued by the police when mobs at two places, in Srinagar, tried to lynch them. The case of harassment of tourist comes at a time when the BJP government at the Centre and the Jammu and Kasshmir government are trying to revive tourism in the state. Foreign tourists were for the past several years keeping away from Kashmir as almost all countries have issued advisory to their citizens against visiting the valley that was in the grip of terrorism. Efforts of the J&K government to get these advisories withdrawn have not yielded positive results. (With agency inputs) Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the immunisation programme Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) at Vadnagar in Gujarat on Sunday. The programme aims at to reach at every child below two years of age and all those pregnant women who have been left uncovered under the routine immunisation programme. The special drive will focus on 90% immunisation coverage in select districts and cities by December 2018. Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijaybhai Rupani, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda, Ex-Chief Minister of Gujarat Anandiben Patel, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat Nitin Bhai Patel along with other leaders were also present at the launch function along with other dignitaries. Speaking on the occasion, Narendra Modi stated that the Government has made immunization a social movement. The Prime Minister made a strong appeal to all those present in the audience and the country men and women to own the programme in order to make all efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality. Speaking at the function, Nadda said that improving the health status of the children of the country is amongst the top priorities of the Government. Nadda informed that the four phases of Mission Indradhanush have reached to more than 2.53 crore children and 68 lakh pregnant women with life-saving vaccines including 5.21 lakh children & 1.27 lakh pregnant women in Gujarat. Through this mission, we have accelerated our progress towards our target of 90% full immunisation coverage, he stated. Earlier the increase in full immunisation coverage was 1% per year which has increased to 6.7% per year through the first two phases of Mission Indradhanush. Also read: PM Modi lays foundation stone of Bhadbhut Barrage over Narmada Also read: Defence Minister Sitharaman reviews operational preparedness in Northeast At the function, the Prime Minister also dedicated the GMERS Medical College, Vadnagar to the nation and launched the Innovative Mobile Phone Technology for Community Health Operation (ImTeCHO) for improving coverage of community based maternal, neonatal and infant health services to reduce neonatal and infant mortality in Gujarat by empowering health staff through use of innovative mobile phone application. GMERS Medical College serves nearly 400-500 outdoor patients and 80-100 indoor patients daily. New Delhi: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Bhadbhut Barrage over the Narmada river on the second day of his Gujarat tour on Sunday. According to an official statement, PM Modi at a public meeting in Bharuch, also flagged off the Udhna-Jaynagar Antyodaya Express via video link. PM Modi also laid the foundation stone, and inaugurated various plants of Gujarat Narmada Fertilizer Corporation Ltd, said the statement. Addressing the public meeting, the Prime Minister said that the Antyodaya Express is a commendable initiative, which connects people and particularly helps those who are from Uttar Pradesh or Bihar. Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman, as part of her maiden visit to the Eastern Command, arrived in Tezpur to review operational preparedness on Sunday. The visit, which is part of her familiarisation with all the formations of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF), comes close on the heels of her visit to Northern Command recently and Sikkim on Saturday, said an official statement. The Minister, who was accompanied by Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen Sarath Chand and GOC-in-C Eastern Command Lt Gen Abhay Krishna, was received at Tezpur Airforce Station by GOC Gajraj Corps Lt Gen AS Bedi and other senior dignitaries of the Army and the Air Force. At the outset, the Defence Minister extended her good wishes to the Air Warriors on the occasion of 85th Air Force Day anniversary as she interacted with them at the strategically important Eastern airbase of Tezpur. She also reviewed the operational readiness of the airbase, seeing the Sukhoi fighter aircraft & other IAF assets at first-hand, said the official statement. She was also briefed about the overall security situation in Assam and the Kameng sector of Arunachal Pradesh and the operational preparedness. The Minister reiterated the Governments resolve to give further impetus to development in the border areas. The Defence Minister subsequently visited Solmara Military Station, Tezpur where she interacted with the officers and jawans. Sitharaman expressed her satisfaction at the level of preparedness of the forces and extended her greetings to the troops for a happy Diwali before her departure for Delhi. When Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited the India-China border on Saturday, she did not just review security there but also taught Chinese soldiers how to greet with a namaste. The video clipping of the visit shows a Chinese soldier introducing one of them to the Minister, after which Sitharaman gave the traditional salutation of namaste. You know what namaste is? Sitharman is seen asking a Chinese soldier who is speaking in English. While some on the Indian side tried to explain what namaste was, Sitharaman asked them to let the Chinese soldier tell what he thought it meant. He knows; let him say, said Sitharaman. Does that mean nice to meet you, the Chinese soldier asked. At this, she asked: What would you say in Chinese. As he responded: We just say ni hao', she said: So, I say namaste. The Chinese soldiers replied saying ni hao with folded hands. The Chinese soldier who was translating then explained his name meant king in English, at which Sitharaman quipped: And to have a king do the translation Amid laughter from both sides, the soldier explained his English was good. Sitharaman was at the Nathu La pass on Saturday when she met the Chinese soldier. The Defence Minister was on a tour to Sikkim after India-China stand-off and was also supposed to visit the stand-off area but could not due to bad weather. On Sunday, Sitharaman visited Tezpur as part of her maiden visit to the Eastern Command as Defence Minister. Accompanied by Army Vice Chief Lt Gen Sarath Chand and Eastern Command chief Lt Gen Abhay Krishna, she was received at the Tezpur Airforce Station by Gajraj Corps commander Lt Gen A.S. Bedi and other senior dignitaries of the Army and the Indian Air Force. The visit, which is part of her familiarisation with all the formations of the Indian Army and the IAF, comes close on the heels of her visit to Northern Command recently and her visit to Sikkim on Saturday. An official statement said the Minister extended her good wishes to the Air Warriors on the occasion of 85th Air Force Day as she interacted with them at the strategically important Tezpur airbase and reviewed its operational readiness, while seeing the Sukhoi fighter aircraft and other IAF assets first-hand. Sitharaman also visited the Gajraj Corps headquarters where she was briefed by Lt Gen Bedi on the overall security situation in Assam and the Kameng Sector of Arunachal Pradesh and the operational preparedness of the Corps. She subsequently visited Solmara Military Station, Tezpur where she interacted with the officers and jawans over a cup of tea and appreciated their high standards of military discipline and preparedness. The Minister also extended her greetings to the troops for Diwali before her departure for Delhi. The need for police reform has been stressed on several occasions, perhaps to only limited avail. Yet in extending a call for a humanistic approach to at least one aspect of the prisons system the apex court has done well to remind the authorities that reformation of convicts was one of the objectives of awarding jail terms. Dealing with the specific issue of parole and granting of furlough to those serving long sentences, a Bench of Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan directed the government to update the rules famed more than half a century earlier, and described those rules as skeletal in nature. Furlough and parole, they said, allowed convicts to maintain social ties, which could be encouraged where the person displayed a tendency to be reformed. At a time when furlough is often seen as a concession that has been abused (the case of a popular Bollywood star springs to mind), and even the granting of bail is popularly perceived ~ in some sections of the media too ~ as a dilution of the law, the court made bold to point to a distinction between conviction and condemnation. Yet their Lordships simultaneously insisted that a convict must serve out the full term of his/her sentence ~ maintaining the requisite balance between punishment and humane considerations. Dealing with parole and furlough rules, the court said there is an imperative and immediate need for updating these rules. so as to provide suitable guidelines and it continued that in this context his release from jail for a short period has to be considered as an opportunity afforded to him not only to solve his personal problems but also to maintain his links with society. Their Lordship struck an eloquent note : Convicts too must breathe fresh air for at least some time provided they maintain good conduct consistently during incarceration and show a tendency to reform themselves and become good citizens. Thus redemption and rehabilitation of such prisoners for good of societies must receive due weightage The court emphasised that when we recognize reformation as one of the objectives, it provides justification for letting of even the life convicts for short periods on parole, in order to afford opportunities to such convicts not only to solve their personal and family problems but also to maintain their links with society. With odd exceptions, Indian jails are notorious and most jail manuals were scripted before the thought of reform entered the penal process. The observations of Justices Sikri and Bhushan, read along with some other recent pronouncements from the apex court, ought to serve as the basis for wider debate. A pity that the most elevated debating forum in the land is so focused on political diatribe that prison reform will elude the attention of our lawmakers. The muscle-memory and emotions of the Indian defence forces belie the mainstream perception of a stoic, regimented exterior that is often misunderstood for the lack of independent opinions or sentiments. Strategic restraint is a well-understood military doctrine within the forces; it entails a certain institutional silence on matters that are beyond the professional calling. However, the asymmetric challenges of the 21st century mandates a combatant, who is more holistic and can think through the layers of environmental issues and contexts that impact his operational duties, albeit without expressing a political point of view. But hypernationalistic sentiments are threatening the insulated barracks with the increasing political appropriation of the image of the soldier, intrusions into personnel matters, and with the expansive and creative (mis)usages of the defence forces. This is threatening the essence, conscience and the agnosticism of an essentially apolitical entity. Certain intangible dimensions are drilled at the altar of baptism, in the training institutions ~ the hallowed Chetwodian codes, turn-out, service before self etc. are inescapable cliches that offer no way out, other than walking-the-talk. The definitive leitmotif and premium is on the izzat of the uniform that finds expression in the minus 40 degree C Siachen glacier, when a soldier from Chennai cries out, Veera Madrassi, Adi Kollu, Adi Kollu (Brave Madrassi, Hit and Kill, Hit and Kill), when attacking and avenging the izzat of a fallen soldier. No danger is calculated in the military-mathematics of upholding honour. Yet, despite the nominally casteist or regional denominations of the various Infantry regiments, the refrain of any unit is nation first ~ first, foremost, and always. Izzat to the national flag and then to the regimental or a unit identity, surmounts all logic and can verge on reckless courage. Or else, the heroics of the Kargil daredevilry, are inexplicable to the common man. Unknown to even the soldiers themselves is the moral conviction alluded to by the irrepressible American General, George Patton (Blood and Guts) who said, The highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for ones country. This belief in the national call to honour ensures the blunt kinetic abilities, steely professional conduct and the silent-mode, when accepting any order. The constitutional switchboard of the Indian system reaffirms the civilian governments control over the military. This framework is understandable given the genealogical emergence of India, and the throbbing impulses of democracy and liberalism that rightfully ensure the subordination of the military vis-a-vis the larger policy and framework, to that of the civilian authority. The political innocence and the romantic notions of subordinating the military were almost immediately exposed with the Indo-Pak war of 1947-48, which exposed the bloody shortcomings of Partition, that have festered since. India was wounded at birth. And yet, it initially remained politically idealistic and naive, and thus tentative and wary of the relevance for the Armed Forces, despite the external threats. The insulation of the treelined cantonments suited the political dispensations and the Armed Forces mutually as it allowed the requisite space and confinement to usher in the golden era of cantonment soldiering. This passive disinterest in the affairs of the military did result in letting the guard down, and along with the political misjudgment on China, the inevitability of 1962 followed. Preceding the insult of 1962, were sure signs of a dangerous drift from a professional nononsense approach to a commune culture that accepted and rewarded senior officers for undertaking initiatives like building housing projects, debunking military concerns as alarmist, political choices in appointments etc. ~ all diluting the operational rectitude and immutability of soldering. Unsurprisingly, the civilian bureaucrats were complicit accomplices to the secondement of the Armed Forces, prior and after the wake-up call of 1962. That year was internalised and personalised for posterity by the Armed Forces. The uniformed fraternity marvelled at the bravery of Major Shaitan Singh, Subedar Joginder Singh, Major Dhan Singh Thapa and many other unsung heroes who paid the price for Delhis apathy. Lessons were learnt and the Chinese were paid back in the same coin in 1967 at Nathu La and Cho La, while Pakistan suffered setbacks in 1965 and 1971. Since then, the inverted flags of the enemy are showcased in the officers messes and museums of the Armed Forces, lest anyone overlooks the symbolism and the memory of battle honours. The institution survives on symbolism ~ a soldier salutes the flag on the bonnet and not the individual inside the vehicle. The newly recruited soldier takes pride in the gallantry of his battalion in such places as Mesopotamia, Haifa and Abyssinia. The symbolisms are ingenious, composite and inclusive, without compromising on the spiritual tenets of the idea of India. There is no dissonance or dichotomy in owning their colonial origins (e.g. Hodson Horse) or any oddity in celebrating the braveheart Major Mukund Varadarajan as a quintessential Rajput Officer, or indeed, Lt Ram Prakash Roperia as a Madrasi officer. Each arm and uniform reveres the chastity of their function ~ the Gunners are the Gods of War, and the Parachute (Special Forces) truly believe that Men apart, each man emperor! Such aphorisms make the Indian soldier invincible in Doklam, in front of a numerically unequal and ostensibly the largest military in the world. Therefore, uncomfortable whispers abound, not when the soldier is stretched to his physicalhuman limits in the battleground, but when a Defence Minister takes the salute in a sloppy slipper! The taint on the institutional ethos and correctitude is both blasphemous and unpardonable, while any call to defend the flag is regarded, irrespective of the price, as an order received, and is considered to be a commitment that is a given. Unfortunately, the behavioural ethos has been conveniently undermined for administrative, civic, and now even political ends. The unflagging institutional efficacy is perversely its own undoing. The slide of Izzat persists under all political dispensations. From the laying of yoga mats to building pontoons for godmen and now the churlish suggestions to use soldiers for clean-up of filth is unimaginable. Such activity can take its toll in emotional terms. The army as an institution has never shirked or fussed over the quantum of work or the intensity of dangers involved in carrying out any orders. The soldier has almost inevitably become the last man standing to cover up the institutional failures of other administrative entities. The ramrod straight posture is still maintained despite the ignominy of OROPs, indignities of subsequent Pay Commissions, shortage of personnel, and slides in the warrant of precedence. Such problems can have a damaging effect on izzat, indeed the heart soul and spirit of the institution. The guard must never be lowered, and the risk stems from the ignorance and/or insufficient understanding of the institutional values, condescending vacuities or worse, deliberate chicanery. The deficiencies of quality and quantity of equipment and manpower are still surmountable, but it is cause for alarm if the ethos, pride, izzat and symbols of professionalism are compromised. (The writer IS Lt Gen PVSM, AVSM (Retd), Former Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands & Puducherry) Did it really require a special intelligence report for the home ministry to conclude that the Maoists were seeking to expand their footprint beyond the Bastar region? North Block has been claiming that the insurgents are under severe pressure in their stronghold, so it should have been obvious that they would look to open another front. The ministry also admits that the police presence is thin at the trijunction of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, hence it required no strategic analyst to predict the region where the fresh action would be initiated. What the ministrys going public suggests is that there is a coordination-deficit among security agencies in the states ~ which the tactically astute insurgents appear to be exploiting with the launch of their so-called Vistara unit. That space was available to them also points to the operations being over-concentrated in the Sukma-Dantewada belt, without having effectively sealed the routes to the conflict zone. It indicates the absence of a larger game-plan, and poor implementation of whatever plans are in hand. This is not to undermine the efforts of the CRPF personnel battling hard in difficult conditions, only to recall the theory that wars are not lost by bad soldiers, but by inept generals. What also needs examination is the success of the second prong of the campaign ~ the use of development to lure the people away from violent rejection of instruments of the state. According to official figures, 1.60 lakh CRPF personnel are deployed in Chhattisgarh, of which 1.3 lakh are concentrated in Bastar ~ obviously with such saturation the Maoists will be squeezed, but how many of them have abandoned the gun, and the extent to which public supports has dried up are important indices of overall success. The violence could revive when the paramilitary winds down its mission because such intense deployment is difficult to sustain. Unfortunately, the state police does not appear to developing its own muscle. Clearly there is need for pushing the non-military effort. The troopers have done a major part of their original task, a fatigue-factor will come into play ~ particularly if the development effort does not match the security endeavour. A positive signal could be information that the Maoists recruitment levels are dwindling, and that there is likely to be even less attraction in the area where the Vistara unit is being positioned. The local folk there are said to have been exposed to normal conditions and speak Hindi. Both are positive signs which need to be built upon. Reports of in-fighting among the Maoist leadership require careful evaluation and monitoring, it could be a grave error to think that the insurgency is on the verge of imploding. One critical question that is seldom addressed in the region is ~ where are the politicians? Have they no role to play? In an effort to highlight places of interest in countries across the world, their varied culture, economy and history, The Statesman brings to you a Weekly Focus on countries with which India shares diplomatic ties and friendship. This weeks focus is on Jordan. Know all about the country. Capital: Amman Currency: Jordanian dinar Ethnicgroups: Arab 98 per cent, Circassian 1, Armenian 1 Languages: Arabic (official), English (widely understood among upper and middle classes) Religion: Muslim 97.2 per cent (official; predominantly Sunni), Christian 2.2, Buddhist 0.4, Hindu 0.1, Jewish less than 0.1 per cent (2010 est.) Climate: Jordan has a hot, dry climate characterised by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool winters. January is the coldest month, August the hottest. Daily temperatures can be very hot, especially in the summer; on some days it can be 40C or more, especially when the sirocco, a hot, dry southerly wind blows. These winds can sometimes be very strong and can cause sandstorms. About 70 per cent of the average rainfall in the country falls between November and March. Visa on Arrival: Jordan is home to more than 10,000 Indians, who are employed in textile, construction and manufacturing sectors, fertiliser companies, health sector, universities, IT, financial companies and multilateral organisations. Indians coming to Jordan can get a Visa on Arrival for two weeks of tourism by paying about $30. For this, you must produce confirmed return air ticket, confirmed accommodation booking and cash amount of $1,000 and in the absence of hotel accommodation, must have cash amount of $2,000. You can enter and exit from Aqaba along the Red Sea and get a one-month visa free. Yoghurt and hummus: Jordanian cuisine shares many of the characteristics of Middle Eastern cooking, but the inclusion of freshly made, local yoghurt and cheese adds a twist to the menu. Aubergines, chickpeas, lentils and beans turn up in many of the dishes and rice and khoubs(Arabic bread) are staples used to scoop up spreads and dips, such as hummus and labneh (a yoghurt-like cream cheese). Black tea is the default drink and is usually served with a spoonful of sugar, though herbal blends are also common. Some of the specialities are Mezze, Mensaf, Maglouba, Kibbe, Zarb, Shraak, Baklava, Kunafeh and Muhallabiyyeh. Trade relations are growing: India-Jordan trade is governed by an agreement signed in 1976. Over the years, bilateral trade has grown rapidly despite global economic downturn. A joint venture project worth $860 million between the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC) and the Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative (IFFCO) was set up for manufacturing phosphoric acid in Eshidiya. MMTC India inked an MoU with the JPMC on cooperation in the fertiliser sector in June 2015. India became the fourth largest trade partner of Jordan after Iraq, Saudi Arabia and China. India imports fertiliser, phosphates and phosphoric acid from Jordan and exports electrical machinery, cereals, frozen meat, organic and inorganic chemicals, animal fodders, engineering and automotive parts. Possibilities for joint ventures in the fields of leather, automobile, IT, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy (solar) and construction sectors can be explored further. There are about 25 garment factories in Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZs) owned by Indians with an investment of $300 million and employing over 10,000 persons. Arabian Sights: Petra: This is one of the worlds most incredible archaeological sites, and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Petras most imposing and impressive monument is Ad Deir (the Monastery). Amman: Here you feel the beating pulse of Arabia. There are lots of Roman ruins, the highlights being the large Roman amphitheatre and the Nymphaeum. The Citadel is home to the Roman Temple of Hercules and the large stone Ummayad Palace. Other places are Balad and Abdali. Jerash: This has an incredible collection of Greco-Roman ruins: landmarks like Hadrians Arch, dating back to the second century, and the Hippodrome, the smallest Roman hippodrome ever built. Visit the Archaeological Museum. Wadi Rum: Many of the major attractions in Wadi Rum are natural landmarks and rock formations as well as unique colors of sand or rock. Reddish-orange colours lend the area an otherworldly quality that has inspired sci-fi films. Lawrence of Arabia spent time here. Other interesting places are Dead Sea, Aqaba (Jordans gateway to the Red Sea), Al-Karak (for castles), Mujib Nature Reserve (lowest nature reserve on the globe), Dana Nature Reserve, Madaba, Ajloun (a castle), Shobak and Al-Maghtas. Compiled by Kunal Jain ([email protected]) US President Donald Trump has said only one thing will work with North Korea after past talks with Pyongyang had yielded no results. Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid, Trump tweeted on Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported. Hasnt worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, making fools of US negotiators, Trump wrote. Sorry, but only one thing will work! Trump did not make clear to what he was referring to in his tweets. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders later confirmed to media that all options are still on the table and she had nothing further to add at this time. Tensions ran high on the Korean Peninsula as North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on September 3. In response, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a new resolution tightening sanctions against Pyongyang. Later, North Korea tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile which flew over Japan. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson revealed during a visit to China in late September that the US has direct channels of communication with North Korea. We have lines of communications to Pyongyang. Were not in a dark situation or a blackout. We have a couple of direct channels to Pyongyang. We can talk to them Weve made it clear that we hope to resolve this through talks, Tillerson said. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said that the Islamic State has emerged in Afghanistan in the past three to four years under the watch of US military and intelligence agencies. In an interview with Russia Today in London, Karzai said he has more than suspicions that US bases in Afghanistan are used to aid the IS. I get daily reports by the Afghan people that unmarked military helicopters supply the IS in many parts of Afghanistan, he claimed. Karzai said that from 9/11 until today, there is more extremism in Afghanistan, despite spending billions of dollars. He stated that the Afghan people ask that if the US came to Afghanistan to defeat extremism, why do we have more of it today. We dont want our country to be bombed with huge, destructive weapons. We want peace, said Karzai, adding that the use of MOAB (mother of all bombs) by the US forces was an indication to North Korea to show off US power, but it was an atrocity on the Afghan people. On April 13 this year the US dropped one of its largest non-nuclear bombs on a tunnel complex reportedly used by the IS in eastern Afghanistan. It was the first time such a weapon had been used in battle. Military action, especially by foreign forces, will not bring peace. Afghans need to evolve a consensus to reach out to everybody, including sons of the soil Taliban, to seek a settlement, he suggested. The former President said the US needs to become a cooperative partner in the region, including with China, Russia, Pakistan and India, to bring peace. With regards to Pakistan, Karzai said they have to live together with Pakistan. He said there are two strong contrasts in their relationship with Pakistan: Pakistani people welcomed us when we became refugees. But they also did the horrible activity of supporting the Mujahideen (against Soviets) which weakened our society. Karzai said he hopes the new US policy for the region sees that Pakistan was used by the US against its neighbour for an inhumane purpose. He said they want to join hands with Pakistan to salvage us from this deep conspiracy. Montreal, CA (H4T1V6) Today A mix of clouds and sun in the morning followed by cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 37F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Cloudy. Snow likely after midnight. Low 31F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 80%. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma on Sunday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on 'Diwali arriving early' after the decisions taken by the Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council, citing that everybody will benefit from this reform. Modi on Sunday asserted that Diwali, the 'festival of lights,' has come early for the citizens due to the latest decisions taken by the GST Council. Sharma said, "I would like to congratulate the GST Council for making it a big and grand success, because our state is surely going to improve after this development. Also Uttar Pradesh will be benefitting a lot from it. Be it the businessmen or a family, all will benefit from this reform. Our government has kept everyone in consideration." Resonating similar views, another BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain stated, "The GST reform is a gift to the people and we all should happily accept it. Keeping everyone's concern and views in mind the reform has been implemented. The traders and businessmen of the country will totally benefit from it. Prime Minister Modi, who has always thought for its people, has today proved it that he will bring growth to the nation," he said. This statement comes a day after Prime Minister Modi, while addressing a public rally in Dwarka, said, "Diwali has come early for our citizens due to the decisions taken in the GST Council. We had said we would study all aspects relating to the GST for three months, including shortcomings. And thus, the decisions were taken with consensus at the GST Council". He also said, "When there is trust in a government, and when policies are made with the best of intentions, it is natural for people to support us for the best interests of the nation. The common citizen of India wants the fruits of development to reach him or her. Nobody wants their children to live in poverty. We want to help our people fulfill that dream and we want to fight poverty." Opposition parties on Sunday sought a probe into claims in a media report that a company owned by BJP chief Amit Shah's son saw a huge rise in its turnover after his party came to power in 2014. BJP president Amit Shah The charge was rejected by the BJP and Shah's son, Jay Amit Shah, who termed the story "false, derogatory and defamatory". Training their guns at the Modi government by citing the news story's content, the Congress, the Left and the AAP demanded an investigation, with Congress leader Kapil Sibal alleging that it was a case of "crony capitalism". CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury claimed that it is the latest in a series of cases of corruption under the Modi government. "Today, we ask a question to the Prime Minister, the pradhan sevak ... Now, what do you have to say about crony capitalism? Will you give direction to the CBI to probe the matter? Will you ask ED to arrest these people," Sibal asked at a press conference here. The demand from the opposition parties came after a media report, with Sibal (rpt with Sibal), citing filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), saying the turnover of Jay Amit Shah-owned Temple Enterprise zoomed by around 16,000 times during 2015-16 at around Rs 80 crore over the previous year. Sibal, citing RoC filings, also alleged that a firm Kusum Finserve LLP, in which Jay Amit Shah had 60 per cent stake, had also got a contract in Madhya Pradesh in wind power sector despite the company being engaged in stock trading. Putting up a strong defence against opposition parties' attack, Union minister Piyush Goyal dismissed their charge and released a statement by Jay Amit Shah in which he said that he will sue the author, editor and owner of the news website which published the story, for Rs 100 crore. "The article makes false, derogatory and defamatory imputation against me by creating in the minds of right- thinking people an impression that my business owes its 'success' to my father Shri Amitbhai Shah's political position ... My businesses are fully legitimate and conducted in a lawful manner on commercial lines, which is reflected in my tax records, and are through banking transactions," Shah's son said in the statement. Sibal also alleged that a company owned by Jay Amit Shah got a loan of Rs 25 crore from a cooperative bank without sufficient collateral security, besides a loan of Rs 10.35 crore from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), a public sector firm under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, which was (rpt was) under Goyal. To a query whether there was any wrongdoing, Sibal said, "I am talking about crony capitalism. Offence will come to light when we get to know why the loan was sanctioned. We know who the CBI and ED will investigate and who the agencies will not investigate. Issue is whether the prime minister is honest enough to say that investigate son of Amit Shah." Attacking Modi, Yechury tweeted, "Latest in the series of corruption cases under Modi. Birla-Sahara Dairy, GSPCL, Vyapam, Lalit Modi, rice and mining scams. Why is PM silent?" "L K Advani had resigned after the Jain Hawala diary episode while its then party president Bangaru Laxman had quit after a corruption expose," Yechury said, asking will it happen now under the Modi government. CPI leader D Raja demanded a "high level SIT probe monitored by the court". The Aam Aadmi Party also demanded a probe into the allegations and said a criminal probe should be started. Earlier, Jay in a one-page signed statement refuted all the charges against him and said, The article makes false, derogatory and defamatoryimputation against me by creating in the minds of the right-thinking people an impression that my business owes its success to my father Shri Amitbhai Shah's political position. China today referred to the 1890 UK-China treaty which it claims demarcated the Sikkim sector of the Sino-Indian border as it urged New Delhi to abide by its provisions, a day after Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made her maiden visit to the Nathu La post. Reacting to Sitharaman's visit to the area, the Chinese foreign ministry today said "the Sikkim section of the China-India border has been demarcated by the historical boundary". "It is the best testimony to this fact. We urge the Indian side to face the facts, abide by the provisions of the historic boundary treaty and the relevant agreement of the parties, and work together with the Chinese side to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas," it said in a written response to a query about Sitharaman's visit. The ministry did not directly name the 1890 Britain-China treaty which Beijing often referred to during the Doklam standoff stating that it has defined the Sikkim section of the boundary with Tibet, therefore the border in that area has been settled. Sitharaman, on Oct 7 visited the Nathu La area on the Sino-Indian border and interacted with Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police officials. Nathu La is the last post separating the border between the Sikkim on the Indian side and Tibet on the Chinese side. Sitharaman's trip was the first high level visit to the area after the 73-day standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at Doklam in the Sikkim sector of the border which ended on August 28 following a mutual agreement between India and China. Of the 3,488-km India-China border which stretches from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh, a 220-km section falls in Sikkim. The two sides have so far held 19 rounds of Special Representatives' talks to resolve the dispute. The Doklam standoff began on June 16 over the PLA's plans to build a road in the area claimed by Bhutan after which Indian troops intervened to stop the construction as it posed a security risk to the 'Chicken's Neck', the narrow corridor connecting India with its northeastern states. China, which earlier opened the Nathu La route for Indian pilgrims to visit Kailash and Manasarovar, closed it after the Doklam standoff and is yet to reopen it. Aiming to show tough action against Iran, the White House is preparing a series of measures targeting its affiliates in the country and beyond, even as President Donald Trump quietly steps back from his campaign pledge to rip up the nuclear deal. New actions to be announced in the coming days will focus on two entities: Irans Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah, the Shiite militant group blamed for sowing discord in the Middle East and seeking Israels demise. The actions include financial sanctions on anyone who does business with the Revolutionary Guard, as well as millions of dollars in rewards for information leading to the arrest of two operatives of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. The measures were described by two administration officials and a person familiar with the unfolding policy on Iran. The administration officials spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss the actions before they are officially announced. The third person was not authorized to speak about private conversations. The moves allow Trump to show he is not easing the pressure against the Islamic Republic, even though the nuclear deal he has long derided may live on at least for the immediate future. An avowed critic of the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers, Trump has called it one of Americas worst and most one-sided transactions ever. Yet White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Friday that Trump is looking beyond the deal for ways to pressure Tehran. The president isnt looking at one piece of this, Sanders said. Hes looking at all of the bad behavior of Iran not just the nuclear deal as bad behavior, but the ballistic missile testing, destabilizing of the region, number one state sponsor of terrorism, cyberattacks, illicit nuclear program. Since taking office, the Trump administration has spoken about an all-of-the-above approach to countering Irans troublesome activities in the region, which extend beyond nuclear development to ballistic missile testing, human rights violations and support for extremist groups. But the administration has had to wait to put that approach into place until it finished a lengthy Iran policy review whose completion has been repeatedly delayed. The person familiar with Iran policy said H.R. McMaster, the presidents national security adviser, has been the key driver in developing the integrated strategy with the Defense, State and Treasury departments and intelligence agencies. Trump is set to deliver a policy speech on Iran next week in which he is expected to decline to certify Irans compliance in the landmark 2015 agreement that the U.S. and its partners signed with Tehran to rein in its nuclear program. That would stop short of pulling out of the deal. Lawmakers say Trump isnt going to immediately announce new nuclear sanctions, which are prohibited by the deal, and instead will refer the matter to Congress. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., tweeted Friday that the White House has told senators the president will decertify (the) Iran deal but asks Congress NOT to re-impose sanctions. Under the new policy, the White House is focusing on the Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah two Iran-backed entities that have long elicited scorn from much of the West. The State Department next week will announce a total of $12 million in rewards for information leading to the location, arrest or conviction of two leaders of Hezbollah. The U.S. will offer up to $7 million for information on Talal Hamiyah, who leads Hezbollahs international terrorism branch and is suspected of carrying out hijackings, attacks and kidnappings of U.S. citizens. Another $5 million is being offered for information on Fuad Shukr, a member of Hezbollah who runs the groups military forces in southern Lebanon, where the group is based. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, will also feel the squeeze. Legislation signed in August gave Trump an Oct. 31 deadline to either impose sanctions on the IRGC or issue a waiver. He is not expected to sign the waiver, meaning the sanctions will kick in automatically. The new White House policy will also include a political strategy to curb Iranian aggression, possible covert or cyber operations and diplomatic efforts to change parts of the nuclear deal with Iran. (AP) A Jerusalem police spokesman on erev Shabbos announced efforts are underway to combat a new alarming trend that seems to be spreading to areas of Israel among youths, trying to instill fear in the tzibur by approaching innocent persons wearing a frightening mask. Police in the northern district have detained a 15-year-old male after finding a mask and plastic axe in his possession. His parents were summoned to the station. In southern Israel, police have detained a 16-year-old male who had a mask and a knife. Here too, he was detained and his parents summoned. Police call on the tzibur not to take the law into ones hand but to summon police if one encounters such a youth. The photo shows the mask and real-looking knife confiscated from one suspect. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Jerusalem Police) Holidaymakers were plunged into chaos this week as airline Monarch announced it had gone into administration. The closure of the business, which could affect up to 850,000 travellers, came hot on the heels of the debacle at Ryanair, which has seen up to 50 flights a day cancelled and 34 routes scrapped. Amid all the turmoil it is, perhaps, understandable that budget carrier easyJet has seen its share price climb almost 10 per cent to 1263p over the past month, on the basis it is well placed to cash in on its rivals' woes. Trading trends: EasyJet has seen its share price climb almost 10 per cent to 1263p over the past month, on the basis it is well placed to cash in on its rivals' woes The orange-emblazoned airline has long had the reputation of being the friendlier counterpart to its Irish competitor and now, while Monarch looks for a buyer and Ryanair remains in thousands of travellers' bad books, easyJet is the obvious budget alternative for holidaymakers. Any rival leaving the market reduces the number of available seats, which could help put a floor under falling prices. EasyJet obviously feels fairly confident about the future. Last month, it put in a bid to acquire part of Air Berlin's short-haul business after that firm went into insolvency. It could buy up to 30 aircraft from the business if its bid is accepted. Analysts say it could boost profits by as much as 10 per cent. Adding some of Monarch's fleet to its numbers could provide a similar enhancement. But a deal with either airline would also mean taking on more debt at a time when operating costs are already rising though the pound has recovered some strength in recent weeks, the oil price is up about 25 per cent since June alone. As well as that, new entrants into the budget flights market, such as Wizz Air and Norwegian, have increased capacity and therefore put downward pressure on prices. Holiday choice: While Monarch looks for a buyer and Ryanair remains in thousands of travellers' bad books, easyJet is the obvious budget alternative Many travellers are abandoning overseas holiday plans for myriad reasons, including a weaker pound and heightened terrorism fears. In its first-half figures, easyJet revealed losses had climbed from 21million to 212 million, blaming weak sterling and the timing of Easter. But the airline had better news for investors in its third-quarter figures. In the three months to June 30, revenue was 16 per cent ahead of the same period a year ago at 1.4billion, with revenue per seat rising 2.2 per cent to 57.78. Latest figures show it carried 8.2million customers in August an increase of 9.4 per cent from a year ago. It estimates pre-tax profits for the year in the range of 380million to 420million. Yet questions remain as to whether easyJet is the right bet to make on how this particular story plays out. The turmoil passengers have endured in recent weeks could cast a shadow on the entire budget end of the airline sector. Some have predicted that consumers could turn away from cheap flights in their droves in favour of quality carriers, which might be perceived as a safer pair of hands. If that happens, then it is firms such as BA-owner International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) that will benefit. This theory doesn't appear to have made it to the stock market yet, however. IAG's shares are up a little over 1 per cent over the past month to 615p. Not that things aren't going well; in its half-year results the group reported operating profits of 797million for the six months to June 30, some 13.8 per cent more than previously. Revenue edged up 0.9 per cent to 9.7billion and August passenger numbers were 0.7 per cent higher than a year ago at 10.6million. Midas verdict: The real question is whether or not consumers have had enough of budget airlines. If they shift towards quality carriers, it could spell a sell for the shares. But if price is passengers' main priority and people do like a bargain then easyJet is the obvious beneficiary of this latest upheaval. Buy. MBABANE Is the Swaziland telecommunications industry joining the bandwagon of the over regulated industries in Swaziland. This question emanates from the fact that the Swaziland Communications Commission (SCCOM) is now hell-bent on addressing competition issues among the industry players. Ideally, competition issues are dealt with by the Swaziland Competition Commission (SCC). The fact that SCCOM is now dealing with competition issues in the telecommunications industry is displayed by its move of conducting a study on market definition, analysis and determination of dominance in the telecommunications industry. SCCOM is a regulatory body established in terms of the SCCOM Act, 2013, responsible for regulating the electronic communications sector in Swaziland including, telecommunications networks, services, broadcasting services, postal services, the use and allocation of radio frequency spectrum and e-commerce. The commission is also required in accordance with Section 23 (1) and the ECA, to periodically define and carry out an analysis of relevant markets to national circumstances. On the other hand, SCC is a statutory body charged with the administration and enforcement of the Swaziland Competition Act of 2007. The mission of the SCC is to strengthen the nations economy by promoting and securing robust economic competition and consumer protection. The commission is mandated to monitor, regulate, control and prevent acts or behaviour which are likely to adversely affect competition in the country. Against this backdrop, SCCOM has conducted a study that touches on issues of competition within the industry which is something that borders on the core functions of the SCC. The study was to find out whether or not there is competition in the market for fixed access, national voice calls, and broadband (fixed voice market) as well as mobile access, national voice calls and SMS within Swaziland (mobile voice market. In particular, the study considered whether or not one or more operators had magnificent market power, thus dominant in the market as required in terms of section 23 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2013 (ECA). For purposes of the study, the presence of Swazi Mobile in the market was predicted and its potential performance forecasted but its current market share and conduct were not analysed. MBABANE The Swaziland Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (SPTC) could be in violation of the 1998 Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) it signed with Swazi MTN by selling airtime belonging to the latters competitor, Swazi Mobile. The JVA provides for restraints against Swazi MTN shareholders from providing services that will directly or indirectly result in competition with the mobile telecommunications company. However, the Times SUNDAY has seen posters placed on SPTCs telecentres notifying customers that Swazi Mobile airtime was being sold in these outlets. This is despite that, as per the JVA, SPTC is a majority shareholder at Swazi MTN where it holds a 41 per cent stake, while MTN International holds 30 per cent, Swazi Empowerment Limited has 19 per cent and the remaining 10 percent is held by an esteemed shareholder. Swazi Mobile is Swazi MTNs competitor in the countrys telecommunications industry, having received its licence in December 2016 after outshining three other applicants, namely the Viettel Global Investment Joint Stock Company trading as Viettel, Mauritius Telecom Limited and sdnet which is a partnership between Data Network Services (PTY) Limited DataNet and Ndlaphu Financial Services (Pty) Limited (NFS), respectively. In the JVA, Clause 18 refers to a restraint period which applies to any of the Swazi MTN shareholders or any of the parties which control a share of the company, 12 months from the date that it ceases to be a shareholder in the company or it ceases to control such shareholder. By having signed the agreement, SPTC, as did by the other parties, agreed that it will not become employed by or interested, directly or indirectly, in any manner whatsoever in any business which is in competition with the business carried on by the Company (Swazi MTN). However, by selling Swazi Mobile airtime, SPTC directly competes with Swazi MTN, which also sells airtime to its mobile telecommunications customers. SPTC also bound itself to clause 18.2.2.1 that it will not directly or indirectly, either for its own account or as a representative or agent of any third party, persuade, induce, encourage or procure any person employed by the Company or SPTC. A recent assessment of competition in the mobile voice and fixed voice markets by telecommunications regulator (the Swaziland Communications Commission SCCOM) found that Swazi MTN enjoys exclusive agreements with the largest independent retailers in the country and such significant retail reach as well as the agreements represent significant barriers to potential operators entering the market. SCCOM identified this as a refusal to deal, which is the refusal to supply an essential facility to a competitor. This practice is alongside another one referred to as exclusive dealing arrangements, in which a seller prevents its distributors from selling competing product or services. To these practices, SCCOM said: The Commission will exercise vigilance in identifying the above-mentioned behaviour in the market. This applies to the Commissions regulation of both the fixed and mobile voice market. Part of this vigilance involves the imposition of remedies to prevent the abuse of dominance by SPTC and MTN. Ghana\s government on Sunday promised to tighten safety at fuel stations across the country after seven people were killed and scores more injured when a tanker truck carrying natural gas caught fire in the capital and triggered explosions. The fire and blasts in the Legon area of Accra on Saturday gutted a liquefied gas filling station and a nearby petrol station, sending local residents running from their homes, as huge fireballs lit up the night sky. The head of the Ghana Standards Authority, Alex Dodoo, said there had been eight gas explosions in four years, including in June 2015, when a similar fire and explosion at a petrol station in Accra killed more than 150 people. In December last year, a gas tanker caught fire in the La Trade Fair area of Accra, creating a fireball that caused 13 deaths and damaged a nearby school. More than 100 others were injured in May this year in a similar blast in the western city of Takoradi. "This is a time for concrete action," Dodoo was quoted as saying by Citi FM radio after Saturday\s incident. "Fixing it and making sure that it doesn\t happen again is a responsible thing to do." Information minister Mustapha Abdul Hamid said in a statement: "At least seven people have been confirmed dead and 132 injured, out of which 64 have been discharged and 68 are still receiving treatment. "An investigation has been launched into the cause of the explosion and shall be followed up with firm action to forestall future similar recurrences." President Nana Akufo-Addo said cabinet ministers will meet Thursday and will likely come out with a "comprehensive programme" and policy to prevent any more explosions. "I would like everybody involved in the industry to recognise we will all have to make adjustments to be able to guarantee the safety and the security of our people so these things do not happen again," he said. But the OccupyGhana pressure group feared nothing would change once the messages of condolences and anger passed. "One would have thought that after the June 3 (2015) disaster there would have been a massive clampdown on how filling stations are sited in residential areas," the group\s spokesman, Nana Sarpong Agyeman-Badu, told AFP. "We have not really done much or learnt anything. We all go back to sleep and the issue will come back up again, we will talk about it then go back to sleep. "I am pretty sure in the next couple of weeks we will see back and forth people going around shutting down filling stations and then we go back to as we were." The National Petroleum Authority announced in May this year that LPG outlets would no longer be allowed to refill cylinders on site to prevent explosions. Instead, they would only be allowed to sell cylinders refilled at bottling plants. The NPA said the energy ministry would roll out the policy "soon" but it was not immediately clear if the new measures were in place. Sarpong Agyeman-Badu said civil servants who handle fuel station applications "should also be made to answer questions (about) how these people are able to get the permits". The busy Atomic Junction area of Legon is home to three fuel stations, transport services and restaurants. It is also near a high school and the University of Ghana campus. Dominic Osei, a local businessman, said there were too many natural gas filling stations near petrol stations. "All of them too are flammable," he said. "So, as soon as there is a small or a lighter mistake, then there will be a disaster in the country." Outraged Ghanaians also took to social media to express concerns about safety. A petition to President Akufo-Addo has been set up demanding better regulation and inspection of existing and proposed facilities, including siting them at least 50 metres (165 feet) from homes and 100 metres from schools and hospitals. Abena Awuku, a Ghanaian living in the Netherlands, proposed the measures on the change.org site, saying fuel stations were "all disasters waiting to happen and the time to act is now". "There was a similar incident two years ago and we were fed lies and empty promises about regulations going to be put in place but then we had to witness this," she told AFP later. "These deaths could have easily been prevented, so let\s prevent them from ever occurring again in the future." SOURCE: AFP ALBANY Hoosick Falls residents who have advocated for the village in the wake of its PFOA water contamination crisis traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to protest the appointment of a former chemical company consultant to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Michael Hickey, the village resident who tested the water and sounded the first alarm about the contamination three years ago, as well as Loreen Hackett, Emily Marpe and her 12-year-old daughter, Gwen Young, traveled there on behalf of the Environmental Working Group and Environmental Defense Fund. The four appeared at a Tuesday press conference held by Democratic U.S. Sens. Tom Udall of New Mexico and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut to protest the appointment of Michael Dourson to lead the EPA's chemical safety program. The senators said Dourson, who previously produced research on behalf of chemical companies, has worked to downplay the health affects of dangerous substances. Dourson was on the defense team for DuPont when it faced a class action lawsuit related to PFOA contamination from a West Virginia plant. In February, DuPont and another company, Chemours, settled more than 3,500 suits for $671 million. An EPA spokeswoman has said Dourson, a professor at the University of Cincinnati, is a highly qualified scientist who previously worked for the EPA. At the Tuesday press conference in Washington, NBC News interviewed Young, who Udall noted drank PFOA-contaminated well water when her family lived in the Rensselaer County town of Petersburgh. Her family now lives in Hoosick Falls, where the municipal water has since had filters installed to block PFOA contamination that was likely coming from the nearby Saint-Gobain plant in the village. Officials in Hoosick Falls, as well as at the state and federal level, first responded to the contamination in 2015. The contaminated zone has now been declared a federal Superfund site. "I don't really feel safe anywhere I go," Young told NBC News. She is one of only a handful of Rensselaer County children whose blood tested at a PFOA level above 100 micrograms per liter, Hackett said. "I don't want this to have to happen to other kids." The Hoosick Falls residents also were present at a Senate hearing on Dourson's confirmation Wednesday, where Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand highlighted their situation during testimony. "Today in the audience are New Yorkers whose lives have been personally impacted by the chemical PFOA," Gillibrand told Dourson at the hearing. "The water that they drink, the water they give their children, the water they cook in, the water they bathe in, is contaminated by PFOA. These families are so frightened." "You have such a responsibility," Gillibrand told Dourson. "You are no longer being paid for your opinions." Hackett said that Gillibrand also said each of them by name to Dourson during the hearing. "When she said our names, it was touching," Hackett said. "Every one of us had a tear." SCHENECTADY It's normal for a grown child to have a special attachment to their parents' old house. But for Guilderland resident Rosemary B. Harrigan, it goes beyond the norm. She spent a year digging through her parent's dirt-floor basement looking for artifacts, and still wonders if there is a secret passageway hidden behind a cemented-over stone wall. That is why Harrigan, as well as her three sisters, recently donated their parents' Stockade home to the Schenectady County Historical Society. Known as the Hendrick Brouwer House, the North Church Street home could be one of the oldest in the Capital Region with parts of it possibly dating to 1700. It was always Harrigan's mother's goal to donate the home so its history could be preserved. Katy Kindl died at age 96 last year, and Harrigan and her family began to talk to the historical society about possibly taking it over. Katy and Harrigan's father Fred, a General Electric inventor, bought the house in 1970 and restored it to a single-family residence. Such donations, however, are not easy sells. It takes money and volunteer time to keep such an old structure up, as well as a purpose for its existence. But a recent study found the house structurally sound, and the Kindls set up a foundation to provide the historical society with $20,000 spread over 10 years for house maintenance. It will be the third house the historical society owns, which includes the society's museum nearby on Washington Avenue and the Mabee Farm Historic Site in Rotterdam Junction. "It's an enormously generous gift," said Schenectady County Historical Society Executive Director Mary Zawacki about the house, which is assessed for $232,000. But unlike other historic homes, this one will not be shown as a "house museum," with roped-off areas showcasing a re-creation of furnishings from the time period. The historical society wants to use it more as a community space, that will be available to other non-profits. For example on Oct. 30, the house will be used for a tarot card reading workshop hosted by the historical society. "A lot of research in the wider museum community shows people are less and less interested in touring the historic house museum," Zawacki said. "It's just finding more dynamic uses for the space things that will bring in hard-core history lovers." The original early 18th-century Dutch part of the house is still intact, with its piqued roof, giant wood beams and open-sided fireplace. The exact date of the house, however, is still a matter of debate. A marker on the house says it dates to 1700, with original owner Hendrick Brouwer dying there in 1707. But a Cornell University analysis of wood beams in the basement a decade ago said the wood dates to 1727. The house was also added onto over the last 300 years, most notably a two-story addition that was built perhaps sometime in the 1800s that squared-off the house's front and disguised its Dutch heritage. Brouwer was an illegal fur trader in Schenectady (Albany leaders had banned the fur trade in the outside territories), Zawacki said. And, it's believed the pelts were kept in the home's basement - with easy access provided by a trap door that still exists in the home's entryway. There is also what appears to be a door in the stone-walled basement that was later bricked-up. When Harrigan, now a retired Duanesburg school teacher, was in graduate school, her parents said they were going to redo part of the basement and pour a cement floor. So before that happened, she dug down five-feet in the earthen floor to look for artifacts. She found some pieces of pottery, animal bones and nails, but also broke through to an empty space that looked as if it was once a root cellar. She also can not get out of her mind a cemented-over segment of the basement wall that her father paneled over in the 1970s - wondering if that was once a door that led to an underground tunnel. The family also made an extraordinary discovery buried in the back yard when they added a kitchen on in 1970 - a large stone slab that had what appeared to be an archaic Dutch language etched on the side. Harrigan said her father hauled the slab to the Netherlands while on a business trip, and had it translated. "It is regrettable these have died, but useless to lament," reads the translation. The family believes it must have been a marker honoring the victims of the 1690 Stockade Massacre, in which a French army aided by Native Americans killed most of the settlement's inhabitants or took them prisoner, and burned homes to the ground. The stone is still in the house, also a gift to the historical society. And the Hendrick Brouwer house isn't the only structure the family has donated. After Fred Kindl's death in 2008, the family donated the building he used for his separate engineering business. That building at 201 State St. is now used by Schenectady County Community College building for its workforce development program. "All my sisters and I are really excited this has happened," Harrigan said about the most recent donation of their parents' house. "We could have sold it," she said. "But then we could never go back." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Barcelona, Spain Thousands rallied in Madrid and Barcelona on Saturday in a last-ditch call for Spanish and Catalan leaders to stave off a national crisis amid Catalonia's threat to secede. The rallies in the Spanish capital and the Catalan city were held with the slogan "Shall We Talk?" in an effort to push lawmakers in both cities to end months of silence and start negotiating. Attendees respected the organizers' call to not bring the Spanish or Catalan flag. Catalonia's regional president Carles Puigdemont has vowed to make good on the results of last Sunday's disputed referendum on secession won by the Yes side. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy warned that the vote was illegal and has promised that Catalonia is going nowhere. Protestors packed Barcelona's Sant Jaume Square where the Catalan government has its presidential palace, shouting "We want to talk!" and holding signs saying "More Negotiation, Less Testosterone!" and "Talk or Resign!" "We have to find a new way forward," said Miquel Iceta, the leader of Spain's Socialist party in Catalonia. "It's the moment to listen to the people who are asking for the problem to be solved through an agreement, and without precipitated and unilateral decisions." The gathering around Madrid's Cibeles fountain boasted a huge banner demanding that leaders start talking. Some people chanted "Less hate, and more understanding!" In a separate rally in Madrid's Colon Square, thousands clamored for the unity of Spain and against any attempt by the northeastern region to break away. The crowd bristled with Spanish flags. Pro-union forces will try to generate momentum on Sunday in a protest in Barcelona. Other protests asking for dialogue were held in cities including Valencia, Bilbao, Pamplona and Sanitago de Compostela, news agency Europa Press reported. The calls for dialogue and unity come after a traumatic week, with riot police storming several polling stations in an unsuccessful attempt to impede the referendum. Instead, hundreds of voters were left in need of medical attention. Even though 2.2 million Catalan voted with 90 percent backing independence the referendum polled less than half of the region's electorate. Puigdemont declared he would seek a declaration of independence in the regional parliament anyway. State ballot question Oct. 24 panel topic GUILDERLAND On Oct. 24, the Women's Press Club of New York State and the League of Women Voters of Albany County will present a panel discussion on the proposed Constitutional Convention on the Nov. 7 ballot. The discussion, open to the public, starts at 7 p.m. at the Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave. Panelists are Gerald Benjamin, of the Benjamin Center for Public Policy Initiatives at SUNY New Paltz, and Ronald Deutsch, executive director of the Fiscal Policy Institute in Latham. Susan Arbetter, host of public radio's "The Capitol Pressroom," will moderate. Extended hours set for absentee voting The Schenectady County Board of Elections will provide extend hours for general election absentee voting at the agency's headquarters on 2696 Hamburg St. Dates and times are 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 26 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 28 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 1 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 4. For more information, see http://www.schenectadycounty.com Town candidates invited to make case The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County has scheduled several candidate forums this month for local races. Milton: Candidates for town supervisor, council and justice have been invited to a forum at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Road, Ballston Spa. Charlton: Supervisor, council and justice candidates were invited to a forum at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Charlton Community Center, 784 Charlton Road, Ballston Lake. Malta: Supervisor, council and justice candidates have been invited to a forum at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Drive. Candidates make opening statements, take questions from the audience and make closing statements. All league candidate forums are open to the media and members of the public, and will include an opportunity for questions from the public. For more information, contact Charlotte Druschel cmdrusch@gmail.com, 518-331-1226. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 7. The league will also conduct a meet-up at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 in the Adirondack Trust Community Room, 35 Church St., Saratoga Springs. The topic for the evening will be building skills for lobbying and will feature a presentation on The Citizen Lobbyist and breakout sessions for sharpening our skills. Bring a laptop if you have one. Members of the public who are interested in learning more about this topic are invited to attend. Additional information may be found on the League's website, http://www.lwvsaratoga.org or by calling 518-728-5201. Staff report This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ALBANY A bicycle cop patrolling Arbor Hill came upon the murder scene on a wintry night in February 1997. Erik Mitchell, a University at Albany student, was lying dead just inside the vestibule of his Clinton Avenue apartment. Mitchell, 23, had been shot once in the head at close range. Detectives were vexed. They struggled to find a suspect or motive, speculating a college feud or gambling debt may have been to blame. As pressure mounted to solve the killing, they eventually zeroed in on a group of young men from Albany's Arbor Hill neighborhood. Three of the suspects would later sign incriminating statements saying they confronted Mitchell, one of them carrying a handgun, to warn him to keep quiet about an armed robbery at the apartment several months earlier. An argument ensued and a shot was fired. Two of the men, Carl H. Dukes and Lavell Jones, both 37, later recanted and maintained their innocence during separate trials in 1998 and 1999. Albany County juries convicted them of murder despite a lack of physical evidence. Both are serving 37 years to life in prison. But now an Ohio man who grew up in Albany has claimed responsibility for Mitchell's homicide. He told police the other men were not involved. The admission by Jeffrey J. Conrad, a 43-year-old convict who's been in and out of jail most of his life, has prompted Albany County prosecutors to reopen the investigation. Conrad had a troubled history with police in Albany as a younger man, including convictions for weapons possession, drug dealing, rape and assault. He lived a few blocks from Mitchell's apartment, but was never identified as a suspect in the homicide. Conrad has no ties to Dukes or Jones, law enforcement officials said. His alleged role in Mitchell's death surfaced after he was arrested last August in Ohio on charges of fatally stabbing an ex-girlfriend at her home in a small town north of Akron. Conrad's criminal history in Ohio includes convictions for domestic abuse and assault. In November, he was charged with stabbing another inmate in the neck at a county jail in Ohio at which he's being held on the murder charges. The alleged confession by Conrad is certain to rekindle debate about the Albany Police Department's interview tactics and long-standing refusal to videotape its interrogations prior to 2010. "Everyone 'confessed' back then, and of course there was no video and no audio and it was all written," said Cheryl Coleman, who prosecuted Dukes and Jones for Mitchell's homicide when she was an assistant district attorney. Coleman, now a criminal defense attorney in Albany, recalled the concerns of attorneys on both sides of the case who were uneasy about the strength of the evidence despite the convictions. "I remember thinking that it certainly wasn't a slam dunk, and there were weird things about the case," she said. "Is it possible that they're innocent? Of course it's possible." Court records indicate the crux of the prosecution's case against Dukes and Jones was self-incriminating statements they gave to Albany detectives following hours of grueling interrogations and without attorneys present for the interviews. Jones' defense attorney, F. Stanton Ackerman, called witnesses who placed his client in New York City when Mitchell was killed. Ackerman noted Jones gave written statements implicating himself in the murder without having slept or eaten for nearly two days. At trial, Jones testified in his own defense. He recounted for the jury how detectives pressured him to implicate Dukes, who had signed a statement saying Jones shot Mitchell. He said former Detective Ronald Matos, who was a lead detective in the case, pressured him to turn on Dukes, even though Jones said they weren't involved. "He said: 'This is how you can help yourself. We know you didn't do this and we don't believe that you did it. All we need, we need Carl Dukes. You can help us get him. He put you there, say that you seen him do this crime,' " Jones testified, according to a trial transcript. Dukes was in jail for an unrelated charge when he was taken to the county courthouse on Sept. 8, 1997, seven months after Mitchell's death. He met with Matos and his partner, late Albany Detective Kenneth P. Wilcox. Court records indicate Dukes' public defender, Bertrand Gould, left his client alone with the detectives but stayed nearby in case he needed legal advice. Gould was unaware the detectives were accusing Dukes of the murder and convinced him to sign an incriminating statement. In a federal appeal filed three years after his conviction, Dukes said he believed he would get a deal if he admitted his participation in the robbery at Mitchell's apartment in October 1996. Dukes said he and four other young men, including Jones, went to the apartment and tied up and beat two of Mitchell's friends as they robbed them at gunpoint. But after a six-hour interrogation by Wilcox and Matos, Dukes emerged from the 1997 interview charged with first-degree murder, and facing a potential death penalty. At his January 1999 sentencing in Albany County Court, Dukes, then 21, blamed a justice system that he said wrongly convicted him of murder. "I'm not the killer and neither is Lavell Jones, and what the police did to me as far as interrogating me, it was wrong," Dukes told Judge Larry Rosen. "I just wanted to go home. I was scared for my life. I didn't know better. Therefore, I put my name on something that I had no business doing and it led to this." Wilcox's work as a decorated homicide detective came under scrutiny a year later when an Albany man was set free on the eve of his retrial in an unrelated murder. Police leaders admitted they arrested the wrong man Kevin Cherry in the shooting death of a West Hill pot dealer. Yet, Wilcox typed a two-page statement that Cherry signed and included details about the crime scene that were never made public. Wilcox died in an on-duty crash in April 2006 as his business dealings in the city's subprime mortgage industry were under investigation by the FBI. His former business partner, Aaron R. Dare, was later convicted of fraud and conspiracy and sentenced to a minimum of 13 years in prison. Gaspar Castillo, a criminal defense attorney, represented Pierre Lyons, a third man who was charged with Mitchell's killing and had taken part in the October 1996 robbery at the apartment. Lyons, who lives in Georgia, was acquitted of murder but convicted of witness tampering. Castillo said police betrayed his client by charging him with murder after he returned to Albany to testify against Dukes and Jones, believing his cooperation would keep him out of jail. "There was something about that case that has always bothered me, but I have nothing I can point to or nothing that I can articulate, just a gut feeling," Castillo said. "Some cases, they stick with you I always felt there was something that was not right." Mitchell's father, Earl, who retired from Xerox in Rochester, where he raised his son, attended all the hearings and trials for the men charged with killing Erik. Mitchell said he was comfortable with the strength of the evidence and the testimony against them. He noted that a witness at Dukes' trial included a fellow inmate who alleged Dukes had boasted of the killing. But Mitchell, 73, acknowledged Dukes could have made the statement to appear tough in jail. He also questioned what would motivate Conrad to confess to the killing. "It didn't make a whole lot of sense to me," Mitchell said. A law enforcement official said that Conrad told police in Ohio, and an Albany detective who visited him, that he confessed to killing Mitchell, including providing details that were never made public such as the caliber of the murder weapon that was never found because he wants the death penalty rather life in prison. It's unclear that Conrad could receive the death penalty even if he were to be convicted of killing Mitchell. Mitchell said his son was working at a bakery and had one course left before he could graduate from UAlbany. He had lived in a campus dormitory but pressured his father to let him move to an apartment on lower Clinton Avenue, in an area where several other students were living closer to downtown. "He kept after me about it," Mitchell said. "I told him if you make honor roll I'll let you move down there and he made the honor roll. I went down and looked. It seemed like a decent neighborhood. It didn't seem dangerous." Albany County Chief Assistant District Attorney David Rossi said his office is in the process of trying to verify Conrad's account that he shot Mitchell and acted alone. If Conrad's admission is upheld, it could take months to unravel the murder convictions of Dukes and Jones. Dukes' sister, Tyisha, who lived in Albany at the time of her brother's trial, said the police "made my life a living hell" and pressured her to implicate him in the fatal shooting. "They've destroyed so many lives," she said. "You can't imagine how horrible this has been." Jordan Carleo-Evangelist contributed reporting for this story. blyons@timesunion.com 518-454-5547 @blyonswriter Which model Samsung? Do you have the User Guide/Manual? If the TV has built in wireless then no you should not need a "second" wireless adapter. If the TV has a USB port and is designed to and allow you to install and configure a wireless USB adapter then maybe so. The TV would receive a DHCP IP address and appear on the network just as any other wireless device. You would need to use the TV's menus, if any, to configure the TV accordingly. The User Guide/Manual should provide the necessary details if a wireless network/internet connection is possible. KCPD investigating overnight homicide in the 3800 block of Olive The Kansas City Police Department is investigating a homicide after a man was found dead in a home overnight. Officers were called to the 3800 block of Olive around 10:57 p.m. Friday night to investigate a shooting. When they arrived, they found man in his 30's dead inside a residence from an apparent gunshot wound. Violence in Kansas City continues after multiple Friday night shootings Breaking News Police in Kansas City are investigating multiple shootings. The first was reported around 8pm Friday at Independence and Cleveland. One person was shot suffering life threatening injuries. No word on a suspect. Then at 9pm police say a gunshot victim was dropped off at an area hospital. Here's the round-up of the latest local murderin addition to a great many shooting and violence reports from last night. Take a look:And more deets on the various gunfire incidents . . .Developing . . . Fight For Vet Healthcare 'It's what killed him,' Son blames hospital for father's death KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Three weeks after a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against the Kansas City VA Medical Center, the man who filed it is speaking out. Craig Beemer said his father, John Beemer, 84, died after a series of medication errors while being treated at VAMC. Newbie Politico Partner Scammed KC mayor candidate's wife robbed in Ward Parkway home It's been an eventful week for Crossroads business owner Phil Glynn. On Thursday, Glynn announced he was running for mayor of Kansas City in the 2019 election. Four days earlier, his wife, Elizabeth Glynn, tried to assist a teenager who came to their Ward Parkway home Sunday evening asking for help. Tragic Tragedy Update 1 killed in single-vehicle crash on Shawnee Mission Parkway A man was killed in a crash that happened off of Shawnee Mission Parkway. On Saturday, police went to the scene of the crash at about 11:20 a.m. The crash was on the southern side of Shawnee Mission Parkway near Pioneer Crossing Park, which is just east of Goddard Street. TEXTHERE Family, friends honor Lee's Summit teen at vigil LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. - Dozens of friends, family and classmates gathered for a candlelight vigil Friday night to remember a 17-year-old and encourage each other to seek help. Last week a single gunshot ran out at Lee's Summit North High School. The school was evacuated and students were sent home. Quick collection of some of the most important stories today. Take a peek:And this is thefor right now . . . Essel Group, a leading Indian multinational conglomerate, said its Middle Eastern unit has signed up Colonnade Mining Group as the drilling contractor for its Bada potash project located in the northern Danakil region of Eritrea, East Africa. Essel Group ME Limited (Egme) said the drilling programme will see the boring of five holes, each 200 m deep with a vertical incline or 75 degree angle. Core samples will be sent to an external laboratory for analysis to examine the occurrence of evaporate strata beneath the overburden layer. This will build on previous testing, providing Egme with a better understanding of Badas geology and potash-bearing potential. Egmes subsidiary, Interu Mining, has signed a contract with Colonnade under which the latter will carry out a core sample drilling programme at Bada, marking a significant step in the projects development. Colonnade will supply the drill and necessary equipment, with mobilization of the equipment already underway, said the company in a statement. Colonnade has instructions to commence drilling by the third week of October, for an expected period of 30 days, it added. Punkaj Gupta, the joint managing director and Group CEO, Essel Group ME, said: "I am very pleased to be partnering with Colonnade, a leading drilling contractor in the region, at this exciting time for Bada. The core sample drilling programme marks a key milestone for the project, and will provide us with enhanced data to help fully understand the assets geology and potential." Egme, he stated, is seeking further opportunities to invest in forward international integration in the potash industry, particularly in Turkey and India, due to the commoditys strong long-term fundamentals. "I am extremely excited about Badas prospects and its scope to possess significant potash resources and reserves. Its favourable geographical location and proximity to both transport infrastructure and key end users make this project even more promising. I look forward to providing further updates once the drilling programme and core sample analysis have been completed," he added.-TradeArabia News Service The American University of Sharjah Enterprises (AUSE) has launched a series of workshops to explore the pivotal role of robotics and 3D printing in Sharjahs construction sector. Launched in cooperation with Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OAMK), one of Finlands largest universities of applied sciences, the workshops were themed The Importance of Robotics and 3D Printing in Developing the Construction Sector in Sharjah. The first workshop hosted by the American University of Sharjah (AUS) revolved around the latest innovations in the world of robotics and 3D printing in relation to the construction industry. Leading architects led the discussions that also focused on the AUSs major contributions to 3D printing technology development in support of the UAEs sustainable development efforts. Four Finnish experts, AUS instructors and students, engineers, and specialists from the government and private sectors attended the first session which shed light on 3D printings impact on the more than Dh836-billion ($227 billion) construction industry. Recent studies have shown that 3D tools help reduce unskilled labours by 50 per cent; construction period, 50 to70 per cent; cost, 30 per cent; and construction waste, 70 per cent. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO, AUSE and Sharjah's Research, Technology, and Innovation (STRIP), said: The workshops are a major boost to our efforts to promote knowledge enrichment and entrepreneurship in Sharjah and the UAE. In addition, we seek to provide the AUS instructors and students with an opportunity to learn from international experts and know the emerging global technological trends. These initiatives are in line with the directive of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to equip our citizens and residents with world-class competencies that will allow them to keep up with ongoing technological evolution. "The first workshop was designed to enhance STRIPs role in the UAEs economic diversification and growth as well as contributions to the non-oil sectors. We achieve this by ensuring that our local institutions will be part of the global digital revolution and technological transformation, in addition to promoting economic openness driven by research and development initiatives. This workshop served as an ideal platform to share experiences and exchange best practices with Finnish experts, opening up new opportunities to explore the role of robotics and 3D printing in accelerating the growth of the local construction sector, Al Mahmoudi added. He further noted: The construction industry is poised for unprecedented growth with the value of the construction projects between 2016 and 2030 is expected to reach Dh1920 billion, 20 per cent of which are residential developments. The workshop also signals the beginning of our cooperation with Oulu University and other elite academic and research institutions in Finland. Such partnerships will pave the way for more high-quality and technology-focused initiatives in support of the comprehensive and sustainable development plans in the emirate and the rest of the state. Kimmo Paajanen, international project manager, Oulu University, said: We are honoured to be part of the AUSEs program. The AUSE is making a major progress in driving innovation and promoting empowerment through technology transfer to boost the socio-economic development process being pursued by Sharjah and the UAE. We are keen to share our expertise and provide participants with modern knowledge concerning robotics, 3D printing, information management, and building construction process. This is in line with our shared efforts to build human capacities and strengthen international relations in the fields of research and science and technology. We look forward to participating in similar initiatives developed to build capacity, stimulate innovation, and reinforce the emirates technological development. TradeArabia News Service Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has strengthened its long-standing energy partnership with Japan, through the signing of a tri-partite MoU with the island nations ministry of economy, trade and industry, Meti, and the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Company (Jogmec). The agreement was signed by Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and Adnoc Group CEO, Hiroshige Seko, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and Keisuke Kuroki, the president of the Jogmec. It establishes a framework for co-operation on strategic business development, upstream technical co-operation, and training and development programmes for Adnoc employees, said a statement from Adnoc. Dr Al Jaber described Japan as one of the UAE and Adnocs longest-standing and most important partners and customers. "The long-term energy partnership between Japan and the UAE is one that goes back to before the establishment of Adnoc, with Japanese companies playing, and continuing to play, an important role in the development and expansion of the countrys oil and gas industry," stated the minister. "Today we are strengthening that partnership by pursuing new opportunities that will help us unlock greater value from our resources," he remarked. "This is a clear example of how our expanded approach to partnerships presents unique opportunities for both new and existing partners to invest alongside Adnoc to capture growth opportunities and deliver future prosperity," he added. Adnoc has supplied Japan with oil, gas and refined products since its foundation in 1971. It is Japans second-largest supplier of crude oil and a major supplier of gas and refined products. Minister Seko said the MoU marks a new phase in Japans long and successful relationship with Adnoc, an important and valued energy supplier. "In common with Adnoc, we believe the changing oil and gas market dynamics require a smart response, one based on long-term, value-add partnerships that create new opportunities and drive economic growth. We look forward to working closely with Adnoc across its full value chain," he noted. In 2016 Adnocs crude oil exports to Japan averaged 513,000 bpd, which represented around 25 per cent of Japans crude oil imports. In January, Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry extended its agreement with Adnoc to store crude oil at the Kiire Oil Terminal, in Kagoshima City, for two years. Under the deal, Adnoc can store up to 6.29 million barrels of crude oil, providing the Abu Dhabi firm with greater access to Asian markets while giving Japan priority access to reserves in times of tight supply, stated Kuroki. "We welcome this opportunity to work with Adnoc and deploy our advanced technology, resources and expertise in support of Adnocs drive for greater operational efficiencies and to assist with the development of its oil and gas assets and people," he added.-TradeArabia News Service In the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, we saw the people of this great country set aside their differences to stand together with the victims in Texas and Florida. We saw heroes trudging through muck and water to save the lives of people they had never met. We saw a wave of generosity fight back against the storm, as people gave money they couldnt afford to give. But when Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, leaving the island in shambles, without power, drinkable water, food or shelter, its 3.4 million people were mostly on their own. Help was far slower, donations much smaller, public concern far less unified, and government assistance much diminished. Why the difference? There are many reasons, of course: difficult logistics, the islands infrastructure and bankrupt economy, and just plain compassion fatigue. But there is another factor. Nearly half of Americans have no idea that Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens. A New York Times poll found that more than eight in 10 Americans who know Puerto Ricans are citizens support giving help to Puerto Rico. Of those who dont know, only four in 10 support giving aid. This leaves us with a startling observation: Were not helping Puerto Ricans as much because we dont see them as one of us. This breach in the bonds of love is symptomatic of a divided and hostile culture, which celebrates power and self-interest. We grow indifferent to suffering, oppression and death, when it's beyond the boundaries of our own tribe, be it family, race, class, nationality or political ideology. Our democracy stands imperiled. There can be no rule of the people when there are no people only individuals seeking the dominion of their own interests. The solution lies in an ancient and simple (but by no means easy) rule: Be of the same mind, having the same love. ... Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility, regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:1-5 The Apostle Paul describes how Jesus did not regard his power as something to be exploited but chose instead to humble himself, to serve others, to feed the hungry and heal the sick to give up everything, even his life, for them. Only this recovery of humility, compassion and solidarity will heal the rancor that now dominates our society. We must get better at listening and seeing one another as citizens of the same community, members of the same family. Paul says that to find the energy to walk this path, we must lean on each other for God is with us, and in us, whenever two or more are together. We are like Antaeus, that ancient giant in Greek mythology, who was invincible as long as he remained in contact with his mother, the earth. To have strength, to have the energy of God, we must stay in contact with the body of Christ, with each other. Martin Buber wrote, When two people relate to each other authentically and humanly, God is the electricity that surges between them. Our democracy will be fixed when we begin to value the common good over the personal good, when we choose servant leaders over CEO leaders, when we give up our privilege and seek the welfare of the other, when we actually talk about ideas and morals and seek consensus. I know that sounds difficult, maybe even impossible. So lets start smaller. Lets start by taking a cue from Jane Lumb, a dear member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, who at the age of 90 died peacefully on Sept. 28. Jane spoke her mind and had no compunction about disagreeing with you. She was a woman of wit and honesty. But always, in the end, she hugged you. Hugged you with one of those famous Jane hugs, enveloping you in the warmth of her slim, frail body. She hugged you like she loved you. Like she needed you. Like you were the source of her happiness. And maybe it begins there. Maybe the beginning of fixing our democracy is to be found in a hug. A hug that puts us in contact with our source of strength, like Antaeus with the earth. So, go ahead, and hug a stranger today. It might just save your life. Tribune News Service Amritsar, October 6 In backdrop of the stampede on a foot overbridge at Mumbais Elphinstone Road Station, which killed at least 22 people and injured 39 others, the Railway Ministry issued a slew of directives, including posting of enthusiastic directors at stations all over India to bring dynamism in operation. The choice was among the host of decisions taken during the high-level meeting on railway safety held under the chairmanship of Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on September 29. A week has passed since the meeting was held, but the local railway station has only one regular assistant traffic manager (ATM). Notably, the position was filled against the post fallen vacant due to transfer of Ashok Kumar Salaria on December 31, 2014. Amritsar railway station was also categorised as A-1 last year enabling it to have a station director, but no such appointment has been made so far. The Ministry of Railways, in a significant measure to improve the functioning at railway stations, had decided to post station directors at 75 A-1 railway stations across the country. A railway passenger and RTI activist SS Sharma said sincerity of the Railways could be assessed from the fact that it filled the vital post of ATM after years and that too on being prompted by an accident in Mumbai. He said another vital decision was relocation of 200 officers from headquarters to field to strengthen ground operations and project implementation. He claimed that there were many posts lying vacant at the railway station. The appointment of a director would help passengers, stall operators and others to get their works done at the railway station itself, besides enhancing their security, he added. As for now, they have to travel to the division headquarter at Ferozepur for their work, he added. He said his repeated pleas under the RTI to the Railways for obtaining different information bore no fruit. New Delhi, October 8 Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will leave on an official visit to the US tomorrow to participate in annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank. During his week-long stay in the US, he will meet CEOs of global MNCs and foreign investors. He is also likely to hold bilateral meetings with the US commerce secretary, the Italian minister for economy and finance and the Iranian minister for economy and finance. On the first leg of his trip to the United States, Jaitley will arrive in New York on October 9, during which he will hold investor meetings organised by Bank of America and CII. He is set to participate in the roundtable meeting of CEOs of USIBC-CII. On October 10, Jaitley will deliver a Lecture on 'FDI: Achievements and Challenges' at the Columbia University, following which he will leave for Boston. In Boston, Jaitley will take part in a roundtable investment meet on 'Indian Economy - The Road Ahead'. Later, he will deliver a lecture on India's tax reforms at the Harvard University. On October 12, the minister will leave for Washington DC to participate in the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During his three-day stay in Washington, Jaitley will hold bilateral meetings with US commerce secretary and participate in an interactive seminar organised by Ficci. He will also attend the G-20 finance ministers' and central bank governors' working dinner on October 12. Next day, Jaitley will attend the annual meeting of G-20 finance ministers' and central bank governors' meeting. He will also participate in the finance ministers' meeting with multilateral development banks. Jaitley may hold separate bilateral meetings with the Italian minister for economy and finance and the Iranian minister for economy and finance. The official delegation consists of RBI Governor Urjit Patel, Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg and Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian. The finance minister will leave for India on October 15 and will arrive in the national capital the next day. PTI Vivek Katju Vivek Katju SEVEN weeks after President Donald Trump announced the Afghanistan and South Asia policy, his administration is still working on fleshing out its contours to enable its operationalisation and effective implementation. In extensive joint interactions with the US Congress armed forces committees last week, defence secretary James Mattis and Gen Joseph Dunford, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, clarified to many sceptical members the policys objectives regionalise, realign, reinforce, reconcile and sustain and the means to be adopted to achieve them. What they said reveal US dilemmas, especially regarding Pakistan and the role expected of India in Afghanistan. The difficulties that the Trump administration is facing in evolving a consensus among its institutions concerned can also be inferred from the interaction. Mattis told the House committee, ...in the US government the treasury secretary, the Secretary of State, the intelligence community and the defence department (will) lay out what we need Pakistan to do and then we are going to use the whole of the government institutional effort to align basically the benefits and the penalties if those things are not done. As Trump had taken seven months to work out this crucial policy relating to Americas longest war which has entered it 17th year with no early end in sight it is passing strange that institutional coordination was not completed prior to Trumps announcement. Leaving that aside, it is noteworthy that the US seeks to enlist all the 39 countries in the NATO campaign in Afghanistan to also pressure Pakistan to do the right thing in Afghanistan. This will not be easy. Clearly, Trump gave primacy to the views of the defence department in his Afghanistan and South Asia policy. US generals have plainly told Trump that unless Pakistan shuts down the Taliban havens on its soil and gives up supporting them, the military tide cannot be decisively turned against the terrorist group. Unless that happens, the Taliban will have no incentive, as it has had none over a decade and a half, to look towards the path of negotiation and reconciliation with the Afghan government. While the logic of this view is undeniable, the difficulty lies in finding the way to realise it is here that there are differences within the US administration. While US generals may want harsh action against a recalcitrant Pakistan, the State Department is dragging its feet. Part of this was evident during the just-concluded visit of Pakistan foreign minister Khawaja Asif to Washington. He described his meeting with his US counterpart, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, as excellent while that with national security adviser Gen HR McMaster only as not bad. The latter would have no doubt read out the riot act to the generally abrasive Pakistan minister. On his part, Asif took an aggressive approach in Washington, telling his hosts that they had lost the Afghan war and to stop using his country as a whipping boy. This was in keeping with Pakistans initial defiant and angry posture to Trumps dire warnings and demands. However, Pakistan is simultaneously taking a more sober and pragmatic approach too and as its part, Pakistan army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa visited Kabul last week to seek to assure President Ashraf Ghani and his colleagues of his countrys cooperation with Afghanistan in the struggle against terrorism. It is early days, but he seems to have made some headway in Kabul, for Mattis informed the House committee, Based on a visit three days ago of the chief of the army staff of Pakistan to Kabul, we actually have for the first time a sense of some optimism out of the Afghan government. Some veterans of the Afghan security establishment have cautioned President Ghani in putting his trust in Bajwas words. Having been badly bitten earlier by the Pakistan army how will Ghani react? This will have to be carefully followed by India for it will impact its interests. And it should not be overlooked that while Indias stock is high in Kabul, Ghani can be mercurial in his thinking and articulation. In his congressional testimony, Mattis referred warmly to his Delhi visit last month. He noted the growing strategic convergence between the US and India and was positive about Indias efforts in Afghanistan. In this sense, his sentiments were largely like those expressed by the Indian strategic community on India-US convergence on both Afghanistan and the wider Asian region. It is, however, essential to constantly examine the nature, extent and quality of this convergence even while welcoming it. Counter-terrorism cooperation is an obvious area of strategic convergence. It is noteworthy that the US after years of reluctance to call out Pakistan is now doing so. Its emphasis on Pakistan acting against all foreign oriented groups, including those that are operating in India, is good. It is also good that General Dunford had no hesitation in stating that the ISI has links with terrorist groups. With all this, it would be short-sighted on Indias part not to expect that US primary focus is on Pakistans connections with the Taliban. Its main objective is to defend the US against the repetition of another attack on the American mainland from Afghanistan. Against the LeT, the JeM and the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, the US will and has imposed sanctions and will cooperate with India on the intelligence front, but it is India that must act to eliminate their threat. And if in Indias so doing the US feels that its interests in Pakistan are threatened, it would not be reluctant to try to restrain India, as it has in the past. Pakistan has maintained a high decibel in asserting that India has no political and military role in Afghanistan since Trumps policy announcement. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi made this point in New York last month as did Asif in Washington. The Pakistanis are fixated, overlooking the fact that it is for Afghanistan and India to bilaterally decide this issue. In this context, India must always be and project that it is an independent actor in Afghanistan. In the Asian region, and in the context of China, India must not hesitate to acknowledge and act positively, together with the US where interests converge, whether on the OBOR or the South China Sea or in the Indian Ocean. While doing so, it must retain its strategic autonomy. This will ensure that its relations with Russia, so vital in many areas, are not overlooked even if there is a growing gap on Afghanistan. On China too, India must develop independent and full deterrence, especially in its strategic programme, even while cooperating where it is in its interest to do so. The writer is a former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs New York, October 8 A 48-year-old Indian-origin man in the US has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing his wife by stabbing her nearly 40 times after she told him she was having an affair. Nitin P Singh must serve 85 per cent of the sentence on the single charge of first-degree aggravated manslaughter before he is eligible for parole under the terms of the sentence handed down by Superior Court Judge Linda Lawhun on Friday in Salem, New Jersey. Authorities said the July 2016 stabbing of 42-year-old Seema Singh, a Collingswood shopkeeper, occurred in the couple's apartment while their three children slept nearby. The children were not injured. Nitin told the court that he attacked his wife after she said she was leaving him and would be taking all of his money and their children with her. He said he went into a rage and picked up the first thing he saw, a knife, and began stabbing her. Nitin then called 911 to say his wife was not breathing. He was later charged with murdering her by stabbing her nearly 40 times. PTI Tribune News Service Chandigarh, October 6 The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Saturday granted regular bail to Ryan International Groups northern zone head Francis Thomas and HR head Jayesh Thomas in a case registered after a seven-year-old student was found murdered. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Justice Surinder Guptas bench also granted interim anticipatory bail to Ryan International Groups founding chairman Augustine Pinto, managing director Grace Pinto and their son Ryan Pinto. A murder case under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 25 of the Arms Act was registered after Class-2 student Pradyuman Thakur was found with his throat slit inside a washroom in the schools Bhondsi branch on September 8. The police also arrested a bus conductor, Ashok Kumar, in connection with the murder. Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act and Section 12 of the POCSO Act were slapped later. The Gurgaon police also arrested Francis and the school's human resource head under relevant sections of the IPC and the Juvenile Justice Act on September 11. Dubbing his implication as a knee-jerk reaction, Francis Thomas through his counsel Jasjit Singh Bedi had contended that Haryana government became increasingly active on account of public outcry following the incident. Newspaper and TV reports categorically showed politicians, including the state education minister, making remarks against the school and its management. Senior advocate Bedi added the education minister repeatedly told the parents and the media that he would ensure registration of an FIR under Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2005, against the school and its management. Newspaper reports were attached along with the petition in an attempt to buttress the contentions. Section 75 deals with punishment for person having actual charge of, or control over, a child, for offences such as assault, abandonment, abuse and neglect. Appearing for the Pinto family, senior advocates R.S. Cheema and R.S. Rai, along with other advocates, had prayed for their release on bail in case of arrest. Augustine Pinto and Grace Pinto, residents of Borivali (East) Mumbai, had claimed they had deep roots in the society and apprehension of their absconding was non-existent. We unconditionally undertake to join the investigation and participate in any manner that the investigating agency sees fit and to abide by the terms and conditions, petitioners submitted in their plea filed through advocate Arshdeep Singh Cheema. Ryan Pinto submitted he was neither connected with Ryan International School, Gurgaon, nor was in its managing committee. The only reason that the name of the petitioner is being dragged into this case is because he happens to be the son of the trustees of the St Xavier Education Trust, which started the Ryan International School, Rai had submitted. Parbina Rashid Tribune News Service Kasauli, October 8 The road to Kasauli may have looked a little deserted, considering it was a Sunday, but definitely not The Kasauli Club. Not even the Karwa Chauth fast deterred the crowd from attending the concluding session of much-loved literary festival of this regionKhushwant Singh Lit Fest, which concluded on with a power-packed presentation. Delighted & Proud to meet these young airforce officers on #AirForceDay in Kasauli. , pic.twitter.com/CJFjQX5vA2 Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) October 8, 2017 The star attraction of the day was actor par excellence Anupam Kher. Actor par excellence, not because of his screen performances, but the way he held the audience all by himself, making them laugh with his childhood stories and Hindi-medium background, sometimes throwing words of wisdom and at times engaging the audience even by walking up to them. Read: From Shimla to Hollywood, Kher recalls journey at Kasauli lit fest Anupam Kher recalled his journey from his first play Prithvi Raj Chauhan to Hollywood, meeting the likes of Robert De Niro, Woody Allen via his famous fight with Mahesh Bhatt for the lead role in Saransh. It indeed was a long journey, but at no point of time, the actor let the audiences attention waver, even for a bit. The six-month treat of the actor of a mutton-samosa, pineapple pastry and coffee at an upscale restaurant at the Mall in Shimla smelt fresh. When I failed in Class X, my father took me to a posh restaurant at the Mall in Shimla and treated me to my favourite mutton samosa, pineapple pastry and coffee. With this action, he taught me to overcome the fear of failure, said Anupam Kher The day started on an adventurous note with The True Story of The Most Remarkable Indian Spy of World War II by Mihir Bose and Sumantra Bose. The session, which was moderated by Sir Mark Tully and Anand Sethi, set the tone and tenor of the day with amazing adventures of Bhagat Ram Talwar, the spy who doubled crossed the Germans with the Italians and then allied with the Russians. The tempo continued with the session titled Battleground Chhamb by Gen AJS Sandhu, the author of the book, who explained the reasons for the 1971 war and Pakistans fixation with this geo-politically important strategic area. Best selling writer Ashwin Sanghis interaction with Ranjana Sengupta on Making of a Best Seller: 70 Secrets Condensed, brought a few light moments with Sanghi describing his background as a Baniya whose vocabulary was limited to just two wordscredit and debit. Well, a lot many words have enriched his vocabulary ever since and Sanghi, as a bestselling writer, parts with his secrets with the audience as how to become one. When you are writing a story, just don the cap of a storyteller and once the writing process comes to an end, then don the cap of a bookseller. Then forget that you are a writer, he says. Well, all you budding writers if you are planning to heed Sanghis advice and come up with your debut book, here is an incentiveAnupam Kher has just announced an award of Rs 1 lakh for the best debut novel. Ishfaq Tantry Tribune News Service Srinagar, October 8 As the hysteria surrounding the alleged braid-chopping incidents continues in Kashmir, six foreign tourists had a narrow escape in Srinagar during the dead of night when locals mistook them for braid-choppers. The tourists had lost their way and strayed into the interiors of the Dal Lake area. The six foreign tourists, including two women, were returning from Kargil in a taxi when they lost their way near Saida Kadal in Srinagar city around 2 am today. The tourists reached a dead end in Mir Behri, a locality deep inside the Dal Lake area. Locals had been vigilant as a few days earlier a braid-chopping incident had happened in the area. On seeing a group of foreigners, many locals mistook them for braid-choppers and raised a hue and cry, said Nasir Hussain, a local from Mir Behri. However, on sensing that the visitors were foreign tourists, my friends and I asked the agitated locals not to harm them and in the meantime rang up the SHO of Rainawari police station, said Hussain. After pacifying the locals, my friends and I made the frightened tourists understand the context of the situation. We told them that people of the Valley were paranoid of the alleged braid-chopping incidents, Hussain added. A police officer said three of the tourists, including two women, had come from Australia, while the three others were from Ireland, England and South Korea. We took the tourists to the police station, where we offered them tea and also made them understand the situation so that they wouldnt leave with a bad impression about Kashmir, the officer said. Though unconfirmed reports from Kulgam said there were three incidents of braid-chopping in Dardparen, Lassarpora and Noorabad, the police said it had no such information. A police official manning the special helpline said no incident of braid-chopping was reported from the district today. Majority of braid-chopping cases false Vikas Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, October 8 Even though the 2017-18 academic session of five government colleges which come under the newly created Cluster University, Jammu, began this year, the university is yet to fill posts (both teaching and non-teaching). The Cluster Universities (Cluster University, Jammu, and Cluster University, Kashmir) were established in the state under the centrally-sponsored Rashtriya Uchchtar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), which was launched in 2013 by the Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry to run a series of additional and advanced courses in the existing colleges, with one college each in Srinagar and Jammu acting as the lead college of the universities. The Cluster University, Jammu, comprises GGM Science College, Government MAM College, SPMR College of Commerce, Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, and Government College of Education, Canal Road. The Cluster University in Srinagar comprises Amar Singh College, Srinagar, SP College, Srinagar, Womens College, MA Road, Srinagar, Government Degree College, Bemina, and the College of Education, Srinagar. The GGM Science College in Jammu and Amar Singh College in Srinagar are the lead colleges. Sources said the Jammu Cluster University, which is running its academic affairs from a makeshift arrangement at Government College for Women (GCW), Gandhi Nagar, is facing paucity of staff as the posts that were advertised by the Higher Education Department in 2016 are still lying vacant. These posts are of Assistant Registrar, Assistant Professor, Accounts Officer, Assistant Director (Planning and Statistics), Estates Officer, Private Secretary, Section Officer, Personal Assistant, Statistical Officer, Head Assistant and Statistical Assistant. Sources said in order to run the academic affairs, the Vice Chancellor and Registrar of the university were appointed but the delay in filling of other posts had affected the functioning of the university. Jatinder Khajuria, Registrar, Cluster University, Jammu, admitted that there was a shortage of staff. Yes, we are facing the shortage of staff but we are trying our best to make do with the available resources. As far as filling the posts for teaching is concerned, the interview process for the appointment of Assistant Professors would commence shortly, said Jatinder Khajuria. We utilised the services of retired officials of the University of Jammu and the experiment worked well. Despite limited manpower, the university has been successful in starting the academic session of its constituent colleges from this year, he added. Sanjay Pathak Kathua, October 8 Amid a campaign to deport Rohingya and Bangladeshis living illegally in different parts of the Jammu region, Kathua residents today themselves evicted some unidentified families living on the banks of the Ravi. These families had been living illegally for the last couple of months in tents and huts at Lakhanpur. However, the authorities are yet to verify antecedents of these migrants. The unknown families had built huts and tents near the Shamshan Ghat area of Lakhanpur and settled there. The origin of these families was not known, so we decided to evict them so that any unwanted threat of security to Lakhanpur can be thwarted, said Ravi Gupta, a local resident. The area where they had constructed huts and erected tents falls near the Ravi where the state government had announced construction of a playground for youth of Lakhanpur, he added. Accusing the state government of using dilly-dallying tactics over the deportation of Rohingya and Bangladeshis, Youth Federation president Sunny Sharma said, Although we are not sure about the place of origin of these migrants, any unknown person should not be allowed to live in our area. The government should pay attention to the presence of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals or any other unknown person in the Jammu region and ensure their early eviction, said Sunny. The anger against illegal migrants is growing among the people of Jammu. The government should act against them without wasting time, he added. Some of the evicted persons said they had been residing in the area for the last over two years and more families had settled there three months ago. They said locals came to them and asked them to leave. We have sought a week from them to vacate the place, they said. Deputy Superintendent of Police Parul Bhardwaj said, we are yet to collect details of the families who were evicted from Lakhanpur. Amir Karim Tantray Tribune News Service Jammu, October 8 As the Central panel constituted to study problems of border residents gears up for research, The Tribune spoke to people in forward areas to know about their concerns. Their needs and demands vary from area to area as the state shares both the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. The 198-km-long IB falls entirely in the Jammu region, starting from Paharpur in Kathua to Chicken Neck area of Akhnoor in Jammu district, whereas the 740-km-long LoC falls in all three regions Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. After the 1999 Kargil war, firing and shelling on both the International Border and the LoC destabilised the lives of people living close to the borders, up to 5 km from the zero line, as lives were lost and property was damaged, besides livestock casualties. Though the 2003-ceasefire brought relief to these people but after 2008-09, firing started again. There are different problems and issues of people living on International Border and LoC as the demography and terrain of both the borders are different. As International Border falls in plains, the visibility is not an issue but the LoC mostly falls in the hilly terrain, where life is difficult and dense forest makes visibility poor. However, some issues or demands are common like the need for construction of individual and community bunkers, allotment of five-marla plots at safer places, compensation to the next to the kin of victims etc. These people also need better road connectivity and healthcare facilities. Border residents have called for an easy way to get passes to meet their relatives across LoC. They want hassle-free movement of people living beyond the fence on the LoC. They have also sought the opening of government offices, especially revenue, relief and rehabilitation, among other things. Gurvinder Singh Tribune News Service Ludhiana, October 8 What piqued the interest of visitors at Saras Mela were rings and bracelets made of elephant hair that, too, from the tail of African elephants. While elephant hair might not be of much interest to people living in the north, jewellery made from elephants hair is quite popular in the South, say sellers having stalls selling bracelets and rings made from the hair of elephant tail at Saras Mela. Sanjay Kumar, who has come from Neelambari Ayurved, a self-help group that has come to exhibit elephant hair jewellery from Ramnagar district of Karnataka, says jewellery using hair from elephant tails is being made by his family and artisans from generations. It is believed that elephant hair is supposed to protect from evil and prevent nightmares. Hence, it is much sought after in those areas, he said. Around 1 mm thick hair resembles a black wire. The hair is imported from Cameroon in Africa. One member of our self-help group brings elephant hair from African countries. One can bring around 30-kg of such hair, he said. The length of elephant hair is around 1.5 feet to 2 feet, which can be used for making two bracelets, he said. He said they used to make such jewellery from the hair of Indian elephants earlier, but were not doing so for the last three years. Apart from strict regulations of the government, it is no longer viable because the length and thickness of the Indian elephant hair is no longer the same. It is much thin and short now, he said. Saundarya, another member of the group, said she has been wearing this for long as it is combined with copper and gives an interesting look to the piece of jewellery. Leather lamps light up faces at the fair White leather lamps are catching the attention of visitors at Saras Mela. These are in fact made of leather and villagers from Andhra Pradesh are using this tradition for generations together. K Srinivas says he learnt the art from his grandfather and father and now, his children were also engaged in the same. They run a self-help group called Hirmata in Dharmavaran city of Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. As compared to paper or cloth lamp, these leather lamps made from goat leather can last for 50 years, he claims. Even 'leather kalamkari' used on the lamps doesn't fade and remains as it is, he said. "The only thing to protect these from is water. Otherwise, these can last for decades together," he said. He said they also make puppets from leather. These are light and used for telling traditional tales. His grandfather Kulaiappa has even won the Andhra Pradesh state award for this art. A couple of such puppets made by him are even displayed at an art museum in Delhi, Srinivas said. Earlier, they used to make lampshades only, but now, they have added variety and make 12 different kinds of lamps. "We have added different sizes and types - from hanging lamps to floor lamps. We are making traditional lampshades for years, but those could not be brought here due to logistics issues. I am participating at an exhibition in the city for the first time. We got good response from Chandigarh and Delhi, where I have exhibited these lamps earlier," he said. Ludhiana October 8 The World Postal Day is being celebrated all over the world on Monday. The Department of Post is celebrating the occasion by observing national postal week from October 9 to 14. The day is celebrated on October 9 every year to mark the anniversary of creation of Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874. National postal week celebrations will bring awareness about the India Posts role in the everyday lives of people and businesses as well as its contributions to social and economic development of the country. Senior Superintendent of Post Offices Dr Amanpreet Singh said a special product International Tracked Packet (ITP) will be launched at the Head Post Office in Ludhiana, through which customers can send shipments to the Asia-Pacific region countries with additional facilities. Up to 2-kg parcel packets can be sent with the track and trace facility. Customers can have the option of pick up from their doorsteps and volume-based discounts, he said. To be relevant to the changing environment, the Department of Posts is engaged in operational improvement as well as infrastructural upgrade. The department has set up Core Banking Solution (CBS) post-offices and interoperable ATMs, where other banks cards are also operable, and India Post is also venturing into payment bank sector very soon, Singh said. TNS Shiv Kumar Tribune News Service Mumbai, October 8 Following last months stampede at Elphinstone Road railway station here which claimed 23 lives, the authorities have begun a drive to clear foot over bridges and passage areas of hawkers. Officials in both the Western and Central Railways say they have cleared hawkers from foot overbridges for the past several days. Officials say personnel from the Government Railway Police to patrol railway station platforms have also been asked to regulate movement of passengers on foot overbridges apart from keeping them free of hawkers. Passengers' associations in both Western and Central Railways however fear that the present anti-hawker drive would also fizzle out after a few days. Corrupt railway officials will extort money from the hawkers and allow them back after a few days, Suresh Walvalkar, a member of a passenger association in suburban Mumbai said. Meanwhile, politicians are scrambling to claim credit for removing hawkers from train stations. Last week, MNS chief Raj Thackeray held a rally outside Churchgate headquarters of the Western Railways and obtained an assurance from the officials that hawkers would be cleared at all suburban train stations in ten days. While Thackeray's supporters attributed to the anti-hawker drive to their leader, the Shiv Sena too jumped in to claim credit. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said his party had used its position in government to clear the railway stations of all hawkers. Our ministers had raised the issue with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and got the anti-hawker drive started, Thackeray told reporters here. Mumbai's municipal commissioner Ajay Mehta also told reporters that the civic body would take action against gas companies which supply cooking gas cylinders to hawkers who cook on the streets. New Delhi, October 8 The BJP on Sunday termed as "malicious and defamatory" an article raising questions on the transactions made by firms owned by Jay Shah, the son of BJP President Amit Shah, and said the younger Shah would file a Rs 100 crore civil and criminal defamation lawsuit against the author of the story and the editors and owners of news website The Wire. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, briefing the media on the matter, said all the transactions and loans obtained by Jay Shah's firms Temple Enterprises Pvt Ltd and Kusum Finserve were done in a transparent manner and the loans were paid back with interest. "The article through malicious imputations is trying to damage the reputation of our leader Amit Shah. Jay Shah has decided to file criminal and civil defamation suit against the author, editors and the owner of news website The Wire for Rs 100 crore for defamation," he said. Goyal also rubbished the allegations levelled by the Congress saying it was "old Congress style". "I wish the Congress would also come clean and if at all they have nothing to hide, not go to court to try and stop Justice Dhingra Commission report that deals with the truth about the dealings of the Gandhi family," he said. The Dhingra Commisison was set up by the Haryana government after BJP came to power in the state, to look into alleged irregularities in land dealings by Congress President Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra. Clarifying about the dealings of Jay Shah's companies, Goyal said Shah carries out "fully legitimate and lawful business" on commercial lines which is reflected in his "account books and in his income tax returns" and added that all transaction are through banks. "I don't think there is any bar in this country on taking a loan from banks or NBFC (Non-banking finance companies). And all the loans have been taken strictly in accordance with law on commercial rates of interest, securities have been provided. The loans taken from the NBFC have been fully repaid with interest," he said. He said that Jay Shah gave full details of all his transactions and "answered every question in detail" put up by The Wire reporter as "he has nothing to hide". Of sudden spiking in Temple Enterprise's turnover to Rs 80 crore, Goyal said that the firm was dealing in agri-commodities in which there is "high volume and high value but low profit margin". "So even if you do just a few transactions, the volume becomes very high. Rs 80 crore is not a large turnover in commodity business," he said. On loans taken from KIFS Financial Services owned by Rajesh Khandwala, Goyal said that normally banks do not extend loans to new and small companies and hence the loan was taken from registered NBFC KIFS on "commercial rates and commercial considerations" and has been repaid with interest. He said that the Kalupur Commercial Cooperative Bank did not give a loan of Rs 25 crore to Kusum Finserve but gave only a Letter of Credit (LC) on security. "In addition, 10 per cent cash margin was given and apart from that property of Amit Shah and office premises of Kusum Finserve were also mortgaged for this LC facility," Goyal said. On the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Renewable Energy, giving a loan of Rs 10.35 crore to Kusum Finserve for building a 2.1 MW windmill in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam, Goyal said that "IREDA is engaged in commercial lending to promote renewable energy in the country" and has "already given more than 2,000 loans and sanctioned over Rs 50,000 crore to various customers across the country." "This is malicious and deplorable effort to try and attribute motives. We thoroughly reject all these baseless allegations and the confidence of Jay Shah's business is reflected in the fact that he immediately decided to go for defamation suit," he said. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) 'Will the PM speak up?' Congress leader Kapil Sibal, who held a press conference at All India Congress Committee, said on Sunday: We want to ask the Prime Minister what he wants to say about crony capitalism. Will you have the CBI and the ED investigate the allegations, like you do when there are allegations against the Opposition? Will you have them arrested? "Today, we ask a question to the Prime Minister, the pradhan sevak ... Now, what do you have to say about crony capitalism?" He also accused the central government of trying to silence the press. Ive been told by some journalists no less that this press conference should not be telecast on television, he said. I can tell you with confidence that the Prime Minister will remain silent (over the allegations). Why would he, when hes trying to silence the electronic media? It is unfortunate that such people are holding power. We have never given such directions when we were in power. Sibal, citing the filing with RoC, also alleged that a firm Kusum Finserve LLP, in which Jay Amit Shah had 60 per cent stake, had also got a contract in Madhya Pradesh in wind power sector despite the company being engaged in stock trading. Sibal also alleged that a company owned by Jay Amit Shah got a loan of Rs 25 crore from a cooperative bank without sufficient collateral security, besides a loan of Rs 10.35 crore from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), a public sector firm under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, which was under Goyal. To a query whether there was any wrongdoing, Sibal said, "I am talking about crony capitalism. Offence will come to light when we get to know why the loan was sanctioned. We know whom the CBI and ED will investigate and whom the agencies wont. Issue is whether the prime minister is honest enough to say that investigate son of Amit Shah." Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s Sitaram Yechury claimed that it is the latest in a series of cases of corruption under the Modi government. "Latest in the series of corruption cases under Modi. Birla-Sahara Dairy, GSPCL, Vyapam, Lalit Modi, rice and mining scams. Why is PM silent?" Yechury wrote in a tweet. Similar reactions came from other opposition parties such as the Communist Party of India and the Aam Aadmi Party. #WATCH live: Union Minister Piyush Goyal addresses the media in Delhi. https://t.co/ou7KApr6Iy ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2017 How is this not on PM's so-called radar of corruption? https://t.co/s0sBL9W4hr Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) October 8, 2017 My press briefing on the the #Shah model of doing business https://t.co/BigWYXIqqf Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) October 8, 2017 Agencies Washington, October 8 Ahead of his US visit, Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said the Congress party is unlikely to substantially expand itself unless it "selects its leaders based on calibre and potential", and goes back to its original centrist position. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Jaitley's remarks, in his keynote address via video conference -- to the Berkeley India Conference, came less than a month after Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi addressed the students there. In response to a question, Gandhi had said dynastic politics was a "problem" in India, but maintained that a large number of people in his party did not have a dynastic background. In his speech at Berkeley, Gandhi had also slammed the politics of polarisation. The finance minister is scheduled to arrive on nearly a week-long visit to the US tomorrow to interact with the US corporate world in New York and Boston and attend the annual meeting of International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington DC. Responding to questions after delivering his key note address via video conference, Jaitley said Congress party which ruled the country for decades is out of sync with the ground realities and aspirations of India as it exists now. The main challenge before the Congress party is two-fold, he said. Historically and conventionally, the Congress occupied the centre space in India, the BJP leader said. They consistently did it through decades and that's how they were the natural party of governance, he observed. "In the last few years, if I may say so, this process started in 2004 with the establishment of National Advisory Council and has continued, and today I find that the position that they take on most issues is not the conventional Congress party's centrist positions," he noted. "There are ideological agenda that are dictated by the ultra-Left and they (Congress) end up being the cheerleaders as far as that is concerned," Jaitley said as he went on to take a dig at the leadership of the Congress party itself. "Secondly, the party's whole process of leadership creation within the party based on talent and potential and quality of an individual, does not just gel with the rest of aspirational India," he said. "Aspirational India tests its leaders very harshly. It is no longer in a mood that it will accept family names or other such marks in order to decide who are the better leaders," he said. "So, unless it can go back to being a more structured party which selects its leaders based on calibre and potential and goes back to its original centrist position I do not think it will be able to substantially expand its position," Jaitley said. Disputing the description of a Berkley questioner on rising communal and social tension in the country, Jaitley said India in the past has had a whole legacy of social tension. "You have seen social tension, religious tension. I think, we are passing through a phase where India is gradually emerging out of it. What happens is some stray incidents, unfortunate and condemnable. But stray incidents take place even in the United States," he said. "It (such tensions and incidents disrupting societal harmony) takes place more in the United States than in India. "It is just that propagandist in India has a bigger voice in trying to proclaim it all over the world," Jaitley said. India is a far more peaceful place and therefore is the right place to do business, he said. PTI Bengaluru, October 8 Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the Doklam standoff with China was resolved because India became a global power. The remarks came in view of the recent standoff between India and China in Doklam region, where troops from both sides were locked in a face off for over two months. Speaking at the 9th Vishwakarma Jayanothsav in Bengaluru, Singh said: Everyone was expecting that relations between China and India will deteriorate due to the Doklam issue, but both the countries resolved the issue with comprehension. He added: Had India remained weak, the Doklam standoff would not have been resolved till now. It was possible only because India has become a world power. The Indian Army and the China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) had, on August 28, decided to disengage their troops from Bhutan's Doklam plateau after months-long stand-off. Tensions rose between the two countries when China began constructing a road in the plateau at Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction. ANI Manas Dasgupta After Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe to be his personal best friend besides being the true friend of India at the bilateral summit in Gandhinagar last month, the BJP government in his home state Gujarat will have to play a balancing act in land allocation between Japan and China in setting up industrial ventures. During Chinese President Xi Jinpings visit to Gujarat, Modi had demonstrated the same bonhomie, going overboard to show the visiting leader the warmth in Gujarats hospitality. Besides vouchsafing for friendship between the two countries, he had extended open invitations to the Chinese companies to set up industrial units in his home state. Though Indias relations with Japan were always cordial, China has invaded the Indian markets more extensively and had been a favoured boy for the BJP government in Gujarat even when Modi was the chief minister. Doklam or no Doklam, new ventures by Chinese companies had kept coming in a steady flow. Even at the height of the Doklam tension, the Gujarat government signed several Memoranda of Understanding with the Chinese companies to set up units in the state. As a follow-up to the MoUs signed during the Vibrant Gujarat summit, an agreement was finalised with Chinas Sunrise Group in August to set up a steel manufacturing plant at Mundra in Kutch district through a subsidiary. The initial investment was announced at Rs 6,000 crore and the government also allocated it 21 hectares of land, with a promise to sanction more land in the second phase as investments go up to Rs 10,000 crore. A few days earlier, Chinas Shanghai Automotive Industries Corporation had accepted the state governments proposal to buy out a closed automobile plant of a multi-national company at Halol in Vadodara district. But Chinas pronounced pro-Pakistan attitude had always irked the people of Gujarat. However, they could not honour the BJP governments call for boycott of the Chinese products as almost every major Hindu religious festival is celebrated with articles made in China. To an earlier call by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani at the height of the Doklam faceoff for boycott of the Chinese products, a top government official had remarked, China is all over here, how can we ignore China? Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, during his election campaign in the Saurashtra region last week, had expressed similar sentiments about the invasion of the Chinese products in the Indian markets and ridiculed Modis claim of the Make in India campaign. He was also critical of the Gujarat government signing MoUs with Chinese companies while asking the people to boycott Chinese products. Even former CM Shankarsinh Vaghela, despite his soft corner for his alma mater (BJP), had attacked Rupani on this count. Shamelessly his government is distributing Made in China LED bulbs to people living below the poverty line and shockingly the PM is going gaga over it, Vaghela said. Congress spokesman Manish Doshi added to the list a host of other Chinese products being favoured by the BJP government over the Swadeshi products. The dustbins and every other products being used for Modis clean India campaign in Gujarat were Made in China. India-made carpets are ignored in favour of the China-made products for the government-sponsored Yoga classes. Every can of anti-corrosion chemicals used in the construction projects of the state government, all floor tiles and even washbasins used in the government-sponsored housing projects are China products, he claimed. Even one of Modis dream projects, the Statue of Unity, will have the Chinese stamp. A bulk of work for construction of the Rs 2,989-crore statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel has been outsourced to a Chinese company. A senior official justified netting the Chinese company so that there was no compromise on quality. In offering the tender for smelting of 5,000-odd bronze plates for the worlds tallest statue, the state government showed total lack of confidence in the 4,600-odd foundries functioning in India providing jobs to over five lakh people. The BJP knows what others should do but not what they themselves should. They freely give patriotism certificates to others, but do not care about practising what they preach, Doshi said. Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service Hindon (Western UP), October 8 The Indian Air Force is ready to fight at a short notice, if the need arises, said IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Sunday morning. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) He was speaking at the Air Force Day parade at Hindon air base located east of the national capital. He paid homage to the seven military personnel who died in a helicopter crash near Tawang on October 6. The IAF Chief, talking to mediapersons, said the copter crash in Tawang on October 6 was prima facie caused as the copters tail rotor was dis-engaged. The exact cause will be known latter. Will not speak more on the issue as the court of inquiry is on, he said. The Mi-17 v5 copter, like the one that crashed, is flying. On being asked about the role of the women fighter pilots, the IAF chief said, We intend to put women on MiG 21 jets as these are the best to hone your skills. Addressing the issue of fighter jets, the IAF Chief said an early decision on the Make in India project (for some 120 single-engine jets) will help matters. The IAF, he said, was progressively reaching network-centric warfare. We have maintained operational readiness by way of exercises. He also said the Air Force was acquiring multi-spectrum strategic capabilities and remained committed to building a "joint manship" with the Indian Army and the Navy. Dhanoa said security of all Air Force stations have been enhanced to combat any threat, including sub-conventional threats, after the terrorist attack on the IAF base station in Pathankot last year. In January last year, terrorists sneaked in from across the border and attacked the air base. The attack claimed the lives of seven security personnel while four terrorists were killed. With agencies Hindon (UP), October 8 The first three women fighter pilots of the country are likely to fly the MiG-21 Bison jets, one of the potent combat aircraft in the IAF's armoury. The three women pilots Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh are set to script history next month when they will fly military jets after completing a strenuous training programme within three weeks. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) "The present consideration is to put them to MiG 21 Bison squadron. Our opinion is that it will sharpen their skills as the aircraft has more manual features than other sophisticated aircraft," Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa said today. He indicated that after honing their skills in flying Mig 21 Bisons, the three women can fly other jets. The IAF chief was talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event to celebrate the Air Force Day. The three women were commissioned as flying officers in July last year, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis. A senior IAF official involved in training of the three women pilots said they will steer the combat jets next month. Currently, the three women pilots are flying Hawk advanced jet trainers. The IAF has already selected the next batch of three women trainee pilots for fighter stream. PTI London, October 8 Pakistan is not viewed as a key player within the Kashmir issue despite the "mess" India may have created in the region in the last 15 months, a former spy chief of India has said. Amarjit Singh Dulat, who served as head of RAW in 1999-2000, said the whole world knows that Kashmir is a "very integral part of India" and the problems in the region can be resolved with a more "civilised" approach by talks with all groups involved. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) "If there is alienation in Kashmir against India or anger... there is no love lost for Pakistan. Pakistan has long gone out of the Kashmir equation and Kashmiris realise there is nothing more to be gained from Pakistan," he said. Dulat was addressing an event entitled 'Spymasters Speak: Can intelligence agencies do good?' at the London School of Economics (LSE) on Friday evening. But for the last 15 months, Kashmir was never mentioned by Pakistan or in Pakistan...Now it has been raised again because of the mess we have created in Kashmir in the last 15 months, so Pakistan is back in business," he said. Describing the killings of youth and security personnel in the violence that has erupted in the region as "unfortunate", Dulat stressed that "heavy-handedness" is not the answer. "One message which comes out of Kashmir is that a lot can be achieved with love and compassion but never by force. And, I think that is the mistake we have made in the last 15 months," he said. The former intelligence chief was of the view that talks with separatist groups should not be ruled out as all matters "need to be discussed upfront" between Delhi and Srinagar. "Democracy works. Apart from the mess we have created, the mistake we are making is not talking to people. It is high time we started talking...even to the Hurriyat. The idea of talking to them is to mainstream them and get them into the democratic process," he said. Dulat, who was also a former special director of India's Intelligence Bureau (IB) and served as IB joint director in Kashmir in the late 1980s, claimed that the Kashmiri people are "not happy" with the BJP-PDP coalition for bringing the RSS into the Valley. "The RSS may have come into the Valley but will not achieve anything," he said. Dulat was joined on the panel by General (retd) Ehsan ul Haq, former director-general of Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), at the event organised by the UK-based South Asia Future Forum and chaired by the LSE's South Asia Centre. The two former spies concurred with each other on the need for the intelligence agencies of the two countries to cooperate more closely but had predictably divergent views on the Kashmir issue. "The Kashmir dispute cannot be wished away. If it is left unresolved, it will keep recurring with increasing intensity," said Haq. "Kashmir has regained centrality in Indo-Pakistan policy focus and from Pakistan's perspective it remains the core issue within bilateral relations," he said. On the issue of terrorism, both former spy chiefs called for coordinated efforts between India and Pakistan to tackle the menace together. "We have borne the brunt of it for a long time. We know that Pakistan is also suffering because of terrorism. Delhi is justified in its stand of no talks until there is terrorism. But there is no way but to talk. In the case of Pakistan, we need to make this one exception and talk along with terror," said Dulat. Haq said: "There are no problems between India and Pakistan that cannot be solved through dialogue. War is no more an option. But setting preconditions is untenable. PTI New Delhi, October 8 An advocate has appealed the central governments 2011 decision to leave the Central Bureau of Investigation outside the ambit of the Right to Information Act. The petition, first filed before the Delhi High court but eventually transferred to the top court at the Centres urging, asks for an early hearing of the case. Advocate Ajay Agarwal, who fought and lost the 2014 general elections against Congress president Sonia Gandhi, said the agency that then central government under former prime minister Manmohan Singh had issued the notification to keep the agency out of the Acts ambit "solely to scuttle the RTI appeal pending before the Chief Information Commissioner, New Delh,i in regard to the Bofors case in which order was passed by the CIC directing the CBI to provide the requisite papers to the petitioner". The decision was aimed at "only to save Ottavio Quattrochhi, the prime accused in Bofors scam", the petition said. Agrawal, who has been pursuing the Bofors payoff case for years, said in his petition about the order dated the June 9, 2011: "By issuing the notification and placing CBI in the second Schedule, the government appears to be claiming absolute secrecy for CBI without the sanction of the law". "The impugned notification No GSR 442(E) RTI Act, 2005 is ultravires to the RTI Act, 2005 as well as Constitution, he said, adding that lack of appropriate reasons to leave it out of the Acts purview made the Centres action "arbitrary". "Citizens are likely to deduce that the purpose of including CBI in the Second Schedule was to curb transparency and accountability from the investigations of several corruption cases against high-ranking Government officers". Agarwal filed a petition in the Delhi High Court against the governments decision in 2011. The central government had told the high court that it was not a blanket exemption granted and did not warrant judicial interference. The petition said that exemption from RTI was also extended to intelligence and security organisations such as Intelligence Bureau, RAW, DRI and ED. The agency asked to have all such cases from high courts to the Supreme Court, but proceedings before the Delhi High Court was stayed. PTI Vadnagar, October 8 On his first visit to his birthplace since occupying the top post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a roadshow and visited his school here and said the town had taught him to "drink poison". At the B N High School where he studied, he smeared sand from the premises on his forehead. Modi, who once sold tea at the Vadnagar railway station, recalled his journey to Delhi from Gujarat where he was the chief minister for 13 years from 2001. He said he has managed to serve the nation with the blessings of Lord Shiva since 2001 despite some people "spewing venom" at him during these years. He was apparently referring to the attacks on him during his tenure as Gujarat chief minister after the riots of 2002 in the state. "Vadnagar has taught me to drink poison," he said, while noting that his birthplace is the land of Shiva, like Kashi (Varanasi), his Lok Sabha constituency. Modi was addressing a public meeting after inaugurating a newly-built medical college and launching an immunization programme here. "I started my journey from Vadnagar and now I have reached Kashi. Just like Vadnagar, Kashi is also the town of Bhole Baba. Bhole Baba's blessings gave me immense strength, and this strength is the biggest gift I have received from this land," he said. "The blessings of Bhole Baba (Lord Shiva) gave me the strength to drink and digest poison. Due to this ability, I was able to counter all those who spewed venom against me since 2001. This ability gave me the strength to serve the motherland with dedication over these many years," he said. The prime minister did his schooling in Vadnagar, an ancient town which was once home to a Buddhist monastery and has a centuries-old Shiva temple. On the second day of his visit to poll-bound Gujarat, Modi held a roadshow here. A large number of people lined the road to greet him. There were chants of "Modi-Modi" and flowers were showered on him along the route. Before inaugurating a newly-built medical college in the town, he visited the Hatkeshwar Mahadev temple where he performed puja alongwith Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. "I am touched by the immense love showered by the people of Vadnagar today. It gave me new energy to serve the nation with more zeal," Modi said, addressing a public gathering after the roadshow. "I saw many faces among the people who came to greet me. Those faces brought back many memories of my childhood," he said. PTI New Delhi, October 8 BJP chief Amit Shah on Sunday said "politics of violence" is in the nature of the communists as he lashed out at the CPI(M) over the political violence in Kerala. Addressing the Delhi leg of the 'Jan Raksha Yatra', the BJP's ongoing campaign to highlight "left atrocities" in Kerala, Shah asserted that no amount of intimidation can stop the lotus (BJP's symbol) from blooming in the Left-ruled state. He hit out at Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging that the maximum killings of BJP and RSS workers have taken place in the latter's home district. "Since the Left came to power in Kerala, several workers of the BJP and Sangh (RSS) have been killed. The killings are brutal, bodies are chopped into pieces. It is done to terrorise those who support the BJP that they will meet the same fate. But the more muck of murders they spread, the lotus will bloom better," Shah said. Shah also led a march from central Delhi's Connaught Place to the CPI(M) headquarters in the Gole Market area, a distance of about 1.5 km. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, Union Minister Alphons Kannanthanam and the party's Lok Sabha MPs from the national capital were in tow. In his speech, the BJP president took on Vijayan, saying the blame for the spate of killings falls squarely on him, considering that the maximum number of such killings have taken place in the "chief minister's home district". "Politics of violence is in their (communists') nature. It is not a coincidence that the maximum political violence is reported from West Bengal, Tripura and Kerala where the communists have been in power for long. Wherever they have been in power, they have turned the political culture into that of violence," he said. Shah also hit out at, what he called, the "champions of human rights" over their "silence" on the communist atrocities. He said their "selective protests" have exposed their bias. He asked, "Why do they not take out any march at the India Gate against the atrocities committed by the Left?" At the rally venue, the BJP exhibited a series of images, mainly the pictures of those killed, to highlight the "brutality" of the situation. "The reds think they will be able to stop thoughts and ideas from spreading through violence. I want to tell the CPI (M) and Congress that communists have disappeared from the world and Congress from India. And BJP, which was launched with 10 persons, is today the world's largest party with 11 crore workers," Shah said. Shah had started the 'Jan Raksha Yatra' from Kerala's Kannur district on October 3 and it will conclude on October 17 at Thiruvananthapuram. PTI Mumbai, October 8 Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray today dared the BJP to resign from the Maharashtra Government and face mid-term polls. Ruling partners in Maharashtra, ties between the Sena and the BJP have been strained for quite some time. I challenge you to resign from the government and face polls once again. We will show you the Shiv Senas power. Even during the (Modi) wave, the BJP got votes in Senas name, Thackeray claimed while addressing a rally for a local election in Nanded. He also took a swipe at PM Narendra Modi. Saw the PM campaigning for Gujarat polls, which are two months away. How did he suddenly remember his school today? Why before the polls? he asked. PTI Mumbai, October 8 Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday dared his party's ruling ally BJP to "resign" from the Maharashtra government and face midterm polls. The state's ruling partners are also part of the NDA at the Centre, but relations between them are strained for quite some time. "I challenge you to resign from the government and face polls once again. We will show you the Shiv Sena's power. Even during the (Modi) wave, the BJP got votes in Sena's name," Thackeray said, addressing a rally for a local election in Nanded. Thackeray also took swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Gujarat visit. "I was watching news on television today. Saw the PM campaigning for the Gujarat polls that are two months away. How did he suddenly remember his school today? Did he not feel like visiting his school before? Why before the polls?" he asked. Modi on Sunday visited Vadnagar, his birthplace in north Gujarat, first time since he became the prime minister. He also visited his school. Thackeray also said people were now forwarding a joke on social media that prime minister of India 'may visit India soon', apparently referring to Modi's frequent foreign tours. PTI Chandigarh, October 8 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Sunday asked the state government to not penalise farmers who burn paddy stubble by imposing fines and registering cases against them. "The government should not harass the farmers until the state government makes alternative arrangements for the consumption of paddy straw into the soil as per the directions of National Green Tribunal (NGT)," Khaira said in a statement here. He claimed that the NGT while issuing directions to stop the burning of paddy stubble for a cleaner environment had also ordered state governments to provide equipment and machinery to farmers for the disposal of stubble. "Instead of providing equipment and machinery to farmers on a rental basis, the Punjab government is penalising them by registering cases against them," he said. Khaira, who is the leader of opposition in the state Assembly, said if the farmers were to plough paddy straw in their fields, it would cost them approximately Rs 4,000-5,000 rupees per acre, as it requires appropriate equipment and a tractor. "It is highly impossible for small and marginal farmers to dish out such a huge amount at a juncture when they are under a colossal debt of Rs one lakh crore and committing suicides," he said. Khaira said that he was of the firm opinion that unless the government offers Rs 5,000 per acre to the farmers or provides the necessary equipment for straw disposal, it would be impossible for the farmers to stop burning the stubble. "Farmers are left with no choice but to burn their paddy straw and prepare for the ensuing wheat season," he said. Significantly, several farmers' outfit including Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) have said they have no option except to burn paddy stubble unless the government provides financial assistance for the disposal of crop residue. PTI Riyadh, October 8 A gunman shot dead two Saudi guards and wounded three others at the gate of the royal palace in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, the interior ministry said. Royal guards killed the gunman, identified by the ministry as a 28-year-old Saudi national armed with a Kalashnikov and three grenades. "An outpost of the royal guard came under fire by a person who got out of a Hyundai car," the ministry said in a statement yesterday carried by the official Saudi Press Agency. "He was immediately dealt with and his cowardly act also resulted in the martyrdom" of two royal guards, it added. The US embassy in Saudi Arabia had earlier cautioned its citizens over reports of the attack. "Due to the possibility of ongoing police activity, American citizens are advised to exercise caution when travelling through the area," the embassy said in a brief statement. The warning comes after the Saudi police raided hideouts of a "terror" cell linked to the Islamic State group this week, killing two people and arresting five others, according to the national security agency. The State Security Agency said police raided three hideouts in the capital Riyadh and exchanged gunfire at one of them, the SPA news agency reported on Thursday. Since late 2014, IS has claimed a series of bombings and shootings against Shiites and security forces in the Sunni- majority kingdom. Saudi Arabia is a member of the US-led international coalition that has been battling the Sunni extremist group in Syria and Iraq. AFP Barcelona, October 8 Hundreds of thousands of flag-waving demonstrators packed central Barcelona on Sunday to rally against plans by separatist leaders to declare Catalonia independent following a banned secession referendum. Catalans calling themselves a "silent majority" opposed to leaving Spain broke their silence after a week of mounting anxiety over the country's worst political crisis in a generation. The crowd waved both Spanish and Catalan flags and chanted "Viva Espana! Viva Catalonia!" as they made their way through the streets of Barcelona under a clear blue sky. "We have perhaps been silent too long," Alejandro Marcos, 44, told AFP. "It seems that the one who yells the most wins the argument. So we have to raise our voices and say loud and clear that we do not want independence." Around 350,000 people attended the rally, municipal police said, while organisers put turnout at between 930,000 and 950,000. Some protesters called for the region's separatist president Carles Puigdemont to go to jail for holding a vote on independence in defiance of the Spanish government and courts. "The unity of Spain cannot be voted on or negotiated it must be defended," read one sign in the crowd. Others called for dialogue. The slogan for the demonstration organised by the Societat Civil Catalana, the main anti-independence group in Catalonia was: "Enough, let's recover good sense!" Recent polls had indicated that Catalans are split on independence, though leaders said police violence during the referendum turned many against the state authorities. City police said 700,000 people joined a pro-independence protest in Barcelona two days after the vote. On Saturday, tens of thousands of demonstrators, many dressed in white, hit the streets of Madrid and other cities across Spain to demand dialogue to end the dispute. On the eve of the rally, Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy issued a stern warning to Catalan leaders who have said they could declare independence this week. He did not rule out moving to stop that by suspending Catalonia's regional autonomy a move that could risk sparking unrest. "I rule out absolutely nothing that is allowed for under the law," he said in an interview with El Pais newspaper. "The ideal would be not to have to take drastic measures. "I would like this threat of a declaration of independence to be withdrawn as quickly as possible." Tensions soared after police cracked down on voters during the banned October 1 independence referendum, prompting separatist leaders to warn they would unilaterally declare independence. Tentative signs emerged Friday that the two sides may be seeking to defuse the crisis after Madrid offered a first apology to Catalans injured by police during the vote. But uncertainty still stalks the country as Catalan leaders have not backed off from plans to declare the region independent. Puigdemont is scheduled to address the regional parliament on Tuesday evening. It remains unclear what he plans to say, although some separatist leaders hope he will use the opportunity to declare independence. Rajoy assured Catalan leaders that there "is still time" to backtrack and avoid triggering a tough response from the central government in Madrid. With its own language and cultural traditions, demands for independence in Catalonia date back centuries but have surged during recent years of economic hardship. The latest crisis has raised fears of unrest in Catalonia, a northeastern region about the size of Belgium that is home to 7.5 million people and accounts for a fifth of Spain's economy. Scenes of Spanish police beating unarmed voters in the October 1 referendum caused international shock. "I love Catalonia," said Fidelia Trabado, 68, a retired cleaner who moved to Catalonia when she was 18, wearing a cap with the Spanish flag at the rally. "I have worked my whole life to lift Catalonia up. What they are doing is destroying it." The Catalan government on Friday published final results from the referendum indicating that 90 per cent of voters backed the proposal to break away from Spain. Turnout was 43 per cent as Catalans who reject independence largely boycotted the polls. The vote was not held according to official electoral standards as there was no regular voter list, electoral commission or observers. Protesters piled off the morning train from Madrid at Barcelona's Sants station to join the protests on Sunday. "A lot of ordinary Catalans felt under pressure," said Juan Gil-Casares, 33, who works in Madrid and travelled up with his family. "We decided to come and support our compatriots and show them that they are not alone." AFP Washington, October 8 US President Donald Trump has said diplomatic efforts with North Korea have consistently failed, adding that "only one thing will work." Trump has engaged in an escalating war of words with North Korean strongman Kim Jong-Un, trading insults amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals. Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid," Trump tweeted yesterday. It hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of US negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!" The US has not ruled out the use of force to compel Pyongyang to halt missile and nuclear tests, and Trump has threatened to "totally destroy" the country. The mercurial American president also told journalists at a recent gathering with military leaders to discuss Iran, North Korea, and the Islamic State group that this "could be the calm before the storm," declining to clarify his remarks. Last week, as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson flew home from meeting with top Chinese officials, Trump tweeted that his envoy was "wasting his time" in trying to probe North Korea's willingness to talk. The message came after Tillerson had revealed there were backchannels between US and North Korean officials. AFP The Oklahoma Dental Association (ODA) awarded Dr. Mary Martin with the Distinguished Dental Service Award, one of the associations highest honors. The award was given during the 2017 ODA Presidents Dinner on April 29 in Tulsa. The ODA Distinguished Dental Service Award recognizes a career of service and devotion to the advancement of the science and art of dentistry. Dr. Martin has been a pioneer for female dentists, said the ODA past president Dr. Edmund Braly. Dr. Martin grew up in Skiatook and went to work for Dr. Dwight Rumsey at age 16. He trained her to be a dental assistant. After graduating Skiatook High in 1967, she went on to become a dental hygienist and later a dentist. She taught dentistry at The University of Oklahoma for many years before joining her husband, Dr. Steve Carson, at their practice, Eagle Dentistry in Edmond. Dr. Martin was one of the founding women to establish the Oklahoma Association of Women Dentists and she is the immediate past president of the national chapter, the American Association of Women Dentists. Dr. Martin helped establish the Smiles for Success program in Oklahoma, a mission composed of all-female dentists who assist women in transition from welfare to work who cannot afford the cost of dental care. Throughout her career, Dr. Martin has made it a priority to mentor young females entering the profession and spent several years teaching in the department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. The ODA appreciates Dr. Martins commitment to the future of her profession. Ex-Inhofe aides filling EPA roster: Former aides to U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe continue showing up at the Environmental Protection Agency. This time its Andrew Wheeler, the choice for the No. 2 position at EPA. Wheeler is a former top energy advisor to Inhofe on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. More recently, he has been a lobbyist for the coal industry, which brought him into the same orbit as new EPA chief Scott Pruitt. Inhofe was quick to praise the nomination. There is no one more qualified than Andrew to help Scott Pruitt restore EPA to its proper size and scope, Inhofe said in a written statement. When he served as my Staff Director of the Environment and Public Works Committee, he provided me with invaluable guidance, and in turn became a close friend. Others are not so kind in their assessment. The Sierra Club called Wheelers nomination absolutely horrifying and said There actually could not have been a worse choice for the position. Other environmental groups are similarly opposed, and Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island said last week that Wheeler shouldnt be allowed anywhere near the office to which hes been nominated. Still truckin: Inhofe put the air brakes on his legislation to include trucks in a driverless vehicle bill passed by the Senate Commerce Committee. Inhofe withdrew the amendment to allow unanimous committee approval of the AV START bill, which provides a framework for federal regulation of self-driving vehicles while limiting state authority over the technology. As now written, the bill limits driverless vehicles known as autonomous vehicles in the industry to 10,000 pounds. This bill will foster innovation in emerging technology full of potential that will create jobs, increase access to transportation and promote safety, Inhofe said in a press release. As over 90 percent of all vehicle crashes are attributed to human error, more automated technologies will reduce crashes saving lives across the nation by improving roadway safety. Many autonomous vehicle technologies are more like driver-assistance than driverless. They include advanced braking systems and sensors that allow vehicles to see through fog, rain and snow. Contraception mandate: U.S. Sen. James Lankford praised the Trump administrations decision to let employers claim a religious exemption from the Affordable Care Acts contraception mandate. It is not the place of government to determine what a persons religion requires, Lankford said in a written statement. The ability to live out your faith, or have no faith, is a First Amendment right; the federal government must honor that as much as possible, especially when there are reasonable accommodations. The Obama administration had argued that while some religious exemptions to the mandate were appropriate, they should not extend to private businesses or enterprises such as schools and hospitals operated by religious organizations. Indian ed: The Interior Department would have to update its count of American Indian students in the nations public schools under legislation approved by a key Senate committee. Lankford was among the sponsors of the Johnson-OMalley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act. The bill is important to many Oklahoma schools because it figures to boost federal payments for Indian education. Dots and dashes: Two federal employment reform bills authored by Lankford breezed through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. One measure streamlines requirements for hiring young workers and temporary employees. ... Second District Congressman Markwayne Mullin introduced legislation with Democrat Raul Ruiz of California to extend the Indian Health Services Special Diabetes Program for Indians. ... Mullin also signed onto a bill establishing a program for early detection of chronic kidney disease. ... Lankford delivered a Senate floor speech in support of President Donald Trumps tax reform proposal. ... Third District Congressman Frank Lucas was among a bipartisan group of lawmakers sponsoring a bill to require at least one state banking regulator on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation board of directors. ... Fifth District Congressman Steve Russell proposed a bipartisan task force to study mass murder. Correction: This story incorrectly stated when Bilfer Aguilar-Ramos contacted his wife to say he was coming home. He called about 10 p.m. This story has been corrected. It was a rainy night when Bilfer Aguilar-Ramos got off his evening shift from one of his two fast-food jobs. He never came home, and it panicked his wife and two children. The 26-year-old from Guatemala would work a day shift at one restaurant before heading to a night shift three days a week at another restaurant. On off evenings, he and his wife would be at his Spanish-language Pentecostal church or at Head Start family functions. On March 6, Aguilar-Ramos called his wife about 10 p.m. to let her know he was coming home. I said, Drive carefully, Ill be waiting for you, his wife, through an interpreter, recalled. It was raining really hard. When he never made it home and did not return calls, worries set in. He finally made contact about 1 a.m., saying he was in jail after a car accident and needed $500 bail. Before she could leave the house, her husband called back. He said, No, dont even come now because ICE has come now, and I cant do anything anymore, his wife recalled. She asked her name be withheld out of fears for being deported. Aguilar-Ramos is one of 2,270 individuals who have been held in the Tulsa Jail in the past 10 months on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers. Nearly 1,000 of those are there under programs involving local law enforcement cooperation. A more than 200 percent increase has occurred in the number of detainers under cooperative agreements with local law enforcement agencies, compared to the same period a year ago. About two-thirds of those on ICE detainers initiated by Tulsa Jail detention officers were brought into the jail facing misdemeanor charges. In the case of Aguilar-Ramos, his arrest came after colliding with another vehicle in heavy rain. Being undocumented, he is not able to obtain a drivers license or insurance. After the accident, he checked on the other driver, who was OK. Police arrested Aguilar-Ramos on complaints of speeding too fast for conditions, driving without a license and no proof of liability insurance. All misdemeanors. It marked his sixth citation for driving without a license, though he always paid the tickets. Most people jailed on minor traffic violations are allowed to post bond, but Aguilar-Ramos was not allowed. Once he was jailed, someone possibly a Tulsa County Sheriffs Office jail detention officer or an ICE employee working at the jail entered his name in a series of national databases. As one of 60 local or state law enforcement entities across the nation participating in the ICE 287(g) program, Tulsa County Sheriffs Office employees certified through ICE can hold individuals booked into jail on suspicion of immigration violations. Having been deported previously by ICE, in 2007 and in 2009, Aguilar-Ramos was not allowed a jail bond, despite facing local misdemeanor charges. Those prior deportations also meant further federal government scrutiny. On April 4, a federal grand jury indicted Aguilar-Ramos for illegally re-entering the U.S. after having been previously deported. At sentencing, his public defender, Scott Graham, argued that he be given credit for time spent in jail while waiting to dispose of the federal case. I wish we could help him in his immigration issue, but we are not here for that, Graham said. In a sentencing memo, Graham described Aguilar-Ramos as a person who came to the U.S. in search of a better life. Mr. Aguilar-Ramos is not in a gang nor did he come to this country to traffic narcotics or humans, Graham wrote. He worked hard to support his wife and two children. Mr. Aguilar-Ramos is exactly the type of person our country should be welcoming with open arms, not incarcerating and deporting. Indeed, the assistant U.S. attorney who prosecuted Aguilar-Ramos described him at his sentencing as a poster child for leniency. Chief U.S. District Judge Gregory Frizzell wondered during the court proceeding how Aguilar-Ramos came to be arrested in the first place. I notice under previous city administrations (that police) had a policy of not turning individuals over to ICE for minor traffic violations, Frizzell observed. Aguilars wife described her husband in a letter to the court as a good spouse and father. He is our financial and emotional support. My children miss him very much and always ask when he will be back home, she stated. Frizzell, who sentenced Aguilar-Ramos to a term equal to the time he had spent in jail awaiting the resolution of his case, noted he will be deported away from his family. The concern the court has is Mr. Aguilar-Ramos has a motivation to return, Frizzell observed, prior to sentencing. If Aguilar-Ramos returns to the U.S. and is arrested again within the next year while he is on supervised release, he could face up to one year in prison. So you need to understand the ramifications of a return to the United States, Frizzell said. Angel Villezcas, pastor at Iglesia De Dios Jesucristo Es La Solucion in Tulsa, described Aguilar-Ramos as a person of good testimony who attended church regularly, often contributing as much as $100 weekly. He had high praise for Tulsa Police, saying they always seemed to respect the Hispanic community. He said he understands officers are just doing their job. They are here to protect us, Villezcas said. Villezcas said he wants all those bad people deported but hopes the government will provide avenues for legal immigration for those who are law-abiding and only want a better life. About four weeks after he was sentenced, his wife sat in her east Tulsa home as the couples children played outside. She was expecting a call from Aguilar-Ramos at any moment as he was expected to arrive in Guatemala from the U.S. that day. I dont know why it came to this, she said. He doesnt drink. He doesnt do anything bad. She mentions no plans to leave Tulsa. The children and I are here, she said. They are American citizens. She wants to stay in the U.S. and work for her children to have a good education and future. I work enough to pay my bills and take care of my children, she said. Its really sad that he is over there, but I really want them to grow up here. In Guatemala its very hard over there. On Thursdays, a handful of people gather outside the Tulsa Jail for a demonstration that feels more like a church service than a protest. They call themselves New Sanctuary. They sing a bit, speak a bit and, right in the middle of it all, they use a loudspeaker to read a list of names of individuals they believe are incarcerated for no reason other than their immigrant status. On Sept. 28, it was Elizondro Casas Martinez, Alfredo Figueroa-Cano, Jose Martinez-Olvera, Limberg De Paz Espinoza, Jose Guadalupe Hernandez-Valdez, Marlon Carreto-Sanchez, Ismael Patino-Nunez, Julian Cervantes, Miguel Cardon-Pedraza, Juan Cuellar and 26 others. They read a new list of names every week. We think its beautifully symbolic just to say, Were shouting your name. Were calling your name. Were here for you. They cant hear us, but somebody can hear us, said the groups project director, Linda Allegro. At the Tulsa Jail, the number of people held on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers has doubled since the last fiscal year. During most of that time, ICE agents and local detention officers deputized through the 287(g) agreement to enforce federal immigration law have been working under President Donald Trumps more stringent immigration enforcement priorities. About 1 in 3 individuals arrested by local authorities faced felony complaints, with the remaining two-thirds of detainees looking at misdemeanor charges, according to a Tulsa World review of jail bookings between January 2016 and June 2017. Once the detainer is placed, it begins deportation proceedings. The most common arrest complaints bringing immigrants into the jail by local law enforcement were DUI-related offenses, with assault as the second-most common, followed by drug trafficking and possession and traffic offenses. Fewer than 5 percent are for violent crimes such as homicide and rape. Changing enforcement priorities compounds tensions and fears in Tulsa, local activists and advocates say, when coupled with the county jails designation as an ICE detainment facility through another agreement with the federal government. The result is a panicked immigrant population, said Mimi Marton, director of the University of Tulsas Immigrant Resource Network. Since January, calls to her office seeking advice have doubled, she said. Weve had several clients and we get a lot of phone calls from people nowadays that we didnt used to get, she said. Like, I was supposed to be a witness at a crime. Is it dangerous for me to go into court? Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado acknowledges the potential consequences of the agreements. But he thinks the partnership helps Tulsa County residents more because it removes immigrants who have committed crimes. Regalado said he has heard this shared philosophy from conversations with Tulsas immigrant communities, particularly among the Latino population. The overwhelming majority of them feel the same way: If youre committing crimes, we dont care who you are; we dont want you here, either, Regalado said. That is why he continues the federal program. Can that change? Will that change? Its possible, he said. Public safety versus public trust A memo from then-Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson instructed ICE agents, from 2014 to January, to focus on high-priority targets those who posed a threat to the public, had been convicted of significant crimes or threatened national or border security. The Priority Enforcement Program was replaced by an executive order from Trump titled Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States. Under that order, ICE agents could once again apprehend lower-priority individuals, including those with misdemeanor complaints and those whose lone offense is illegally crossing the border. Its just a matter of, in the course of us targeting other priorities, or the higher priorities, will we arrest and take into ICE custody other aliens that are not targeted and also that may be of a lower priority, said ICE spokesman Carl Rusnok, who is based in Dallas. In practice, this means agents will arrest any undocumented people at the scene of an apprehension. Rusnok declined the Tulsa Worlds request to speak with Tulsa-based ICE agents and deferred questions about ICE enforcement in Tulsa to himself. Under the new enforcement priorities, the sheriffs ICE partnerships have become problematic because they can result in the removal of undocumented people in the Tulsa Jail regardless of offense, Marton said. It is basically a very broad mandate to detain and put into proceedings anyone whos here undocumented, she said. That leads to a frightened immigrant population who will be less likely to call law enforcement for help, Marton said. Several national reports are finding drops in Latinos reporting of crimes to police since the start of the broader enforcement priorities. A Los Angeles Times story states that fewer Latinos there are reporting sexual assaults and domestic abuse to police, a trend not reflected among other ethnic groups. National Public Radio aired a similar story about Houston. The Virginia-based nonprofit Tahirih Justice Center found that 78 percent of advocates and attorneys for immigrant survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault say their clients express concern about contacting police for fear of deportation. Regalado said he doesnt have data showing that thats happening on a large scale in Tulsa, although he acknowledged that it is happening. He said it is a priority for the Tulsa County Sheriffs Office to reach out to the Hispanic community to combat those perceptions. My roundabout answer to you is, although I dont have those statistics, I dont believe theyre as high as many people would have you believe. I think that people still call us, the sheriff said. Regalado said that without data it is difficult to answer whether the value of continuing the immigration program outweighs the potential of people no longer cooperating with police. If I were to see the fact that now the majority of people in our 287(g) program are there simply because they are undocumented citizens, I would be apt to believe that now we are destroying communication, that trust, and now people are not calling us, not only for themselves, but to report violent crimes, Regalado said. If that were proven the case, Regalado said hed consider canceling the partnership because its counterproductive. What I have told people is that when the main focus of 287(g) becomes simply apprehending and holding people based solely on their status as undocumented or documented individuals here in Tulsa County, then I will certainly consider ending our partnership with that, he said. Revenue from ICE soars A group of Tulsa activists are calling for a fiscal audit of jail operations, concerned that money is the motivator in continuing the ICE program. I think thats what really bugs me about the whole thing. Its literally just people taking really bad situations and getting their moment of opportunity of financing themselves off of it, said Chris Shoaf, an activist and member of the Oklahomans for Equality advisory board. In the past four years, the Tulsa County Sheriffs Office has received $11.1 million from the federal government through its participation in immigration enforcement programs. Between fiscal year 2014 and 2016, the Sheriffs Office averaged about $2.5 million in annual revenue by housing and transporting ICE detainees suspected of immigration violations, according to documents obtained by the Tulsa World through the Oklahoma Open Records Act. In fiscal year 2017, TCSO received about $3.5 million from ICE, a 44 percent increase from the previous year. Most of the payments come from housing immigrants under ICE jurisdiction at a rate of $69 a day. Regalado said the revenue doesnt account for costs incurred by holding detainees. He said the department gains income through the agreement but is not reliant on those funds and that the money is not the reason for continuing with the program. He said that if the ICE agreement ends for any reason, he is prepared to rearrange the budget to operate the jail without those federal funds. Were not going to live and die simply by that revenue. But yes, do we charge to hold peoples inmates? Absolutely, he said. A day in immigration court Once a week, ICE detainees are taken from a pod at the Tulsa Jail to a makeshift courtroom inside the jail. Bookshelves border the room because its also the jails library. Hidden behind a dark curtain against the wall, theres a crucifix. When its not being used as the library or courtroom, its the chapel, too. Some days its the yoga studio. But on Tuesday mornings, the room is where a Dallas-based judge is connected via video and a TV monitor to adjudicate a list of detainees. In late September, 61-year-old Fidel Romero stood before the TV, charged with aggravated DUI complaints and miscellaneous traffic offenses. Hes severely diabetic and has been in the United States since he was 12. The last time he saw his parents was when he crossed into the U.S. I dont have parents. Ever since I crossed the bridge, I havent known about them, he said. The judge ordered Romero deported that day. He gave two options: accept the ruling or appeal. Romero asked the judge through a translator in Dallas to allow him to stay so he can work to purchase his medications, instead. Eventually, Romero chose option No. 1. On the following Tuesday, Guadalupe Moreno-De La Cruz was among those before the judge. The 46-year-old came to the U.S. for the first time in 1995 or 1996. He left, then came back. The last time he entered the country was 2011. He has a wife and three children in Mexico plus a daughter in the U.S. He wanted to apply for voluntary departure back to Mexico, as many immigrants do. A voluntary removal is considered less harsh because it would allow a person to re-enter the U.S. later through a legal path, if one is available. A removal order bars a person for a set amount of time. Pending DUI proceedings meant the application would be denied. The judge also noted in turning down the request that Moreno-De La Cruz had been granted a voluntary departure previously and still crossed the border illegally. When the judge told Moreno-De La Cruz, he was confused. So youre going to grant voluntary deportation? he asked. After many of the other detainees snickered, Moreno-De La Cruz realized what so many already knew: He would be deported, and if he returned to the U.S. again, it would be illegally. Participants in a three-day excursion to Fort Worth last week came away wowed by what the city was doing with their downtown and river development, with many saying they were ready to bring back some of the lessons learned to Tulsa. Nearly 100 community leaders traveled to Fort Worth for the Tulsa Regional Chambers Whats Next conference, an annual event that looks at what other cities are doing in their communities. Many commenting at the end of the conference Thursday expressed admiration for what Fort Worth has done, and is still planning to do, with downtown and development of the Trinity River. I was very impressed with the way theyve harnessed their low-water dam infrastructure along the Trinity River into something much greater, Mayor G.T. Bynum said. We cant just be happy that we are finally going to have water in our river. The Trinity River, described as once just a dry gulch, is undergoing redevelopment just north of downtown Fort Worth. It will include the creation of an urban waterfront community called Panther Island. J.D. Granger, executive director of the Trinity River Vision Authority, urged the Tulsa delegation to avoid developments that focus mainly on tourism, or those that will only be busy occasionally. Build it for your community first, Granger said. Several conference attendees said Tulsa needs individuals or groups whose only job is focused on downtown and river development. Tulsa needs to have a go-to person that is not an elected official, Tulsa Councilor Karen Gilbert said. It needs to be a go-to person that can help with long-term development for our downtown and river. Tulsa Councilor Phil Lakin, who also attended the conference, agreed. It doesnt have to be some big organization, but we need a person or group of people thinking about the river, downtown, Route 66. Theres probably two or three other things we could throw in there. But if we dont have somebody thinking about it every day, then we are going to be back here a year from now going, What are we going to do? Lakin said. Its time. Its time to make things happen. Tulsa Councilor Blake Ewing mentioned that there were plans to recommend making the citys Route 66 Commission a public authority. But Ewing said the citys attitude has to be amped up if it wants to compete with other cities. I think were all going to look back and go, Wow, other cities that we compete with were crushing it in reinventing their downtown, Ewing said. While we were thinly spreading our dollars across the city to play political games. ... Conference attendee and Northeastern State University President Steve Turner said he was impressed with Fort Worths Trinity River development plans. Somehow, weve got to change the mindset about density, Turner said. Tulsa Community Foundation Chief Operating Officer Jeff Stava said Tulsa needs more focus on the river and downtown development. We need a full-time focus on the river, and a full-time focus on downtown, said Stava, who is also executive director of Tulsas Gathering Place LLC. We dont do that right now, so we need to work as a community to have a commission that is dedicated to both or a group of people that is dedicated to both. The Gathering Place is just one step. BOK Financial President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Bradshaw said he was most impressed with the boldness of Fort Worths development strategies. I think theyve done a very good job here in Fort Worth of engaging the community in the discussion and building consensus, said Bradshaw, Tulsa Regional Chamber chairman-elect. Theres a tendency, I think, when you are working through public initiatives, to be really tactical, kind of one small step at a time, Bradshaw said. But I think it is really a better consensus-building strategy to really paint a whole strategy ... get the public really engaged and involved. Bynum said he was impressed with Fort Worths use of public-private partnerships in the development process. Their utilization of public-private partnerships has allowed Fort Worth to make the most of public investments particularly in their airports, Bynum said. We need to explore our options on that front in Tulsa. Rich Brierre is the executive director of the Indian Nations Council of Governments, a planning organization serving Tulsa and area governments. He called on the creation of stricter development standards, an overlay zoning district, for downtown Tulsa. Fort Worth has a board that reviews the design of proposed downtown developments. Oklahoma City has an overlay district, Brierre said. Did it stop Devon Tower from being built? Tulsa Regional Chamber President and CEO Mike Neal said Fort Worth has many similarities to Tulsa. They have obviously been focusing on certain things like river development and downtown development a little longer than we have, Neal said. We dont really have a full-time downtown development organization. Theyve had one for 25 years. Bynum said one unintended take-away from his attendance in the Fort Worth conference occurred while he was driving to the event. Bynum said he was ticketed for speeding Tuesday evening by Stringtown Police while driving on U.S. 69. Stringtown, located just north of Atoka in southeastern Oklahoma, is one of several small communities along U.S. 69 that are known for ticketing motorists in lower speed zones. Bynum said he is really impressed with Stringtowns online ticket payment system. So, Ive got our team at the Municipal Court already working to bring that to Tulsa, Bynum said. Twitter: @loucardfan61 The Oklahoma National Guard on Saturday held a deployment ceremony for about 60 members of the 244th Aviation Regiment headed to the Middle East. The soldiers are deploying alongside soldiers from the Louisiana Army National Guard in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, which is fighting ISIS in Syria and Iraq. The deployment will be nine months to a year, said guard spokeswoman Lt. Col. Lindy White. This Page Is Under Construction - Coming Soon! Why am I seeing this 'Under Construction' page? Matuidi strike leaves France in sight of the finals Dutch all but eliminated while Sweden score eight Ronaldo helps Portugal avoid embarrassment in Andorra Watch highlights of the games Permutations: who needs what to qualify Group A Blaise Matuidi's third-minute finish an angled shot laid on by Antoine Griezmann confirmed that Les Bleus will take one of the top two slots in Group A, though they failed to add to their advantage in an even game in Sofia. They will qualify directly with a win against Belarus on 10 October; anything less, and Sweden could steal their place. Highlights: Sweden v Luxembourg The Blagult kept the pressure on France in the early games as Marcus Berg struck four in what was Sweden's biggest win since 1938. Skipper Andreas Granqvist converted two penalties, with Mikael Lustig and Ola Toivonen, with a fine volley, also getting in on the act. The final scoreline represented the heaviest defeat in 35 years for a Luxembourg side that held France 0-0 last time out. The Netherlands finals hopes are all but extinguished despite victory in Belarus. Davy Propper got their opener from close range, and while defender Maksim Volodko hit a fine equaliser from a tight angle in the second half, Arjen Robben restored the Oranje's advantage from the penalty spot and Memphis Depay converted a last-gasp free-kick. The Dutch play Sweden next time out, but must win by seven goals to deny them second place. Group B Highlights: Switzerland v Hungary Vladimir Petkovic's side made it nine wins from nine as they laid down an impressive marker ahead of Tuesday's showdown with Portugal. Two goals in as many minutes midway through the first half set the tone, with Granit Xhaka capitalising on Peter Gulacsi's slip before Fabian Frei made it 2-0. Two Steven Zuber goals either side of half-time settled it as a contest before the Swiss took their foot off the gas. Cristiano Ronaldo came off the bench to inspire a lacklustre Portugal side to a victory that keeps them in the hunt for top spot in Group B going into the final day. Andorra held firm in the first half but Ronaldo's half-time introduction added impetus for the visitors and the Madrid man broke the deadlock midway through the second period before helping to carve out a clincher for Andre Silva late on. The visitors halted a run of seven successive competitive defeats to climb off the foot of Group B. The Faroes had the better of things in Torshavn, with Joan Edmundsson twice hitting the woodwork, but could not break down a resilient Latvia side. Group H Highlights: Bosnia & Herzegovina v Belgium Yanick Carrasco struck late on to blow a hole in their hosts' hopes of qualifying for the play-offs, Mehmed Bazdarevic's side having battled gamely in heavy rain in Sarajevo. Haris Medunjanin cancelled out Thomas Meunier's early opener, but Michy Batshuayi replied after Edin Visca edged the hosts in front. Jan Vertonghen and Dario Dumic exchanged goals and the Bosnians looked set for a point until Carrasco intervened. Defeat for Bosnia and Herzegovina in one of the early games left second place up for grabs for Greece, and while they stumbled conceding a Pieros Sotiriou goal early on Kostas Mitroglou's strike and an Alexandros Tziolis header turned the match in favour of Michael Skibbe's side. A win against Gibraltar on Tuesday will confirm them as Group H runners-up. Estonia secured their biggest competitive victory and only the second 6-0 win in their history, matching a score against Lithuania from 1928 as Gibraltar's UEFA losing streak was extended to 19 games. Siim Luts, Mattias Kait and Sergei Zenjov struck in the first half, but were upstaged by Joonas Tamm, who scored a 26-minute hat-trick his first for his country after the break. Tammy Richardson, volunteer for the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation (NCCF), has been selected as one of four national finalists for The NASCAR Foundations Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The winner, chosen by popular vote, will receive a $100,000 donation to their organization from The NASCAR Foundation. The Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award honors volunteers who dedicate their time and heart to childrens causes in their communities. Tammys 14-year commitment to NCCF has been in honor of her daughter, Stephanie, whom she lost to cancer. Along with her husband, Stephanie brings more than 20 new and repeat volunteers to NCCFs annual Camp Cartwheel event. Camp Cartwheel welcomes more than 200 children each year and 160 volunteers for an overnight and medically-supervised camp. Tammy, better known as Mos-mom of seven, continues to participate on the camp planning committee and shares her personal story to donors, visitors and volunteers to provide encouragement, support and compassion. One of the milk depots for children established in New York by Nathan Strauss. Here pure milk in sealed bottles is supplied at a minimum cost. These depots are established at different points and are a great boon to poor people. Portrait of Nathan Straus (1848-1931), circa 1920s. (The Straus Historical Society) Nathan Strauss pasteurized milk laboratory, Washington, DC. Nathan Straus First Milk Depot, opened in the summer of 1893. (Courtesy of the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library, Columbia University) This milk depot, opened in 1894 by Nathan Straus, sold pasteurized milk for one cent per glass, 1910. (Bain News Service) Nathan Straus was one of the greatest retail merchants in American history, a co-owner of the Macys and Abraham & Straus department store chains. He used his fortune to help the poor in New York City, fund Jewish causes at home and abroad, and provide safe milk to children throughout the country. One of the most successful businessmen of his time, Straus gave away almost all of his money during his lifetime. For Straus, it was a point of principle. What you give for the cause of charity in health is gold, he wrote in his will, invoking a Jewish proverb. What you give in sickness is silver, and what you give in death is lead.Milk became a special interest to him after a healthy-seeming cow on Straus upstate farm died, and an autopsy revealed it suffered from tuberculosis. He became convinced that children could become sick if they drank milk from infected cows, and that the newly developed technology devised by Louis Pasteur in the 1860s, which required the heating of milk followed by rapid cooling, would kill all necessary dangerous microorganisms and make the milk safe.Straus knew there was a scientific solution to this problem: pasteurization. He set to work both to provide pasteurized milk to needy children, and to have the process legally mandated for all milk sold. He set up milk stations in poor areas in New York City to give away pasteurized milk, and proof of the efficacy of the program was not long in coming. In 1891, fully 24 percent of babies born in New York City died before their first birthday. But of the 20,111 children fed on pasteurized milk supplied by Nathan Straus over a four-year period, only six died.During the economic panic of 1893, Straus used his milk stations to sell coal at the very low price of 5 cents for 25 pounds to those who could pay. Those who could not received coal free. He also opened lodging houses for 64,000 people, who could get a bed and breakfast for 5 cents, and he funded 50,000 meals for one cent each. He also gave away thousands of turkeys anonymously. At Abraham & Straus he noticed that two of his employees were starving themselves to save their wages to feed their families, so he established what may have been the first subsidized company cafeteria.In 1898 Straus served as president of the citys Board of Health. He immediately donated pasteurization equipment to the citys orphans asylum, located on what is now Roosevelt Island in the East River, which was run by the board. Nationally, Straus established, at his own expense, 297 milk stations in 36 cities. The national death rate for infants fell from 125.1 per thousand in 1891 to 15.8 in 1925. Altogether it is estimated that the efforts of Nathan Straus directly saved the lives of 445,800 children.Straus interest in eradicating disease and alleviating poverty extended beyond the shores of America. In 1912, he and his wife Lina traveled to Europe to attend the International Tuberculosis Conference in Rome. (Brother Isidor and his wife also went on the same trip, but sailed home aboard theand famously refused seats offered to them in the lifeboats.)Before the conference, Nathan and Lina stopped in Palestine, which was ravaged at the time by disease and famine. The couple both opened up a soup kitchen and founded the Health Department there. Straus became active in the movement to create a Jewish state. He served as chair of the American Jewish Congress Committee and fought for the organization to adopt a stronger Zionist stance. The town of Natanya on the Mediterranean was named after him.Straus returned to Palestine many times and his support would never waverhe gave over $1.5 million during the course of his life. He offered one of the first major gifts to Hadassah, the Zionist womens organization, for the support of a medical mission to Israel. He funded the construction of the Nathan and Lina Straus Health Center in Jerusalem, which he said was to be for all the inhabitants of the country, irrespective of race, creed, or color. In 1927, after a great earthquake shook Palestine, Straus wired $25,000 to Jerusalem to help alleviate the suffering of all. At the age of 80, he served as the honorary chairman of the New York United Palestine Appeal, to which he donated $100,000. In 1931, Straus passed away at the age of 82, having spent the great majority of his fortune on good causes.(via Philanthropy Roundtable Founded by strategy and innovation expert Doan Duc Thuan and Nguyen Van Phuong, SAGE founder and director, in tandem with strategic partners hailing from Israel and the UK, StrategyM Consulting is the first specialised consulting business focusing on the three pillars of Strategy, Innovation, and Marketing. Leveraging international methodology and experiences and with a thorough grasp of local culture, StrategyM Consulting is well-positioned to provide compatible consultancy solutions to local enterprises, particularly small- and medium-sized ones (SMEs). In respect to strategy, a member of Strategic Management Forum, a platform bringing together global strategic consultants, StrategyM is kitted out with latest knowledge about strategy management that will be converted into competitive consulting solutions to benefit local businesses. According to StrategyMs co-founder and CEO Doan Duc Thuan, when it comes to strategy consulting, the company constitutes and applies the exclusive approach Market-Resources & Capabilities-Model (MRCM). As regards Innovation, the company has teamed up with Israeli partner Poiesys Consulting for studying global-standard innovative consulting solutions, particularly Israeli ones, introducing suitable solutions from the region that fit local firms development needs. Poiesys Consulting wants to share Israels innovative methods and strategies to turn traditional business models into innovative ones, said Poiesys Consulting CEO Amsel. For marketing consulting, the company constitutes and applies the Discovery, Strategic Positioning and Go-to-market (DSG) model to tackle issues related to Brand and Growth, according to Nguyen Van Phuong, StrategyMs co-founder and Marketing Consulting director. The company founders and SAGE partners have more than 15 years under their belt working in sales and marketing at diverse multinationals and major local firms. Accompanied by founding partner SAGE, the company also provides compatible solutions for training, helping the customers reach growth targets and boost competitiveness through enhanced human resources capacity and apparatus rooted in consulting solutions deployment. The President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Spanish Senator Pedro Agramunt Font de Mora (on the right in the photo), has presented his apologies for meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. On 6 October 2017, he handed in his resignation. On 28 April 2017, Russian media published photographs showing Pedro Agramunt in Damascus accompanied by about ten members of the Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Russian Duma. This provoked fury in the auditorium. In June, the Assemblys regulation had been modified to allow the impeachment of its president. The latter finally resigned three days before a vote was taken. In actual fact, Pedro Agramunt is being subject to a two-pronged attack. First by the United States which interprets his meeting with President al-Assad as evidence that he is pro-Russia. The second line of attack gains momentum from investigators with the Berlingske. These investigators, who shed light on Azerbaidjans system of public relations [1]), probably have in their possession documents that evidenced that Bakou had corrupted him to reduce political repression in this country. But this is more difficult to have acknowledged because Azerbaidjan is an ally of Washington. The Ministry for Heritage has announced that three new interpretation panels have been placed within our Old Town in order to provide information on our Medieval History, namely our Islamic and Spanish Periods. Photo: Thos Robinson/Getty Images Last night, at The New Yorker Festival, Devonte Hynes, who records as Blood Orange, sat down with the The New Yorkers Hua Hsu to discuss a range of topics including his early career, his move to New York, and his politically charged album Freetown Sound, which Hsu reviewed in July last year. Most notably, Hynes, whose genre-bending sound (and killer dance moves) has permeated much of recent pop music, through his collaborations with Solange, Sky Ferreira, Carly Rae Jepsen, and more, also discussed his plans for his upcoming album, which he said is 78 percent done. Hynes has been a staple of New Yorks music scene over the last decade, and his upcoming project will focus on his upbringing just outside of London, in Essex County. A lot of the new songs on the new album deal with growing up and childhood in England, he said. Looking at the country that made me. Essex County, Hynes said, was not an easy place for a child of two immigrant parents. His mother is from Guyana and his father is from Sierra Leone. Its one of the only places in England where the BNP, which is the British National Party, a.k.a. the racist party Keep Britain White was one of their campaigns were constantly elected in power, he said. He was bullied, and remembers crossing the road every time he saw a Union Jack in the window of a pub. If Freetown was delving into my parents from my eyes, being younger and now, Hynes said, this one is definitely me looking at my younger self, growing up in that setting. So yeah, its a little dark. Photo: Alan Zenuk / USA Network Spoilers ahead for the first 20 minutes of Psych: The Movie. If youd rather not know anything before December, we suggest you stop reading. Long live all those pineapples, you crazy Psych-Os! The cast and crew of USAs Psych swung by New York Comic Con on Saturday afternoon to reminisce about the series and preview the first 20 minutes of the upcoming holiday reunion movie. The early verdict: Its silly, full of Shawns classic witticisms, has Gus back in the pharmaceutical industry, and quintessentially Psych. Read on for a few other things we learned about Psych: The Movie premiering December 7 from the footage. The Psych San Francisco office will have a much different look. On top of changing their businesss name from Psych to the very reasonable Psychphrancisco, Shawn decides to give their Chinatown office a fresh makeover in the spirit of Gremlins to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the creation of Blu-ray, naturally. This is a glorious triumph, especially considering all of the restrictions you gave me, he explains to a perplexed Gus, who isnt totally sold on the new look. The plot gets going with the murder of Juliets SFPD partner. Zachary Levi tries out a British accent while portraying a villainous Thin White Duke character (they love their David Bowie over at Psych) who has his two associates murder Juliets amiable partner in his home. Why? Apparently the two men previously knew each other, and this Duke fellow is in pursuit of the others dongle, which Shawn refuses to believe is a security device and not a mans floppy purple penis. Shawn and Juliets relationship hasnt grown much. Remember in the series finales last scene when a thief steals Juliets engagement ring and the duo run off in pursuit of it? Well, three years have gone by, and Shawn hasnt replaced it yet. This prompts Chief Vick to give Juliet a pre-work pep talk about how maybe she and Shawn arent meant to be. Marriage is never going to be the right choice for you maybe your goals and his goals arent just gonna line up in the end, she points out. Its easy to notice that you dont wear a ring. Chief Vicks daughter might become an important side-plot. In the opening scene, Juliet and her partner try to catch a shoplifter running through the streets of San Francisco, only for Jules to discover its the teenage daughter of Chief Vick, who was peer-pressured into doing it to get into a cool clique. (She lets it slide this once.) Its also implied that we will finally see the Chiefs long-talked-about-but-never-actually-seen husband, Richard. One additional returning character will come back for the movie. That would be John Cena, who amusingly portrayed Juliets military-serving brother. Photo: Gene Page/AMC/ AMC Film Holdings LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Deads shared universe is going to get cozier. Creator Robert Kirkman revealed at New York Comic Con on Saturday evening that a crossover is in the works for the two AMC series. There is one character that is going to go from one show that I will not name, to another show that I will not name, he teased. Ever since The Walking Deads spinoff prequel debuted in 2015, viewers have speculated that at least one character would outlive the zombies long enough and travel far enough from the West Coast or Mexico to the American South to appear in the flagship series. Kirkman refused to say which character it would be, or which show he or she had debuted on, but did confirm it would happen next year. The public is invited to a meeting about Wacos landfill from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Bledsoe Miller Community Center, 300 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Representatives will be available to answer questions and discuss the project and the planning taking place. Organizers plan to include an overall information session on all aspects of the Waco landfill and the impact to the community. Guests are encouraged to park in the City Hall parking lot at Third Street and Austin Avenue to take advantage of a free shuttle, which will run continuously to and from the community center before, during and after the meeting. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/CityofWacoTX and go to Events. Emergency planning The Waco-McLennan County Office of Emergency Management invites the public to attend a McLennan County Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the Bosque Theater at the Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Ave. The purpose of Tuesdays meeting is to review and share the Hazard Mitigation Action Plan and Hazardous Material Annex information. The HMAP planning process is designed to reduce the loss of life and property during times of hazardous events. City, county and emergency management officials will be on hand to answer any questions. Baylor jazz concert Baylor School of Music will present its Jazz Ensemble concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Jones Concert Hall, 110 Baylor Ave. Alex Parker, senior lecturer in jazz studies at Baylor, will lead his group of 20 jazz musicians in their concert performance. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the music schools website. Caritas tour Caritas of Waco will host a lunch tour of its facilities at noon Wednesday in the second floor board room. The hour tour includes a light lunch. To make a reservation, contact Ann Owen, development director, by Tuesday at 753-4593, ext. 213 or by email at aowen@caritas-waco.org. Christian women luncheon The Waco Christian Womens Association will host its October luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Hilton Hotel, 113 S. University Parks Drive. The luncheon costs $15. RSVP to Jane Gottlieb at 498-5667 by Monday. AUBURN An autumn stroll along Auburns South Street and through the paths of Fort Hill Cemetery led participants of the architectural walking tour on a trip through time. From its days as a small tract of land at a time when the city was known as Hardensburgh Corners to present day, clues of the expansion that has led to the city as it is today can be found in its buildings and architecture. In a collaborative effort between the Seward House Museum and the Cayuga Museum historic tours of the city such as Saturdays History's Hometown Architectural Tour offer a wealth of information about the trials and tribulations of the city's past. South Street has an eclectic mishmash of architectural styles that show the expansion of the city as is grew to become the Auburn we know today, Seward House Museum Director of Education Jeff Ludwig told participants on Saturday afternoon. You can see that as we walk farther down the residential area of South Street the architectural styles become newer. During and after the Revolutionary War, homes beyond the Seward House on South Street did not exist. Only woods and fields. The layout of South Street as we know it began in 1795, Ludwig said. "The area was formed from fields and country to become one of the most ideal and influential residential streets in central New York. It was home to some of the most affluent families who often used their own finances and time to create the Auburn we know today. The tour group, consisting of local residents and tourists, came away with an understanding of how and why the city has the layout that it currently does and how paying attention to local architecture can be a great way to discover the history of a building and place. The sensory smorgasbord known as the Waco Cultural Arts Fest sprawls over several acres and three days. And as usual, this year is a mixture of the familiar and the exotic. By midday Saturday, the second day of the free festival, a local Nepalese dance troupe was enlivening the riverside stage at the Indian Spring Park amphitheater. A couple of blocks away at the Waco Convention Center, high schoolers raced robot cars, young dancers lined up to learn how to do aerial dancing on suspended cloths, and an artist fresh off the plane from Nigeria showed his weaving work as part of a multimedia exhibit. And in between, hundreds of kids amassed armloads of artistic creations they made themselves: funny hats, painted cardboard and wood scrap sculptures. About 16,000 people were expected at the festival this year, and for many families, the main attractions are the familiar, simple activities that let kids get messy and explore their imaginations. At the hat-making station, Miranda Romero was accompanied by her six children, helping them fold construction paper into wild shapes. We come every year, Romero said. We love all the crafts and the free, family fun. I love this thing. A few tents over, Holly Duke was helping her 3-year-old daughter, Penny, glue scraps of wood into the childs version of a house. Duke said this is the second year she and her husband, Britt, have brought their family to the festival, and she expects it to become a tradition. What I like about it is that theres more than just one thing to do, Duke said. The arts fest started Friday with highlights including a free performance by the Grammy award-winning Grupo Fantasma. A MusicFest will continue Sunday with a 3 p.m. show with electric violinist Mark Wood. DanceFest will conclude Sunday with a family concert at 2 p.m. Hands-on exhibits and other science performances and activities will be up and running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. African culture is a special emphasis this year, with FilmFest bringing three African films. WordFest brought in 2010 Texas Poet Laureate Karla Morton. More information and a full schedule are available at https://www.wacoartsfest.org. Also on display are the results of a new program called the Waco-Nigerian Competition for Innovative Crafts. The juried art show seeks Nigerian artists that tell African stories. The top winner, Monsuru Alashe, was on hand Saturday to discuss his unique multimedia work with visitors to the Waco Convention Center. Alashes work includes woven patterns based on photographs of gritty street scenes in the teeming Nigerian city of Lagos. Alashe said these scenes of everyday life would usually go unnoticed, but he freezes them in time so they become objects of reflection. You usually see things as moving objects, he said. Here, people get to see what they dont usually see. One visitor, Beulah Barksdale, a retired Waco educator, shared stories with Alashe about her own visits to Lagos. I am fascinated to pieces with this, she said. Fiona Bond, executive director of Creative Waco, which oversees public funding for the Cultural Arts Fest, said the festival is an indispensable part of Waco. This is immensely important for our community, Bond said. It brings together a lot of different kinds of art and every imaginable part of the community. Major banks want to charge fintech businesses in exchange for handing over data on the banks' customers, a sign of the likely tensions to emerge as the government looks to break open the banks' information vaults. In a move that could have far-reaching implications for banks and their customers alike, Treasurer Scott Morrison earlier this year ordered an investigation into "open banking", a system that would allow customers to securely share their financial data with rivals. While the banks are supportive of the general move, submissions to a Treasury have highlighted the cost of making more transaction data available, with suggestions banks could face costs in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Several said they should be able to charge for handing over consumers' information. However, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission submission said that based on overseas experience, the charging of fees tended to act as a barrier to competition, undermining the purpose of "open banking". The watchdog also suggested banks be required by law to share their data, rather than relying on them handing over the information voluntarily. Labor has called for the Turnbull government to admit defeat on its controversial tightening of Australian citizenship laws, demanding the immigration department process applicants under the existing protocols. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton in April announced an overhaul of the citizenship process, including a tough English language test and the requirement for applicants to spend four years as permanent residents. But the bill is poised for defeat in the Senate, where it is staunchly opposed by Labor, the Greens and the Nick Xenophon Team, who together hold enough votes to block the legislation. Despite the measures not yet being law, prospective Australian citizens are informed the changes will be backdated to April 20, when the policy was announced. All applications since April 20 are being processed under the new rules. To mark their 25th wedding anniversary, Lisa Wilkinson and Peter FitzSimons got hitched ... again. Family, friends and colleagues believed they were invited to celebrate their anniversary dinner, but when they turned up they were surprised by a wedding. The Today show host, 57, and The Sydney Morning Herald columnist, 56, chose The Bathers' Pavilion at Balmoral Beach to renew their vows on Saturday - the same spot where they were first married a quarter of a century before. "We just got married ... again," Wilkinson wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of the beaming newlyweds. Vanika Idnani is one of three children who died from flu this year, as reported by NSW Health. Seven children under five died during the 2007 flu season. Eleven died during the H1N1 pandemic, according to the report. On Friday, July 28, Vanika had a fever, was lethargic and complained of joint pain and a tummy ache, her father said. She vomited twice during the day, but rallied briefly. "She was singing in the shopping centre when we were buying gifts and decorations for her birthday," Mr Idnani said. Her mother took her to their GP, who took a throat swab. Mrs Idnani said the GP also checked her breathing and other vital signs, and mentioned she had the symptoms of an ear infection. "We thought she would be fine," Mr Idnani said. "We thought 'it's just a normal virus.' " On the Saturday night, Vanika fell asleep with her father next to her. "I woke up in the night and I suddenly realised she was not moving or breathing I tried to move her but her hands were like stone," Mr Idnani said. Vanika was rushed by ambulance to Westmead Children's Hospital, but she did not survive. It took another day before her parents discovered she had influenza when they received the pathology results from her throat swab. "We have so many questions ... we don't know the complete picture," Mr Idnani. Her case has been referred to the coroner. Vanika's parents hope her case will serve as a warning to other families that even healthy children can be severely affected by the flu. "We want there to be some awareness that these things could happen to anyone," he said. Infectious diseases expert at the University of Sydney Robert Booy said about half of the children who died from influenza had no known underlying condition. "The majority of flu deaths in children are before they get to school age," said Professor Booy, Head of Clinical Research at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance in Australia. Often these children died of a secondary infection, including meningococcal disease. Flu and other viral respiratory infections are known risk factors for meningococcal disease, Professor Booy said. Almost everyone will carry harmless meningococcus bacteria in their nose and throat at some stage in their lives. The flu can damage the lining of their respiratory tract, allowing the bacteria to "invade" their bloodstream, becoming a harmful infection. Professor Booy said antibiotics may mute the presence of meningococcal and skew the test results so it didn't get picked up. "This year we have had an increased rate of meningococcal disease," Professor Booy said. "We should be asking, could this be because we have had so much flu?" But flu and meningococcal deaths among children were still rare, Professor Booy said. NSW Health director of communicable disease Vicky Sheppeard said if parents suspected their child might have the flu they should give them plenty of fluids, rest, pain relief for aches and pain, and take them to a GP if they were worried. Parents should bring their child to hospital if they had severe headaches or neck stiffness, difficulty breathing, if they were lethargic and not drinking enough fluids, Dr Sheppeard said. Professor Booy said rapid breathing and becoming pale or blue should also prompt families to seek medical attention. Professor Kanta Subbarao, director of the WHO Collaborating Centre on influenza at the Doherty Institute, said the influenza A strain H2N3 responsible for 60 per cent to 65 per cent of cases this year could severely affect young children, as could influenza B strains. WHO has recommended modifying the H2N3 component of the influenza vaccine next year, after finding this year's vaccination provided "suboptimal" protection as low as 40 per cent against the strain. "We all hope we won't see anything like this [year's flu season]," Professor Subbarao said, adding the strain could mutate, significantly affecting the effectiveness of the new vaccine. Like most children, Vanika was not immunised against influenza. The annual flu vaccine is recommended for children aged six months and over to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza, but it is not part of the national immunisation program. West Australia has offered a free annual flu vaccine for all children under five years old since 2008 but fewer than 10 per cent were immunised last year. Professor Booy said the program should be rolled out nationally. Advancements in virtual reality could threaten the future of theme parks, according to a Queensland researcher. The Queensland University of Technology's Malcolm Burt, known as DrCoaster, said because the brain could be tricked into believing it was on a ride, thrillseekers could one day pay a subscription to access amusement parks from their lounge rooms. QUT's @DrCoaster Malcolm Burt conducting research on The Gatekeeper winged rollercoaster ride at Cedar Point, Ohio considered the rollercoaster capital of the world. Mr Burt said facilities around the world were "rushing" to incorporate virtual reality into their rides. "Virtual reality allows parks to offer different versions of the same attraction without the traditional expense of physically creating new rides," he said. The trial of a convicted rapist who is accused of murdering West Australian teenager Hayley Dodd 18 years ago begins this week. Francis John Wark has denied killing the 17-year-old girl, who was last seen alive walking along a road near Badgingarra, 200km north of Perth, on July 29, 1999. Hayley Dodd went missing near Badgingarra in 1999. His trial will be heard before a judge alone after Wark argued he could not have a fair jury trial because of publicity surrounding his case. Supreme Court Justice Janine Pritchard granted his request in June. An attacker opened fire at a checkpoint near the Al-Salam Palace in the coastal city of Jeddah, killing two royal guards, Saudi Arabia's interior ministry said. Three other guards were injured in the attack, which the official Saudi Press Agency attributed to a 28-year-old Saudi national who also was killed. Saudi King Salman receives the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at Al-Salam Palace in September. Credit:AP The Saudi royal family conduct official business at the palaceduring the summer months, although King Salman is currently on a state visit to Russia. The attack and warning follow Saudi security forces last week raiding three locations in the capital of Riyadh, breaking up a terrorist cell of Islamic State, capturing five suspects, and killing two. 1. Yes. The ordinance goes against state law and is not in the best interest of the cities. 2. Yes. At the very least, it should be amended to give police officers some discretion. 3. No. Voters approved the ordinance by large majorities; the councils cant ignore that fact. 4. No. The petition process has to be given a chance to work. Leave the ordinance alone. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say how the cities should move forward regarding the ordinance. Vote View Results If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Many major retailers will be closed on Thanksgiving Day By WestKyStar & Paducah Public Schools Staff Oct. 08, 2017 | 03:30 PM | PADUCAH, KY The symposium, which runs October 13-15, gives high school students an opportunity to explore the arts and humanities in a college environment. McGee was nominated by administrators at Paducah Tilghman and invited to attend by Princeton's Dean of Admissions. The all-expenses-paid weekend allows prospective students to get a taste of a Princeton education while exploring dance, theater, film, music, writing, and visual arts at a university level. Participants will work closely with Princeton's accomplished professors in cross-disciplinary workshops and seminars. Anna Grace McGee is a National Merit Commended Scholar and an AP Scholar with distinction. She is a member of PTHS Mock Trial and Academic Team. She is president of the National Honor Society and is Interact Club treasurer. She is a Governor's Scholars Program alumnus and a volunteer at Baptist Health. After graduation Anna Grace plans to attend a four year university and pursue a premedical course of study. Her parents are Laura and Raymond McGee. McGee is the third student from Paducah Tilghman in three years to receive an invitation to Princeton's event. This is the program's 17th year. Anna Grace McGee, a senior at Paducah Tilghman High School, has been invited to be one of only 90 outstanding student artists and scholars from across the country to attend Princeton University's Creative Arts and Humanities Symposium. Advertisement By Tim Brockwell Oct. 08, 2017 | PADUCAH, KY By Tim Brockwell Oct. 08, 2017 | 02:48 PM | PADUCAH, KY October has been proclaimed Domestic Violence Awareness month in McCracken County. In a ceremony Friday morning at the McCracken County Courthouse, McCracken County Judge-Executive Bob Leeper was joined by McCracken County Attorney Sam Clymer, McCracken Family Court Judge Deanna Wise Henschel, McCracken County Domestic Violence Prosecutor Tim Purdue and representatives from the Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center for a reading of the proclamation. Henschel spoke about the concerning uptick in domestic violence petitions in the county, saying the numbers present a frightening illustration of how serious the problem has become. "In the last five years there has been a 40 percent increase in the number of petitions for domestic violence orders in McCracken County. If that number does not prove that there is an epidemic, then I don't know what else could," Henschel said. "The magnitude of this problem is larger than any one of us can comprehend. It's larger than our law enforcement can control or contain, and it's certainly larger than any weekly docket in McCracken County Family Court." Clymer said that while it is impossible to stop all instances of domestic violence, his office works hard to coordinate with other agencies and members of the community to assist both victims and perpetrators of violence escape the cycle of abuse that destroys many area families. "What we can't do is stop domestic violence, but what we can do is we can utilize our resources as community partners to take responsive action to domestic violence," Clymer said. "The McCracken County Attorney's Office devotes a tremendous amount of resources for domestic violence intervention and prosecution. We've got a whole division of our office dedicated solely to that." Purdue said his office prosecutes roughly a hundred defendants in domestic violence cases per quarter, and the county's victim's advocate office processes many more cases than that. He added that while it is a last resort, it's sometimes necessary to use incarceration as a deterrent to the most egregious offenders. "Sometimes it's unfortunately very necessary to take away a person's freedom if you're gonna truly reach them and you're gonna properly motivate them. Some people, that's just all they really respond to, so we're more than happy to meet them with that." Purdue said. Leeper congratulated the various agencies and organizations in the county that work daily to assist victims of domestic abuse. "As a community we should take a lot of pride in the fact that we don't look the other way on this issue," He said. "We have people all across the spectrum who take the time, effort, and energy to address these issues, and do it with the right frame of mind." Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Cloudy skies with afternoon snow showers. High 38F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%.. Tonight Mainly cloudy with snow showers around before midnight. Low around 30F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. I took our three-year-old to a few fall outings over the past couple of weeks while my husband stayed home with the baby for nap time. I am very impressed with what this area offers in the fall for family fun and can definitely picture our family participating in these as fall traditions. Fergusons Apple Orchard is about a 25 minute drive from Winona, over the bridge to Wisconsin and East of 54 (past the Centerville four-way stop). They have a variety of attractions to entertain a wide-range of ages for a long period of time! My daughter loved the play houses where we played pretend restaurant in the school house. She also enjoyed playing in the kiddie size stand where she served only hang-ga-burgers. She loved the tractor bike path and of course insisted on trying the large bikes instead of the tyke bikes that were more appropriate for her size. I ended up pushing her on her oversized bike most of the way! I awwww-ed over the baby pigs which my daughter didnt give one ounce of attention to! Animals are not her thing, I guess. And she didnt want to try the corn maze. She had visited this orchard with her daycare a few weeks before and made sure to tell me that she, tried the corn maze but got a little scared. We also peeked into the Haunted House area only to have her toddle out of there as soon as she heard the scary moaning voices. And what is going to an orchard without an apple treat? I paid $3.50 for a mini-apple on a stick since she didnt like the caramel and had me remove it. Good times and great memories. Apples, animals, bikes, photo ops, playhouses, pretend play, corn maze, hayrides and a semi-scary Haunted House. Check it out! Family Activities October 8-15 Thru October 21: SeptOberfest at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/septoberfest-events/ October 8 Noon3 p.m.: Voices of the PastCemetery Walk, fundraiser for the Winona County Historical Center, event located at Woodlawn Cemetery October 10 10:3011:30 a.m.: Grace Place Morning Music Program, located downtown Winona, pre-school aged children, donation of $2/family 10:30-Noon: Toddler Tuesdays at Minnesota Marine Art Museum, $2/toddler, offers art projects, play & snacks October 14 7:30Noon: Winona Farmers Market, Midtown Foods parking lot (last month for every week) October 15 4 6 p.m. Healthy Kids Zombie Crawl at the Integrated Wellness Center, 10th & Main St. Winona, Minn., ages 5-12, register by October 14 www.winonahealth.org/healthy-kids More than 500 yeas ago, Christopher Columbus got lost, winding up in what is now the Bahamas. The native people of the islands were the Taino-Arawak who appeared to be red as they gathered along the shore at sunset, in awe of the big ships coming in. They were attracted to the sailors shining swords. When one was handed to them, the natives cut their hands on it., not recognizing it was a weapon, as they had none. Columbus recorded in his journal that night, They do not bear arms and do not know them ... They would make fine servants. With 50 men, we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want. Columbus took 250 natives back to Spain, putting them to hard labor. within a year, all were dead. Columbus returned, deciding to put them to hard labor there. Within 20 years, the native population went from 8,000,000 to 28,000. Bartolome de Las Casas recorded Columbus return, And the Christians, with their horses and swords and pikes began to carry out massacres and strange cruelties. They attacked the towns and spared neither the children nor the aged nor pregnant women nor women in childbed, not only stabbing them and dismembering them but cutting them to pieces as if dealing with sheep in the slaughter house. They took infants from their mothers breasts snatching them by the legs and pitching them headfirst against the crags. Some were snatched by the arms and thrown into the river, to the chant: Boil there, you off spring of the devil. They made some low, wide gallows on which the hanged victims feet almost touched the ground, stringing up their victims in lots of 13, in memory of Our Redeemer and His 12 apostles, then setting burning wood at their feet and thus burned them alive. With still others, all those they wanted to capture alive, they cut off their hands and hung them around the victims neck, saying, Go now, carry the message. meaning, take the news to those who have fled to the mountains. These people are now extinct. In the late 1800s, the federal government of north America issued a proclamation stating that the savages to be exterminated were actually human beings with a soul. Therefore, no county was to pay bounties on native scalps any longer, as they paid on nuisance animal pelts. American Indian Movement founder, Bill Means, recalled the Nov. 10, 1969 takeover of Alcatraz. It is now recognized as the beginning of American Indian self-esteem. He also recalled the Longest Walk from Alcatraz to Washington, D.C. on Feb. 11, 1978, to bring international attention to proposed federal legislation to terminate all Indian treaties, resulting in the loss of tribal sovereignty, tribal identity, and tribal lands. He said the arrival of Columbus to the Americas is not a day of celebration. Columbus didnt discover anthing; he just got lost. In South Dakota, Oct. 9, 2017, will be celebrating the first Standing Bear and Indigenous Leaders Day. Belfast became the first city in Maine to make the change to Indigenous Peoples Day, in 2015. The Bangor, Maine, City Council approved the change just last month. The states of Alaska, Oregon, South Dakota and Vermont dont recognize Columbus Day. I would ask school administrators to discourage classroom costumes of Indians and Pilgrims, especially through October and November. 1492 is the starting point for more than 500 years of genocide. I am writing to clear up some false and misleading information that was published in a recent letter to the editor (What's up with the judge?, October 4). The letter claimed that a local judge is choosing to retire in order to allow the governor to appoint a successor to fill another six-year term. Both parts of this claim are wrong. The judge in question, who has nobly and dutifully served our community for 14 years, is nearing the age of 70. By state statute, judges in Minnesota are no longer allowed to serve once they reach the age of 70. Attorneys spend years gaining experience and knowledge in order to apply to be a judge, and many join the bench late in their careers. Many then choose to serve at the pleasure of the voters until they near or reach the mandatory retirement age. It is true that when a judge retires in the middle of his or her term, the sitting governor will appoint a successor. The governor chooses among candidates who have been vetted and endorsed by the non-partisan Judicial Selection Commission. This process ensures that governors appoint judges who have the necessary education, experience, legal acumen, and temperament to succeed in this important position. However, the appointed judge does not, as the letter claims, serve a six-year term. When a judge is appointed to the bench, Minnesotas Constitution provides that the appointed judge serves until the next general election occurring more than one year after the appointment. In other words, a judge appointed in 2018 would need to seek re-election by the voters in 2020. The retirement of a judge nearing the age of 70, and the appointment of a temporary replacement by the governor, is an occurrence that happens with regularity in Minnesota, given our states mandatory retirement law. I hope this serves to clear up any confusion caused by the false and misleading information presented in the previous letter. Jodi L. Williamson, Chief Judge, Third Judicial District DANE On a recent cool, summer evening in the rolling hills just outside Madison, the capital of Americas Dairyland, the lofty pole barn of Ripps Dairy Valley farm briefly transformed into a town hall meeting. As twilight descended, a crowd of more than 60 farmers, public officials, dairy workers and rural residents grabbed bowls of ice cream and took their seats for the event, sponsored by the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, to learn about farming and discuss the direction of the states signature industry. Chuck, Troy and Gary Ripp, owners of the farm, a large operation with about 850 milk cows, faced the crowd and fielded questions. The main topic of the night, elevated to the forefront by the election of President Donald Trump, was immigration. Well, its a hot topic, and every night on the news you hear about building a wall and what were gonna do, like were gonna kick everybody out, Chuck Ripp told the group. He (Trump) doesnt quite understand, I dont think, everything that involves in our lives all the time here on the dairy farm. Immigration as a top-line issue for dairy farmers would have been unthinkable just a generation ago when Wisconsins agricultural landscape was dominated by small and medium-sized dairy farms run by the families that owned them. Now, the nations No. 2 milk-producing state is home to a growing number of large concentrated animal feeding operations. These businesses, which operate 24/7 year-round, require work that farmers insist most Americans will not do. Nationally, more than half of dairy workers are immigrants, according to a 2015 industry-sponsored study, with farms that employ immigrant labor producing 79 percent of the nations milk. The Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism asked farmers, academics, a union activist and the states recently retired agriculture secretary how Wisconsins dairy industry came to rely on immigrants to keep it afloat and what could be done to put it on a more sustainable and legal path. The answers include raising wages and benefits paid to dairy employees, increasing automation so jobs are less physically demanding and farmers need fewer workers, and changing federal law so immigrants can work here legally. How did we get here? Shelly Mayer believes the problem is broader than the dairy industry. Were just short of people, said Mayer, executive director for the Wisconsin dairy producers group that helped organize the get-together at the Ripp dairy farm. Immigration is really a symptom of a rural labor shortage. Between 2000 and 2010, Wisconsins population grew by 6 percent, but more than a quarter of Wisconsins 72 counties lost population. Most of the losses in Wisconsin and nationally were in rural areas where the main industry is agriculture, WCIJ has reported. And these days, Wisconsin businesses complain they cannot find enough workers to fill positions as the state experiences near-record 3.2 percent unemployment. At the same time, federal figures show the number of hired workers on dairies in Wisconsin has nearly doubled since 2006 to about 14,000 a reflection, Mayer said, of the move away from family labor that fueled small farms that once dominated the industry. Ben Brancel, Wisconsins recently retired agriculture secretary, said the nations cheap food policy puts pressure on farmers to keep down costs, including labor. Immigrants, he said, provide valuable support for our food-producing systems. Rather have a Latino Another factor is what farmers such as Tim Keller describe as a lack of work ethic by U.S.-born workers. Keller milks 330 cows on his 600-acre farm near Mount Horeb, about 25 miles west of Madison. He has five immigrant workers, including his right-hand man who hails from Uruguay. Keller said the employee, who is here legally, has worked for him for 11 years. Keller said he voted for Trump but disagrees with the administrations threats to deport all undocumented immigrants. His Hispanic employees are hardworking and highly valued, Keller said. Even if an American guy came up right now, I dont know if Id hire him, Keller said. Id rather have a Latino. Eleven of the 12 non-family members who work on the Ripp farm are Hispanic immigrants. We cannot find the American person to come in and work full-time on a dairy, Chuck Ripp said in an interview. Its too many long hours. Its too hard of work. Weve run ads in the papers, looking for milking technicians or people to help milk cows and things like that. We dont even get a bite. We dont even get calls. In recent years, dairy farmers have become accustomed to cheap, flexible labor, said Jill Lindsey Harrison, a former University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty member who studied the rise in immigrant dairy workers in Wisconsin, a trend that started around 2000. Harrison, who now teaches at the University of Colorado-Boulder, said such workers are willing to work long hours under pretty crummy conditions to support themselves and their families. Immigrant workers who do not have legal status, Harrison said, are easier to manage because theyre going to not ruffle any feathers. Activist: Boost pay, benefits Neil Rainford is a longtime labor activist who has negotiated wages for employees in workplaces including a municipal sewer plant, jail and aluminum manufacturing, which he said are easily as dirty, dangerous and hard as dairy work. In all those communities, it was a matter of what wages needed to be paid to get people to do onerous jobs that most people dont want to do, said Rainford, a Madison-area field representative for AFSCME who was speaking for himself and not the public employee union. Rainford does not buy the argument that Americans will not clean out barns or get up in predawn hours to milk cows. The labor market for the dairy industry in Wisconsin is the same as any other labor market, he added. If demand outstrips supply, then the price of labor in this case must increase to meet demand. Rainford said relying on immigrant labor drives down wages to unnaturally low levels for dairy work, meaning U.S. citizens cannot get jobs with family-supporting income in their home communities. But raising wages could leave farmers short when the sometimes-volatile price of milk drops, Oconto Falls farmer Tim OHarrow said at a forum on the future of the immigrant dairy workforce in Madison last month. If we pay (workers) more, how do I get the money out of you (consumers)? OHarrow asked attendees at the Cap Times Idea Fest. Milk is a commodity. We dont control the price. Brad Barham, a professor of agricultural economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, told the group that immigrant labor is not replaceable by domestic labor its not going to happen. Shortage prompts higher wages Farmers insist their immigrant workers are paid fairly, and that pay is rising. In just the past year and a half, Ripp said his farm boosted starting wages from $8.50 an hour to $11 plus housing as the flow of immigrants crossing the southern U.S. border has slowed. Workers with their own housing start at $12 an hour, he said. Some of his longer tenured Hispanic workers earn $15 an hour. Dane County, where the Ripp farm is located, considers $12.50 an hour and above to be a living wage. Chuck Ripp said in an interview that raising pay too much could hurt the dairy industry, which has been hit by low milk prices. As labor costs go up, people go out of business, plain and simple, he said. If it gets too high, people are going to say, I just cant do this anymore. Were going to lose some farms. And I dont think thats what the economy wants. China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page Community groups across Wrexham benefiting from Big Lottery Funding This article is old - Published: Sunday, Oct 8th, 2017 Community groups and charitable causes in Wrexham are reaping the benefits of lottery funding. The Big Lottery Fund is the largest community funder in the UK and over the summer months, Wrexham-based organisations have shared almost 12,000. Many of the Big Lottery grants support local charities run by volunteers and Wrexhams Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths, is hoping even more organisations apply for funding in future. In total, three projects have received Big Lottery funding in the past few months via the Awards for All category. Wrexham Retired Members Association secured almost 2,000 to fund a series of trips to help reduce social isolation. Cunliffe Bowling Club will use their grant of 5,000 to install an automated watering system and the Wrexham Warehouse Projects 5,000 grant will expand the motor vehicle training programme, which is available to vulnerable young people. Big Lottery has recently relaunched the small and large grants programme with a focus on people-led community projects. Awards for All have increased the maximum grants size to 10,000, with a quicker application process of 3 months and a widened scope of community, health, educational and environmental projects. People & Places now offers grants of between 10,001 and 500,000, and focuses on spreading funds across Wales through simple and quicker applications of between 3 and 8 months (down from 12 months). Commenting on the scheme, Ms Griffiths said: For a number of years, Big Lottery funding has had a positive impact across Wrexham. A wide range of local causes have secured hundreds of thousands of pounds in total and with the parameters of the grant programmes recently changing, I am hopeful many more groups and organisations will benefit in future. Town centre restaurant evacuated after kitchen fire This article is old - Published: Sunday, Oct 8th, 2017 A town centre restaurant has been evacuated this afternoon. The Chinese Buffett alarm sounded just before 2pm, prompting a full evacuation of the restaurant, with many people being told to leave mid-meal. The ambulance service are attending the incident, we are told two members of staff are being treated for smoke inhalation. Fire crews are in attendance, with hose reels being taken into the restaurant to deal with a fire that is believed to have started in the kitchens. Thanks to Sue and Darren for the above pictures. More shortly. FRANKLIN COUNTY, FL (WTXL) - A Carrabelle woman died early Saturday morning when the pickup truck she was driving left a road and hit a tree, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Heather Keith, 40, suffered fatal injuries at 6:48 a.m. Saturday when the Ford Ranger, traveling northbound on County Road 67, for unknown reasons left the roadway, troopers said. Troopers said at one point the driver oversteered and eventually the truck, after traveling across both lanes, began to overturn in the wood line and the driver's side roof collided with a tree. MOBILE USERS: Download our WTXL news app on your Apple and Android devices for the latest from South Georgia and North Florida. Also, download our WTXL Weather Now app for Apple and Android devices to get the latest local weather wherever you go. MIDWAY, Fla. (WTXL) -- Hurricane Nate made landfall once in southeastern Louisiana Saturday evening, and then reaching the mainland U.S. at Biloxi, Miss., early this morning. It was the third hurricane to hit the United States in the last six weeks, and the first landfalling Mississippi hurricane since 2005's Hurricane Katrina. Now that the system is over land, it has weakened to a tropical depression over central Alabama. It will continue to move north-northeast into northern Alabama northwestern Georgia this afternoon and evening. Locally, southerly winds will remain below tropical storm force, but will average about 10-20 mph, and slightly higher at the coast. All previous tropical-related coastal warnings have been dropped. A coastal flood advisory continues until 2 a.m. Monday along the entire Big Bend coast. Water levels along the Big Bend coast had increased roughly 2 feet above average levels earlier this morning because of the onshore wind flow. These level should gradually decrease throughout the rest of the day. Rain coverage will remain scattered, with occasional heavier downpours and limited chances for spotty cells moving over the coast, causing a slight chance for some gusty winds and just a slim chance for a brief tornado. University of Portland students help build a house for Habitat for Humanity at 14th St. and Pacific Ave. on Tuesday, March 13, 2012. The students are participating in the College Collegiate Challenge program through the school's Moreau Center for Service and Leadership, which focuses on service-learning opportunities that emphasize the positive effects of community service, volunteerism and community leadership. A Yakima Neighborhood Health Services official gathers personal items for clients at the Neighborhood Health resource center in Yakima in October 2015. Neighborhood Health's participation in the operation of church-based winter shelters for Yakima's homeless is in doubt this winter. (GORDON KING/Yakima Herald-Republic file) If you are sending a Letter To the Editor, please be sure to follow these rules: Letters have a firm 200-word limit and will be edited for grammar, clarity and accuracy. The person who signs the letter must be the author. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Letters must address the editor, not a third party. We will not print form letters, libelous letters, business promotions or personal disputes, poetry, open letters, letters espousing religious views without reference to a current issue, or letters considered in poor taste. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer. The Yakima Herald-Republic cannot verify the accuracy of all statements made in letters. Writers are limited to one published letter per calendar month. The Kessler family was surprised Saturday morning when they learnt that someone has sprayed a swastika on the head of their dog, Tim. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "The dog was loose outside at night, and in the morning when my wife saw him she was surprised to discover that someone had painted a swastika on his head," says Omri Kessler, the father of the family. "It is horrifying to see a swastika in the Land of Israel," he added. "It is even more appalling that someone grabbed the dog and drew a swastika on him. It's abuse." The swastika, after a few attempts to wash it off According to Omri, members of the family complained to the police about the animal abuse. The family, which lives in Kfar Vitkin, a moshav in central Israel, is not aware whether this is the act of a single person or a group of people who caught the dog and committed the malicious act. They asked the public to contact them anonymously if they knew the identity of the abusers. "We published the incident both on Facebook and on the community website in the moshav," Kessler said. "If I knew who did it, I would take him for a whole day to tour Yad Vashem to understand the meaning of the deed." Tim was not injured in the incident, but didn't enjoy the several washes his owners had to give him in order to rid him of the swastika. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his nuclear weapons are a "powerful deterrent" which guarantee North Korea's sovereignty, state media reported on Sunday, hours after US President Donald Trump said "only one thing will work" in dealing with the isolated country. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter In a speech to a meeting of the powerful Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party on Saturday, a day before Trump's most recent comments, state media said Kim had addressed the "complicated international situation." North Korea's nuclear weapons are a "powerful deterrent firmly safeguarding the peace and security in the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia," Kim said, referring to the "protracted nuclear threats of the US imperialists." North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (Photo: AFP) In recent weeks, North Korea has launched two missiles over Japan and conducted its sixth nuclear test, and may be fast advancing toward its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US mainland. North Korea is preparing to test-launch such a missile, a Russian lawmaker who had just returned from a visit to Pyongyang was quoted as saying on Friday. Donald Trump has previously said the United States would "totally destroy" North Korea if necessary to protect itself and its allies. The situation proved that North Korea's policy of "byungjin," meaning the parallel development of nuclear weapons and the economy was "absolutely right," Kim Jong Un said in the speech. "The national economy has grown on their strength this year, despite the escalating sanctions," said Kim, referring to UN Security Council resolutions put in place to curb Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. "Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid," Trump said in a tweet. "...Hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, making fools of US negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!" Trump did not make clear to what he was referring, but his comments seemed to be a further suggestion that military action was on his mind. US President Trump (Photo: AP) Earlier this week, during a meeting with top US military leaders and their spouses, Trump told reporters it was the "calm before the storm." Asked for clarification then on what he meant, Trump said: "You'll find out." Speaking to reporters on Saturday ahead of a trip to North Carolina, Trump said he had nothing more to clarify. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders referred to Iran and North Korea the following day when asked about Trump's "calm before the storm" comments. Trump meets with top US military leaders: 'The calm before the storm' (Photo: EPA) Asked on Saturday about Trump's tweet, Sanders said she had nothing to add to the president's comments. The Pentagon referred a question for clarification to the White House and said the Defense Department's job was to "present the president military options and carry out orders." Trump repeatedly has made clear his distaste for dialogue with North Korea. On Sunday he dismissed the idea of talks as a waste of time, a day after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Washington was maintaining open lines of communication with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's government. A Russian lawmaker on Friday was quoted saying North Korea was preparing to test a long-range missile that it believes can reach the west coast of the United States. Anton Morozov, a member of the Russian lower house of parliament's international affairs committee, was part of a Russian delegation that visited Pyongyang from Oct. 2-6, according to Russian RIA news agency. North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile programs have driven up tensions in the region and around the world in recent months, particularly after it conducted a test explosion of what it said was a hydrogen bomb. The legal battle being waged by Israel against the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement has thus far cost the State of Israel NIS 1.5 million ($430,000), and has registered numerous victories. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Since Ayelet Shaked (Bayit Yehudi) took over the Justice Ministry, a reinvigorated campaign has been launched in which her office has pursued legal avenues to stymie efforts to boycott Israel. To that end, she established an inter-office team headed by the Deputy Attorney General (International Law) Roy Schondorf. BDS demonstration (Photo: citizenside.com) In addition the Justice Ministry established contact with leading attorneys in Europe and the US who have undertaken intensive efforts in local courts on all cases involving the BDS movement. Indeed, so far the coordination with the lawyers appears to have paid dividends since almost all the cases have resulted in a failure for the BDS. For example, as part of the attempt to strike at economies of settlements in the West Bank, Palestinians recently filed a complaint to the US District Court in Washington DC, a federal court, claiming that people and groups operating in the settlements are committing crimes against humanity. The complaint however was dismissed after the court refused to consider it on the grounds that it was inserting into the legal realm a sensitive political subject. On the other side of the Atlantic, in Spain for example, 24 legal rulings and expert opinions were made against the BDS movement, while in France significant rulings were made against its activists who tried to lead a boycott against Israel. Ayelet Shaked (Photo: Marc Israel Sellem) For example, one court decision ordered that a financial penalty be imposed on BDS activists demonstrating outside supermarkets calling on consumers to boycott Israeli products. Alongside representation on the courts, achievements were recorded in the legislative realm, demonstrated by the fact that in the last year several pieces of legislation have been ratified in US states against the BDS movement. Last May, for instance, Texas passed a law forbidding ties with, or investment in, companies that boycott Israel. Through Sisyphean work we expose the real face of human rights activists and peace activists around the world, whose sole goal is to weaken the State of Israel, Shaked said as she praised the results of her ministrys initiatives. This is the new anti-Semitism, only today it is facing a strong and determined state. After refusing to disclose financial information over a nearly six-month state Freedom of Information Law exchange, the Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District released full contract details regarding its regional methane digester on Thursday. The district, which is a government entity and thus subject to FOIL, gave The Citizen its unredacted lease agreement with CH4 Generate Cayuga and an electric services agreement after The Citizen notified the agency it was preparing to take legal agency to secure the information. The 2016 lease-to-own agreement reveals that CH4 Generate Cayuga, a company under the California-based firm Generate Capital, is paying the district $4 million over a 20-year period for the digester, which cost the district about $10.5 million to build. Besides an initial payment of $250,000, Generate Capital has been required to pay the district $16,666.67 per month, with the arrangement ending in 2036. Proposed over a decade ago, the digester was pitched as a way to help local farmers get rid of excess manure by generating it into electricity that could be used by county-owned facilities. The district's original plan was to operate the digester on County House Road in Sennett itself, but it shut the system down in 2014 after struggling to make it cost effective. That led to the county connecting with CH4 Generate Cayuga, which took on the lease agreement in January 2016. So far, the project has been back up and running since about April 2016. Meanwhile the district still owes Cayuga County approximately $1,225,000, loaned for the digester's construction, a principal amount that is expected to be paid off by 2033. By that year, the district will have paid the county about $2,125,564.75 including interest, according to the county treasurer's office. As part of its deal with CH4, the district is purchasing electricity generated from the digester at $0.085 per kilowatt hour over a five-year period, with the option to renew for an additional five years. Cayuga County in turn has held an electric services agreement with the district since July 20, 2015, purchasing electricity from it at the same price. The district had partially denied The Citizen's original April 25 request for records on the digester lease and electricity services deal by redacting electricity pricing and lease financial information, as well as the contract lengths. The district argued the information was considered to be "a "trade secret" and thus exempt from public view. The Citizen made a formal FOIL appeal to the district, quoting Robert Freeman, the executive director of the state Committee on Open Government. Based on the information provided, Freeman did not feel the "trade secret" exception was relevant. Nevertheless the district denied the appeal, with Chairman Ray Lockwood writing that he did not feel the public would care about such information and it would only be of interest to CH4 Generate Cayuga's competitors. The newspaper then requested an advisory opinion from the state Committee on Open Government. On July 14, four days after the request, one was provided stating that neither CH4 Generate Cayuga nor the district "had provided sufficient justification for how the pricing and duration of agreement information would constitute 'trade secrets' nor have they provided persuasive evidence that disclosure would cause the harm envisioned by the statute." The district still refused to release the information, so in September, The Citizen retained Albany-based attorney Michael J. Grygiel, a media law specialist from the international law firm of Greenberg Traurig LLP. On Sept. 22, Grygiel sent a letter to the district's attorney, once more requesting the redacted information and stating the newspaper's intention to file a petition in court if it was not supplied. Among several legal precedents supporting full disclosure that were outlined in the letter, Grygiel also pointed out that the district had already placed in the public domain some of the information it was withholding in the FOIL response. The Citizen was able to locate records filed with the Cayuga County Clerk's office showing the lease length, which was redacted in the original FOIL response, to be 20 years. "(T)he District's withhold of the duration of the Lease Agreement after it had already been responsible for placing that information in the public domain indicates not only a lack of candor but bad faith in denying The Citizen's FOIL appeal," Grygiel wrote. "In the final analysis, the District's position exemplifies the recalcitrance the (New York state) Legislature intended to combat by its 2006 amendments to FOIL, and is precisely the type of 'runaround' that the New York Court of Appeals has condemned as inimical to an agency's disclosure obligations under FOIL." Grygiel also notified the district that should the newspaper prevail in a legal challenge, it would ask a judge to require the district to cover its legal costs. Neither Lockwood nor Doug Kierst, executive director of the district, responded to The Citizen's request for comment after the new disclosures last week. There won't be any anti-Israeli resolutions raised in the upcoming session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) after the chairman of the organization's Executive Board worked to postpone in half a year two such votes. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter In recent years, the Palestinians, with the help of Arab nations, have pushed for several anti-Israeli resolutions in UNESCO, including one that failed to recognize Jewish ties to the Temple Mount , one that rejected Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem and one listing Hebron's Old Cityand with it the Cave of the Patriarchsas a Palestinian World Heritage Site But the fact there will be no anti-Israeli resolutions put to a vote in the coming UNESCO gathering is not due to the lack of trying. UNESCO headquarters (Photo: AP) Arab nations planned to push two resolutions on Jerusalem and Palestineidentical to resolutions passed six months agobut the chairman of UNESCO's Executive Board, former German ambassador Michael Worbs, worked to postpone the vote by six months. The two resolutions will therefore not be voted on this year. At the same time, Israel has been working to create a bloc of countries that would vote in support of the Jewish state. In October 2014, the pro-Israel camp included only the United States, but its ranks has since swollen to 10 nations. Israel maintains that UNESCO is not the place for political decisions against the State of Israel or the Jewish people, and its official policy is that until the persecution against Israel in UNESCO stops, it will not hold talks concerning UNESCO's mandate. Israel's Ambassador to UNESCO, Carmel Shama-Hacohen, said that "Until I hear the chairman hitting his gavel and declaring (the resolutions are postponed)I won't believe it is happening. Just in case, I will be writing two response speeches." Israel's Ambassador to UNESCO Carmel Shama-Hacohen Nevertheless, he said, "At this point, we've decided to view it as a significant step towards stopping and completely erasing such resolutions. Pulling the resolutions and postponing them by at least half a year is encouragingcertainly when compared to the obsessive persecution of the State of Israel and the Jewish peoplebut it is not enough." "Time will tell if this is a tactical change or a change of attitude that points to significant progress toward cleaning house in the organization and putting a stop to the incitement and politicization against us," Shama-Hacohen added. "After the last few unpleasant years, I'd be happy to reach a point in which Israel and its neighbors can work positively in UNESCO and cooperate on education, culture and science as if there were no political conflicts. These conflicts should be left for the leaders in the relevant halls and rooms. Peace will not be achieved in UNESCO, but trust-building steps are possible, instead of dangerous incitement surrounding the most sensitive issue, the Temple Mount." The open conflict taking place between Israel and Iran on Syrian soil is increasingly reaching a point of no return. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The Iranian regime, it seems, isnt taking the public warnings issued by the Israeli defense establishment heads seriously and is hectically pursuing its talks with the Syrian regime, as well as patrols in search of a military airport near Damascus which would serve as a base for the Iranian Revolutionary Guards combat squadrons. At the same time, the Iranians and the Syrians are making progress in the talks for an autonomic Iranian military pier in the Tartus port and the creation of an Iranian division on Syrian soil. Israel, however, has made it clear both to the Iranians and the Syrians, as well as to the Russians, that it will not allow any Iranian presence in Syria, especially war planes or an Iranian pier in the Tartus port. Iranian military parade (Photo: AFP) According to the Israeli policy in the current crisis, there is no diplomatic way of bringing about a significant change in Irans regional conduct. Thus the only way to deal with it is by stepping up the sanctionsin other words, punitive measuresor through a different crisis in the form of a military threat against Iran, in Syria or in any other arena in the region. The atmosphere created by the Trump administration against the nuclear agreement is contributing to the approaching hurricane. The effort to prevent a deterioration will resume immediately after the High Holy Days. Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu will arrive in Israel in nine days for a meeting with Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and with the defense establishments top brass. The next day, the defense minister will leave for the United States for a meeting with Secretary of Defense James Mattis. All these meetings will focus on the Iranian issue, both on the regional level and on the global level, as President Donald Trump keeps alluding to a possible change in the US Policy toward the nuclear agreement with Tehran. In a Congressional hearing last week, General Mattis voiced his objection to any change in the sanction regime against Iran. In his meeting with Lieberman in Washington, the defense minister is expected to present the Israeli evaluation of the situation, which supports Trumps stance and points to the three weak links in the nuclear agreement: One, when the agreement expires in 10 years there will be no system for restraining the renewal of the Iranian nuclear race; two, the current agreement allows Iran to pursue the research and development of a nuclear weapon, preventing supervisors from entering dozens of military facilities which are not mentioned in the agreement as sites that must be supervised; and three, the agreement includes no international restraint of the missile development area. In spite of these arguments, its unlikely that Israel will be able to change the American defense establishments stance on the nuclear issue. It will be more successful in enlisting the Pentagons support for stepping up the war on Irans subversive expansion in the Middle East, from Yemen to Gaza and Lebanon. A hint of this war was provided Saturday in The Times report on an American plan against Hezbollah as part of the war on Iran and its satellites. This war fits very well into the alleged Israeli secret measures against the Iranian expansion in the region and against the arms smuggling. US President Donald Trump (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (Photo: AP) Unlike his American colleague, the Russian defense ministers influence on the policy against Iran is marginal, or even nonexistent. Shoygu will simply finalize and execute what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on in their meeting a month and a half ago. When it comes to renewing the sanctions against Iran, however, Israel and the Russians wont see eye to eye. Israel will ask the Russians to prevent the establishment of Iranian bases in Syria and the renewed activity of a missile production facility in Syria that was hit in a mysterious bombing several weeks ago. Israel will also ask the Russians to ensure that the permanent agreement in Syria would include a return of the Golan Heights to the 1974 disengagement agreements, which require full demilitarization on a five-kilometer strip from the borderline and a dilution of forces inside Syria. Israel will even ask to set the Daraa-Damascus road as the line which no Iranian would be allowed to cross toward the west. So far, the Russians have rejected the Israeli requests on all issues related to the Iranian deployment in Syria. In recent months, however, Israel has been detecting quite a few fundamental differences of opinion between the Iranian and the Russians interests which may benefit Israel. Moreover, the Russians need Israel in several areas, primarily in the intelligence field. While the Russians have already declared victory in Syria twice in the past year, they are still engaged in a daily battle against Islamic State and al-Nusra Front forces resulting in casualties and damage. In this state of affairs, the last thing the Russians need is another front on Syrian soil between Israel, Iran and Hezbollah, which will make it difficult for them to implement the reconciliation policy. And on the sidelines, in light of the perceived Israeli support for an independent Kurdish state, the Russians will likely ask Israel to keep an even lower profile. If the Israeli diplomatic move fails to bear fruit, we are headed toward a conflict with the Iranians. The Israel Prison Service (IPS) was ordered to pay a former Palestinian prisoner NIS 20,000 in compensation after a warden was caught on camera headbutting him. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Nadim Injaz , 40, from Ramallah, was sentenced to two years in prison in October 2010 after breaking into the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv and trying to take hostages. He was convicted of extortion and intimidation, breaking and entering under aggravated circumstances and illegally entering Israel. Nadim Injaz The headbutting incident occurred while Injaz was being transferreddespite his objectionsfrom cellblock 12 to the protective custody section of the Eshel Prison in Be'er Sheva, after the IPS received intelligence on plans to harm Injaz. However, Injaz refused to be transferred to the protective custody section, claiming he did not wish to be imprisoned with prisoners convicted of pedophilia and other sex crimes. Security footage of the incident shows the cellblock commander headbutting Injaz, who was handcuffed and surrounded by 10 other wardens. In his defense, the cellblock commander claimed the prisoner spat on his face, to which he instinctively reacted by headbutting him. Nadim Injaz (Photo: EPA) "Instead of keeping him in solitary confinement until a decision is made about him, the wardens pulled him by force, and after he objected, one of the wardens headbutted him, while he was in handcuffs," said Injaz's lawyer, Bezalel Emanuel. The IPS urged the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court to throw out the lawsuit, claiming Injaz was a "serial complainant" who provoked the wardens and spat on the cellblock commander. Furthermore, the IPS claimed, the prisoner suffered no injury as a result of the incident. Injaz sued for NIS 100,000 in damages for the pain and suffering he allegedly endured, but the two sides eventually settled for NIS 20,000. The cellblock commander was convicted at the IPS's disciplinary court and was reprimanded. Its no secret that a cartoon in the Arab media is worth at least 10 opinion articles and more than 5,000 words. Since the Arab Spring, cartoonists have developed ways of getting around censorship, and as a result, their work is rarely rejected or tossed in the trash. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Those who begin their mornings with the excellent writers of the Al-Hayat newspaper, for example, or by browsing through Al-Jazeeras news website, are familiar with the recommendation to look for the cartoon before anything else, in a bid to understand the real state of mind in our neighborhood. Umiya Juha is the first female cartoonist (and the only woman) in the Arab media and has won many awards. She was born and lives in a refugee camp in Gaza, has been widowed twice (his first husband was assassinated, and the second one was wounded in a work accident and Israel prevented him from leaving the strip for medical care). Juha, whose signature is the key symbol of the right of return, provides an interpretation of the reconciliation efforts in the Palestinian camp through a daily cartoon published both in the West Bank and in Gaza, and she finds it important to present a variety of voices. Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah (L) shakes hands with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza City. No need to explain who the dangerous bride is After snidely mocking the historical hug the prime minister of Ramallah, the government worker, gave the Hamas leader, who is depicted as a babya sort of moderate version of Hamas, which was allegedly born as a result of the reconciliation rape forced on Palestinian President Mahmoud AbbasJuha insists on shattering illusions: She draws a pious bride, according to tradition, complete with full head covering. When the excited groom arrives to remove the sealed veil, he is shocked to find out he was sold defective goods: the alarmingly ugly bride reveals threatening features and sharp, dangerous teeth. And if that were not enough, she doesnt hesitate to pull out a weapon for self-defense on the wedding night. The Fatah delegation is expected to leave Tuesday for the intelligence headquarters in Cairo, where it will sit down and do the dirty work with the Hamas delegation. The delegation from Ramallah includes some well-known figures: Jibril Rajoub, Azzam al-Ahmad and Rauhi Fatuh. On Saturday, it was revealed that Hamas is insisting on bringing Sleh al-Arouri, whose name has been linked with a series of terror attacks in the West Bank and with Israelis' abductions. I believe theres no need to explain who the dangerous bride is. The responsibility is now in the hands of General Khaled Fawzy, the Egyptian intelligence chief. Hes the one who will run from one room to the other, looking for different formulas to ensure the reconciliation wont collapse. Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sanwar. Theres no way hell touch the 40,000 members of Hamas military wing and the Islamic Jihad gunmen The truth is that none of the involved parties has a real interest in uniting the Palestinian camp. Abbas is no fool, and hes sending his delegation with an unequivocal order not to give up on the collection of weapons in Gaza, because I wont accept a Hezbollah model. The Hamas side suspects the Egyptian middleman is only pushing for a reconciliation to prevent terrorist infiltrations and arms smuggling into Sinai. Its no coincidence that the Hamas speakers have announced the organization is drawing closer to Iran. Its the strongest hint that theres another option that the weapon suppliers in Iran are not being caught off guard. While Yahya Sanwar, Hamas new secretary-general in Gaza, has sworn to break the neck of anyone who disrupts the reconciliation, theres no way hell oversee the collection of weapons and touch the 40,000 members of Hamas military wing and the Islamic Jihad gunmen. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his intelligence chief are preparing to curb collapse scenarios. Israel may be in for a very unpleasant surprise if the Egyptian intelligence chief succeeds in reaching a reconciliation agreement. But how involved is Israel and how deep will be the updates arriving from Cairo? Heres another skeptic cartoon created by Umiya Juha: Al-Sisi and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sit on one branch of a tree, sort of entertaining themselves, until the Egyptian president cuts off the branch under Netanyahu and they both fall into an abyss. The reconciled Abbas and Sanwar sit on the opposite branch, and the Hamas secretary-general cuts off the branch in a bid to bring down Abbas. This foursome lands on the heads of two million miserable, unemployed Palestinians, who cant find a shred of hope either. The depth of Islamic hostility to Israel defies facile explanations. In the past, Zionism frustrated the ambitions of Arab nationalism, the Nakba turned hundreds of thousands of Palestinians into refugees, and Israeli independence led to Jewish sovereignty over land Muslims had ruled for centuries. Contemporary history suggests these reasons do not account for the categorical refusal of the Muslim world to recognize Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Cultural and political demands advanced by Berbers, Kurds and Chechens have been frustrated. Muslim claims over Mindanao and Southern Thailand have been crushed. Yet Islamic solidarity and support for the Palestinian cause dwarfs the solidarity and support provided to urgent Muslim causes elsewhere. During the 20th century, millions of Muslims were murdered and exiled from the Balkans, the Caucasus and India. More recently, hundreds of thousands of Muslims have been persecuted and exiled from Myanmar. Muslim hatred of the nations behind these atrocities is regional. The odium stirred by smaller Zionist abuses is pan-Islamic. Contemporary anti-Zionism in the Muslim world reflects fears that recognition of Zionism discredits Islam Many Islamic scholars regard non-Muslim control of Muslim lands to be unjust and offensive. Yet religious sensitivity to occupation is selective: Chinese subjugation of Muslim Xinjiang, the Indian takeover of Kashmir and Russian dominance in the Caucasus are largely ignored. Jewish control of Palestine fuels religious fundamentalism and terrorism throughout the world. The claim that Jewish control over Jerusalemthe third holiest city of Islamlies at the origin of these emotions is incorrect: Zionism was vilified long before Israel controlled any Muslim holy sites in Palestine. Some analysts claim that aversion to Zionism reflects the strength of Islamic anti-Semitism. This theory is weak. It does not explain how Jews lived in relative peace and prosperity in Muslim lands for many centuries. If Muslims had hated Jews throughout history, it would be hard to fathom why Jews in India, for instance, built their synagogues in the heart of Muslim neighborhoods and why most Spanish Jews sought refuge in Muslim lands after 1492. Contemporary anti-Zionism in the Muslim world reflects fears that recognition of Zionism discredits Islam. Zionism cites memories of exile to claim Jewish rights to self-determination in the Land of Israel. Jewish descent from the exiled Israelites and continuity between Israelite and Jewish religious traditions undergird this narrative. According to Islamic tradition, the biblical Abraham, Moses, David and Solomon were Muslim prophets. The Israelites were also originally Muslim. The corollary is Islamic supersession, namely the belief that Muslimsand not Jewsare the legitimate heirs to the Israelite faith and homeland. Muslim denial that a Jewish temple existed in Jerusalem reflects Islamic beliefs that the Muslim king and prophet Suleyman built a mosque on the Temple Mount. Islamic supersession is based on the Islamic doctrine of tahrif, which teaches that Jewish and Christian scriptures distort the Islamic message delivered by the prophets of antiquity. For Israel, making peace with Muslim nations is a diplomatic achievement. For Muslim nations, accepting Zionism concedes the precedence of Judaism over Islam As fanciful as tahrif and Islamic supersession may appear to non-Muslims, these teachings are fundamental in justifying the doctrinal superiority of Islam. These teachings also shed light on the fundamental reason most Muslim states refuse to recognize Jewish ties to Jerusalem and to accept Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people. Recognizing Israel as the Jewish homeland involves accepting the Zionist narrative. For Muslims, this means engaging with Jewish history and Jewish scriptures on historical termsnot Islamic terms. Doing so leads to recognition that Judaism predates Islam and that Islam appropriated prophetic traditions from Judaism. For Israel, making peace with Muslim nations is a diplomatic achievement. For Muslim nations, accepting Zionism concedes the precedence of Judaism over Islam. Understanding the theological implications of Zionism for Islam is crucial to realizing why peace eludes Israel. Without these theological implications, Israel would probably be tolerated as a minor nuisance. Due to these theological implications, the Muslim world tends to attribute demonic ambitions to Zionism. The psychological impact of Zionism is hard to overestimate. Throughout Islamic history, the fact that Jews were docile dhimmis subject to Muslim rule demonstrated the truth of supersession. Zionism subverted traditional religious hierarchies in the Middle East. By doing so, it also subverted the credibility of Islamic superiority over Judaism. The insecurity and anxiety created by this situation hardens political postures. Despite the advantages of a peace agreement with Israel and the heavy costs of continued conflict, a survey conducted by Bernard Sabella of Bethlehem University during the Oslo peace process revealed 81 percent of Muslim Palestinians wanted Palestinian control over all of Jerusalem, including its Jewish neighborhoods. Only 33 percent of Christian Palestinians endorsed this view. These figureseven though they are not recentsuggest that Palestinian intransigence in the conflict is not motivated by a collective historical trauma or by nationalism. As long as the religious legitimacy of Judaism is denied, the vast majority of Muslims will reject genuine peace and reconciliation with Israel Were the demands of Palestinian negotiators driven by national pride and memories of the tragic Nakba, Christian Palestinians who are proudly patriotic and who also experienced the Nakba would be as intransigent as their Muslim neighbors. These survey results suggest that the refusal of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority to recognize Israel as the Jewish homeland mirrors the religious anti-Zionism of a predominantly Muslim population. It is true that Egypt and Jordan, which are predominantly Muslim countries, have signed peace agreements with Israel. Neither Egypt nor Jordan, however, ever agreed to recognize Israel as the Jewish homeland. It is probable that had Israel demanded this recognition, both Egypt and Jordan would have refused to sign peace agreements with Israel. And despite these peace agreements, both Egypt and Jordan continue to boycott Israel and imbue schoolchildren with hostility towards Israel. Ending the Israeli-Arab conflict requires Islamic recognition of the historical and spiritual significance of Israel for the Jewish people. This recognition will only be forthcoming when Muslim public opinion is exposed to pre-Islamic history, archaeology and scriptures. Islamic engagement with Jewish religious texts is fundamental for Jewish human rights to be respected in the Middle East. As long as the religious legitimacy of Judaism is denied, the vast majority of Muslims will reject genuine peace and reconciliation with Israel. Rafael Castro ( rafaelcastro78@gmail.com ) is an independent political analyst based in Berlin. Iran's official IRNA news agency is quoting the chief of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard as saying the US should move its military bases farther from Iran's borders if it imposes new sanctions against Tehran. The Sunday report quotes Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari as saying: "If new sanctions go into effect, the country should move its regional bases to a 2000-kilometer radius, the range of Iranian missiles." Currently, US military bases are located in countries neighboring Iran, less than 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Iran's borders. Jafari also said that if the United States designates the Guard as a terrorist group, the Guard will also consider the US army a terrorist group. Revolutionary Guard troops are currently fighting the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. Iran warned the United States against designating its Revolutionary Guards Corp as a terrorist group and said US regional military bases would be at risk if further sanctions were passed. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The warning came after the White House said on Friday that President Donald Trump would announce new US responses to Iran's missile tests, support for "terrorism" and cyber operations as part of his new Iran strategy. Iranian Revolutionary Guards (Photo: EPA) "As we've announced in the past, if America's new law for sanctions is passed, this country will have to move their regional bases outside the 2,000 km range of Iran's missiles," Guards' commander Mohammad Ali Jafari said, according to state media. Mohammed Ali Jafari (Photo: Reuters) Jafari also said that additional sanctions would end the chances for future dialogue with the United States, according to state media, and issued a stark warning to American troops. "If the news is correct about the stupidity of the American government in considering the Revolutionary Guards a terrorist group, then the Revolutionary Guards will consider the American army to be like Islamic State all around the world particularly in the Middle East," Jafari said. The Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) are Iran's most powerful internal and external security force. The Quds Force, the IRGC's foreign espionage and paramilitary wing, and individuals and entities associated with the IRGC are on the US list of foreign terrorist organisations, but the organisation as a whole is not. Iranian Revolutionary Guards (Photo: AFP) Iran sees the Sunni Muslim militants of Islamic State as an existential threat to the Islamic Republic where the majority of the population are Shi'ites. On June 7, Islamic State claimed an attack on Tehran's parliament and the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, killing 18 people. The Guards fired missiles at Islamic State bases in Syria on June 18 in response. Guards commanders have framed their military involvement in Iraq and Syria, where they are fighting to support the government of President Bashar al-Assad, as a fight against Islamic State. Dozens of members of the Guards, including senior commanders, have been killed in Syria and Iraq. MISSILE PROGRAMME The website for state TV reported Jafari as adding that the United States was mistaken if it thought it could pressure Iran into negotiating on regional issues. Jafari also said that Tehran would ramp up its defence capabilities, including its missile programme, if the US undermined a nuclear deal between Iran and Western powers. Under the 2015 deal, Iran agreed to limit its disputed nuclear programme in return for the easing of economic sanctions. However, Trump is expected to announce soon that he will decertify the deal, a senior administration official has said, in a step that potentially could cause the accord to unravel. Iranian Revolutionary Guards (Photo: AP) "The Americans should know that the Trump government's stupid behavior with the nuclear deal will be used by the Islamic Republic as an opportunity to move ahead with its missile, regional and conventional defense programme," Jafari said, according to state media. The prospect of Washington backtracking on the deal has worried some of the US allies that helped negotiate it, especially as the world grapples with another nuclear crisis in the shape of North Korea. If Trump does not certify that Iran is in compliance, the US Congress will have 60 days to decide whether to reimpose sanctions waived under the deal. UN inspectors have verified Iranian compliance with the terms. The Guards navy was also carrying out a military exercise on Sunday in the Gulf, an area of tension with the US navy in recent months. More than 110 vessels were involved in the exercise, including some that have rocket and missile capabilities, a state media report quoted a Guards commander as saying. It's not easy being a commander. They go to sleep after their soldiers, wake up before them, and constantly carry the burden of responsibility for the safety and welfare of those under their command. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter We've asked commanders to try and capture the commander's spirit in the IDF on land, in the air and at sea. Navy Underwater Mission Unit (UMU) - A troop of divers led by unit commander Lt. Col. Ido Kaufman. "The unit's soldiers operated under complicated conditions, at great depths, in darkness and without communications," Kaufman says. "Under these conditions, we adapt with our own special communications. At the Underwater Mission Unit, the commander doesn't have to say 'follow me' for his team to have his back." Home Front Command's Search and Rescue Division - The fighters of the Search and Rescue Division, led by Maj. Asher Benishti, a moment before beginning a training exercise. "At the Search and Rescue Division, there's a sense of a higher calling. On the one hand, you are protecting the lives of citizens, and on the other hand you're always ready to go and save lives in Israel and around the world," Benishti says. INS Eilat troops aboard the missile ship INS Eilat at a naval base in Haifa after operations in the Mediterranean Sea. "The command and the service alongside the fighters of the INS Eilat are a source of pride and the feeling of immense responsibility. We're a close family," says their commander, Lt. Col. Eitan Paz. Caracal Battalion The Caracal Battalion's men and women, under the command of 2nd Lt. Roi Harel. "The people behind me are the next commanders for both male and female soldiers. I have the great privilege of leading them at the beginning of their journey. I trust that they know the most important thing in command is the peopleto love them, to have expectations of them, and to see them grow." Knights of The Twin Tail Squadron the pilots of the Knights of the Twin Tail flying in formation during routine training, under the command of Lt. Col. N. "I see my service as a calling. Commanding the squadron for me is a personal experience and a professional challenge of the highest degree," Lt. Col. N. says. Armored Corps' 118th Division - soldiers from the 71st Battalion during a training exercise in the Golan Heights, under the command of Lt. Roi Diamond. "I became a commander because I wanted to my circle of influence to grow. Slowly, I learned how to maintain a commander's distance on the one hand, while being close to my soldiers and knowing everything about them on the other hand," Diamond says. The High Court of Justice (HCJ) on Sunday authorized demonstrations to take place outside the home of the Attorney Generals home in Petah Tikva without the need for a permit from the police and without any limits to the number of participants. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Criticism of state authorities and of public officials is the bedrock of democracy, and there is no democratic authority or public servant that is immune to criticism, said Judge Esther Hayut, who was recently appointed to become the next chief justice of the Supreme Court. This applies both to judges and to the attorney general, added Hayut, who is set to replace Miriam Naor. Protest in Goren Square (Photo: Avi Moalem) For these reasons, it must be determined that the demonstrations on Saturday night at Goren Square are not an inferior expression worthy of limited protection, but rather they are the implementation of the freedom of expression, which is at the heart of the fundamental freedoms that make up a deomcratic society, Hayut continued. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, she said, is one of the central and most important pillars on whom the law enforcement system rests. Preserving his independence and the impartiality of (the Attorney General's Office) is therefore one of the clearest guarantees of the preservation of democracy in Israel. Therefore, the attorney general, just like every other public servant, is also not immune from public censure. In light of her conclusions, Hayut insisted that the protestswhich have been taking place every Saturday night over what demonstrators claim is the attorney general's hesitant and lackadaisical conduct on the investigations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahudo not require a police permit, but merely an advance warning in accordance with security procedures in public places. Judge Esther Hayut (Photo: Alex Kolmoisky) To remove any doubt, I would also propose to determine that the police are allowed to set conditions to the protests at Goren Square for the sake of public order in the area and in order to prevent harm to the religious sensitivities of the neighborhood, she continued. Police may also examine in the future the length of the protest at Goren Square insofar as there is a change in circumstances that would justify it. Hayut explained that if the HJC accepted a petition urging it to restrict the number of participants to 500, it would be an encroachment on the rights of a significant portion of the publicaround 2,000 people. However, imposing limits in the future under certain circumstances was not ruled out. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit (Photo: Yariv Katz) There may be cases justifying a reduction and limits on the number of protesters, but this is not one of them. No evidence has been presented before us showing that the square cannot accommodate 2,500 demonstrators or that allowing this number of protesters to come and demonstrate at the site will likely lead to serious disruptions to public order or undermine public security, Hayut read. Moreover, we are not convinced the police lack the means to impose order on a protest of this sort, which is moderate when compared to other protests we have experienced. In August the HCJ issued a temporary injunction allowing weekly demonstrations to continue outside Mandelblits home. The court order allowed up to 500 protesters to continue demonstrating at Goren Square in Petah Tikva without needing special police authorization until a decision was made on a petition by the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, which appealed police decision to bar them from the square. A small Turkish army reconnaissance team crossed the border into Syria's Idlib province on Sunday, a senior Syrian rebel said, ahead of a planned deployment by Turkish-backed rebels there. The group of military vehicles was escorted into the area by the rebels' rival, the Tahrir al-Sham jihadist alliance, against which the operation has been planned, local sources said, suggesting a deal might be reached to avert fighting. However, the jihadists and the Turkish military had earlier exchanged fire nearby, underscoring tensions as Turkey builds up forces and the rebel groups it backs prepare to enter Idlib. BARCELONA - Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Catalonia's capital Barcelona on Sunday to express their opposition to any declaration of independence from Spain, showing how divided the region is on the issue. The protesters rallied in central Barcelona, waving Spanish and Catalan flags and banners saying "Catalonia is Spain" and "Together we are stronger," as politicians on both sides hardened their positions in the country's worst political crisis for decades. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said on Saturday he would not rule out removing Catalonia's government and calling a fresh local election if it claimed independence, as well as suspending the region's existing autonomous status. Nine Israeli tourists were injured in a vehicular accident on their way to the Annapurna massif in Nepal. Eight of them were lightly injured, while one woman suffered a serious head injury. The event is being handled by the Israel Consulate in Nepal. Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul's family threatened to appeal to the High Court of Justice on Sunday, unless the government appoint a new coordinator of prisoners and missing persons instead of Lior Lotan, who announced his resignation last August. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Oron is believed by the IDF to have been killed in '14, during Operation Protective Edge, after which his body was also kidnapped by Hamas. Shaul's family, however, have continually pointed to the fact that no hard evidence has been presented to attest to his death, and as such Oron may still be alive. Oron Shaul, believed to have fallen during Operation Protective Edge Oron's brothers and his mother, Zehava, stated that "the Israeli government is disrespectful of IDF soldiers who went out to defend the State of Israel. It is inconceivable that after more than a month, there is no governmental body to deal with the issue of POWs and MIAs. The fact that no new coordinator has been appointed attests to the government's negligence in its conduct toward us and toward Oron, who has not yet returned from the battlefield." Zehava Shaul with two photos of her son, Oron (Photo: Avihu Shapira) The Shaul family expressed their frustration at the fact that there is no one is seemingly be dealing at present with the issue of returning Oron home, especially in light of the apparent reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah. Lotan, who performed the job of coordinator voluntarily for the past three years, stated upon his resignation that the job is very demanding both professionally and personally, and that it is therefore appropriate to see to a change among those leading such efforts every few years. Following his resignation, the families of Shaul and Lt. Hadar Goldin, who is also believed to have been killed by Hamas forces during Protective Edge, claimed that they had been abandoned by the system and demanded that a replacement be appointed soon. Oron with his father Herzl, who has since passed away (Photo: Family album) It should be noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did appoint his military secretary, Brig. Gen. Eliezer Toledano, to head coordination efforts until a permanent appointment will be made. The Shaul family's lawyer, Ishai Sarid, accused the government of causing the family undue suffering. "The prolonged delay in appointing the coordinator exacerbates the suffering of the families and harms the chance of returning the boys. If no coordinator is appointed in the coming days, the Shaul family will appeal to the High Court of Justice to fix this." 'New Opportunity' Professor Simha Goldin, Hadar Goldin's father, stated last Friday that recent developments between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority were creating a new opportunity for the Israeli government. Hadar Goldin's parents, Simha and Leah Goldin (Photo: Gil Yohanan) "The recent developments in the Palestinian sector and in the Egyptian axis give the Israeli government a new opportunity to bring Oron and Hadar back from Gaza and to end the 'Protective Edge war' after more than three years. The establishment of the unified Palestinian government this week and the rapprochement with Egypt create conditions and opportunity that must not be missed. Civilians are a primary humanitarian issue, and Israel must clarify this to the parties in the region and to the international community," he said. Zehava Shaul during a rally for the return of her son (Photo: Effi Sharir) Goldin made the remarks at Moshav Bnei Ram at the end of the Sorek River Race in honor of Hadar Goldin, which was attended by thousands of runners. Palestinians were arrested Thursday on suspicion of murdering Reuven Shmerling, a 70-year-old Jewish man who was found dead Wednesday in a coal storehouse belonging to his family in the Kafr Qasim industrial zone, with signs of severe violence on his body. The information was cleared for publication on Sunday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The Shin Bet said that the evidence gathered so far pointed to an act of terrorism. The suspects, two Palestinians from the West Bank town of Qabatiya, south of Jenin, will be charged with murdering Shmerling, a resident of the settlement of Elqana in northeastern Samaria, out of nationalistic motivations. The Shin Bet placed a gag order on all details of the investigation. Reuven (Moti) Shmerling According to media reports following the murder, Shmerling employed Palestinian laborers at the site where his body was found. The reports claimed that one of the directions police were pursuing is that Shmerling was beaten to death by his laborers following a dispute over money. A neighbor described Shmerling as a charming man with a wonderful family who served as a cantor at his local synagogue. Security forces gather at the scene of the crime Elkana Regional Council head Assaf Mintzer added that it was clear from the outset to the Shmerling family and the entire community that the murder was committed for nationalist reasons. The crime scene and the way he was murdered left no doubt about it. We thank our security forces, the Shin Bet, the IDF and the police for catching the murderers and we expect them to take meaningful action against the terrorists and their operators, Mintzer said. On Thursday, Shmerling was supposed to celebrate his 70th birthday with his familyincluding his four children and 19 grandchildren. Instead, he was laid to rest at Elkana Cemetery. Shmerling's family at his funeral (Photo: Yuval Hen) Hundreds of family and friends escorted him on his last journey. The head of IDF's Central Command, Maj. Gen. Roni Numa, was also present at the funeral. The Shmerling family arrived at the funeral with a shirt made especially for his birthday, which read: "It's a sign that you're young. Celebrating 70 with Grandpa Moti." "Our beloved father, everything was ready for your birthday," eulogized his daughter, Idit. "We prepared a song, printed shirts, prepared a presentation and a game for the whole familybut you weren't there. We didn't have the chance to say goodbye." The IDF destroyed a Palestinian observation post on Sunday night in retaliation for a rocket launched from the strip earlier in the evening. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter As the rocket fell within Gaza, there were no casualties and no damage was done on the Israeli side. Initially, a Code Red alert was sounded at 8:55pm local time in several towns in the Eshkol Regional Council, East of the strip. IDF force combing a targeted area for fallen rocket About 20 minutes later, the IDF Spokesperson's Office reported that a launch was detected from the Gaza Strip. It first stated that the projectile fell in an uninhabited open field in the Regional Council, before updating that it had actually fallen in Gaza. This is the second alarm in two days, after a false alarm was sounded Saturday due to an errant flare fired during a small IDF military exercise. On Saturday night, Hamas security forces in the Gaza Strip arrested Nur Issa, a senior Islamic State official in Gaza who is, in the eyes of many, the organization's leader in Gaza. Three other operatives aligned with ISIS were picked up along with Issa. The arrest took place in an overnight raid on a house in Rafah, where the four were gathered. Nur Issa Their arrest was carried out prior to the departure of a Hamas delegation to Cairo tomorrow for the continuation of the reconciliation talks with Fatah, the party heading the Palestinian authority which controls the West Bank. It is quite possible that this launch was made by ISIS operatives in retaliation to those arrests, in order to lead Israel to attack Hamas targets in response. 'Palestinian reconciliation will pave the way for peace' Meanwhile, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi ordered the Egyptian government to continue its efforts to "help our Palestinian brothers begin a new era of unity between their two rival sides in order to begin the establishment of a just peace between the Palestinian and Israeli sides and the founding of an Independent Palestinian state in a way that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to live a secure, stable and flourishing life." Abdel Fattah el-Sisi at the UNGA This is a continuation of el-Sisi's statement from last week, when he said during a meeting between Egyptian Intelligence Chief Khaled Fawzy and Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah that "History will pay its debt to anyone who misses the opportunity for peace." Labor MK and former party head Amir Peretz was greeted with aggressive protesting from a Moroccan MP upon visiting the North African Arab country on Sunday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Peretz, who is visiting Morocco as part of a conference held by the Parliamentary Assembly for the Mediterranean and the World Trade Organization, was confronted by parliamentarian Achsan Abed el-Halak, an MP from the Muslim Workers' party. El-Halak yelled at Peretz, "You're a war criminal! You were the Israeli defense minister and you're not welcome here." Peretz is confronted by el-Halak X Despite being from opposite isles of the Israeli political sphere, it was former MK for the Likud and Hatnua parties, Majalli Wahabi, who came to Peretz's defense. "You have no right to attack him," Wahabi told el-Halak, who was one of a handful of Druze MKs in Israeli history. "You are radical Islam. You're ruining Tunisia, Yemen, Lybia and Syria, and now you want to ruin Morocco." The moment of the verbal exchange Wahabi is an ambassador for the Parliamentary Assembly for the Mediterranean. As he defended Peretz, he said, "Amir Peretz is Moroccan, his father and mother are Moroccan, he was born here. You have no right to attack him." Peretz was born in Morocco in 1952, before making aliyah at age four. The confrontation went on for 15 minutes. A spokesperson for Peretz later said that the chairperson of the meeting later apologized, adding that "this minority cannot represent the parliament." The chairperson continued to say that the organizaion strives for peace, and that Peretz was a wanted guest there. "The opposition in Morocco has trouble acknowledging my relationship with Morocco and tries to destabilize it," said Peretz, who serves as the Parliamentary Assembly for the Mediterranean's vice president. "I dont intend to change my ways, and I intend to continue keeping formal and informal connections with Arab countries, and first and foremost with Morocco, where I hold a special position." Some 30,000 people are taking part Sunday in a huge rally in Jerusalem's Independence Park, which is the highlight of the "Journey to Peace" led by the Women Wage Peace movement. Former MK Shachiv Shnaan, whose son, Maj. Kamil, was killed in a terror attack on the Temple Mount in July this year by three terrorists from Umm al-Fahm, called for an end to the bloodshed on both sides. "Enough with the terror and enough for the occupation, let us live for the memory of our fallen and for our children that still remain," he said. 60 public figures from the Shi'ite community have gathered over the last few days at a hotel in Beirut, in an attempt to challenge the dominance of terror group Hezbollah in the country. The Shi'ites are now being called "traitors" on social media, with an academic who attended the conference admitting, "We know we will pay a price." The conference organizers state that the meeting is meant to voice different opinions within the Shi'ite community. "We met and debated and found that one thing that brings us together concerns the building of a strong state with sovereignty over its land and borders. A state that ensures the transfer of power in a periodic manner in accordance with the formulas established in the constitution. A state that enforces its sovereignty through its army and security forces without distractions." Hezbollah's recent Shi'ite resistence is reportedly counting on Hezbollah's entanglement in Syria in order to increase their own power in the Lebanese elections, which have not been held since 2009. Health News Dallas, Texas - One in four people leave their job within a year of returning to work after having a heart attack, according to a newly published study from Denmark in Journal of the American Heart Association, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. While previous studies have looked at return to work following heart attack, this study analyzed long-term employment. Despite a high number of heart attack patients returning to their jobs shortly after the event, the new findings reveal a surprisingly high degree of unemployment within a year after a heart attack patient returns to work. Of the 22,394 heart attack sufferers who were employed before having a heart attack, 91 percent returned to work within a year of the episode. However, within a year of resuming work, 24 percent of the more than 20,000 patients who returned to work left their jobs and were supported by social benefits. The data used in the research analysis did not include information about whether people left their jobs voluntarily or involuntarily. The ability to remain employed following a heart attack is essential to maintaining ones quality of life, self-esteem, emotional and financial stability, so our findings carry critical implications not only for Danish patients but, perhaps more importantly, for people who live in countries with less advanced social welfare systems than Denmark, said study first author Laerke Smedegaard, M.D., a medical doctor at Herlev & Gentofte University Hospital in Hellerup, Denmark. The highest rate of work dropout was among 30 to 39-year-olds and 60 to 65-year-olds. The finding that younger people are more likely to leave employment is particularly alarming, the researchers say, because this population has more productive work years left. People with heart failure, depression or diabetes were far more likely to drop out of the workforce, the study showed. People with higher education and income were more likely to remain employed, compared with those with lower educational and income levels. After a heart attack, healthcare providers routinely focus on preventing complications, such as recurrent heart attacks, heart failure and whether a patient returns to work. When evaluating a heart attack patients quality of life and functional capacity, simply returning to work after a heart attack isnt enough. Our findings suggest that cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack should also focus on helping people maintain their ability to work in the long term for those who return to work, Smedegaard said. Denmark has a highly socialized healthcare system and one of the lowest inequality gaps in the world, according to the researchers. Despite these favorable conditions, we found that low socioeconomic status was associated with subsequent detachment from the workforce after patients had returned to work, Smedegaard said. Thus, our results are even more relevant to countries with larger inequality gaps. The studys results stem from an analysis of 15 years worth of records in the Danish national registries of more than 39,000 people, ages 30 to 65, who suffered a first heart attack between 1997 and 2012. Co-authors are Anna-Karin Nume, M.D.; Kristian Kragholm, M.D., Ph.D.; Mette Charlot, M.D., Ph.D.; Gunnar Gislason, M.D., Ph.D., Prof. and Peter Riis Hansen, M.D., Ph.D., DMSc, Prof. This work was funded by the Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation, the Danish Council for Strategic Research, Helsefonden and the Danish Heart Foundation. Yuma News Yuma, Arizona - This evening, at approximately 7:05 p.m. the Yuma Police Department responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian collision in the 2200 block of South Avenue C. The initial investigation revealed a black Dodge Avenger, driven by a 21 year old male, was traveling north bound on Avenue C. A 15 year old female, who was with 2 other friends, was crossing Avenue C and was struck by the Dodge Avenger. The 15 year old female was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center with life threatening injuries. The 15 year old female was later pronounced deceased. The other 2 females were not injured. This case is still under investigation. The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous. WASHINGTON -- Not long ago, Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., -- the chair of the Foreign Relations Committee and a man physically incapable of hyperventilation -- questioned Donald Trump's "stability" and "competence." Now he has said that chief of staff John Kelly, Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson are the "people that help separate our country from chaos." In this case, chaos has a name. Corker has essentially described the commander in chief as a danger in need of management. The doctrine of containment, evidently, must begin at home. Elected Republicans will eventually be judged, not so much for what they have believed, but for what many have tolerated. They have tolerated Trump's irritable narcissism and rule by ridicule. They have tolerated nepotism, incompetence and malice on a grand scale. They have tolerated Trump's unique brand of disaster management -- divisive, self-serving, conspiratorial (in attributing Puerto Rico's desperate pleas for help to a Democratic plot) and more concerned with discrediting critics than demonstrating competence. And they have tolerated a string of presidential reactions -- including to the Charlottesville protests and murder and to the sincere sideline activism led by African-American athletes -- that amount to a racially charged pattern. "I know his heart's in the right place," vouches House Speaker Paul Ryan, at the low point (so far) of Republican self-abasement. This indicates a GOP establishment so shaken, so uncertain of its place, that it is willing to swallow broken glass on presidential demand. A Republican establishment surrendering the last remaining redoubts of its integrity. A Republican establishment that justifies all the contempt that Trump heaps upon it. Giving up on an occasional economic principle, or making a compromise on social policy, is an uncomfortable but unavoidable part of a public life. Accommodating racial demagoguery is a failure of courage and morality that won't be forgotten. Many elected Republicans are earning Prufrock's judgment: In short, they were afraid. Many, but not all. "If the party can't be fixed," said Ohio Gov. John Kasich, "then I'm not going to be able to support the party, period." Leaving the party entirely might be the natural instinct of a serious and centered politician. But it also plays into the Breitbart/Steve Bannon strategy of ideological conquest. They hope to return the Republican Party to the nativism, protectionism and isolationism of the 1930s. And if their movement also reflects some of the prevailing racial attitudes of that time, so be it. Wink. Nudge. This vision may be rancid, but it is clear and powerful -- rooted in the fear of rapid economic and social change and propelled by reliable resentments. The 1980s ideology of tax-rate cuts -- embodied in the current Republican tax bill -- looks pale and weak in comparison. If the GOP struggle comes down to ethno-nationalism vs. supply-side economics, there is little doubt about the outcome. Human beings are wired for tribal loyalties, not for the appreciation of economic principles. Powerful movements, good and bad -- from prairie populism, to the original America First, to civil rights -- have embodied a conception of the nation and its true identify. What would a compelling alternative to the Bannon appeal look like? It would be an improvement for mainstream Republicans to even ask the question. Kasich is. So are Sens. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and Ben Sasse, R-Neb., at great political risk. Republican reconstruction will involve a new policy agenda, focused particularly on mitigating the painful adjustments brought on by globalization and technological change. But Trumpism has succeeded as a political movement in the total absence of serious policy, and it's unlikely to be defeated by avenging wonks. At the least, the Republican renovation project will need to show some moral outrage that American politics has been hijacked by blind partisans and those who make a living through inciting division. It will require a healthy nationalism free from nativism; a populism that recognizes the failures of the political class but responds with reform rather than recrimination; the elevation of empiricism and competence as political ideals; an appeal to the healing and bridging role of faith; a touch of Lincoln's belief in the shared responsibility for failure and the shared calling of forgiveness. Most of all, this project will require a leader (and, eventually, leaders) who actually believes in something, totally and convincingly. The simple force of contagious principle is often underestimated. Look at interviews with Margaret Thatcher during her political rise. She radiates confidence. She is certain that her ideas will persuade. This charisma of conviction is the single greatest need of the GOP today. And its most glaring absence. Coimbatore: Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan on Sunday said that the changes in GST rates were made considering the demands from various sectors. The ministry was receiving requests from various industries and sectors requesting for changes in GST slabs, which were done depending on merits, the minister of state for finance told reporters here. On the agitation against GAIL's gas pipeline project in the state, he said DMK and Congress had no moral right to protest against project since it was brought by their alliance. An amicable solution could be found through dialogue if there was any opposition to the project, he said. As the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents continues to make sweeping changes to the direction and governance of our state universities, its troubling to see that La Crosse still has no representation on the 18-member board. By every measure, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a top four-year campus in the University of Wisconsin System. Professors at UW-L have snagged several Wisconsin professor-of-the-year honors in recent years. When it comes to academic excellence, our students continue to shine. And, our campus continues to rate highly when it comes to affordability and quality. La Crosse also has a rich heritage of long-term leadership on the Board of Regents, including Brent Smiths term as president in 2012-2013. But the La Crosse area was last represented on the board more than three years ago. Regents serve staggered seven-year terms at the pleasure of the governor and after confirmation by the Senate. Theres nothing that stipulates or guarantees that La Crosse will have a seat at the Regents table. In 2011, the governor signed legislation requiring each of the states congressional districts to have representation on the Board of Regents. Indeed, the chair of the board this year John Behling is from Eau Claire. But as weve pointed out before in this space, the lack of a regent from the La Crosse area seems puzzling. And, there doesnt seem to be much of a groundswell of local support to push for La Crosse to have a regent to represent our interests as well of the UW System statewide. We certainly have plenty of La Crosse-area leaders who could pass muster for an appointment by the governor. (Festmaster and former state Senate President Brian Rude is one who comes to mind.) As weve suggested in a previous editorial, the notion of representation on the UW Board of Regents isnt merely parochial. It fits with the Wisconsin Idea something that many in our state still cherish. The Wisconsin Idea is the concept that the university will spread knowledge and service in Wisconsin from border to border. And, the governing body of the UW System can better accomplish that with more representation outside of Milwaukee and Madison. Its time that our corner of Wisconsin once again has a seat on the UW Board of Regents. Tiruchirappalli: Six persons, including three women, were killed when their car collided with a stationary lorry near Ulundurpet in Viluppuram district on Sunday, police said. One woman who sustained serious injury in the mishap was admitted to hospital. The victims were proceeding here from Chennai when they met with the accident, police said. Cox's Bazar: A top United Nations official said on Saturday Bangladesh's plan to build the world's biggest refugee camp for 800,000-plus Rohingya Muslims was dangerous because overcrowding could heighten the risks of deadly diseases spreading quickly. The arrival of more than half a million Rohingya refugees who have fled an army crackdown in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state since August 25 has put an immense strain on already packed camps in Bangladesh. Hard-pressed Bangladesh authorities plan to expand a refugee camp at Kutupalong near the border town of Cox's Bazar to accommodate all the Rohingya. But Robert Watkins, the United Nations resident coordinator in Dhaka, told AFP the country should instead look for new sites to build more camps. "When you concentrate too many people into a very small area, particularly the people who are very vulnerable to diseases, it is dangerous," Mr Watkins told AFP. "There are stronger possibilities, if there are any infectious diseases that spread, that will spread very quickly," he said, also highlighting fire risks in the camps. "It is much easier to manage people, manage the health situation and security situation if there are a number of different camps rather than one concentrated camp." At the request of the Bangladesh government, the United Nation's International Organization for Migration (IOM) has agreed to coordinate the work of aid agencies and help build shelters at the new camp site. According to the IOM, the proposed camp will be the world's largest, dwarfing Bidi Bidi in Uganda and Dadaab in Kenya -- both housing around 300,000 refugees. FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar: Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi, stars likely to play their last WC When our current governor took office, he said, Wisconsin is open for business. What he truthfully should have said is Wisconsin is open for looting and environmental destruction." Gov. Scott Walker is so desperate to claim that he created jobs, he has agreed to hand $3 billion of taxpayer money to Foxconn. This amounts to $500,000 per job if 13,000 jobs materialize. Does paying $500,000 for a job sound right to you? Hourly Foxconn assembly workers in the United States currently average $9.08 per hour. Waiving wetland and water protections and the requirement to do an environmental impact study is also part of the deal. It is known that Foxconn has a terrible environmental record in other countries. Republicans controlling the Legislature are circulating legislation to weaken wetland, air and water environmental regulations across the board. Of course, other businesses are going to demand the same environmental pass that Foxconn is being handed. We would have to be dumb and blind not to see this coming. Theodore Roosevelt once said, The nation behaves well when it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation, increased and not impaired in value. Just let me say this to Gov. Walker and the Republicans who control state government: You are behaving very badly. John Mitchell, Humbird Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has promoted his sister to a senior ruling party post, state media said Sunday, and praised the country`s nuclear weapons programme which has sparked international alarm. Kim Yo-Jong becomes an alternate member of the party`s powerful politburo, the decision-making body presided over by her brother, the official KCNA news agency said. The promotion was announced along with those for dozens of other top officials at a party meeting led by the leader on Saturday. It came as the regime faces growing global pressure to curb its weapons drive following recent nuclear and missile tests. Tensions soared as Kim traded verbal threats with US President Donald Trump, who tweeted on Saturday that "only one thing will work" to tame the isolated nuclear-armed state. The sister, in her late 20s, has frequently been seen accompanying her brother on his "field guidance trips" and other events and is known to have been involved in the party`s propaganda operations. Both were born to the late former ruler Kim Jong-Il and his third partner, former dancer Ko Yong-Hui. The family has ruled North Korea since its creation in 1948. The current ruler came to power after the death of his father in December 2011. Since then he has overseen four of the country`s six nuclear tests -- most recently in September -- while cementing his grip on power through a series of purges, including those targeting his uncle and half-brother. The uncle, Jang Song-Thaek, was executed in 2013 for treason and the half-brother Kim Jong-Nam was killed by a toxic nerve agent in a Cold War-style assassination at a Kuala Lumpur airport in February. Both the North`s missile and nuclear weapons capabilities have made significant progress under the current Kim, despite a growing layer of UN sanctions. During Saturday`s party meeting, Kim acknowledged the country faced with "ordeals" under a "stern" situation but claimed that its economy had grown this year despite ever-tighter sanctions. He described the North`s atomic weapons as a "treasured sword" to protect it from aggression. "The nuclear weapons of the DPRK (North Korea) are a precious fruition borne by its people`s bloody struggle for defending the destiny and sovereignty of the country from the protracted nuclear threats of the US imperialists," Kim was quoted as saying. Moscow: A new military airfield in Russia`s Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad region will receive aircraft by the end of this year, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Saturday. This means that the first phase of large-scale airfield facilities reconstruction in Kaliningrad will be completed by then, Xinhua news agency quoted the ministry statement as saying. After the completion of the reconstruction, the airfield`s runway will be able to receive aircraft of any class, according to the statement. The ministry said it is also building integrated storage facilities for missiles, naval underwater weapons and artillery ammunition in Kaliningrad, the headquarters of Russia`s Baltic Fleet as well as a hot spot for Russia-West military confrontation. KAPAN, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The first Kapan-Yerevan flight will take place already in May 2018, Syunik governor Vahe Hakobyan told a press conference. According to him, the construction of Kapans airport commenced in the first half of 2017, with a total budget of two million dollars. Two days ago we signed a contract with a Czech airline and we bought an airplane. It is a 19-seat airplane, which will operate the Kapan-Yerevan two-way flight. The plane cost 5,5 million Euros, Hakobyan said, adding that the airplane will arrive in Armenia in March 2018. According to the governor, the construction of the Kapan airport is not a commercial project, but rather a social one aimed at facilitating the life of the residents. He said the ticket prices arent yet decided, but will range between 30-40 thousand drams. The Democrat leadership has made constant, profound and incredible pronouncements that one's supportive vote for Republicans is tantamount to surrendering Democracy forever. Understanding their sincere thinking in their extreme position: How will you still vote on this election day? Democrat; because the continuance of this Democracy from the existential threat of extreme Republicans is paramount. Republican; the process of having a choice is the democratic method within what so called "Democracy" does exists. Amend the Rule for Pool Lighting - clarifies that the required lighting on the deck of a public pool should be sufficient to illuminate the entire deck area, but without a specific level of brightness. Storm Damage Mitigation Fund - establishes the Coastal Storm Damage Mitigation Fund as a special revenue fund for particular beach nourishment or damage mitigation. Thus, revenue credited to the fund may only be used for costs associated with beach nourishment, artificial dunes, and other projects to mitigate or remediate coastal storm damage to our ocean beaches and dune systems. Mining Permitting Revisions - creates a life of site permit for mining operations that is similar to the life of site permitting program for landfills. This will assist PotashCorp in Beaufort County. Repeals Unconstitutional Plastic Bag Ban - pursuant to Article II Section 24 (1) (a) of the State Constitution: "the General Assembly shall not enact any local, private, or special act or resolution: relating to health, sanitation, and the abatement of nuisances." Thus, the ban on plastic bags along certain areas of the Outer Banks clearly violated the State Constitution as it was a local bill on sanitation. Not to mention, at least 130 businesses WERE impacted by this ban - which costs these businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in increased expenses. Thus, the millions of dollars spent by businesses over the life of this ban could have been used to hire additional employees or invest in their businesses. Cape Fear Region GenX Issue - directs $250,000 to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington to quantify the amount of GenX in the Cape Fear River and determine the impact it could have on public health and safety. Provides $185,000 to the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority and other local public utilities to develop treatment technologies to remove GenX from public water supplies, and to make sure that treatment is working through ongoing monitoring. Amend Periodic Review of Rules Process - ensures that all objections to agency rules are recorded as public comment, expanding the impact of citizens and businesses who wish to file on-the-record complaints about state regulations. Additionally, expands public notice requirements of proposed rule changes to keep North Carolinians more informed and allow citizens time to submit comments and have input on the regulatory process. Clarify Contested Case Policy - removes hurdles to petition for judicial review of regulations by eliminating the requirement that a person or party petition an agency through the rules review process before seeking relief in court. Clarifies Stormwater Laws - eases duplicative requirements on coastal redevelopment of residential projects and proposes several legislative studies. Vehicle Inspection Requirements - adds a new requirement that vehicle backup lamps be in working order to pass annual safety inspections. Bertie County: N.C. Coastal Land Trust - Salmon Creek Initiative - U.S. Dept. of Defense's Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program - (flight path protection) - $1,209,075. Dare County: The Nature Conservancy - Acquisition for Nags Head Wood Preserve (Loesch Tract) - $161,943. Dare County: The Conservation Fund - Acquisition of a tract near Fort Raleigh National Historic Site - $353,500. Pasquotank & Perquimans County: Albemarle Resource Conservation and Development Council - Albemarle Sound Water Quality Plan - $45,000. Washington County: The Nature Conservancy - U.S. Dept. of Defense's Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program (flight path protection) - $287,835. Contact: Bill Cook Bill Cook bill.cook@ncleg.net Continuing our strong record of eliminating and simplifying job-killing rules, both the Senate and House of Representatives voted to override Gov. Roy Cooper's vetoes of House Bill 56 and Senate Bill 16 this past week. Too often the focus has been on creating new programs instead of eliminating or reforming programs which are no longer operating effectively.Lastly, Senate Bill 16 also reforms regulations that oversee state agencies, bed and breakfasts, alarm system salespeople, and businesses that provide critical solid waste disposal services.On Thursday, Golden LEAF awarded a grant of $133,665 to Dare County to reimburse for part of the cost related to the emergency dredging project of the Wanchese Channel following Hurricane Matthew. Additionally, a grant was approved to provide the Ocracoke Foundation $175,820 in disaster recovery grant funding for repairs at the historic Will Willis Fish House and Dock. Earlier in the year, the County of Dare was also awarded a state grant of $162,000 for the repair, restoration, and stabilization of a cemetery on Hatteras Island. For more information about Hurricane Matthew Recovery efforts, please visit the following websites: https://www.ncdps.gov/hurricane-matthew-2016 or https://rebuild.nc.gov/HurricaneMatthew Last Thursday, it was an honor and privilege to award the Coastal Pregnancy Center of Beaufort County a state grant of $100,000. In order to empower and encourage families who face an unplanned pregnancy, the Coastal Pregnancy Center is in our community providing first-class counseling and medical services to those families. Our culture must affirm the value of the weak and vulnerable in our society, beginning with our children. The Declaration of Independence declares that everyone is endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including and especially life. We must never stop speaking up to protect the most basic of all human rights - the right to life.The year, 2017, marks the 21st Anniversary of the Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF). Several notable milestones have been reached during those two decades, including more than $1B allocated in grants to conserve, enhance or restore the State's water system, and more than 500,000 acres placed into perpetual conservation easements. In September 2017, nearly $20 million in CWMTF grants were awarded to help fund 50 projects that will conserve lands as well as protect waterways, clean drinking water, natural and cultural resources, and the U.S. military mission within North Carolina. Additionally, this year, our state budget provides an additional $4.3 million to the CWMTF for the 2017-19 biennium. The following projects in Northeastern North Carolina received grant funding last month: For professional creatives, it can be a pain to tackle administrative duties when you would rather be making things. If you are self-employed and struggle with bookkeeping, AND CO can automate a variety of your admin tasks, and you can get a subscription from the Boing Boing Store for $39.99. By connecting your business bank account to AND CO, you can simplify the process of getting paid for your work. Invoices are quick and easy to prepare and invoice, and you can allow your clients to pay you directly with credit, ACH transfers, and a variety of payment providers like PayPal. It can also track your expenses automatically, and will prepare your income statements when it's tax time. With AND CO, you'll be well-equipped to handle the tedious aspects of your freelancing job. A lifetime subscription to AND CO's Graphite Plan is $39.99 when you order it here. More Deals from the Boing Boing Store: Social Media Rockstar Bundle: $29 (97% off) Clip & Snap Smartphone Camera Lenses: $17.99 (74% off) 4-Piece Knife and Peeler Set: $26.99 (73% off) Frustrated parents of B.C. children with special needs get organized Parent Chantelle Morvay-Adams knew as soon as she put her son into kindergarten that he needed extra help in the classroom. "We knew he had differences," she said. "I thought when we put him in the public school system, they will just give support, just like that. But it's not like that." Her son, now 10, has five different medical conditions including autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. It took moves to two other school districts before Morvay-Adams felt she was getting her son the support he needed in school. She credits the B.C. Parents of Special Needs Children advocacy group with helping her to access resources available within the public school system. On Saturday, the group organized a conference in Richmond, B.C., to help parents share their stories, navigate the system and advocate for their children. The conference included workshops, lectures and health experts. Advocating for early testing Rick Moore was one of the keynote speakers at the conference. In 2012, he won a Supreme Court of Canada lawsuit against the North Vancouver School District. The court ruled the district discriminated against his severely dyslexic son when it closed a diagnostic centre that helps special needs students. "According to the School Act every child is entitled to free, public education," Moore said. "Every child is entitled to the accommodation they need to deal with their specific learning needs." Moore feels that the Ministry of Education is failing to take leadership on and acknowledge responsibility for students with special needs. He said the system is currently reactive, waiting for children to show harm before providing any additional services. Instead, he wants kids entering the public school system to be automatically tested so any special needs can be identified early and supported. Moore said that some students wait up to two years to get diagnostic tests, which are needed to access services. Story continues He said his own son developed migraines and suffered a drop in self-esteem while he waited to get the help he needed. 'Children are naturally inclusive' Bobby Taylor was another presenter at the conference. She spoke as a parent of three children with special needs. Taylor shared her successes dealing with her school district and gave tips for parents. One of them was to build a strong relationship with school officials. She also advocates for learning from the experts the children themselves. "Watching children play with each other and interact with each other, they see no difference," she said. "The children are naturally inclusive. And there's so much as adults that we can learn from that." 'We're just regular parents' Many of the parents attending the conference said how much they appreciated connecting with others who were dealing with the same challenges. Michelle Boshard, the parent of a 13-year-old boy with special needs, had one word to describe how she felt: "Exhausted." "We're just regular parents trying to get though the day with our kids, and when the system doesn't meet their needs the buck stops with us," Boshard said. Boshard said her son at times has been separated from other children at school and kept from playing outside. She thinks there are many ways children with special needs can be included in the public school system without being a harm to other students or teachers. "I think special needs parents are really representing the most vulnerable in our sector and anything that we do will always benefit every other child's experience in the system," she said. With files from Cliff Shim By Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Ece Toksabay AMMAN/ANKARA (Reuters) - A Turkish army reconnaissance team scouted out Syria's Idlib province on Sunday, a senior Syrian rebel said, before an expected military operation to impose peace in the bitterly contested Syrian northwest. "When we don't go to Syria, Syria comes to us," Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told members of his ruling AK Party. "If we didn't take our measures, bombs would fall on our cities." Turkey says it will provide assistance to rebels it has long backed, aiming to implement a de-escalation agreement designed to reduce fighting with pro-government forces in the area, the most populous pocket of Syria still in rebel hands. Although Turkish officials say they are helping the rebels from within Turkey, in past interventions they have also sent troops across the frontier. Any incursion could bring them into conflict with powerful jihadists from al Qaeda's former Syrian branch, although there were signs on Sunday that they were working to avoid a confrontation. Local sources said the Turkish military vehicles were escorted into Idlib by a convoy of fighters from the group, which has joined a jihadist alliance called Tahrir al-Sham and disavowed links to the network founded by Osama bin Laden. Nonetheless, the jihadists and the Turkish military earlier exchanged fire nearby, underscoring the tension as Turkey builds up its forces and the rebel groups it backs prepare to enter Idlib. "We will never allow a terror corridor that begins in Afrin and goes to the Mediterranean," Erdogan said, referring to the stretch of Turkey's southern border which is controlled on the Syrian side by Kurdish fighters and Tahrir al-Sham. Turkey has been one of the biggest supporters of rebels fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the six-and-a-half-year war, but its focus has moved from ousting him to securing its own border against jihadist and Kurdish groups. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim stressed the importance of ensuring de-escalation near the border, following an agreement reached in Astana, Kazakhstan last month that was backed both by the Turks and by Russia, which supports Assad. "We will ensure safety in Idlib, and will cooperate with Russia," Yildirim said. Tahrir al-Sham, spearheaded by the former Nusra Front, which was al Qaeda's Syrian branch until last year when it changed its name and broke allegiance to the global network, has been a formidable military force since early in the conflict. Since early this year it has battled other rebel groups as it tried to gain control over areas including Idlib. UNDER ESCORT Idlib and neighboring parts of northwest Syria are now home to more than 2 million people, many of them refugees from other formerly rebel-held regions that fell to pro-government forces. A local resident and another local rebel said they had seen Turkish military vehicles enter Idlib and then travel under Tahrir al-Sham escort along a road. The senior Syrian rebel said the reconnaissance team went to Sheikh Barakat, a location that overlooks both rebel-held areas of Aleppo province, adjacent to Idlib, and the Kurdish-controlled area of Afrin. Erdogan gave no details of the operation, but said it was going ahead "without problems at the moment". Turkey's biggest security concern on the frontier is the Kurdish YPG militia, which as part of a U.S.-backed alliance is fighting against Islamic State in eastern Syria. Ankara regards the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has fought a three-decade insurgency inside Turkey. Mortars were fired from the area under YPG control near to the location where the Turkish reconnaissance team was operating, the senior rebel said. "The Turkish team is on its way back. Its mission has been accomplished. They visited areas of disengagement and locations where the Turkish army would be positioned," the rebel said. Reuters witnesses, local people, and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said earlier on Sunday the Turkish military and Tahrir al-Sham had clashed near the village of Kafr Lusin in Idlib. Tahrir al-Sham began the exchange by firing on a Turkish bulldozer removing sections of a border wall and Turkish artillery returned fire, they said. The area was later quiet. Rebel groups that will take part - drawn from the Euphrates Shield campaign that Turkey backed with armor and troops in another part of Syria to the east since last year - said on Saturday they expected the Idlib operation to start very soon. Tahrir al-Sham said "the lions of jihad and martyrdom will be waiting to pounce" against any incursion into Idlib. The Syrian Civil Defence, better known as the White Helmets rescue workers, said on its Twitter account that jets it believed to be from the Syrian military had struck a marketplace in Maarat al-Numan in Idlib on Sunday, killing at least six. (Reporting by Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman, Angus McDowall in Beirut, Ece Toksabay in Ankara and Bulent Usta in Ogulpinar; Writing by Angus McDowall and Dominic Evans; Editing by Alison Williams and Peter Graff) After the trade... and realization of such... my face says it all! 2017.... 2-0-1-7! As Spanner Banner would say... "life goes on.. life goes on.. life goes on cuz every day another babys born" And so it is.... Onward and upward. Due to all of the goingz on of the past few weeks and all the distractions... we start tonight (although technically already over) saying farewell to the summer of 17 (you wanna sing 69 dont you... haha) (big up Brian Adams by the way). Anyway, I digress. So we start off the show tonight with The Johnny Arthey Orchestra and a great and moving instrumental piece... "Serenade To Summer". Further to this, tonights show includes Etana by request, Romain Virgo by request and Morgan Heritage by request as well. On the planned part of the playlist, we heard artists such as Jamelody with a great version of Stevie Wonders' "Ribbon In The Sky". Also, Sandra Cross, Dobby Dobson.... as we step into some vintage classics. A great tune from Richie Stephens off of his latest effort with "Let's Dance". A special song going out to Claire tonight... another request.. this one for Anne Murray's "Could I Have This Dance" but of course you can my dear. ;-) We do it up Reggae style for you though with the great Doreen Shaffer covering that tune. Safe travels on the highway as you listen to the show... and thank you for tuning in of course. :-) You know I love the voice of Bitty McLean and tonight we send out a song to the McLeods from Richmond with a great song.. fantastic music and production and the words... as only Bitty can sing. Hopefully you are tuning in out by the fire on this lovely night. Some Elvis and some Marvin for you all mixed in. Thank you for tuning in tonight and if you happen to be visiting On Demand.. thank you just the same for coming back and checking us out. Wishing you all a very enjoyable week and a reminder.. with all the friends and family and food on the table.. to be thankful for all that we have and all of the blessings over the past year. May not be perfect but we are still here... so.. lots to be thankful for and enough to share with those who dont have. I am thankful for you.. and for CKCU and the opportunity to spend these 2 hours with you each and every Saturday night. I cannot say it enough..... Thank you! O'shea Adagio & The Vintage Love Team Vintage Love International - The Spread Love Initiative "Playing With Those Memories Again" www.ckcufm.com The 2017 CME Award Winner for Top Radio Program - Reggae cmeawards.com The United States is deeply troubled by the September 27 conviction and two-year prison sentence for Crimean Tatar leader Ilmi Umerov in Russian-occupied Crimea. Mr. Umerov was convicted for his opposition to Russias attempted annexation of Crimea and given a harsher sentence than the Russian occupation prosecutor requested. This compounds past injustices in the case, said State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert, including his confinement for several weeks of punitive psychiatric treatment in 2016. Human Rights Watch condemned this confinement as "an egregious violation of his rights." Speaking at his trial, Umerov said that the charges against him were "to punish all who oppose the annexation." He vowed to appeal his sentence all the way to the European Court of Human Rights. Umerovs lawyer, Nikolai Polozov,says he fears that the Russian prison system will not be capable of providing proper medical care to Umerov, who has Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and heart disease. The European Union called Umerov's sentencing a serious violation of his human rights and another example of persecution of the Crimean Tatar community, and a further and clear illustration of the severe deterioration of human rights on the Crimean peninsula. The Ukrainian government condemned the verdict as an "illegal and politically-motivated sentence" that violated Umerov's human rights. Umerov is a deputy chairman of the Mejlis, the Crimean Tatars' elected representative body, and has been an outspoken critic of Russia's purported annexation of Crimea and its crackdown on Crimean Tatars. Umerovs conviction follows similar rulings in Crimea on September 10 against Deputy Head of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, Akhtem Chiygoz, and on September 22 against Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty contributor Mykola Semena. The United States calls on the Russian occupation authorities to immediately release Umerov and vacate his conviction. Crimea remains an integral part of Ukraine, and the United States remains steadfast in its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. At its height in late 2014, ISIS controlled nearly one third of Iraqs territory. Since then, Iraqi forces and Kurdish militia, with strong support from the counter-ISIS coalition, have evicted the violent extremist group from most of the area it once controlled. But as these terrorists are chased out of one town after another, they leave behind a landscape sown with improvised explosive devices, set particularly around critical infrastructure. ISIS strategy is to not only prolong insecurity and inflict additional casualties on the local populace, but also to delay economic redevelopment in communities they once held. ISIS adopted a scorched earth policy in many of the areas it controlled, wrote Program Manager for the Middle East in the State Departments Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM), Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, Mr. Solomon Black in a recent blog post. The terrorist group tried to make it impossible for civilians to re-inhabit them either by destroying or by placing explosives around critical infrastructure, such as electrical equipment, water treatment facilities, hospitals, public health centers, and schools. In an effort to help hundreds of thousands of displaced Iraqis return to their homes in areas liberated from ISIS, the United States is working to clear these explosive hazards, wrote Mr. Black. Take, for example, Baashiqah, a town in Northern Iraq. As they retreated from Mosul, the terrorists placed explosives around the towns already badly-damaged water system. In response, the PM Bureau and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad partnered with the Janus Global Operations company, funding its efforts to find and remove the explosives. Just 35 days later, the pipeline, pump house, and water well, as well as nearly 12,000 square meters of ground around them, were cleared of booby traps, and repairs to the system could begin. Once fully operation, it will provide water for some 2,000 families. With smart investments in the work of partners like Janus to support reconstruction, the United States demonstrates its enduring commitment to partnership with the Iraqi people, wrote Mr. Black. This work will allow local governments and humanitarian organizations to conduct the hard work of repairing and rebuilding infrastructure, a key first step to enabling families to return home and begin bringing daily life back to normal. Mariano Rajoy is aware that with the Catalan secessionist challenge, he is facing one of the most serious situations in the history of Spanish democracy. There are many voices that are calling on him to take more forceful action in the face of the speed with which the regional government, the Generalitat, and the regional parliament are heading toward a declaration of independence while tensions in the street are still running high. During an interview with EL PAIS, the prime minister showed he is prepared to use all of the instruments that the law places in his hands to avoid the breakup of Spain, but he also called for citizens to have faith in his government and respect its right to choose the moment and the correct level of response, with the aim that the outcome cause the least amount of damage possible. Question. Society is worried. Citizens are scared. Two or three generations of Spaniards are facing a situation that they never thought they would live through. What message would you like to send to all of those people? Answer. I understand their anxiety very well. We are talking about something that is very important and that affects all of us as Spaniards. We are talking about the unity of our nation. Spain has made a huge amount of progress, above all in the last 40 years, and today it is one of the major economies in the world and one of the places with the highest level of rights, of freedoms, of well-being, of progress and of attention to people. I want to tell them that we are going to move forward. And also that they have a government that is going to defend as it is its obligation to do national unity and national sovereignty. And it is going to do so taking all the decisions that it has to take and at the moment that it is necessary to do so. And trying to see that this is sorted out with the lowest amount of damage possible. It will be very important also at the current time to see the return of that Constitutional Catalan spirit that was in favor of negotiations and that contributed to economic growth and the improvement of our well-being and wealth in the last 40 years. That it end its alliances with extremists and radicals and that it seek that alliance with the parties that represent practically the half of Catalonia, those that have been discriminated against and those that have not even been able to have an opinion on the important decisions that have been taken in recent times. Be sure that this battle is going to be fought and is going to be won, because it is a fair battle, its a legal battle and it is what the immense majority of Spaniards want and what we all feel. This battle is going to take place and is going to be won, because it is a fair battle, its a legal battle and it is what the immense majority of Spaniards want and what we all feel Q. Is there a risk that Spain ends up divided? A. Absolutely not. Spain is not going to divide and national unity will be maintained. To do so we will use all of the instruments that the legislation gives us. It falls to the government to take the decision and to do so at the right time. We have listened to a lot of people. We believe that we know what the Spanish people are thinking. And they should know that the government also knows what it has to do. Q. What will the government do in the case that next week the Catalan parliament makes a statement in favor of independence? A. We are going to stop independence from taking place. As such I can say to you with complete candor that it is not going to happen. It is evident that we will take any of the decisions that the law allows according to how events progress. I want to say one thing with complete clarity: while the threat of a declaration of independence does not disappear from the political panorama it is going to be very difficult for the government not to make decisions. We have the battle of European values and we also have to win that Question. The challenge of independence is also of concern to our neighbors. There is a lot of talk in the European media of an explosive situation in Spain. What message would you like to give Europe? Answer. I would say that this is their battle. It's Europe's battle. In 2012, we had the battle of the euro in Spain. And we as Europeans won that battle. Now we have the battle of European values and we also have to win that. Europe began with the European Coal and Steel Community and then there was the Treaty of Rome. The European projects aim was to overcome the difficulties two world wars had thrown up. It was about having no more wars. It was about creating a space in which principles such as democracy, freedom, the rule of law, and respect for the law could be nurtured; a space for economic and social progress. In recent years, we have witnessed a challenge from a number of quarters to these European values that for me and, I believe for most Europeans, are the right values. Populism is surfacing everywhere. Weve seen what happened with Brexit; there are figures such as Le Pen and Mr Farage, and there is the extreme right in Germany that challenges the supremacy of the law and respect for peoples rights. These were seriously damaged in the parliamentary sessions that took place on September 6 and 7. Which is why I say that this is Europes battle and that Europe has to win it in the same way it won the battle of the euro. And I encourage Europe to continue with what its doing which is defending the unity of its nations, the enforcement of the law and the Constitutions of its member states. Some days ago, the former French Prime Minister Valls rightly said that if we let this go ahead, other issues in other parts of the continent will arise. And thats not acceptable. This is a battle in which European values are at stake. I am convinced that all the European governments will continue to support the Constitution and the enforcement of the law. Q. Does that include Article 155 of the Constitution? A. I am not ruling out anything that the law says. What I have to do, is do things at the right time, which is the most important thing right now. The ideal situation would be to not have to take drastic solutions, but for that to happen there would have to be rectifications. Q. Are you conscious that there has been debate about the appropriateness of using Article 155 before we got to the current situation? Why has your government rejected its use until now? A. There are a lot of opinions and I understand them all. However, look at the position of the most important parties in parliament. The Socialist Party [PSOE] is arguing for constitutional reform and is not keen on 155. Mr Rivera [Ciudadanos] wants that article to be applied but only so that we call regional elections in Catalonia. Podemos wants there to be a mediation on the part of someone and that the government sit down and negotiate under the threat of this blackmail. There are many different opinions, and then each citizen has their own. I am the only Spaniard who cannot say what has to be done, because I will have to do it when the time comes. I would like for the threat of a declaration of independence to be withdrawn as quickly as possible, because that is going to make things very difficult in the future. If they withdraw it, they will avoid greater problems. More negative things are being caused for everyone as time goes on. The simulation of a referendum was negative for everyone. Thats where we see the economic consequences in the tourism sectors, in the business sectors. The markets are starting to get nervous. The more time that passes without withdrawing the independence declaration, the worse it is for everyone. And we still have time. Q. There are other instruments in the Constitution apart from 155: the state of exception or even the state of siege. In what measure or in what order do you think that they should be applied? A. What the prime minister suggests to his Cabinet cannot be made public beforehand, as you will understand. And logically, beforehand I would have to speak with other political forces as events play out. Q. Can the government tolerate a phased declaration of independence, one that is not immediately effective, as the Catalan parliament could try? A. Look, no. There is no government in the world that is prepared to accept talking about the unity of its country nor about the threat to the unity of its country. Nothing can be constructed under the threat of blackmail. As such, it is completely irrelevant that they try for the declaration of independence to go into force the next day or for it to be a declaration of independence with a suspensory condition, a settlement, delayed or with any of the multiple forms that are circulating out there. We are going to see if we can be serious and leave things clear: nothing can be constructed if the threat against national unity does not disappear. Not in Spain and not anywhere in the world. The ideal situation would be to not have to take drastic solutions, but for that to happen there would have to be rectifications Q. Is there any way of impeding that next step? Even if it is null and void from the start, can the state stop the act itself of a declaration of independence? A. It depends fundamentally on the regional premier [Carles Puigdemont]. What is up to the government is to proceed with its annulment and that it never enter into force. At the current time the regional premier has called a session in parliament to talk about the political situation in Catalonia, not to talk about a declaration of independence. It is not definite that the issue will be on the order of the session. It isnt right now. Q. Has it surprised you that things have got as far as they have today? A. I never ruled it out, because it was said to me a lot of times. Q. Your strategy before October 1 was to assure people that there would be no referendum. There was not one that could be described as such, but we have seen more ballot boxes and voting slips than we expected to see. Outside of Spain this has given it a certain emotional validity. It gives the impression that it exceeded the calculations of the government. A. We had an obligation, and that was to impede the referendum, and everyone knows that a referendum did not take place. Our second big objective was that it was done with the least amount of damage possible. What took place was due to the determination to maintain an appearance of a referendum when they knew it was completely illegal. That is the huge irresponsibility of those who took the decision. I have a duty to keep calm and get the final decision right Question. Until now, or at least until several weeks ago, you were the prime minister who got Spain out of the economic crisis. Are you worried how you will be remembered following this crisis in Catalonia? Are you worried that now you'll be the prime minister who was in power during a particularly turbulent period a period in which Spain experienced the biggest clash within its borders in a long time? Answer. As I said previously, it wasn't me who dismissed constitutionality, violated the law and tried to get rid of the Spanish Constitution and the Catalonian Autonomous Estatut in the space of six hours while drawing up a parallel and temporary constitution in four. That's not my responsibility. It's the responsibility of those who did it. Sometimes, we have a tendency to share out responsibility, but this is not mine. However, I am very concerned about it. It's obvious I'm very concerned because it's of great importance to the Spanish people and, of course, to me. In short, I don't know how I'll be remembered in the history books but what I can tell you is that independence is not going to happen and that, probably, will help me be remembered in a reasonable way. Q. We imagine you sometimes read the newspapers. And at times you will read EL PAIS and you will have seen what's said about you, and picked up on the way you're portrayed by the journalists here. Often it's as a prime minister on the defensive, pretty much alone and in power during a difficult political period. Is that how you feel? A. No. Whether through good luck or bad, I've been in politics for some years and during those years, some difficult situations have cropped up. This one is without a doubt very difficult. But, at this stage in my life, I have to do what I believe in because at the end of the day I have to decide what is best for Spain. And I have to try to be fair. I have to try to be impartial. I have a duty to listen to people and I know what many of them are thinking. But, above all, I have a duty to keep calm. That's the most important thing I can do, even when the situation gets difficult because if I don't keep calm I might take the wrong decision. Everyone else can offer heated opinions. But, in my role, I can't decide in a heated state of mind. In any case, my ultimate duty is to get it right and that is probably the hardest thing of all. Q. Could the government have done something to avoid us reaching this moment? A. I was given two suggestions that I could not understand and that I knew were not going to come to pass. One was to request a fiscal system like the Basque agreement. I remember that I spoke to the general secretary of the PSOE about this and he was radically opposed, as we all were. We offered [former regional premier] Artur Mas the chance to go to parliament to defend his position but he didnt want to. Afterward they called for the famous referendum. Whatever happened. During talks you cant suggest to your interlocutor an adhesion contract that you either sign or oppose. That is exactly what I went through with Mr Puigdemont. Either there is a referendum or there is nothing to discuss. From there, we may have made other mistakes, but the fundamental error has been to try to hold a referendum in which national sovereignty is called into question. I positively knew that I was not going to authorize it. Q. Has the government lacked the political initiative to present, as many were calling for including EL PAIS a project for Catalonia aimed at those anti-independence citizens who are still not comfortable with the current situation? A. We are coming from 40 very positive years for the history of our country, since the approval of the Constitution. Spain is a country of which we can be proud. We have one of the highest levels of GDP in the world, and high per capita income. Its a country with democracy, with freedom, with human rights and with the separation of powers, and it is integrated in the European Union. The 1978 Constitution was a great pact between Spaniards in which everyone was obliged to cede in terms of their positions. A system was created with the highest level of self-government for the regions in our history. Since then we have done great things, such as entering into Europe. Now we have to continue to build Europe, which is facing very important debates in terms of defense, immigration, with respect to refugees or how to better integrate ourselves. I believe that this is a much more exciting project than a project of division, of separation, and of a return to the past. A project that, as has been seen now, is based on deception. Q. During the last year, you put the response to the Catalan challenge in the hands of Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria. There was even talk of an Operation Dialogue. However, it appears you focused more on the juridical response than in presenting an attractive political proposal. The Civil Guard and the National Police will remain in Catalonia until things return to normal Question. Do you think the Catalan regional police, the Mossos d'Esquadra, acted disloyally to the Spanish government on October 1? Answer. Allow me to say the following: I believe that the politicians in the Catalan government have seriously compromised the standing of the Mossos d'Esquadra. I absolutely believe this to be the case. Having said that, the question remains: should we trust them or not? All security forces, be they the Mossos d'Esquadra, the National Police or the Civil Guard, are in Catalonia on the orders of the judges. They are not there on the orders of the government. So it is up to the judges to say whether the Mossos acted correctly or not. Forgive me for not entering into this matter but it is not my business. Q. But put yourself in the shoes of a Spaniard living in Catalonia whose safety depends on the Mossos d'Esquadra. Do you believe they should feel they are in good hands? A. Look, what I will say is that the Civil Guard and the National Police will remain in Catalonia until things return to normal. A. It is very difficult to negotiate with someone who doesnt have more than one objective and is unable to move a single centimeter. We suggested a Conference of Autonomous Regional Premiers and the Catalan premier didnt want to come. There we spoke about very important issues for Catalans, such as for example the new regional financing model, pensions, civil protection and the Gender Violence Pact. It was one of the most constructive meetings I have attended in recent times. They didnt want to take part in the work groups. When someone is unable to move they make it impossible for the other side. Thats exactly what is happening now. Q. The pro-independence strategy is trying to dislodge Catalonia from the state by force. Is the state present in Catalonia and in control of the situation? I dont have to negotiate anything. I have the obligation to call on them to return to the law and normality A. We have taken two decisions, such as taking control of the public accounts of Catalonia and keeping the public order forces there. These two decisions show that the state has resources to ensure that the law is observed. But it is evident that we have built a state model that stems from the 1978 Constitution, which divides responsibilities between the different institutions. Catalonia manages its health system, education, social services and public order. The state can only intervene in exceptional circumstances, such as those that we are living through now. The problem is that this state model that we have built is based on a capital principal in a democracy, which is the loyalty between institutions, and here that has broken down. But the Constitution itself gives the state the sufficient instruments so that things return to their course. What is happening is that the person who has to take the decision must do so with prudence, and being conscious of the consequences of the decision that is taken. Q. This week there was an important milestone in this crisis, with the speech made by the king to the Spanish people, in which he called for the restoration of constitutional order. Did you see that as an endorsement for the actions of the government or a warning? A. I thought the kings speech was magnificent. He said what the immense majority of Spaniards are thinking. The king thinks, as all of us do, that the law in Catalonia has been broken and it is important for that to not continue into the future. It did not appear to me to be a message aimed at the government. It was a position fixed by the king about an event that is the most important that the Spanish have had in many years in our homeland. Spanish PM Rajoy. ALEJANDRO RUESGA Q. As we are talking, there are thousands of people out on the streets all over Spain with Spanish flags. Does that expression in the street worry you? A. This issue affects the deepest feelings of all citizens. We have seen protests called with no well-known figure at the helm, but all of them peaceful and all of them defending common sense, their country, their Constitution, their rights. And all have done so via the peaceful route. People have the right to say Im Spanish, Im proud to be so and Im proud of my Constitution. I think that is right, to be frank. Q. Are you not afraid that in the face of pro-independence nationalism a Spanish nationalism could emerge? A. Defending your country never involves a risk. The symbols of your country, your flag, your national anthem, the laws that govern coexistence its something that the whole world has a right to defend. And Spain is a country that in all times has shown a number of displays of moderation, good sense, balance and common sense. Q. The PSOE has announced its intention to call for the censure of the deputy prime minister for the police actions on October 1. Do you believe that the unity between Pedro Sanchez and Albert Rivera that you have wanted to maintain still exists? A. In a situation like this one it is not just necessary but essential that the government has the greatest backing possible. On the essential facts, which is what must always be focused on, the Popular Party, the Socialist Party and Ciudadanos agree. The essential thing is the defense of the unity of Spain, the defense of national sovereignty and the defense of the principles and values that are within our Constitution. It is my obligation to maintain unity and we believe in it. Q. But in the face of the first reaction of the state, the police charges on October 1, that unity appears to have begun to crack on the part of the Socialists. What would happen when more drastic measures are adopted? A. I must say that there is a quite fluid dialogue with the PSOE and also with Ciudadanos. Its my obligation to try to see that the unity does not crack and returns. Q. And will you both accept tougher measures? Have you consulted them already? A. We are talking. Q. In those conversations have you spoken on any occasion about a government of national unity? A. No. I already suggested it after the elections in 2015 and it was not possible. It is not my intention to suggest it again right now. That could help, but the important thing and what would be sufficient is for us all to be together. We have to continue to build Europe, which is facing very important debates in terms of defense, immigration, with respect to refugees or how to better integrate ourselves Q. In the interest of that objective, of having the biggest political and parliamentary support possible, a government of national unity would be the instrument that would guarantee this. A. I have just said that, yes. But it is sufficient for us to be together in these difficult times. Its my obligation and it would not be sensible to act this way. We are not talking about the income tax rate, we are talking about the unity of Spain. Q. How did you feel about the statement from the FAES foundation, which has behind it the former PP Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, that called on you to act or to move aside? Did you see that as an act of disloyalty? A. Frankly, for some time now I do not respond to such questions. Q. But the message of Aznar is striking. Do you feel you have the backing of your party? A. Absolutely. In reality, I have always felt supported by my party, after the difficulties that this government went through and that everyone knows about. If I had not had the support of my party, history would have played out a different way. Q. You have on the table a notable list of candidates to mediate in this situation. A. The goodwill of the people is well known and they should be appreciated for it. I would like to say something about mediation: we dont need mediators. What we need is for those who are breaking the law and those who have put themselves above the law to rectify their position. There is also talk about how we need to negotiate. But the unity of Spain is not up for negotiation. And whats more there can be no negotiations with the threat of breaking the unity of Spain. Right now there is a negotiation that is the priority, and it is that Mr Puigdemont negotiates and comes to an agreement with the opposition groups in the Catalan parliament, which represent more than half of Catalans, and who have been stopped from even debating the liquidation of the Constitution and the [Catalan] Estatut, or the calling of an illegal referendum. Spanish PM Rajoy. ALEJANDRO RUESGA Q. Does the government have any communication channel open with Puigdemont or [deputy premier Oriol] Junqueras? A. The only thing the government has, and knows, is the idea that the unity of Spain cannot be discussed, nor mediated nor be the object of mediation, nor negotiate with the threat of breaking up the unity of Spain. Q. And what can be negotiated? A. Within the law anything. Another thing is whether agreements are reached. Q. And can negotiations begin now? You say that within the law anything can be negotiated. When? A. While there is no return to the law, I of course will not be negotiating. The prime minister of an advanced and democratic country cannot negotiate with those who ignore the laws. When there is a rectification we will be in a different and normal situation. As we have been during the 40 years in which a lot of things have been negotiated. Q. So if Mr Puigdemont expressly and publicly renounces the declaration of independence, would you be willing to talk to him the next day? A. No. Mr Puigdemont has a first priority, which is to talk to the Catalan parliament. What is clear is that we are in a very different situation. This has not happened, and as such we should not get ahead of ourselves. I want the return to normality and it is clear that the return to normality would put us in a different situation. Q. The government is not imposing conditions then such as stating that Puigdemont or Junqueras could not now take part in negotiations? A. We are in the situation we find ourselves in right now. We need to set priorities. The priorities are the return to the law and normality. Q. But this is the situation in which we find ourselves, in which they are considering the possibility of a negotiation. A. No, I already said to you that there is no negotiation. I dont have to negotiate anything. I have the obligation to call on them to return to the law and normality. Q. In the not so immediate future, might your government consider a Constitutional reform? A. This is not the time to change the blueprint or to say what might happen in 10 months. What Mr Puigdemont has done has consequences, such as companies packing up and leaving and the division that has been created in Catalan society: it will affect tourism, peoples pockets and the Catalonian debt. There are many things that can be discussed in the future but what I will say now is that there are things I am not going to renounce, such as national sovereignty and national unity. But we can talk and discuss. There is already a commission in Congress for that purpose. But that is something for the future and it has nothing to do with the challenges we are facing now. Q. Do you think Podemos and its leader Pablo Iglesias is using the Catalonian crisis to try to destabilize Spanish institutions? A. When Mr. Iglesias proposed a vote of no confidence, I wasnt able to get his opinion on national sovereignty, nor could I get him to say what he thought of the Catalan referendum. Recently we have seen how he thinks one thing and then he thinks the opposite. He is not aware of the gravity of some issues nor does he have a role in matters of importance in Spain. Q. If Catalonian companies had acted earlier, would this problem already have been resolved? A. Thats water under the bridge. Q. Do you see the risk of a corralito economic measures to stop a bank run in Catalonia? A. Im not about to threaten anyone with damnation. The only thing I would say is that you can lie all you like but the truth will emerge in the end. After telling everyone that nothing bad was going to happen, theyre now facing problems. They still have time to get back in the right path and if they dont, things will only get worse because theres no alternative. Q. Have you been at all tempted to bring the Spanish elections forward? A. No. Ive always maintained that a country should aspire to stability and normality. I have no intention of bringing the elections forward. That would be madness. I believe it would be bad for Spain and it would send out a message of pessimism to our European colleagues. Situations that create instability cause a lot of damage. Thats whats happening right now in Catalonia. English version by Simon Hunter and Heather Galloway. Massive march in Barcelona in favor of the Constitution and the unity of Spain Hundreds of thousands of people flooded the center of Barcelona on Sunday to protest against the pro-independence movement and demand the continued unity of Spain and the preservation of the Spanish Constitution. Under the slogan Lets get back to common sense, the march, which was called by the Societat Civil Catalana (SCC) association, ran from the Urquinaoana square until the Pla de Palau and Francia station. The march, which went by without incident, ended with emotional speeches by Mario Vargas Llosa and Josep Borrell, among others. The manifesto read by the association at the end of the march called for the end of the marginalization of non-nationalist Catalans as well as the confrontation, confusion and pain that, they said, the population was suffering due to the October 1 illegal referendum on independence. No political player should ignore that the non-nationalist Catalans form part of the landscape and that we are also Catalan society. Marginalization is over, we have the right to be listened to and to be taken into account, the manifesto read. The manifesto read by the association at the end of the march called for the end of the marginalization of non-nationalist Catalans The Nobel Prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa criticized the nationalist passion, calling regional premier and deputy Carles Puigdemont and Oriol Junqueras members of a coup detat, along with the speaker of the Catalan parliament, Carme Forcadell. He went on to say that the independence plot would not destroy 500 years of history of the unity of Spain nor would it turn it into a third-world country. Waving Spanish flags, the protestors occupied the center of the city. Leading figures from the governing Popular Party, such as the regional premier, Cristina Cifuentes, and the health minister, Dolors Montserrat, were present, as was Ciudadanos leader, Albert Rivera. The Catalan Socialist Party (PSC), which has never backed Societat Civil marches, called for people to turn out without formally signing up to the protest. The vicepresident of SCC, Jose Domingo, called on the regional premier not to commit the folly and provocation of declaring independence and called for a return to common sense. Xavier Garcia Albiol, said that in the last 20 years there had been two historic moments when Spaniards had taken to the street. The first to defend the honor of Miguel Angel Blanco, a PP councilor killed by ETA, and the second, to defend the unity of Spain. Piugdemont must know that were not going to allow it to happen, he said, while demonstrators around him chanted: Puigdemont to prison! The march was the largest ever organized by SCC, which is anti-independence and campaigns for better relations between Catalonia and the rest of Spain. Estimates of attendance ranges from 350,000 to 950,000 people The organizers claimed that 950,000 people attended, while the local police put the figure at 350,000. Sources from the National Police in the capital put the figure at a minimum of 400,000 people. The organizers put on buses to bring in demonstrators from other parts of Spain, while many arrived on Saturday night via the AVE high-speed train. A second march along an alternative route was also held this morning by far-right groups, such as the Falange and the Plataforma per Cataluna. They held a protest outside the Civil Guard headquarters in Travessera de Gracia. For its part, SCC issued strict orders for there to be no pre-Constitutional symbols on show during its march. English version by Simon Hunter. By RFE/RLs Radio Farda Iran's judiciary has confirmed that a dual national member of the Iranian team that negotiated a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of espionage. A spokesman for the judiciary said on October 8 that Abdolrasoul Dorri Esfahani was among some who were accused of spying and providing information for foreigners and had links with two espionage services." The spokesman, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejeie, did not identify Dorri Esfahanis second nationality, but Iranian media have said that he has Iranian and Canadian citizenship. Ejeie also said the verdict was final and that Dorri Esfahani also has a financial corruption case for which a bail has been issued but no indictment has been issued yet." The semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported on October 4 that a member of Iran's team of nuclear negotiators was jailed for five years for spying, without naming Dori Esfahani or detailing the charges. A spokesman for the Canadian government said without elaborating that officials were "aware of media reports that a dual national has been sentenced in Iran." News outlets in August 2016 reported the detention of Dorri Esfahani, who was involved in banking-related aspects of the negotiations on the July 2015 deal that put restrictions on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The reports said he had been arrested on suspicion of "selling the country's economic details to foreigners." He was later granted bail, which is rare in Iran for those accused of serious crimes, and denied the allegations. Iran does not recognize dual citizenship, which means dual citizens cannot receive diplomatic protections such as consular visits. With reporting by AP and Reuters The Reformist faction in the Iranian parliament has protested new restrictions imposed on the Islamic Republics former president, Mohammad Khatami, calling it explicit and obvious violation of articles of the Islamic Republics Constitution. Meanwhile, 86 MPs have called upon President Hassan Rouhani to step in to prevent the restrictions and report the outcome to the parliament. However, the spokesman of the judiciary, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei has insisted that the restrictions are not new and are merely the extension of old restrictions imposed on the reformist ex-president based on a resolution approved by the Supreme National Security Council Secretariat (SNSCS). President Rouhani, who also presides over the SNSC, has dismissed the judiciarys claims as unfounded. His ministers have also insisted that the SNSC has never issued a resolution banning Khatami from attending public ceremonies. The Reformist faction, Omid (Hope) in the parliament issued a statement on Sunday, October 8, saying that increasing restrictions on Khatamis presence at cultural, political and promotional ceremonies are violation of the Articles 20, 23, 36 and 37 of the Islamic Republics Constitution. These restrictions, the faction asserted, have increased the former presidents popularity. Furthermore, in a reminder for President Rouhani, several MPs called upon him, as the head of the Supreme National Security Council, to guard fundamental rights and prevent any move that restricts citizens rights. The MPs also asked Rouhani to act against the recent conviction of several political activists and report its outcome to the public. The deputy speaker of parliament, Ali Motahari and former vice president, Mohammad Reza Aref are among the MPs who have signed the parliamentary reminder. Ali Motahari, believed to be a centrist and an outspoken defender of the loyal opposition, bitterly blasted the new restrictions imposed on Khatami, saying they were illegal without prior consultation with Khatami or his lawyers. We have a solid constitution and the parliament has also ratified good laws, yet, some councils and entities such as the Special Clerical Court bypass the constitution and the parliament and push the country towards autocracy, he said. An opposition website close to Iranian Green Movement, Kalemeh reported on October 5 that The Special Clerical Court has sent a letter to former president Khatami informing him that, for a period of three months, he is barred from attending any political and promotional ceremonies. The letter was signed by the head of the Special Clerical Court, and the runner-up in the May 19 presidential election, Ebrahim Raeisi. Based on the letter, from now on, 74-year old Khatami is barred from attending assemblies, conferences, seminars, theatres, artistic ceremonies and performances, including, concerts, recitals and dramas. The letter has gone much further, barring the reformist ex-president from attending non-family gatherings, including private meetings with activists. Khatami is believed to have played a crucial role in Hassan Rouhanis ascension to the presidency in 2013 and 2017, apparently convincing his second term vice president, the reformist challenger Mohammad Reza Aref to step aside in favor of Rouhani. Khatami, who served as president from 1997 to 2005, is considered to be the spiritual leader of Irans reformists, and remains influential among the youth despite being under a media ban, AP reported. Responding to a question on the case and its connection with the SNSC, parliament deputy speaker, Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday, They [judiciary] have not presented any paper or text [attributed to the SNSCs decision on Khatami]. They are scared to present it. They have done it [themselves] but they do not have the guts to write it down, for it will be registered in annals of history and judged. President Rouhani, stepping in personally, categorically denied the judiciarys claims, affirming on Saturday, October 7, The reason behind the restrictions [against Khatami] is the fact that They want to punish somebody [Khatami] for his impact on the elections. Khatami has been banned from appearing in the media since mass street demonstrations against the government in 2009-2010, but continues to wield a measure of popularity, particularly among women and younger generation. Three other opposition leaders supported by Khatami, Mir Hossein Mousavi, 76, his wife Zahra Rahnavard, 71, and Mehdi Karroubi, 80, have been under house arrest since 2011 for calling people to participate in street demonstrations in favor of Arab Spring in Egypt and Tunisia, as well as creating anti-ruling system formation, the Green Movement, when Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was officially re-elected as the president in 2009. The financial problems of Tehran's municipality appear to be worse than previously announced. The former conservative mayor of Tehran, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who was ousted after reformists won all the seats at the City Council in last May's elections, had claimed that the municipality owes banks and creditors roughly $5 billion. The new mayor, Mohammad Ali Najafi announced on September 25, that the real debt is almost $8 billion. Now, a member of Tehran City Council says that Irans capital has close to $14 billion debt and maybe even more. I believe that the real debt figure is higher than that, Mahmoud Mirlohi, a member of the budget commission of Tehran City Council told ILNA News Agency on Saturday and pointed to the fact that this did not include loans that municipality's affiliated companies had taken out. Sixty nine percent of municipality's income is from unstable sources, Mirlohi said and added that fees from land conversions; from agricultural to residential or industrial, were the main source of income for Tehran Municipality. Unstable sources of income also refers to fees the city administration receives from changing zoning regulations, selling property or issuing building permits, which are not predictable form year to year. Stable sources of income refer to taxation on property and rental income, etc. The former mayor Ghalibaf has been sharply criticized by reformists for corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement. Among other things, Ghalibaf had sold tens of thousands of square meters of public lands to his colleagues and allies at a very low price. Mirlohi, also insists that Tehran Municipality had currently more than 68000 employees. The previous Mayor Ghalibaf and his colleagues had underreported the number of employees by thousands. Ghalibaf has been also criticized for inappropriate hiring practices. Under his supervision, 4200 relatives of political and military officials as well as famous religious eulogists were hired by a subsidiary of the municipality without following the proper hiring process. (Reuters) - A small Turkish army reconnaissance team crossed the border into Syria's Idlib province on Sunday, a senior Syrian rebel said, ahead of a planned deployment by Turkish-backed rebels there. The group of military vehicles was escorted into the area by the rebels' rival, the Tahrir al-Sham jihadist alliance, against which the operation has been planned, local sources said, suggesting a deal might be reached to avert fighting. However, the jihadists and the Turkish military had earlier exchanged fire nearby, underscoring tensions as Turkey builds up forces and the rebel groups it backs prepare to enter Idlib. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that Syrian rebels backed by Turkish forces would launch an operation in Idlib and warned that Turkey would not allow "a terrorist corridor" near its borders. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim stressed the importance of ensuring de-escalation near the border. "We will ensure safety in Idlib, and will cooperate with Russia," Yildirim said. The operation follows a deal between Turkey and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's allies Russia and Iran to impose a "de-escalation" zone in Idlib and surrounding areas to reduce warfare there, an agreement that did not include Tahrir al-Sham. A local resident and another local rebel said they had seen Turkish military vehicles enter Idlib and then travel under Tahrir al-Sham escort along a road. The senior Syrian rebel said the reconnaissance team were heading to Sheikh Barakat, a location that overlooks both rebel-held areas of Aleppo province, adjacent to Idlib, and the Kurdish-controlled area of Afrin. ARTILLERY Reuters witnesses, the local resident and local rebel, and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said that, earlier on Sunday, the Turkish military and Tahrir al-Sham clashed near the village of Kafr Lusin in Idlib. Tahrir al-Sham fired on a Turkish bulldozer removing sections of a border wall and Turkish artillery returned fire, they said. The area was later quiet. Rebel groups taking part in the operation -- part of the Euphrates Shield campaign that Turkey has backed with armor and troops in another part of Syria to the east of Idlib since last year -- said on Saturday they expected it to start very soon. Tahrir al-Sham said any incursion into Idlib would "not be a picnic" for its enemies. Tahrir al-Sham is spearheaded by the former Nusra Front, which was al Qaeda's Syrian branch until last year, when it changed its name and broke formal allegiance to the global movement founded by Osama bin Laden. It has been a formidable military force since early in the conflict, often fighting alongside other rebel groups, but since early this year it has battled them as it tried to gain control over areas including Idlib. Idlib and neighboring parts of northwest Syria represent the country's biggest and most populous rebel stronghold, home to more than two million people, many of them refugees from other regions. Turkey has been one of the biggest supporters of rebels fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the six-and-a-half-year war, but its focus has moved from ousting him to securing its own border. Its biggest security concern on the frontier is the powerful Kurdish YPG militia, which as part of a U.S.-backed alliance is fighting Islamic State in eastern Syria. The YPG controls Afrin, one of the areas that the Turkish reconnaissance team will be able to over look from Sheikh Barakat, the senior rebel said. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 8 Trend: A special meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development (GUAM) member-states held in Georgia Oct. 8, the Georgian Foreign Ministry tweeted. The meeting held on the occasion of GUAMs 20th anniversary. The foreign ministers of Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova, as well as GUAM Secretary General Altai Efendiev took part in the meeting. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 8 Trend: Azerbaijani Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov paid an official visit to Belarus at the invitation of his Belarusian counterpart, Lieutenant-General Andrei Ravkov on October 8, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said in a message. As part of his visit, Hasanov will meet with the Belarusian military and political leadership and heads of other state structures. Hasanov will also visit the enterprises of the Belarusian military industry. Prospects for development and expansion of bilateral cooperation in military education, military and technical sphere, as well as security and other issues of mutual interest will be discussed during the meetings. RIPON, Wis. (AP) About 5,000 miles away from home, milking cows by hand in rural Senegal, local Nate Zimdars cultivated connections between himself and the citizens, as he explored those between his life and the world beyond it. Born and raised in Ripon, Zimdars spent much of his childhood and adolescence on his grandparents dairy farm. Multiple times a week, Zimdars would go with his parents as they worked there, sowing that passion for agriculture early. Agriculture had always been a big part of my life, he said. It was a big part of my early childhood experience, being out on the farm. It gave me an understanding of where food comes from and the hard work farmers do. As he grew, he joined 4-H and FFA, as well as took on more responsibilities on the farm, particularly when he began high school. This interest in FFA drove him to be part of the Fond du Lac County Farm Bureau, an organization that is focused on policy development. As he worked to attain his degree in political science, first at UW-Fond du Lac and then at UW-Madison, Zimdars took an active role in speaking with farmers and state representatives about creating policies that benefit farmers. In doing so, he collaborated with others across the state, particularly through Young Farmers and Agriculturist Group, which works to bridge the gap between consumers and farmers to provide education on where their food comes from. In the process, he has learned more about agriculture in Wisconsin and the different aspects involved in outside of dairy. Its good to have a community you can go to that supports you and broadens your idea of what agriculture backgrounds look like, he said, adding that prior to his experience, he didnt realize that Wisconsin is No. 1 for cranberries, or how organic agriculture is growing in western Wisconsin. Having expanded his horizons in Wisconsin, Zimdars sought to do so even further through a study abroad experience. While he had originally intended to through University of Wisconsin-Madison, but with costs to factor, and the desire to make a difference, he turned to Evangelical Lutheran Church of Americas Young Adults in Global Mission program. The program for adults 21 to 29 began in 1999 and sent 12 young adults to the United Kingdom. Its purpose: to give young adults part of ECLA or connected to it the opportunity to live in the international context, Zimdars says, while focusing on accompaniment, or walking with the people who are being served. This year, 93 young adults were sent out worldwide on a yearlong mission. To do so, the youth Zimdars included need to raise $5,000 of the $15,000 required to send them. While some take the complete year to raise the money, with the support his church, Grace Lutheran, he raised $6,000, allowing him to help out other volunteers. With 11 different countries offered, Zimdars picked Africas Senegal. It was just wanting a new living experience to take me out of everything I was familiar with and thats what drew me to Africa, he said. I wanted an experience that would help me grow in my faith and be connected to the church. Leaving in mid-August, the culture shock was immediate when he landed. Through January, Zimdars lived off $60 a month, with that amount raised to $80 through July. This was done so the young adults could understand what it was like to live at the income level of those around them. It also required budgeting. I had to really think about how I wanted to use my money, he said. For Zimdars, the linguistic barrage was one of the most difficult aspects of his experience. While French is the official language of the country, more than 30 are spoken there, with many people knowing three or four. The Senegal Lutheran Development Service he worked with wanted him to learn Pulaar, but the farmers he worked with spoke Linguere, and his host family spoke French. As many of the people he interacted with spoke French, he too learned that language. Despite the barrier that existed between others, connections were still able to be formed and meals shared. This was seen, too, with religion. Although he lived with a Christian family, 95 percent of the nation was Islamic. Rather than seeing each other only for their differences, though, the groups interacted and shared with each other. At Easter, Christian families would share their peanut sauce with Muslim friends, while at Ramadan, Muslims would share their food with those who were Christian. One of my greatest takeaways was the hospitality and love shown to me by those around me and the respect they had for my religion and in turn the respect I had for them, he said, telling of the sharing that took place between he and his co-worker Ibou during Ramadan a time when Muslims fast from sun up to sun down. He never failed to share his food with me or the water of the juice he had made special to break the fast. It always seemed like such a surprise when people would invite you over or share what they had they werent sharing out of abundance. It was not only the people he found communion with, but animals as well. In 2011, he watched the family farm get upgraded with a milking parlor for 200 cows, allowing them to milk 16 at a time. Stepping onto the farm in Senegal, he had expected to see a more modern setup. However, what he found was 12 cows tied up to trees waiting to be milked by hand. It was definitely more intimate, he said. It gave me a greater connection to not only the cows, but to the work that went into it. My 91-year-old grandpa was doing it decades ago, and were still doing it 2017. The experience took his back to his childhood, back through the years and across the globe. There were so many times when I was bringing the cows in and I would have a flashback and feelings of nostalgia of walking them in with my grandparents, he said. It was really special for me. Bringing his background from Wisconsin to the table, Zimdars and his fellow farmers discussed building a milking parlor on the land. As part of his experience, Zimdars job was to talk with the locals, see what they are interested in developing and help them to do so. They have the land and area mapped out where they want to do it, but they would have to get donors, he said, adding that it should be up and running within the decade. The largest goal of those there currently was increasing milk production. With a dry season eight months out of the year, natural vegetation deteriorates, leading farmers to look to cows to produce more milk during those months. Through the work of the dairy cooperative, cows were bred with European breeds, driving up milk production by 2.5 gallons compared to the 2 quarts in non-crossbreeds; in Wisconsin, the average dairy cow produces 8.5 gallons of milk per day. Compared to dairy cattle we have in Wisconsin, thats not much, but for them it was a huge increase, he said. The farmers who would crossbreed had $400 more a month. That increases access to medication and school supplies and provides more opportunities. Since returning to the United States in July, Zimdars has been working for the ECLA, spreading the word about his experience in hopes of drawing others to it and growing support. While he is still figuring out his future, he hopes to maintain his connections to agriculture and one day have his own hobby farm. For now, his focus is on finishing his education and living his passion to benefit others. The current plan is to find some kind of full-time job in Madison in the capitol. Thats where my passion is and where I am called to serve, he said. One of my greatest takeaways was the hospitality and love shown to me by those around me and the respect they had for my religion and in turn the respect I had for them. Nate Zimdars Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 8 Trend: Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov delivered a speech at the meeting of GUAM Member States Council of Ministers for Foreign Affairs in Tbilisi on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of GUAM, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a message. Noting that Azerbaijan, as an active member state of GUAM, made a major contribution to the development of the organization and deepening of cooperation between member states, Mammadyarov added that successful activity within the framework of the organization was established on the basis mutual trust and support. Mentioning that GUAM was established 20 years ago with a view of promoting the peace, security and stability in the region and also enhancing economic development and interconnectivity among the member states, Mammadyarov noted that GUAM provides a unique regional platform to strengthen a wide range of cooperation among member states and their partners. Touching upon protracted conflicts in the territories of GUAM member states, Mammadyarov emphasized that these conflicts must be resolved on the basis of the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of states. Noting that strategic level relations within the GUAM promotes strengthening of economic partnerships and development of cooperation in the spheres of trade and transport, Mammadyarov added that Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will play a transit-bridge role for the countries within the GUAM region and beyond. In this regard, the minister drew attention to the importance of promotion of GUAM Transport Corridor which connects Europe and Asia. Mammadyarov emphasized that Azerbaijan is satisfied with cooperation in different spheres within the GUAM and stated the importance of increasing common efforts to develop economic-trade relations among the member states. The minister noted that during the last 20 years GUAM member states has achieved to establish a close cooperation based on partnership and mutual trust, and the strengthening of trust and solidarity will make the work of organization more successful. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 9 Trend: News Blaze published an article by American journalist and publicist Nurit Gringer entitled " Azerbaijan: A Kaleidoscope of Development and Growth Part I". The article says that Azerbaijan is constantly mapping its future and they like to share it with the world: "It is important for a 25-year-old country to work along a guideline of improvement and development and Azerbaijan is facing an ongoing phase of growth". "Azerbaijan has black gold, it has rich oil fields. That is given but the rest of the economy must be developed and grow", Gringer notes. Then the author tells about the factors that affect the growth of the economy, the projects implemented by the leadership of the country and positively affecting its development. Nurit Gringer also tells readers about Armenia's occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh. The author notes that material damage from the occupation of 20% of the territory of Azerbaijan is estimated at 815 billion US dollars. Touching upon the topic of the Khojaly genocide, the author of the article reminded that 19 US states had already recognized it. "That is not enough to put effective pressure on Armenia", said in the article. The American journalist completes the article with memories of her trip to Azerbaijan: "During my entire visit in Azerbaijan, I noticed what sucks much energy out of the countrys leadership is the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The impression I get is that it is a heavy stone around the neck of Azerbaijan and no matter what has been tried, there is no solution in sight yet. Azerbaijan wants to solve the conflict and get its land back peacefully. Armenia is obstinate and belligerent and is an unfriendly neighbor", the author underlined. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 8 Trend: The official opening ceremony of "Outlook World Culture Festival" organized by the Kiev City State Administration has been held, the Azerbaijani embassy in Ukraine said in a message. According to the message, Azerbaijans culture and national cuisine were presented at the international festival. At the event, along with the stands of 40 countries, the visitors could also see Azerbaijans stand. Azerbaijani Ambassador to Ukraine Azer Khudiyev updated the guests about Azerbaijans culture, history, national cuisine. During the event, residents and guests of Kiev, as well as the representatives of the embassy, tasted national sweets. This is the fourth festival, which is held annually. The event is aimed at promoting the world culture and history. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 8 By Anvar Mammadov Trend: Azerbaijan needs to create single standards for mortgaged property evaluation, Hamid Mammadjanov, a consultant with International Finance Corporation (IFC), told Trend. He said the standards currently used in Azerbaijan are based on old international analogues, adopted back in 2003. "International standards have changed many times, and the latest amendments were made in 2017," Mammadjanov said. "Therefore, we offer Azerbaijan a project on creating new evaluation standards." He added that creation of single standards understood by all market participants will make it possible to avoid disagreements as well as minimize risks for market participants. "Misunderstandings and disagreements between banks and entrepreneurs are caused by the absence of single standards," Mammadjanov said. Azerbaijan has been cooperating with IFC since 1995. IFC has granted loans worth $473 million to Azerbaijan for implementation of 56 projects. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct.8 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Azerbaijan has been extremely supportive of the oil output cut deal of OPEC and participating non-OPEC countries, OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo said in an exclusive interview with Trend. "The assessment of the conformity of all participating countries is taken by both OPEC and non-OPEC. To implement the Declaration of Cooperation, a Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) was established, which has so far met five times this year. The members of this committee are Kuwait, Algeria and Venezuela from OPEC; and from non-OPEC, the Russian Federation and Oman. To support the JMMC, a Joint Technical Committee (JTC), working alongside the OPEC Secretariat, was also formed. The JTC has met eight times so far this year," said the secretary general. Barkindo pointed out that the adoption of the joint framework for oversight and monitoring implementation of the Declaration of Cooperation is innovative and unique. They are also prime examples of OPECs support for data sharing, openness and transparency, he added. "I should also like to stress that Azerbaijan has been extremely supportive of the Declaration of Cooperation, achieving fully conformity to its production adjustment. Its commitment has been exemplary to the common goal of oil market rebalancing," added Barkindo. Daily oil production in Azerbaijan stood at 785,700 barrels in September, of which 733,000 barrels accounted for crude oil and 52,700 barrels for condensate. Meanwhile, 627,000 barrels of crude oil, 52,700 barrels of condensate and 19,300 barrels of oil products were exported per day. "Azerbaijan once again completely fulfilled its commitments to reduce production by 35,000 barrels per day," said Azerbaijans Energy Ministry. Azerbaijan produced 793,900 barrels of oil per day in January, 776,400 barrels of oil per day in February, 733,300 barrels of oil per day in March, 781,100 barrels of oil per day in April, 785,300 barrels of oil per day in May, 793,700 barrels of oil per day in June, 796,700 barrels of oil per day in July, 734,800 barrels of oil per day in August, said the ministry. In December 2016 in Vienna, 11 non-OPEC countries, including Azerbaijan, agreed to curtail oil output jointly by 558,000 barrels per day. The agreement was signed for the first half of 2017. On May 25, OPEC member countries and non-OPEC parties, Azerbaijan, Kingdom of Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Sultanate of Oman, the Russian Federation, Republic of Sudan, and the Republic of South Sudan agreed to extend the production adjustments for a further period of nine months, with effect from July 1, 2017. The reductions will be on the same terms as those agreed in November. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 8 By Ali Mustafayev Trend: The TAPI (Turkmenistan Afghanistan Pakistan India) gas pipeline project presently remains on hold. Security problems make investors reluctant to go on with construction and question the future of the project. Cooperation with Iran may be an alternative option for the TAPI members to organize gas sales in a more reliable way. In this case, Iran may purchase natural gas from Turkmenistan and sell its own gas from its southern fields to Pakistan and then to India, practically achieving the result that TAPI was intended for originally. "Such cooperation is quite possible," the professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois Marvin Weinbaum believes. Although the TAPI project is still expected to be completed, the alternative version of the gas trade in the region may be the cooperation of the countries with Iran, he told Trend. Mentioning the possible obstacles of such a cooperation model, Weinbaum stressed that Indian-Pakistani relations and escalated relations between the US and Iran may cause problems for the construction of the TAPI pipeline. "As for Pakistan, I see no reason why the country would not, in principle, buy Iranian gas substituted for gas from Turkmenistan," Weinbaum said. The TAPI pipeline is expected to link the regions of Central Asia and South Asia and transport up to 33 bcm of natural gas. The construction of the Turkmen section of the TAPI was launched in December 2015. The total length of the pipeline is 1,814 kilometers, including 214 kilometers in the territory of Turkmenistan, 774 kilometers in Afghanistan, 826 kilometers of Pakistan to the settlement of Fazilka on the border with India. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 8 By Fatih Karimov Trend: Gas condensate output at Phase 12 of Irans South Pars field stood at 11.6 million barrels during the first half of current fiscal year (March 20-Sept. 22), said Mohammad Mehdi Hashemi, manager of the 9th gas refinery of South Pars Gas Complex. In the meantime, over 10.7 billion cubic meters of gas was refined in the countrys biggest gas refinery, Hashemi said, the oil ministrys official website reported. He further said that 50,000 tons of sulphur was produced at the 9th refinery of South Pars Gas Complex in the 6-month period, 20 percent more year-on-year. The 9th refinery of the South Pars Gas Complex refines 11 percent of the countrys total gas, according to Hashemi. The Phase 12, South Pars biggest phase, was put on stream in March 2015. South Pars, located in southern region, is divided into 24 development phases, and contains 40 trillion cubic meters of natural gas. It covers an area of 9,700 square kilometers, 3,700 square kilometers of which are in Iran's territorial waters in the Persian Gulf. The remaining 6,000 square kilometers are in Qatar's territorial waters. The Phase 12 produces 80 million cubic meters of gas per day. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 8 By Fatih Karimov Trend: Commander of the Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) threatens that Tehran will boost its missile program if the US administration takes steps against the nuclear deal between Iran and the six world powers, which came into force last year. The Islamic Republic will use stupid behaviour of Donald Trump administration with the nuclear deal as an opportunity to promote its defense, missile and regional programs, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said, the state-run IRINN TV reported Oct. 8. He further said that if the US administration implements the CAATSA, the Islamic Republic of Iran will view it as Washingtons unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA aka nuclear deal). CAATSA, which was passed by the US Senate and House of Representatives, codifies certain non-nuclear sanctions in place against Iran. Jafari also said that if new US sanctions are implemented, the US will need to move its regional bases that are within a radius of 2 kilometres of Irans missile range. The Iranian commander also noted that if the US administration designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, then the IRGC will consider the US army on a par with the ISIS (Islamic State, ISIL) terrorist group anywhere in the world, in particular in the Middle East. Jafaris remarks came after some western media reported that President Trump is expected to designate IRGC as a terrorist organization next week as part of new measures against the Islamic Republic. The Iranian general further said that if the US targets forcing Iran to negotiate on regional issues by using these measures, then the US has chosen a wrong path. Iran seeks to settle the regional issues on spot rather than on the negotiation table, Jafari said, adding that there is nothing to negotiate and no side to talk with. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 8 Trend: Georgia's President Georgi Margvelashvili met with the delegation of the GUAM foreign ministers, which included Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and European Integration Minister of Moldova Andrei Galbur, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavel Klimkin, Georgian press reports. The meeting was also attended by Georgian Foreign Minister Mikhail Janelidze The jubilee date of GUAM and the role of Georgia as the country-chairman of the organization were discussed during the meeting. Georgian president noted that it is necessary to take significant steps to ensure that this format, which is inherently unique and implies cooperation between strategic partners, is even more developed and even more strongly represented in the international arena. The conversation also touched upon the security issues in the region, sectoral cooperation and concrete plans for cooperation in the future. Two people were confirmed dead after an explosion at a gas station Saturday evening in the north of Ghana's capital city, a local official told Xinhua. The explosion, which occurred around 7:30 p.m. local time, was due to a leak when a truck was discharging liquefied gas at a filling station, according to eyewitnesses. When the truck driver realized there was a leak, he immediately alerted people around, who had started running before the resounding double explosions sent fire balls into the sky, they added. "A significant number of people got injured and are receiving treatment in various health facilities, but unfortunately some have also passed away," Deputy Minister for Information Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah told Xinhua. All adjoining communities in the area of the incident have been working with rescue officials to bring the fire under control. "I can confirm that two people were dead. One of them directly by the explosion, while the other was an eyewitness using his phone to take shots at the incident, but was rather caught by the fire," said Abu Ramadan, deputy coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organization. On the scene were about six fire fighters, police trucks and ambulances from the National Ambulance Service on call to carry the injured or deceased to the hospitals or morgues. More than 90 militants from the Taliban terrorist group were killed in a set of raids held in the Gereshk district of the southern Afghan province of Helmand during the last two weeks, Sputnik reported citing local media. The Pajhwok news agency reported Saturday citing the police chief of the district about the Taliban victims in the operation as well as about seized pick-up vehicles, automatic rifles, a machine gun and motorcycles. The media outlet added that within the framework of the operation five Afghan servicemen were killed and nine more were wounded. Over the years, Afghanistan has been facing an unstable political and humanitarian situation, which had worsened due to the activities of terrorist groups such as Taliban. The Taliban movement attacked a checkpoint in the northern Afghan province of Baglan leaving two police officers killed and one more injured, Sputnik reported citing the TOLOnews broadcaster. The attack took place on Saturday morning in the village of Chashme Sher. Local police confirmed the incident saying that the terrorists managed to seize weapons from the check post. Further details of the attack remain unknown. Afghanistan has long been suffering from the unstable political, social and security situation due to the activity of the Taliban movement as well as Daesh terrorist group. The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, supported by the US-led coalition, are currently conducting joint offensive operations to combat terrorism across the country after a new US Afghan strategy was revealed by President Donald Trump in late August. After the plan was announced, the Taliban vowed to continue "jihad" in the country. US President Donald Trump ordered to provide assistance to the US state of Alabama hit by Hurricane Nate, the office of Alabama's Governor Kay Ivey said in a press release Sunday, Sputnik reported. "President Donald Trump on Sunday approved Governor Kay Iveys request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration for the State of Alabama. The President declared that an emergency exists in the State of Alabama and ordered Federal assistance to supplement existing response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Nate beginning on October 6, 2017, and continuing," the press release said. According to the statement, the Federal funding will cover 75 percent of costs of the emergency relief. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been entrusted with the coordination of the efforts to deal with the damage caused by Hurricane Nate. Hurricane Nate, that has claimed lives of over 20 people in Central America, reached the US coast in the Gulf of Mexico Saturday, leaving nearly 100,000 people in the states of Alabama and Mississippi with no power. No victims in the United States have been reported so far. According to the US National Hurricane Center, as of 1:00 p.m. Montgomery time (18:00 GMT) on Sunday, Hurricane Nate has weakened to a tropical depression. The steps taken in Syria's western Idlib province are continuing "without any problem", President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday, Anadolu reported. On Saturday, Turkish military deployed fully-equipped commando units along its border with Syria after the president hinted at further steps to secure Idlib. The Free Syrian Army (FSA) is currently engaged in the area which is under the control of anti-regime armed groups and some opposition groups. Speaking in the Aegean province of Afyonkarahisar, Erdogan said: "The process, which began yesterday and was implemented this morning, is continuing without any problem. The efforts there [in Idlib] are continuing smoothly with our support for the Free Syrian Army." The action in Idlib comes after guarantor countries -- Russia, Turkey, and Iran -- agreed to establish de-escalation zones in Syria during a meeting in Kazakh capital Astana on May 4. After intensive negotiations between Turkey, which backs the Syrian opposition, and the guarantor of the regime, Russia, the deal came to the implementation phase. Erdogan also said Turkey would not be allowed to be "cornered by threats from Syria and Iraq". KYODO NEWS - Oct 7, 2017 - 20:29 | World, All A Russian-operated boat has been involved in facilitating North Korean cargo shipments to China at a time when international sanctions against Pyongyang over its missile and nuclear programs are squeezing trade between the two countries, a source close to the matter said Saturday. Goods carried by the boat, named Mangyongbong, from North Korea to Russia have been reloaded onto a non-North Korean vessel for shipment to China, in an apparent attempt by the reclusive state to continue international trade. According to bills of lading dated Sept. 14 and Sept. 29 obtained by Kyodo News, the Mangyongbong transported 16 tons of aluminum from Rason in northeastern North Korea to Vladivostok, with a plan to reload the cargo onto a non-North Korean ship bound for Foshan in southeastern China. The Mangyongbong returned to Rason with tobacco and mahjong game tables, according to the source. InvestStroiTrest, operator of the Mangyongbong, told Kyodo News it undertook the work following the closure of sea routes between China and North Korea. It said aluminum is not included in the list banned by the U.N. sanctions against North Korea. InvestStroiTrest started the first regular ferry service using the Mangyongbong between Russia and North Korea in May this year. It halted the operations in August after it was unable to pay docking fees at Vladivostok. Responding to a request by North Korea at the end of September, the Russian firm carried cargo on the Mangyongbong in a round trip between Rason and Vladivostok with no passengers. InvestStroiTrest intends to continue the service between Rason and Vladivostok, the source said. Description "This year marks the 42nd Annual Columbus Day Weekend that has celebrated the agricultural heritage of our town. As one of the largest festivals in New York State, Riverhead hosts visitors and vendors from many states throughout the country. Take time to enjoy the works of original artists, agricultural and homemaking displays and competitions, authors, entertainers, local merchants, food, amusement rides, pony rides, business expositions and displays, and of course, more food. Covering more than 100,000 square feet, we offer something for everyone. The Country Fair does not come to fruition without a coordinated effort of many people, starting with our dedicated and diligent Fair Committee as well as scores of volunteers whom all band together to ensure a day that is safe and enjoyable for the whole family. Excellence in service is provided by our government officials, police, ambulance, fire and highway departments, along with the Chamber of Commerce, multiple service groups, local merchants, Boy Scouts, advertisers and sponsors. Thank you to all the volunteers, professionals, vendors, competitors, performers, boaters, merchants, and anyone else who gets together each October to make our Fair the very best. Enjoy our town-wide little block party!" [Breaking news update, published at 1:41 a.m.. ET] Hurricane Nate made landfall at 12:30 a.m. CT near Biloxi, Mississippi, its second and final US landfall. Nate has sustained winds of 85 mph, making it a Category 1 hurricane. [Previous story, published at 11:57 p.m. ET] Hurricane Nate made US landfall Saturday night as a Category 1 storm near the mouth of the Mississippi River in southeast Louisiana, the National Hurricane Center said. The hurricane center said Nate has maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. It was moving north at 20 mph. A hurricane warning was in effect for coastal areas from the mouth of Pearl River on the border of Louisiana and Mississippi, east to the Alabama-Florida border, as of Saturday night. Rains had already soaked coastal Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi much of Saturday. As the storm approached the Gulf Coast, officials in Louisiana and other states implored residents to finish their storm preparations and get inside. "After landfall, the center of Nate is expected to pass over portions of Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee late tonight through Sunday night," according to the National Hurricane Center's advisory issued late Saturday. Mississippi braces Jackson County in coastal Mississippi enacted a curfew that began at 7 p.m. CT (8 p.m. ET), several hours before the powerful northeastern side of the core is expected to arrive. Gov. Phil Bryant urged county residents to head north away from the Gulf but there was no mandatory evacuation. According to CNN affiliate WLOX, there were 13 shelters open in the southern part of the state. Bryant declared a state of emergency for six counties and any others that might be affected by Nate, the state's emergency management agency said. In Biloxi, Mayor Andrew Gilich was especially concerned about storm surge. "The storm surge is a big thing that really traps everyone," he told CNN. Gilich said he hopes Nate's direction and predicted speed "ease the blow." The National Weather Service said: "Wind and rain impacts will be confined to southeast Mississippi with the greatest impacts along the Interstate 59 corridor and coastal areas." A dozen casinos in Mississippi, including the Beau Rivage and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, took the rare step of closing early as the storm moved in. Threat to New Orleans lessens New Orleans spent most of the day under a hurricane warning that was lifted around 7 p.m. CT. While the worst of the storm was to the east, heavy rain fell in the city, and nearby Lake Pontchartrain was under a storm surge warning. Earlier, Mayor Mitch Landrieu told residents to wrap up what they were doing and move to a safe place. "We're in the fight now. The storm is on us," Landrieu told his city of some 400,000 people -- 440,000 when you count the tourists this weekend. The mayor told them to keep an eye on the latest developments, but to remember that a Category 1 hurricane is still very powerful. "It's gonna to hit you hard, it's gonna to hit you fast," Landrieu said. Landrieu said he visited the city's drainage pumps facilities and was pleased with the conditions. After Nate made landfall, New Orleans was under a tropical storm warning and the mayor lifted a citywide curfew. Nate once was almost as fast as an Olympic sprinter, but began to lose speed as it made contact with the Gulf Coast. Hurricane warnings were in effect from Grand Isle, Louisiana, east to the Alabama-Florida border. Storm surge warnings included the coast from Grand Isle to the Okaloosa/Walton county line in Florida and the northern and western shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Evacuation orders were in place outside levees in New Orleans and Plaquemines Parish, and along the Mississippi, Alabama and Florida coasts. President Trump on Friday declared an emergency in Louisiana ahead of Nate and ordered federal assistance. Strong winds expected The storm's reach will be wide, CNN meteorologist Chad Myers said, with strong winds affecting population centers from New Orleans to Panama City, Florida. Biloxi could experience gusts of 100 mph. Nate was expected to knock down power lines and trees from Lake Charles, Louisiana, to the Florida Panhandle and possibly leave at least 1 million people without electricity. "Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion in these areas, as tropical storm conditions will first arrive in the warning area this afternoon," the hurricane center warned Saturday morning. Nate could drop 3 to 6 inches of rain, with 10 inches possible in some areas, from the central Gulf Coast north across the Deep South, the eastern Tennessee Valley and the southern Appalachians through Monday, the hurricane center said. Flash flooding is a danger. New Orleans preparations Nate is the third hurricane to hit the US mainland in six weeks, after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma killed dozens of people and destroyed thousands of properties. The storm has already carved a path of devastation in Central America. At least 28 people were killed Thursday in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras. Hundreds were rescued from floodwaters and mudslides. Many lost power and running water. Landrieu already had ordered a mandatory evacuation of the Venetian Isles, Lake Catherine and Irish Bayou areas, which are low-lying or outside the federal hurricane-protection system that underwent a $14 billion overhaul after Katrina. He also had declared a state of emergency. At least 1,800 workers were on standby to reconnect power, if needed, he said. First responders, sewer workers and residents also prepared for flooding, mindful of summer rains that exposed deficiencies in the city's unique drainage pumping system. Of the city's 120 main drainage pumps, three major and eight smaller ones were offline Friday night, city records show. Also, all 24 major pump stations had backup generators, records show, as only three of five turbines that help power the city's oldest, most powerful pumps were available for service, a city water utility spokeswoman told CNN. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency for all of Louisiana on Thursday and mobilized 1,300 National Guard troops, including some to help monitor New Orleans' drainage equipment, he said. Storm surge feared along Gulf Coast In Alabama, the Port of Mobile closed Saturday, meaning the Carnival Fantasy cruise ship would not be "making its scheduled call" there Sunday, the Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal said. The Bankhead Tunnel, a major downtown thoroughfare that passes under the Mobile River, was closed because of the hurricane, emergency officials and a reporter with CNN affiliate WPMI tweeted. In Mobile, city workers checked storm drains for debris, took measures to avert power outages and deployed critical equipment. Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who had declared a state of emergency in 29 counties, said Saturday that evacuation orders were in effect Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, with shelters open for those seeking higher ground. "This is not the time to be complacent -- do not risk your life or the life of your loved ones," he said in a statement. "Even if your home is not in the direct path of this hurricane, everyone in the Panhandle should be ready to follow your emergency plan and stay vigilant to weather alerts and updates from local officials." CNN's Carma Hassan, Nicole Chavez, Danielle Hackett, Joe Sutton, Judson Jones, Sheena Jones, Siomara Germain, Natalie Gallon, Samantha Lugo and Brandon Miller contributed to this report. The pioneering chat app that taught us to text is pulling the plug. On December 15th, AOL Instant Messenger will shut down after running since 1997. AIM dominated online chat in North America at the turn of the century. But with SMS and social apps like Facebook and WhatsApp having conquered chat, AOL is giving up the fight with no planned replacement. "We know there are so many loyal fans who have used AIM for decades; and we loved working and building the first chat app of its kind since 1997," AOL wrote on the AIM help page. "Our focus will always be on providing the kind of innovative experiences consumers want. Were more excited than ever to focus on building the next generation of iconic brands and life-changing products." TechCrunch reader Daniel Sinclair tipped the shut-down to us, which follows the cut-off of third-party apps back in March. Now AIM's official MacOS, Windows, iOS and Android apps are being pulled off life support. "From setting the perfect away message to that familiar ring of an incoming chat, AIM will always have a special place in our hearts," AOL wrote to users in an email. People can download images they sent until December 15th, but the app's download links will start disappearing now. Unfortunately there's no way to save or port your buddy list. Initially the chat experience built into AOL desktop, AIM launched as a standalone app in 1997. Its iconic Away Messages were the ancestor to the modern tweet and status update. It battled for supremacy with competitors like ICQ, and messengers from Yahoo and Microsoft MSN. But eventually text messaging, Google's GChat and Facebook took over, while AIM never fully figured out the shift to mobile. That led to AOL's fall from grace, going from being valued at $224 billion in today's money to just $4.4 billion when it was sold to Verizon in 2015. For context on the business AOL let slip away, WhatsApp sold that same year to Facebook for more than $19 billion. Story continues Back in March, a former AOL employee told Ars Technica that he estimated AIM usage had sunk to single-digit millions of users, and the cost of AOL keeping the OSCAR messaging protocol running became too high to justify. Regardless of [Disclosure] TechCrunch being owned by AOL, this moment is bittersweet for me. AIM taught me to write as 12-year old trying to navigate the world of grade-school friendship and romance. I was a shy kid who'd fumble for words in person, but found my voice through the keyboard where I could compose and edit my thoughts before revealing them. After three straight all-night AIM chats, I asked out my first girlfriend, on pins and needles staring at my cathode ray tube until she agreed. AIM was a domain parents didn't understand, giving it a feeling of clandestine cool -- akin to getting one's first car but for the internet generation. In fact, it was what first convinced me that social technology would change the way we interact with each other so vividly that it was worth studying and eventually writing about for a living. So, farewell to AIM and my embarrassing screen name KDog313. Being a teenager will always sound like one of your incoming messages. It has been a tough ride for bank stocks this year, with the industry unable to sustain the post-election momentum after mid-February 2017. As a group, bank stocks didnt do much from mid-February through early September. But they have experienced dramatic gains since September 8th, with a number of major bank stocks trading at or near their highs for the year. This lack of sustained performance notwithstanding, the industry remains an integral part of the Trump Trade, with the industry handily outperforming the broader market since November 7th. The chart below plots the performance of the Zacks Major Banks industry relative to the S&P 500 Index since the elections. Please note that the Zacks Major Banks industry includes all the money-center banks and big regionals that kick-off the Q3 earnings season for the industry on Thursday October 12th with the JPMorgan (JPM) and Citigroup (C) results. What this chart (blue line represents the banking group) shows is that stocks in the Zacks Major Banks industry are up +28.5% since November 7th, outperforming the S&P 500 indexs +19.2% gain in that same time period. The broader Finance sector, of which the Major Banks industry is big part, accounting for roughly 40% of the sectors total earnings, is up +24% since November 7th. Bank stocks are up more than +8% over the past month, roughly double the S&P 500s performance in that time period. Optimism about tax policy changes appears to be a contributing factor to the groups recent momentum. Its hard to be overly optimistic about substance and timing of a policy legislation given the healthcare experience, but lower corporate taxes will be highly beneficial to the banking industry. As large as many of these big industry players are, they are still primarily domestic oriented businesses that stand to benefit from lower corporate tax rates (just as small-cap stocks do). Trends in treasury yields have an outsized bearing on bank stocks since they are a big driver of bank margins. You can see this correlation in the year-to-date stock market performance of the industry relative to the 10-year treasury yield (bank industry is blue line), with the industrys bounce since September 8th coinciding with the most recent bottoming in the treasury yields. Story continues Whether the groups recent outperformance over the past month is a function of treasury yields, or hopes of tax law changes or both, its foundations appear shaky. Tax cuts would be good for banks, but who knows when or whether they will arrive. Treasury yields have been unable to cross the 2.4% level at the high end, though they reached that level three times since March this year. They are heading to that level again, with the 10-year yield getting a modest bump from the stronger-looking wage growth numbers in the otherwise noisy September jobs report. But if recent history has to repeat itself, then we should look for yields to start moving down after getting close to the 2.4% level. With these two supports for the group less than credible, lets take a look at the groups earnings potential to see if we can find support there. What Are Banks Expected to Report in Q3? Bank earnings failed to impress in the Q2 earnings season and all of the factors that weighed on Q2 results remained in place in Q3 as well, keeping expectations in check. Net interest margin benefited from the June Fed rate hike, but that incremental gain likely got offset by persistent deceleration in loan growth and soft trading revenues. The September quarter is traditionally a seasonally weak period on the capital markets front. This years Q3 was mixed, with stable fixed income trading flows and positive fixed income underwriting trends offset by weak equity trading volumes and issuance. What all of this means is that bank stocks could benefit from low and relatively easy-to-beat expectations. Total Q3 earnings for the Zacks Major Banks industry are expected to be down -5.1% from the same period last year on +2.2% higher revenues. This would follow +10% earnings growth in Q2 and +19.4% growth in 2017 Q2. JP Morgan (JPM) and Citigroup (C), on deck to release Q3 results on Thursday, are expected to report -6.6% and -8.2% lower earnings from the year-earlier level, respectively. The table below shows the sectors Q3 earnings growth expectations at the medium-industry level contrasted with estimates for the following four quarters and actual results for the preceding three periods. Please note that the Major Banks industry, of which JPMorgan, Citigroup and others are part, accounts for roughly 45% of the sectors total earnings (insurance is the second biggest earnings contributor, accounting for about 25% of the total). The insurance industry has been hard hit by this years very active and impactful hurricane season, with estimates for insurers taking a big hit since the quarter got underway. We discussed the hurricane impact in our weekly Earnings Trends report here >>>>Earnings Impact of Hurricanes Expectations for Q3 Total Q3 earnings are expected to be up +2.2% from the same period last year on +5% higher revenues. This would follow +11.1% earnings growth in 2017 Q2 on +5.5%, the second quarter in a row of double-digit earnings growth. Estimates for Q3 came down as the quarter unfolded, with the current +2.2% growth down from +6.3% at the end of June. The chart below shows how Q3 earnings growth expectations have evolved since the start of the quarter. Please note that while Q3 estimates have followed the well traversed path that we have been seeing consistently over the last few years, the magnitude of negative revisions nevertheless compares favorably to other periods. In other words, Q3 estimates have come down, but they havent come down by as much. The table below shows the summary picture for Q3, contrasted with what was actually achieved in Q2. In terms of sector focus, the strongest growth in Q3 is coming from the Energy sector which benefits from easy comparisons. Excluding the Energy sector, the aggregate growth pace drops to +0.4% from +2.2%. The Conglomerate sector is the only other sectors with double-digit growth rates. Earnings growth is also strong for the Technology sector, with total earnings for the sector expected to be up +9.7% on +6.7% higher revenues. On the negative side, Q3 earnings are expected to be below the year-earlier level for 8 of the 16 Zacks sectors, with double-digit declines for the Transportation, Aerospace, Basic Materials and Autos sectors. The chart below shows Q3 earnings growth expectations contrasted with what is expected in the following three quarters and actual results in the preceding 5 quarters. As you can see in the chart below, the growth pace has started decelerating from the double-digit level of the first two quarters of the year. The chart below shows the weekly reporting calendar for the S&P 500 index. As you can see, we have only 8 index members reporting results this week, with the earnings season really ramping up the following week. Note: Sheraz Mian manages the Zacks equity research department. He is an acknowledged earnings expert whose commentaries and analyses appear on Zacks.com and in the print and electronic media. His weekly earnings related articles include Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview . He manages the Zacks Top 10 and Focus List portfolios and writes the Weekly Market Analysis article for Zacks Premium subscribers. 4 Stocks to Watch after the Massive Equifax Hack Cybersecurity stocks spiked on recent news of a data breach affecting 143 million Americans. But which stocks are the best buy candidates right now? And what does the future hold for the cybersecurity industry? Equifax is just the most recent victim. Computer hacking and identity theft are more common than ever. Zacks has just released Cybersecurity! An Investors Guide to inform Zacks.com readers about this $170 billion/year space. More importantly, it highlights 4 cybersecurity picks with strong profit potential. Get the new Investing Guide now>> Here is a list of the 20 companies including 8 S&P 500 and reporting this week. Company Ticker Current Qtr Year-Ago Qtr Last EPS Surprise % Report Day Time BARRACUDA NTWRK CUDA 0.07 0.06 -12.50% Tuesday AMC VOXX INTL CP VOXX -0.01 0.12 -100.00% Tuesday AMC BLACKROCK INC BLK 5.56 5.14 -2.78% Wednesday BTO FASTENAL FAST 0.5 0.44 4.00% Wednesday BTO DELTA AIR LINES DAL 1.54 1.7 -1.20% Wednesday BTO BANK OF OZARKS OZRK 0.74 0.66 0.00% Wednesday BTO BLACKHAWK NETWK HAWK -0.17 0.05 56.00% Wednesday AMC SARATOGA INVEST SAR 0.5 0.45 N/A Wednesday AMC SKY PLC-ADR SKYAY N/A N/A N/A Thursday N/A CITIGROUP INC C 1.3 1.25 4.96% Thursday BTO JPMORGAN CHASE JPM 1.67 1.58 15.92% Thursday BTO DOMINOS PIZZA DPZ 1.22 0.96 8.20% Thursday BTO LINDSAY CORP LNN 0.65 0.73 10.87% Thursday BTO EXFO INC EXFO 0.06 0.04 -200.00% Thursday AMC PNC FINL SVC CP PNC 2.12 1.84 4.48% Friday BTO BANK OF AMER CP BAC 0.46 0.41 6.98% Friday BTO WELLS FARGO-NEW WFC 1.03 1.03 4.90% Friday BTO FIRST REP BK SF FRC 1.17 1 -2.75% Friday BTO DEL FRISCOS RST DFRG -0.01 0.04 -11.76% Friday BTO FIRST HRZN NATL FHN 0.3 0.27 3.85% Friday BTO Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report J P Morgan Chase & Co (JPM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Citigroup Inc. (C) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Bob Weinstein, co-founder and co-chairman of Weinstein Co. and Miramax, has long been overshadowed by his older brother Harvey, even when his Dimension Films label was producing most of the profits through commercial hits such as the Scream, Scary Movie and Spy Kids franchises. Now, in a sudden turn of events, Bob Weinstein is attempting to wrest control of the Weinstein Co. as his high-profile sibling fights for his professional life amid allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior stretching back decades. A scathing New York Times story published Thursday reported that eight settlements have been paid to alleged victims, including actress Rose McGowan, over the past two decades. On Friday evening, the TWC board confirmed that Harvey Weinstein has been placed on indefinite leave and that a law firm has been hired to investigate the allegations. Bob Weinstein and chief operating officer David Glasser will jointly run the company in the interim. It remains unclear at this juncture if Harvey Weinstein will ever return to the company that he and his brother launched in 2005. Sources familiar with the situation say Bob Weinstein and TWC chief operating officer David Glasser are united in pushing the companys board to remove Harvey Weinstein from his co-chairman role. By multiple accounts, the brothers who have been in business together since forming Miramax in 1979 have become estranged in recent years. Glasser has been serving as a liaison between Harvey and Bob. However, Glasser has many detractors and sources close to the company say there is concern that he is mounting a power grab, taking advantage of the crisis moment. Bob Weinstein has always kept a lower profile than his more gregarious and controversial brother for most of their nearly 40-year business partnership. Weinstein Co. insiders are said to be frazzled by the uncertainty at the company. The sexual harassment scandal comes on top of a prolonged film slump and the persistent industry speculation that the company is in financial straits and needs to sell all or part of its television division to help longtime investors reap returns at along last. Story continues Bob Weinstein is respected for his sharp instincts on marketing and distribution of films. Hes generally well liked among the staffers, with one former executive describing him as a quiet warrior in business, though he is known to have a temper as hot as his brothers. But theres only one Harvey, said another alumnus. While for many years Bob Weinstein brought in the lions share of their companys profits with his releases, which also included Sin City and the Halloween series, he has been curiously inactive on the movie side in recent times. Dimension has so far released no movies in 2017 and has only two horror films planned for the rest of the year: Amityville: The Awakening (Oct. 28) and Polaroid (Nov. 22). Harvey Weinstein is seen as the creative engine of the company, whether working with filmmakers, hunting acquisitions or re-editing movies. Hes also been the driving force behind the companys aggressive push in to TV. Weinstein has leveraged his reputation and his creative connections to package projects such as the Paramount Network drama series Yellowstone, about ranchers on the edge of the Wyoming national park battling land developers and conservationists. Kevin Costner landed an eye-popping $500,000 an episode for the show. The pilot was written and directed by Taylor Sheridan, the filmmaker behind TWCs summer release Wind River. That doesnt happen unless you have Harvey in there banging on the table at the network, an executive close to the project said. On the TV side, however, Bob Weinstein oversaw MTVs series adaptation of the Scream horror pic franchise that was a moneymaker for the Dimension Films banner he ran in the 1990s and early 2000s. Scream will wrap with an abbreviated third season early next year. TV has become increasingly vital to TWC as the company has endured a string of underwhelming film releases during the past two years. But insiders emphasize that there is a void in leadership below the Harvey level both on the movie and TV sides of the business. Earlier this year, Dylan Sellers returned to the company to head the movie division and Patrick Reardon oversees unscripted TV for TWC as executive VP; Megan Spanjian runs scripted as executive VP. Reardon has stature in the unscripted TV world, but neither executive is seen as a candidate to take on the all-important role of selling and packaging new TV projects. Weinstein Co. has been shopping its TV division on and off for months. It has sought a sky-high valuation of $700 million-$900 million that turned off numerous prospective buyers even amid the recent M&A frenzy among independent TV producers of size. The absence of a clear leader for the TV operation will further hinder the sale process. ITV kicked the tires on Weinstein Co.s TV arm but ultimately decided against a deal. Weinstein Co.s biggest TV property is Lifetimes long-running reality series Project Runway and its spinoffs. Industry observers say TWC under Bob Weinstein could have better luck recruiting a TV industry heavyweight to take charge of the operation. Harvey Weinsteins reputation as a tough micro-manager has been an impediment to bringing in an outsider, industry sources said. Harvey Weinsteins reputation for exerting his will over the final cut of projects flared last year when he demanded the chance to assemble his own cut of several episodes of military drama Six, which TWC and A+E Studios produce for cabler History. Weinsteins insistence on changes and additions to several episodes became such a struggle that a financial deal was made with TWC to ensure that Weinstein would only be a consultant on Season 2. (Pictured: Harvey Weinstein and Bob Weinstein) Related stories Female News Anchor Accuses Harvey Weinstein of Masturbating in Front of Her Beleaguered Harvey Weinstein Likely to Fall Off His Awards Throne Harvey Weinstein Takes 'Indefinite' Leave of Absence; Board Mounts Investigation Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts! FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Credit Agricole's chief, Philippe Brassac, has expressed interest in Commerzbank if the German lender were to be up for sale, according to an interview with the Handelsblatt newspaper. Brassac was quoted as saying that he would like the French bank to be better positioned in Germany, as it is in Italy. Credit Agricole's strategy plan states that it will focus on organic growth until 2019. "But this doesn't mean that we wouldn't take a look at interesting possibilities," Brassac said in the interview published on Sunday. "If such a big institute like Commerzbank were really to be on the market, we would surely have to analyse it as one of the significant institutes in the euro zone," he said. There has been speculation that the German government could sell its roughly 15 percent stake in Commerzbank, making the lender a takeover target. Italy's UniCredit has told Berlin it was interested in eventually merging with Commerzbank, two people familiar with the matter said last month, a combination that would create one of Europe's biggest banks. The German government has denied a report that it favoured a merger of Commerzbank with France's BNP Paribas . (Reporting by Tom Sims; Editing by Alison Williams) byd bus A Chinese automaker backed by billionare Warren Buffett is getting ready to ramp up production of its electric buses. BYD, which stands for Build Your Dreams, opened its manufacturing facility in 2013 in northern Los Angeles. Since then, the facility has produced the company's battery-powered buses and, more recently, electric trucks. On Friday, BYD unveiled the factory's new 450,000 square-foot expansion that will allow the company to build 1,500 electric buses annually. BYD will use the expansion to expand further into its new product lines, like electric forklifts and garbage trucks. Stella Li, president of BYD, said the expansion will allow BYD to deliver 300 buses by mid-2018. The company has so far delivered more than 130 electric buses to 40 customers in North America, like Denver's Regional Transportation District and the Los Angeles Metro. The expansion will also add "hundreds" of jobs to the facility that currently employs 700 people. "We are the player to push the industry to the future of zero-emission public transportation," Li said in an interview. BYD currently sells 10 different bus models, including a new 60-foot bus with 275 miles of range. BYD's products compete most closely with Proterra, a Silicon Valley-based electric bus startup that sells a 40-foot bus with a 375-mile range. Proterra recently set a 1,000-mile range record for the Calayst E2 bus. The Chinese company could also serve as a threat to Tesla, which will unveil its electric big-rig truck in late October. BYD sold 100,000 electric vehicles in 2016 while Tesla sold 76,000 cars. Li said she sees Proterra and Tesla more as partners because they are helping encourage electric vehicle adoption across the US. She also noted that Tesla and BYD compete in very different markets in the US and it remains to be seen whether the company's electric truck can compete with BYD's offerings on price. Story continues "If you want to make an industry change, only one company cannot do that," she said in an interview. "We need all of the companies." NOW WATCH: Tesla is finally delivering the Model 3 here's everything you need to know about the car More From Business Insider (Adds Gary Cohn statement in paragraphs 4 and 5) By Amanda Becker and David Morgan WASHINGTON, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Disagreement among U.S. congressional Republicans is already swirling around a tax cut plan unveiled days ago by President Donald Trump, who has proposed repealing the tax on inheritances and eliminating a deduction for state and local tax payments. The discord shows the difficulty of overhauling the complex U.S. tax code. This task has defied Washington since 1986, the last time a comprehensive rewrite was completed despite lobbyists who defend each tax break. Trump has yet to score a major legislative win since taking office in January and is pushing hard for a tax code revamp. But his plan is meeting the same internal Republican tensions between moderates and conservatives that have sunk his efforts this year to repeal the Obamacare health law. "There's a lot of give and take," Trump economic adviser Gary Cohn told Fox Business Network on Friday. Members of the administration "have been meeting everyday with the tax writers trying to figure out where they need to end up to get the votes ... we're going to make sure the president gets what he asks for," he added. One obstacle is the projected fiscal impact of the plan, which would slash U.S. revenues and expand the federal deficit and the national debt, which now exceeds $20 trillion. Republican lawmakers from high-tax states such as New York exited meetings this week with Kevin Brady, chairman of the House of Representatives' tax-writing committee, saying there would be some sort of compromise on repealing the deduction for state and local tax payments. Separately, some Republican senators were questioning the repeal of a 40 percent inheritance tax levied on estate assets worth more than $5.5 million, or $11 million for married couples. That tax affects only about 0.2 percent of estates, according to the Tax Policy Center, a Washington think tank. "That is not a priority for me as we seek to craft this tax bill," Senator Susan Collins, who has often been a key Republican vote, said in a statement on Thursday. Story continues Republicans want to use a procedure known as budget reconciliation to pass eventual tax legislation, which allows passage with a simple majority in the 100-seat Senate. Republicans hold 52 Senate seats and can only afford to lose support from two senators, with Vice President Mike Pence able to cast a tie-breaking vote. Democrats will likely oppose the legislation. One Republican fiscal hawk, Senator Bob Corker, has already said he cannot support tax legislation that adds to the annual federal deficit. "We remain very bearish on any tax legislation passing this year - or next," Cowen and Co analyst Chris Krueger said in a Friday research note. The Trump plan, made public last week, calls for up to $6 trillion in tax cuts over 10 years. Without accompanying spending reductions, the budget would hugely expand the deficit, according to some estimates. The administration contends tax cuts would spur so much economic growth that the resulting new revenues would help offset the cost. In addition, Republicans are proposing "revenue raisers," such as ending the deduction for payments of state and local tax, known as SALT. Doing that would raise about $1.3 trillion over a decade, the Tax Policy Center said. Almost 30 percent of taxpayers currently deduct state and local taxes. In New Jersey, for example, 41 percent of tax filers, meaning individuals or married couples, claimed the deduction, which averaged $17,850, according to a Government Finance Officers Association analysis of Internal Revenue Service data. Although the deduction disproportionately benefits people in high-tax states and localities, individuals in all states claim it. In Georgia, for example, 33 percent of tax filers claim an average deduction of $9,158, the report said. Republican Representative Chris Collins of New York, a Trump ally, told reporters earlier this week that lawmakers from high-tax states, such as his own, were discussing "ways to level the playing field," including capping the amount of the deduction or putting other limits on it. "There are many districts with Republican members where state and local deduction is used by a large portion of the taxpayers," said Frank Sammartino, a senior fellow at the Tax Policy Center. "So it's not surprising that it's not strictly a blue state/red state thing." Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the state and local tax deduction the "Achilles' heel" of tax reform and said his party would oppose any move to repeal it. He dismissed compromise plans as unfeasible. Brady said on Thursday that at this point there has been no change to the framework, but tax writers are "listening very carefully" to lawmakers' concerns. "It's got to be frustrating when you're in a state where local and state officials really put the screws to taxpayers," Brady told reporters. "We are determined to provide tax relief to every American, regardless of where they live." (Additional reporting by Richard Cowan; Writing by Amanda Becker; Editing by Leslie Adler and Lisa Von Ahn) Matt Goetz BTC The cryptocurrency market has exploded this year with over 1,000 digital currencies now on the market. The price of bitcoin, the first and largest cryptocurrency, has captured the most attention, with Wall Street CEOs from JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon to Goldman Sachs' Lloyd Blankfein weighing in on the coin this month alone. It's up over 350% this year at near $4,400 per coin. But bitcoin's meteoric rise doesn't mean that it'll be the top-dog crypto forever. Matthew Goetz, a former Goldman Sachs vice president and cofounder of BlockTower Capital, a Connecticut-based crypto hedge fund, recently told Business Insider that bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are technologies like any other, and as a result, are susceptible to being usurped by a digital currency with superior tech. "Bitcoin is the most entrenched, it has very stable protocol, it doesn't change a lot, and it has a very strong developer base, but at the end of the day it is still software," Goetz said. "There is some chance that something an order of magnitude better than bitcoin, technologically, could come along." Screen Shot 2017 10 06 at 2.19.53 PM Kind of like how Facebook replaced MySpace as the go-to social media site. To be sure, Goetz said a bitcoin rival can't just be slightly better. Bitcoin's massive scale would require the hypothetical coin to have substantially better capabilities. Here's Goetz: "It's something like Facebook. If someone creates a new Facebook that has slightly better features, say 10% better. That's great, but network effects are strong. So, that new thing isn't going to kill Facebook." Bitcoin isn't the only crypto that has to worry about competition. Ethereum, which has been touted as a bitcoin rival, operates in a slightly different space, according to Goetz. Bitcoin was built to be a currency, whereas Ethereum is a blockchain platform on which other applications can be built. Story continues "Ethereum is competing on features and now has four competitors," Goetz said. "And it's all about who has the most cutting edge cryptographic technology, who can build features the fastest to make developers come build their smart contracts and decentralized applications on top of those platforms." Smart contracts are a computer protocol based on Ethereum's blockchain technology that facilitates and enforces a contract or exchange. Just because the developers of Ethereum were the first to introduce this technology to the market doesn't mean they will win-out in the long run, according to Goetz. "If you look at other industries across history, there's a real chance that just because the first mover got out there doesn't mean that that's the one that ends up ultimately winning and capturing all the value," he said. "For some cryptocurrencies that are in a more competitive space, like decentralized file-storage, there are a number of projects attacking that," he added. And there are incumbents, he says, such as Amazon Azure and DropBox. But it's still early days. Goetz says if you liken cryptocurrencies to the internet, then we are still in 1992. Just like bets during the early days of the internet were risky, so too are bets in the crypto market today. "You could be right on the thesis that cryptocurrencies are transformative and you could make what you think is the right bet at the time, but remember one time you had Yahoo and then this thing called Google came along," he concluded. NOW WATCH: RAY DALIO: Bitcoin is a speculative bubble More From Business Insider (Photo: HuffPost) (Photo: Andrew Kelly / Reuters) TOP STORIES (And want to get The Morning Email each weekday? Sign up here.) HARVEY WEINSTEIN ACCUSED OF DECADES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT Reportedly ranging from asking for massages to sexually harassing Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan. He reportedly has reachedeight settlements with women over three decades. The Hollywood mogul expressed regret, but plans to sue The New York Times over the story. [HuffPost] [Tweet | Share on Facebook] ROBERT MUELLERS RUSSIA PROBE HAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THAT INFAMOUS DOSSIER His team has spoken to Christopher Steele, the former British agent who compiled it. [HuffPost] WHITE HOUSE CHIEF OF STAFF JOHN KELLYS PHONE MAY HAVE BEEN COMPROMISED FOR MONTHS Its unclear if anything was gleaned from the device. [HuffPost] AUTHORITIES ARE INVESTIGATING IF THE LAS VEGAS SHOOTER BOOKED HOTELS OVERLOOKING OTHER CONCERTS Stephen Paddocks motives still remain unknown. [HuffPost] ITS NOT JUST YOU Everyone is freaking out over President Donald Trumps remarks about the calm before the storm. [HuffPost] TREASURY SECRETARY STEVE MNUCHIN HAS COST THE TAXPAYERS $800,000 FOR MILITARY JET TRAVEL An official government inquiry found no wrongdoing, citing national security reasons for the travel. Energy Secretary Rick Perry also took a chartered jet plane the day before Tom Price resigned. [HuffPost] EGYPT IS HOLDING U.S. GREEN CARD HOLDERS IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT WITHOUT CHARGES A middle-aged couple is caught up in a Middle Eastern power play involving President Donald Trump, Qatar, the Muslim Brotherhood and the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. [HuffPost] WHATS BREWING NOT TO BE THE BEARER OF BAD NEWS, BUT... Netflix is raising its prices. [HuffPost] WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TRAUMA Mental health issues can linger long after a tragedy. [HuffPost] WHAT YOUR DISNEY PRINCESSES WOULD LOOK LIKE IN 2017 A tad more edgy. [HuffPost] WERE GETTING BOTH NOSTALGIA AND SPOOKY FEELINGS From this abandoned factory in Fort Wayne. [HuffPost] Story continues THE COLUMBUS DAY SALES WORTH A LOOK Say goodbye to your wallet. [HuffPost] TINA FEYS DAUGHTER SAW MEAN GIRLS And apparently had the takeaway that she wants to be Regina George. [HuffPost] BEFORE YOU GO Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Just days after new General Electric Co. John Flannery added the role of chairman to his resume, well ahead of schedule, the manufacturing conglomerate announced sweeping leadership changes that may signal he's planning deep cuts to next year's financial targets. CFO Jeffrey Bornstein, a 28-year-veteran, will retire at the end of December, along with John Rice, who had led divisions including energy and transportation, and Beth Comstock, head of the business innovations unit that included Current and GE Lighting, the Boston-based company said late Friday, Oct. 6. All three are vice chairs who reported directly to former CEO Jeffrey Immelt. The shakeup comes as Flannery, who took over from Immelt on Aug. 1, undertakes a broad review of GE's businesses amid pressure from investors including activist Trian Partners to improve cash flow and profits while maintaining a dividend valued at $8 billion a year. He is slated to provide an overview of his plans on Nov. 13, and Bornstein's departure from the CFO role before that -- and less than three months after he was promoted to vice chairman -- suggests the reset he proposes may be much harsher than expected, said Jeff Sprague, an analyst with Vertical Research Partners. It's especially troubling since Bornstein "was portrayed as Mr. Flannery's partner in turning around the ship," Sprague said in a note to clients. "We thought it would be untenable for Mr. Bornstein to explain the bridge from the prior $2-plus 2018 construct to something much lower, and this now clearly seems the case." The moves make a dividend cut at GE appear more likely, too, Sprague added. That could crush the stock, which dropped in after-hours trading on Friday, but keeping it gives the company little excess cash for expansion, he said. "GE could end up in a better place once the dust settles," Sprague added, but "that better place could be with a starting point much lower for the stock price." GE declined to make Bornstein, who was named CFO in 2013, available for an interview. Story continues "As John evaluates the strategy for GE and put his leadership team in place, he and I have concluded that this is the right time to bring in a new CFO with a fresh perspective to guide GE's ongoing efforts to reduce costs, drive growth, improve our performance and enhance shareholder value," Bornstein said in a statement. John Flannery, GE CEO. In his four years as finance chief, Bornstein worked with GE Capital chief Keith Sherin to wind down the sprawling lending division as Immelt returned GE to its core business of manufacturing with an emphasis on digital technology. Helping to pare $190 billion in lending assets, Bornstein was "a dedicated and respected member of GE's leadership team" and a "valuable change agent," Flannery said in the statement. Immelt, who had promoted Bornstein twice in four years, originally planned to remain chairman through the end of the year, but said Monday, Oct. 2, that he was handing off the role three months early after determining that the leadership transition had proceeded smoothly. The company said Jamie Miller, the former head of GE Transportation, would succeed Bornstein as CFO. Miller joined GE in 2008 after a career that included stints at insurance provider Anthem Inc. and accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. At the manufacturer, she held the roles of controller and chief information officer before taking the reins at the locomotive division, which garnered $4.7 billion in sales last year. Sprague said he had considered her a "dark horse candidate" to succeed Immelt as CEO. Shares of GE dropped less than 1% to $24.30 after the close of regular trading in New York on Friday. The shares had previously declined 4.8% to $24.39 since Flannery moved into the top job. While the new CEO hasn't offered any hints about which businesses he might sell, he has said he's fully committed to digital manufacturing, the initiative championed by Immelt that led to the creation of Predix, a software platform that does for factories what Apple Inc.'s iOS and Google's Android did for smartphones. Analysts have suggested he's unlikely to propose a broad breakup like the one DowDupont CEO Ed Breen orchestrated with the influence of Trian. Still, the company, founded by Thomas Edison in the late 1800s, has to consider all its options, Sprague said in an interview prior to the shakeup. He noted that Baker Hughes is positioned well for a possible spinoff after the deal completed earlier this year that left GE with control of the combined publicly-traded company. Other Wall Street analysts have suggested GE may consider selling assets from lighting, which was part of Comstock's portfolio, to power conversion and even the locomotive division previously headed by Miller. "The alternatives are to try to grind it out in a cost-cutting and portfolio-simplification story or to try something more dramatic," Sprague said. "Probably the odds favor the former, just restructuring and grinding it out, but I would think they have to be looking at things that could have a bigger effect on the company and change the narrative and change the trajectory of the portfolio. GE is a holding in Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells GE? Learn more now. Updated from 6:03 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, 2017. More of What's Trending on TheStreet: EXCLUSIVE OFFER: See inside Jim Cramers multi-million dollar charitable trust portfolio to see the stocks he thinks could be potentially HUGE winners. Click here to see his holdings for FREE. Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been fired from his job at the Weinstein Company following allegations of sexual harassment. In light of new information about misconduct by Harvey Weinstein that has emerged in the past few days, the directors of The Weinstein Company - Robert Weinsten, Lance Maerov, Richard Koenigsberg and Taka Ben Ammar - have determined, and have informed Harvey Weinstein, that his employment with The Weinstein Company is terminated, effective immediately, reads a statement from the companys board of directors, obtained by Variety. Weinstein co-founded the film studio in 2005 with his brother, and has an ownership stake in it. It has produced some of Hollywoods biggest hits, including Django Unchained and The Kings Speech. It's official: Harvey Weinstein is out. pic.twitter.com/Wt1vtTOs0l Elizabeth Wagmeister (@EWagmeister) October 8, 2017 Weinsteins brother may take over the company along with David Glasser, the chief operating officer, according to Variety. Earlier this week, Weinstein was reportedly lawyering up to fight two potentially explosive stories about him. The New York Times published one of those stories on Thursday. Titled Decades of Sexual Harassment Accusations Against Harvey Weinstein, the piece details damning accusations from Weinsteins current and former employees and associates, as well as actress Ashley Judd. Judd described an encounter with Weinstein in which he sent her up to his [hotel] room, where he appeared in a bathrobe and asked if he could give her a massage or she could watch him shower. The Times report contains a number of other accusations, including the claim that Weinstein reportedly enforced a code of silence in regards to his behavior and reached an undisclosed settlement with actress Rose McGowan. (McGowan did not comment in the article, but she seemingly responded to the report on Twitter.) Story continues Weinstein did not deny the allegations against him, though he did release a statement addressing the reports. I appreciate the way Ive behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologize for it. Though Im trying to do better, I know I have a long way to go, he said. I so respect all women and regret what happened. I cannot be more remorseful about the people I hurt and I plan to do right by all of them, he added. The producer told the Times that he plans to take a leave of absence from his studio. Meanwhile, one of Weinsteins attorneys, Charles Harder, told The Hollywood Reporter he is preparing a lawsuit against the Times on Weinsteins behalf. Harder said the Times story is saturated with false and defamatory statements and it relies on mostly hearsay accounts and a faulty report. We sent the Times the facts and evidence, but they ignored it and rushed to publish, Harder said in a statement. We are preparing the lawsuit now. All proceeds will be donated to womens organizations. Also on HuffPost Celebrity Photos: May 2017 Lana Del Ray and A$AP Rocky attend the Gucci Bloom Fragrance Launch at MoMA PS.1 on May 2, 2017 in New York City. Celebrity Photos: May 2017 Dakota Johnson attends the Gucci Bloom, Fragrance Launch Event at MoMA PS.1 on May 2, 2017 in New York City. Celebrity Photos: April 2017 Chrissy Teigen and John Legend attend the Time 100 Gala with drinks by Johnnie Walker at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 25, 2017 in New York City. Celebrity Photos: April 2017 Blake Lively, Leslie Jones and Ryan Reynolds attend 2017 Time 100 Gala with drinks by Johnnie Walker at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 25, 2017 in New York City. Celebrity Photos: April 2017 Mark Cuban and Ed Helms attend the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival After Party For The Clapper (Presented By EFFEN Vodka At Avenue). Celebrity Photos: April 2017 Drake and French Montana attend The Levi's Brand Presents NEON CARNIVAL with Tequila Don Julio. Celebrity Photos: April 2017 Laila Ali partnered with T.J.Maxx to launch The Maxx You Project, encouraging women to let their individuality shine, in New York City. Celebrity Photos: April 2017 Jessie J debuts her new fitness chant Lets Get Ugly in collaboration with Propel Electrolyte Water. Celebrity Photos: April 2017 Dos Equis Most Interesting Man and supermodel Nina Agdal have a drink at Cosme in NYC ahead of Cinco de Mayo. Celebrity Photos: April 2017 Whitney Port steps up her skincare game with Perricone MD's Hydrogen Cloud Cream. Celebrity Photos: March 2017 Chrissy Teigen strikes a pose after doing the OREO Dunk Challenge. Celebrity Photos: March 2017 President/CEO, Samsung Electronics BK Yoon and Alec Baldwin attend the Dacor Modernist Collection Launch at Samsung 837 on March 15, 2017 in New York City. Celebrity Photos: March 2017 In between promoting his new movie Smurfs: The Lost Village Joe Manganiello stopped by Kola House for dinner with friends. Celebrity Photos: March 2017 DJ Pauly D kicks off his 2017 residency at the Pool After Dark at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City. Celebrity Photos: March 2017 AnnaSophia Robb spotted in an Express Off The Shoulder Midi Dress while running errands in LA. Celebrity Photos: March 2017 Thanks to Zyrtec, allergy sufferer Debra Messing is able to kick off spring with a visit to the gardens of Wave Hill in NYC. Celebrity Photos: March 2017 50 Cent and Bella Thorne with Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg on the season finale of "Martha Snoops Potluck Dinner Party," which aired 3/6 on VH1. Celebrity Photos: March 2017 Chris Pine in newly released images from his Giorgio Armani Code Colonia campaign Celebrity Photos: March 2017 Actress Lucy Hale spends some quality time with her dog Elvis as a part of Cesar Brands "Womens Best Friend Too" campaign. Celebrity Photos: March 2017 Actress Bella Thorne on-set in Los Angeles with fashion-fitness retailer, SIX:02, shooting the brand's new Thank You campaign. Celebrity Photos: March 2017 Vanessa Hudgens at the 25th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundations Academy Awards Viewing Party with the new OREO Chocolate Candy Bar Celebrity Photos: March 2017 Jamie Lynn Sigler and son with a bag of Pure Growth Organic Snack Mix at a Walmart in Los Angeles. Celebrity Photos: February 2017 Cate Blanchett shoots her Giorgio Armani Si Rose Signature campaign Celebrity Photos: February 2017 Fat Joe and Kelis stop by for some cooking lessons on a brand new episode of Martha Snoops Potluck Dinner Party Celebrity Photos: February 2017 To launch the OREO Dunk Challenge, Shaquille ONeal challenged fans to a new kind of dunk hands-free OREO cookie dunking, powered by brain-sensing technology in New York City. Celebrity Photos: February 2017 Makeup artist Fiona Stiles preps Emily Ratajkowski`s skin with Jergens Shea Butter Lotion. Celebrity Photos: February 2017 Katie Aselton from FXs Legion Fun Mom Dinner was spotted on set filming Plums Organics' "Do your Partner" campaign. Celebrity Photos: February 2017 Skylar Grey attends The 59th GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center with her #RefreshTheTalk clutch on the Grammy Awards red carpet. Celebrity Photos: February 2017 Tinashe serves up John Frieda Hair Care`s newest campaign #HairTalks in NYC. Celebrity Photos: February 2017 Olivia Culpo leaving NYC hotspot Kola House. Celebrity Photos: February 2017 Santigold wearing the #RefreshTheTalk clutch, a high-tech accessory designed to raise awareness for social causes on the red carpet. Celebrity Photos: February 2017 50 Cent toasts the game with EFFEN Vodka at The Playboy Party with TAO at Spire Nightclub. Celebrity Photos: February 2017 Kathryn Hahn appears to help launch the "I Love You, But Sometimes You Stink" Febreeze Campaign at The IAC Building on January 26, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Donna Ward/Getty Images) Celebrity Photos: February 2017 Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre warms up while filming Buffalo Wild Wings' new "What the Favre?!" TV commercial. Celebrity Photos: February 2017 Lala Anthony leaving Kola House restaurant in NYC. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Robert Mueller President Donald Trump's lawyers have adopted a new legal strategy of cooperating with special counsel Robert Mueller in the hopes that he will do the one thing former FBI director James Comey did not: confirm publicly that Trump is not being investigated as part of the FBI's Russia probe, according to The New York Times. Mueller was appointed special counsel after Trump fired Comey in May. Initially, the White House said Trump's dismissal of Comey was based entirely on Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein's recommendation and because of his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation. Shortly after, however, Trump told NBC's Lester Holt that "this Russia thing" had been a factor in his decision, and that he was going to fire Comey regardless of Rosenstein's recommendation. Comey also told the Senate Intelligence Committee in June that before firing him, Trump had asked him to shut down the FBI's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, which included examining whether the Trump campaign had colluded with Moscow to tilt the election in his favor. Though Comey privately told Trump that he was not under investigation, he did not do so publicly in case he had to amend or retract his statement down the road, and it's likely Mueller will make the same call because of that reason. Mueller is reportedly investigating Trump for obstruction of justice based on his decision to fire Comey. The special counsel is also examining Trump's role in crafting a misleading statement his son, Donald Trump Jr., issued in response to reports that he met with a Russian lawyer offering damaging information on Hillary Clinton last June. Trump's advisers reportedly urged more transparency in the initial statement, but he overruled them and the statement had to be amended several times as new details about the meeting emerged. Trump's legal team at first contemplated undertaking an aggressive strategy meant to discredit Mueller and the Russia investigation, but they reportedly switched gears after white-collar criminal defense attorney Ty Cobb took over the White House's response to the probe. Story continues Cobb has reportedly advocated being as cooperative and responsive as possible to the special counsel's requests in an effort to speed up the investigation and prove Trump's innocence. White House counsel Don McGahn, on the other hand, has resisted being too forthcoming because he thinks Trump will be able to assert executive privilege over many of their interactions. But it appears that the White House is leaning towards Cobb's strategy The Times reported that officials are "strongly considering" allowing McGahn to speak to Mueller's team about his private conversations with Trump. McGahn is one of several West Wing staffers the special counsel wants to interview, presumably because he was witness to certain critical events that are of importance in the investigation, including the circumstances surrounding Comey's firing, as well as those surrounding the resignation of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who is also a key subject in the investigation. NOW WATCH: Roger Stone explains what Trump has in common with Richard Nixon More From Business Insider Cartoon Network's satirical, smart Rick and Morty is huge among millennials, but an attempt by fast-food giant McDonald's to capitalize on one of the show's running gags appears to be backfiring. The backstory here is appropriately absurd. Rick and Morty, co-created by Community mastermind Dan Harmon, chronicles the adventures of an alcoholic superscientist and his mostly inept grandson, mixing absurd catchphrases, fantastic alien worlds, and extremely sharp storytelling into a cocktail that's ripe for the internet age. One of the show's gags had Rick obsessively questing for McDonald's Szechuan nugget sauce, a promotional flavor briefly offered in conjunction with the film Mulan 20 years ago. The show's cultish fanbase responded en masse, starting a petition to bring back the sauce and talking it up endlessly online. McDonald's execs hinted they might do just that, and made it official this week, saying the sauce would be available for just one day - today, October 7th - as part of a promotion for the chain's new Buttermilk Crispy Tenders. Get Data Sheet, Fortune's technology newsletter. But there are signs that the promotion is going south, with fans and news outlets reporting that supplies of the ironically prized sauce are running out almost instantly at the select locations where it was supposed to be available. On Twitter, some customers are claiming stores reported receiving only 20 cups of the prized sauce. Other customers are claiming stores haven't received promised supplies at all. Though the fast-food chain was clear that supplies would be limited, fans on social media are nonetheless extremely frustrated with the situation. . @McDonalds I'm at the Merrimack,NH location for the Szechuan Sauce! I was told they didn't get them! WTF!! pic.twitter.com/DKkRwAqV0l chris macdonald (@cmacdonald) October 7, 2017 Really cool of @McDonalds to have a website telling people where they are giving out Szechuan sauce, only to find out some actually aren't Spoopy Cripp ? (@YungCripp) October 7, 2017 The bigger problem is you lied about locations getting it, people went where you said to go, and employees had no clue. Kyle Grantham (@kylegrantham) October 7, 2017 hey @McDonalds, when y'all said you would have limited supplies of szechuan sauce today, you weren't kidding. 20 cups per store? smh, c'mon. Ryan Mathews (@Ryan_POD) October 7, 2017 mcdonalds really ruined the szechuan sauce promotion ego (@EvgeniMaIkinEgo) October 7, 2017 Story continues One reason for the problems can be deduced from a quick search of , where cups of the sauce are already being offered for hundreds of dollars each. McDonald's has acknowledged customers' frustration, but without offering any real remedy. Fortune has reached out for further comment. The best fans in the multiverse showed us what they got today. We hear you & we're sorry not everyone could get some super-limited Szechuan. McDonald's (@McDonalds) October 7, 2017 A relaunch of an old nugget sauce might not seem like a big deal to most people, but this could turn into something serious for McDonalds. Fans of Rick and Morty are passionate, and some mimic the shows more acerbic elements by displaying a mean streak so broad it has included harassing the shows own female writers. Mix that with internet savvy and a target as big as the Golden Arches, and youve got a recipe for spicy disaster. So our @McDonalds only got 20 packets of Szechuan sauce and there's 30 people outside. You crossed me McDonalds pic.twitter.com/ql9HbPrpIq Matt (@TrueMattNation) October 7, 2017 See original article on Fortune.com More from Fortune.com Uber Technologies founder and former CEO Travis Kalanick, who roiled the taxi industry and antagonized governments while presiding over a work culture that reportedly ran amok, is turning to a pair of well-connected, old-industry corporate executives for assistance as he seeks to maintain a voice at the beleaguered ride-hailing company. Kalanick last week named former Xerox Corp. CEO Ursula Burns to join him on the Uber board of directors, along with John Thain, a former CEO of Merrill Lynch & Co. and the New York Stock Exchange. Kalanick announced the appointments as the board prepares to vote on changes to voting rights at the company, TechCrunch reported, citing a statement from a spokesman for the former CEO. The choice of two former Fortune 500 CEOs could bring credibility to Kalanick's push to retain a say at the company he ran for six years prior to his abrupt departure in June amid allegations of that sexual harassment was running rampant. One problem is that the moves appear to have been made in the same maverick vein Kalanick used to disrupt the car-and-driver business: According to Uber, he announced the new board members without the foreknowledge of the other directors, including new CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. "The best practice would be to run candidates throught the nominating committee, have a full vetting and make sure everybody is on the same page," said Nell Minow, who counsels investors on corporate governance as a vice chair at ValueEdge Advisors. "The fact that he did not go through the process suggests that this board is not working cooperatively and collaboratively together." The Uber board of directors was prepared to vote Tuesday on whether to pursue a stock deal with Japan's SoftBank Group, Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The board also was slated to vote on reforms to limit Kalanick's control, according to Bloomberg. It was unclear whether Kalanick's appointees would vote. Story continues When Kalanick stepped down, he retained a seat on the private company's nine-member board, according to San Francisco-based Uber's website. Other directors include Chairman and co-founder Garrett Camp and former Huffington Post Editor-in-Chief Arianna Huffington. The latest appointments came as a "complete surprise" to Khosrowshahi and the board, TechCrunch reported, citing a statement from the company. John Thain sold investment firm Merrill Lynch to Bank of America at the peak of the financial crisis. Although neither Thain nor Burns had officially met with Khosrowshahi, a source told Recode that "no one opposes them." In a memo to employees, Khosrowshahi called the move to appoint the new directors without any discussion with the board or himself "disappointing" and "highly unusual," according to Recode. Burns, 59, spent more than three decades at Xerox and served as CEO from 2009 through January 2017. She's currently a director at telecommunications company Veon Ltd. , Nestle SA , ExxonMobil Corp. and American Express Co. , according to BoardEx, a relationship mapping service of TheStreet Inc. Burns is also a senior advisor for public-relations firm Teneo Holdings LLC, which Kalanick hired to manage his communications strategy following his ouster in June. Thain, 62, has been retired since he stepped down as chairman of CIT Group Inc. in 2016. He joined CIT in 2010 following the corporate lender's emergence from bankruptcy protection, though the stock price was essentially flat during his six-year tenure. A former Goldman Sachs Group Inc. senior executive, he led the New York Stock Exchange through its initial public offering in the mid-2000s. He took over Merrill Lynch in 2007, and as the financial crisis peaked the following year, he was forced to sell the firm to Bank of America Corp. Thain was fired soon afterward, after it was reported that he had paid big bonuses to Merrill employees. Whether Burns and Thain can help Kalanick -- or Uber's shareholders -- is the question now. And so far, according to ValueEdge's Minow, the situation doesn't look promising. "They seem to be walking in the door with a button that says Team Travis, instead of Team Shareholder," Minow said in a telephone interview. Kalanick "does not have control, but he's acting as if he does." More of What's Trending on TheStreet: Editors' pick: Originally published Oct. 3. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: See inside Jim Cramers multi-million dollar charitable trust portfolio to see the stocks he thinks could be potentially HUGE winners. Click here to see his holdings for FREE. By Padraic Halpin and Conor Humphries DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ryanair (RYA.I) chief operations officer Michael Hickey will resign from the end of the month, the airline said on Friday, becoming the first executive to leave since a rostering mess-up led to the cancellation of thousands of flights. The Irish airline, the largest in Europe by passenger numbers, has in recent weeks disrupted the plans of more than 700,000 passengers by failing to have enough standby pilots to ensure the smooth operation of its schedule. Hickey was responsible for rosters when the disruptions began but that function was taken over by Ryanair's Chief People Officer, Edward Wilson, on Sept. 27 when the airline announced its second wave of cancellations. "Over the past 30 years Mick Hickey has made an enormous contribution to Ryanair, especially the quality and safety of our engineering and operations functions. He will be a hard act to replace," Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said in a statement. O'Leary told Ryanair's annual shareholder meeting last month that while the shortages were created by mismanagement in its rostering section, he took personal responsibility for the "cock up". Asked by an investor at the Sept. 21 meeting if he had made changes to the rostering department, O'Leary said that it was "not the time to be taking people out and shooting them." Hickey joined Ryanair as an engineer in 1988 when the airline was far from the dominant carrier it is today and became Director of Engineering in 2000 before taking over as Chief Operations Officer three years ago. Ryanair said it would start the process of identifying and recruiting a successor and that Hickey would hand over his responsibilities over the next 3 weeks. After the cancellations sparked customer outrage and a wave of negative media coverage across Europe, Ryanair has been scrambling to appease its pilots and promised them significant improvements in pay and conditions on Thursday. Story continues Ryanair has said reports it had a pilot shortage were false and that less than 260 of its 4,200 pilots had left so far this year amid some being poached by rival Norwegian Air Shuttle (NWC.OL). In a separate statement on Friday, it said it had hired 210 new pilots in the past 12 weeks, bringing to 822 the number who have joined since the start of the year. (Editing by Catherine Evans and Andrew Hay) Last month, Ryanair was forced to cancel 20,000 flights up to March, mainly owing to a shortage of pilots (AFP Photo/Andreas Arnold) (dpa/AFP/File) London (AFP) - The chief operations officer of Ryanair is stepping down, the Irish airline has announced, following a crisis caused by the cancellation of thousands of flights. "Michael Hickey... has decided to resign effective from the end of October," the low-cost carrier said in a statement issued late Friday. "Over the next three weeks he will work on an orderly handover of his responsibilities, while Ryanair will commence the process of identifying and recruiting a successor." Last month, Ryanair was forced to cancel 20,000 flights up to March, mainly owing to a shortage of pilots. Pilots and cabin crew have been forced to take outstanding holiday entitlement by the end of the year as part of new company rules. Ryanair also blamed air traffic control delays, strikes and weather disruption. On Friday, it emerged that chief executive Michael O'Leary has written to pilots with a pledge to beat the pay offered by competitors and to improve working conditions over the next six months. In the statement announcing Hickey's resignation, O'Leary praised his "enormous contribution", noting he joined Ryanair as an engineer in 1988 and has been in his current role since 2014. "He will be a hard act to replace, which is why we are grateful he has agreed to continue in an advisory role to smooth the transition to a successor and to complete a number of large projects he is currently working on," he said. Logo of Saudi Aramco is seen at the 20th Middle East Oil & Gas Show and Conference (MOES 2017) in Manama, Bahrain, March 7, 2017. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed/Files NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Saudi Aramco launched a new Indian venture near New Delhi, a government statement said on Sunday, as the global oil exporter looks to tap rising demand and invest in the world's third-biggest consumer. India's Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who jointly inaugurated the local unit with Aramco Chief Executive Amin Nasser, said the move would help pave the way for "a strategic partnership in the hydrocarbon sector" between the two nations. Saudi Aramco through its subsidiary ARAMCO Asia India (AAI) established its formal business presence in India last year, the statement said. Aramco is investing in refineries in major markets to lock in customers ahead of its initial public offering next year, and the India business, on top of sales, will look for opportunities to take stakes in refining and petrochemical projects in the country. Saudi Arabia is competing with Iraq to be India's top oil supplier, with Iraq displacing it for a fifth month in a row in August, data compiled by Reuters showed. Nasser is in New Delhi to attend the IHS-CERA conference, which starts on Sunday, which will also be attended by OPEC Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo. (Reporting by Malini Menon; Editing by Keith Weir) You can blame much of the U.S. labor market's first contraction in seven years on Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The tropical storms, ironically, are also among the reasons that economists say the loss of 33,000 jobs in September won't keep the Federal Reserve from delivering on its third interest-rate increase this year: Central bankers expect the drop to be temporary. Indeed, numbers were dragged down sharply by a drop of 105,000 jobs in restaurants and bars, likely reflecting the closings during the tropical storms, which flooded large swaths of Houston and hammered coastal Florida. Those positions will return as electricity is restored and damage repaired, economists expect, and demand for construction workers may even cause a temporary spike in growth. While the Fed will be looking for data to confirm that expectation, members of the central bank's monetary policy committee "will chalk this up as temporary" for now, Joseph Song, an economist with Bank of America Corp. said in a telephone interview on Friday, Oct. 6. A drop in the unemployment rate to 4.2%, the lowest in 16 years, and expanding payroll growth -- even if it doesn't remain as high as the 2.9% reported in September -- should help "keep the Fed on track for another rate hike," Song explained. That increase would take short-term rates to a range of 1.25% to 1.5%, as the central bank slowly works toward more typical levels following seven years of near-zero rates after the 2008 financial crisis. That's important for banks from Citigroup Inc. to JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. , which typically bolster returns by passing along rate hikes more quickly to borrowers than depositors and have benefited from the four increases since late 2015. Citigroup is a holding in Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS charitable trust portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer and the AAP team buy or sell the stock? Learn more now. Story continues Both Bank of America and British lender Barclays Plc maintained their forecasts that the Fed will move in December. The central bank will "look at the extent of the rebound in October and the coming months beyond for further confirmation" that the September decline was only temporary, Barclays economists said in a note. Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst at Bankrate.com, concurred. "The first thing that comes to mind here is the scene in 'The Wizard of Oz,' where we hear the line 'pay no attention to the man behind the curtain,'" he said in an e-mailed statement. "Because of the impacts from hurricanes and flooding, the decline reported in September payrolls doesn't carry weight this time around." More of What's Trending on TheStreet: Editors' pick: Originally published Oct. 6. World Views Stratollite test balloon rises from Spaceport Tucson. (World View Photo) World View Enterprises has executed its longest stratospheric balloon flight ever, steering a solar-powered payload through five days worth of testing at altitudes in excess of 55,000 feet. The high-altitude outing marked the Arizona-based companys first launch from Spaceport Tucson, and a significant milestone in its plan to fly commercial Stratollite missions. This is an enormous leap in our development program, and we are certain the Stratollite is going to forge a new path in how we observe, react to and collect data about our planet, World View co-founder and CEO Jane Poynter said in a news release. The Stratollite concept aims to provide many of the capabilities of a satellite at a cost thats potentially orders of magnitude less, thanks to World Views remote-controlled, balloon-borne platform. World View said the test flights Stratocraft payload module, launched on Oct. 1, included an off-the-shelf, 50.6-megapixel Canon EOS 5DS camera that was used to demonstrate the modules capability as an Earth observation platform. It also carried a communications system for the U.S. Southern Command, which is looking into using Stratollites to combat drugs and piracy in heavily trafficked but sparsely monitored maritime regions. We think this has the potential to be a game-changer for us a great, long duration, long-dwell surveillance platform, said Navy Adm. Kurt Tidd, commander of the U.S. Southern Command. World View had its own communications equipment aboard to test the Stratollites capability to conduct near-real-time, high-bandwidth data transfer at high altitude. The platform can be steered or kept in station-keeping mode by raising or lowering the altitude and taking advantage of variations in wind patterns. During this weeks flight, the altitude varied between 55,000 and 75,000 feet twice as high as the typical altitude for commercial airline flights.. Story continues After 122 hours in the air, the Stratollite was brought down to a safe landing today about 260 miles northwest of Tucson, just south of the Grand Canyon, World View said. Until now, our longest test flight occurred on Aug. 27 and spanned approximately 27 hours, said Taber MacCallum, World View co-founder and chief technology officer. During that mission, we tested all integrated Stratollite systems through the first complete day-night cycle, a major step towards a long-duration Stratollite vehicle. Building upon that success, weve now replicated that flight and demonstrated multiple consecutive days of controlled flight in the stratosphere,MacCallum said. We are beyond thrilled with how well the Stratollite is performing. In addition to the uncrewed, remote-controlled Stratollite flights, World View aims to build a pressurized, balloon-borne Voyager capsule that could take passengers on hours-long trips to see space-style views of Earth from high altitude. The ticket price for those flights is $75,000, but the time frame for beginning passenger service has not yet been set. More from GeekWire: Afghan military officials say at least seven Taliban militants have been killed by an air strike that was carried out by Afghan security forces in the northern Province of Sar-e Pul. Nasratullah Jamshidi, a spokesman for the Afghan Army Corps in the northern region, says 11 other militants were wounded late on October 7 when Afghan government aircraft targeted a militant training center in the provinces Kohistanat district. Jamshidi did not specify the type of aircraft used to carry out the air strike. There was no immediate comment about the attack from the Taliban. Meanwhile, police in Afghanistans northern province of Baghlan say two police officers were killed by a militant attack on their checkpoint. Police spokesman Zabihullah Shuja said one other police officer was wounded by the attack in the Dand-e Ghori district, an area that has been a Taliban stronghold in northern Afghanistan for the past four years. Based on reporting by AP and Tolo News English French MONTREAL, Oct. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- I-MED Pharma, Inc., a Canadian company specialized in dry eye diagnosis and management, announced today the appointment of AMWO Farma IVS as its exclusive distributor for the I-PEN Tear Osmolarity System as well as the I-DROP and I-LID N LASH dry eye products in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a0c0fde2-b539-4851-adf7-8ed42648e5fb Daniel Hofmann, President of I-MED commented, We are pleased to have the opportunity to introduce our innovative products to Scandinavian eye care professionals and to give them new options for rapid, reliable diagnosis and effective, long lasting symptom relief for their dry patients. AMWO Farma CEO Claus Oldenburg said, We are excited about our new relationship with I-MED Pharma and we look forward to introducing the I-PEN, as well the Ocular Surface Disorder (OSD) line of products to ophthalmologists, optometrists and their patients. I-MED Pharmas unique products offer a major leap forward in our efforts to improve the vision and quality of life of people with dry eye problems. About I-MED Pharma I-MED Pharma is a privately held Canadian company, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, servicing Canadian ophthalmologists, optometrists and the global eye care community. Established over twenty-five years ago, I-MED Pharma Inc. creates and distributes innovative medical, surgical and veterinary eye care products. It continually researches, develops and sources the most effective and advanced solutions to eye disorders like cataracts, corneal degenerations, dry eye, glaucoma and Meibomian gland disease. I-MED Pharma is proud to have been at the forefront of treating Dry Eye Syndrome as a serious disease and investing heavily into education and developing effective dry eye products. Most recently, I-MED Pharma launched the worlds first hand-held in-vivo tear osmolarity test, the I-PEN osmolarity device. I-MED Pharmas ocular surface disease product range includes diagnostic tools, ocular hygiene, nutrition, dry eye drops and ocular occlusion devices. For more information please email media@imedpharma.com or visit www.imedpharma.com. WSJ reporting on this: Another Thing Amazon Is Disrupting: Business-School Recruiting - Amazon has hired some 1,000 newly minted M.B.A.s in the past year Quote: Amazons recruiting tactics can seem like a microcosm of its larger business strategy to other firms vying for M.B.A. talent. The companys recruiters descend en masse on campus and stay in touch with students constantly; for instance, eight or 10 alumni might attend large events or host coffee meetings for one-on-one conversations with students, compared with a typical one or two presenters from other companies, according to Abby Scott, assistant dean of Berkeleys Haas school. Its been a huge volume play. The talent wars begin virtually as soon as classes begin and sometimes sooner. Amazon in June sponsored an event for 650 soon-to-be first-year and returning women M.B.A. students at its Seattle headquarters, some of whom left with internship offers for summer 2018. Scott DeRue, dean of University of Michigans Ross School of Business, urges employers to hold off on recruiting until at least the end of the first week of classes. Its nearly impossible. You say an academic building is off limits, and theyre at restaurants and coffee shops across the street, said Mr. DeRue of avid recruiters like Amazon, which so far this year has hired around 40 Ross M.B.A.s. At Carnegie Mellons Tepper School of Business, 25 to 30 people , or 10% to 15% of the graduating M.B.A. class on average, go to work for Jeff Bezos. The retailer fills the nine interview rooms in Teppers career center, and career-office staff turn over their personal offices for recruiters, too, said Steve Rakas, career-services administrator. Only PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP sends as many people, he added. Quote: Though Amazon is popular, Keith Bevans, partner and global head of recruiting for Bain & Co., said the consulting firm continues to command its share of elite students, hiring roughly 500 M.B.A.s each year. Source: https://www.wsj.com/articles/forget-wal ... 1507114801 Interesting Tidbits_________________ Analytical Assessment: Please review my essay [ #permalink Prompt: Studies suggest that an average coffee drinkers consumption of coffee increases with age, from age 10 through age 60. Even after age 60, coffee consumption remains high. The average cola drinkers consumption of cola, however, declines with increasing age. Both of these trends have remained stable for the past 40 years. Given that the number of older adults will significantly increase as the population ages over the next 20 years, it follows that the demand for coffee will increase and the demand for cola will decrease during this period. We should, therefore, consider transferring our investments from Cola Loca to Early Bird Coffee Essay: The argument states that as people get older they also drink larger amounts of coffee but drink less amount of Cola. Because the population is getting older the investors should consider switching their investments from Cola Loca to Early Bird Coffee. Unfortunately, this argument does not take into consideration three alternative viewpoints which could offer additional insight into the investment decision. The possibility that a large population of coffee drinkers may be entering the later stages life, the total market share of each company, and the overall profitability of each product, should be considered. First, the argument does not take into consideration that the there may be more coffee drinkers today, but as the population shifts from one generation to another, the overall age of the country can decrease. Although morbid, the reality is that Baby boomers are starting to enter the age equal to Americas average life expectancy (assuming this is in America). Over the coming two decades there is a possibility that birth rates will increase, and in 10 years more children will be present than ever. Likewise there may be less adults aged 60 + then ever. If the decision to switch investments is being made now, it is likely the cola company is not doing terribly worse than the coffee company. The prospects of improved performance for the Cola company does remain high, if the average demographic starts getting younger. Second, and the more important factor of the three, is the fact that the choice to switch investments from Cola loca to Early Bird Coffee may not depend of the demographic of drinkers, but rather the market competition, and product margin. While not defined in the argument, there may be 100s, or even 1000s of Coffee competitors all fighting for a small piece of the total market. On the other hand, Cola Loca is potentially one of only a few competitors sharing a large customer base. Even if the total market size is less for Cola, Cola Loca can still maintain a larger proportion of consumers. In addition to the previous point, Cola Loca may be less expensive to produce than Early Bird Coffee. Cola is likely just water and sugar with some mix of artificial flavoring. As such, while less cola may be sold, higher profits can be obtained which makes the investment worthwhile. Potentially coffee beans are expensive and require significant processing (growing, picking, roasting, crushing, filtering, pouring, etc.). The result is that on a per customer basis, Early Bird Coffee makes significantly less than Cola Loca. In conclusion, this argument, while strong and appropriate, does not fully take into account all factors which could influence the decisions to switch investments. If the population is shifting differently than the investors are expecting, the proportional marketshare of Cola Loca is larger, and if the profit margins are better for Cola Loca, then a good investment decision would be to keep Investments in Cola Loca. AJ1012 wrote: Most scholars agree that King Alfred (A.D 849 - 899) personally translated a number of Latin texts into Old English. One historian contends that Alfred also personally penned his own law code, arguing that the numerous differences between the language of the law code and Alfred's translation of Latin texts are outweighed by the even more numerous similarities. Linguistic similarities, however, are what one expects in texts from the same language, the same time, and the same region. Apart from Alfred's surviving translation and law code, there are only two other extant works from the same dialect and milieu, so it is risky to assume here that linguistic similarities point to common authorship. Argument Evaluation Situation Reasoning AJ1012 wrote: The passage above proceeds by (A) Providing examples that underscore another argument's conclusion. (B) questioning the plausibility of an assumption on which another argument depends. (c) showing that a principle if generally applied would have anomalous consequences. (D) showing that the premises of another argument are mutually inconsistent. (E) using argument by analogy to undermine a principle implicit in another argument. Manish Signature Read More Official Answer:A historian argues that King Alfred must have written his own law code, since there are more similarities than differences between the language in the law code and that in Alfred's translations of Latin texts. Apart from Alfred's translations and law code, there are only two other extant works in the same dialect and from the same milieu.How does the reasoning in the passage proceed? The first sentence presents a claim that is not disputed in the passage. The second sentence presents a historian's argument. Implicitly citing the undisputed claim in the passage's first sentence as evidence, the historian proposes an analogy between the law code and Alfred's translations, arguing on the basis of this analogy that Alfred wrote the law code. The third sentence of the passage casts doubt on this analogy, pointing out that it could plausibly apply to texts that Alfred did not write. The fourth sentence suggests that too few extant texts are available as evidence to rule out the possibility raised in the third sentence. Thus, the third and fourth sentences are intended to undermine the historian's argument.Option B is Correct. The passage's third and fourth sentences question the plausibility of the historian's assumption that no one but Alfred would have been likely to write a text whose language has more similarities to than differences from the language in Alfred's translations.Why are A, C, D & E incorrect:-A - As explained above, the passage is intended to undermine the conclusion of the historian's argument, not to underscore (emphasize) it.C - Although there might well be anomalous consequences from generalizing the assumption on which the historian's argument relies, the passage does not mention or allude to any such consequences.D - The passage does not mention, or suggest the existence of, any inconsistencies among the premises of the historian's argument.E - Although the historian argues by analogy, the passage does not itself argue by analogy; it does not suggest any specific counteranalogy to undermine the historian's argument._________________ VeritasPrepDozie wrote: I would take a look at schools like Ross, Fuqua, Kelley, and UNC that place well in marketing / brand mgmt and will provide you some good training. They all feel reasonable based on your profile Could you please mention some safe universities where I could have more chances of admission? Are all the above-mentioned colleges not too ambitious for me? I am a little low on confidence right now. Got my AWA score and its just 4. As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ Russias space program faces hard questions as it marks the 60th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik, the first man-made satellite. Some experts are wondering how Russias aging rocket designs will compete with new, less costly rockets. Sputnik Sixty years ago, the area known as the Soviet Union was in a fierce competition with the United States to reach beyond Earths atmosphere. Tensions between the worlds biggest nuclear powers, the United States and the U.S.S.R., were high. The Cold War between the two competing sides, which began after the end of World War II, was intensifying. Then, on October 4, 1957, news broke that the Soviets had placed the first artificial satellite into orbit. Called Sputnik, the satellite was a small sphere, 58 centimeters wide and about 84 kilograms in weight. It contained two radio transmitters that sent out a beep that could be received by radio operators on Earth. The satellite was tiny. Yet, it started the extremely costly competition known as the Space Race. The race would end with the Americans Apollo Moon landings in 1969. In October of 1957, however, many people in the West were shocked. The Soviets had put an object in Earths orbit, and they had done it before the West. Soviet media said it was because the socialist political system of the U.S.S.R. was better. In the U.S., lawmakers placed an urgent importance on science education in an effort to catch up with the Soviets. A product of the Soviet missile program The project to launch the first satellite into space was a product of the Soviets development of their first long-distance missile, the R-7. It was designed as an intercontinental ballistic missile meant to strike the U.S. with a nuclear warhead. Sergei Korolyov led a team that was building the rocket. He had the idea to place a simple satellite on the rocket. The Soviets were already planning a satellite that would carry scientific instruments. But Korolyov pushed for a basic satellite design that could be put into space quickly -- before the U.S. could attempt a launch. The designers considered a cone shape for Sputnik, but Korolyov insisted on a sphere. He is quoted as saying, The Earth is a sphere, and its first satellite also must have a spherical shape. A main part of Russias Soyuz space capsules that are still in use today also is spherical. Aging rockets, manufacturing problems bring delays Although the Soviet Union came apart in 1991, the Russian Federation remains very important in the space industry. But, observers point out that the Soyuz rocket boosters Russia uses to carry people and supplies to the International Space Station are very old. The Soyuz rockets are modified versions of the S-7 that carried Sputnik into space. Another rocket used by Russia, the Proton, was designed in the 1960s. These rockets have earned a reputation for reliability over many years of service. But recent launch problems have raised questions about the quality of parts manufactured for the vehicles. Officials found problems with the Soyuz and Proton rockets in 2016 at a factory in the city of Voronezh in western Russia, where the engines for both rockets are built. Russias space agency sent 70 rocket engines back to the production lines to replace problem parts, the Associated News agency said. These issues led to a one-year suspension of Proton launches. That suspension caused Russia to fall behind both the U.S. and China for commercial satellite launches in 2016. Russia had led the world for more than 10 years before that. Russias space agency Roscosmos also decided on cost cutting measures. It cut Russian International Space Station crews. The AP reports that two cosmonauts instead of three are to be used. Cosmonaut is the Russian term for astronaut. Many people in Russia have criticized the cuts. A new Russian space launch center However, Russia has spent huge amounts of money on a second space launch center in the far east of the country near Vostochny. The new spaceport is meant to offer an alternative to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, where Russia launches almost all its rockets. Despite the money put into the new center, work in Vostochny has been slowed by workers protests over pay and the arrest of construction officials accused of corruption. And people with ties to the space program have criticized the spending on Vostochny at the expense of other priorities. For example, Maksim Surayev was a cosmonaut who is now a lawmaker. He criticized the low pay of workers at the cosmonaut training center near Moscow known as Star City. Its wrong when, instead of fulfilling their task to prepare for space flight, they have to find side jobs and a place to live, Surayev told Parliament. In addition to budget and manufacturing problems, the Russian space program has seen some projects postponed. For instance, space agency officials had hoped to launch the Russian module for the I.S.S. in 2007. But the module has been delayed for many years. The launch is now planned for next year, but some reports say another delay is possible. A historic day Yet, Russias space presence with its 60-year history continues -- dating back to that first launch that shocked the West. On October 4 this year, AP said that Sergei Ryazanskiy posted on Twitter a picture of himself holding a small model of the Sputnik satellite. Ryazanskiy is currently a cosmonaut on the International Space Station. He was marking the 60th anniversary of the historic launch. Ryazanskiy had a special reason to note the event. His grandfather was the chief designer of radio guidance systems for space vehicles during the Soviet era. And he was involved in the Sputnik launch. In August, Ryazanskiy helped release five very small satellites that were manufactured by a 3-D printer. One of the hand-held satellites honored Sputniks 60th anniversary. Im Mario Ritter. AP reported this story. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English with additional materials. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. Editors Note: an earlier version of this story misspelled the name of Russian cosmonaut Sergei Ryazanskiy. _____________________________________________________________ Quiz Now, test your understanding with this short quiz. Quiz - Sixty Years After First Satellite, Russian Space Program Faces Struggles Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story artificial adj. not natural, made by people sphere n. a completely round object with depth, width and height modified adj. changed in some way from its first state or version reputation n. the opinion that people have about someone or something alternative n. something that represents a choice among more than one possibilities 3-D printer n. a device that is able to create objects with three dimensions: length, width and height We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. VOA Learning English presents Americas Presidents. Today we are talking about Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Earlier we told about his rise to power, and his health problems. When he was 39 years old, FDR as he was often called became paralyzed from the waist down. He was never able to walk independently again. But that did not prevent him from becoming one of the countrys most powerful presidents. Presidency: The Great Depression and the New Deal When FDR took office, the United States was in a severe economic depression. Many farmers were not able to sell their crops for profit. Banks across the country had failed. A number of Americans lost their savings and their homes. And more than 25% of the workforce did not have a job. Yet when FDR took office in 1933, he told people, The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. When Americans think of FDR, they often think of that statement. It showed his spirit of hope and confidence for which he became known. Americans also remember FDR for the way he began his presidency. In his first 100 days, he signed more than 70 bills into law. Some led to major changes in the country. They helped calm the countrys banking industry, provided federal aid directly to farmers and the unemployed, and created public works programs. The acts formed the base of what FDR and others called the New Deal. Some New Deal programs including the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Tennessee Valley Authority created government-funded jobs. In addition to providing a paycheck for workers, the programs were meant to improve and care for the countrys natural resources. For example, workers planted trees, made roads, and built dams and power plants. Americans continue to experience the effects of these programs today. FDR is also remembered for the way he communicated with the public. At that time, as many as 90% of Americans owned a radio. So, from time to time, FDR spoke to the public on radio broadcasts that became known as fireside chats. The term created an image of the president sitting comfortably near a fireplace, talking informally with a few close friends. In fact, FDR gave these talks from his office in the White House. But his voice was warm, and he spoke in an easy, conversational way to listeners, whom he called my friends. The combination of FDRs hope, energy, and affectionate concern for everyday Americans made him popular with many voters. He was re-elected easily in 1936. But FDR had critics, too. Some pointed out that many of his programs failed. They cost a lot of money or were simply not effective. Others said that FDRs policy of massive government intervention was not American. It restricted capitalism and the free market. Still others observed that FDRs programs did not help everyone equally. Many New Deal programs aimed to put young, white American men to work. Women, racial minorities, and older Americans were often overlooked. Critics and supporters alike also noted that FDR greatly expanded the power of the presidency. He added a number of full-time positions to the executive branch of government. And he took on the power of Congress to make laws. Even the Supreme Court found that FDR had, in some cases, gone too far. It ruled that some of his actions were illegal. FDR worried that the Supreme Court would block many of his other New Deal programs, too. So he proposed a rule. It would give the president power to appoint six new members to the nine-member court. His appointments would almost certainly make sure that his New Deal programs could continue. Many historians point to FDRs efforts at court-packing as one of the most extreme examples of his attempts to expand presidential power. But Congress did not accept FDRs proposal. Nine justices remained on the Supreme Court. However, those justices went on to approve FDRs actions anyway. They supported programs such as Social Security, which was set up to help older adults, disabled people, and others who needed support; and the Wagner Act, which permitted workers to organize in a trade union. While these efforts and other programs were important parts of FDRs reform efforts, they did not stop the Great Depression. None of the New Deal programs really did. The economy continued to struggle. Presidency: Declaration of war For several years, the president had been warning lawmakers and other Americans about the political forces in Japan, Germany, and Italy. Leaders in those countries supported nationalist movements and had already invaded or taken control of other areas. By 1941, more than 30 countries were involved in the conflict. Many Americans had wanted the U.S. to remain neutral. They regretted becoming involved in World War I. For years, they had taken steps to prevent another major international conflict. Lawmakers had even banned the U.S. government from selling or giving weapons to warring countries. But FDR believed World War II was different. He believed that Germany was the clear aggressor and needed to be stopped. So, in the 1930s, FDR received permission from Congress to provide weapons to the countries opposing Germany. After Germany took control of France, FDR received permission to give direct military aid to Britain. In addition, FDR began preparing the U.S. military for war. On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces bombed American ships at the U.S. Navy base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. More than 2,400 Americans died at Pearl Harbor, and more than 1,700 were wounded. The day after Pearl Harbor was attacked, Congress quickly approved FDRs request to declare war against Japan. Three days later, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States. American lawmakers responded in kind. The U.S., which had remained neutral for many years, was now completely involved in World War II. Presidency: World War II During the war, FDR directed much of his attention to what would happen after the fighting stopped. He wanted to create an international order that would improve peace and cooperation. To that end, he helped organize 26 countries into a group he called the United Nations. FDR also believed that the worlds future security depended, in large part, on cooperation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. He worked hard to create friendly relations with the Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin. Stalin, FDR, and British prime minister Winston Churchill all famously met at the Russian town of Yalta. There, the three men discussed plans to bring World War II to an end. They decided to demand that Germany surrender unconditionally. They also talked about diplomatic relations after the war ended. At the time, many Americans believed the Yalta conference was a success. Soviet officials agreed to enter the war against Japan. In return, U.S. officials said the Soviet government could re-gain control over parts of Northeastern China. Soviet officials also agreed to let countries in Eastern Europe hold free elections, and to share rights to veto U.N. decisions. In the eyes of many Americans, the Yalta agreement showed that the United States and the Soviet Union would be able to cooperate. Legacy FDR did not live to see the effects of the Yalta agreement, or even the end of the conflict. He had been president for 12 years. A few weeks before the Yalta Conference, he had been sworn-in yet again. FDR had already served longer than any U.S. president. All others before him had followed the custom set by the first president, George Washington. They had served no more than two terms. In the winter of 1944, FDR was beginning his fourth term. But people close to him said he did not look well. Doctors also warned Roosevelt that his health was suffering. So, in April, FDR went to a warm water resort in Georgia where he often rested and recovered his strength. There, he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. In other words, his brain began to bleed. World leaders, including Stalin and Churchill, said they were shocked he had died. Many Americans felt the same. They stood alongside train tracks as his body was carried from Georgia to his childhood home in New York. He is buried there, at Hyde Park. In 1962, his wife Eleanor died and was buried next to him. Today, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt are important figures in U.S. history. Many programs from the New Deal are still in effect now. FDR also changed the position of president into an active, powerful leader who legally intervenes in the economy and seems to have a personal relationship with Americans. And Eleanor Roosevelt developed a strong voice of her own. Her humanitarian efforts and work on behalf of civil rights and womens rights have given her a legacy independent from her husband. Both admirers and critics point to the Roosevelts influence as evidence of their strong feelings about the couple. Im Kelly Jean Kelly. Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Listening Quiz Check your understanding of the story with this listening quiz. Play each short video, then choose the best answer. Quiz- America's Presidents: Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Part 2 Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz Words in This Story paralyzed - adj. unable to move or feel all or part of the body comfortably - adv. in a relaxed and easy way executive - n. the executive branch of a government (related to the presidency) in kind - phrase in a way that is equal or very similar to what someone else has done for you resort - n. a place where people go for vacations figures - n. people who have a specified status or who are regarded in a specified way legacy - n. something that happened in the past or that comes from someone in the past When students around the world think about higher education in the United States, a few images are likely to appear in their minds. They probably see beautiful old buildings, libraries full of books and open grassy spaces where students relax or walk to class. A list of famous names probably comes to mind as well; Harvard University, Yale University, Stanford University. The list sometimes stops after just five or six schools. But, there are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. Why do only a handful of them gain so much attention? One reason is history. Schools like Harvard and Yale have existed for hundreds of years so people have been hearing about them for hundreds of years. Another reason is reputation. Some of the best-known schools, including Harvard and Yale, are part of a small group called the Ivy League. These private American colleges and universities have long been thought to be among the best in the world. John Gaines says such schools earned their reputations. Gaines is the director of undergraduate admissions at Vanderbilt University, a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee. While not part of the Ivy League, Vanderbilt is widely seen as a top American school. Gaines says, for generations, schools like Vanderbilt have produced important leaders and thinkers. But he admits that these famous schools are far from the only places that offer an excellent education. The top schools in America are also extremely difficult to win admission to. For example, about 39,500 undergraduates applied for admission to Harvard for the 2017 school year. The university accepted just a little over 2,000. In 2016, Vanderbilt accepted fewer than 3,500 of the more than 32,000 students who applied. Gaines suggests every student should consider other possibilities in the face of such competition. He says they should look at schools with fewer international applicants or those seeking a more diverse student body. Gaines says applicants who are a little different than most can be especially appealing. The truth of the matter is the very best known places in the United States, have admit rates that are really, very small, he told VOA. Were hyper selective in many ways. And so, the international applicant or the Americanwho is broadening their searchmay, in some real way, be enhancing their chance for admission. Gaines says there are many sources for information on the different types of colleges and universities in the U.S. The U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review are some of the most popular sources of this sort of information. The two groups rank and review schools using many kinds of measures. But Gaines says students should make use of the U.S. Department of Educations College Scorecard. He also suggests the non-profit organization the College Boards Big Future website. Both services are free, and they let students search for schools based on qualities like location, cost, size, and kind of programs offered. The College Scorecard even lists graduation rates and the average amount of money students make after they graduate. Ryan Ricciardi says looking for information beyond just a ranking can be extremely useful for students. Ricciardi is an admission official at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. Bowdoin is a private college with about 1,800 total students. The school accepted about 14 percent of its applicants for 2017. School rankings are decided using information like average scores of common tests and size of investments. So Ricciardi argues that more detailed information that directly relates to a students individual needs is much more useful. Rankings dont tell the full picture, she told VOA. They dont talk about the experience that students haveThey dont talk about the research opportunities that are available...They dont talk about the work that professors are doing and publishingThey just give you data. And that data is really important and interesting. But its just data. Its not the food that youre going to eatthe professor thats going to teach your class. Ricciardi and Gaines both say that students should start their exploration by asking themselves several questions: Do they prefer small classes or big ones? Are close, personal relationships with their professors important to them? Do they want to be in a small town or a big city? The answers will help them narrow the field of possibilities. Ricciardi also says that parents should also understand and accept that not everyone can or will get into a big name university. But, she says many successful people have received great educations from lesser known schools. The CEOs of all of these companies, the chief researchers, the doctors that are saving lives, they didnt all go tothe number one university, she said. They all got a lot out of their education no matter where they went. Its how theyve invested in it as individuals and what theyve gotten out of it that theyre using to make the world a better place. Im Pete Musto. And Im Dorothy Gundy. Pete Musto reported this for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. How important is a schools reputation in regards to the quality of the education it provides? What are some of the experiences you have heard about from other students who have attended lesser-known colleges and universities? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story relax v. to spend time resting or doing something enjoyable especially after you have been doing work reputation n. the common opinion that people have about someone or something undergraduate adj. related to students at a college or university who has not yet earned a degree applied v. asked formally for something, such as a job, admission to a school, or a loan, usually in writing diverse adj. made up of people or things that are different from each other hyper adj. excessively or extremely selective adj. careful to choose only the best people or things enhancing v. increasing or improving something location n. a place or position graduation n. the act of receiving a diploma or degree from a school, college, or university opportunities n. amounts of time or situations in which something can be done data n. facts or information used usually to calculate, analyze, or plan something This is Columbus Day, the second Monday in October, in the United States. It is a federal holiday. That means most federal offices are closed. The holiday honors the first visit to America by the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. Columbus thought he could reach the Far East by sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe. He was right. But he was also wrong. He thought the world was much smaller than it is. He did not imagine that another continent and another huge ocean lay between Europe and East Asia. Columbus and his crew arrived in October 1492 on an island they called San Salvador, in todays Bahamas. They explored that island and nearby islands now known as Cuba and Hispaniola. Columbus believed these were the coastal islands of East Asia, then called the Indies. That is why he called the people who lived on the islands Indians. He refused to accept he was wrong about the geography, even though local plants where he explored were unknown in Europe or Asia, and native people did not understand any languages spoken in the East. Columbus made several other trips to what was called the New World. He saw the coast of South America and the island of Jamaica. During his trips, Columbus explored islands and waterways, searching for a passage to the Indies. He never found it. Nor did he find spices or great amounts of gold as he had hoped. Yet, he always believed he had found the Indies. So Why Columbus Day? Many people have pointed out that Christopher Columbus never recognized where he really landed. Other European explorers did land in what is now the United States. But not Columbus. More importantly, some say, Columbus did not discover a new world: many native people already lived here. Critics of Columbus Day also strongly object to the holiday because Columbus treated native people cruelly. He enslaved some of the West Indians, forcing them to serve the Europeans or search for gold. He controlled parts of the population with violence and oppression. In addition, Columbus and his fellow European voyagers forced native people to accept Christianity. And, they brought new diseases that sickened and killed many of the native people. Columbus arrival in the Caribbean was devastating to the people there. So why do we honor Columbus with a U.S. holiday? Well, some states including Alaska, Hawaii and South Dakota do not. Other Americans use the day to celebrate native people instead of Columbus. Some people ignore the day all together. They use the time off work and school to tour the countryside in New England and see the changing colors of maple trees. Others go shopping and take advantage of Columbus Day discounts and sales. Even though Columbus Day is one of the most disputed holidays in the U.S. calendar, scholars say the origins of Columbus Day aimed to bring Americans together. In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison called on the country to observe Columbus Day. He invited Americans to take a day of rest from work, and to reflect on how much they had achieved in the 400 years since Columbus landed in San Salvador. Historian William Connell writes in the magazine The American Scholar that President Harrison also wanted to honor Italian Americans and Native Americans with the holiday. At that time, both groups had recently suffered violent attacks. And they suffered from ongoing discrimination in the U.S. Historian William Connell argues that President Harrison believed that Columbus Day could unite all Americans in shared, patriotic pride. I'm Kelly Jean Kelly. Editor's Note: This story was originally published in 2015. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story spices n. substances (such as pepper or nutmeg) used in cooking to add flavor to food devastated v. destroyed much or most of something reflect v. think carefully about something About half of teenagers in the United States and Japan say they are addicted to their smartphones. To be addicted means an individual is unable to stop doing something -- in this case, using the telephones. University of Southern California, or USC researchers asked 1,200 Japanese about their use of electronic devices. The researchers are with the Walter Annenberg School for Communications and Journalism. Their findings were compared with an earlier study on digital media use among families in North America. Willow Bay is head of the Annenberg School. She said, Advances in digital media and mobile devices are changing the way we engage not only with the world around us, but also with the people who are the closest to us. James Steyer is founder of Common Sense Media, an organization which helped with the study. He said, This is a really big deal. Just think about it, 10 years ago we didnt even have smart phones. Among the findings in the USC report: 50 percent of American teenagers and 45 percent of Japanese teens feel addicted to their mobile phones. Sixty-one percent of Japanese parents believe their children are addicted to the devices. That compares to 59 percent of the American parents who were asked. Also, more than one in three Japanese parents feel they have grown dependent on electronic devices, compared to about one in four American parents. Leaving your phone at home is one of the worst things Nowadays, one of the worst things that can happen to us is, like, oh, I left my phone at home, said Alissa Caldwell, a student at the American School in Tokyo. She spoke at the USC Global Conference 2017, which was held in Tokyo. A majority of Japanese and American parents said their teenagers used mobile devices too much. But only 17 percent of Japanese teens agreed that they use their devices too much. In the United States, 52 percent of teens said they are spending too much time on mobile devices. Many respond immediately to messages About seven-in-10 American teens said they felt a need to react quickly to mobile messages, compared to about half of Japanese teens. In Japan, 38 percent of parents and 48 percent of teens look at and use their devices at least once an hour. In the United States, 69 percent of parents and 78 percent of teens say they use their devices every hour. Naturally, that hourly usage stops when people are sleeping, the researchers said. The devices are a greater cause of conflict among teens and parents in the United States than in Japan. One in three U.S. families reported having an argument every day about mobile device use. Only about one in six Japanese families say they fight every day over mobile devices. Care more about devices than your children? But 20 percent of Japanese teens said they sometimes feel that their parents think their mobile device is more important than they are. The percentage of U.S. teens saying they feel this way is six percent. In the United States, 15 percent of parents say their teens use of mobile devices worsens the familys personal relationships. Eleven percent of teens feel their parents use of mobile devices is not good for their relationship. The USC research was based on an April 2017 study of 600 Japanese parents and 600 Japanese teenagers. Opinions from American parents and teenagers were collected in a study done earlier by Common Sense Media. Willow Bay, the Annenberg School of Communications dean, said the research raises critical questions about the effect of digital devices on family life. She said the cultural effects may differ from country to country, but this is clearly a global issue. Im Bruce Alpert. And I'm Jill Robbins. Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. How often to you use mobile devices? Do you think it affects your relationships with your parents? Your friends? And is that effect more positive than negative, or more negative than positive? ________________________________________________________ Words in This Story smartphone n. a telephone with computer software programs digital - adj. using or characterized by computer technology advance - v. to move forward engage - v. to do something mobile adj. something with the ability to be moved; changeable At least four teenagers have launched campaigns for governor in two American states. The young people have declared their candidacy in states that do not have age requirements to serve as governor. Ethan Randleas is a 17-year-old from Wichita, Kansas. He was the most recent teenager to announce his candidacy. He wants to represent the Republican Party in the states 2018 gubernatorial elections. Two other Kansas teenagers have also launched campaigns. They are 17-year-old Republican Tyler Ruzich, of Prairie Village, and 16-year-old Jack Bergeson of Wichita. Bergeson wants to be the Democratic Partys nominee. It is ironic that some of the candidates will not be able to vote for themselves because they must be 18 years old to vote. The current Kansas governor is Sam Brownback, who has served two four-year terms. State law prevents governors from serving more than two back-to-back terms. Other, non-teenage candidates are also hoping to be elected governor. Kansas officials say the state has no legal requirements for the office. Theres nothing in the law theres no age, no citizenship, no residency, no nothing, the states director of elections, Bryan Caskey told the The Hutchinson News. Candidates only have to pay a small amount of money to get their name on the ballot. Ethan Randleas has started a Go Fund Me campaign to raise money. He says he will need to raise $2,300 by June 2018 to be put on the Republican primary ballot. Randleas calls himself a conservatarian, which he described as someone who supports a combination of conservative and libertarian values. We just had a president win on the campaign promise of draining the swamp, he told the Kansas City Star newspaper. And if you really want to drain the swamp, you get the complete outsiders, and thats what I am. Randleas also said he generally believes that the government should stay out of anything that does not involve the protection of life, liberty or property. Jack Bergeson says he has been interested in the political process for as long as he can remember. But he decided to enter politics himself after watching Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who sought the Democratic presidential nomination last year. The teenager describes himself as a Bernie Sanders-style left-wing Democrat/Progressive. Like Sanders, Bergeson has campaigned for a higher minimum wage. He also supports reduced taxes for poor families, pay increases for teachers and the legalization of marijuana. The third teen candidate in Kansas, Tyler Ruzich, says he decided to run after Bergeson announced his candidacy. I thought that was just so cool that someone my age was doing that, Ruzich told the Kansas City Star. He really started to tell me, well, why arent you throwing your hat in the race? Since the parties have yet to nominate candidates, it is possible Kansas voters could be choosing between two teenagers next year. On the East Coast, 13-year-old Ethan Sonneborn has launched a campaign for governor in Vermont. He sent out his own press release announcing the move. Sonneborn has repeatedly answered questions with interested media. I'd rather lose a fight with a lot of visibility than lose a fight quietly, he told the Burlington Free Press. On his Facebook page, Sonneborn talks about what he considers the main issues in his campaign. These include support for rebuilding infrastructure across Vermont and lowering taxes on the middle class. He also said he is proud to be the most pro-choice, pro-gender equality candidate. Sonneborn told the Free Press that local Democratic Party officials have been slow to take him seriously. He also admitted it will be difficult trying to travel around the state while still attending school. But in the end, he said, he believes many of the states voters will see his age as a good thing, and give him their votes. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English. His report was based on stories from the Associated Press, Kansas City Star, The Hutchinson News and Burlington Free Press. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story ironic adj. strange or funny because it is different from what would be expected libertarian adj. political beliefs that promote civil liberties swamp n. wet and muddy land usually covered with water minimum adj. the least amount of something marijuana n. the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, smoked as a drug throw ones hat into the race/ring idiom. announce an intention to run for office visibility n. how well or far a person can see infrastructure n. basic equipment and structures (such as roads and bridges) needed for a country to function properly gender n. the behavioral or cultural qualities usually linked to one sex Suncor Energy Inc. operates as an integrated energy company. The company primarily focuses on developing petroleum resource basins in Canada's Athabasca oil sands; explores, acquires, develops, produces, transports, refines, and markets crude oil in Canada and internationally; markets petroleum and petrochemical products under the Petro-Canada name primarily in Canada. It operates through Oil Sands; Exploration and Production; Refining and Marketing; and Corporate and Eliminations segments. The Oil Sands segment recovers bitumen from mining and in situ operations, and upgrades it into refinery feedstock and diesel fuel, or blends the bitumen with diluent for direct sale to market. The Exploration and Production segment is involved in offshore operations off the east coast of Canada and in the North Sea; and operating onshore assets in Libya and Syria. The Refining and Marketing segment refines crude oil and intermediate feedstock into various petroleum and petrochemical products; and markets refined petroleum products to retail, commercial, and industrial customers through its other retail sellers. The Corporate and Eliminations segment operates four wind farms in Ontario and Western Canada. The company also markets and trades in crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products, and power. The company was formerly known as Suncor Inc. and changed its name to Suncor Energy Inc. in April 1997. Suncor Energy Inc. was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. Ensign Energy Services Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides oilfield services to the crude oil and natural gas industries in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company offers shallow, intermediate, and deep well drilling, as well as specialized drilling services, including horizontal, underbalanced, horizontal re-entry, and slant drilling for steam assisted gravity drainage applications; and equipment and services. It also provides coring and oil sands drilling services to the mining, and oil and natural gas industries; directional drilling and related services for conventional and horizontal drilling applications; shallow to deep well services, such as completions, abandonments, production workovers, and bottom hole pump changes for oil and natural gas producers; and interactive pressure drilling services with self-contained systems comprising nitrogen generation and compression equipment, and surface control systems. In addition, the company rents drill strings, loaders, tanks, pumps, rig mattings, blow-out preventers, waste bins, and wastewater treatment equipment for the drilling and completions segments of the oilfield industry. Further, the company offers transportation services. As of December 31, 2021, it operated a fleet of 262 land drilling rigs, 21 specialty coring rigs, and 100 well servicing rigs. The company was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE), an S&P 500 urban office real estate investment trust ("REIT"), is the first, longest-tenured, and pioneering owner, operator, and developer uniquely focused on collaborative life science, technology, and agtech campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, with a total market capitalization of $31.9 billion as of December 31, 2020, and an asset base in North America of 49.7 million square feet ("SF"). The asset base in North America includes 31.9 million RSF of operating properties and 3.3 million RSF of Class A properties undergoing construction, 7.1 million RSF of near-term and intermediate-term development and redevelopment projects, and 7.4 million SF of future development projects. Founded in 1994, Alexandria pioneered this niche and has since established a significant market presence in key locations, including Greater Boston, San Francisco, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. Alexandria has a longstanding and proven track record of developing Class A properties clustered in urban life science, technology, and agtech campuses that provide our innovative tenants with highly dynamic and collaborative environments that enhance their ability to successfully recruit and retain world-class talent and inspire productivity, efficiency, creativity, and success. Alexandria also provides strategic capital to transformative life science, technology, and agtech companies through our venture capital platform. We believe our unique business model and diligent underwriting ensure a high-quality and diverse tenant base that results in higher occupancy levels, longer lease terms, higher rental income, higher returns, and greater long-term asset value. Centrica plc operates as an integrated energy company in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, North America, and internationally. The company operates through British Gas Services & Solutions, British Gas Energy, Centrica Business Solutions, Bord Gais Energy, Energy Marketing & Trading, and Upstream segments. It supplies gas and electricity to residential customers, as well as offers energy-related services; and generates power from nuclear assets. The company also provides installation, repair, and maintenance services for domestic central heating, plumbing and drains, home electrical, and gas and kitchen appliances; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, as well as offers breakdown services. In addition, it is involved in the procurement, trading, and optimization of energy; procurement and sale of LNG; and supplies energy efficiency solutions and technologies to residential customers. Further, the company produces and processes gas and oil; develops new fields to maintain reserves; constructs, owns, and exploits infrastructure; and engages in the social enterprise investment fund activities. Additionally, it provides vehicle leasing, commercial, and insurance services, as well as energy management products and services; and operates a gas storage and franchise network. The company was formerly known as Yieldtop plc and changed its name to Centrica plc in December 1996. Centrica plc was founded in 1812 and is based in Windsor, the United Kingdom. Dril-Quip, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services engineered drilling and production equipment for use in deepwater, harsh environment, and severe service applications worldwide. The company's principal products include subsea and surface wellheads, subsea and surface production trees, mudline hanger systems, specialty connectors and associated pipes, drilling and production riser systems, liner hangers, wellhead connectors, diverters, and safety valves, as well as downhole tools. It also provides technical advisory services, and rework and reconditioning services, as well as rental and purchase of running tools for use in the installation and retrieval of its products; and downhole tools comprise of liner hangers, production packers, safety valves, and specialty downhole tools that are used to hang-off and seal casing into a previously installed casing string in the well bore. The company's products are used to explore for oil and gas from offshore drilling rigs, such as floating rigs and jack-up rigs; and for drilling and production of oil and gas wells on offshore platforms, tension leg platforms, and Spars, as well as moored vessels, such as floating production, storage, and offloading monohull moored vessels. It sells its products directly through its sales personnel, independent sales agents, and representatives to integrated, independent, and foreign national oil and gas companies, as well as drilling contractors, and engineering and construction companies. The company was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. This website is inclusive of tolerant people of all faiths, without exception. Neither anti-Semitism nor Islamophobia nor homophobia should ever be acceptable to anyone. We must all strive to live in peace and harmony with each other, regardless of religious affiliations, or none. Intolerance is the mother of strife and conflict. Mark Alexander We Britons are Europeans!Wir Briten sind Europaer! Nous, les Britanniques, sommes europeens ! Mark AlexanderEmail me at:markalexander.librabunda@gmail.com The following companies are subsidiares of Ingersoll Rand: 13125882 Canada Inc., 211 E. Russell Road LLC, 4458664 Canada Inc., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES ASIA PTE. 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Ltd., CompAir Acquisition (No. 2) Ltd., CompAir Acquisition Ltd., CompAir BroomWade Ltd., CompAir Finance Ltd., CompAir GmbH, CompAir Holdings Limited, CompAir International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CompAir Korea Ltd, CompAir South Africa (SA) (Pty) Ltd., Consolidated Distribution Holdings Ltd., DV Systems Inc., Dosatron International SAS, Emco Wheaton Gmbh, Emco Wheaton USA Inc, Enza Air Proprietary Limited, FlexEnergy Holdings LLC, Frigoblock Grosskopf Gmbh, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Investments Limited, GD First (UK) Ltd, GD German Holdings GmbH, GD German Holdings I Gmbh, GD German Holdings II GmbH, GD German Investments GmbH, GD Global Holdings II Inc., GD Global Holdings Inc., GD Global Holdings UK II Ltd., GD Global Ventures I B.V., GD Global Ventures II B.V., GD Global Ventures III B.V., GD Industrial Products Malaysia SDN. BHD., GD Investment KY, GD UK Finance Ltd., GPS Industries, Gardner Denver (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Austria GmbH, Gardner Denver Bad Neustadt Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Belgium NV, Gardner Denver Brasil Industria E Comercio de Maquinas Ltda., Gardner Denver CZ + SK sro, Gardner Denver Canada Corp (Canada), Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Limited, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Engineered Products India Private Limited, Gardner Denver FZE, Gardner Denver Finance II LLC, Gardner Denver Finance Inc & Co KG, Gardner Denver France SAS, Gardner Denver Group Svcs Ltd, Gardner Denver Holdings Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Ltd, Gardner Denver Iberica SL, Gardner Denver Inc., Gardner Denver Industries Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd., Gardner Denver International Inc., Gardner Denver International Ltd., Gardner Denver Investments Inc., Gardner Denver Italy Holdings S.r.L., Gardner Denver Japan Ltd., Gardner Denver Kirchhain Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Korea Ltd., Gardner Denver Ltd., Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Nash Brasil Industria E Comercio De Bombas Ltda, Gardner Denver Nash LLC, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd., Gardner Denver Nederland BV, Gardner Denver Nederland Investments B.V., Gardner Denver Oy, Gardner Denver Polska Sp z.o.o., Gardner Denver Pte. Ltd., Gardner Denver S.r.l., Gardner Denver Schopfheim GmbH, Gardner Denver Schopfheim Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Schweiz AG, Gardner Denver Slovakia s.r.o., Gardner Denver Sweden AB, Gardner Denver Taiwan Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas GmbH (f/k/a ILMVAC GmbH), Gardner Denver Thomas Inc., Gardner Denver Thomas Pneumatic Systems (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Garo Dott. Ing. Roberto Gabbioneta S.r.l., Ghh-Rand Schraubenkompressoren Gmbh, HASKEL EUROPE LTD., HASKEL HOLDINGS UK LIMITED, HASKEL INTERNATIONAL LLC, Hamworthy Belliss & Morcom, Haskel France SAS, Haskel Sistemas de Fluidos Espana S.R.L., Hibon Inc., Highspeed Newco LLC, Hingerose Limited, ILMVAC (UK) Ltd., ILS Innovative Labor Systeme, ILS Inovative Laborsysteme GmbH, INGERSOLL RAND ITS JAPAN LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHANG ZHOU) TOOLS CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHINA) INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND CHINA LLC, INGERSOLL-RAND COMERCIO E SERVICOS DE MAQUINAS E EQUIPAMENTOS INDUSTRIAIS LTDA., INGERSOLL-RAND DE PUERTO RICO INC., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL COMPANY B.V., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL SP. Z O.O., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL U.S. INC., INGERSOLL-RAND PHILIPPINES INC., INGERSOLL-RAND SPAIN S.A., INGERSOLL-RAND U.S. HOLDCO INC., IR HPS Holdco. Inc., ITO Emniyet, Ingersoll Rand Cyprus Investments Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Finance LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Investments LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Ventures LLC, Ingersoll Rand Hong Kong Investments Limited, Ingersoll Rand Inc., Ingersoll Rand Investments (SG) Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Investments B.V., Ingersoll Rand Schweiz Investments Gmbh, Ingersoll Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (Australia) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (China) Investment Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Guilin) Tools Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Hong Kong) Holding Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (India) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Ab, Ingersoll-Rand Air Solutions Hibon Sarl, Ingersoll-Rand Beteiligungs Und Grundstucksverwaltungs Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Colombia S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited (Uk), Ingersoll-Rand Company South Africa (Pty) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Cz S.R.O., Ingersoll-Rand De Mexico S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Equipements De Production S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Industrial Ireland Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International (India) Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Italia S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Italiana Manufacturing S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Korea Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Korea Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments II S.A R.I., Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Industrial Company S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Machinery (Shanghai) Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Malaysia Co. Sdn. Bhd., Ingersoll-Rand S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Services And Trading Limited Liability Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Singapore Enterprises Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand South East Asia (Pte.) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Superay Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technical And Services S.A.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Technologies And Services Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Tool Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Trading Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Vietnam Company Limited, Instrum Rand JSC, Interflex Datensysteme, Ir Canada Holdings Ulc, Ir Canada Sales & Service Ulc, Ir France Sas, Kryptonite corp, Lawrence Factor Inc., LeROI, LeRoi International Inc, MILTON ROY (HONG KONG) LIMITED, MILTON ROY (UK) LIMITED, MILTON ROY EUROPA B.V., MILTON ROY EUROPE SAS, MILTON ROY INDUSTRIAL (SHANGHAI) CO. LTD., MILTON ROY LLC, MILTON ROY US PURCHASER INC., MP Pumps Inc., Maximum AG Technologies Inc., Maximus Solutions, Mb Air Systems Limited, Nash Elmo, Officina Meccaniche Industriali Srl, Oina VV, Oina VV Aktiebolag, Plurifilter D.O.O., Pt Ingersoll-Rand Indonesia, Robuschi, Runtech Systems, Runtech Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Runtech Systems Inc., Runtech Systems OY, SEEPEX, Seepex (M) SDN, Seepex Australia Pty Ltd, Seepex Beteiligungs-Gesellschaft mit Beschrankter Haftung, Seepex France S.a.r.l., Seepex GmbH, Seepex Inc., Seepex India Private Ltd., Seepex Italia SRL, Seepex Japan Co. Ltd., Seepex Nordic A/S, Seepex OOO, Seepex Pumps (Shanghia) Co. Ltd., Seepex UK Ltd., Shanghai CompAir Compressors Co Ltd, Shanghai Compressors & Blowers Ltd., Shanghai Ingersoll-Rand Compressor Limited, Shenzhen Bocom System Engineering Co., Superay, Syltone, TIWR Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, Tamrotor Marine Comp AS Norway, Tecno Matic Europe s.r.o., Thomas Industries Inc., Trane Technologies, Tri-Continent Scientific Inc., Vacuum and Blower Systems division, Welch Vacuum Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zaxe Technologies Inc., Zeks Compressed Air Solutions Llc, Zinsser Analytic, Zinsser Analytik GmbH, Zinsser NA Inc., and crayon interface. Read More President Jacob Zuma is accused of delaying the appointment of the SABC board so he can make his own appointments, reported the City Press. Zuma and Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo are interested in placing their candidates in the positions of COO, CEO, and CFO, stated the report. The latest report follows recent news that Zuma was stalling the appointment of a new SABC board. This was allegedly so Zuma could interfere with the SABCs executive management team. Sources told City Press that Dlodlo and the now defunct interim board fought over the recommended names for the positions. While high-calibre professionals were put forward by the interim board, Dlodlo allegedly wanted to ram through her preferred candidates. The ANCs deployment committee also wants to have a say in who occupies the three strategic positions, said the City Press. This is despite the Broadcasting Act stating the president has no say in the selection process of the SABCs board members. Huge loss While a fight for control of the SABC ensues, the broadcaster recently posted a R977-million loss after tax for the 2016/17 financial year. The net loss more than doubled from R412 million in 2016, following the dissolution of the permanent board in late 2016. Part of the drop was attributed to advertising revenue decreasing by 5% to R5.6 billion. Sponsorship revenue declined by 18% to R384 million, while TV licence revenue decreased 7% to R915 million. Washington is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; delivery of special operations forces; strike warfare; irregular warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and mine warfare. Their inherent stealth, endurance, mobility, and firepower directly enable them to support five of the six maritime strategy core capabilities: sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence. The submarine is 377 feet long, has a 34-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. It will operate for over 30 years without ever refueling. Construction on Washington began September 2011; the submarine's keel was authenticated during a ceremony on Nov. 22, 2014; and the submarine was christened during a ceremony March 5, 2016. Ameriabank Launches Google Pay and Google Wallet Support for Card Users in Armenia Argentine President Fernandez feels ill at G20 summit Ruben Vardanyan receives head of ICRC mission: We must ensure a peaceful childhood for children living in Artsakh Newspaper: Armenian Prime Minister wants to hold referendum on constitutional amendments in spring Ardshinbank showcases the Google Pay for Android fans in Armenia Zelenskyy calls not to offer Ukraine compromise with territory and independence Secretary of State: U.S. stands ready to continue support for Karabakh settlement Google Pay is a new contactless payment option for Converse Bank customers French Senate to consider resolution on sanctions against Azerbaijan Zelenskyy addresses G20 leaders: It's time to stop Russia's war Karen Vardanyan donated 112 million drams for the medical equipment for National Center for Infectious Diseases Another four-day parliamentary session begins in Yerevan Gold declines in value World oil prices go down Plans to build 'death pyramid' in London that will hold millions of bodies Armenian and Georgian Foreign Ministries hold consultations in Tbilisi Azerbaijani and Iranian FMs hold phone conversation Steve Jobs' sandals sold for more than $200,000 Armenian PM accuses Azerbaijani leader of terrorizing Armenian civilians Azerbaijan shells Armenian positions on border again OPEC downgrades its forecast for global oil demand growth in 2022 White House: Biden and Xi Jinping agree on Blinken's visit to China CNN: CIA chief Burns meets with SVR director Naryshkin in Ankara Turkish FM Cavusoglu thanks Ararat Mirzoyan for condolences Putin signs decree allowing stateless persons to serve in Russian army Airbus CEO: There is no question of them breaking off trade ties Armen Grigoryan receives Igor Khovayev Britain and France sign agreement on strengthening cooperation on illegal migration US updates its sanctions list for Russia: Milur Electronics LLC, an Armenian company listed Potatoes prices grow by 20%: expert claims agriculture collapse in Armenia Peskov says Russian-American talks in Ankara initiated by Washington Morgan Stanley: UK and euro zone economies are likely to face recession Xi Jinping hopes for comprehensive dialogue between NATO, the EU and the US and Russia Japan proposes to deploy Australian nuclear submarines Biden calls talks with Xi Jinping at G20 summit frank WB: Debt levels among low- and middle-income countries soared in 2021 Xi Jinping: China does not intend to challenge the U.S. Scholz: Adopting a joint G20 summit statement is a tough task Biden and Xi Jinping oppose use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine Nikol Pashinyan receives Russian co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group IMF head warns of risks for world economy because of rivalry between China and US Irakli Garibashvili: Georgia is ready to promote in every possible way the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan Red Wings airline launches direct flights from Makhachkala to Yerevan Olaf Scholz: EU should expand its cooperation with Southeast Asian countries Global Leadership Foundation will visit Armenia Kurdistan Workers' Party denies its involvement in Istanbul terrorist attack NATO Secretary General says they must not make mistake of underestimating Russia IRGC resumes strikes on Iraqi Kurdistan French and German central bank heads call for speeding up EU capital markets union Control of U.S. House of Representatives depends on several tight races Artsakh FM speaks with his Transnistria counterpart Italy, Greece, Malta and Cyprus say they cannot accept migrants Cavusoglu thanks Mirzoyan for condolences on terrorist attack in Istanbul Xi Jinping and Joe Biden begin first face-to-face meeting in Bali Zelenskyy arrives in Kherson Armenian Defense Minister: After expiration of contract service 5 million drams will be provided to servicemen Turkey refuses to accept U.S. condolences after terrorist attack in Istanbul Defense Ministers of Georgia and Azerbaijan sign military cooperation plan for 2023 Russian Foreign Ministry denies reports about Lavrov's hospitalization in Bali Yellen hopes Biden and Jinping meeting leads to engagement on macroeconomic issues Russian Defense Ministry confirms violation of ceasefire in Artsakh by Azerbaijani Armed Forces Artsakh MOD denies accusations of Azerbaijani MOD Azerbaijani Defense Minister holds talks in Georgia Armenian MOD denies another lie of Azerbaijani MOD Germany warns its delegation about Egyptian spies at COP27 NSS of Armenia reveals channel of illegal migration Azerbaijani State Security Service announces disclosure of 'Iranian spy network' Politico: Indonesia, hosting G20, lobbies West to soften criticism of Russia in final communique Ararat Mirzoyan expresses condolences to Mevlut Cavusoglu over Istanbul explosion Iranian lawmakers sharply criticize Aliyev Ambassador-at-Large: Azerbaijan's attacks on Armenia are a terrorist attack Germany needs to diversify its business interests in Asia to reduce dependence on China Head of U.S. Treasury Department says sanctions against Russia should remain in force even after war in Ukraine Natasa Pirc Musar to become Slovenia's first woman president IMF: World economic outlook even bleaker than predicted Pashinyan: Azerbaijan calls Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh 'our citizens' and at the same time shoots at them Turkish Interior Minister announces arrest of suspect in attack on Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul Alpine to make 3 electric crossovers Number of injured in Istanbul blast rises to 81 Paul McCartney sells guitar for $77,000 to support Ukraine The Iraqi Kurdistan Kurdish government is ready for dialogue with Baghdad without preconditions from any side in a defined time frame, senior assistant to Masoud Barzani said in a statement. Kurdish President Masoud Barzani has met with the Iraqi parliament speaker Salim al-Jabouri in Erbil on Sunda, Rudaw reported. The two leaders reiterated the need to protect stability and security while avoiding tensions between the two governments, reads the statement issued by Kurdish side. They also reaffirmed the need to calm the political situation, take the principle of dialogue with an open agenda, the statement reads. I found him likeable enough until that recent interview where he talked about expecting sex from women and now I'm majorly turned off so bye. Reply Thread Link Whaaaat? All I know about him is 1 song and this post, and I assumed he was gay bc of the gif the OP posted Reply Parent Thread Link I feel lots of shame and embarrassment for loving the Attention song Reply Thread Link Right? There's a part where he does the weird "high" voice thing but overall it's sooo catchy and good Reply Parent Thread Link lol I like it too Reply Parent Thread Link lol that's a good song tbh Reply Parent Thread Link lol same... Reply Parent Thread Link Did he get a nose job? Reply Parent Thread Link For a sec I thought that cover was a tribute to Reply Thread Link I can't stand JA anymore but "you're still a mystery" is such a good song omg Reply Parent Thread Link are they doing the macarena Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Are all of his songs about how he's been wronged by a girl? Maybe it's you, boo-boo. Having said that though, I can never resist that bassline in Attention. Reply Thread Link Taylor taught ha! Reply Parent Thread Link Lol ia but I think he's actually in the wrong in this song. Reply Parent Thread Link Oop @ me only paying attention to the chorus. Reply Parent Thread Link That shawn gif kills me everytime, thanks OP. Reply Thread Link Loving your gifs op Reply Parent Thread Expand Link hes a massive douchebag Reply Thread Link he's so ugly but has the arrogance of an attractive person- BOY I hate nothing more than ugly people with attitudes that indicate otherwise. You're already ugly AF- the struggle you live with has been chosen. His interviews make me hate him Anyways this song and Attention are actually catchy- so go awf troll! Edited at 2017-10-08 06:14 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link LOL Reply Parent Thread Link lmfaooo Reply Parent Thread Link lmaoooo this is killing me Reply Parent Thread Link hate this turd's voice Reply Thread Link https://fotpforums.com/topic/140630-fotpexclusive-charlie-puth-exposed-as-a-little-trumpster/ Fuck this Trump supporter. Reply Thread Link Yikes! Taylor taught ha x2 Reply Parent Thread Link I hated this ugly dickhead for 60% shallow reason- namely he revolts me appearance wise- but now I have an even more legitimate reason to hate. Reply Parent Thread Link damn at all of his tea being spilt in here...he seems like a shitty person Reply Parent Thread Link Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ Reply Thread Link i love this post and i still dk who this guy is it's like i take a forget me shot every time i close a tab related to him Reply Thread Link New anthem for fuckboys to say "You're the only one I wanna love, oh, yeah bullshit bullshit, it only happened once I swear" I get drunk too, and miraculously, amazingly even when hot ppl were coming on to me (I know ontd!) I somehow never managed to cheat while in a relationship. And now that I know he's a trumpster all the more reason to ignore his shit. Reply Thread Link During a Friday night panel at New York Comic-Con, DC unveiled the first pages of its massive DC/Watchmen story "Doomsday Clock."Johns stated during the panel that has no interest in a story where Superman and Dr. Manhattan just fight each other, that most of the questions people have regarding Rebirth and Watchmen's connection to it will be answered and says you only need to read Watchmen and have a general understanding of Superman and co to follow the story. There will also be no tie-ins or crossovers with other books.Summary of the first 6 pages: -- The story begins in the Watchmen universe in November 1992, 8 years after the events of the book.-- Rorschach's journal was read, verified, and published. Ozymandias is now the most wanted man on Earth, charged with murdering 3 million people. No one can find him, Nite Owl, or Silk Spectre.-- The European Union has collapsed. The Vice President is holding hostages in the White House. Russia believes the US government was a willing participant in Ozy's plan. North Korea has nukes. Americans are fleeing to Mexico.-- News stations are shut down and are replaced with a state-run broadcast with William Buckley Jr. Jr explains Russia has invaded Poland and they have four hours to withdraw from the country before the bombs drop. A mandatory evacuation of the US has been issued.-- The pages end at a prison, where the inmates are attacking a guard for his keys. Rorschach appears and takes the keys for himself. The pages can be seen in full at the source. The first issue of Doomday Clock will be released November 22. Tis Dining Month, the tastiest time of year! This means were dishing up fun and fascinating food content throughout October. Dig in , Milwaukee! It's National Taco Day. So it seems apropos to celebrate with a plate filled with delicious tacos. Whether you prefer traditional fillings or more out-of-the-box options, there are plenty of spots in Milwaukee to fulfill your craving (including an ever-growing collection of amazing taco trucks). But if you need inspiration, these seven spots are great places to start (and yes, they are all open on Mondays!) 7030 W. Lincoln Ave., West Allis, (414) 541-8201 facebook.com/Chilangoexpress There's so much to love about Chilango Express, including the laundry list of items you can enjoy on your tacos. Fillings include meats (chicken, pork, beef, Mexican sausage, beef tongue, sauced pork rinds and steak) along with mushrooms, cactus, poblano peppers, squash blossoms and huitlacoche. Yum. 3129 N. Bremen St., (414) 810-3941 2394 S Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 544-2774 6300 W. Mequon Rd., (262) 643-4256 corazonmilwaukee.com Photo: Cafe Corazon X At Cafe Corazon, you have a multitude of choices for your tacos including meats like chicken, ground beef, asada, pibil (Yukatan style pulled pork), carnitas and chorizo. Or go veggie with options like soy chorizo, herbed tofu, mixed vegetables or mushrooms. Cant decide? Order the Taco Truck Dinner, which comes with three tacos (meat or vegetarian) served up with cilantro, onion, tomato, radish and queso fresco. 641 N. James Lovell St., (414) 988-6567 lazostacoshackmke.com X You'll find big flavor at this little Downtown taco shack where every plate is made with love. Fill up your tacos with goods like carne asada, tinga, pastor, carnitas, chicken or shrimp; and be sure to check out their daily specials! 624 W. National Ave., (414) 643-5715 La-Casa-De-Alberto Photo: Naplestan / Instagram X Affordability and deliciousness meet their match at La Casa De Alberto. If you're getting tacos, choose from options like al pastor, ground beef, carne asada or fish. Or order "Alberto's Plate" which includes al pastor, beans, rice and corn tortillas. While you're there, be sure to order the guacamole; it's deliciously fresh with great texture and lots of flavor. 2317 S. Howell Ave., (414) 482-2269 guanajuatobayview.com Photo: Guanajuato X Head to this Bay View classic, which has been serving up delicious tacos since 2007 and you'll find a laundry list of great fillings including pollo, asada, pastor, carne molida (round beef), lengua (beef tongue), carne deshebrada (shredded beef) or chorizo. Zocalo Food Park, 636 S. 6th St., (414) 433-9747 mazorcatacos.com X There are truly delicious tacos to be had at Mazorca, located at Zocalo Food Park. Tacos are served up on housemade tortillas with fillings like al pastor, adobo chicken, bistec, birria (beef braised in adobo) and vegetarian (cheese, guacamole, tomatillos, cilantro) and vegan (guacamole, pinto beans, tomatillos, cilantro). 5419 W. North Ave., (414) 810-0404 palomatacoandtequila.com X From more traditional tacos (think carne asada and chorizo) to outside-the-box options like crispy brussels sprouts, cajun shrimp, tofu and the "Gringo All The Way," you'll find something new to love at this cozy Washington Heights spot. Season's eatings! The weather may be getting colder, but Dining Month on OnMilwaukee is just cooking up, dishing out your winning picks in this year's Best of Dining poll. Dining Month is brought to you by Fein Brothers, your premier food service equipment and supply dealer in Wisconsin since 1929. Congratulations to all of the winners, and happy eating for all those who voted! By a thin margin of votes, Irie Zulu edges Cubanitas to win this category, which aligned readers with OnMilwaukee's editors and its dining expert. Clearly, people really like this casual, relatively new restaurant in Wauwatosa, which serves up a fusion of traditional African and Jamaican cuisines in a culturally authentic environment. Irie Zulu offers varying menus, including a Weekly Best and brunch, as well as a retail store that sells Afro Fusion Cuisine products and cultural events and cooking classes. Runners up: 2. Cubanitas 3. Blue Star Cafe 4. Ethiopian Cottage 5. Cafe el Sol OnMilwaukee editors' pick: Irie Zulu Lori Fredrich's pick: Irie Zulu Theres a reason I chose Irie Zulu as my "best new restaurant" pick in 2016. And thats because its a restaurant that offers up an unparalleled gustatory journey into Jamaica and the African diaspora. And that hasnt changed. Dishes are creative, filled with passion and, maybe most significantly, they're served up with a dose of cultural insight. Items like the vegan maffe (peanut butter stew) are rich and savory. Jerk wings are tender and well spiced. And there are few dishes as unctuous and comforting as the oxtail stew (either Jamaican or African), which is perfect as the weather turns cool. Another element of the restaurant on the whole that's not lost on me is the fact that, as suburban landscapes increasingly fill with predictable American-style cuisine, Irie Zulu has offered a multitude of new diners a menu that takes them on a delectable journey solidly outside of their comfort zones. Season's eatings! The weather may be getting colder, but Dining Month on OnMilwaukee is just cooking up, dishing out your winning picks in this year's Best of Dining poll. Dining Month is brought to you by Fein Brothers, your premier food service equipment and supply dealer in Wisconsin since 1929. Congratulations to all of the winners, and happy eating for all those who voted! Velobahn Coffee & Cycle has officially opened its doors to the public at 3618 W. Pierce St., just a hop away from the Urban Ecology Center, Escuela Verde and the entrance to the Hank Aaron State Trail. And those details arent incidental. Owned by bicycle enthusiasts Seth Ogden and Rick Goyette, Velobahn is not only the first independently owned coffee shop in Silver City, its also designed to serve bicycle enthusiasts in both area neighborhoods and throughout the city. Service at the cafe features coffee and espresso made with beans from Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co., as well as nitro cold brew from Pilcrow Coffee. A selection of pastry items are also available from Troubadour Bakery. In addition to coffee and snacks, the shop currently offers bicycle parking and both new and used bikes for sale. This spring, the cafe will expand offerings to include general bicycle supplies such as brake pads, lights and helmets. The Wisconsin Bicycle Federation, which will be moving into the space next door to Velobahn, will offer bike maintenance and repair services. Velobahn is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The cafe is also available as a rental for private events during the evening hours. Tens of thousands of Cubans turned out on Sunday to pay tribute to Ernesto "Che" Guevara, the Argentine-born Marxist revolutionary and guerrilla leader, on the 50th anniversary of his death. An estimated 70,000 people thronged the streets outside a mausoleum in this town 300 kilometers (186 miles) east of the capital Havana which houses the remains of Guevara and of some of his former comrades. President Raul Castro, dressed in his general's uniform, was among those attending the ceremony in Santa Clara, which was the site of a December 1958 battle that finally sent Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista into exile. Raul Castro fought alongside Guevara during the Cuban revolution led by his brother Fidel Castro. The 39-year-old Guevara was captured and executed by a CIA-trained unit of the Bolivian army on October 9, 1967. This year's ceremony was the first in the absence of Fidel Castro, who died last year, and an excerpt from one of his speeches honoring Guevara was played for the crowd. The anniversary comes amid the dying gasps of other Latin American guerrilla movements such as the FARC in Colombia, which last year reached a peace deal with the government and recently disarmed. The 86-year-old Raul Castro took a back seat at Sunday's ceremony to Miguel Diaz-Canel, who is expected to replace him as president next year. - 'Che is still here' - Diaz-Canel, 57, denounced American "imperialism" in a speech and referred to increased tension in Cuba-US relations since Donald Trump became president. Cuba will "never negotiate away its principles or give in to blackmail," he said. Elena Gonzalez, a 56-year-old textile worker, was among those who turned up at the crack of dawn to pay her respects to Guevara. "Yes, we got up very early but it's worth it," she said. "We're keeping his example alive and his legacy of independence and sovereignty for Latin America and the world." "For me, Che is still here -- his life, his work, his example," said 79-year-old Luis Monteagudo, who fought alongside Guevara in the Congo and was wearing a white T-shirt with his picture. Che's remains were transferred from Bolivia to Cuba in 1997 and interred in a mausoleum here which features a large bronze statue of the guerrilla leader. Born in the Argentine city of Rosario, Guevara traveled across Latin America in 1952 and 1953 -- a road trip that was immortalized in the 2004 film "The Motorcycle Diaries" -- and was shocked to see the economic disparity in the region. It convinced him that violence was necessary to overturn Latin America's unjust social order. - Spreading revolution - His life changed dramatically when he met Fidel Castro in Mexico in 1955 and joined his guerrilla expedition to Cuba. In the early 1960s, Guevara worked with Castro to consolidate the revolution, supervising the repression of counter-revolutionaries, and even for a time heading the Central Bank and industry ministry. But his key motivation was to spread revolution elsewhere. In 1965, he bid farewell to Cuba in a letter to Castro in which he resigned his posts and wrote: "Other nations of the world summon my modest efforts of assistance." After leading a group of Cuban revolutionaries fighting with Marxist guerrillas in the Congo, Guevara traveled to Bolivia in late 1966. Struggling with asthma, he led a small clutch of rebels in Bolivia for 11 months trying to spread revolution. But he was tracked, cornered and wounded in the mountains in a gun battle that wiped out most of his remaining forces. The Bolivian army and two Cuban-American Central Intelligence Agency agents captured him. He was executed in a schoolhouse in La Higuera the following day, October 9, 1967. The small revolution he had started in Bolivia died with him. Guevara remains omnipresent in Cuba, particularly visible in the iconic image of the bearded and beret-clad revolutionary that adorns posters and T-shirts the world over. By Antoni Slodkowski and Matt Spetalnick YANGON/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The European Union and the United States are considering targeted sanctions against Myanmar military leaders over an offensive that has driven more than 500,000 Rohingya Muslims out of the country, officials familiar with the discussions say. Interviews with more than a dozen diplomats and government officials based in Washington, Yangon and Europe revealed that punitive measures aimed specifically at top generals were among a range of options being discussed in response to the crisis. Nothing has yet been decided and Washington and Brussels may decide to hold off for now, the sources said. There are also discussions about increasing aid for violence-riven Rakhine state. The active discussion of sanctions not even on the table a month ago shows how the dramatic exodus of Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar's northwest is putting pressure on Western policymakers to take action. While much of the outcry overseas has focused on Nobel laureate and Myanmar's national leader Aung San Suu Kyi, few Western diplomats see an alternative to her leadership. Suu Kyi does not control the military, which still wields considerable power under Myanmar's army-written constitution. The EU Foreign Ministers Council will discuss Myanmar on Oct. 16, although officials do not expect any move on sanctions that soon. Danish minister for development cooperation, Ulla Tornaes, told Reuters that Copenhagen had been working to get the crisis on the agenda, "with the wish to put further pressure on the military". Two Washington-based U.S. officials with knowledge of the Trump administration's Myanmar deliberations said targeted sanctions against commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing and several other generals, as well as leaders of ethnic Rakhine Buddhist militias accused of torching Rohingya villages, were under consideration. Such sanctions - if decided on - would likely entail U.S. asset freezes, bans on travel to the United States, prohibitions against Americans doing business with them and other unspecified penalties. Washington was moving cautiously as it consulted with governments in Europe, Japan and Southeast Asia, the U.S. officials said. A senior Yangon-based European diplomat also said Western countries were coordinating their response to the crisis and were in agreement that it was the military, and specifically the commander-in-chief, who needed to be targeted in any punitive action. Any punishment was likely to be symbolic at first to allow room for further talks, Yangon-based diplomats said, giving the example of formally banning the army chief, who over the past year visited Brussels, Berlin and Vienna, from further travel to Europe. Western diplomats admit their leverage is limited: compared with China, whose ties with Myanmar have warmed since Suu Kyi took office 18 months ago, U.S. and European investment and military engagement with the country are small. They are also wary of action that could hurt the wider economy or destabilise already tense ties between Suu Kyi and the army. PRESSURE BUILDING The United Nations is pressing for increased humanitarian access to other parts of Rakhine, where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya remain. How Myanmar responds to calls for increased aid, the investigation of alleged atrocities or repatriation of refugees would be a key consideration in deciding what action to take, U.S. and EU diplomats in Myanmar said. "We can pile political pressure, look into financing we have in Myanmar. We have humanitarian aid, as well as development aid ... the European Commission won't invest in the development of Myanmar if the conditions, including security, are not there," said a Brussels-based EU diplomat who follows Myanmar. "There is also the arms trade embargo and we discuss regularly whether we should reward the reforms in Myanmar and look at gradual easing of that, or the opposite." EU economic sanctions on Myanmar were lifted after the army stepped back from direct rule of the country in 2012, beginning the democratic transition that brought Suu Kyi to power last year, but an arms embargo in force since the 1990s remains. The United States removed most sanctions on Myanmar last autumn. It too has kept an arms embargo in place. One Washington-based U.S. official said that, while there was no firm deadline, Washington hoped to have a plan of action on Myanmar in place by the time President Donald Trump travels to Asia for a series of summits in the first half of November. The administration wanted to send a strong message to Myanmar's military, but was concerned that too drastic action could allow China to expand its growing diplomatic and economic influence in the country, the official said. There is little support in the administration for the re-imposition of broader economic sanctions, the official added. The White House declined comment on internal deliberations on the Rohingya crisis. STRAINED RELATIONS In another sign of pressure building on Myanmar, New York-based diplomats said the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the U.N. General Assembly was pushing for a human rights resolution on the country. Last year the EU announced that for the first time in 15 years it would not introduce a resolution at the General Assembly's Third Committee, which focuses on human rights, condemning Myanmar's record - rewarding it for progress. The European bloc could revive the resolution in the current session, taking on board the OIC draft and broadening it out beyond the Rohingya crisis, one diplomat in New York said. Diplomats said some members of the U.N. Security Council were exploring whether the 15-member body could agree a formal statement, or even a resolution, calling for an end to the violence, full access for aid and the safe return of refugees. However, Myanmar has said it was negotiating with China and Russia, which have veto powers in the Security Council, to protect it from any possible action. China and Russia have both expressed support for the Myanmar government. Myanmar's relations with the U.N. have grown increasingly testy since the discovery of World Food Programme-branded biscuits at a suspected militant camp in July prompted the government to accuse the U.N. agency of supporting the insurgents, forcing it to shut down its operations in Rakhine. Myanmar is stalling on accepting a plan by the U.N. to upgrade the U.N. country head to the more powerful rank of Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) when its current top official, who is due to be rotated, is replaced. Thaung Tun, Suu Kyi's National Security Advisor, told Reuters that the U.N. "must treat us equally". "We'll be fine with anybody if all member states have an ASG assigned. Not just us," he said. (Reporting by Antoni Slodkowski in Yangon and Matt Spetalnick in Washington; Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols at the United Nations, Simon Lewis in Yangon, Teis Jensen in Copenhagen, Gabriela Baczynska and Robin Emmott in Brussels and John Irish in Paris; Editing by Alex Richardson) ST PETERSBURG (Reuters) - Russian riot police detained at least 10 opposition protesters on Saturday in central St Petersburg as hundreds of anti-Kremlin activists marched towards the city's main street, a Reuters witness said. Police across Russia detained more than 100 opposition activists earlier on Saturday for taking part in a wave of protests in support of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny ahead of a presidential election in March. The authorities said most of the protests were illegal because they had not been officially approved beforehand. (Reporting by Jack Stubbs; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Alison Williams) An Italian, a Swiss and a Venezuelan journalist, arrested Friday while attempting to report from a notorious prison in northern Venezuela, were released on Sunday, human rights and press freedom groups said. A court ordered the release of Roberto Di Matteo of Italy, Filippo Rossi of Switzerland and Jesus Medina of Venezuela, according to the National Union of Press Workers, which tweeted a picture of a relieved Medina posing with his release card. Swiss and Italian diplomats said they had intervened to ensure the men's proper treatment and secure what the Swiss foreign ministry described as a swift resolution. Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Angelino Alfano, added his government had paid "great attention" to the case. "For us it is good news," he said. The rights group Foro Penal, which had provided legal assistance, said the men and their television crew had entered Tocoron prison -- considered one of the country's most violent -- to conduct an investigation. Critics say Venezuelan prisons are overpopulated and inmates are malnourished, despite government plans to reduce inmate populations. - 'We reject the harassment' - The press union on Saturday released a photograph of the three journalists taken from the back, apparently handcuffed and escorted by two military personnel. "They had an invitation to enter Tocoron," the union said in a statement. "They had registered to enter when they were barred access and then arrested. It seems there was a counter-order to bar them access." Venezuela's Foreign Press Association sharply denounced the men's treatment, saying, "We reject the harassment and detention of journalists as a means to intimidate the press." Late last year, rights group Una Ventana a La Libertad estimated that there were some 88,000 inmates across a country with an official prison capacity of 35,000. President Nicolas Maduro's government, which says it is being unfairly disparaged in national and international media, says it has successfully applied measures to pacify prisons and raise their standards to international norms. Di Matteo is a videographer for Italian daily Il Giornale who has regularly collaborated with freelance journalist Rossi. Rossi has also worked with regional Swiss daily Corriere del Ticino, while Medina is a photojournalist for anti-government website DolarToday. CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro baited U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday by thanking him for a barrage of criticism that had made him famous worldwide. "It's an honor that the head of the empire mentions me every day," said the 54-year-old president, who is just back in Venezuela from a trip to Russia, Belarus and Turkey. "That means I'm doing something right!" Maduro laughed, during his weekly program on state TV. The U.S. government, saying Venezuela has become a corrupt and repressive dictatorship, has widened individual sanctions on top officials including Maduro and also prohibited new debt dealings with Caracas. Businessman-turned-president Trump has repeatedly criticized Maduro and his Socialist Party in public and at meetings with other heads of state. "Donald Trump has become the head of the Venezuelan opposition," said Maduro, who has ruled the OPEC member since 2013 but seen his popularity plummet during an economic crisis. "He has made me famous around the world. Every time he mentions me, they love me more," Maduro added, saying he had been acclaimed by people abroad on his visit to nations who have all had frayed relations with Washington. Maduro said he had a one-and-half hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin where, among other subjects, he discussed the possibility of trading Venezuelan oil in rubles because of the U.S. financial sanctions. "A whole new world is opening up for Venezuela thanks to Trump's sanctions," said Maduro, who has also said he hopes to move Venezuela's commercial transactions to euros, yen and rupees. (Reporting by Andrew Cawthorne; editing by Grant McCool) Stephan Komandarev's latest film started as a joke. "I was in a taxi talking to the driver when he asked me, 'Do you know why Bulgaria is the Land of Optimists?'" said Komandarev, who still laughs at the idea. "It's the Land of Optimists because all the pessimists and the realists have already left," the driver told him. That bitter joke set the film-maker, the first Bulgarian ever to be shortlisted for the Oscars, thinking. The Balkan country has lost a fifth or more of its population since the fall of Communism despite becoming a member the EU a decade ago. "There were nine million of us when the wall came down, and we are now around five million. And there hasn't been a war," the director told AFP. Official figures put Bulgaria's population closer to seven million -- statistics Komandarev says are contested, claiming they do not take into account millions of Bulgarians who spend most of the year working abroad. Whatever the figure, experts agree Bulgaria's population is likely to become the fastest-shrinking in the world. - Taxi driver priests - So Komandarev set out to make a kind of "Canterbury Tales" of the disappearing Bulgarians told through the taxi drivers of the capital Sofia and their passengers. Over the course of a day and a night, "Directions" -- or "Taxi Sofia" as it is called in some countries -- follows teachers, businessmen and even a priest driving taxis to make ends meet. "There are three priests driving taxis right now in Sofia," said Komandarev. "Anyone who has lost their job or who is paid very little, like school teachers and academics, drive taxis at night. These people see real life on the streets, not just the life we see on television." The taxi driver who told Komandarev the joke was a professor of nuclear physics at the country's Academy of Sciences until he lost his job during the "interminable transition" to the market economy, which has already lasted 27 years in Bulgaria. "We have been waiting for what seems like several lifetimes for the invisible hand of the market to sort everything out," said the director, who had an international hit with his upbeat "The World is Big and Salvation Lurks Around the Corner". "In the meantime, we have lost our social system and education system. I am not nostalgic for Communism -- I was so happy when it ended -- but we destroyed things that we should have kept," Komandarev argued. He said the EU's poorest state had "gone from for totalitarianism to extreme capitalism. "The impression you get from the media is that everything is going great. 'We are in the EU!' But the reality is people are getting poorer, the level of education is falling and old people are living in a terrible way," he said. - 'Permanent ex-Communist' elite - Komandarev insists his film's portrait of the travails of "transition" holds true not just for Bulgaria but for several Eastern Europe countries. The film bible Variety hailed it as a "clever, fleet-footed" snapshot of Bulgarians left behind, and praised its "poignant accuracy and flashes of wry humour", comparing its favourably with Jim Jarmusch's "Night on Earth". It is not the first time the director has taken on his country's woes. He tackled the rural exodus in his 2010 documentary "The Town of the Badante Women" about a community whose women had all left for Italy to look after old people there. His last feature, "Judgment" took on the prickly subject of the migrant crisis from the point of view of a former border guard who ends up smuggling Syrian refugees over the frontier from Turkey on which Bulgaria has now built a fence. With such engagement, Komandarev, 51, admits that he has come under pressure to enter politics himself. "I have been asked several times but I have always refused. My films are my strength. Ten years ago I was a lot more optimistic than I am now." And Komandarev is despairing of what he calls a "real lack of renewal" at the top. "Those who formed the Communist elite," he said, "are still in power or their families hold great economic power. They have done a 180-degree switch, and now they are for the market. "But it is the same people..." There is a shortage of German speakers on the Slovak labour market. Font size: A - | A + The Experimenting in German programme should support the practical study of German using the CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) methodology, based on effective teaching of the foreign language via experiments. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement English is the basic language skill, but German represents an add-on upgrade, with both languages being in demand on the Slovak labour market, the German Embassy to Slovakia press and culture department head Marian Gordzielik told a press conference in early May. There is a shortage of German speakers on the Slovak labour market. Therefore, it is highly desirable to introduce more German classes at Slovak schools, Gordzielik added, as reported by the TASR newswire. Parents show great interest in such language classes, Gordzielik said about the programme, as quoted by TASR. They now have eight classes in the first four grades of primary school, and one second-level class participating in the programme. Children really enjoy it because they learn the technical subjects of the curriculum in a playful manner while acquiring new vocabulary, said Renata Balogova, headmistress at Ivan Bukovcan Primary School in Bratislava, as quoted by TASR. The projects coordinator, Alexandra Pappova of the Volkswagen Slovakia Foundation, which supports the project in cooperation with the Goethe Institute, highlighted the fact that the programme, which links education in German with natural sciences, will be expanded to more schools in Slovakia. A total of 90 teachers have enrolled in information workshops and seminars, where they will learn how to use the CLIL methodology in their classes. Were confident that the project has its merits and the children will learn a great deal, Pappova added, as quoted by TASR. A drawer accidently opened after 70 years, revealing precious contents. Font size: A - | A + A book with prayers belonging to noblewoman Ilona Andrassyova was found by accident in a Betliar manor house. She got it as a gift from her grandmother Eleonora Kaunitzova. The manuscript measures 85 x 65 x 30 millimetres and has 276 parchment pages. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement When moving a Baroque chest of drawers from one place to another, one drawer that was closed for more than 70 years opened. Among postal stamps, letters and photos was also this tiny book, said the head of Museum Betliar Julius Barczi, as quoted by the public service RTVS. After comparing it with other books of this kind from world museums, we can tell that it originated in the second half of the 15th century, said Judita Krajciova from Museum Betliar, as quoted by My Gemer portal. The book is the most similar to one in the Baltimore museum, added Krajciova. In the future, the museum plans to show the book to the public. For now, some of its parts have been digitized. An earthen-ware pot survived more than 1,100 years unbroken, hidden inside an oven. Font size: A - | A + Archaeologists found an iron treasure while doing research in Bojna near Topolcany. The Slavic inhabitants of the region hid it in a stone oven at the beginning of the 10th century. Iron was in that era a very precious metal; it was used for currency as the metal hrivna. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The surprising discovery consists of 36 hrivna, bridle bits from a horse harness, two keys from a Slavic settlement and other iron objects, said head of research in Bojna, Karol Pieta, from the Archaeological Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, as quoted by the SITA newswire. The oven with the treasure was found on the west fortified area in front of the castle near the Great Moravian fortification Bojna I Valy. The earthen-ware pot stood in its original place, in the oven, surviving more than 1,100 years unbroken. Read also: Read also: Pot, pipes and cannonballs: archaeologists research in Filakovo Read more We can assume that the inhabitants hid the precious iron objects in a functioning oven when the fortification was suddenly invaded, explained Pieta for SITA. Objects originating from the beginning of the 10th century when the fortification was conquered were burnt down, abandoned and not used again, he added for SITA. Archaeologists started with the construction of the monumental east gate to the Slavic fortification that will enrich the presentation of Bojna to the public. Visitors can currently see three reconstructed Slavic houses. After reconstruction, the gate will look exactly like the one from the 9th century. It will consist of a 12-metre high entrance tower and surrounding walls. The finish of the construction works is planned for halfway through 2018, summed up Pieta for SITA. The following companies are subsidiares of Johnson & Johnson: 3Dintegrated ApS, ALZA Corporation, AMO (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AMO (Shanghai) Medical Devices Trading Co. Ltd Beijing Branch, AMO (Shanghai) Medical Devices Trading Co. Ltd Guangzhou Branch, AMO (Shanghai) Medical Devices Trading Co. 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Ltd., McNEIL MMP LLC, McNeil AB, McNeil Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co., McNeil Denmark ApS, McNeil Healthcare (Ireland) Limited, McNeil Healthcare (UK) Limited, McNeil Healthcare LLC, McNeil Iberica S.L.U., McNeil LA LLC, McNeil Nutritionals LLC, McNeil Panama LLC, McNeil Products Limited, McNeil Sweden AB, Medical Device Business Services Inc., Medical Devices & Diagnostics Global Services LLC, Medical Devices International LLC, Medos International Sarl, Medos International Sarl succursale de Neuchatel (Branch), Medos Sarl, MegaDyne Medical Products Inc., Menlo Care De Mexico S.A. de C.V., Mentor B.V., Mentor Deutschland GmbH, Mentor Medical Systems B.V., Mentor Partnership Holding Company I LLC, Mentor Texas GP LLC, Mentor Texas L.P., Mentor Worldwide LLC, Micrus Endovascular LLC, Middlesex Assurance Company Limited, Momenta Ireland Limited, Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Momenta Pharmaceuticals Inc., NeoStrata Company Inc., NeoStrata UG (haftungsbeschrankt), Netherlands Holding Company, NeuWave Medical Inc., Neuravi Limited, Novira Therapeutics, Novira Therapeutics LLC, NuVera Medical Inc., OBTECH Medical Sarl, OGX Beauty Limited, OMJ Holding GmbH, OMJ Ireland Unlimited Company, OMJ Pharmaceuticals Inc., Obtech Medical Mexico S.A. de C.V., Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Inc., Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., Omrix Biopharmaceuticals NV, Ortho Biologics LLC, Ortho Biotech Holding LLC, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical LLC, Orthospin Ltd., Orthotaxy, PT Integrated Healthcare Indonesia, PT. Johnson & Johnson Indonesia, Patriot Pharmaceuticals LLC, Peninsula Pharmaceuticals LLC, Pharmadirect Ltd., Pharmedica Laboratories (Proprietary) Limited, Princeton Laboratories Inc., Productos de Cuidado Personal y de La Salud de Bolivia S.R.L., Proleader S.A., Pulsar Vascular Inc., Regency Urban Renewal Associates, RespiVert Ltd., RoC International, Royalty A&M LLC, Rutan Realty LLC, SYNTHES Medical Immobilien GmbH, Scios LLC, Sedona Singapore International Pte. Ltd., Sedona Thai International Co. Ltd., Serhum S.A. de C.V., Shanghai Elsker For Mother & Baby Co. Ltd, Shanghai Elsker Mother & Baby Co. Ltd Minghang Branch, Shanghai Johnson & Johnson Ltd., Shanghai Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Sightbox LLC, Sodiac ESV, Spectrum Vision Limited Liability Company, Spectrum Vision Limited Liability Partnership, SterilMed, SterilMed Inc., Surgical Process Institute Deutschland GmbH, Synthes Costa Rica S.C.R. Limitada, Synthes GmbH, Synthes Holding AG, Synthes Holding Limited, Synthes Inc., Synthes Medical Surgical Equipment & Instruments Trading LLC, Synthes Produktions GmbH, Synthes Proprietary Limited, Synthes S.M.P. S. de R.L. de C.V., Synthes Tuttlingen GmbH, Synthes USA LLC, Synthes USA Products LLC, TARIS Biomedical, TARIS Biomedical LLC, TearScience Inc., The Anspach Effort LLC, The Vision Care Institute LLC, Tibotec LLC, Torax Medical Inc., UAB "Johnson & Johnson", UAB Johnson & Johnson Eesti Filiaal (Estonian Branch), Vania Expansion, Verb Surgical, Verb Surgical Inc., Vision Care Finance Unlimited Company, Vogue International, Vogue International LLC, Vogue International Trading Inc., WH4110 Development Company L.L.C., XO1, XO1 Limited, Xian Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd., Xian-Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd. Beijing Branch Office, Xian-Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd. Shanghai Branch Office, Zarbee's Inc., and Zarbee's Naturals. Read More Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. provides home and security products for residential home repair, remodeling, new construction, and security applications. It operates in three segments: Plumbing, Outdoors & Security, and Cabinets. The Plumbing segment manufactures, assembles, and sells faucets, accessories, kitchen sinks, and waste disposals under the Moen, ROHL, Riobel, Victoria+Albert, Perrin & Rowe, and Shaws brands in the United States, China, Canada, Mexico, Southeast Asia, Europe, and South America directly through its own sales force, as well as through independent manufacturers' representatives to wholesalers, home centers, mass merchandisers, and industrial distributors. The Outdoors & Security segment offers fiberglass and steel entry door systems under the Therma-Tru brand; storm, screen, and security doors under the Larson brand; composite decking and railing under the Fiberon brand; and urethane millwork under the Fypon brand. This segment also manufactures, sources, and distributes locks, safety and security devices, and electronic security products under the Master Lock and American Lock brands; and fire resistant safes, security containers, and commercial cabinets under the SentrySafe brand. It serves home centers, hardware and other retailers, millwork building products and wholesale distributors, specialty dealers, and remodeling and renovation markets, as well as locksmiths, industrial and institutional users, and original equipment manufacturers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Central America, Japan, and Australia. The Cabinets segment manufactures custom, semi-custom, and custom cabinetry, as well as vanities for the kitchen, bath, and other parts of the home directly to kitchen and bath dealers, home centers, wholesalers, and builders in North America under the AOK, Diamond Brands, Homecrest, Kitchen Craft, Omega, and EVE brands. The company was incorporated in 1988 and is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois. Energizer Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes household batteries, specialty batteries, and lighting products worldwide. It offers lithium, alkaline, carbon zinc, nickel metal hydride, zinc air, and silver oxide batteries under the Energizer and Eveready brands, as well as primary, rechargeable, specialty, and hearing aid batteries. The company also provides headlights, lanterns, and children's and area lights, as well as flash lights under the Energizer, Eveready, Rayovac, Hard Case, Dolphin, Varta, and WeatherReady brands. In addition, it licenses the Energizer and Eveready brands to companies developing consumer solutions in gaming, automotive batteries, portable power for critical devices, LED light bulbs, generators, power tools, household light bulbs, and other lighting products. Further, the company designs and markets automotive fragrance and appearance products, including protectants, wipes, tire and wheel care products, glass cleaners, leather care products, air fresheners, and washes to clean, shine, refresh, and protect interior and exterior automobile surfaces under the brand names of Armor All, Nu Finish, Refresh Your Car!, LEXOL, Eagle One, California Scents, Driven, and Bahama & Co; STP branded fuel and oil additives, functional fluids, and other performance chemical products; and do-it-yourself automotive air conditioning recharge products under the A/C PRO brand name, as well as other refrigerant and recharge kits, sealants, and accessories. It sells its products through direct sales force, distributors, and wholesalers; and through various retail and business-to-business channels, including mass merchandisers, club, electronics, food, home improvement, dollar store, auto, drug, hardware, e-commerce, convenience, sporting goods, hobby/craft, office, industrial, medical, and catalog. Energizer Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri. Having pretty much come into early adulthood and gay/bisexual culture with the "artwork" of one,, as a prominent guidepost,still, even now, knew nothing about the man who created the work. All that has changed with the theatrical opening of the movie that the country of Finland has submitted as a possibility for this year's Best Foreign Language Film -- something, I warrant, that Finland would never have done before or during the heyday of this artist's prominence. For much of his life, Tom, whose given name was actually Touko (according to the film, it became "Tom" due to his American publisher trying to make his work more marketable to the English-speaking crowd), would have been a near-pariah in his home country, had his work not been kept decidedly "under-cover."Though part of Scandinavia, Finland was evidently not nearly as culturally, politically, socially or sexually forward-thinking as its Danish, Swedish and maybe Norwegian counterparts.-- as directed by(shown at left), with a screenplay byand additional dialog (I am guessing for the portions set in the USA) by-- turns out to be a surprisingly elegant, beautifully filmed combination of social, cultural, sexual and personal history that shows us the difficult times gays endured in Finland (and Germany) from the wartime 1940s through nearly the 1990s. By then gay culture had pretty much exploded throughout the western world -- with everything from its fashions to disco dancing to the idea of gay sex being notso bizarre and horrendous as formerly imagined -- seeping rather quickly into the progressive mainstream view.As personified by the excellent actor(shown above and below), Touko/Tom is brought to fine life as a young man, a middle-aged and increasing successful one, and finally the elderly gent who, having lost the love of his life even as his greatest successes occur, is left with memories. And his art.To the film's credit, that "art" (a sample of which is shown below, and which I would call, as does, "erotic illustration") is never pushed forward as anything great. Instead it is shown to have a huge appeal to the gay population -- which it did and still does. With its emphasis on uniforms, leather, big bodies, and very large muscles (including those cocks), it strikes directly at certain accouterments favored by a portion, probably rather large, of the gay population.And the drawings are indeed beautifully done: In black-and-white, they're well-composed and about as in-your-face as you could wish. The movie itself, however, is a lot more subtle that the work itself. It must be, in order to give us the fairly in-depth look at Touko and his life: first, with his sister and eventually with the young man who moves into the pair's apartment as a renter and soon becomes Tom's lover, and finally a near-rapturous view -- so different from Finland -- of gay life in the USA during the burgeoning 1970s and then into the 80s, as AIDS begins to decimate the gay scene.In America, we're introduced suddenly to some new characters -- Jack (, above, left, who also doubles, I believe, as Tom's gorgeous fantasy man, below) and Doug (, above, right).soon becomes clear, while theis handled with enough panache to grab our interest. One of the great strengths of Karuoski's direction (he also collaborated on the story) and Bardy's screenplay come via their refusal to hand us literally everything on a large and labeled platter. Instead they make us work, and the effort is invigorating.Though their movie unveils in linear fashion, no dates are given anywhere in the film. Just figure it out. So we do. Neither are locations labeled. We're in Finland, then Germany, then America, then back to Finland. But thanks to an intelligent screenplay, the location is either quickly or eventually revealed.Big events are handled with surprising restraint, as well. The death of a loved one comes and goes without the usual funeral scene, inclement weather and tears -- yet we feel it just as strongly. Notice a scene midway that deals, among others things, with yellow curtains and their meaning, then smile at how lovely is a later scene, featuring just a look at some fabric in a local shop.The film is full of such moments, and it is all the richer and stronger for them. Oh,is feel-good, all right. But we've also been given enough feel-bad, along with intelligent probing of place, culture and mores, that the finale seems more than appropriate and justified.Performances are all you could wish for, too. From the excellent leading actor, to the fine supporting roles. That's, above and below, center, who plays Touko's sister, and, below, left, in the role of Veli, the lover. If there is one big coincidence to be faced down, that would be the fact the Veli, who shows up to rent a room in the pair's apartment, is the same fellow with whom Touko has earlier had sex in the local park. I suspect this is an invention of the screenwriter, but either way, it doesn't derail the film. (I usually allow one major coincidence per movie.)From, in Finnish and German with English subtitles and some dialog in English, and running 115 minutes, the movie opens Friday, October 13, in New York City at theand the following Friday, October 20, in Los Angeles (at the), Berkeley (at the) and San Francisco (at the). To see all currently scheduled playdates, cities and theaters, clickand scroll down. An airstrike hit a market in Maraat Al-Naaman near a culture center on October 8 in Syrias Idlib province, leaving at least 10 people dead, including children. In this video, trucks and buildings hit by the airstrike burn, and rescue workers pull people from the rubble. A man described as the owner of one of the stores hit can be seen being pulled from the rubble after rescuers looked for him for 15 minutes, the journalist who made the video said. Rescue workers can also be seen rushing a child in a vehicle to get medical care. A man bends over the child in obvious distress. A pro-opposition news outlet said more than 10 people were killed in the airstrike. Fighting in Hama and Idlib provinces increased since late September, after the signing of new de-escalation zone agreements between Russia, Turkey, and Iran on September 15 in Astana, Kazakhstan. Credit: Facebook/Moaz Al-Shami via Storyful FILE PHOTO: A U.S. special forces soldier demonstrates how to detain a suspect during Flintlock 2014, a U.S.-led international training mission for African militaries, in Diffa, Niger March 4, 2014. REUTERS/Joe Penney/File photo NAIROBI/ABIDJAN, Oct 6 (Reuters) - U.S. special forces soldiers were training their Nigerien counterparts in the West African nations volatile southwest, a growing hot-bed of jihadist violence, when the report came in of a raid nearby. The assailants were believed to be led by Dondou Chefou, a lieutenant in a new group operating along the Mali-Niger border and called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. A decision was soon taken to pursue them. The mixed force was ambushed by fighters on dozens of vehicles and motorcycles. Under heavy fire, U.S. troops called in French fighter jets for air support. But the firefight was at such close quarters the planes could not engage and were instead left circling overhead as a deterrent. The version of events, as told by two Nigerien and two Western sources briefed on the incident, shines a light on Washingtons increasingly aggressive Special Forces-led counter-terrorism strategy in Africa and its risk of casualties. Four U.S. soldiers died in the firefight, killed in a country where most Americans were unaware their army is deployed but Washington has steadily grown its presence. At least four Nigeriens were also killed and, according to one Niger security source, militants seized four vehicles in the ambush. French helicopters, scrambled after the U.S. call for help, evacuated several soldiers wounded in the clash. A diplomat with knowledge of the incident said French officials were frustrated by the U.S. troops actions, saying they had acted on only limited intelligence and without contingency plans in place. U.S. officials declined to comment on details of what happened in the Nigerien desert on Wednesday. The U.S. military does not have an active, direct combat mission in Niger, said Pentagon spokeswoman Army Major Audricia Harris. Screen Shot 2017 10 04 at 6.05.11 PM SOCFWD-NWA Public Affairs U.S. assistance to Nigers army, however, includes intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in their efforts to target violent extremist organizations in the region, she said. Story continues U.S. military deployments are on the rise in Africa. In May, a U.S. Navy Seal killed in a raid on an al Shabaab militant compound in Somalia became the first U.S. combat death in Africa since the 1993 Black Hawk Down disaster in Mogadishu. In Niger, Washington has deployed around 800 soldiers, runs a drone base in the capital Niamey and is building a second in Agadez at a cost of around $100 million. U.S. Special Forces help local troops develop counter-terrorism skills to tackle threats from al Qaeda-linked groups, Nigerias Boko Haram and Islamists who have pledged allegiance to Islamic State. Its a pretty broad mission with the government of Niger in order to increase their capability to stand alone and to prosecute violent extremists, the U.S. militarys Joint Staff Director, Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie, said on Thursday. 'Why should we die for this?' Washington has long seen the Sahel as a security threat but involvement increased in the wake of a 2012 occupation of northern Mali by Islamist militants. France led an offensive against the Islamists a year later, and the U.S. government now provides logistical and intelligence support to a 4,000-troop French counter-terrorism operation in the region. US Marine Niger Soldiers DoD photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Sean Worrell The U.S. military organizers an annual, high-profile U.S. drill as well as longer-term, more discreet training of regional forces. But experts say U.S. involvement in the fight does not stop there. It is likely that there are other operations going on aside from just the training operations, said Andrew Lebovich, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. In missions run out of a base in the northern Niger town of Arlit and others like the one that led to the ambush of U.S. troops, sources say they have helped local troops and intelligence agents make several arrests. It is discreet but they are there, a Nigerien security source told Reuters. Analysts are awaiting the political fallout of Wednesdays ambush with some speculating it may spark a reversal of the U.S. stance on a new regional force - known as the G5 Sahel - which France is pushing but which Washington is cool on. Others however like Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, a former top United Nations official in West Africa and Somalia, recall with concern the American pullout following the Black Hawk Down incident. Eighteen U.S. soldiers were killed when Somali militia shot down two helicopters in Mogadishu. In Somalia, they over-reacted and withdrew their troops ... My worry is that after this attack they will also over-react. Trump might just say Why should we die for this? I hope they dont. (Additional reporting by John Irish in Paris, Emma Farge in Dakar and Phil Steward in Washington; editing by Ralph Boulton) NOW WATCH: Crowds of people run and hide as shots ring out at a country music festival in Las Vegas See Also: ZURICH (Reuters) - Switzerland on Sunday called for the quick release of a Swiss woman reported abducted in Sudan's troubled Darfur region where rebels have been fighting the government for more than a decade. "The Foreign Ministry is aware of the case of a Swiss woman kidnapped in Darfur," a ministry spokesman said by email. "Local representation is in contact with Sudanese authorities. Efforts to clarify the situation are in progress. Switzerland is calling for a rapid and unconditional release of the abducted person." The ministry did not give details about when the woman had been abducted or other details about her. Swiss newspapers reported the woman was an aid worker. Sudan will extend a unilateral ceasefire with rebels until the end of December, state news agency SUNA reported on Sunday, just days after the United States lifted 20-year-old sanctions tied to progress on resolving ongoing conflicts. The conflict in Darfur began in 2003 when mainly non-Arab tribes took up arms against Sudan's Arab-led government. (Reporting by John Miller; Editing by Alison Williams) By Ana Nicolaci da Costa and Charlotte Greenfield WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand's small nationalist party which holds the balance of power after an inconclusive election held talks on Sunday with Prime Minister Bill English and separately with the opposition Labour leader as both try to form a coalition government. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has said he would only make a decision on which party to back after the results of the Sept. 23 election become official next Thursday. Peters remained tight-lipped after talks with the prime minister, saying the meeting was "fine", and later met Labour Party leader Jacinda Ardern. "I can say that we've had an excellent, productive meeting," Ardern told reporters after coming out of the two-hour meeting. "Negotiations will continue for Labour with the parties that we are looking to form a stable, durable, coalition government with." Ardern has brought Labour within reach of forming government since becoming party leader in August, with a Labour-Green bloc winning 54 seats, two seats short of the ruling National's 56. New Zealand First holds the nine seats needed to meet the 61 seat majority in parliament. A final vote count on Saturday showed National lost some ground to the Labour-Green bloc from a preliminary tally, even though it still held the largest number of seats in parliament. "It did pay to wait, didn't it?," Peters said, referring to the final vote count. Peters has previously served in both National and Labour governments. English said on Saturday that negotiations would now likely focus on the economy. Both Labour and New Zealand First have said they want to curb immigration, renegotiate certain trade deals and adjust the role of the central bank albeit in different ways. Analysts expected the political uncertainty to have little impact on financial markets and the New Zealand dollar. "I think on Monday the market is going to be a little bit subdued because basically nothing has changed," said Stuart Ive, private client manager at OM Financial. "You could say that the policies are probably more aligned to a Labour-Green-NZ First partnership but a three-way coalition is a lot harder to manage than a two-way coalition." (Reporting by Ana Nicolaci da Costa; Editing by Michael Perry) The following companies are subsidiares of Mohawk Industries: A&S Energie NV, A&U Energie NV, Aladdin Manufacturing Corporation, Aladdin Manufacturing Of New York LLC, Aladdin Manufacturing of Alabama LLC, Alsace Logistique S.A., Avelgem Green Power CVBA, Avon Pacific Holdings Ltd, B&M NV, BGE Mexico S. de R. L. de C.V., Berghoef GmbH, Berghoef-Hout B.V., Bienes Raices y Materiales del Centro S. de R.L. de C.V., C.F. Marazzi S.A., Canterbury Spinners Ltd, Carpet Foundation Ltd, Cevotrans BV, Ceramus Bahia S/A Produtos Ceramicos, DT Mex Holdings LLC, DTM/CM Holdings LLC, Dal Italia LLC, Dal-Elit LLC, Dal-Tile Chile Comercial Limitada, Dal-Tile Colombia S.A.S., Dal-Tile Distribution Inc., Dal-Tile Group Inc., Dal-Tile I LLC, Dal-Tile Industrias S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile International Inc., Dal-Tile Mexico Comercial S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Operaciones Mexico S. De R.L. De C.V., Dal-Tile Peru SRL, Dal-Tile Puerto Rico Inc., Dal-Tile Services Inc., Dal-Tile Shared Services Inc., Dal-Tile Tennessee LLC, Dal-Tile of Canada ULC, Daltile, Daltile, Dekaply NV, Durkan, Dynea NV, Eliane Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Eliane S/A - Revestimentos Ceramicos, Emilceramica India Pvt Ltd., Emilceramica S.r.l, Emilgermany GmbH, Emilgroup Asia Ltd, Explorer S.r.l., F.I.L.S. Investments Unlimited Company, Feltex Carpets Ltd, Feltex Carpets Pty Ltd, Feltex New Zealand Ltd, Fibremakers Australia Pty Ltd, Flooring Foundation Ltd, Flooring Industries Limited S.a r.l., Flooring XL B.V., Floorscape Limited, Godfrey Hirst & Co Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Group, Godfrey Hirst NZ Ltd, Hytherm (Ireland) Limited, IVC BVBA, IVC Far-East Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., IVC France S.a r.l., IVC GROUP LIMITED, IVC Green Power NV, IVC Group, IVC Group GmbH, IVC Luxembourg S.a r.l., IVC Rus OOO, IVC US Inc., International Flooring Systems S.a r.l., International Vinyl Company - Vostok OOO, KAI Group, KAI Keramica Ltd, KAI Mining EOOD, KERAMA CENTER OOO, Kerama Baltics OOO, Kerama Export OOO, Kerama Marazzi OOO, Kerampromservis (LLC), Khan Asparuh - Transport EOOD, Khan Asparuh AD, Khan Omurtag AD, Koninklijke Peitsman B.V., Kraj Kerama OOO, MG China Trading Ltd., MI Finance SRL, MUD (Holding) Brazil Ltda., Management Co EAD, Marazzi Acquisition S.r.l., Marazzi Deutschland G.m.b.H., Marazzi France Trading S.A.S., Marazzi Group, Marazzi Group F.Z.E., Marazzi Group S.r.l., Marazzi Group Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Marazzi Iberia S.L.U., Marazzi Japan Co. Ltd., Marazzi Middle East FZ LLC, Marazzi Schweiz S.A.G.L., Marazzi UK Ltd., Mohawk Assurance Services Inc., Mohawk Australia Pty Ltd, Mohawk Canada Corporation, Mohawk Capital Finance S.A., Mohawk Capital Luxembourg SA, Mohawk Carpet Distribution Inc., Mohawk Carpet Foundation Inc., Mohawk Carpet LLC, Mohawk Carpet Transportation Of Georgia LLC, Mohawk Commercial Inc., Mohawk ESV Inc., Mohawk Europe BVBA, Mohawk Factoring II Inc., Mohawk Factoring LLC, Mohawk Finance S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Acquisitions S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Funding S.a.r.l, Mohawk Foreign Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Investments Inc., Mohawk Global Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Holdings International B.V., Mohawk Industries Inc., Mohawk International (Europe) S.a r.l., Mohawk International (Hong Kong) Limited, Mohawk International Capital N.V., Mohawk International Financing S.a.r.l, Mohawk International Holdings (DE) LLC, Mohawk International Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk International Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk International Netherlands B.V., Mohawk International Services BVBA, Mohawk KAI Luxembourg Holding S.a r.l., Mohawk KAI Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Capital S.A., Mohawk Luxembourg Financing S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Pacific S.a r.l., Mohawk Marazzi International BV, Mohawk Marazzi Russia BV, Mohawk New Zealand Limited, Mohawk Operaciones Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Mohawk Operations Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Pacific Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Resources LLC, Mohawk Servicing LLC, Mohawk Singapore Private Limited, Mohawk Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Mohawk Unilin Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk United Finance B.V., Mohawk United International B.V., Mohawk Vinyl Financing S.a r.l., Molber Beheer B.V., Monarch Ceramic Tile Inc., P.F. Onroerend Goed B.V., PF Beheer B.V., Pergo, Pergo (Europe) AB, Pergo Holding BV, Pergo India Pvt Ltd, Polcolorit S.A., Premium Floors Australia Pty Limited, RR Apex LLC, Rata International Pty Ltd, Recubrimientos Interceramica S. de R.L. de C.V., Riverside Textiles Pty Ltd, S.C. KAI Ceramics SRL, Sibir Kerama OOO, SimpleSolutions USA LLC, Soft Step (Australia) Pty Ltd, Spano Group, Spano Invest BVBA, Spano NV, Stroyagromekhzapchast ChaO, Stroytrans OAO Orelstroy, Summit Wool Spinners Ltd, The Flooring Federation Ltd, Tiles Co OOD, Unilin (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Unilin ApS, Unilin Arauco Pisos Ltda., Unilin BVBA, Unilin Beheer BV, Unilin Distribution Ltd., Unilin Distribution Ukraine LLC, Unilin Finland OY, Unilin Flooring India Private Limited, Unilin Flooring SAS, Unilin GmbH, Unilin Holding BVBA, Unilin Insulation BV, Unilin Insulation SAS, Unilin Insulation Sury SAS, Unilin Italia S.R.L., Unilin North America LLC, Unilin Norway AS, Unilin OOO, Unilin Panels SAS, Unilin Poland Sp.Z.o.o., Unilin SAS, Unilin Spain SL, Unilin Swiss GmbH, Unilin s.r.o., World International Inc., Xtratherm, Xtratherm Limited, Xtratherm S.A., and Xtratherm UK Limited. Read More What's next for SD Gov. Kristi Noem as she heads into her second term? politics The Santa Fe Public Schools has had its ups and downs with the state Public Education Department, culminating earlier this year when the district called off classes to allow its teachers, other employees and students to rally at the Roundhouse to push for education funding increases that werent necessarily supported by the anti-tax administration of Gov. Susana Martinez. Since then, the PED has had the district under investigation. The latest disagreement is over PEDs proposed science curriculum standards. PED Secretary-designate Christopher Ruszkowski wants to make adjustments to model standards developed by a consortium of 26 states. The changes might seem silly if they didnt have such potential for disaster. Ruszkowski would replace evolution with biological diversity; a rise in global temperatures with temperature fluctuations; and the Earths 4.6-billion-year history with geologic history. These standards with gaps as big as black holes could make political and legal targets of teachers or schools daring to make mention of Charles Darwin, informing young dinosaur fans when the Jurassic Period really took place or even allowing an open classroom discussion of what causes global warming, since the standards dont seem to recognize that the worlds temperatures are on the rise. The Santa Fe school board this week jumped in, approving a letter to PED saying the board is vehemently opposed to the proposed standards. Not adopting the multi-state consortiums Next Generation Science Standards in their entirety, says the school boards letter, will deny our children in New Mexico the same educational opportunities afforded students in other states, ultimately leaving them unprepared to compete in a world where science aptitude is needed more than ever in order to be successful. The board asserts that weakening an emphasis on real science also could drive away industry and hurt students chances for college or job placement. New Mexico is spending about $2.7 billion annually on education. There is understandably argument over the best way to get results from those dollars. For the state agency in charge of public education to take a pass on establishing a science curriculum that gives students the best chance for success in a high-tech world and the best chance to simply understand the world they live in is flummoxing. Its also a waste of money. In this case, the facts, and real science, are on the side of Santa Fe school board and urging science standards based on real science. Not surprisingly, the Los Alamos school board also opposes the PEDs plans. It says the New Generation standards are combating ignorance of science, creating common standards for teaching in the U.S. and developing greater interest in science among students. Good for the local school boards for taking a stand in this fight. With the metro area inundated with visitors from across the country with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, finding some local places that fly under the radar to entertain guests just might be a handy way to pass some time in between flights. Across the Albuquerque area, there are a number of museums that many visitors might not know about that might even have escaped many who call Albuquerque home. The Turquoise Museum (turquoisemuseum.com) in Old Town is home to the largest and rarest collection of turquoise in the world, said owner Joe Dan Lowry. We have displays from 80 turquoise mines from around the world, he said. We have a working lapidary where we cut and polish turquoise, and we tell the history of turquoise and expose the mythologies. Educating the public about the precious mineral is one of the big benefits of the museum, he said. For instance, New Mexico doesnt have the best turquoise, he said. Everything everybody thought they know about turquoise isnt going to be true. But we can teach them so that when theyre going out to have fun shopping for turquoise, they really can have fun going out to shop for turquoise. The museum is ordinarily open for guided tours twice a day, but during Balloon Fiesta week, it is open for walk-in tours throughout the day, Lowry said. Its a cool visit, he added. The Holocaust & Intolerance Museum of New Mexico (nmholocaustmuseum.org) offers a more sobering experience, but one that leaves a lasting impression, said Marcia Rosenstein, museum vice president. We have exhibits not only about the Holocaust, but other instances of intolerance, she said. Among the exhibits, the museum has a loaned copy of an antique Czech Torah scroll containing the first five books of the Old Testament. It was one of many that were collected by Nazis from synagogues during the 1930s and recovered after the war, Rosenstein said. The Flossenburg Flag is another important display, as it is the original flag made by the prisoners and flown over the Flossenburg concentration camp as the Allies approached it in World War II. After the camp prisoners were liberated, a young American soldier, Roy Shaffer, saw the flag still flying and asked to keep it, then later retired to Albuquerque and donated it to the museum. Casa San Ysidro in Corrales is a rebuilt adobe home constructed in the manner akin to the plazuela style common during the Spanish Colonial period of New Mexico. Loaded with artwork, particularly the tinwork of noted 19th century artist Higinio V. Gonzales, the home also contains an astonishing collection of furniture, said Emily Stovel, site manager. While not exactly a museum as such, the New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society (nmslrhs.org) offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a steam locomotive as a dedicated group of volunteers works to restore the AT&SF locomotive No. 2926 Super Chief to the rails. One of only 30 such locomotives built, No. 2926 is the only one of the few remaining likely to ride under its own power again, said Rick Kirby, chief mechanical officer for the project. It pulled all the movie actors and actresses from St. Louis to LA, he said. The group is hoping to have it rolling again by sometime in 2018, but until then, visitors may check out the work and browse the gift shop from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. In Rio Rancho, J&R Vintage Autos (jrvintageautos.com) has about 65 artfully restored antique cars and trucks and even a few old scooters, said Melvonna Roy, daughter of Gab and Evonna Joiner, who started the museum in 1995. Other auto memorabilia fills out the walls of the museum. The favorites are the ones Gab and Evonna Joiner used in the Great American Race: a 1931 Model A Ford Roadster pickup, a 1932 Packard, a 1932 Hupmobile, a 1917 Marmon, a 1934 Ford Roadster, a 1916 White, a 1922 Marmon and a 1932 Ford. And on the campus of the University of New Mexico, the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology (maxwellmuseum.unm.edu) houses collections from around the world spanning 2.5 million years of human cultural development. Although its collections emphasize the American Southwest, other strengths include Africa, the Arctic, Australia, Central and South America, India, New Guinea, Oceania, Pakistan and Southeast Asia. The museum houses more than 1 million archaeological and ethnological objects, human skeletal remains, orthodontic records of thousands of individuals and more than 100,000 images. With the metro area inundated with visitors from across the country for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, finding local places that fly under the radar to entertain guests might be a handy way to pass some time in between flights. Across the metro area, there are actually a number of museums that many visitors might not know about and might even have escaped those who call Albuquerque home. ry. ry said. We have displays from 80 turquoise mines from around the world, he said. We have a working lapidary where we cut and polish turquoise and we tell the history of turquoise and expose the mythologies. Educating the public about the precious metal is one of the big benefits of the museum, he said. For instance, New Mexico doesnt have the best turquoise, he said. Everything everybody thought they know about turquoise isnt going to be true. But we can teach them so that when theyre going out to have fun shopping for turquoise, they really can have fun going out to shop for turquoise. The museum is ordinarily open for guided tours twice a day, but during Fiesta week, it is open for walk-in tours throughout the day, LowIts a cool visit, he added. Allies approached it in World War II. After the camp prisoners were liberated, a young American soldier, Roy Shaffer, saw the flag still flying and asked to keep it, then later retired to Albuquerque and donated it to the museum. The Holocaust & Intolerance Museum of New Mexico The Turquoise Museum J&R Vintage Autos New Mexico Steam Locomotive and Railroad Historical Society Maxwell Museum of Anthropology Casa San Ysidro Come meet Bob the bobcat at Wildlife West Nature Park in Edgewood. He arrived recently from the Desert Willow Rehabilitation Center in Carlsbad. Bob was found before his eyes were open in southern New Mexico and was bottle fed for weeks by the staff at Desert Willow. They first tried to see if Bob could be returned to the wild by putting him in with another wild bobcat. The staff realized he had become too socialized so they contacted Wildlife West. The all-volunteer staff at the park love him and want to spend all day with him, said Roger Alink, Wildlife Wests founder and executive director. Now is the perfect time to see the 5-month-old cat because he still has his baby colors. His coat is spotted with yellowish-brown, buff and reddish-brown colors. Hes really pretty. Fall is a great time to visit Wildlife West with the cooler temperatures, Alink said, and the animals are more active. He said the four new baby grey foxes are also fun to see, along with the cougars, 500-pound black bear and the other animals all native to New Mexico. The wildlife habitats have all been built by youth working through the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps program over the past 25 years. Wildlife West Nature Park is open daily, year round from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until the time changes on Sunday, Nov. 5, then the hours will be noon to 4 p.m. For more information, visit wildlifewest.org. Katie Neeley has always considered herself an artist but said when she reached adulthood she lost her voice and inspiration. I got to a point in my studies where I could draw or paint anything, she said. But I felt like I had nothing to offer. I had no life experience. Neeley, 33, decided joining the military would give her that life experience while giving her some direction. That decision would send her on a dark path that ended with a suicide attempt and hospitalization. Now the former Marine is using her experience, and money, to help other veterans dealing with the emotional ramifications of their military service. The Albuquerque native opened the KD Neeley studio in the heart of Downtown and uses the gallery to not only display the work of local artists but as a place to host fundraisers. The gallery is located on Fourth Street just north of Central. Neeley said she transformed it from a plain industrial looking space with a plain concrete floor, brick walls and exposed air ducts and piping. The studio now has a floor covered with bright paint, freshly painted ceiling and movable walls on which she displays the artwork. Neeley will hold a fundraiser Nov. 11, Veterans Day, for the Heroes Walk Among Us nonprofit organization that helps veterans find jobs, housing, obtain an education and puts them in touch with other organizations that can offer them assistance. Heroes Walk Among Us founder and disabled veteran Shane DOnofrio said he met Neeley when she approached the organization for help. He said shes a model of what his group hopes for veterans when they offer them assistance. DOnofrio said the group will use the money from the fundraiser to fix up an eight-plex the organization purchased to house homeless veterans. She is a wonderful person, he said. She has gone through hell and is now back on her feet. We are proud of her. Neeley said she does not regret her decision to enlist in the military. When I joined the military, I got exactly what I was looking for, she said. I got to see the world and see and meet all types of people. But there were other things she hadnt anticipated. Neeley said she was sexually assaulted by another service member although she never reported it. Her last six months of military service were spent in Iraq where she worked as a field wireman making sure the phones were hooked up and working. Not only did she endure all the horrors that come with combat, but lived in constant fear of being sexually assaulted again. Despite the fear and trauma, she said the work and mission there was one of the coolest things Ive ever done. I liked being useful. The service took its toll although Neeley didnt realize it at first. The first time I got bombed there (Iraq) I remember my first thought was Wheres my socks? because I had just taken off my shoes, she said. I did not realize it was causing me trauma. Neeley left the military in 2007 and said strange things started to happen to her. Loud noises would illicit an involuntary physical reaction in her. When she would hear a garage door opening or closing, a few seconds later she would find herself under a table and behind a chair. Anytime someone was whistling she would start to shake. The sound reminded her of the mortars in Iraq. I was a mess when I came back, she said. I had PTSD and didnt know it. I didnt even know PTSD was real. Before I went, I didnt believe in it. Neeley continued on a downward spiral before finally attempting suicide. This led to her hospitalization where she said she finally got the help she needed. She was put on medication, and diagnosed with PTSD and early onset schizophrenia. She also got intense therapy. When she ended up in the psych ward, everything came through for her, said friend and roommate Lynn Johnson. She was like an arrow to a bulls-eye. Everything solidified into one direction. That direction was the gallery and her commitment to helping others in the community like her. She also has a blog called Creative Encounters and a podcast called Wet Stuff that features fellow artists who are making a living with their craft. Neeley received a lump sum of money from the military, which was compensation for her PTSD, that allowed her to open the gallery. I had more money than I had ever had in my life, she said. But I needed a sense of purpose. All Ive ever known to do is art but I thought that was vain and pointless. I wanted a way to help other people. Johnson said Neeley has created a unique space with her gallery that isnt available anywhere else in Albuquerque. Johnson is an art instructor at Central New Mexico Community College as well as an artist. The two met when Neeley was a student in her class and became friends sometime later. Because Neeley is using her own money and not government funds or sponsors to operate her gallery, Johnson said she can display any type of art she chooses. She said most local galleries are hesitant to display any kind of erotica or other controversial subject matter. She gives opportunities for people to show their work who may not have opportunities otherwise, she said. Shes really bringing a very new look to the gallery scene in Albuquerque. If you go WHAT: Heroes Walk Among Us benefit featuring artist George Salas WHEN: 7-10 p.m. Nov. 11 WHERE: KD Neeley studio, 104 Fourth NW, just north of Central HOW MUCH: Free but a portion of sales that night, as well as donations, will benefit the nonprofit group Heroes Walk Among Us. INFORMATION: Visit neeleyarts.com or call 933-9315 for information. A college student once paid $2 a week on layaway to take home a piece of pottery by the legendary Maria Martinez. The renowned painter Pablita Velarde helped the store move three times. Wrights Indian Art hums with a legacy as old as the 1907 brass cash register dangling a portrait of Martinez on the north wall. Its owners are celebrating the stores 110th anniversary this month. Tucked behind an unassuming storefront in the shadows of Albuquerques shopping malls, Wrights offers a vortex of time travel through both the past and the future of American Indian art. This year, longtime owner Wayne Bobrick (Mr. B), 78, is handing over that history to his granddaughter, Lauren, and her husband, Dan Hyman. We could not have survived without the artists, Bobrick said. The artists have always been wonderful to us. Today the store boasts clients as far away as Australia, London and Japan. It all started when Charles Wright hitched up his team and headed west from Kansas to seek his fortune in 1897. He set up the Fred Harvey Indian shop at hotels in both Albuquerque and the Grand Canyon. In 1907, he opened a curio shop in Downtown Albuquerque. Old photographs show the original building, complete with a totem pole and sweat lodge. The store evolved into a gallery after the paroxysms of Central Avenue urban renewal demolished the old building in 1958. Marguerite and Samuel Chernoff bought the business from Wrights widow in 1956 Marguerite took silversmithing classes; Samuel was a master chess player. They stocked the inventory from Gallups pawnshops. He would go (to Gallup) with blank checks, Bobrick said. They really wanted to get rid of the pieces. He would give them 12 checks and tell them to cash one a month. They would give him grocery bags full of bracelets. Bobrick is the Chernoffs son-in-law. He and his wife, Tania, took over the shop in 1967. Long fascinated by American Indian culture, he had moved to Albuquerque from Iowa to attend the University of New Mexico. Over the years, Velarde brought in her hand-ground colors and explained how she used them. Martinez created a display of the stages of the pottery process, still a centerpiece in the gallerys collection. Maria came to the house for lunch, Bobrick said. She was a wonderful lady. She would do anything to make sure the pueblo survived. She would always be humble. Martinez performed the ribbon cutting at one of Wrights Downtown stores. The shop moved to its present location five years ago. Later stars would include the Navajo jeweler Arland Ben and Jemez Pueblo potters Joe Cajero and Kathleen Wall. Bobrick acknowledged at least one serious miss. The great contemporary Hopi jeweler Charles Loloma approached him with some new bracelets with stones protruding like mesas. When he came into the store with glued stones, I was scared, Bobrick said. If it falls out, what am I going to do? He said, OK. I shot myself, because he never came back. Lolomas trailblazing work would later command tens of thousands of dollars and jump-start a contemporary movement in modern Indian jewelry. The store once groaned with a wall of work by San Ildefonso Pueblo potter Blue Corn, who was becoming famous for reviving polychrome ware. This gentleman came in and said, Can I buy a lot of it? Bobrick said. He bought 10-15 pieces. We found out the next day she was in The Wall Street Journal. Bobrick credits the stores generous layaway policy with bolstering it through bad times, such as the 2008 crash. He has always maintained a sharp eye for quality and authenticity, making sure a bezel line is straight and no telltale drying marks of greenware maul the bottom of a pueblo pot. The main thing we come by is its real, he said. Now hes passing on that experience to a third generation. The Hymans were living near Denver when they made the decision to move. Lauren was working in accounting; Dan was working for T-Mobile. Lauren still remembers visiting the shop during summer vacations and polishing the jewelry as a child. The thought of it not being ours, it hurt me, she said. Then a familiar face came to her in a dream. My great-grandmother walked up the path, and her teeth were clicking and her arms were open wide, Lauren said. She said, Im back. I woke up, and I said its the right thing to do. To commemorate the anniversary, Wrights will host a silent auction of donated pieces benefiting First Nations Health Services from Oct. 10 to 15. LAS VEGAS At the main entrance of last weekends country music festival, Darla Christensen was checking concertgoers bags and boots for alcohol and contraband and was inspecting wristbands. In the crowd, her co-workers were dealing with drunken fights, fence-jumpers and patrons who wanted to go backstage. Then the gunfire broke out. Christensen grabbed other guards and patrons and pushed them toward a side gate. She and co-workers at the private security firm Contemporary Services Corporation lifted people over barriers and hid them behind pillars and under the stage. One of its guards was among the 58 people who died. The 200 yellow-clad security guards who staffed the Route 91 Harvest festival played a large role in responding to the massacre and many are returning to work security this weekend. Christensen put on her uniform Friday to work a UFC weigh-in, her first event since the shooting. She took a backroom role where she wouldnt have to interact with the public. Even just going, even just getting dressed, was hard, she said. It was really tough. Las Vegas is home to a large workforce of security guards because it hosts so many events: concerts, title fights, conventions and even a lantern festival that survivors of the shooting are staffing this weekend. Jay Purves, the vice president of CSCs Las Vegas branch, said private security guards the yellow shirts, as he calls them are not always taken seriously because they arent law enforcement. Were the ones often in the background, in the shadows, but we were actually the ones right there in the thick of it all, he said. The staff was already unsettled before the shooting because a drunken attendee had punched one of their guards in the face Saturday, putting the guard in the hospital. Supervisor Cheryl Metzler was working Sunday in a command center that resembles a shipping container, watching the concert on seven large surveillance monitors, when someone called to ask if there were supposed to be pyrotechnics at the show. As people began to flee, the guards fanned out across the venue, coaxing shell-shocked concertgoers too frightened to move to head to a safer spot. Early in the chaos, Purves got a call on his radio: Ericks been hit, referring to 21-year-old employee Erick Silva. Silva, assigned to the front of the stage, was shot in the head while helping people climb over a barricade. Purves started running to him. On the way, he got another call on the radio. A second guard, Jeff Bachman, was shot in the leg. As the gunfire continued, Purves and the other guards flipped over a bike rack and used it as a gurney for Silva, who was gasping for air. They carried him out to emergency responders before running back in to continue the evacuation of 22,000 people. Silva died Tuesday. It was complete carnage and chaos, Purves said. Metzler and others were trapped inside the command post, watching the surveillance screens in horror as more shots rang out, including one that injured a third guard. Daniel Rascon was shot in the arm while trying to get people in wheelchairs off a ramp. What I had seen on those TVs no one should ever see in their life. But I wish everybody could have seen what Id seen with our people, she said. Our people, they didnt run. As Christensen helped pull people to exits and stopped traffic to allow people to flee, she thought of her two sons, who were also working as guards at the event. She heard calls coming in on her radio: Multiple bodies down, stage left. Multiple bodies down, stage right. Multiple bodies down in the field. Her voice broke as she recounted the moment her 20-year-old son, Ryan, ran up and hugged her. I was just so relieved that at least one of my children had survived this, she said. She was later reunited with her other son, who also escaped the gunfire. Purves credits police, firefighters and other first responders with helping save lives Sunday. But the private security guards, theyre the forgotten ones, he said. These are working men and women who make 10, 11, 12 bucks an hour, who are in the thick of everything and have to deal with intoxication, evictions, fake tickets, complaints that the beer is too hot and the hot dogs too cold, Purves said. The yellow shirts are the ones people go to for help. Law enforcement officials hailed Jesus Campos, an unarmed security guard at the Mandalay Bay hotel casino, as an absolute hero for alerting officers to the gunmans location despite having been shot in the leg. The company is offering counseling to its employees and helping Silvas family with his funeral. Some guards are taking a break to deal with the trauma. But others, like Metzler, wanted to be back on the job. She considers her co-workers family. I want to be with my people to talk about it. If Im just sitting home, Im watching the TV and I dont turn it off, she said. So this is the best therapy and the biggest reason I wanted to come back. ___ Watson reported from San Diego. ___ For complete all-formats coverage of the Las Vegas shooting, click here: https://apnews.com/tag/LasVegasmassshooting. WARREN, Mich. Cindy Crawford says shes more concerned about her 16-year-old daughter sitting behind the wheel of a car than walking a runway. The supermodels daughter, Kaia Gerber, made her New York Fashion Week debut last month. Her 18-year-old son, Presley Gerber, also is a model. My daughter just got her drivers license. Im a lot more concerned about her driving by herself than her entering the world of modeling, Crawford told The Associated Press during an interview at a charity event near Detroit. The great thing for my kids is that I know a lot about that world. I feel like: Who better to help guide them than me? Crawford says she understands its inevitable that Kaia Gerber would enter the modeling world. Gerber bears a striking resemblance to her 51-year-old mother. In some ways, I wish I could have pushed it off a year or two. But shes 16. Thats how old I was when I started, which is young, but in fashion thats kind of the normal age when people start, Crawford said Thursday. Gerber already has made a splash walking the runway for a number of top designers, including Versace. At Milan Fashion Week in September, Donatella Versace hosted a runway tribute to her brother, Gianni Versace, 20 years after his slaying in Miami. The show brought together the supermodels that Gianni Versace helped create Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen and yes, Crawford. But it also featured the new generation of celebrity models, including the Hadids Gigi and Bella; plus Kendall Jenner and Gerber. I didnt know my daughter was doing that show, Crawford said. The models themselves dont really get booked until the day before or two days before. And finally Kaia got booked for it, and I said, You know Im doing that show, right? Shes like, Wait, do we have to walk down together? I said, No. I dont even want to walk down with you. Im going to walk down with the ladies that are my age. You can go with the girls that are your age.' Crawford says she was proud to take part in Thursdays ceremony honoring five people who have made a difference in their communities. It was held at an Art Van Furniture store in Warren, Michigan. Crawford has served for the past few years as the official ambassador of the Art Van Charity Challenge, a charitable giving initiative that has donated $8 million and raised more than $24 million for 359 charities. ___ Online: Art Van Charity Challenge: http://www.artvan.com/ArtVan/upload/ArtVanCharityChallenge/index.html SUNLAND PARK In this town on the edge of the desert borderland, dust devils are a familiar sight. Theyre just little whirlwinds with dust, said Yolanda Gomez, a resident of Sunland Park. If youre caught in one, youd better comb your hair. The grandmother of nine said she sees dust devils throughout southern New Mexico. And theyre just as common on Mars, according to scientists at New Mexico State University who helped write the first book dedicated to dust devils. The more we learn about them, the more fascinating they are, said Lynn Neakrase, senior research scientist in NMSUs astronomy department and co-author of four chapters of Dust Devils. Were interested in dust devils for understanding climate on Mars. For spacecraft or future human exploration, they can present a hazard. Neakrase said the whirlwinds have at times also helped by acting as vacuum cleaners, suctioning off dust caked on NASAs solar-powered rovers. On Mars, dust devils can be the size of tornadoes, but tornadoes are fundamentally different from dust devils. Moisture from storm cells powers tornadoes, but solar-heated dust is the main source of energy for dust devils both on Earth and Mars. Tornadoes form from the top down and nearly always rotate counterclockwise. Dust devils are created from the bottom up on hot, sunny days and can rotate in either direction. They rarely pose a serious hazard. That doesnt stop casual observers like Gary Gutierrez, a 39-year-old maintenance worker in Sunland Park, from describing them as sandy tornadoes. Gutierrez works at Ardovinos Desert Crossing, a restaurant that includes a large patio, parking lots and an area for a weekend farmers market. He sees dust devils at work regularly. Its basically like the Tasmanian Devil spinning around without the Tasmanian Devil, said Gutierrez, referring to the popular Looney Tunes character that rotates like a vortex and eats nearly anything in his path. Many countries and cultures describe the dusty whirlwinds as devils or spirits. In Australia, theyre known as Willy-willy, an aboriginal term. In Arabic, they are Djinn, a spirit that can be devilish or a good genie. Navajo people also attribute good and evil properties to the small dusty twisters, depending on whether they rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. If you didnt know which way the thing was rotating and the dust devil went through clothes on line, youd take them down and burn them, Neakrase said. Dust devils have appeared in art, literature and poetry from around the world and some depictions date back to ancient times. Scientists studying dust devils are looking to develop better rovers and spacecraft that can withstand Martian weather longer and collect more data. That data and the resulting technology might lead to human exploration of the red planet. Those who want to catch a glimpse of dust devils on Earth will see fewer of them with falls cooler temperatures. Neakrase has encountered multiple dust devils driving through the Tularosa Basin. You could see families of them, he said, all moving at their own rate, all doing their own thing. More exploring Dust Devils, published by Springer Netherlands, is 426 pages in hardback and is available online from Barnes and Noble. Why should I go to college if my future is cleaning houses? Adriana, a South Valley Academy student at the top of her class, had figured out a simple truth: Without a way to obtain permanent residency, she would forever be in the shadows of the U.S. economic system. When Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was authorized by the Obama administration in 2012, a quiet sigh of relief could be heard throughout the hallways of South Valley Academy. It was a weight off the shoulders of our numerous undocumented students who had arrived in the United States as children. They now had a chance at the American Dream, and the opportunity to contribute to this nations success. South Valley Academy graduates who are DACA recipients are employed as social workers, accountants, community advocates, engineers and as work-study students across Albuquerque. Because of DACA our alums and students can legally work, contribute more fully to state and federal revenue, and provide toward the economic security of their families without fear. Our nation invests millions of public dollars educating our children. As a country, we understand that prosperity depends on every individuals skills and energy to grow our countrys economy. This past year, 85 percent of South Valley Academy students graduated from high school, and of those who graduated, 97 percent enrolled in college. I believe what fuels our students is hope, and for our undocumented students, an important component of that hope comes from DACA. I urged Adriana and our other DACA recipients to finish high school and go to college. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and recently completed her masters of social work. She is a contributing, respected member of our community, as are the many other DACA recipients who have graduated from South Valley Academy over the years. The Center for American Progress recently estimated that if DACA workers were to lose their work permits and jobs, the cumulative U.S. gross domestic product would be reduced by $433.4 billion over the following 10 years. Each states economy would also be negatively affected by the loss of workers, as DACA recipients are spread out across the country. In New Mexico, approximately 7,000 young immigrants are DACA recipients, and of these, nearly 90 percent are gainfully employed. Projections from the Center for American Progress show that New Mexico with an estimated 5,785 DACA workers would suffer a GDP loss of $375 million annually if it were to lose these workers. As a country, rescinding this executive order tears apart dreams, threatens our countrys economic future and mangles the social fabric of communities like ours. At (a recent) rally at Albuquerques Civic Plaza, I saw Adriana wearing her white high school graduation robe, with her bilingual, honor, and service cords. She held a sign with a Mexican proverb, They tried to bury us. They didnt know we were seeds. She represents the seeds of prosperity for our country. I urge our national representatives to take swift action. Make DACA a permanent law in order to fully realize the social and economic contributions young immigrants can make to the United States. Julie Radoslovich was raised in Albuquerques South Valley, has worked as a public school educator for nearly 20 years and is the leader of Albuquerque Interfaith. In April, President Trump issued an order to determine whether to rescind or make changes to 27 national monuments including New Mexicos Rio Grande del Norte (RGDN) and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks (OMDP). During the comment period, unsurprisingly, both enjoyed widespread support from New Mexicans. City councils, religious leaders, county commissions, tribes, land grant heirs, ranchers, hunters and anglers, business owners and others reiterated their enthusiastic endorsement of the monuments. New Mexico had the most comments submitted per capita of any state (97,000) with nearly 93 percent of the comments received for OMDP and 98 percent of those for RGDN wanting no changes. When Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke paid a visit to OMDP in July, he chose to spend most of his time meeting with the few opponents of the monument behind closed doors. He snubbed 600 supporters who filled the Las Cruces Convention Center and waited in vain for him to show them the respect to hear their thoughts. He didnt even bother to visit RGDN. Zinke made his secret recommendations to President Trump on Aug. 24 but by Sept. 17 they were leaked to the press. The report was cynical, disingenuous and Orwellian. It is based on a willful misreading of the Antiquities Act and its application over the last century, and attempts to narrow the criteria around which monuments can be created. The review claims it was conducted to ensure that the local voice was heard when in reality New Mexicos monuments happened after more than a decade of consultation with all stakeholders. The review states on the one hand that monuments curtail economic growth and on the other complains that economic growth associated with increased visitation is somehow an unwelcome burden. It acknowledges that the public is overwhelmingly in favor of the monuments but whines that the community response was the result of a well-orchestrated national campaign organized by nongovernmental organizations. Apparently, the energy industry with three paid lobbyists in D.C. for each member of Congress just cant get a fair shake. The report asserts that monuments restrict traditional uses which it defines as grazing, timber production, mining, fishing, hunting, recreation and other cultural uses. With respect to actual traditional uses he is dead wrong. With respect to commercial logging and mining operations, since when are they a traditional use? As Sen. Martin Heinrich highlighted in a Sept. 19 hearing, the report claims that roads were closed and ranchers have stopped ranching because of the monument; that OMDP abuts the Mexican border; and that hunting and fishing rights have been hurt. False, wrong, incorrect and untrue. If the facts dont support the conclusion you want to make, apparently it is OK to just make stuff up. Strange? Perhaps, unless this whole exercise has nothing to do with national monuments or public sentiment and everything to do with political favors. While this review never should have been ordered, the fact that the recommendations do not include boundary reductions as anticipated must be seen as a result of the overwhelming public outcry. While were happy about that, Zinke recommends opening them to mining and logging commercial activities that would decimate the very cultural, historic and natural resource values that the monuments intend to protect. We call on President Trump to side with voters rather than the radical proposals of Republican Rep. Steve Pearce, DC lobbyists and special interests. The Antiquities Act has been an important conservation tool used by presidents of both parties for over 100 years. We are prepared to take legal action if any harm is done so that our monuments, and the integrity of the act will endure. As Albuquerque voters get ready for another election a mayoral and a City Council runoff next month the Albuquerque Journal editorial board will again get ready to endorse candidates. And while some readers will question the recommendations, others have already questioned how and why we do them at all. Last month a reader sent in a letter after our endorsements appeared that said in part Oh dear, will I ever live long enough to see the Journal endorse a Democrat? When they do they pick the one that they think will lose. Actually, although city elections are nonpartisan, the Journal endorsed three Democrats (and four Republicans) on the Oct. 3 ballot. In the 2016 general election we endorsed winning Democrats Sen. Tom Udall, Reps. Michelle Lujan-Grisham and Ben Ray Lujan. But we dont pick candidates based on party or because we think they will win or lose we pick candidates we believe, after doing an extensive amount of research, will best represent their prospective constituents and do the best job. More on that in a minute. Reader Carolyn M. Green asks in her letter to the editor how the paper comes up with endorsements of candidates. It appears to me that a city newspaper should present information, articles, etc., on issues and candidates and let the voting public decide on the issues and candidates they choose, without bias from that newspaper. Please explain who within the company decides these endorsements? And she asks for the reason why a paper, whom most would agree its job is to report the news, sees itself as needing to dictate to its readers those candidates and issues the readers should vote simply because the paper says so. Is this not some form of conflict of interests or an unfair use of journalistic power? To answer her last question first, no. For starters, readers dont have to listen to us and they often dont. RSM sent in this Speak Up item published last month: I always wait for the Journals endorsements before I vote in an election. I cut the endorsements out of the paper and take them with me to the polls. That way, I have a list of who not to vote for. And to address the first question: Journal reporters do provide comprehensive coverage of candidates and issues profiles, issue stories, campaign finance stories. The newsroom also sends out questionnaires and posts the candidates answers on our website. In this past election, the Journal printed the entire sick leave ordinance and a two-thirds page explainer on its pros and cons. The newsroom reporters do this independent of the editorial board, and often do not know what position the paper is taking until the last minute. The editorial board endorses candidates for public office and weighs in on bond issues, mill levies, ordinances and constitutional amendments because we recognize that few people have the time or access we have to compile questionnaires, comb through news coverage, ask community leaders their opinions, read the letters and columns submitted on the candidates and issues, gather up as much campaign literature as we can lay our hands on, and sit down and interview the candidates. We do that for every city, county and state race that affects the Albuquerque metro area, as well as every statewide and congressional contest in New Mexico. Not every candidate takes us up on the interview, but we offer it. Because while political endorsements are among the most time-consuming things we do as a board, they are among the most important things we do for our readers. An informed electorate is a cornerstone of democracy, and we take our role as the Fourth Estate very seriously. Newspapers have endorsed candidates for more than a century. In fact, the New York Times endorsed Lincoln for president. (The Journal wasnt publishing when Honest Abe ran in 1860 the first Albuquerque Daily Journal was published on Oct. 14, 1880.) To Carolyns question, the editorial board is made up of myself as editorial page editor, editorial writer Charles Brunt, editorial writer Sharon Hendrix, editorial cartoonist John Trever, editor Karen Moses and senior editor Kent Walz. In addition to the interviews and research already mentioned, in the most recent election both Kent and Karen moderated candidate debates, and we have also talked with the reporters who have covered the candidates. And we take all that information into a conference room and over a period of days debate who would be the best person for each office. Is all the effort worth it? We receive calls every election season asking when our endorsements will appear. Maybe some are like RSM who want the list so they can vote the opposite. But as an editorial board we spend weeks before each election gathering information so we can make informed recommendations to our readers. And then we hope our readers make an informed decision and vote, whether they follow our recommendations or not. Reach editorial page editor DVal Westphal at 823-3858 or dwestphal@abqjournal.com. Go to www.abqjournal.com/letters/new to submit a letter to the editor. Putting aside for a moment the fact that some Democrats whose protests were mild at best as the national debt nearly doubled under Barack Obama have suddenly become deficit hawks, its important that Congress come to terms on a meaningful tax-cut package that also simplifies the system. President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are calling for a package of tax cuts that are, in fact, needed to make America more competitive and actually give us a long-term chance of taming the deficit. And Trump is hardly the first. John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton all championed tax cuts of one kind or another with positive results. To be sure, there will be lots of haggling over details. But the proposal that will come out of the House Ways and Means Committee chaired by Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, needs to have certain key elements: A meaningful middle-class tax cut. That would be accomplished, at least in large part, by doubling the standard deduction. Make it retroactive to Jan. 1 of this year. Letting American families keep more of their own money will make their lives better and spur economic activity. Cuts to the corporate income tax from the current level of 35 percent to 20 percent or less. We have by far the highest corporate tax level in the industrialized world, and it makes us much less competitive. And it has produced the wrongheaded result of American companies earning profits overseas but balking at bringing the money home to invest in American economic infrastructure. The high tax rate not only impacts return to shareholders, but it pushes American jobs overseas, results in higher costs to consumers and reduces the amount that is available to pay workers. The estimate of American corporate earnings kept offshore far exceeds $2 trillion. Enact an aggressive depreciation schedule for the purchase of equipment and machinery. Letting company owners write off those expenses more rapidly will encourage them to invest in their companies, making them more viable and benefiting employees. Simplify the tax code. This will be a challenge because much of the opposition to tax reform will come from the legion of lobbyists who represent clients who make big money because the system is so complex. Do away with or modify the so-called death tax. This tax produces limited revenue and is mostly political. But if there is no stomach for eliminating it, significantly raising the exemption would insulate many privately owned businesses and farmers who now have to sell in the event of the owners death to the benefit of big corporations. Raising the exemption to $100 million would protect wealth and still allow the tax on the Bill Gateses and Warren Buffetts of the world. Credible groups complain that the GOP proposal will increase the deficit. While that may be true in the short run, the only way to tame the deficit is through economic growth in the annual range of at least 3 percent GDP. That kind of growth means people are working, companies are making and selling products and the government, in turn, reaps more tax dollars. Deficits and debt do matter. But the deficit hawks have no realistic fix. Cut spending? Entitlement spending on things like Medicare and Social Security account for about two-thirds of the federal budget. They arent likely to be cut anytime soon. Cut defense spending? You cant do that very well with rising Russian and Chinese threats. So cuts wont cut it. Tax the rich? Opponents complain thats what this package should accomplish. Thats a popular sound bite, but it ignores key facts. For starters, there arent enough of them. Besides, according to the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, the top 1 percent of income earners in America paid 39 percent of all federal personal income tax in 2014. The top 10 percent accounted for nearly 71 percent of all personal income taxes paid. The bottom 50 percent? They paid just 2.75 percent of all personal income tax. If it takes one additional bracket for the highest income to make it more palatable to Democrats, its worth considering. Our elected officials on both sides of the aisle need to get to work, with the administration, and come up with a meaningful tax cut and reform plan. Along with sensible regulation reform, investment in infrastructure and improving the job-related skills of American workers through education, the tax package is a critical part of the nations path to success in an increasingly competitive world. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. Deputies found themselves surrounded by dozens of motorcyclists, throwing gang signs and driving aggressively, in northeast Albuquerque on Saturday afternoon, according to a Bernalillo County Sheriffs spokeswoman. Deputy Felicia Maggard said the incident, which resulted in one deputy drawing his gun, happened after deputies responded to reports of about 50 motorcycles blocking traffic, driving aggressively and racing in the area of Paseo Del Norte and Coors NW. She said deputies caught up to the motorcyclists at Tramway and Paseo Del Norte NE, and were unsuccessful in getting the motorcyclists to stop. The motorcycles completely surrounded their patrol unit and began directing what deputies know to be gang related signs in their direction, Maggard said. For fear of being attacked, she said a deputy on the passenger side drew his gun. Maggard said deputies were unable to get license plate information, as the motorcycles had their license plates bent up to avoid being IDd by law enforcement. They are asking for the publics help with any information about the incident or identifying the rider pictured above. Please call detectives at 505-379-3742 with any information SANTA FE Operators of community health centers in New Mexico watched warily earlier this month as congressional committees in Washington wrestled with proposals to extend crucial funding for clinics that are a mainstay of rural health care in the state. Federal funding expired at the end of September for federally qualified health centers, along with a popular health insurance program for children from low-income families. Community health centers in New Mexico which provide medical, dental and mental health services say they can operate normally until at least January without renewed federal funding that accounts for about one-fifth of their spending, and some centers would have later deadlines. Current federal funding for the Childrens Insurance Program (CHIP) should last well into 2018 without reauthorization. Without renewal, the New Mexico Human Services Department estimates it would need an additional $31 million a year to maintain the same coverage for children under Medicaid. In Washington, Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee opposed Republican plans for financing the funding extensions Wednesday, while a Senate proposal for renewing the Childrens Health Insurance Program still leaves out how to pay for an extension. In New Mexico, Steven Hansen, CEO of Presbyterian Medical Services, noted that the expired federal funding for health centers traditionally helps pay for uninsured patients, often in remote rural areas. Presbyterian treats about 75,000 patients a year at community health centers from Farmington to Hobbs and Hansen said he was both jittery and optimistic that the expired federal funding would be renewed. The jitter part is weve never been this far past deadline, he said. The optimistic side is that we have some bills that are actually written and going through the process. About 11,300 children in the state rely on the Childrens Health Insurance Program, according to Bill Jordan of New Mexico Voices for Children. He said the program enjoys support from both Republicans and Democrats. The hard part I think, for both the House and the Senate, is how to pay for it, he said. Democratic Rep. Ben Ray Lujan has blamed Republican congressional leaders for delays in reauthorizing the health programs. He signed a letter in mid-September warning of the looming deadline. Keeley Christensen, a spokeswoman for GOP Rep. Steve Pearce, said action must be taken in the near future to avoid any disruption of access to these programs. Copyright 2017 Albuquerque Journal Throughout last week, Ubaldo Terrazas mug shot scowled down on Downtown Albuquerque from a billboard. The 24-year-old was the citys ALeRT offender of the week, wanted on three active felony warrants. The city said in a news release that Terrazas has been arrested six times in the last two years. Terrazas history of arrests and charges mirrors the conclusions of a recent city study into the demographics of people who are arrested in Albuquerque, especially those whom police often call repeat offenders. The study was completed by the ABQ i-team and academics in an attempt to gain an understanding of their common traits. Are they emboldened criminals whose crimes escalate as they skirt stiff penalties? Are they sophisticated specialists who commit a single type of crime over and over? As it turns out, many are like Terrazas. Hes a drug user who has been accused but so far rarely convicted of property crimes, domestic violence, kidnapping and violations of the public order, like trespassing, according to arrest warrant affidavits filed against him. Crime in Albuquerque has been on the increase since 2010, and public safety is one of the more pressing issues facing the city, said Mayor Richard Berry, who leaves office at the end of next month. A recent Journal Poll indicates that the voting public agrees. The poll found that 69 percent of likely Albuquerque voters consider Albuquerques crime rate to be the citys No. 1 concern. In its final work for the city before its grant funding runs out, the ABQ i-team is studying crime and the demographics of people who are arrested in Bernalillo County. The team was funded with a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to do work for the city from 2015-2017. The first phase of the demographic study concluded that what the report calls a repeat arrestee in Albuquerque has been held on a wide variety of crimes, ranging from DWI to being a public nuisance to larceny. And theres a good chance the suspect has also racked up at least one arrest in connection with a violent crime, such as assault or domestic violence. It paints the picture that as an individual arrest history lengthens over time, (the defendants) are committing lots of different types of crimes, Scott Darnell, the i-team director, said in an interview with the Journal last week. We shouldnt think it immediately means they are committing a lot of violent crimes or lots of felony crimes. Our data shows its a lot of misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors, property crimes and drug crimes. For example, Terrazas recent criminal history, which earned him a place on the citys list of the most serious criminals, started in May 2016 when he was convicted of criminal trespassing and sentenced to two days in jail. Since then: In June 2016, he allegedly stabbed a counter during a fight with his niece and was charged with aggravated assault. The case was dismissed when his niece refused to cooperate. In October 2016, he was charged with aggravated assault. He was accused of holding a knife above his head during a fight with his sister. The case is pending and a warrant has been issued for Terrazas failure to appear. In January 2017, police were called to a home on a domestic violence call. According to official records, before police arrived, Terrazas broke into his neighbors home armed with a knife and didnt let the man leave. Terrazas ate an apple, smoked a crack pipe, then fled. He was charged with false imprisonment, aggravated burglary and resisting law enforcement. Court records indicate that Terrazas failed to appear and a warrant was issued for his arrest. In March 2017, Terrazas was charged with residential burglary. Prosecutors voluntarily dismissed the case. Later in March 2017, Terrazas was arrested on suspicion of having a stolen gun. Prosecutors voluntarily dismissed the case. Albuquerques Real Time Crime Center said Terrazas has another warrant for failure to appear in a different case. It doesnt appear that Terrazas has been convicted of anything more serious than criminal trespassing. Terrazas attorney couldnt be reached for comment. Lawyers with the public defenders office said its unclear how Albuquerque police decide to classify some people as the most serious criminals. I think the worry from our office is that the public hears repeat offender and assumes that to be someone who engages in serial, violent conduct, when in fact APD is often referring to people who, because of homelessness or drug addiction or some other condition, become trapped in the system, said Scott Wisniewski, a public defender. There needs to be a better explanation, and less inflammatory language, as to what people are accused of doing. To complete its latest report, A Study on the Characteristics and Criminal Activity of Arrestees in Bernalillo County, the i-team partnered with academics at the University of New Mexico and Virginia Tech and examined the demographics of people who are arrested in Albuquerque, especially those who are arrested multiple times. The study broke down data on more than 127,000 people who were arrested nearly 312,000 times from Jan. 1, 2010, through the end of 2016. Those included in the study were arrested at least one time in Bernalillo County, though much of the crime data came from outside the county. That means a person could have been arrested once in Bernalillo County, once in Sandoval County and once in Santa Fe, for example, and all three arrests would be included in the citys study. For most people, one arrest was enough. Of all the individuals charged with crimes in the study period, 58 percent were charged only once. But the other 42 percent of arrestees accumulated an average of 4.5 arrests apiece, according to the report. An even smaller group of people are responsible for a significant chunk of arrests. In the seven years covered in the study, about 4,700 people were arrested 10 or more times. Those people account for about 0.8 percent of the city population, but they represented 20.4 percent of all arrests included in the study. Theres a small percentage of people who are being arrested who are really responsible for a great deal of the crime, which is not unusual to Albuquerque, Berry said. When a repeat arrestee is booked on a violent crime charge, theres a 45 percent chance that person has at some time also been arrested on a drug charge, a 47 percent chance for a property crime arrest and a 48 percent chance for an arrest on suspicion of violating the public order, according to the citys study. Paul Guerin, the director of the Center for Applied Research and Analysis at the University of New Mexico and who participated in the study, said previous studies of incarcerated people found that drug addiction and mental health issues are often factors for those who are frequently arrested on suspicion of a variety of crimes. Just to look at arrests for drugs is not the way to look at it. Its that people are in a drug-using lifestyle, he said. So they are committing lots of crimes to feed their drug use. So you would see a lot of their (criminal histories) not in the drug-related crimes but in the property crime (category). LAS VEGAS, Nev. Demetrious Johnson successfully defended his flyweight title for a UFC record-breaking 11th time, stopping New Mexicos Ray Borg by armor submission at 3:15 of the fifth round Saturday night. The card was the first major sporting event in Las Vegas since the mass shooting that killed 58 people and the shooter last Sunday. A moment of silence kicked off the pay-per-view portion of the event, then a handful of survivors and first responders were brought into the octagon and recognized as Everlast performed America the Beautiful. The UFC has pledged to donate $1 million to help victims and their families. Two other Jackson-Wink fighters, competing in undercard bouts, also failed to win. But both put on shows the crowd, and social media, seemed to enjoy. JW bantamweight Tom Fire Kid Duquesnoy lost to Cody Stanman by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28). The 31-year-old Johnson (27-2-1) broke the defense record he shared with longtime middleweight champion Anderson Silva. Shout out to Las Vegas, Johnson said. Thank you so much to all the first responders. Borg dropped to 11-3. Ray Borg was running his mouth, Johnson said of the fighter who trains at Albuquerques Jackson-Wink MMA. I got the suplex and the armor, I knew I got it. Johnson landed a heavy body kick in the first round and was able to gain top control, working from half-guard for most of the round while neutralizing any offense from Borg. In the second round, Borg was able to press forward and secure a short takedown before briefly taking Johnsons back. Johnson offered a quick reversal and was once again on top of Borg in dominant position. The third round found Borg looking to secure another single-leg takedown early, only to be reversed once again with Johnson on top. Johnsons ever-active smothering grappling rendered Borg ineffective for most of the first three rounds. Most of Borgs energy was spent simply trying to escape his disadvantaged position, while fighting off submission attempts. JWs Lando Groovy Vannata fought Bobby Green to a split decision draw (28-28, 29-27, 27-29). Vannata was docked a point in the first round for a knee to the face of a grounded opponent, a point that cost him the win. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump is weighing a new strategy to confront Irans nuclear ambitions that would leave a 2015 agreement intact for now but ask Congress to toughen a law overseeing the Islamic Republics compliance with the accord, according to three administration officials. The goal behind the strategy, which Trump is expected to announce next week, would be to present a unified front from the administration and Congress to European allies, according to the officials, who asked not to be identified discussing an issue on which the president hasnt announced a final decision. The officials declined to say if Trump would also decertify Irans compliance with the deal, a decision he has to make every 90 days under U.S. law. Trump has railed against the accord, which was brokered during the Obama administration, as the worst deal ever and an embarrassment to the United States. Asked in an interview broadcast Saturday if he would pull the U.S. out of the Iranian nuclear deal, Trump said, I wont say that. A few days from now, almost a week and a half to be exact, youll see, Trump said in an interview with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. The segment was taped Friday at the White House. Trump repeated his view that the 2015 deal with Iran was terrible. Before meeting with senior military leaders at the White House on Thursday evening, Trump told reporters, We must put an end to Irans aggression and nuclear ambitions. Saying that Iran hasnt lived up the spirit of the nuclear agreement, Trump said youll be hearing about Iran very shortly. But U.S. allies that are part of the accord, as well as China and Russia, say its been effective. They point to assessments by the International Atomic Energy Agency that Iran is meeting requirements to curb its nuclear program. That hasnt persuaded Trump. Although the president has twice certified Irans compliance with the agreement, which lifted a range of economic sanctions in exchange for restrictions on the nuclear program, he signaled in a July interview with the Wall Street Journal that he wouldnt do so again before an approaching Oct. 15 deadline. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders gave a hint about the new approach in a briefing with reporters Thursday, saying Trump will propose a comprehensive strategy on how to deal with Iran and will have a unified team behind him supporting that effort. Staying in the accord but decertifying Irans compliance would meet a standard set publicly this week by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. He told congressional committees that its in the U.S. interest to stay in the Iran deal but that decertification is a distinct matter. The approach the officials mapped out is similar to one proposed by Republican Sen. Tom Cotton this week. Cotton, a longtime opponent of the accord, suggested Trump could decertify Irans compliance with the deal without leaving the agreement, citing the Islamic Republics continued ballistic missile tests and its meddling in countries from Syria to Yemen. Cotton added that he wouldnt immediately seek a snapback of sanctions eased by the deal. Doing so would be considered a breach of the agreement, allowing Iran to reconstitute its nuclear program. Congress and the president, working together, should lay out how the deal must change and, if it doesnt, the consequences Iran will face, Cotton, who is close to Trumps national security advisers, said in a speech Tuesday at the Council on Foreign Relations. Specifically, the proposal hashed out by Trumps national security team would ask Congress to amend the 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, according to the officials. One possible change would be to require that Congress periodically certify that Iran remains at least a year away from developing a nuclear weapon. Sen. Bob Corker, the Tennessee Republican who heads the Foreign Relations Committee, is currently working on legislation to amend the original law, according to one of the officials. Corker declined Thursday to discuss prospects for action on the Iran accord. An outside expert familiar with the administrations thinking, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private, said the proposal put forward by Trumps advisers would offer a third way decertify that the deal is in the U.S. interest, roll out a comprehensive pressure campaign against Iran and use that to build leverage for negotiations with European allies in the future. Its not clear, though, that Congress, where Republicans have only a narrow majority in the Senate, would be able to approve any changes to the law. Another concern is that Republicans will come under pressure from opponents of the deal to kill it before a third way proposal could be put together. The administration is going to face an uphill battle to persuade Republicans, who only begrudgingly supported the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act in 2015, to now reinforce it instead of re-imposing sanctions and killing the JCPOA, said Jamie Fly, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund, using an acronym for the Iran deal. Its also not clear whether Democrats will want to give the president a win on this issue. Trump will unveil his new strategy next week, ahead of the Oct. 15 deadline, according to the officials. While Trump said last month that hes made his decision and much of the focus in recent days has been on whether he will certify Iranian compliance administration officials say no final decision has been made. Even if Trump he doesnt certify that the deal is in U.S. interests, the multinational accord will remain intact. The administrations approach may help assuage European allies, who have privately expressed a willingness to work on other ways to control Iran as long as the U.S. agrees to remain in the nuclear deal. But thats where they draw the line. U.K. Foreign Minister Boris Johnson, standing alongside U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at a press briefing in London last month, said its important that we make it work and that we keep it alive. (With assistance from Justin Sink.) 2017 Bloomberg News Visit Bloomberg News at www.bloomberg.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. - PHOTO (for help with images, contact 312-222-4194): TRUMP _____ Richard Spencer, who in August led white nationalists and white supremacists in a torchlight march across the University of Virginia campus that touched off a weekend of deadly clashes, returned Saturday night to Charlottesville. Spencer, a white nationalist, posted video on social media of followers carrying torches to the statue of Robert E. Lee, which the city has sought to remove. The march coincided with the universitys celebration of its bicentennial. It was a planned flash mob, Spencer said in an interview Saturday night. It was a great success. Weve been planning this for a long time. We wanted to prove that we came in peace in May, we came in peace in August, and we come again in peace, he said. Their message, he said, is that, Our identity matters. We are not going to stand by and allow people to tear down these symbols of our history and our people and were going to do this again. Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer sent a tweet denouncing the march: Another despicable visit by neo-Nazi cowards. Youre not welcome here! Go home! Meantime were looking at all our legal options. Stay tuned. Wes Gobar, the leader of the U-Va. Black Student Alliance, who was trying to finish a paper for class when he learned of the rally, said it was difficult balancing studies while bracing for the next burst of hatred that might seize Charlottesville. On Saturday, some members of his group knelt in protest during the National Anthem and the schools Good Old Song. Spencer, a U-Va. graduate, said he was unaware that the school was marking its bicentennial. They have been planning this for a long time. WVIR-TV reported that Spencer and his group arrived at Emancipation Park about 7:45 p.m., and departed 15 minutes later. The video Spencer posted show him and his crowd chanting, You will not replace us They promised to keep returning to Charlottesville, which they argued had become symbolic of their right to speak and also had come to symbolize the tearing down of symbols of the nations history. You will not erase us. We are about our heritage. Not just us Virginians. Not just as Southerners. But as white people . . . well take a stand. Youll have to get used to us. Were going to come back again and again and again. Then they began singing about Dixie. Officials with the Charlottesville police department did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday night. Spokesmen for the University of Virginia did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The August march at U-Va. with people chanting Jews will not replace us! touched off violence between demonstrators and counterprotesters the next day. A man drove into a crowd, killing one woman and injuring others, and two police officers who were monitoring the protests died when their helicopter crashed. In the days that followed, several public universities denied Spencer a platform. Last week, the University of Florida reluctantly agreed it would allow Spencer to speak later this month, saying it had no choice because as a state institution, it must all expression of all viewpoints. The university, in Gainesville, Florida, is charging the National Policy Institute, which Spencer leads, $10,000 to rent a campus facility and to provide security inside the universitys performing arts center. LAS VEGAS The day was meant for prayer, reflection and most of all, slowly continuing to heal. On Saturday, Vice President Mike Pence visited Las Vegas, offering prayers and encouragement for a community reeling days after a gunman went on a killing rampage at an outdoor country music festival along the Strip. Pence, flanked by several local elected officials, including Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman, spoke from a lectern inside City Hall, where he emphasized that the country stands united with the Las Vegas community. No evil no act of violence will ever diminish the strength and goodness of the American people, said Pence, whose visit came days after President Donald Trump arrived here to meet with victims and first responders. We are united as one nation, as one people, with one voice united in our grief, united in our support for those who have suffered, and united in our resolve to end such evil in our time. He added, when one part of America cries out for help we always come together to answer the call. Today we are all Vegas strong. The vice presidents remarks came at the conclusion of a unity prayer walk among local elected officials and residents in memory of the 58 people killed and nearly 500 injured on Oct. 1 at the Route 91 Harvest Festival. The gunman, Stephen Paddock, 64, fired hundreds of rounds at the crowd from his 32nd-floor Mandalay Bay hotel room. Amid the prayers, tears and strides toward healing, local and federal law enforcement officials pressed ahead Saturday with their investigation. Authorities continued to look for a motive as to why Paddock, known as a professional gambler who frequented casinos here and in Mesquite, Nev., about 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas, carried out one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history. Billboards have been placed around the city asking residents to contact authorities if they have any information about the shooting. At the site of the shooting a parcel of land along Las Vegas Boulevard federal authorities began to haul away piles of backpacks, purses and lawn chairs that were left behind as thousands of concertgoers fled the area amid a torrent of gunfire. For many, Saturday was a day to reflect, move ahead and celebrate Las Vegas, a global hub for tourism that last year saw a record 43 million visitors. A short drive from the site of the shooting, 58 white crosses bearing the names of those killed were placed near the renowned Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Locals and tourists alike laid flowers and teddy bears in honor of the victims, 36 women and 22 men. Goodman, who has served as mayor since 2011, said her city would not be defined by hate and violence. We will not be defined by anger and we will not be defined by fear, she added. We will be defined by our humanity. We will be defined by our unity, our compassion for each other. Others who joined Pence and Goodman at City Hall included Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., and Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat, and Dean Heller, a Republican. Last week, Titus, whose district spans the Strip, announced legislation that would ban possession of bump stocks, a device that makes semiautomatic firearms behave like a fully automatic ones. Authorities have said Paddock used the device during the shooting. In recent days, Democrats and Republicans alike have signaled support for banning these devices, and even the National Rifle Association has said more regulation is needed for bump stocks. Titus said Saturday that more action must take place on the part of elected officials to prevent future mass shootings like the one in her district. Over the past week our eyes have brimmed with tears, but our chests has also swelled with pride, she said. Let us pray for those who are in power that they will have the wisdom, power and resolve to come together end the gun violence that plagues our nation. (Montero reported from Las Vegas and Lee from Los Angeles.) 2017 Los Angeles Times Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. - PHOTO (for help with images, contact 312-222-4194): PENCE WASHINGTON Seeking momentum for gun restrictions, Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Sunday said only broader legislation would be effective in outlawing bump stocks like the device used by the Las Vegas gunman. But the National Rifle Association urged more limited regulations that stopped short of a ban. It was a sign of a rocky road ahead for action by Congress even with growing bipartisan support for regulating or banning the devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into rapid-fire guns. Regulations arent going to do it. We need a law. It cant be changed by another president, said Feinstein, D-Calif., a longtime advocate of stricter gun control measures who introduced legislation to outlaw bump stocks. She lamented the stratified lines of debate in a gun-happy country. The debate over how to regulate bump stocks comes in the aftermath of the shooting at a Las Vegas music festival last week that killed more than 50 people and injured 500, Americas deadliest in modern history. The NRA, some senior congressional Republicans and the Trump administration have expressed openness in restricting bump stocks, but lawmakers remain divided over whether to rely on legislation or push for an executive branch order. Bump stocks are accessories that substitute for the regular stock and grip of a semi-automatic rifle and allow the weapon to fire continuously, some 400 to 800 rounds in a single minute. Bump stocks were found among the weapons used by sniper suspect Stephen Paddock and explain why victims in Las Vegas heard what sounded like automatic-weapons fire. The bump stock device, which retails for around $200, causes the gun to buck back and forth, repeatedly bumping the trigger against the shooters finger. Technically, that means the finger is pulling the trigger for each round fired, keeping the weapon a legal semi-automatic. Because it creates a significant rocking motion it also means that the gun is spraying bullets and its difficult to hit a target. Adding to the uncertainty over the devices, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said last week it was in no position to re-examine its 2010 judgment that bump stocks were legal and that Congress would have to act. On Sunday, the NRA reiterated its support for limited regulation, saying too much public focus was being spent on restricting devices rather than preventing bad human behavior. A leader of the gun rights group insisted it was ATFs responsibility not Congress to reconsider the agencys 2010 decision allowing the sale of bump stocks. We think ATF ought to do its job, look at this, and draw a bright line, said Wayne LaPierre, CEO of the National Rifle Association. He said the group has been clear in supporting current law that bans fully automatic firearms and is concerned that action by Congress could fuzz the line such as by imposing new restrictions on semi-automatic weapons. Feinstein said her legislation banning bump stocks had attracted Republican interest although the 38 co-sponsors so far were all Democrats. The No. 2 Senate Republican, John Cornyn of Texas, has said hes open to legislation and that hed spoken with Judiciary Committee Chuck Grassley, who was interested in holding a hearing. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., who heads the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee, said Sunday he would be willing to support bump stock restrictions either by fiat or by a new law. However that gets fixed, Ill support it, he said. Seeking broader consensus, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said that if Republicans were willing to pass a bill banning bump stock devices like those used by the Las Vegas hotel sniper he would support the legislation, even if it was not accompanied by any other restrictions of weapons purchases. Murphy, an ardent supporter of gun control after the 2012 mass shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, said he would be willing to hold off for his broader goal, the institution of background checks for weapons buyers, if the Senate agrees on a narrower bump stock ban. Feinstein spoke on NBCs Meet the Press and CBS Face the Nation, LaPierre also was on CBS and Murphy and Johnson were on CNNs State of the Union. We can help you make sense of the agribusiness industry, extending from chemicals and fertilizers used as inputs into agriculture, to the commodities, food and by-products that are an output to farming, with policy and regulation applied at every step of the value chain. Jika Anda mencari situs web sbobet88 login yang andal dan aman untuk bermain poker online, permainan kasino, dan bentuk perjudian lainnya, Anda telah datang ke tempat yang tepat. 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In his statement, Colonel Anaya said Guevara was one of six guerrillas killed in todays battle. It is understood five Bolivian soldiers were also killed in the clash. Guevaras body is due to be flown by helicopter to La Paz later today. It is understood that his hands have been amputated for identification purposes. Argentine-born Che Guevara, an experienced guerrilla leader, was a member of Fidel Castros 26th of July Movement which seized power in Cuba in 1959. He rose quickly through the political ranks, becoming head of the National Bank and ultimately Minister of Industries, and many saw him as the intellectual force behind Castros government. But amid rumors of differences with Castro, largely on guerrilla warfare policies, and a desire to further his revolutionary ideals in other parts of Latin America, he resigned in April 1965 and disappeared. Some say he was dismissed although there has never been evidence of this. It is known he still maintained ties with the Organization for Latin American Solidarity (OLAS), a group dedicated to uniting, coordinating and stepping-up the struggle against United States imperialism on the part of all the exploited peoples of Latin America. His death comes less than two months after an OLAS conference in Havana which highlighted the need for further armed guerrilla action in South America. Courtesy BBC News In context A post mortem examination on Che Guevaras body, carried out two days after his death, suggested he had not in fact been killed in battle but had been captured and executed a day later. His body was buried in an unmarked grave near Valle Grande and his remains were not found until June 1997, when they were returned to Cuba. Following his death, Guevara became a hero of Third World socialist revolutionary movements and remains a much-admired romantic figure to this day. He was born Ernesto Rafael Guevara de la Serna in Rosario, Argentina on 14 June 1928. As a teenager he was reading left-wing literature, by Marx and Lenin, and frequently took part in riots against the Peronistas in Argentina. He qualified as a doctor in 1953 but left Argentina soon afterwards to travel around South America, during which time he became involved in many left-wing movements. Bitterly anti-American, he joined forces with Castro in Mexico in 1956 and was one of 12 survivors of the failed Cuban take-over in the same year. It was also during 1956 that he married his first wife, Peruvian Hilda Gadea, with whom he had one child, but the couple were divorced soon afterwards. He escaped to the Sierra Maestra, Cubas vast mountain range, where he established a guerrilla force and from where the successful take-over in 1959 was coordinated. After the Cuban revolution he married Cuban Aleida Marsh and the couple had four children. PHEV In accordance to the Drive The Future 2017-2022 business plan, Renault will introduce 8 electric vehicles and 12 electrified vehicles in five years time. As Peugeot gears up to offer the next-generation 208 with a fully electric powertrain, its natural to expect Renault to do the same with the Clio V.Except Renault isnt going to go full electric, chiefly because the Zoe takes care of that. Autocar thinks that the Hybrid Assist mild-hybrid system from the Scenic is a more fitting upgrade for the Clio. If Renault can make a case for it, a plug-in hybrid could also be offered, though its worth highlighting thattechnology is more costly (and heavier) than mild hybridization.Already spied hiding in Clio IV overalls, the Clio V has entered the testing phase of development. According to Jean-Christophe Kugler, the executive vice president and chairman of Renault Europe said that Level 2 autonomous driving technology is on the menu as well. The 2018 Nissan Leaf with ProPilot Assist is classified Level 2 from the maximum of five levels, so its pretty clear from where Renault will borrow the self-driving technology for the next Clio.On the oily bits front, Autocar believes that the 0.9-liter TCe turbo three-cylinder is certain to soldier on. The 1.5-liter dCi, which is shared with low-cost brand Dacia and Nissan, will be offered as well, albeit with updates. As a brief refresher, Renault will invest 600 million euros in the Valladolid plant in Spain to support production of the revised 1.5 dCi turbo diesel engine.Also in 2019, the all-new Captur is rumored to debut in March at Geneva. Introduced in 1959 and built until 1963, the DB4 GT spawned 75 examples Zagato-bodied conversions and the one-off Bertone Jet. Inspired by Jaguars continuation series of the Lightweight E-Type , Aston Martin follows suit with a limited-run DB4 GT Continuation model, which will spawn 25 units.Announced in December 2016, the DB4 GT Continuation will be ready for delivery by the end of 2017. At the present moment, Aston Martin is trialing the first prototype of the rejuvenated oldtimer in places such as the Millbrook Proving Ground, the site where James Bond rolled his DBS in Casino Royale Built to lightweight specification by Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell, the DB4 GT Continuation uses a tubular frame wrapped in thin-gauge aluminum panels. In keeping with the original, the newcomer uses a 3.7-liter straight-six benefitting from all-new castings supplied by the company that makes the 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 found in the DB11 . Connected to a four-speed manual and a limited-slip diff, the I6 plant boasts 340 horsepower. track-only special , the DB4 GT Continuation will be fitted with all the race-ready bits and bobs one would expect from one of Aston Martins most illustrious competition models. Although high-quality, the spartan interior is crucial to the models low curb weight. According to Aston Martin, the DB4 GT Continuation will tip the scales at 2,706 pounds (1,227 kilograms) including the motorsport-spec roll cage, fire extinguisher, and the safety belts.The estimated starting price sits at 1.5 million (approx. $1.9 million), and wouldn't you know, all 25 continuation models have been spoken for. 8 October 2017 12:34 (UTC+04:00) Iran intends to enhance cooperation with Azerbaijan in the Caspian Sea, said Mayor of the Iranian city of Anzali, Mir Shams Mominzade, in his interview with AZERTAC. He noted that Iran is interested in expanding bilateral ties on the issues of security and protection of public order of the Caspian littoral states. Azerbaijan and Iran have necessary infrastructure on the seafront. We can carry out freight and passenger transportation by using it efficiently. Establishment of relations between Azerbaijan and the ports of the Caspian Sea could provide a great impetus for the cooperation in the fields of economy, tourism and transport. These relations are necessary for both countries, he said. Shams Mominzade also noted that Azerbaijan has great economic potential and the countrys economy will benefit from reforms implemented in the non-oil sector in the future. BY Trend President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on October 7. The presidents exchanged views on different aspects of Azerbaijan-Turkey bilateral relations. Successful development of friendly and brotherly ties between the two countries was underlined. The heads of state also discussed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan`s upcoming visit to Azerbaijan scheduled for late October and the program of the visit. 8 October 2017 15:59 (UTC+04:00) Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Mikheil Janelidze has stressed a significant role of Azerbaijan in GUAM during his meeting with the country`s FM Elmar Mammadyarov. Mikheil Janelidze highlighted developing relations between the two countries, Azertac reported. Elmar Mammadyarov praised Georgia`s hosting a meeting of GUAM Council of Foreign Ministers on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of establishment of GUAM. The Minister expressed confidence that the activity of GUAM will strengthen over the future. During the conversation, the ministers discussed a range of issues including prospects of cooperation within GUAM, as well as regional security, international relations. 8 October 2017 12:00 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Serbia on October 9-11 at the invitation of Serbian colleague Alexandra Vucic, Turkish media reported. Various issues aimed at the development of bilateral relations, as well as regional issues will be discussed during the meeting. On the occasion of the visit of the Turkish President, the Turkish-Serbian working forum will be held. 8 October 2017 10:30 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that he was ready to make efforts aimed at improving the countrys relations with Germany, Sputnik reported. "I am ready to make all the efforts to achieve that [improvement of relations]. There are no reasons for problems between Germany and Turkey even after a difficult last year," Cavusoglu told the Spiegel magazine. According to the minister, the countrys differences were linked to the recent Turkish referendum on granting the countrys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan more powers. "We did not like the ban on Turkish politicians rallies [with Turkish voters in Germany]. But I told my friend [German Foreign Minister] Sigmar Gabriel: let us look forward together. If you make a step toward us, we will make two toward you," Cavusoglu said. In recent months, relations between Berlin and Ankara have become increasingly strained over Germany's criticism of mass detentions in Turkey, Ankara's accusations that Berlin provided asylum for people allegedly involved in 2016 coup attempt, as well as because of the cancellation of campaign rallies organized by the Turkish authorities across Germany ahead of the constitutional referendum. Communique de Presse - The Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) launched Bring Home A Friend (BHAF) program, a campaign that aims to encourage all Filipinos residing in the Philippines and abroad to help promote Philippines to their foreign friends as their next holiday destination. The program will run for six months starting from October 15, 2017 up to April 15, 2018. .. . .. ... We would like to close the year strongly for the tourism industry in terms of visitor arrivals and carry the momentum into the coming year, said DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo.Teo decided to revive the BHAF program implemented in 1994 by DOT under former Secretary Mina Gabor to encourage Filipinos to invite their foreign friends to come and visit the Philippines.The Filipino sponsors, who either reside in the country or overseas, stand to win an array of prizes.This shall be a thrilling experience for us Filipinos, who are known for our genuine hospitality and for celebrating Christmas for the longest time, said Teo.Major prizes awaiting the sponsors include a condominium from Megaworld Corporation, a brand new Toyota Vios, and a PHP200,000 gift certificate at Duty-Free Philippines while their foreign guests can win round-trip international flight tickets and tour packages to Palawan, Cebu, and Davao.To join, the sponsor must duly register via the Bring Home a Friend webpage accessible via DOTs website tourism.gov.ph. Registration may also be accomplished at BHAF booths soon to be set up at selected international airports in the Philippines.The number of eligible entries will also depend on the points they earn corresponding to the guests country of origin: Asia and Oceania/Australia: 2; Africa, Middle East, Europe, and America: 3.Conversely, the more foreign friends the sponsors invite, the more entries they can submit.Based on the 2015 report of the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are 9.1 million overseas Filipinos. More than three million reside in the United States of America while more than two million are based in the Middle East.Other countries with large numbers of Filipinos are Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Italy, and Australia.Employees of DOT and its attached agencies and their relatives to the third degree are not allowed to join BHAF.In March 2016, Emirates Airlines increased flight frequencies to Manila and mounted new flights to Cebu and Clark, Pampanga, two destinations in the Philippines that are considered as top tourist draws for families and business people.The Philippines has seen the consistent growth in tourist arrivals from the Middle East.In 2016, the Philippines received a total of 83,546 tourists from the region, growing by 9.69% over 2015. Tourist arrivals from Saudi Arabia and UAE, the two largest markets out of the region for the Philippines, reached 50,884 and 16,881 respectively.The PDOT aims to achieve 7 million tourists by the end of 2017 and proactively developing strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in the Middle East to capture a sizeable percentage of its high-yield tourist market.For further information about the Philippines visit the Philippines Department of Tourism English and Arabic social media sites at:Facebook: Its More Fun in the Philippines Middle EastTwitter: @PhilTourismME To celebrate National Health IT Week, ONC organized two panels on interoperability and usability in Washington, D.C., Oct. 3, FedScoop reports. Here are three key thoughts healthcare experts shared during the panels. 1. Ed Cantwell, president and CEO of the nonprofit research lab Center for Medical Interoperability, said data sharing efforts are often hampered by lack of collaborative leadership. "It's not a technology problem," he said. "It's a lack of coordinated leadership. I think the call to action is let's put [vendors, hospital CEOs and physicians] in a room. Every other industry has done it, they've come together and put their differences aside." 2. John Kansky, president and CEO of the Indiana Health Information Exchange, said interoperability is often hindered by the disparate needs of physicians, payers and other healthcare stakeholders. "I don't think moving healthcare data around the country is any less complicated than moving people and stuff around the country," he said. "Interoperability isn't one thing. Every organization has complex interoperability needs." 3. Andrey Ostrovsky, MD, CMO of CMS and the Children's Health Insurance Program, agreed health IT developers struggle to deliver interoperable products that address diverse users. "When we talk about the federal governments role in somehow influencing how software gets developed or evolves, we not only have the design constraints of what does the patient need but also what does the physician need, what does the practicing admin need, what does the potential payer need in terms of reporting, and then weve got what does the federal government need?" he said. The following health IT vendor contracts and go-lives were reported during the past week. 1. The Hiawatha (Kan.) Hospital Association which includes Hiawatha Community Hospital, Hiawatha Family Practice Clinic and the Highland Clinic is transitioning to athenahealth's EHR platform. 2. Salem (Ill.) Township Hospital President John Kessler told board members Sept. 27 the facility's athenahealth EHR system is fully operational. 3, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David J. Shulkin, MD, said the VA will award Cerner a contract for the health system's EHR within the next month 4. Edmonton, Canada-based Alberta Health Services, the single health authority for Alberta, signed a $459 million agreement with Epic to deploy its EHR system. 5. Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City, N.C., transitioned to Sentara eCare, which enables the use of an Epic-based EMR system. 6. Washington (Pa.) Hospital launched Pathpoint, an app to improve patient wayfinding at the facility. 7. Marietta, Ga.-based WellStar Health System is adding teleneurology and telepsychiatry to its telemedicine offerings through Specialists On Call. 8. Portland-based Oregon Health & Science University Knight Cancer Institute partnered with Tempus to improve care for breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer patients. Sometimes it seems as if Macau will not allow itself a break, or an interval of nothing happening. It is as if the MSAR cannot stand smooth sailing after a troublesome and controversial period, unable to enjoy a deserved rest from the legislative elections to breath ease until a new crisis. Pardon us for the inadequate choice of the word crisis. Unless the idea was to spin out the outcome and all related to the September 17 elections, the new fare proposal to make the non-resident worker crowd pay more than locals for a bus ride is stupid, a nonsense sorry once more for the inadequacy of our choice of words. Worse still is to dress up as if perfectly normal a racially infused step as though it was a virtuous positive discrimination. Actually, the increase would affect mostly the thousands of Filipino and Indonesian domestic helpers whose wages are additionally constrained by being excluded from the minimum wage mechanism. The Secretary for Transport and Public Works, quoted by TDM, was more than assuring: when he stated that the distinction aims to provide more support for the Macau residents: positive discrimination. The rational behind the dual fare system as a token of positive discrimination is so deviant and aberrate that we will restrain ourselves from listing equivalent measures so as not to challenge the seriousness of the issuealthough there is true potential for fun in doing so. Feeling this could turn into a hot debate, a potential mine field, the three MSAR bus operators TCM, Transmac and Nova Era, usually the ones to bargain for high fares and higher public subsidies here and elsewhere, were quick to inform the public that the new fare regime was exclusively an idea from the government brought to the table of the Traffic Consultative Council (Transport Advisory Committee). The same table at which the Secretary for Transport and Public Works were to take cover if the positive discrimination measure was to succumb to public outrage. Raimundo do Rosario was careful enough to have a by-way to avoid the worst damage the issue could inflict upon the government, that is to say a direct confrontation with any negative discrimination. The resource, the tool, is the recurrent mantra of the still under consultation, still under consultation, still. However, this time the resource cannot be applied as a mere delaying tactic for a matter of inconvenience, or even to shelve or bury the matter. Thanks to new legislator Agnes Lam, who is as shrewd as she is candid, we have to consider that the purpose of so bizarre a fare play negative discrimination, indeed is to assess the level of acceptance by the local residents. This is another game and is the reason we titled our column Blind Runner, sparing the obvious, since everybody knows both the Basic Law and the new movie are dated 2049. We have to face the possibility that some building blocks are being tested prior to being put in place, in the count down to 2049. Apparently, some of the building blocks probably do not comply with the expectations we glean from the development of the Basic Law, such as the one we mentioned a fortnight ago in the form of the small group of residents who cannot have the right to appeal. If this non-resident special treatment regarding bus fare is to be tested as acceptable, as well as other tests to come, sooner rather than later Macau will fly blind runner. One final note inspired by Phillip K. Dick Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. Replying to this proposal and to an invitation of walking as a means of transportation, Paul Pun suggested ATM to give a bonus to holders of Macau Pass who gladly go jay-walking to their workplaces. And a second final note inspired by Jeffrey Goldenberg in The Atlantic magazine. The autocratic element is not only the abuse of power but also the reversal of truth. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 07/10/2017 (1865 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A trio of friends are opening Brandons first Papa Johns Pizza franchise within the next couple of weeks. Their target soft opening date is Oct. 16, though co-owner Parth Patel said it would be up to whether they clear all the hurdles a new business must leap prior to opening. He said they plan to host a grand opening as soon as their fresh-faced staff is up to snuff enough to tackle the onslaught of patrons who typically come with the introduction of a new restaurant. Tyler Clarke/The Brandon Sun Brandon Papa Johns Pizza franchise owners, from left, Gary, Parth and Prakash Patel (no relation) are seen in their new space, at the strip mall located at the northeast corner of the Rosser Avenue and 18th Street intersection. Located in the middle of the strip mall at the northeast corner of 18th Street and Rosser Avenue, the future restaurant space was a flurry of activity on Friday, with various contractors and service providers lining things up with the trio of owners. Parth is joined by Gary and Prakash all three of whom have the same surname of Patel, no relation in opening the franchise. Parth and Gary manage a Subway restaurant in Pine Falls, which they credit with helping them build up their confidence as managers prior to breaking out on their own with a Papa Johns Pizza franchise. Prakash lives in Brandon and rounds out the ownership trio. With Papa Johns Pizza seeking franchisees for a Brandon location and the Patel trio satisfied with the quality of product at the chains Winnipeg locations, they jumped at the chance. Parth said they studied the Brandon marketplace prior to setting up shop and liked the slow but sustainable growth they found in the Wheat Citys statistics. Theyve been renovating their Brandon space since July and Parth said theyre excited to get going. Theyve hired seven people so far and plan to bring on several more within the next couple weeks, bringing their in-store staff to approximately 15 and their delivery driver staff to 10. The restaurant is takeout and delivery only, leaving most of their staff of 15 devoted to pizza-making. Much of the facilitys equipment has already been installed, including a pizza dough-making area, which is both climate-controlled and cordoned off from the main restaurant space. Papa Johns Pizza director of operations for Western Canada Joe Mabee joined a few others from Western Canada in helping ease the Patel trio into the swing of things this week. Theyre a keen trio, Mabee said, adding that hes confident that although Brandon already hosts a number of pizza restaurants, Papa Johns would carve out its niche in the coming weeks and months. tclarke@brandonsun.com Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 07/10/2017 (1865 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Rivers man who threatened to kill the girlfriend he was keeping at their place against her will has been arrested. The 26-year-old faces a host of charges. He is accused of assault, uttering threats to cause death, forcible confinement, choking to overcome resistance and taking a motor vehicle without the owners consent. The woman escaped from her boyfriend, who assaulted her the previous 12 hours, at noon Thursday in the 1100 block of 18th Street in Brandon. Previously, the accused had choked, punched and slapped the victim, while refusing to let her leave their residence in Rivers. He also threatened to kill her. At some point, the couple headed to Brandon. While in the city, the Brandon Police Service was informed. The victim managed to escape the vehicle in the parking lot on 18th Street, while the accused tried unsuccessfully to stop her. After a warrant was put out for his arrest, the man was found by Rivers Police Service. The Brandon Sun Jaguar Land Rover Australia will recall about 17,000 Australian vehicles for airbag replacement as a precautionary safety measure. The company said the decision was made despite no reports of failed airbags in any of its vehicles around the world. Jaguar Land Rover is recalling vehicles to replace airbags as a precautionary safety measure. "We would rather err on the side of caution and recall vehicles for airbag replacement despite no reports of failed airbags in any of our vehicles anywhere in the world," a Jaguar Land Rover spokesman said. "Customer safety comes first." The company said it would work closely with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which is urging drivers to check online whether their motor vehicles have been recalled in order to replace faulty Takata airbags. Surgeons who resent moves to address endemic bullying and harassment and deny the profession has a problem are among more than 1000 specialists yet to complete compulsory training designed to quash the toxic culture. The Operating With Respect training module is a core component of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons' (RACS) action plan launched in 2015 after heavy criticism over its "Anglo-Saxon boys club" where senior surgeons "eat their young" and women are frequently discriminated against and sexually harassed. Forty per cent of surgeons are yet to complete RACS' Operating with Respect module. Credit:aarcher@fairfaxmedia.com.au But 40 per cent of surgeons in Australia and New Zealand have not completed the mandatory 45-minute online course three months before the December 31 deadline, according to an alert sent to fellows in September. NSW had the lowest completion rate of 56 per cent, followed by Victoria at 59 per cent. More than 300 disabilities services staff have lost frontline roles with the ACT government in the move to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The figure comes from a confidential government document, which also warns of the need to rein in rapidly increasing costs as more Canberra children move into out-of-home care. ACT government budgets are straining under the NDIS. Credit:Gabriele Charotte On June 30, the Community Services Directorate halted disabilities and therapy services in response to the introduction of the NDIS. In anticipation of this transition, and in response to other budget pressures, the ACT government commissioned a $205,000 "sustainability review" from Ernst & Young in late 2016. A serial escapee did "a runner" from the emergency room of the Canberra Hospital after he tricked a corrections officer into uncuffing him so he could use the bathroom. Documents released under Freedom of Information laws have shed light on the lengths Alexander Maconochie Centre inmates have gone to in escaping from the Canberra Hospital. The Alexander Maconochie Centre: two of its inmates have escaped from the Canberra Hospital while receiving treatment in the past five years. Credit:Rohan Thomson Two prisoners have fled from the Canberra Hospital while receiving treatment in the past five years. This is despite inmates being taken there nearly 4000 times in the same period. William Fewtrell, a ship's steward from Bondi, didn't have an easy war. Time and again the vessels he was aboard during World War II would come under fire. He even told the Daily Advertiser in Grafton in 1943 the Japs were "picking on him". Multibeam images of Macumba and the site. Credit:CSIRO On Friday of last week the CSIRO announced they had located the 2540 ton SS Macumba, which had been bombed by two Japanese aircraft in 1943. Fewtrell was on board and survived, again. A multibeam echosounder located the vessel in 40 metres of water on the Northern Coast of Arnhem Land in the Arafura Sea. Underwater video of the wreck captured sharks frequently passing in front of the camera. Los Angeles: US TV news anchor has lodged another claim of sexual misconduct against powerful Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and a third board member has resigned from Weinstein's company. Meanwhile a prominent US lawyer says she's no longer representing the movie mogul as he confronts sexual harassment allegations dating back years. TV anchor Lauren Sivan detailed an alleged 2007 encounter with Weinstein in a HuffPost report on Friday. Sivan alleged that Weinstein cornered her in the hallway of a Manhattan restaurant closed to the public and masturbated in front of her. Fairfax photojournalist Kate Geraghty has been named a winner in the International Photography Awards for a series of haunting images captured during the last days of the battle to liberate West Mosul from Islamic State fighters. Geraghty's photographs, entitled Mosul, won third place in the professional editorial (war/conflict) category of the International Photography Awards, which celebrate the achievements of the world's finest photographers. A cloud of smoke rises from an explosion as a group of women and girls flee an Islamic State-held area and make their way along a safe corridor during the offensive to retake west Mosul, Iraq. Credit:Kate Geraghty Her photos portray the anguish of those desperately fleeing the last Islamic State-held areas in the Old City, including 18-year-old Abdulrahman who suffered burns to 60 per cent of his body and later died in a field hospital. Geraghty said she was humbled her work was selected alongside photographers whom she deeply respected and who had been a source of inspiration. Wellington: A possible Labour-Green coalition has narrowed the gap with the ruling National Party in New Zealand's final election tally, strengthening their position ahead of talks with the small nationalist party which holds the balance of power. The final September 23 election results released on Saturday showed National won 56 seats and Labour and Greens together took 54 seats, leaving them both reliant on New Zealand First's nine seats to meet the 61 seats needed for a majority in parliament in New Zealand's proportional representation system. New Zealand's Labour Party leader Jacinda Ardern talks to hundreds of supporters after election results. Credit:AP National lost two seats to the Labour-Green bloc compared with preliminary results - a development which Labour leader Jacinda Ardern said buoyed their position at the negotiating table. "We will continue our negotiations in earnest with potential support parties beginning this weekend," Ardern told reporters in Auckland. Anti-Muslim Hate Crime Has Soared In The US Hate crimes against Muslims in the United States have soared by nearly 70 per cent, according to new figures from the FBI. After a growth in angry rhetoric against Muslims by politicians and commentators, anti-Muslim hate incidents grew by 67 per cent in 2015. The FBI reports 257 anti-Muslim hate incidents in the US in 2015 compared with 154 in 2014. But other minority groups have also found themselves targets of hatred and assault. Among the incidents this year alone, a Florida man pleaded guilty to threatening to firebomb two mosques. A Virginia man was charged with assaulting a gay victim. An Iowa man was convicted of stamping on and kicking the head of an African-American victim. "Hate crimes like these can have a devastating impact upon the communities where they occur," said the FBI, which has made investigating hate crimes that fall under federal jurisdiction the number one priority under its civil rights program. The latest Hate Crime Statistics report contains figures collected through the uniform crime reporting program of nearly 15,000 law enforcement agencies throughough the country. The report reveals 5,850 criminal incidents and 6,885 related offenses that were motivated by bias against race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, and gender identity. The figures have been collected since 1990, under the Hate Crime Statistics Act. For the first time, the 2015 Hate Crime Statistics has included seven additional religious categories bias against Buddhists, Eastern Orthodox, Hindu, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, other Christians and Sikhs. FBI Director James Comey said: "We need to do a better job of tracking and reporting hate crime to fully understand what is happening in our communities and how to stop it." The Council on American-Islamic-Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organisation, called on America's leaders to repudiate growing Islamophobia. "We witnessed a sharp jump in anti-Muslim incidents nationwide last year, with that spike in Islamophobia continuing through 2016 and accelerating after the November 8 election," said CAIR government affairs director Robert McCaw. "This unprecedented increase in bigotry of all kinds must be repudiated in the strongest terms possible by all our nation's leaders, beginning with President-elect Donald Trump." McCaw noted that the FBI statistics confirm CAIR's own report of an unprecedented number of anti-mosque incidents in 2015. The organisation said that since the election, there had been a spike in incidents targeting American Muslims and other minority groups. Catholic religious order Legionaries of Christ hit by fresh scandal The Legionaries of Christ, a Catholic religious order which fell into disgrace after the discovery that its founder was a sexual abuser with a secret family, has been hit by fresh scandal with revelations that the head of its Rome seminary fathered two children. The order said in a statement late on Friday that Father Oscar Turrion would leave the priesthood. It also released a letter by Turrion in which he asks 'forgiveness for the scandal ... forgiveness for my bad example and the negative witness I have given'. The Legionaries is a conservative order of Roman Catholic priests. Turrion was rector of the Pontifical International College Maria Mater Ecclesiae, a seminary for men in the order studying for the priesthood in pontifical universities in Rome. The Legionaries said Turrion, a 49-year-old Spaniard, told his superiors in March that he had just had a daughter. A new rector was appointed and Turrion was ordered not to practice his ministry publicly. On Thursday Turrion acknowledged that he had previously had a son with the same woman several years ago, the order said. This meant he had a secret family while he was head of the seminary. In his letter, Turrion said he did not come clean earlier 'out of weakness and shame' and that he had not used any of the seminary's money, supporting his family with donations from friends. He said he had 'lost his grounding' and fell in love with a woman during the period of turmoil that hit the order when revelations about its founder, Rev. Marcial Maciel Degollado, came to light between 2006 and 2014. Maciel founded the order in Mexico in 1941 and for decades the Vatican dismissed accusations by seminarians that he had abused them sexually, some when they were as young as 12. The order was run like a cult, former members said, with rules forbidding any criticism of the founder or questioning his motives. Maciel enjoyed the support of the late Pope John Paul and was spared official censure for years despite what critics say was overwhelming proof of his crimes. In 2006, a year after John Paul's death, a Vatican investigation concluded that the previously denied accusations of molestation were true. Pope Benedict ordered Maciel to retire to a life of 'prayer and penitence'. After Maciel's death in 2008, Vatican investigations found that he had also fathered several children with at least two women, visited them regularly and sent them money. He also used drugs. The Vatican appointed a commissioner to run the order and phase in a new leadership, rejecting suggestions from critics that it be suppressed. New constitutions for the order were approved in 2014 but the Vatican still has a special representative in its leadership. Turrion's case was very similar to that of Thomas Williams, a former Legionaries member who left the priesthood in 2013 after it was discovered that he had fathered a child with the daughter of the former US ambassador to the Vatican. Williams, an American moral theologian, kept his family secret while continuing to teach at the Legionaries university in Rome, appearing often on US television. Christian who escaped North Korea says he and other believers were forced to worship in secret in a hole in the ground A North Korean defector opened up about the underground church he led and the secretive life he and other Christians had there. He also revealed that despite being offered freedom for renouncing their religion, believers in the notorious prison camps refuse to do so. Choi Kwanghyuk, who now lives in L.A., told The Christian Post in an email interview through the help of a translator with International Christian Concern on Thursday that he first learned about Christianity when he went to China to search for food. There, he was connected with a Christian missionary and began studying the Bible. Eventually, he started sharing the Gospel with nine of his friends, and continued making trips back and forth to China with the aid of the missionary. Despite the severe oppression of religious belief in North Korea Open Doors USA ranks the regime as the worst persecutor of Christians in the world Choi started operating an underground church there. "We started with the book of Matthew," Choi said about some of the first Bible meetings. "Our meeting spot was literally underground. In North Korea, we dig holes on the ground to store Kimchee and potatoes over the winter. It's very cold in North Korea and if we don't bury it underground, then it will freeze up. We don't have heating system in North Korea," he explained. "We meet in this rectangular hole and use [a] lantern to study the Bible. Since we cannot sing out loud, we praise by humming the hymn." Choi pointed out that because of the strict control of information in North Korea, many of the people there do not even know that religion exists. "I would say one out of one hundred people might know about God. In this case, it is because their great grandparents were Christians during early 1900s. If you get caught associating with religion, then DPRK government will send them to political camp or prison," he said, using the country's official name. The defector noted that some people are allowed to travel outside of the country, but when they return, they are not allowed to reveal that they have embraced a religion. There have been various rumors and reports from other defectors, including one last month that claimed Kim Jong Un kept teenage sex slaves, enjoyed a luxury lifestyle while his people starved, and forced children to watch public executions. Choi revealed that it's possible such stories are true. "When I was in North Korea, and this was before Kim Jong Un became the leader, Kim Jong Un initiated monetary revolution. Kim Jong Un introduced [a] new currency system and stated that the new currency will be so valuable. If you have 500 North Korean currency, then you will be able to buy unlimited food and clothes," he added. "People believed Kim Jong Un, but the value of North Korean currency actually went down after the introduction of new currency. Many people committed suicide because of this revolution." As for the prison camps, where the regime sends political prisoners and Christians, Choi shared that he had connections with soldiers and guards who worked there. He revealed what the guards told him about some of the Christians at those camps: "They often talked about how stubborn Christians are. Even though they are offered release by signing a contract renouncing their religion, they do not accept this offer. Some of them feel that living inside the political camp is better than going outside because they foresee that it will be difficult for them to adapt to the outside society." ICC, which reports on the persecution of Christians around the world, partnered with Saddleback Church back in June to produce "The Bridge" conference, where major challenges facing the people of North Korea were discussed. Gina Goh, ICC's regional manager for Southeast Asia, told CP that the persecution watchdog works with different partners in neighboring countries to serve North Koreans in need. Goh explained that ICC helps send rice through floating bottles to North Koreans, sponsors a Christian radio program, supports young defectors, and flies Gospel leaflets through balloons. "We want to provide not only humanitarian aid that addresses their basic needs, but also the Gospel that they don't get to hear in their country. We invite Christians to remember and pray for North Korea and its 25 million oppressed souls," she said, also urging support for ministries. Commenting on the high tension between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump, with the North Korean regime threatening to aim missiles at U.S. territories, Goh said it is easy to forget that there are millions of ordinary people "living under the tyranny of Kim." "They are deprived of their rights to know the truth about their leadership and the outside world. People are malnourished both physically and spiritually," she said. She doesn't believe the current tension is necessarily placing Christians in North Korea under more suspicion. However, the three Korean-American Christians still being held there Kim Dong Chul, Kim Sang-duk, and Kim Hak Song might not receive their freedom any time soon due to deteriorated relations. This article was originally published in The Christian Post. Donald Trump at UN: President accused of 'hate speech' but evangelicals praise 'best speech ever' Donald Trump has been accused of 'hate speech' after he used his first major address at the United Nations to heavily criticise fellow members. The US President singled out North Korea, Iran and Venezuela for specific criticism, labelling them 'rogue states' and calling on 'the righteous many' to 'confront the wicked few'. The bombastic speech to the UN's general assembly in New York was greeted with a number of disapproving murmurs from delegates and several members states rounded on Trump afterwards. Iran's foreign minister Javid Zarif accused the President of 'ignorant hate speech' which he said belonged in 'medieval times' and not at the UN. Trump's ignorant hate speech belongs in medieval times-not the 21st Century UN -unworthy of a reply. Fake empathy for Iranians fools no one. Javad Zarif (@JZarif) 19 September 2017 This comes after Trump labelled Iran 'a corrupt dictatorship behind the false guise of a democracy' and said their 'chief exports are violence, bloodshed, and chaos'. North Korea has yet to respond after Trump reserved his most severe criticism for the pariah state. Attacking leader Kim Jong-un, he said: 'Rocket man is on a suicide mission.' In the most overt threat of war so far, Trump said: 'If [the US] is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea.' The speech, heavily criticised for its tone and it's insistence on 'America first', also attacked Venezuela calling the government a 'socialist dictatorship'. He said: 'The problem in Venezuela is not that socialism has been poorly implemented but that socialism has been faithfully implemented.' But the country's foreign minister Jorge Arreaza rejected Trump's 'threats'. He said: 'Trump is not the president of the world... he can not even manage his own government.' But the address won praise from Trump's evangelical supporters as well as a handful of world leaders including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Franklin Graham, a loyal Trump fan, said it 'may have been one of the best speeches ever given' at the UN. 'Thank God we have a president who stands for truth and is not afraid to speak truth to the whole world,' he wrote on social media. 'President Donald J. Trump's address today to the United Nations General Assembly may have been one of the best speeches ever given to that body. It made you proud to be an American. I hope you will join me in praying for this man, that God will guide and direct him.' Protecting religious freedom: How far should the law go? Religious liberty is one of the biggest issues facing conservative Christians at the moment. In countries that are increasingly socially liberal, in which forms of behaviour and badges of identity that would have been unthinkable a few decades ago are now mainstream, how far should the law protect their ability to opt out? Needless to say, it's sexuality and sexual issues that are the flashpoint. Should a Christian florist be free to refuse to provide flowers for a gay wedding? Should a Christian registrar be free to refuse to register one? Should they even be allowed at all? Now an influential Washington committee has come up with what it presumably hoped was a constructive answer for US citizens. Peaceful Coexistence: Reconciling Nondiscrimination Principles with Civil Liberties was produced by the bi-partisan US Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR). It was originally scheduled to report in 2013 but the report's release was repeatedly delayed and even now two of its seven members have dissented from its conclusions. The 306-page report contains an exhaustive analysis of how attempts to secure the maximum possible religious liberty and the maximum possible protection from discrimination have been fought out through the courts. It's pretty dense, but it concludes that religious exemptions from anti-discrimination laws "significantly infringe upon" civil rights and that "religious exemptions from non-discrimination laws and policies must be weighed carefully and defined narrowly on a fact-specific basis". Furthermore and this is what has really riled conservatives Commission chairman Martin Castro launched a stinging attack on attempts to extend religious exemptions. He said: "The phrases 'religious liberty' and 'religious freedom' will stand for nothing except hypocrisy so long as they remain code words for discrimination, intolerance, racism, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia, Christian supremacy or any form of intolerance." He continued: "Religious liberty was never intended to give one religion dominion over other religions, or a veto power over the civil rights and civil liberties of others. However, today, as in the past, religion is being used as both a weapon and a shield by those seeking to deny others equality. In our nation's past religion has been used to justify slavery and later, Jim Crow laws. We now see 'religious liberty' arguments sneaking their way back into our political and constitutional discourse (just like the concept of 'state rights') in an effort to undermine the rights of some Americans." 'Shocking suggestion' His words drew a fierce rebuttal from the Archbishop of Baltimore, among others. William Lori, chairman of the US Bishops Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, said the notion that people of faith are "comparable to fringe segregationists from the civil rights era" is a "shocking suggestion". "The vast majority of those who speak up for religious liberty are merely asking for the freedom to serve others as our faith asks of us," he said. Another critic is Al Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, who addressed the report in his 'Briefing'. He cites various criticisms of Castro's words, describing them as "ominous" and saying religious exemptions are "claimed to be the problem, so that even these religious exemptions are held to be suspect and they should be very limited, he says, in scope. And in every case, Chairman Castro made clear, they're simply a form of prejudice and discrimination, period." But here's the thing: Castro's remarks are very, very strong, and probably if he really wanted to convince conservatives he had a point, which seems unlikely unwise. But look at them again, and look at the sort of rhetoric purveyed by religious conservatives today not just in America, but in many other historically Christian countries, including the UK and it's very hard to argue with him. There's a persecution narrative that's reinforced by every reaction like Lori's and Mohler's. It's the right-thinking, clean-living people against the rest of the world. The government is intent on subverting Christian morality and creating a moral free-for-all. We should stand up for Christian values through the courts, and things we believe are wrong ought to be illegal and if we can't make them illegal, we should have an opt-out so we can disregard their legality if we want to. Free to discriminate? And the question is, how does this really help? How does campaigning for freedom to discriminate commend the gospel? What sort of message does it send to people who when they hear the word "Christian" just think, "They're the ones who want to be free to reject people"? The other way of looking at the USCCR report is to say that it reflects the sort of careful calculations and fine balancing of rights and responsibilities that are an inevitable and very precious part of living in a democratic society committed to everyone's freedom, not just the freedom of a few. Part of being grown up is that you understand that you can't have everything you want, and that other people's freedoms are going to impinge on your own. And as Christians, we should welcome that. We ought to be the ones who reject the narrative of power and dominance that characterises debate around these issues. What happened to Jesus' teaching about turning the other cheek and going the extra mile, and being blessed if we face insult or abuse? Is it really so important to win? There is a better conversation to be had, and it starts, surely, with listening even to Martin Castro. Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods Tens of thousands gather for controversial prayer event in Poland Tens of thousands of people have taken part in a controversial prayer event for the salvation of Poland and the world. Held on the feast day marking a Christian victory over the Ottoman Turks in 1571, Catholics from more than 300 churches were bussed to 4,000 locations all along the border. Although church leaders say the event on Saturday was purely religious, there are concerns it endorses Poland's refusal to let in Muslim refugees. The crowds stood in lines along the border, including on the beaches of the Baltic Sea, as well as in towns and fields. Halina Katarska, 65, said she was praying for the survival of Christianity in Europe as well as giving thanks for the survival of her son in a car crash. 'Islam wants to destroy Europe,' she told the Associated Press. 'They want to turn us away from Christianity.' Krzysztof Januszewski, 45, said he worries Christian Europe is being threatened by Islamic extremists. 'In the past, there were raids by sultans and Turks and people of other faiths against us Christians," said Januszewski, a mechanic who traveled 350 kilometers (220 miles) to Gdansk from Czerwinsk nad Wisla,' he told Associated Press. 'Today Islam is flooding us and we are afraid of this too,' he added. 'We are afraid of terrorist threats and we are afraid of people departing from the faith.' Poland is deeply devout with 96 per cent of the population identifying as Catholic. Alongside Hungary and the Czech Republic, the government has refused to take part in the EU's resettlement of refugees and declined to accept any Muslim migrants. But the state's position has been criticised by church leaders and on a visit last year Pope Francis called for a greater acceptance of migrants. Polish bishops have also called for some selected Syrian refugees to be taken in. Organisers of the prayer event deny it is directed against anyone and say the border was chosen to symbolise covering the whole world in prayer. 'We come to the border of Poland to pray for the Poles and for the whole world,' another woman told the BBC. 'We want our Catholic faith to continue, to keep our children safe, that our brothers from other countries can understand that our faith is unwavering and that we feel safer, not only in Poland but also in the world.' TWIN FALLS Many government offices and other facilities will be closed Monday for Columbus Day. Some city offices will close, including in Kimberly, Hailey, Rupert and Shoshone, but many others will remain open, including in Twin Falls, Burley, Gooding, Jerome and Ketchum. Buhl City Hall will be open, but the Department of Motor Vehicles will be closed. County, state and federal offices will be closed, along with post offices, the Twin Falls Public Library, College of Southern Idaho and the Herrett Center for the Arts and Science. Most banks will be closed, but Wells Fargo Bank will be open. The Twin Falls City Pool will offer open swim from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. The Times-News offices in Twin Falls and Burley will be open. Magic Valley Mall will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Trash collection will follow the regular schedule. Was Hurricane Harvey an instrument of God's wrath against our sinfulness? Louisiana began evacuations for Hurricane Harvey this week, on the twelfth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The hurricane has dumped a record 51 inches of rain as of Wednesday morning, the equivalent of four typical hurricanes. Why has God allowed such devastation? Here are the logical options as I see them. One: We didn't pray enough. Scripture teaches that "you do not have, because you do not ask" (James 4:2). Did this storm strike because we did not pray enough for God to stop it? If so, what about those who prayed fervently but still lost their homes to this storm? Is a lack of intercession to blame for every natural disaster and disease? Can intercession prevent all natural calamity? Two: We're being punished for sin. God brought the plagues against Egypt in response to Pharaoh's "hardened heart." The book of Revelation is replete with natural disasters sent by God to punish those who reject him. Is Hurricane Harvey an instrument of his wrath against our sinfulness? If so, does this mean that people living on the Gulf Coast are worse sinners than those living in Los Angeles or New York City? I've lived in Houston and Dallas and cannot say that the former is more sinful than the latter. Clearly, God can use disasters to bring us to repentance, but is this always the explanation for such calamity? Three: Fairness demands that he not intervene. If God stopped Hurricane Harvey, wouldn't he have to do the same with the next storm, and the next? However, this logic would mean that he cannot cure anyone of cancer unless he cures everyone of cancer. He cannot protect one person unless he protects us all. Since I've witnessed his miraculous healing and protection, I know that such logic is flawed. Four: He doesn't know, or doesn't care, or can't help. Skeptics might claim that if God saw the devastation of this hurricane, or cared for those in its path, or had the power to prevent their suffering, surely he would have intervened. Since he hasn't, he can't. But his word teaches that he is "the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). And his omniscience, compassion, and omnipotence are on display regularly in our broken world. Here's the bottom line: it's a mystery. I don't know why God sometimes intervenes in natural disasters and sometimes doesn't. I don't know why he sometimes heals and sometimes doesn't. He tells us that "my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD" (Isaiah 55:8). But I know that our Father redeems all he allows (Romans 8:28). I know that he suffers with us and loves us unconditionally (Romans 8:3539). And I know that one day this broken world will be gone and we will live in "a new heaven and a new earth" (Revelation 21:1). Until that day, I choose to trust what I don't understand to the God who does. Will you join me? Originally posted at denisonforum.org Adapted from Dr. Jim Denison's daily cultural commentary at www.denisonforum.org. Jim Denison, Ph.D., is a cultural apologist, building a bridge between faith and culture by engaging contemporary issues with biblical truth. He founded the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture in February 2009 and is the author of seven books, including "Radical Islam: What You Need to Know." For more information on the Denison Forum, visit www.denisonforum.org. To connect with Dr. Denison in social media, visit www.twitter.com/jimdenison or www.facebook.com/denisonforum. Original source: www.denisonforum.org. Visiting the United States in 1831, when Andrew Jackson was president, Alexis de Tocqueville was appalled by the vulgarity and mediocrity of American politics. After meeting Jackson, Tocqueville concluded that the low tone of American society started at the top. In Tocquevilles estimation, Jackson was a man of violent character and middling capacity. Worse, he seemed to have no talent for politics: he rode roughshod over his personal enemies in a way no president had done and treated members of Congress with disdain. Nothing in all the course of his career had ever proved that he had the requisite qualities to govern a free people, Tocqueville wrote in Democracy in America, so the majority of the enlightened classes of the Union had always been opposed to him. Considering his view of Jackson, imagine what Tocquevilles first impressions of President Trump might be. Real-estate mogul, host of The Apprentice, owner of beauty pageants, and backer of WrestleMania, among other louche enterprises, Trump would seem to confirm Tocquevilles worst fears about debased standards of American public life and leadership. And yet, Trump campaigned on issues that have a Tocquevillean resonance. Put another way, Tocqueville highlighted certain dangers to democratic liberty and greatness that Trumpwho, it is safe to assume, has not read Democracy in Americainstinctively seized on to win the presidency. Start with the most obviousand contentiousissue: Trumps campaign pledge to build a wall to stop the flow of illegal immigrants from Mexico into the United States. Though Trumps rhetoric on the subject was often crude, the idea was eminently sensible. Trump spoke to the long-term interest of American citizens in remaining a unified and self-contained peoplewhat Tocqueville called their self-interest, well understood. Today, the American project of assimilation has come under sustained attack. Multiculturalists and globalists in government reject the idea that immigrants should adopt American culture and argue that foreigners should have the right to live in America in disregard of its immigration laws. Trump seized on this shift to call for secure borders and a renewal of Americas national identity. At the same time, he remained open, in principle, to immigrants from all nations. Tocqueville had been struck by Americans love of country; he would not be surprised by the appeal of Trumps full-throated patriotism, especially when set against his critics championing of multiculturalism and globalization. For Tocqueville, national identity was bound up with religion, which, in the United States and in Europe, meant Christianity. Long before the 2016 presidential election, though, Democrats had clearly come to regard Christianity as an obstacle to their goals. At the Democratic National Convention, party leaders removed all mention of God from the party platform, and boos erupted on the convention floor over a voice vote about whether to restore the reference to the deity. Democrats have subordinated the religious beliefs of the Little Sisters of the Poor to feminist concerns about the availability of contraceptives in government-run health-insurance plans; they have compelled conservative Christian businesses to provide services for gay weddings. Ironically, it was Trumpthe twice-divorced, lapsed Presbyterianwho took up the cause of beleaguered Christians, reaching out to evangelical and Catholic leaders alike, promising to stand up for them in their battle to preserve religious liberty. Tocqueville would have approved. Democracy in America draws a distinction between great parties and small parties. Tocqueville describes great parties as more attached to principles than to their consequences; to generalities, and not to particular cases; to ideas, not to men. Though selfish considerations are never completely absent in great parties, they generally hide themselves under the veil of the public interest. By contrast, small parties are more coarse in their aims, debasing society in their pursuit of material interests. Trumps campaign promise to drain the swampby which he meant scaling back the administrative state that had risen up alongside Americas three constitutional branches of governmentcan be understood as an application of great-party principles. It represented an attempt to limit the power of governments unaccountable, irremovable, and self-interested bureaucrats. President Trump has begun to deliver on his commitments to roll back intrusive regulations through executive order. He has taken on the education bureaucracy and called for expanding parents choices of schools, especially in Americas inner cities. His secretary of education has recently announced the repeal of Obama-era expansion of Title IX regulations affecting educational institutions receiving federal funds. He has reined in the Environmental Protection Agencys ever-growing regulatory powers, and, in the international arena, he has promised to take a hard look at the Paris Climate Accords, which Obama signed without Senate consultation. He has trimmed financial regulations that impeded recovery from the Great Recession. And finally, his appointment of the judicial originalist Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, along with his impressive lower-court nominations, signifies his intention to make sure that the federal judiciary fulfills its role of limiting executive power. In short, Trump has reignited a great-party debate over the proper role of the administrative state in the American constitutional order. At stake is something more fundamental than material interest: it is the capacity of Americans to govern ourselves, both directly and through our elected representatives. The red Make America Great Again cap Trump sported throughout his campaign touches on the final Tocquevillean theme, which takes the form of a question: Can democracies achieve greatness, or must they be content with a comfortable mediocrity that improves the day-to-day lives of their people, but aims at nothing higher? Tocqueville worried about whether democracies were capable of pursuing great foreign policy goals, warning that democratic citizens lacked the patience and determination to pursue long-range policies. Wars would have to be short, policy objectives clear, victory decisive. Ignoring Tocquevilles doubts, Trump promised to restore Americas standing in the world. He vowed not to commit American blood and treasure to ill-defined objectives or to fritter away hard-won gains. His charge that Americans dont win wars anymore struck a raw nerve. He pledged to rebuild the military. But he also vowed to make our allies take more responsibility for their defense. The author of The Art of the Deal promised to make new deals, or renegotiate old ones, that put America First. Whether President Trump can deliver on these Tocquevillean themes remains to be seen. It will take patience and skill in the art of leading a free peoplean art that Tocqueville believed Andrew Jackson did not possess. The French aristocrat would likely have taken a similarly dim view of Trumpbut he might also recognize, in the presidents pledges and commitments, echoes of some of his own deeply held principles. Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images BOISE Ada County will receive $1 million to be a laboratory for criminal justice reforms tackling problems like those Magistrate Judge James Cawthon sees from his seat at the front of the courtroom. I have individuals coming before me for invalid licenses, driving without privileges, (and) theyve sat in the jail for 45 days because they couldnt post a small, monetary bond, Cawthon said during a jail tour Wednesday. In other words, Ive got an individual whos too poor to get out of jail. And there are people charged with misdemeanors who fail to show up for court hearings, leading to their arrests even though they werent trying to avoid the hearings. All of them add to the number of people the Ada County Jail must hold. We know, from whats happened around the state and other places, that once this jail is full, that full jail begins driving criminal justice decisions, Cawthon said. We need to be smarter about the decisions were making on the bench. We need to be smarter about how we are using our jails. The countys new grant was a couple of years in the making. It comes from the MacArthur Foundations Safety and Justice Challenge, a nationwide campaign for criminal justice reform. At one level, its an attempt for Ada County to get a handle on its jail population before it grows beyond control. The methods used may also result in a fairer, more appropriate approach to incarceration. The money, to be provided over two years, will pay for eight new positions. According to the Ada County Sheriffs Office, those will include inmate case managers, court clerks, a planning analyst, and a safety and justice program manager. Their work will enable the rest of the reforms the county proposes. The ideas One change has already been made. On June 1, county policy was revised to state that anyone arrested for misdemeanor driving without privileges or failure to have insurance will be released without having to post a cash bond. The revision is actually a pilot project approved by the Idaho Supreme Court. Since then, the policy has helped 32 people avoid any jail time. Most people the policy would benefit, however, ended up booked on additional charges that dont qualify for their release on their own supervision. The Sheriffs Office is looking at other ways to expand the policy to those inmates. Public defenders and prosecutors are also now regularly seeking out inmates with low-level misdemeanors who cant afford bond. They then work with those inmates to get their cases wrapped up and get them out of the jail, the Sheriffs Office said. A county survey of people charged with failure to appear for a court hearing found that 50 percent just didnt know or forgot about their scheduled court date. Another 24 percent cited transportation issues, and 8 percent said they had work or child-care conflicts. Because of that problem, Ada County plans to create a notification system that will allow court staff to send out alerts including texts, emails and phone calls about upcoming court dates. A new unit at the Public Defenders Office will help clients navigate the court system and attend their hearings. The county will also pursue increased access to public transportation. Ada County would be the first county in Idaho to use this kind of notification system. Sheriff Steve Bartlett said the system is much like getting a notification about an appointment made for a dental or medical appointment. The countys plan originally included more money to create a behavioral health crisis center. But the state of Idaho will open such a center near the jail in December; county officials hope it will help drop unnecessary jail stays. Pathways Community Crisis Center, to open at 7192 Potomac Drive in Boise, is expected provide assessment, treatment, and referrals for people who are experiencing a crisis related to mental health or substance abuse disorders. The need The funding comes amid an urgent need across Idaho to either build more jails or find alternative ways to supervise people charged or convicted of crimes. Jails in counties such as Twin Falls, Gooding and Canyon are bursting at the seams. Sheriffs in other Southern Idaho counties say they are open to any idea that could reduce inmate populations and control their growth. The MacArthur Foundation reports that on average, about 730,000 people are incarcerated daily in more than 3,000 local jails nationwide. According to the Vera Institute of Justice, pretrial incarceration rates in Americas rural counties increased over the last decade, but declined in urban counties. In 2013, an average 220 people per 100,000 Americans ages 15-64 were in jail at any point awaiting trial. Ada Countys rate was right at the average, with 223 per 100,000. Twin Falls County Inmate growth over the last year has stretched this jail to a point where an expansion is the only real solution, said Twin Falls County Sheriffs Capt. Doug Hughes. On Thursday morning, the Twin Falls County jail held 243 inmates; its maximum capacity is 224 beds. The extra inmates were sleeping on so-called boats on the floor, which are padded temporary beds. Another 15 Twin Falls inmates were being housed in other counties. Hughes said the county has worked with judges to release low-risk people on their own recognizance similar to what Ada County is trying but the population continues to grow. Specialty programs like drug and mental health courts have helped the inmate count level off, but those programs are no longer enough, he said. The bigger problem in Twin Falls County is our felony caseload has increased, Hughes said. Inmates are staying longer without being able to be bonded. Were incarcerating the right people, but that caseload has increased. It costs about $82 a day to house an inmate in the Twin Falls County jail. (In comparison, each Ada County inmate costs about $96 a day.) Canyon County Canyon County has had issues with overcrowding and jail conditions for years, including past lawsuits by the ACLU. Public votes to fund construction of a new jail have fallen short, and county officials were divided for several years on whether to expand the current building instead. Now, county commissioners are exploring another attempt at a new facility. In the meantime, the sheriffs office has adapted a canvas tent structure to house minimum-security inmates. That has presented a variety of safety issues, including nine escapes since 2015. On Thursday, the jail held 413 inmates, said county spokesman Joe Decker. Its maximum capacity is 477. Another 19 inmates were being housed out-of-county because they had a security classification Canyon County couldnt accomodate due to lack of space. In Canyon County, it costs about $80 per day to house an inmate at the jail. Gooding County This jail was also over its maximum capacity on Thursday. It holds 21 people, but had 23 inside, said Gooding County Sheriff Shaun Gough. Gough said the county is allowed to let inmates sleep on the floor for up to 24 hours before they must find an alternate solution. Gooding County is not yet housing inmates out of the county, nor was the facility accepting inmates for other counties. In recent years, Gooding sought to partner with Jerome County on a regional jail. But that effort did not move forward, and Jerome County ended up building its own new facility that opened in 2016. The commissioners and I agreed that it didnt make sense, Jerome Sheriff Doug McFall said about sharing space with Gooding County. The issues involved were going to outweigh the benefits. Gough said his jail continues to pass its yearly inspection, but he continues to have problems with appropriate square footage in the building. It costs about $50 a day to house an inmate in the Gooding County jail. His county is left with few solutions, he said. County officials will examine their options at a meeting this week. People continue to commit crimes, and we dont set the bonds, Gough said about his office. Idaho Department of Correction IDOC has had its own overcrowding problems over time. Less than a year ago, it reduced crowding enough that it could bring back prison inmates housed in other states. But, adding to the strain put on county jails, the agency has seen an increase in prison admissions over the last few months, according to Deputy Director Jeff Zmuda. IDOCs low point for inmates assigned to its prisons came around May 2016, when the department had around 7,700 people in its care. On Thursday, IDOC was up to 8,325 inmates. Of those, IDOC was housing about 749 inmates in county jails, a count thats on the high end. Zmuda said that in the past, IDOC has turned to county facilities to hold anywhere from 200 to 900 inmates. Idaho lawmakers in 2014 passed the Justice Reinvestment Act, intended to release more drug and property-crime offenders from prison and save the state money. While numbers have initially shown the program is working, recidivism could again create an increase in the inmate population in the future. Various Idaho law enforcement agencies also say offenders released under the act who later violate their probation or parole are contributing to the crowding problem in county jails. IDOC anticipates prison admissions will continue to increase, Zmuda said. He did not attribute it to the Justice Reinvestment Act. Bank of America-Merrill Lynch is warning investors not to chase the rally. Even though it's predicting the end is near, the firm isn't advocating a strategy which would push money to the sidelines. "The market is trading quite elevated," said Marc Pouey, BofA Merrill Lynch's senior U.S. equity strategist, told CNBC's "Futures Now" recently. "But I think underneath the surface there are quite a few opportunities out there." According to Pouey, there are two sectors which will likely be immune to a broader market downturn. "Two of the glaring areas for me are financials and in health care which are both trading at a discount to the market here," he said. Pouey sees financials as a growth story. "We've seen over 10 percent dividend growth in the space. They're also buying back their stock very, very aggressively," added Pouey. "They're rewarding shareholders from that perspective." He made the case for health care based on the sector's history. "If you look back over the last three years or so, consistently every single quarter health care delivers top-line and bottom-line beats outside maybe a couple of quarters. They are really delivering the goods there," said Pouey, noting that biotech is a shining area, too. BofA's Index year-end price target is 2450; that's four percent below current levels. Pouey's comments came as the index recorded its longest winning streak since 2013. In a special note to CNBC, he called the environment a "sentiment driven market with the S&P 500 trading at a 17.8x forward price/earnings (PE) ratio, at cycle highs, and 1.5 multiple points above pre-election levels." As for market risks, the biggest issue is the lack of one. "Near-term, there probably aren't many risks, which is maybe the biggest risk," Pouey said. One spot he particularly finds negative is small-cap stocks. Pouey urged investors to fade the rally that area pointing out its forward PE is within just one percent of cycle highs. watch now A small army of clever romance and lottery scammers, many based in Jamaica, trick elderly Americans out of millions every year. While the often traumatic crime shows little signs of slowing down, the FBI has a secret weapon on its side: Victim Specialist Debbie Deem. Deem, a 15-year FBI veteran, doesn't knock down doors or freeze bank accounts. Employing her training as a social worker, much of the time, she just listens. FBI Victim Specialist Debbie Deem "Many of these victims just don't feel important to anyone anymore," Deem said. "Scammers prey on feelings of hope and purpose and give people a reason to get up in the morning." As a victim specialist, Deem works closely with investigating agents to ensure that victims are treated with respect, provides information on victim rights, does crisis intervention, gives referrals to services and updates those defrauded on the status of their case. Dino, 91, who lives just outside Los Angeles (and didn't want his last name used), is typical of the elderly Deem tries to help. He started sending money orders to Jamaica late last year after he was repeatedly contacted by criminals claiming he had won a lottery, but had to send a "fee" to claim the prize. Dino needed the phantom winnings so he could move his very sick wife to a better care facility, because his own medication is costing him thousands. Dino's young roommate Edward who calls Dino his adoptive grandfather did everything he could to stop the flow of money, yet nothing worked. "The calls never stop coming in. He is so locked onto this. It's so bad that he even tries to hide from me. He goes into the restroom or his room and talks silently so I won't hear him," said Edward, who also asked that his last name not be used. "I show him YouTube videos and news reports and people that have had the same problem and he says to me, 'They're not all scammers.' I don't know what to do." After a bunch of web searching, Edward recently reached out to Deem. Now, she and Dino talk roughly once a week. "If you are going to help [victims], you have to replace whatever they are getting out of the scam," she said. Sadly, the elderly are easy marks. They are often isolated and depressed, making any contact a welcome break to the day's boredom. Research suggests the part of the brain that makes people skeptical is among the first to atrophy. Medications can even play a part, Deem said. And growing ranks of retired Americans make for a target-rich environment. Federal law enforcement agents have taken notice. Earlier this year, the Justice Department extradited a group of Jamaicans to North Dakota, alleging they tricked at least 90 people out of more than $5.7 million. That investigation began after a North Dakota woman lost $300,000. Arrests are rare Arrests are rare, however, and those numbers barely hint at the scale of the crime. Steve Baker, a retired Federal Trade Commission investigator who publishes the Baker Fraud Report, estimates that as much as $1 billion is sent annually by Americans to Jamaican scammers two-thirds of it sent by victims over 70. The effects can be devastating. Some victims lose all their retirement funds or take out second mortgages, Deem said. There have been suicides and murders, she said, though statistics are unreliable. Deem's first challenge is to get victims like Dino to put her phone number on speed dial. Whenever he has the urge to buy another money order, Dino is supposed to call Deem. It works, most of the time. But there have been relapses. There is no one-time fix, she warns. "You can't just say, 'Bad, bad seniors. Stop this. Don't do it again,' and think that's going stop it. It doesn't," she said. "It's a process, like falling for a scam is a process." Deem also works with sex trafficking victims and employs some of the same strategies with the elderly, including the "stages of change" model. Deem thinks elder scam victims are very much like other addicts. You have to make them glad to call you, not worried that you will yell at them. Debbie Deem FBI victim specialist "Most changes are a transition. Most people don't just decide one day to change something and do it. This allows for people to relapse," she said. "Most behaviors work like that." Usually, by the time Deem meets victims, they are knee-deep in trouble and don't know whom to believe or they believe only the scammer. She recently got called in to help with an elderly victim who had thrown adult protective service agents out of his home. watch now The man wouldn't let Deem into his house when she arrived, so she spent half an hour talking to him through his closed front door. Eventually, she wore him down enough so he let her inside, but just to see his video collection. "That first time, we didn't talk about scams at all," she said. "It's really important to meet people where they are. You have to make them glad to call you, not worried that you will yell at them." Family members trying to deal with the problem must not only stop the flow of cash, but more importantly, find a way to replace the behavior. "Often, these folks are talking to scammers two to six times each day. That's a big chunk of their lives. We really have to be careful what we are taking away," she said. "If you are going to help them, you have to replace whatever they are getting out of the scam." What families should do A California inmate pitches to Defys version of Shark Tank. Source: Defy Ventures It was a fateful moment for Shelley Winner, an incarcerated woman at Dublin, a federal prison in California. She was preparing to pitch a start-up idea, Shark Tank style, to a group of successful entrepreneurs and budding business owners. Winner a self-described "computer geek" who had aspirations to start her own repair service spent hours honing her pitch with other inmates. On that day, she walked away victorious, eventually landing a job with Microsoft shortly after leaving the prison's walls. "When I ended up winning, I swear, there's like a thousand women at that prison everybody was proud of me," the 39 year old told CNBC recently. In fact, one of the judges of her competition happened to own a tech company who took Winner on as her mentor, employing her after she was released from prison. Thanks to a program run by Defy Ventures, Winner's experience is just one example of how people convicted of crimes are fighting to earn a new label: Entrepreneur. Defy offers hope and job skills to a demographic that often faces bleak future prospects. The company has 20 programs in 17 U.S.-based prisons, and offers "Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs)" a 100 course program that most complete while they are in prison. Upon graduation Defy boasts a 95 percent employment rate EITs go to work for established companies, or even open businesses of their own. Three of Defys Entrepreneurs in Training show off their awards from a pitch session. Source: Defy Ventures Founded by CEO Catherine Hoke, Defy's EIT program generally takes six months to one year. Courses include basic instruction on opening a personal bank account, how to cope with shame, and developing a business plan. Defy also has a second 100 course program EITs can enroll in, if they choose. For those who graduate, the rewards are real. Along with a sky-high employment rate, Defy graduates have a recidivism rate of around 3.2 percent a stark contrast to the staggering 76.6 percent of former prisoners who land back in jail within 5 years of their release. The program is so thorough that Baylor University's MBA program accredits EITs from Defy's one year program upon their completion of the entire program. Success among Defy Ventures Graduates commands the attention of top business executives such as SAP CEO Bill McDermott, who personally visited a prison to speak to the people he noted for their "grit and mental toughness." McDermott told CNBC he was "highly impressed by the individuals I met. They welcomed me openly into a very emotional conversation about their lives. They were unafraid to be brutally honest, not only about their mistakes, but also about their dreams for the future." He added that "it was a powerful reminder to me that every journey has value, even those that temporarily stray from the right path. I left inspired by the courage I witnessed from every person in the Defy program." Other support has come from top companies like Chase Bank, which administers banking courses for Defy Ventures; and Google, who has added over 450 people to the growing army of volunteers pulled from top companies all across the nation. Google.org's Principal, Justin Steele, told CNBC that once Google's employees take a trip to prison, they become deeply invested in the success of the EITs. Along with strong volunteer participation, Google has donated over $1.25 million to Defy, along with plenty of vital equipment like smartphones. Like 'The Shawshank Redemption' Tennessee Republican Bob Corker sparred with President Donald Trump on Sunday, with the president blaming the GOP senator for a controversial deal with Iran, while implying Corker actively pursued both a re-election endorsement and a top ranking cabinet post. Trump and Corker were once allies, but tensions between the two have risen in recent months, amid a series of policy and personal differences that have spilled into the open. In a series of tweets, Trump said that he declined to endorse Corker's re-election campaign or consider Corker for Secretary of State, blaming him for "the horrendous Iran Deal." Corker announced last month that he would not seek re-election because he wanted to be able to perform his public service independently for the remainder of his term. "Bob Corker gave us the Iran Deal, & that's about it," Trump tweeted on Sunday. "We need health care, we need tax cuts/reform [and] we need people that can get the job done!" Tweet: Senator Bob Corker "begged" me to endorse him for re-election in Tennessee. I said "NO" and he dropped out (said he could not win without... Tweet: ..my endorsement). He also wanted to be Secretary of State, I said "NO THANKS." He is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal! Tweet: ...Hence, I would fully expect Corker to be a negative voice and stand in the way of our great agenda. Didn't have the guts to run! Corker blasted the White House in response, tweeting that it had become an "adult day care center" and deriding that someone "missed their shift." Tweet: It's a shame the White House has become an adult day care center. Someone obviously missed their shift this morning. While Trump distanced himself from Corker's political ambitions on Sunday, a report in the Associated Press earlier last month indicated that Trump had actually encouraged Corker to run again. (The White House declined to comment to the AP at that time). Corker, like Trump, has roots as an entrepreneur in the construction and real estate industry. He is chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and a member of the Banking Committee and the Budget Committee. In the weeks following Trump's general election victory, Corker was floated as a potential Secretary of State, a position that ultimately went to Rex Tillerson. Last week, Corker said Tillerson was "in an incredibly frustrating place" where he "ends up not being supported in the way that I hope a secretary of state would be supported," according to Reuters. Tillerson has reportedly disparaged Trump in private, and is under intense scrutiny as foreign policy challenges and a rift appears to develop between the president and America's top diplomat. Corker publicly slammed a version of Obama-era nuclear agreement in 2015. But reports from Politico and others suggested that the Tennessee senator was involved in a complex and delicate set of negotiations with Democrats. Corker and Trump have locked horns before. Corker was among those who criticized Trump after his response to a white nationalist rally in Virginia earlier this year. (Trump called Corker's criticisms "strange.") The latest exchange between Trump and Corker comes as Congress faces a daunting task of tax reform, after the high-profile failure of Obamacare reform. Corker has stated he cannot support tax legislation that adds to the annual federal deficit, even though Trump's plan could do so, according to some estimates. Reuters and CNBC's Jacob Pramuk contributed to this report. That's where the idea of a "robot tax" comes in. In an interview with Quartz earlier this year , Microsoft co-founder and billionaire Bill Gates said he believes governments should tax companies' use of robots. It's an idea one San Francisco politician is now trying to advance to the next level. "I think automation is a good thing," San Francisco Board of Supervisors member Jane Kim told CNBC's "On the Money" in an interview, "but there will be a downside to this technological progress and workers will be left behind." To try to combat that, Kim has created a committee called the " Jobs of the Future Fund ." "We're exploring continuing the payroll tax and extending it to robots that perform jobs humans currently do," Kim explains. Companies would pay into a fund, the same payroll tax and social security the replaced worker was due. Kim told CNBC that the goal "is to help smooth this transition, help workers that are displaced by their jobs re-educate and retrain." She added that the money could be used to train workers for future jobs, provide free community college, and "invest in creating meaningful and high wage jobs in industries that are currently hard to automate like child care workers, which is currently a poverty profession." Kim's idea comes at a time when the debate over automation, and its effects on employment, is picking up speed. A recent study by two MIT academics found that the addition of one robot per thousand workers had a negative effect on both employment and wages. Meanwhile, proponents argue that more automation is helpful in filling certain low-skilled jobs that are going unfilled. "We don't have a problem with robots causing unemployment," Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation told CNBC. Burnstein leads an industry group that represents more than 1100 robotics and technology companies. In an interview, he called the robot tax proposal "a really big mistake, not only for California, but for the country. Robots are actually helping save and create jobs right now." Burnstein said their data "over twenty years shows whenever [industrial] robot sales rise, unemployment falls. The real problem we have is we have so many unfilled jobs that people don't have the skills for. The real threat to jobs in America is when we can't compete." Burnstein believed additional taxes would harm innovation. "Why would we want to put disincentives on companies using the best technology available?" he asked. Yet San Francisco's Kim warned of "an increased uptick in automation of jobs." She said beyond manufacturing, "we're talking about retail, trucking, accounting, even stock broker jobs." Those concerned that a robot could take your job are not alone. Some 72 percent of Americans say they are worried machines might do many of the jobs currently done by humans. And 25 percent of those consider themselves "very worried," according to a Pew Research Center poll out this week. Burnstein, however, was unmoved. "All the hysteria about job losses, this is nothing new. We've been hearing these threats forever. But we're really good at creating new jobs. We can't always define them." He pointed to a "search engine optimization specialist" or "app developer" for an iPhone as current high-paying jobs that didn't exist twenty years ago. "Automation has been changing the nature of jobs forever, " Burnstein added. On the Money airs on CNBC Saturday at 5:30 am ET, or check listings for air times in local markets. For now I ran the GroupBy twice and got a completly different result, less records but it looks correct. If it ain't broke don't fix it I've tried so many approaches... a simple "one-tier" JSON structure us easy, but when it comes to more complex objects, I cannot figure this out, despite help from various articles here and elsewhere (thought here aren't that many I've found.) A typical structure I need to parse is like this: XML { "odata.metadata" : "blahblah", "value" : [ { "prop1" : 69, "prop2" : 96, "prop3" : "Blah", "prop4" : "Blah", "prop5" : [ { "sub1" : 269, "sub2" : 3, "sub3" : "something", "sub4" : null } ], "prop6" : [] }, { "prop1" : 23, "prop2" : 45, "prop3" : "Blah2", "prop4" : null, "prop5" : [], "prop6" : [ { "sub1" : 169, "sub2" : 7, "sub3" : null, "sub4" : "2017-10-01" } ] } ], "odata.nextLink" : "blahblahURL" } They all have the same three top-level elements: "odata.metadata", "odata.nextLink" and "value", and it is only the "value" element that may differ - some will have more or fewer properties, but typically as above. I start by defining a class: VB Friend MustInherit Class Response Public MetaData As String Public NextLink As String End Class Friend Class ClsTest Inherits Response Public Property TESTS() As Linq.JArray End Class I keep ClsTest separate as I may want to have different ones for different JSON structures, depending on what the final approach is.... then I can deserialize it in two different ways - if "json" is the string representing the object above: 1. using the class: XML Dim cls As clsTest = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject(Of clsTest)(json) 2. or using a JObject VB Dim jsonObject As Linq.JObject = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject(json) but after each I can't get beyond extracting the "odata" values - I can't figure out how to get the "values" and read them into something I can work with in my application: - classes, lists arrays, whatever... I realise this is still a rather general question and maybe not specific enough, but really any hints or help will be appreciated... modified 15-Oct-17 7:53am. In my current (Windows Forms Application) project, I have a form which includes a number of DataGridViews, which are used to display tabular data for the user to look at and edit. The data sets are of known, fixed, size, and the DGVs are designed to allow the data sets to fit neatly within them. The ability to scroll the view (in any direction) is neither wanted nor needed. I have disabled the scroll bars and set AllowUserToAddRows to false, but navigating down with the arrow keys still causes a blank row to appear at the bottom and the top row of data to disappear; arrowing all the way up reverses this. One odd aspect of this is that the scrolling up happens when you arrow down from the last but one to the last real row. If you use the mouse to select a cell in the last row and then try to arrow down, nothing happens. There is what appears to be a fair amount of discussion of this problem in various places, but the solution generally given is to disable the scroll bars and set AllowUserToAddRows to false, which doesn't seem to work for me. I have also tried capturing the Scroll Event and repositioning the Selected Cell to the top of the DGV within it, which sort of works, but this has other unwanted side-effects. Has anyone else run into this problem and/or come up with a good solution? Implementing my solution involves a number of steps: 1) Subclass the DataGridView control so that you can (optionally) override its ProcessCmdKey method to disable special handling of the arrow keys (you don't actually need to mess with the up arrow key, but I found it easier to disable all of them. 2) Substitute references to your new MyDataGridView control for those to the original version in the containing Form's Designer.vb file - for me, using VS 2013, two references needed to be changed for each affected control. Then, either in the designer or in initialization code, set the option to disable the arrow keys for the modified controls. 3) Write code for the KeyUp and KeyDown Events for each affected control - the KeyDown code does apparently need to be there, but it only has to set the Handled event argument to True; the KeyUp code has to do the work of changing the current cell appropriately for the arrow key pressed. For any arrow keystroke that results in a move to a cell in the bottom row (including a lateral one), the KeyUp code also has to set the control's FirstDisplayedScrollingRowIndex Property to 0 after implementing the move. This is what scrolls the view back down again to abolish the empty row, but it does cause a visible 'glitch'. 4) If you don't want the view to appear to 'glitch' when the user is moving to or on the bottom row, it is best to surround the working KeyUp code with calls to disable and re-enable screen painting while it is (in effect) moving the focus about. My question is about that I want to change this demo's menustrip's font? How can I change? https://www.codeproject.com/Articles/18429/An-XML-Driven-Menu-Strip Thank you for helping!!! Hello, how can I change the fomat from the VB Worksheets(Db).Cells(uGeraet, 1 ).Value to add it to the sheetname. Whole code sample: Sheets.Add ActiveSheet.Name = " Example" & Worksheets(Db).Cells(uGeraet, 1 ).Value Thanks VB ActiveSheet.Name = " Example" & Worksheets(Db).Cells(uGeraet, 1 ).Value.ToString() i have developed software in vb language for agriculture field. Software is design basic sprinkler irrigation system and calculate tentative quot for that design. please give some software details which is done in same subbejects. Try it yourself, you may find it is not as difficult as you think! If you meet a specific problem, then please ask about that and we will do our best to help. But we aren't going to do it all for you! Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay... AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower! Member 13451330 wrote: please give some software details which is done in same subbejects That is called research and this is the wrong place to do that research. You need to search for the existing software and papers on that software design in the subject you are supposed to be learning about. Once you have found the details you need and if you have trouble with the coding then feel free to ask those questions here. Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH Please tell mi the software developmnt in agriculture sector with vb language. I am agriculture student persuing masters in Irrigation Water Management from Govt university. i have done Sprinkler irrigation design software but i need more help regarding with irrigation and vb language. Try it yourself, you may find it is not as difficult as you think! If you meet a specific problem, then please ask about that and we will do our best to help. But we aren't going to do it all for you! Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay... AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower! I have 2 tables in the same database. tblAircraft - ACID, ACName tblMaster - MasterID, ACID, and many others that are not relevant to my question. tblAircraft is a lookup table with all the aircraft listed. tblMaster is the main table and holds all the detail information. I have a DataGridView that has several columns. Column 1 is a combobox column that has the ACName from tblAircraft. The rest of the columns are textbox columns with data from tblMaster. My application works as far as displaying all the data and I can use a dataadapter update command to update tblMaster (good) and the other datasource updates tblAircraft (bad) with the DataGridView. My problem is that I want ACID in tblMaster to be updated with the ACID from the combobox. Of course it won't because it belongs to the datasource for tblAircraft. How can I use the selection in the combo box to update the tblMaster table along with the other fields in the DataGridView? I have spent hours and hours trying to figure this out. I hope my explanation is clear. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide. 



Private Sub cboAC_SelectionChangeCommitted(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles cboAC.SelectionChangeCommitted



dsACGrid = LoadDataSet()



'Refreshes DataGridView

If dgvTasks.ColumnCount > 0 Then

For i As Integer = 0 To dgvTasks.ColumnCount - 1

dgvTasks.Columns.RemoveAt(0)

Next

End If



'Connection obj to database

Conn.ConnectionString = "Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=" & Application.StartupPath & "\SupportGeneral.accdb"



Dim cbColumn As New DataGridViewComboBoxColumn With

{

.DataPropertyName = "ACName",

.DataSource = dsACGrid.Tables(1),

.DisplayMember = "ACName",

.DisplayStyle = DataGridViewComboBoxDisplayStyle.Nothing,

.Name = "cbColumn",

.HeaderText = "Aircraft",

.SortMode = DataGridViewColumnSortMode.NotSortable,

.ValueMember = "ACName"

}



dgvTasks.Columns.Insert(0, cbColumn)



Dim GSTask As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "GSTask", .HeaderText = "Gen Spt Task"}



Dim LCOMTask As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "LCOMTask", .HeaderText = "LCOM Task"}



Dim AFSC As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "AFSC", .HeaderText = "AFSC"}



Dim ReqSkill As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "ReqSkill", .HeaderText = "Req Skill"}



Dim ReqGrade As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "ReqGrade", .HeaderText = "Req Grade"}



Dim NotesQuestions As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "NotesQuestions", .HeaderText = "Notes/Questions"}



Dim AvgTimeHours As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "AvgTimeHours", .HeaderText = "Avg Time-Hours"}



Dim CrewSizeMin As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "CrewSizeMin", .HeaderText = "Crew Size Min"}



Dim CrewSizeMax As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "CrewSizeMax", .HeaderText = "Crew Size Max"}



Dim Manhours As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "Manhours", .HeaderText = "Manhours"}



Dim FreqQty As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "FreqQty", .HeaderText = "Freq Qty"}



Dim FreqRate As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "FreqRate", .HeaderText = "Freq Rate"}



Dim PAFSC As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "PAFSC", .HeaderText = "PAFSC"}



Dim PAFSCQty As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "PAFSCQty", .HeaderText = "PAFSC Qty"}



Dim AltAFSC1 As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "AltAFSC1", .HeaderText = "Alt AFSC1"}



Dim AltAFSC1Qty As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "AltAFSC1Qty", .HeaderText = "Alt AFSC1 Qty"}



Dim AltAFSC2 As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "AltAFSC2", .HeaderText = "Alt AFSC2"}



Dim AltAFSC2Qty As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "AltAFSC2Qty", .HeaderText = "Alt AFSC2 Qty"}



Dim AltAFSC3 As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "AltAFSC3", .HeaderText = "Alt AFSC3"}



Dim AltAFSC3Qty As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "AltAFSC3Qty", .HeaderText = "Alt AFSC3 Qty"}



Dim AltAFSC4 As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "AltAFSC4", .HeaderText = "Alt AFSC4"}



Dim AltAFSC4Qty As New DataGridViewTextBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "AltAFSC4Qty", .HeaderText = "Alt AFSC4 Qty"}



Dim ACSelected As New DataGridViewCheckBoxColumn With {.DataPropertyName = "ACSelected", .HeaderText = "Selected"}



With dgvTasks

.AutoGenerateColumns = False

.Columns.AddRange(New DataGridViewColumn() {GSTask, LCOMTask, AFSC, ReqSkill, ReqGrade,

NotesQuestions, AvgTimeHours, CrewSizeMin, CrewSizeMax, Manhours, FreqQty, FreqRate,

PAFSC, PAFSCQty, AltAFSC1, AltAFSC1Qty, AltAFSC2, AltAFSC2Qty,

AltAFSC3, AltAFSC3Qty, AltAFSC4, AltAFSC4Qty, ACSelected})

End With



'Bind the dataset after all operation to the datagrid

dgvTasks.DataSource = dsACGrid.Tables(0)



End Sub





Private Sub Form1_Load(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Me.Load



Conn.ConnectionString = "Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=" & Application.StartupPath & "\SupportGeneral.accdb"



'Loads dropdown for aircraft type

Dim strSQL As String = "Select * from tblAircraft"



Dim daAC As OleDbDataAdapter = New OleDbDataAdapter(strSQL, Conn)



daAC.Fill(dsAC, "tblAircaft")



Dim dr As DataRow = dsAC.Tables(0).NewRow()

dr("ACName") = ""

dsAC.Tables(0).Rows.InsertAt(dr, 0)



Using cmd As New OleDbCommand(strSQL, Conn)

With cboAC

.DataSource = dsAC.Tables(0)

.DisplayMember = "ACName"

.ValueMember = "ACName"

End With

End Using



dsAC.Tables.RemoveAt(0)



End Sub



Private Function LoadDataSet() As DataSet



Conn.ConnectionString = "Provider=Microsoft.ACE.OLEDB.12.0;Data Source=" & Application.StartupPath & "\SupportGeneral.accdb"



'This code refreshes the datasets and data tables.

If dtACGrid.Rows.Count > 0 Then

dsACGrid.Tables.RemoveAt(0)

dtACGrid.Clear()

End If



If dtAircraft.Rows.Count > 0 Then

dsACGrid.Tables.RemoveAt(0)

dtAircraft.Clear()

End If



dsACGrid.Tables.Add(dtACGrid)



'Load Master table

strACGrid = "select * from tblMaster where ACName = '" & cboAC.SelectedValue & "'"



daACGrid = New OleDbDataAdapter(strACGrid, Conn)

cbACGrid = New OleDbCommandBuilder(daACGrid)



cbACGrid.QuotePrefix = "["

cbACGrid.QuoteSuffix = "]"



daACGrid.Fill(dtACGrid)



dsACGrid.Tables.Add(dtAircraft)



'Load Aircraft table

strACGrid = "select * from tblAircraft"



daACGrid = New OleDbDataAdapter(strACGrid, Conn)

cbACGrid = New OleDbCommandBuilder(daACGrid)



cbACGrid.QuotePrefix = "["

cbACGrid.QuoteSuffix = "]"



daACGrid.Fill(dtAircraft)



Return dsACGrid



End Function



Private Sub btnSave_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles btnSave.Click



daACGrid.Update(dtACGrid)

Me.Close()



End Sub





End Class
I make the user doubleclick on the row that want to edit and pop a dialog box. An Add button allows you to pop an empty dialog box for entry. Then save the AC details getting the ID as a return value, then save the detail record with the ACID. Better still is to break your form into 2 forms, a list of aircraft and an Aircraft form with 2 areas, Aircraft details as the parent (single record) area with the details in the grid. User doubleclicks on the aircraft in the list form and the aircraft form displays, then the user maintains the Aircraft details in the top panel and doubleclicks the detail row to maintain. Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH I am creating a some PDF and Word docs on the fly, using itextsharp and an Aspose component for each respectively, importing some images. The raw images are 1000x1000 px, which is way too large - I need to fit two per page, above each other (and some text). I find they have to be no bigger than 300x300 for my requirements. I can take two approaches: 1) import the images as are, and display them at 300x300 using appropriate object properties 2) re-size the images first to 300x300 then import these and display them at that size. Approach 1) works beautifully. But with 14 such images the final product is over about 14MB - somewhat large for emailing. Approach 2) works... but the image quality is lousy. Below is my code for re-sizing the images - my questions is: Can this code be improved - and how come the docs can re-size them on the fly and retain such high quality, but this code is so bad? The images are PNG's. Private Function ResizePlayoutImage(ByVal sFile As String ) As Boolean Try Dim FullSizeImage As System.Drawing.Image FullSizeImage = System.Drawing.Image.FromFile(xmlPath & " Playout_images\\" & sFile) If FullSizeImage.Width = 300 Then FullSizeImage.Dispose() If File.Exists(xmlPath & " Edited_images\\" & sFile) Then File.Delete(xmlPath & " Edited_images\\" & sFile) File.Copy(xmlPath & " Playout_images\\" & sFile, xmlPath & " Edited_images\\" & sFile) Else Dim tmp As Bitmap Dim gX As System.Drawing.Graphics tmp = New Bitmap( 300 , 300 ) gX = System.Drawing.Graphics.FromImage(tmp) gX.InterpolationMode = System.Drawing.Drawing2D.InterpolationMode.HighQualityBicubic gX.SmoothingMode = System.Drawing.Drawing2D.SmoothingMode.HighQuality gX.PixelOffsetMode = System.Drawing.Drawing2D.PixelOffsetMode.HighQuality gX.CompositingQuality = System.Drawing.Drawing2D.CompositingQuality.HighQuality gX.DrawImage(FullSizeImage, 0 , 0 , 300 , 300 ) If File.Exists(xmlPath & " Edited_images\\" & sFile) Then File.Delete(xmlPath & " Edited_images\\" & sFile) tmp.Save(xmlPath & " Edited_images\\" & sFile, System.Drawing.Imaging.ImageFormat.Png) tmp.Dispose() gX.Dispose() FullSizeImage.Dispose() End If Return True Catch ex As Exception adp.WriteLog( " ResizePlayoutImage" , ex.Message & vbCrLf & sFile) Return False End Try End Function (PS there's something not quite right in the editor here, CP - NB I have to add a \ before any quotes or it messes up the display - but of course the code doesn't need that.) modified 3-Oct-17 8:58am. A_Griffin wrote: something not quite right in the editor here, CP - NB I have to add a \ Most likely because you have use language neutral 
 tags round your code block. Use the code button to select the appropriate programming language.



some one please help me in designing database tables to record financial transactions in a central university in india. we are using double entry system. database shall be used for in-house development team.

M KAMIL



data structures

Never underestimate the power of human stupidity

RAH



Hi. I am developing a staff information form. How to retrieve staff information from Access Database after staff login? Which mean who login then it will display his information at second form.

Examples, staff A login, at the next form it will display staff A details. And staff B login it will display Staff B information.





2. Run a query against the correct tables.

3. Read the results of the query.

4. Display the results in a form.







The difficult we do right away...

...the impossible takes slightly longer.



with rsOrder

.ActiveConnection = Conn



.ActiveConnection = sConnString

.CursorLocation = (adUseClient)

.CursorType = (adOpenStatic)

.LockType = (adLockBatchOptimistic)

'Conn.Open()

Conn.Close()



End With



If rsOrder.EOF Then (error at this line I dont know how I can use EOF in vb.net for windows application)

ValidateOrderID = Nothing

iCount = 0

Else

ValidateOrderID = rsOrder

iCount = 1

End If


EDEN  When word got out that Idahos Legislature had set aside money for a $45 million agricultural research center in Magic Valley, many rejoiced  until it became clear a 2,000-head dairy was involved.

Nearly 40 percent of Idahos $10.4 billion dairy industry comes from dairies that milk 1,000 head or more. The sheer thought of yet another dairy, even one that would be the largest research dairy in the U.S., has some in eastern Jerome County reeling.

Not in my backyard, they say.

For its Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE), the University of Idaho did a feasibility study comparing two sites in Jerome County: a dairy farm north of Jerome on U.S. 93 and farmland bordering Interstate 84, east of Skeleton Butte. The study concluded it would be too expensive to retrofit an existing dairy, so the university has decided to start from scratch on bare ground.

Suitable land for the CAFE hasnt been found yet  not in Jerome County or any county in Magic Valley, said Bill Loftus, spokesman for the UI College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. There still exists a remote possibility that it will be built in Jerome county, however, propelling residents in and around Eden into action.

We dont want a stinking dairy near the freeway, Eden-area resident Judy Holland said. We are all furious.

Mayor Larry Craig is retired but owns a construction company that does work on local dairies.

Im real familiar with dairies, Craig said. But as mayor, he hasnt taken a stand for or against the CAFE.

The proposed dairy plans include a rotary milking parlor and high-tech equipment that records and monitors each cows milk production. The CAFE will also include large-scale research facilities for crop, nutrient and water-management studies, and a dormitory for students.

Edens City Council has drawn up a proposal for an area of impact around the town that would include the farmland  owned by Art Henry  included in the universitys feasibility study. The city will present the proposal, an updated version of an old plan that fell through the cracks years ago, at a public hearing before its sent to Jerome County commissioners. As of September, the hearing had not been scheduled.

The impact area boundaries proposed by the city would encompass nearly 16 square miles around Eden, from Tipperary Road north of the interstate to Bureau of Land Management ground north of town, and from 1400 East to Valley Road, Craig said. The proposal would also add commercial, residential and industrial zones to the impact area.

The citys main objective is preserving farmland, he said, as too much land is being eaten up by subdivisions.

If we run out of farmland, he said, there wont be any crops to process.
Types of obituaries

The Missourian publishes two types of obituaries  family obituaries and life stories.

A family obituary is the version submitted by a funeral home or family. Please see the submission form for details on cost and deadlines. Family obituaries

A life story is a closer look at a person's life and involves a reporter contacting family and friends. Life stories are based on newsworthiness and consent of the family. Life stories.
Microsoft on Thursday announced that it had created iOS and Android versions of its struggling Edge browser, and would make both available to users for testing.

The company cast the Edge variations as critical to flesh out the Windows 10 feature known as "Continue on PC," which will debut with the Fall Creators Update, aka 1709 upgrade, set to begin shipping Oct. 17. The feature links a specific phone - or tablet - to a Windows 10 personal computer, then automatically hands off certain in-progress tasks, such as a half-finished Office document opened in a browser, from one device to the other.

"What makes Microsoft Edge [on iOS or Android] really stand out is the ability to continue on your PC, which enables you to immediately open the page you're looking at right on your PC - or save it to work on later," Joe Belfiore, a Microsoft executive, wrote in a post to a company blog.

Continue on PC roughly resembles the "Handoff" feature - and more generally, something called "Continuity" - that Apple introduced in 2014 with OS X Yosemite on Macs and iOS 8 on iPhones and iPads.

"Consumers aren't going to care much about this, but [enterprise employees] working on Office 365 that have a meeting, they can grab their phone and fix [a document] in the car or on a plane," said Jack Gold, principal analyst at J.Gold Associates. "That could end up being a big deal."

What might be only a minor convenience for a consumer, Gold added, could be a selling point for Windows 10 in the enterprise. And the latter is the customer category that Microsoft cares the most about: The enterprise is where it bags the bulk of its revenue.

"Microsoft is all about the enterprise market," Gold continued.

Microsoft Microsoft's Edge variations for iOS and Android are designed to work with a Windows 10 feature known as "Continue on PC."

Neither of the new Edge browsers was built atop the rendering engine Microsoft uses for Edge on Windows 10 - until now, the only supported OS. Instead, the iOS Edge relies on the same WebKit engine that powers Apple's Safari, while the Android Edge is based on the Blink engine that Google maintains for Chrome. In the case of iOS, using WebKit is a requirement for third-party browsers if they're to be hosted in Apple's App Store, the only sanctioned software mart.

[ To comment on this story, visit Computerworld's Facebook page. ]

In a different company blog, Sean Lyndersay, principal program manager for Edge, failed to mention that limitation, implying that Microsoft had a choice in the matter and picked WebKit on iOS because it was "the core web platform technology" on Apple's operating system. At the same time, Lyndersay felt it necessary to quash any potential talk that these moves presaged Microsoft abandoning its own EdgeHTML engine.

"We are proud of the work we've done with EdgeHTML on Windows 10 ... [and] are fully committed to continuing to do so into the future, across the full spectrum of Windows 10 platforms and form factors," Lyndersay said.

The iOS versions of Google's Chrome and Mozilla's Firefox were also built atop Safari's edition of WebKit because of Apple's mandate.

But Microsoft is not expanding Edge onto iOS and Android from a position of strength on Windows 10. Third-party analytics vendors pegged Edge's share of the Windows 10 base at an all-time low of just 18% last month, meaning 82% of those running Windows 10 turned to another browser in September.

Edge's share of Windows 10 has fallen for more than two years; in mid-2015 it started at 36%, but had faded to 24% by the same time in 2016. While Edge could recover, the trend does not hint at a comeback.

With Edge so little loved, why did Microsoft go to the work of crafting versions for iOS and Android, even if the job didn't involve porting the browser's native rendering engine?

"They had to," was Gold's blunt assessment.

"Edge is their web platform of choice, and many of the cloud capabilities, especially for business, rely on the browser. Cortana is key, long term, to them. Some of the analytics capabilities in both consumer and business do, too," said Gold.

It makes sense for Microsoft to promote Edge, rather than rely on a rival browser brand, for iOS and Android, even if Edge on those platforms is just a wrapper around others' rendering engines, Gold said. "If enterprises look at Chrome as an option, what's to keep them from looking at Google Docs?" Gold asked, talking about the Google suite of browser-based productivity applications. "Microsoft may not want to be in this space," he added referring to the iOS and Android ecosystems, "but if you're an enterprise support iOS and Android, they'll give you a browser to run."

Only Windows Insiders participants were eligible for the iOS Edge preview on iPhones. Support for iPads will be added at a later date, Microsoft said. Meanwhile, the beta of Android Edge for phones will open "soon," with a tablet version due after that. This site includes additional information about the iOS Edge preview.

By yesterday, Microsoft had closed the iOS Edge beta, saying it had reached the 10,000-user maximum allowed by Apple.
The place to begin picking up the pieces, in the aftermath of a cheerless Conservative conference and a botched leadership plot, is with Theresa May herself. Over half of Party member respondents to our last monthy survey said that she should not lead the Tories into the next election. There is no reason to believe that Conservative MPs take a different view. Todays Sunday Times claims that at least three Cabinet Ministers discussed ousting her last week. None the less, she appears to believe that she can still lead an election campaign from office in 2022 or before. This spells trouble, sooner or later.

However, she is in place. Grant Shapps has been seen off. And it looks as though the Prime Minister will seek to revive her Government and restore her standing by holding a Cabinet reshuffle soon. What should she do?

Obviously, she should remove Patrick McLoughlin from CCHQ, and appoint a Cabinet Minister to take charge of Brexit contingency. Our candidate for Chairman would be someone who has real hands-on managing experience, preferably in business, and is therefore capable of driving the Pickles Report reforms through. Jeremy Hunt is one of the few Cabinet Ministers so qualified and is media-savvy with it. Dominic Raab would be a suitable candidate to speed up preparations for No Deal, with Charlie Elphicke, who has been plugging away on this site about being Ready on Day One, in situ to help. Or Steve Baker could simply be shunted up.

There is otherwise a robust case for doing nothing much at all. Conservative poll ratings still hover at about 40 per cent. The Governments reputation for economic competence has not collapsed. The Prime Ministers disaster-jinxed conference speech got the commentariat in a flap, but there is no evidence that it has alarmed voters. And it is not as though a general election were due soon: there is the best part of five long years between now and a poll. Perhaps the best course that Downing Street can take is to keep calm and carry on.

To carry out a minimalist reshuffle and attempt quietly to regroup, however, would be to assume that two key problems will somehow resolve themselves.

The first is that small-scale measures on housing, such as the conference announcement on council homes, will be enough to win back younger voters  by which we mean not just students, but people under the age of 45. According to Lord Ashcrofts poll of 14,000 people on election day, Labour scooped up a whacking 50 per cent of those aged between 35 and 44, and even larger slices of those who are younger. The housing crisis offers the most dramatic illustration of a political truth: you will not have capitalists without workers who have a stake in capital.

The second is more urgent (in political terms, at any rate). As Henry Newman argued on this site last week, the Cabinet is now more or less agreed on how Brexit should be carried out, but not on what it should look like  including during any implementation or transition period. As Henry originally put it: there is a range of possibilities  from Norways EEA/EFTA relationship to Switzerlands web of bilateral agreements and to a Canada-type Free Trade Agreementdo we go for a high access, low control or low access, high control? Each scenario has benefits as well as disadvantages. Mays Florence speech fudged the choice.

These two problems meet in the Treasury. As holder of the Governments purse-strings and guardian of financial discipline, the department is never likely to be popular with others, and it continues to serve as a bulwark against irresponsible spending  having opposed, for example, the vainglorious adventure that is HS2. Had it not been for the Treasurys institutional resistance when Tony Blair was at the height of his powers, Britain would almost certainly have joined the Euro.

But for all its indispensability, the department goes through periods of intellectual exhaustion. One emerged during the early 1980s, when it was lashed to the Keynesian consensus: Geoffrey Howe had a lonely task in turning it round. Another came in the mid-1990s, after the department had bet the farm on ERM membership. Yet another came more recently. The Treasury was deeply implicated in George Osbornes rubbish forecasts of an immediate economic shock and an increase in unemployment of around 500,000 in the aftermath of a vote for Brexit. In essence, the department has no faith in leaving the EU  it pushed within government for a ten-year transition  and is wary of borrowing to build more houses.

If May, as this site would urge, is both to prepare properly for No Deal, and to resolve the Cabinets EU paralysis by plumping for a solution that is more at the Canadian end of the range, it follows that she will need a new Chancellor, since this is not a solution that Philip Hammond would favour. She would have two options in replacing him.

The first would be the safer course. It would be to install a former Remainer  Sajid Javid or Greg Clark or, more likely, Michael Fallon  with a clear mandate to get ready for contigency. He or she would also have to square the circle of finding more money for housing with maintaining fiscal discipline. This would be unlikely to upset her political apple cart.

The second would be riskier. It would be to promote the single Cabinet member with the required intellectual firepower and presentational skill to overhaul economic policy, find more resources for the Conservative manifestos council-homes-to-home-ownership plan, and drive through with Macmillan-style flair a push for more land  for example, by freeing up some to which other departments, such as the Ministry of Defence, still cling. This would imply not making cheeseparing savings elsewhere, but a rethinking of the role of the state post-Brexit. The Cabinet member in question is Michael Gove.

Yes, the move would be controversial. The DEFRA Secretary polls well in this sites Cabinet League Table, but his standing has not yet recovered from his role in last years Conservative leadership election. Furthermore, his appointment would come close to making the Government a Vote Leave administration at the top  with Boris Johnson dug in at the Foreign Office. On reflection, however, that would not be a bad thing. Leavers and some Remainers would unite in arguing that those who brought about Brexit should own it. And a plus for May is that Gove himself is not a potential leadership candidate: that ship has sailed.

Most of the current talk about a reshuffle is precisely the wrong way round. It is about who should be promoted rather than what should be done. But it is the second that precedes the first  or should do. In our view, the latter is: making a decision on our post-Brexit economic model; reinvigorating the Conservatives in office with a coherent plan to reshape the state and make room for tax cuts, and winning the votes of the next generation. None of this can be achieved without change at the Treasury.
Pa. Dems could flip the House of Reps. Here's what that might mean
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The New Zealand Dollar is under pressure at the start of the trading week, with prices weighed down by political uncertainty fears as coalition talks following an inconclusive general election heat up. All eyes are on New Zealand First party leader Winston Peters, who has emerged as kingmaker. The ruling National and opposition Labour parties are seeking his support to form a ruling bloc in Parliament. Peters has until October 12 to make a decision.

The British Pound attempted to correct higher following Fridays outsized losses but the bounce proved to be short-lived. The UK unit has faced selling pressure as infighting within the ruling Conservative party frustrates Brexit negotiations. The anti-risk Japanese Yen is on the upswing as Nikkei 225 futures point to risk aversion ahead of the opening bell in Tokyo.

DailyFX Economic Calendar: Asia Pacific (all times in GMT)

The private-sector Caixin set of service-sector and composite Chinese PMI figures headline an otherwise quiet data docket in Asia Pacific trading hours. Mixed cues ahead of the release may stoke volatility when the results cross the wires. On one hand, analogous official PMI figures have shown improvement. On the other, economic news-flow out of the worlds second-largest economy has broadly soured relative to baseline forecasts in recent months.

A strong result may bode well for overall risk appetite as well as the Australian Dollar, a frequent proxy for trading China-related developments for foreign exchange markets because of its home countrys close trade links with the East Asian giant. However, that also implies that a soft outcome may sour investors mood and pressure the Aussie.

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IG Client Sentiment Index Chart of the Day: GBP/JPY

CLICK HERE to learn more about the IG Client Sentiment Index

Retail trader data shows 43.3% of traders are net-long GBP/JPY, with the ratio of traders short to long at 1.31 to 1. In fact, traders have remained net-short since Sep 22 when GBP/JPY traded near 152.636; price has moved 3.6% lower since then. The number of traders net-long is 8.2% higher than yesterday and 26.3% higher from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 19.3% lower than yesterday and 25.0% lower from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-short suggests GBP/JPY prices may continue to rise. Yet traders are less net-short than yesterday and compared with last week. Recent changes in sentiment warn that the current GBP/JPY price trend may soon reverse lower despite the fact traders remain net-short.

Five Things Traders are Reading

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If you're interested in receiving both reports each day, you can sign up here.
American Homes 4 Rent is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on the US rental industry. The company is a leader in the single-family home rental industry and "American Homes 4 Rent" is fast becoming a nationally recognized brand. The company is known for high-quality rental homes, providing good value and tenant satisfaction while generating profits for investors. The primary investment objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns through dividends and capital appreciation.

The company plans to achieve its objective through the disciplined acquisition of new properties, by expanding its own construction and neighborhood building efforts, growing its geographically diverse portfolio, efficient property management, building a strong brand, and maintaining a sound capital structure.

The company was founded in 2011 by David Singelyn and his partner. Mr. Singelyn has served as a Trustee and CEO since 2012. The company began by acquiring homes in underserved areas and remodeling them to modern standards. The firm has since expanded its operations to construction and now builds planned communities tailored to different lifestyles as well. The company went public in 2013 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

American Homes 4 Rent is an internally managed Maryland real estate investment trust focused on acquiring, developing, renovating, leasing, and operating attractive, single-family homes as rental properties. The company operates through a network of offices and the website AH4R.com. The company owns more than 55,000 properties across 22 states featuring move-in-ready and pet-friendly homes for individuals and families of all sizes.

All previously used properties have been renovated to a high Certified Property standard that brings them to a like-new condition. Interested parties can view listings by area on the website and even use the site to fill out applications and sign leases. Properties are located in communities that fit a variety of lifestyle needs including fences, marble countertops, and even attached 2 and 3-car garages. The communities are located in hand-picked neighborhoods with features including access to commerce, schools, and amenities like lawn care, pools, trails, and fitness centers.

Tenants are afforded many benefits by renting through American Homes 4 Rent. The first and most obvious is the freedom and flexibility of a mortgage-free lifestyle. On top of that, tenants can pay rent or schedule maintenance on their homes through the website, and dedicated service representatives are available 24/7.
Ecopetrol S.A. operates as an integrated energy company. The company operates through four segments: Exploration and Production; Transport and Logistics; Refining, Petrochemical and Biofuels; and Electric Power Transmission and Toll Roads Concessions. It engages in the exploration and production of oil and gas; transportation of crude oil, motor fuels, fuel oil, and other refined products, including diesel, jet, and biofuels; processing and refining crude oil; distribution of natural gas and LPG; sale of refined and petrochemical products; supplying of electric power transmission services; design, development, construction, operation, and maintenance of road and energy infrastructure projects; and supplying of information technology and telecommunications services. As of December 31, 2021, the company had approximately 9,127 kilometers of crude oil and multi-purpose pipelines. It also produces and commercializes polypropylene resins and compounds, and masterbatches; and offers industrial service sales to customers and specialized management services. It has operations in Colombia, the United States, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean, Europe, South America, and internationally. The company was formerly known as Empresa Colombiana de Petroleos and changed its name to Ecopetrol S.A. in June 2003. Ecopetrol S.A. was incorporated in 1948 and is based in Bogota, Colombia.
Global businesses are, quite rightly, under scrutiny for what they are doing to tackle challenges such as climate change and poverty. Last month, the United Nations asked business leaders the same questions weve heard countless times: What are businesses doing to help deliver on the Paris climate agreement? How can business and government work together to drive change at scale?

One of the key characteristics of the Paris agreement is that it extends beyond governments to engage businesses. Corporations should seize this opportunity to have a seat at the table and do their part to address critical global challenges. In time, they will realize the returns on investment in a sustainable future.

You have only to look at the carbon footprint of my own company, Mars Inc., to see the effect business has on the world: Our footprint is equivalent to that of a country roughly the size of Panama. With this scale comes responsibility. Mars, and companies like ours, must be as engaged as governments in delivering reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions.

Thats why I attended Climate Week and U.N. General Assembly events in New York in September, and talked there with leaders in business, government and nongovernmental organizations. As a private, family-owned business, weve not traditionally had a high-profile presence at such events. But if there were ever a time in Marss more-than-100-year history for us to find our voice and join the chorus calling for action, this is it.

In New York, people often asked me if there really is a sound business case for tackling issues such as climate change and poverty. The answer is an unqualified yes.

First, investment in operating sustainably delivers cost savings. Mars is already capitalizing on the falling prices of renewable energy and the long-term cost savings of clean technology. This has helped to reduce the carbon emissions of our 150 factories around the world by 25 percent. We are already using enough renewable energy to make all our M&Ms. In fact, we now purchase enough renewable energy to fuel our entire operations in five countries and plan to make that 11 countries in 2018. All of this is delivered at the same cost, or lower, as fossil fuel.

Second, for a company such as Mars that is dependent on agriculture, our investments are creating a more resilient and resource-efficient supply chain where smallholder farmers and others can thrive. By working with our suppliers to source raw materials in a way that lowers climate risk and creates opportunity for people, we can increase crop yields and ensure affordable ingredient supplies, reduce our impact on natural resources and ensure a generation of future farmers.

Finally, there are rewards for doing the right thing. It makes us a more attractive partner to customers, governments and NGOs, and it ensures our relevance to consumers as well as current and future Mars associates. If we are to remain relevant for the next 100 years, we must drive an agenda that is forward-looking and focused, demonstrating what we stand for through our actions as a business.

This is a call to action for all in business to double down in support of the Paris agreement and the sustainable-development goals. Business not only has a seat at the table; it has a vested interest in collaborating with everyone at the table. So lets grab this opportunity with both hands.
Obamacare has not worked for Idahoans. Since Obamacare has become law, premiums have gone up exorbitantly, without a corresponding increase in quality of health care. Last months release of 2018 state insurance premium rates  with an average increase of nearly 30 percent  confirm this reality.

Although Idaho has few state mandates, or government-imposed regulations, federal mandates have made healthcare more and more unaffordable. Despite its good intentions, Congress held the incorrect belief that the federal government knows best and could unilaterally reform a very complicated system.

This summer Congress had the opportunity to tackle health care reform that could help lower costs  unwinding federal meddling and setting new rules that worked for states. They failed. Work may continue in Congress, but I am skeptical. Democrats now seem to think the answer is a single-payer health care, which nonpartisan research groups have said would raise federal government spending by $32 trillion over 10 years. Paying for this would require astronomical tax increases and more federal borrowing. This proposal comes while the federal debt passes $20 trillion!

Before Obamacare, Idahoans had one of the most affordable health care options in America. Like our favorable business and tax climate, and conservative approach to government, lower health care costs gave Idaho a competitive edge.

Ultimately, the best solution for Idahoans will be an Idaho solution. We cannot wait. We must act and build our own framework for lower health care costs for each and every Idahoan. We must get back to the position we were in before Obamacare. We must build on our state foundation  finding solutions that work for families and small businesses bottom lines, provides greater access and affordability, and does the morally right thing for those who have chronic illness or pre-existing conditions.

We must return to our Idaho high risk insurance pool. My family has our own experiences with Idahos high-risk pool. I know firsthand that our high-risk pool has created opportunities for those with pre-existing conditions to remain in Idaho, or the opportunity to return home to work and raise their families.

We are already acting on many different fronts. Idaho is now pursuing waiver options in this uncertain and complex environment which will provide greater access and affordability. We need to demand the federal government allow an Idaho solution to healthcare, one that gets us back to where we once were prior to the failed policies and over-regulation of Obamacare.

Idahoans know best how to improve our health care system. I am confident if Idaho acts on a state-level approach  building an Idaho solution for Idahoans  we can be a bright example across the United States.
BWX Technologies, Inc. manufactures and sells nuclear components in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Nuclear Operations Group, Nuclear Power Group, and Nuclear Services Group. The Nuclear Operations Group segment provides precision naval and critical nuclear components, reactors, nuclear fuel, and assemblies for the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration's Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program and other uses; missile launch tubes for United States Navy submarines; close-tolerance and equipment for nuclear applications; and converts Cold War-era government stockpiles of high-enriched uranium, as well as receives, stores, characterizes, dissolves, recovers, and purifies uranium-bearing materials; supplies research reactor fuel elements for colleges, universities, and national laboratories; and components for defense applications. The Nuclear Power Group segment offers commercial nuclear steam generators, nuclear fuel, fuel handling systems, pressure vessels, reactor components, heat exchangers, tooling delivery systems, and containers; engineering and in-plant services for nuclear power plants; designs, manufactures, commissions, and services nuclear power generation equipment; in-plant inspection, maintenance, and modification services, as well as non-destructive examination and tooling/repair solutions; and supplies medical radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals for research, diagnostic, and therapeutic uses. The company was formerly known as The Babcock & Wilcox Company and changed its name to BWX Technologies, Inc. in June 2015. BWX Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1867 and is headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia.
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Our national forests are at risk from beetles, wildfire  and the U.S. Congress. While forests have evolved with fire and insects, its not clear theyll survive attacks from misguided politicians.

One thing about busy fire seasons is we all breathe the smoke. Its unhealthy and miserable. But we shouldnt let it blind us. And politicians shouldnt use it as an excuse to sell snake oil.

We know that fire is a fact of life in Idaho. When its hot and dry, forests burn. It doesnt mean we should walk away. But it also doesnt mean we should undermine protections for clean water, wildlife and public involvement.

One measure, co-sponsored by Rep. Raul Labrador (H.R. 2936), would reduce public involvement in projects up to 30,000 acres, would eliminate any public involvement when long-term forest management plans are developed, would interfere with citizens rights to petition their government, and would eliminate protections for endangered species. The bill would also abolish protections for Idaho roadless areas, established under the leadership of Sen. Jim Risch, which enjoy the support of Gov. Butch Otter, Sen. Mike Crapo, Rep. Mike Simpson and the Idaho Legislature.

The overly simplistic and ineffective solutions being offered by Montanas Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Labrador would force the Forest Service to wear a blindfold, and the public to wear a gag.

What they fail to recognize is that Idahoans are rolling up their sleeves and getting work done on the ground, without sacrificing bedrock values.

The ideas put forward by Daines or Labrador wont actually solve the real problems facing our treasured national forests. Rather, they threaten to pull Idaho backwards.

Instead, elected officials should be working to find ways to support ongoing collaborative efforts that are restoring forests, reducing fire risk, improving water quality and wildlife habitat and enhancing public input, not eliminating it.

Heres what we know:

Our forests depend upon fires to rejuvenate wildlife forage and to regenerate themselves; fire will always be part of Idaho.

Large, intense fires arent entirely out of the ordinary in Idahos forests, but are becoming more frequent;

Human ignitions and human-induced climate change is having an impact on the number of fires and the length of the fire season,

A century of fire suppression has led to an increase in forest fuels in some lower-elevation dry forests,

Science and practice tell us that we cant prevent all forest fires, but we can and should focus efforts around homes and communities. We dont know where fires will start, but we DO know where the homes are.

There is good news. Despite the rhetoric from D.C., Idahoans are finding common ground and increasing the pace of forest restoration. Were doing this within the framework of existing laws, and importantly, with increased involvement of stakeholders.

The Idaho Conservation League is working with the timber industry, conservation interests, local counties, community leaders, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Lands, motorized recreationists, and others, from Bonners Ferry to Bear Lake and from Salmon to Emmett. As a result, projects are being developed that reduce fire risk around communities, restore wildlife habitat and water quality and produce timber for local mills.

While finger-pointing and sound-bite silviculture might be attractive to some, the congressional proposals fall short. Instead, Congress should follow the lead of Idahos forest collaborative groups: Sit down at the table with all stakeholders, pay attention to the science and find common-ground to solve the issues facing our forests. After a smoky summer, Idahoans should agree  its time to clear the air.
Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. The company's personal banking products and services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and financial and investment advice services; and commercial banking products and services comprise business deposit accounts, commercial credit cards, business loans and commercial mortgages, cash management solutions, foreign exchange, specialized banking programs, treasury and payment solutions, and risk management products for small business and commercial banking customers. It also offers investment and wealth advisory services; digital investing services; financial services and solutions; and investment management, and trust and custody services. In addition, the company provides life insurance, accident and sickness insurance, and annuity products; creditor and travel insurance to bank customers; and reinsurance solutions. Further, it offers client's debt and equity capital-raising services, as well as loan origination and syndication, and treasury management; strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and recapitalizations, as well as valuation and fairness opinions; and trade finance, risk mitigation, and other operating services. Additionally, the company provides research and access to markets for institutional, corporate, and retail clients; trading solutions that include debt, foreign exchange, interest rate, credit, equity, securitization and commodities; new product development and origination services, as well as risk management advice and services to hedge against fluctuations; and funding and liquidity management services to its clients. It operates through approximately 900 bank branches and 3,300 automated banking machines in Canada and the United States. Bank of Montreal was founded in 1817 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
Citizens Financial Group, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Citizens Bank, National Association that provides retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, corporations, and institutions in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking. The Consumer Banking segment offers deposit products, mortgage and home equity lending products, credit cards, business loans, wealth management, and investment services; and auto, education, and point-of-sale finance loans, as well as digital deposit products. This segment serves its customers through telephone service centers, as well as through its online and mobile platforms. The Commercial Banking segment provides various financial products and solutions, including lending and leasing, deposit and treasury management services, foreign exchange, and interest rate and commodity risk management solutions, as well as syndicated loans, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and debt and equity capital markets services. This segment serves government banking, not-for-profit, healthcare, technology, professionals, oil and gas, asset finance, franchise finance, asset-based lending, commercial real estate, private equity, and sponsor finance industries. It operates approximately 1,200 branches in 14 states and the District of Columbia; 114 retail and commercial non-branch offices in national markets; and approximately 3,300 automated teller machines. The company was formerly known as RBS Citizens Financial Group, Inc. and changed its name to Citizens Financial Group, Inc. in April 2014. Citizens Financial Group, Inc. was founded in 1828 and is headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island.
The following companies are subsidiares of D.R. Horton: 10700 Pecan Park Austin Inc., 11241 Slater Avenue NE LLC, 2 C Development Company LLC, 8800 Roswell Road Bldg. B LLC, 91st Avenue & Happy Valley L.L.C., ANN & 215 LLC, Austin Data Inc., BP456 Inc., C. Richard Dobson Builders Inc., CH Funding LLC, CH Investments of Texas Inc., CHI Construction Company, CHM Partners L.P., CHTEX of Texas Inc., CV Mountain View 25 Inv LLC, Cane Island LLC, Continental Homes Inc., Continental Homes of Texas L.P., Continental Residential Inc., Continental Traditions LLC, Crown Operating Company Inc., Cypress Road L.P., D.R. Horton - CHAustin LLC, D.R. Horton - Colorado LLC, D.R. Horton - Crown LLC, D.R. Horton - Emerald Ltd., D.R. Horton - Georgia LLC, D.R. Horton - Hawaii LLC, D.R. Horton - Highland LLC, D.R. Horton - Indiana LLC, D.R. Horton - Iowa LLC, D.R. Horton - MV LLC, D.R. Horton - Nebraska LLC, D.R. Horton - Permian LLC, D.R. Horton - Regent LLC, D.R. Horton - Terramor LLC, D.R. Horton - Texas Ltd., D.R. Horton - WPH LLC, D.R. Horton - Wyoming LLC, D.R. Horton BAY Inc., D.R. Horton CA2 Inc., D.R. Horton CA3 Inc., D.R. Horton CA4 LLC, D.R. Horton Commercial Inc., D.R. Horton Cruces Construction Inc., D.R. Horton Inc. - Birmingham, D.R. Horton Inc. - Chicago, D.R. Horton Inc. - Denver, D.R. Horton Inc. - Dietz-Crane, D.R. Horton Inc. - Greensboro, D.R. Horton Inc. - Gulf Coast, D.R. Horton Inc. - Huntsville, D.R. Horton Inc. - Jacksonville, D.R. Horton Inc. - Louisville, D.R. Horton Inc. - Midwest, D.R. Horton Inc. - Minnesota, D.R. Horton Inc. - NNV, D.R. Horton Inc. - New Jersey, D.R. Horton Inc. - Portland, D.R. Horton Inc. - Torrey, D.R. Horton Inc. Foundation, D.R. Horton Insurance Agency Inc., D.R. Horton LA North Inc., D.R. Horton Life Insurance Agency Inc., D.R. Horton Los Angeles Holding Company Inc., D.R. Horton Management Company Ltd., D.R. Horton Materials Inc., D.R. Horton Realty LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Atlantic County LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Central Florida LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Delaware LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Georgia Inc., D.R. Horton Realty of Melbourne LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Northwest Florida LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Southeast Florida LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Southwest Florida LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Tampa LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Virginia LLC, D.R. Horton Seabridge Marina Inc., D.R. Horton Serenity Construction LLC, D.R. Horton Urban Renewal LLC, D.R. Horton VEN Inc., D.R. Horton  Corpus Christi LLC, DBC54 LLC, DHI Commercial - Lakeview LLC, DHI Commercial - Signal Butte LLC, DHI Commercial - Tamarron LLC, DHI Commercial Inc., DHI Communities Construction LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Arizona LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Colorado LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Florida LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Iowa LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Nevada LLC, DHI Communities Construction of North Carolina LLC, DHI Communities Construction of South Carolina LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Texas LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Utah LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Virginia LLC, DHI Communities II LLC, DHI Communities Inc., DHI Engineering LLC, DHI Insurance Inc., DHI Mortgage Company, DHI Mortgage Company GP Inc., DHI Mortgage Company LP Inc., DHI Mortgage Company Ltd., DHI Ranch Ltd., DHI Realty of Alabama LLC, DHI Realty of Mississippi LLC, DHI Title GP Inc., DHI Title LP Inc., DHI Title of Alabama Inc., DHI Title of Arizona Inc., DHI Title of Florida Inc., DHI Title of Minnesota Inc., DHI Title of Nevada Inc., DHI Title of Texas Ltd., DHI Title of Washington Inc., DHI Verandah South Shores Communities LLC, DHIC - Bridges LLC, DHIC - Brittmore LLC, DHIC - Carolina Forest LLC, DHIC - Desert Peak LLC, DHIC - Durbin Creek LLC, DHIC - Freestone LLC, DHIC - Hammock Landing LLC, DHIC - Heritage LLC, DHIC - Horizon Uptown LLC, DHIC - Jacobs Reserve LLC, DHIC - Lakeview LLC, DHIC - Lipoma LLC, DHIC - Minton Cove LLC, DHIC - Mountain Vista LLC, DHIC - Naco LLC, DHIC - Northshore LLC, DHIC - Prairie Village LLC, DHIC - South Creek LLC, DHIC - Tamarron LLC, DHIC - Valley Vista LLC, DHIC - Varina Gateway LLC, DHIC - Waterleigh II LLC, DHIC - Waterleigh III LLC, DHIC - Waterleigh LLC, DHIC - Westridge LLC, DHIC LLC, DHIC  Glendale LLC, DHIC  Grove West LLC, DHIC  South Park LLC, DHIC  Westinghouse LLC, DHIR - Aspen Vista LLC, DHIR - Avian Pointe LLC, DHIR - Emerald Lakes LLC, DHIR - Fosters Ridge LLC, DHIR - Gulf Stream LLC, DHIR - Parkview at Lynn Haven LLC, DHIR - Poplar Terrace LLC, DHIR - Properties I LLC, DHIR - Rock Ridge LLC, DHIR - Sunset Village LLC, DHIR - Village at Hickory Street LLC, DRH - ARK LLC, DRH - ASG LLC, DRH - HWY 114 LLC, DRH Cambridge Homes LLC, DRH Capital Trust I, DRH Capital Trust II, DRH Capital Trust III, DRH Colorado Realty Inc., DRH Construction Inc., DRH Energy Inc., DRH FS Mortgage Reinsurance Ltd., DRH Land Opportunities I Inc., DRH Land Opportunities II Inc., DRH Mountain View LLC, DRH Oil & Gas Inc., DRH Opportunities I Inc., DRH Properties Inc., DRH Realty Company Inc., DRH Realty of Iowa LLC, DRH Regrem L LLC, DRH Regrem LI LLC, DRH Regrem LII LLC, DRH Regrem LIII LLC, DRH Regrem LIV LLC, DRH Regrem LV LLC, DRH Regrem VII LP, DRH Regrem XII LP, DRH Regrem XIV Inc., DRH Regrem XIX Inc., DRH Regrem XLIX LLC, DRH Regrem XLV LLC, DRH Regrem XLVI LLC, DRH Regrem XLVII LLC, DRH Regrem XLVIII LLC, DRH Regrem XV Inc., DRH Regrem XVI Inc., DRH Regrem XVII Inc., DRH Regrem XVIII Inc., DRH Regrem XX Inc., DRH Regrem XXI Inc., DRH Regrem XXII Inc., DRH Regrem XXIII Inc., DRH Regrem XXIV Inc., DRH Regrem XXV Inc., DRH Southwest Construction Inc., DRH Tucson Construction Inc., DRHI Inc., Deer Valley Office Park LLC, Desert Ridge Phase I Partners, Emerald Creek No. 4 L.P., Emerald Realty of Alabama LLC, Emerald Realty of Central Florida LLC, Emerald Realty of North Florida LLC, Emerald Realty of Northwest Florida LLC, Emerald Realty of Southeast Florida LLC, Emerald Realty of Southwest Florida LLC, Encore II Inc., Encore Venture Partners II (California) L.P., Encore Venture Partners II (Texas) L.P., Encore Venture Partners L.P., Express Realty of Central Florida LLC, Express Realty of North Florida LLC, Express Realty of Northwest Florida LLC, Express Realty of Southeast Florida LLC, Express Realty of Southwest Florida LLC, Forestar Group, Forestar Group Inc., Founders Oil & Gas II LLC, Founders Oil & Gas III LLC, Founders Oil & Gas IV LLC, Founders Oil & Gas LLC, Founders Oil & Gas Operating LLC, GP-Encore Inc., Georgetown Data Inc., Germann & McQueen L.L.C., Grand Title Agency LLC, Grande Realty Incorporated, Grande Realty of Pennsylvania LLC, Greywes LLC, HPH Homebuilders 2000 L.P., Hadian LLC, KDB Homes Inc., Kaomalo LLC, Lexington Homes - DRH LLC, MRLF LLC, Martin Road Lake Forest LLC, McQueen & Willis LLC, Meadows I Ltd., Meadows II Ltd., Meadows IX Inc., Meadows VIII Ltd., Meadows X Inc., Melody Homes Inc., Pacific Ridge - DRH LLC, Rielly Carlsbad LLC, Rielly Homes Madison LLC, SFTEN LLC, SGS Communities at Grand Quay L.L.C, SHA Construction LLC, SHLR of California Inc., SHLR of Nevada Inc., SHLR of Washington Inc., SRHI LLC, SSHI LLC, Schuler Homes of Arizona LLC, Schuler Homes of California Inc., Schuler Homes of Oregon Inc., Schuler Homes of Washington Inc., Summerlin Pkwy & Cimarron LLC, Surprise Village North LLC, The Club at Cobblestone LLC, The Club at Hidden River LLC, Tierra Financial Advisors LLC, Travis County Title Company, Treasure Assets LLC, Venture Management of South Carolina LLC, Vertical Construction Corporation, WPH-Camino Ruiz LLC, WPH-Copper Canyon II LLC, WPH-Copper Canyon LLC, Walker Drive LLC, Western Pacific Brea Development LLC, Western Pacific Housing - Mountaingate L.P., Western Pacific Housing - SDG LLC, Western Pacific Housing - Westlake II L.P., Western Pacific Housing Inc., Western Pacific Housing Management Inc., Western Pacific Housing-Antigua LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Broadway LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Canyon Park LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Carrillo LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Communications Hill LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Copper Canyon LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Creekside LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Lomas Verdes LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Lyons Canyon Partners LLC, Western Pacific Housing-McGonigle Canyon LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Norco Estates LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Pacific Park II LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Park Avenue East LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Park Avenue West LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Playa Vista LLC, Western Pacific Housing-River Ridge LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Terra Bay Duets LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Torrey Meadows LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Torrey Village Center LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Windemere LLC, and Wilson Parker Homes.

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Oil States International, Inc. engages in the provision of manufactured products and services used in the drilling, completion, subsea, production and infrastructure sectors of the oil and natural gas industry, as well as in the industrial and military sectors. It operates through the following segments: Well Site Services, Downhole Technologies and Offshore or Manufactured Products. The Well Site Services segment includes a broad range of equipment and services that are used to drill for, establish and maintain the flow of oil and natural gas from a well throughout its life cycle. The Downhole Technologies segment provides oil and gas perforation systems and downhole tools in support of completion, intervention, wireline and abandonment operations. It also designs, manufactures and markets its consumable engineered products to oilfield service as well as exploration and production companies. The Offshore or Manufactured Products segment designs, manufactures, and markets capital equipment utilized on floating production systems, subsea pipeline infrastructure, and offshore drilling rigs and vessels, along with short-cycle and other products. The company was founded in July 1995 an
United Parcel Service, Inc. provides letter and package delivery, transportation, logistics, and related services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States. The International Package segment provides guaranteed day and time-definite international shipping services in Europe, the Asia Pacific, Canada and Latin America, the Indian sub-continent, the Middle East, and Africa. This segment offers guaranteed time-definite express options. The company also provides international air and ocean freight forwarding, customs brokerage, distribution and post-sales, and mail and consulting services in approximately 200 countries and territories. In addition, it offers truckload brokerage services; supply chain solutions to the healthcare and life sciences industry; shipping, visibility, and billing technologies; and financial and insurance services. The company operates a fleet of approximately 121,000 package cars, vans, tractors, and motorcycles; and owns 59,000 containers that are used to transport cargo in its aircraft. United Parcel Service, Inc. was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Assured Guaranty Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides credit protection products to public finance, infrastructure, and structured finance markets in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Insurance and Asset Management. It offers financial guaranty insurance that protects holders of debt instruments and other monetary obligations from defaults in scheduled payments. The company insures and reinsures various debt obligations, including bonds issued by the United States state governmental authorities; and notes issued to finance infrastructure projects. It also insures and reinsures various the U.S. public finance obligations, such as general obligation, tax-backed, municipal utility, transportation, healthcare, higher education, infrastructure, housing revenue, investor-owned utility, renewable energy, and other public finance bonds. Further, it is involved in insuring and reinsuring of non-U.S. public finance obligations comprising regulated utilities, infrastructure finance, sovereign and sub-sovereign, renewable energy bonds, pooled infrastructure, and other public finance obligations; and the U.S. and non-U.S. Structured finance obligations, including residential mortgage-backed securities, life insurance transactions, consumer receivables securities, pooled corporate obligations, financial products, and other structured finance securities. Additionally, the company offers specialty insurance and reinsurance that include life and aircraft residual value insurance transactions; and asset management services comprising investment advisory services, including management of collateralized loan obligations, and opportunity and liquid strategy funds. It markets its financial guaranty insurance directly to issuers and underwriters of public finance and structured finance securities, as well as to investors in such obligations. Assured Guaranty Ltd. was incorporated in 2003 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.
Cantel Medical Corp. provides infection prevention and control products and services for the healthcare market. The company's Medical segment offers automated endoscope reprocessing systems; disinfectants and sterilants; detergents; leak testing and manual cleaning products; storage cabinets and transport systems; manual cleaning products; endoscope process tracking products; other consumables, accessories, and supplies for use in disinfect rigid endoscopes, flexible endoscopes, and other instrumentation; and technical maintenance services. Its Life Sciences segment provides dialysis water purification and bicarbonate mixing systems; hollow fiber filters, and other filtration and separation products; liquid disinfectants and cold sterilization products; dry fog products; room temperature sterilization equipment and services; and clean-room certification and decontamination services for the dialysis and other healthcare, research laboratories, food and beverage, and commercial industrial customers, as well as microbiological testing services. The company's Dental segment offers hand and powered dental instruments, instrument reprocessing and sterility assurance products, towels, bibs, tray liners, sponges, nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation equipment and related single-use disposable nasal masks, face masks, and shields. It also provides hand sanitizers, germicidal wipes, disinfectants, surface disinfectants, waterline treatment products, saliva ejectors, evacuator tips, plastic cups, prophy angles, and prophy paste. The company's Dialysis segment provides hemodialysis concentrates and other ancillary supplies; medical device reprocessing systems; and sterilants and disinfectants. The company sells its products through its direct distribution network in the United States; and directly or under various third-party distribution agreements internationally. Cantel Medical Corp. was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in Little Falls, New Jersey.
ITV plc, an integrated producer broadcaster, creates, owns, and distributes content on various platforms worldwide. It operates through Media & Entertainment, and ITV Studios segments. The Media & Entertainment segment broadcasts various contents on its family of free-to-air channels, including ITV, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, ITVBe, ITV Encore, CITV, ITV Breakfast, CITV Breakfast, and various related +1 and HD equivalents; and offers television advertising services. It also delivers content through linear television broadcasting, as well as on the ITV Hub, catch up services on pay platforms, and through direct content deals. In addition, this segment offers online advertising, HD digital channel on pay platform, and ITV Choice subscription services, as well as licenses DTT Multiplex A. The ITV Studios segment creates and produces programs and formats that include drama, entertainment, and factual entertainment for its own channels and other broadcasters. It also operates as an unscripted independent producer of content in the United States; and produces content for local broadcasters and international OTT platforms in Australia, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. In addition, this segment engages in formats and distribution ITV's finished programmes, and formats and third-party content internationally, as well as finances productions. The company also engages in the development of platform, broadband, transactional, and mobile services; operation of digital television channels; operation of Freeview Multiplex A; rights ownership and distribution of television programs and films; and scheduling and commissioning of television programs. ITV plc was founded in 1955 is based in London, the United Kingdom.
Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. provides technical, professional, and construction services. The company's Aerospace, Technology, Environmental and Nuclear segment offers scientific, engineering, construction, nuclear, environmental, and technical support services to the aerospace, defense, technical, and automotive industries. Its Buildings, Infrastructure and Advanced Facilities segment develops/rehabilitates plans for highways, bridges, transit, tunnels, airports, railroads, intermodal facilities, and maritime or port projects; develops or rehabilitates critical water resource systems, water/wastewater conveyance systems, and flood defense projects; and provides engineering design, construction management, design build, and operations and maintenance. This segment also designs and constructs buildings; offers consulting, engineering, procurement, construction management, and delivery services for life sciences clients; and provides services relating to modular construction and other consulting and strategic planning services, as well as offers services in containment, barrier technology, locally controlled environments, building systems automation, off-the-site design, and fabrication of facility modules. The company's Energy, Chemicals and Resources segment offers services relating to onshore and offshore oil and gas production facilities, processing facilities, gathering systems, and transmission pipelines and terminals; feasibility/economic studies, technology evaluation, conceptual engineering, front end loading, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance, and commissioning services; and engineering, procurement, and construction solutions. This segment also provides services, such as manufacturing complex, expansions, modifications, and management of plant relocations; construction management and field construction services; and services to operate and maintain facilities. The company was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
The following companies are subsidiares of Reliance Steel & Aluminum: AMI Metals Aero Services Ankara Havaclk Anonim Sirketi, AMI Metals Europe SPRL, AMI Metals Inc. , AMI Metals UK Limited, Acero Prime S. de R.L. de C.V., Admiral Metals Servicenter Company, Admiral Metals Servicenter Company Inc., Airport Metals, Alaska Steel Company, Alaska Steel Company, Aleaciones Especiales de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., All Metal Services (Malaysia) Sdn., All Metal Services India Private Limited, All Metal Services Limited, All Metal Services Ltd. (Xian), All Metals Holding, All Metals Processing & Logistics Inc., Allegheny Steel Distributors Inc., American Metals Corporation, Best Manufacturing Inc., CCC Steel Inc., Chapel Steel Canada Ltd., Chapel Steel Corp., Chatham Steel Corporation, Clayton Metals Inc., Continental Alloys & Services (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Continental Alloys & Services Limited, Continental Alloys & Services Pte. Ltd., Continental Alloys Middle East FZE, Crest Steel Corporation, Delta Steel Inc., Diamond Manufacturing Company, DuBose National Energy Fasteners & Machined Parts, DuBose National Energy Fasteners & Machined Parts Inc., DuBose National Energy Services, DuBose National Energy Services Inc., Durrett Sheppard Steel Co. Inc., Earle M. Jorgensen Company, FastMetals Inc., Feralloy Corporation, Ferguson Perforating Company, Ferguson Perforating Company, Fox Metals And Alloys, Fox Metals and Alloys Inc., Fry Steel, Fry Steel Company, GH Metal Solutions, GH Metal Solutions Inc., Haskins Steel, Infra-Metals Co., KMS FAB LLC, KMS Fab, KMS South, KMS South Inc., Liebovich Bros. Inc., McKey Perforating, Merfish United, Merfish United Inc., Metals USA, Metals USA Inc., Metalweb Limited, National Specialty Alloys, National Specialty Alloys Inc., Northern Illinois Steel Supply Co, Northern Illinois Steel Supply Co., Nu-Tech Precision Metals Inc., Nu-Tech Precision Metals Inc., PDM Steel Service Centers Inc., Pacific Metal Company, Phoenix Corporation, Precision Flamecutting and Steel Inc., Precision Strip Inc., Reliance Metalcenter Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Reliance Metals Canada Limited, Rotax Metals Inc, Rotax Metals Inc., Service Steel Aerospace Corp., Siskin Steel & Supply Company Inc., Sugar Steel Corporation, Sunbelt Steel Texas, Tubular Steel, Tubular Steel Inc., Valex Corp., Valex Korea Co. Ltd., Valex Semiconductor Materials (Zhejiang) Co. Ltd., Viking Materials Inc., and Yarde Metals Inc..

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CA, Inc., doing business as CA technologies, develops, markets, delivers, and licenses software products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Mainframe Solutions, Enterprise Solutions, and Services. The Mainframe Solutions segment offers solutions for the IBM z Systems platform, which runs various mission critical business applications. Its mainframe solutions enable customers enhance economics by increasing throughput and lowering cost per transaction; increasing business agility through DevOps tooling and processes; increasing reliability and availability of operations through machine intelligence and automation solutions; and protecting enterprise data with security and compliance. The Enterprise Solutions segment provides a range of software planning, development, and management tools for mobile, cloud, and distributed computing environments. It primarily provides customers secure application development, infrastructure management, automation, and identity-centric security solutions. The Services segment offers various services, such as consulting, implementation, application management, education, and support services to commercial and government customers for implementation and adoption of its software solutions. The company serves banks, insurance companies, other financial services providers, government agencies, information technology service providers, telecommunication providers, transportation companies, manufacturers, technology companies, retailers, educational organizations, and health care institutions. It sells its products through direct sales force, as well as through various partner channels comprising resellers, service providers, system integrators, managed service providers, and technology partners. The company was formerly known as Computer Associates International, Inc. and changed its name to CA, Inc. in 2006. CA, Inc. was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Kinder Morgan, Inc. operates as an energy infrastructure company in North America. The company operates through four segments: Natural Gas Pipelines, Products Pipelines, Terminals, and CO2. The Natural Gas Pipelines segment owns and operates interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline, and underground storage systems; natural gas gathering systems and natural gas processing and treating facilities; natural gas liquids fractionation facilities and transportation systems; and liquefied natural gas liquefaction and storage facilities. The Products Pipelines segment owns and operates refined petroleum products, and crude oil and condensate pipelines; and associated product terminals and petroleum pipeline transmix facilities. The Terminals segment owns and/or operates liquids and bulk terminals that stores and handles various commodities, including gasoline, diesel fuel, chemicals, ethanol, metals, and petroleum coke; and owns tankers. The CO2 segment produces, transports, and markets CO2 to recovery and production crude oil from mature oil fields; owns interests in/or operates oil fields and gasoline processing plants; and operates a crude oil pipeline system in West Texas, as well as owns and operates RNG and LNG facilities. It owns and operates approximately 83,000 miles of pipelines and 143 terminals. The company was formerly known as Kinder Morgan Holdco LLC and changed its name to Kinder Morgan, Inc. in February 2011. Kinder Morgan, Inc. was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
The following companies are subsidiares of Novo Nordisk A/S: Aldaph SpA, Beijing Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Science & Technology Co. Ltd., CS Solar Fund XIV LLC, Calibrium, Corvidia, Corvidia Therapeutics Inc., Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Dicerna Pharmaceuticals Inc., Emisphere Technologies, Emisphere Technologies Inc., MB2 LLC, NNE A/S, Neotope Neuroscience Limited, Novo Nordisk, Novo Nordisk (China) Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Novo Nordisk (Pty) Limited, Novo Nordisk (Shanghai) Pharma Trading Co. Ltd., Novo Nordisk B.V., Novo Nordisk Canada Inc., Novo Nordisk Colombia SAS, Novo Nordisk Comercio Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Novo Nordisk Denmark A/S, Novo Nordisk Egypt LLC, Novo Nordisk Farma OY, Novo Nordisk Farma S.R.L., Novo Nordisk Farma dooel, Novo Nordisk Farmaceutica Limitada, Novo Nordisk Farmaceutica do Brasil Ltda., Novo Nordisk Finance (Netherlands) B.V., Novo Nordisk Health Care AG, Novo Nordisk Hellas Epe., Novo Nordisk Holding Limited, Novo Nordisk Hong Kong Limited, Novo Nordisk Hrvatska d.o.o., Novo Nordisk Hungaria Kft., Novo Nordisk Inc., Novo Nordisk India Holding Pte Ltd., Novo Nordisk India Private Limited, Novo Nordisk Kazakhstan LLP, Novo Nordisk Kenya Ltd., Novo Nordisk Lanka (PVT) Ltd, Novo Nordisk Limited, Novo Nordisk Limited Liability Company, Novo Nordisk Ltd, Novo Nordisk Mexico S.A. de C.V., Novo Nordisk North America Operations A/S, Novo Nordisk Norway AS, Novo Nordisk Panama S.A., Novo Nordisk Pars, Novo Nordisk Peru S.A.C., Novo Nordisk Pharma (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Novo Nordisk Pharma (Private) Limited, Novo Nordisk Pharma (Singapore) Pte Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharma (Taiwan) Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharma (Thailand) Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharma AG, Novo Nordisk Pharma Argentina S.A., Novo Nordisk Pharma EAD, Novo Nordisk Pharma GmbH, Novo Nordisk Pharma Gulf FZE, Novo Nordisk Pharma Inc., Novo Nordisk Pharma Korea Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharma Limited, Novo Nordisk Pharma Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharma Operations (Business Area) Sdn Bhd, Novo Nordisk Pharma Operations A/S, Novo Nordisk Pharma S.A., Novo Nordisk Pharma SARL, Novo Nordisk Pharma SAS, Novo Nordisk Pharma Sp.z.o.o., Novo Nordisk Pharma d.o.o., Novo Nordisk Pharma d.o.o. Belgrade (Serbia), Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries LP, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Services Sp. z o.o., Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals (Philippines) Inc., Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals A/S, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Pty. Ltd., Novo Nordisk Pharmatech A/S, Novo Nordisk Pharmatech US Inc., Novo Nordisk Production SAS, Novo Nordisk Production Support LLC, Novo Nordisk Producao Farmaceutica do Brasil Ltda., Novo Nordisk Region AAMEO and LATAM A/S, Novo Nordisk Region China A/S, Novo Nordisk Region Europe A/S, Novo Nordisk Region Japan & Korea A/S, Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis Inc., Novo Nordisk Research Center Seattle Inc., Novo Nordisk S.P.A., Novo Nordisk Saglik Urunleri Tic. Ltd. Sti., Novo Nordisk Saudi for Trading, Novo Nordisk Scandinavia AB, Novo Nordisk Service Centre (India) Pvt. Ltd., Novo Nordisk Slovakia s.r.o., Novo Nordisk Tunisie SARL, Novo Nordisk US Bio Production Inc., Novo Nordisk US Commercial Holdings Inc., Novo Nordisk US Holdings Inc., Novo Nordisk Ukraine LLC, Novo Nordisk Venezuela Casa de Representacion C.A., Novo Nordisk d.o.o., Novo Nordisk s.r.o., PT. Novo Nordisk Indonesia, S.A. Novo Nordisk Pharma N.V., UAB Novo Nordisk Pharma, Xellia Pharmaceuticals, Ziylo, and Ziylo Limited.

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When it comes to olive oil, quality is key, and this is why gourmands and experts in the food industry believe its an ingredient worth investing in. Oliviers&Co. and its partner producers seriously factor in the following aspects in ensuring the superiority of their olive oils: the olive variety, the manner and speed of harvest and production, and storage. Committed to offering only the worlds best olive oil, O&Co. implements the strictest guidelines and selection criteria from harvesting to bottling.

A taste of excellence

Where the ingredients come from is an important factor that determines the taste and characteristics of an O&Co. olive oil. This is why O&Co. travels throughout the Mediterranean to select hundreds of expert mills using demanding specifications. The oils are all rated on a scale of 200 points, with only thirty oils per year retained by their expert oleicologue.

Timing is also important: olives must be hand-harvested when still green and its oils taste best when they are freshly pressed. O&Co. producers handpick the olives which are then cold pressed within 24 hours of harvest. Five to 12 kilos of olives are used to obtain an exceptional liter of oil: this low yield is the guarantee of quality. For the O&Co. Specialty Oils, the olives are crushed directly with citrus fruits, herbs, and fresh spices with no added flavoring.

Oliviers&Co. 2017 Grand Crus Collection is composed of the finest olive oils harvested from October to November 2016 in Italy, Spain, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, and France. (Below) O&Co. Gold Harvest Fattorie Di Galiga E Vetrice

O&Co., led by its Quality and Product Development Director Eric Verdier, inspects over 1,200 batches per year, both in sensory and taste compliance, along with rigorous physio-chemical analysis. All the oils are then bottled in their workshop in Mane, Haute-Provence, with each label specifying the country of origin, the domain and producers name, the harvest date, the varieties of olives, and the number of liters available. Light and heat can be detrimental to fresh oils so O&Co.s bottles and containers are opaque in order to preserve the oils taste and quality.

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The O&CO. 2017 Grand Crus

O&Co. introduces its 2017 Grand Crus collection which is available in stores starting this August. The collection of limited edition bottles, harvested from October to November 2016, showcases the finest olive oils from Italy, Spain, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, and France, each boasting remarkable quality and taste.

The Gold Harvest Collection, which is O&Co.s cream of the crop, are all from exceptional groves located exclusively on the lands of Tuscany. Its Fattorie DiGaliga E Vetrice bottle, whose taste profile includes bitter almond, cut grass, and artichoke, is best paired with raw and cooked vegetables, bread dippings, red meats, pasta, ravioli, drizzled over mozzarella, ricotta, or goat cheese.

The French oils, sought out by O&CO. in Provence and Corsica, are extraordinarily rare and makes up less than 1 percent of world production. They are exquisite, surprising, and reveal exceptional flavorsa tribute to French producers who work with the greatest care to create these true gems. This is the first collection to release French oils in black bottles, which signifies its premium quality. One of the three bottles in this series, the Moulin La Cravenco has notes of dried herb, baked apple, and butter, and is best paired with delicate fish, chicken breast, asparagus, fresh peas, soft and hard cheese, pork, and baked goods.

The other Grand Crus include the floral Frantoio Galantino from Italy, whose taste profile includes notes of almond, cashew nuts, and dried herb, and complements potato salad, chicken with parsley and parmesan cheese, and ricotta with chives; the delicate and floral Finca La Gramanosa from Spain, which is best paired with grilled fish, chicken, pork, penne and spaghetti, vegetables, bread with tomato, and strawberry salad; Lakudia from Greece, which can be used on Greek salad, lamb skewers with lemon, and stuffed eggplant; and the grassy A Capela Dos Olivias from Portugal, with notes of green apple, dried herbs, and artichokes, which would make vegetables, chicken, marinade, pasta, rice, and mixed green salads taste heavenly.

O&Co. boutiques are located at Central Square, Bonifacio High Street and Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Makati.

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Provident Financial Services, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Provident Bank that provides various banking products and services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. The company's deposit products include savings, checking, interest-bearing checking, money market deposit, and certificate of deposit accounts, as well as IRA products. Its loan portfolio comprises commercial real estate loans that are secured by properties, such as multi-family apartment buildings, office buildings, and retail and industrial properties; commercial business loans; fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage loans collateralized by one- to four-family residential real estate properties; commercial construction loans; and consumer loans consisting of home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, marine loans, personal loans and unsecured lines of credit, and auto and recreational vehicle loans. The company also offers cash management, remote deposit capture, payroll origination, escrow account management, and online and mobile banking services; and business credit cards. In addition, it provides wealth management services comprising investment management, trust and estate administration, financial planning, tax compliance and planning, and private banking. Further, the company sells insurance and investment products, including annuities; operates as a real estate investment trust for acquiring mortgage loans and other real estate related assets; and manages and sells real estate properties acquired through foreclosure. As of December 31, 2021, it operated 96 full-service branch offices in northern and central New Jersey, as well as in Pennsylvania and New York counties. The company was founded in 1839 and is headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey.
The following companies are subsidiares of Transocean: 15375 Memorial Corporation, Agon Shipping Inc., Aguas Profundas Limitada, AngoSantaFe - Prestacao de Servicos Petroliferos Limitada, Angola Deepwater Drilling Company (Offshore Services) Ltd, Arcade Drilling AS, Asie Sonat Offshore Sdn. Bhd., Barents Rigco Limited, Blegra Asset Management Limited, Blegra Financing Limited, Caledonia Offshore Drilling Services Limited, Challenger Minerals Inc., Covent Garden - Servicos e Marketing Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Deepwater Drilling (Transocean Ghana) Limited, Deepwater Drilling North Africa LLC - Free Zone, Deepwater Pacific 1 Inc., Deepwater Supply Inc., Drillship Alonissos Owners Inc., Drillship Hydra Owners Inc., Drillship Kithira Owners Inc., Drillship Kythnos Owners Inc., Drillship Paros Owners Inc., Drillship Skiathos Owners Inc., Drillship Skopelos Owners Inc., Drillship Skyros Owners Inc., Eastern Med Consultants Inc., Entities Holdings Inc., GSF Leasing Services GmbH, Global Marine Inc., Global Offshore Drilling Limited, GlobalSantaFe (Labuan) Inc., GlobalSantaFe B.V., GlobalSantaFe C.R. Luigs Limited, GlobalSantaFe Denmark Holdings ApS, GlobalSantaFe Drilling (N.A.) N.V., GlobalSantaFe Drilling Company, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Company (North Sea) Limited, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Company (Overseas) Limited, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., GlobalSantaFe Drilling Operations Inc., GlobalSantaFe Drilling Services (North Sea) Limited, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Trinidad LLC, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Venezuela C.A., GlobalSantaFe Financial Services (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., GlobalSantaFe Group Financing Limited Liability Company, GlobalSantaFe Holding Company (North Sea) Limited, GlobalSantaFe Hungary Services Limited Liability Company, GlobalSantaFe International Drilling Corporation, GlobalSantaFe International Drilling Inc., GlobalSantaFe International Services Inc., GlobalSantaFe Nederland B.V., GlobalSantaFe Offshore Services Inc., GlobalSantaFe Operations (Mexico) LLC, GlobalSantaFe Saudi Arabia Ltd., GlobalSantaFe Services (BVI) Inc., GlobalSantaFe Services Netherlands B.V., GlobalSantaFe Servicios de Venezuela C.A., GlobalSantaFe South America LLC, GlobalSantaFe Tampico S. de R.L. de C.V., GlobalSantaFe Techserv (North Sea) Limited, GlobalSantaFe U.S. Holdings Inc., Indigo Drilling Limited, Inteliwell JV GP Limited, Inteliwell JV LP, Kalambo Operations Inc., OCR Falklands Drilling Inc., OR Norge Operations Inc., Ocean Rig, Ocean Rig 1 Inc, Ocean Rig 2 Inc., Ocean Rig Canada Inc., Ocean Rig Cuanza Operations Inc., Ocean Rig Cubango Operations Inc., Ocean Rig Deepwater Drilling Limited, Ocean Rig Investments Inc., Ocean Rig Management Inc., Ocean Rig Operations Inc., Ocean Rig UDW Inc., Ocean Rig UDW LLC, Offshore Ghana Transocean Limited, Offshore Rig Operations AS, Olympia Rig Angola Holding S.A., Olympia Rig Angola Limitada, Orion Holdings (Cayman) Limited, Orion RigCo (Cayman) Limited, P.T. Santa Fe Supraco Indonesia, PT. Transocean Indonesia, Platform Capital N.V., Platform Financial N.V., Primelead Limited, R&B Falcon (A) Pty Ltd, R&B Falcon (Caledonia) Limited, R&B Falcon (M) Sdn. Bhd., R&B Falcon (U.K.) Limited, R&B Falcon B.V., R&B Falcon Deepwater (UK) Limited, R&B Falcon Drilling Co. LLC, R&B Falcon Exploration Co. LLC, R&B Falcon International Energy Services B.V., RBF Rig Corporation LLC, Ranger Insurance Limited, Reading & Bates Coal Co. LLC, SDS Offshore Limited, Safemal Drilling Sdn. Bhd., Santa Fe Braun Inc., Santa Fe Construction Company, Santa Fe Drilling Company of Venezuela C.A., Saudi Drilling Company Limited, Sedco Forex International Inc., Services Petroliers Transocean, Servicios Petroleros Santa Fe S.A., Ship Investment Ocean Holdings Inc., Songa Offshore Delta Limited, Songa Offshore Drilling Limited, Songa Offshore Enabler Limited, Songa Offshore Encourage Limited, Songa Offshore Endurance Limited, Songa Offshore Equinox Limited, Songa Offshore Equipment Rental Limited, Songa Offshore Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Songa Offshore Management Limited, Songa Offshore Pte. Ltd., Songa Offshore Rig 2 AS, Songa Offshore Rig 3 AS, Songa Offshore SE, Songa Offshore SE, Songa Offshore Saturn Limited, Songa Offshore T & P Cyprus Limited, Songa Saturn Chartering Pte. Ltd., Spitsbergen Rigco Limited, Sub-Saharan Drilling Inc., T. I. International Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., TILAM Holdings Limited, TRM Holdings Limited, TSSA - Servicos de Apoio Lda., Transocean Africa Drilling Limited, Transocean Asia Services Sdn Bhd, Transocean Asset Holdings 1 Limited, Transocean Asset Holdings 2 Limited, Transocean Asset Holdings 3 Limited, Transocean Atlas Limited, Transocean Barents ASA, Transocean Brasil Ltda., Transocean Britannia Limited, Transocean Canada Drilling Services Ltd., Transocean Conqueror Limited, Transocean Conqueror Opco LLC, Transocean Corporate Services Limited, Transocean Cyprus Capital Management Public Limited, Transocean Cyprus Drilling Operations Public Limited, Transocean Deepwater Drilling Services Limited, Transocean Deepwater Holdings Limited, Transocean Deepwater Inc., Transocean Deepwater Mauritius, Transocean Deepwater Nautilus Limited, Transocean Deepwater Seafarer Services Limited, Transocean Discoverer 534 LLC, Transocean Drilling Enterprises S.a.r.l., Transocean Drilling Israel Ltd., Transocean Drilling Limited, Transocean Drilling Namibia Inc., Transocean Drilling Offshore S.a.r.l., Transocean Drilling Sdn. Bhd., Transocean Drilling Services (India) Private Limited, Transocean Drilling U.K. Limited, Transocean Eastern Pte. Ltd., Transocean Employee Support Fund, Transocean Enabler Limited, Transocean Enabler Rigco Limited, Transocean Encourage Limited, Transocean Encourage Rigco Limited, Transocean Endurance Limited, Transocean Endurance Rigco Limited, Transocean Entities Holdings GmbH, Transocean Equinox Limited, Transocean Equinox Rigco Limited, Transocean Finance Limited, Transocean Financing (Cayman) Limited, Transocean Financing GmbH, Transocean Guardian Limited, Transocean Holdings 1 Limited, Transocean Holdings 2 Limited, Transocean Holdings 3 Limited, Transocean Holdings LLC, Transocean Hungary Holdings LLC, Transocean Hungary Investments LLC, Transocean Hungary Ventures LLC, Transocean Inc., Transocean Innovation Labs Ltd., Transocean International Holdings Limited, Transocean International Resources Limited, Transocean Investimentos Ltda., Transocean Investments Holdings LLC, Transocean Investments S.a.r.l., Transocean Ltd., Transocean Management Services GmbH, Transocean Minerals Holdings Limited, Transocean Nautilus Limited, Transocean North Sea Limited, Transocean Norway Operations AS, Transocean Offshore (North Sea) Ltd., Transocean Offshore Canada Services Ltd., Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., Transocean Offshore Deepwater Holdings Limited, Transocean Offshore Drilling Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea II Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea VI Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea VII Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea XII Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea XIII Limited, Transocean Offshore Holdings Limited, Transocean Offshore International Limited, Transocean Offshore International Ventures Limited, Transocean Offshore Limited, Transocean Offshore PR Limited, Transocean Offshore USA Inc., Transocean Onshore Support Services Limited, Transocean Orion Limited, Transocean Phoenix 2 Limited, Transocean Phoenix 2 Opco LLC, Transocean Pontus Limited, Transocean Pontus Opco Inc., Transocean Poseidon Limited, Transocean Poseidon Opco Inc., Transocean Proteus Limited, Transocean Proteus Opco LLC, Transocean Quantum Holdings Limited, Transocean Quantum Management Limited, Transocean Quantum Rig Holdings Limited, Transocean Quantum Sentry Holdings Limited, Transocean Rig 140 Limited, Transocean Rig Management Limited, Transocean SPSF Holdings Limited, Transocean Sedco Forex Ventures Limited, Transocean Sentry Limited, Transocean Services (India) Private Limited, Transocean Services AS, Transocean Services UK Limited, Transocean Skyros Limited, Transocean Spitsbergen ASA, Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 1 Limited, Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 2 Limited, Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 3 Limited, Transocean Support Services Limited, Transocean Support Services Nigeria Limited, Transocean Support Services Private Limited, Transocean Technical Services Egypt LLC, Transocean U.S. Holdings LLC, Transocean UK Limited, Transocean Voyager 1 Limited, Transocean Voyager 2 Limited, Transocean West Africa Holdings Limited, Transocean Worldwide Inc., Triton Asset Leasing GmbH, Triton Capital I GmbH, Triton Capital II GmbH, Triton Capital Mexico GmbH, Triton Conqueror GmbH, Triton Corcovado LLC, Triton Financing LLC, Triton Gemini GmbH, Triton Holdings Limited, Triton Hungary Asset Management LLC, Triton Hungary Investments 1 Limited Liability Company, Triton Industries Inc., Triton KG2 GmbH, Triton Management Services LLC, Triton Mykonos LLC, Triton Nautilus Asset Leasing GmbH, Triton Nautilus Asset Management LLC, Triton Offshore Leasing Services Limited, Triton Pacific Limited, Triton Poseidon GmbH, Triton Voyager Asset Leasing GmbH, and Wilrig Offshore (UK) Limited.

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Royal Bank of Canada operates as a diversified financial service company worldwide. The company's Personal & Commercial Banking segment offers checking and savings accounts, home equity financing, personal lending, private banking, indirect lending, including auto financing, mutual funds and self-directed brokerage accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, credit cards, and payment products and solutions; and lending, leasing, deposit, investment, foreign exchange, cash management, auto dealer financing, trade products, and services to small and medium-sized commercial businesses. This segment offers financial products and services through branches, automated teller machines, and mobile sales network. Its Wealth Management segment provides a suite of advice-based solutions and strategies to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, and institutional clients. The company's Insurance segment offers life, health, home, auto, travel, wealth, annuities, and reinsurance advice and solutions; and business insurance services to individual, business, and group clients through its advice centers, RBC insurance stores, and mobile advisors; digital, mobile, and social platforms; independent brokers; and travel partners. Its Investor & Treasury Services segment provides asset servicing, custody, payments, and treasury services to financial and other investors; and fund and investment administration, shareholder, private capital, performance measurement and compliance monitoring, distribution, transaction banking, cash and liquidity management, foreign exchange, and global securities finance services. The company's Capital Markets segment offers corporate and investment banking, as well as equity and debt origination, distribution, advisory services, sale, and trading services for corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, private equity firms, and governments. The company was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
NEW YORKThree people, including Filipino jihadist Russel Salic, have been charged with involvement in a planned attack in New York City in 2016 during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, authorities here said.

The other two are Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, a 19-year-old Canadian citizen; and Talha Haroon, a 19-year-old US citizen residing in Pakistan.

The 2015 attack on the Bataclan concert hall in Paris and another on the metro in Belgium the following year served as inspiration for the planned killings in New York.

Those attacks were both claimed by IS, a brutal militant group that seized swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria and has inspired a series of deadly attacks abroad.

In Manila, the United States embassy in Manila confirmed that Salic was arrested in April 2017 in the Philippines after he and two other nationalities allegedly plotted attacks on New York City during the summer of 2016 in support of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham.

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NEW YORK, NY  A New York City Police officer stands guard in Times Square June 5, 2017 in New York City. Following another terrorist attack in London over the weekend, the NYPD has deployed Critical Response Command units at highly-traveled pedestrian locations. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has also ordered state law enforcement officials to step up security at high-profile locations around New York. AFP

All three men have been arrested, and one has pleaded guilty, the United States Department of Justice said on Saturday, which was shared by the US embassy in Manila.

On May 21, 2016, El Bahnasawy was arrested in New Jersey, after traveling to the United States from Canada in preparation for carrying out the NYC attacks.

Bahnasawy, a 19-year-old Canadian who purchased bomb-making materials and was arrested after traveling to the US, has pleaded guilty to terrorism offenses, the statement said.

Haroon, a 19-year-old American citizen living in Pakistan, allegedly planned to take part in the attacks, while Salic of the Philippines, 37, allegedly provided funds for the operation.

Haroon was arrested in Pakistan in or about September 2016, and Salic was arrested in the Philippines in or about April 2017.

Bahnasawy, who has been in custody since he was arrested by the FBI in May 2016, pleaded guilty to terrorism offenses and is awaiting sentencing, it added.

Haroon and Salic have been arrested in foreign countries by foreign authorities in connection with these charges and it is the hope and expectation of this Office and US law enforcement that they will be extradited to the United States to face justice in a United States court, it added.

Bahnasawy pleaded guilty on Oct. 13, 2016 to a seven-count Superseding Information before US District Judge Richard Berman.

The attacks were thwarted with the help of an undercover FBI agent posing as an IS supporter who communicated with the three plotters.

Haroon and Salic have been arrested abroad, and their extradition to the US is pending.

Bahnasawy and Haroon identified multiple locations and events in and around New York City as targets of the planned attacks, including the New York City subway system, Times Square and certain concert venues, the statement said.

Bahnasawy sent the undercover FBI agent an image of Times Square, saying we seriously need a car bomb to attack it and that he wanted to shoot up concerts cuz they kill a lot of people.

Haroon, meanwhile, told the agent that the subway would make a perfect target, and that suicide vests could be detonated after the attackers expended their ammunition.

Salic also began communicating with the FBI agent, eventually sending approximately $423 to fund the attacks and promising to send more, according to prosecutors.

New York was the target of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people and led the US to launch an open-ended war on terror that included invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq and military operations in a number of other countries.

These operations led, directly and indirectly, to tens of thousands of deaths, and cost the US hundreds of billions of dollars.

The most recent attack in New York occurred in September 2016, when a pressure cooker bomb exploded in the Chelsea neighborhood, wounding 29 people.

Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

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The Travelers Companies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United states and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. The Business Insurance segment offers workers' compensation, commercial automobile and property, general liability, commercial multi-peril, employers' liability, public and product liability, professional indemnity, marine, aviation, onshore and offshore energy, construction, terrorism, personal accident, and kidnap and ransom insurance products. This segment operates through select accounts, which serve small businesses; commercial accounts that serve mid-sized businesses; national accounts, which serve large companies; and national property and other that serve large and mid-sized customers, commercial trucking industry, and agricultural businesses, as well as markets and distributes its products through brokers, wholesale agents, and program managers. The Bond & Specialty Insurance segment provides surety, fidelity, management and professional liability, and other property and casualty coverages and related risk management services through independent agencies and brokers. The Personal Insurance segment offers property and casualty insurance covering personal risks, primarily automobile and homeowners insurance to individuals through independent agencies and brokers. The Travelers Companies, Inc. was founded in 1853 and is based in New York, New York.
TopBuild Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the installation and distribution of insulation and other building products to the construction industry. The company operates in two segments, Installation and Specialty Distribution. It provides insulation products and accessories, glass and windows, rain gutters, afterpaint products, fireproofing products, garage doors, fireplaces, closet shelving, roofing materials, and other products; and insulation installation services. The company also offers various services and tools to assist builders in applying the principles of building science to new home construction, which include pre-construction plan reviews, diagnostic testing, and various inspection services; and home energy rating services. In addition, it distributes building and mechanical insulation, insulation accessories, and other building product materials for the residential, commercial, and industrial end markets. The company serves single-family homebuilders, single-family custom builders, multi-family builders, commercial general contractors, remodelers, and individual homeowners, as well as insulation contractors, gutter contractors, weatherization contractors, other contractors, dealers, metal building erectors, and modular home builders. It operates approximately 235 installation branches and 175 distribution centers in the United States and Canada. The company was formerly known as Masco SpinCo Corp. and changed its name to TopBuild Corp. in March 2015. TopBuild Corp. was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida.
ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) continues to train the spotlight on Filipino culture and heritage with the launch of the documentary series Local Legends on Sept. 22.

Produced by the ABS-CBN News Docucentral, Local Legend aims to promote a deeper sense of pride in our countrys heritage by showcasing Filipino craftsmanship and artistry in music, food, and textiles. Each episode, which airs on ANC and ANC HD at 8:30 p.m., features a Filipino product and the master craftsmen who continue to make them to this day to preserve a tradition that has been passed on to many generations.

ABS-CBN News head and ANC Managing Director Ging Reyes said through the program, ANC hopes Filipinos would have a newfound appreciation for the living legends in our cultural communities.

ANC's "Local Legends" takes viewers to different parts of the country introducing living legends in cultural communities

In Local Legends, the star is the product. Behind each piece is a story of someone who mastered their craft, their struggles, their inspiration, how they differentiate their product about the West, and their efforts to sustain their craft in a globalized market with more modern competitive means of mass production. The skills and knowledge of these living treasures must be passed down to future generations, if their craft is to be preserved, she said.

In the pilot episode Bandurria, the program brought viewers to San Antonio, Guagua, Pampanga, where guitar-making has been around for more than a century. The second episode set in Ifugao features rice wine-maker Win-di Paliha, who hopes to preserve the traditional way of making wine amid the modernization of his peoples lifestyle.

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The 13-episode docuseries will also go to Masbate, Kalinga, and other points in the Philippines to meet the masters in making traditional Filipino products like rhum, karne norte, the jeepney, among many others.

Behind Local Legends, which celebrates the passion and uncovers the struggles of Filipino master craftsmen in this age of globalization, are the makers of Mukha, ANCs award-winning documentary program that has won a Silver Dolphin at the 7th Cannes Corporate Media and TV Awards and was a finalist in the 2017 New York Festival Awards for International TV Programs and Films.

Local Legends airs on ANC and ANC HD every Friday, 8:30 p.m..

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CarMax, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer of used vehicles in the United States. The company operates through two segments, CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance. It offers customers a range of makes and models of used vehicles, including domestic, imported, and luxury vehicles, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles; and extended protection plans to customers at the time of sale, as well as sells vehicles that are approximately 10 years old and has more than 100,000 miles through wholesale auctions. The company also provides reconditioning and vehicle repair services; and financing alternatives for retail customers across a range of credit spectrum through its CarMax Auto Finance and arrangements with various financial institutions. As of February 28, 2022, it operated approximately 230 used car stores. CarMax, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is based in Richmond, Virginia.
Washington, seeking to help end the diplomatic spat, which erupted early June between its gulf allies, has announced it will suspend all military drills in the region, reports say.

The region has been embroiled in a crisis as a Saudi-led group encompassing United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt parted with Qatar over its alleged support for terrorism.

Colonel John Thomas from the US central command noted that Washington has decided to halt its military exercises in the region to facilitate inclusiveness and spur shared regional interests.

We will continue to encourage all partners to work together toward the sort of common solutions that enable security and stability in the region, he said.

The decision could affect the Eagle Resolve maneuver, according to press reports.

In place since 1999, the drill brings together US and gulf countries troops.

Kuwait hosted this year drills in March. Around 1,000 troops participated in the maneuvers.

Gulf countries also hold separate drills with US forces.
Saudi Arabia is likely to receive US advanced defense system Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) in a deal estimated at $15 billion.

The State Department Friday said it approved the deal, which is yet to be green-lighted by the Congress.

Washington said the equipment will improve Saudi Arabias defense system against regional threats and Iran, which, through its ballistic missile program, puts at risk the region largely made of US allies.

Saudi Arabia ordered 44 THAAD launchers, and 360 missiles, as well as fire control stations and radars.

The order is part of the $110 billion military package signed by the two allies in May.

US Lockheed Martin has been chosen for the contract while Raytheon will secure the deployment of the equipment.

The new approved deal comes two days after Russia agreed to sell its S-400 air defense system to the Gulf power house.

Moscow will also provide its cutting-edge military technology to Riyadh and help install a plant to produce the Russian Kalashnikov and its ammunition.
Some analysts forecast US hotel sales, half of IHG's group turnover, will shrink next year, while the rise of Airbnb continues to pose a threat to its Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza hotel brands, with other analysts querying whether the shares are worth 21 times earnings and a lack of boardroom ideas to boost profits if the market turns.

Since last June's low of just over 2770p, the stock has added more than 44% to top 4,000p for most of this year. The attraction has been the FTSE 100 group's strong greenback exposure and a generous recent history of dividends as the hotel owner sold off its grand hotels in Hong Kong, Paris and London and became more of a hotel manager to limit is capital expenditure. Chief executive Richard Solomons booked out in August after six years at the top, with chief operating officer Keith Barr given the tough job of replacing him as the company announced a 0.4% fall in revenue per available room in the US for the second quarter.

EasyJet shares were a 'buy' for Midas in the Mail on Sunday in the wake of recent collapse of Monarch and pilot troubles and subsequent mass flight cancellations for budget rival Ryanair. Seen as a nicer alternative than its Dublin-based peer, Easyjet's is in a great place to capitalise on the current situation, with Monarch's departure reducing the need for others to continue their recent price cutting.

EasyJet last month made a bid for up to 30 planes from Air Berlin's short-haul business after the German carrier went into insolvency, which is predicated to lift profits by 10%, with a similar option a possibility with Monarch. This risks adding more debt amid a rising cost environment. Other risks are new entrants such as Wizz Air and Norwegian, which could take the place of Monarch, while recent travel trends have seen a holidaymakers abandoning overseas holiday plans due to the weak pound. There have also been suggestions that consumers could give budget airlines the cold shoulder in favour of higher cost carriers perceived as a safer pair of hands.

Share in Reckitt Benckiser Group are one to 'avoid' for now, said Questor in the Sunday Telegraph. Shares in the consumer health and hygiene goods group, which owns a diverse range of brands including Nurofen painkillers, Durex condoms, Dettol antiseptic, and Scholl foot care products, are trading on a forward p/e ratio of 18. The company has long-term potential but this does not feel like the right time to buy.

Chairman Adrian Bellamy hit twenty years as a board member of the group, which is a milestone that non-executives are never meant to reach. Reckitt has chosen Chris Sinclair to be its next chairman after Bellamy decided he will retire from the role next year at the 2018 annual shareholder meeting. Sinclair, who has served on the board since 2015, is former president and CEO of PepsiCo's food and beverage division, and more recently was chairman and CEO of toy-maker Mattel, and held executive chairman roles at Scandent Holdings and Cambridge Solutions. Under Bellamy the company has grown to become a corporate superpower and "there is a suspicion that Reckitt's best years could be behind it".
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As invasive species are threatening ecological habitats throughout the U.S. and Canada, the role of Indigenous nations as environmental stewards has often been overlooked, according to a Dartmouth-led study published in the current issue of American Indian Quarterly. (A pdf is available upon request).

Past literature has often focused on the sociocultural impact of invasive species on Indigenous peoples, rather than reflecting their knowledge, scientific research and initiatives underway to address invasive species and environmental change, more broadly. As part of their findings, the researchers also aim to help provide a counter-narrative to Indigenous peoples being helpless victims of environmental change.

Through an online survey of over 140 Indigenous respondents, who work in national resource, environmental and cultural departments, the study revealed how the majority consider invasive species a topic of great concern to their community. Environmental, cultural and economic issues were found to be the three areas of concern by priority. Seventy-six percent of the respondents indicated that they were very concerned about specific plant and animal populations, 62 percent are very concerned about the impacts of invasive species on local food systems and traditional economic knowledge; and 53 percent are very concerned about impacts on cultural identity. One Quinault Indian Nation representative explained how infestations of knotweed in the riparian habitat of the Quinault River and its watershed could threaten Quinault salmon fisheries and deer. Salmon is considered a "cornerstone of who the Quinault people" are. The survey results provide examples of the many ways Indigenous nations are adapting to invasive species, documenting their impact and implementing active response strategies.

To keep established invasive species at bay, Indigenous nations are using public programs to educate community members and are using methods based on both Western science and Indigenous knowledge systems. These include removing invasive species by hand, and drawing on mechanical and chemical methods. The Native organization, the Chugachmiut, reported that they are researching areas where berries have been most resistant to defoliation by geometrid moths to help target their treatments.

Although 81 percent of respondents reported that they have coordinated with non-Indigenous governments, and non-governmental and non-profits organizations on invasive species, many indicated that communication could have been better, to ensure that they are immediately informed of new invasive species and that they have an opportunity to collaborate on potential next steps from the onset.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there are approximately 4,300 invasive species in the U.S. alone.

"Our study shows that Indigenous nations in the U.S. and Canada are responding to invasive species in some of the same ways as non-Indigenous governments, but that they also bring unique knowledge and approaches to bear on these challenging issues," says Nicholas J. Reo, an assistant professor of environmental studies and Native American studies at Dartmouth, who served as the first author of the study. "Invasive species have no borders, making this a challenge that we, as a society must face together," adds Reo.

###

Nicholas Reo is available for comment at: Nicholas.J.Reo@Dartmouth.edu.

Broadcast studios: Dartmouth has TV and radio studios available for interviews. For more information, visit: http://communications.dartmouth.edu/media/broadcast-studios.
In Tanzania, pregnant women who were exposed to a national safe motherhood campaign designed to get them to visit health facilities for prenatal care and delivery were more likely to create birth plans and to attend more prenatal appointments, according to new Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health research.

The findings, published last month in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, suggest that a strategic, social and behavior change communication campaign broadcast via radio, television and print media can help empower women to take the steps necessary for healthy pregnancy, safe delivery and proper care for newborns. Despite improvements over the last few decades, maternal mortality in Tanzania remains among the world's highest, with 454 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Infant mortality rates are also high.

The Wazazi Nipendeni ("Love me, parents," in Swahili) campaign was part of the Tanzania Capacity and Communication Project, which was run by the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP) from 2010 until 2016. The messaging was designed to improve a range of maternal health outcomes by encouraging women to prepare birth plans, start prenatal visits as early in pregnancy as possible and give birth at a health care facility.

When the campaign was developed, only 15 percent of pregnant women in Tanzania were seeing a health provider in their first trimester. "We want to shift the culture of delayed health-seeking behavior for Tanzania's pregnant women," says Jennifer Orkis, MHS, a senior program officer at CCP and one of the study's authors. "An early visit to the doctor during pregnancy is a gateway behavior that can then trigger a number of other positive health behaviors, such as being tested for HIV or receiving medication to prevent malaria in pregnancy. The sooner pregnant women go for a prenatal visit - and the more we can empower them to ask for the services they need - the better the chances for themselves and their babies."

There are several factors related to why women may delay or avoid health provider visits during pregnancy. In Tanzania, for example, there is a culture of secrecy around pregnancy, fear that "the evil eye" could curse the pregnancy, the distance to health facilities and costs associated with leaving home or work as well as obtaining transportation.

The study was conducted by researchers from CCP and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. As part of the research, 1,708 women were interviewed - 837 before giving birth and 871 after. They were interviewed outside health facilities in five regions of Tanzania. Two-thirds of the facilities were in rural areas. A majority of the women had little education and little money. They were paid the equivalent of about $3 U.S. to participate in the study.

Of those women, 35 percent reported seeing or hearing a Wazazi Nipendeni message in the previous month, with 16.5 percent reporting daily exposure. Urban, more educated and wealthier women were more likely to have been exposed to the messages, they found. The average number of prenatal visits for everyone in the study was 2.5, while 12 percent visited four times and five percent visiting five or more times. The more messages a woman was exposed to, the more likely she was to attend more prenatal visits. Experts recommend at least four prenatal visits for pregnant mothers.

While 85 percent of women in the study had given birth at a health facility, 15 percent had not. One-third of the women who gave birth at home did so because they could not get to a hospital or clinic in time. Reasons for that vary, including the distance to the health facility and the cost of transportation. Giving birth at a health facility is linked to better health outcomes for mothers and their babies.

Pregnant women who were exposed to the campaign were more likely to plan for their births, including knowing the due date, arranging transportation to a health facility, deciding who would go with them and who would stay back to watch any other children they may have.

The campaign was meant to be ubiquitous, with radio and television spots, billboards, posters, bumper stickers, T-shirts, brochures, a text messaging system, community outreach activities and promotional materials including the campaign's calls to action.

Key behaviors targeted by the Wazazi Nipendeni campaign were depicted in scenarios in which pregnant characters worked through issues that would be common to other Tanzanian women.

In one radio spot, for example, a pregnant woman tells her mother-in-law about her pregnancy. The mother-in-law is overjoyed, encouraging her daughter-in-law to tell her husband and go for her first prenatal visit, modeling the importance of male involvement and the need to visit the doctor early and often during pregnancy. Another depicts a pregnant woman convincing her partner to be tested for HIV.

The campaign also included preventing transmission of HIV to the children of HIV-infected mothers and the use of insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent malaria.

One limitation of the study may be that the women were surveyed outside a health facility, suggesting that they are already exhibiting a degree of health-seeking behavior and therefore may be more likely to exhibit positive pregnancy behaviors. Orkis says it's also possible the women journeyed to the health facility because of the campaign, though the study was unable to determine the causal sequence of events.

The success of the integrated, multi-channel Wazazi Nipendeni campaign suggests that having a streamlined set of messages in a single campaign may be the most successful way of getting across important and specific health information, instead of having women bombarded by different calls to action from unconnected campaigns.

###

"'Love me, parents!': impact evaluation of a national social and behavioral change communication campaign on maternal health outcomes in Tanzania" was written by Michelle R. Kaufman, Jennifer J. Harman, Marina Smelyanskaya, Jennifer Orkis and Robert Ainslie.

The study was funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Where To Go When Your Local Emergency Room Goes Bankrupt?" During the past ten years 84 California hospitals have declared bankruptcy and closed their Emergency Rooms forever. Financially crippled by legislative and judicial mandates to treat illegal aliens have bankrupted hospitals! In 2010, in Los Angeles County alone, over 2 million illegal aliens recorded visits to county emergency rooms for both routine and emergency care. The cost is $1,000 dollars for every taxpayer. VIVA LA RAZA?
Sunday, October 8, 2017

How Mastering Macroeconomics and Climate Change Created Kudos and Backlash

My academic work creating a perfect science-like model of economic growth proves that military spending is the biggest impediment to a powerful nation's economic growth. That in turn leads to my new defense strategy requiring a nation to minimize military spending or fall into decline that will inevitably be eclipsed by another power. Many falsely assume this decline to be inevitable, when in fact it is the result of prolonged over-militarization. The Norwegian Nobel Committee's failure to recognize this new reality of science only delays, it does not stop, the inevitable recognition that excessive militarization is self-poisoning of a society. It does not stop the fact that huge stock market gains are possible following the moves of the military industrial complex better and recognizing the Great Lakes states region moves in the opposite direction of the military budget. That is because military spending drains key science and capital resources away from civilian manufacturing industries that can be restored by reducing the military budget. Even the military will benefit from initial lowering, because that results in a better future for them and the society around them as the new high growth glide path "tide lifts even the military boat" ever higher faster.

History of Campaigning to Change the World

My campaign to change the world began with a brochure with a bar chart by Ruth Sivard in 1983. I took it to the walls of legislative workspace of the 1983 Oregon legislative session with blown up copies of that bar chart. Finding that in my files after the 1985 Oregon legislative session, I realized the world was ignoring her great work, so I began to test it. My tests lead to the first presentation of material in December 1985 to the Lane County Commissioners, including Jerry Rust who offered to submit my material to the Pulitzer Prize committee back then and in 2016 submitted my first nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Then Frank Arundel offered me his MacIntosh to complete the first edition of "Peace Economics" in 1986 which I extensively footnoted unlike these blogs. That remains my clearest and most convincing work of the Economic Model that results from the nonproductive nature of military spending. PRIO, the "Journal of Peace Research" in Oslo Norway where the Nobel Prize is awarded, asked me to submit an article, but I did not know how to, so I ignored them. I taught three academic years my Peace Economics course from 1987 to 1989 at the University of Oregon. My enrollment for a Doctorate in Economics at U.O. ended in my withdrawal due to the fact my professors agreed with me that military spending was non-productive, yet it was not in the model we were expected to study for the first year. Frustrated at the University, I turned to being a monthly columnist 1989-1997 with Peter Bergel's Oregon PeaceWorker which had a circulation of 10,000. Soon all the Democratic Congresspersons knew of my work and Peter DeFazio asked me to write a piece for him to read on the floor of the House, but I was intimidated once more, fearing I might be too critical for a political body like that. Then Richard Schneider of Radio for Peace International asked me to offer a University of the Air shortwave radio course in 1997 until 2004 when RFPI folded.

The New Campaign

Having met a professor at an anti-war rally in 2003, she later helped me find a new Doctoral Program without the obstinacy of Economics. From 2006 to 2009 I completed the Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Madison, Wisconsin's Edgewood College, next to the Edgewood High School I once graduated from and earned the first of many subsequent listings in Marquis Who's Who I am listed in, later including America and World. My day job for many years had been as a CPA working for my father, but now I could finally get on with my real life's work establishing the new scientific economic theory no one in the field of economics even thought was possible. Economists and Accountants don't have the scientific training of an engineer, my first degree, so I knew the only way was to advance my ideas to academics and the public until the anticipated foot dragging of economists was overcome. To that end, I turned to blogging press releases on expertclick.com, recommended by an author I had read. I now have 119,000 views on Expertclick.com over a four year period, 5443 views on Academia.edu, 5014 views on Wordpress.com, and about 10,000 views on Realeconomy.com which has links to all the other detailed websites and is the best place to start.

Favorites of the Press

ExpertClick.com shows me constant updates I check daily for the most current 50 press releases sent out to their list of 7000. Of those who have left the 50 list, but remain on access to site visitors, I update those results once a year. The full lists ranked by both views and chronologically are at the link at the bottom of this page. The most popular old releases in the last year are, in rank order of views this last year, in parentheses (all time total), and date:

Predictions 200 (1067) 8-26-14, Global Citizen 190 (1289) 6-28-14, Walker Work Dignity 154 (722) 2-28-15, Politician in Eugene 151 (789) 5-14-14, Scientific Revolution 142 (687) 12-21-14, Nepal Chile 127 (595) 4-28-15, Grandpa Horicon Marsh 121 (695) 3-1-14, Elections Plus 114 (553) 11-13-14, Military Terror Policing 101 (1222) 8-17-14, Modern Feudalism 99 (863) 2-21-15, Religion and Empire 99 (795) 1-3-15, Heat Hurts 99 (652) 9-8-14, Baltimore Riot 97 (613) 5-2-15.

Favorites of the Academics

Academia.edu lists my 72 papers, including seven peer reviewed articles, several six per page power point conference presentations, many chapters of my unpublished book based on the Radio for Peace International course, the most important Defense Strategy and Economic Model chapters of "Peace Economics", and many special papers on key topics old and new. These are ranked by downloads as a marker of serious interest in the link at the end of this article. Unfortunately, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has focused only on the superficial ExpertClick.com press releases and not enough on this academic papers section. The most important work of all is the 1986 Economic Model and the 1986 Defense Strategy chapters from "Peace Economics" worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize. The Climate War Cycle power point from 7-20-13 World Future Society presentation and the Weather Cycle paper document the 54 year cycle work that is worthy of the Nobel Physics Prize. Both of these together are worthy of the Nobel Economics Prize. Alas for me, the world is full of very slow learners. The ranked lists of state, country, and topics are all shown in the link at the bottom of this page. This is my best source for people and places interested in my work, and show an evolution from mainly US interest, to mainly British Empire interest among the foreign interest, to strong global acceptance of my work beyond the British Empire countries including more US and worldwide gamers from the Gary Gygax and Dungeons and Dragons crowd.

Favorites of the Mostly Political Friends and Public

BobReuschlein.wordpress.com is where I put all my press releases, and it allows typos to be corrected so it is the best version of my press releases and includes some excellent work just before I started with ExpertClick.com in October 2013 including the first interest by the Pentagon and the CIA in my work. This general list to the public and my mostly political friends has very different priorities than the other two. Much of this comes from referrals. Here are the 16 most interesting articles according to the common folk out there, in rank order of views:

1133 Scientific Revolution Facts (Thomas Kuhn), 114 "Where to Invade Next" (Michael Moore), 104 Wargaming with Gary Gygax, 92 Game Master Gygax History, 70 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, 58 Politician in Eugene Oregon, 53 History US Military Economy, 51 The New Weimar Republic, 47 Are Chili and Nepal Related?, 47 Modern Stages of Empire, 43 Scott Walker of Wisconsin, 42 To Hillary Clinton Critics, 40 Paris Terror, Who Gains?, 40 CIA Presidents: Obama Clinton, 38 Baltimore Riot the New Watts, 38 Odds on Nobel Peace Prize.

For complete ranked lists of viewings by topic, state, country, by websites, 13 pages:

https://www.academia.edu/34794541/CHANGING_WORLD_VIEWS_2013-2017_13p

Please cite this work as follows:

Reuschlein, Robert. (2017, October 8). "Changing the World Views". Madison, WI: Real Economy Institute. Retrieved from: https://www.expertclick.com/NewsRelease/Changing-the-World-Views-Robert-Reuschlein,2017130137.aspx

Dr. Peace, Professor Robert Reuschlein, Real Economy Institute

Nominated Vetted 2016, and one of 76 Given Odds, tied for 31st for the Nobel Peace Prize 2017




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McLarens Fernando Alonso has been reprimanded by Suzuka stewards and given two penalty points on his Super License for not adhering to blue-flag rules correctly whilst being lapped during Sundays Japanese Grand Prix.

Alonso was locked in a late-race battle for 10th place with Williams Felipe Massa when leader Lewis Hamilton closed in on him - and officials deemed that he did not allow him to pass at the earliest opportunity as required by the rules.

According to the stewards, Alonso was shown a solid blue indicator light on his dash and waved blue flags between Turn 14 and Turn 15 on Lap 51. He also had received a flashing blue light informing him that race leader Lewis Hamilton was closing on him for over a lap before. Alonso let Hamilton pass during lap 52 at Turn 11.

Alonso noted in his hearing with the stewards that there was an opportunity to allow Hamilton to pass on the front straight, but not thereafter until Turn 11. The Stewards accepted that there are limited safe places to let a car past between Turns 2 and 9, which contributed to the length of time it took to allow Hamilton through.

In applying the penalty, the stewards compared the incident to other similar ones and considered that while a breach of the rules, it was less severe than others and that when the Spaniard did move over he gave plenty of room to Hamilton, and subsequently to Red Bulls Max Verstappen.

It was Alonso's first reprimand of the season.
New associates

Dr. Matt Weaver has accepted the position of Analytical Chemist at Elite One Source  Nutritional Services. Weaver earned his B.S. in biological chemistry and Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry from the University of Montana. His research has been featured in various scholarly journals and won him several awards.

Rachael Cheff has joined the staff of PartnersCreative as analytics and digital project management assistant after completing a yearlong internship at the Missoula full-service marketing and communications agency. Cheff is pursuing her masters in business analytics from the University of Montana  her alma mater from her undergraduate years where she received her bachelors in business administration with an emphasis in marketing and a minor in media arts. At PartnersCreative, Cheff supports the entire agency through data analytics and digital project management.

Patrick Landon is now associated with Cherie Hansen of Re/Max Bigfork. Landon, a Montana native, grew up in Bigfork, attended the University of Montana. He has marketing and sales experience, managing teams at two respective Fortune 500 companies.

Elected

Sentinel Kiwanis of Missoula has installed the new officers and board for the 2017/2018 fiscal year starting Oct. 1. David Loewenwarter, president; Kelly Rosenleaf, president elect; Ed Brown, vice president; Gary Hughes, returning treasurer; Debbie Schock, incoming secretary; Michele Wheeler, retiring Lieutenant Governor, Montana District of Kiwanis; Sandy Smith, retiring secretary; Gary "Scooter" Smith, immediate past president. Retiring board includes Karl Jones, Ed Brown, Deb Schock, Glen Wheeler. Second year board members include Julie Kieckbusch Jones, Mike McCue, Brent Small, Chris Kirschten. First year board members are Bobby Smith, Bill Lawrence, Dori Brownlow, Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson.

Recognition

The Bob Small Award was presented to 52 year Sentinel Kiwanis Club member Art Mandell. Retiring Lieutenant Governor for Montana District of Kiwanis and past president of Sentinel Kiwanis, Michele Wheeler, was presented the Hixon Award.

Dr. Tina Barrett and Molly Murphy, LCPC, of Tamarack Grief Resource Center have been asked to serve in leadership roles at the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar (NMSSS) in Phoenix, AZ, October, 2017. Murphy will be a Group Leader and Barrett will be the Clinical Lead for Youth Programs. Since 2007, TGRC staff has supported TAPS Youth Program staff offering stabilizing and strengthening support for children grieving the death of a family member who served in the military. Barrett serves on the Advisory Board of TAPS and both Barrett and Murphy assist with implementation of TAPS Good Grief Camp-outs throughout the US for kids grieving the death of a military loved-one.

Patrick McCormick was the Top Producer at Properties 2000 for the month of September. McCormick is one of the Broker/Owner of Properties 2000. He specializes in residential real estate.

Montana Broadcaster Association has announced inductees into the Manning Society which recognizes broadcast sales achievement and KPAX/KAJ television qualified Rod Sharkey, Matt Hermes, Jeff Haley, Leslie Laird, Robert Vaughn, and Amy Vaughn. Additionally, Hermes and R. Vaughn achieved the special recognition of Super Seller and Top Seller respectively.

Missoula Aging Services (MAS) has been named a 2017 Top-Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits. MAS serves older adults, their families and caregivers in Missoula County through a variety of programs, including Meals on Wheels, Respite & Homemaking Services, Medicare and Medicaid counseling, educational opportunities and classes, Senior Corps volunteer programs and more.
Rachel Carson's expose shocked the world. And we're better for it
A legislative change in funding for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wardens means that each officer is now required to spend about 14 hours a week on wildlife management work.

FWP estimated the change will result in the shifting of 70,000 hours of game warden time, the equivalent of about 30 game warden positions.

The agency published a fact sheet on its website this week detailing more about the change, which took effect on July 1 and will be in effect at least until the next legislative session in 2019, when state budgets are renegotiated.

Fact sheet

According to the departments fact sheet, the end result could be that wardens, investigators, sergeants and captains will be accomplishing non-law enforcement work and unable to respond to traditional conservation law enforcement needs. Enforcement may be less visible and available.

We did this work before, but it was a lower amount of time, said Joe Kambic, a Region 2 game warden. Now that theres so much of this work to be done, and an audit potential, the guys arent able to multi-task like they used to.

Kambic said this summer it wasnt a problem for him because he had to deal with several bears in urban areas, time that falls under that wildlife line item.

A lot of the angling stuff fell off the wayside, but I was busy with bears, so its hard to say how the change would have affected him so far, he added.

Legislative shift

The change was the result of legislators funding more of the wardens budget with federal dollars. That money comes through the Pittman-Robertson Act, which generates revenue from a tax on the sale of firearms and ammunition. The money, collected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is then parceled out to states with the stipulation that the state provide a 25 percent match. The money also comes with very specific parameters on how it can be spent. Those parameters dont include enforcement.

Last year Montana FWP collected about $28 million in Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson funds along with state wildlife grants. That money went to fund FWP biologists, wildlife management and habitat acquisition.

Prior to the change, FWP used about 7 percent of the Pittman-Robertson money as part of the total law enforcement personal services funding, the maximum amount it felt comfortable allocating. In 2016 and 2017 that amounted to more than $587,000. But in this legislative session lawmakers chose to boost that amount to 30 percent.

Failed rebuttal

In a March 6 opinion, FWP chief legal counsel Becky Dockter wrote that requiring wardens to devote so much of their time to nonenforcement would contradict their duties as defined under state statute.

Wardens are required by statute to devote all their time for which they are appointed to their official duties, Dockter wrote. Those duties are primarily enforcement in nature. The statute outlining warden official duties lists, first and foremost, enforcement of the laws of this state and the rules of the department

Wardens, therefore, are authorized by law to conduct very little nonenforcement duties, she added.

Eased a bit

Despite the departments protests, the House approved of using $5.1 million in 2017-18 and $5.4 million in 2018-19 to fund almost half of the enforcement divisions total $11.6 million budget. In the end, though, that amount was cut in half, to more than $2.4 million in federal dollars used each of the next two years.

The National Fraternal Order of Police is the union that represents wardens. Sam Christiansen, a labor specialist for the group, said the union has been blamed for lobbying for the change in funding, but he said the union had nothing to do with it.

However, the altered funding did seem to address what had been deemed a cop vs. cowboy debate within the enforcement division about how wardens should spend their time, a philosophical battle mentioned by former Region 3 supervisor Sam Sheppard during questioning in a state Board of Personnel Appeals hearing last year.

That whole conversation has been used by some to further divide this division and, to an extent, beyond the division, Sheppard told the hearing officer.

The cowboy faction were traditionalists, former FWP director Jeff Hagener testified in the same hearing. On the other side of that was the cop faction that felt wardens needed to be more enforcement focused, much more like a sheriffs department, he said.

Going forward

Regardless of any division within enforcement, the agency noted that The wildlife and enforcement divisions together with the regions have carefully developed individual warden work plans to incorporate this funding shift. Together the divisions and FWP leadership are identifying, prioritizing, and adding PR-eligible work, while balancing law enforcement work that is affected or not accomplished.

To track those hours, the enforcement division has an electronic tracking system wardens will use to log the time they spend on different tasks.

For more information on the changes, see the fact sheet on FWPs website at fwp.mt.gov/enforcement/.
If youre a North American rap fan, its very possible that Giggs appearances on Drakes More Life album were your introduction to the London rapper. While Giggs has already made a considerable impact in the UK, he continues to embrace an American audience on his Wamp 2 Dem project, which features guest appearances from the likes of 2 Chainz, Young Thug, and Lil Duke. On Times Tickin, brings things even more global, as he works with Jamaican dancehall sensation Popcaan, yet another contact of Drakes with a huge following outside of North America. The buzzing bassline of the beat provides a creeping feel reminiscent of early 00s rap. Both artists step up to the plate and do something entirely new with it, making for one of the best tracks on the new project.



With North American audiences still fairly unfamiliar with a lot of the music from overseas, Giggs is often mistaken for a grime artist. He spoke to Noisey about the difference between grime and what he does last year. Dont know to be honest, its all the same thing isnt it? Its just music, he said. They say grime doesnt come from hip-hop, but I think it does. Cause men are rapping in it. Spitting in it, on the beat. Know what Im saying? But they say grime is that 140 BPM. Well theres 140 BPM rap playing. But obviously, I dont know, they just want to say that they do grime and keep it in that. But to me, obviously Im a rapper, isnt it? But people say, yeah Giggs is a sick grime artist cause of his country. I dont know man. Cause of everyone else thats come up and made a name for themselves, theyve all come from grime. Like Im talking before I come, its like they dont know anything else. Its like they dont even know that fucking American hip-hops always been around. They call anyone that makes music in the UK is grime.



One things for sure, everyone loves Giggs KMT verse. Watch a crowd go wild to a performance of the song in London.



Listen to Wamp 2 Dem in its entirety here.



Quotable Lyrics:

In the kitchen with Kentucky Fried, fried chicken

In the ride with the hottest chick, but I aint kissing

Trynna hire up the pussy, fuck it, I aint fishing

Mana rise up the bucky, na, I aint dissing

Tell a man to his face, fuck it, I aint bitching

But fuck it, back to the kitchen, na, fine whipping




Following shocking allegations that led to Nellys arrest on suspicion of second-degree rape, the St. Louis-born rapper has broken his silence and addressed the situation, proclaiming his innocence.

In a series of tweets Saturday night [October 7th], the 42-year old decided to thank his fans for their support while he navigates his current legal woes while apologizing to those closest to him for the embarrassment that accompanies such a situation.

Let me say that I am beyond shocked that I have been targeted with this false allegation, Nelly penned. I am completely innocent, I am confident that once the facts are looked at , it will be very clear that I am the victim of a false allegation.

I do want to apologize to my loved ones for the embarrassment and for putting myself in a situation where I could be victimized by this false and defaming allegation, he added.

It was Saturday morning that Nelly was taken in by authorities after a woman alleged that he had sexually assaulted her on a tour bus after a show in Auburn, Washington. Shortly after, Nellys attorney Scott Rosenblum and his manager Juliette Harris both confirmed that the rapper was released without being charged.

Nelly is the victim of a completely fabricated allegation, Rosenblum told the publication. I am confident, once this scurrilous accusation is thoroughly investigated, there will be no charges. Nelly is prepared to address and pursue all legal avenues to redress any damage caused by this clearly false allegation.

The performance that Nelly had schedule in Ridgefield, Washington Saturday night was since cancelled with no word being released on the continuation of his tour alongside country duo Florida Georgia Line.

Nelly
The 2017 fire season smashed records in British Columbia, triggering a forest policy discussion that has some intriguing divergence from the parallel debate in the United States.

If they accept this, were going to see more smoke in the air, Robert Gray said of a megafire response plan sent to B.C. Premier John Horgan on Sept. 26. We got together and said, Theres our window. We can really change the way things are going  make transformational change  or do the same things and face the consequences.

We includes nine mayors, 20 professors, and five research center managers from Victoria to Cranbrook to the First Peoples Ktunaxa Nation. Gray was one of the co-authors, and has a career as a fire ecologist in Chilliwack, B.C.

The plan includes 46 recommendations spanning tactical firefighting, fuels reduction, protecting homes in the wildland-urban interface, better forest management for fire resilience and more research on how climate change will transform wildfire management. While it assumes extensive timber industry participation, it also features a big boost in government spending.

The call comes after British Columbia experienced its largest forest fire ever recorded when the Plateau complex burned 467,000 hectares (1.2 million acres). By the start of October, more than 100 wildfires were still burning in the province. That made 2017 the provinces worst year on record with 1.2 million hectares burned, surpassing 1958s 855,000 hectares. At 2.9 million acres, thats just short of the landscape of Glacier and Yellowstone national parks combined.

Gray said catastrophes like 2016s fire evacuation of 80,000 people from Fort McMurray, Alberta helped clarify the need to get ahead of wildfires evolving impact on everyday life.

We are willing to deficit-spend for seismic upgrades and flood mitigation, but not for fires, Gray said. In Cranbrook, a simple evacuation would cost millions of dollars a day. Balance that against the tax money needed to subsidize removal of low-value wood. Its no comparison. The fire is always more expensive.

While legislative proposals in the U.S. Congress have focused on ways to let private lumber companies cut more millable trees to improve forest health, the British Columbia coalitions plan focuses on government partnering with industry to change the composition of the provincial forests. That includes backing away from a tradition of plantation forestry, especially within 5 miles of homes and communities. It also means helping some regions shift to more dry-land ecosystems as the province experiences increasingly arid climate conditions.

We need to take what we understand about climate change, and make sure we have stands that have a chance to withstand fire, Gray said. Weve allowed species like lodgepole pine to become dominant, because it so easily regenerates. We need to shift to species like Douglas fir, quaking aspen, and in the southern interior, ponderosa pine and western larch. That means lower timber volumes and longer rotations.

The plan also proposes increased use of small trees, slash and other hazardous-but-unmarketable forest material for pulp, pellets or hog fuel for energy production. What couldnt be subsidized out of the forest would be burned in place through prescribed fires in the spring and fall.

The accountants said we have to look at solutions relative to the potential consequences down the road, Gray said. If we have to spend $10 upfront to save $1,000 on the back end, we need to do that.
Vadnagar/Bharuch, Gujarat, Oct 8 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited Gujarat's Vadnagar, his hometown, and addressed rallies and meetings there as well as in Bharuch where he touched upon various issues relating to the farmers, fishermen and cattle care as his homecoming was marked by a stupendous welcome and inauguration of projects and a multi-specialty hospital.

This is PM Modi's first visit to his hometown since becoming the Prime Minister.

Residents of the town thronged the streets to welcome the Prime Minister. He offered prayers at the Hatkeshwar Temple. He also stopped briefly at the school in which he had studied as a child.

The Prime Minister visited GMERS Medical College, Vadnagar, and unveiled a plaque to mark its dedication. He also interacted briefly with students.

At a public meeting, the Prime Minister launched the Intensified Mission Indradhanush, to accelerate progress towards the goal of full immunization coverage. It will provide greater focus on urban areas and other pockets of low immunization coverage.

The Prime Minister distributed e-tablets to health workers to mark the launch of ImTeCHO - an innovative mobile phone application to improve performance of ASHAs. He also launched some development works.

Addressing an enthusiastic gathering, the Prime Minister said that coming back to one's home town and receiving such a warm welcome is special. Whatever I am today is due to the values I have learnt on this soil, among you all in Vadnagar, the Prime Minister said.

"I go back with your blessings and assure you that I will work even harder for the nation," the Prime Minister said to the people of Vadnagar.

The Prime Minister expressed happiness that he had got to inaugurate projects related to the health sector, particularly Intensified Mission Indradhanush. He mentioned how the Government had brought down the prices of stents, and said that the Government is working constantly to make healthcare affordable for the poor.

Mentioning his interaction with students from the medical college, the Prime Minister said that as a society, we require more doctors who can serve the people.

Modi is on a two-day visit to Gujarat on Sunday and arrived in Vadnagar, which is some 100 kms from Ahmedabad.

In Bharuch, PM Modi laid the Foundation Stone of Barrage over Narmada river and flagged off a train, Antyodaya Express.

He said the train connects people and particularly helps those who are from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and work away from their home.

"The Antyodaya Express is a commendable initiative by the Railway Ministry," he said.

He said "nobody understands farmers problem apart from me...Earlier, UREA was not avaliable.... Now under my government, UREA is available easily," said Modi at the public rally in Bharuch.

"We decided that 100% neem coating of urea has to be done so that it can only be used in farming & not in chemical factories. Neem coating of urea helped farmers and stopped corruption as well as theft," he said.

Neem coating of urea helped farmers and stopped corruption as well as theft: PM Shri @narendramodi in Bharuch https://t.co/BpyvX9WGhH  BJP (@BJP4India) October 8, 2017

He said Gujarat's strides in animal husbandry have helped farmers.

"I told UP CM Yogi Adityanath to send a team to Gujarat and study the Pashu Arogya Melas. They did that and organised a similar one in Varanasi," he said.

"Gujarat knows how to protect animals. Gujarat only state to work towards animal welfare," he said.

The Antyodaya Express connects people and particularly helps those who are from UP, Bihar and work away from their home: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/Gz3iUzbYZi  BJP (@BJP4India) October 8, 2017

He said he would work harder and the Government of India would take steps towards the empowerment of fishermen. "We do not want our fishermen to live in poverty," he said.
New Delhi, Oct 8 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday unveiled a plaque to mark the laying of Foundation Stone of Bhadbhut Barrage over the River Narmada.

At a public meeting in Bharuch, the Prime Minister also flagged off the Antyodaya Express between Udhna (Surat, Gujarat) and Jaynagar (Bihar).

He also unveiled a plaque to mark the laying of Foundation Stone, and Inauguration of various plants of Gujarat Narmada Fertilizer Corporation Ltd.

Addressing the public meeting, the Prime Minister said that the Antyodaya Express is a commendable initiative, which connects people and particularly helps those who are from Uttar Pradesh or Bihar, and work far from their home.

He said the train will make it easier for people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to go home for Chhath Puja.

Neem coating of urea helped farmers and stopped corruption as well as theft, the Prime Minister said.

Narendra Modi said that Gujarat's strides in animal husbandry have helped farmers.

He said that he had asked the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, to send a team to Gujarat and study the Pashu Arogya Melas.

He added that a similar Mela had been organised recently in Varanasi, which the Prime Minister had an opportunity to visit.
Patna, Oct 8 (TheBiharPost): With RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his family getting too much engaged in legal battles over corruption cases, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has pledged to make Bihar free from RJD in the next LS polls.

The BJP took the pledge at the two-day state working committee meeting of the party held in Patna. The meeting concluded on Saturday.

Earlier the BJP had declared to make India free from the Congress party. In keeping with the vow, the BJP-led NDA has now captured power in 18 states.

Both the RJD and the Congress are anti-backwards and we will not let them win a single seat in the next 2019 LS polls in Bihar, declared state BJP president Nityanand Rai, at the end of the party meeting.

In the last 2014 LS polls, the RJD had won four seats while the Congress had bagged two seats against 31 seats won by the NDA. Of the 31 seats, the BJP alone had won 22 seats.

However, the miracle took place just because of a very strong Modi wave prevailing in the country at that time but this time the situation is entirely different.

As of now, the Narendra Modi government is under fire for implementing note ban and GST which are being blamed for slowing down the growth rate and shrinking job opportunity in the country.

thebiharpost.com
Mumbai, Oct 8 (IBNS): Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has reacted to the ongoing Hrithik Roshan-Kangana Ranaut fiasco and urged people and the media not to jump to conclusions or "discriminate" on the basis of gender.

Farhan, however, did not mention any names in his Facebook post.

Farhan said:"I am not the authority on who is right or wrong in their situation, thats for the cybercrime officials to figure out, but I do feel certain aspects of the way the events have unfolded need comment."

He said: "Like anyone who has an iota of objectivity and sense of fairness, I too agree that in our society, more often than not, it is the woman who suffers injustice and repression. It is horrifying but true that in some cases of rape, a section of society has blamed the victim. I have always found this to be unacceptable."

Farhan has expressed his unhappiness over the manner in which the entire matter has been dealt by certain section of the media.

"Although it is true that in most cases it is a woman that has been wronged, there is a difference between most and all. However few and rare they may be, there have been cases where men have been stalked, harassed and falsely accused. This reality has been accepted by the highest courts of our land.It is in this spirit of objectivity and fairness that today I must speak up.The way this episode has played out with sections of our media is worrisome," the 'Wazir' actor posted.

Giving his strong message over the incident, Farhan asked people and the media not to discriminate.

"The reason I felt the need to say this is that it is apparent that some people have already jumped to conclusions while some are deriving some sort of voyeuristic pleasure by encouraging the woman to carry on speaking.

This is being done without a seconds pause to consider the effect her words will have on the person, his family or his children. As great as all of it may be for TRP, its in terrible taste," he said.



"Until such a time that the matter is brought to its logical conclusion by the authorities, we must avoid vilifying the man on the basis of unsubstantiated statements. That is what we would have done if this story had played the other way around. Thats what we must do given how it is now. Lets not discriminate," he said.

After days of enduring media speculation, Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan recently took to social media to clear the air, stating that he has been dragged into a dirty perverse mess.

Posting a three page letter on the micro blogging site Twitter, the actor vented ire against the media, while taking a sly jab at Kangana, without naming her.

Hitting out at the media, he said, "Just like a nagging health issue sometimes ignored can turn malignant, this situation for me has unfortunately turned malignant.

In case of the matter at hand, it seems the media has no intention of letting go."

He added that contrary to media reports, he never met Kangana in private.

"The truth is, I have never met the lady in question one on one in my entire life. Yes, we have worked together, but there has been no meeting in private. Thats the truth," he said.

"Women have suffered centuries of abuse at the hands of men and it infuriates me how some men can be so brutal and they deserve the harshest punishment. But by that logic if it ordains that one man can't be vulnerable and one woman can't be a liar, so be it. I'm ok with that too," the Bollywood superstar said.

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut last month broke her silence over her alleged relationship with industry mate Hrithik Roshan saying the conflict with the latter didn't die down rather had a proper end to it as the actor failed to prove any of his claims made against her.

Kangana said: "He (Hrithik) claimed many things and said there is an imposter but failed to prove anything and the report of cyber crime [ of emails sent to the actor from the id of Kangana] is nil. Also he and his father [Rakesh Roshan] claimed to expose (me) but they didn't say anything."

Upholding the report of the cyber crime cell, the Rangoon actress said nothing was found against her. The actress who had shared screen space with Hrithik in Krrish 3, even went on to say that she was afraid at the whole incident.

"Of course I was afraid of it. Who wouldn't be? .....I didn't know I was a part of such a big scam. This person (Hrithik) has done prep. (preparation) for two years to put me behind bars for having an affair with him," alleged Kangana demanding an apology from Hrithik and his father Rakesh Roshan over the whole incident.

Full statement of Farhan Akhtar is given below:

"Today I read an open letter written by a man I know about a woman I know, professionally, at best. Although a controversy about them is going around since a while now, to my best knowledge this is the first time this man has expressed his point of view.

I am not the authority on who is right or wrong in their situation, thats for the cybercrime officials to figure out, but I do feel certain aspects of the way the events have unfolded need comment.

Like anyone who has an iota of objectivity and sense of fairness, I too agree that in our society, more often than not, it is the woman who suffers injustice and repression. It is horrifying but true that in some cases of rape, a section of society has blamed the victim.

I have always found this to be unacceptable.

4 years ago, I founded MARD (Men Against Rape & Discrimination) and through the initiative, I have been vocal in my fight against gender related violence and in highlighting cases of discrimination against women and the LGBTI community.

Although it is true that in most cases it is a woman that has been wronged, there is a difference between most and all.

However few and rare they may be, there have been cases where men have been stalked, harassed and falsely accused. This reality has been accepted by the highest courts of our land.

It is in this spirit of objectivity and fairness that today I must speak up.

The way this episode has played out with sections of our media is worrisome.

Some of our most reputed journalists have, consciously or unconsciously, pushed one side of the narrative WITHOUT having or presenting any evidence to back the claims being made by the woman. Theyve accepted her story at face value.

Isnt this discriminating against the other party?

For a moment, lets put aside emotion, prejudice, biases, our understandably protective instincts and

look at the facts as they exist today.

She claims they had an affair lasting 7 years and during that period, they exchanged a number of emails.

While he denies ever mailing her, he has filed an official complaint, shared and submitted all necessary information and documents, handed over his personal phone and laptop to the concerned authorities.

The woman has not. Apparently, she has avoided, till date, submitting her personal communication devices citing some reason or the other.

In some past cases, this lack of cooperation has been deemed to be obstruction of justice.

Handing over her phone and computer is not only the right thing to do morally and legally but is also the best possible way for her to prove shes telling the truth. So why refuse or delay?

Apparently, he has over a thousand emails from her official email account which are intimate and sexual in their content. She claims not to have written them but alleges that he hacked her account and mailed himself.

If they were in a 7 year long mutually agreeable relationship, why would he need to do that? Does it not defy logic?

Also, did he reply to any of her emails?

As far as we know, No. Not one single time.

Pause here and ask yourself..

If a woman was to receive these sort of emails from a man and she claimed harassment, what would your immediate reaction be?

Would you have given the man the benefit of doubt by believing him if he said they were in a relationship and she had hacked into his computer and sent herself the mails..?

Chances are you wouldnt.

Theres more.

She posted a picture of them together claiming it was taken during the years of their alleged affair. That picture was proved, beyond doubt, to have been manipulated.

The actual image consisted of a group of friends including the mans wife (now ex-wife) standing together in a party.

Why were the others intentionally cropped out?

She has no messages and no photographs to prove that she was in a 7 year long relationship with this man. Not even a picture of their alleged engagement in Paris, an event which he denies.

Furthermore, he has asserted that his passport does not bear any stamp of travel to France during the time she alleges the engagement occurred nor are there any credible witnesses to this event.

Dont all these inconsistencies raise questions in your mind about the authenticity of the accusations?

So what is the truth?

Well, the truth is that WE do not know the truth.

The reason I felt the need to say this is that it is apparent that some people have already jumped to conclusions while some are deriving some sort of voyeuristic pleasure by encouraging the woman to carry on speaking.

This is being done without a seconds pause to consider the effect her words will have on the person, his family or his children. As great as all of it may be for TRP, its in terrible taste.

Until such a time that the matter is brought to its logical conclusion by the authorities, we must avoid vilifying the man on the basis of unsubstantiated statements.

That is what we would have done if this story had played the other way around. Thats what we must do given how it is now.

Lets not discriminate."

Image: Santabanta.com
With his carefully adherence to the radical ideology of Khomeini, Khameneis Iran seems to be on a path toward economic decline. Unemployment and poverty are rising. Unemployment stands at 12.5 percent and there are said to be at least 4.5 million university graduates amongst the unemployed. It is estimated that unemployment will rise to 15 million, as college graduates seeking work number a million each year. With US President Trump having already imposed new sanctions on the country, the economic future of Iran appears bleak.

The Iranian administration estimates that there are about 15,000 homeless live on the streets of Tehran. This number includes 5,000 women, and thousands of children.

In areas known to be frequented by the homeless, local citizens bring clothes and food. These sites have become known as walls of kindness. But the government tries to conceal the problem by conducting mass roundups. The homeless are herded together and taken to special centers, where they are kept out of the sight of general public.

The smuggling of children and babies is increasing. Desperate people sell their children to survive, often exchanging them for $25 to $50. Many of the babies are falling into the hands of drug traffickers, who may be infected with HIV.

There are an estimated three million drug addicts in Iran, even though those dealing with this face the death penalty if caught. Under the leadership of President Hassan Rouhani, reports of executions for drug crimes have increased.

Tehran recently earmarked $285 billion for the military budget. This money could have been used to build up Irans economy, and for providing food and shelter for those in need.

There is an extensive list of weapons, including tanks, fighter jets, helicopters, as well as a vast number of indigenous missiles being produced in an accelerated missile program.

Additionally, it is said that some $60-$100 million a year of Iranian tax payers money being paid out to assist Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and approximately $60-$100 million a year goes to Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis.

Meanwhile the Iranian poor, and those on low incomes suffer.
Digital identity company ThreatMetrix is the only leader in multiple categories in Javelin Strategy and Research's Identity Proofing Platform Scorecard.

Javelins Identity Proofing Platform Scorecard provides financial institutions and other identity-reliant businesses with "a view into the identity proofing vendor landscape".

The Identity Proofing Platform Scorecard assessed vendors that are merging identity verification and authentication, which were traditionally bifurcated areas.

Of note is ThreatMetrix, which was the only vendor to be named as a leader in multiple categories.

The first leadership win is in "the Innovative awards category", which honours technology providers that "integrate cutting-edge technologies to address not just todays problems, but also to overcome tomorrows major fraud avenues".

The second leadership win is in the "Tailored category", which covers ease of integration and flexibility of the solution to adapt to different clients needs.

In the latter category, ThreatMetrix was "awarded based on its business-friendly outputs, reporting and delivery options".

Alisdair Faulkner, chief products officer at ThreatMetrix, said: "Its an honour to be awarded by Javelin for our integrated authentication, identity verification and fraud decisioning technology.

As a company, ThreatMetrix has a clear vision on how to push the boundaries in digital identity and continually innovate. This is why we developed ThreatMetrix ID, which we see as a game-changer in the industry. We are delighted that our role as an innovator in the industry is being recognised.

ThreatMetrix notes that it "combines offline and online identity data to enable organisations to determine the true digital identity of their users. This is expressed as a unique customer identifier, ThreatMetrix ID, which is persistent for each digital identity across its global network of 1.4 billion users".

If you were to ask me, I'd say that after the gobsmackingly shocking Equifax scandal, which saw hundreds of millions of US citizens having their digital identities as recorded by Equifax hacked and scattered across the Internet, ThreatMetrix ID is a technology that sounds like a solution to the identity theft problem.

One wonders whether companies like Equifax are going to be able to salvage whatever is left of their shattered reputations by identifying how ThreatMetrix ID technology can protect Equifax users shellshocked by Equifax's mind-blowing ineptitude.

Al Pascual, senior vice-president and research director at Javelin Strategy and Research, said: "With fraud dramatically changing the financial services landscape, any identity-proofing product must integrate cutting-edge features and offer flexibility for each customer.

In the Identity Proofing Scorecard, we awarded vendors, such as ThreatMetrix, who recognise that a holistic approach is needed to take into account a rich array of context around the identity and behaviour of the consumer  from the beginning of a session to the time the account is closed.

For the inaugural Identity Proofing Platform Scorecard, "Javelin developed the Functional, Innovative, Tailored (FIT) model, recognising that decisions on vendor implementation depends not just on their current capabilities for solving business problems, but also on their long-term vision, innovation, and ease of integration. A competitive analysis and comparison of 23 major vendors was conducted".

After free registration, you can download the report here.

ThreatMetrix is also recognised as the sole Leader in the 2017 Forrester Wave for risk-based authentication.

On a separate but related note, 12 October Pacific Time in the US, sees ThreatMetrix chief technology officer Andreas Baumhof and chief product officer Alisdair Faulkner discuss ThreatMetrix ID, dubbed "the worlds first and only global digital ID", during a free webinar.

For Australians, this is 5am on 13 October, but it is at friendly times in the US and Europe, and often, if you register for a webinar, you get access to a replay, although whether this is the case with this webinar, I don't know.

In any case, the webinar will discuss ThreatMetrix ID's four main capabilities:

A unique, anonymous identifier for each of the 1.4 billion recognised users across the ThreatMetrix Digital Identity Network;

A dynamic Confidence Score to qualify the veracity of each designated ThreatMetrix ID;

An interactive graph visualisation of all related device, credential, threat, and behavioural attributes that comprise each identity; and

A Trust Score that reflects the reputational integrity of the ThreatMetrix ID for a given transaction.

You can register for free access here.




For Maeve Faherty, the annual Fall Gathering at the Moon-Randolph Homestead is right up there with Christmas.

Maeve, 7, and her brother, Larkin, 10, have come to the homesteads fundraising party since they were coming up in backpacks, their mom, Gabrielle Sather-Olson said.

Standing on her tip-toes for leverage, Maeve wrenched down on the cast-iron crank of the cider press, crushing some of the apples in the hopper, which towered over her head.

I like to press the cider and go in the old houses and its really pretty, Maeve said.

This year marks the 17th Fall Gathering up at the homestead, which is nestled into a drainage in Missoulas North Hills. One of the sites current live-in caretakers, Caroline Stephens, said the annual fundraiser for the city-owned historic site brings a shot of life to the ancient barns and fences.

The original 160-acre homestead was settled by Ray Moon and his wife Luella in 1889, months before Montana became a state. In 1907, the homestead was sold to William and Emma Randolph, and the property remained in that family until 1995, when the city purchased it.

Now, the North Missoula Community Development Corporation oversees it as part of a management agreement it signed with Missoula in 2000. In 2010, the property was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Although some of the buildings look a little dilapidated, Katie Nelson, the other caretaker at the site, said letting some of it decay adds to the charm.

Its a perfect place to relax and reflect, and just watch nature take its course, Nelson said. A lot of the buildings and fences are made from all sorts of weird stuff, like railroad ties and bedframes.

Local historian, Philip Maechling, 70, led a tour of the site, explaining how the Homestead Act helped to settle the West.

The site now includes 13 acres, with cattle, pigs and chickens calling the land home. The pigs relished buckets of apple pulp being regularly dumped into their pen, and paid little attention to the hundreds of people descending on their home.

Smells of homemade pies and hot soup wafted through the air while the partys band, Scrapyard Lullaby, tuned up their gear and laid out an impromptu dance floor.

The annual party helps raise funds for events held at the homestead throughout the year, including summer camps run by the citys parks and recreation department, Nelson said.

Its an amazing resource for kids from preschool to college, she said. Looking around you can see the original homesteaders didnt let anything go to waste, which is funny because now our neighbor is the landfill.
The fear of a loss of reputation is the primary motivator for organisations to seek penetration testing of their networks, to find out how secure they are against likely intruders, according to a senior penetration tester with security firm SecureWorks.

"Historically, organisations have been concerned about the reputational impact of data breaches. This is often a primary motivator for penetration testing," Graeme Bell (below, right), the head of penetration testing in the APJ region for the company, told iTWire during an interview.

With at least one major data breach being reported every week, and the increasing awareness that it could be your business in the firing line next, penetration testing is very much in demand.

Bell, a CREST certified infrastructure tester, is a fan when it comes to Red Team Testing and developing security methodologies to help buusinesses understand the most critical vulnerabilities.

The author of many articles on cyber security trends and one who has presented at a wide range of industry events, including AusCERT and BSides Canberra, he is also the organiser of the growing Unrestevent based in Melbourne.

Bell has a strong technical background, a hacker mentality, and performs specialised penetration testing, as well as consulting on security, architecture and solutions for a wide range of clients including critical infrastructure, government, and finance.

He was interviewed by email.

iTWire: Do companies approach SecureWorks for penetration testing, or is it part of the marketing that is done when a general pitch is made?

Graeme Bell: Penetration testing isn't usually sold as a line item, we're usually approached with specific requirements in mind. Often after considering a client's threat model we tailor penetration testing engagements to focus on areas of concern.

How responsive are companies to the suggestion that a penetration test be done on their networks?

Usually they come to us ready to be tested. It's rarely an adversarial environment, people are happy to learn where their security gaps lie. We don't blame individuals, just demonstrate where there are gaps that can be improved upon, and how these gaps can be addressed. Blaming individuals is of no benefit, the real win is identifying gaps in process to improve an organisation's overall security posture.

How long does an average penetration test take?

This depends on what we're testing, but expect a couple of weeks on average. This can stretch to a couple of months for complex service offerings. For example, in Red Team engagements we are stealthy, build custom trojans, engage our CTU (Counter Threat Unit) to perform comprehensive threat intelligence, and perform other intelligence gathering activities, meaning these engagements can take a couple of months. (A red team is an independent group that challenges an organisation to improve its effectiveness).

Of course, penetration testing is just a "snapshot in time" and tomorrow the security landscape can change. We usually revisit businesses for usual penetration testing annually.

What are the normal tests done?

A lot of the testing that our customers request is network or host infrastructure testing and Web application penetration testing. We also perform a reasonable amount of wireless penetration testing, social engineering services, Red Team testing, and more commodity services like vulnerability assessment.

However, it really depends upon where the customer is in their security journey, we find more and more that organisations are talking to us about advanced and Red Team testing style engagements, as they increase their security-maturity. Organisations are thinking longer and harder about how to test their security posture, and provide further assurance that they are going in the right direction.

Do clients often ask for specific tests to be carried out?

More and more we are seeing a rise in requests for social engineering services. For example, we create bespoke phishing campaigns to demonstrate what a targeted attack would look like, and to test security awareness training effectiveness. Our customers are also becoming more aware of social engineering attacks against service desks and other personnel as part of a targeted attack against their organisations.

We offer an intermediary service, called a Tailored Targeted Attack, which models a semi-targeted attack against an organisation, sort of a "mini-Red Team" that is growing in popularity as this awareness rises. For these more complex and involved engagements, we also utilise threat intelligence information from our resident CTU analysts, to bring real-world intelligence and threat actor behaviour to bear on the attack scenarios that we develop. We work closely with our CTU in these engagements.

On an average, looking at an SMB, how much would such a test cost?

In the SMB space, we normally see organisations start their spending at the $20,000 mark. Of course, this figure varies based on the services performed and the amount of time required. There are cheaper options for commodity testing in the market, SecureWorks is focused on delivering value in the reporting and remediation advice so that clients can develop a roadmap to a more mature security posture.

Is there a great deal of awareness of the need to find holes within in order to guard against a data breach?

Historically, organisations have been concerned about the reputational impact of data breaches. This is often a primary motivator for penetration testing.

Have you noticed any kind of uptick in the number of penetration tests that are requested by clients as we approach February when the data breach laws will take effect?

We haven't really noticed any significant change to our penetration testing business as a direct result of the upcoming data breach legislation. However, we have developed a number of other services in other parts of our consulting practice to help organisations better understand how breach notification will affect them, and what to do. We have definitely seen an increase in interest in those services, and alongside those, we've seen an increase in organisations talking to us about GDPR (the EU's general data protection rules that take effect next year), and how we can help.

In terms of penetration testing, I'd suggest that once companies grasp the full ramifications and requirements that the breach notification legislation brings in, there will be an increased interest in all services that can help to prevent breaches, including penetration testing.

What are the most common holes you find in a company's networks?

Generally the most common issues surround Windows security: insufficient patching, unhardened group policy, and weak passwords. Further to this we commonly notice insecure practices, like insecure use of privileged accounts, or setting the same passwords across devices. Finally, commonly from a security architecture perspective customers have not considered the security impact of two-factor authentication and the correct use of management networks in segmentation and segregation.

How much of bad security is due to (1) users; (2) admins and (3) outsiders?

This is a very good question. If Microsoft had a default group policy option that isn't the most secure option, is this an outsider's fault or the admin's for not having more intricate knowledge? If there is a poor password policy that allows one to login with "Password1" is this the user's fault for picking the password or the administrator's for not setting a strong password policy? Or, is this a policy issue? Really, it's all of these things. Gaps in security arise from practices, policy, lack of understanding of security best practices, etc.

What is really important is understanding the true technical impact of a security problem, and what business requirement has driven the gap. If a customer has a legacy system they simply cannot patch, why not remove it from the domain and segment it into a management network? With a little consideration, there are options to raise the security posture of even the most legacy environments so that these cannot be exploited by attackers to move laterally and escalate privileges.

To what extent does the now common BYOD policy for tech devices add to security issues? What tests need to be done on these devices before they are permitted into a company's network?

BYOD devices have the potential to be a security nightmare. At a principle level security relies on compartmentalisation to work. Known knowns and all that jazz. Putting devices of unknown patch levels, anti-virus status, etc, on your network needs to be strongly considered to get right. At a minimum devices should be encrypted, require strong passphrases to unlock, be running antivirus.

But, more importantly than this, BYOD wireless networks (the common configuration for BYOD deployment) should be restricted to allow access in line with least privilege. That is to say, if a BYOD phone only needs to access the Internet, only let it access the Internet, not your domain controllers! Architect security considering devices are already compromised and an attacker will have their work cut out for them!
Mining giant Rio Tinto has completed the first fully autonomous rail journey at its iron ore works in Western Australia's Pilbara region.

The pilot run, which was nearly 100 kilometres, was done without a driver on board, as part of the trials intended to get the company's AutoHaul project up and running by late 2018.

The journey was monitored in real-time by company personnel and representatives of the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.

The test, undertaken last week, was from Wombat Junction to Paraburdoo.

Trains started running in autonomous mode in the first quarter of 2017 and right now about half of pooled fleet rail kilometres are completed in autonomous mode (with drivers on-board) and 90% of pooled fleet production tonnes are AutoHaul enhanced.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Chris Salisbury said: This successful pilot run puts us firmly on track to meet our goal of operating the worlds first fully-autonomous heavy haul, long-distance rail network, which will unlock significant safety and productivity benefits for the business.

Gains from AutoHaul are already being realised including reduced variability and increased speed across the network, helping to reduce average cycle times."

Rio Tinto runs about 200 locomotives on more than 1700 kilometres of track in the Pilbara, transporting ore from 16 mines to four port terminals.
People want to keep Austin "weird," but Ericsson will keep Austin unwired with its 5G design site opened there, with 80 designers to be employed by mid-2018.

With engineers at the "Ericsson Austin ASIC Design Centre" to work with core microelectronics of 5G radio base stations, and the site to be "close to the major Silicon-fab houses to foster industry collaboration and sharing expertise," weird and wired Austin is going to go ever more wireless.

The new design centre will "focus on microelectronics and accelerating the path to 5G commercialisation", with the centre open with ongoing recruitments, with 80 planned to be hired by mid-2018.

"ASIC" stands for "Application Specific Integrated Circuit."

We're told that "such microelectronics are at the core of all Ericsson Radio Systems and can be seen as processors that are specially made for the computation needs of mobile infrastructure. They are 100x faster, more cost-efficient, and less power hungry than a general processor in a personal computer".

Sinisa Krajnovic, head of Development Unit Networks, Ericsson, and pictured below, said: We are strengthening our radio design capability in one of the worlds 5G pioneer markets. Well be up and running with our first group of designers in Austin by the end of 2017.

"Along with our ASIC design teams in Sweden and China, well be making faster, better and greener 5G products to bring into the Ericsson portfolio by 2019.

The design centre is being centrally located in Austins tech neighbourhood, near other processor manufacturers.

Working close to the major silicon-fab houses, Ericsson says its centre will "foster collaborations" which will "contribute to Ericsson bringing core silicon technology to develop its unique and dedicated ASICs".

Niklas Heuveldop, head of Ericsson North America, said: Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US with a bustling tech and start up scene. We want to capture the great talent on-hand there, enabling us to increase digital ASIC capabilities even further and be close to some of our key global customers.
Operators, vendors and analysts are set to discuss the latest developments in Gfast and NG-PON2 technologies at the end of this month.

With new Gfast and NG-PON2 technologies said to "have the power to open up new markets and join whole new communities to the world of ultrafast cloud-centric connectivity", ever faster broadband technologies are coming our way, and may even make it to Australia one day.

With the excitement around Gfast and NG-PON2, the Broadband Forum is set to host two Broadband Access Summits at Broadband World Forum, the first in Berlin on 24 October, as part of the Broadband World Forum event happening from 24-26 October, and the second in Las Vegas on 29 October.

We're told the events "will provide exclusive information and discussion on the latest deployments of new optical and hybrid architectures and products that underpin the delivery of demanding Cloud-based services, applications, converged wireless-wireline and integrated premises and access networks".

You're also set to "hear the latest from silicon and component manufacturers, updates on Interop Certification and service provider deployment experiences in single and multi-tenant residential and business locations".

So, who will be speaking?

The line-up of speakers includes Vodafone, Verizon, BT, Fiber Broadband Association, AT&T, Telebyte, Deutsche Telekom, Portugal Telecom, CYTA, Digital C, Lumos Networks, Momentum Telecom, Ovum, Commscope, ARRIS, Altice Labs, Nokia, ADTRAN, Calix, EXFO and Ericsson.

To register to attend the Broadband World Forum event in Berlin, please click here.

To register to attend the Las Vegas event, please click here.

The Broadband Forum reminds us that it is "a non-profit industry organiation focused on engineering smarter and faster broadband networks", with the Forums flagship TR-069 CPE WAN Management Protocol now exceeding "350 million installations worldwide".

The Forum proudly boasts its work "defines best practices for global networks, enables new revenue-generating service and content delivery, establishes technology migration strategies, engineers critical device, service & development management tools, in the home and business IP networking infrastructure".

The Forum says it also develops "multi-service broadband packet networking specifications addressing architecture, device and service management, software data models interoperability and certification in the broadband market".
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The nuclear deal was our moral victory, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said.

Amid speculation that U.S. President Donald Trump is to decertify the Iran Nuclear Deal next week, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that the 2015 agreement is irreversible.

We have achieved benefits that are irreversible. Nobody can roll them back, neither Trump, nor 10 other Trumps, Rouhani said.

The nuclear deal was our moral victory, we proved to the world that we were honest and the ill-wishers were liars. This is irreversible and it will go down in history, he added, also saying that if Trump pulls out from the agreement, the entire world will condemn America.

U.S. media was abuzz with speculation when on Thursday night, Trump during a photo op with the countrys military leaders commented that it was the calm before the storm.

When prompted by journalists as to whether he meant Iran, the fight against Islamic State or North Korea the U.S. leader responded, You will find out.

Last month, Trump made scathing remarks about Iran during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, also calling the pact negotiated under President Barack Obamas watch an embarrassment to the United States.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA, known as the Iran Nuclear Deal, was signed in July 2015 by Iran and the P5+1 group of nations comprised of the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom and Germany after many years of diplomatic work.

Trump had repeatedly criticized it during his election campaign, long threatening to pull out.

If carried through, the withdrawal threatens to unravel what has been seen as a positive achievement of multilateral diplomacy, angering the other signatories and potentially triggering a regional arms race in Irans neighborhood.

Via TeleSur



Related video added by Juan Cole:

10 Donald Trumps couldnt scrap Irans nuclear deal says Rouhani
An undocumented community activist, convicted drug felon and longtime Flagstaff resident has taken his own life less than two months after being deported to Mexico.

Francisco Frankie Madrid-Holguin died by suicide in Hermosillo, Mexico on Monday, according to his lawyer Lee Phillips.

Madrid, who lived undocumented in Flagstaff since he was 4-months old, was deported in August after serving a total of 1.5 years in detention and prison for heroin possession. Flagstaff Police arrested him in January 2016 for possession of narcotic drugs for sale, possession of drug paraphernalia and carrying a weapon in the commission of a felony crime.

Madrid was in possession of 20 grams of heroin at the time of his arrest and was transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He pleaded guilty to possession of a dangerous drug in March 2017.

Some community leaders were deeply saddened over the loss of a committed activist for LGBQT and immigration rights, as well as his involvement with organizations such as the Northern Arizona Interfaith Council and the Sunnyside I AM Youth Group.

I woke up this morning to a message sent to me late last night that Frankie took his life, Putzova said. I feel incredibly sad because his death could have been prevented. The cruel immigration laws of this country killed him. I cant imagine being sent to an exile to a foreign country I have no connections to without the ability to see my family ever again. The cruelty of his situation is incomprehensible to most of us.

Others, such as former city Councilman Jeff Oravits, expressed sympathy over those affected by the opioid epidemic, but said We are a nation with immigration laws and drugs laws, and that undocumented individuals who break the law have to face consequences.

He also stated that if the country wants to give leniency to individuals such as Madrid then citizens should work to change the law.

Putzova disagreed, saying that Madrids immigration status and legal troubles should have been separate issues.

Frankie got into legal trouble but paid his debt to society. America was made whole, Putzova said. He was rehabilitated by serving his 1.5-year sentence. His trouble with criminal law should be a completely separate issue from his undocumented status under the immigration law. In what meaningful way was he different than any other citizen, naturalized or US-born that he deserved to be exiled?

Putzovas GoFundMe page for Madrids legal defense did not mention his drug arrest, a point of contention for her critics.

If you come to this country illegally and you commit a felony you shouldnt be welcome, said local political activist Rob Wilson.

Wilson added that individuals like Madrid, who have lived in the United States their entire life, should be even more cautious about committing a felony.

They are more aware than anyone about the risk, Wilson said. The deterrents should be even greater in their case.

But Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans also expressed frustration at the system that deported Madrid.

We dont often talk about the mental and emotional toll it takes on people when their immigration status is vulnerable and being taken away, or the stress and challenge of trying to take care of a family when you dont have legal status, Evans said. My heart breaks, not just for Frankie and his family, but for all Dreamers whose lives are being held in limbo.

DISTRSSED AND DEPRESSED

Madrid, who had been living with distant relatives in Mexico, was becoming increasingly anxious and depressed at the thought of never seeing his family, according to Phillips, who spoke to Madrid days before his suicide.

He seemed to be distressed and depressed over the thought that at 25-years old he would never see his family or go back home again, Phillips said. He started saying that he couldnt see a future alone in Mexico.

Madrid was also upset over his mothers hospitalization due to heart troubles, according to Phillips.

Madrid lost his work visa in 2014 after his immigration attorney failed to file his application for the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program. He then could no longer legally drive and was unable to support his family while his brother, Norberto Beto Ramos-Madrid, faced trial for the murder of Juan Hernandez.

Madrids brother was found not guilty in 2015, but by then Madrid had become addicted to heroin.

Madrids friend, Mary Black, said the culmination of his addiction and deportation led him to suicide.

His sensitive heart and soul had been through so much, Black wrote on social media. He tried and had one bad luck thing after another. He just wanted to come home to Flagstaff and be with his family, friends and daughter.

Phillips said that taking away Madrids ability to work pushed him to start using heroin, which got him arrested and then deported.

People without legal status are in the worst possible situation, Phillips said. We force them into these situations where they do things they wouldnt normally do, like shoplifting and drugs. We take away their chance to raise up and then punish them for it.

Evans described Madrid as one of my kids, who she knew since he was 9 years old and said she was heartbroken over the loss of such a beautiful life.

Phillips said he and his family had grown close with Madrid and they would all miss having dinners and long talks with him.

Phillips wished he could have done more to stop Madrids deportation, but conceded that the circumstances were dire because of Madrids drug offense.

In theory we could have stopped his deportation, but it would have been extremely unlikely, Phillips said. When you are dealing with drug charges it is very unlikely.

Phillips went on to say that Madrid was a good person despite his legal troubles.

He was a sweet and happy soul who just couldnt handle what life threw at him.

Family and friends will plan a memorial service for Madrid once his remains are brought back to the U.S.
More than 20,000 Montanans over the age of 65 currently have dementia. This number is expected to increase to 27,000 by 2025.

Dementia is a term used to describe a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia is not a specific disease, but a range of symptoms.

While Alzheimers disease accounts for approximately 85 percent of dementias, there are other types including vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, traumatic brain injury-related dementia, Parkinsons disease dementia and more.

Dementia, regardless of type, frequently is associated with stigma. Too often, the stigma is accepted by both the individual with dementia as well as the community at large. Upon receiving the diagnosis, individuals may believe that life is over for them. People who have lived productive, competent lives may at first wish to isolate, feeling embarrassed by their loss of cognitive function. Friends, upon learning about the diagnosis, may find it difficult to relate to their friends as they once did.

Misconceptions may also mar the receipt of a dementia diagnosis. One of the most destructive is that there is nothing to be done for dementia once a person has it. On the contrary, although dementia is a progressive disease, there is much that can be done, including: renewing commitments to staying as intellectually, socially and physically active as possible; taking steps to slow dementias progression; putting affairs in order; learning strategies to compensate for memory loss in the early stages; reaching out to others with the diagnoses to share, learn and redefine changed lives. But it takes courage and support to step outside narrowly defined boundaries of life with dementia.

One supportive possibility aligns with one of the 11 major goals found in the recently published Alzheimers and Dementia State Plan for Montana (www.mtalzplan.org): to promote dementia-friendly communities. This is a relatively new movement that has seen success both in positive community integration and decreasing health care costs. Dementia-friendly communities are informed, safe and respectful of individuals with dementia and their families, fostering quality of life with supportive options. They empower citizens with dementia to have goals, hope and confidence to contribute to and participate in activities that are meaningful to them and others, thus setting up a win-win dynamic.

Creating a dementia-friendly community involves raising awareness, challenging stigma, increasing understanding, and providing dementia education for key community sectors, including businesses, financial and legal services, faith communities, first responders, housing, transportation, the health care network, and city/county agencies and officials.

To learn more about dementia-friendly communities, the Missoula Coalition on Aging and Disability (MCOAD) Education Committee cordially invites the public to a free evening presentation featuring two speakers who have been involved with creating dementia-friendly communities in their states.

Olivia Mastry is the executive lead for the Act on Alzheimers initiative and has worked for over 10 years on this thriving dementia-friendly community project in Minnesota (www.actonalz.org). Kay Wallick has 35 years of experience in social services administration and is the director of the newly developed Dementia Friendly Wyoming project (www.dfwsheridan.org).

The presentation will be Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the University of Montana Todd Building (just behind the University Center), Room 204.
(Image credit: MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty)

Digging up the past can reveal spectacular artifacts and the tales that go with them. But some discoveries, though impressive on their own, hint at something bigger and more intriguing. Those are the mysteries that keep archaeologists up at night. From the cryptic Sea People who are thought to have attacked civilizations throughout the Mediterranean to massive stone structures formed into various geometric shapes in Jordan and Syria to hidden tombs in Egypt's Valley of the Kings, researchers are hot on the trail of solving some pretty amazing archaeological mysteries. Here are 16 of those.

Related: Check out the biggest historical mysteries that may never be solved.

Who were the Sea People

(Image credit: Prisma/UIG/Getty)

Around 3,200 years ago, a group of people whom modern-day scholars often call the Sea People attacked cities and civilizations throughout the eastern Mediterranean. Many cities were destroyed and the Sea People, who may have been from the Aegean (based on the design of their pottery), settled in the Middle East.

Excavation of cities associated with the Sea People and studies of ancient texts that mention them are ongoing. In October 2017, archaeologists revealed a massive stone inscription that refers to the Sea People and was found in Beykoy, in Turkey.

What are the Works of the Old Men?

(Image credit: CNES/DigitalGlobe/Google)

The Works of the Old Men, as the Bedouin called them in the early 20th century, are a variety of stone structures found in Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia. The structures are often difficult to make out on the ground but can be readily seen in airplanes or on satellite images. The stone structures tend to be named after the shapes they form  with "kites," "wheels" and "gates" being used to describe the shape of the structures.

Research into these structures is ongoing and Live Science is aware that researchers are about to publish a paper on new discoveries from Saudi Arabia.

Are there any hidden chambers in the Great Pyramid?

(Image credit: Photo12/UIG/Getty)

Research carried out by the Scan Pyramids Project indicates that there may be two unknown voids or cavities inside the Great Pyramid  the largest pyramid ever built by the ancient Egyptians. It was constructed at Gizaabout 4,500 years ago for the pharaoh Khufu.

One void is located on the northeast corner of the pyramid, while the other is located on the north face of the pyramid behind four building blocks with chevron designs (an inverted v-shape).

Some scientists who have reviewed the research have cast doubt on the findingsand more scans are being conducted to try to verify the results. New results may be announced in 2017.

Are there hidden royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings?

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

The Valley of the Kings was used to bury Egyptian royalty from roughly the 16th to 11th centuries B.C. Most of the tombs were robbed in ancient times, although Tutankhamun's tomb was discovered largely intact in 1922.

Archaeologist Zahi Hawass said in 2013 that he believes there are undiscovered tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Of particular interest is a site where four foundation deposits have been discovered and where radar scans suggest that a tomb may be there. Though the scientists aren't sure who might be buried in that possible tomb, they have speculated it could be King Tut's wife. Hawass told Live Science that he plans to excavate at the site in the future.

Who wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls?

(Image credit: MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty)

The Dead Sea Scrolls consist of thousands of fragments of texts dating back around 2,000 years that were found in 12 caves near the site of Qumran in Israel. Who wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls is an ongoing debate, with the leading theory being that a sect called the Essenes who lived at Qumran wrote many of the scrolls and stored them in the caves before fleeing the Roman army around A.D. 70.

However other theories have been proposed. Even scholars who support the idea that the Essenes wrote many of the scrolls concede that a substantial number of the scrolls were not written at Qumran, but came from other sites in what are now Israel and Palestine. Archaeologists have been surveying the area around Qumran, searching for undiscovered caves that may yield more information. The discovery of a new cave was announced in February 2017, and survey work is being conducted to try to find additional caves holding scrolls.

What is the oldest Christian artifact?

(Image credit: John Rylands Library)

At present, the earliest surviving Christian artifacts are papyri and an inscription that date back to the second century, about a century after the death of Jesus. A fragment from the Gospel of John, which is currently in the John Rylands Library at the University of Manchester, might be the earliest Christian artifact dating back to the first half of the second century, according to analysis of its writing. A more recent analysis, however, suggests that it may actually have been written on a later date. [5 Unanswered Questions About Jesus]

A team of scholars that includes Daniel Wallace, a professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Library, is now investigating a papyrus from the Gospel of Mark that may date to the first century, which, if accurate, would make it the oldest known Christian artifact. In 2015, one scholar revealed that the papyrus was once part of an Egyptian mummy mask (it was reused in ancient times as cartonnage).

The text may be part of the collection of the soon-to-be-opened Museum of the Bible (although this is unconfirmed) and is supposed to be published in a book that discusses papyri in the museum's collection. Publication of this book has been delayed.

Where did the Vikings sail in North America?

(Image credit: Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty)

The Vikings reached North America around the year 1000, establishing a short-lived settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows on the northern tip of Newfoundland. They sailed into the Canadian Arctic, landed at times in Labrador and also sailed down the north coast of Newfoundland. Butternut seeds found at L'Anse aux Meadows indicate that the Vikings sailed farther south, but where exactly they sailed remains unknown.

In addition to L'Anse aux Meadows, three possible Viking sites in North America have been recently excavated and scientists continue to analyze artifacts found at those sites. Satellite research is also being done that may reveal more possible Viking settlements in North America.

What were the Philistines like?

(Image credit: Hanan Isachar/DPA/Zuma)

The Philistines arrived in the Levant (an area that includes Israel, Palestine and Lebanon) around 3,200 years ago. History has not been kind to them. Most of what we know about the Philistines comes from Egyptian and Assyrian texts and, most famously, the Hebrew Bible. This has led to the Philistines getting a bad reputation, and the name "Philistine" is sometimes used today to describe someone who is hostile and has no appreciation of culture or arts. However, current archaeological excavations in Gath and Ashkelon are providing new information that may allow archaeologists to get a better idea as to what the Philistines were really like.

What does the Indus Valley Script say?

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

The Indus Valley civilization (sometimes called the Harappan civilization, after one of its largest cities) flourished more than 4,000 years ago in what is now Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Iran. Climate change appears to have played an important role in its collapse. The people of the Indus Valley civilization wrote with a script that remains undeciphered.

Sizable numbers of people from the Indus Valley lived in Mesopotamia; these people were called Meluhans in ancient Mesopotamian texts. Archaeologists are currently excavating sites in the Gulf States and Iraq that may reveal more information on the interaction between the people of Mesopotamia and the people of Meluha. It is hoped that one day a bilingual text, written in both the Indus Valley script and a Mesopotamian language (most ancient Mesopotamian languages can be read), will be discovered. If such a text is found, it may allow for the language of the Indus Valley civilization to be deciphered.

Why was Stonehenge constructed?

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

An ongoing survey and analysis of Stonehenge and the landscape around it have revealed a vast amount of new information. Archaeologists have now determined that Stonehenge was just one part of a vast sacred landscape that included burials, shrines and other circular monuments made of wood or stone. Astronomical alignments existed at Stonehenge and in the landscape around it, and archaeologists are working to discover all these alignments and understand their meaning.

The sacred landscape of Stonehenge appears to have flourished for millennia, predating the construction of Stonehenge itself. While the precise reasons why Stonehenge was constructed are not clear, archaeologists continue to make new discoveries at the site.

What was Blackbeard really like?

(Image credit: Hulton Archive/Getty)

Blackbeard is considered one of history's most notorious pirates, known for terrorizing and pillaging ships along the Atlantic coast and the Caribbean. His flagship? Queen Anne's Revenge, formerly a slave ship.

Over the past decade, archaeologists have been excavating and analyzing artifacts from the wrecked remains of this frigate, revealing a wide array of information, including details of the medical practices aboard his ship. Analysis of these artifacts is ongoing. Currently, researchers are looking at the numerous glass beads found aboard Blackbeard's ship to see what they can reveal about Blackbeard's crew and the slaves that were aboard Queen Anne's Revenge when Blackbeard captured the ship.

What does the Voynich manuscript say?

(Image credit: CESAR MANSO/AFP/Getty)

Quality control operator of the Spanish publishing outfit Siloe Luis Miguel works on cloning the illustrated codex hand-written manuscript Voynich in Burgos on August 9, 2016.

The so-called Voynich Manuscript, a small unassuming book usually stored in a Yale University vault, is one of the most mysterious books in the world, that a small publishing house in northern Spain has finally secured the right to clone. The precious document containing elegant writing and strange drawings of unidentified plants and naked women is believed to have been written six centuries ago in an unknown or coded language that no one -- not even the best cryptographers -- has ever cracked.

Could mummies bring a disease back from the grave?

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Smallpox was eradicated in the 1970s, with only labs in the United States and Russia still containing samples of the virus. However, as archaeologists around the world continue to discover remarkably well-preserved human mummies, concerns have been raised that an archaeological discovery from the past could bring back the disease.

In 2011, construction workers in New York came across an iron coffin that held a remarkably well-preserved mummy of a woman who had died of smallpox. Archaeologists called the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine whether the disease could still be active. The scientists ultimately concluded that this particular mummy posed no risk, but the CDC has been working with archaeologists to better understand the history of smallpox and determine whether there is any risk of the disease literally coming back from the grave.

Related: Mysterious 'Man in the Iron Mask' revealed, 350 years later

How did past civilizations survive severe droughts?

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Warming climate and increasingly arid conditions pose major problems for numerous modern-day communities. Archaeologists working at sites around the world are analyzing the different ways in which humans in the past adapted to increasingly arid conditions.

For instance, more than 4,000 years ago, at a time when the Middle East was undergoing a severe arid period, some communities survived by building cities in locations that had large reserves of underground water nearby, archaeologists have found. Similarly, archaeological research suggests that ancient human populations in the American southwest survived arid periods by moving to locations that still held water.

How do looted artifacts get sold on the black market?

(Image credit: DigitalGlobe/Google)

Law-enforcement and defense experts working in a number of government organizations and research institutes agree that organized crime and terrorist organizations are selling looted artifacts to raise funds for their activities. But the methods these organizations are using to obtain funds from looting can be complex.

Archaeologists, such as those at the American Schools of Oriental Research, are analyzing satellite data as well as intelligence and law-enforcement information to try to determine the different methods by which terrorist organizations and organized crime are making money from these activities. In some cases, terrorist organizations that control territory (such as ISIS) appear to be allowing people to loot archaeological sites, and transport and sell the artifacts, in exchange for a share of the revenues. Gold coins, which can be found using metal detectors and can be easily smuggled and sold, are a prime target for looters, archaeologists have found.

Criminal organizations in Europe and Asia that don't control territory are making money by acting as middlemen who transport looted artifacts across borders, archaeologists have found. In Egypt, they are organizing attacks on antiquities guards.

How did Iron-age warrior survive arrow to the spine?

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

How bad an injury can a person survive without the assistance of modern-day medicine? As archaeologists excavate burials all over the planet and study them using ever more sophisticated medical tools, the discoveries they are making continue to push the boundaries of what is believed to be possible.

Recently the burial of a warrior found in central Kazakhstan, which dates back at least 2,000 years, reveals that the warrior had an arrow lodged in his spine that he survived, the bone around the arrow showing signs of healing. Scientists who studied his remains note that such a wound often kills a person immediately.

What happened when Homo sapiens encountered other ancient hominids?

(Image credit: PIERRE ANDRIEU/AFP/Getty)

Homo sapiensare the only species of hominid that is still alive, having existed for at least 300,000 years. All other hominids such as Neanderthals, Homo floresiensis and Denisovans are now extinct.

A mystery that archaeologists and anthropologists are trying to solve is why is it that these species are extinct while there are over 7 billion Homo sapiens on the Earth? Recent research suggests that Homo floresiensis went extinct at around the time that Homo sapiens arrived in its territory, a find that raise the possibility that Homo sapiens helped drive it into extinction.

Yet other recent finds show that DNA from Neanderthals and Denisovans, which Homo sapiens would have acquired by breeding with them, helped Homo sapiens boost their immune system, allowing them to survive a wider array of diseases and conditions. These discoveries suggest that some sort of peaceful co-existence leading to breeding happened when Homo sapiens met these two species.
Calcium is best known for its role in bone health, but a new study suggests that its role in heart health should not be overlooked. It was found that people with low levels of calcium in their blood may be at greater risk of sudden cardiac arrest, one of the leading cause of death in the United States.

Share on Pinterest Researchers have linked low blood calcium levels to an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

Lead investigator Dr. Sumeet S. Chugh, of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute in Los Angeles, CA, and colleagues believe that their findings may pave the way for much-needed new diagnostic and treatment strategies for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

The researchers recently reported their findings in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

SCA is when the heart suddenly stops beating. This is due to a malfunction in the hearts electrical activity, which causes an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), around 350,000 out-of-hospital SCAs occur in the U.S. every year, and almost 90 percent of people who experience SCA die as a result.

While coronary heart disease is considered the primary cause of SCA, Dr. Chugh and colleagues note that around half of women and around 70 percent of men who die from SCA have no clinical history of heart disease.

Such statistics highlight the desperate need for ways to identify people who are at increased risk of SCA, as well to find new treatments for the condition. Could the new research from Dr. Chugh and colleagues help to meet this need?
spiritual & esoteric events

written registration under sabine@hal-lo.at

and please give me a phone number or call me shortly. THANKS

Place to be announced after registration (near Nuremberg)

________________________________________________________________________

HASSUNY Cherokee Bodywork

Traditional as with the Cherokee women

"Movement is LIFE" (old indian rule)

Native American Medicine Academy "rebuild the old way"

Our philosophy and thoughts, what we want to Pass on to people:

Native Indian Hassuny is a dynamic concept for health and well-being.

It relies on the ancient wisdom of the traditional indigenous medicine knowledge from the native science to

improve the health and the vitality on the physical and emotional level.

Hassuny looks behind the symptoms and treats the underlying causes behind the disease and the imbalance within the body.

By activating the body's healing abilities and setting

the energy flow, a positive change begins within the body on

a conscious plane.

Long before the masses of the European people were known,

the Native Americans. With the laying on of the hands, the medicine cured the diseases.

They have used their hands to cleanse the body to remove heavy energies and restore the balance between

the physical and spiritual body.

Healing traditions are still kept secret.

Balance and harmony are essential to health in the indian cultures.

They say that all the diseases are caused by an imbalance, the behavior of a person and by the thoughts.

The energies, as they are, are in nature, are like the human body.

Animals, stones, sacred places and rituals.

Illness, injuries, and conflicts between people.

The medical professional can use a series of approaches in work to restore balance and harmony.

There is a shift of consciousness through the touch and the thoughts.

Without the use of drugs the state of consciousness changes.

The Cherokee ritual, in which the healer heats hands over the fire,

then use the medication to enter an area of the problem of the person.

Native American. Hassuny healers place their hands on the front and back of the body and work in the spiritual field of the human body.

The extraction of bad energy from the body, as well as the blowing of the smoke, can also be used with this technique when it is needed.

At Hassuny, sacred songs are accompanied by drums and rattles.

These are just a few of the many techniques used at Hassuny.

At the same time, we are the only ones.

None of these techniques are practiced in European culture or shamanism.

Our hassley courses give people an insight into the world of Indian healing and it may be possible

that it could shock a European.

(Noun, masculine) (adjective). (Noun, feminine) the same day.

We do not teach alternative medicine, but teach the original medicine of the Cherokee Indians, it has been practiced for years of years.

If

you want to know how to make a difference, please contact me.

We welcome you to our wonderful Hassuny world.

You will never forget them, the experience of this training will inspire you and your hearts.

At the moment we offer only women.

This is an original, very extreme way of teaching and healing,

it requires the self to know.

Your thoughts to control and the ego may be passed.

Native Medicine Academy "rebuild the old way"

aho medicine turtle
By 2018/19 the City of Berlin and the Federal Republic of Germany want the most important culturally political project in Germany at the beginning of the 21st century to have been completed: the project Berlin Palace  Humboldt Forum.

This project of the century, which will be located in the city centre, and will cost 590 million Euros. The City of Berlin wants to contribute 32 million Euros to the project.

The president of the Preuischer Kulturbesitz (Prussian Cultural Heritage) foundation, Hermann Parzinger, first presented the concept in 2011. The concepts title is The Humboldt Forum: 'To be in Touch With as Much of the World as Possible' Berlins non-European collections are to be moved from current remote location of Berlin-Dahlem to the city centre. Moreover, the building of the central state library as well as the Humboldt University is to be used. The plan is to establish the Agora, a Forum for Science, Culture and Politics as the heart of the Humboldt Forum.

In Parzingers concept the projects plans are being formulated in superlatives. This will not simply be an outstanding location for the art and culture of Asia, Africa, America, Australia and Oceania. The Humboldt Forum is also to become a unique centre for the research of non-European cultures.

A cultural centre of national and international distinction is planned, with which Berlin wants to establish itself as a leading cultural and museum city around the world.

The majority of the over 500,000 valuable items from all over the world ended up in Berlin through colonial conquests. The Europeans often even resorted to physical violence, in order to gain ownership of central objects belonging to the colonised societies - for example thrones, sceptres and cult objects.

By taking the credit for these objects, the city of Berlin receives material benefits as well as intangible advantages up until the present day. We demand the disclosure of the ownership history of all the exhibits as well as adherence to the UN Resolution which is unequivocal regarding the repatriation of cultural artifacts to countries which have been the victims of expropriation.

The dialogue concerning the future homes of the plundered art and the colonial loot must be sought with the descendants of the artists and the legal owners of the exhibits. This is particularly important regarding the stolen human remains, which are currently to be found in the possession of the Preuischer Kulturbesitz foundation.

It is currently planned that the collections from all over the world will be returned to the castle of the Hohenzollerns, where Berlins first overseas treasures have already been presented. As it was then, this is about nothing other than representing power and global relevance. For the descendants of the colonised, both national and abroad, it is particularly disrespectful, that this should take place in the resurrected residence of the Brandenburg-Prussian monarchs.

The Hohenzollerns were primarily responsible for the enslavement of thousands of people from Africa as well as genocides and concentration camps in Germanys former colonies. Therefore we roundly reject any presentation of objects in the Berlin Palace which were brought to Berlin during colonial times.

As already was the case during those times when exotic curiosities were displayed in the cabinets of wonders belonging to the Princes of Brandenburg and the Prussian Kings, the Berlin Palace  Humboldt Forum will apparently serve the purpose of developing a Prussian-German-European identity.

This concern is actually directly opposed to the aim of promoting a culture of equality in the migration society and is being pursued to the detriment of others. The supposed stranger and other will be constructed with the help of the often centuries old objects from all over the world, and the extensive collection of European art on Berlins museum island will be put to one side.

In this way, Europe will be constructed as the superior norm. We reject this degrading form of presentation. We demand that the Preuischer Kulturbesitz foundation makes an effort to ensure that experts from the countries of the global south are involved in presenting their own works in a way that promotes equality of opportunity, has an awareness of power dynamics and focusses on portraying similarities between peoples.

The exploration of the world and its populations by European researchers was a colonial project for many years and still affects the regimentation and exploitation of the global south to this day. One of the two people this project is named after, Alexander von Humboldt, was involved in this project to a great extent.

The Spanish royalty and its overseas colonial regime, which was based on genocide and slavery, were particularly interested in the results of his expeditions in South and Middle America, and they supported him to the best of their ability. In this way, the Prussian who really discovered America who even stole buried corpses and shipped them to Europe, embodies colonial dominance.

Humboldt is not an appropriate person to name an intercultural centre after. In the written concept, the President of the foundation, Hermann Parzinger, invites visitors from Asia or the descendants of indigenous Indian or African Societies to the German capital. In an era where people drown daily in the Mediterranean Sea because they have no other means to enter Europe, such an invitation can only be described as cynical. Aminata Traore, the former Culture and Tourist Minister of Mali, put it in a nutshell: Our cultural works enjoy civil rights in places, where even our entire community is denied permission to stay.

We demand the Preuischer Kulturbesitz foundation to enable access to Berlins non-European collections to all people of the world. The looted art must be returned  permanently. Moreover, this should take place through the loan the artworks to the countries without any cost to them in order to realize international exhibition projects in all regions of the world where the artworks now located here were created.

Berlin, 3rd June 2013

AfricAvenir International e.V., Berlin, Douala, Windhoek

Afrosvenskarnas riksforbund, The National Association of Afro-Swedes, Stockholm

AFROTAK TV CyberNomads, Berlin

AHOI artists and events, Berlin

Alexandertechnik, Berlin

Antirassistische Initiative Berlin (ARI)

Arbeitskreis Hamburg Postkolonial

Arbeitskreis Panafrikanismus Munchen e.V.

Artefakte // anti-humboldt, Berlin

Art Labour Archives

Barnimer Kampagne "Light me Amadeu", Eberswalde

Berliner Entwicklungspolitischer Ratschlag BER e.V.

Berlin Postkolonial e.V.

Bildungswerkstatt Migration & Gesellschaft e.V., Berlin

Bundnis gegen Rassismus, Berlin

Bundeskoordination Internationalismus (BUKO), Hamburg

Colonialism Reparation

Conseil Representatif des Associations Noires (CRAN), Paris

CulturCooperation e.V., Hamburg

Entwicklungspolitisches Netzwerk Hessen e.V.

EIne Welt Netzwerk Hamburg e.V.

eipcp, europaisches institut fur progressive kulturpolitik

Fairbindung e.V., Berlin

FDCL - Forschungs- und Dokumentationszentrum Chile-Lateinamerika e.V., Berlin

Friends of Lake Bosomtwe

glokal e.V., Berlin

Informationsburo Nicaragua e.V., Berlin

Initiative Schwarze Menschen in Deutschland - ISD-Bund e.V.

Interflugs - Universitat der Kunste Berlin

ISD Gieen

Kampagne "Zusammen handeln! Gegen rassistische Hetze und soziale Ausgrenzung", Berlin

Korientation e.V., Berlin

Landesausschuss fur Migration, Diversitat und Antidiskriminierung der GEW Berlin (LAMA)

Lateinamerika Nachrichten e.V., Berlin

Mexico via Berlin

[muc] munchen postkolonial

Naturfreunde Berlin e.V.

Partner Sudmexikos e.V., Boblingen

Phoenix e.V., Berlin

PoLYpeN

ProNATs - Verein zur Unterstutzung arbeitender Kinder und Jugendlicher, Berlin

Solidaritatsdienst International SODI e.V., Berlin

tanzania-network.de e.V., Berlin

Transnational Decolonial Institute

VENROB - Verbund Entwicklungspolitischer Nichtregierungsorganisationen Brandenburgs e.V.

Verein schnittpunkt. ausstellungstheorie & praxis, Wien

Zentralrat der afrikanischen Gemeinde in Deutschland e.V., Berlin

Zugvogel, interkultureller Nord-Sud-Austausch e.V., Berlin
Following reports of the alleged accidental killing of a Ghanaian by a Chinese national at Wassa Akropong in the Wassa Amenfi East District, of the Western Region, the rampaging youth have set properties belonging to the Chinese ablaze.

The Chinese national was reported to have open fire shot and killed the Ghanaian on Friday.

The identity of the deceased remains undisclosed.

More info coming soon...
Editor's note: Tobin Miller Shearer will be the guest speaker at the Butte-Sliver Bow Democrats Burros Club's luncheon at noon Monday, Oct. 9, at the Butte Country Club, 3400 Elizabeth Warren Ave.

MISSOULA  University of Montana professor Tobin Miller Shearer, director of the African-American studies program, said he noticed something was wrong right away Thursday morning, Sept. 28, as he passed the bulletin board in the Liberal Arts building on campus.

The day before, Shearer had posted a flyer outlining a new class he is offering in the spring: "White Supremacy History/Defeat."

But on that Thursday morning, another sign  designed to look just like Shearer's poster  had been put up atop his, this one detailing a fictitious course, "Black Nationalism History/Defeat."

Whoever made the new flyer had copied Shearer's layout, including the font and location of a photo, and changed the bullet points of the course objectives from ones like Shearer's "Implement and evaluate a project to dismantle white supremacy in the U.S." to the same line directed at "black nationalism."

The false sign said the class also would include group projects "aimed at dismantling race-baiting hypocrisy."

"It's very disturbing because of the amount of time that was put into making it look real," Shearer said.

A detail that stuck out to Shearer was that his name on the original flyer was replaced by the (misspelled) name of the former director of the program, who hasn't been at the school for a decade.

"It's at best someone who knows the history of the program. At worst, it's another faculty member who knows the history," Shearer said.

Shearer said this isn't the first time racially charged messages have been targeted at the African-American Studies program. Last year Shearer found himself on a national "Professor Watchlist" put together by the conservative group Turning Point USA, which accused him of discriminating against conservative students and pushing a "radical agenda." Students have reported other incidents of hate speech or hate acts to him, he added.

Shearer, who said he found the fake flyer harassing to himself and his students, reported it to the University of Montana Police Department, which did not return a request for comment on Thursday.

"I'm not surprised by this," Shearer said. "I'm disturbed by this."
08.10.2017 LISTEN

Introduction:

Studies conducted on African social systems suggest that "all African names have a meaning." That, "some names may mark the occasion of childbirth, identify one thing from others, indicate one's clan or origin, reveals some historical event, a man's status or position." Therefore, most words or terms adapted by African societies have a meaning. In fact, how the term Yagbon came about or was coined by the ancestors of Gonjas is severally applied in different ways but meaning the same thing.

The discussion will best be enjoyed if the term Dagbon, which refers to the territory inhabited by a group of people called Dagomba located in the Northern Region of Ghana, is explained. This explanation will serve as the prelude to explaining and understanding the word Yagbon. This is important because the two words, Dagbon and Yagbon, are similar and their difference is only seen in the prefixes 'da' or 'ya'.

The word Dagbon was built around a story by the Dagomba. The story runs that the rulers and elders of the Dagomba often sat on the skins of 'lions' or 'tigers' and used the various ornamented 'lion or 'tiger' skins as the symbols of authority which they call a da gbon, meaning a da's (lion or tiger's) gbon (skin). Hence, the territory or area where all Dagomba Chiefs, Fetish Priests and Elders sat on the skins of lions or tigers in the course of time came to be called a da gbon, corrupted to read Dagbon, meaning a territory and the inhabitants are called Dagomba. Similarly, the word 'Yagbon' has been variously explained or applied, and the different versions or opinions are discussed in turns below. But, for readers to enjoy the discussions, let us start by explaining the revered name Ndewura. The name Ndewura comprises two segments 'Nde' and 'Wura'. Ndewura, according Solomon Salifu Tampuri, is from the two words Kade (singular) or Nde (plural) which means 'town', and wura which means 'lord' or 'owner'. Hence, the word Ndewura means "the lord of many towns."

Three scholars - Ivor Wilks, Nehemia Levtzion and Bruce M. Haight - explains that, the word "Gungi" was used by Arab scholars and that was later corrupted by European cartographers to read "Gonja" now a kingdom located in the Northern Region of Ghana. The kingdom of Gonja lies between the Black and White Volta Rivers in Ghana. This area was founded by one Ndewura Jakpa, a Mande (Wangara) warrior, who traced his root to one Askia Dawud, the Overlord of the ancient Songhai Empire in modern Mali. The inhabitants of Gonja in modern Ghana, like every other people, coin terms which are applied to their artifacts or remarkable events. One term very prominent in the history of the people of Gonja is Yagbon, which is variously explained.

In works by Arab scholars, the term 'quth' interpreted to mean 'a tree' or 'a plant (ansoba) were used in the figurative sense to refer to the seat or palace of Ndewura Jakpa called Yagbon. The Arab writers demonstrated how firm Ndewura Jakpa and his followers were in the territory created and liken the strength and authority held by the ruler like how a tree is stacked in the ground. In other words, the name Yagbon refers to something set up or erected firmly and was very solid. Other Arab scholars likened the meaning of Yagbon to a 'fortress' (qasoba) or a citadel (castle) of the capital city or the town of the kingdom.

Another explanation for the term Yagbon was adapted during the era of Ndewura Jakpa's expeditions. Ndewura Jakpa began his expedition with, according to Emmanuel Forster Tamakloe, "70,000 men."This large force of fighting men was described as "a large army" and since the entire army came came from the same descent was, in other words, referred to as "a large household." This phrase 'a large household or army', according to J. A. Braimah, "in the language of Gonjas is known as, as kiya gbong,"and which came to be corrupted to read Yagbon. Contrary to this, another opinion says the term Yagbon means "close to perfection."This description, compared to all available opinions examined, is incorrect.

Conclusion:

African terms or words from the brief discussion are not randomly picked. Most African names or words stand for something significant. For instance, A. A. Illiasu, suggests that the name Gbipe was derived from the word Gbi, which means "heavy or weighty load." In addition, to get a successor to replace Ndewura Jakapa "a prince or chief with a large household and plenty followers, Kong (Kung), was elected." Hence, the term Yagbon describes the big household that first occupied the throne at Nyange, and thus, became the name of the skin and title of the Chief, Yagbon-wura.

Mahama, Iddrisu (PhD)

Wa

September 10, 2017

References:

Books;

Mbiti. John S., African Traditional Religion and Philosophy, (London, Heinemann, 1968)

Sarpong. Peter, Ghana in Retrospect: Some Aspects of Ghanaian Cultures, (Tema - Accra, Ghana Publishing Corporation, 1974)

Tamakloe. Emmanuel Forster, A Brief History of the Dagbamba People, (Accra, Government Printing Office, 1931)

Tampuri. Solomon Salifu, Gonja: The Mandingoes of Ghana, (London, Lighting Source UK Ltd., 2016)

Wilks. Ivor, (et.al) Chronicles from Gonja: A Tradition of West African Historiography, Cambridge University Press, 1986)

Articles:

. J. A. Braimah, "Timu in the History and Social Organisation of the People of Gonja", Unp., 1983

A. A. Illiasu, "The Gonja Revolution: The Trial of Yagbonura Mahama and Six Others", Unp., undated

Mahama Haruna (Ed), "Jakpa Magazine", Serial No. 001, April 2014

[1] Peter Sarpong, Ghana in Retrospect: Some Aspects of Ghanaian Cultures, Tema - Accra, Ghana Publishing Corporation, 1974. p.88

John S. Mbiti, African Traditional Religion and Philosophy, London, Heinemann,1968, p.118

[3] Emmanuel Forster Tamakloe, A Brief History of the Dagbamba People, Accra, Government Printing Office, 1931. p..2

[4] Solomon Salifu Tampuri, Gonja: The Mandingoes of Ghana, London, Lighting Source UK Ltd., 2016, p.22

[5] Ibid

[6] Ivor Wilks, Nehemia Levtzion and Bruce M. Haight, Chronicles from Gonja: A Tradition of West African Historiography, Cambridge University Press, 1986, p. 46.

[7] Emmanuel Forster Tamakloe, A Brief History of the Dagbamba People, Accra, Government Printing Office, 1931, p.21

[8] Ibid.

[9] J. A. Braimah, "Timu in the History and Social Organisation of the People of Gonja", Unp., 1983, p.28

[10] Mahama Haruna (Ed), "Jakpa Magazine", Serial No. 001, April 2014 .p.28

[11] A. A. Illiasu, "The Gonja Revolution: The Trial of Yagbonura Mahama and Six Others", Unp., p.156
Following the back and forth over the deal involving the purchase of 350 vehicles under the previous Microfinance and Small Loans Centre CEO, Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, she has been challenged to absolve herself of any wrongdoing by providing evidence.

The former MASLOC administration has been accused of inflating the price of the vehicles procured for the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).

The Centres former CEO denied these claims stating that the GPRTU were already in talks with the supplier, MAC Auto & Spare Parts (Gh) Limited for the supply of the vehicles, at the prices that were claimed to be inflated.

MASLOCs Deputy Executive Secretary, Maame Afia Akoto, however believes this defense must be backed with evidence, following the statement Mrs. Attionu released denying the allegations.

She [Attionu] should come out and let Ghanaians know that this is exactly what GPRTU brought and for that reason, she doesn't see why GPTRTU should refuse the figures out there, Mrs. Akoto said on Eyewitness News.

The cars in question are currently lying unused because the GPRTU refuses to purchase them because of the high cost.

Mrs. Akoto views this to be an indication that something untoward has gone on, as she insisted that nobody altered any agreement.

If GPRTU truthfully went for this agreement, they won't run away from the figures now. If they had already gone to see MAC Auto & Spare Parts and made their own agreement for some vehicles at some prices, that would be comfortable for them [now].

Inconsistent PPA agreement

Mrs. Attionu, in her defense, said a letter was written to Public Procurement Authority (PPA) requesting their approval to single source the vehicles from MAC Auto, and she added that she received a response from the PPA acknowledging the receipt of the letter, and requesting MASLOC to provide them with the Financial Arrangements approved by the Ministry of Finance.

Sedinam Tamakloe Attionu  Former CEO, MASLOC

But Mrs. Akoto has disputed this, saying there was no documentation that indicated that she [Attionu] went to PPA to sole-source the cars from Mac Auto Parts. We don't have any evidence to back that.

She further said there were inconsistencies in the PPA agreements on the files from the previous administration

We have this same [PPA] agreement with different dates in this woman's file  same agreement with different dates. One was dated at the tail end in December, and one at an earlier date in December.

If truthfully, you were doing things right, why should one agreement have different dates to prove that this agreement MASLOC has gone into with MAC Auto & Spare Parts was signed this day and another agreement was signed earlier. Which of the documents is telling us the truth.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Bankyim (W/R), Oct 4, GNA - AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem (AAI) Mine has constructed a multi-purpose social centre at a total cost of 432,190 Ghana cedis for the people of Bankyim, in the Tarkwa Nsueam constituency.

The centre funded from the Iduapriem community Trust Fund, has a 500 seating capacity hall, electricity, water, chairs, an office, dressing and washrooms.

Speaking at the commissioning, the senior Vice President, Continental Africa Region, Mr Sicelo Ntuli, commended the contractors for completing the project on schedule.

He said throughout their operations in Continental Africa, they have endeavoured to create wealth for their communities, adding that they intend to leave an enduring legacy of sustainable development initiative for their host communities.

Mr Ntuli expressed appreciation to the Odikro of Bankyim, Nana Kwesi Itu I for naming the social centre after him.

Mr Jasper Musadaidzwa, Managing Director of AAI explained that the Bankyim social centre project was approved in 2016 based on a proposal the community submitted to the Iduapriem Community Trust Fund.

He added that the facility would be well maintained through the community based management committee properly tasked.

Mr Musadaidzwa said work had also begun on the construction of a modern market facility and a pilot cooperative vegetable farm project for the Teberebie community and when completed, the market would boost economic activities and provide farmers with direct access to the market and provide income benefits to the participants.

He said in future the company would rollout a model of improved farming and develop market opportunities.

In a speech read on behalf of the board chairman of the fund, Professor Newton Amegbey noted that the project would help the community to generate income to support other basic development needs.

Prof. Amegbey said since the inception of the community trust fund in 2013, it had assisted its host communities with projects aimed at increasing access to basic education, improving health, water and sanitation and other social amenities to make a positive difference in their communities.

Mr George Mireku Duker, Member of Parliament for Tarkwa Nsueam constituency together with Mr Gilbert Kennedy Asmah, Municipal Chief Executive and Nana Kwesi Itu I, Odikro of Bankyim thanked AAI mine for its contribution towards the establishment of the social centre.

The trust fund was mandated in 2004 under the Stability agreement between AngloGold Ashanti and the government of Ghana, to support the longterm sustainable development of the communities in which the mine operates.

Over the years, the fund had made a remarkable investment in the area of community development.

GNA

By Erica Apeatua Addo, GNA
Tarkwa, Oct 4, GNA - Major Mintah-Agyemang the Officer in Charge (OC) of the Forward Operation Base (FOB) of the Western Region has urged troops of the Operation Vanguard batch two not to let the Command down in the quest of fighting illegal mining in their area of operation.

He made this statement during a short programme to welcome the Second Batch of troops of Opeartion Vanguard to his operational area after their 10 days training at Bundase Training Camp in the Greater Accra Region.

Major Mintah-Agyemang stated that galamsey had become a national issue due to the bad effect on the environment such as pollution of the water bodies, deforestation, destroying of landscapes and challenges such as leaving of pits uncovered where people lose their lives.

He stressed that the eradication of galamsey would sustain the country's lands, vegetations and water bodies for posterity.

Major Mintah-Agyemang urged the troops to rise for the task ahead of them to make Ghanaians proud.

Operation Vanguard TaskForce Two was accompanied by the TaskForce One to tour the operational area after their two months of combats of galamsey in the Western, Eastern and Ashanti Regions respectively.

GNA

By Kwamina Tandoh, GNA
Elmina (C/R), Oct. 4, GNA - President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged African leaders to follow the example of Ghana's Free Senior High School Education Policy to drastically reduce illiteracy on the continent.

He noted that the policy would enable the African child to receive better education for increased knowledge to contribute meaningfully to Africa's development saying that 'Africa must not perish for lack of knowledge'.

'Our young people are desperately looking for jobs and we must not fail them. We need to direct their attention through education that provides them with skills for entrepreneurship' he said.

President Akufo-Addo made the call in a speech read on his behalf by Mr Paul Essien, Deputy Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs at the opening of the fourth African Forum on Religion and Governance (AFREG) conference at Elmina on Tuesday.

The four-day conference on the theme 'Africans rising together - Reconciliation and Reconstruction' is being attended by Christian African leaders and Africans from the Diaspora with the common goal of working towards reconciliation and reconstruction for a better future for Africa.

President Akufo-Addo stressed that Africa must rise up tall to educate its younger generation through science and technology and liberate itself through hard work.

He expressed the conviction that education could help the continent to be truly independent and free to create wealth and develop beyond aid and desist from borrowing and begging for help.

He said Africa was well endowed with both human and natural resources that had great potentials and capability to feed itself through hard work and therefore African leaders of today could not afford to fail the continent.

President Akufo-Addo re-echoed the need for Africa to come together as one people to create avenues that would make its regional integration strong and more meaningful.

The President also called on the church to help government to educate and instill in the youth dignity and hard work and provide them with the relevant skills to contribute their quota and support the government's development agenda.

President Akufo-Addo called on the church to support government's worthwhile determination to stop illegal mining popularly known as 'galamsey' which was threatening the environment and the very existence of mankind.

Additionally, he admonished the church to emphasize and teach its huge followers the relevance and practice of good governance, integrity, excellence, hard work and frown on all forms of corruption.

These values, he said must be the benchmarks of the church, acknowledging that the church played a pivotal role in providing the moral and ethical values necessary for personal and societal progress.

'In order to achieve rapid socio-economic growth and development, government needs greater partnership with the church. The diverse background of its members serves as a unifying factor necessary for nation building' he said.

Reverend Dr Emmanuel Tsilenga, Founder and President of Operation Africa in French who spoke on Slave Trade in Africa lamented about how the collective sin of slavery and racism had greatly hindered Africa's development.

He also criticised some cultural practices in Africa saying, most of them amounted to actual slavery and called for a complete overhaul of those practices.

Rev. Dr Tsilenga challenged African leaders to move away from policy formulation to policy implementation to truly give meaning to the desired development for the people.

Reverend Dr. Delanyo Adedevoh, Chairman of AFREG explained that AFREG sought to build a movement of African leaders of integrity who were committed to transforming the continent into a premier continent based on God-centred values.

"Slave trade in Africa: perspectives and implications', 'Historical and theological framework for the way-forward' and 'the New World and the slave trade: a Latin American perspective" are among the key topics to be discussed during the conference.

GNA

By Afedzi Abdullah, GNA
08.10.2017 LISTEN

Kumasi, Oct 04, GNA - The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has launched a project to help effectively deal with the growing problem of poor environmental sanitation.

It is an innovative approach, involving star awards, to recognize streets that maintain high standard of cleanliness.

The project is currently being piloted in Moshie Zongo, a densely populated suburb of Kumasi.

A 2016 research report of the University's Department of Communication Design said it was the brainchild of Dr. Edward Appiah, a lecturer, and Mr. Patrick Gyamfi, a Master of Philosophy in Communication Science student.

Under this '5-Star Street Project', every street would be awarded with a star, which would be tagged to the street's name after fulfilling basic sanitation and environmental requirements.

These include availability and maintenance of toilet facilities, refuse dumping sites, dustbins, clean drainage and an environment free from littering.

The report said 'a 3-Star street award for example would imply that residents and users of that street are more environmentally and sanitation-conscious than those of a 1-Star street'.

It would also mean that a '3-Star' street is ranked higher than a '1-Star' street or 'No-Star' street.

The ultimate - the highest award, the report added, would be the '5-Star' street.

The goal, it indicated, was to stimulate competition, change the attitude of the people towards environmental and sanitation issues to assist rid the communities of filth.

The report added that the project had been designed to change the mindset and behavior of the people to promote a sustainable clean environment.

It said the Department was working in concert with community leaders in Moshie Zongo on the project and that good progress had been made.

They would soon award various star tags befitting the streets.

GNA

By Stephen Asante/Florence Afriyie Mensah, GNA
08.10.2017 LISTEN

Ho, Oct. 4, GNA - The Adaklu District Assembly in the Volta Region is ready for the take-off of government's 'One District, One Factory' (1D1F) initiative, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister has said.

He said the availability of vast arable land in the District for the initiative had given investors confidence and that a sod would be cut soon for the establishment of a cassava processing factory under the initiative.

The Regional Minister was addressing a workshop organised by the Regional Coordinating Council to evaluate the preparation of the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2018-2021 for the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

Dr Letsa said the Central Tongu District had also made land available for the initiative and asked other districts to consider youth unemployment and support the initiative aimed at creating jobs and alleviating poverty.

Mr Emmanuel Nortey, the Regional Coordinating Director, said the workshop would afford the Council the opportunity to provide the needed technical support for the various Assemblies.

He urged the MMDAs to complete projects that were started in previous MTDP budgets before beginning new ones.

The workshop afforded the Assemblies the opportunity to make power point presentations on their achievements and failures in the previous medium term development plans.

GNA

By Ebenezer Sowah, GNA
Agona Kwanyako (CR), Oct 4, GNA - The township of Agona Kwanyako, in the Agona East District of the Central Region was on Saturday thrown into a state of mourning, following the drowning of three second-year students of Agona Kwanyako Anglican Junior High School (JHS).

The deceased are Miss Matilda Amatayo, 16 years, Hannah Mensah 18, years and Rahael Awudzie 17 years.

According to the bereaved parents and the Head teacher of the School, Mr Nii Okain, his teachers asked the students, including the girls to bring bamboos to school on Monday 2, Ocotober,2017.

The bamboos were to be used to make leisure seats at the school.

The bodies have not been found by over 20 divers made up of members of the Asafo Company of Agona Kwanyako and others since last Saturday when the news broke out.

Mr Dennis Armah-Frempong, District Chief Executive (DCE) of Agona East and his delegation had earlier visited the Chiefs, Asafo Companies, bereaved families and teachers of Anglican JHS to discuss ways and means to recover the bodies from the river.

The DCE and his team on Sunday morning again joined the search party, chiefs, the bereaved families, some residents and teachers to search for the bodies of the three girls.

Nana Adeiso, Nifahene of Agona Kwanyako told the DCE and his delegation that five girls and a boy went to the river banks to cut the bamboos, but two girls and the boy escaped unhurt.

Mr Kwame Mensah, Father of Hannah Mensah, one of the deceased, said he told his daughter not to go and cut the bamboo but rather wash his cloths for him, but the girl ignored his instruction.

Mrs Comfort Assani, mother of Amatayo, deceased, told the GNA that she instructed her daughter not to go to the banks of River Ayensu to cut the bamboo, but the girl indicated that she would be punished on Monday by the teachers.

Mrs Assani said she told her daughter that on Monday she herself would accompany her to school to plead with the teachers and explain why she did not bring the bamboo to school, but her daughter refused to heed the advice.

The parents therefore appealed to the Ministry of Education and the Director- General of the Ghana Education Service to intervene to stop teachers and especially head of basic schools from forcing school children to bring bamboos, stones, fire woods, brooms and others to curb disasters.

At the time of filling the story, the bodies had not been found and the search party and the Asafo Company had intensified the search to recover the bodies from the river.

GNA
08.10.2017 LISTEN

Accra, Oct. 4, GNA - Enhancing Growth In New Enterprises' (ENGINE) Business Plan Competition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme, has over the years created 1, 203 jobs in Ghana.

The programme has also supported 421 SMEs with financial and logistical support through the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DFID) to develop and implement their business ideas, Philip Smith, the Country Director for the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) in Ghana, announced.

Mr Smith was speaking at a two-day Enhancing Development at Ghanaian Entrepreneurs (EDGE) stakeholders' Conference and exhibition 2017 in Accra.

The event was on the theme: 'Scaling Business in Ghana: Finding needless in the Haystack.'

The conference brought together a network of entrepreneurs, government officials, financial institutions and business development service providers to find common solutions to the entrepreneurship development challenges, in the country.

He said the support had resulted in more than 250 per cent revenue growth of such businesses.

Ghana, he said, was one of the top 10 counties in Africa, with regard to young people starting a business.

However, he said challenges such as the high cost of energy, regulatory challenges, poor business acumen and the high cost of finance were the contributing factors to why entrepreneurs in Ghana were failing to grow and scale their business ideas.

He expressed the hope that before the programme would end in 2018, 500 SMEs would have been helped to overcome barriers to growth and build competitive businesses in Ghana.

'Many of ENGINE entrepreneurs are now exporting products ranging from indigenous beauty products such as black soap and Shea butter-based cosmetics to environmentally friendly bamboo bicycle frames, across Africa and into Europe and North America,' he added.

Mr Smith said DFID was also working with the Government to improve the business enabling environment for businesses in Ghana through the Business Enabling Environment Programme (BEEP).

BEEP is helping government streamline business regulation, thus making it easier and less costly for businesses to comply with these, recognising that the policy and regulatory environment for doing business was also important for business growth.

'DFID is currently developing a new Economic Development Programme to support job creation in line with the Government's ambitious industrialisation strategy,' he said.

Mr Joe Tackie, the Chief Director, Ministry of Business Development, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Business Development, Mr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, said the Ministry was about to implement the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan (NEIP), a primary vehicle for providing an integrated, national support for early-stage start-up and small businesses.

He said the Plan was currently seeded with $10 million, which would be leveraged to raise private capital and multilateral funding of $100 million to fund its programme.

He said the results from the ENGINE programmes demonstrated that with the right kind of interventions and approvals, small enterprises should be able to scale up to contribute significantly to the economic development by creating jobs and livelihood.

He said the Government, through the Ministry of Trade and Industry, was speedily pursuing reforms within the business environment to make it favourable for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise to thrive and grow.

The overall objective is to create a conducive and most friendly business environment to achieve a thriving private sector that would create wealth and deliver jobs to the teeming youth.

He commended the UK and DFID for their continuous support to develop the private sector and also TechnoServe for creating the ENGINE programme to drive growth of the SMEs.

GNA

By Morkporkpor Anku, GNA
Rescue efforts are ongoing to find five people feared drowned at Amadaa in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region.

Three children and three adults went missing in the River Offin when they tried to cross over to their farms after Fridays heavy downpour.

The heavy rains caused the river to overflow its banks, hence the canoe-trip to the farm became precarious.

Eye-witnesses say tree-trunks floating on the river hit the canoe causing it to capsize.

The River Offin is among the water bodies whose banks have been ravaged by of illegal mining.

The body of one of the victims, a woman in her late 50s, Ramatu Amadu, has been retrieved by local divers.

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Three children aged, 8 months; 4 years and 10 years are among the five missing in the river.

Meanwhile, Luv FMs Erastus Asare Donkor reports Saturday that the search for the five feared drowned is rounding to a close after hours of fruitless search.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
Like you, Im grateful I get to call Montana home. Ive always said one of the best decisions I ever made was picking my great-great grandmother, who homesteaded east of Conrad and got our family to Montana.

Montana offers an unmatched quality of life  we offer a work force that is unmatched with a strong work ethic that is passed on from generation to generation in Montana.

And now with technology, we can grow more good-paying jobs that allow Montanans to stay in the state we love. Thats because technology has removed geography as a constraint. We can build world-class businesses in Montana.

Thats why one of the first actions I took as your U.S. senator was to host the first Montana High Tech Jobs Summit. This summit brought together Montanans and global leaders in technology to my hometown of Bozeman, the same place where I helped grow RightNow Technologies into the areas largest commercial employer.

And now, just two years later, Im co-hosting the second Montana High Tech Jobs Summit in Missoula on Oct. 9. Missoula is a leader in high-tech innovation and entrepreneurialism.

The Montana High Tech Jobs Summit will be held on the campus of the University of Montana on Oct. 9. We have a great lineup of keynote speakers who will discuss opportunities in tech, including the president of Microsoft, vice president of T-Mobile, chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee.

Together we can encourage the growth of high-tech jobs in Montana. These are good-paying jobs that will not only allow our state to grow economically, it will ensure that the kids were training at our universities and colleges can stay in Montana, which is why Im hosting this event at the University of Montana.

As Ive traveled the state, Ive seen the impact that technology has had on dozens of small Montana businesses. From Proof Research in Columbia Falls to Blackfoot Communications, who are working to expand and improve internet access, Montana is becoming a hub of innovation and technological success.

At RightNow Technologies, where we created 500 high-paying Montana jobs, our recruiting slogan was work where you also like to play. The areas largest employer is a global business based in Bozeman, just a short drive to Yellowstone National Park.

And throughout the Montana High Tech Jobs Summit we will learn together what it takes to create jobs in our back yard so we can continue to get outdoors and enjoy what makes Montana great: the Beartooths, Glacier Park, Holland Lake and the Spanish Peaks.

You wont want to miss this great event, so register now at montanatechsummit.com while space is still available!

The future of Montana belongs to us all  and we already know technology is the future.

See you there.

-- U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, is co-sponsoring the Montana High Tech Jobs Summit in Missoula on Oct. 9.
Police in the Eastern Region are on a manhunt for persons who turned the Nsukwao River within the New Juaben Municipality red.

The Nsukwao Township in Koforidua was agog on Saturday after residents saw the river that passes through the area turning red with some suspecting that it was blood.

But preliminary investigations by the police suggest that the water changed its colour because some unscrupulous people poured certain chemicals into it.

Speaking to Citi News on the development, the Eastern Regional Police Command in charge of Public Affairs ASP Eben Tetteh said the culprits will be dealt accordingly.

Our preliminary investigations show that it was not blood but rather some unscrupulous persons might have poured some chemicals into it upstream and that was what was flowing downstream.

He also told Citi News that the river body is currently gaining its original form.

The river as we speak now is regaining its normal colour which is white and odorless. That confirms our suspicion that it's not blood but chemicals, ASP Tetteh added.



By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey & Jessica Aryee/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @AlloteyGodwin
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has emphasized the need for Dagbon to have a substantive Yaa-Naa before this year's Damba festival.

The President, who is passionate about Dagbon's genuine reconciliation and unity, insisted that Dagbon deserves a new Yaa-Naa.

The Dagbon chieftaincy stalemate prominently featured in the President's speech when he visited the Mamprugu, Yagbon and Dagbon paramountcies.

I am appealing to the three chiefs mediating the Dagbon chieftaincy issue to intensify your efforts and work even harder to make sure that this year's Damba festival in Yendi will have a new Yaa-Naa presiding over the festival.

He said government remains resolute in bringing to finality, the implementation of the final phase of the roadmap to sustaining peace in Dagbon.

President Nana Akufo Addo reassured the three eminent Kings mediating the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute that government is fully behind them.

My government stands ready to give maximum support for whatever formula and efforts the three eminent chiefs bring about to resolve the issues in Dagbon. Government will give you full support to make sure that negotiations and understanding come to a fruitful conclusion.

President Nana Addo at the Dagbon Regent and the Abudu Regent palaces said his regional tour will be an important feature of his Presidency.

He showed appreciation for chiefs acknowledgement of the fulfilment of some of his campaign promises.

He described their testimonies as the panacea to building trust in the institutions of governance.

President Nana Addo mocked the doubting Thomases of the free SHS policy and assured Ghanaians that it has come to stay.

Those who said that the free SHS was not possible I hope they are still walking alright here in Ghana. The importance of the policy is that it is vital for the future of our country that all our youth are giving the weapons of tomorrow so that they can face tomorrow with confidence.

The last five years every year over one hundred thousand young Ghanaians are not able to go to senior high school not because they do not have the intellectual capacity but because their parents could not pay.

The Dagbon Regent, Kampakuya Abdulai Yakubu Andani commended the government for implementing policies geared towards alleviating the plight of the masses.

He called for a permanent solution to the age-long chieftaincy impasse in Dagbon but condemned attempts to create a parallel authority in Dagbon.

I am committed to a peaceful resolution of the Dagbon chieftaincy impasse, he stated.

He appealed to government upgrade the Yendi district hospital and also rehabilitate and expand the Yendi water system.

The Dagbon Regent bemoaned the prevalence of Chinese illegal mining activities in Dagbon.

The Abudus Regent, Boling-Lana Mahamadu Abdulai touted President Nana Addo as a man who walks his talk.

He thanked government for implementing the free SHS, planting for food and jobs, restoration of teacher and nursing trainees' allowances.

The Boling-Lana urged Ghanaians to give the President their maximum support and cooperation to deliver his campaign promises.

He also bemoaned the recurring acute water shortage in the Yendi Municipality and admonished government to fix the problem.

The Abudus Regent declared the family's support to the committee of eminent chiefs mediating the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute to complete its long-standing assignment.

He said Dagombas must unite for the area's socio-economic progression.



By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
08.10.2017 LISTEN

The Vice President of Public Interest and Accountability Committee ( PIAC ) has lauded those behind the leak of a document which saved some Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) from paying 5,000 each toward the President tour of the three Northern regions.

Kwame Jantuah questioned how much money is allocated to the Regional Coordinating Councils to contribute such an amount towards the visit when the Presidency is supposed to take care of the bill.

He made the comments when he appeared on MultiTV/Joy FM's Newsfile programme, Saturday.

I dont think Dr Ato Arthur is being overrighteous by saying that he will fish the person out. Has it not brought a good? Have we not gotten to know that sometimes when the President is visiting he get some monies from the districts and MMDAs? he quizzed.

Earlier this week, there was a news item circulating on the social media requesting Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Northern Region to contribute an amount of 5,000 each for the Presidents visit to the region.

This generated a lot of controversy in the country with local governance think tanks in the country calling for sanctions against the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC).

Dr Nana Ato Arthur, Head of the Local Government Service, who was in the Region to meet with the various directors of MMDCDs described the situation as embarrassing.

He said has vowed to fight people he described as saboteurs who are determined to destroy the Akufo-Addo government.

Dr Ato Arthur argues that it is not professional for anyone to be leaking confidential government document on social media and such a trend is worrying. He said it must be nipped in the bud to curb weakening the same system you are part of.

But Mr Jantuah who disagrees with this says the practice where MMDAs are made to contribute monies to support Presidents should be stopped.

He adds that whoever is found to masterminded the recent demands on the MMDAs should be sanctioned.

He said the proper structures should be put in place to prevent anyone from milking the MMDAs.

Punishing the perpetrators will set a good precedent, he argues.

Abdul Malik Kweku Baako

Commenting on the issue, Editor-in-chief of the Crusading Guide newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, said Dr Arthur is only killing an ant with a sledgehammer.

He said there is no confidentiality in the case in point, stressing the push to fish out the whistleblower is overrated.

But Deputy Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, said the Presidents visits in the regions have long been budgeted for by the Presidency when he took office.

At the beginning of the year when we brought the budget allocation for the Flagstaff House, we even received criticisms that it was huge. All of these were one of the reasons for that, he explained.

Deputy Information Minister Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah

He said when the issue of the NRCC was brought to the attention of the Regional Minister, he said he was not aware of it and wrote back to tell them to stop it.

Mr Oppong-Nkrumah said if one goes under the cover to breach secrecy, then both persons have erred and the sanctions must be applied appropriately.

However, he pointed out that there is the Whistleblower's Law which protects people who want to bring the general publics attention to a wrong in the system without any fear of sanction.

Watch the video:



Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline | Abubakar Ibrahim | [email protected]
Elders of the Ga State say they are preparing the stage for the installation of a legitimate Ga Mantse, or Paramount Chief, who will be accepted by all the different factions within the traditional state.

Accra has been without a legitimate Paramount Chief since the death of Nii Amugi Ga Mantse more than a decade ago.

However, this week the elders outdoored a Kingmaker at Ga Mashie, setting the stage for the installation of a legitimate Ga Mantse.

Nii Okan IV, Osiahene of Ga, announced the selection of Nii Ajumanko as Dzaasetse (King Maker) at a media event recently.

This young man [King Maker] can reign for at least years or more, so we have a lot of time to organise the Ga State and restore our glory. We ask God, all Gas and Ghanaians to and the President as well to support him, he said in Ga language.

With the installation of a King Maker, the search for a legitimate Ga Mantse begins.

Gas custom and tradition stipulates that it is only the Dzaasetse who has the power to select and declare a native of the Ga State Paramount Chief.

The installation of the King Maker is part of a series of measures aimed at bringing unity and development in the highly divided Ga State.

King Ayi Tunnma II, Asafoatse of the Ga State, recently acknowledged that challenges with land management in the country, especially in Accra, will continue to bedevil the country unless personnel of land administration institutions change their attitude to work.

He said lack of enforcement of land laws and policies, poor and uncontrolled developments are also to be blamed for the land management challenges in the Ga-Dangbe traditional area.

It should be emphasized that it is not the building that will streamline land administration in the country rather it is the attitude of the staff and programs of the lands sector agencies, he said.

He then revealed in a press statement that the people of the Ga-Dangbe traditional area have initiated the Ga-Dangbe Lands Administration process to avoid lands litigation and chieftaincy dispute for the people of Ga-Dangbe as well as the people of Ghana and by so doing we will grant freedom and justice.

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Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
The Chief Executive Officer position of the country's leading mobile telecom network, MTN Ghana, has become vacant as Ebenezer Asante has been promoted.

Over two years after heading the Ghana office, he is now the Vice President (VP) of MTN Group's altered Southern & East Africa and Ghana (SEAGHA) Region from October 1.

A statement from the mobile network operator revealed that the new SEAGHA Region will comprise the telco's mobile operations in Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, South Sudan, Botswana and Swaziland, as well as MTN ISPs in Kenya, Namibia and Botswana.

Rob Shuter, MTN Group President, and CEO has lauded the appointment of Asante, whose experience before MTN includes 13 years at consumer goods company Unilever as Managing Director for Zambia and Customer Development Director.

"I am very pleased for Ebenezer; he is a great talent and business leader. His appointment to this new role not only speaks to our strong bench strength but the pool of talent we have within MTN.

"Ebenezer will bring great value to the Group leadership team, to the benefit of our people and customers across the MTN footprint," said Shuter.

The role of VP for the SEAGHA Region became vacant when Godfrey Motsa was appointed CEO of MTN South Africa in nearly seven months ago.

Karl Toriola, VP for West and Central Africa (WECA) Region, has been managing the portfolio of operations in what was known as the SEA region in an acting capacity until the disclosure of Asante's appointment today.

MTN says the inclusion of Ghana within SEA to SEAGHA re-balances the workload across MTN Group's regional structures and will further optimise the oversight responsibilities of Regional VPs in the Group.

Asante reports directly to the Group President and CEO is now a member of the MTN Group's Executive Committee. MTN also notes that the new VP is the reigning GITT CEO of the Year in Ghana and the CIMG Marketing Man of the year 2017.

MTN Group interim results up to 30 June 2017 show that MTN Ghana under Asante's leadership joined MTN Uganda, MTN Ghana and MTN Ivory Coast in contributing positively to the Group's top-line growth.

MTN Group revenue in constant currency grew by 6,7% to R64 315 million overall in the six months to June with Ghana registering a 22,6% rise in total revenue in that market alone.

Subscriber numbers for MTN Ghana have however declined by 10,3% to 17,3 million.

MTN Ghana is currently working with regulators on a transaction to increase Ghanaian ownership of MTN Ghana shares. MTN has revealed that they expect to complete this process by the end of 2017.

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim
Kpandai District of the Northern Region perhaps is the most deprived district in Ghana.

The District of Kpandai is one of the infant ones in Ghana, was carved out of the East Gonna District in 2008. Nine years on, the District is far from being called a developing area. Though some District in Ghana also lack some basic amenities, about 95 per cent of communities in the Kpandai District lack almost all the basic amenities for human development.

With an estimated population of about 108,816 in 62 communities, Kpandai District continues to live without a single Tertiary Education, Good Roads, Good Drinking Water and Hospital.

The highest Educational institutions we have in Kpandai District is a Secondary School so you can imagine what our people go through in terms of Quality Education, The District Chief Executive Hon Emmanuel Kofi Tatablata Said. "Education is the main priority of the Ghanaian youth, but quality education in Kpandai District is nothing to write home about. His pleading on Government and the stakeholders to come to their aid in finding lasting solutions to problems concerning education in Kpandai District".

Hon Tatablata touched on the uncompleted Midwifery Nurses Training College, the contract was the initiative of the past Government which he will continue with the project because it's one of the best for the District.

But in his speech with NTV. He revealed "if i was the District Chief Executive by then i will have awarded a fresh Contract because the Quantum of Money used in renovating the (Dumped Leprosy Hospital built by the then Germans) is very huge". Even if am to grade them per the work done so far, it will be 40/100, It's so pathetic. He added, with my Government we are almost done with the renovation of the Midwifery Nurses Training College and we are actually going to complete it at the course of this year.

Transportation is one of our most basic human needs. Without it, we would die pretty quickly. We need transportation because all of lifes necessities and pleasures cant possibly fit within the reach of our static bodies from birth to death. He added, Roads here are either paths or ones that have been abandoned by contractors after commencing work. The District can not boast of one good road leading to most of the surrounding communities. Kpandai District is the leading producers of Yaw in the country and most of our roads leading to the communities within the District are very bad which does not help in transporting goods from one place to another within the District. He revealed, I meet a grader "Said to be bought by the then government but did not even construct any feeder roads within the District, it's backed within the premises of the District Office which the engine is being removed".

Water is very important for human life. We need water to drink. Here, dugouts and rivers are the main sources of drinking water as only ten out of the 62 communities have access to pipe-borne water thanks to UNICEF and the Government of Ghana who constructed the standing pipes in these communities in 2011 under the Guinea Worm Eradication Project.

Access to quality health care is a luxury hence the practice of self- medication by many residents here. They do that with the help of some chemical drug sellers who visit some communities twice in a week. Again, on health, the District has two health centres which one is being manage by government, which is a very big headache to the Residents within the District. According to the Medical Doctor Aboungo Raymond. "Though the facility per the national health insurance grading should be a Hospital, it still remains a Polyclinic. He Continued, Access to medical consumables, he revealed, is challenging as sometimes requests placed by staff to the regional health directorate is not what is served. Our major problems here are availability of medical consumables and space, we dont get orders we place for at the regional directorate. We have only four beds in the labour ward and less than ten in the Male and Children ward's respectively, so you can imagine what happens when the facility is overwhelmed with numbers.

In terms of poor and inaccessible roads linking CHPS zones, the unmotorable road network coupled with lack/poor ambulance services for referral cases in rural communities are disturbing and alarming. In fact, the single ambulance in the Kpandai District has broken down, thereby posing considerable risk to pregnant women in emergency circumstances. With the issue of transferring patients from this hospital has become one of the most difficult problem for the center in the sense that if you ask where the ambulance is now, "I wouldn't be able to tell you".

The Medical Doctor Concluded "Two Ambulance donated by the Member of Parliament Hon Matthew Nyindam to aid in transferring critical cases from the centre has also developed some problems. We loose patients everyday when the illness becomes critically. We are pleading on the Government to come to our aid because "Health" is central to human happiness and well-being. It also makes an important contribution to economic progress, as healthy populations live longer, are more productive.

Hon Emmanuel Kofi Tatablata revealed, It's against this backdrop that Member of Parliament for the Constituency, Hon Matthew Nyindam, organized a Youth forum to bring together the youth in the constituency to brainstorm and identify constituents as a unified force to take the strengths, opportunities, and strategies to fight what he termed their weakness and threats to ensure the needed development. "It was therefore appropriate to call on all of you especially those of you who were in the DCE Appointment race with me, so that we can tap ideas for a collective goal for our people.

Hon Emmanuel Kofi Tatablata concluded, The legislator acknowledges Rome was not built in a day but thinks a constructive approach by both government and other stakeholders can see the needed development. He urges constituents to own government policies and programmes to ensure a successful rolling out of these policies in the District.
The Director of Operations of the Ghana Police Service, Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, has called for calm among the general public following a twin gas explosion at Atomic junction in Accra on Saturday.

According to him, all emergency services are at the scene and the situation has been brought under control.

In an interview with Citi News, he said the police, fire and ambulance services are carrying out their services to the best of their abilityies to fully address the situation.

The gas explosion, which occurred on Saturday evening, has forced thousands of students at the Bani and James Topp Nelson Yankah Hostels of the University of Ghana to relocate due to the intensity of the fire.

It has also left part of the University campus in darkness.

But Dr. Akuffo Dampare said, Currently, we want to say that the situation is under control. The fire service is on the ground fighting the fire. The Police is in position trying to cordon off. We have also ensured road diversion. As it stands now, the situation is under control so we want to urge everyone to calm down.

So far, we've been able to do our best to control the situation, and the fire service is also doing their best to control the situation All the ambulances here are on standby, and there is nothing so far that has warranted their immediate use, he added.





By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Hammanskraal (South Africa) (AFP) - Time is running out for 95-year-old Phillip Mabelane.

For 40 years he has waited to discover the truth of how his son died at the hands of police during South Africa's apartheid era.

Now the reopening of a similar case has given him hope that he may finally learn what really happened.

In February 1977, Mabelane heard that a detainee had died in unusual circumstances.

"I heard the news report that a detainee jumped from the 10th floor" of Johannesburg police headquarters, he told AFP, his back upright, his head shaven, sporting a white goatee.

A few hours later, two policeman were hammering on the door of his modest Soweto home.

The victim was his 23-year-old son Matthews, an anti-apartheid activist who had been arrested two weeks earlier as he crossed the Botswana border.

Since then, Phillip has been haunted by a single question: "How can someone jump from the 10th floor when you have done nothing bad?"

"Matthews loved life, he loved jazz, he loved music, he loved girls, he was a socialite. He could not have committed suicide," said Lasch, 63, his brother. "Matthews was pushed."

The Mabelanes never believed the official version which exonerated the police, as in all similar incidents of the era.

Between 1963 and 1990, human rights activists say 73 people died in police detention, sometimes in circumstances strikingly similar to those of Matthews' case -- for example Ahmed Timol.

In 1971, fellow activist Timol also plunged to his death from the 10th storey of the same police station.

This year, after battling for years, Timol's family convinced prosecutors to re-open the inquest into the death -- a legal first in South Africa.

The court probing the case will deliver its long-awaited verdict on October 12.

'Timol inquest gave us hope'

The result could set an important precedent for other South African families whose loved ones also fell victim to the brutal apartheid system but, like the Mabelanes, have been denied the truth.

Former Anti-Apartheid Activist Mohamed Timol, brother of late Ahmed Timol, was another relative seeking the truth at an inquest earlier this year into former Apartheid security member Joao Rodrigues

In the Timol case, witnesses described in detail to a Pretoria court the extreme violence meted out against opponents of the regime.

Torture at police headquarters included electric shocks, testicles crushed "like pepper" and jaws and skulls fractured by savage beatings.

Lasch listened attentively to the hearings from the public gallery, stunned by what he heard.

"There was a modus operandi" among the police, he said.

"The Timol inquest gave us hope... We never thought that it would happen, that the truth would come to the surface."

Since then, the family have pressed on with efforts to secure a proper investigation of Matthews' death -- despite their modest means.

Among their leads is a UN report from 1979 of which two-and-a-half pages deal with Matthews' death.

The document quotes the police inquiry into the death which claimed that Matthews "forced the window open" and climbed on to a ledge.

'Forced to climb out'

"The police were unable to stop him but called to him to come back... he lost his balance and fell to his death," the police investigation said.

But the UN found that "it would be absurd to suggest that he attempted to escape through a window of the 10th floor".

"There is a strong, and in the circumstances irresistible, inference that he was forced to climb out of the window because he was being tortured," said the official UN conclusion.

Matthews' corpse was never subject to an autopsy, but when the Mabelanes retrieved his body they discovered his blood-soaked trousers contained a disturbing message, Lasch said.

"Brother Lasch, tell mother and my other brothers that the police will push me from the 10th floor. I bid you farewell," said the message written in the garment's lining.

In their despair and in fear of the apartheid system, the family did not hold on to the trousers.

"Nobody could think that today, 40 years down the line, we could ever think of going to court and request an inquest to be opened," Lasch said. "I wish I would have kept it."

Gathering evidence so long after the incident has also proved challenging.

The Mabelane family, like dozens of others who have suffered similar trauma, feel that they have been failed by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, in power since the end of white-rule in 1994.

"The government and the ANC have not done anything for 20 years," said Yasmin Sooka, director of the Foundation for Human Rights in South Africa, which has helped finance the Timol family's campaign for justice.

"That is why we have been looking at these cases privately."

Sooka's organisation recently decided also to champion the case of Matthews Mabelane.

Apartheid-era security member Joao Rodrigues testifying earlier this year into the inquest into the suspected 1971 murder of Ahmed Timol in custody in a case whose verdict is due on October 12, giving hope to relatives of Matthews Mabelane, who died in 1977

Time is against them. The policemen involved are elderly, if not dead.

But most importantly, Phillip Mabelane prays that justice will be done while he is still alive.
Ghana is expected to host the 2018 World Press Freedom Day (WPFD). The two-day event, 3rd to 4th May, 2018, will bring together leading actors from the media, civil society, policy makers, representatives of the judiciary and academia, to discuss latest developments and pressing challenges related to press freedom and the safety of journalists.

The event, which will be organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), will be partnered by the government of Ghana.

The 2018 edition of the World Freedom Day will be on the theme: Media, Justice and the Rule of law.

It is the fourth time that the global celebration of WPFD will take place on African soil  27 years after the Windhoek Declaration on free, independent and pluralistic media was adopted, and later endorsed by UNESCO's General Conference.

The main celebration in Accra is expected to be reinforced by some 100 national events the world over.

Speaking to the media on a brief visit to Ghana, Irina Bokova, the Director General of the UNESCO, called on government to focus on giving citizens much more access to information.

This she said would quicken Ghana's ability to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

I'm very excited that Ghana extended an invitation to host [the World Press Freedom Day] next year, on the 3rd of May. We know that people need to be informed in order to take the right decisions, and also because we consider that this is not just a human right but it is vital for sustainable development, and that when we speak about the implementation of the agenda 2030 for sustainable development where UNESCO is the lead agency in education, we work a lot in social inclusion, in gender equality, in youth development, skills for young people, but also goal 16 which is about strong institution, inclusive and just societies.

I would say overall journalism plays a huge importance, and UNESCO is very much looking forward to the next World Press Freedom Day here in Ghana, she added.

Ambassador of Ghana to UNESCO, Anna Bossman, also said Ghana's acceptance to host the event demonstrates her commitment to the promotion of press freedom within our national territorial boundaries, the African continent as a whole, and the global community in general.

Ghana and the Right to Information Bill

This comes on the back of pressure on government to pass the Right to Information Bill (RTI), which has been in Parliament for well over a decade now.

The RTI Bill is a fundamental human right guaranteed by Ghana's 1992 Constitution, and recognized as a right under International Conventions on Human rights.

The Bill is expected to give substance to Article 21 (1) (f) of the Constitution, which states that All persons shall have the right to information subject to such qualifications and laws as are necessary in a democratic society.

It was drafted in 1999, and reviewed in 2003, 2005 and 2007.

The first attempt at enacting the law on the right to information was made when the Bill was presented to Parliament on February 5, 2010.

The Attorney-General on June 25, 2015, moved the Bill for the second reading, but could not be passed by the previous Parliament.

Meanwhile, the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, had earlier promised that government will facilitate the passage of the Bill.

Our government has already made it clear that we will be passing the Right to Information Act. We will make sure a special prosecutor's office is set up to prosecute corruption, and we will amend the criminal code to move corruption from a misdemeanor to a felony. These are just some of the actions we intend to implement this year, Dr Bawumia said.
08.10.2017 LISTEN

Lawra, Oct. 4, GNA - President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has pledged government's commitment to ensuring universal access and coverage of electricity to all parts of Ghana by the end of his tenure.

Addressing the Lawra Traditional Council, on the second day of his 7 days tour of the three Northern Regions, President Akufo-Addo was not happy that 'the Upper West Region, like the two other Regions of the North are the most disadvantaged when it comes to electricity coverage and access is concerned.'

'This year 2017 and next year,2018, 106 communities in the Upper West are going to be connected to the national grid,' the President told the Council headed by the Lawra Naa, Naa Puowele Karbo III.

'The pledge I have given is that by end of my term, there will be universal access to electricity to all parts of Ghana, including the Upper West Region.'

President Akufo-Addo also announced the creation of three new Municipalities in Upper West Region, including Lawra.

He told the council that the Free Senior High School policy being undertaken by his administration had resulted in an increase of over 90,000 children who had entered secondary school this academic year, who would otherwise have dropped out at that stage.

The President assured that with the restoration of the Teacher Training allowances since September 2017, the Nurses Training allowance would also be restored by October 10, 2017.

On the revival of the National Health Insurance Scheme, President Akufo-Addo stressed that his government has within nine months cleared GH560 million out of the GH1.2 billion of debt inherited from the previous government.

This, he said, had ensured that the businesses of healthcare providers do not collapse, and has resulted in the delivery of healthcare to Ghanaians.

President Akufo-Addo appealed for the support of the Chiefs and people of Lawra for the success of his government, whose aim is to improve the living conditions of Ghanaians.

GNA
The 37 Military Hospital is taking care of 40 persons injured in Saturday evening's inferno at the Atomic Junction in Accra.

Two persons, according to hospital authorities, are in a very critical condition.

Brigadier General Sakah, who is in-charge of administration at the military hospital, told Joy News' Seth Kwame Boateng that one of the critically injured persons has 80 percent of his body burnt.

He said the hospital will be providing free care for the injured in hopes that the appropriate state agencies will soon assist the health facility to acquire more treatment kits to take care of more of injured persons that may arrive.

A huge explosion at Atomic Junction, close to the sprawling Madina Zongo Junction in Accra shook the capital on Saturday evening.

Eye-witnesses say the explosion struck when a gas tanker was offloading its contents at a station.

Hundreds of residents in and around Madina, Atomic Junction and a section of the main campus of the University of Ghana, Legon fled their homes following the explosion that occurred at a gas station.

Deputy Health Minister, Kingsley Gyedu, who was also at the 37 Military Hospital to get first-hand information about the state of the injured persons confirms government will take care of the bills.

He is also asking those injured but yet to visit the hospital to do so immediately at the nearest health facility for free treatment.

He said he has information that five people died in yesterdays huge gas explosion and fire, assuring that the government is ready to give them a befitting burial.
The US Embassy in Ghana has expressed their condolence to Ghana following Saturday's gas explosion that occurred at the Atomic Junction in Accra.

So far, six people have been confirmed dead with nearly 40 others sustaining varying degrees of injury.

The Embassy took to Twitter to express its condolence, saying, We extend our deepest condolences following last nights explosion and wish peace, strength and recovery to all those affected.

We extend our deepest condolences following last nights explosion and wish peace, strength and recovery to all those affected.

 US Embassy Ghana (@USEmbassyGhana) October 8, 2017

The explosion occurred at the MANSCO gas station at Atomic Junction near the University of Ghana.

Residents were thrown into a state of pandemonium following the piercing sound of the explosion as well as the giant scary fireball that was formed in the sky.

The gory incident left six people dead, with scores of people sustaining injuries. Top government officials including the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,visited the site on Sunday to monitor the situation.

Bawumia rushes back to Accra

The Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia, who on Saturday joined President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on a three-day official tour of the Northern Region, was compelled to leave for Accra when the news broke out.

He has so far visited the site of the explosion, and has visited the 37 Military Hospital to commiserate with the victims.

He has promised that Government will foot the bills of all the injured persons. He however assured the populace that this time round, government will be stricter on safety measures by introducing a new policy in the petroleum retail sector to prevent such disasters.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has also expressed his devastation at the incident.

Nana Addo, who is touring the Northern region, tweeted after the explosion and said My deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved, and I wish the injured speedy recovery, he added.



By: Melvin Clottey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Former President, John Dramani Mahama, has expressed his grief following the gas explosion at Atomic Junction on Saturday, which has so far killed six people and injured several others.

In a tweet on Sunday, the former President also called on Ghanaians to assist all those who had been affected by the incident however they can.

I feel their pain. In our own small way, lets all extend a helping hand to all those affected by the sad incident, John Mahama tweeted.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of those affected by last nights gas explosion at the Atomic Junction near Madina.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of those affected by last nights gas explosion at the Atomic Junction near Madina

 John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) October 8, 2017

I feel their pain.

In our own small way, lets all extend a helping hand to all those affected by the sad incident. #AtomicExplosion

 John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) October 8, 2017

The residents of the Atomic Junction in Madina were thrown into a state of panic following the explosion at the gas station which spread to adjacent structures.

The huge fireball from the explosion could be seen for miles with many people in the vicinity taking to their heels in a bid to escape the blaze.

Students of the Presbyterian Senior High School and the University of Ghana, run from their hostels situated close to the blast.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has also expressed his devastation at the incident.

Nana Addo, who is touring the Northern region, tweeted after the explosion and said My deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved, and I wish the injured speedy recovery, he added.

His Vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, cut short his birthday celebration in the Northern Region to be in Accra. He has so far visited the site of the explosion, and has visited the 37 Military Hospital to commiserate with the victims.

He has promised that Government will foot the bills of all the injured persons. He however assured the populace that this time round, government will be stricter on safety measures by introducing a new policy in the petroleum retail sector to prevent such disasters.



By: Edwin/Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana
08.10.2017 LISTEN

Ashanti Regional Minister Hon. Simon Osei Mensah has categorically stated that he would never organize government support for flood victims who out of their own negligence build in waterways and swampy areas.

According to him, it is needless for any government to offer support or tolerate reckless Ghanaians who build in waterways and swampy areas and later become victims of flooding when it rains.

Those whose houses were affected by the flood are the same people we have allowed to build in swampy areas and in waterways, he noted.

He claims the government has no support to offer recalcitrant Ghanaians who are hit by disastrous floods when they defy authority to build structures at areas they are not permitted to build.

Even if the government is willing to release items or funds to support flood victims, I wont lead the delegation, because if I lead the delegation it would mean that I am encouraging people to build structures at places they should not. We should make them understand that if they defy authority to build at such places and disaster strikes, they will bear the consequences alone, he stressed.

A 45-year-old man, identified as Isaac Asare, drowned and died at Abuakwa Manhyia in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of the Ashanti Region following the heavy rains that caused severe flooding on Friday, October 6 .

Simon Osei Mensah and his deputy Hon. Elizabeth Agyemang toured some of the areas affected by the floods in the Atwima Nwabiagya District including Agogo, Sepaase- Edwafo, Abuakwa- Abakonomadi, Manhyia.

The former Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe constituency told Otec FM After the tour that his outfit is going to undertake a demolishing exercise of all buildings without a permit.

People feel pampered because they know disaster government will rush to their aid when disaster strikes and when government fails to do so, they begin to speak ill about the relevant authorities.

I dont want to hear those things about human face again if we start the demolishing we will need the support of the media. You being the interviewer has a human face, I also have a human face, and everybody has a human face, so you few people think you have human face than we the majority. We should punish people and stop the human face, human face, he fumed.

Two people have built structures in waterways which could cost the lives of hundreds of people and you tell me because of human face we should let it slide, do the hundreds of people who might suffer when disaster strikes have animal faces, he quizzed.

So we are pleading with you to support us when the demolishing starts because people say we dont have the political will but now we are saying we have the will and are committed to do it. People should not blame us but blame those who are causing these disasters for the demolishing, he stated.

Source: otecfmghana.com/Kwaku Anane Jr.
Over 50 students of Asuom Senior High School in the Kwaebibirim District of the Eastern Region, have temporarily been displaced after losing their belongings to fire which gutted the schools boys dormitory on Sunday morning.

A Teacher of the school, who is also the Assembly Member of the Adansi Electoral area in Asuom, Abrefa Busia, told Citi News that no casualties were recorded even though some students lost all their belongings.

It was around 8:40am, when I realized that smoke was coming out of the boys dormitory, so I quickly called a guy and we jumped the wall into the dormitory, we realized that 3 of the rooms were in flames. The students were at church as at that time, so we hurriedly rushed to the church premises to alert them and called them back, we managed to bring down the fire to about 70 percent before the fire service came around from Kade and they managed to quench the fire.

He disclosed that over 30 students have been badly affected as they lost all their belongings to the fire.

One room has been burnt completely to the extent that the plastering on the wall has started falling, its a storey building and one room on the ground floor has been burnt completely.

Two of the students who tried to salvage the remains of their belongings had some few bruises and minor burns. As we speak, 30 students were affected hugely because they had all their belongings burnt with the exception of what they wore to church this morning and 20 of them had their things partially burnt.

The Assembly Member cum teacher said the school authorities together with officials from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), had taken some measures to house the affected students.

The school administration together with NADMO, has given the students two rooms which serve as classrooms for them to occupy in the meantime, as they put in place other measures to house them permanently.

Two suspects arrested

Mr. Abrefa Busia also revealed that, a student and a former student of the school have been arrested in connection with the fire incident.

A suspect has been apprehended, yesterday [Saturday], there was a homos [An event used to welcome first year students], day for the first years so this suspect was an old student who came to the school and could not go back.

He slept in the dormitory without the knowledge of the headmaster, so when the incident happened the headmaster identified him and asked him not to go anywhere until the police comes to conduct their investigations, but the old student upon hearing the police took to his heels, board a taxi and was about leaving the town so Police at Kade were informed about it and they arrested him. As we speak, he is in police custody together with the student who invited him over, the student who invited him happens to be his school son as at the time he was in the school.

The police have thus commenced investigations into the cause of the fire.



Neil Nii Amatey Kanarku/ Naa Kwaama Siaw-Marfo
08.10.2017 LISTEN

With deep appreciation, do I publish this article to acknowledge the varied expressions of readiness by various Ghanaians to support the reported distressed and suicidal Ghanaian woman in London.

Honestly, I am overwhelmed by the contents of the emails sent to me by all those willing to offer our dear Ghanaian woman emotional support in the hope of speeding up her recovery from her illness which she disputes, although the medical doctors know best.

As recognition is vital to the success of every establishment of teamwork, I shall not hesitate a second to come out publicly to declare my profound appreciation of the initiatives so far taken by certain Ghanaians to mitigate the depression, heartbreak and the concomitant clinically-diagnosed mental illness of our fellow Ghanaian compatriot.

My foremost thank you goes to God Almighty for endowing me with that kind heart to be of service to humanity. Without his grace and abundant mercies upon me, I could not do the things that I do which sometimes wrongly incur the wrath of some people upon my family and me to culminate in insults on, and physical threats to, my life and/or law suits. However, if I know to be doing the right thing, I fear no foe.

The second in line to be extended my thank you to are the Managements of Ghanaweb led by Mr Francis Akoto, the founder of the website, and Modernghana.com. Without them, I could not reach out to the worldwide reading public with my views, messages and appeals for help for the poor and needy persons in their time of great need.

As Peace FM online following a law suit against them by Lawyer David Annan acting at the request of Mr Alfred Agbesi Woyome, abandoned me, Ghanaweb and Modernghana have continued to offer me publication access to their websites. Woyome sued them on the understanding that they, Peace FM, had allowed me to use their website to publish incendiary views with the potential to incite the Ghanaian public against him when the news of his defrauding Ghana of GHS51.2 million first broke out. I was sued in an Accra High Court by Woyome but only for the case against me to be thrown out by a judge months later.

Nothing can deter me from executing my rightful duties to mother Ghana and/or pursuing the collective interests of Ghanaians. Law suits, empty or potential threats, insults and blackmailing are nothing to me as long as I know to be doing the right thing even though, I can be emotional at times.

Ghana High Commission in the UK could not wait for me to contact them; they rather took the lead to contact me just after reading the publication on Ghanaweb. I am very appreciative of their efforts. I have liaised them as well as all those I am about to mention, with the woman. I know they will be of great help to her.

On receiving an email from the High Commission with instructions to contact them following the publication, I did, and then passed the information available to me, or as I could volunteer at that moment, to them. From the woman, the High Commission made contact with her as soon as I furnished them with those further details they needed. The urgency to contact the woman as could be detected or confirmed from the voice of that member (name withheld) of the High Commission enormously boosted my confidence in God using human beings to procure her the needed assistance.

Kumawuhene Barima Tweneboa Kodua V has also made contact and the womans details have been made available to him. I am sure he has by now made contact with her to express his support and to find out how best he could be of help to her.

All the following persons who are at the moment unknown to me have enquired from me about how they could contact the woman to see how best they can assist in her speedy recovery and/or to secure her her children.

They are Mr Joseph Essiful, Mr Emmanuel Okang (probably a pastor in Ghana), and Mr Kofi Ata resident in Cambridge in the UK. Mr Ata is a legal brain and a fellow internet columnist. He could have come down from Cambridge to London to visit her but an urgent travel ahead of him in the next few days has obstructed him from showing up to see her personally. However, he has arranged some lawyer to contact her. May I seize this opportunity to convey my deepest condolences to Mr Kofi Ata on the death of his maternal uncle in the USA hence the traditional obligation for him to travel across the Atlantic Ocean to the US to attend his funeral. On his return, he will certainly contact our dear distressed Ghanaian woman in question.

The rest are Mr Joseph Baidoo, a member of the Seven Days Adventist (SDA) Church in London. As soon as he became aware of the sad news, he promised to organise some SDA members to visit, and pray or offer her emotional support; Mr Roger Balchin, Mr Gortle Mensah a family member of the woman residing in the USA, Mr Robert Frans in Canada, Pastor Lawrence of ROK Chapel in Ghana, Mr Ben Kumi, Mr David Boamah, Ms Elizabeth Asiedu, Ms Fiona Adomako and Noble from QN Group.

A programme presenter (Mr Kwaku Osei) at PCG Radio Germany, doubling as a host of Abrokyire Abrabo programme on Sundays evening has also made contact with me. However, in showing sensitivity in handling this delicate case, I may not be of much use should I go on air on his programme as wished by him since I cannot reveal any further details to aggravate her already precarious situation.

I had it my mind to make an official appeal for presidential phone call from His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to the woman if that could ameliorate her situation. Despite the President having far more important issues to deal with, I am certain he would have gladly found time to give the woman at least a minute phone call if I had made the move. What can be more important than saving a persons life? How God in whom he believes and entrusts his entire life and all that he does would be happier with angels making jubilations in Heaven if he did that.

The President who I fervently address as Joseph, Moses or David of our time; a liberator appointed by God to set Ghanaians free from their many years of economic captivity, from the ravages of official corruption and all other denigrating problems would gladly oblige if I had made the request. How proud he would have felt receiving such a request from me? However, I will leave the Ghana High Commission in the UK, the representative of Ghana, Ghanaians and the Ghana President in the UK, to continue with the noble job they have started.

Finally, may I inform the pastors, elders, deacons and deaconesses and the members of the Church the woman used to frequent to fellowship with until her illness that it is never too late to start performing their Christian requirements towards her, a woman in great need. Remember, the bible says in Matthew 25:40-45;

40 The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

41 Then he will say to those on his left, Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.

44 They also will answer, Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?

45 He will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these; you did not do for me.

I rest my case. Once more, to all those who have contributed, and are still contributing, towards the speedy recovery of our dear lady in distress, I sincerely extend my thank you to you.
MONROVIA - In what was described as a "final showdown", the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) demonstrated for the second time this election season, its enormous support base and numerical strength

in Montserrado County.

Pundits say that Friday's event which was held at the ATS Stadium and the Party's main Headquarters in Congo Town, was more blissful than the one held on August 19th, 2017 when the party officially launched her campaign activities ahead of the elections.

Despite an ultimatum issued by all Government agencies and ministries mandating their workers to stay at work or risk being sacked, thousands of partisans demonstrated their passion and love for the party across the populous city of Monrovia and her environs.

Both the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS) and the Party's Headquarters were filled beyond capacity. At the ATS, all the wings besides the one considered as outdated by Environmental Engineers, were jam-packed by partisans who defiled the heavy downpour to grace the occasion. Both Senator George M. Weah, Leader of the CDC and his running mate Senator Jewel Howard-Taylor were greeted by a jubilant crowd upon arrival.

As cheers engulfed the mini stadium, Sen. Howard-Taylor admonished all partisans to vote for the CDC leader and all legislative candidates running on the ticket of the party.

On his part, Sen. Weah thanked the jubilant crowd for once again demonstrating their love and commitment for his Presidential bid. The Montserrado County lawmaker said by the turn out, the people have again showcased to the world that the party remains the "true owner" of the county. He reiterated that Liberians will be liberated from their economic hardship during his presidency, noting that he will be exemplary leader.

Sen. Weah who had just returned from a tour in the Southeastern counties of the country where thousands of Liberians showered him with love and support, also called on his party supporters to turn out in their numbers on poll day, Tuesday, October 10, 2017, and exercise their franchise by electing him to the presidency.
08.10.2017 LISTEN

Residents of Ritz junction in Accra on Sunday staged a demonstration to demand the removal of a Gas Station located in the area.

This comes on the back of a gas explosion at Atomic junction on Saturday, that claimed seven lives and left several others injured.

The demonstration began at about 6:00am with over a hundred demonstrators.

The demonstrators gathered at the Gas Station in the area and refused to allow its operators to open for business.

It took the timely intervention of the Police to restore calm in the area.

According to an eyewitness, they (the demonstrators) arrived here at about 6am numbering about a hundred. They were demonstrating that they wouldn't allow the Gas Station to operate today. This made the police rush here. On their arrival, they persuaded the demonstrators to calm down, and explained that because the tank has been filled with LPG gas, they should exercise patience till all of it is sold and will not be refilled.
The Obuasi Municipal Child Protection Team emerged winners at a just ended Child Protection Program Refresher Workshop held at Splendor Hotel in Kumasi.

The one-week training program which started from Sunday 1st to Friday 6th October, 2017 was

organized by the Ashanti Regional Child Protection Team under the coordination of the

Department of Community Development with assistance from UNICEF.

The participants were drawn from Department of Social Welfare and Community

Development,National Commission for Civic Education(NCCE) and Community Based

Organizations(CBO's) who form the Child Protection District Teams.

Five districts in the Ashanti region which are already implementing the Community Child

Protection Toolkits Rollout Program participating in the workshop were Adansi South, Amansie

West, Asokore Mampong, Ejura-Sekyidumasi, and Obuasi. Also four new districts that joined the

workshop included Ahafo Ano South, Kwabre East, Sekyere East and Offinso.

During the workshop District Teams were scored based on their presentations, demonstrations

and Quizzes.

At the end of the week activities, Obuasi District Team emerged winners after all scores were

collated.

Presenting the grand prize to the Obuasi District Team during the closing ceremony, the Regional

Director of the Department of Community Development , Ms. Janet Amonoo Gyamfuaa encouraged

the Team to do more to ensure the protection of children in the municipality and beyond.
We can change the world through food. The 7th Slow Food International Congress closes in Chengdu, defining our path for the years to come.

aThis congress reaffirms our rejection of the current development model. These days of work and testimony from the Slow Food and Terra Madre networks have confirmed that alternative models exist, and are successful.

The Slow Food Youth Network in China is also committing to this path, which is of extraordinary importance when one considers how crucial Chinaas role is to the challenges which face our entire planet,a said Carlo Petrini in his closing speech at the congress where he was reconfirmed as President of Slow Food by 400 delegates from 90 countries.

Defending diversity in all its forms, fighting inequality, spreading knowledge.

aWe are revitalizing the network, good, clean and fair small-scale businesses: on the local scale, we have the strength to make a difference. For the last thirteen years, Terra Madre has been the heart of the Slow Food network. We stand with the most humble in the fields, we defend them in the farmersa markets, and we strengthen them through the alliance between chefs and producers.a

The close of of the congress has seen the approval of the Delcaration of Chengdu , which confirms the need to fight for good, clean and fair food, until it is guaranteed for every person on this planet, but it doesnat stop there. Access to knowledge is also a human right, and the recognition of traditional knowledge as equal to academic knowledge. The Declaration refuses all forms of political, social and economic exclusion, and puts the safeguarding of the environment as a priority for all our action. Diversity is the most valuable heritage which we have, both as individuals and as the collective human race, and we must confront all forms of inequality in the distribution of wealth and opportunities.

The congress has given a mandate to the new managing group which will, over the next three years, enact a profound revision of the Slow Food organizational structure, to make it more inclusive and open.

The governance which will in charge until 2020 is composed of 43 councillors from 32 countries. Carlo Petrini is reconfirmed as President of the association, and Paolo Di Croce as Secretary-General by the Executive Committee, as proposed by the President. The Executive Committee also contains Alice Waters (USA), Edward Mukiibi (Uganda), Richard McCarthy (USA), Ursula Hudson (Germany), Joris Lohman (Netherlands), Roberto Burdese (Italy), George Schnyder (Brazil) and Qun Sun (China).

Beyond the Declaration of Chengdu , there are six Congressional Motions, the fruit of the collective labor of all the delegates over the course of the three days of work:

The Congress has also confirmed its commitment to the Menu for Change campaign, launched at the opening of the Congress, which identifies climate change as inextricable from the food system, and demands the immediate commitment of our network.

Slow Food is a global grassroots organization that envisions a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow it and good for the planet. Slow Food involves over a million activists, chefs, experts, youth, farmers, fishers and academics in over 160 countries. Among them, a network of around 100,000 Slow Food members are linked to 1,500 local chapters worldwide, contributing through their membership fee, as well as the events and campaigns they organize. As part of the network, more than 2,400 Terra Madre food communities practice small-scale and sustainable production of quality food around the world.
Johannesburg (AFP) - South Africa and Chad on Sunday signed an agreement that will see the re-introduction next year of critically endangered black rhino to the central African country, decades after it was last seen there.

Environment ministers from the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding "which will allow for the translocation of six black rhino from South Africa to Chad," said a government statement.

The last time a rhino was spotted in Chad was in 1972, according to official documents Chad submitted to South Africa.

The animals should be airlifted to Chad's Zakouma National Park "sometime next year. We are looking at around March, April or May" environmental affairs ministry spokesman Albi Modise told AFP.

Black rhino are officially listed as critically endangered but are still native to the mainly eastern and southern African countries of Angola, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

They have been re-introduced to several other southern African countries.

There are around 5,000 black rhino left in Africa with South Africa's population sitting at 1,893, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

South Africa is also home to around 20,000 white rhinos, about 80 percent of the worldwide population, but the country has suffered record poaching in recent years.

Poachers have killed more than 7,100 rhinos in Africa over the past decade for their horns.

The horn is highly prized in China and Vietnam where it is coveted as a traditional medicine and aphrodisiac.

South Africa's Environment Minister

Edna Molewa and Chad counterpart Ahmat Mbodou Mahamat signed Sunday's deal in Pretoria.
Khartoum (AFP) - A Swiss humanitarian aid worker has been abducted in Darfur, officials said on Sunday, just weeks after the United Nations began downsizing its peacekeeping force in Sudan's war-torn region.

The kidnapping, the first such reported incident since the UN began to reduce its troop numbers in Darfur, comes just days after Washington lifted a 20-year-old trade embargo on Khartoum.

The Swiss foreign ministry told AFP in Geneva in an email that it was "aware of the case of a Swiss woman kidnapped in Sudan (Darfur)".

"Our local representatives are in contact with the local authorities," it said, adding that the case was being investigated.

The foreign ministry did not provide any details on the identity of the abducted woman or the circumstances surrounding her kidnapping.

The UN's top aid official in Sudan, Marta Ruedas, also confirmed the abduction to AFP.

The Swiss national had lived in Sudan for many years and was "abducted by unidentified armed perpetrators near her residence in the Agricultural Research Centre area of El Fashir late last evening," Saturday, Ruedas told AFP.

"She is not a UN staff member, but she has long collaborated with the UN on a number of initiatives."

Ruedas said the aid worker has been actively involved in humanitarian work in El Fashir, the capital of North Darfur state.

"We certainly hope that this is able to be resolved positively," Ruedas said.

The Sudanese government has not confirmed or officially commented on the incident.

But social media reports indicated the abducted woman had been working for a Swiss non-governmental organisation providing aid to children.

The kidnapping came despite repeated claims by Sudanese officials that Darfur -- a region the size of France -- was now safe as the long-running conflict there had ended.

Safety concerns

But several aid workers in Darfur had expressed concerns about their safety following the decision to withdraw some UN forces from the region.

Aid workers working in Darfur are often escorted to remote areas by UN peacekeeping troops, and they feared that their security would be comprised following the downsizing of the forces.

Just weeks ago UNAMID, a joint African Union and the United Nations peacekeeping force, began reducing the number of its troops in the region, citing a fall in violence there.

The UN force had been deployed after a brutal conflict erupted in Darfur in 2003, which the UN says has killed about 300,000 people and displaced more than 2.5 million.

The conflict erupted after ethnic minority rebels took up arms against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir's Arab-dominated government.

They accused Khartoum of marginalising the Darfur region economically and politically.

Most of the displaced live in camps, after escaping fighting between government forces and rebels.

The latest abduction adds to an already lengthy list of foreign and Sudanese aid workers who have been kidnapped in the region in recent years.

Earlier this year three UN refugee agency workers were abducted by armed men in West Darfur state. The workers, two Nepalese and a Sudanese, were later released.

Sunday's incident also comes days after Washington lifted its two decades-old trade embargo on Khartoum.

Although the embargo was imposed for Khartoum's alleged support for Islamist militant groups, Washington had argued that the conflict in Darfur was a key factor in maintaining the sanctions all these years.

Sudanese officials, including Bashir, have repeatedly claimed that the conflict in Darfur is over.

But experts say that militias in search of resources often turn on each other in the region, and sometimes against the government.

Khartoum had in recent years insisted that UN peacekeepers leave the region, saying the conflict there had ended.
African Students for liberty, a pro liberty student organization in collaboration with the Political Science Students Association ( POSSA ) and Social Studies Students Association of the University of Education, Winneba organised a liberty symposium last Friday on 6th of October, 2017. The event was dubbed "Advancing liberty through education and innovation''.

The event saw a number of speakers from the academia, media, civil societies, and business, educating the students about the ideas of free society, leadership and entrepreneurship. Mr. Eric Darkwa, the president of the political science students association gave the opening speech followed by the Head of the political science department, Dr. Brimah Awaisu Imurana who spoke on the policies and roles of students in advancing freedom.

Mr. Peter Bismark Kwofie of ILAPI Ghana and an educationist, also educated the students about the relevance of libertarian ideas in modern day politics. Jeremiah Buabeng, a renowned motivational speaker and CEO of Buabeng communications also spoke on the need for the students to develop their leadership and entrepreneurship skills for the future.

A number of local coordinators from African students for liberty also spoke to the students about the ideas of liberty. In all 302 students attended the symposium whiles volunteers were raised to start a chapter of African Students for liberty on campus. The program ended successfully with a vote of thanks by Precious Sika, NUGS WOCOM at Winneba .

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2017-10-08 211110
Ms Kate Addo, the acting director of Public Affairs at Ghanas Parliament and an alumna of the Ghana Institute of Journalism, has returned to campus to mentor the current level 300 journalism students.

For two consecutive days, Tuesday, November 3 and Wednesday, November 4, Ms Addo interacted with up to 300 hundred students as part of the Alumni Mentoring Program introduced by Peter Agbeko, the course lecturer, a GIJ alumnus.

The program is a new initiative aimed at developing and complementing GIJ students classroom education with practical and professional workplace experiences and career advice from mentors with first-hand appreciation of GIJs learning objectives.

The mentorship program promotes and supports a structured and formalized relationship between alumni and students during which alumni share their professional experiences, personal insights and also pass on career advice to the students. Student-journalists benefit from practical advice provided by top-notch professionals giving them an opportunity to not only get career advice from people who have been in their shoes but also by providing them life advice.

Both days kicked off with opening remarks by the course lecturer followed by a live tutorial during which Addo took the students through the steps involved in writing good feature articles. She noted that feature articles, also referred to as human interest stories differ from news stories in that they allow for creativity, provide a more relaxed pace and allow for greater detail, research and in-depth analysis.

Ms. Addo shared the following key points; Stay focused  dont bounce around between topics; be a storyteller- tell the tale you would like to read; if it doesnt interest you, it wont interest the reader; vary the pace  follow long sentences with short, punchy ones; use simple sentences to convey complex information.

She focused on technique and also used the occasion to deliver some practical advice about life as a communication practitioner.

As expected, she fielded questions from students on both days.

Agbeko said the initiative also is advantageous to students because of their increased access to alumni, which can facilitate meaningful exchanges about career choices, key introductions, and job searches.

On feature writing, he said: At the heart of all feature stories is human interest. Features differ in style, pace and structure from news stories. The writer can often have more freedom  and sometimes space  to analyse a subject.

Columns, comment and editorials are all types of opinion writing, which also differ from news reports and have more emphasis on the views of the writer. Often the writer is an expert on their subject, or has personal experience which gives them a unique perspective. Columns can be highly personal, or may be on a specific subject.

The course lecturer added that The five Features of Effective Writing are focus, organization, support and elaboration, style, and conventions. He went on to explain that;

Focus is the topic/subject established by the writer in response to the writing task; Organization is the progression, relatedness, and completeness of ideas. The writer establishes for the reader a well-organized composition, which exhibits a constancy of purpose through the development of elements forming an effective beginning, middle, and end.

Other key writing characteristics are, Style, the control of language that is appropriate to the purpose, audience, and context of the writing task. The writers style is evident through word choice and sentence fluency. Skilful use of precise, purposeful vocabulary enhances the effectiveness of the composition through the use of appropriate words, phrases and descriptions that engage the audience. Sentence fluency involves using a variety of sentence styles to establish effective relationships between and among ideas, causes, and/or statements appropriate to the task; Conventions involve correctness in sentence formation, usage, and mechanics. The writer has control of grammatical conventions that are appropriate to the writing task.

On a final note, Addo urged the alumni to return to mentor and inspire existing students.

Thus far, three other members of the alumni, Messrs. Kobby Asmah, William Nyarko and Isaac Yeboah have interacted with the students, and we look forward to many more such engagements.
The Ho Municipal Supply Officer of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Wisdom Atawiah, has been arrested by Police in Ho for stealing and selling teaching and learning materials meant for free distribution to schools across the municipality.

The items found in one of the popular book shops in Ho, Azumah Bookshop, include 171 boxes of white chalk, 536 technical drawing and sketchbooks, 22 pieces of Longman dictionary, 140 pieces of crayons and 8 pieces of English textbooks for Primary 3.

The 'Not for Sale' stamps on these materials had been tampered with to deceive unsuspecting buyers.

The items were also being sold at lower prices compared to those on the open market.

For instance, other brands of Technical drawing and sketchbooks sell at GH7.00 while those from the Ghana Education service with 'Not for Sale' stamps were being sold at GH5.00.

The storekeeper of Azumah Bookshop, Newton Fiagbor, has also been arrested.

The two are currently on bail while investigations continue.

According to Regional Commander of Police, DCOP Nana Asomah-Hinneh, the Police are pursuing a third suspect by name Dickson Yahezu who is said to be the supplier of the Longman dictionaries.

Police have, however, sent a strong word of caution to all bookshops against buying and selling materials meant for free distribution to schools.

"Knowing very clear that it is not for sale, if you buy, the law will catch up with you. N body should condone," said DCOP Nana Asomah Hinneh.

He also called on the district and municipal directors of education to thoroughly supervise their stores to prevent such leakages that could undermine efforts of the government to improve education.
'The big truck is still on ...
- PDP has claimed that the alleged $25 billion NNPC scam was earmarked to fund President Muhammadu Buharis re-election

- The minister of state for petroleum resources Dr. Ibe Kachikwu had in his letter to the president accused NNPC GMD, Maikanti Baru of corruption and insubordination

- The party asked the president to suspend Baru without any further delay

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has claimed that the alleged $25 billion contract scam at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is to fund President Muhammadu Buharis second term ambition in 2019.

Legit.ng gathered that the minister of state for petroleum resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, in a leaked letter to President Buhari dated August 30, accused the Group Managing Director (GMD) Dr. Maikanti Baru of insubordination and corruption.

The national publicity secretary of the PDP national caretaker committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, at a press conference on Thursday, October 5,  expressed shock at the silence of President Buhari on the allegation.

READ ALSO: APC declines comments on Kachikwus letter, says it wont speak on alleged corruption against NNPC boss Baru

As a political party, we expect that the President, who prides himself as an indefatigable corruption fighter, would for once try to live above board, by genuinely allowing one of his own, accused of corruption, get properly investigated and prosecuted as a show of his impartiality in the war against corruption, the party said.

PDP added that allegations levelled against Baru by Kachikwu were too grave to be swept under the carpet, insisting that the NNPC GMD should be treated like an accused person who should not have the opportunity to influence the investigation into his alleged misdeeds.

It therefore, called for the immediate suspension of the Baru so that proper investigation could be carried out by the relevant anti-corruption agencies.

The party said there is insincerity in President Buharis anti-corruption war, and challenged the president to correct the open impression Nigerians have about his so-called anti-corruption war.

Ordinarily if there was sincerity in the anti-corruption war, President Muhammadu Buhari should not have waited for any prompting before he takes a decisive action on this matter.

But as customary with his administration, we suspect that hes trying to shield Baru as he did for Babachir Lawal, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) whom he merely suspended to allow the hullabaloo generated by the fraud perpetrated in the management of the emergency fund for the IDPs, die down.

Also up till now, we have never heard anything again about the millions of dollars and billions of naira discovered at an Ikoyi apartment.

Nigerians have not forgotten the acts of illegality and double standard perpetrated by the president in refusing to hand over Babachir Lawal to the EFCC for proper investigation and possible prosecution for graft, but rather, preferring to give the task of investigation of the open sleaze to the Vice President, in a move not known to any law of this nation, the party said.

PDP observed that the $25 billion scandal is less than 10 percent of the $2 billion arms deal fund allegedly converted by the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki for which many people have been arrested and are being persecuted.

Nigerians can now see the hypocrisy in the so called anti-corruption fight. We may as well say that the privileged class of APC members enjoys total immunity from the anti-corruption campaign.

We have been saying this for months that the looting of the nations resources under this administration is record setting in the history of this nation and we are being proven right on daily basis by the little revelations that are being made by even those working under the administration, PDP said.

The party wondered what gave the GMD the temerity to sideline a minister under whom he works and take decisions without consultation.

This, it added, might be the fact that some that powerful people at the corridors of power were tacitly involved.

If the Presidents powerful Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari could sit on the NNPC board and such a calamity is taking place without an eyelid being blinked, we are forced to believe that the stealing is being done to the advantage of the president who has shown by his body language that the only thing that matter most to him for now, is his second term ambition.

"Will it be considered a hate speech if we say the money being stolen by President Buharis men are being kept aside into a special pool for the prosecution of his second term ambition?

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app

We challenge the president to prove us wrong by allowing his allies being caught up in acts of brazen stealing of our commonwealth, get punished in accordance with the laws of the land. Anything aside this, we will take as confirmation of our suspicion that the rottenness is from the very top, PDP added.

The party also demanded an order from the President to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies to immediately commence investigation into all issues of corruption levelled against Baru, as well as other persons who might have overtly or covertly participated in the illegal act.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that Ibe Kachikwu called the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari to the alleged illegal practices and insubordination of the group managing director of the NNPC, Maikanti Baru.

Are Nigerians truly tired of President Buhari? - on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng
- John Campbell said President Buhari's war on corruption was being pushed back

- The former ambassador wondered how Patience Jonathan was able to accumulate $35 million

- The money was frozen by the EFCC in her account

John Campbell who served as the United States ambassador to Nigeria has described former First Lady Patience Jonathan, as an arrogant and flamboyant person who was greatly disliked.

This was contained in a piece he wrote titled Nigerian President Buharis Sisyphean Efforts and published on Council on Foreign Relations website on Friday, October 6.

READ ALSO: Iwobi late strike sends Nigeria into Russia 2018 World Cup

Campbell also wondered how Mrs Jonathan who spent her career in the public service accumulated $35 million.

He stated: Patience Jonathan as the first lady was flamboyant, arrogant, and widely disliked. She has yet to be convicted of a crime. However, it is curious how a person who spent most of her career in public service could accumulate an acknowledged $35 million in a poor country.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been investigating the former first lady including freezing her account containing $35 million.

Campbell also spoke about President Muhammadu Buharis anti-corruption war saying it was suffering pushback from opposition members especially from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said: There is pushback against President Buharis anti-corruption campaign, especially among the opposition Peoples Democratic Party. Some claim that Buhari is using the EFCC to go after his political enemies. In the predominately Christian parts of the country, there are also murmurs that the anti-corruption campaign is part of a Muslim effort against Christians.

The Committee on Public Petitions in the House of Representatives has issued a warrant for the arrest of Magu(EFCC boss) because of his failure to appear before them with respect to a petition by Patience Jonathan. The committees move appears to be led by southern, Christian, PDP representatives.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app

While it is true that under President Buhari, most of the high-profile investigations have been of PDP former officials in the Jonathan administration who are predominately Christian, these people were also, of course, in positions where they could loot public funds. Further, Christians dominated the Jonathan government, though the EFCC has also investigated Sambo Dasuki, Jonathans Muslim national security adviser, who remains under house arrest.

Meanwhile, the attorney-general of the federation, Abubakar Malami, said that Nigeria will not bring back Diezani Alison-Madueke to face corruption charges.

The former minister of petroleum had urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to compel the AGF to bring her back to Nigeria from the UK but The Punch reports that Malami who is also the minister of justice said there was no need to.

STREET GIST: Name a Nigerian politician who is not corrupt - on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng
- CAN insists it will not accept Sukuk bond

- It claimed its proceed was being sent to Saudi Arabia

- It promised to go to court if need be

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has insisted that it will not accept the Sukuk bond describing it as a form of islamisiation of the country.

In an interview with The Punch, the general secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Musa Asake, said CAN would go to court if need be claiming that it would not accept it.

He said: Section 10 says no government, state or federal, should favour one religion. But if you observe the things that are happening in this country, they are happening in favour of a particular religion. The Sukuk loan is a Sharia-bond loan. Sharia is Islamic. That is why we sought to get the attention of the government.

READ ALSO: We are in trouble - Senator who signed Kanu's bail

On the issue that the federal government has acquired N100 billion Sukuk bond, Asake said: They should reverse it. We, as Christians, will keep speaking. We will do the right thing.

All those things that they said would benefit us, have they benefited us? All the money that has been collected in billions, where are they? Who is having those monies? Or is it just paper report? If we are really serious, the management of our economy should take us to a higher ground so that we would be able to survive. I dont have complete trust in our government when they keep telling us that this thing is going to help us, but instead of helping, we are back to square one; even worse than where we were. Thats my concern, and I would rather we follow our constitution and do the right thing.

Like I said earlier; when it comes to money in Nigeria, Im concerned. Look at the road that has been taking lives between Abuja and Lokoja; and lots of other roads that are killing people all over the place. So many governments have told us they are going to fix it. But has it been fixed? Or is there magic in Sukuk loans that is going to do it now? I dont think so. I think the Sukuk loans will follow the same path and end up in peoples pockets.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app

All Im saying is that Sukuk is a Sharia loan, meaning Muslim loan, and that is why we are talking to the government and not to any individual. We do not have any issue with any Muslim; we are talking to our government that is representing Christians, Muslims, atheists, traditional rulers, and basically all Nigerians. That is why we are getting their attention; not to engage ourselves with any particular group.

From the little I know about Sukuk bonds, anything that money is used for, is shared with Saudi Arabia. Its an Islamic thing and I believe that if this money was from a Christian perspective, the Muslims would not agree. So, all were saying is that the government is supposed to be for all Nigerians. Dont fight one religion. We have written and we are going to take steps.

Meanwhile, the federal government released the proceeds of the N100bn sukuk bond for the financing of 25 road projects being handled by the federal ministry of power, works and housing across the country.

Legit.ng gathered that the minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun, handed over the N100bn proceeds cheque to the minister of power, works and housing, Babatunde Fashola, in Abuja on Thursday, October 5.

Market Survey: Traders say recession almost over as prices are gradually dropping - on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng
- Femi Fani-Kayode claimed the army went to Nnamdi Kanu's house to pack his personal items

- The former minister tweeted the allegation on Sunday, October 8

- He claimed the action was ongoing as at the time he tweeted about it

A former minister of aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, on Sunday, October 8, tweeted that the Nigerian army has once again invaded the home of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The former minister said the army is at the IPOB leader's house to pack his clothes, furniture and other personal items.

He tweeted: "The army is in Nnamdi Kanu's house right now packing all his furniture, electronic equipment, carpets, personal items, clothes etc.. Why?"

READ ALSO: 25 roads to be fixed with N100bn Sukuk proceeds (Full List)

Recall that Kanu, his father and mother have been reported missing ever since the Department of State Service (DSS) invaded his residence on September 16.

It is unknown where the IPOB leader is as both the army and his personal lawyer have denied any knowledge of his whereabouts.

Also, Facebook user, King Eze, shared a video on his page, which he claimed is a footage of the army in Kanu's house on Sunday, October 8 afternoon.

See the video he shared below:

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who was one of the persons that signed Kanus bail said that doing so has put him into trouble.

Abaribe who is the leader of southeast caucus in the National Assembly said the exportation of Made-In-Aba products have drastically reduced due to the agitation for an independent Biafra state.

The senator spoke at the Made-In-Aba Products Fashion Show held as part of the 2017 Convention of Abia State National Association of North America (ASNA) at Hilton Hotel JFK, New York on Saturday, October 8.

Inside Nnamdi Kanu's rooms after operation Python Dance II - on Legit.ng TV:

Source: Legit.ng
- Nigerian soldiers have allegedly invaded the home of Nnamdi Kanu again

- The soldiers, according to reports left with personal belongings of the IPOB leader

The Nigerian army on Sunday, October 8, reportedly stormed the home of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi kanu.

According to several reports, including a claim by a former minister of aviation, Fani-Kayode, the army carted away some personal belongings of the IPOB leader.

A Facebook user, Prince Kanu Meme, claimed that the soldiers went away with clothes, generators and furniture in their trucks.

Photo from a CCTV footage of the army allegedly invading Kanu's home. Photo credit: Prince Kanu Meme

READ ALSO: Anambra election: IPOB declares sit at home boycott on November 18

The army trucks allegedly parked outside Kanu's house. Photo credit: Francis Rosevelt

He wrote: "UPDATE...!!! The Nigerian soldiers are currently moving away every property in the compound of Mazi Nnamdi kanu, including mattresses clothes, generators, televisions into their trucks!!!

Share this now!!!"

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app

Another Facebook user, King Eze, shared a video, which he claimed is a CCTV footage of the alleged invasion that occurred this afternoon.

Below is the footage shared by Eze:

Yet, another Facebook user, Francis Rosevelt shared another video of the alleged invasion.

Below is Rosevelt video:

Inside Nnamdi Kanu's rooms after operation Python Dance II - on Legit.ng TV:

Source: Legit.ng
This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 1080 donors have already invested in our efforts to combat corruption and predatory conduct, particularly in the financial realm. Please join us and participate via our donation page, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Read about why were doing this fundraiser and what weve accomplished in the last year.

Thanks to your speedy and generous responses, weve met our first four targets: funding for more site improvements in the user experience and in our defense; travel and site coverage expenses for meetups and conferences; and bonuses to site writers like Lambert, Jerri-Lynn Scofield, and Outis, and funding to support the comments section. And since we have almost hit our original goal of 1100 contributors for this fundraiser, were raising the donor target to 1250.

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And remember, if you arent in a position to chip in financially, you can help by sharing what youve learned here with the people you know.

We are on our way to meeting our fourth target, support for extra manpower so we can keep the make our 365 day a year, just about 24/7 coverage more sustainable. If Yves the publisher and Yves the employee were two different people, Yves the employee would have gone on strike a long time ago.

You may have heard of karoshi, a Japanese word that translates roughly into death by overwork. The Guardian reported on this phenomenon last week:

Japan has again been forced to confront its work culture after labour inspectors ruled that the death of a 31-year-old journalist at the countrys public broadcaster, NHK, had been caused by overwork. Miwa Sado, who worked at the broadcasters headquarters in Tokyo, logged 159 hours of overtime and took only two days off in the month leading up to her death from heart failure in July 2013. Sados death is expected to increase pressure on Japanese authorities to address the large number of deaths attributed to the punishingly long hours expected of many employees.

We dont want to get you overly worried, but Yves cant remember the last day she had off. The last social outing she had was over the July 4 weekend.in 2016. She was able to go to Maine for a week this year and eat lobsters (she actually prefers the dry scallops) and see the beautiful scenery, but she was helping to mind her feisty 89 year old mother and still managing her torrential flow of daily e-mails. So this was a break but still short of real downtime.

Even though your generous support of the site have allowed her to have a day off from posting every week, plus another half day every other week, and shift more of daily Links duty to Lambert, this hasnt translated into more personal time for Yves. Even on her days off from posting, Yves is catching up on site admin, catching up on e-mails, sometimes catching up on research, and often vetting story ideas or articles pitched to her.

One of the reasons that the site consumes more writing/production time than in the past is that weve kept improving our output and expanding our beats. Our Links section used to be 25-30 links. It is now almost never fewer than 45 and typically 50 to 60. Similarly, in the runup to the crisis, when anyone who knew about finance was a one-eyed man in the land of the blind, many of our posts had only a few hundred words of commentary on an extract or extracts from news articles. Now, a significant portion of what Naked Capitalism does is quick turn-around political economy analysis of a very high caliber. We often produce think tank level work but with the aim of stripping away obfuscation and holding people accountable. That means more writer time on average per post.

Put it another way: a typical working year for a full time person is assumed to be 225-250 work days. That is still very stingy by world standards, since 250 days amounts to every weekend off plus two weeks of vacation, with no allowance for national holidays. Even with the very helpful support youve provided in the past to help make the site less dependent on Yves alone, Yves has been working at a burnout-inducing level for far too many years.

And its not just Yves. Outis, who is much younger and came on board this year to help with comments, is also showing stress-related overwork symptoms.

And sick days? Fuggedaboudit. Even when she got food poisoning last year, with having the good fortune of getting emergency help from Lambert, Yves still had to find a way to do a half day of work so as not to fall short on the sites normal posting schedule.

We joke that we run the site with 1.6 people, which is a less pointed way of flagging that we provide a remarkable level of output and the consistency of coverage with very thin resources. The amount we are seeking for this target, $21,000, is the same meager level for weekend, holiday, and shit happens support that we asked for last year. We hope youll recognize how essential this is and donate generously to keep Yves in fighting fettle and have other talented writers like Lambert and Jerri-Lynn Scofield contribute more regularly.

There are multiple ways to give. The first is here on the blog, the Tip Jar, which takes you to PayPal. There you can use a debit card, a credit card or a PayPal account (the charge will be in the name of Aurora Advisors).

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Our sick days, weekend and vacation coverage target is $21,000, and we are already over $940 towards that goal. Thanks SO much for your generous support!
This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 1099 donors have already invested in our efforts to combat corruption and predatory conduct, particularly in the financial realm. Please join us and participate via our donation page, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Read about why were doing this fundraiser, what weve accomplished in the last year and our current goal, burnout prevention.

The Triumphant Return of the Lord Howe Island Stick Insect WIRED

Beneficial soil bacteria face a weed-killing threat from above Cornell Chronicle (original).

Packs of radioactive wild boar are making farmers in Sweden nervous National Post

Nate Sweeps Across U.S. Gulf Coast Weather Underground

Google accused of racketeering in lawsuit claiming pattern of trade secrets theft San Jose Mercury News (Re Silc).

After a bite of Apple, Margrethe Vestager targets another tech giant The Economist

Behind Teslas Production Delays: Parts of Model 3 Were Being Made by Hand WSJ. Looks like my snark comparing Teslas difficulties producing Model 3s  260! In a whole month!  to Patek Philippe fabricating mechanical watches wasnt that far off the mark.

Facebooks Promise of Community Is a Lie The New Republic

The Last Invention of Man Nautil.us. A Silicon Valley fantasy of AI triumphalism, greatly in contrast to articles like Silicon Valleys Next Target for Disruption Is Socks Bloomberg

Is Trend Forecasting Doing More Harm to Fashion Than Good? The Fashion Law. Trend forecasting? Or dictating?

California Treasurer Urges State Pension Funds to Drop Gun Sellers NYT. Surely there are other, more institutionally focused things the California Treasurer could be asking State Pension Funds to do?

How Is Online Shopping Affecting Retail Employment? Liberty Street Economics

The Global Competitiveness Report 20172018 (PDF) World Economic Forum

Puerto Rico

After 78 Killings, a Honduran Drug Lord Partners With the U.S. NYT

Catalonia

Brexit

Trident at Risk? UMV Technology vs Submarine Stealth Cable

Virgin Care asks Bath staff not to report safety concerns to health watchdog Bath Chronicle. Neoliberal sabotage of the NHS continues apace.

North Korea

Exhausted by the herd, single South Koreans are gingerly embracing the YOLO lifestyle Quartz

New Cold War

Anti-Putin protests mark Russian presidents birthday FT

The FBIs New U.S. Terrorist Threat: Black Identity Extremists Foreign Policy. New? Im sure Fred Hampton would have something to say about that.

Trump Transition

Democrats in Disarray

Health Care

Mass Shooters Arent Disproportionately White Slate

Imperial Collapse Watch

Class Warfare

Todays historians have a higher opinion of Ulysses S. Grant The Economist. To Grant more than any other man the Negro owes his enfranchisement, wrote Frederick Douglass, a black leader and a frequent White House guest.

The Benefits of Twitter for Scientists American Scientist

Actually, Do Read the CommentsThey Can Be the Best Part WIRED. So many interesting problems are not primarily technical.

Its Been 10 Years Since Michael Clayton Held Up His Tiny Phone New York Magazine. Giving me the opportunity to present this classic, and pertinent clip:

Not through the doors of Kenner, Bach & Ledeen

Antidote du jour (via):

Good kitty!

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.

.
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By Lambert Strether of Corrente.

After the failure of Cassidy-Graham, the Republican Partys fourth (!) attempt to repeal and replace ObamaCare, the Republicans appear to be doubling down and assaulting the entire heatlh care system, including not only ObamaCare, but Medicaid, and in fact all private health insurance, for which youve got to give them credit. I mean, at least theyre not weak[1]. I dont pretend to be an expert on the internal dynamics of the Republican Party, but the Republicans did promise to repeal and replace ObamaCare, and if you as a voter bought into that, its entirely reasonable to experience righteous fury and demand they deliver. (Ill make a brief comment on ideology at the end.) This emerging Republican strategy of crapification has three parts (first outlined in a tweetstorm by Andy Slavitt starting here):

1) Administratively, send ObamaCare into a death spiral by sabotaging it

2) Legislatively, gut Medicaid as part of the tax refom package in Congress

3) Through executive order, eliminate essential health benefits through association health plans

As a sidebar, its interesting to see that although this do-list is strategically and ideologically coherent  basically, your ability to access health care will be directly dependent on your ability to pay  its institutionally incoherent, a bizarre contraption screwed together out of legislation, regulations, and an Executive order. Of course, this incoherence mirrors to Rube Goldberg structure of ObamaCare itself, itself a bizarre contraption, especially when compared to the simple, rugged, and proven single payer system. (Everything Obama did with regulations and executive orders, Trump can undo, with new regulations and new executive orders. We might compare ObamaCare to a child born with no immune system, that could only have survived within the liberal bubble within which it was created; in the real world, its not surprising that its succumbing to opportunistic infections.[2])

Lets look at each of the three parts of this Republican strategy in turn.

1. Sabotage ObamaCare

In passing, let me note that I dont buy the neoliberal concept of equilibrium, and I especially dont buy the notion that the ObamaCare marketplace can be stabilized. In fact, the ObamaCare marketplace has been continually tinkered with; its not like a Boeing 777 thats aerodynamically stable, where you can take your hands off the controls and it doesnt go into a nose-dive; rather, its like the F-117, which is aerodynamically unstable, and requires constant fly-by-wire adjustment to stay in the air at all (witness ObamaCares existence for eight years, and were still tinkering with it, even with quasi-good faith efforts like Alexander-Murray). All that said, for the first eight years of existence, ObamaCare wasnt necessarily run by competent people  witness the launch debacle  but it was not run by malovents inimical to its goals, or even its existence as a program. Such is no longer the case, as shown by the follwing examples; the Republicans are, as it were, snipping the wires.

First, the Administration is sabotaging outreach and enrollment efforts. The Hill:

The administration has cut funding for advertising and outreach by 90 percent, raising the odds that fewer people will join the health-care exchanges during the fall enrollment period. It has slashed funds by 41 percent for outside groups that help reach and enroll likely ObamaCare consumers.. The enrollment period has also been chopped in half, and the administration announced plans to take down the Healthcare.gov website for maintenance for hours at a time on several days during the sign-up period, two other steps likely to cut into enrollment.. All of these steps could lead fewer people to sign up for the law, which in turn might lead to higher premiums that could force others off the exchanges.. Healthy people are the most likely to drop coverage because of a lack of outreach, leaving a sicker group of enrollees that drives up costs for everyone else.

Showing the difference between the two parties: When the Democrats shut the site down, its because they butchered the launch due to a massive project managment #FAIL. When the Republicans shut the site down, its because they want to make sure people dont enroll, sending ObamaCare into a death spiral (though, to be fair, the Democrats only want people to enroll through the marketplace, leaving tens of millions uncovered).

Second, the Administration is denying incremental, problem-solving state waivers. WaPo:

For months, officials in Republican-controlled Iowa had sought federal permission to revitalize their ailing health-insurance marketplace. Then President Trump read about the request in a newspaper story and called the federal director weighing the application. Trumps message in late August was clear, according to individuals who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations: Tell Iowa no. Iowa is not the only red state to chafe at the administrations unwillingness to allow more flexibility. On Friday, Oklahoma sent a letter to Price and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin saying it was withdrawing its federal waiver request because administration officials had not provided an answer after months of development, negotiation, and near daily communication over the past six weeks. Minnesota applied to CMS for permission to establish a reinsurance program, which can lower premiums by giving insurers a guarantee that they will have limited financial exposure for customers with particularly high medical expenses. The agency informed Gov. Mark Dayton (D) on Sept. 22 that it would provide $323 million for the program since the lower premiums would mean savings to the federal government on subsidies to Minnesotans with ACA health plans. But, Verma added, the federal government also would cut $369 million in funding for a separate program aimed at residents who earn between 138 percent and 200 percent of the federal poverty level and dont qualify for the same subsidies. Minnesotas entire congressional delegation, Democrats and Republicans alike, issued a joint statement saying they were disappointed that our state is facing a last-minute penalty and exploring possible paths forward.

The obvious implication being that for the Administration, there is no path forward. And here again, its only the sickest people who will fight through the barriers placed in their way, again encouraging a death spiral.

Third, the Administration is creating political risks that lead insurance companies to raise rates (not that they ever needed an excuse). Marketplace:

Several states have announced rates for health insurance premiums on the Obamacare exchanges for 2018. Topping the list is Georgia, with rates that are 57 percent higher than last year, while Florida said some premiums will be 45 percent higher. Among the reasons for these increases is the uncertainty about the future of the Affordable Care Act. President Donald Trump has vowed to repeal and replace the health care law, which was passed under his predecessor President Barack Obama. Congress had repeatedly tried and failed to deliver on President Trumps promise. Insurers are raising premiums in the face of repeated threats from President Trump to stop funding so-called cost-sharing reductions, payments to insurers that cover out-of-pocket costs for some low-income consumers. Trump previously referred to these payments as bailouts for insurance companies and threatened to stop making the payments so as to let Obamacare implode. This has been the most unstable and challenged health insurance market in my tenure as a public servant, Dave Jones, Californias health insurance commissioner, told the Los Angeles Times earlier this week. The degree of uncertainty and instability that the Trump administration has injected into the market this year cannot be understated. To set premiums, insurers estimate how many people they will cover and what that will cost. With the $7 billion in Obamacare subsidies up in the air, insurance companies struggle to do the math. They worry that without the subsidies, their policies could be too expensive and fewer people would buy them. If fewer people are expected to buy insurance, insurers will need to hike their premiums.

The bottom line is that the Administration is taking every weak point in ObamaCares system design and amplifying them, with the effect of making the quality of ObamaCares risk pool lower and lower while increasing prices, which is what a death spiral looks like.

2. Gut Medicaid

While sending the ObamaCare individual marketplace into a death spiral, the Republicans also plan to assault Medicaid through the tax reform bill[3]. From The Intercept:

proposed fiscal 2018 budget resolution Senate Republicans announced last week would lead to a $1 trillion cut to Medicaid over the next decade, along with slashing other programs low-income individuals rely on. The GOP has not yet publicly outlined the details of its budget proposal, but the report, from Senate Budget Committee ranking member Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., warns the cuts would attack safety net[4] programs. On top of giving massive tax breaks to the people who need it the least, the proposed budget resolution would result in $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, which will throw 15 million people off of the health insurance they currently have, Sanders said Tuesday to reporters on Capitol Hill. Republicans on Capitol Hill say its unfair to call it a cut, because it is instead a reduction in the rate of growth. That slowed growth, however, will come as the population is rapidly aging.

Worse, the bill may end up being able to pass with a simple majority. Vanity Fair:

By narrowly passing a budget resolution in the House, lawmakers are now closer to being able to use the reconciliation process to pass tax reform with a simple majority in the Senate (the Senate Budget Committee passed its own budget on Thursday and is expected to send the resolution to the floor for a vote in two weeks). The proposed G.O.P. budget The G.O.P. budget would cut  $5 trillion in spending over the next 10 years, with a trillion of those dollars coming from the Medicaid program.

(I havent done the math here, but its worth noting todays post that shows  follow me closely, here  that access to health care reduces reduces mortality rates.)

3. Eliminate Essential Health Benefits with Association Health Plans

To be fair, Association Health Plans would be implemented by the Administration through an Executive Order that has not yet been released. Kaiser Health News wrote on CNN:

A day after the latest repeal and replace proposal ran out of steam last week, President Donald Trump told reporters that he would probably be signing a very major executive order on associations that could affect millions of people. What did the president mean? Kentucky Senator Rand Paul may know the answer. Earlier that day, he ignited a new round of health policy speculation by predicting, during a cable news interview, the Trump administration would take action on a longtime Republican go-to idea: association health plans . If [consumers] can join large groups, get protection and less expensive insurance  it will solve a lot of problems in the individual market, Paul said last week on the NBC show Morning Joe. Under association health plans, small businesses can join associations  based on certain types of professional, trade or interest groups  that offer insurance to members. Republicans for decades have favored such arrangements, seeing them as a way for small groups to get more clout with insurers. Paul provided few details on what he thinks the administration will do, but some health care policy experts believe that he wants to free these association plans from state regulation. Instead, theyd be considered large group plans, which would be overseen by the federal government and not subject to many of Obamacares rules, such as offering coverage across 10 broad essential categories of care, including hospitalization, prescription drugs and emergency care.

(Trump has also championed selling insurance across state lines, a bad idea.) Sarah Kliff at Vox gives further detail on the scheme:

With a repeal bill off the table, the Trump administration has drafted an executive order that could blow a huge hole in the Affordable Care Act, according to a source with direct knowledge of the plan. The order would, in effect, exempt many association health plans, groups of small businesses that pool together to buy health insurance, from core Obamacare requirements like the coverage of certain essential health benefits. It would potentially allow individuals to join these plans too, which would put individual insurance marketplaces in serious peril by drawing younger and healthier people away from them. A group of bakeries, for example, might form a bakers association and purchase health coverage together. The most famous examples have been farm bureaus, which allowed independent farming businesses to band together and get insurance. Before Obamacare, national associations could pick and choose which states insurance rules they wanted to follow and use those rules to guide the plans they offered nationwide. The result was often health insurance that skirted state rules and was a better deal for businesses with young and healthy employees, who are likely to prefer skimpier health plans. The former insurance regulator described the situation prior to the ACA to Kliff as being a race to the bottom, with some associations offering lower-cost plans that covered virtually nothing. Obamacare changed these rules. Association health plans were treated as small businesses and were therefore required to cover all of the laws mandated benefits. Essential health benefits, mandating that insurers cover everything from hospital care to prescription drugs to maternity care, are central to the ACAs insurance protections: They prevent plans from crafting their coverage to attract mostly young and healthy customers at the expense of older and sicker people, which had been one of the primary problems with the association health plan model before the law.

The Trump executive order would treat association plans as large businesses  notice how ObamaCares insane complexity and dependence on executive rule-making is again being used as a weapon against it  which means, for whatever crazy reasons liberal technocrats had at the time, that they would not need to cover essential benefits. The effects:

It will destroy the small-group market, Tim Jost, a law professor at Washington and Lee University who generally supports Obamacare, told me. Well be back to where we were before the Affordable Care Act.

So, not only would the ObamaCare death spiral be steepened, as the young and healthy sign up for skimpy and cheap association plans, the small group market would be destroyed (as sabotage destroys the individual market, and tax reform destroys Medicaid). Such a great deal!

Conclusion

Setting party politics and venality aside  a big ask, I know  the ideology undergirding these changes is consistent:.

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) spoke to a group of high-school students near Milwaukee on Friday morning, and he heard from one student who asked, Do you personally consider health care as a privilege or a right? The far-right senator replied: I think its probably more of a privilege. Do you consider food a right? Do you consider clothing a right? Do you consider shelter a right? What we have as rights is life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Past that point, we have the right to freedom.[5] Past that point everything else is a limited resource that we have to use our opportunities given to us to afford those things.

Of course, liberal Democrats think health care is a privilege, too, and they want to make sure one of their own sits in judgment of whether you get it: Thats why ObamaCare surrounds access to health care with a complex apparatus of means-testing, co-pays, deductibles, narrow networks, a system of navigators to help you through the complexity, and all the rest of ObamaCares gatekeeping administrivia. So, theres a certain refreshing simplicity to Johnsons view of privilege: The less money you have, the more your health care should be crapified (and, of course, vice versa). And with Medicaid gutted, the individual markets in a death spiral, the small group market nuked, and a race to the bottom with association plans, Johnsons vision looks much closer to being realized. Under neoliberalism, why not?

NOTES

[1] Showing crude cunning in his footwork, Trump first reached out to Schumer: I called Chuck Schumer yesterday to see if the Dems want to do a great HealthCare Bill. ObamaCare is badly broken, big premiums. Who knows! Liberal Democrat Schumer naturally rejected the overture, referring Trump to the [genuflects] bipartisan Alexander-Murray negotiations, a weak-tea effort to stabilize the indvidual market, for which there were to be hearings in September, which havent happened, of course. Now theres a hill to die on!

[2] Suppose todays Sanders bill had been rammed through passed in 2009. In 2010, every child in America would have been covered. What about the children, eh? Would the Democrats really have experienced the 2010 debacle, and their subsequent reapportionment/gerrymandering debacles? I dont think so.

[3] In retrospect, it seems obvious that the reactionary response to Medicaids success would be to attempt to destroy it.

[4] As readers know, I deprecate the term safety net. Why should life be a tightrope in the first place?

[5] Of course, if you know the Constitution, Johnson isnt even wrong. Im not sure Im comfortable with rights-based discourse generally; frankly, I think it would be more useful to enquire into the notion of freedom. It seems to me that universal concrete material benefits, especially for the working class, make us all more free, not less. But that is a topic for another time.
(Natural News) When late-night TV came into its own, hosts like Jack Parr, Johnny Carson, and Tom Snyder were pithy, relevant and entertaining. They told great jokes that were clean. They conducted probing interviews. They were irreverent. They were bold. But most of all, they were inclusive. No matter your political stripe, you felt you could watch these and other late-night hosts in an environment conducive to everyone.

Not anymore. Today we have nothing but Alt-Left partisan hacks posing as late-night TV hosts, who daily berate half or more of the country, belittle their opinions, mock and deride them as stupid, racist, bigoted nativists reminiscent of Hitlers Brown Shirts (actually, its the Left that resembles them, but I digress).

While all of them  Stephen Colbert, Seth Myers, Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel  are equally offensive to Republicans, conservatives, and supporters of President Donald J. Trump, it is Kimmel who is becoming the anti-GOP, #trumphating champ.

And those who mock the mocker are beginning to take notice. As reported by Truth Revolt, for the past couple of weeks Kimmel has been crying a lot during his opening monologues, primarily during talks about socialized medicine and mass shootings. Its caught the attention of conservative Los Angeles-area street artist Sabo, who is wondering whether Kimmel is suffering from some sort of hormone imbalance:

On Thursday in West Hollywood near the celebritys home, posters appeared on bus benches and sign posts of Kimmel wiping a tear from his eye with a suggested renaming of his show: The Jimmy Kimmel Estrogen Hour. Mock movie posters for the 90s film Cry-Baby replaced Johnny Depps mug with Kimmels crying face.

Eventually, Kimmel saw some of the Sabo-created sign-art on a park bench and had someone take a picture of him flipping Sabo the middle-finger, then sent it to a friend at The Hollywood Reporter so it would get published.

Thats pretty typical behavior for lib entertainers like Kimmel; they can dish it out, but boy, do they ever have trouble taking it.

But the point is, late-night TV has become a sewer  a toilet filled with vile, rank, Left-wing hate against all things Trump, all things conservative, and all things Republican, all while liberal Democrats and their far-Left donors get a pass, no matter what they do.

Take the budding sexual harassment scandal involving Hollywood mega-producer Harvey Weinstein. After The New York Times reported that he paid off scores of women to keep a lid on their accusations, and that Weinstein would hit on women he invited up to his hotel room under false premises  including once asking actress Ashley Judd if she would watch him take a shower  the late-night hypocrites were silent on what would have been a mindless, lecturing hatefest had Trump or some other ranking member of the GOP been involved in something similar. (Related: Flashback: How Jimmy Kimmel SPREAD disease by pushing vaccines that shed live viruses.)

As for Kimmel, you may recall his past disgusting behavior, such as his mocking of vaccine-injured children. As Natural News founder/editor Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, noted in March 2015:

In a stunning demonstration of demeaning hate speech targeting children who have suffered brain damage from vaccines, comedian Jimmy Kimmel unleashed a satire comedy hit piece that, fifty years ago, would have almost certainly seen Kimmel making fun of black people. Twenty years ago, he would have been making fun of gay people. But today, in 2015, Jimmy Kimmel directs his ignorance, bigotry and demeaning hate speech toward vaccine-damaged children who are now labeled anti-vaxxers.

And speaking of being unable to take criticism or differences of opinion, Kimmel also recently threatened violence against Fox News Channel host Brian Kilmeade after the latter corrected him over Kimmels criticism of a recent GOP-sponsored Obamacare repeal bill.

Late-night TV is certainly not for everyone anymore. But the worst of really bad TV is a self-absorbed, self-righteous coward named Jimmy Kimmel.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources include:

NaturalNews.com

Freedom.news

TruthRevolt.com
University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Researcher Jessica Blackburn has earned a prestigious National Institutes of Health's New Innovator Award, a grant totaling $1.5 million over five years to fund pediatric cancer research.

Blackburn, who came to UK from Harvard University in 2015, runs a basic science laboratory using zebrafish as an animal model. This new award will specifically fund research to find causes of leukemia relapse in three ways:

Identifying the unique genetic signature of relapse-causing cells, using single-cell sequencing technology in both zebrafish leukemia models and patient samples.

Discovering how and where relapse-driving cells "hide" from chemotherapy in the body using live animal imaging techniques in zebrafish.

Finding new drugs that can specifically kill the cancer cells that cause relapse by screening thousands of compounds zebrafish.

Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today

Zebrafish labs are far less common than labs that use mice as an animal model of cancer, but Blackburn notes that zebrafish models provide important research advantages, such as in vivo imaging at single-cell resolution and low-cost, high-throughput drug screens, which can complement traditional mouse models.

"The hope for this project is that we will be able to provide new insights the biology of what causes cancer relapse, not only to find better ways to treat it, but to develop treatment strategies that will prevent relapse from happening in the first place," Blackburn said. "I think this work shows that zebrafish models of human diseases  like cancer  are being more widely accepted in the medical fields, and that more people are recognizing the important discoveries that can be made using zebrafish."

The NIH's New Innovator Award was established in 2007 and supports unusually innovative research from early career investigators who are within 10 years of their final degree or clinical residency and have not yet received a research project grant or equivalent NIH grant. It's one of four prestigious awards in the NIH's High-Risk, High-Reward program, which were created to support unconventional approaches to major challenges in biomedical and behavioral research. Applicants of the program are encouraged to think outside-the-box and to pursue exciting, trailblazing ideas in any area of research relevant to the NIH mission.

"I continually point to this program as an example of the creative and revolutionary research NIH supports," said NIH Director Dr. Francis S. Collins. "The quality of the investigators and the impact their research has on the biomedical field is extraordinary."

The High-Risk, High-Reward program is part of the NIH Common Fund, which supports a series of exceptionally high-impact programs that cross NIH Institutes and Centers. Common Fund programs pursue major opportunities and gaps in biomedical research that require trans-NIH collaboration to succeed.
Captain Marvel and the X-Men crossover for Revenge of the Brood and Lord of the Brood

Captain Marvel and the X-Men are about to embroiled in a two-part Brood-centric story
Suspected anthrax outbreak kills 107 hippos in Namibia's biggest game parks

Windhoek : A suspected anthrax outbreak has killed 107 hippos in one of Namibia's biggest game parks in just one week, The park's Deputy Director Apollinaris Kannyinga on Sunday confirmed the deaths at Bwabwata National Park n the Zambezi region, Xinhua reported.

Kannyinga said the first 10 deaths were reported on October 1 but had risen by the end of the week. "We suspect an anthrax outbreak, but our veterinary is still yet to confirm that," he said.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax is most common in wild and domestic animals but can also be seen in humans exposed to tissue from infected animals, contaminated animal products or directly to B anthracis spores under certain conditions.

Depending on the route of infection, host factors, and potentially strain-specific factors,anthrax can have several different clinical presentations. In herbivores, anthrax commonly presents as an acute septicemia with a high fatality rate, often accompanied by hemorrhagic lymphadenitis.

He also said that this was the first time such a deadly outbreak has hit Namibia. Before the outbreak, Namibia had an estimated 1,300 hippos.
US President Donald Trump says 'only one thing will work' with North Korea

Washington : US President Donald Trump has said "only one thing will work" with North Korea after past talks with Pyongyang had yielded no results.

"Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid," Trump tweeted on Saturday.

"...Hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, making fools of US negotiators," Trump wrote. "Sorry, but only one thing will work!"

Trump did not make clear to what he was referring to in his tweets.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders later confirmed to media that all options are still on the table and she had nothing further to add at this time. Tensions ran high on the Korean Peninsula as North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on September 3.

Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid......  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2017

In response, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a new resolution tightening sanctions against Pyongyang. Later, North Korea tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile which flew over Japan.

...hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2017

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson revealed during a visit to China in late September that the US has direct channels of communication with North Korea.

"We have lines of communications to Pyongyang. We're not in a dark situation or a blackout. We have a couple of direct channels to Pyongyang. We can talk to them ... We've made it clear that we hope to resolve this through talks," Tillerson said.
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Coincidentally, independent and local news sources depend on you too. Youve read 25 articles this month and now, wed like you to be join our mission and become a NUVO Supporter. For as little as $4 a month, you can keep us alive and fighting -- and can have unlimited access to the independent news that cant be found anywhere else.
For more than a decade, Maria has cleaned hotel rooms for the equivalent of the minimum wage in several different hotels in Flagstaff.

Sometimes she is paid by the room, sometimes by the hour.

But now, after a 25 percent increase in the state and local minimum wage in, she and other housekeepers say their workloads have increased but not their paychecks. They are being asked to clean more rooms in fewer hours.

We really need to speak out or else the disrespect and the low pay will continue, she said in Spanish through a translator.

Since the minimum wage increased, her workload has also increased a disproportionate amount, she said.

In January, the state of Arizonas minimum wage increased by nearly 25 percent from $8.05 to $10 per hour. In July, Flagstaffs minimum wage increased another 50 cents per hour.

However, Maria said, her expected workload increased by 50 percent when she worked at the Baymont Inn on Milton, where she no longer works. Instead of being expected to clean one room in 30 minutes, she was given 20 minutes per room to clean. Hotel housekeepers are not considered to be tipped workers, so they make the regular minimum wage and keep any tips that are left in the rooms.

However, Marias take home pay has remained at $350 per week because although she has more rooms to clean she is given shorter shifts to clean them.

Before Arizonas minimum wage law required employers to give employees paid sick days, Maria said she never received any benefits from her workplaces.

When the new management took office, Ariana, who also used to work at the Baymont Inn and Suites, believed that in return for cleaning more rooms per hour, she and her coworkers would be paid by the room instead of the hour to reward increased productivity. Instead, when they opened their paychecks, their pay was still by the hour.

For me, I want them to respect my pay, respect the amount of work weve done and are paid what we deserve for the work we put in, she said in Spanish through a translator.

Maria and Ariana (not their real names) are members of the Repeal Coalition, which was formed in opposition to Arizonas immigration law known as SB 1070. The coalition led a protest over the summer targeted at hotel owners in an effort to improve working conditions for some of the lowest paid workers in the city. The identities of both women are being kept anonymous due to immigration concerns and fear of being blacklisted from future employment in hotels in the city.

Workers like Ariana and Maria are easier to push around, they said, because their lack of English speaking ability and possible worries about their legal status in the country.

With housekeeping workers who are immigrants, they are discriminated against because of their legal status, Maria said.

MINIMUM WAGE

Although the two women reported that their working conditions had gotten worse since the minimum wage increased, neither said the wage increase was solely to blame. The Repeal Coalition, of which they are members, campaigned in support of both the statewide and local minimum wage increases.

Its a copout to blame the minimum wage, said Frankie Beesley, another member of the coalition. Its a myth to make people who are not in positions of power not see continued exploitation. To say minimum wage is hurting people is too easy of an answer.

Beesley said owners may blame the minimum wage for increased workloads to try to get workers to support an upcoming ballot initiative in 2018, which would eliminate the increase schedule written into the citys ordinance of $15.50 an hour by 2022. Instead, the ballot measure more closely mirrors the states minimum wage, eventually bringing the city wage to $12.50 per hour by 2021.

However, Maria said she had been told by her managers that they would be expecting more of workers now that they were being paid more.

LEGAL RECOURSE

Cliff Bryson, the city of Flagstaff Labor Standards Manager, is in charge of investigating claims of wage theft or employers failing to pay the appropriate wage or retaliating against employees who assert their rights for the appropriate wage.

The two women said they had gone to Bryson but they were told they did not have enough supporting documentation for his office to take action.

Bryson said he cannot comment specifically on investigations, but he said his office has received several complaints and is currently investigating a couple of possible violations of the citys minimum wage law.

For his office to open an investigation, a complainant must file a formal complaint -- merely speaking to him about a concern is not enough to begin an investigation, he said.

Retaliation can mean many things, Bryson said. Some say it can be an adverse action, some say it means termination.

He would need supporting documentation to determine if a disproportionately increased workload and shorter shifts is retaliation for minimum wage increases or simply a business trying to be more efficient with its resources.

Brysons office does not ask for immigration status when conducting an investigation, but he did not know what the office would be able to do if an employer called immigration on his or her own workers after being investigated for a violation.

HOTEL OWNERS TRYING TO BE EFFICIENT

The owner of the Baymont Inn and Suites did not respond to repeated requests for comment on this story.

Increasing workloads is something that comes with an increased minimum wage, said Ash Patel, an owner of three hotels in Flagstaff. Patel does not own or manage the hotels where Maria and Ariana worked.

We have reduced the number of positions we need at our two new hotels by five jobs each, Patel said. Thats 10 new jobs that could have come to Flagstaff but are not. But that forces other team members to pick up that slack.

All of Patels non-salaried workers, including housekeepers, are paid by the hour and use a fingerprint reader to clock in and out, he said. However, he said many of the workers have had to take on tasks they did not do before such as resupplying their carts while cleaning rooms, which used to be done by a separate worker, he said.

No workers in Patels hotels start at minimum wage, he said, but his hotels have given raises to workers to combat wage compression created by an increased base wage. That increase, he said, equals a 27 percent increase in payroll expenses at his hotels.

Patel said he has not laid off any employees because of the increased cost, but he has left vacancies unfilled when an employee leaves. He has also implemented mobile check in at some hotels and said he had no choice but to increase room rates.

However, Patel said he does not talk to employees about the minimum wage laws or the upcoming effort to repeal the citys minimum wage and more closely tie it to the states, unless an employee specifically asks.

I wouldnt go to my staff and say If you dont vote this way youll lose your job, he said. I think that does a disservice to staff. If they ask, I answer honestly.

HOSPITALITY A BIG EMPLOYER

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the leisure and hospitality industry  primarily lodging, restaurants and bars -- is Flagstaffs biggest private-sector employer, employing nearly 15 percent of the civilian labor force in the city. Only government, which includes Northern Arizona University and the public schools, employs more people at nearly 19 percent.

Patel said the large number of hotels and hospitality-related jobs in the area make it an easy target for criticism, but a few bad apples can make everyone look bad.

The Repeal Coalition delivered a list of demands to owners and managers of several hotels over the summer. They include:

--pay workers by the hour and not by the room;

-- paid breaks,

--stop the speedup in room cleaning times

While Patel said he does not agree with the way the coalition has portrayed hotel owners, he said there can be room for common ground.

We just want to have a community where we are all happy to live, he said. We are all happy to be here.
Can't book teachers for advising students to study well: Madras HC on Kallakuruchi student death

Persecuted Hindu Tamils from Lanka can obtain Indian citizenship under CAA says Madras HC

3 for elevation to Madras HC rejected on basis of IB report

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

For the first time the Supreme Court recorded reasons for clearing 6 out of 10 judges recommended for elevation of judges to the Madras High Court.

The SC also said that it had rejected three names due to an adverse Intelligence Bureau report.

The three-judge collegium decision of the SC has been duly uploaded in the Supreme Court website, taking the transparency quotient of collegium proceedings to unprecedented levels.

The SC said that the material available on the three persons including a report by the Intelligence Bureau revealed that they are not eligible for elevation to the Madras HC.

OneIndia News

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Sunday, October 8, 2017, 6:28 [IST]
After four long months PDS resumes in the Hills of North Bengal

India

oi-Amitava

By Amitava

Darjeeling, October 8, 2017: After more than four months, Public Distribution (PDS) has resumed in the Hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

Incidentally PDS had been discontinued during the 104 days long bandh that had started on June 8 as part of the Gorkhaland agitation.

On October 4, the PDS dealers, distributors had a meeting with the State Government at Uttarkanya, the mini secretariat near Siliguri attended by Jyotipriyo Mullick, Minister in charge of food supply; Gautam Deb, Tourism Minister and Rabindranath Ghosh, North Bengal Development Minister.

It was decided in the meeting that Ata would not be distributed as 1000 metric ton of had spoiled during the strike. "There are chances that the rotten Ata could be mixed with fresh stocks and distributed hence we will distribute instead of Ata in the first few days" the food minister had stated.

14 food inspectors from Kolkata along with 5 from Siliguri have been deputed in the Hills to check stocks and ensure that the food grains being distributed is of proper quality.

9550 metric ton of rice is available in stock. It was decided that for the first one month the PDS shops will remain open all 7 days of the week.

Though most PDS shops opened in the Hills, some did not open complaining of shortage of laborers to bring in stock.

"In the Hills most of the shops are located in areas that are not motorable and stocks have to carried through head load. With the prolonged bandh most of the daily wage labourers have left the Hills in search of work elsewhere. Hence there is an acute shortage and we are facing problems" stated a PDS dealer from Darjeeling.

There are 690 PDS shops in the Hills catering to 8 and a half lakh beneficiaries.

"Supplies have started with the pickets being lifted and with vehicles available. PDS has resumed. Rations have reached almost all shops" stated Joyoshi Das Gupta, District Magistrate, Darjeeling.

OneIndia News
All political parties need to be on board for simultaneous polls: EC

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Oct 8: Favouring simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls, the Election Commission said all political parties need to be brought on board before such an exercise is carried out.

"The Election Commission has always been of the view that simultaneous elections will give enough time for incumbent government to formulate policies and implement programmes continuously for a longer time without interruptions caused by imposition of model code of conduct," Election Commissioner O P Rawat told PTI here.

He said conducting the polls together would be possible only when necessary changes in the Constitution and Representation of the People Act are carried out. Existing legal and constitutional provisions mandates that elections are to be held within six months ahead of the end of the term of a state assembly or the Lok Sabha.

Rawat said after the constitutional and legal framework are in place, it would be feasible to seek all the logistical support and conduct simultaneous elections. "Commission may conduct such elections after six months (after constitutional and legal changes are made)," the Election Commissioner said. He said bringing all political parties on board is an imperative for holding the simultaneous polls.

The assembly elections for Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha are due in mid-2019, along with the next general polls. Rawat said the Election Commission was in 2015 asked to give its view on the synchronised polls.

"The Commission gave its views on the matter in March that year. It had suggested few steps that need to be taken before such elections are made feasible," he said. Rawat said it would be logistically possible to hold the elections together if sufficient time is given to the Commission. There will be requirement of 24 lakh each Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) Machines. "We need two set of EVMs - one for Lok Sabha and another for the Assembly polls," he said. Rawat said orders have already been placed for more number of EVMs and VVPAT machines and new inventory ha started coming in. "The Commission would be able to get the required number of EVMs and VVPAT machines by mid 2019 or before if need be," he said. Rawat's assertion assumes significance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already pitched for simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls. The government's policy think tank Niti Aayog has also favoured conducting synchronised two-phase Lok Sabha and assembly elections from 2024 in "national interest".

All elections in India should happen in a free, fair and synchronised manner to ensure minimum "campaign mode" disruption to governance, the Niti Aayog had said in its "Three Year Action Agenda, 2017-18 to 2019-20" report, released recently.

Modi had in February said simultaneous elections would "cause some loss to all, including us" but political parties should not look at the idea through the narrow prism of politics. "One party or a government cannot do it. We will have to find a way together," the PM had said. Elections are held all the time and continuous polls lead to a lot of expenditure, he had said replying to the debate in the Lok Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to the former President Pranab Mukherjee's address.

Modi had said that more than Rs 1,100 crore was spent on the 2009 Lok Sabha polls and the expenditure had shot up to Rs 4,000 crore in 2014. Over a crore government employees, including a large number of teachers, are involved in the electoral process. Thus, the continuous exercise causes maximum harm to the education sector, he had said. Security forces also have to be diverted for the electoral work even as the country's enemy keeps plotting against the nation and terrorism remains a strong threat, Modi had said.

PTI
Goyal denies wrongdoing, says Jay Shah will file Rs 100 crore defamation suit

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday rejected all allegations made against BJP President Amit Shah's son Jay Shah in connection with the turnover made by his company.

Defending Jay Shah, Goyal said the article is trying to damage reputation of our leader Amit Shah.

Describing the article as "completely malicious", Goyal said the BJP rejects any allegation sought to be made against Jay Shah or any of their leaders.

"All loans have been taken strictly in accordance with law..security has been provided. And the loan taken from NDFC has been full paid along with the interest," he added.

Jay Shah has decided to file criminal defamation suit against the author, editors and the ownrs of the news website. They shall be prosecuted for criminal defamation and sued for an amount of Rs 100 crore in the Ahmedabad court," he said.

Citing company filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), the Congress said it was surprising to see a company with no inventory or assets show a turnover of Rs 80.5 crore.

Sibal had demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate a probe into the company's dealings. "Will the PM ask CBI to act? will arrests take place? Is PM honest enough to say probe Amit Shah's son?" he said.

OneIndia News
How Dawood bypassed the telephone network to run extortion racket

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

A big revelation has come out during the probe into the extortion racket that was being run by the D-Company. Details of how an illegal telephone exchange helped bypass the network has emerged in the probe being conducted following the arrest of Iqbal Kaskar, brother of Dawood Ibrahim.

The probe found that the D-Company was running an illegal telephone exchange. An investigating officer said that they had found that international calls were routed from Karachi to Dubai. The calls were made by both Dawood and Anees to a builder.

The don was acting for the builder Bharat Jain who sought to threaten another builder in Mumbai. The police say that to carry out the extortion racket, Dawood and his men had set up an illegal telephone exchange to route the calls.

Various hi-fi gadgets were in use to route the calls through this illegal telephone exchange, police sources also said. The illegal telephone exchanges used gadgets to route international Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) calls to local mobile numbers as voice calls illegally. These calls would be transferred to the beneficiary via illegal international gateway machines, the police also said.

The police say that this telephone exchange helped bypass the network normally for international calls. This is called a sim box fraud, the police also said.

Further the probe revealed that Jain had met Anees in his Dubai office several times. He sought to threaten another builder who had purchased 38 acres of land at Bhayender. The complainant from whom the D-gang had extorted Rs.3 crore was told by Anees that Dawood had an interest in the property and that 'bhai' had already purchased the land at Gorai.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Sunday, October 8, 2017, 6:38 [IST]
IAF gets its first fleet of 8 Apache attack choppers

Here is why the Rafale Jets will fly with the initials BS

The Message of Balakot: Dont mess with us

IAF proposal to strike Pakistan post 26/11 was rejected says former IAF chief

One year of Balakot airstrike: 'It marks paradigm shift in our operations', says Ex-IAF chief Dhanoa

IAF turns 85: Air Force chief BS Dhanoa says ready to fight a war at short notice

India

oi-Madhuri

Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa on Sunday assured the nation that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is well prepared to fight at short notice if the need arises.

"We are prepared to fight at a short notice," he said, talking about the security scenario.

The Air Chief Marshal chief made the statement while attending the 85th anniversary of the IAF. He also said that the Air Force was acquiring multi-spectrum strategic capabilities and remained committed to building a "joint manship" with the Indian Army and the Navy.

Speaking on chopper that crashed near Tawang, the Air Force chief said,''It appears tht tail rotor has flown off, court of inquiry will determine cause of the same.''

The IAF is celebrating the 85th anniversary at Hindon Air Force base in Uttar Pradeshs Ghaziabad district on Sunday where a series of scintillating air display will be organised.

Earlier this month, the IAF Chief had asserted that the IAF was capable of a two-front war to counter China and Pakistan.

Indian and Chinese troops were locked in an over two- month-long standoff after India stopped the construction of a road by China in Doklam in the Sikkim sector on June 16.

The 73-day Doklam standoff which began on June 16 over Peoples' Liberation Army plans to build a road in area claimed by Bhutan, ended on August 28 following mutual agreement between India and China.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Sunday, October 8, 2017, 14:12 [IST]
Soaring high

The air display will commence at 8 am with flag bearing skydivers of famous AKASH GANGA Team dropping out of AN-32 aircraft in their colourful canopies. The rehearsals of air display began on October 1. IAF's popular Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) will also perform today. The SKAT belong to the number 52 Squadron. The primary role of the team was air defence, whereas its secondary role was ground attack.

Vintage Aircraft to participate in Flypast at Hindon Base

The flypast would include the vintage aircraft, along with modern transport aircraft and fighter aircraft. The ceremony will conclude at 10.51 AM with a scintillating aerobatic display. Notably, the IAF fleet would be flying at low levels in areas surrounding Karwalnagar, Wazirpur bridge, Shamli, Afjalpur - Hindan, Jiwana, Hapur - Philkua and Chandinagar- Hindan.

Ram Nath Kovind, Modi wish Indian Air Force on its 85th anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Air Force on its 83rd Anniversary. "On Air Force Day, best wishes to our courageous air warriors & their families. Their determination & prowess ensure that our skies are safe," he tweeted.

President wishes IAF on 83rd anniversary

President Pranab Mukherjee lauded the Indian Air Force (IAF) for not only safeguarding our skies but also for its commitment & dedication of the brave air warriors as he wished the force on the eve of its 83rd anniversary.

IAF formation Day?

Indian Air Force was officially established on October 8, 1932 with a mission to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during armed conflict.
China expanding its military bases in its quest to end global dominance of US: IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria

Pak's plan was brilliant, but didn't factor in India's air power: IAF chief on Battle of Longewala

On officerss allegation in rape case, IAF Chief says no two finger test done

Mi-17 chopper crashed due to detachment of tail rotor

India

pti-PTI

The disengagement of the Mi-17 chopper's tail rotor might have killed seven military personnel, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Friday.

Five IAF personnel, including two pilots, and two army men were killed when the Mi-17 V5 medium-lift chopper crashed and burst into flames on Friday near Tawang.

"Prima facie it appears that the tail rotor of the chopper had come off. It will not be proper for me to say why it came off as a court of inquiry has already been ordered to probe the crash," the IAF chief said.

The IAF chief also paid homage to the seven military personnel killed in the crash.

Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said there was no technical problem in the engine of the aircraft as the Mi-17 V5 fleet is still flying. "I think there is no problem in the machine as the chopper is flying even today," he said.

The IAF chief was talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event to celebrate the Air Force Day.

The Russian-manufactured helicopter was carrying supplies to a forward post of the Indian Army in the mountainous region near the China-India border.

Earlier, in a message published in an IAF booklet, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said IAF's assets are scarce and expensive and the force cannot afford to lose them on account of any "careless, ignorance or unprofessionalism."

"Supervisors are entirely responsible for the safe and professional conduct of operations and must involve themselves wholeheartedly with the task at hand," the IAF chief said in the message dated September 10.

The booklet, featuring feats of award winning air warriors, was released today.

The Mi-17 V5 is a Russian built medium-lift military transport chopper.

PTI

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Story first published: Sunday, October 8, 2017, 16:43 [IST]
NEET-UG to be conducted in 13 languages for first time; exam centre opened in Kuwait: Dharmendra Pradhan

All institutions to be part of NIRF: Pradhan

Gatecrasher, says BJP on TMC leader's claim that Pradhan offered him sweets

OPEC should go for responsible pricing: Dharmendra Pradhan

India

oi-PTI

Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday pressed oil cartel OPEC to adopt "responsible pricing" for oil and consider the world's third-biggest oil consumer as its preferred sales destination.

Pradhan met OPEC Secretary General Sanusi Mohammad Barkindo to discuss "the current scenario of oil and gas industry of the world and exchanged notes on the recent developments", an official statement stated here.

During the meeting, Pradhan highlighted that in today's oversupplied market, it is important for producers to understand the perspective of consuming countries and the changes that have taken place in these demand centres.

Barkindo is in India to attend the first CERAWEEK India Energy Forum. The two had last met in Vienna in May 2017 for the 2nd India-OPEC Institutional Dialogue.

"Pradhan reiterated that the OPEC should work towards 'responsible pricing', which is important for India for socio- economic and developmental reasons," the statement said.

Reiterating the decade-old India's view that the OPEC should consider giving 'Asian Dividend' rather than charging 'Asian Premium' on the crude supplied to India, he said countries like India should actually be the "preferred destination".

India sources about 86 per cent of crude oil, 75 per cent of natural gas and 95 per cent of LPG from OPEC member countries.

The OPEC stands for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

The minister emphasised on the need for a purposeful and improved dialogue among producer and consumer countries.

He suggested that the OPEC at its ministerial meetings give wider consideration to India's requests.

According to Pradhan, India is putting a lot of emphasis on diversifying its crude oil supply sources and tapping new supply sources.

In this context, he highlighted the arrival of two shipments of crude oil cargo of 1.6 million barrels from the US.

Three Indian public sector refineries have already placed a cumulative order of 7.85 million barrel from the US. In addition, a private refiner has placed an order of 2 million barrel from the western nation.

The minister was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and also CEOs of seven public and private refineries who together operate all 23 refineries in India processing over 235 million tonnes of crude annually.

The minister extended invitation to the OPEC secretary general to attend the 16th Ministerial Meeting of International Energy Forum scheduled to take place in India in April 2018.

PTI

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Story first published: Sunday, October 8, 2017, 23:09 [IST]
Over 120 BJP-RSS workers killed since Communists came to power: Amit Shah

India

oi-Madhuri

BJP president Amit Shah on Sunday launched a rally in New Delhi against the CPI(M) alleged targeting of party workers in Kerala, saying Communists are "politically violent by nature" and that the bodies of "our workers were chopped into pieces to instill fear".

Addressing the rally, Shah said the Communist Party should be ashamed of the murders that took place in the Chief Minister's area. "Life can be taken with a bullet, but bodies of our workers were chopped to pieces to instill fear. But we aren't scared of sacrifice," he said claiming that over 120 BJP-RSS workers were killed since Communists came to power in Kerala.

Shah trained his guns on the Congress, too, saying just as Communists had finished around the world, the Congress was finished in India.

The BJP president took up the cudgels against the human rights activists, questioning why they weren't protesting "political murders" in Kerala. "Their selective protest exposes them. Why don't they carry out a candle march against their fellow Red comrades?"

He attacked Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan for his failure to control political violence in his state. "He should be ashamed of himself. The maximum number of killings have occurred under his nose, within his own district."

Earlier this week, Shah had kicked off the Jan Raksha Yatra (people's protection march) from Payyannur in Kerala. According to the party, he skipped the march in Pinarayi -- the hometown of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan -- as he had to attend a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Shah is expected to join the BJP workers in Thiruvananthapuram, where BJP-RSS workers currently on the march in different parts of the state will come together, on the last day of the "Raksha Yatra".

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Sunday, October 8, 2017, 13:45 [IST]
Fact Check: No, Raghuram Rajan is not the new Governor of the Bank of England

Raghuram Rajan to get Nobel Prize in Economics?

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Raghuram Rajan, the former RBI Governor features in the list of probables for this year's Nobel Prize in Economics, the Wall Street Journal reported.

He is one of the six economists on the list of probable winners compiled by Clarivate Analytics, a company that does academic and scientific research and maintains a list of dozens of possible Nobel Prize winners based on research citations.

The entry to the list does not guarantee that Rajan is a front-runner but he is a probable who stands a chance to win.

Rajan, whose three year term as Reserve Bank Governor ended on September 4, 2016, is considered a candidate for his "contributions illuminating the dimensions of decisions in corporate finance", Clarivate said.

The Nobel Prize in Economics will be announced on Monday.

According to Clarivate Analytics, the list of possible Nobel Prize winners based on research citations include Colin Camerer of the California Institute of Technology and George Loewenstein of Carnegie Mellon University (for pioneering research in behavioural economics and in neuroeconomics); Robert Hall of Stanford University (for his analysis of worker productivity and studies of recessions and unemployment); and Michael Jensen of Harvard, Stewart Myers of MIT and Raghuram Rajan of the University of Chicago (for their contributions illuminating the dimensions of decisions in corporate finance).

Rajan, who at 40 was the first non-western and the youngest to become the chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, shot to big fame three years after he predicted a financial crisis at an annual gathering of economists and bankers in the US in 2005.

He was appointed RBI Governor by the previous UPA government in 2013 and although he wanted a second term he was not offered an extension, which most of his predecessors got, by the current NDA regime.

He is currently the Katherine Dusak Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance at the Booth School of Business, University of Chicago.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Sunday, October 8, 2017, 6:33 [IST]
Rahul Gandhi fond of reading scripts, claims Giriraj Singh; Cong hits back

India

pti-PTI

Ballia (UP), Oct 8: Union Minister Giriraj Singh targeted Rahul Gandhi claiming the Congress Vice President did not have knowledge of the history or geography of the country and was only fond of reading scripts.

The UP state Congress reacted sharply to his comments alleging that since no development was visible during the BJP rule, its leaders were making "absurd" statements. "Like film actors, Rahul is fond of reading written scripts. He does not have knowledge of history and geography of India," Singh, the minister of state for micro, small and medium enterprises, told reporters here.

The BJP leader, known for making controversial remarks, also claimed that a Ram Temple will be constructed in Ayodhya. "It will be constructed 200 per cent. Hindus and Muslims will jointly build it. The ancestors of both are the same though religion has changed," he said responding to a question. Singh claimed that the opposition did not have any issues left and accused Rahul Gandhi of falsely claiming in foreign countries that job opportunities had decreased in the country.

"The reality is that under the PM Mudra scheme, 9 crore persons have got jobs," he said. Attacking the Congress, he said if the party's policies had been good, its base would not have shrunk. "If the policies of Congress, which ruled the country for over 60 years, had been good, why would it have got reduced to 20 per cent of the area when the BJP has spread in 75 per cent of the area," he said.

Singh referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Na khaunga na khane dunga" (Won't indulge in corruption nor will I allow anyone) remark and claimed that the past three years had proved this.

When asked about the minister's comments on Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and spokesman Devendra Pratap Singh said that the "tall claims" of BJP stand exposed as there was no development palpable anywhere due to which its leaders were making absurd statements. "People are fast losing trust in the BJP. It will be visible in the next elections when people will give them a befitting reply for their misdeeds," the Congress leader said.

PTI
ED is 'completely independent' in what it does: Nirmala Sitharaman

FM Nirmala Sitharaman hints at possibility of Centre considering restoration of state status to J&K

India will continue to rely on close cooperation of US to address global economic challenges: Sitharaman

Sitharaman teaches Chinese soldiers meaning of Namaste at Nathu La

India

pti-PTI

Recommended Video

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman teach 'Namaste'to Chinese soldier, Watch | Oneindia News

In a brief conversation with Chinese soldiers during her maiden visit to the Nathu La border post in Sikkim, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was even seen teaching them how to say Namaste.

A short video of her interaction with the Chinese soldiers was posted on Sunday by the Defence Ministers official Twitter handle, where she was seen in the clip greeting the PLA personnel with a "namaste".

"Do you know what Namaste means," Sitharaman was seen asking one of the Peoples Liberation Army personnel who appeared confused and said Namaste while trying to explain the meaning.

At this point, some Indian soldiers tried to come to the assistance of their Chinese counterparts but Sitharaman asked them to let the PLA men find the meaning on their own.

After some time, one of the soldiers, with a smile on his face, said "Namaste means nice to meet you."

Then Sitharaman asked "What would you say in Chinese?"

"Ni hao," responded the Chinese soldiers, triggering laughter on both sides.

Earlier, one of the Chinese soldiers was seen introducing his commander to Sitharaman.

The video has gone viral on the social media. Yesterday, Sitharaman had posted a photo of her waving at the Chinese troops.

"Acknowledged a row of Chinese soldiers from across the fence who were taking pictures on my reaching Nathu La," she had tweeted.

The defence minister visited various forward areas along the India-China border yesterday in Sikkim including Nathu La, which is around 30 km from the Dokalam, the site of 73-day- long standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers.

PTI

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Story first published: Sunday, October 8, 2017, 21:55 [IST]
Uddhav faction accuses EC of 'bias' over allotment of poll symbols, name

Not just future of Sena but democracy at stake, says Uddhav

Uddhav dares BJP to 'resign' from Maharashtra govt

India

pti-PTI

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday dared his party's ruling ally BJP to "resign" from the Maharashtra government and face midterm polls.

The state's ruling partners are also part of the NDA at the Centre, but relations between them are strained for quite some time.

"I challenge you to resign from the government and face polls once again. We will show you the Shiv Sena's power. Even during the (Modi) wave, the BJP got votes in Sena's name," Thackeray said, addressing a rally for a local election in Nanded.

Thackeray also took swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Gujarat visit.

"I was watching news on television today. Saw the PM campaigning for the Gujarat polls that are two months away. How did he suddenly remember his school today? Did he not feel like visiting his school before? Why before the polls?" he asked.

Thackeray also said people were now forwarding a joke on social media that prime minister of India 'may visit India soon', apparently referring to Modi's frequent foreign tours.

Modi on Sunday visited Vadnagar, his birthplace in north Gujarat, first time since he became the prime minister. He also visited his school.

PTI

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Story first published: Sunday, October 8, 2017, 22:21 [IST]
Donald Trump says 'only one thing will work' with nuclear-armed North Korea

International

pti-PTI

Washington, Oct 8: US President Donald Trump has said that diplomatic efforts with North Korea have consistently failed, adding that "only one thing will work."

Trump has engaged in an escalating war of words with North Korean strongman Kim Jong-Un, trading insults amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals.

"Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid," Trump tweeted yesterday. It "hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of US negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!" The US has not ruled out the use of force to compel Pyongyang to halt missile and nuclear tests, and Trump has threatened to "totally destroy" the country.

The mercurial American president also told journalists at a recent gathering with military leaders to discuss Iran, North Korea, and the Islamic State group that this "could be the calm before the storm," declining to clarify his remarks.

Last week, as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson flew home from meeting with top Chinese officials, Trump tweeted that his envoy was "wasting his time" in trying to probe North Korea's willingness to talk. The message came after Tillerson had revealed there were backchannels between US and North Korean officials.

PTI
This cop from Pakistan became a millionaire overnight: Here is how

With the number of anonymous rogues from Pak rising, here's how BSF is beating down the drones

Kulbhushan Jadhav case: Pakistan prepares to file plea in ICJ

International

oi-PTI

Islamabad, October 7: In response to India's memorial submitted in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the death sentence of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, Pakistan has started the process to file its plea.

Jadhav, a 46-year-old retired Indian Navy officer, was captured in Balochistan in March, 2016 by Pakistani security forces and tried in a military court which sentenced him to death for "espionage and subversive activities".

The ICJ had asked Pakistan to submit its written response or memorial by December 13 before the court could start further proceedings.

According to Foreign Office sources, Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali yesterday presided over a meeting of law experts and officials of the ministry of foreign affairs and other relevant departments to discuss the line of arguments in the ICJ.

"We will forcefully defend our position which is based on the fact that Jadhav is a serving Indian spy tasked to carry out subversive activities in Pakistan," the sources said.

Meanwhile, Ausaf told the Dawn that they had decided to hold weekly meetings in order to review the situation and "to finalise Islamabad's point of view and convert it into an appropriate rejoinder to India's allegations".

He said they were in touch with relevant stakeholders, including Khawar Qureshi who had pleaded Pakistan's case at the initial stage, to formalise a robust reply refuting all allegations levelled against Pakistan.

The daily reported that the attorney general's office is also busy documenting the case and collecting instances of the "atrocities and human rights violations committed by India" in Jammu and Kashmir.

On Thursday, the Pakistan Army said it is close to a decision on the mercy petition of Jadhav.

"Kulbhushan Jadhav's mercy petition has come to the army chief. There is a process, everything goes through a process but I can assure that it is near finalisation and we will give you news about this very soon," army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said.

Jadhav's death sentence was confirmed by Pakistan's army chief General Qamar Bajwa on April 10. He has filed an appeal with the army chief to seek clemency, which is still pending.

After India approached the ICJ, a 10-member bench on May 18 restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case.

Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India.

India has warned Pakistan of consequences and damage to bilateral ties if the "premeditated murder" was carried out.

In its application, India had also informed the ICJ that it learnt about the death sentence against Jadhav from a press release.

India acknowledges that Jadhav had served with the Indian Navy but denies that he has any connection with the government. It also said that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran.

India has also handed over to Pakistan an appeal by Jadhav's mother, initiating a process to get his conviction overturned.

PTI

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Story first published: Saturday, October 7, 2017, 14:11 [IST]
From Reader Supported News

The current push in Congress to ban "bump stocks" is a purely cosmetic, politically motivated, and virtually meaningless exercise in face-saving by a Congress which has for decades put gun lobby interests ahead of public safety.

For the record, bump stocks were a perfectly foreseeable consequence of a deregulated gun industry. The watchword for decades, firearms regulation in America has been hands-off. In that climate, workarounds like bump stocks, which are intended as a means to circumvent the law, flourish.

All of which totally misses the bigger question of military weapons in a civil society. Equally to blame for the current crisis of gun violence are the conservative members of the Supreme Court. Their rulings on Second Amendment cases in recent decades have been as categorically politically motivated as they have been constitutionally meritless.

The Second Amendment is and was from its inception what it was intended to be -- a political instrument, not a legal one. Who in the world, by reading the Second Amendment, could know whether it allows the common citizen to possess or carry a pocket knife or a nuclear bomb?

A hyper-literal reading of the Second Amendment might suggest that any citizen is allowed to possess and/or carry any "Arm(s)" of any description at any time. The lawmakers and the courts have really done as they pleased with regard to the Second Amendment over the years, hewing more to social trends and political climates than to a statute so ambiguous as to be legally inert.

Supporting arguments by the Supreme Court's conservative justices in the landmark District of Columbia v. Heller ruling border on incoherence -- in fact, they do more to disprove their conclusions than support them. They're pure gibberish. They admit on one hand that laws can be enacted that limit the right to keep and bear "firearms," but then they conclude that the right to keep firearms is absolute, but that doesn't extend to other armaments with greater killing power because they know it doesn't. Ignoring entirely the actual text of the Second Amendment, which, read literally, neither addresses nor supports any of their findings.

Congress and the conservative members of the Supreme Court currently seem to adopt the position of the gun lobby: "Weapons with a lethality capacity up to and including that of a semi-automatic assault rifle are ok, but weapons possessing greater killing capacity are not." But none of that is even remotely addressed in the Second Amendment's language.

Traditionally, the courts have found that restrictions can be imposed on the type of "arms" that American citizens can possess. That's a good thing. Does anyone really believe that if average citizens were allowed to purchase Howitzers some individuals would not do so? Or for that matter a nuclear bomb? Make no mistake, if available for sale to the public, those weapons would be purchased by some people. You can be sure.

We keep hearing comparisons between gun violence in America and in other "civilized" or "developed" nations. As though the United States is somehow automatically entitled to be viewed in those terms. The reality, however, is that no other nation on earth has anywhere near as many firearms or firearm-related deaths per capita as we do. America stands alone in this disgrace, separate from all other nations.

In 1994, Congress passed and President Clinton signed a federal ban on military-style assault rifles and high-capacity ammunition magazines. The ban was allowed to expire 10 years later under the administration of George W. Bush. Since that time, the incidents of mass shootings have skyrocketed.

Public pressure on lawmakers would quickly and surely restore the ban. Now IS the time. Steven Paddock shot 500 people in 12 minutes. This is a clarion call to defend the nation from an immediate and growing threat. The country must act to restore order, even if the lawmakers and the courts lack the courage.

Reader Supported News is the Publication of Origin for this work. Permission to republish is freely granted with credit and a link back to Reader Supported News.
Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes []


The War Goes On

(Image by manhhai) Details DMCA



If there is a mass shooting and anyone is asked where, the answer is likely to be the United States. The reason of course is the easy availability of guns, even guns that fire like machine guns. The Second Amendment allows the 'right to bear arms' -- to prevent tyranny say the proponents. Yet, the world has moved beyond guns for the tyranny we face today is a tyranny not of guns but of the mind.



Psychiatrists say the psychosis gene, if present, expresses itself in the twenties or sixties. The Las Vegas shooter, a self-made millionaire, was 64, the San Bernardino pair 28 and 29. Unless they have previously sought medical help and labeled dangerous, guns can easily and legally be bought by such disturbed people.



After the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, Senator Diane Feinstein introduced a bill banning "bump stock" weapons -- an adaptation allowing machine-gun-like rapid fire -- but it was defeated in the Senate. So if you are a nutcase seeking ultimate renown, the U.S. welcomes you with weapons of your choice including machine guns. Note, however, the country's president has already topped you: he is threatening to nuke North Korea. The 'land of the free' is also the 'land of the freak'.

The prevailing belief that Donald Trump plans to pull out of the Iran Nuclear agreement might have been the final catalyst for the Nobel Peace Prize committee in Norway. It awarded it to ICAN, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. Unlike Aung San Suu Kyi or Barack Obama, it at least is not going to dim its luster and blacken the award.

That war, so glorified in history, does not have an equivalent honor seems a curious omission. Of course, there are always the spoils of war, and individuals persuaded to serve as gun fodder are beribboned and bemedaled, but no Nobel War Prize. We really do not know if Alfred Nobel would have approved although surely all the promoters, the war merchants (now the military industrial complex) have enough resources. So how about something named after Henry Shrapnel, inventor of the single most devastating killer from the battlefield of his day continuing through to the artillery carnage of World War I. Awarded to the world's most belligerent, it has interesting possibilities: For example, Barack Obama would have been among the few, the very few, holders of both the Nobel and the Shrapnel.

Likely aspirants are busy. On Wednesday (October 4) a joint U.S. and Niger Special Forces patrol was ambushed near the Mali border about 200km north of the capital Niamey -- where the U.S. has a drone base. A second drone base costing $100 million is planned for Agadez. Now how many people in the U.S. know there are 800 men stationed in Niger, a number likely to increase as the new second drone base is readied. The drones have to be serviced, the base guarded and protected, even though the drone pilots may be sitting at a terminal back in the U.S. itself -- an odious thought and a precursor of the future as people kill at the other end of the world from the safety of an arm chair in an office.

The cost of the Niger ambush: Four U.S. dead, two injured seriously enough to be flown to a base hospital in Germany. What is happening in Nigeria, Niger and Mali is a direct result of Libya's dismemberment. Once it led Africa on the Human Development Index and kept fundamentalists in check, now it's a hornet's nest of factions spilling arms to Islamic extremist groups like the one that attacked the patrol in Niger. Blowback from bad policy and a growth opportunity for the U.S. Africa Command.

The U.S. has been using war as a solution to global problems and disagreements for too many years. It is a state of mind, a national disease, causing incalculable loss -- countries destroyed, hundreds of thousands of lives lost, millions of lives devastated, a refugee crisis affecting European cohesion, even the recent German election, etc., and who is to say it did not affect a disturbed man in Las Vegas. Glorification of war and its inevitable heroes has its costs.

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See original here

Years of Russia hysteria and North Korea fearmongering led by the US mainstream media and NATO propaganda have built support for war among Americans, making them ready to "fight and die" in overseas lands, author and journalist Max Blumenthal told RT.

A recent study by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs has pointed at a shift in the collective thinking and feeling of Americans, when it comes how they view global conflict.

The study was conducted over the last two years leading up to the elections in 2016 and found that Americans seem to have found a new appetite for war.

Blumenthal, who co-hosts the "Moderate Rebels" podcast focused on US interventions and is the Senior Editor of AlterNet's Grayzone Project, spoke to RT America's Manila Chan about these developments.

RT: What do you make of this Chicago Council study?

Max Blumenthal: The Washington Post in a commentary framed these numbers as kind of the failure of Donald Trump's America First policy. And I think Trump has done a pretty horrible job selling his policy. There was a non-interventionist component that he campaigned on, which proved pretty popular, particularly in places like the Rust Belt.

However, I really think that if you look at these numbers, you should look at the internals, and look at when the poll was taken, and when the numbers started to shift. They started to shift when the election campaign began. They reflect a concerted campaign by the mainstream media and by the national security state, which has unprecedented access and control over mainstream media -- particularly CNN and MSNBC -- to bring the American public's views in line with the elites' [views] of our interventionist bipartisan foreign policy consensus in Washington. Two years of non-stop red-baiting, Russia hysteria, and fear mongering over North Korea have done the trick, particularly among Democrats.

RT: Speaking of the mainstream media, why do liberals tend to support interventionist policies at higher rates than even Republicans? It's unusual, isn't it?

MB: Yes, it is unusual. We should just talk about some of the numbers first. From 2015 to this summer we saw a 20 percent surge in the number of Americans who would support sending troops to defend South Korea. We also see, for the first time in history, a majority of Americans willing to send US troops to fight and die for Latvia against Russia, and that is a reflection of their support for NATO.

Liberals disproportionately support these militaristic policies, which seem to suggest support for a hot war with Russia, and even hot war with China. It would be disastrous if they took place. So why didn't that take place? Because of the partisan war against Trump, who has been portrayed as an enemy of NATO -- even though he is now as supportive of NATO as ever; as someone who is a Manchurian candidate of Russia, who is controlled by Putin's nine-dimensional chess and has colluded with Russia. So, Democrats tend to see Russia in a negative light, and they support interventionist policies.

But if you also look at CNN and MSNBC versus Fox News, which is the de-facto channel of the Republican Party and Trump, you see non-stop contributors from the national security state -- like James Clapper, Michael Hayden, the former CIA director -- pushing these kinds of militaristic policies. So, these are the channels that Democrats watch. Their media, including the Washington Post and the New York Times, has really stepped up the fearmongering and militarism.

So, you see a total reversal from the Bush period, the Bush era -- when Democrats were staunchly against the Iraq war, because it was Bush's war. And now you see the people that are against guns that are against mass shooting -- favoring pointing guns and committing mass shootings abroad.

RT: How do you view the posture of the American people on defending eastern European countries like Lithuania and Latvia, who are members of NATO?

MB: In 2014, Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary of State, wife of the neo-conservative Robert Kagan, said that Americans were ready to fight and die for Latvia. That wasn't true at the time. Now it is. These attitudes have been manufactured.

They've been partly manufactured by NATO propaganda. We heard at lot -- especially on CNN from figures like Jake Tapper, "Deep State Jake," who almost every show is pushing regime change in one of the non-compliant states. We heard a lot about the Zapad [West] military exercises, thinking Romania, where Russia was said to have amassed 100,000 troops on NATO borders -- even "Democracy Now!" reported that.

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Readings for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: IS 5:1-7; PS 80:9, 12-16, 19-20; PHIL 4: 6-9; MT 21: 33-43

For the past week, I've been watching episodes of Ken Burns' and Lynn Novick's PBS production "The Vietnam War." The series has ten episodes, each about an hour and a half long. So far I've seen three.

I bring it up because the viewing experience has relevance to this morning's Gospel reading which describes resistance to a landlord system similar to the one that provoked Vietnam's peasantry to take up arms.

Such local motivations remain obscured by Burns and Novick. The official story they tell is that of a geopolitical struggle between China and Russia on the one hand and the U.S. and France on the other. So the film's narrative is dominated by maps depicting huge swaths of geography (China and Russia) looming menacingly over Vietnam. The maps indicate that Vietnam along with the rest of French Indochina (including Laos and Cambodia) were threatened by monolithic communist takeover.

U.S. officials one after another describe their alarming "domino theory" contending that if Vietnam were "lost" to communism, so would Laos, Cambodia, Korea, Japan, the Philippines and the rest of Far East. It wouldn't be long before Ho Chi Minh's forces would be landing in Hawaii and then in California.

So viewers are asked to believe that in the footage showing huge numbers of Vietnamese civilians (including the elderly, women and children) moving equipment, building bridges, ferrying supplies, we are simply witnessing mindless agents of China and Russia. The Vietnamese were somehow persuaded to risk their lives (four million of them were killed in the conflict) to advance the totalitarian cause of Sino-Soviet world conquest.

As John Pilger and others have written, that simply doesn't stand to reason. For one thing, there was no monolithic alliance between Russia and China. Any semblance of that lay in ruins between the years 1960 and 1989.

That is, for the Vietnamese, what they call "The American War" (1960-75) could not have been fought on behalf of China or Russia. Rather, the conflict represented a struggle against colonial rule by French and American forces. It was also fought against a rent system that had peasants paying predatory tribute to absentee landlords. The latter were holed up in Saigon along with other beneficiaries of deteriorating colonial arrangements including its dysfunctional army, government officials, and participants in the supporting infrastructure.

Meanwhile, outside of Saigon, the peasants' revolutionary army (the Viet Cong) defended farmers against rent collection. They had the peasantry stop traveling to Saigon to pay their land fees. This, they said, would force representatives of the landlord class to venture out into territory controlled by the Viet Cong to collect their money or in-kind revenue. And there in the countryside they would be duly slaughtered.

In other words, patriotism and the peasants' immediate economic interest, not geo-political considerations, provided their main motivations for resistance to a colonial rental system that had long exploited them and caused their families to starve.

All of this has relevance to this morning's Gospel episode where Jesus tells a story that parallels the situation I've just described. Jesus and his audience too were living under an imperial system not unlike Vietnam's. The Romans controlled Palestine using tactics highly similar to those of the French and Americans in Indochina. The system's administrators, armies, police, and hangers-on were all holed up in Jerusalem protected by Roman legions.

Meanwhile, absentee administrators and landlords kept the province's peasants impoverished by exacting rent and taxes that the farmers detested. The latter resisted accordingly -- at times in Israel's history forming armies of resistance similar to the Viet Cong. One of those militias was known as the Zealots.

In any case, the parable centralized in this morning's gospel has Jesus problematizing a situation of violent peasant conflict over rent collection. In so doing, Jesus, no doubt, provoked a spirited discussion among his listeners about colonialism, landlordism, and about violent vs. non-violent resistance.

Jesus' story goes that an absentee landlord has rented out his vineyard. Peasants are resisting payment. So the man in the Big House sends out no doubt well-armed rent collectors. After the first ones are murdered by the farmers, he sends out what was probably a small army of "enforcers." But the peasants successfully defeat them too. Eventually, the landlord gets more serious. His own son heads up a collection force probably much larger and better armed than its predecessors. But surprisingly, the renters wipe them out as well. They assume ownership of the land in question presumably under some ancient version of the revolutionary slogan "Land to the tiller."

That said, the Master's articulates the problem that certainly provoked spirited discussion in his audience. "What will happen," Jesus asks, "to the revolutionaries demonized as 'wicked' by the landowning class?"

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From Paul Craig Roberts Website

Some of you keep pushing me for an explanation of the Las Vegas event. I have no contacts with people who might be involved in US covert operations. Some of you think that since I "was there with Reagan," I know everything about what goes on in government. This is not the case for anyone in government.

Those who are so interested in Las Vegas must figure it out on your own. Keep in mind that there can be just as much fake news on the Internet as on CNN, etc.

I can offer some guidance as to the sort of things you could examine to help you to come to a conclusion. Unless a normal police investigation was not undertaken, there will be crime scene photos that should show blood trails and blood pools. The kill area should coordinate with the alleged position of the shooter. Bullets that entered the ground should show the trajectory and direction that the bullet traveled.

If none of this evidence is available, turn to the available evidence. Do the videos of the people crouching and running show anyone who is hit? Do you hear voices crying out, "I've been hit, help me!"? If not, why not? 573 casualties is a large number.

Consult medics on how the wounded are handled and compare what you learn with this video that purports to be a video of the wounded brought to a hospital. Note the absence of medics and medical personnel. Note the incorrect ways that the alleged injured are being carried by people in street clothes who clearly are not professionals. Note the absence of blood. None on the stretchers, none on the victims, none on the people carrying the victims, none on the hospital floor. No signs of trauma.

Ask yourself how the injured came into the hands of concert goers who had fled the scene. Did concert goers return to the scene in order to recover the wounded? Why would they take this risk or be allowed to? It was an hour before police made it to the hotel room from which the shooting allegedly took place? Why would police, ambulances, medical personnel permit untrained people to handle the wounded?

I remember years ago that it became a personal liability matter for a good samaritan to help an injured person. There were cases where people attempting to help someone injured in an accident or shooting who did not know how to recognize injuries and the correct procedures for moving an injured person actually brought about the paralysis or death of the person they were attempting to help. The alleged injured bodies in the video are being manhandled. If there were a bullet close to the spine, for example, the consequence could be paralysis. I really do not believe that ordinary people would be permitted to lug the injured into a hospital. The video looks to me like crisis actors participating in a drill. There are reports that there were advertisements for crisis actors for a Las Vegas drill prior to the event. And here is a report allegedly from the hospital chief saying that after the shooting or alleged shooting, the hospital activated a "mass casualty incident disaster drill." If so, how did the hospital assemble the crisis actors so quickly?

Is the hospital chief's claim a way to explain away the absence of blood and inappropriate handling of the wounded by declaring it to be a drill, not evidence of the shooting? If so, then where is the evidence of injured people taken to hospital?

Responsible public authorities aware of the public's growing suspicion and recourse to conspiracy theories would go out of their way to provide clear hard evidence to back the official story. With 573 casualties, there has to be an abundance of evidence. Where is it?

I cannot sort out these issues for you. I am far more concerned about the conflict with Russia, Iran, and China toward which the neoconservatives, the military/security complex, and the presstitutes are driving us. If such a conflict materializes, the casualties will be a million or many millions larger than the alleged 573 dead and wounded in Las Vegas. I wish I could get

Americans as concerned about this as they are about Las Vegas.
(This is a reprint from NewsBred).

If you believe that under the preceding UPA government:

(a) lakhs of crores spent on subsidies and MGNREGA wages for the poor in this country were siphoned off;

(b) tens of thousands of fake PAN cards were in circulation;

(c) these fake identities helped the monster of drug-trafficking and terrorism;

(d) that Aadhaar's non-implementation during UPA's rule of 2009-2014--itself best known for scams--could have aided it;

Then the Fake News of the Indian Express on Thursday, "Aadhaar officials part of private firms that use Aadhar services for profit", is just for you.

Indian Express cites the example of three persons who were earlier part of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and now are with Khosla Labs who are offering Aadhaar-related services to clients such as Hero Motors, Samsung, Ola, Hinduja Leyland Finance, among others.

The premise of this 1000-word front-page diarrhea--which incidentally has more words than those spoken by the Prime Minister of this country on Indian economy--isn't clear. But by inference it's seen as a "clash of interest" and that these three gentlemen, by virtue of their position, could have influenced the decision-making of UIDAI in their favour."

(i) Now, how could there be a "clash of interest" if these persons have either left or are on a sabbatical from UIDAI till 2018?

(ii) How could these gentlemen influence the UIDAI decision when the Information and Technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has already stated that the section 19(5) of the Aadhaar Act 2016 reads: "If any member, who is a director of a company and who as such director, has any direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any manner coming up for consideration at a meeting of the authority, he shall, as soon as possible after relevant circumstances have come to his knowledge, disclose the nature of his interest at such meeting and such disclosure shall be recorded in the proceedings of the authority, and the member shall not take part in any deliberation or decision of the authority with respect to the matter."

The clarification by one of these three gentlemen to Indian Express that the Khosla Labs "went through the due process of applying for a licence with the UIDAI like all applicants" still didn't deter the newspaper from going ahead with the Fake News.

The linking of Aadhaar with PAN cards and with banks and income tax returns etc. has hugely upset the corrupt ecosystem of the past, which thrived on sucking the country hollow of all its vitality. Now endangered because Modi's government thrust on transparency, these louts are making a last-gasp stand to keep the gravy train rolling. The presstitutes are a willing ally for reasons that get you no prize from me for guessing.

(Facebook has set out 10 tools to check Fake News. A few give-aways are headlines, source, evidence and photos. Indian Express on Thursday's edition has been found out in peddling a Fake News.)
From To The Point Analyses

Part I -- Vietnam and America's War Culture

If you go to the Wikipedia page that gives a timeline of U.S. foreign military operations between 1775 and 2010, you are likely to come away in shock. It seems that ever since the founding of the country, the United States has been at war. It is as if Americans just could not (and still cannot) sit still, but had to (and still have to) force themselves on others through military action. Often this is aimed at controlling foreign resources, thus forcing upon others the consequences of their own capitalist avarice. At other times the violence is spurred on by an ideology that confuses U.S. interests with civilization and freedom. Only very rarely is Washington out there on the side of the angels. Regardless, the bottom line seems to be that peace has never been a deeply ingrained cultural value for the citizens of the United States. As pertains to foreign policy, America's national culture is a war culture.

It is against this historical backdrop that the recent Ken Burns 18-hour-long documentary on the Vietnam War comes off as superficial. There is a subtle suggestion that while those American leaders who initiated and escalated the war were certainly deceptive, murderously stubborn and even self-deluded, they were so in what they considered to be a good cause. They wanted to stop the spread of Communism at a time when the Cold War defined almost all of foreign policy, and if that meant denying the Vietnamese the right of national unification, so be it. The Burns documentary is a visual demonstration of the fact that such a strategy could not work. Nonetheless, American leaders, both civilian and military, could not let go.

What the Burns documentary does not tell us -- and it is this that makes the work superficial -- is that none of this was new. Almost all preceding American violence abroad had been rationalized by the same or related set of excuses that kept the Vietnam slaughter going: the revolutionary War was about "liberty," the genocidal wars against the Native Americans were about spreading "civilization," the wars against Mexico and Spain were about spreading "freedom," and once capitalism became officially synonymous with freedom, the dozens of bloody incursions into Central and South America also became about our "right" to carry on "free enterprise." As time went by, when Washington wasn't spreading "freedom," it was defending it. And so it goes, round and round.

Understanding the history of this ghastly process, one is likely to lose all faith in such rationales. However, it seems obvious that a large number of Americans, including most of their leaders, know very little of the history of American wars (as against knowing a lot of idealized pseudo-history). That is why Ken Burns and his associates can show us the awfulness of the Vietnam war to little avail. The average viewer will have no accurate historical context to understand it, and thus it becomes just an isolated tragedy. While it all might have gone fatally wrong, the American leaders were assumed to be well intentioned.

Describing the Vietnam War in terms of intentions is simply insufficient. In the case of war the hard-and-fast consequences of one's actions are more important than one's intentions. The United States killed roughly two million Vietnamese civilians for ideological reasons that its own leaders, and most of its citizens, never questioned.

Most of its citizens, but not all. There was, of course, a widespread and multifaceted anti-war movement. The anti-war protesters were, in truth, the real heroes, the real patriots of the moment. Along with the accumulating body bags, it was the anti-war movement that brought an end to the slaughter. However, once more Burns's documentary comes off as superficial. Burns leaves the viewer with the impression that the only truly legitimate anti-war protesters were veterans and those associated with veterans. But those were only a small part of a much larger whole. Yet the millions of other Americans who protested the war are essentially slandered by Burns. The documentary presents them as mostly Communist fellow travelers. We also see various representatives of that non-veteran part of the movement apologize for their positions.

There is the implication that the movement had bad tactics. Here is an example: one of the points that the Burns documentary makes is how distasteful was the labeling of returning soldiers as "baby killers." Actually this did not happen very often, but when it did, one might judge the charge as impolitic -- but not inaccurate. You can't kill two million civilians without killing a lot of babies. If we understand war in terms of the death of babies, then there might be fewer wars.

U.S. leaders also sent 58,000 of their own citizens to die in Vietnam. Why did these citizens go? After all, this was not like World War II. North Vietnam had not attacked the United States (the Bay of Tonkin incident was misrepresented to Congress). The Vietcong were not Nazis. But you need an accurate take on history to recognize these facts, and that was, as usual, missing. And so, believing their politicians, the generals, and most of their civic leaders, many draftees and volunteers went to die or be maimed under false pretenses.The inevitable post-war disillusionment was seen by subsequent U.S. leaders as a form of mental illness, and they labeled it "the Vietnam Syndrome." The "syndrome" was as short-lived as popular memory. In March of 2003 George W. Bush invaded Iraq under false pretenses and U.S. forces proceeded to kill half a million civilians.

In the end, American behavior in Vietnam was not just tragically flawed -- it was criminal. But it was also historically consistent -- an expression of a long-standing and deep-seated war culture, a culture that still defines the American worldview and has become the very linchpin of its domestic economy. That is why the wars, large and small, never stop.

Part II -- A Gun Culture to Complement the War Culture

America's propensity to violence in other lands is but one side of a two-sided coin. Callous disregard for civilian lives abroad is matched by a willful promotion of violence at home. That willful promotion is the product of a right-wing ideological orientation (stemming from a misreading of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution) that demands a nearly open-ended right of all Americans to own an almost unlimited number and types of firearms. The result is gun regulation laws that are embarrassingly ineffective.

Again, the consequences of this position are much more profound than any claim that its supporters' intentions are to defend citizens rights to own guns. Since 1968 about as many Americans have been killed in-country by gun violence (1.53 million) as have died in all of America's wars put together (1.20 million). The numbers are too close to be dismissed as coincidence. Both reflect a culture of exceptionalism that grants at once the United States government, and its citizens, extensive rights to act in disregard of the safety and security of others.

You would think Americans would recognize an obvious contradiction here. You cannot maintain a safe population and, at the same time, allow citizens the right to own and, largely at their own discretion, use firearms. Nonetheless, some Americans imagine that they have squared this circle by claiming that their guns are for "self-defense" and therefore do make for a safer society. This is just like the U.S. government's constant exposition that all its violence is committed in the name of civilization and freedom. In both cases we have a dangerous delusion. Ubiquitous gun ownership makes us unsafe, just as does the endless waging of war.

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From Paul Craig Roberts Website

US Media Credibility Collapses



YouTube

(Image by flickr.com) Details DMCA



According to this report, YouTube has shut down all independent media coverage of the Las Vegas shooting in a desperate maneuver to protect the official narrative.

I cannot attest to the truth of this report. However, it has been brought to my attention that the video made from inside the hospital, which I provided in a link in my article, of what appears to be crisis actors carrying pretend wounded into the hospital has been taken down by YouTube. See also here. Clearly, if there are real wounded carried to the hospital, why at the same time have crisis actors acting the part? It seems obvious to me that the video was taken down, because those being carried are clearly not wounded and are not being handled in a professional way.

I am aware of books by former insiders that describe the CIA's alliance with members of the media. When I was a member of the congressional staff, I was warned of the Washington Post's collaboration with the CIA. And we have the case of Udo Ulfkotte, whose book, "Purchased Journalism," was a bestseller in Germany, but the English translation was yanked from the market. Ulfkotte, an editor with one of Germany's main newspapers, wrote that he and most European journalists post articles handed to them by the CIA.

The way that the One Percent rules is by controlling the explanations. They do that through official statements endlessly parroted by the presstitutes who have sold their souls.

Remember, the presstitutes sold to the public the false story of "Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction," the false story of "Assad's use of chemical weapons," the false story of "Iranian nukes," the false stories about Gaddafi, about "Russian invasion of Ukraine," about Afghanistan, and on and on. When the presstitutes are willing to lie at the expense of the destruction of millions of people, the infrastructures of the countries, and millions of refugees inflicted upon Europe, how can we believe the presstitutes about Las Vegas, Sandy Hook, etc., especially when contradictions in the official stories are never cleared up and in place of hard evidence we are given only assertions and photoshopped photos?

Senator Richard Burr, Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee said two days ago that the committee's investigation of Russiagate uncovered "quite a few" news outlets that ran stories that were not factual about Russiagate. He said "we will use the findings of our report to let the American people hold every news organization accountable for what they portrayed as fact."

Government in the United States and the media whores that service government agendas have an immense credibility problem. We cannot rely on the veracity of any government or media statement. Like the boy who cried "wolf," Washington and the presstitutes have made it impossible to know when they are telling the truth.
Letters to the Editor: Election deniers and threats to democracy

Also: Really think about the future of short-term rental policy
United Airlines remains committed to Guam as a hub for its Asia-Pacific operations, but a sharp decline in travelers has prompted the airline to reduce flights that will affect travel to Manila, Japan, Yap and Palau.

Guam remains an important hub for United, and we continuously monitor the demand for travel throughout the region as we do for all routes globally, according to the airline in a statement.

We are adjusting the capacity between Guam and Japan in response to the sharp decline in traffic.

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Here are some of the changes United confirmed to The Guam Daily Post over the weekend:

 The Guam-Japan route overall will see flight reductions in response to the sharp decline in traffic.

 Guam-Sapporo will be discontinued after Jan. 15, 2018. After careful analysis, we have determined that this route is no longer economically sustainable. We are contacting our customers with reservations for travel beyond Jan. 16, 2018, to offer them alternate flight options or provide refunds, according to United.

 The Guam-Manila four-times-weekly morning service will discontinue starting Jan. 7, 2018. United will continue to offer daily, evening service between Guam and Manila after canceling its morning service between Guam and Manila. We are contacting customers with reservations on the affected flights to offer them alternate flight options.

 The Palau-Yap flights will be suspended starting Jan. 7, 2018. We will continue with existing service between Guam and Yap and Guam and Palau," according to the airline.

United will increase its island-hopper service from three to four times weekly. Beginning Jan. 21, 2018, United will offer island-hopper service between Guam and Honolulu via Chuuk, Pohnpei and Majuro. United currently operates the hopper service three times a week to Guam and Honolulu via Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae (twice weekly), Kwajalein and Majuro.

Impact of budget airlines

The downsizing of United flights and Delta Airlines recent announcement to pull out of flying to Guam completely, because of reduced travel demand, followed the increased entry of budget airlines into the Guam tourism market.

Tourist arrivals from Guam's core market, Japan, also significantly dropped amid the rise in South Korean arrivals.

While low-cost, no-frills airlines bring the tourist volumes to Guam, they run counter to the Guam Visitors Bureaus goal to shift from a focus on volumes of budget-constrained tourists to more of the higher-spending visitors.

Island restaurants are starting to notice the shift, with fewer tourists walking in to dine at full-service restaurants. The tourists are still seen in droves at value retail stores such as Kmart, buying ready-to-eat ramen and canned goods.

Deltas pullback means about 100,000 flight seats disappearing in a year, according to the Guam Visitors Bureau projection for the total seat impact this year. Two years ago, Delta provided nearly 200,00 flight seats to the Guam market, primarily from Japan and as an air link between Guam and the U.S. mainland.

United provided almost half of the flight seats  more than 600,000  to the Guam market this year.

United has served Guam for almost 40 years under its predecessor Continental Micronesia. The airline remains committed to Guam and the visitor markets the island serves, according to the airline.

But the travel numbers can no longer support existing flights, the airlines stated.

The United team will continue to work with local leaders, Guam Visitors Bureau and stakeholders to do its part in supporting the local economy.
For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME.

Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire.

Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III.





to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever.





Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation.





View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union.

Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history.

Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words.




The top lawyer for US pay-TV provider Cable One will retire from the company at the end of the year.

Alan Silverman, SVP and general counsel and secretary for the company, will leave as of 29 December after more than three decades with the provider.For the past 32 years  after two years at Newsweek, where he also assisted The Washington Post Company (now Graham Holdings Company) in our initial foray into the business with our acquisition of Capital Cities Cable  we have been lucky to have Alan serve as our general counsel, said Julia Laulis, president and CEO of Cable ONE . Alan has been a trusted advisor and counsel, spearheading and overseeing numerous acquisitions, our spin-off from Graham Holdings Company and going public, and managing a legal department handling complex legal and regulatory issues with a high standard of excellence. Alans keen intellect, practical approach and wise counsel have been our good fortune, and we owe him a great debt of gratitude.The Arizona-based company is commencing a national search to find Silvermans replacement, and Silverman will assist in the transition to his successor. While the search is under way, Matthew Stoloff, a company associate general counsel and assistant secretary, will serve as interim general counsel following Silvermans retirement.Silverman earned his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, an MBA from The Wharton School, and his undergraduate degree from Hamilton College. He serves on the endowment board of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University and on the board of the Hance Park Conservancy in Phoenix.
Body cameras for the Mooresville Police Department have arrived. Find out when they will be used.
Rachel Duggins got interested in cocktails early, from watching old movies in which the glamorous witty women and debonair men always seemed to have a drink in hand. When she was little, her family visited the iconic Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul; Duggins was transfixed by the beautiful bar there. She asked her mother if she could get a drink, and her mother agreed, with rules on what she could order. So Duggins climbed up and politely asked for a Shirley Temple, with extra cherries.

She was 5. And those early stars in her eyes never went away.

Everyone starts somewhere different, with different goals. Maybe you want to be a good host, ready for any drink request. Or maybe there's just a particular cocktail that you wouldn't mind having at home from time to time.

We can help. Starting up doesn't have to be overwhelming. You don't have to become a temple of mixology, creating your own syrups, infusing your own bitters, sending out drinks that would fit in on a Paris runway. You don't need a graduate degree in potions or enough money to afford a booze collection that requires its own wing. Just take it step by step.

That's how Paul Clarke, author of "The Cocktail Chronicles" and executive editor of Imbibe magazine, did it when he first got into cocktails around 2003, via a dinner party where everyone was laying claim to making a dish. Clarke figured he could either make a cocktail or wash dishes. He found a punch recipe, and everyone at the party liked it. It felt great, he says, joking that "the heavens opened and the Jesus light came down."

With a birthday coming up, he allowed himself a present: William Grimes' classic cocktail book "Straight Up or On the Rocks" and bottles of rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, because "I realized I had probably never had rye whiskey in my entire life, and I don't think I'd ever had a proper Manhattan."

He laughs recalling his early creations: "I dutifully measured out my Wild Turkey rye and my Martini & Rossi sweet vermouth, shook the [hell] out of it, got 'em nice and foamy . . ." (The Manhattan, properly prepared, is a stirred cocktail.)

Frothy Manhattan notwithstanding, Clarke was in. But he was also a responsible working dad, and so he set limitations: Each paycheck, he would allow himself one new bottle. "The idea was expansion - with this check, I'll look for a nice bottle of gin. Next check, I need to explore daiquiris, so I'll go look for a white rum."

These days, even his broom closet is filled with bottles. "The only places I have not stored it in my house are in the bathroom - that's gross - and the kids' rooms. Though I did think about that when they were littler and I was like, 'Hmm, maybe on the top shelf . . .?' "

("I have no idea what you're talking about," I told Clarke, eyeing the ever-expanding mass of bottles that threatens to become autonomous and roam, bloblike, through my home, absorbing the couch and the dog.)

But if Clarke were to start over, he would reclaim his broom closet. I heard the same from several passionate cocktailers who went down the rabbit hole in the early days, acquired hundreds of bottles, then realized they didn't really need all of them. Some have kept collecting, but they are more disciplined in curating what they acquire. Others have downsized.

You don't need 50 bottles of booze, and you don't need hundreds of bitters, says Brian Robinson, a financial adviser who serves as the review editor for the Wormwood Society, a nonprofit group that provides education about absinthe. Robinson is a serious collector of spirits, but, he says, "you can build out a nice, versatile bar with 15 or 20 bottles." In his bar area, he keeps a his go-to mixing spirits, and he can access a mini-fridge for perishables such as vermouth.

You don't need umpteen kinds of glassware, either, Duggins says. You probably need three kinds: a Collins glass, a rocks glass and a coupe. She's built out her collection of glassware and cocktail tools amply over the years, "but before then, I would mix cocktails in a Mason jar. That was good for stirring and for shaking because you can just put a lid on it."

Lawyer and longtime cocktail blogger Marshall Fawley gave away a lot of his extraneous liqueurs when he and his family moved. The way he drinks now is a shift from the early days. "Once we were being as complicated and fancy as we could be, because we were excited that we could do the same things at home as these fancy bars were doing," Fawley says. "But these days, I'm not necessarily going to spend an entire weekend macerating 60 different herbs to make my own bitters. A good Old-Fashioned is one of life's simple pleasures."

Here's a recommended course to grow your home cocktailing collection in a way that each round of purchasing will enable you to make new drinks. This list doesn't include such items as sugar/simple syrup and fresh citrus fruits, which you'll want to keep on hand. It's also smart to keep a decent bottle of Brut-style sparkling wine chilled for whenever you need it. By the end, you'll have a versatile, guest-friendly and manageable collection - and hopefully, a good sense of whether you want to expand it further.

Tools

You need: A cocktail shaker (which can double as a mixing glass), a measuring jigger, a long spoon, a julep strainer

You could also get (but can manage without): a mixing glass, a muddler, a fine-mesh strainer Glasses:A Collins glass, a rocks glass and a coupe (I'd advise against V-shaped "martini" glasses, which seem to be designed to spill drinks.)

Round 1

A good mid-price rye (such as Dickel or Redemption) or bourbon (such as Buffalo Trace or Maker's Mark); Angostura bitters; club soda

Budget: $50

You can now make:Whiskey &soda, Old-Fashioned

Round 2

A good dry gin (such as Beefeater or Plymouth); sweet and dry vermouth (Dolin Dry, Cocchi vermouth di Torino for the sweet); tonic water (Fever Tree is good); orange bitters

Budget: $65

You can now make:Manhattan, Martini, Gin and Tonic, gimlet, Tom Collins, Gin Rickey, French 75 (assuming you have sparkling wine)

Round 3

A good white rum (such as Banks 5 Island or Havana Club)

Budget: $30

You can now make:Daiquiri

Round 4

Campari (if you like it); a good silver or reposado tequila (such as Siembra, Ocho or El Tesoro)

Budget: $60-$70

You can now make: Negroni, Americano, Margarita

Round 5

Orange curacao (such as Pierre Ferrand); maraschino liqueur (such as Luxardo), grenadine

Budget: $60-$75

You can now make: El Presidente, Hemingway daiquiri, Martinez(usually made with sweeter Old Tom gin, but works with dry gin)

Round 6

A good rye or bourbon (whichever you didn't get in Round 1), absinthe, Peychaud's bitters

Budget: $80 (good absinthe is expensive; a small bottle will last a long time)

You can now make:Sazerac
The new U.S. ambassador to Russia says restoring Ukrainian sovereignty over all its territory will be a key issue in his dealings with Moscow as he begins his tenure amid a period of high tensions between the two world powers.

Speaking in Salt Lake City, former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman on October 7 said he wants to improve relations with Russia, but he insisted the first step would be for Moscow to return Ukrainian control to territory within its internationally recognized borders.

"This is an issue not only with the United States, but with Europe, Canada, and virtually every other developed country," said Huntsman, who was visiting his home state for a ceremonial swearing-in event.

Moscow seized the Crimean Peninsula from Kyiv's control and has supported separatists in eastern Ukraine in war that has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014.

The United States, other Western countries, and the European Union have imposed sanctions on Russia for its actions in Ukraine, just one of many global issues separating the two countries.

Huntsman, who presented his credentials to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on October 3, told the Salt Lake City crowd that he wants to work with Moscow to solve the crisis over North Koreas banned nuclear and ballistic-missile programs.

He called Pyongyang a threat to Russia and the rest of the world, not just to the United States.

"Acting together, we think the United States and Russia could force the North Korean regime to the negotiating table to find a diplomatic solution," he said.

Huntsman's comments came a week after President Donald Trump said in an October 1 Twitter statement that negotiating with North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs was a waste of time.

Huntsman also spoke of possible cooperation with Russia in the effort to defeat the Islamic State (IS) militant group and in efforts to end the six-year civil war in Syria, where Washington and Moscow back opposing sides.

The severe tension in bilateral ties also stems from a January report by the U.S. intelligence community that determined Putin ordered an "influence campaign" targeting the 2016 presidential election in the United States.

At a confirmation hearing before a Senate panel on September 19, Huntsman said there is "no question -- underline, no question -- that the Russian government interfered in the U.S. election last year. And Moscow continues to meddle in the democratic processes of our friends and allies."

Huntsman served as U.S. ambassador to Singapore under President George H.W. Bush and as ambassador to China under President Barack Obama.

He briefly ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012.

With reporting by AP, AFP, and KSL.com
Belarusian student Alyaksandra Chychykava was chosen as Miss Wheelchair World in the first-ever international edition of the pageant held in Warsaw.

The October 7 event was organized by the Only One Foundation with a goal to "change the image of women in wheelchairs so they would not be judged solely by this attribute," contest co-founder and jury president Katarzyna Wojtaszek-Ginalska said.

"It is not the looks that matter the most," said Wojtaszek-Ginalska, who is confined to a wheelchair. "Of course, a good look counts, but we have focused especially on the personality of the girls, their everyday activities, their involvement, social life, plans."

The pageant had been held four times previously as Miss Poland Wheelchair before going international for this edition. The event featured 24 women from 19 countries.

The countries involved were Angola, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Finland, France, Guatemala, India, Italy, Mexico, Moldova, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, and the United States.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP
A court in Bosnia-Herzegovina has acquitted Naser Oric, the commander of Bosnian Muslim troops in the Srebrenica area during Bosnia's 1990s conflict, of war crimes charges.

The state war crimes court in Sarajevo acquitted Oric, 50, of the charge of killing three ethnic Serb prisoners of war in the Srebrenica area in 1992.

Another Bosnian Army soldier, Sabahudin Muhic, was also found not guilty.

"The accused Naser Oric and Sabahudin Muhic have been acquitted of charges of violating provisions of the Geneva Conventions," Judge Saban Maksumic told the court.

The judge said that the testimony of a protected witness, which was crucial to the indictment, lacked credibility.

Relatives of the victims walked out the courtroom in protest against the verdict, which also sparked outrage from the leader of Bosnian Serbs and Belgrade.

"I have nothing to say, the court said what it had to say," Oric said after leaving the tribunal as he was welcomed by supporters.

Oric is seen as a hero by many Bosniaks for his role in defending Muslims during the 1992-95 Bosnian war, in which more than 100,000 people were killed.

Srebrenica fell in 1995 to Bosnian Serb troops who killed more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys there in what is considered Europe's worst atrocity since World War II.

In 1995, the U.S.-brokered Dayton accords mostly ended the violence, with Bosnia being split into two entities -- the Muslim-Croat Federation of Bosnian Muslims and Croats and the ethnic Serb-dominated Republika Srpska.

Republika Srpska's nationalist leader, President Milorad Dodik, said the verdict was "proof that in Bosnia there is no punishment for criminals [committing crimes] against Serbs."

He suggested that the ruling will likely "revive the idea of holding a referendum" on ethnic Serbs' participation in Bosnia's judicial bodies.

Vinko Lale, the head of an association of Serbian prisoners of war, told AFP news agency that Oric's acquittal will "radicalize the situation on the political field."

Meanwhile, the chairman of Bosnia's three-man presidency, Dragan Covic, a Bosnian Croat, said negative rhetoric over the case could be a setback for the country's progress.

In neighboring Serbia, Justice Minister Nela Kuburovic called the ruling "shameful," while Defense Minister Vulin accused the Sarajevo court of "jeopardizing peace, security, trust, reconciliation in the whole Balkans."

The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague (ICTY) sentenced Oric to two years in prison in 2006 for failing to prevent the murder and inhumane treatment of Serbian prisoners, but he was immediately released because he had already served the time.

In 2008, the UN court's appeals chamber overturned the verdict and cleared Oric.

Unhappy with the ex-commanders acquittal, Belgrade in 2014 launched an international warrant over the killing of nine Serb civilians near Srebrenica in 1992.

Switzerland arrested Oric in 2015 on the warrant issued by Serbia but extradited him to Bosnia to face charges, a decision that caused anger in Belgrade. His trial started in Sarajevo in January 2016.

With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and BalkanInsight
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to pay a one-day official visit to Ukraine on October 9.

Erdogan and his Ukrainian counterpart, Petro Poroshenko, are due to chair a session of the Turkey-Ukraine High-Level Strategic Council in Kyiv.

The Turkish presidency said that Erdogan is also set to meet with the speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, Andriy Parubiy, and Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroysman.

https://www.tccb.gov.tr/en/speeches-statements/558/84808/sayin-cumhurbaskanimizin-ukrayna-ziyaretine-iliskin-basin-aciklamasi.html

It also said bilateral relations and regional matters would be discussed during the visit and that a number of bilateral documents will be signed.

Erdogans office said that the sides will also exchange views on the Crimean issue and the situation of Crimean Tatar.

Russia seized Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in March 2014, sending in troops and staging a referendum denounced as illegal by dozens of countries, and backs separatists in a war that has killed more than 10,000 people in eastern Ukraine since April 2014.

Rights groups and Western governments have also denounced what they called a persistent campaign of oppression targeting Turkic-speaking Crimean Tatars and other citizens who opposed Moscow's takeover.
The head of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has suggested that U.S. military forces in the Middle East could be in danger of an Iranian missile attack if Washington imposes new sanctions against Tehran.

Jafaris comments on October 8 follow several media reports saying that U.S. President Donald Trump intends to announce plans to decertify the 2015 nuclear deal that global powers forged with Iran in 2015 -- declaring it not in U.S. interests. The move would give the Republican-controlled Congress 60 days to decide whether to reinstate sanctions on Tehran that were suspended under the agreement.

Irans official IRNA news agency quoted IRGC commander Mohammad Ali Jafari as saying that if new sanctions go into effect, the United States should move its regional bases to a 2,000-kilometer radius from Iran, adding that 2,000 kilometers is the range of Iranian missiles.

The U.S. military currently has bases less than 800 kilometers from Irans borders in countries neighboring Iran.

Jafari also said that if the United States designates the IRGC as a terrorist group, the IRGC would consider the U.S. Army a terrorist group.

The IRGC, Iran's most powerful internal and external security force, is known for its tough talk, but it doesn't outline the country's official position.

The United States has designated the IRGCs external branch -- the Quds Force -- and a number of individuals and entities associated with the organization as terrorist, but not the IRGC as a whole.

In an interview taped earlier this week and aired on October 7 on Trinity Broadcasting Network, Trump declined to specify his intentions in regard to the nuclear accord with Iran, but he said he is very unhappy with the dealIm very unhappy with their attitude.

The spirit of the deal, certainly, is not thereThey are literally causing trouble, predominantly in the Middle East, he added.

Trumps latest comments are in line with what he said during an October 5 meeting with military leaders at the White House, 10 days before a deadline to decide whether to certify that Iran is in compliance with the deal, which he has sharply criticized.

Iranian President Hassan Rohani has warned of unspecified consequences if the United States leaves the accord, under which Tehran agreed to curtail its nuclear activities in exchange for relief from international sanctions.

Other signatories to the accord are Russia, China, Britain, France, and Germany.

The United States and other Western governments fear that Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran says its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes, including power generation.

The Trump administration has twice certified that Iran is complying with its obligations under the nuclear accord, but it also frequently charged that Tehran breaks the "spirit" of the deal, including by continuing to test-launch ballistic missiles and rockets capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Washington has imposed several rounds of sanctions over the missile and rocket launches.

With reporting by AP, IRNA, AFP, AP, and TBN
An Iranian teenager sneaks up behind a cleric in the capital, Tehran, and knocks his turban off his head before dashing off.

The incident, uploaded on social media, is part of a new tactic employed by anti-government demonstrators in Iran.

Nationwide antiestablishment protests have raged across the Islamic republic since the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died on September 16 shortly after she was arrested for allegedly violating the hijab law on women's dress.

As the authorities have waged a deadly crackdown on the rallies, some demonstrators have turned to new tactics to sustain the monthslong protests, including tipping off Islamic clerics' turbans in the streets.

Many Iranians associate members of the clergy with Iran's Islamist regime, which many blame for the repression and corruption in the country.

While some Iranians have praised the "turban throwing" as an act of resistance, others have expressed concern that low-level clerics who are not affiliated with the state could become the victims of harassment and violence.

Lawmaker Mohammad Taghi Naqd Ali on November 10 called the new trend "the devil's conspiracy" and warned that young protesters tossing clerics' turbans were "playing with the lion's tail."

State media reported the arrests of two people in recent days who were accused of knocking off clerics' turbans.

London-based human rights lawyer Shadi Sadr said the tactic was a "brave and revolutionary act." Sadr, the co-founder of the rights group Justice for Iran, told RFE/RL that protesters were "humiliating" clerics without resorting to violence. "They're [targeting] the clergy's turban as a symbol of the crimes and corruption of the past 43 years as well as the privileges clerics have enjoyed," she said.

"There is no violence in it, and it also includes youthful mischief, which highlights the spirit of the revolution," Sadr added, referring to the monthslong protests that have posed the biggest threat to the establishment in years.

But Ahmad Zeidabadi, a Tehran-based journalist and former political prisoner, said that some of the clerics targeted in the streets "may be critics or even victims of [state] policies."

"This phenomenon...mainly targets clerics who do not hold any government positions," he said on Twitter, adding that senior clerics in powerful positions rarely appear in public and are often protected by security guards if they do.

Reformist cleric Hojatoleslam Ahmad Heidari, who was jailed in the past for his support for the opposition Green Movement, warned that the new trend could taint the "beautiful face of [the] protest movement against oppression and injustice."

"You're right to be angry at those wearing turbans," Heidari wrote on the news site Esafnews.com. But he added that "those who have a hand in power and are your target" are out of reach. He said many of the clerics targeted were "young and elderly" clerics who are not sitting in "ivory towers."

Attacks on clerics, particularly those who attempt to enforce Islamic codes in public, had been on rise in Iran even before the protests erupted, forcing many clerics to appear in public without their robes and turbans.

Last week, a cleric was reportedly hospitalized after being wounded in Karaj, near Tehran, amid antiestablishment protests in the city. The hard-line Fars news agency claimed that protesters attacked the cleric with knives.

Hassan Fereshtian, a Paris-based Iranian cleric and researcher, said the turban-throwing trend was the result of the "suppressed anger of the past four decades."

"If it aims at eliminating the clergy, we could be facing the start of violence," he warned in comments to RFE/RL's Radio Farda. "In fact, the clergy should be eliminated from the centers of power. But they shouldn't be eliminated from society."

Fereshtian, a student of the late dissident Grand Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri, expressed hope that Iran will reach a point "where secular people can live peacefully next to the clergy and unveiled women next to those who choose to wear the hijab."

In the past year, regime supporters have knocked off the turbans of clerics who had criticized the establishment, including former Interior Minister Abdollah Nuri and former parliament speaker Mehdi Karrubi, who has been under house arrest since 2011 for disputing the 2009 reelection of former President Mahmud Ahmadinejad.
Iraqi photographer Ali Arkadys grim series of images about the brutal conflict in his country has been awarded the top prize in the prestigious Bayeux-Calvados competition for war correspondents.

"They are the most sinister, upsetting pictures I have seen in my entire life," Jeremy Bowen, the head of the jury, told the AFP news agency on October 7 at the ceremony in Bayeux, France.

"The pictures were really, really strong. They were evil," he said of the photographs by the 34-year-old Arkady, who was a source of controversy at the event.

Arkady followed Iraqi special forces in Tikrit, Fallujah, and Mosul, and included in the images he took were scenes of torture and violence.

The photographer admitted to twice having participated in acts of torture allegedly carried out by Iraqi soldiers he was following out of fear of reprisals, actions he has told reporters he was "not proud" of committing.

At the ceremony, Arkady said he wanted "the Iraqi government to realize that these soldiers committed war crimes. I want to stop that, but unfortunately, it continues."

After his story was covered by ABC News, The Toronto Star, and Der Spiegel, Iraqi authorities launched an investigation into the alleged abuse.

Arkady said he received threats as a result of his reporting. Fearing for his safety, Arkady and his family fled the country.

Based on reporting by AFP and Paris Normandie
Yakub Doganai came to Kazakhstan from his native Turkey 18 years ago to work as a teacher at a private school in the capital, Almaty.

Like other foreigners, Doganai has had to renew his visa every year, normally nothing more than a bureaucratic nuisance.

Until this year.

"I've work at Suleyman Demirel University since arriving in Kazakhstan. For the past two months, I worked at the Eurasian Technological University after being invited to teach there. They tried to extend my visa at the university, but were unable to," explains Doganai.

And he was not alone.

"About 30 to 40 teachers can't get visas. Some have expired passports as well. The Turkish Embassy won't issue them new passports," Doganai adds.

Finally, the Migration Service of Kazakhstan delivered him the news: Dogania and his family had to leave the country by September 26 due to the expiration of his visa.

Like other Turkish citizens in Kazakhstan, Doganai suspects the refusal of Kazakh authorities to extend his visa has nothing to do with his work but rather geopolitics between the two friendly states.

Back home in Turkey, observers say authorities have cracked downed on anyone suspected of being connected with last year's failed coup, arresting and jailing literally thousands.

Amid an atmosphere of fear, suspected sympathizers or supporters of the U.S.-based Turkish preacher Fethullah Gulen have been singled out in what critics liken to a witch hunt.

Turkey accuses Gulen of masterminding the July 15, 2016, coup attempt, a claim he rejects.

Ankara is unconvinced.

And as Doganai's case attests, it's not only Turks at home who are being targeted.

"It seems we're being treated the same way in absentia. But where is Gulen, and where am I?" Doganai asks. "I'm not some youngster who would blindly follow something that was allegedly said by Gulen. I'm a professor with a respectable position."

But Turkish authorities appear especially suspicious of Turkish citizens working at schools abroad, claiming many of the institutions are linked to Gulen.

I haven't visited my parents in Turkey for three years. There's no rule of law there. They'll take us into custody if we go there."

In November 2016, Pakistan ordered out more than 100 Turkish teachers who worked at Pakistani-Turkish schools that Ankara accused of having ties with Gulen, something the schools all denied.

In Kazakhstan, there are 27 Kazakh-Turkish lyceums, or private secondary schools. Established by a bilateral 1992 agreement, the schools have a reputation for high academic standards.

Nevzat Uyanyk, the Turkish ambassador to Kazakhstan, claimed in June 2016 that Gulen "cells" were operating in Kazakhstan and called on Astana to shut down any school "linked with Gulen."

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev assured Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in August 2016 that a special commission comprising Turkish and Kazakh specialists would vet the schools.

Shortly after, Kazakhstan Education Minister Erlan Sagadiev announced the institutions were clean, "operating in strict accordance with our standards."

Later that same year, Nazarbaev announced 11 Turkish teachers had been repatriated to Turkey after their role in the failed coup had been "proven." He added, however, that those remaining Turkish teachers in Kazakhstan were innocent and would not be sent back unless Ankara provided evidence proving otherwise.

However, such assurances by Nazarbaev, who has ruled oil-and-gas rich Kazakhstan since before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, appear to be increasingly hollow.

The well-known Kazakh scientist Askar Zhumadildaev told the magazine Qazaq Adebieti that, due to the current political climate, 20 Turkish professors with whom he worked at Suleyman Demirel University had left Kazakhstan.

Olzhas Kudaibergenov, an economist and member of the board of trustees at the NurOrda international school, claims teachers returning to Turkey from Kazakhstan face jail without trial or investigations. He has urged Almaty to grant Kazakh citizenship to Turkish teachers.

Doganai says pulling up stakes and leaving Kazakhstan was difficult.

"I have four kids. The oldest is 19; the youngest is 6 years old. It was difficult for me and my wife to deal with having to leave into the unknown. We're used to Kazakhstan, its language and culture," Doganai says.

Like others, Doganai denies any role in politics and fears what may await him back in Turkey.

Social media has become an outlet for Turkish teachers in Kazakhstan to share their fears and seek out support.

Anes Kurtai, another Turkish teacher forced to leave Kazakhstan, was pictured in a Facebook post on October 1 posing with his students in an apparent final photo before departing the country.

Kurtai arrived in Kazakhstan in the early 1990s to work as a teacher, social-media posts suggest.

Mustafa Demir worked at a Kazakh-Turkish lyceum before leaving three years ago for Indonesia, where he now lives in Jakarta. He says Ankara has unleashed a witch hunt for suspected supporters of Gulen.

"I haven't visited my parents in Turkey for three years. There's no rule of law there. They'll take us into custody if we go there," Demir says. "Teachers at schools in Kazakhstan aren't the only ones affected, but Turkish teachers in Indonesia as well. The Turkish Embassy refused to extend our passports. Now, kids of Turkish citizens who were born in Indonesia don't have any citizenship."

Marat Tokashbaev, editor in chief of the pro-government President And People news site, says that despite promises by Nazarbaev not to return Turkish citizens to Turkey, the country's bureaucracy is throwing up roadblocks to make it possible to stay in Kazakhstan.

"They either need a visa or a residence permit so that they can continue to work here," Takashbaev explains. "Those who can't get one or the other have to file for asylum status at the embassies of either Germany or Sweden."

Political scientist Aidos Sarim says Turkish citizens living in Kazakhstan at least 14 or 15 years could be given political asylum and that 30 to 40 teachers could be granted Kazakh citizenship for their "contribution in the field of education."

Sarim accuses low-level bureaucrats of failing to follow Nazarbaev's orders.

"Society and the government have sympathy for the plight of the Turkish teachers," Sarim says. "But those who have the power to do something about this don't."

Written by RFE/RL senior correspondent Tony Wesolowsky on the basis of reporting by RFE/RL Kazakh Service correspondent Asylkhan Mamashuly.


Russian authorities say about 3,000 people were evacuated from a shopping center on the outskirts of the capital, Moscow, after a fire broke out in the basement.

Flames spread from a storage room in the basement of the Sindika shopping center, which specializes in building supplies, with 55,000 square meters of the site ablaze, the Ministry of Emergency Situations said on October 8.

Structures have collapsed on an area of at least 300 square meters inside the building, Russian news agencies reported.

One person was reportedly hospitalized.

About 100 firefighters were deployed to the site in the Moscow region's Odintsovo district, along with three helicopters.

The Sindika shopping center has a commercial area of more than 130,000 square meters and houses 1,200 shops.

Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax
MOSCOW -- Many of the posts on the website Pereboi.ru -- a chat room for Russians diagnosed with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS -- are alarming.



"Today my husband went to the clinic and they told him that they gave out all the medicine on Monday," wrote Nelli from Ufa. "He went downtown and they told him they have no medicine and they aren't getting any."



"I feel awful, but they won't give me any treatment. They said there is a shortage of antiretroviral treatment in Tomsk Oblast and they are only giving it to the most dire cases," wrote Marina from Tomsk. "I am raising a child, and I don't want to die."



Problems with the distribution of HIV/AIDS medications have become endemic in Russia, forcing patients to increasingly rely on one another to get the treatments they need. The situation in Russia in 2017 has come to resemble the plot of the Hollywood movie Dallas Buyers Club, which was set in the United States in the 1980s.

"When I was diagnosed with HIV in the early 2000s, there was no treatment at all," says Aleksei Yaskovich, the head of the Melnitsa nongovernmental organization in Kursk who created the Aptechka network for redistributing HIV/AIDS medications in 2010. "My doctor told me, 'If you live three years, you'll be lucky.' Back then, it was really scary. But now you know that medicine exists but that you aren't getting it because of some bureaucratic hang-ups."

Yaskovich noticed seven years ago that the Health Ministry's system for distributing vital HIV/AIDS medications frequently produced situations where clinics ran out in the middle of the year, leaving patients with life-threatening gaps in their treatment.

"And people were dying," Yaskovich tells RFE/RL. "It all began back then. They would take medicine away from some patients and give it to others. Pregnant women and children had priority."

So patients began to organize.

WATCH: The trailer for Dallas Buyers Club:

Patients whose treatment regimen was changed would send their old medications to Yaskovich for redistribution. In the beginning, the entire Aptechka program could be found in Yaskovich's refrigerator.

"It was full of pills, boxes, and bags," he recalls. "My mother was getting upset."

He discussed the problem at a conference in Vienna in 2011.

"Other people left the conference with souvenirs," he says. "I had half a suitcase full of several thousand tablets of Kaletra."

Medicines also became available in more tragic situations.

"Our friends would die and their mothers would give us their medications," says Svetlana Prosvirina, head of the Kaliningrad NGO Status+ and local Aptechka coordinator. "I remember the first time: A friend of mine died of an overdose and his mother gave us a whole chest of pills at his wake. Apparently, he had gotten seriously into drugs and had forgotten about his medications. That is how we filled our little drugstore the first time."

Sometimes, medicines come straight from the producers, through sympathetic workers there.

"Everything is done through personal contacts," says Ivan, who asked not to be identified because he works in a state-run clinic. "I call a friend and he says, 'We have a couple of boxes we can share. Bring a car.' I don't have a car, but I go with two backpacks and a shopping trolley. Then we send them to Biisk, Rubtsovsk, and Barnaul."

Russia is virtually the only developed country where the number of new HIV infections and the number of AIDS-related deaths in on the rise. According to UNAIDS, in Spain, for instance, 73 people died of AIDS in 2015 compared to 1,034 in 2006. In France, those figures were 354 and 61.

In Russia, by contrast, government figures show that 1,529 people died of AIDS in 2005. By 2013, that figure was 10,611, and last year, it reached 18,577. Activists say the death toll will likely top 20,000 this year. It is impossible to say how many of these cases result from the irregular access to vital medications that Aptechka tries to counter.

Russia is virtually the only developed country where the number of new HIV infections and the number of AIDS-related deaths in on the rise.

"In the first half of this year, we sent 93 parcels to various regions," says Yulia Vereshchagina of the NGO Patient Control in St. Petersburg. "That is about four or five parcels a week. But it is hard to tell exactly how many people we are helping because a lot of the packages are for more than one person. Sometimes one parcel has supplies for up to five people."

Aptechka also helps patients who are simply too tired or too ill to make it to their clinic to get their medications. Or, in some cases, they are unable to take enough days off work both to make their doctors' appointments and to travel back to the town where they are registered as HIV patients.

For 2017, the Health Ministry spent 17 billion rubles ($296 million) to buy treatments for 235,000 patients. Activists estimate this covered about one-third of the demand. In September, the government added an additional 4 billion rubles.

The spike in shortages has strongly activated the Aptechka network this year.

"Now, we aren't only helping out with pills, but we are also urging people to write complaints to [state consumer protection agency] Rospotrebnadzor," Ivan says. "We tell them not to wait around. In Barnaul, when people started writing, we saw some progress. It hasn't produced a positive solution, but while in the past people just hung around their local AIDS centers, now they are giving pills to the loudest ones."

Yaskovich continues to generate ideas to alleviate the situation, but he is pessimistic.

"I keep thinking about creating a single online resource where the managers of all the drugstores in the country could post in real time information about what drugs they have, when they expire, and so on," he tells RFE/RL. "They have this idea that with 'import substitution' [as a result of Western sanctions against Russia and Moscow's self-imposed countersanctions] we will start producing [the medications] ourselves and everything will get better. This is an illusion. Nothing will get better. I don't see any improvement in the situation. What happened in 2011 is happening again now, in 2017."

Written by RFE/RL senior correspondent Robert Coalson on the basis of reporting by RFE/RL Russian Service correspondent Anastasia Kuzina.
Russian authorities say they have released all demonstrators who were detained for taking part in unauthorized rallies across Russia that coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putins birthday on October 7.

Meanwhile, Russian civil organizations reported new detentions in central Moscow on October 8.

The Interior Ministry said that a total of 136 demonstrators were taken into custody the day before for taking part in 26 illegal rallies across the country.

It said 71 charges for administrative offenses were filed against demonstrators and that 60 of the people who were detained must make court appearances.

However, a group that monitors politically motivated arrests said it documented at least 271 cases of people being arrested during the October 7 protests.

The Moscow-based OVD-Info said at least 62 people were detained in St. Petersburg on October 7.

They included Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalnys campaign coordinator, Mikhail Sosin, and the campaign's lawyer, Denis Mikhailov.

Navalnys campaign coordinators in Perm, Tver, and Stavropol were also detained, as well as numerous campaign activists across the country who were demanding that Navalny be allowed to run in Russia's 2018 presidential election.

Rallies and protests were held in dozens of Russian cities -- including Moscow, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Ulan-Ude, Chita, and Stavropol.

OVD-Info and the Open Russia civic movement said that more than a dozen Navalny supporters were detained in the center of the Russian capital on October 8 while holding small demonstrations.

They said that the detentions took place in Manezh Square by the Kremlin walls and outside the nearby building of the lower house of parliament, the State Duma.

Amnesty International on October 7 urged authorities to immediately release detained protesters and investigate allegations that police used abusive force against demonstrators in St. Petersburg and Yakutsk.

The Kremlins intent is clear: to choke the life out of the protest movement. But it has also become clear in recent months that this reproachful goal cannot be achieved," said Denis Krivosheev, deputy director for Europe and Central Asia at Amnesty International.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service, Current Time TV, Ekho Moskvy, Fontanka, RIA-Novosti, TASS, and AP
MOSCOW -- More than 270 Russians were detained by police on October 7 as opposition activists staged antigovernment rallies across the country to demand the release of jailed anticorruption crusader and presidential hopeful Aleksei Navalny.



Held on President Vladimir Putins 65th birthday, the rallies were the third major opposition protest action this year, but not everything went down as usual. Police transparently avoided making arrests in the capital, demonstrator turnout was markedly smaller overall, while competing spoiler rallies were held in two cities to support  of all things -- Catalan independence.



RFE/RL takes a closer look at five of the biggest rallies.



Moscow



Several hundred protesters gathered under the central Moscow statue of Aleksandr Pushkin before launching a procession down Tverskaya Street toward the Kremlin, chanting Putin is a thief and brandishing protest signs.



Despite this and the fact that the protest was not authorized by City Hall, the police did not make arrests in what appeared to be an unusual -- but entirely calculated -- tactic.

Speaking to the independent Moscow-based TV Rain, political analyst Valery Solovei said police simply anticipated there would be a small turnout given the relative spontaneity of the rally and the fact that many of the leading figures in the Navalny camp were detained before events even began.



Announced just days before, the protest on October 7 had a much smaller turnout in the capital than two previous protests there led by Navalny in March and June that brought thousands onto the streets and saw hundreds of arrests.



The protest on October 7 fizzled out and dispersed over the course of an afternoon plagued by heavy showers, with scattered pockets of young people gathering, for instance, by the Pushkin statue, where they sang Soviet-era war songs and the Russian national anthem. The protest was proclaimed over by late afternoon, although it did continue in some form.

A small group of hardcore Muscovites rallied on Manezh Square by the Kremlin walls late into the evening, demanding Navalnys release and promising to stay overnight.



St. Petersburg



The authorities handling of the rally in the capital was in stark contrast to the harsh police response in Putins hometown, where an estimated 1,500 demonstrators gathered by the Field of Mars park.

Police detained at least 66 people, while a woman was filmed bleeding from her head after taking what she said was a blow from a police truncheon. Another woman reportedly broke her leg, while a journalist said he had been repeatedly kicked by police in the head.

RFE/RLs Russian Service reported that provocateurs -- known as titushki during Ukraines Euromaidan protests -- were also present among the demonstrators and started a fight.





Yekaterinburg



The rally in St. Petersburg and another in the Urals town of Yekaterinburg had unusual quirks, as well as police arrests. Competing spoiler rallies were held at their intended locations by mysterious groups of students who held aloft flags of Catalonia. The Spanish region recently held an independence vote, and the rally was quickly interpreted by opposition activists as spoiler rallies masquerading as a show of support for Catalan independence in order to distract from the opposition spectacle.

Photographs from Yekaterinburg showed a few hundred antigovernment protesters on Labor Square. The OVD-Info monitor said at least 14 people were detained, with videos from the scene showing police literally carrying protesters away to police buses. The protest in Yekaterinburg was also attended by the opposition-minded Yekaterinburg Mayor Yevgeny Roizman, who tweeted a photograph of himself standing with Navalny ally Leonid Volkovs mother.





Krasnodar



A few hundred people took part in a protest in Krasnodar on Theater Square outside the city administration. Organizers said at least 20 people were detained. Writing on the popular social-networking site VK (formerly VKontakte), Navalnys local activists said all street lighting in the vicinity was turned off on the square. Activists alleged that masked provocateurs had been sent into the crowd. Kavkazky Uzel reported that a Cossack supporter of Navalny was attacked.

Yaroslavl



A few hundred protesters rallied on Yaroslavls Soviet Square, prompting police to make the second-largest number of detentions at any rally in the country.

According to the OVD-Info monitor, 54 protesters were detained, including 20 minors. In addition, Navalnys local campaign headquarters was searched by police for at least four hours, activists said. Police claimed they were following up on information that the activists were planning mass riots. Navalnys local representatives said on Twitter that the police confiscated computers to check them for extremism.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has told world leaders that the time to end Russia's war in Ukraine is "now" and called for the extension of a grain-export deal due to expire shortly, as heavy fighting continues in the eastern Luhansk and Donetsk regions.

"I am convinced that now is the time when the Russian destructive war must and can be stopped," Zelenskiy said in a video address to the Group of 20 (G20) summit in Bali, Indonesia, on November 15.

"It will save thousands of lives," he said.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Zelenskiy said Ukraine would not allow Russian troops to regroup after their withdrawal from the southern strategic city of Kherson, and said there would be more fighting until Ukraine reclaims control of all of its occupied territory.

The liberation of Kherson over the weekend was one of Ukraine's biggest successes in nearly nine months since the start of the Russian invasion.

Zelenskiy urged Moscow to withdraw all its forces from Ukraine and reaffirm Ukraine's territorial integrity, warning that Kyiv would not compromise its sovereignty, territory, or independence. He also called for all Ukrainian prisoners to be released.

Zelenskiy outlined several approaches to achieve peace, including ensuring nuclear and food safety, the ending of hostilities, and a prevention of escalation.

He blasted "the crazy threats of nuclear weapons that Russian officials resort to," referring to rhetoric employed repeatedly by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelenskiy thanked the "G19," pointedly excluding Russia, for making clear that "there cannot be any excuses for nuclear blackmail."

Putin has shunned the gathering and sent Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Bali in his place.



A deal struck in July between the United Nations and Russia that allows the export of Ukrainian grains and other food products from ports blocked by Russian warships is due to expire on November 19.

Zelenskiy said the deal, which according to the UN has allowed the export of 10 million tons of grain and other food, should be extended indefinitely.

"I believe our export grain initiative deserves an indefinite extension -- no matter when the war ends," Zelensky said.

"The right to food is a fundamental right of every person in the world," he said, proposing to expand the deal to more Ukrainian ports.



Zelenskiy accused Moscow of an "attempt to turn the cold into a weapon" by launching waves of air strikes against key infrastructure ahead of the coming winter.

He also spoke in favor of a U.S.-led push for a price cap on Russian oil exports "so that energy resources are no longer used as weapons."



The Ukrainian military reported early on November 15 that its forces repelled waves of Russian attacks on positions in the Donetsk region, including Bakhmut and Belohoryivka, and on Novoselivske in Luhansk.

According to Ukraine's General Staff, the Russian military is accommodating recently arrived reinforcements in abandoned private houses in Luhansk.

The General Staff had previously said that in Luhansk, occupying Russian forces plan to carry out a complete evacuation of the civilian population from three settlements.

The Russian Army is also trying to hold captured territories and continues to equip defensive lines on the left bank of the Dnieper River in the Kherson region, the military said.

In the parts of Kherson region recaptured by the Ukrainian Army over the past week, Russia has destroyed "all critical infrastructure," Zelenskiy said in his regular nightly address on November 14.

Zelenskiy said there is no electricity, no communication, and no television in Kherson, saying the withdrawing Russian troops destroyed everything intentionally.

Earlier on November 14, Ukrainian national energy company Ukrenerho said Russia had destroyed key energy infrastructure supplying the entire right bank of the Kherson region and a significant part of the Mykolayiv region.

"Most of the liberated Kherson region has been without electricity since November 6," Ukrenerho chief Volodymyr Kudrytskiy said. "We are doing our best to supply people with electricity as soon as possible."



Ukrainian commander-in-chief Valeriy Zaluzhniy said he spoke with U.S. General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on November 14 and told him that the Ukrainian military will not accept any negotiations, agreements, or compromise decisions regarding the end of the war.

"I assured that we will fight as long as we have the strength. Our goal is to liberate all Ukrainian land from Russian occupation," Zaluzhniy said on Facebook. "There is only one condition for the negotiations: Russia must leave all captured territories."



The White House announced separately that CIA Director Bill Burns met in Ankara, Turkey, with Russian intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin, the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).

Burns underscored the consequences if Russia were to deploy a nuclear weapon in Ukraine, according to a White House spokesperson.

The Kremlin confirmed a U.S.-Russia meeting had taken place in Ankara but declined to give details.

Russian officials have alarmed Western governments by raising the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons after suffering massive setbacks in Ukraine.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and BBC
U.S. President Donald Trump said in a television interview he will not proceed for now with his pledge to move the American Embassy to Jerusalem, and he declined to specify his plans in regard to the landmark nuclear deal with Iran.

Speaking on a TV show hosted by former Republican governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, Trump on October 7 said he would hold off on the controversial embassy move until another push for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal could be attempted.

"I want to give that a shot before I even think about moving the embassy to Jerusalem," Trump said on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).

We're going to make a decision in the not-too-distant future," he added.

The status of Jerusalem is one of the most sensitive issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Palestinians regard Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Israel has annexed East Jerusalem and declared all of the city as its capital, a move never recognized by the international community. Most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv.

During his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump vowed to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital and move the embassy there.

On Iran, Trump declined to specify his intentions in regard to the nuclear accord with Iran, but he said he is very unhappy with the dealIm very unhappy with their attitude.

The spirit of the deal, certainly, is not thereThey are literally causing trouble, predominantly in the Middle East, he added.

In July 2015, Iran and global powers, including the United States, signed the accord in which Tehran agreed to curtail its nuclear activities in exchange for relief from international sanctions.

The United States and other Western governments fear that Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran says its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes, including power generation.

Trumps latest comments are in line with what he said during an October 5 meeting with military leaders at the White House, 10 days before a deadline to decide whether to certify that Iran is in compliance with the deal, which he has sharply criticized.

His comments also follow several media reports saying he intends to announce plans to decertify the deal, declaring it not in U.S. interests.

The move would give the Republican-controlled Congress 60 days to decide whether to reinstate sanctions on Tehran that were suspended under the agreement.

With reporting by AFP and TBN


Nicole Hughes doesnt consider herself to be very political, but when she heard about the shooting in Las Vegas that killed at least 58 people, she says she felt she had to take action. Her need to do something led the mother of two to organize a march for gun control, which a small crowd participated in on Saturday morning.

When she first heard about what happened in Las Vegas, Hughes said she felt sick, distraught, and hopeless. She thought about moving her family to another country even, but that would be cowardly, she said. Instead, shes going to try to help make change, she said.

At least I can say that I tried to make a difference for my kids, she said.

Theres really no other way to honor victims of gun violence, Hughes said. With that sentiment in mind, the group met with their signs held high at Napas Veterans Memorial Park and walked from Main Street to Soscol Avenue and back chanting phrases like gun safety now.

Along the way, they were met with a few car horns of support as well as a teenager on a skateboard who said, We already have gun control. A man approached the group handing out copies of the constitution before quickly leaving the scene.

When the group returned to the park, Hughes asked via her megaphone if anyone wanted to say anything.

Its more than just marching, offered one woman. You have to be willing to put yourself out there. Sometimes its not easy.

Hughes expressed being uncomfortable in the role of organizer, but felt strongly that she had to make some sort of public statement.

Im so tired of doing nothing, she said.

Admittedly, she said, there may have been a better turnout if she had advertised the event as a march to end gun violence. She doesnt have a problem with private citizens owning firearms, she said, but doesnt think there is any reason for them to own weapons like assault rifles.

Control does not mean elimination, Mara Adelman of Napa said at the march. Adelman described Hughes event as a drop of water, but, she said, its better than sitting at home doing nothing.

The Bay Area has always been the epicenter for protest but it doesnt mean that people here arent being heard, she said. Adelman said that she hopes that the government will start banning assault rifles and other weapons of mass destruction.

You dont need that for shooting a deer, she said.

Although she hopes for change, Adelman thinks that if the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, which occurred in 2012 in Connecticut and killed 26 people  mostly students, didnt cause change, that the shooting in Las Vegas wont either.

Enough is enough, she said. This is not a political issue, this is a health issue.
Straight shot up U.S. 31 to I-94 finally open in Berrien County

Last few miles had been unfinished since 2004 because of a lack of money to pay for it.
The bridge round raised by NanoRacks will accelerate development of a commercial airlock module the company plans to install on the space station in 2019.

SYDNEY  NanoRacks announced Oct. 3 that it had raised an undisclosed amount to support development of a commercial airlock module for the International Space Station.

NanoRacks said that Space Angels led the bridge round investment in the Houston-based company. Formerly known as Space Angels Network, Space Angels provides early-stage funding to companies through its members, individual accredited investors.

The undisclosed funds will be used for completing a commercial airlock module that NanoRacks plans to install on the ISS in 2019. "This investment will expedite our production, and it's wonderful to have Space Angels invested in this landmark program to enable the future of commercial space," Jeff Manber, chief executive of NanoRacks, said in a statement.

NanoRacks signed an unfunded Space Act Agreement with NASA in 2016 to develop the airlock, which will handle satellite deployments and other experiments that today use the airlock in the Kibo module.

"The reason we want our own airlock is this airlock is going to be five times bigger than the current airlock, and it's going to be far more commercial," Manber said in a Sept. 27 presentation at the International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide, Australia.

In addition to satellite deployments and experiments, he said the module will be commercial "real estate" on the station, with the ability to mount payloads on its exterior. "It's getting us more into the real estate business and space station operations," he said.

Manber said the module was on track to launch in 2019, carried to the station in the trunk of a SpaceX Dragon cargo resupply spacecraft. A formal manifesting of the payload on a resupply flight is now being finalized, he said, while the airlock itself is being manufactured.

He added the company was working to sign up customers for the airlock soon. "We expect to sign our first few commercial contracts this year," he said. "We're in final negotiations with a range of governments and commercial organizations."

NanoRacks has long-term ambitions to develop its own commercial station, and is part of the Ixion partnership with Space Systems Loral and United Launch Alliance to study refitting upper stages as habitation modules under a NASA Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP) program.

"NanoRacks has launched hundreds of payloads to the International Space Station, is currently building the first commercial airlock, and with Ixion the company plans to build and operate their own commercial space stations," Chad Anderson, chief executive of Space Angels, said in the statement about the funding round. "We're excited to partner with this incredibly experienced and passionate team that is doing so much to enable our future in space."

"We are moving rapidly into knowing when we can deploy our first commercial module," Manber said in his conference presentation. "NASA could not be more open-minded and helpful to us, and we fully anticipate very good results, making NASA comfortable that you can repurpose an upper stage and still allow NASA astronauts to be near the module."

This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stands on the company's launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California ahead of the Iridium-2 mission in June 2017. A similar Falcon 9 rocket will launch 10 Iridium Next communications satellites into orbit from the same pad for the Iridium-3 mission on Oct. 9, 2017.

The private spaceflight company SpaceX is scheduled to launch 10 communications satellites into low-Earth orbit early Monday (Oct. 9), and you can watch it live online.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to blast off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 8:37 a.m. EDT (5:37 a.m. PDT/1237 GMT), carrying 10 satellites for Iridium Communications. A live webcast is expected to begin 15 minutes before the opening of the launch window, and you can watch it on SpaceX's website, or here at Space.com.

The satellites are part of the Iridium Next constellation, which will eventually consist of 66 primary satellites and nine on-orbit backup satellites (as well as six backups that will remain on the ground). This is the third of eight scheduled SpaceX launches for the Iridium Next constellation, and will bring the total number of satellites in orbit to 30.

The reusable Falcon 9 booster that will be used in tomorrow's launch is making its first flight, a company representative told Space.com. It completed a static-fire test on Thursday (Oct. 5). SpaceX will attempt to land the booster upright on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean following the launch so it can be used on a future mission. SpaceX has successfully landed a Falcon 9 first stage rocket 16 times and reflown two boosters this year.

A illustration of an Iridium NEXT satellite in orbit. (Image credit: Iridium Communications)

Iridium Communications announced earlier this week it had begun testing and validating its Iridium Certus service, which will use the Iridium Next satellites to provide a "truly global broadband service" to its users, according to a statement from the company. The 66 satellites will spread out around the planet to provide service to remote regions of the globe, the company has said.

"Iridium Certus is going to fundamentally change the status quo in satellite connectivity for aviation, maritime, land-mobile, Internet of Things (IoT) and government users," said Matt Desch, Iridium's CEO, in the statement. "Achieving this major milestone continues our momentum for our mission to introduce world-changing broadband services and applications designed to help our partners provide critical connectivity solutions, both standalone and in support of other broadband technologies."

The commercial service is expected to be available in the "early second quarter" of 2018, according to the statement.

On Wednesday (Oct. 11), another SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch from NASA's Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying another communications satellite called SES 11/EchoStar 105.

The Falcon 9 booster for that launch, which was delayed from Oct. 7, has already made one spaceflight. On Feb. 19, the booster helped launch a Dragon cargo ship to deliver NASA supplies to the International Space Station and made a pinpoint landing on a SpaceX drone ship.

Elon Musk wrote on Instagram this week that the company would also try to land that booster again.

Follow Calla Cofield @callacofield. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
New York, Oct 8, 2017 (SPS) -The United Nations Secretariat on Friday apologized after its news centre released erroneous reports on Western Sahara attributed to petitioners, and promised to closely examine the issue.

Urged by the 4th Decolonization Committee to publish a communique about twisted statements attributed to petitioners about Western Sahara, the representative of the Secretariat apologized to Algeria and stressed that the press released had been corrected.



The Secretariat is examining the issue, said the representative in response to concerns expressed by Algeria over this blunder made by the UN news centre.

Algeria's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Mohammed Bessedik replied to this communique and said that the news centre should also apologize to the fourth Committee too.

President of the 4th Committee Rafael Dario Ramirez Carreno previously sought clarifications and demanded apologies for "these mistakes." He also shared Bessedik's viewpoint.

"The debate is greatly undermined when twisted statements are attributed to a petitioner," said Ramirez, who called on the Secretariat to explain the situation in a communique.

"The news centre must give clarifications about these mistakes," he affirmed.

"Today, the news centre has not only made mistakes in press releases and statements of petitioners, worse still, it has attributed a statement to a legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people who has not taken the floor yet," denounced Bessedik.

In a statement to APS, the representative of the Polisario Front said "he requested an inquiry about this serious mistake." (SPS)

062/SPS/APS
T his is the first picture of a teenager who died after he was repeatedly stabbed in a street in north London.

Saif Abdul-Majid, from Ealing, died after he was attacked in Neasden on Friday afternoon.

Scotland Yard said emergency services were called to reports of a stabbing in Tanfield Avenue shortly before 4pm.

Medics fought to save him but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Fatal stabbing: A police cordon near Tanfield Avenue, Neasden

Flowers and tributes have been placed near to the spot where the teenager was killed.

His friends gathered there for a vigil and to say prayers on Saturday afternoon, BBC London reported.

A Met Police spokesman said: The victim has now been formally identified as Saif Abdul-Majid, from Ealing. His next of kin are aware.

A post-mortem examination determined cause of death as multiple stab wounds.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Wall from the Homicide and Major Crime Command is leading the investigation into his death.

A 15-year-old boyarrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday has been bailed to a date in mid-October.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8244 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
Local grape grower Graeme MacDonald can look at a stream near his Napa Valley home, call it To Kalon and know hes using more than a nickname.

His quest to officially name the stream in the heart of wine country has succeeded. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names in September accepted his proposal by an 11-1 vote, clearing the way for To Kalon Creek to appear on maps.

The creek has gone from no-name to having a name to be reckoned with. To Kalon conjures up Aristotelian philosophical concepts and sublime wine flavors.

Its such a rich, rich name, MacDonald said.

Aristotle used the Greek word kalon to signify virtuous actions undertaken for the sake of nobility or beauty. Oakville area pioneer vintner H.W. Crabb bestowed the name in the late 1800s on the area where MacDonald now lives, writing that I try to make it mean the boss vineyard.

To Kalon has relevance in the 21st-century wine world. The name is a wine trademark owned by Constellations Robert Mondavi Winery. Prominent grape grower Andy Beckstoffer is also associated with the To Kalon name.

MacDonald grows grapes on 15 acres that his family has owned since the mid-1950s and grew up playing in what is now To Kalon Creek. As a winemaker, he sees to kalon as meaning the pursuit of perfection with humility.

I feel like I couldnt describe what were trying to do in any other better term, he said.

He took up the To Kalon Creek naming project a year ago. First, he had to figure out how to name a creek. A Google search led him to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.

I said, How cool is this, to be able to name it and it will show up on every map that comes out from the federal government, MacDonald said.

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names was created in 1890 and its naming decisions for rivers, streams, mountains are binding on all federal agencies. Board researcher Jennifer Runyon said the board at any one time has 250 applications.

Over the summer, the agencys board during its meetings in Washington, D.C. unanimously voted to rename Iowas Sewer Creek as Cardinal Creek. Proponents said the name Sewer was no longer appropriate because residents no longer left trash there.

But the board nixed the name Peanut Peak in Arizona because of lack of local support. It nixed changing Massachusettss Kimball Island to Rogers Island despite local support, saying the present name is well-established.

MacDonald didnt want his proposed To Kalon Creek to meet the same fate as Peanut Peak. He obtained letters of support from the Napa County Board of Supervisors and local legislators such as Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, and state Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa.

Were in D.C., Runyon said. We dont have (direct) interest in a stream in California. We want local people to support it.

In addition, he won support from David Howell, a geologist emeritus with the United States Geological Survey. Howell said having creeks with names is useful for geologists researching the formation of alluvial fans on the Napa Valley floor.

MacDonald also researched the history of To Kalon name in Napa Valley. He found a 10-page, typed account from 1981 that just happened to be written by his great uncle, Gunther Detert.

Im building on a foundation of what Gunther started, MacDonald said.

A potential roadblock arose  the U.S. Board on Geographic Names has a policy against naming things after commercial endeavors. That Mondavi trademark was an issue.

MacDonald responded that Mondavi adopted a historic place name and the creek is being named after that history, not the Mondavi endeavor. His family sells grapes to Mondavi, but is receiving no compensation for the creek naming.

Another possible roadblock was whether the unnamed creek actually had a name. Such diverse parties as Caltrans, the California Land Stewardship Institute and Napa County Resource Conservation District have at times referred to it as Doak Creek.

MacDonald said Doak Creek is actually a creek to the south. A U.S. Board on Geologic Names report said Doak Creek ultimately flows into the stream that is To Kalon Creek, which possibly caused the confusion.

In short, MacDonald did what amounted to a research project to win the To Kalon Creek name.

He did do more legwork that most, Runyon said. To be honest, we have proponents who just fill in the application form.

MacDonald had to do more than convince the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. In the case of California, the agency refers proposed names to the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names for screening.

The one thing MacDonald didnt do was fly to Washington, D.C. to be at the Sept. 14 U.S. Board of Geographic Names meeting to make the To Kalon case in person. He said hed been told that having someone make a presentation to the board delays the vote until the following month.

Now that he has the naming knack, MacDonald might try again with other unnamed creeks in Napa Valley. Once again, he would try to find names that have historical significance.

It brings value to the fact that the history of this valley is really important, MacDonald said.
P olice have appealed for tourists with footage of the crash which injured 11 people outside the Natural History Museum to come forward.

A black Toyota Prius mounted the pavement and hit pedestrians at about 2.20pm on Saturday, sparking fears of a possible terror attack.

But Scotland Yard later confirmed the crash on Exhibition Road, South Kensington, was "not being treated as a terror-related incident".

A man in his forties was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and taken to a North London police station. He was released under investigation on Sunday.

A police spokesperson today said they were urging tourists who were visiting the museums and witnessed or recorded the incident to get in contact.

The scene after the car crash

They added: "Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Merton Traffic Garage on 020 8543 5157."

Those hurt were mostly suffering from head or leg injuries, the London Ambulance Service said. The majority of the injured have now been discharged.

Video footage posted on Twitter showed a man being restrained on the ground by members of the public after the incident in the heart of the capital's museums district.

Oliver Cheshire, a model and the fiance of popstar Pixie Lott, was one of those who helped hold the man down after getting out of his Jaguar.

He told the MailOnline the man was "screaming", adding: "I got out and grabbed him - three of us grabbed him - and someone phoned the police.

"He was an Uber driver, according to the girls that were in his car. I have never seen anything like it."

Pedestrians injured as car mounts pavement in museum district 1 /9 Pedestrians injured as car mounts pavement in museum district Emergency services rushed to South Kensington just after 2.20 Armed police are at the scene as the investigation continues REUTERS Eyewitnesses said the car mounted the pavement outside the museums REUTERS The area was evacuated and a cordon was put in place REUTERS Police detained a man at the scene Police at the scene REUTERS Officers and paramedics speaking to someone who was injured in the incident REUTERS

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Whilst inquiries continue it is believed a car mounted the pavement and collided with a number of pedestrians.

"The man detained by officers is currently under arrest and is in custody at a north London police station.

"The incident is a road traffic investigation and not a terrorist-related incident."

Pictures and footage from the scene in Exhibition Road showed street damage and a massive police presence in the upmarket area, home to the NHM, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A).

Police detain a man after a car ploughed into a crowd of pedestrians outside the Natural History Museum / Stefano Sutter

Some images showed the black Toyota Prius, registered with Transport for London (TfL) as a minicab, that had collided with a silver Vauxhall saloon and a Jaguar.

Sophie Parry and Lesley Guinness were on their way to the V&A's Pink Floyd exhibition when they saw the driver of a black vehicle swerve across the road and hit a cyclist.

First aid-trained engineer Ms Parry, 56, said: "We saw a black mini SUV - it suddenly swerved across the road and it appeared to knock a cyclist off their bike, and the cyclist was sort of being carried along on the front of the vehicle across the road and then the black car hit another car - a silver Vauxhall - and it appeared to throw the cyclist off.

"By the time we came across the road two people were helping this person in the road and it looked like they were administering first aid or just comforting them."

Both women said the front of the car was "pretty smashed up" and may have hit some nearby concrete bollards.

Ms Parry said: "I thought maybe someone might have had a heart attack behind the wheel.

"Because I thought, this is strange for a vehicle - it must have been going pretty slow there to career across and do all that damage.

"It's odd, because any vehicle there was maybe going three, four, five, six miles an hour. So I thought maybe someone had had a heart attack or something."

Police line street outside Natural History Museum

Dieon Rurora, 25, who works in a nearby cafe, added: "People were running down the street, falling over. It was quite scary."

Colleague Merilin Mueller, 20, added: "It just seemed like an accident because there was a police car. We couldn't see outside.

"Then there were loads of police cars and that's when all of these police came marching down saying, 'move, move'.

"They said, 'you need to evacuate'."

Paramedics treat the injured after a car ploughed into pedestrians in London's museum district / Stefano Sutter

Downing Street had said that Prime Minister Theresa May was being kept up to date with developments.

In a message later on Twitter, she said: "My thanks to the first responders at this incident this afternoon and the actions of members of the public. My thoughts are with the injured."

The roads around the museum were open again on Sunday morning.
N icola Sturgeon has dismissed Theresa May as clutching at straws after she claimed the Conservatives saved the union between the UK and Scotland in the General Election.

The Scottish First Minister rebuffed the Prime Ministers declaration, which she made at Tory conference in Manchester while holding aloft the hand of Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson.

Mrs Sturgeon said the case for Scotland being independent had "arguably never been greater" with Brexit looming.

But she has agreed to reconsider the timing of a second independence referendum after losing numerous MPs in the snap election.

SNP: First Minister for Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon

The SNP leader was speaking on ITV's Peston On Sunday as SNP activists gathered in Glasgow for the party's conference.

When Mrs May's "We saved the Union" comment was put to her, Ms Sturgeon said: "I think it's called clutching at straws."

She went on: "On the question of independence, when I watch and when many people watch the utter chaos that is now engulfing the UK, when we look forward and see the implications of Brexit, that slow motion car crash that is developing right now, then actually the case for Scotland being in control of our destiny, having control over the decisions that shape our lives, has arguably never been greater and that's a case I will continue to make."

Nicola Sturgeon refuses to apologise for SNP election losses on The Andrew Marr Show

But the Scottish leader conceded the uncertainty of Brexit means it is premature to effectively set a date right now, we need to let the dust settle.

"That is what I have accepted."

Ms Sturgeon had originally wanted to hold a second vote on independence sometime between autumn 2018 and the spring of 2019, but reconsidered this after the SNP lost 21 MPs in June's snap general election.

But she was clear that having a vote on leaving the UK must remain an option for Scotland - where 62 per cent of voters backed Remain in 2016 - so the country could avoid a Brexit "disaster".

The First Minister said: "Brexit is not a circumstance I want to be in. I think the whole thing is a disaster and I think it is going to get worse. So I've tried to judge things as best as I can, based on the best interests of Scotland."

With the UK due to leave the European Union in March 2019, Ms Sturgeon was clear she did "not want Scotland to feel as if it's got no options but to accept a bad deal".

The First Minister said: "I have a mandate, a hard-won mandate in an election reinforced since then, to give people a choice over our future once we do know the terms of Brexit, whether that is a deal, no deal, or a terrible deal look like.

But Scottish Liberal Democrat general election campaign chairman Alex Cole-Hamilton called on the First Minister to scrap plans for a second referendum.

He said: "After losing so many seats at the general election, Nicola Sturgeon should rule out another independence referendum.

"The SNP have stage-managed this conference to avoid embarrassing Nicola Sturgeon over the loss of seats brought about by her insistence on an unwanted and unwelcome second independence referendum."


N igel Farage has been accused of grossly irresponsible scaremongering after he hastily labelled a car crash in Londons museum district as a terror attack.

The former Ukip leader faced a backlash after suggesting the collision outside the Natural History Museum on Saturday afternoon was terror-related despite no official confirmation from police.

Just minutes after the crash, the Brexiteer gave an interview to Fox News claiming that officers were clearly not only treating this as a terrorist incident but it looks to me like they expect there could be more.

He later posted a clip of the interview on social media with the caption: We have 3,000 terrorists living in the UK and 23,000 people known to security services who could do us harm.

Mr Farage acknowledged in a later tweet that the incident in South Kensington was being treated as a road traffic collision following an official statement from police confirming it was not terror-related.

He wrote: Met say incident in South Kensington is a traffic collision. But huge police response shows the state of high alert the country finds itself in.

His comments sparked widespread anger, with critics accusing him of scaremongering and using the incident to further his political agenda.

Islington North Labour MP Wes Streeting wrote on Twitter: Not being treated as a terrorist incident but that doesnt stop Farage telling Fox that it is.

Times journalist Matt Chorley tweeted: Am quite sure Nigel is about to tweet a clarification and apology for being a shameless attention-seeker. Yep. Any minute now.

Grossly irresponsible again. Police are not treating this as a terrorist incident but that doesnt stop Farage and Fox using it to fan hate, the Election Data Twitter account said.

Pedestrians injured as car mounts pavement in museum district 1 /9 Pedestrians injured as car mounts pavement in museum district Emergency services rushed to South Kensington just after 2.20 Armed police are at the scene as the investigation continues REUTERS Eyewitnesses said the car mounted the pavement outside the museums REUTERS The area was evacuated and a cordon was put in place REUTERS Police detained a man at the scene Police at the scene REUTERS Officers and paramedics speaking to someone who was injured in the incident REUTERS

Brendan Cox, the husband of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox, wrote: What yesterday showed was Farage/Hopkins etc will seek to spread fear and panic at every given chance. They do the job of terrorists for them.

MailOnline columnist Katie Hopkins had posted a series of tweets warning tourists: Right now, London is not worth the risk and apologising for the state of the city, saying that Mayor Sadiq Khan had let us all down.

Footage shows emergency services vehicles outside the National History Museum

She also accused the BBC of peddling state propaganda in a post that included screenshots of its website in which the incident was described as a crash.

After police confirmed the crash was not being treated as terror related, Ms Hopkins tweeted: I am deleting all tweets from the last two hours. I hope you stay safe. Xx

Eleven people were injured after a minicab ploughed into a crowd of pedestrians in Exhibition Road at about 2.20pm. Nine of them were taken to hospital and have since been discharged.

The driver of the minicab was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. He was released from custody under investigation on Sunday.
T heresa May paid tribute to her husband Philip for his unwavering support following her disastrous conference speech and admitted her feelings can be hurt but she is resilient nonetheless.

In a candid interview about her recent tumultuous period as Conservative leader, the Prime Minister opened up about the difficulties she had faced and thanked those who have helped her.

Reports of in-fighting in the Tory party have been rife since Mrs Mays conference speech  which had been billed as a make or break moment for the PM  was blighted by a dodgy set, a prankster and a stubborn cough.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Mrs May said the interruptions, which included the letters of a slogan falling to the floor behind her and comedian Lee Nelson handing her a P45, were "really frustrating".

Theresa May's speech: Coughs, falling letters and a 'P45'

But she thanked the party faithful for staying with her and said she was "blessed to have a wonderful husband, great friends and family and a talented team around me".

"It certainly wasnt the easiest hour Ive had in my life [] I am enormously grateful for the support shown to me in the conference hall.

It didn't feel like I was alone up there - it felt like everyone in the room was with me and willing me on and that made a huge difference," she said.

Support: Theresa and Philip May / PA

"I was also genuinely touched by the outpouring of support I received. From Philip and his hug to the many texts sent to my team and myself in the hours that followed."

Mrs Mays position as party leader has been at the centre of speculation in the wake of the speech, which came at a bad time for her following her weak performance in the General Election.

The interviewer, Tim Shipman, asked the Prime Minister about reports she had broken down following the election results and quizzed her on whether she had been suffering with depression.

Theresa May - In pictures 1 /98 Theresa May - In pictures 24th May 2019 Theresa May announces her resignation Reuters 22nd May 2019 Theresa May reacts during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons Sky News 21st May 2019 Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at PricewaterhouseCoopers ahead of her speech on a new Brexit deal Getty Images 2nd May 2019 Theresa May arrives to cast her vote a polling station near her home in her Maidenhead constituency as voters headed to the polls for council and mayoral elections across England and Northern Ireland PA 19th April 2019 Theresa May acts as a marshal during the Maidenhead Easter 10 race in Maidenhead PA 24th March 2019 Theresa May and her husband Philip May leave following a church service on March 24, 2019 in Aylesbury Getty Images 20th March 2019 Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the nation after asking the European Union for a Brexit extension EPA 14th March 2019 Theresa May reacting on the front bench in the House of Commons during the proceedings in which British MPs voted to ask the European Union to delay Brexit AFP/Getty Images 16th January 2019 Theresa May addresses the media at number 10 Downing street after her government defeated a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons Getty Images 16th January 2019 Theresa May leaves Downing Street to face a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons Getty Images 14th December 2018 Theresa May challenges European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker for suggesting that her message on Brexit had been "nebulous" ec.europa.eu via PA 13th December 2018 Theresa May is seen behind EU flags as she arrives at the European Council for the start of the two day EU summit in Brussels, Belgium Getty Images 3rd October 2018 A composite picture of Prime Minister Theresa May dancing as she arrives on stage to make her keynote speech at the Conservative Party annual conference at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham PA 20th September 2018 Prime Minister Theresa May arrives for a 'family photo' during the European Union leaders informal summit in Salzburg, Austria Reuters 13th July 2018 Theresa May and U.S. President Donald Trump walk to a joint news conference at Chequers Hannah McKay/Reuters 12th July 2018 US President Donald Trump takes the hand of Prime Minister Theresa May as they enter Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire PA 22nd November 2017 Theresa May on Budget Day Jeremy Selwyn 3rd November 2017 The finishing touches are made to the new wax figure of Prime Minister Theresa May by Rosie Tipler /PA 20th October 2017 Theresa May attending a bilateral meeting, on the second day of the European Council in Brussels, Belgium EPA 26th September 2017 Theresa May welcomes the President of the European Council Donald Tusk, ahead of a meeting in Downing Street EPA 20th September 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May meets US President Donald Trump for talks at the Lotte Palace Hotel, New York PA 10th August 2017 Madame Tussauds London commissions a new wax figure of Theresa May Madame Tussauds 8th July 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May talks with U.S. President Donald Trump during the G20 leaders summit in Hamburg, Germany Reuters 15th June 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to members of the fire service as she visits Grenfell Tower. 4th October 2017 Lee Nelson AKA Simon Brodkin hands a 'P45' to Prime Minister Theresa May ,as she was delivering her speech on the final day of the Conservative Party annual conference at the Manchester Central Convention Centre in Manchester AFP/Getty Images 4th October 2017 Letter fall off the backboard during Theresa May's speech on the final day of the Conservative Party annual conference at the Manchester Central Convention Centre in Manchester 4th October 2017 Theresa May coughing during her speech on the final day of the Conservative Party annual conference at the Manchester Central Convention Centre Daily Mail 4th October 2017 Theresa May coughing during her speech on the final day of the Conservative Party annual conference at the Manchester Central Convention Centre Reuters 4th October 2017 Theresa May drinks a glass of water during her keynote speech Daily Mail 31st July 2017 Theresa May arrives at the Commonwealth War Graves Commisions's Tyne Cot Cemetery ahead of a ceremony on July 31, 2017 in Ypres, Belgium Getty Images 25th July 2017 Theresa May and her husband Philip visit Desenzano del Garda, near Lake Garda, Italy, last month PA 17th July 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May holding a cabinet meeting PA 10th July 2017 Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, walks with Prime Minister Theresa May and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, as they arrive to speak to first responders from the emergency services outside Southwark Cathedral during a visit to the Borough Market area in central London AP 21st June 2017 PM Theresa May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn walking back after listening to Queen's Speech AFP/Getty Images 9th June 2017 Theresa May addressing press at Downing Street after seeing the Queen Jeremy Selwyn 9th June 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May is applauded into 10 Downing Street in by staff after seeing The Queen, where she asked to form a new government PA 9th June 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May and husband Philip leave Downing Street to travel to Buckingham Palace for an audience with Queen Elizabeth II after the General Election which lost the Tory majority PA 8th June 2017 Theresa May visits the Dhamecha Lohana Centre in Harrow Jeremy Selwyn 7th June 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May on a visit to Smithfield Market in the City of London on the final day of campaigning for the General Election PA 22nd May 2017 Theresa May gestures as she answers a media question regarding social care policy during a launch event for the Welsh Conservative general election manifesto in Wrexham, North Wales AFP/Getty Images 18th May 2017 Pegasus Street Art: Theresa May 'Dressed to Kill' Pegasus 2nd May 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May having some chips while on a walkabout during a election campaign stop in Mevagissey, Cornwall PA 19th April 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement to the nation in Downing Street Getty Images 28th March 2017 Prime Minister Theresa May in the cabinet office signs the official letter to European Council President Donald Tusk invoking Article 50 and the United Kingdom's intention to leave the EU Getty Images 27th January 2017 US President Donald Trump holds hands with Prime Minister Teresa May as they walk the colonnade of the White House in Washington, DC EPA 5th October 2016 Theresa May and husband Philip after her speech at the Conservative Party Conference, Birmingham Jeremy Selwyn 20th July 2016 Theresa May was known for her shoes Getty Images 12th August 2016 Theresa May walks with her husband Philip John May while on summer holiday in the Alps of Switzerland Getty Images 13th July 2016 Theresa May speaks outside 10 Downing Street after becoming Prime Minister Getty Images 13th July 2016 The Queen welcomes Theresa May at the start of an audience where she invited the former Home Secretary to become Prime Minister and form a new government at Buckingham Palace Getty Images 12th July 2016 Prime Minister-in-waiting, Theresa May, reacts to photographers after walking to the wrong car after attending a Cabinet meeting at Downing Stree Getty Images 11th July 2016 New Conservative Party leader Theresa May speaks to members of the media with her MPs behind her at The St Stephen's entrance to the Palace of Westminster AFP/Getty Images 29th June 2015 German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere (L), Tunisia's Interior Minister Mohamed Gharsalli and British Home Secretary Theresa May look on after laying flowers at the scene where 38 people were killed on Marhaba beach Getty Images 3rd March 2015 Home Secretary Theresa May (2nd R) stands with Prime Minister David Cameron (L) and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg (2nd L) before the arrival of the President of Mexico, Enrique Pena Nieto and his wife Angelica Rivera at Horse Guards Parade Getty Images 5th November 2013 British Home Secretary Theresa May attends a ceremonial welcome for visiting President of South Korea, Park Geun-Hye (not pictured) at Horseguards Parade on November 5, 2013 Getty Images 17th April 2013 Home Secretary Theresa May and husband Philip May arrive for the Ceremonial funeral of former British Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher Getty Images 20th July 2012 British Home Secretary Theresa May reacts during an interview as she views the Olympics Security control room in the Olympic Park in east London, on July 20, 2012 AFP/Getty Images 20th February 2012 Theresa May on the front row at the Osman Show during London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2012 at Somerset House Getty Images 31st January 2012 Home Secretary Theresa May stopping as the heal of her shoe gets stuck in a gap in the pavement as she arrives at number 10 Downing Street to attend the weekly meeting of the Cabinet AFP/Getty Images 12th September 2011 Bernard Hogan-Howe (C), the new Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, poses for photographs with British Home Secretary Teresa May (L) and Mayor of London Boris Johnson (R) outside New Scotland Yard AFP/Getty Images 11th September 2011 Home Secretary Theresa May arrives to attend a memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral in London on September 11, 2011 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks AFP/Getty Images 23rd March 2011 Home Secretary Theresa May leaves Parliament after Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne delivered his budget on March 23, 2011 Getty Images 10th December 2010 Home Secretary Theresa May leaves a cabinet meeting in Downing Street Getty Images 18th October 2010 Home Secretary Theresa May arrives in Downing Street for a Cabinet meeting Getty Images 13th May 2010 Transport Secretary Philip Hammond and Home Secretary Theresa May arrive at 10 Downing Street for the first Cabinet meeting of the new coalition government Getty Images 6th October 2009 Conservative leader David Cameron (R) and Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Theresa May (L) walk through the rain on the second day of the Conservative Party Conference Getty Images 20th May 2009 Theresa May, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, arrives for the Asian Women of Achievement Awards at Hilton Park Lane Hotel Getty Images 30th September 2007 Conservative shadow leader of the House of Commons Theresa May addresses delegates during the 124th annual Conservative Party Conference at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool - wearing wellys Getty Images 8th November 2007 Theresa May arrives at the Woman Of The Future Awards at the Grosvenor Marriott Square Hotel Getty Images 8th February 2006 Theresa May attends the Conservative Party Black & White Ball at Old Billingsgate Market Getty Images 13th December 2005 Leader of the Conservative Party David Cameron (front) and his shadow cabinet Getty Images 6th October 2003 Theresa May, the Conservative Party Chairman, concludes her opening speech at the annual Conservative Party conference in Blackpool Getty Images 23rd August 2002 The Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith announces the party's new Chairman Theresa May PA 15th June 1999 Conservative MP Theresa May leaves Conservative Central Office in London, after being appointed shadow Education and Employment secretary PA

Speaking frankly, Mrs May replied: One minute journalists are accusing me of being an ice maiden or a robot, then they claim I am a weeping woman in dire need of a good nights sleep!

The truth is my feelings can be hurt, like everyone else, but I am pretty resilient.

Mrs May smiled gleefully and gave a thumbs up to delegates as she reached the end of a gruelling hour-long speech at the Manchester Central exhibition centre on Wednesday.

Philip quickly hopped onto the stage with open arms and embraced his wife consolingly before standing beside her with his hand on her back.

The problems seemed to begin when comedian Lee Nelson attempted to hand her a P45  saying that Boris Johnson had asked her to do it.

Embrace: May is congratulated by her husband Philip after she delivered her keynote speech / PA

Mrs May said did not imagine people watching found the prank funny but said she was not scared for her own safety.

"There was nothing about his body language that gave me cause for alarm, she said. I have protection people who are fantastic. They look out for me and I trust them completely.

In the lead up to the speech, there was speculation that Boris Johnson was angling himself for his own leadership bid and set to take advantage of Mrs Mays weakened position.

Theresa May dismisses leadership plot talk

And on Saturday former Tory party chairman Grant Shapps called on her to resign and claimed around 30 MPs, including five former Cabinet ministers, were part of the plot to oust her.

But in the wake of the reports, Mr Johnson reportedly sent out a message to the Tory whattsapp group urging them to back the PM and saying that the electorate did not want another election.

And in a piece published in The Sunday Telegraph, he suggested only "nutters" in the party want to oust Mrs May and said she should be left to "get on and deliver Brexit".

Grant Shapps was described as 'out of touch' over his plot to oust the PM / Getty Images

He said: "The people of this country don't want a general election. For heaven's sake: in the last three years we have had two elections and a referendum. They certainly don't want to see a Tory leadership contest that would inevitably trigger further demands for an election."

Comparing the Tory party to elephants, he said: "Are we really going to be stampeded myopically over the edge of the gorge, with an election that no-one wants? Quo quo scelesti ruitis? as Horace put it at the beginning of a fresh bout of Rome's ghastly civil wars, and which roughly translates as: What do you think you are doing you nutters?

"From what I can see the Tory herd has refused to be so goaded. We have sniffed the air and turned sensibly away from the cliff."

Former prime minister Sir John Major also lashed out at "disloyal" Tory MPs and ministers as he urged them to back the PM - but suggested she must take radical action to win over voters by increasing public spending and reviewing controversial welfare changes.

The ex-Tory leader, whose own premiership was marred by infighting and plotting, said he had viewed the turmoil in the party with "increasing dismay".

But alongside his appeal for unity, Sir John called for radical action on Mrs May's social justice agenda to "win back hearts and minds" or risk the prospect of "neo-Marxist" Jeremy Corbyn taking the keys to Number 10.


U S rapper Nelly has said he is "beyond shocked" after being accused of raping a woman on his tour bus.

The Dilemma singer, real name Cornell Haynes, was arrested in the early hours of Saturday morning following a gig near Seattle.

Nelly later took to Twitter to deny the "false and defaming allegation", insisting: "I am completely innocent".

In a string of tweets the father-of-two also apologised to his family for "putting myself in a situation where I could be victimised".

Officials: US rapper Nelly (centre) was been arrested following an alleged assault / REUTERS

Summing up his denial, he added: "In other words y'all know damm well I ain't do no dumm S^*t like this..!! Love ..!!!!"

Nelly - who was on tour after releasing his seventh studio album M.O. - is due to play 15 shows around the UK in November.

The 42-year-old's latest performance was at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, Washington state, on Friday.

The city's police department said it received a call from a female at 3.48am on Saturday "to report that she was sexually assaulted by a male, who is known as the rapper Nelly".

The force said: "The alleged assault was reported to occur on the tour bus that was parked at the listed location.

Authorities in Washington said police were investigating an alleged sex assault and that US rapper Nelly has been arrested / AP

"Nelly had performed at the White River Amphitheatre just hours before.

"After Patrol Officers investigated the incident, at 4.37am Nelly was taken into custody."

The rapper, who has not been charged with an offence, was later released while police investigate the allegation of second degree rape.
L ouis Theroux is back with a three-part treat for his many loyal fans. Never one to shy away from a gritty underbelly his new series Dark States see him dive head first into human crises in three different US cities.

Heres everything you need to know.

Whats it about?

The series sees Theroux tackle issues devastating three American cities, murder in Milwaukee, sex trafficking in Houston, and heroin in Huntington, West Virginia.

The documentary-maker will travel to each, getting to know communities in his own inimitable style.

In a statement, he explained he has tried to get to know the crimes that take place in each area in both a 'systemic' and a 'personal way'.

I immerse myself in some of the most dysfunctional and disturbing aspects of American society. They combine hard-hitting actuality with intimate interviews.

I have been granted access to the police in several states; I've got to know the people affected by crime; and I've also spent time with the perpetrators of crime, with the idea of understanding the causes of it, both on a systemic level and also in a very personal way, he said.

What happens in episode one?

First up is Huntington, West Virginia where Theroux is on the trail of opiate addicts left desperate following a crackdown on prescription painkillers.

World's favourite BBC TV characters - In pictures 1 /13 World's favourite BBC TV characters - In pictures #1 - Sherlock played by Benedict Cumberbatch Robert Viglasky/BBC #2 - Doctor Who played by Peter Capaldi Guy Levy/BBC #3 - Luther played by Idris Elba BBC #4 - Basil Fawlty played by John Cleese (right) BBC #5 - The Stig played by ??? BBC #6 - Patsy Stone played by Joanna Lumley BBC #7 - Edmund Blackadder played by Rowan Atkinson (right) #8 - Hyacinth Bucket played by Patricia Routledge (left) BBC #9 - Geraldine, aka the Vicar of Dibley played by Dawn French BBC #10 - The Daleks BBC

The recent scarcity of the once freely available drugs has caused many dependents to turn to harder substances, with heroin chief among them.

And with the drug now claiming more lives per year in the US than car accidents and gun crime, what was a widespread problem is fast becoming an epidemic.

In Huntingon, Theroux heads to an Appalachian community that has been devastated by heroin use, with one in 10 babies in the region born opiate dependent and the fatal overdose rate standing at 13 times the national average.

Who is Louis Theroux?

Theroux is one of the UKs best-known documentary filmmakers.

He has previously explained that hes drawn to the dark side, the strange, as such many of his programmes focus on those who are involved in crime, behind bars or who exhibit behaviours that stretch the definition of normality.

His works have covered issues that range from plastic surgery addiction to scientology.

Louis Theroux: Dark Starts begins on Sunday, October 8 at 9pm on BBC Two.
Bangladesh has increasingly turned to India for help in dealing with growing Islamic terrorist activity inside Bangladesh. This resulted in a recent (August) uncovering of an elaborate plot to kill the Bangladeshi prime minister. This led to some interesting complications.

The assassination attempt was successfully disrupted with many arrests. As details of the assassination plot became known Bangladesh agreed to do something about why so many Bangladeshi Islamic terrorists were showing up in India after being arrested and jailed in Bangladesh. This was something India had been complaining about for a while and had to do with the way the Bangladeshi legal system operated that had been ignored by the government but not the local Islamic terrorists. The basic problem was that just about anyone arrested in Bangladesh could post bail, get out of jail and flee the country. Islamic terrorists had, with increasing frequency since 2013, been doing just that. It seems that 440 Islamic terrorism suspects arrested in that time had been able to post bail, get out of jail and then then leave the country to continue their activities. This often involved efforts to carry out terror attacks in Bangladesh.

Apparently the Bangladeshis felt that if these men were gone they were no longer a problem and in many instances that was the case. But dozens of those who forfeited bail and fled did continue their Islamic terrorism activities, often inside India and increasingly in Bangladesh as well. It turned out that Bangladeshi police also began to complain to the courts about this, especially when it was discovered that many of the bail-jumpers the judges thought would still be in the country were deliberately taking advantage of the bail system and had no intention of being taken alive if the police cornered them again. Because of the casualties suffered in recapturing some of these bail-jumpers the security forces complained about this and the news eventually got out. The same thing happened in other countries, especially India and Burma.

Bangladesh and India have always been close diplomatically (as well as geographically) and as Islamic terrorism became more of a problem during the 1990s Indian intelligence began working closely with their Bangladeshi counterparts. Over the last decade that cooperation has increased and that was largely responsible for uncovering the August assassination plot in time. As part of that effort Indian officials pointed out that to their Bangladeshi counterparts that many of these previously arrested Bangladeshi Islamic terrorists were showing up in international databases as still active, or recently killed, in Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Middle East. The bail problem had gone international and had to be addressed before it became a major diplomatic embarrassment.

Bangladesh currently has nearly 700 Islamic terrorism suspects in jail and many are eligible for bail. The government is under pressure by local and international counter-terrorism forces to do something about this before more soldiers and police, as well as civilians, get killed by these men.

Islamic terrorism has been a growing problem in Bangladesh since 2014 and this exploitation of the bail system is now seen as a major reason why Bangladesh was unable to deal with the problem. It is an important matter India because many of these Islamic terrorists are intent on killing Hindus in Bangladesh as well as India. This became a major issue in late 2016 when Bangladeshi Islamic terror groups instigated more violence against Bangladeshi Hindus by declaring that some Facebook posts by Bangladeshi Hindus was disrespectful of Islam and deserved punishment. That led to a mob of Islamic radicals attacking a Hindu neighborhood and destroying or damaging over a dozen Hindu temples and injuring at least a hundred Hindus. The reaction to that anti-Hindu violence was even greater (but much less violent) with large groups of Hindus and Moslems demanding that all those involved in these attacks be arrested and prosecuted. Police did arrest 53 suspects in that case and many were soon out of jail on bail and many of them wanted to do more harm to Hindus.

Islamic terrorists are very much a tiny minority in Bangladesh and a very unpopular one at that. The current outbreak of Islamic terrorism reached a peak with the July 1st 2016 attack on a popular cafe in Dhaka that left 20 dead (including 17 foreigners). The local Islamic terrorists have been on the run ever since but many were able to get out on bail. The most fanatic group in Bangladesh belonged to JMB (Jamaat ul Mujahideen Bangladesh) which had aligned itself with ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant). It was ISIL that took credit for the 2016 attack but it was discovered that those who carried it out belonged to JMB, which has been around since 1998 and wants to turn Bangladesh into a religious dictatorship. JMB turned to violence in 2005 and has been at war with the government ever since. The ability to exploit the bail system had been used successfully in recruiting more locals.

According to Islamic radicals, Hindus are the worst kind of infidel (non-Moslem) because, unlike Christians and Jews, they have no common religious roots with Islam. Actually, Hindus do, as there was a lot of Hindu influence in Arabia before Islam appeared there 1,400 years ago, but the founders of Islam choose not to openly recognize the Hindu influence. Thus the harder line on Hindus, who are eight percent of the population of Bangladesh and 1.2 percent in Pakistan. There used to be a lot more Hindus in Pakistan but decades of violence against Hindus (and Christians and other religious minorities) have led a disproportionate number of Hindus to leave.

Bangladesh also blames Pakistan for supporting Islamic terrorism within Bangladesh. This goes back to a 1971 uprising in Bangladesh (then part of Pakistan as East Pakistan) that led to a war between Pakistan and India. Many Pakistani military leaders see this 1971 loss as a major reason for Pakistani obsession with India. Not only was the Pakistani army decisively defeated in 1971, but the Pakistan lost much territory (which actively sought to secede and became Bangladesh). Former Pakistani military commander and dictator (via another coup) Pervez Musharraf admitted in late 2014 that he started the 1999 Kargil border war with India as another attempt to avenge the defeat (and loss of Bangladesh) in 1971. Pakistani officers (and many other Pakistanis) have always attributed the loss of Bangladesh to an Indian conspiracy with traitorous politicians in Bangladesh (that used to be called East Pakistan). Bangladesh calls that conspiracy theory absurd and that the real reason for the rebellion was corruption and incompetent government imposed by troops from West Pakistan (which after 1971 was all that remained of pre-1971 Pakistan).
Not only is Eve Online famous for its stories of espionage, politics, and real-life drama, but the MMORPG's complexity is just as legendary. If ever there was a game that seemed unsuitable to make the jump to smartphones, this is it --- but its creators disagree.

Icelandic developer and publisher CCP Games is joining forces with Finnish mobile games firm PlayRaven for Project Aurora, a spinoff from Eve Online. The upcoming title does look quite similar to its PC cousin, but it will only be set in the same universe, rather than having any direct integration with the 14-year-old space sim.

Project Aurora, which will be available on both Android and iOS, even sounds like Eve, requiring players work together to dominate the galaxy and become the most powerful corporation in the universe. It's described as "a massively multiplayer mobile universe, filled with epic player stories."

"We're all longtime fans of CCP and EVE Online, so we're immensely proud and honored to be working with such a legendary developer and beloved franchise. It's really a dream come true to have the opportunity to create a new EVE experience on mobile," said Lasse Seppanen, co-founder and CEO at PlayRaven.

Project Aurora will be free-to-play, and based on PlayRaven's other mobile titles --- SpyMaster, Robocide, and Winterstate --- it's highly likely to feature some form of microtransactions.

"For years and years we have wanted to bring the EVE Universe to mobile devices in a way that is tailored to the platform and EVE fans. We wanted to find a partner who is passionate about EVE, has a track record of producing high quality and deep mobile games and is capable of creating completely new experiences on mobile. PlayRaven fit the bill perfectly," said Hilmar Veigar Petursson, CEO of CCP Games.

The mobile title is set for release in a limited number of territories in the "near future," with the full launch set for later in 2018.

Project Aurora won't be the first spinoff from Eve Online, which itself started offering a free-to-play option in 2016. PlayStation 3-exclusive multiplayer FPS Dust 514 was released in 2013 but shuttered last year. There's also space dogfighting sim Eve: Valkyrie, which can be played on the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, PC, PS4 and PSVR
This story begins for me in late 2015, when renowned vintner and environmentalist Volker Eisele said to me, Mike, nearly 50 years ago we protected the valley from development when we established the Ag Preserve, now we need to protect our Ag Watershed.

Unfortunately, Volker passed away a few months later. So in 2016, environmentalists worked on an initiative designed to enhance protections for hillside streams and our beautiful oak woodlands.

An all-volunteer force of citizens collected over 6,300 signatures from voters interested in ensuring water quality and quantity for the future of our children. After all the signatures had been collected and certified, we were told by county counsel that there was a technical flaw in a reference with the measure. Eventually the California Supreme Court ruled in a split decision that kept it off the November 2016 ballot.

In early 2017, I received a call from a staff member at the Napa Valley Vintners (NVV), asking for a dialogue with members of their board, staff and interested parties from the Wine Growers of Napa County and Napa Valley Grapegrowers. That meeting was cordial, but I honestly thought that was the end of it.

Less than a week later, the NVV called to revisit the dialogue, but with fewer participants. They explained that their board and staff recommended a collaborative effort because they were aware that the communitys interest in strengthening protections for our water resources and oak woodlands would win at the polls. With a core principle to protect and enhance the Napa Valley for future generations, they wanted to work with towards a common goal.

Over the course of six months, Jim Wilson and I met with Michael Honig, chairman of the NVV board, Russ Weiss, former chairman and chair of the Community and Industry Issue Committee, and Rex Stults, who represented the NVV staff.

We began with an ideal to reach the high-middle ground which would require trust, compromise and good faith. On several occasions along the process, our collaborative committee presented progress reports to the board of the NVV. Half way through the project, a unanimous vote was given by their board to continue. This culminated on just days before Sept. 1, with the full document presented to the board, who once again voted unanimously to send The Napa County Watershed and Oak Woodland Protection Initiative to the county for inclusion on the June 2018 ballot.

At the same time, we presented the facts of the initiative to all the Napa County Board of Supervisors who welcomed this collaborative effort with enthusiastic support and gratitude.

Not long after, dissent from inside and outside the NVV began to emerge. Many were opposed to this effort on the grounds of process (they werent involved, so therefore they cant support it), while some disagreed with the need for any enhanced protections for our watershed.

This powerful force disrupted the NVVs unanimous support. Realizing that the NVVs solidarity of support was being diminished, we worked for the next three weeks entertaining changes that were deemed necessary to again garner full support.

However, due to the rapidly evolving deadlines, we filed the old abridged 2016 initiative while we continued negotiations just in case no collaborative document was to emerge. But a better collaborative document did emerge, yet these changes did not satisfy the board and they suspended their commitment to the effort.

The NVVs reversal for whatever reason is beyond our own doing, they now want additional negotiations, moving the goal posts and running out the clock. Therefore, last week we refiled the collaborative initiative with a number of changes requested by the wine industry. We now need 3,800 valid signatures from our voters in the county who believe in saving our oaks and water resources; who see the need to honor and defend our precious natural heritage, not just for the good of the community today, but for all future generations.

Some industry members have lost sight of the fact that its about the community uniting around solutions for the critical environmental problems we face; the solutions that science and justice demand.

While on a national level were witnessing an unprecedented assault on our environment, here at home we need the wine industry to show enlightened thinking with respect to their core principles. The NVV board recently took that aspirational goal and appeared ready to proactively implement it; we were united in the goal to set an example right here in our renowned wine-growing region for the entire world to imitate. This was a perfectly sane step forward.

Now, like the dramatic establishment of the Ag Preserve, and reaffirmed by voters for our Measures J and P, lets let the voters decide.

Mike Hackett

Angwin
Brazil's vice-president-elect and coordinator of the transition team of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's government, Geraldo Alckmin, asked Jair Bolsonaro's government for access to complete... | Read More
1,500-Year-Old Mummy Found in Mongolia With Well-Preserved Shoes

Archaeologists say they have found an ancient mummy in Mongolia from 1,500 years ago in the Altai Mountains.

The remains, which were wrapped in felt, are being called the first Turkik burial found in Central Asia, reported the Siberian Times.

B. Sukhbaatar, researcher at Khovd Museum, told the paper: This person was not from elite, and we believe it was likely a woman, because there is no bow in the tomb.

Now we are carefully unwrapping the body and once this is complete the specialists will be able to say more precisely about the gender, Sukhbaatar added.

However, some media outlets and people on social media claimed the shoes looked modern. More specifically, they looked like Adidas shoes, as one put it. The mummy had on some Adidas in the first pic, wrote one person on LiveLeak before a number of tabloid sites picked it up.

Near the remains were a bridle, a clay vase, a bowl, an iron kettle, the remains of an entire horse, different types of Mongolian clothes, and a saddle. There were also pillows, a sheeps head, and a travel bag.

We can see clearly that the horse was deliberately sacrificed. It was a mare, between four and eight years old. Four coats we found were made of cotton, Sukhbaatar said, adding: This is a very rare phenomenon. These finds show us the beliefs and rituals of Turkiks.

Based on the items found in the cave, researchers dated the mummy back to the 6th century AD.
Cause of Death Revealed in 19-Year-Old Woman Found in Freezer in Rosemont, Illinois

An autopsy has found that 19-year-old Kenneka Jenkins, who was found dead in a Chicago-area hotel freezer last month, died of hypothermia from exposure to cold conditions.

Her body was found Sept. 10 in a walk-in freezer at the Crowne Plaza Chicago OHare Hotel in Rosemontjust about 24 hours after relatives told the hotel she was missing, CBS News reported.

Videos released by police show Jenkins, by herself, walking through areas of the hotel. In one of the videos, she can be seen near the kitchen area by the freezer.

Her family requested that police release footage of her walking into the freezer, but officials several weeks ago said it doesnt exist.

The Cook County medical examiners office said that caffeine, alcohol, and an epilepsy/migraine medicine called topiramate were found in her system. According to CBS News, her blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.112, higher than the 0.08 BAC level that is considered legally drunk for drivers in most states.

The examiner ruled her death an accident.

Alcohol and topiramate are synergistic. When combined, the effect of either or both drugs is enhanced. Topiramate, like alcohol, can cause dizziness, impaired memory, impaired concentration, poor coordination, confusion and impaired judgment, the coroners office said, according to CBS. Central nervous system depression, or impairment, combined with cold exposure can hasten the onset of hypothermia and death.

Tests for date rape drugs like Rohypnol and ketamine were conducted by the examiners office, but those tests came back negative, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Family and friends have speculated that foul play may have been involved. Online conspiracy theories about her death have proliferated on YouTube and social media platforms. Protesters also gathered for several weeks outside the hotel, demanding justice for the girl.

In a statement, the Crowne Plaza Hotel offered its condolences to her family, saying: Her death stunned our company and saddened our employees.

As we previously assured the familys attorney, we will preserve all the evidence they requested, including video recordings and documents, the statement said. In fact, we have already done so.

Jenkins case is still being treated as an ongoing death investigation, police told the Sun-Times.

Officials also found there was no evidence of trauma due to abuse before her death.
Houses destroyed by fighting between Syrian Democratic Forces and ISIS terrorists are pictured in Raqqa's old city in Syria Oct. 5, 2017. (Reuters/Erik De Castro)

Debris and Dust: Raqqa Sacrificed to Defeat ISIS

RAQQA, SyriaThe ancient mud brick walls circling Raqqas deserted old city are almost the only structure still intact. Inside, shops and homes spill crumbling concrete onto either side of the narrow roads, block after block.

Fighting between U.S.-backed militias and ISIS in the jihadist groups former Syria stronghold has peppered mosques and minarets with machine-gun fire while air strikes flattened houses. No building is untouched.

The old clock tower could be heard from outside the walls once. Its damaged now. Its silent, Mohammed Hawi, an Arab fighter from Raqqa, said at a nearby home occupied by the Syrian Democratic Forces alliance (SDF).

Raqqa, where ISIS plotted attacks abroad during its three-year rule, is almost captured in a months-old offensive backed by U.S. air cover and special forces. But driving terrorists out has caused destruction that officials say will take years and cost millions of dollars to repair.

The nascent Raqqa Civil Council, set up to rebuild and govern Raqqa, faces a huge task. It says aid from countries in the U.S.-led coalition fighting IS is so far insufficient.

Raqqas uncertain political future, as it comes under the sway of Kurdish-led forces which neighbor Turkey opposes, and is still coveted by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is partly what has made coalition countries hesitate, diplomats say.

But failure to quickly return services to the city that was once home to more than 200,000 people, mostly now displaced, risks unrest, they warn.

Infrastructure is completely destroyed, water, electricity networks, bridges. Theres not a single service functioning, said Ibrahim Hassan, who oversees reconstruction for the Raqqa council at its headquarters in nearby Ain Issa.

We gave our city as a sacrifice for the sake of defeating terrorism. Its the worlds duty to help us, he said.

A major bridge leading into eastern Raqqa lies collapsed after a coalition air strike. Beyond it, damaged water towers and the skeletons of teetering residential blocks dot the skyline.

Awnings hung by terrorists to hide their movements flap in the wind.

Bodies Under Rubble

Senior council member Omar Alloush estimated at least half the city is completely destroyed.

There are also bodies under rubble, of civilians and terrorists. These need reburying to avoid disease outbreaks, he said.

Amnesty International has said the U.S.-led campaign, including air strikes, has killed hundreds of civilians trapped in Raqqa. Residents have reported civilian deaths, but it is difficult to establish how many people have died.

The coalition says it does all it can to avoid civilian casualties. But the city is densely built up and terrorists firing from homes are often targeted by air raids.

Council officials said with the battle still raging in a small, encircled area of the city center and countless explosives rigged by terrorists in areas they abandoned, reconstruction has not yet begun.

The focus is on emergency aid, food and water, de-mining, Hassan said.

The council wants to get services up and running as soon as possible, but has limited capacity and is staffed by volunteers. At its headquarters the offices of several departments consist of a single desk in a shared room.

Support from the international community has improved and we feel less isolated, but its been modest, Hassan said.

The United States delivered several bulldozers and other vehicles to the council to clear debris recently, the Raqqa council said, out of a total of 56 due to arrive.

Even 700 wouldnt be enough, Alloush said.

Political Obstacles

Raqqa council volunteers have said they told the coalition it will take 5.3 billion Syrian lira (about $10 million) a year to restore power and water supplies, roads and schools.

It is feared delays could reignite unrest.

Groups that took over Raqqa in 2013 didnt run it well, a Western diplomat in the region said, referring to Syrian insurgents who seized the city from Assads forces earlier in the six-year-old civil war, before IS arrived.

Thats partly what allowed Daesh (IS) to take over. If theres a gap in humanitarian assistance and no effective local governance structure, the risk of future violence increases.

The council said coalition countries were reluctant to aid the Raqqa council, made up of local engineers, teachers and doctors.

Weve suffered from bureaucracy in the decision making process for foreign aid, Hassan said.

Some coalition countries were concerned about relations with NATO member Turkey over support for a governing body perceived to be allied to Kurdish militia, the diplomat said.

The SDF, which for now controls much of Raqqa, is spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG militia, a foe of Ankara which is fighting its own Kurdish insurgency. Turkey opposes the YPGs role in capturing Raqqa.

Council officials say Raqqa will be governed independently of a self-run administration for northeast Syria that is dominated by Kurds, but is expected to have close relations with it. The extent of those relations is to be decided by elected officials once elections can be held.

A second diplomat in the region said reluctance to aid the council was partly over concerns whether it properly represented the ethnic make-up of mostly Arab Raqqa, seeing tension if local Arabs were sidelined. Several prominent council members are Kurdish.

There is also uncertainty over whether Raqqa will remain allied to the self-run parts of northern Syria, or if it would fall back to Assad in future upheaval. Assad has sworn to retake the entire country.

For now, with Turkeys borders closed to SDF-controlled areas, aid to Raqqa comes a longer route through Iraqs Kurdish region.

Raqqa council says it may have to be self-sufficient.

Were waiting for help to repair the east bridge, co-president Leila Mustafa, a civil engineer, said.

If it doesnt arrive soon, well begin ourselves, using any means we have.

Reporting by John Davison, additional reporting by Issam Abdallah
Tom Homan, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, answers questions in front of gang related photos from the MS-13 gang during a daily briefing at the White House in Washington on July 27, 2017. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

ICE Director Condemns Californias New Sanctuary Law

Tom Homan says law will force ICE to make more arrests in communities

Tom Homan, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), slammed Californias new sanctuary bill, warning it will force ICE to conduct at-large arrests in local neighborhoods and at worksites.

Homan said the billsigned by Gov. Jerry Brown on Oct. 5will hamper ICE operations in California by nearly eliminating all cooperation and communication with our law enforcement partners in the state.

[This] will inevitably result in additional collateral arrests, instead of focusing on arrests at jails and prisons where transfers are safer for ICE officers and the community, Homan said in a statement on Oct. 6.

California is the first state to pass such sweeping legislation that shields illegal aliens from immigration enforcement, although at least 300 cities and counties across the country have similar policies.

Connecticut, New Mexico, and Colorado are the other states that have sanctuary policiessome of which simply state they will not honor any ICE detainer requests, according to a map and list on the Center for Immigration Studies website.

Nearly one quarter (more than 2 million) of the countrys estimated illegal alien population lives in California, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. The bill says that almost one in three Californians is foreign born and one in two children in California has at least one immigrant parentbut it doesnt specify whether immigrant is legal or illegal.

Related Coverage California Senate Votes Yes to Becoming a Sanctuary State

Senate bill 54 will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2018.

SB-54 forbids local law enforcement to communicate with immigration officials about when a criminal is about to be released from custody, except under special circumstances.

It also prevents local jails from holding inmates for up to 48 hours longer when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) makes a request for transferexcept for inmates who have committed certain violent crimes, such as murder, robbery, rape, or kidnapping.

Nationwide, for the 19-month period between Jan. 1, 2014, and Sept. 30, 2016, about 68 percent of denied detainer requests were for individuals with a criminal history, according to ICE. In fiscal 2016, under the Obama administration, the number of wanted illegal aliens handed over to federal authorities from detention facilities plummeted to less than 3 percent of what it was six years prior.

SB-54 bans state and local law enforcement officers from asking the immigration status of anyone during a routine stop, and they are prohibited from arresting illegal aliens based on civil immigration warrants.

The bill also prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from using resourcesincluding facilities, equipment, and personnelfor immigration enforcement purposes without a court warrant.

Violators could be subject to civil action, said state Senate president and author of the bill, Kevin de Leon.

Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones said the governor only signed the bill after making sure his own correctional system was exempted from the prohibition of cooperating with ICE.

Now  it will be incumbent upon every sheriff in this state to determine how best to keep dangerous criminals from being released from their jails, Jones said in an email.

Since the law doesnt take effect until Jan. 1, I will be using the time between now and then to determine the most effective way possible under the law to cooperate with ICE only inside our jail facilities to maximize public safety and reduce the likelihood of further victimization by dangerous criminals.

Jones said he encourages the Department of Justice to challenge SB-54 under the premise that federal immigration law supersedes state laws.

SB-54 is in stark contrast to the administrations policies of enforcing existing immigration law.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said on Oct. 5 that the governor made an irresponsible decision by signing the bill. She said she hopes Californians will push back on the new law.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Jan. 25 that vowed to end sanctuary jurisdictions. He said they willfully violate federal law in an attempt to shield aliens from removal from the United States.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions has started clamping down on sanctuary jurisdictions by making them ineligible for some federal funding. Due to its sanctuary policies, Los Angeles already stands to lose $1.8 million, based on the fiscal 2016 amount, of Byrne JAG grants, the primary means for providing federal money to state and local law enforcement.

Devin OMalley, spokesman for the Department of Justice, said the California decision is disappointing.

California has now codified a commitment to returning criminal aliens back onto our streets, which undermines public safety, national security, and law enforcement, OMalley said.

Given the multiple high-profile incidents that have occurred in California in recent years, it is especially disappointing that state leaders have made it law to limit cooperation between local jurisdictions and immigration authorities attempting to keep Californians safe.

High-profile murders committed by illegal aliens have not convinced state politicians to do away with sanctuary policies.

Kate Steinle, 32, was fatally shot in San Francisco in 2015 by an illegal immigrant who had been deported five times.

Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez was detained for an outstanding drug warrant in March 2015. An ICE detainer request to local authorities was refused, and Lopez-Sanchez was released. He killed Steinle with a stolen gun in June 2015.

In 2008, 17-year-old Jamiel Shaw II was shot and killed in Los Angeles by an illegal immigrant who had just been released from jail.

California has been building its sanctuary policies since 1979, when the Los Angeles Police Department implemented Special Order 40. It prohibited police officers from asking about immigration status during routine stops.

In 2014, Brown signed a bill that reduced the maximum sentence of a misdemeanor to 364 days, down from 365. Immigrantslegal and illegalare subject to expedited deportation if they receive a sentence of 365 days or more.

Proponents for sanctuary policies say that the policies promote trust in immigrant communities and, therefore, immigrants will come forward to report crimespurportedly making the community safer.

AG Sessions countered that view, saying in Miami recently that no evidence supports the claim.

To the contrary, Chicago has consistently had one of the lowest murder investigation clearance rates in the country, Sessions said, adding that a suspect is identified in only one of every four murders.

Far from making Chicago safer, these policies likely make cooperation with law enforcement more difficult: If there are no real consequences for the criminal, no witness will risk their life to report the crime. That means criminals walk free and victims suffer in silence, he said on Aug. 16.
Las Vegas police stand guard along the streets outside the Route 91 Harvest Country music festival grounds on Oct. 1, 2017 in Las Vegas. (David Becker/Getty Images)

Note in Vegas Gunmans Hotel Room Had Details of Bullet Trajectories

A handwritten note found inside the hotel room of Vegas gunman Stephen Paddock revealed calculations of bullet trajectories that would help him kill as many people as possible.

The new details were revealed in an interview on Sunday on CBSs 60 minutes with three police officers who stormed Paddocks room at the Mandalay Bay Resort Oct. 1.

The officers were the first to breach the hotel room and see Paddocks body, his stash of weapons and ammunition he had stockpiled in what is the deadliest shooting in modern American history.

Officer David Newton from the Las Vegas Police Departments K-9 unit told CBS that he noticed a note on the gunmans nightstand when they breached the room.

Newton said the note was found near one of the windows that Paddock had broken with a hammer, enabling him to shoot at the crowd of some 22,000 below. The gunman used semi-automatic rifles that were outfitted with a bump stock, a device that increases the rate of fire.

I could see on it he had written the distance, the elevation he was on, the drop of what his bullet was gonna be for the crowd, Newton told CBS. So he had that written down and figured out so he would know where to shoot to hit his targets from there.



Paddock fired on the crowd attending the Route 91 Harvest festival and was approximately 400 yards away, within the range of his custom rifles, according to CBS. Paddocks hotel room was on the 32nd floor of the hotel.

Newton said they got into the room using an explosive, which set off fire alarms, and described the room as eerie when they entered.

Very eerie. Yeah, the dust from the explosive breach. And then you have the flashing lights, Newton told CBS. That looked straight out of a movie, you know?

This was the first in-depth interview that the officers, who were the first to arrive at the scene, have given.

Authorities are still investigating the 64-year-old gunmans motive for the massacre.

Weve run a thousand leads, Undersheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department told reporters on Friday, the Independent reported.

While some of it has helped create a better profiling to the madness of the suspect, we do not still have a motive or reason why.

Although the ISIS terrorist group has claimed Paddock converted it Islam and was one of their soldiers, the FBI has said that they have found no evidence of that.

Paddock took 20 cruises in the past, many of them to the Middle East and Europe, CNN reported, citing investigators.

The cruises docked at ports in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Greece, Italy, and Spain, an unidentified source familiar with the investigation told CNN. Marilou Danley, the killers girlfriend, joined him on nine of the cruises.

The source did not provide more details on the cruises, so the dates and types of trip, as well as the reason for travel, remain unknown. Most cruise ships have casinos on board, CNNs Kyung Lah and Scott Glover reported, and Paddock described himself as a professional gambler.

From NTD.tv
Co-Chairman of The Weinstein Company Harvey Weinstein on Feb. 21, 2015 in Los Angeles. (Charley Gallay/Getty Images for TWC)

Trump Not at All Surprised by Weinstein Allegations, He Says

President Donald Trump was asked about the sexual harassment allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

Ive known Harvey Weinstein for a long time, Trump told reporters on Saturday, CBS News reported. Im not at all surprised to see it.

At least eight women have settled harassment claims with Weinstein, according to the New York Times, which said actress Ashley Judd accused him of inviting her up to his room and making lewd comments.

Weinstein is now taking an indefinite leave of absence from the Weinstein Company, the board said on Friday.

We strongly endorse Harvey Weinsteins already-announced decision to take an indefinite leave of absence from the Company, commencing today, the board said in a statement. As Harvey has said, it is important for him to get professional help for the problems he has acknowledged. Next steps will depend on Harveys therapeutic progress, the outcome of the Boards independent investigation, and Harveys own personal decisions.

Harveys brother and board co-chairman Bob Weinstein and COO David Glasser will now run the firm in his absence.

Over the years, the studio head has nearly exclusively donated to Democrats. The allegations against him prompted Senators Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Chuck Schumer, Martin Heinrich, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Patrick Leahy to vow to donate Weinsteins previous contributions to charity, CBS reported.
Vegas Shooting Survivor Calls Trumps Real People After Meeting With Them

A survivor of the Las Vegas mass shooting who met with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump described them as real people.

Theyre real people. Hes a real human, shes a real human, survivor Stephanie Melanson said on CNNs New Day.

They had a heart, they were caring, they were sympathetic, he had a listening ear. He sends his condolences.

Stephanies mother, Rosemarie Melanson, was shot in the abdomen on Sunday night at the Route 91 Harvest music festival on the Las Vegas Strip. Stephen Paddock, 64, opened fire on 22,000 people attending the festival, killing 58 and wounding hundreds more.

Las Vegas survivor Stephanie Melanson describes meeting President Trump & First Lady: "They're real people" https://t.co/H7ljjA9HTy  New Day (@NewDay) October 6, 2017

It was hard to take in, Stephanie Melanson said of meeting the first lady. Before he could finish talking, she got up and beelined over to us and hugged me and told me Your mom is strong, shes a fighter, shell be ok. Shes going to make it.'

Rosemarie has undergone two surgeries at the Las Vegas Sunrise Hospital. She is in critical but stable condition and is expected to recover.

President Trump and the first lady met with other victims of the shooting and with the Las Vegas police department.

In a new disclosure, authorities said two bullets Paddock fired struck a large jet fuel storage tank at the edge of the citys main airport, about a block from the concert grounds, indicating an attempt by the gunman to create even greater havoc.

There was no explosion or fire from the two rounds, one of which penetrated the tank, as jet fuel in storage is almost impossible to ignite with gunshots, airport officials said on Friday.

Paddocks girlfriend, Marilou Danley, 62, was questioned by the FBI on Wednesday and said in a statement she had no inkling of Paddocks plans.

Danley, who returned late on Tuesday from a visit to see family in the Philippines, is regarded by investigators as a person of interest. The Australian citizen of Filipino heritage is cooperating fully with authorities, her lawyer said.

Reuters contributed to this report.
This picture released by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Aug. 10, 2011, shows the rim of Endeavour crater taken by NASA's Mars Exploration rover Opportunity. (Xinhua/NASA)

LONDON, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Space scientists in Britain have won more than 4.2 million U. S. dollars of government funding to help support exploration of life on Mars.

The funding from the official UK Space Agency will also help support studies into experiments that could be built and flown to the International Space Station (ISS), which could potentially support future human exploration of space.

The UK Space Agency's Aurora Science program is exploiting data from robotic exploration, including major investment in European Space Agency's ExoMars mission.

A spokesman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, said British research will target questions of past and present life on Mars, investigating the presence of water and the geochemical environment, as well as atmospheric trace gases and their sources.

Science Minister Jo Johnson said: "This government funding will play a vital role in ensuring UK academics can continue to study the secrets of our solar system, from the polar regions of the Moon to the potential of life on Mars."

The funding has gone to 17 academics and individual scientists working at UK research organisations. In addition funding has been awarded to the UK microgravity and space environments community in academia and industry.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-07 23:34:22|Editor: huaxia

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LONDON -- A number of people were injured Saturday after a car ploughed into pedestrians outside London's Natural History Museum, London Metropolitan Police said.

"Officers are on scene, and the London Ambulance Service have been called. A man has been detained at the scene. Enquiries to establish the circumstances and motive are underway," police said in a statement.(Britain-Accident)

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ISLAMABAD -- At least 14 people were killed and scores of others injured after a collision between a passenger bus and a van in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan on Saturday, local Urdu TV channel Geo reported.

According to the report, the accident happened at about 11:20 a.m. local time when the driver of the van lost control due to over-speeding and collided head-on with a bus coming from the opposite direction in Mastung, a district located in the southwestern Balochistan.(Pakistan-Road Accident)

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ANKARA -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Saturday that Turkey was conducting an anti-terror operation in Syria's Idlib.

Speaking at the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)'s meeting in Turkey's western province of Afyonkarahisar, Erdogan said "today a landmark operation is underway in Idlib, and it will continue."(Turkey-Syria)

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COPENHAGEN -- Danish police said Saturday that the head and legs of Swedish journalist Kim Wall had been found, almost two months after she disappeared on a submarine trip with Peter Madsen, the Danish investor who built his own submarine.

Bags containing the body parts and Wall's clothing were found Friday in Koge Bay, south of Copenhagen. Her torso had also been found in the same waters 11 days after she boarded Madsen's homemade submarine, Copenhagen Deputy Police Inspector Jens Moeller Jensen said at a press briefing.(Denmark-Kim Wall)

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MOSCOW -- About 120 Islamic State (IS) militants and more than 60 foreign mercenaries in Syria were killed in airstrikes launched by Russia over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said Saturday.

The Russian airstrikes destroyed an IS strongpoint at the town of Albu Kamal near the Syrian-Iraqi border, killing about 40 militants from Tajikistan and Iraq, said the ministry's spokesman Igor Konashenkov in a statement.(Russia-Syria-IS) Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 00:09:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BUCHAREST, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- It is illegal to decide on the fragmentation of a country without negotiations with the central government, said Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu on Saturday.

"Our position with respect to the situation of Kosovo, which is also valid for Catalonia, and for Kurdistan, our position is one of principle," said the prime minister at the 63rd annual session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

"We find it illegal to decide on the fragmentation of a country without negotiations with the government and the state which is actually the only organization representing the structure of a country," he stressed.

"Therefore, we remain faithful to this position regardless of what happens in other parts of Europe or the world," said the minister, pointing out that "we dearly hope that the other EU partners and from other organizations understand that it is a position of principle, of principles which we respect if we want to fully respect the provisions of international law."

NATO Parliamentary Assembly is gathering in Bucharest from Friday to Monday, with over 50 national delegations. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is going to be present at the plenary session on Monday.

It is the third time for Romania to host the Assembly.

Among the topics to be approached there are the support for NATO's actions in Afghanistan, the closer NATO-EU cooperation, the stability and security in the Black Sea area, the risks of the instability in Eastern Asia, the humanitarian crisis in Syria and Iraq, according to official Agerpres news agency.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 00:54:36|Editor: Zhou Xin

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Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe attends the ruling ZANU-PF Youth League National Assembly meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Oct. 7, 2017. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe said Saturday underperforming ministers will fall by the wayside when he reshuffles his cabinet next week, state broadcaster the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation reported. (Xinhua)

HARARE, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe said Saturday underperforming ministers will fall by the wayside when he reshuffles his cabinet next week, state broadcaster the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation reported.

The veteran president, who was addressing his ruling ZANU-PF Youth League National Assembly meeting in the capital Harare, said the reshuffle will see some ministers being reassigned.

Mugabe last reshuffled his cabinet in 2015. The fresh reshuffle comes ahead of the 2018 polls and at a time when his party is beset with intense infighting over his succession.

Meanwhile, Mugabe urged party youths to be disciplined and desist from politically and ethnically motivated violence.

"It is on this note that I once again encourage the young ones to desist from drug and alcoholic substance abuse, as well as from politically, and ethnically motivated violence," Mugabe said.

He encouraged youths to embrace information and communication technologies and use them for the development of the party and the nation at large.

"The youth must not abuse these platforms and so they should avoid following and supporting those who have advocated regime change politics," he said.

With a few months before next year's general elections, Mugabe also spoke on the need for youths to encourage each other to register to vote.

Zimbabwe is conducting a fresh voter registration exercise for the 2018 polls using biometric voter registration technology for the first time.

The country's electoral body has said it is targeting to register seven million voters, up from 6.8 million in the 2013 vote.
Discriminating against someone on the basis of their genetics, immigration status, social condition and police records would be a violation of their rights in Ontario under a proposed bill introduced in the provincial legislature.

The private members bill, tabled by Liberal legislator Nathalie Des Rosiers, would expand and modernize Ontarios human rights code which was first established in 1962. If passed, the legislation would add the four new areas of rights protection to the code and give anyone discriminated against recourse they currently dont have at the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.

Des Rosiers, a former human rights lawyer, said the code as it stands has gaps and doesnt fully protect many of the provinces residents, especially those in poor or marginalized communities.

In my view, Ontario must have a Human Rights Code that addresses fully the new types of discrimination that Ontarians may feel and may face, she said.

The purpose of this bill is to recognize there is a role for government in ensuring we respond proactively to discrimination, she added.

Des Rosiers said the changes would bring Ontarios Human Rights Code in line with other codes across Canada and around the world. It would also ensure that people have fair access to employment, insurance and goods and services.

Des Rosiers said discrimination based on social condition, like poverty, homelessness or lack of education, is prevalent. Her bill will combat negative stereotyping and help people living in poverty access essential services, she said.

We know that poor people are often treated differently, she said. (Theyre) told to move out of certain stores, of malls or offices, for no good reason.

Des Rosiers said immigrants to Ontario also face discrimination, often when attempting to find housing where immigration status should be irrelevant.

We have heard of landlords refusing to rent to refugee claimants and of public services requiring various proofs of permanent residency, citizenship or immigration status in order to determine eligibility or to offer a service, she said.

Mike Colle, also a Liberal legislator, said he supports Des Rosiers bill and its measures to fight genetic discrimination. Colle has made previous attempts to pass private members bills to end the practice, which can prevent people from getting a job or insurance because of a hereditary family health conditions.

Right now in Ontario, technically you can deny people employment because of their parents medical history ... that is quite common, Colle said. That discrimination happens every day. People can also be denied insurance because of that.

The bill has the backing of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association which has done extensive work to prevent discrimination on the basis of police records. Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, acting executive director of the group, said the legislation would address constitutional defects in the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Mendelsohn Aviv said people in Ontario are regularly denied volunteer opportunities or jobs because of past contact theyve had with law enforcement which shows up on police record checks required by many agencies and employers. Often, those records dont say whether charges were dropped or stayed or if the contact was a case of error by police.

Police records dont tell much of a story except that someone has had contact with the police, she said. The story that people think they understand, or that employers being conservative dont want to take a chance on, is of having some kind of criminal or criminality being brought into their workplace. Thats a heavy taint.

Ontarios Human Rights Commission has signalled its support for Des Rosiers bill, which will be tabled for second reading on Oct. 26.

The proposed amendments are progressive and would confirm Ontario as a leader in human rights, the statement said. The bill is in line with and improves on protections emerging in other Canadian jurisdictions.

The Ontario Human Rights Code was first established to prohibit discrimination in signs, services, facilities public accommodation, employee and trade union membership on the grounds of race, creed, colour, nationality, ancestry and place of origin.

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OTTAWAFederal lawyers have racked up a legal bill of more than $2.36 million fighting a group of women who allegedly were wrongly denied sickness benefits while they were on maternity leave.

The costs, revealed in an access to information request filed by The Canadian Press, show the Justice Department added about $300,000 to its bill between early 2016 and last June to fight a case the Liberals once vowed to drop.

That brings the total federal bill on the case to more than $2.5 million when factoring in previously released costs from a second department involved in the litigation.

Jennifer McCrea, the woman at the centre of the case, and her lawyer wonder why the government cant end their case when it settled with former Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Khadr for $10.5 million and offered up to $750 million to victims of the 60s Scoop, where Indigenous children were taken from their homes and placed with non-native families.

Read more:

Mothers denied sickness benefits urge Liberal government to end legal battle

Liberals dragging heels on $450M class-action lawsuit, moms denied EI say

Its the only right thing to do and I believe in the strength of our case, said lawyer Stephen Moreau.

I have yet to see a reason why they wouldnt come through on this promise, other than the fact that theyre taking a long time. Thats the only thing that gives me some pause.

McCrea said she hasnt given up hope the Liberals will settle, as the party promised at the end of the 2015 election, but admits it may finally mean getting their day in court.

Im upset that this is taking so long, said Moreau, who has been interviewed extensively by the Star.

Im in too deep and too long to give up on it, so absolutely we intend to continue the fight. Its just very slow and painful.

It was two years ago, just a week before the federal election, that the NDP and Liberals vowed to immediately drop opposition to the case if either became government.

Instead, Moreau said, the Liberals, like the previous Conservative government, continue to fight every element of the case.

McCrea has been brushed off by ministers and local MPs, with all saying they couldnt comment because the matter was before courts.

Thats all that theyll tell me, McCrea said.

A spokesperson for Social Development Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said it would be inappropriate to comment on the case because it is in Federal Court.

The minister is sympathetic to the challenges faced by women who were diagnosed with cancer while receiving parental benefits. EI claimants who fall ill or are injured during their parental benefits claim are now able to access sickness benefits, Mathieu Filion said.

Parliament decided in 2002 to allow those who were diagnosed with cancer, for instance, to access 15 extra weeks of employment insurance payments in addition to a years worth of maternity leave benefits.

McCrea was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2011, while she was on maternity leave with her youngest son, Logan, who was eight months old at the time.

She had a double mastectomy in August 2011 and was deemed cancer-free shortly afterwards.

But she was denied sickness benefits. Her claim alleges thousands of others were also denied between 2002 and 2013  when the Tories further clarified the law  although the exact number of women affected isnt clear because it would require searching through millions of paper EI files.

Federal lawyers are now looking to limit the potential number of additional women who may be part of the $450-million class-action lawsuit in the latest procedural wrangling. A hearing about whether to expand the definition of who is part of the class action is scheduled for early January.

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A Syrian family has been left homeless after fire swept through their Mississauga home and damaged eight other townhouses in the complex.

There is little left of unit 121 at 1560 Bloor St., the place that Khaled Alawad, his wife, Judy, and their three children  Odai, 11, Marina, 9, and Mera, 4  have called home since they arrived in Canada in January 2016.

I lost myself, I dont know where to start, he said, adding that all of his familys documents and identification are gone.

Peel police are still investigating the fire, which happened early Saturday morning, Peel police Const. Bancroft White said.

Around 5 p.m. on Friday, Peel police responded to a 911 call at the same address. Alawad said he called after he was approached by a man who adamantly insisted that the bike outside of his house belonged to him.

He said bad words about Syrian refugees, and he lifted something  I think a gun or knife. We went into the house because I was scared, Alawad said.

Two friends came to his aid and helped Alawad hold the front door closed while the man tried to get in, but the intruder was too strong and broke the door, Alawad said.

Alawad called police and the man fled.

At around 2 a.m. the next day, while the rest of his family was sleeping, Alawad saw flames in the backyard. Once again, he called 911.

I saw a light coming from the backyard, and I saw a big fire, he said. I picked up my children and family and brought them outside and yelled, please help, help, fire! 

He believes that his family was targeted.

It took firefighters almost five hours to put out the fire, said Alawad, and the family has lost everything.

Police said a 33-year-old man has been arrested in relation to the first incident and is facing charges of mischief over $5,000, uttering death threats, and assault with a weapon.

Police are not linking the arrest and the fire.

The thing that I need to stress is that there is no evidence currently that connects the two incidents, Const. White said.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all residents who are now rebuilding their lives as a result of this devastating fire, Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie said in an email to the Star.

Soon after the fire broke out, the Burnhamthorpe Community Centre was opened for residents to access washroom facilities and to serve as a rehab location.

A MiWay articulated bus was on scene holding residents who could not return to their homes. Peel Social Services is working with displaced families to arrange living arrangements. The Red Cross, along with other community partners, continue to provide ongoing support in the form shelter and food and clothing vouchers.

Alawad has created a GoFundMe page, stating that his family is new to Canada, and in need of support to rebuild. The goal is to raise $20,000.

While the family has house insurance, they said they are unable to speak to someone until after the Thanksgiving weekend, and will hear back on Tuesday morning.

In the meantime, they are staying with a friend, but the family is unsettled and on edge.

Weve gone two days without sleeping ... were very tired, said Alawad.

He said he is thankful that no one was injured in the blaze, and for the friend who took him in.

You will find bad people and good people everywhere, he said. I thank God that my family is safe.

Two firefighters who sustained minor injuries were treated at hospital and released. No other injuries were reported.

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MOSCOWAnswering a protest call issued from behind bars by the jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, small crowds of mostly young people gathered Saturday in towns across Russia in a wave of nationwide demonstrations. The protests were timed to coincide with the 65th birthday of President Vladimir Putin.

The turnout for the protests, which began in Vladivostok in eastern Russia and then rolled westward throughout the day, was smaller than in two previous days of nationwide rallies called by Navalny in March and June.

But their geographical reach confirmed the anti-corruption campaigner as Putins best organized and most determined political foe.

In Moscow, torrential rain, a heavy police presence and fears of a harsh crackdown dampened the fervour of Navalnys supporters, with only a few hundred people gathering in Pushkin Square to chant slogans against Putin and the corruption that has become an endemic feature of his increasingly authoritarian rule. In comparison, thousands had gathered in Moscow and other cities in the earlier days of protest that Navalny, 41, had organized.

Happy birthday Putin and goodbye, protesters chanted, mocking the Kremlin leader who if, as expected, wins a presidential election next year, will be older than 70 when his term ends.

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Tens of thousands rally, hundreds arrested in anti-corruption protests across Russia

Vladimir Putin celebrates 6,602 days as top leader of Russia

Putin, King Salman turn the page on decades of Russia-Saudi tensions

OVD-Info, a non-profit organization, reported that more than 260 protesters had been arrested by early Saturday evening. The crackdown seems to have been particularly severe in St. Petersburg, where at least 66 people were arrested, and photographs posted on social media showed bloodied protesters.

Navalny was absent from Saturdays protests, having been sentenced earlier in the week to 20 days in prison for organizing unsanctioned rallies. The sentence appeared to be an attempt to halt Navalnys efforts to organize protests in St. Petersburg.

But instead of abandoning his protest plans for Russias second biggest city, Navalny, in messages sent from prison, called on his supporters to take to the streets there and across the country to pressure authorities to let him compete in a presidential election scheduled for March.

Opinion polls indicate that Putin would easily defeat Navalny, but the younger mans ability to mobilize previously apathetic Russian youths and his dogged investigation of corruption in Putins entourage, have clearly worried the Kremlin.

Unlike an older generation of Russian opposition leaders, dominated by veteran liberals and Soviet-era dissidents, Navalny has tapped into the concerns of Russias young people, using social media and other tools to expose the wealth and corruption of top level government officials in a series of videos.

Russias Central Election Commission has said that Navalny cannot legally run for president because of a prior criminal conviction for embezzlement. Navalny has dismissed the case as a trumped up political dispute.

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WASHINGTONU.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at the fake journalists who criticized him for tossing rolls of paper towel to Puerto Rican hurricane victims.

The paper towels, he said, were beautiful. And soft.

They had these beautiful, soft towels. Very good towels, Trump said in a conversation that aired Sunday on Christian television network Trinity Broadcasting. And I came in and there was a crowd of a lot of people. And they were screaming and they were loving everything. I was having fun, they were having fun. They said, Throw em to me! Throw em to me, Mr. President!

So next day they said, Oh it was so disrespectful to the people. It was just a made-up thing. And also when I walked in, the cheering was incredible, he said.

Trumps impassioned defence of his Tuesday towel-tossing, an act that insulted many Puerto Ricans, came during a quasi-interview with an ardent supporter and television host Mike Huckabee, the father of his press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Huckabee lobbed Trump questions that softball players would be insulted to hear called softballs. His first question: Tell me, how good is your press secretary?

But Trump still made a number of noteworthy, unusual and inaccurate statements in response.

1. He attacked San Juans mayor again

When Trump visited Puerto Rico on Tuesday, he took a break from his extraordinary personal criticism of San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz, who has been sharply critical of the federal response to Hurricane Maria.

Trump resumed his onslaught in speaking with Mike Huckabee, saying Cruz really did not do a very good job  in fact, did a very poor job.

And she was the lone voice (of criticism) that we saw, he said, ignoring the vociferous criticism from thousands of other Puerto Ricans. And of course thats the only voice the media wanted to talk to. And shes running for governor. Big surprise.

He continued: But shes not a capable person. And my people were telling me that to start off with.

2. He took credit for inventing the word fake

Trump, as he so often does, called the media fake. And then he, it seemed, took credit for coining the word fake.

I think one of the greatest of all terms Ive come up with is fake. I guess other people have used it, perhaps, over the years, but Ive never noticed it, he said.

Trump would not have even been correct if he meant to refer specifically to the phrase fake news.

3. He said Las Vegas mass murderer Stephen Paddock was probably smart

Trump has been calling Paddock sick and demented. This time, he added a descriptor rarely heard from presidents talking about the perpetrators of mass slaughters.

While praising police officers for their response to the shooting, Trump noted Paddock had set up cameras so he could observe officers as they tried to apprehend him.

This was a sick person  but probably smart, Trump said.

4. He accused Iran of working with North Korea

Trump offered his regular criticism of Iran, saying Iran was violating the spirit of their nuclear agreement and causing trouble in the Middle East. But he added a new set of accusations this time.

I believe theyre funding North Korea, he said. I believe theyre trading with North Korea. I believe theyre doing things with North Korea that is totally inappropriate. And that doesnt pertain to the deal  but in my opinion it does. Its called the spirit of a deal.

He did not provide evidence.

5. He offered a bizarre explanation for his latest favourite health-care plan

The Republican health-care bill that failed in late September, known as Graham-Cassidy, would have sent states money and instructed them to design their own health systems.

Trump said the downward transfer of power is a good idea because it would allow him to stop personally taking care of peoples health problems.

I want to focus on North Korea. I want to focus on Iran. I want to focus on other things. I dont want to focus on fixing somebodys back. Or their knee. Or something. Let the states do that, he said.

Perhaps he meant he wanted to be free of having to deal with health policy at all, but the Republican bill would not come close to ending the federal role in the system.

6. He said his post-hurricane consoling makes him feel good

Huckabee asked Trump how he has taken to the role of post-tragedy consoler of the nation. Trump said he has mixed feelings.

In one sense, you hate to see it, he said. In another sense, you feel you can do a good job. Youre really helping people. So it makes you feel good.

7. He took another step away from his campaign promise to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

Trump already postponed the controversial embassy move he had once promised to make on the first day of his presidency. This time, he explained why hes dallying: he wants to try to make peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.

I want to give that a shot before I even think about moving the embassy to Jerusalem, he said.

Trumps ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, sounded much more convinced a move was coming during an interview on the same network earlier in the week, saying, The embassy will move. Its not if, but when.

8. He backed off his claim that his tax plan doesnt help the rich

In September, Trump falsely claimed that his plan for tax cuts, which would predominantly help rich people, would not help the rich at all. His language was significantly different this time.

He said the focus of tax reform was the middle class. But he did not deny that rich people would get help too.

This is not a tax (cut) for the rich. Now, everybodys going to benefit, he said.

9. He made false claims

It is not a Trump interview without some wrongness.

He said, again, that the Coast Guard saved 16,000 lives  16,000 lives, he emphasized  during the response to Hurricane Harvey in Texas. The Coast Guard says it conducted 11,022 rescues.

He said, again, that the U.S. is the highest-taxed nation in the world. It is below-average for developed countries.

He said, again, that everybody was shocked by the 3.1 per cent economic growth in the second quarter of this year. Several prominent analysts predicted such growth.

And he said, again, that Daesh, also known as the Islamic State, was created in the vacuum left in Iraq when former U.S. president Barack Obama presided over a withdrawal of troops in 2011. The group, which has origins back to 1999, adopted the name Islamic State in 2006, more than two years before Obama took office.

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MIAMIWithin hours after Hurricane Maria crashed ashore last month, officials at Fort Lauderdales Nova Southeastern University knew their Puerto Rico campus would be closed for weeks or even longer while the shattered island recovered. And, with power, water and even most forms of commerce knocked out, they worried about what might be happening to their 770 students, faculty and staff in San Juan.

When Tampa cardiologist Dr. Kiran Patel  who through a family foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to Nova  learned of their worries, he said the solution was simple: Ive got a plane that most of the time just sits on the runway. Why dont we use it get supplies to our people in Puerto Rico?

It was the beginning of a supply route that now has funneled about 2,700 kilograms of food, water, toilet paper, flashlights, batteries and baby wipes to the Nova campus. That might be a small drop in a very large bucket on an island of 3.5 million people, but its still 770 or so people that the Puerto Rican government, stretched thin in every direction by a catastrophe of near-Biblical proportions, doesnt have to worry about.

Read more:

Spirits have been broken: Hurricane Maria take a toll on mental health of Puerto Ricans

What Donald Trump saw on his Puerto Rico visit  and what he missed just a few kilometres away

In the wake of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Ricans help one another

Depending on government and professionals to help you is not the way I was raised, Patel said. Whats happening in Puerto Rico is not a government problem. Its our problem. Its societys problem, and we all have to act.

Novas effort to bypass the delays clamped on Puerto Rico hurricane relief by red tape, jurisdictional squabbling and limited transportation resources is by no means the only one. A growing trickle of supplies is flowing onto the island from private individuals and companies that arent waiting around for anybody to approve their plans, but just doing it.

Sometimes you have to do it the Miami way, said political-communications consultant Eleazar David Melendez, a member of an informal relief network  he calls it a guerrilla flotilla  that has shipped nearly a million pounds (450,000 kilograms) of supplies to Puerto Rico in the past 10 days or so. Not follow the rules, just get a result.

Some of the efforts are big, some small. The rapper Pitbull sent his private plane to evacuate cancer patients. DHL flew about 110,000 kilograms of supplies in a single week. Two FedEx relief flights a day have arrived since the main San Juan airport reopened. The Fort Lauderdale-based medical transport company REVA sent three team members to hand out medical supplies last week.

But even a single small plane can make a big difference, the relief workers say.

We have a lot of people with twin turboprop planes who help us, Melendez said. They can carry maybe 10,000 pounds tops. That doesnt sound like much. But 10,000 pounds of insulin, thats really important.

Sometimes the private relief efforts are driven by personal ties to Puerto Rico, like those of Nova Southeastern or Melendez, who was born on the island. And sometimes they originate with people who realize theyre situated to help.

Kevin Diemar, president of the Miami-based Unity Jets charter company, had one of those moments. In the first days after the hurricane, when almost no commercial flights were able to leave San Juan, Diemars company was doing a brisk business ferrying well-to-do customers off the island.

We were bringing people out, but the flights going down there were empty, Diemar said. And then I suddenly thought, Hey, why dont we load the Puerto Rico-bound flights with supplies?  Since then, each of his Lear Jet 45s headed to Puerto Rico has carried between 550 and 725 kilograms of water, baby food and other supplies, which he hands over to relief organizations operating on the ground.

Diemars story illustrates that mainland Americans are overflowing with generosity for Puerto Rico: All Diemar has to do to fill his planes with supplies is to announce on Facebook that hes got a flight headed to the island, and the donations start piling up.

Everybody wants to help, Diemar said. I could easily get enough donations to fill several flights a day if we were making them.

Puerto Ricos smaller airports are the key to private relief efforts. Less busy, theyre easier to book a small plane into, and offer quicker unloading. Getting permission to unload on the airport tarmac can take up to six hours, which greatly complicates the entire process when arrivals and departures can be made only during daylight hours.

The 18 smaller airports are also scattered across the island, which means the supplies dont stack up in San Juan, awaiting scarce transport to Puerto Ricos interior.

One of the biggest problems in all this is the difficulty in moving supplies around Puerto Rico once you get them there, said celebrity chef Ingrid Hoffman, who with an informal network of friends has managed to get about 20 relief flights to the island.

Its a combination of roads being washed out or blocked, and trucks being destroyed, she said. Maybe you were a company with 20 trucks before the hurricane. But some of them were destroyed by the storm, and some of your drivers homes were destroyed and theyve moved someplace else, and you dont know where because all the phones are out and communications have been reduced to people walking around with messages for each other.

And, she added quietly, theres another possibility: Maybe some of them are dead.

Bypassing San Juan and delivering supplies directly to mayors or private groups like the Red Cross out in the countryside also keeps the supplied from getting snagged in governmental regulations and arguments over who gets credit for the help.

At one point, five Miami warehouses were stacked full of donated emergency supplies that the state of Florida couldnt deliver because the Puerto Rican government hadnt asked for it or designated a point to deliver it.

Melendez said he didnt realize the full extent of the confusion and dysfunction in the governmental relief effort until he got a call a few days ago from a friend who works with Puerto Ricos lobbyists in Washington.

He said, Hey, I have four U-Haul trailers full of stuff, but I cant get it there. If I give it to you, can you get it delivered? said Melendez. If a guy operating at that level cant do it, how do you think its working for everybody else?

Thats why the private relief networks  even large ones, like Hoffmans  have resisted creating any formal infrastructure. They fear it will breed bureaucracy and inertia.

This is an infrastructure of everybody doing it for free, on the fly, Hoffman said. Were kind of making it up as we go along.

She prefers it that way, even though shes been working on storm recovery efforts pretty much non-stop since Hurricane Harvey struck the coast of Texas in August. Hoffman first caught the hurricane-relief bug in 2005 when she joined a collection of chefs setting up food kitchens in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

We have not slept in days, she said of her coterie of organizers. This is all day, all night. But this is the way we always do it  no paid staff, no employees. That way, everything donated to us goes directly to the storm victims.

Melendez, however, is starting to think that creating a permanent organization and bringing on some paid help might not be so bad. My consulting clients arent happy with me, he admitted. And I havent done laundry in three weeks.

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Partisan politics is necessarily tribal, a blessing and a curse. The tribe provides friends, training, support  for some, jobs  and protection to its members. It also excludes, stereotypes and objectifies the other, behaviour essential to its identity. Its most valuable currency is membership, and the status and network it provides.

How generously it bestows membership, and to whom, is key to its politics, even to its survival. Make it exclusive and hard to get and you have the vanguard parties of left and right that led, in part, to the disastrous bloodshed of the 20th century.

Cheapen membership by giving it away, or allowing joint membership in several tribes and you weaken the meaning of joining, and therefore the institution itself.

Canadian Conservatives might want to reflect on this. They have allowed their members in four provinces to belong to several tribes. As a result, there is no branded Conservative choice for voters in any of them, in choosing a provincial government  the most important governments in Canada.

Liberals, too, might want to reconsider the wisdom of giving membership to anyone who clicks a checkbox on a website. Not only is their membership worth what you have not paid for it, it opens the tribe open to leadership-driven, fair-weather friends at best; usurpers, at worst.

New Democrats have struggled with this balance, too. The party that has always advocated social inclusion, a Canada open to all. But they have been too often, too little welcoming to newcomers to their own tribe. The party, as a result, became too old, too white and too affluent, before the Jack Layton renewal. His high-water mark has faded, and in the past five years donors and membership fell.

If Jagmeet Singh is to break through the Layton threshold, let alone vie for power, he must resolve this paradox at the heart of the NDP. His journey to date has been impressive, even spectacular, but the next chapters will be harder.

Jagmeets leadership campaign demonstrated his ability to organize and to mobilize, especially among those who had not previously been engaged in politics. Now he needs to show that these were not just one-time leadership campaign recruits. His goal should be to build on that base to reach a level of 250,000 or more party members, roughly the level the Liberals claim.

To cynical veterans this seems improbable. That is what their cousins in the U.K. said while Jeremy Corbyn multiplied the Labour Partys numbers more than fourfold, to become the largest political party in Europe, or when Bernie Sanders developed an online following in the millions in a few months. The NDP had nearly 200,000 members 30 years ago. Yes, these times are different, but the Corbyn/Sanders/Macron examples show that it can be done today.

The corrosion of the institutional foundations of parties, the secular weakening of their organizational sinews, among most of the once most powerful on left and right is not a partisan issue. It is an issue of the health of liberal democracy itself. Strong local political parties are the foundation of stable democracy.

A party whose pre-election membership doubles or triples and then crashes, has few real assets. It has little ability to deploy its members as advocates on an important issue  they are too busy paying off debts and trying to hustle replacement members.

Singh can align the NDPs internal culture and behaviour with its public stance of openness and inclusion, and bring in tens of thousands of new members. He can build a party like that of an Obama, Sanders or Corbyn. If he does, he can use this new machine of younger, more diverse, passionate Canadians to deliver his message on millions of doorsteps and Facebook pages.

In 2011, Layton did so well in part because the Liberals campaigned so badly and were so poorly led  and because he had built a new party. In 2015, Justin Trudeau did so well because the Tories and the NDP both campaigned so badly and were equally poorly led. He, too, had built a new Liberal party.

Given that Andrew Scheer is new and inoffensive and that the Tories have a strong base, they are likely to recapture some of the Harper coalition. But if Singh is able to continue the party growth he has begun, to build a new party made up of passionate activists in every region of Canada, he may make 2019 the first genuine three party horse-race in many decades of Canadian history. Stay tuned.

Robin V. Sears, a principal at Earnscliffe Strategy Group, was an NDP strategist for 20 years.

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Can you imagine a world without elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, tigers, leopards, rhinos, gorillas, and orangutans? Or a world where these magnificent animals survive only in zoos, as faint, caged shadows of their wild selves?

Most people would be horrified by such nightmarish scenarios. Yet despite decades of dedicated conservation efforts, that is where we are headed.

Cheetahs are the fastest land animals on Earth, but they cant outrun poachers or the destruction of their habitat. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that there are just 7,100 cheetahs left in the wild. To put that number in perspective, there are three times as many Starbucks stores as there are cheetahs.

The number of giraffes, the worlds tallest animal, is down roughly 40 per cent since 1985, dropping from more than 150,000 to fewer than 100,000. The culprits are illegal hunting and the expansion of agriculture.

Although we share much DNA with the great apes, we are steadily erasing our ancient cousins from the planet. Gorillas (both Eastern and Western species) and orangutans are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN, meaning they are teetering on the precipice of extinction.

In particular, the Eastern gorilla population has plummeted 70 per cent since 1995. The worlds entire population of Eastern Gorillas wouldnt fill one-quarter of the seats in Torontos Air Canada Centre.

Africas elephant populations are in free-fall. The first global survey, published in 1969, estimated 1.3 million elephants in Africa. A comprehensive three-year survey completed in 2016 estimated fewer than 400,000. Roughly 30,000 elephants are killed illegally every year for their ivory tusks.

These are not isolated examples. The World Wildlife Funds Living Planet Index, which monitors more than 3,700 vertebrate species, reports an average population decline of 58 per cent since 1970. A 2017 article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences crunched the data on thousands of populations of mammals and concluded we are in the midst of a biological annihilation.

We clearly need to rethink our relationship with other forms of life. Most cultures assume humans are superior to all other species. Legal systems treat wildlife as just another type of property. Wild animals are owned by governments until captured or killed. Humans urgently need to recognize that we are part of the web of life, not owners of it.

Is there any reason for hope? Thankfully, yes. In his 2016 book Half-Earth: Our Planets Fight for Life, Harvard professor emeritus E.O. Wilson called upon governments to protect at least half the area of all ecosystems in inviolable nature reserves in an effort to stem the impending tsunami of extinctions. That still leaves half the planet for Homo sapiens.

It is encouraging that some nations are close to meeting Wilsons ambitious target, including Bhutan, the Seychelles Islands and Slovenia. Croatia, Germany, Morocco, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, and Zambia have protected close to one-third of their land.

Sharing the world with other species is a popular idea. A 2014 survey of 7,000 people in the U.S., U.K., South Africa, Australia, Brazil, India, and China found that on average, people believe half of the worlds lands and oceans should be placed in nature reserves.

Also inspiring is the growing movement to recognize the legal rights of individual animals, endangered species, and ecosystems. Legislatures, courts, and communities from California to Colombia and New Zealand to Ecuador are challenging conventional thinking by acknowledging that nature has rights.

The diversity of life on Earth is one of the most extraordinary wonders in the universe. Facing a global wildlife emergency of our own making, we must acknowledge the incalculable value of what we are losing, and respond with unprecedented and heroic measures.

David R. Boyd is an environmental lawyer, UBC professor, and author of nine books, including The Rights of Nature: A Legal Revolution that Could Save the World.

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Its taken eight long years of legal battles, but the federal government has at last rightly reached an agreement in principle to pay up to $750 million to Indigenous survivors of the notorious Sixties Scoop.

Like the residential school system that went before it, the Sixties Scoop, which ran over two decades between 1965 and 1984, was an attempt to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children.

The tactics were the same: take children from their families and communities, even if they lost their language and culture. To make sure the children, who were adopted by white parents, would not return to their homes, the government even issued death certificates expunging any record of their Indigenous lives.

While court cases for restitution were launched across the country when the Harper Conservatives were in power, the Trudeau government continued to fight them, despite its election promise to work towards reconciliation.

Both governments argued that the scoop was a product of a different era when policy-makers genuinely believed that having Indigenous children adopted by white families improved their chances of escaping poverty, getting a good education and settling into a productive middle-class life.

In one court battle in Ontario, federal lawyers excused the fact that First Nations communities were not consulted before their kids were adopted out, as they were supposed to be under an Ottawa-Ontario agreement. Instead, they argued  yes, in this day and age  that even if they had been consulted they likely wouldnt have had any better ideas about how to deal with the children.

Not only was the past program shameful, so was the governments continuing defence of it.

Now Ottawa has taken two other steps that should help in the healing process.

First, as part of the compensation deal with Sixties Scoop survivors, Crown-Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett announced on Friday that Ottawa has earmarked $50 million for a new Indigenous Healing Foundation to help the victims reclaim their identity.

Second, it has set aside $75 million to pay the legal fees of the estimated 20,000 victims who are expected to receive $25,000 to $50,000 each.

That is little enough for a life where those affected say they found themselves caught between two cultures, neither of which accepted them. Still, the payments are a belated acknowledgement of the victims suffering.

Now that the Trudeau government has finally done the right thing by settling the Sixties Scoop cases, it should set its sights on correcting other ongoing wrongs to Indigenous children.

For example, in January 2016 the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal slammed Ottawa for discriminating  for 25 years, no less  against vulnerable First Nations children living on reserves by providing less money for child welfare services than would be available off-reserve, although the needs are greater. It ordered them to cease the discriminatory practice and redress the wrong.

A year later the tribunal ruled that Ottawa was failing in its legal duty to apply Jordans Principle, which says that no First Nations child should be denied welfare services due to jurisdictional disputes between governments.

Ottawa is dragging its heels on both rulings. That is unacceptable.

So, too, is the fact that even as the federal government takes steps to repair the damage for the Sixties Scoop, too many Indigenous children are being removed from their homes by Ontarios child welfare system.

In fact, a 2016 study found Indigenous children are 130 per cent more likely to be investigated and 168 per cent more likely to be placed into care than are white children.

Parents and leaders in their communities have for years blamed discrimination and a lack of services for families who may be struggling with poverty and the ills that surround it for the discrepancy.

Settling the Sixties Scoop is an important step. But it is only one of several that must be taken to protect Indigenous children from racist policies that are still too often prevalent today.

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Sen. Chris Murphy said Sunday that a decision by President Donald Trump to pull the United States out of the Iran nuclear agreement would harm the US and benefit Iran.

"The President is about to impose on himself and this country a dramatic self-inflicted wound because by pulling out of this agreement, Iran will go back onto a path to develop a nuclear weapon," the Connecticut Democrat said on CNN's "State of the Union."

If the US exits the agreement, Iran would still receive sanctions relief from other nations party to the deal, and the move would also make Tehran "look like the victim," Murphy said.

"They will get everything they want," he said.

In a televised interview with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee that aired Saturday night, Trump also wouldn't say if the US was planning to get rid of the Iran deal.

"In a few days from now, a week and a half to be exact, you'll see exactly," Trump told Huckabee. "But I can tell you I'm very unhappy with the deal. I'm very unhappy with their attitude. ... Iran is a bad player. And they're going to be taken care of as a bad player."

Two senior US officials told CNN last week that Trump plans to "decertify" the agreement and leave its fate up to Congress.

Murphy also criticized Trump for undermining the nation's diplomatic efforts, especially those of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

"We have two different foreign policies," Murphy said, one conducted by Tillerson and other top administration figures, the other -- a competing one -- from Trump's Twitter feed.

Trump tweeted last week that Tillerson was "wasting his time" trying to negotiate with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over that country's nuclear weapons program, writing, "Save your energy Rex, we'll do what has to be done!"

The tweets came a day after Tillerson said the US had direct lines of communication with North Korea and that he was trying to "calm things down" following months of escalating rhetoric over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile tests.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, Tillerson said the US made it clear through its direct channels to North Korea that it was seeking peace through talks.

"We've made it clear that we hope to resolve this through talks," Tillerson said.

"I think the most immediate action that we need is to calm things down," Tillerson added. "They're a little overheated right now, and I think we need to calm them down first."

Asked about Trump's own rhetoric, Tillerson said the entire situation was "overheated."

Murphy said Sunday in his CNN interview that while he did not think Tillerson was a good secretary of state, anyone would have a difficult time with Trump's behavior.

"I have a feeling that whoever replaces Tillerson would suffer the same problem," Murphy said.

Tillerson delivered a statement on Wednesday affirming his support for Trump and desire to stay in the role, following an NBC report that he called Trump a "moron."

The report came just days after Tillerson said the US had direct lines of communication with North Korea to deescalate the nuclear crisis only to have Trump dismiss the efforts on Twitter.

Trump went further on Saturday, tweeting, "Sorry, but only one thing will work!"

Asked about the tweets, Senate homeland security committee Chairman Ron Johnson said on "State of the Union" that Trump was right, in a sense.

"What's been tried in the past hasn't worked," Johnson said.

The Wisconsin Republican advocated for the US to get China "fully engaged" and eventually achieve "regime change," but without military force.

"There is no viable military option," Johnson said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 00:59:38|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DAMASCUS, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army on Saturday captured new areas in the city of Mayadeen, the Islamic State (IS) capital in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour, state news agency SANA reported.

The army fought intense battles with IS over the past few hours in Mayadeen in the southeastern countryside of Deir al-Zour, said SANA, adding that the army captured the historic citadel of Rahbeh, the Madfaiyeh battalion, and Shibli farmlands, as well as the Hal Souk and grain silos in the city.

Several IS militants were killed during the battles, and the army destroyed three explosive-laden vehicles, according to the report.

The Syrian and Russian warplanes also destroyed IS vehicles and positions in the town of Ashara, between Mayadeen and the city of Bukamal, another IS stronghold near the Iraqi border.

On the eastern bank of Euphrates River, the Syrian forces continued their attacks on the IS positions, capturing a water station and positions in the town of Hatlah.

The army also continued operations to secure the road between the administrative border of Deir al-Zour and the entrance of the capital city at the Panorama roundabout.

Earlier in the day, the local media reported the army fully secured the road between the city of Sukhneh in the eastern countryside of Homs and Deir al-Zour province.

Last month, the army broke IS' three-year siege on Deir al-Zour, capturing 75 percent of its capital city and continuing to attack the IS positions in the countryside of that key oil-rich province.
A lesson for Ottawa, Oct. 4

As Minister of Science, I am aware of the call for increased funding for basic research in Canada. I also know that Canadian researchers suffered deep cuts under the Harper Conservatives.

While there are no quick fixes to the damage science incurred under the previous government, we are doing our best to put science back on track.

Our two federal budgets saw billions of dollars invested in science and innovation programs. Part of that funding included the largest annual increase for our granting councils in over a decade. It also included $2 billion for new and renewed research, and learning spaces on campuses across the country.

We understand that scientists must be free to ask bold questions and produce evidence we then use to make decisions about our future.

I will continue to make every effort to support our scientists and to strengthen the culture of science in Canada so that it yields discoveries, opportunities and new ideas for years to come.

Kirsty Duncan Minister of Science

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The largest battle in the history of director warfare -- Nelson Peltz's proxy war at Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) - Get Free Report  appears finally to be wrapping up and in a blockbuster reversal it looks like Nelson Peltz is going to get a seat on the American iconic consumer packaged goods giant's board now that he is ahead with a lead of about 0.0016% of the votes.

Peltz said its time for P&G to accept the results. We thought it would be a good idea to look back at key rounds in the unprecedented eight-month slugfest. Here's a play by play analysis, from its early behind-the-scenes beginnings, through to the fight's escalations and finally into its endorsement and rejections phase.

Feb. 14

The first hint that we might see a boardroom skirmish at P&G emerged in mid-February, when Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management issued its regular quarterly securities disclosure, which included a new $529 million position in the gigantic Cincinnati-based conglomerate.

That disclosure was followed by a report suggesting that the stake had actually grown to $3.5 billion, all of which set off warning bells everywhere. A confidential disclosure of such a large position suggested that something was brewing. The expectation was that either P&G voluntarily gives Peltz a board seat, as many other companies have done so in the past, or face a proxy fight. Privately, shortly after the position filing was made, Peltz's team reached out to P&G to begin discussions.

July 17

Facing a director nomination deadline, Peltz took his first steps towards a boardroom battle by officially nominating himselfand only himselfto P&G's board. He simultaneously launched the first part of his campaign seeking to convince investors that P&G has underperformed relative to its peers and the S&P 500 over the past decade. He promised a lengthy white paper to follow.

Aug. 28

In August, Trian's campaign was lifted after it scored the support of former Procter & Gamble CFO Clayton Daley, who argued that Peltz knows how to create value. Daley became a paid adviser to Trian in July. Why? Because he believed the activist investor could help boost the company's value. In response, P&G CEO David Taylor said Daley, who left the company in 2009 after more than ten years in the position, has completely out of date information. "Nelson Peltz often talks about data that has been supplied to him by someone who left eight years ago," Taylor said later.

Sept. 7

As promised, Peltz issued a trademark 93-page whitepaper offering up a raft of recommendations, including one suggesting that P&G be restructured into three global business units rather than the four it has now. The paper sought to target what Peltz sees as an insular culture at P&G, which he argued has led to a lack of significant innovations in recent years. The company should have fewer middle managers, hire more outsiders and concentrate on acquiring small brands, which analysts argue is something the company was set to do anyways as it had just completed a major divestiture spree. P&G shot back, insisting that it had already moved to streamline the business and developed many innovative brands in recent years, including water-purifying packets and single-dose laundry Tide Pods and Cascade ActionPacs.

Sept. 11

Seeking to reach out to retail investors, which represent 40% of stock, Taylor appeared on Jim Cramer's "Mad Money" CNBC show to suggest that Peltz's proposal to eliminate the company's R&D was very dangerous for the long-term future of the company. "The last thing we need right now is a reorganization," he told Cramer, founder of TheStreet. "We made the changes to our portfolio. We made the changes in our organization. We are leaner today than five years ago and especially ten years ago," Taylor said. "We made the changes in our culture to set ourselves up with a more focused and accountable organization."

Sept. 14

In every boardroom battle each side tries to get investors to come out publicly in support of their effort. At P&G, Peltz was the big winner in this arena, first getting P&G's 11th-largest shareholder, Yacktman Asset Management, to come out publicly in support of the dissident investor. Later, in October, the California State Teachers' Retirement System, or CalSTRS, a Trian limited partner with 5.6 million P&G shares, also publicly backed Peltz. The largest investors, however, Vanguard Group, State Street and BlackRock, have remained quiet. They own 7%, 4.5%, and 4.4% respectively.

Sept. 22

Trian partner Josh Frank spoke to The Deal to refute P&G's assertion that Peltz wants to destroy the company's R&D budget. He argued that Trian's proposal does nothing to inhibit capital flow to R&D or collaboration among units. Also, on Sept. 22, Glass Lewis, one of two big proxy advisory firms, recommended that shareholders support Peltz and his "cogent, well-framed arguments." The backing was a major blow to P&G, and a boost for Peltz.

Sept. 25

P&G CEO David Taylor speaks live with TheStreet to explain that Peltz's campaign is a "rallying cry" for the company to deliver outstanding results.

Sept. 29

And in another major blow to P&G, Institutional Shareholder Services, the second major proxy advisory firm, came out with its support for Peltz, saying he presents a "compelling case." The support of the two major advisory firms will likely be a plus with big investors. However, their backing only goes so far. Consider that Peltz also received their endorsement for his blockbusterbut ultimately unsuccessfuldirector battle in 2015 at DuPont.

Oct. 3

Procter & Gamble closes strongly. Just a few days before the contest and right as big and small investors made their final investment decisions, the company releases a letter to shareholders from former P&G CEO A.G. Lafley who said he was "taking the gloves off." Lafley comes out against Peltz, arguing that the investor's "game plan" involves "cost cuts, board and management shake ups, asset sales and break ups." Later, the same day, P&G brings out more big guns, this time in a Q&A call with investors. P&G Director Meg Whitman, CEO of Hewlett Packard Enterprises and a former Republican California governor candidate, explained that the packaged goods company is on a "transformational journey" and needs to "stay the course."

Oct. 10

Annual meeting and proxy war's conclusion. Preliminary results issued by P&G showed that Peltz had just under 50% of the vote, or roughly 49.8%. However, Peltz said he wasn't conceding defeat and that the results were "too close to call." He said he was waiting for the final result tabulations by IVS Associates Inc., P&G's inspector of elections.

Nov. 15

In a statement Peltz said that the independent inspector of elections has come to the conclusion, after reviewing the votes, that he actually won the slugfest. Procter & Gamble quickly issued its own press release noting that Peltz is "ahead" with a lead of about 42,780 shares, about 0.0016% of the vote, according to IVS Associates. The packaged goods company said that the results are still "preliminary" and "subject to review," suggesting that the company wasn't yet fully ready to concede defeat. It added that P&G will disclose the final results after receiving the independent inspector of elections' final certified report "in the weeks ahead."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 01:59:49|Editor: Zhou Xin

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Policemen stand guard near the Natural History Museum in London, Britain, on Oct. 7, 2017. A number of people were injured Saturday after a car ploughed into pedestrians outside Natural History Museum, London Metropolitan Police said. (Xinhua/Han Yan)

LONDON, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- British police ruled out terrorism after a car crashed into pedestrians and injured 11 people outside the Natural History Museum of London on Saturday.

One person was arrested after the road traffic collision outside the museum, London Metropolitan Police said.

"The incident is a road traffic investigation and not a terrorist-related incident," the police statement said, adding that enquiries are ongoing.

It says 11 people were found at the scene with varying injuries and nine of them have been taken to hospital, including the man that was detained by police.

Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

The police said they were called at 14:21 p.m. to reports of a collision in Exhibition Road, South Kensington.

Pictures and video shared on social media showed street damage and a large police presence in the capital's museum district, which is home to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Nearby museums have been evacuated while the roads remain closed.

The Natural History Museum tweeted: "There's been a serious incident outside the Museum. We are working w/ @metpoliceuk and will provide an update when we have more information."

One video online showed a man being restrained on the ground in the middle of Exhibition Road. None of the four people around him were in police uniform. A black Toyota car is behind them with the driver's door open, and it appears to have collided with a silver Vauxhall saloon.

The incident follows a number of terror attacks in London this year in which vehicles have been used to target pedestrians.

On March 22, a terrorist drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, killing four people and injuring more than 50 before he was killed by an armed officer outside the Houses of Parliament.

On July 3, terrorists killed eight people and injured another 48 after using a van to drive into crowds at London Bridge before jumping out and stabbing customers in bars and restaurants.
Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts, as well as and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, agricultural, and non-real estate agricultural loans, as well as construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery. In addition, it provides internet banking, mobile banking, trust and wealth management, retail brokerage, mortgage services, and treasury management, as well as debit and credit cards. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 273 full-service banking locations comprising 65 in the Houston area, including The Woodlands; 30 in the South Texas area including Corpus Christi and Victoria; 63 in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area; 22 in the East Texas area; 29 in the Central Texas area, including Austin and San Antonio; 34 in the West Texas area, including Lubbock, Midland-Odessa and Abilene; 16 in the Bryan/College Station area; 6 in the Central Oklahoma area; and 8 in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area doing business as LegacyTexas Bank. Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. was founded in 1983 and is based in Houston, Texas.
The following companies are subsidiares of Tenneco: A.E. Group Machines Limited, AE International Limited, Anand I-Power Limited, Anqing TP Goetze Liner Co. Ltd., Anqing TP Goetze Piston Ring Co. Ltd., Anqing TP Powder Metallurgy Co. Ltd., Armstrong Properties (Pty.) Ltd., Ateliers Juliette Adam SAS, Autopartes Walker S. de R.L. de C.V., Beck Arnley Holdings LLC, CATAI s.r.l., CEDS Inc., Carter Automotive Company LLC, Clevite Industries Inc., Componentes Venezolanos de Direccion S.A., Cooperatief Federal-Mogul Dutch Investments B.A., Coventry Assurance Ltd., DRiV Automotive Inc., DRiV IP LLC, DRiV Incorporated, Dongsuh Federal-Mogul Co. 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Ltd., Federal-Mogul (Proprietary) Limited, Federal-Mogul (Shanghai) Automotive Parts Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul (T&N) Hong Kong Limited, Federal-Mogul (Tianjin) Surface Treatment Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul (Vietnam) Ltd., Federal-Mogul Aftermarket Espana S.A., Federal-Mogul Aftermarket France SAS, Federal-Mogul Aftermarket GmbH, Federal-Mogul Aftermarket Southern Africa (Pty) Limited, Federal-Mogul Aftermarket UK Limited, Federal-Mogul Anand Bearings India Limited, Federal-Mogul Anand Sealings India Limited, Federal-Mogul Asia Investments Holding Korea Ltd., Federal-Mogul Asia Investments Limited, Federal-Mogul Automotive GmbH & Co. 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Nevada, Tenneco Automotive India Private Limited, Tenneco Automotive Italia S.r.l., Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc., Tenneco Automotive Polska Sp. z.o.o., Tenneco Automotive Port Elizabeth (Proprietary) Limited, Tenneco Automotive Portugal  Componentes Para Automovel Unipessoal LDA., Tenneco Automotive RSA Company, Tenneco Automotive Second RSA Company, Tenneco Automotive Services Societe Par Actions Simplifiee, Tenneco Automotive Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Tenneco Automotive Trading Company, Tenneco Automotive UK Limited, Tenneco Automotive Volga LLC, Tenneco Automotive Walker Inc., Tenneco Brake Inc., Tenneco CA Czech Republic s.r.o., Tenneco CA Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Tenneco CA Netherlands BV, Tenneco Canada Inc., Tenneco Clean Air Argentina S.A.I.C., Tenneco Clean Air India Private Limited, Tenneco Clean Air Spain S.L.U., Tenneco Clean Air US Inc., Tenneco Deutschland Holdinggesellschaft mbH, Tenneco Eastern European Holdings S.a.r.l., Tenneco Eberspaecher (Beijing) Exhaust System Co. 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Limited, Walker Danmark ApS, Walker Electronic Silencing Inc., Walker Europe Inc., Walker Exhaust (Thailand) Company Limited, Walker Gillet (Europe) GmbH, Walker Limited, Walker Manufacturing Company, Walker UK Ltd, Wellworthy Limited, Wimetal Societe Par Actions Simplifiee, and Wuhan Tenneco Exhaust System Co. Ltd..

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The following companies are subsidiares of American International Group: AGC Life Insurance Company, AIG APAC HOLDINGS PTE. LTD., AIG Aerospace Insurance Services Inc., AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd., AIG Asset Management (Europe) Limited, AIG Asset Management (U.S.) LLC, AIG Assurance Company, AIG Australia Limited, AIG Brazil Holding I LLC, AIG CIS Investments LLC, AIG Canada Holdings Inc., AIG Capital Corporation, AIG Capital Services Inc., AIG Claims Inc., AIG Credit Management LLC, AIG Egypt Insurance Company S.A.E., AIG Employee Services Inc., AIG Europe Holdings S.a.r.l, AIG Europe S.A., AIG Federal Savings Bank, AIG Financial Products Corp., AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd., AIG Global Asset Management Holdings Corp., AIG Global Operations Inc., AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp., AIG Global Reinsurance Operations, AIG Holdings Europe Limited, AIG Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, AIG Insurance Company China Limited, AIG Insurance Company JSC, AIG Insurance Company of Canada, AIG Insurance Company-Puerto Rico, AIG Insurance Hong Kong Limited, AIG Insurance Management Services Inc., AIG Insurance New Zealand Limited, AIG International Holdings GmbH, AIG Investments UK Limited, AIG Israel Insurance Company Ltd, AIG Japan Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha, AIG Kenya Insurance Company Limited, AIG Korea Inc., AIG Latin America I.I., AIG Latin America Investments S.L., AIG Lebanon SAL, AIG Life Holdings Inc., AIG Life Limited, AIG Life South Africa Limited, AIG Life of Bermuda Ltd., AIG MEA Holdings Limited, AIG MEA Limited, AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad, AIG Markets Inc., AIG Matched Funding Corp., AIG PC Global Services Inc., AIG Philippines Insurance Inc., AIG Property Casualty Company, AIG Property Casualty Inc., AIG Property Casualty International LLC, AIG Property Casualty U.S. Inc., AIG Re-Takaful (L) Berhad, AIG Resseguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., AIG South Africa Limited, AIG Specialty Insurance Company, AIG Technologies Inc., AIG Travel Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., AIG Travel Assist Inc., AIG Travel Assist Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., AIG Travel EMEA Limited, AIG Travel Inc., AIG Uganda Limited, AIG Vietnam Insurance Company Limited, AIG WarrantyGuard Inc., AIG-FP Pinestead Holdings Corp., AIG-Metropolitana Cia. de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A., AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund I GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund II GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund II GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund III GP LP, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund IV GP LLC, AIU Insurance Company, AM Holdings LLC, Ageas Protect, AlphaCat Managers Ltd., American General Corporation, American General Life Insurance Company, American Home Assurance Co. Ltd., American Home Assurance Company, American International Group UK Limited, American International Realty LLC, American International Reinsurance Company Ltd., American International Underwriters del Ecuador-Holding S.A. en Liquidacion S.A., Arthur J. Glatfelter Agency Inc., Blackboard Insurance Company, Blackboard Specialty Insurance Company, Blackboard U.S. Holdings Inc., C.A. de Seguros American International, Commerce and Industry Insurance Company, Crop Risk Services Inc., Eaglestone Reinsurance Company, Ellipse, Franklin Life Insurance Company, Fuji Fire and Marine, Glatfelter Insurance Group, Glatfelter Underwriting Services Inc., Globe and Rutgers Insurance Group, Grand Isle SAC Limited, Granite State Insurance Company, Illinois National Insurance Co., Inversiones Segucasai C.A., Johannesburg Insurance Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, Laya Healthcare Limited, Lexington Insurance Company, Lexington Specialty Insurance Agency Inc., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh Pa., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Vermont, New Hampshire Insurance Company, PCG 2019 Corporate Member Limited, PT AIG Insurance Indonesia, Pine Street Real Estate Holdings Corp., Risk Specialists Companies Insurance Agency Inc., SAFG Capital LLC, SAFG Retirement Services Inc., Service Net Warranty LLC, Stratford Insurance Company, SunAmerica Asset Management LLC, Talbot Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Ltd., The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York, The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, Travel Guard, Travel Guard Group Canada Inc./Groupe Garde Voyage du Canada Inc., Travel Guard Group Inc., Tudor Insurance Company, VALIC Financial Advisors Inc., Valic Retirement Services Company, Validus Holdings, Validus Holdings (UK) Ltd., Validus Holdings Ltd., Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland) Ltd, Validus Reinsurance Ltd., Validus Ventures Ltd., Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services Inc., and Western World Insurance Company.

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Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 02:19:51|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KHARTOUM, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Despite the "positive effects" of the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Sudan, the move alone is not enough to solve all the difficulties that the Sudan's economy confronts, local economists have agreed.

"It must be noticed that the sanctions were not the only challenges that Sudan's economy faces," Mohamed al-Nayer, a Sudanese analyst, told Xinhua. "There are other challenges such as the external debts and instability in some neighboring countries."

"The decision has a positive influence on economy in medium and long term including production increase, exports growth, encouragement to flow of foreign exchange and reduced demand for foreign exchange, as well as reduced trade balance deficit which currently stands at 5 billion U.S. Dollars annually," said Nayer.

The lifting also has a short-term effect, as there has been a great decline in the exchange rate of foreign currencies against the Sudanese pound, he said.

According to Nayer, it is important for the Sudanese government to take immediate measures to maintain the positive effects of the lifting of sanctions, "incentives must be issued to attract remittances of Sudanese working abroad and the Central Bank must modify policies of gold transactions."

On the other hand, it is necessary to find an effective formula to increase industrial and agricultural production as well as the export volume, said Abdul-Rahim al-Sunni, a Sudanese economist.

"It is true that there is a sudden decline in the exchange rate of foreign currencies at the parallel market, but it will be temporary, unless the government can make use of the U.S. lifting of sanctions to obtain foreign currencies through export growth," Sunni told Xinhua.

The United States decided on Friday to lift its two-decade economic sanctions on Sudan permanently, stressing the importance of Sudan's sustained positive actions to fight terrorism and improve humanitarian situation.

The United States has been imposing a series of sanctions on Sudan since 1997, including restrictions on exports, imports and flow of currency.

No accurate data has been published on Sudan's total loss due to the sanctions, however, it is estimated at a total of around 500 billion dollars, or 4 billion dollars annually.

The sanctions have been a blow to Sudan's banking, transport and infrastructure sectors.

Sudan's banks have shut down the global financial departments, as the previous U.S. sanctions banned all kinds of commercial and financial transactions with Sudan.

Sudan Airways has also suffered from a decline in its global ranking as a national carrier, since the United States denied its access to purchasing spare parts and regular maintenance for its planes.

Most trains in Sudan have stopped operation, with an 83 percent loss of the infrastructure along its railways.

In the health sector, import of medical equipment and medicines from the United States has been prohibited, causing a decrease in the efficiency of medical laboratories.
VMware, Inc. provides software solutions in the areas of modern applications, cloud management and infrastructure, networking, security, and digital workspaces in the United States and internationally. It offers VMware multi-cloud solutions, including VMware vSphere, a data center infrastructure that provides the fundamental compute layer; vSAN and VxRail, which offers holistic data storage and protection options to applications running on vSphere; and vRealize Cloud Management solutions that manages hybrid and multi-cloud environments running in virtual machines and containers, as well as VMware Cloud Foundation, a cloud platform that combines its vSphere, vSAN, and NSX with vRealize Cloud Management into an integrated stack and delivers enterprise-ready cloud infrastructure for private and public clouds. The company also provides networking solutions, such as VMware NSX, NSX Distributed and Gateway Firewalls, NSX Network Detection and Response Engine, NSX Advanced Load Balancer, Tanzu Service Mesh, and VMware SASE; security solutions consisting of VMware Carbon Black Endpoint, Workload, and Container; and digital workspace solutions comprising Workspace ONE Unified Endpoint Management, Access, Intelligent Hub, and Horizon. In addition, it offers application modernization solutions, such as Tanzu Application and Operations Platform, Tanzu Application Service Platform, Tanzu Observability, Tanzu Community Edition, and Tanzu Labs; and cloud management solutions, including vRealize Cloud Management, vCloud Suite, and CloudHealth by VMware Suite. The company sells its products through distributors, resellers, system vendors, and systems integrators. VMware, Inc. has a strategic alliance with Amazon Web Services to build and deliver an integrated hybrid solution. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.
Vipshop Holdings Limited operates online platforms for various brands in the People's Republic of China. It operates in Vip.com, Shan Shan Outlets, and Others segments. The company offers women's apparel, such as casual wear, jeans, dresses, outerwear, lingerie, pajamas, and maternity clothes; men's apparel comprising casual and smart-casual T-shirts, polo shirts, jackets, pants, and underwear; and skin care and cosmetic products, including cleansers, lotions, face and body creams, face masks, sunscreen, foundations, lipsticks, eye shadows, and other cosmetics-related items. It also provides shoes and bags, which comprises casual and formal shoes, purses, satchels, luggage, duffel bags, and wallets; handbags; apparel, gears and accessories, furnishings and decor, toys, and games for boys, girls, infants, and toddlers; sportswear, sports gear, and footwear for various sporting activities; home furnishings, such as bed and bath products, home decor, kitchen and tabletop items, and home appliances; and consumer electronic products. In addition, the company offers food and snacks, beverages, fresh produce, and pet goods; beauty products; and internet finance services, including consumer and supplier financing, and microcredit. Vipshop Holdings Limited provides its branded products through its vip.com and vipshop.com online platforms, as well as through its internet website and cellular phone application. Further, it offers warehousing, logistics, product procurement, research and development, technology development, and consulting services; software development and information technology support solutions; and supply chain services. Vipshop Holdings Limited was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Guangzhou, the People's Republic of China.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 02:49:57|Editor: Zhou Xin

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CHICAGO, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) grains futures closed mixed over the trading week which ended October 6, with a quarterly stocks report and unfavorable weather conditions being the main factors in the market ups and downs.

The most active corn contract for December delivery fell 5.25 cents weekly, or 1.48 percent, to 3.50 dollars per bushel. December wheat delivery dropped 4.75 cents, or 1.06 percent, to 4.435 dollars per bushel. November soybeans rose four cents, or 0.41 percent, to 9.7225 dollars per bushel.

The corn and soybean futures posted gains following a quarterly report released on September 29 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which put both stocks below average trade estimates.

Following an active weekend harvest, also due to profit-taking, soybean futures started the week lower. The CBOT corn futures followed soybeans, suffering losses for the first three consecutive sessions.

With concerns that rains in the U.S. Midwest might slow down the harvest, both CBOT soybean and corn futures reversed their downtrends and posted gains later this week.

Additional support came from above-normal temperatures and dryness in Brazil, another key soybean and corn producer in the world.

Robust demand, especially from China, also contributed to the soybeans rally.

More wet weather is expected on the way for the majority of the U.S. Midwest, and harvest will probably be delayed in parts of the Corn Belt.

Forecasters said that the wettest areas would be in the eastern Corn Belt, such as areas of Minnesota, eastern Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska.

The crop progress was about a week behind schedule nationally. Beside the rain factor, it's also because the crop wasn't mature due to the cooler weather in August and September, said some analysts.

Wheat ended lower over the week in Chicago. Spring wheat was still under the pressure of the negative USDA report, which pegged the U.S. wheat stocks at 2.25 billion bushels, compared to the average trade estimate of 2.20 billion bushels.

A strong U.S. dollar added more pressure to American wheat, making it less competitive at international market. Along with the record harvest of Russian wheat, CBOT wheat futures were dragged down over the week.

Next week, traders will focus on the new USDA monthly supply and demand report, which is expected to be released on October 12. It will give more clues on U.S. corn and soybean yields this year.
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Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 02:49:58|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SKOPJE, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- "The role of human capital in the One Belt, One Road initiative" was the motto of the Third China-Central and Eastern Europe Conference on Cross-Cultural Dialogue, Education and Business that ended on Saturday in the Macedonian town Ohrid.

Although the infrastructure is important, the "One Belt, One Road" initiative is not only about constructing roads and building trade ties, but more importantly, it is about development and sustainability, says professor Chen Xin from Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Institute of European Studies during the two-day conference.

"In this regard, the human capital should play a significant role in the Belt and Road Initiative. Human capital can help people understand China more, explore and leverage opportunities for cooperation, join the innovation and technology processes, and enhance sustainable development," he adds.

According to professor Howard A. Davies from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, one of the most significant aspects of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative is truly understanding China. However, media coverage and analysis often remain significantly misinformed.

"Misunderstandings also arise through sloppy thinking, and because China is structurally and culturally different from the U.S. and Europe," professor Davies says.

The infrastructural projects built with Chinese aid are extremely important for the region of Central and Eastern Europe, but we also need educational, scientific and cultural connection, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov admits.

"China once again comes close to the position it had two centuries ago, and that is to be the biggest economy in the world. As a result of this progress, China has made a huge step forward in many other fields," Macedonian President Ivanov says, pointing out that the countries from Central and Eastern Europe can benefit especially from the Chinese accomplishments in the area of technology and innovation.

The experts agree that the increased mutual understanding should be one important dimension of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. This includes not only increasing the knowledge about China and its potentials, but also rediscovering the cultural potential and social capital of the countries in the region.

"We must accept that the only new thing at the beginning of this Millennium in the Balkans and South East Europe is China. I would say even in Europe and in the wider world as a new proactive socio-economic and political player. Especially for us in the Balkans and South East Europe, it will lead to deep cultural, economic as well as geopolitical and geostrategic tectonic changes," Ljubomir Kekenovski, professor at the Faculty of Economics in Skopje explains.

According to his analysis, the countries in the region should respond to these changes in three ways - through using the financial support for infrastructural projects, by researching the positive background and tradition of the cultural potential of the region to respond in an adequate way to this initiative and with developing active role of educational institutions in supporting and developing this project to maximize its value.

The conference was co-organized by Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (Macedonia), the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), as well as by the prominent Chinese universities: Southwestern University of Finance and Economics from Chengdu and Shanghai University of International Business & Economics from Shanghai. Further, the conference was also supported by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Institute for European Studies in Beijing.

University professors from Macedonia, China, the United States, Australia, Serbia, Romania, India, Hungary, Slovenia etc attended the conference.

Although the focus of the conference was to bring a different aspect to the Chinese role in the region of Central and Eastern Europe, the Macedonian media, when reporting the event, still mainly focused on the Beijing's interest to offer financial support for infrastructure projects. The role of human capital has so far remained mostly unexplored in the context of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.

"We still need to open our minds for more deeply studying this initiative from all aspects," professor Kekenovski concludes.

The One Belt, One Road initiative, launched in 2013, involves 16 Central and Eastern European countries. The previouis conferences within the initiative were held in Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia, and Krakow, the second largest city of Poland.
Hi, have found loads of helpful advice on this site, so hope you don't mind me posting for some help.

First, some background, will be travelling next Easter for just over 2 weeks, starting and finishing in Las Vegas, Husband and wife team, to celebrate my big birthday, (50 but don't feel it!). We have travelled in this area several times in the past, and have fallen in love with the whole Nevada/Utah/Arizona area. One of my best ever holidays was rafting down the Grand Canyon last year, with a friend, as my husband doesn't like white water. We see this trip as a chance to revisit some of our favourite places and do some mild hiking. Our main focus would be to try and secure permits for the Wave, although I know how difficult this will be. We will enter the online draw in December and give 3 dates in April. We have estimated Tuesday April 10th, Wed April 11th and Thurs Apr 12th would give us the best chance, (avoiding just after Easter weekend and weekends). we are under no illusions that there is only a slight chance of being lucky online, so plan on spending the night of Sun Apr 8th in Kanab to attend the draw. We would then move to Page for a few nights to explore around there. we have visited antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend several times and want to go back.

So far my itinerary looks like this...

Fri March 30th Fly to Vegas from the UK, night in Vegas

Sat March 31st night in Vegas

Sun April 1st Night in Vegas

Mon April 2nd pick up hire SUV and drive to Springdale, stocking up on the way, quick visit to Zion

Tues Apr 3rd Zion hike (One of the following, West Rim trail, Hidden Canyon, Observation Point, Angel's Landing)

Wed April 4th (Second hike from above list)

Thurs April 5th......leave Springdale......travel to ?????

Fri Apr 6th .......night in ???

Sat Apr 7th.......night in ???

Sun Apr 8th........travel to Kanab for the night

Mon Apr 9th ...try for Wave permit for the next day plus travel to Page, night in Page

Tues Apr 10th Hike the Wave or general sightsee night in Page

Wed Apr 11th Page (Wave hike if lucky online) or Horseshoe Bend/ Lake Powell

Thurs Apr 12th Page (Wave hike if lucky online) or sightsee or Antelope canyon

Fri Apr 13th Antelope canyon if not already visited plus travel to Vegas, night in Vegas

Sat Apr 14th Fly home from Vegas

Obviously if we were lucky online then the Page parts can be adjusted accordingly, plus we wouldn't need the night in Kanab. We wouldn't know until Jan 1st, so could readjust accordingly then.

Our biggest problem is the bit after Springdale. Items on the possible agenda could include Sedona, (been before twice, love it, but the wrong direction at this point seeing that we need to be in page mid week the week after), Moab (been several times, love Arches NP, not so fussed on Canyonlands), Escalante (been in the general area before, but interested in some of the slot canyons such as Zebra etc, but worried in case the weather is not good, if it rains etc, what else would we do there?)

Definitely want the couple of days in Vegas to acclimatise with jet lag etc (flying from the UK), plus we love Vegas, shopping etc. Open to any suggestions for the missing days? We wouldn't particularly choose to go back to Bryce or Coral Pink Sand Dunes or the animal sanctuary. Probably wouldn't revisit the Grand Canyon either due to time (how awful does that sound!), but we have visited several times before. Not phased at all by the driving, we love long road trips in the US and have done them many times.

Looking forward to hearing from some of you lucky local experts. You are truly blessed to live where you do! will also post this on the Utah and Arizona forums too.

Thanks,

Lucy
You've posted in the NY State forum.

Your questions will get more attention if you repost in the New York City forum.

When you repost, to get the best help from the hotel experts specify: 1) travel dates 2) arrival airport 3) room/bed configuration needed and any amenities desired and 4) hotel budget in US$

Be aware that the majority of short term rentals are illegal in all of NYC. Verifying the status of possibly legal ones in one and two family houses cannot be done without a street address. (There are some legal hotels that offer apartment-style amenities.)

There are no fare zones. http://web.mta.info/nyct/fare/FaresatAGlance.htm Metrocards are good for use throughout the city on subways and regular city buses http://web.mta.info/maps/submap.html
So we are looking to do our first trip to vietnam over easter next year. So we have identified quite a few days worth of the itinerary :-

hanoi how many days do we need? thinking arrival day, city tour day and maybe another ?

nimh binh (thinking overnight?)

Poss halong but wondering if Halong is worth it due to the number of boats and 2 days)

hue thinking to use hoi an as a base and visit hue and hoi van and my son for hoi and plus a 2 days for chill time.

So this gives us 3 days hanoi, 2 days nimh binh, a day travelling to hoi ann and 4 additional days in hoi ann which will leave us 5-6 days over. We dont think we are very interested in ho chi min or the tunnels etc or mekong, weve been to siem reap and loved it travelled thoughout malaysia and laos were thinking of flying yo chiang mai for a few days or any other ideas to extend our itinerary in the north/middle of vietnam?
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Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 02:55:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TEHRAN, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iran is entitled to gain benefits from the 2015 nuclear deal and no one can roll back the positive results of the accord, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said here on Saturday.

"In the nuclear negotiations and the deal, we gained advantages that are irreversible. No one can reverse them, neither Mr. Trump nor anyone else," Rouhani was quoted as saying by Press TV.

"In negotiation, we showed that we are not just strong at war, but we're also strong at making peace," he said, adding that Iran established its right to peaceful nuclear energy during the talks and "this victory is not reversible."

The Iranian president said that the United States was claiming it has been shortchanged in the deal, "which is of course wrong, because the deal has been based on a win-win framework."

The nuclear deal, known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reached between Iran and six world powers of Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States in July 2015, now faces the risk of collapse amid a fallout between Washington and Tehran.

Trump called the Iran nuclear deal, reached during former U.S. President Barack Obama's administration, "an embarrassment" for the United States.

Rouhani has said that his country will not be the first to violate the agreement, but will respond "decisively and resolutely" to any violation by any party.

"It will be a great pity if this agreement were to be destroyed by rogue newcomers to the world of politics," Rouhani told the UN General Assembly, in response to Trump's attack.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 03:00:02|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MADRID, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- About ten companies have decided to relocate their legal headquarters from Catalonia to other places in Spain over fears of an unilateral declaration of independence, local media reported on Saturday.

After an illegal referendum over independence was held last Sunday, several companies decided to move their headquarters away from this Spanish northeastern region.

Saturday saw water management company SGAB announce the relocation of its legal headquarters to Madrid, Friday saw Gas Natural Fenosa announce the same decision adding that this could be a temporary measure due to the political situation of uncertainty Catalonia is going through.

Banks such as Banco Mediolanum relocated its headquarters to Madrid, Arqui cooperative to Valencia, Caixabank to Valencia and Banc Sabadell took the decision of moving its headquarters to Alicante. Fundacion La Caixa and Criteria also announced they move away from Catalonia to Palma de Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands.

Other companies took the same decision of leaving Catalonia such as Oryzon Genomics (which took the decision on Tuesday), Eurona, Proclinic, Arquia Banca, Service Point or Dogi.

Other companies considering taking these decisions are sparkling wine companies Codorniu and Freixenet and insurance company Catalana Occidente.

Spain's Minister of Public Works, Inigo de la Serna, said in an interview in a local radio station that these moves are just "a first step of what could repeatedly happen" if there is a unilateral declaration of independence.

"Companies are leading and they will continue to leave", he said, arguing that companies are trying to preserve their businesses.

The Spanish government announced a decree on Friday that makes it easier for companies to leave Catalonia and move their headquarters to other places in Spain as the decision would not need to be passed by the shareholder meeting, unless the company's statutes say the opposite.

Meanwhile, the regional president of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, announced he would appear in the regional parliament on Tuesday to explain the political situation. Monday meeting was suspended by the Spanish Constitutional Court to pre-empt a hypothetical push for independence.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 03:20:09|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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CAIRO, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian Interior Ministry said 14 people were arrested Saturday over charges of forming a militant group and plotting anti-government terrorist attacks in support of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.

The defendants confessed that they belong to the Hasm Movement, which emerged late last year and is seen by the police as the Brotherhood's armed wing, the ministry said in a statement.

Hasm has claimed responsibility for a number of terrorist attacks that killed several policemen in Egypt.

"The leaders of the terrorist group assigned Hasm armed members in Minufiya Province to revive militant campaigns and prepare for a number of terrorist operations to destabilize the country and stir up disorder," the statement said.

The police also seized three guns, explosives and electric circuits as well as 160,000 Egyptian pounds (9,000 U.S. dollars) in cash, according to the statement.

Egypt has been fighting against a wave of terror activities that killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers since the military toppled former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests against his one-year rule and his currently blacklisted Brotherhood.

Terror attacks in Egypt used to target military personnel in North Sinai before spreading nationwide and victimizing the Coptic minority, with most of them claimed by a Sinai-based group loyal to the regional Islamic State (IS) militant group.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian military and police have killed hundreds of militants and arrested a similar number of suspects as part of the country's anti-terror war declared by President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, the army chief then, following Morsi's removal.
- Celebrated Kenyan music producer Tedd Josiah sent Kenyans an emotional plea during the burial ceremony of his partner Regina Muthoni

- Reginar Katar, passed away on Saturday, September 30 suddenly after a short illness

- The 26-year-old left behind the father of one and their 3-month-old baby

Reginah Muthoni, Tedd Josiah's partner and mother of his daughter was buried at her parents home in Ihururu, Nyeri County at an emotional ceremony attended by family and friends.

"Three hours to her death, she was breastfeeding our daughter, she put herself llast and other people first. Once in your life, you will find a partner to have for such a brief time. It is a hard thing," Josiah eulogised.

The late Reginag Muthoni Photo: Dan Karari

He asked Kenyans to remain peaceful and not to be divided along ethnic, political or religious lines revealing that his daughter's name Wendo meant love in Gikuyu and special in Luo.

Tedd Josiah, his late partner and daughter Photo: Tedd Josiah/Facebook

"When you see Wendo in the streets and you ask her what tribe she is, she will have a story to tell you," he told the mourners.

He also revealed the two had planned to visit Regina's home in December to make their relationship official and had agreed not to do anything publicly before informing their parents.

Reginah died after suffering from complications three months after delivering her baby Photo: Tedd Josiah/Facebook

The two had been leading a private life ,away from the public eye and media scrutiny.

Regina was a well-to-do fashion designer and model, and was putting final touches to her new collection ,Reginah Katar.

Have something to add to this article or suggestions? Send to news@tuko.co.ke

From a drug trafficker to a mentor;

Source: TUKO.co.ke
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 04:15:16|Editor: Zhou Xin

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TEHRAN, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif Saturday lashed out at U.S. President Donald Trump for his recent threats to "decertify" the Iranian nuclear deal, Tasnim news agency reported.

Trump's threats would not "help peace and security in the region" and would harm the long-term interests of the United States, Zarif said.

Trump has threatened to withdraw his endorsement of the nuclear deal with Iran next week, leaving its survival in the hands of a divided Congress.

Trump also called the nuclear deal, reached during former U.S. President Barack Obama's administration, "the worst ever deal" and "an embarrassment" for the United States.

"I think it is an ill-informed statement, because certainly, any deal would not be a perfect one for all sides; it has to be less than perfect so all sides can live with it," Zarif said, adding that the international community could never trust Washington again if it violates the deal.

"The nuclear deal is the result of 10 years of posturing and two years of negotiations. Unfortunately, this administration is going back to posturing," he said.

Any breaches of the deal by the United States would result in Iran's partial or complete withdrawal from the agreement, the Iranian minister warned, adding that Tehran would be undeterred by threats of sanctions.
At least six people were killed and more than 35 injured from gas explosions at Atomic Junction, near the Legon suburb northwest of Ghanaian capital Accra, according to the Ghana National Fire Service.

Explosions at the natural gas station that forced residents to flee late Saturday could be heard across the city and caused a massive fire ball.

President Nana Akufo-Addo tweeted the explosion left him devastated, My deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved, and I wish the injured speedy recovery, he said.

Akufo-Addo said he sent Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia to visit the scene of the tragedy Sunday, adding the government is committed "to ensure such an incident does not occur again."
Amid the crisis in the Rakhine state of Myanmar that has forced half a million Rohingya to flee across the border to Bangladesh, a refugee has found love with a local.

But because of strict laws forbidding citizens of Bangladesh from marrying Rohingya, the couple is on the run.

Bangladeshi Shoaib Hossain Jewel, 25, and his 18-year-old Rohingya bride Rafiza have been evading authorities since they were married a month ago, according to police from Jewel's hometown of Singair.

Rafiza, along with her parents, sought shelter in the home of a Muslim cleric in Singair, but following protocol authorities transferred them to central refugee camps in Cox's Bazaar  650 kilometers away.

According to the Dhaka Tribune, Jewel followed Rafiza and searched multiple camps for her, finally succeeding and marrying her despite a 2014 law banning locals from marrying Rohingya, as the government feared refugees were marrying to gain Bangladeshi citizenship.

But Jewel's family supports his decision, saying it was made for love and not for citizenship.

"If Bangladeshis can marry Christians and people of other religions, what's wrong in my son's marriage to a Rohingya?" Jewel's father, Babul Hossain, told the French news agency, AFP. "He married a Muslim who took shelter in Bangladesh."

In recent weeks, more than a half-million Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar, where they face human rights violations and discrimination that a number of lawmakers and international organizations have qualified as ethnic cleansing.

Rohingya militants attacked Myanmar security forces in late August. Since then, analysts and rights workers say the military has carried out a brutal crackdown, burning villages and killing women and children as they fled.

Myanmar authorities say clashes have stopped, but the exodus continues daily, by the thousands into neighboring Bangladesh.
Ira Gerhart finally found a place last year to fulfill his yearslong dream of opening a brewery: a 1923 Presbyterian church. It was cheap, charming and just blocks from downtown Youngstown.

But soon after Gerhart announced his plans, residents and a minister at a Baptist church just a block away complained about alcohol being served in the former house of worship.

"I get it, you know, just the idea of putting a bar in God's house," Gerhart said. "If we didn't choose to do this, most likely, it'd fall down or get torn down. I told them we're not going to be a rowdy college bar."

With stained glass, brick walls and large sanctuaries ideal for holding vats and lots of drinkers, churches renovated into breweries attract beer lovers but can grate on the spiritual sensibilities of clergy and worshippers.

At least 10 new breweries have opened in old churches across the country since 2011, and at least four more are slated to open in the next year. The trend started after the 2007 recession as churches merged or closed because of dwindling membership. Sex abuse settlements by the Roman Catholic Church starting in the mid-2000s were not a factor because those payments were largely covered by insurers, according to Terrence Donilon, spokesman for the archdiocese of Boston.

Gerhart's is scheduled to open this month after winning over skeptics like the Baptist minister and obtaining a liquor license.

"We don't want (churches) to become a liquor store," said Michael Schafer, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, which has imposed restrictions on turning closed churches into beer halls. "We don't think that's appropriate for a house of worship."

At the Church Brew Works in Pittsburgh, an early church-turned-brewery that opened in 1996, patrons slide into booths crafted from pews. Towering steel and copper vats sit on the church's former altar. Yellow flags line the sanctuary emblazoned with the brewery's motto: "ON THE EIGHTH DAY. MAN CREATED BEER."

Owner Sean Casey bought the former church because it was cheap and reminded him of beer halls he used to frequent in Munich. Aficionados cite its rustic decor as a major draw.

"It's got that `wow' factor," said Jesse Anderson-Lehnan, 27. "But it still feels like a normal place, it doesn't feel weird to come and sit at the bar and talk for a few hours."

When St. John the Baptist Church was desanctified and sold to Casey, Roman Catholics in the diocese voiced their opposition, leading to the deed restrictions to stop other closed churches from becoming bars and clubs.

While the Diocese of Cincinnati also has imposed such restrictions, it's unclear how much company it and Youngstown have. Limits also exist in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Pennsylvania, while the Boston archdiocese says it solicits proposals from potential buyers and screens them to make sure they're in line with Catholic values.

Churches are uniquely difficult to renovate, preservationists say. Large stained windows and cavernous sanctuaries are tough to partition into condominiums. Historic landmark protections can bar new owners from knocking down some churches, leading them to sit empty and decay.

But the same vaulted ceilings that keep housing developers away from churches also lend them an old-world air hard to replicate elsewhere, making former houses of worship particularly suitable as dignified beer halls.

There, even clergy members sometimes aren't so opposed to quaffing a pint. Some are regulars at the Church Brew Works, Casey said, where they can order Pipe Organ pale ale or Pious Monk dark lager.

Cincinnati's Taft's Ale House kicked off its grand opening in the 167-year-old St. Paul's Evangelical Protestant Church with a "blessing of the beers." A television report at the time shows the Rev. John Kroeger, a Catholic priest, giving the blessing.

"God of all creation, you gift us with friends, and food and drink," he said, eyes cast upward. "Bless these kegs, and every keg that will be brewed here. Bless all those freshened here, and all those gathered in the days, and months, and years to come!"
Militants ambushed a group of about 30 civilians in northeastern Congo and killed many of them before fighting a fierce battle with the army, politicians said on Sunday.

The attack took place near the city of Beni and, if the deaths are confirmed, would be the first mass-killing this year in that area. It has seen relative peace since more than 800 people were killed in dozens of massacres between 2014 and 2016.

The spate of attacks raised serious questions about the state's ability to impose order over a region full of ethnic tensions and plagued by pockets of lawlessness where armed groups prey on populations and exploit rich mineral reserves.

In the latest attack, on Saturday, assailants armed with machetes and guns ambushed travelers on the main road linking Beni in North Kivu province to neighboring Ituri province, Boris Maelezo, a member of parliament from the area, told Reuters.

He said about 30 civilians were riding on motorbikes, with several people on each vehicle, and that most of them could have been killed.

Albert Baliesima Kadukima, another lawmaker from the area, said two women freed by the militants had told local authorities the assailants had slit the throats of more than a dozen people.

Mak Hazukay, a local army spokesman, said Congolese forces were battling the militants and attempting to dislodge them from a section of the road that was several kilometers long.

The two lawmakers and the army spokesman said the militants belonged to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan Islamist group active near the border between Congo and Uganda.

Eastern Congo is a tinderbox of ethnic tensions and has been racked by conflict for more than two decades. It is the world's biggest source of coltan, used in mobile phones and other electronic products.

Various armed groups have committed atrocities around Beni since late 2014 to settle scores and undermine rivals, with attacks sometimes sectarian in nature.
As Germany moves to implement sanctions against North Koreas nuclear weapons program, its efforts seem to be at odds with a private business in Berlin.

Poised to tighten financial screws on a regime that is making steady progress toward a nuclear-tipped missile that can threaten the U.S. mainland, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution in November 2016, which for the first time included a prohibition on using any property that North Korea owns or leases for purposes other than diplomatic activities.

Five months after its passage, Germany stated in an implementation report submitted to the U.N. that it had begun implementing the restrictive measure.

Facing the brunt of Germanys sanctions implementation is a youth hostel located in North Koreas embassy compound in Berlin. The German foreign ministry, which has pressured the North Korean embassy into terminating the rental agreement with the hostel, is now squeezing the hostel owners to cease operations that indirectly benefit the Kim Jong Un regime.

City Hostel Berlin, which has housed tourists for many years, reportedly pays up to 38,000 euro ($45,000) per month in rent to North Korea.

In response to an inquiry from VOAs Korean Service about the termination of the rental agreement, an unnamed official in Germanys Federal Foreign Office said, The office continuously called upon the North Korean embassy to cease all violations of U.N. and EU sanctions. The North Korean embassy now terminated the rental agreement. This is a further step to put an end to this practice.

However, the hostel owners said the claims in media reports that they are funding Pyongyangs illegal nuclear and missile programs are false, and they expressed their regrets in a statement obtained by VOA that the hostel had fallen prey to international politics.

The unilateral termination notice issued to the hostel by Pyongyang has no legal basis and was refuted by the hostels lawyers, the owners said. They added that although it is still in operation, it is not paying rent to the North Korean embassy, pending legal evaluation.

This is a normal commercial lease signed under usual terms. All approvals and permits for our operation are issued by responsible authorities in Berlin, the City Hostel owners said in a statement translated via Google. In this context, City Hostel sees [the termination of rental agreement] an unacceptable intervention  and will defend itself by all means against any such intervention.

The hostel said the German foreign ministry has yet to respond to its question concerning compensation.

Following the adoption of the resolution in November, other EU member states such as Poland, Romania and Bulgaria have also taken action against North Koreas practice of using embassy property for commercial purposes.

Jenny Lee contributed to this report.
Hundreds of people from around Morocco protested on Sunday in the nation's economic capital, Casablanca, to demand freedom for activists jailed for their roles in a protest movement that took off a year ago in a neglected northern city.



The demonstration was the latest of numerous protests demanding the liberation of activists from the city of Al Hoceima, in the northern Rif region where hundreds of protesters have been arrested.



Leading figures in the opposition movement known as Hirak will go on trial Oct. 17 in Casablanca. No trial date has been set for the movement's leader, Nasser Zefzafi  arrested in June after a dramatic manhunt. An appeals court will decide this month whether a charge of attacking state security, which carries a risk of capital punishment, is maintained. The death sentence hasn't been carried out in Morocco in decades.



Up to 1,000 protesters, led by organizers perched on a pickup truck with megaphones, gathered at a main Casablanca intersection Sunday, chanting "freedom, dignity, social justice.''

"We are here to say, 'Enough,''' said Nabila Mounib, the president of the Federation of the Democratic Left. His federation of left-wing parties has rallied to the cause.

"Release the detainees and open a debate on their demands, and above all fight the corruption that gangrenes the Rif region,'' Mounib said.



The protest movement has become the biggest challenge to the North African kingdom, a U.S. ally known for its stability, since the Arab Spring in 2011 overthrew longstanding regimes in the larger region. Yet, its roots are local.

Protests started a year ago when a fish monger in Al Hoceina was crushed to death by a garbage compactor while trying to save fish that officials had confiscated.

The government has promised development projects for the region, which has a long history of rebellion against Morocco's leaders. King Hassan II, the father of monarch Mohammed VI, never visited the Rif region, something his son changed.

At the end of July, the king, celebrating the 18th anniversary of his accession to the throne, included an undisclosed number of those arrested in the Al Hoceima region among the 1,178 inmates benefiting from annual pardons.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 05:10:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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RIYADH, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia announced on Saturday the foiling of a terror attack against a palace in Jeddah, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The spokesman of the Interior Ministry said in a statement that a person got out of a Hyundai car and suddenly started firing at the forces of the Royal Guard located in front of the western gate of the Peace Palace in Jeddah at 3:15 p.m. local time (1215 GMT).

The guards shot back and killed the gunman after he killed two security men and injured another two.

The spokesperson identified the attacker as a 28-year-old Saudi man who carried a Kalashnikov machine gun and three Molotov cocktails.

He said that security authorities are carrying out investigations, and any developments will be announced later.

The incident took place two days after the announced busting of a terror cell linked to Islamic State (IS) militant group in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia has been engaged in an anti-terror war following a series of IS-claimed deadly blasts across the kingdom in recent years.
The man forecast to replace Cuban President Raul Castro early next year rejected U.S. demands that the Communist-run country change its political and economic system.

In a Sunday speech blasting U.S. pressure on the Venezuelan government and what he termed an effort to discredit the Cuban tourism industry, First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel said these and other recent events in the region proved "imperialism can never be trusted, not even a tiny bit, never."



Diaz-Canel was quoting Ernesto Che Guevara at a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the death of the revolutionary who had helped lead a Bolivian uprising modeled after Cuba's.

"Cuba will not make concessions to its sovereignty and independence, nor negotiate its principles or accept the imposition of conditions," Diaz-Canel said, apparently responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent statement at the United Nations that sanctions would not be lifted until the Caribbean island restores democracy and capitalism.

"The changes needed in Cuba will solely be carried out by the Cuban people," Diaz-Canel said.

Castro, 86, has announced he will step down as president in February. Experts expect Diaz-Canel, 57, to become the first head of state since the early 1960s without Castro as a last name.

There are no direct elections in Cuba for national office.

Trump said in June that he would once more tighten sanctions on Cuba and seek a better deal from the country than the gradual detente achieved by predecessor Barack Obama.

The Trump administration has drastically reduced staffing at its embassy in Cuba and ordered a reciprocal reduction of Cuban diplomats in Washington due to a series of alleged "health attacks" on U.S. personnel in Havana.

The United States has not blamed Cuba for the still unsolved incidents but holds it responsible for not protecting its personnel. The administration has also issued a travel warning stating U.S. citizens might be targeted.

"Some unnamed officials are propagating unusual nonsense without any evidence, with the perverse aim of discrediting the impeccable reputation of our country as a safe destination for foreign visitors, including from the United States," Diaz-Canel said.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is defiantly calling his country's nuclear weapons program a "treasured sword" to protect it against aggression, even as U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe continue to pressure his regime.

Pyongyang's state media reported that Kim on Saturday told the powerful Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party the nuclear weapons were a "powerful deterrent" guaranteeing the country's sovereignty against what he described as "protracted nuclear threats of the U.S. imperialists."

But he acknowledged that North Korea's standoff with the United States, Japan, South Korea and other countries over its nuclear weapons development was a "complicated international situation."

Kim vowed to continue developing the country's economy as it advanced North Korea's weapons program in the face of stiffened United Nations sanctions aimed at curbing Pyongyang's export income. He said North Korea faces "ordeals" under a "stern" situation, but claimed its economy has grown.

Kim tightened his family's firm grip on the government, promoting his sister, Kim Yo Jong, to be an alternate member of the politburo, the top decision-making body over which Kim Jong Un presides.

Kim's support for North Korea's nuclear weapons program came as Trump said Saturday that "only one thing will work" in dealing with North Korea after previous U.S. administrations had negotiated with Pyongyang without results.

"Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid," Trump said in a Twitter comment. "Hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, making fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!"



It was not clear exactly what Trump meant, but seemed to suggest that he was referring to military action. Trump has engaged in weeks of taunts with Kim, saying the United States would "totally destroy" North Korea if necessary to protect itself and its allies if Pyongyang attacks. North Korea has conducted numerous missile and nuclear tests.

Abe, at the outset of campaigning for Japan's October 22 national election, said Sunday he would impose "all possible pressure" on North Korea over its missile and weapons development. Pyongyang has launched some missile tests over Japan.

"We need to create a situation in which North Korea wants talks as it will change policy," Abe said at a political debate. "We will protect our country under stable politics."
Illegal activities such as drug smuggling provide critical funding for North Koreas regime and its military programs. But as international sanctions strangle North Koreas economic resources, the Pyongyang regime appears to have diversified.

A research report released in September found that more than half of the rhino horn smuggling cases uncovered in Africa in the past 30 years involved North Korean diplomats and that African countries have been reluctant to take tough measures against them even though rhinos are under siege from poachers.

According to the International Rhino Foundation, rhino deaths in Africa may soon outpace births. In 2014, more than 1,200 rhinos were killed in South Africa alone, a 9,000 percent increase since 2007.

South African researcher and journalist Julian Rademeyer, who wrote the extensive report detailing his investigation into rhino horn trafficking in Africa, shares with VOAs Korean service his findings on North Koreas rarely mentioned illegal trade, an activity he says continues to grow. His remarks have been edited for clarity and length.

VOA: Tell us about North Koreas illegal trade in rhino horn and ivory in Africa.

Julian Rademeyer: An analysis that we conducted looking into cases of diplomats involved in smuggling rhino horns and ivory out of Africa over the past 30 years found that North Korean diplomats or diplomatic passport holders were involved in 18 of the 29 cases that we discovered. It was quite a surprising number.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, there were reports that North Korean diplomats were very much involved in smuggling rhino horn and ivory, particularly out of Zimbabwe. It was believed that that had faded away or disappeared. But in the last few years, starting in 2015, weve had a number of cases where North Korean diplomats  in some cases senior diplomats  have been detained or stopped or found with rhino horn and consignments of ivory.

VOA: What do African countries think about North Koreas illegal activity in their territories?

JR: Many African countries have fairly long-standing ties with North Korea. North Korea currently has embassies in around 10 African states, and many of those countries are reluctant to take action when incidents like this occur, and they tend to, in many cases, turn a blind eye. As a country, North Korea championed many African states  during the liberation conflict that occurred within Africa. If you talk to government officials in a number of those countries, theres a degree of loyalty to North Korea because of the support for the liberation movements they got from Pyongyang in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

VOA: Are increasing sanctions against North Korea affecting the countrys smuggling of rhino horn and ivory?

JR: One of our concerns is that as tensions ratchet up, as sanctions against North Korea become more stringent, as North Koreas lifeline, its ability to bring in money from more legitimate sources, is cut back and hemmed in, there is a very real danger that some of these activities could expand, because they need money from somewhere. And certainly their reliance on illicit funds or dark money could grow, and we could see instances like these increasing  the criminal activity thats been documented over the years  increasing.

VOA: What was the most recent incident where North Korean diplomats or embassies were implicated in rhino horn smuggling?

JR: In May 2015 in Mozambique, Mozambican police detained two men in the countrys capital, Maputo. One of them was a senior diplomat based in the North Korean Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. The other was a taekwondo master who was later alleged to have been a North Korean spy. The two men were stopped in a vehicle that had 4.5 kilograms of rhino horn and around $100,000 in cash, but they were released and returned to South Africa. The taekwondo master left for Pyongyang a short while later, and the diplomat was ultimately asked to leave South Africa around December 2015.

VOA: Were there cases in which the North Koreans were arrested while trying to smuggle rhino horns out of Africa?

JR: In September and October of last year, in two separate cases, North Korea nationals traveling on diplomatic passports were stopped in a Berlin international airport. One was found in possession of around 76 pieces of worked ivory, and the other was found with around 200 bangles made from ivory. We know that in one case, the diplomat in question, believed to be the trade attache working out of Zimbabwe for the North Korean government, identified himself as a diplomat who was released without charge.

VOA: Of the uncovered cases, which one was most unusual?

JR: [It involves] one of North Koreas most prominent diplomats today, Han Tae Song, [who] is the head of the permanent mission to the United Nations in Geneva for the country and serves as the ambassador to Switzerland. In 1992, he was expelled from Zimbabwe, accused of smuggling several rhino horns out of the country in a diplomatic bag. At the time, the countrys state-run newspaper reported that the government filed its own course of action, [which] was to deport him as an undesirable character whose activities are incompatible with the status accredited to diplomats.

The issue came to the [fore] again recently following his appointment in Switzerland. Its a claim that has been vehemently denied by the North Korean Embassy there. They have described these claims as pure invention. And, the Swiss authorities have said that they are aware of the allegations against him but the appointment has been accepted.

VOA: Why are North Korean diplomats involved with rhino horn and ivory smuggling operations?

JR: The diplomats that we looked at spoke more broadly about illegal activity involving North Korea. One of the diplomats that I interviewed said that he was aware that things like rhino horns were being shipped from Africa to China and all of this was done for a dual purpose. One is that diplomats in North Korean embassies earn very small salaries. A diplomat, for instance, can expect to earn a salary of around $1,000 a month. Lower-level officials, youre looking at $400 to $700 a month. But they also are required to pay loyalty money back to the regime in Pyongyang, and that they would do through a range of activities including [rhino horn and ivory smuggling].

VOA: How do North Korean diplomats smuggle rhino horns?

JR: What normally happens in most of these cases is that poaching syndicates will obtain rhino horn. They will then move it up the chain to middlemen who will look for buyers. And I think it was  these diplomats or people that they knew who would then obtain the rhino horn and sell it to them. So I think they are actively looking for it, and then it appears that [two North Korean diplomats who were caught smuggling it] were traveling to China. One was flying to Shanghai, and the other was going to Beijing. And thats where the market is. The primary markets of rhino horn are in Vietnam and China.

VOA: Who buys the smuggled rhino horn and ivory?

JR: If you go back a few years, there was a significant demand in Vietnam for rhino horn [due to its] medicinal properties. A myth began in Vietnam that a [senior party official] had been cured of cancer by using rhino horn. Theres no basis to the story.  So you have people who were buying it, particularly cancer patients and others also using it for other supposed medical properties. But in more recent years, weve seen rhino horn evolve into a luxury product, something that people as a symbol of status, something that they buy as a symbol of untouchability. And in the last few years, there has been growing demand for rhino horn bangles, bracelets and necklaces, particularly from Chinese buyers. There are number of different markets, and the markets keep evolving all the time.

VOA: Are there more cases involving North Korean diplomats still to be uncovered?

JR: I think so. I think there has been quite a lot of work done over the last 20 years looking at these issues. But its an extremely difficult area of investigation. These are closed embassies. Theres very little interaction between diplomats at those embassies and outsiders. As I said, 18 incidents over the last 30 years that we know of is probably a fraction.

Jenny Lee contributed to this report.
Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdulaziz's groundbreaking visit to Russia this week saw billions of dollars signed in investment deals in energy and defense that will deepen ties between Moscow and Riyadh, despite their confrontational past.

But analysts say self-interests and Middle East alliances will hamper the forming of a deeper partnership.

During this first trip to Russia by a Saudi king, the two sides agreed on billions of dollars in projects involving space exploration, nuclear energy and oil, including a $1 billion fund on energy cooperation and a $1 billion fund on high-tech investment.

Even the king's 1,500-strong entourage, which Bloomberg said booked two luxury hotels just off Moscow's Red Square for the four-day visit, gave a small boost to Russia's economy.

Seeking new partners

Despite the U.S. being its major arms supplier, Riyadh also signed deals on manufacture of Kalashnikov arms and a surprise purchase of Russian weapons systems, such as the advanced S-400 missile defense system.

While the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a harder line on Iran, uncertainty in America's Middle East policy has encouraged Riyadh to forge new partnerships, analysts say.

"Saudi Arabia is looking for allies in its non-easy relations with Iran, while Russia is confronting sanctions and is interested in serious partners," said Mikhail Subbotin of the Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute of the World Economy and International Relations. "The sanctions made it look for new allies and activate relations with long-standing partners."

Sunni-led Riyadh wants Moscow to help rein in Shiite-led Tehran's influence in the Middle East.

Meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday at the Kremlin, King Salman said security and stability in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East is the most eagerly sought after and essential prerequisite for achieving security and stability in the world.

"This requires that Iran abandon attempts to interfere in the domestic affairs of the states in the region and stop the activity that destabilizes the region," he said.

Questionable influence over Iran

But it is not clear that Russia has much influence over Iran or any desire to pressure Tehran.

Russia also deals with Iran on oil and last year began delivering less-advanced S-300 missiles to Tehran.

In Syria, Riyadh is on the opposing side to Moscow and Tehran in regards to Damascus. Russia is allied with Iran against militants fighting to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, including some backed by the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

"In Syria, these two countries have much in common in their fighting against terrorism, but Saudi Arabia is part of a large coalition while Russia supports Assad," the Russian Academy's Subbotin said.

Observers noted the Saudi king in his public remarks on Syria to Putin did not mention seeking Assad's removal from power, an indication that Riyadh's long-standing position of regime change is no longer its main objective.

"As concerns the Syrian crisis, we are committed to pushing for its resolution in line with the Geneva I decisions and U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254, to finding a political solution that would guarantee security, stability, and Syria's unity and territorial integrity," King Salman said.

Russia's military intervention in Syria succeeded in turning the tide of defeat away from Assad, analysts say, and demonstrated Moscow's return to the world stage as a major player in the Middle East.

Crude relations

The plunging price of oil has also led to closer relations between the world's two biggest oil producers. Mutual concerns of maintaining a stable price on crude, the biggest contributor to both their economies, produced an agreement to limit output.

"We are striving to continue the positive cooperation between our states to achieve stability in the global oil market, which will facilitate global economic growth," King Salman said Thursday at the Kremlin.

But Russia does not always hold such agreements, as it is guided by its own interests, said Mikhail Krutikhin, an analyst and partner in the Rusenergy consulting company.

"There is a certain formalized agreement dealing with a reduction of oil volume between OPEC [Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries] countries and Russia, as well as some other countries," Krutikhin said. "Here is a following issue: Russia does not implement its obligations. It increased oil exports, thus not helping to keep the prices at a high level but obstructing that."

Cheating on agreed oil output caps has dogged OPEC since its founding, because those who break any such deals, whether members or not, stand to benefit more than those who stand by it.

"Russia is guided by its own interests," Subbotin said. "Sometimes it de facto joined the coalition with OPEC and supported a policy aimed at reducing oil production; sometimes OPEC was reducing the extraction but Russia was increasing it.

"At the current stage, the interests of Russia and those of Saudi Arabia have coincided," he added.

VOA's Danila Galperovich contributed to this report.
Somali regional officials say the Iranian captain of a fishing boat was killed and another sailor was injured after security forces opened fire during an operation in the Indian Ocean.

Officials said the shooting occurred after Puntland Maritime Police Forces spotted two boats suspected to be fishing illegally Friday in Somali waters.

Colonel Mohamed Abdi Hashi of Puntland police told VOA Somali the two boats ignored orders to stop and attempted to escape.

Our security forces were conducting an operation on October 6, they encountered two illegal fishing boats off Ras Hafun coast. When they tried to stop them in order to check their permits they escaped, he said.

They managed to seize one of the boats, the other one escaped.

Colonel Hashi said during the shooting captain Haydar Abdalla Sabiil of the vessel Al-Sa'idi was killed and a second sailor was injured, 16 others are unharmed and were apprehended, he said.

The boat carrying the sailors have arrived at Bosaso port for questioning. The boat is carrying two tons of fish illegally caught in Somali waters, officials said.

The boat is now docked at Bosaso port, the body of the captain is in the freezer of the boat, and according to the law we transferred the case to the courts.

Officials did not release the name of the dead sailor.

Colonel Hashi says he wasnt sure if Somali political leaders have made any contact with Iran about the incident.

"We are just soldiers, its possible that Puntland leadership have contacted Iran but Im not aware of contact.

Recurring problem

Illegal fishing in Somali waters occurs often according to maritime organizations. Most of the boats illegally fishing in Somali waters come from Iran, Yemen, China and number of Southeast Asian countries, according to the organizations.

A 2015 report by the U.S.-based watchdog, Secure Fisheries, says foreign fishing boats caught more than 132,000 metric tons of fish off Somalia in each of 2013 and 2014, while local fishermen caught only 40,000 metric tons. In monetary terms, foreign vessels have out earned their Somali counterparts by nearly $250 million per year, the report said.

Other maritime organizations have often warned illegal fishing sparks increases of piracy activities in Somalia waters.

In late 2015, Puntland seized six boats and dozens of sailors from Iran and Yemen. They were all released after heavy fines and confiscation of their catch.

Last year, Somalia received a $65,000 fine from the owners of Belize-flagged vessel, Greko 1, which was found guilty of fishing illegally in Somali waters.

The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), which combats piracy activities off the coast of Somalia, tipped the Somali authorities and international watchdogs about the fishing activities of Greko 1.

Jacqueline Sherriff who is a spokesperson for the EUNAVFOR tells VOA Somali an important part of its mandate is to monitor fishing activities off the coast of Somalia.

That vessel, the only reason that we could successfully prosecute that vessel is because the EUNAVFOR provided photographic evidence and location evidence that it was actually illegally fishing in Somali waters, she said.

Sherriff said the EU office in Brussels works with the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, an intergovernmental organization responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in the ocean, to investigate illegal fishing cases.

She said if EUNAVFOR naval ships see a vessel that is not Somali actively engaged in fishing they take a note of the vessel, its location, its name, the color of the vessel, what type of fishing gear it has deployed and then pass on the information to the maritime watchdogs.



Fadumo Yasin Jama contributed to this report.
Rescuers in Syrian city of Maarat al-Numan are picking through the rubble after what they say was a Syrian military airstrike on a market Sunday.

At least six were killed while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights puts the death toll at 11.

Syria's famed White Helmet rescuers pulled a man and young boy from under a pile of rocks and dust, saying they expect to find more victims.

Maarat al-Numan is in Syria's rebel-controlled Idlib province, which borders Turkey.

Turkish forces have launched what President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls a "serious" operation in Idlib, parts of which are in the hands of al-Qaida linked extremists formerly known as the Nusra Front.

The operation is, in part, aimed at enforcing a de-escalation zone in Idlib, as agreed to by Turkey, Iran, and Russia during talks in Kazakhstan. The militants oppose such a zone.

Turkey also says establishing a zone would prevent what it calls a "terror corridor" that it says could allow Kurdish fighters battling the Syrians to link up with separatists inside Turkey.
Adnan Hassan, a Syrian Kurd, finally has hope for himself and his people.

Two years ago, Islamic State militants nearly wiped out his hometown, Kobani, along Syria's border with Turkey and killed 10 members of his family. Now with the militants driven out and going down in defeat, a new university is opening in the town, and Hassan will be its professor for Kurdish language and literature. It is the first university in the self-administered Kurdish areas, and the first in Syria to teach Kurdish.

The future of his people, Syria's largest ethnic minority long ostracized by the government, could not look better, he said.

"We are living a dream and we are waiting for this dream to come true."

Across the border, Iraq's Kurds have sparked a major confrontation with their neighbors and Baghdad by holding a referendum for outright independence. Syria's Kurds, meanwhile, are making major advances toward their own, less ambitious goal: winning recognition for the self-rule they seized during Syria's war. They say their aspirations for a federal system in Syria may now find more international and domestic support, and they are positioned as a player Damascus must reckon with in any final resolution of the conflict.

Perhaps more importantly, they have land. Backed by the U.S. in the fight against IS, Kurdish forces control nearly 25 percent of Syria. They hold most of the northern border with Turkey and have expanded into non-Kurdish, Arab-dominated areas. The Americans have set up bases there to provide battlefield support for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, as well as the training and advising of security forces and the new civilian administrations in liberated areas.

The Kurds have also maintained close ties with Russia and are confident they can fend off Turkey, which is vehemently opposed to a Kurdish entity on its border.

The ruling Kurdish Democratic Union Party, the PYD, heads a de facto self-rule administration in the Kurdish-majority region of northern Syria known as Rojava. As part of their efforts to promote a federal system, they elected new local councils late last month. By early 2018, they hope to elect their first regional parliament, representative of Kurds, Arabs, Assyrians and Turkmen.

"In Rojava, we have a federal project. In [Iraqi] Kurdistan, it is the long awaited state. The two complement one another in realizing the Kurds' aspiration for a dignified life," Hassan said.

It is a remarkable turnaround. Syria's Kurds were about 10 percent of the pre-war population of 23 million, but Damascus had long suppressed any expression of their identity in the majority Arab nation.

Jubilant Syrian Kurds celebrated their neighbors' independence referendum by flying Iraqi Kurdish flags alongside the flags of their own militia from cars honking down the streets late into the night.

But the surge in Kurdish power in both Iraq and Syria doesn't mean the two sides are about to join: They remain divided by political rivalries.

Iraqi Kurdistan's referendum sparked furious opposition from Iraq's government, as well as Iran and Turkey, who fear it will fuel secessionist movements among their own Kurdish minorities and dismantle the map of the Fertile Crescent in place since World War I. There was also a backlash from the Arabs. Lebanon's Hezbollah accused the U.S., Saudi Arabia and Israel - the only state to support Kurdish independence - of manipulating Kurds to start another war.

Syrian Kurdish leaders say their vision is for a federal system across Syria that would maintain unity while giving considerable autonomy to various regions.

They depict their proposal as a way out of the country's intractable 7-year-old civil war.

In a first, President Bashar Assad's government said it may be ready to talk to the Kurds.

Syria's Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Muallem recently noted Syria's Kurds want "some form of self-administration" within Syria unlike Iraqi Kurds' push for independence.

"This is something negotiable and can be discussed. When we are done with fighting Daesh, we can sit with our Kurdish sons and find a formula for the future," he said, using the Arabic acronym for IS.

llham Ahmed, a senior Kurdish official in the political wing of the SDF, said the government statement can be a starting point toward negotiations, underlining that the federal proposal is not for the Kurds alone.

The Kurds "have become the dark horse that can't be overlooked or excluded like in the past. We will be participating practically in the political process and we will be influential."

The Syrian government is far from ready to share power, bolstered by battlefield victories and unwavering Russian and Iranian backing. Still its position is not secure, with local cease-fires on various fronts liable to crumble and a growing presence of regional and international forces on its territory. The Kurds represent an indisputable interlocutor amid a fragmented opposition, otherwise dominated by Islamists.

But Syria's Kurds could face a looming confrontation with Turkey.

Ankara views the Syrian PYD as an extension of Turkey's own Kurdish insurgency led by the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, and is determined to avert Kurdish power next door. Last year, its troops captured a pocket of territory inside Syria to prevent a contiguous Kurdish hold along the frontier.

Turkish forces, with Syrian allies, have skirmished with Kurdish forces holding the northwestern town of Afrin. And Turkey's president announced Saturday it was launching an operation in the nearby Idlib province, controlled by al-Qaida-linked fighters.

Meanwhile, a race is on between the U.S. and the Kurds on one side and the Syria-Russia-Iran alliance on the other for the oil-rich, eastern province of Deir el-Zour. Each side is fighting to take back as much territory as it can from IS. That race could determine the borders of a Kurdish-administrated area.

The drive is also a competition between the Americans and Iran to grab influence in Syria.

"The United States can limit Iran's freedom of action in the region by becoming a major patron for the Kurds," while trying to be "polite with Turkey," Joshua Landis, a Syria expert and professor at the University of Oklahoma, said recently to Syria Direct.

Syria's PYD is ideologically affiliated with the Turkish Kurdish PKK, inspired by its leader Abdullah Ocalan.

For almost 20 years, Ocalan found refuge in Syria until Damascus expelled him in 1998. He has been imprisoned in Turkey since but is omnipresent in northern Syria. Affectionately referred to as "Apo," or uncle, Ocalan's vision mixing Marxism, social egalitarianism and a revolution of women who share leadership roles with men remains common parlance among Kurdish fighters and officials. Graffiti about women's liberation and the imprisoned Ocalan are pervasive.

Washington found in the secular-leaning, disciplined fighters its main leverage in Syria. It advised them to rebrand to distance themselves from the PKK. U.S. Army General Raymond Thomas, head of Special Operations Command, described it as a "stroke of brilliance" to include democracy in their new name: the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Mazloum Kobani, the Kurdish commander who leads the SDF and coined the name, warned that without Washington's political support for the federation idea, gains in the fight against IS may be lost. He said the government and its allied Shiite militias remain a "threat."

"We don't want to fight with anyone, but we will defend ourselves," he told the Al-Monitor news site in September in his first comments to the press.

The challenges are also internal as Kurdish communities remain split.

The ruling party of Iraq's Kurdish zone has long cultivated ties with Ankara, the main enemy of Syria's PYD. Land-locked Iraqi Kurdistan depends on Turkey for access to the outside world for its oil. When the PYD first set up its self-rule administration early in Syria's war, Iraqi Kurds closed their border with Rojava.

Some believed the rivalry would ease with Turkey's opposition to the Iraqi Kurdish referendum. But Iraqi Kurds are unlikely to further aggravate Ankara by softening their stance toward their Syrian counterparts. Days after the referendum, Syrian Kurdish officials from Europe trying to attend a PYD conference in Syria were denied entry at the Iraq crossing.

The PYD's internal rival, the once powerful Kurdish National Council, has allied with the Iraqi Kurds' ruling party and refused to participate in the self-administration project. Many of its members now live in Iraq's Irbil.

Khaled Ali, an opposition member in Irbil, said his family had to take one of their youngest members out of Rojava before high school fearing he would be recruited by the militia. "There is excessive militarization of society," he said.

Still, confidence in the future is palpable in Rojava. Resources have poured in to rebuild destroyed towns like Kobani. Oil revenues from fields seized from IS and the government have boosted the administration's coffers.

Hassan, the 29-year old Kurdish teacher, said the new Rojava University will open in November with 400 students. Kurdish language teaching will be as high a priority as training engineers and doctors.

While he is concerned some of his colleagues who rose to power may "become corrupt," he believes the administration will correct course, guided by Apo's views and "the sacrifices of martyrs." And maybe work with other Kurdish parties.

"This administration would be weakened if it remained alone."
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued the annual U.S. proclamation for Columbus Day this Monday without any of his predecessors misgivings about the holiday.

Trumps proclamation urges the U.S. to celebrate Christopher Columbus spirit of discovery of the Americas, a contrast to former President Barack Obamas document last year, which acknowledged both Columbus drive to explore and the suffering of Native Americans.

The holiday, which is celebrated on the second Monday in October, has drawn controversy in some quarters of the United States, with a growing number of cities choosing to reinterpret what the day stands for, rebranding it Indigenous Peoples Day and celebrating Native Americans.

'A transformative event'

In his proclamation, Trump praises Columbus, the explorers native Italy, and Spain, which sponsored Columbus journey to the Americas.

He said, The permanent arrival of Europeans ... was a transformative event that undeniably and fundamentally changed the course of human history and set the stage for the development of our great nation.

Obamas proclamation in 2016 struck a different tone, saying, We must also acknowledge the pain and suffering reflected in the stories of Native Americans who had long resided on this land prior to the arrival of European newcomers.

The past we share is marked by too many broken promises, as well as violence, deprivation, and disease, he wrote.

Columbus' legacy

Columbus discovered the Americas while looking for a passage to the spice-producing islands of the East Indies, which are in Asia. He landed on a Bahamian island he named San Salvador, discovering an entire landmass that had been unknown to Europeans, on Oct. 12, 1492.

Columbus Day is celebrated not only by the United States, but also Spain, which supported the Columbus expedition, Italy, Colombia (named for Christopher Columbus), several other South American nations, and some Caribbean islands.

The day is seen by Italian-Americans as a celebration of Columbus heritage and their own. It is seen by Hispanics as a celebration of their culture, because of to the links between Columbus and the royal court of Spain and the subsequent Spanish colonization of much of South and Central America.

Indigenous Peoples Day

However, in the United States, the holiday has been met with opposition by some who say Columbus Day glorifies a man and a culture that ran roughshod over the indigenous people who were living in the New World before Europeans arrived.

Several cities, including Seattle, Washington; Albuquerque, New Mexico; St. Paul, Minnesota; and Phoenix, Arizona, are among those celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day. Some mark the day concurrently with Columbus Day, and some cities have rejected Columbus Day altogether.

On the other hand, several cities have rejected proposals for them to proclaim Indigenous Peoples Day, including Cincinnati, Ohio, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Many of those who support celebrating Columbus Day say Columbus discovery is an important part of American history and say those who want to celebrate indigenous people should choose a different day.
Turkish military vehicles entered Syria's Idlib province on Sunday under escort from the Tahrir al-Sham jihadist alliance, a resident of the Syria-Turkey border area and a local rebel said.

They both said they saw several vehicles carrying Turkish forces entering Idlib at the Atmah crossing before Tahrir al-Sham fighters escorted them along a road.

On Saturday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Syrian rebels backed by Turkish forces would launch an operation in that area, which is mostly controlled by Tahrir al-Sham.

On Sunday, a war monitor reported clashes between Turkish forces and the jihadists.

The incursion follows a deal between Turkey and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's allies Russia and Iran to impose a "de-escalation" zone in Idlib and surrounding areas to reduce warfare there, an agreement that did not include Tahrir al-Sham.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said the clashes took place near the village of Kafr Lusin in Idlib.

Tahrir al-Sham is spearheaded by the former Nusra Front, which was al Qaeda's Syrian branch until last year, when it changed its name and broke formal allegiance to the global movement founded by Osama bin Laden.
British Prime Minister Theresa May says she is "resilient" despite a difficult speech at the Conservative Party conference and growing threats to her leadership.

She told the Sunday Times she would not hide from a challenge as she fights off a rebellion from some legislators unhappy with her leadership.

"The truth is my feelings can be hurt, like everyone else, but I am pretty resilient," she said.

Former Prime Minister John Major urged Conservative Party members to support May and scolded those who have plotted against her.

"I urge all Conservative [lawmakers] to reflect very carefully on what is at stake," he wrote in the Daily Mail. "The country has had enough of the self-absorbed disloyal behavior we have witnessed for weeks."

Major's comments were viewed by some as a warning to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who while publicly backing May has twice proposed his own policies on the delicate Brexit negotiations over Britain's future relationship with the European Union.

May has endured a difficult stretch, with a disappointing party conference speech followed by a claim by former party chairman Grant Shapps that he had a list of 30 legislators who wanted May to step down.

The immediate rebellion in party ranks seems to have been quelled for the moment, but May has been in a weakened position since her decision to call a snap election in June backfired, costing the Conservative Party its outright majority in Parliament.

Her speech to the annual party conference in Manchester on Wednesday was interrupted by a heckler, marred by a persistent cough and a set that started to fail during her talk when letters fell off a party slogan.

She denied reports that she cried after the speech.

"One minute journalists are accusing me of being an ice maiden or a robot, then they claim I'm a weeping woman in dire need of a good night's sleep," she said.

May is reported to be considering a Cabinet shakeup in the coming weeks. Some are pressuring her to demote Johnson from his highly visible post of foreign secretary.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 09:36:05|Editor: Lu Hui

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U.S. President Donald Trump (Xinhua file photo)

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that "only one thing will work" with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) after past talks with Pyongyang had yielded no results.

"Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea (DPRK) for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid," Trump tweeted.

"...Hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, making fools of U.S. negotiators," Trump wrote. "Sorry, but only one thing will work!"

Trump did not make clear to what he was referring to in his tweets.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders later confirmed to media that all options are still on the table and she had nothing further to add at this time.

Tensions ran high on the Korean Peninsula as the DPRK conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Sept. 3.

In response, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a new resolution tightening sanctions against Pyongyang. Later, the DPRK tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile which flew over Japan.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson revealed during a visit to China in late September that the United States has direct channels of communication with the DPRK.

"We have lines of communications to Pyongyang. We're not in a dark situation or a blackout. We have a couple of direct channels to Pyongyang. We can talk to them ... We've made it clear that we hope to resolve this through talks," Tillerson said.
The new U.S. ambassador to Russia said Saturday that restoring Ukrainian sovereignty and bringing North Korea to the negotiating table would be central issues as he works to improve U.S.-Russian relations.

Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. said trust is at a low point as many Americans believe Russia wants to undermine U.S. democracy amid investigations into Russian election meddling. "It is no longer a partisan issue at the political level, either," he said.

Huntsman takes over at a precarious time between the two countries. He said he wants to improve relations, but the first step is returning Ukrainian control within its internationally recognized borders.

"This is an issue not only with the United States, but with Europe, Canada and virtually every other developed country," Huntsman said.

Cooperative effort

He called North Korea an international threat, not just an American problem, and one that Russia has an interest in addressing. "Acting together, we think the United States and Russia could force the North Korean regime to the negotiating table to find a diplomatic solution," he said.

Those comments came the same day President Donald Trump tweeted that trying to negotiate with North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs was a waste of time.

Huntsman also touched on defeating the Islamic State group and continuing dialogue on Syria during the remarks delivered in Salt Lake City after he was ceremonially sworn into his new office by his successor, Utah Governor Gary Herbert.

The ceremony requested by Huntsman attracted a hometown audience of heavy-hitters, including Senator Orrin Hatch, Representative Mia Love and the new ambassador's father, billionaire industrialist Jon Huntsman. The event was not open to the public, and Huntsman did not take questions from reporters.

Huntsman won easy confirmation as U.S. ambassador to Russia last week. He met with President Donald Trump on Friday.

Previous experience

Huntsman has been a U.S. ambassador before, serving as the nation's top diplomat to Singapore under President George H.W. Bush and ambassador to China under President Barack Obama. Huntsman returned to the U.S. to run for president as a Republican in 2012.

He struck a tough tone during his confirmation hearings amid tensions underscored by a series of expulsions of diplomats and closures of diplomatic missions.

Trump has called Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election a hoax. But Huntsman has said there is no question Moscow interfered.

The former governor had an up-and-down relationship with Trump during last year's campaign. Huntsman backed him after he became the nominee. But he called for Trump to drop out after a 2005 recording surfaced of Trump making lewd comments about women.

Trump had also criticized Huntsman during his service in Beijing under Obama. But the men buried their differences during Trump's transition.
The national debate over removing Confederate symbols from U.S. college campuses is spurring wider questions about university benefactors whose ties to slavery or white supremacy flew under the radar in decades past.

Students and alumni are no longer simply opposing overt Confederate memorials, but also lesser-known founders and donors with troubling racial legacies. And the discussions have intensified after deadly white nationalist protests in August in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The problem is apparent at the University of North Carolina, where opposition to a Confederate statue has dredged up racist statements by a former trustee. Tobacco magnate Julian S. Carr, himself a Confederate veteran, gave the dedication speech in 1913 for the campus statue depicting an anonymous rebel soldier. His remarks included a reference to the pleasing duty of whipping a black woman in public.

He stood out here and stood in front of a crowd of people and bragged about how he drug a negro wench through the streets for insulting a white woman, said Gabrielle Johnson, a student who helped organize a sit-in against the statue nicknamed Silent Sam. I dont see how that embodies anything other than hatred.

UNCs chancellor has said a state historic monument law prevents the university from removing Silent Sam. But the fresh attention to Carr has spurred wider conversations about his legacy at UNC and nearby Duke University, where part of campus was built on land donated by Carr. Both schools are home to a Carr Building and have convened panels on how to handle controversial building names.

Not the first controversy

Its not the first such dilemma for either school. In 2014, Duke removed the name of a former governor, Charles Aycock, from a dorm, citing his legacy of black disenfranchisement. And UNC chose Carolina Hall to replace the name of a former Ku Klux Klan leader before putting a freeze on renaming other historic buildings for 16 years.

The issue resonates beyond the South. Yale University announced this year it would rename a residential college honoring former Vice President John C. Calhoun, an ardent supporter of slavery. Georgetown and Harvard have acknowledged or apologized for slavery ties.

And in mid-September, protesters at the University of Virginia draped a black shroud over a statue of university founder Thomas Jefferson, a slave owner they accused of racism. University president Teresa Sullivan condemned the protesters action while acknowledging Jeffersons faults: In apparent contradiction to his persuasive arguments for liberty and human rights, however, he was also a slave owner.

About 30 mostly Southern universities will gather this October for a symposium on higher educations ties to slavery. One of them, Washington and Lee University, is keeping Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in its name while pledging further study of the schools history. University president Will Dudley urged a critical analysis that goes beyond the caricatures of one-dimensional heroes and villains.

One name, then others

In Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University took final steps in 2016 to rename Confederate Memorial Hall, but a black graduate subsequently wrote a newspaper column saying other names should come down. Lee Hall-Perkins decried one dorm named for school founder Holland McTyeire, a Methodist bishop who once wrote an essay on the duties of Christian slave owners, including physical punishment in moderation.

When I was an undergraduate student, these names were benign to me but when I dug deeper, it infuriated me that these names were on campus, Hall-Perkins said by phone.

Responding to a reporter, Vanderbilt said its holding a spring conference on slaverys impacts.

Adam Domby, assistant professor of history at College of Charleston in South Carolina, said many Southern political figures from a century ago espoused racism.

A lot of the leading political figures of the early 20th century are going to be tainted with white supremacy, Domby said, adding that Carr unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate in 1900 on a white supremacist platform.

Tainted with white supremacy

Scholars note that Carr, not unlike Lee or Jefferson, has a complicated legacy. He also donated to African-American institutions and served as treasurer for the group that started what became historically black North Carolina Central University, said university archivist Andre Vann.

If I had to rationalize some of this, the lives and experiences of men and women like Carr and others are really a mirror of the society that they lived in, Vann said.

The 2008 book Upbuilding Black Durham noted black leaders struck an uneasy accommodation with Carr, one of Durhams wealthiest men, though well aware of his racial views.

Once questioned about the elites amiable relationship with the ex-Confederate, one black leader responded We prefer to think of General Carr in terms of his benefactions, not his politics, Williams College history professor Louise Brown wrote in the book. Thus the Durham black elite opted to cite the friendly feeling between the races, well aware that the assertion was mostly not true.

Protesters at UNC now hope Carrs own words will persuade administrators of the need for change.

Recently Johnson stood before several hundred demonstrators at Silent Sam and read parts of Carrs 1913 speech through a bullhorn, emphasizing the words: I horse-whipped a negro wench until her skirts hung in shreds.

Turning toward the statue, she exclaimed: Silent Sam does not represent history ... He represents racism!
Members of the U.S. Congress are seeking new tools to stop the flow of cash to the militant group Hezbollah in hopes of reducing its ability to recruit, raise funds and carry out propaganda.



We have got to double down on the money that's coming in from Iran and coming in from Syria, said Representative Ed Royce, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and one of the originators of a bipartisan bill to levy new sanctions on the group.

The bill is co-sponsored by Representative Eliot Engel, the most senior Democrat on the foreign affairs committee. Speaking at a recent event on the bill, Engel said this legislation updates U.S. sanctions passed against Hezbollah two years ago.

I'm a firm believer that we need to do everything we can to isolate Hezbollah  as recruiters, financiers, weapons traffickers and propagandists  and that's why I'm pleased to be the lead Democratic sponsor of Chairman Royce's bill," Engel said.

"This legislation updates the Hezbollah sanctions that we passed two years ago to push back against Hezbollah's financial patrons, including Iran.

Hezbollah is a Lebanon-based Shi'ite militant group and has enjoyed backing from Iran since its creation in 1982. It has played a major role in the Syrian civil war in support of President Bashar al-Assad, building up its supply of missiles and expanding its influence within the region.

For US, a terrorist organization

The United States has declared Hezbollah a terrorist organization, making it illegal under U.S. law to provide support or resources to the group.

Some analysts say existing sanctions against Hezbollah have failed to seriously reduce its sources of funding.

Despite the ongoing U.S. sanctions on this organization, Hezbollahs financial activities remained intact, and its revenues have reached to almost a billion dollar annually, said Yaya J. Fanusie of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, organizer of the event where Royce and Engel spoke.

Fanusie said Tehran is by far the main source of funding for Hezbollah. Iran remains Hezbollahs primary source of financial support and is the [source for almost 80 percent] of it, he said.

Royce said the proposed legislation would close a number of loopholes allowing funding to reach Hezbollah. It gives us additional leverage.

Engel also accuses Russia of helping Hezbollah and said he hopes his legislation will target its enablers.

Russian coordination with Hezbollah has increased with their support of Hezbollah on the Syrian battlefield," he said.

"And this legislation also targets Hezbollah's fund-raising, recruitment and propaganda activities, as well as those states that are providing weapons, financial, and material support to Hezbollah. Now is the time to choke off Hezbollah's assets, and that's why we must pass this legislation into law.

The bill recommends sanctions against foreign states that support Hezbollah.
The United States announced Sunday a temporary halt to all non-immigrant visa applications from Turkey, a move that was quickly mirrored by Turkey.

A statement from the U.S. Embassy in Ankara said, "Recent events have forced the United States Government to reassess the commitment of the Government of Turkey to the security of U.S. Mission facilities and personnel."

The statement did not clarify the reasons for which it is reassessing Turkey's commitment, nor did it say how long the suspension would last.

The statement added, "In order to minimize the number of visitors to our Embassy and Consulates while this assessment proceeds, effective immediately we have suspended all non-immigrant visa services at all U.S. diplomatic facilities in Turkey."

Hours later, Turkey retaliated by announcing its own suspension of visa services in the U.S., using language that parroted the U.S. statement and reasons for the halt.



Last week, Turkey arrested Metin Topuz, a U.S. consulate employee and Turkish national, accusing him of regular communication with alleged leading members of what Turkey has deemed a terrorist network blamed for a failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last year.

Turkey has blamed the attempted coup on U.S.-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, who denies any involvement.

The Turkish government has also jailed 50,000 people in a crackdown that has also included firing tens of thousands of people from government jobs and shutting down more than 100 media outlets in response to the coup attempt.

On Sunday, prosecutors charged 11 rights activists with aiding terror groups and called for jail sentences of up to 15 years.

Those charged include Idil Eser, Amnesty International's director in Turkey, and Taner Kilic, the group's Turkey chair. A German citizen and a Swedish citizen are also in the group.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel expressed concern about the charges, calling the potential sentence "unacceptable."

Amnesty International Europe Director John Dalhuisen said in a statement the Turkish indictment is "outrageous" and involved "absurd allegations" against prominent rights defenders.

"This indictment is little more than a tatty patchwork of fabrication, innuendo and untruths and is a damning indictment of Turkey's flawed justice system," Dalhuisen said. "The court must reject it in its entirety and ensure that our friends and colleagues are immediately and unconditionally released."
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro baited U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday by thanking him for a barrage of criticism that had made him famous worldwide.

"It's an honor that the head of the empire mentions me every day," said the 54-year-old president, who is just back in Venezuela from a trip to Russia, Belarus and Turkey.

"That means I'm doing something right!" Maduro laughed, during his weekly program on state TV.

The U.S. government, saying Venezuela has become a corrupt and repressive dictatorship, has widened individual sanctions on top officials including Maduro and also prohibited new debt dealings with Caracas.

Businessman-turned-president Trump has repeatedly criticized Maduro and his Socialist Party in public and at meetings with other heads of state.

"Donald Trump has become the head of the Venezuelan opposition," said Maduro, who has ruled the OPEC member since 2013 but seen his popularity plummet during an economic crisis.

"He has made me famous around the world. Every time he mentions me, they love me more," Maduro added, saying he had been acclaimed by people abroad on his visit to nations who have all had frayed relations with Washington.

Maduro said he had a one-and-half-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin where, among other subjects, he discussed the possibility of trading Venezuelan oil in rubles because of the U.S. financial sanctions.

"A whole new world is opening up for Venezuela thanks to Trump's sanctions," said Maduro, who has also said he hopes to move Venezuela's commercial transactions to euros, yen and rupees.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visited Las Vegas on Saturday to express solidarity with the residents and visitors shaken by last Sundays mass shooting during a country music concert that left 58 people dead.

Accompanied by his wife, Karen, Pence addressed a crowd gathered to honor the victims of the shooting, the deadliest such event in modern U.S. history.

We are with you, Pence told the crowd. Today, we are all Vegas Strong, referring to a popular social media phrase. He praised the police officers and emergency officials who rushed into harms way, he said, without regard to their personal safety.

Law enforcement officials say shooter Stephen Paddock, the 64-year-old gambler who took his own life after shooting repeatedly into the crowd enjoying the concert, left behind a handwritten note with an assortment of numbers. Authorities say the numbers are calculations determining the distance and trajectory between his 32nd floor hotel room and the crowd below.

Federal agents have begun removing from the scene the personal belongings concert-goers left behind when they fled from the bullets spraying into the crowd last Sunday. Among the items were backpacks, purses, baby strollers and lawn chairs, piled high Saturday as agents loaded them into a truck.

Officials say they will begin returning those items to their owners next week.

And investigators continue to explore the possible motives Paddock might have had. Between the gunfire and the struggle to flee the area, nearly 500 hundred people were injured Sunday in addition to the 58 who were killed.

Investigators have found that Paddock planned his attack meticulously, choosing carefully his hotel room and modifying a dozen guns to enable them to fire rapidly, like an automatic weapon. He also apparently set up cameras inside and outside his hotel room to watch for approaching security officers.

In recent days, experts have found that Paddock had also booked hotel rooms overlooking other big, outdoor concerts, including Lollapalooza in Chicago in August and the Life is Beautiful show in Las Vegas in late September.
Some Zimbabweans have reacted with skepticism about President Robert Mugabes remarks that he will reshuffle his Cabinet next week, saying he may demote Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and replace him with his wife, Grace.

Others have reacted angrily to his promise, noting that the whole Cabinet and president should go for failing to provide the 2 million jobs they promised Zimbabweans in the run up to the 2013 general elections and allowing the southern African nations economy to degenerate.

Some of the over 160 people, who replied to two VOA Studio 7 Facebook posts which reached almost 42,000 followers over the weekend on the fate of Mnangagwa and the possible elevation of Mrs. Mugabe, said the Cabinet reshuffle was an attempt to distract Zimbabweans from the day today struggles they are facing in a nation facing severe cash shortages, panic buying of goods and other issues.

People like Frank Totowe said it was game over for Mangagwa. The croco (Mnangagwa) will go down the ladder because Grace (Mugabe) wants her way clean. ED (Emmerson Mnagagwa) is the only stumbling block on her ascendance to the top and Mugabe won't listen to anyone other than his wife. The writing is already on the wall.

These views were supported by Unique Mheta, who noted that Mugabes moves are always unpredictable. You never know guys, let's just wait and see. The Old mans plans are unpredictable. Who ever thought Mujuru (sacked former vice president Joice Mujuru) and others could be sacked from the ZANU.PF political party...? He can do anything...

But Simbarashe Mauta believes that Mnangagwa is plays a critical role in binding Zanu PF together.

Though they hate Mnangagwa he is a pillar. He is holding this Zanu thing up. Mugabe is too old but not too reckless, firing ED means removing a pillar in a mine while you are still in. If the mine collapses Mugabe will be avictim too so is Grace (Mugabe) but ED will be safe outside. The obvious thing is the chopping down of all EDs loyalists. They will want to reduce EDs influence, sacking him not an option. If Grace insists Mugabe will be exposed and definitely will lose next elections provided they get there before turmoil.

Tarisai Muzenda fired back, noting that Mnangagwa is not as strong as perceived by some people, who think that he will stand up and fight against his boss.

ED is not a pillar as you think, his fate is just similar to that of Mai Mujuru as she was second in command just like him. G40 (Generation 40 said to be led by Mrs. Mugabe) has already calculated and finished with him. He is gonna be fired, or demoted just to keep him on watch.

Mauta had a different opinion. This is just speculation dude. Lets watch and see. I strongly guess whoever supports ED is gonna face the chop. ED is gonna remain but with no back up. Thinking Ngwena (ED) is just like Joice is premature.

Innocent Hungwe agreed. He (Mugabe) is likely to remove, demote all his team in government and replace them with G40s. Mnangagwa will remain untouched but alone, isolated!

Others like believe that Mugabe appears to be cascading towards making his wife the countrys next president. Some think that he will appoint her to a junior post and then be endorsed in a non-elective Peoples Conference to be held at the end of the year to be one of the two vice presidents.

ForCharles Matarirano Mutavikwa, Sandy Dennis and others, Mrs. Mugabe may be elevated to the post of vice president with or without the sacking of Mnangagwa.

According to Dennis, her language tells (the) possibility (of her landing one of the top posts." Mutavikwa adds that Obsviously (Mrs. Mugabe will be in the Cabinet).

The first lady last week attacked Mnangagwa for allegedly lying to the president that he was poisoned at a Zanu PF Youth Interface Rally in Gwanda, Matabeleland South province, a few weeks ago, only to turn around and claim that he was, in fact poisoned at the rally.

She accused him of teaming up with some members of his so-called Team Lacoste to try and unseat Mugabe using unconstitutional means. Mrs. Mugabe claimed that former vice president Joice Mujuru did the same thing before she was removed from office.

Mrs. Mugabe, who allegedly habors presidential ambitions, is being supported by some Zanu PF activists calling themselves Generation 40.

Mnangagwa and Mrs. Mugabe have already dismissed these allegations as far-fetched.

For more details open these links:

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Lewotolo volcano (Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia): alert level raised due to increased seismic activity

Sun, 8 Oct 2017, 13:21 13:21 PM | BY: T 13:21 PM | BY: T

Recent seismic activity at Lewotolo volcano (image: PVMBG)

The alert level of the volcano was raised yesterday from from Level I (Normal) to Level II (Alert), the Indonesian volcano monitoring agency PVMBG reported.Over the past weeks, degassing and seismic activity have increased significantly, suggesting a greater likelihood of a new eruption, most likely in the form of sudden explosions from the summit crater. During the last week of September, a steam plume of varying intensity has been observed rising up to 500 m from the crater, and volcanic earthquakes detected under the volcano have increased from averages of a few per day to several tens per day.An exclusion zone of 2 km radius around the crater is recommended.
They did everything they could to prevent a protest over a contract for a new stealth bomber. Air Force officials had a red team of outside attorneys shadowing every step of the procurement process. They added layers of scrutiny, even though it delayed the award. They wanted to make sure any agreement could withstand challenges from the toughest inside-the-Beltway legal muscle.

Then, after the $80 billion contract was awarded to Northrop Grumman in 2105, Air Force officials sat down with the losers, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, to explain how the process unfolded.

It wasnt enough. Boeing and Lockheed protested the decision, arguing that the selection process was fundamentally flawed, holding up the weapons program for several more months, while the legal dispute was heard.

Concern over the growing number of such protests  the lawfare that critics say hinders the governments ability to move ahead with important programs and services  has prompted action by the Senate.

In this years defense spending plan, the Armed Services Committee has included a provision that would force large contractors  those with annual revenue of at least $100 million  to pay for the delays their challenges cause should they be on the losing side of a protest.

The legislation is of special interest in the Washington area, where many of the nations largest defense contractors are headquartered and where law firms have established entire practices around federal procurement law.

It is relatively easy to file a protest  the saying in the industry is that the cost is little more than the price of a postage stamp. For years, the number of protests has grown, to 2,789 last year from 2,475 in 2012. As the stakes increase, so do the challenges. An increasing number of high-value contracts  those worth $100 million or more  are being challenged, said Ralph White, who oversees the Government Accountability Offices bid protest division.

Once a contract is protested to the GAO, the agency has 100 days to rule on the challenge. In the meantime, work comes to a halt.

Aneesh Chopra, the former U.S. technology officer, said at a recent panel discussion hosted by Nextgov and Government Executive that losing contractors exploit the system with such frequency that "we should have a shame list and shame the private vendors who protest and don't win."

The Senate provision wouldnt do that. But its loser pays provision could force contractors to think twice about the cost of suing their customer.

The big five defense contractors file a bid protest on autopilot whenever they lose. And this is targeted to help curb that behavior, said a Senate aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the legislation.

Gene Dodaro, the comptroller general, warned that it would be difficult to enact the provision.

To implement this requirement, GAO would need to develop procedures for tracking the amount of time spent on each protest, he wrote. He also pushed back against a proposal that would force the GAO to speed the review of a protest to 65 days from 100.

The stealth-bomber deal was a once-in-a-generation contract, one that could shape the contours of the defense industry for years. So Air Force officials knew they couldnt make a mistake, said William LaPlante, then the assistance secretary of the Air Force for acquisitions. Which of course is hard to do when you have humans involved and thousands of pages of documentation.

The GAO ultimately upheld the award to Northrop, after weighing the matter for three months. But when a program is held up like that it can be "very disruptive," said LaPlante, now a senior vice president of the McLean, Va.-based Mitre Corp.

Although it won that one, Northrop last year lost a protest over a $359 million Air Force contract for electronic warfare technology that was awarded to BAE Systems, a move that is not uncommon among the top defense contractors. Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Raytheon and Booz Allen Hamilton filed numerous protests between 2005 and 2015, according to a Pentagon review.

Few contractors consider their legal challenges frivolous.

We take the decision to file a protest very seriously, said Todd H. Blecher, a spokesman for Boeings defense, space and security unit. On those occasions when we have decided to file a protest, it was because we believed fundamental errors were made in awarding the contract.

The Aerospace Industries Association said it was opposed to the measure because rather than discouraging frivolous bid protests, this provision would create a disproportionate burden on companies that file protests in good faith, spokesman Dan Stohr said. They invest significant time and resources to consider the facts very carefully and make an informed business decision whether to protest a particular contract award.

It is not just new acquisitions that are targeted with protests. Some companies have challenged decisions to hang on to programs after the work was awarded to a competitor, allowing them to continue to bill the government until the dispute is resolved.

Without speaking directly about the Senate provision, La Plante said that although the government has to be held accountable for holding a fair and thorough process, companies shouldnt be able to gum up the system so easily.

We need to push accountability out into the system, so that its not just on the government, he said. These companies feel accountability to their shareholders, and thats why they protest. But there has to be accountability to the warfighter and to the Department of Defense.

Despite the growth in the number of protests, it is still tiny compared with the number of procurements. And companies need a remedy in case they have been mistreated, said Alan Chvotkin, executive vice president and counsel of the Professional Services Council, a trade group.

Of the nearly 3,000 protests filed last year, more than 20 percent were sustained by the GAO, a jump from years past. And in 46 percent of the cases, the protesters found some form of relief, such as the agency starting the competition over again.

And just because a company loses a protest doesnt mean the challenge is frivolous, said White, of the GAO.

A company could have all kinds of valid reasons to think they werent treated fairly and still maybe not prevail in a protest, he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 10:26:10|Editor: Zhou Xin

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HOUSTON, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Hurricane Nate made landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi River on the southeastern Louisiana coast Saturday evening, with no casualties in the United States reported yet.

Before making landfall on the U.S. coast, Tropical Storm Nate caused severe flooding in parts of Central America that left at least 22 people dead in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras.

Nate, which was earlier estimated to make landfall around midnight Saturday, escalated to a Category 1 hurricane late Friday night.

Officials in the U.S. states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida have declared a state of emergency before Nate's landfall, ordering evacuations and issuing curfews.

Maximum flooding of 7 to 11 feet (2.1 to 3.3 meters) above ground level is expected in parts of southeast Louisiana and along the Mississippi coast, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

A storm surge warning is in effect from Grand Isle, Louisiana, to the Okaloosa/Walton county line in Florida.

The highest storm surge is expected Saturday night along the Mississippi coast and southeastern Louisiana coast. The water is forecast to recede Sunday morning as the storm quickly moves inland.
Hillary Clinton speaks to reporters about her email server in 2015. (Seth Wenig/AP)

Former columnist

Well never know how Hillary Clinton would have performed as president.

But now we know what kind of media critic shed be: A tough one.

In What Happened, her book about the 2016 campaign, Clinton lets the news media have it.

While she stops well short of blaming news coverage for her loss to Donald Trump, she sees it as one of the many ill winds that whipped up a perfectly awful storm.

She makes a convincing case that coverage of her email practices as secretary of state was way over the top.

None of Donald Trumps scandals . . . generated the kind of sustained, campaign-defining coverage that my emails did, Clinton wrote in her instant bestseller.

She dings the press for its failure to focus on substance, and for giving Trump far too much uncritical exposure during the primary season.

Its all true, though Clinton must share in the blame because she failed to do what successful candidates must: generate news, drive home a clear message and provide at least some measure of excitement.

Clinton herself acknowledges the charisma gap: Youve got to give it to Trump  hes hateful but its hard to look away from him.

Mostly, she complains about the way the press tried to even up the vastly different flaws of the two candidates.

If Trump ripped the shirt off someone at a rally and a button fell off my jacket on the same day, the headlines would put it this way: Trump and Clinton Experience Wardrobe Malfunctions, Campaigns in Turmoil.

Clinton did get a raw deal from the press, which largely ignored her on serious policy and allowed Trump to frame the coverage.

The campaign exposed the worst characteristics of the media  its addiction to the sensational, its propensity for overkill, and its profit-driven desire for clicks and ratings.

As a Tyndall Report study noted, the major TV networks gave 220 minutes to policy in 2008. In 2012, it was 114 minutes. In 2016, it was 32 minutes.

The email story, by contrast, got 100 minutes of airtime.

Given that this helped put a narcissistic reality TV star with no governing experience in the Oval Office, some soul-searching is in order.

Is that happening? Theres precious little evidence.

Pilloried at a post-election gathering at Harvard, CNN chief Jeff Zucker used an annoying logical fallacy to defend his network.

Half the people want to blame us for Trump, and half the people want to say that were terrible to Trump, Zucker said. Thats how I always think were doing the right thing. (Thats not necessarily so, and isnt in this case.)

In a recent interview, Chuck Todd of NBC was asked whether he was satisfied with the campaign coverage he directed. There are always lessons to learn, he said, and then paraphrased Donald H. Rumsfeld: "You cover the campaign that's in front of you. You don't get to cover the campaign you want."

What about the New York Times, with which Clinton has a love-hate relationship? She points an accusing finger at the Times, especially for its obsession with the email story it first broke.

After the election, publisher Arthur Sulzberger Jr. sent a letter to Times readers vowing more attention to parts of the nation that are sometimes ignored. Trump insists on calling the letter an apology, although it isnt.

But that didnt address Clintons beefs, so I asked Carolyn Ryan, who directed the Timess politics coverage, whether a postmortem examination took place.

That kind of self-examination and review of coverage is something we engage in all the time and have done so after this election, she said. That review has focused on polling, the need to get outside New York more, data use and how to highlight issue coverage, she said, but she declined to get into detail about whether it addressed Clintons complaints.

The Times columnist David Leonhardt  a former Washington bureau chief  did offer a tough assessment of the media's overhyped coverage of the hacked Democratic National Committee emails and the "obsession" with Clinton's private server.

By contrast, CBS President David Rhodes, in an interview with former "Face the Nation" host Bob Schieffer, seemed sanguine: "There's always a blame-the-media phase of any campaign."

In the meantime, the occupant of the Oval Office constantly undermines the reality-based press, which helped put him there. Just last week, Trump again sounded like an authoritarian leader as he called on Congress to investigate journalists for reporting the news.

Maybe some serious self-scrutiny is being done behind closed doors in editorial offices, with no desire to talk about it publicly.

I hope so, because, as Clintons book points out, there are real lessons here  and all-too-real consequences.

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly named the source of a report about major network news coverage. This version has been updated.

For more by Margaret Sullivan visit wapo.st/sullivan
Lizzies hurricane finally ended on a bright September day in a Washington townhouse, four weeks and 1,400 miles from the floodwaters that overwhelmed her Houston neighborhood in August.

Welcome home, Lizzie-poo, whispered Kayla Robinson, 26, as she carried the still-quivering Chihuahua mix across the threshold to a new life of plentiful food, squeaky toys and two dog beds of her very own. It was a comfy end to a journey that started at an emergency animal shelter in Texas, spanned nine states and touched foster families and rescue volunteers in five cities.

As a historically destructive hurricane season grinds on, Lizzie is one of hundreds of displaced pets now pouring through a pop-up pipeline established between storm-ravaged areas from Texas to Puerto Rico and urban centers throughout the country, including Washington. Here, the flow of Harvey-, Irma- and, soon, Maria-dogs is reshaping the local rescue landscape. Even as Hurricane Nate landed in Mississippi this weekend, groups were radically expanding their capacity to receive, shelter and place a stream of animals expected to continue for months.

"We're upping all of it  fundraising, volunteers, donated supplies, space," said Colleen Learch, spokesman for the Arlington-based Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, one of several organizations on the receiving end of the onslaught. Last month, the group took over a defunct boarding kennel in Falls Church that can accommodate up to 200 of the animals it has been taking from the hurricane zones.

[How the chaos of Hurricane Katrina helped save pets from flooding in Texas]



A van filled with rescued dogs and cats arrives in Northern Virginia last month. The operation is part of a complicated network of animal transport from hurricane-affected areas of Florida and Texas. (Steve Hendrix/The Washington Post)

There has long been a supply-and-demand relationship between parts of the South, where spay-and-neuter traditions are weak, and adoption-crazy population centers such as Washington, New Jersey, Chicago and Seattle. But the hurricane bulge has vastly boosted the flow, and it will continue to grow. Many of the pets abandoned in Texas will never be claimed. Some families struggling to rebuild will surrender yet more animals to shelters or simply turn them loose, free to breed on the streets.

There will be a puppy and kitten boom around Christmas, Learch predicted.

Lizzies trek out of Texas illustrates the refugee railroad that has sprung up to move the animals northward.

She wasnt named Lizzie when, a few weeks after Harvey struck, the scrawny brown dog was one of 30 brought one day to a shelter set up in an empty Houston grocery store. Residents, heading back to damaged homes and overwhelmed, were surrendering their pets. Without asking questions, shelter workers took her in and named her Nala. A volunteer veterinarian found her, underfed and testing positive for heartworms.

"She was very sweet but looked like she'd had a hard life," said Clare Callison, the head of Pets Alive, the San Antonio rescue group running the shelter.

Later that day, she was on the four-hour drive to San Antonio. Twice a week, Pets Alive volunteers make the trip to the hurricane zone, using RVs, SUVs and an old school bus to fetch animals from the shelters. The groups foster network has doubled since August, and one of the new volunteers, Lori Maxi, a stay-at-home mom, took Nala for five days.

She trembled all the way home, said Maxi, who is now on her fifth hurricane foster. My kids absolutely adored her.

On Sept. 21, a San Antonio paralegal named Carlos Uresti Jr. loaded Nala and 72 other pets for the long ride north. Uresti, who has been caring for stray dogs since he was 14, fitted a 24-foot race-car trailer with racks for animal crates and a rooftop air-conditioning unit that he runs off a generator in the back of his pickup. Since Harvey, he and two assistants have put 21,000 miles on the rig on rescue runs as far as Spokane, Wash.

The drive to Arlington took almost 47 hours, partly because walking the dogs every four hours takes a three-hour stop. But they also detoured to Memphis for several hours to get the AC fixed. No way I was going to let it get that hot back there, Uresti said.



Mirah Horowitz, executive director of Virginias Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, hands over a dog to its foster family after unloading dogs and cats from a van sent by a rescue group based in San Antonio. (Steve Hendrix/The Washington Post)

When they finally pulled up outside Arlington's Dogma Bakery on a Saturday evening, more than 50 foster volunteers were waiting, all arranged by Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. The group has taken more than 200 hurricane-affected pets, putting out calls on social media to expand its volunteer list to 1,300 and holding weekly mass adoption events. Old Towne Pet Resort is one of the local kennels making space available to animals that don't get a foster family.

"We've learned a lot about disaster response," said Lucky Dog Executive Director Mirah Horowitz, a former Supreme Court clerk who founded the group in 2009.

This ballooning of Washingtons rescue scene began before Harvey even made landfall. A week in advance, based on experience with Hurricane Katrina, animal welfare groups knew to clear shelter space to make room for the rush.

Washington's Humane Rescue Alliance, which has taken in more than 150 hurricane animals, emptied its kennels as the storm approached by holding a free adoption weekend, with the fees of up to $250 paid by Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer and his wife, Erica May-Scherzer, an alliance board member. The event placed more than 150 animals in four days.

We were hoping to draw attention to the cause as much as anything, said May-Scherzer, who has been an animal activist since her days bottle-feeding injured squirrels as a child in Colorado. Theres going to be a need for quite some time.

[These rescuers take shelter animals on road trips to find them new homes]

In Arlington, Horowitz carried one animal after another from the noisy trailer: Queenie, Stardust, Harper Lee. One of the waiting volunteers, Kevin McCormack, reached his fingers into the cage labeled Nala and tickled the cowering head of the dog he would take to his home in Annandale. The IT consultant and his wife have fostered more than 40 dogs in recent years, some for days, some for weeks, depending on how long it takes to find a permanent home.

The next day, after a bath and a night with his own two Chihuahuas, McCormack drove Nala to a Petco in Rockville, where more than 90 Lucky Dog animals were displayed for adoption. The sidewalk was jammed with mixed beagles, boxers, terriers and labs, each led by a volunteer, most surrounded by potential parents. The smaller dogs, always in high demand in urban areas, generated the most interest.



Kayla Robinson, 26, adopted a Chihuahua mix left homeless after Hurricane Harvey. Robinson named her Lizzie. (Salwan Georges/The Washington Post)

Kayla Robinson, a recent law-school graduate starting a job as a government attorney, had seen Nalas profile online. She had failed to get little dogs at previous adoption events, so this time she arrived with an application already filled out. Her mother ran to submit it while Robinson parked the car.

There were already other people interested in her when we finally found her, Robinson said. But I knew she was the dog for me.

It took a few days for Lucky Dog to interview Robinson, conduct a home visit and approve the adoption. McCormack kept Nala, then drove her to the groups Arlington office the following Friday. The storefront was packed to the ceiling with thousands of pounds of donated dog food and supplies ready for shipment to Puerto Rico. Lucky Dog expects its first flight of stray dogs from the island within a week or two.

Hi, baby, Robinson cooed when she arrived, taking the dog from McCormack, the last transfer in a chain of custody that finally led from hurricane to haven.

Robinson fished a collar from her bag and put it around the tiny neck. Lizzie, read the dangling tag.

Her new name.

They got in Robinsons car and drove the final 12 miles, at long last, to her new life.
Columnist

Joe Clement and Matt Miles teach social studies at Chantilly High School in Fairfax County. They know a teacher who spent six hours jazzing up a lesson on old political cartoons with a PowerPoint presentation. Students pulled laptops off a cart so they could follow and comment on the lesson online.

The class went well. But something unusual happened, part of a series of Clement and Miles discoveries that threaten the foundations of the high-tech classroom and are recounted in their new book "Screen Schooled: Two Veteran Teachers Expose How Technology Overuse Is Making Our Kids Dumber."

The teacher mentioned his successful lesson to another history teacher. She told him about her similar lesson, using not PowerPoint and laptops but printed copies of the cartoons affixed to large newsprint sheets. Students walked around the room and made lesson-related comments on the newsprint.

He decided to try it her way. The lesson took 15 minutes to prepare. What had been a good if quiet class earlier, with students staring at their screens, became a boisterous, involving discussion. Letting students interact energized the room, brought in more comments and added the physical movement that many teens crave.

In short, Clement and Miles concluded, this lesson was superior in nearly every way compared to the more complex technology-enhanced lesson.

Their book is so contrary to conventional wisdom I wonder what the magnates of ed-tech  the widely used shorthand for the educational technology movement  will do if the practices advocated by the authors gain momentum. I am deluged with education books, but this one was hard to put down.

Their idea began with musing over their best lessons, the ones they can't wait to teach every year, so engaging that their students are shocked and sad when the bell rings. They asked themselves how much advanced technology is involved in those lessons. Their answer, and the answer from the vast majority of teachers they surveyed, was little to none.

They have come up with three core principles of good teaching: (1) deliver instruction in the simplest possible manner; (2) focus instruction on what students are able to do; and (3) foster face-to-face human interaction and opportunities for community building.

They dont want to dispose of iPads, YouTube, Prezis and Google Docs, they said, but these tools in and of themselves do not make for better teaching. In fact, as we have seen, more use of technology  inside and outside the classroom  can make it more difficult for students to learn and teachers to teach. . . . The focus of the lesson often is method of instruction (how to turn on the iPad, or the twisting and turning of the Prezi) rather than on the content or skills being taught.

Clement and Miles are not septuagenarian stegosauruses like me, dreaming of younger days. Clement, 48, was once a UNIX administrator. Miles, 33, was an IT major before a last-minute switch to education. They know the key fact about the new classroom technologies: There is no research showing they have significantly increased achievement.

The justification for screens in class is reasonable, at least on the surface. Clement and Miles said they are often told that since so much of modern life is dependent on technology, schools must teach these technologies.

This might be an appealing idea, but it is folly, they said. Students need no help from schools developing their tablet, smartphone, or Twitter skills. They are doing this on their own. What they need help with is critical thinking, problem solving, and community building.

They think teachers do better presenting instruction, face to face. Freed of a preplanned program, they can stop talking and answer spontaneous questions. They can backtrack if students seem lost. They can adapt their lessons from class to class. They can query students to make sure they get it.

Most important, they can develop social connections, so crucial with teenagers, to rescue them from the screen addictions that Clement and Miles describe in chilling detail. Next week, I will get into what they say can be done to turn back the acidic distractions of the tech revolution in our schools, and save just the stuff that works.
Attendees of the 100th anniversary service at Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church in Washington sign a banner that states We repent for our roots in white supremacy on Sunday. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)

The historic D.C. church with its soaring columns and richly colored stained glass was celebrating its 100th birthday Sunday. But there was no cake, no balloons, no rejoicing.

Instead, as the congregation listened to the pastors sermon, they gathered in a somber mood and utter silence.

This churchs birth, 100 years ago, wasnt something they felt called to celebrate. The roots of this church are a source of unique shame.

Our church was part of a denomination in which every bishop was a slaveholder. Lord, forgive us and those who came before us, the members of Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church read aloud Sunday. We gather in a building constructed as a monument to Americas original sin.

Mount Vernon Place, looking out over Mount Vernon Square in downtown Washington, is today mostly politically progressive and ethnically diverse. But on Sunday, the Rev. Donna Claycomb Sokol recounted the roots from which it grew.



At the beginning of the service at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church pastor Donna Claycomb Sokol gives a lesson to children using animal figures explaining that none of them is more important than the other, no matter their size or color. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)

The story begins in 1844. A bishop of the Methodist church inherited slaves and the denomination voted, in a contentious referendum, to ask him to resign from serving as bishop until he was not a slaveholder. To many Southern church members, who saw slavery as their civic right, the resolution was unacceptable. They left the church, forming their own denomination with more than 500,000 members.

That denomination was the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

By 1850, the new proslavery denomination decided to build a representative church, to be the seat of their denomination in Washington. The congregation formed before the Civil War.

The building took longer. When that representative church was finally built, it was 1917. Thats the august building that overlooks Mount Vernon Square today, where the modern-day members of Mount Vernon Place offer showers in the basement to homeless neighbors and teach children of numerous ethnicities that the pink giraffe toy and the blue hippo and the red elephant are all just as valued, even though theyre all different colors.

The Southern denomination merged with other denominations in 1939, and this church has long been part of the United Methodists, the largest mainline Protestant denomination in America. The pastors who have led this church have taken pains to liberalize its politics and diversify its still-majority-white membership for many decades now.

The challenge for todays members, upon the buildings 100th anniversary, was determining how to address the sins of ancestors whom theyve already so fully broken with that many members didnt even know about the churchs history at all.

They decided to host a service of repentance.



Pastor Donna Claycomb Sokol used the 100th-anniversary service at Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church to explore the church's ugly history, starting with its white supremacist founders, and discussed how the radically different institution that it is today  a diverse and politically progressive group  ought to grapple with those roots. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)

Those words  Methodist Episcopal Church, South  that are engraved in stone over both main entrances of this building are indeed the result of people who believed that they could take whatever their neighbor had, including their neighbors black body, Sokol inveighed in her sermon.

Here we are. Here we are, she said, throwing her arms wide and waiting in silence for a moment. Here we are in a building created out of disordered desires.

[We will keep coming back: Richard Spencer leads another torchlight march in Charlottesville]

Then, young and old, members gathered in a lengthy line to sign a banner saying, We repent for our roots in white supremacy.

Sokol asked that anyone interested in joining a committee to figure out their next steps toward repentance, like anti-racism activism, indicate so on the prayer cards in the pews.

Thomas Mills, one of the churchgoers who led the repentance ceremony, said hes still trying to figure out what actions he and others should take to remedy the wrongs of racism. Its become a subject of intense study for him in recent years. Born and raised in Newfoundland, Mills, 60, rarely encountered anyone who wasnt white. But then he traveled to Washington to spend a long weekend visiting a friend eight years ago  and on the trip, he met one of his friends friends, a black man. They kept in touch. And then they fell in love.

His life changed completely: He married the man, moved to Washington and started to grapple with the story of race in America. Hes been doing a lot of reading.

It totally changes how you view everything  Black Lives Matter, everything  because now its your family, Mills said.

[Charlottesville white supremacist rally in August drew attendees from 35 states, study finds]

After the 2016 election, he felt he understood his adopted country even less than before. Thats when he started going to church.

On Sunday, he stood unsteadily on a wooden stool and fumbled with a ziptie to hang the banner. Kimberly Burge stood at the opposite corner, affixing the banner right next to the 1917 cornerstone, laid a hundred years ago on this exact date by the founders the members were now rejecting.

Burge, 48, said she too joined this church after the election, when she was angry that white evangelicals, including the Southern Baptist community she grew up in, had heavily supported Donald Trump. Time and again this year, she has found herself needing a Christian community that shares her values.

Charlottesville last night just made it so vivid, she said, speaking about the return of white supremacist marchers to the city where a demonstrator is charged with killing a counterprotester during violent confrontations this summer. This isnt about the past.

Burge told the congregation during the repentance service not to focus on the sins of their ancestors alone: Its about the lives that are at stake now. Its about our own souls.
Police are searching for a man who they say followed a woman on her way home in Sterling early Sunday and pushed her to the ground in an attempted sexual assault.

The Loudoun County Sheriffs office said the woman was walking home from the Waterview Plaza area about 1:30 a.m. when a man began following her near Alberta and Edwards Terraces, about a quarter-mile away. Police said the man tried to talk to the woman, stepped in front of her and pushed her to the ground.

The woman resisted, punching him and fleeing, authorities said in a news release. Once home, the woman called police.

The sheriffs office said the woman was not physically injured in the incident. A detailed description of the suspect was not provided. The incident was being investigated as an attempted sexual assault.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Division at 703-777-0475.
A 25-year-old man was shot and killed early Sunday morning in Southeast D.C., police said.

Omar Earl Rodgers, 25, of Southeast, was found about 3:50 a.m. in the 2200 block of Martin Luther King Avenue, suffering from a gunshot wound, police said. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police said Rodgers was discovered inside a vehicle.

The shooting occurred about an hour after another man was discovered fatally shot inside a vehicle in the 5100 block of H Street Southeast.

D.C. police spokeswoman Margarita Mikhaylova said authorities could not say at this point whether the cases were related. Police do not have a suspect in either shooting, she said.

Police are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. Those with tips were asked to call 202-727-9099 or text tips to 50411.
A torchlight rally by white supremacists that descended into violence in Charlottesville in August drew participants from at least 35 states and spoke to the ability of the self-described alt-right fringe movement to mobilize adherents nationwide, the Anti-Defamation League said in a new report Sunday.

The analysis of 200 participants came one day after Richard Spencer, the leader of the demonstration on Aug. 11 and 12, returned Saturday with fewer than 50 followers to the home of the University of Virginia as it celebrated its bicentennial and posted a video of a planned, 10-minute "flash mob."

Spencer called Saturday's protest  where demonstrators chanted, "We're going to come back again"  a success, but the event was far smaller than August's "Unite the Right" rally, which drew an estimated 500 to 600 participants, the ADL report noted.

[One dead as car strikes crowd amid protests of white nationalist in Charlottesville; two police die in crash]

As reported in media accounts, the August event drew supporters from across the country. The individuals identified came mostly from the eastern United States, but included some from as far away as Alaska, California, Arizona and Washington state. Only 7 percent were women, reflecting studies that the movement is mostly young and male.

[For six young men from around the U.S., Charlottesville was only the beginning]

Oren Segal, head of ADLs Center on Extremism, said in a statement that the willingness of so many people to commit both time and financial resources to travel to Charlottesville points to a movement energized and actively capitalizing on a perceived window of opportunity to spread their message and recruit new members. He added: Its also a demonstration of the alt-rights successful transition from a largely online phenomenon to a real world movement.

The ADL said it found that the Unite the Right event was the first association by most participants with white supremacy. Others, the report said, are part of a core group of white supremacists that travels across the country attending events and several of these individuals have been arrested at other rallies or protests this year.

The August rally drew five times as many people as any similar event in the past decade, the ADL said.

[How a rally of white nationalists at U. Va. turned into a tragic weekend of hate and death]

ADL chief executive Jonathan A. Greenblatt said his group will continue to track members and mobilize mayors and other national, state and local officials, saying, Our leaders have a responsibility to show action in the face of this hate.

The group said, for example, that Virginia will hold its first meeting Tuesday in Richmond of a Special Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Two pedestrians were killed in separate incidents Friday night and Saturday morning, one when he was hit by a state police car in Ocean City, and the other when she was struck by a vehicle on H Street NE in the District.

The incident in Washington occurred about 11 a.m. Saturday near 10th Street NE.

Police said the female victim might have been pinned under a vehicle.

In the Ocean City incident, the state police said Master Trooper James Price was on road patrol at about 11:30 p.m. Friday, assisting Ocean City police.

He was northbound on the Coastal Highway at 76th Street, state police said, when the male pedestrian reportedly darted into traffic directly into the troopers path.

The trooper tried to avoid him, state police said, but he was struck and died at a hospital.

No name was available for either pedestrian.
Abingdon, Va., a Southwest Virginia community near the Tennessee border, is the kind of Republican stronghold that Democrats say they want to win back. But local Democrats say the party and their gubernatorial candidate, Ralph Northam, are not doing enough. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)

Drive down the Eastern Shore of Virginia and you'd be hard-pressed to figure out that a favorite son of this isolated strip of farms and fishing villages is running for governor.

There are far more campaign signs for Republican Ed Gillespie than for Democrat and Eastern Shore native Ralph Northam, despite the fact that this is the very kind of rural area Democrats say they want to reclaim in the wake of Donald Trumps election.

Some in rural districts across Virginia complain that the state Democratic machinery continues to be more interested in populous urban areas that are reliably blue on Election Day than rebuilding relationships in the countryside. One county chairman briefly resigned two weeks ago, accusing the state party of malevolent neglect.

Mondays third and final debate of the governors race is being held in Wise County, in the far southwest, to highlight rural issues. But if national Democrats still stinging from Trumps victory are looking to Virginia for a strategy to turn rural America blue again, they may be disappointed.

[Va.s gubernatorial contenders clash over monuments, economy in debate]

"The plain fact is that for Democrats the votes are in Northern Virginia, Richmond, Tidewater, Virginia Beach  and it's probably enough to win an election if a Democrat racks up very large margins in the urban corridor. I think we're seeing that with the Northam campaign strategy to this point," said Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University.

Virginia Democratic leaders argue that the criticism is off the mark. For one thing, their candidate, Northam, speaks with a distinct Southern lilt and grew up working on fishing boats and tending chickens and goats.

State Democratic Party Chairwoman Susan Swecker grew up on a farm in Highland County, also one of the most isolated parts of the state, and she said she has been doing a lot of unglamorous work to build up the partys foundation.

We didnt lose rural voters overnight, and we know were not going to win them back overnight, but I think its very important that we show up and compete everywhere, Swecker said.

But gravity is strong around Virginias urban crescent. African Americans have been key to Democratic victories in statewide elections in recent years, and more of those voters are in cities and suburbs. Rural areas where Democrats were strong a generation ago have gone heavily red; many havent elected a Democrat in years. With all 100 House of Delegates seats up for election this year, the party has concentrated resources in areas that have some chance of success.

[Want to get the latest on the Virginia governors race? Join this Washington Post Facebook group]

View Graphic The latest stories and details on the 2017 Virginia general election and race for governor.

Jay Clarke, chairman of the Democratic committee for Rockbridge County outside Lexington, brought the issue to a head recently when he fired off an angry resignation letter to Swecker. The missive made the rounds, was reported in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and drew an outpouring of sentiment from fellow operatives in Virginia and even other states, Clarke said.

He complained that neither the party nor the campaigns asked field workers in his remote part of the state to do any canvassing. He said the party had sent out bad data that included information on Republican residents who were never going to vote for Democrats. After months of fruitless complaining to headquarters in Richmond, he said, he was done.

I understand the temptation to go where the votes are. Its a necessity, of course, said Clarke, a retired history professor. But over time, that strategy cedes vast parts of the state to Republicans and lets them cement control of the General Assembly, he said.

Goodness, you ought to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time. You can certainly appeal to voters in urban areas and contest in rural areas as well. I dont see why the two should be incompatible, he said.

The party responded quickly, promising to fix the data, hire more field workers and communicate better. Do I understand their frustrations? Yes, because Im from where theyre from, party chairwoman Swecker said. But I believe we have worked through whatever concerns he [Clarke] may have had.

Clarke rescinded his resignation.

[In polarized Va. district, differences between Republican and Democrat may surprise you]

But others say the trouble is deep-seated.

I dont think the problems have been unique to just this year. I think, in fact, really all over the country some of the Democrats in rural areas have been a little frustrated that theyve been taken for granted, said Gene Zitver, chairman of the Democratic committee in Lexington. I think there is an effort. Its just going to take time to get it going, he added, praising the partys formation of a rural caucus.

Taikein Cooper, chairman of the Democratic committee in Prince Edward County, outside Farmville, said hes very disappointed with the partys rural outreach and that leaders may be missing a rare opportunity. Though Republicans have a comfortable 66-to-34 majority in the House of Delegates, Democrats pumped up by anti-Trump fervor have fielded a historic number of candidates to try to slice into that GOP advantage.

Many of those Democrats are running in solidly red districts but want to demonstrate that their party is reaching out.

My decision to run is to show them that, yes, we are active down here, said Alicia Kallen, 25, a novice Democrat running against powerful incumbent Republican Del. Terry Kilgore in Wise County, in coal country. Kilgore hasnt had a challenger in years.

Kallen, whose father is the local Democratic committee chairman, said the state Democratic apparatus has offered training and regular consultations. But she feels she is fighting against years of decay as the region has turned more and more red. My running is to kind of be that blue beacon to say we are still here, we are still fighting, there is hope for us, she said.

Holly Hazard, a Falls Church resident who has been a longtime volunteer for the party in Northern Virginia, recently traveled to Wise to help Kallens campaign and was shocked by what she found.

Canvassers had to make crude photocopies of campaign fliers and didnt have up-to-date voter information, she said. Its clear theyre not getting support from the party. . . . I do not believe there is a strategy for winning back those areas, Hazard said, suggesting its more a matter of priorities than lack of resources.

Hazard and others have started a group called Blue Migration to help far-flung parts of the state.

These are our people, she said, referring to voters there. I cant imagine we cant slowly win back their confidence, but were not going to do it if no one is out there talking to them.

Del. Sam Rasoul of Roanoke, the westernmost Democrat in the House of Delegates, resigned a leadership role in the party caucus last year to protest what he said was its lack of outreach to rural voters who went for Trump.

[Can Va.s only Muslim legislator help Democrats connect with Trump voters?]

This summer, he started an initiative called Democratic Promise that aims to help constituents with real-world problems. Several rural party leaders have signed up to participate  an end-run around the official party mechanisms.

Its clear in rural Virginia where weve seen the number of super-Republican precincts double that were losing touch with a lot of Virginia, and we need to do more as Democrats to ensure we rebuild those relationships, Rasoul said.

In the cutthroat environment of this years governors race, though, its hard not to focus on sheer numbers. Former congressman Tom Perriello challenged Northam in the primary by going directly after rural voters. He held town halls, bluegrass concerts and listening tours throughout the western and southern parts of the state.

In the primary, Perriello drew far more votes than Northam in those rural areas. But Northams edge in Northern Virginia made that irrelevant. Northam won the nomination by 11 points.

Northams campaign insists it hasnt written off the remote parts of the state. In fact, he spent years as a state senator and as lieutenant governor working for candidates in precincts large and small all over Virginia. He has released proposals to improve the economy and education in rural areas, and he talks often on the stump about his small-town upbringing and his time at Virginia Military Institute.

But when it comes to active campaigning, Northam is more often found in Northern Virginia, Richmond or Hampton Roads.

That may just be smart politics, said Geoffrey Skelley, a political analyst at the University of Virginia. The state has become extremely disparate, he said, with wildly different values in its urban, suburban and rural areas.

Cultural conservatism versus cultural liberalism is a major divide and one thats very difficult to overcome, he said. Im not sure what they can do to better appeal to those voters. The Democratic Party is not going to change its position on a host of issues just to appeal to rural voters.

Northam is hampered by the fact that the single biggest issue in southern and western Virginia is a pair of natural gas pipelines being constructed there. Northam has infuriated environmentalists by refusing to condemn the pipelines, saying their ultimate approval is up to federal regulators.

His Republican opponent favors the pipelines, but activists have focused their ire and disappointment on Northam  perhaps making him even more reluctant to campaign in their midst, Skelley said. The campaign strenuously denies that this is the case.

Gillespie, meanwhile, who lives in Fairfax County, is working to build on Republican strength in rural parts of the state to help take the edge off Northams presumed lead in urban areas. That focus drives some Democrats crazy.

Its very galling the way Gillespie on his ads says for all Virginians,  said Clarke, the Rockbridge Democratic chairman. Its a bit patronizing, perhaps, but also effective. Why isnt Northam doing that?
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 10:36:12|Editor: Zhou Xin

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An explosion occurs at a fuel station in north Accra, capital of Ghana, Oct. 7, 2017. The explosion happening late Saturday left at least two people dead. (Xinhua/Shi Song)

ACCRA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Two people were confirmed dead after an explosion at a gas station Saturday evening in the north of Ghana's capital city, a local official told Xinhua.

The explosion, which occurred around 7:30 p.m. local time (1930 GMT), was due to a leak when a truck was discharging liquefied gas at a filling station, according to eyewitnesses.

When the truck driver realized there was a leak, he immediately alerted people around, who had started running before the resounding double explosions sent fire balls into the sky, they added.

"A significant number of people got injured and are receiving treatment in various health facilities, but unfortunately some have also passed away," Deputy Minister for Information Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah told Xinhua.

All adjoining communities in the area of the incident have been working with rescue officials to bring the fire under control.

"I can confirm that two people were dead. One of them directly by the explosion, while the other was an eyewitness using his phone to take shots at the incident, but was rather caught by the fire," said Abu Ramadan, deputy coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organization.

On the scene were about six fire fighters, police trucks and ambulances from the National Ambulance Service on call to carry the injured or deceased to the hospitals or morgues.
When the Food and Drug Administration gives its okay for a new drug to be sold, it specifies the diseases or conditions for which the medicine has been approved. That does not mean doctors cant prescribe that drug for other ailments. They do. All the time. And its perfectly legal.

But for decades drugmakers have been barred from promoting their drugs for uses that hadnt gone through clinical trials. Worried about safety issues, the FDA has prosecuted numerous drugmakers for illegal promotion of off-label uses and extracted billions of dollars in fines and settlements.

Those restrictions could be giving way, perhaps in part because of the appointment of Scott Gottlieb as the new FDA commissioner in May. Before his nomination, Gottlieb, a physician and a resident fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, advocated loosening the restrictions on off-label communications.

That's exactly what Arizona did earlier this year when it became the first state to allow drugmakers to communicate directly with doctors and insurers about alternative uses of approved prescription drugs. Advocates for the loosening of the restrictions say they expect similar measures to be introduced in other state legislatures in the coming year.

These developments come on the heels of two legal cases in which federal district courts ruled that the First Amendment does not allow the FDA to prevent manufacturers from providing truthful information about their products to doctors.

Supporters say it makes sense to get rid of the restrictions on off-label drugs at a time when plenty of information and misinformation about prescription drugs is readily available to anyone with an Internet connection. And, they insist, who better to provide accurate facts about their products than their makers?

We believe its a disservice to patients and physicians to prevent them from getting information from manufacturers who know their medicines best, said Naomi Lopez Bauman, director of health-care policy at the Goldwater Institute, the libertarian think tank that devised the Arizona legislation and is promoting it in other states.

Bauman said she expects bills to be filed elsewhere in the coming year, but she refused to disclose which states Goldwater is targeting.

Many critics, however, remain firmly opposed to such efforts. There have literally been dozens and dozens of examples of off-label uses of drugs encouraged by pharmaceutical companies in reckless ways that have led to substantial patient morbidity and mortality, said Aaron Kesselheim, director of the Program on Regulation, Therapeutics and Law at Harvard Medical School.

Wide off-label use

Before a new drug can be sold in the United States, the FDA must affirm that it is safe and effective for specified uses, which are then described in the medicines labeling. But once a drug is approved, doctors are free to prescribe it for uses not specified in the labeling. That is because the FDA regulates products but not the practice of medicine.

Prescribing for off-label uses has become common. A 2013 study found that 30 percent of the prescriptions for oncology drugs were used for off-label purposes. Another found that 70 percent of a popular category of pediatric antipsychotic drugs were prescribed for purposes not cited in the FDA's approval of those medicines, including, for example, for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Sometimes the off-label use of prescription drugs comes to be considered the best treatment for certain conditions. For some cancer drugs, the best therapeutic use is for off-label purposes, said Peter Pitts, president and co-founder of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization that is funded by the pharmaceutical industry.

One example is tricyclic antidepressants, a class of drugs that do not have FDA approval as treatment for nerve-related pain yet are considered by doctors to be the first choice of drugs for that purpose.

Nevertheless, a recent study published in the journal JAMA found a higher incidence of adverse drug effects from off-label use than from on-label use.

Pitts does not think the FDA should prohibit drugmakers from dispensing information that might be relevant to those off-label uses. In fact, its almost irresponsible not to let them dispense that information as long as its truthful, accurate and not misleading, he said.

Pitts and others say it is unreasonable to expect drug manufacturers to embark on additional clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of already approved drugs for new purposes. That effort, like the original process, could cost drugmakers hundreds of millions of dollars in new testing and take years.

If your drug is approved for X, why would you ever commit millions in additional testing to get approval for Y, when its already legal to use it for Y? Pitts said.

Undermining the process?

The answer, according to opponents of loosening the restrictions, is public safety. If the FDA didnt approve a drug for off-label uses, they say, that means the drugmaker hasnt produced evidence to demonstrate the drug is safe and effective for those other uses.

If you take it as your premise that an objective approval by someone with no financial interest is necessary to protect patients, then marketing a drug for unapproved uses is the same as marketing an unapproved drug, said Allison Zieve, director of the litigation group at Public Citizen, a consumer watchdog group that opposes loosening the communication restrictions. To allow drugmakers to do so, she said, would undermine the whole system of FDA drug approval.

Zieve and other opponents point out that the limitations do not prevent the manufacturers from sharing peer-reviewed, scientific articles about off-label uses of their drugs with doctors and others. They just cant promote off-label use in their marketing.

The Goldwater Institute  named for Barry Goldwater, who was a U.S. senator from Arizona  wrote the model law upon which the Arizona legislation was based. It just seemed to me that this was a way to give physicians more information to help them treat their patients, said Phil Lovas, a Republican who sponsored the bill while he was a member of the Arizona legislature.

The pharmaceutical industry did not formally lobby on behalf of the bill, although it has called for a revision in the FDA policies on communications about off-label uses.

Some critics say the Arizona law is meaningless because states cannot preempt federal law and because they dont believe pharmaceutical companies will promote off-label uses unless given more direction from either the FDA, Congress or higher courts.

But the Goldwater Institute insists the federal law prohibiting drugmakers from promoting off-label use is unconstitutional. The group points to two rulings, one in 2012 and the other in 2015, in which federal courts in New York found that the FDA restriction violated the free-speech provisions of the First Amendment.

The Goldwater Institute also was behind another recent issue involving prescription drugs: what is called the right-to-try laws that give desperately ill patients the opportunity to receive promising experimental drugs that do not yet have FDA approval. Since 2014, 37 states have adopted right-to-try legislation, although critics too said at the time that those laws didnt supersede federal law, which sharply restricts the dissemination of experimental drugs.

But the state laws did create momentum, which may have contributed to passage of a right-to-try bill in the U.S. Senate this summer. I firmly believe state activity with right-to-try pushed it forward at the federal level, said Lovas, who left the Arizona legislature in the spring to take a position in the Trump administration. Id like to see the same thing happen with this.

It might. U.S. Reps. H. Morgan Griffith of Virginia and Brett Guthrie of Kentucky, both Republicans, filed separate bills this spring to ease the flow of information on off-label drugs. The House held a hearing on the bills in July but has taken no action since.

Stateline is an initiative of the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Read more

Off-label prescribing is legitimate but you should ask a few questions

FDA targets hundreds of rogue websites illegally selling prescription drugs

New safety risks detected in one-third of FDA-approved drugs
A musician walks in the French Quarter in New Orleans as Hurricane Nate approaches the U.S. Gulf Coast on Saturday. (Jonathan Bachman/Reuters)

 Hurricane Nate, after rushing north at a record clip and raking the Gulf Coast with light winds and heavy rains Saturday, made landfall just after darkness fell at the mouth of the Mississippi River and again early Sunday in Biloxi, Miss., in the latest of a series of deadly storms this season.

Officials repeatedly warned residents to take the storm seriously, in a repeat of a drill that caused thousands of evacuations from Louisiana in August. By late Saturday, Nate had maximum wind speeds of 85 mph and threats of storm surge up to 11 feet. Mandatory evacuations were put in place for parts of New Orleans, and communities across Mississippi and Alabama opened shelters for residents.

Nate made its second landfall near Biloxi at 1:30 a.m., having veered east from New Orleans, which suffered winds, but little rain. The Mississippi coast was taking the brunt of the storm. Nate has already been blamed for 25 deaths in Central America as it swept through the Gulf of Mexico last week. It is the ninth hurricane to form in the Atlantic this season, which is the highest total since the infamous 2012 season that featured Hurricane Sandy.

[Hurricane Nate closes in on the Gulf Coast with damaging winds and dangerous surge]

Here, longtime residents, especially those who had survived Katrina in 2005, seemed to be listening, stocking up on water, food and gasoline. But on Saturday afternoon and into the evening, the streets in the French Quarter were full of tourists.

Brenda Rushton from Toronto laughed joyfully as she took shelter under a Bourbon Street balcony, pretending to give a news update on Nate to her two sisters.

Its on my bucket list to be in a hurricane, the 55-year-old exclaimed. The women spent the morning drinking hurricane cocktails at Pat OBriens down the street. They planned to ride out the rest of Nate from their hotel bar.

You party till you cant party any more in New Orleans, said native New Orleanian Kay Hayes. Earlier Saturday morning, she was directing several thousands of people on a breast cancer cure walk. This is who we are. Well take care of each other.

That sentiment is what New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu tried to encourage as he declared a 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew for the city, warning residents and the 40,000 visitors in the city Saturday to stay inside. That curfew was canceled only 90 minutes into it, after the National Weather Service changed the citys forecast to a tropical storm, rather than hurricane, warning.

[Video: U.S. Gulf Coast prepares as Hurricane Nate gains force]

This storm should not bring us anything we are not prepared to handle, presuming we all cooperate, he said Saturday morning from a new hurricane-hardened fire station in the rural eastern portion of the city. Landrieu urged residents to avoid the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, which sometimes draws daredevil surfers after a storm. Hours later, the waters overtopped the shore, washing across an empty lake shore drive. Landrieu earlier declared an evacuation from three neighborhoods that lie outside the levees that protect the rest of the city.

This is one of the most vulnerable areas of the city, he said under glowering skies. You are at high risk if you are on this side of the flood wall . . . and youve got an acute risk tonight.

But Landrieus rhetoric had limited impact; Nancy Bell, president of the Venetian Isles homeowners association, said about half of the 275 homes there remained occupied.

In Katrina, we had an 18-foot storm surge here, and water didnt get into my main living area, said the 25-year resident who elevated her house after Katrina, put up hurricane shutters and has a generator with extra fuel. From what theyre saying, this is likely to be a hit-and-run storm. It would take you longer to get away.

Landrieu said although 11 of the 120 citys drainage pumps were not operating, it is enough to keep most of the city dry. The city did not expect major rainfall totals, in part because Nate was tracking east of the city.

Officials have been in contact with every nursing home in New Orleans, he said, to ensure each one has generators and fuel. The city has also made a major sweep of known homeless encampments.

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended port operations from New Orleans to Mobile. Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a midday news conference that he spoke with President Trump, who promised him that federal resources were at the ready. Trump had signed a pre-storm emergency declaration to empower FEMA to coordinate relief efforts. The state National Guard, meanwhile, has mobilized 1,300 troops and positioned high-water vehicles, boats and other vehicles throughout the area.

Despite the governors warning to hunker down by 3 p.m. local time, traffic on Interstate 10 through the city was busy throughout the afternoon rain as the outer bands of the hurricane swept into the city.

At the Flying J truck stop in Gulfport, Miss., cashier Cindy Fitzhugh yelled, I need some help, as a line of customers stocking up on supplies stretched toward the back of the store. Fitzhugh lost everything she owned during Hurricane Katrina, so the approaching storm has her on edge.

So far, she has been too busy working to make preparations at home. For now, her biggest priority is making sure the stores cooler stays stocked with ice and everyone else gets what they need quickly so they can get home safely.

I get off soon, I think, I hope, she said, laughing nervously.

Outside, a brisk breeze blew and gray skies prevailed as friends Zack Moore and Coley Oberg filled their four-wheelers with gas, not because of the storm but because its Saturday.

Weve got plenty of beer and moonshine in the fridge, so well be fine, Moore said, laughing.

The low wind speed reassures coastal residents like Moore and Oberg, who liken Nate more to a thunderstorm than a serious threat.

Back in New Orleans, Blondy Moore and Iram Chedikah struggled to carry a newly purchased generator into their home in the Gentilly neighborhood in the afternoon.

They also bought 10 life jackets, one for each of the family members who will shelter with them.

Chedikah, a pastor, said prayer is also high on their list of preparations. Prayer is number one, he said.

Greg Porter and Ian Livingston contributed to this report. Sullivan and Cusick reported from New Orleans; Sisson reported from Gulfport, Miss.


Geli Yescas, left, and Jaime Davidsmeyer, center, wait to pose for photographs with tourists near the Bellagios fountains on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017 in Las Vegas. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Forty-seven hours after the massacre, Crystal Rose was back in her flouncy red showgirl plumage on the Vegas Strip, bare-chested except for tiny, shiny pasties keeping her just this side of legal.

Come on over  get a photo with the showgirls, she called out to the flow of revelers cruising the sidewalk Tuesday evening outside the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, many of whom stopped to pose with Crystal and her fellow feathered attraction, Sabrina Borden, near the busy craps and beer pong tables.

I took the day off yesterday, out of respect, said Crystal, 25, who uses just her first and middle name when posing for tips on the Strip. Its a dark time, but people come to Vegas to have fun, not to be afraid. So we are here to lift everyones spirits.

This pulsing City of Sin has returned almost immediately to its high-glitz version of normal after Sundays massacre of 58 people, the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history. The shows go on. The roulette wheels spin, the dice fly, and people carrying Coronas wander the Strip alongside bubbly showgirls and a guy dressed as Chewbacca.



Morning runners along the Las Vegas Strip cast shadows on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Thousands have come to candlelight vigils to kneel, pray, cry and hug strangers. So many people donated blood that police asked them to slow down. Local hotels are providing rooms and food to help families of the dead and the nearly 500 hundred injured, most of whom were from out of town. Fifty-eight white crosses have been erected near the Mandalay Bay hotel, where the shooting happened.

[Mandalay Bay embodied everything modern Las Vegas wanted to be. Until this week.]

Those are the familiar markers of mass shootings, which are now as much as part of American life as hurricanes  certain danger we have come to expect and feel helpless to stop. All sides of the gun-control debate rise up with each slaughter, but little seems to change, and no one believes the killings will stop.

In the past five years, I have covered four mass shootings  in Newtown, Orlando, Dallas and now Las Vegas  in which 138 people were killed and at least 558 more were injured.

These horrors are joined by a common tragic senselessness, but each place has processed the trauma differently. And none bounced back to business as usual as fast as Las Vegas.

On Thursday evening, a beaming Jillian Aucoin from Nova Scotia walked down the Strip in a white wedding gown, carrying a bouquet of white roses.

Married three hours earlier at a Las Vegas wedding chapel, Aucoin, 39, walked with her new husband, Byron Aucoin, at her side, and a gang of merry bridesmaids following along in the shadow of the 460-foot replica Eiffel Tower at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.

He didnt scare us, Jillian Aucoin said of the Vegas shooter. At first I didnt want to come and celebrate in a place that was mourning. But we decided to come and share our happy time with the people of Las Vegas.

[Invisible wounds of Las Vegas shooting could affect tens of thousands]

The couple arrived on Tuesday, just two days after the attack.



Isaac Berns and his wife, Patricia, of Brazil are photographed outside the Venetian Las Vegas before they renewed their vows on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Were bringing a little bit of the positivity that Vegas is known for, said Byron Aucoin, 35, who could see the bright lights of the Mandalay Bay just down the Strip. Youve got to keep living life and keep going forward.

Ive seen that same resilient spirit in other communities devastated by mass shootings, but never with the quite the same rubber-band recovery.

In Newtown, the 26 dead were mainly elementary school children gunned down in their classrooms by a mentally ill young man motivated by demons that are still not understood. The grief was almost too intimate to look at. I watched shaking, red-eyed residents come into the only Starbucks in their tiny country crossroads. The pain in their eyes was so profound and personal that I felt almost ashamed seeing it.

Yet people invited me into their homes, where one high school sophomore told me: There was a lot to cry about. Its a lot to recover from, but we have to get stronger, and we will. Thats the truth. They have, but no one believes Newtown will ever be the same.

Orlando felt like a wake for days and days after the shooting of 49 people at the Pulse nightclub by a brooding young loser who wrapped himself in jihadist language. I drove along empty streets and ate alone in restaurants. A big, sunny city was dark and quiet. Even the bouquet-filled memorial downtown was often as still as a cemetery; people came in huge waves for nightly vigils, but mostly it felt as though they were hunkered down in private, trying to process something impossible.

Dallas prayed. Churches were filled for days and weeks with mourners for the five slain police officers, killed by a fringe lunatic who used an otherwise peaceful Black Lives Matter march to commit some demented act of revenge against law enforcement. I watched people  black and white  leave flowers and stuffed animals on two police cars parked as a memorial; one handwritten note said, Back the Blue because someone I call Dad is on the force.

[The lives of the Las Vegas shooting victims]

A proud city still trying to shake its forever image as the site of John F. Kennedys assassination was forced to grieve its losses while starting frank and painful conversations over long-simmering racial tensions  conversations that continue to this day.

Now, Las Vegas.



Tourists are seen near the Bellagios fountains on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Las Vegas. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

A man who lived in a retirement community and liked to gamble at local casinos slaughtered dozens of strangers at random, leaving, as far as anyone knows yet, not the slightest clue about why he rained hot metal mercilessly on people enjoying a country music festival.

This city has begun healing faster than any of the other mass shootings I have seen. Maybe that reflects a growing resignation that these horrible events have become part of our lives, and we are learning to cope. Or maybe its just Vegas, where fun is virtually a religion. All but six of the 58 who died in the massacre were tourists in town for the three-day Route 91 Harvest festival.

Monday was subdued here, but by Tuesday the party was rolling again on the Strip. Jimmy Buffetts version of Brown Eyed Girl filled the happy sidewalks. Vegas Strong, read billboards overhead, and Weve been here for you during the good times. Thank you for being there for us now. On the street, trucks drove by carrying huge signs advertising Girls Direct to You! 24 hours!

Michael Politz, publisher of the Las Vegas-based Food & Beverage Magazine, said his citys quick rebound has been an act of defiance, as well as economic common sense. He said that all the partying gets the most attention, but many of those partyers have come to Las Vegas for huge trade shows that grow businesses and create jobs all over the country.

Its still on everybodys mind. The fear is certainly there, Politz, who grew up in Potomac, Md., said Friday. But Vegas needs to get back on its feet fast because of the commerce thats created here. If that stops, if this city bows down, thats what this guy wanted. You have to pull up your pants and be a big boy, and, as much as it hurts, move forward.

[Vegas shooters rampage came from a place central to his lifestyle: A casino]



A pedestrian stands in front of a fortune-telling machine on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017, in Las Vegas. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Tirrsa Isom, 35, a Las Vegas resident who has been helping counsel victims and their families, said the city usually is focused on hospitality for visitors, but suddenly finds itself in the unusual position of tending to its own residents who were affected.

It was Sin City before, and now its grace and love, she said. Weve seen that flip, and thats been really awesome to witness.

Tom and Brooke Kostielney stood on the Strip on Thursday evening a few hours after arriving in the city, holding plastic cups of beer and watching the huge Fountains of Bellagio show  a display of light, water and sound outside the Bellagio Hotel & Casino.

The couple was at home in South Bend, Ind., when they heard about the shooting, and they spent Monday deciding whether to go ahead with their long-planned trip, which they won in a silent auction for a childrens cancer charity.

They called Tom Kostielneys cousin, who happened to be staying at the Luxor Hotel, right next to the Mandalay Bay, when the shooting happened. She told them that despite the horrific tragedy, everything seemed back to normal in the city.

We asked her what she thought, and she said the city kind of needs people to come back  its almost like a way of recovery, said Tom Kostielney, 27, a theology teacher at a Catholic high school.

As his wife was explaining that the city felt normal to her and not tense at all, a huge boom rang out  part of the sound and light show at the Bellagio. She flinched.

I wonder if things like that are freaking people out, she said.

Tom Kostielney said they were trying to balance respect for the citys loss and grieving with a show of support in the face of terrorism, and a desire to help Las Vegas heal and get back to normal.

You dont want let the pieces of crap control you or win, he said.

Before the killing started, last Sunday was a warm, happy October evening in a city where people come to escape reality in an obliging fantasyland in the desert. That Eiffel Tower, that Arc de Triomphe, that Egyptian pyramid and those Venetian canals? All illusion, like the sad, corrosive lie that a life-changing jackpot is just one more hand, one more spin of the wheel, one more roll of the dice away.

And maybe like the illusion that this city will ever be exactly the same.



People watch the Bellagios fountains on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, in Las Vegas. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Katie Zezima and Joel Achenbach contributed to this report from Washington.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 10:56:14|Editor: Zhou Xin

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HOUSTON, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu ordered that the curfew be lifted Saturday night after the U.S. National Weather Service canceled the hurricane warning for New Orleans in the southern U.S. state of Louisiana.

Earlier Saturday in New Orleans, a citywide curfew was announced, which was supposed to be in effect from 7:00 p.m. Saturday (0000 GMT Sunday) to 7:00 a.m. (1200 GMT) Sunday. Landrieu has declared a state of emergency and urged residents to stay off the streets.

Still, the mayor recommended that people take shelter due to the strong winds. He warned that there is still a serious threat of a storm surge for areas outside of levee protection.

Hurricane Nate made landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi River on the southeastern Louisiana coast Saturday evening. No casualties have been reported yet in the United States.

Before arriving on the U.S. coast, Tropical Storm Nate caused severe flooding in parts of Central America that left at least 22 people dead in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras.

Nate, which was earlier estimated to make landfall around midnight Saturday, escalated to a Category 1 hurricane late Friday night.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday approved an emergency declaration for a large area of Louisiana and ordered federal assistance for the state.
BRITAIN

Car strikes, injures 11 pedestrians in London

Eleven people were injured on Saturday when they were hit by a car on the sidewalk near Londons Natural History Museum, in one of the capitals busiest tourist areas. Police quelled concerns that it was a terrorist attack, saying it was a road traffic incident.

Police said it appeared that the car had run up on the sidewalk outside the popular attraction in west London and hit a number of pedestrians. Officers arrested a man at the scene, and he was being questioned on suspicion of dangerous driving after being taken to a hospital for treatment.

Britain has suffered five attacks this year blamed on terrorism, three of which involved vehicles, and the incident in an area packed with tourists on a weekend day prompted concerns that it had been a deliberate act.

The incident is a road traffic investigation and not a terrorist-related incident, a police statement said.

Londons ambulance service said it had treated 11 people, mostly for head and leg injuries, with nine taken to the hospital. Police said none of the injuries were life-threatening.

 Reuters

SAUDI ARABIA

Man attacks palace, kills 2 Royal Guards

A gunman opened fire outside a Saudi royal palace on Saturday, killing two members of the Saudi Royal Guard, an official Saudi news agency reported.

The Saudi Press Agency quoted the security spokesman for the Interior Ministry as saying that the attacker got out of a vehicle and opened fire on the western gate of al-Salam Palace in Jiddah early Saturday morning, killing two Royal Guard members and wounding three others. The gunman was shot dead.

The ministry identified the attacker as Mansour bin Hassan bin Ali bin Al Fahid al-Amri, a 28-year-old Saudi national. Authorities said he was carrying Kalashnikov rifles and three molotov cocktails. An investigation is ongoing.

 Associated Press

Thousands call for Spain to resolve Catalonia situation: Tens of thousands of Spaniards demonstrated Saturday, urging leaders to defuse Spain's most severe political crisis in decades as Catalonia considers declaring its independence. Catalonia, with its own language and culture, held a referendum last Sunday on independence, in defiance of the Spanish Constitutional Court, which had ruled the vote illegal. Catalan authorities say around 90 percent of those who voted supported a split, but the opposition largely boycotted the vote. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy told El Pais newspaper on Saturday that his government would "prevent any declaration of independence amounting to anything."

Journalist's decapitated head recovered in Denmark: Danish divers found the decapitated head, legs and clothes of a Swedish journalist who was killed after going on a trip with an inventor on his submarine, police said Saturday. The body parts and clothing were found in plastic bags with a knife and "heavy metal pieces" to make them sink near where 30-year-old Kim Wall's naked, headless torso was found in August, police said. Peter Madsen, who is in pretrial detention on preliminary manslaughter charges, has said Wall died after being accidentally hit by a hatch on his submarine, after which he "buried" her at sea. But police have said 15 stab wounds were on the torso found at sea off Copenhagen on Aug. 21.

Polish prayer event seen as having anti-Islam sentiment: Polish Catholics prayed together along the country's 2,000-mile border, appealing to the Virgin Mary and God for salvation for Poland and the world in a national event that many felt had anti-Islam overtones. The "Rosary on the Borders" event was organized by lay Catholics but was also endorsed by Polish church authorities. Organizers say the prayers at some 4,000 locations commemorated the centenary of the apparitions of Fatima, when three shepherd children in Portugal said the Virgin Mary appeared to them. But the event also commemorated the huge 16th-century naval battle of Lepanto, when a Christian alliance acting on the wishes of the pope defeated Ottoman Empire forces on the Ionian Sea, "thus saving Europe from Islamization," as organizers put it.

 From news services
The lawyer told the Louisiana jury that the state would prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Robert McCoy had committed a gruesome triple homicide in 2008, murdering the son, mother and stepfather of his estranged wife.

There is no way reasonably possible that you can listen to the evidence in this case and not come to any other conclusion than Robert McCoy was the cause of these individuals deaths, said lawyer Larry English.

But heres the twist: English was not the prosecutor in the case. He was McCoys defense attorney. And McCoy vehemently proclaimed his innocence.

[Supreme Court embarks on what could be momentous term]

The Supreme Court last week said that it would review McCoys conviction  he was subsequently sentenced to death  to answer what sounds more like a typo than a contested question of law:

Does it violate the Constitution for a defense counsel to concede a clients guilt over the accuseds express objection?

It happens more often than you think it would, said Lawrence J. Fox, a visiting lecturer at Yale Law School who filed a brief on McCoys behalf for the Ethics Bureau at Yale.

It occurs mostly in capital cases, Fox said, when lawyers think that it would be impossible to convince a jury that a client is not guilty. The theory is that by creating some trust with jurors, it might be possible to get a conviction on a lesser murder charge that does not carry a death sentence.

They think the most important thing is to save the clients life, Fox said.

But that misunderstands the lawyers role, he said.

The decision over whether to concede guilt at trial is ultimately the defendants to make, Foxs brief to the court states. It goes to the very heart of the right to put on a defense  a right that personally belongs to the accused.

McCoys attorneys at the Louisiana Capital Assistance Center said that Englishs actions  allowed by the trial judge and unanimously upheld by the Louisiana Supreme Court  did not fulfill the Sixth Amendments promise that the accused have assistance of counsel for his defense.

"It is inconceivable that the Framers intended that the assistance of counsel should come at the price of defense counsel being authorized to tell the jury that the accused is guilty, even over the accused's protestations of his own innocence," the center's Richard Bourke wrote in McCoy's petition to the Supreme Court.

Theres little doubt that the state had a pretty compelling case against McCoy, who was looking for his wife, who had gone into protective seclusion after McCoy had allegedly threatened to kill her and himself.

In a 911 call, McCoys mother-in-law, Christine Colston Young, could be heard screaming: She aint here, Robert. I dont know where she is. The detectives have her. A gunshot was then heard on the 911 tape, and the call was disconnected.

A car later found to be McCoys was seen leaving the area, and police officers discovered in the abandoned vehicle the phone that Young had used. Eventually, McCoy was arrested in Idaho, after hitchhiking rides from truckers. The gun used in the killings was found with him. In custody, McCoy tried to hang himself.

But he maintained his innocence, alleging a conspiracy among local police officers to commit the murders and frame him. His first public defender attorney was let go because of differences between the two, and then his parents paid English $5,000 to represent their son.

But English, who was not certified in capital cases, was of the mind that there was no way to convince a jury that McCoy was telling the truth.

English declined to be interviewed. But when lawyers were attempting to get a new trial for McCoy, he testified, Im a seasoned criminal trial lawyer, had been doing this for a number of years, and I had never had a case where the evidence was so overwhelming against a client.

After English informed McCoy that he was going to tell the jury that McCoy was guilty, and McCoy objected, they told Judge Jeff Cox of their disagreement. But Cox said he was not going to again delay the trial and would not allow McCoy to replace English or represent himself.

When English made his opening statement to the jury, McCoy again objected.

Judge Cox, Mr. English is simply selling me out, Judge Cox, McCoy said from the defense table.

Englishs strategy did not work, in part because Louisiana does not allow the kind of limited-mental-capacity defense that the lawyer pursued. McCoy was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.

The Louisiana Supreme Court unanimously upheld English's strategy and the trial judge's decisions.

Admitting guilt in an attempt to avoid the imposition of the death penalty appears to constitute reasonable trial strategy, the court concluded.

But McCoys petition said the Louisiana decision is an outlier. State supreme courts across the country have considered the issue, McCoys petition says, and all came out the opposite way.

The Louisiana justices based their decision on a 2004 Supreme Court case, Florida v. Nixon, that said it was not necessarily ineffective counsel for a lawyer to concede guilt when a client is informed of the strategy and "neither consents or objects."

But McCoys petition says the case is quite different here: McCoy objected at every step of the process. And it said the Louisiana court misinterpreted another Supreme Court precedent, one requiring defense attorneys to challenge the states evidence against a client. English instead agreed with it, the petition said.

This is not the counsel guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment but a far more sinister character unimagined in our constitution, the petition states.

McCoy v. Louisiana is to be heard at the Supreme Court sometime in 2018.
Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the National Rifle Association (NRA), said the NRA would be open to regulating devices that allow rifles to fire at a high rate similar to an automatic weapon. (Jim Lo Scalzo/European Pressphoto Agency/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK)

The National Rifle Association ventured into unfamiliar territory last week when it endorsed new restrictions on a device that accelerated gunfire in the Las Vegas massacre. But leaders of the gun lobby signaled Sunday they may draw a line at writing those restrictions into law.

If we could legislate morality, we would have done it long ago, Wayne LaPierre, the NRAs executive vice president and chief executive, said in an interview on CBSs Face the Nation.

Instead, LaPierre said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives should review the matter. I think you want to tell ATF to do its job. Its an interpretive issue, and they need to get the job done, he said.

The device, known as a bump stock, remained obscure until the Las Vegas shooting, for which Stephen Paddock fitted them on at least a dozen of the 23 firearms in his hotel room. The accessories helped him fire semiautomatic weapons with a rapidity approaching that of a fully automatic gun. His assault from the 32nd floor window of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino left 58 dead and hundreds injured in a matter of minutes.

Some rare bipartisan interest in a new gun restriction has emerged in the wake of Paddocks attack, with lawmakers from both parties endorsing tighter controls on bump stocks. And the NRA lent weight to the effort last Thursday, releasing a statement from LaPierre and Chris W. Cox, executive director of the groups Institute for Legislative Action, calling for additional regulations on accessories that allow semiautomatic rifles to mimic fully automatic ones.

But despite Democrats apparent willingness to restrict the legislation to the bump stock ban, the NRA and some in Congress think the issue can be addressed without legislation if ATF reversed rulings made during the Obama administration that confirmed the devices were legal.

On Sunday, Cox stopped short of calling for a complete prohibition.

We dont believe that bans have ever worked on anything, he said on Fox News Sunday. What weve said has been very clear, that if something transfers a semiautomatic to function like a fully automatic, then it ought to be regulated differently. Fully automatics are regulated differently in this country.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said no Republicans have signed on as co-sponsors to a bill she is proposing that would ban the sale, transfer and manufacture of bump stocks, trigger cranks and other accessories that can accelerate a semiautomatic rifles rate of fire.

Regulations arent going to do it. We need a law, Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said on Face the Nation. It cant be changed by another president. Right now were seeing one president change actions of a president that came before him. And that would happen in this area. And I would hope that Americans will step up and say Enough is enough. Congress, do something.

LaPierre suggested that Feinstein, who wrote the 1993 assault weapons ban, was seeking to use the issue as cover for a broader rollback of gun rights and turn this all into some Christmas tree on the Hill where she brings all her anti-gun circus shes been trying to for years into this.

Feinstein rejected that characterization as just plan wrong. This is written in clean English. You can take a look at it. Its a two-page bill. It does not take anyones gun.

She said her proposal has attracted Republican interest. Appearing on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said he also supported a ban on the accessories, whether it was through legislation or regulations. However that gets fixed, I support, he said. And in the House last week, Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.) announced that he will be introducing a bill aimed at bump stocks and said he had been flooded with requests from other Republicans who want to back it.

That could put some Republican lawmakers at odds with the NRA.

Sen. Chris Murphy  a Democrat from Connecticut who emerged after the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School as a leading advocate of tighter gun laws  said Sunday that he would support a clean bill focused exclusively on banning the devices.

Speaking on State of the Union, he said that Congress needed to act in the wake of the Las Vegas massacre, and that the ban of the bump stock devices was an important first step. You have to walk before you run, he said.
At the final debate of last years presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton ridiculed Donald Trump as a puppet of the Russians and denounced his treatment of women. She was widely seen as the winner that night in Las Vegas and the favorite to win the presidency weeks later.

On Facebook, however, a different story was unfolding for millions of Americans, whose feeds were being saturated with eye-catching ads bolstering Trump.

Out of view of the broader public, the site was serving as a platform for an intense barrage of advertisements tailored to reach Trumps supporters with maximum impact throughout the debate day and night. By the end of the day, the Trump campaign had run 175,000 variations of ads on Facebook, pushing distinct versions to different users to test which ones worked best. The high-velocity churn drew $9 million in donations, the campaigns biggest single-day money haul of the year.

Facebook's recent revelations that it sold thousands of ads to a Russian troll operation seeking to foment discord during last year's elections have led its executives to pledge cooperation with U.S. investigators. But the company's role in the Russia probe is also prompting uncomfortable scrutiny of its increasingly lucrative political advertising business and how little is known about the ads voters are exposed to online.

The situation has the potential to affect a key profit center for Facebook. The same proprietary technology that has made Facebook the go-to advertising platform for political campaigns also enabled Russian operatives to target U.S. voters with inflammatory ads . Now lawmakers, noting that online companies are not subject to disclosure rules governing broadcast advertising, are calling for tighter regulations as Facebook is poised to play another major role in the 2018 and 2020 elections.

Trump strategists credit their victory in part to a decision to go all-in on Facebook in the closing stretch of the 2016 race, with a strategy that was orchestrated from a San Antonio office where Trump campaign and Republican Party staffers worked alongside Facebook sales employees, blitzing the country with ads.

By Election Day, Trumps campaign had spent roughly $70 million on Facebook alone  nearly all in the last four months of the election, according to people familiar with the spending.

If you imagine the country as the haystack, Facebook is the needle finder, said Brad Parscale, who served as the Trump campaigns digital director.

With 210 million U.S. users logging in monthly, Facebook offers candidates and their allies the ability to zero in on potential voters who are likely to embrace their messages and make them go viral  identifying them by geography, gender, interests and their behavior across the Internet, including their likes for music, food and travel. The company owes its rich trove of data to its users, who turn over details about their personal lives every time they engage with the platform.

The large sums invested by the Trump campaign would have been enough to put an ad on the feed of every Facebook user in the country, digital strategists said, or to send multiple ads to key voters. The online bombardment, which former Clinton aides acknowledged surpassed their Facebook spending, was largely invisible to the media and the electorate. Thats because of its highly personalized design, which allows advertisers to target voters in a granular fashion.

Advocates for more online transparency say the 2016 election showed how Facebook and other websites can be used to push provocative messages with no oversight.

The news that Russians used Facebook to try to influence voters showed that people with no interest in adhering to facts or the truth are able to message to select pockets of the population to elicit an emotional response, and no one knows that it is happening, said Keegan Goudiss, who served as director of digital advertising for Sen. Bernie Sanderss presidential campaign, which relied heavily on Facebook.

After revealing the Russian ad buys, Facebook vowed to provide more transparency about political ads on its site, a move that could pull the curtain back on its position as a turbocharged platform for campaigns. After years of resisting disclosure, the company has pledged to create a mechanism that will reveal the content of political ads posted on its site, making them visible to any Facebook user. The system would go further than what is required of TV and cable stations, which have to disclose information about who purchases political ads but not the content of the ads themselves.

"We are in a new world," Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said in a post last month. "It is a new challenge for internet communities to deal with nation states attempting to subvert elections. But if that's what we must do, we are committed to rising to the occasion."

Still, the ongoing Russia probes could have a long-term impact on the company, which is now contending with new efforts to regulate online political advertising.

Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) and Mark R. Warner (Va.) plan to introduce a bill in the coming weeks that would require sites with more than 1 million users to maintain a public file containing a copy of political ads and information about who they are aimed at. The measure, which the lawmakers said was a direct response to the Russian effort, would require information about the number of views generated and the rates charged by platforms such as Facebook.

These ads are literally being seen by millions and millions of people, but theres really not the transparency that you see with traditional ads, Klobuchar said.

Aside from the Russia issue, it is a glaring problem because our technology has changed, the way people advertise has changed, but our laws are back in the 1980s, she added.

[Facebook, Google and Twitter face proposed bill targeting shadowy political ads]

Facebook, which as recently as 2011 sought an exemption from the Federal Election Commission from having to run political disclaimers on the small ads that run on its site, has taken a cautious posture toward the prospect of new regulations even as it has pledged to provide more voluntary disclosure. The company said in a statement that it is "open to reviewing any reasonable proposals."

Facebooks ascent in elections has been rapid, mirroring its sevenfold increase in value since the company went public in 2012. At the time, the company had just a handful of staffers in its Washington office focused on lobbying and on campaign advertising.

That year, the reelection campaign of President Barack Obama developed an innovative Facebook application, allowing 1 million supporters to give the campaign access to their extended Facebook friend networks.

The ability to tap into that kind of data free was shut down in 2015, when Facebook limited the amount of information that campaigns and other third-party groups can access from the site. As a result, campaigns still eager to tap into Facebook's fast-

growing database began buying more ads, political strategists said.

While businesses still spend more on Google advertising, many political advertisers began favoring Facebook in 2014, campaign strategists said. The sites ability to offer rich targeting and near real-time feedback, as well as its role as a platform for civic debate, makes Facebook better tailored to political messaging, said Zac Moffatt, who heads the Republican digital ad agency Targeted Victory.

During the height of the 2016 campaign, Facebook had 10 staffers  five on the Democratic side and five on the Republican side  who helped federal campaigns with their ad buys, according to people familiar with the companys operations.

Unlike the Trump campaign, Clintons team declined to have the companys sales employees work side-by-side with its staff, though Facebook employees did visit Clintons Brooklyn headquarters from time to time, according to people familiar with the setup. Clinton, who entered the general election with more resources than Trump, was less reliant on Facebook, but her former campaign officials declined to share how much they spent on the platform.

Facebook regularly deploys sales staff to work with big corporate and political clients. Typically, Facebook employees provide advice to big clients on how to target users across all the companys platforms, including Instagram and Messenger, helping advertisers decipher which approaches would be likely to get the most engagement.

For example, Facebook might advise campaigns on whether to target a large number of potential voters in a specific Zip code, according to people familiar with the process.

When content goes viral, it helps Facebook make money. Advertisers pay for people to view an ad. They pay more money if people click on that ad or if they click through the ad to a page outside of Facebook or install an advertisers application, advertisers say.

Goudiss, the former Sanders digital advertising director who is a partner at the firm Revolution Messaging, said the impact of Facebook on political races could not be overstated.

Facebook was one of the key reasons Bernie went from 2 percent name ID to winning primaries, he said.

The Trump campaigns large investment in Facebook was driven in part by necessity. When the wealthy real estate executive secured the GOP nomination in the late spring, he had virtually no fundraising operation.

Campaign officials and Republican Party strategists from Washington who embedded with the Trump digital shop in San Antonio turned to Facebook ads to rapidly build a donor list.

I knew that it would be a lead dog in the pack, said Gary Coby, who was dispatched from the Republican National Committee to serve as the campaigns director of digital advertising and fundraising. But we always built in the idea of a dynamic budget  you move the money to where it is best performing. Facebook was one of the things that was working, so we put more money and time into it.

More than half of the campaigns Facebook budget was spent on ads designed to pull in contributions, many of them featuring some of Trumps most provocative remarks. Only Trump can stop Crooked Hillary, declared one ad in June. Teach Hillary Whos Boss.

In a setup that officials said resembled a high-frequency Wall Street trading shop, the Trump operation pitted teams of staffers and outside ad buyers against each other to see which could get more Facebook users to convert into donors. Those who won got more money to play with.

Each day, the campaign would start with about 20,000 ad variations, testing different messages against a complex set of targeting factors such as age and device usage, as well as past actions such as recent donations. Throughout the day, they swapped in various images of Trump or short-burst videos with captions, hunting for the most viral combination.

"You want to make sure you have all different ad variations and different segments for your ads so that you can find something that works fast, and then Facebook will show it to more people," Gerrit Lansing, the RNC's former chief digital officer, explained at a post-election political marketing conference sponsored by MediaPost in January.

You find these little bursts of things that work, and then pour gas on it and do that dozens of times every day, he added.

By the end of a typical day, the Trump operation averaged 40,000 to 60,000 ad variations  a supercharged version of the kind of comparative testing many campaigns use.

Like the Sanders campaign, the Trump team found that Facebook ads served multiple functions: as powerful fundraising appeals, as vehicles to win over new supporters, and eventually as a mechanism to prod voters to go to the polls, officials said.

The constant feedback the campaign received about how Facebook users engaged with different ads also provided valuable political insight into what moved Trumps supporters, campaign strategists said. After an intense round of testing showed that his backers responded strongly to messages about what Trump pledged to do in office, the campaign rolled out policy speeches featuring the candidate.

In the end, half of the Trump campaigns overall advertising budget was spent online  nearly double the share a typical campaign devotes to digital ads  and the majority of that went to Facebook.

People are coming to grips with the fact that the worlds biggest social network is playing an unprecedented role in politics and in government in the distribution of ideas, said Alex Howard, deputy director of the Sunlight Foundation, a nonpartisan watchdog group. For many people, Facebook is the Internet. It is an extraordinarily powerful force with limited accountability.
President Trump has his fair share of critics in Congress, but with one Sunday morning tweetstorm, he has risked making a policy rival out of someone who could have counted as an ally for his agenda.

Trumps Twitter rant against Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) comes just days before Trump is expected to announce that he will not certify Iran is in compliance with the nuclear pact with reached with world powers in 2015, the first in a highly orchestrated series of steps that White House, State Department and congressional officials  primarily Corker, as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee  have been planning for months.

It also comes as Congress is diving into tax reform, a must-win issue for the GOP if it hopes to check off any bit of its promised agenda in 2017. Corker is one of the Senates most committed deficit hawks and outspoken members on tax policy.

But Corker is now also a free agent, after announcing last month that he would not seek reelection in 2018. Trump focused on that decision in his Sunday morning tirade against Corker, in which he accused the senator of begging for an endorsement Trump refused  prompting Corker to tweet that someone had obviously missed their shift at the adult day care center the White House had become.

[Corker calls White House an adult day-care center in response to Trumps latest Twitter]

Corker is known for his blunt and witty commentary delivered with a thick Tennessee drawl, but for months, he softened any public criticism of the Trump administration with carefully worded praise.

That began to change over the August recess, when Corker told reporters in Tennessee that "the president has not yet been able to demonstrate the stability nor some of the competence that he needs to demonstrated to be successful."

Trump later gave him grief about that comment during a meeting in the Oval Office, according to a Republican congressional official familiar with the conversation who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the private conversations. But the episode did not seem to derail what was generally a good-natured relationship between the two.

When Corker later called Trump to tell him that he had decided to retire  a decision Corker made on his 65th birthday  the president was disappointed, the official said.

So disappointed, in fact, that early last week, the president called Corker to ask him to reconsider his decision, according to Corkers chief of staff, Todd Womack  and reaffirmed that he would have endorsed Corker had he decided to run again. It was not the first time that Trump had extended such an offer of support, Womack said  directly contradicting every accusation the president tweeted out Sunday morning.

Both Trump and Corker are business executives, a background that gave them a level of mutual understanding at a time when few in Congress can claim to understand the president's motivations. But Corker has always been closer to Trump's secretary of state, Rex Tillerson  whose relationship with Trump hit a public nadir last week, after an NBC report that Tillerson had called Trump a "moron" behind closed doors.

Tillerson hasnt cultivated many relationships on Capitol Hill during his term as Secretary of State. Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.), who chairs the Senate subcommittee that controls the State Departments budget, has heard so little from Tillerson that he called him the Greta Garbo of secretaries of state in an interview last week.

But Corker and Tillerson have worked closely on everything from Russia sanctions to Iran policy to North Korea engagement. Even though they have parted ways at times  particularly on Russia sanctions  Corker remains Tillerson's staunchest defender on Capitol Hill and his closest ally. Last week, Corker told reporters that Tillerson, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly "are those people that help separate our country from chaos."

Corker's comments have particular relevance to an announcement the president is expected to make this week about the Iran nuclear deal. Since he was a candidate, Trump has excoriated the Obama administration for agreeing to the multilateral pact, which he deemed "an embarrassment" during a speech before the United Nations General Assembly last month. That is not a position that is supported by his national security team: last week, Mattis told a senate panel that the Iran deal was important for American national security, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph F. Dunford Jr. reiterated that he believed Iran was in compliance with the deal's terms.

Six Democratic senators had a meeting with national security adviser H.R. McMaster to discuss Iran this week and came away with the impression that he agreed with Mattis and Dunford.

Still, Trump has been adamant that he wants to discredit the deal, which is why the White House, State Department and Corker have been working together to carefully plan how the president can refuse to certify the deal without wholly extricating the United States from it.

The president must report to Congress every 90 days about whether Iran is in compliance with the deal. But Trumps opportunities to do so in the hopes that Congress will then make legislative changes to the U.S. posture on Irans nuclear ambitions  without blowing up the deal  are limited.

[Everything you need to know about Trumps expected decision to decertify the Iran deal]

According to a person familiar with coordination between the White House, the State Department and Congress, one of Republicans key aims is to address the rampant GOP complaint that the deal only delays Iran pathway to a nuclear bomb for a decade or so, instead of erasing it forever. But to do this, they need the support of Democrats, who are loath to do anything that might jeopardize the nuclear pact and are furious about Trumps decertification plans.

If there is any Republican on Capitol Hill who stands a chance of persuading Democrats to come on board, it is Corker. As chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, he has built a reputation as being one of the Senates most bipartisan figures. He worked with ranking Democrat Benjamin L. Cardin (Md.) to design the law that gave Congress a chance to review the Iran deal in 2015. He has also been a driving force behind efforts to step up punitive measures against Iran for a recent spate of ballistic missile tests. He again negotiated with Cardin and other Democrats to build bipartisan support for more stringent non-nuclear sanctions, which Congress passed this summer.

Read more at PowerPost
Lyudmila Savchuk in her apartment in St. Petersburg, in 2015. I wanted to take down this factory of lies, she says. (Dmitry Lovetsky/AP)

She rode into a pitch-black truck stop on a scooter, stepped out of the pouring rain into a gas station cafe on the outskirts of St. Petersburg and recounted her quest to bring down Russia's infamous "troll farm."

Lyudmila Savchuk is one of a disparate handful of Russian journalists, activists and legal experts who have tried to shed light on the shadowy operation that has become a focal point of U.S. investigations into Kremlin meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

And like most people who challenge the established order in todays Russia, Savchuk and the others are jousting against a nebulous entity with apparent Kremlin ties and evident protection from government and law-enforcement agencies. For them, this is a task that entails significant risks and little chance of success.

How much the trolls affected the outcome of the U.S. election is unclear. But their omnipresence is evident on Twitter and in the comments sections of publications like The Washington Post, where trolls can be found criticizing news stories, lambasting other posters and accusing one another of being trolls.

While the troll farms operations have stirred concerns about the reach of Kremlin propaganda across Europe and the United States, Savchuk and her cohorts are worried about their own country.

Every online forum, every comment section on every local site, everywhere I look, most of the commenters are trolls, Savchuk said in an interview. Its like half the country is trolls.

Savchuk, a 36-year-old single mother of two and a former employee of the Internet Research Agency, won a lawsuit against the troll farm in 2016. Since then, she has detailed the operations of her former employer in numerous publications and videos, served as a witness in another ex-troll's lawsuit, and sought to get other trolls to tell their stories. She calls it "bringing them into the light."

[Russian firm tied to pro-Kremlin propaganda advertised on Facebook during election]

Savchuk has also been accused of being a shill for foreign interests, the usual counterattack the state-run media mounts against whistleblowers. She has become withdrawn; she switches off her phone when reporters call. She agreed to meet at the remote roadside cafe only after weeks of phone tag.

I wanted to take down this factory of lies, and I still do, said Savchuk, who describes her two months at the agency as an undercover investigation. But it takes a toll, and it isnt easy.

The lawyer who won her case agrees. Ivan Pavlov heads Team 29, a group that specializes in freedom of information cases.

Social media was invented to promote free expression of ideas, and the trolls abuse it, he said. We want to stop this abuse.

There is no law in Russia against anonymous posters flooding websites with misleading information or berating other posters. So, Pavlov said, he went after the troll farm the way they got Al Capone, the Prohibition-era gangster in Chicago who was sent to prison for tax evasion.

When Savchuk was fired, he had his opening.

We realized they pay people in cash. They dont pay taxes. When they fire someone, they dont pay severance, Pavlov said in an interview. We wanted to drag them into an open court case. We were able to ask questions. They had to acknowledge what they do.

The court awarded Savchuk one ruble, less than 2 cents, in damages.

[Twitter finds hundreds of accounts tied to Russian operatives]

It was a symbolic victory, and a partial one. Savchuk had wanted prosecutors to check the companys books, its adherence to safety regulations, and whether employees use licensed software. But Pavlov said Team 29 never heard back from investigators.

That was a sign of protection by the authorities, he said.

A clearer sign came with the lawsuit filed by Olga Maltseva, another former employee of the troll farm. A St. Petersburg district court ruled against her, although the defense never bothered to show up in court, Pavlov said. The city court last month upheld the lower court's verdict  although, once again, the troll farm did not send a lawyer.

Pavlov said he is not giving up.

Were trying to remove the mask of anonymity, so that people know who is responsible for this activity, for the Internet attacks, for trolling, he said. The system is created to protect them, but sometimes the system makes a mistake, and thats where we have to be ready.

Russian media reports have linked the organization to the name of Yevgeny Prigozhin, a St. Petersburg restaurateur known as Russian President Vladimir Putin's caterer and favorite chef. In 2015, the New York Times Magazine reported that social media accounts linked to the Internet Research Agency had launched campaigns in the United States.

Meanwhile, the company has changed its name to Teka, Pavlov said. It also has moved its legal headquarters, although the trolling operation remains in a large gray building north of the St. Petersburg city center, near the head of the Gulf of Finland. There, young people work 12-hour shifts and make between $800 and $1,000 a month, an attractive wage for former students and young people, Pavlov said. It is impossible to get inside the building, and there are multiple entrances, making it hard to tell who is a troll and who is not.

Residents who live nearby say they have no idea that the troll farm exists, although protesters have tried to expose it. Last week, a few dozen protesters rallied at the entrance, throwing coins at the building while chanting, "Trolls, come out!" and "Shame on you, trolls!"

Police warned the protesters, but made no arrests. In the war on trolls, this was a victory.

"The goal of this action is to show to the Kremlin bots that they won't be able to escape unpunished," one of the activists, Diana Retinskaya, wrote on Facebook. "They still have time to stop and not to disgrace this country."

Read more:

Facebook says it sold political ads to Russian company

Propaganda flowed heavily into battleground states around election, study says

Study finds a disinformation campaign with an apparent Russian link

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 11:11:16|Editor: Zhou Xin

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HOUSTON, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Hurricane Nate made landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi River on the southeastern Louisiana coast Saturday evening, and federal emergency aid has been put in place.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal emergency aid has been made available to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Tropical Storm Nate.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday signed the Emergency Declaration for Louisiana, which authorized FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts alleviating the hardship and sufferings, to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, and to lessen or avert the threat of the catastrophe.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide equipment and resources at its discretion to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, will be provided at a cost of 75 percent federal funding.

Before making landfall on the U.S. coast, Tropical Storm Nate caused severe flooding in parts of Central America that left at least 22 people dead in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras.

Nate, which was earlier estimated to make landfall around midnight Saturday, escalated to a Category 1 hurricane late Friday night.

Officials in the U.S. states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida have declared a state of emergency before Nate's landfall, ordering evacuations and issuing curfews.

Maximum flooding of 7 to 11 feet (2.1 to 3.3 meters) above ground level is expected in parts of southeast Louisiana and along the Mississippi coast, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

A storm surge warning is in effect from Grand Isle, Louisiana, to the Okaloosa/Walton county line in Florida.

The highest storm surge is expected Saturday night along the Mississippi coast and southeastern Louisiana coast. The water is forecast to recede Sunday morning as the storm quickly moves inland.
Kim Jong Un has taken another key step to consolidate his family's control over North Korea, elevating his younger sister to the powerful political bureau of the ruling Workers' Party and moving her closer to the center of the leadership.

Kim announced that his 30-year-old sister, Kim Yo Jong, had been promoted during a weekend of festivities celebrating the Kim familys grip on the totalitarian state and amid expectations of a new salvo of missiles.

The North Korean regime will on Tuesday celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the founding of the Workers Party, through which the Kim family controls the country.

A top Korea analyst at the CIA last week said that the U.S. government should be ready for another North Korean provocation this week  not least because the Oct. 10 anniversary overlaps with Columbus Day in the United States, given the 12-hour, 30-minute time difference between Pyongyang and Washington. This would provide North Korea with the opportunity to both celebrate an important day on its calendar and interfere with an American holiday weekend.

Stand by your phones, Yong Suk Lee, deputy assistant director of the CIAs Korea Mission Center, said he had told his staff. He was speaking at a conference in Washington last week.

However, there were expectations that North Korea would do something incendiary on the same date last year, when the day passed without a bang.

President Trump sent his own warning signal Saturday, saying in a tweet that years of diplomatic negotiations and agreements with North Korea had come to nothing and that "only one thing will work." He did not say what that "one thing" was.

[ Trump on North Korea: Sorry, but only one thing will work! ]

But in Pyongyang on Saturday, Kim was telling his officials that North Koreas nuclear weapons were a powerful deterrent and that the Workers Party of Korea would victoriously conclude the standoff with the U.S.

North Koreas nuclear weapons are necessary for defending the destiny and sovereignty of the country from the protracted nuclear threats of the U.S. imperialists, Kim, who is chairman of the party among many other titles, told the partys central committee at a meeting, according to a state media reports published Sunday.

A weekend of celebrations included a parade celebrating 20 years since Kim Jong Il, the current leaders father, was elected general secretary of the Workers Party. Kim Jong Un also visited the mausoleum where his father and grandfather, eternal president Kim Il Sung, lie in state.

These events would seem like standard behavior in North Koreas personality cult if it werent for the appointment of Kim Yo Jong as an alternate member of the main political branch of the Workers Party.

The Rodong Sinmun, the party newspaper, showed photos of those who had been promoted at the meeting: eight men in the their 60s or older, and Kim Yo Jong, the only woman and the only person not approaching pensionable age. She is thought to have been born in 1987.

She is taking the place of their aunt, Kim Jong Ils sister Kim Kyong Hui, who has not been seen in public since Kim Jong Un had her husband, Jang Song Thaek, executed in 2013. Intelligence analysts believe she is still alive but very sick and no longer involved in the leadership.

Analysts saw the sisters elevation as the latest sign that Kim Jong Un is trying to boost her standing in the regime. The Kim family claims its legitimacy through the Paektu bloodline  the idea that their family has been destined, by a sacred Korean mountain, to lead the country.

[ Trump signed presidential directive ordering actions to pressure North Korea ]

Kim Jong Un, who is 33, has played up the bloodline angle as he has sought to cement his claim to be his fathers rightful successor. But it is is not clear who would succeed Kim Jong Un if he were to die suddenly.

He is thought to have two or three children, at least one of whom is a boy, but they are all younger than 6 years old. Michael Madden, an expert on the Kim family who runs the North Korea Leadership Watch blog, thinks that Kim Jong Un might be positioning his sister as the next heir to the family dynasty.

Kim Yo Jong was involved in ensuring the succession process from her father to her brother, and has taken on a series of increasingly prominent roles over the past few years. In 2014, she was made deputy director of the Workers' Party Propaganda and Agitation Department  a position that led the Treasury Department to sanction her by name in January for her role in censoring information in North Korea.

The role is not just symbolic. She was seen working during a big parade in Pyongyang in April, rushing out from behind pillars to bring paperwork to her brother. She also appeared on stage with him during the opening of a landmark construction project in the capital, Ryomyong Street, where she was dressed in a functional black suit and appeared to be coordinating photographers and other logistics.

Kim Yo Jong is very influential, said Lim Jae-cheon, a Kim family expert at Korea University in Seoul. She is doing her job in the propaganda department but I dont think shes involved in other areas.

Lim does not think she is seen as a potential successor in highly Confucian  hierarchical and male-dominated  North Korea. She cant be leader. Shes a female, he said.

[ Kim Jong Un wants to stay in power  and that is an argument against nuclear war ]

As with many other figures in North Koreas opaque leadership, little else is known about Kim Yo Jong. Some South Korean and Japanese newspapers have reported that shes married to a senior finance official and that they have at least one child. Another report has it that she fell in love with a bodyguard. And another says shes single and childless.

Regardless, she is clearly close to her brother. The two, together with oldest brother Kim Jong Chul, are full-blood siblings, the children of Kim Jong Il and his second wife, Ko Yong Hui. They all went to school in Switzerland in the 1990s.

Among the other personnel changes this weekend, Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho  the man who called Trump mentally deranged when he visited New York for the U.N. General Assembly last month and threatened to detonate a hydrogen bomb over the Pacific  was promoted from being an alternate to a full member of the Politburo.

Read more:

North Korea appears to have a new Internet connection  thanks to the help of a state-owned Russian firm

Trump contradicts Tillerson on North Korea, the latest in a series of put-downs

Italy becomes fifth country to expel North Korean ambassador

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Anti-separatist demonstrators march with a large banner that reads Catalonia is Spain during a rally against the Catalonian referendum in Barcelona on Sept. 30. (Geraldine Hope Ghelli/Bloomberg News)

The shocking images of Spanish riot police using rubber batons to beat voters away from the ballot box were the most powerful impressions of the chaotic vote in the wannabe breakaway republic of Catalonia.

But just out of view of the camera lenses was the majority of Spanish citizens in this stylish, peaceful and prosperous region in the heart of Europe  those who did not vote in the disputed referendum for an independent Catalonia.

At least 6 in 10 registered voters stayed home, suggesting deep division and opposition to the split with Spain sought by the separatists. A protest march in favor of Spanish unity brought hundreds of thousands onto the streets of Barcelona on Sunday.

Who are they? What do they want?

Many here are now calling themselves the silent majority.

They range from old-school socialists to old-family capitalists, and they say the Catalan independence referendum was either a bad idea or just done so badly.

Catalan business leaders worry that it does not make sense, financially, to break from Spain. After a week of chaos, two Spanish banks  Banco Sabadell and Caixabank  announced plans to move their headquarters out of Catalonia to other cities in Spain.

A Spanish freelancer, who has lived in Barcelona for the past seven years, wondered aloud if she and her Scottish boyfriend belong in Catalonia anymore. Were open individuals, citizens of the world, said Maribel Villalba. We just want to live peacefully. You cant put half the population against the other half.

Though some defended and even applauded the harsh police tactics, many of the 58 percent who did not vote decried the use of truncheons and rubber bullets  but still say the referendum is invalid.

The regional president, Carles Puigdemont, declared  just as the first handful of votes were announced  that Catalonia had earned the right to independence.

The Catalan authorities say that more than 2 million people voted in the Oct. 1 independence referendum, with 90 percent casting a ballot for independence.

But the vote was marred by violence, low turnout and lack of traditional transparency.

Just 42 percent voted.

Activists, alongside Spanish journalists, pointed out that some people voted multiple times.

[Spanish court opens sedition probe of Catalonia officials for independence bid]

As the showdown between the secessionist leadership in Catalonia and the central government in Madrid hurtles onward, many who abstained from the vote say they have been muzzled or ignored.

I will confess I feel a little afraid, said Marta Gimenez, a recent law school graduate who works for a major Spanish bank.

Ive been called a fascist whore on social media, she said.

During an interview with The Washington Post on Thursday, she was wearing a T-shirt that read in English, Afraid of Nothing!

Gimenez belongs to the youth wing of the Peoples Party, the conservative Christian democrats who are the governing power in the central government in Madrid.

Of course I didnt vote, because the vote was declared illegal by the Constitutional Court, Gimenez said.

She said she wants to remain a part of Europe  and believes in a united Spain.

She said that the secessionists keep talking about how Catalonia is oppressed.

Show me oppression, Gimenez said, sipping a coffee and rolling her eyes. We are the freest people in Europe.

Semiautonomous Catalonia has a population of around 7 million, and the regional government controls the education system, health care, broadcast media and regional police  with its own parliament, language and culture.

Taxes, though, are sent to Madrid, then redistributed.

[Catalonia poses a real crisis for both Spain and Europe]

On Saturday, thousands dressed all in white took to the streets under a banner in Spanish and Catalan  Hablemos/Parlem  Let's talk. They eschewed the usual flag waving.

Though many who oppose the referendum were from the right, a lot of freethinking Catalans from the left were also against it.

Javier Mariscal, the designer who created the mascot Cobi for the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, said he does not support a sovereign Catalan republic, although he said he understands the deep emotions left over from the Spanish Civil War and the motivations of those who want a break with Spain.

All the corners of Spain are filled with very beautiful people, and weve had this great continuous relationship between us, with all the commercial, cultural, familial ties. Lets keep it together, Mariscal said.

We dont know how good we have it here. Lets not blow it, he said. Spain works as a country and as an idea.

While Mariscal is against Catalan independence, he said there should be a referendum  but a fair and open one.

He and others pointed out that in the weeks leading up to the controversial referendum there was no broad debate over what independence would mean.

Where is the plan? Mariscal asked. Will we be part of Europe? How? How will the economy run? How about trade? Who controls our borders?

Eduard De Vilar is an activist from the left who organized a campaign urging people to vote but to mark neither yes nor no on the ballot. Instead, he said, they should leave it blank  to indicate their support for democracy but also their opposition to the bungled referendum.

This is a big, big decision, very important. So we want a legal proper referendum, not this quickie thing, Vilar said.

Vilar worked as a pro-democracy activist in the Balkans in the 1990s. He is a proud Catalan but doesnt like what he sees in the fierce nationalism of the region. Im afraid this will be the beginning of a kind of war. Not the Balkans. We are not militarized like there. But something I dont like the feeling of either.

The well-known Catalan film director Isabel Coixet, based in Barcelona, has been telling people for months that the referendum and the independence movement were getting this wrong.

Half of the Catalans dont want this, she said in an interview.

The international press has bought the Catalan politicians narrative thats been sold with a huge PR campaign and lots of money. And it seems that the rest of us dont even exist. We are at least half of the Catalans, and we have no voice. No one is listening to us, Coixet said.

Ignasi Guardans, a Catalan lawyer and former member of the European Parliament, said: In any revolt, there are always some people who enjoy shouting and going into the street and demonstrating. And there are other people who just do not do that. And they are scared because the political and economic control of Catalonia is in the hands of the separatists, which doesnt make them the majority  it makes them the people in control.

He added: So we find ourselves attacking the referendum as a farce and a way to impose a model in an undemocratic way  its a Venezuelan kind of putsch  but that doesnt make us supportive of Spanish police beating children in the street. That was a ridiculous thing to do, and it puts us in a very complicated position.

Pamela Rolfe in Madrid contributed to this report.

Read more

Spains king calls independence vote by Catalonia totally outside law and democracy

With threats and taunts, Catalonia and Spain map out their next moves after chaotic vote

Spains Rajoy sets the stage for a bigger battle over Catalonia

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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The increasingly strained alliance between Turkey and the United States took a sharp downward turn Sunday when both governments abruptly announced they were canceling most visitor visas between the countries, sowing confusion among travelers and exposing a widening rift between the NATO partners.

The crisis began when the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the Turkish capital, announced it was immediately suspending all nonimmigrant visa services at diplomatic facilities across Turkey. The move appeared to be retaliatory, coming days after the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrested an employee of the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul.

An embassy statement said it was limiting visitors to U.S. missions while it reassesses Turkeys commitment to the security of American personnel  an extraordinary rebuke that underscored a rapidly deteriorating relationship between the longtime allies. Within hours, the Turkish Embassy in Washington released a nearly identical statement announcing its own suspension of nonimmigrant visas for Americans.

The tit-for-tat moves illustrated how the critical alliance between Turkey and the United States, anchored in military, intelligence and commercial ties, has been battered in recent months by a series of deep disagreements over the war in Syria and the fate of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish cleric who lives in exile in Pennsylvania and is wanted by the Turkish authorities.

The strains have undermined vows by President Trump to repair U.S. ties to Turkey, which became frayed during the administration of President Barack Obama. The escalating tensions also came despite what are said to be warm personal relations between Erdogan and Trump that stretch back several years.

Turkey, which once enthusiastically pursued membership in the European Union, has also become estranged from European countries, particularly Germany.

After the arrest last week of the U.S. consulate employee, Metin Topuz, strains between the two governments burst into the open.

Turkish authorities accused Topuz of espionage and links to Gulen, the exiled cleric. The U.S. Embassy, in a statement, responded by saying that it was deeply disturbed by the arrest and that the charges were without merit.

In a meeting with Turkish journalists, John Bass, the outgoing ambassador to Turkey, said the arrest of Topuz, does not strike me as pursuing justice. It seems to me more a pursuit of vengeance.

Tensions between the two countries started almost as soon as Trump took office, when his administration, setting aside Turkish objections, elected to partner with a Kurdish-dominated force in the fight against the Islamic State militant group in Syria. The Syrian Kurds are aligned with Turkeys Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which is considered a terrorist group by both Turkey and the United States.

Turkey has also forcefully demanded the extradition of Gulen, whom it accuses of masterminding a failed attempt to topple the Turkish government in July 2016. And Turkish officials have tried to win the release of Reza Zarrab, a Turkish-Iranian gold trader who is facing charges in the United States of evading sanctions on Iran.

Last month, U.S. federal prosecutors indicted a former Turkish minister of the economy for allegedly conspiring with Zarrab to skirt the sanctions. Erdogan called the case a step against the Turkish Republic.

And this summer, Erdogans bodyguards were accused of beating protesters outside the Turkish ambassadors residence in Washington.

At home, Turkey has pursued a broad crackdown on suspects in the failed coup, while also arresting scores of academics, journalists, political opponents and ordinary critics of the government. They have included several U.S. citizens, including Andrew Brunson, a pastor from North Carolina who has been detained since last October.

Erdogan referred to Brunson in a recent speech in which he chided the Trump administration and suggested that the detained American was a bargaining chip in Turkeys dispute with the United States.

Give us that pastor, Erdogan said, referring to Gulen, and we will do what we can in the judiciary to give you this one.

The halting of visas between the two countries represented an unusually perilous turn in the relationship, analysts said, while affecting untold numbers of travelers, including tourists, business executives, students and others.

I think the whole thing could go off its wheels, said Soner Cagaptay, the author of The New Sultan, a book about Erdogan. There is a very, very deep trust deficit in bilateral ties, especially as far as Erdogan is concerned.

Cagaptay cited Turkeys recent decision to buy a surface-to-air missile defense system from Russia as evidence of Erdogans growing suspicion of the United States and of NATO  to the point where Turkey was openly buying weapons to defend itself against the West.

He does not trust the U.S. at all, Cagaptay said.

Read more

Turkey condemns U.S. over aggressive acts against Erdogans guards during D.C. visit

White House denies Erdogan claim that Trump apologized after Turkish guards assaulted D.C. protesters

Trump calls Erdogan to congratulate him on contested referendum, Turkey says

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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WSUs Walker Institute Hosts Political Civility Forum as New Director Takes Helm

September 26, 2017

OGDEN, Utah  Weber State Universitys Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service has invited two of Utahs top legislative leaders to tackle the topic of civility in politics at the annual Haven J. Barlow Fall Civic Leadership Forum.

Utah Sen. Jim Debakis, D-Salt Lake City, and House Speaker Greg Hughes, R-Draper, will discuss Civility and Policy in Utah Politics on Oct. 9 at noon in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms. The event is open to all and includes a free lunch for anyone who RSVPs via email to walkerinstitute@weber.edu.

The forum marks the first event under the leadership of the new director of the Walker Institute, Robert Hunter.

The title of the Walker Institute includes the words public service, Hunter said. In my opinion, the best public service any politician or political institution can perform is to treat other politicians and other political institutions with civility and respect. The Walker Institutes goal is to create and build upon that atmosphere among the citizens and leaders of our community.

Hunter stepped into the role as Walker Institute director after 17 years as president and CEO of United Way of Northern Utah. Among many responsibilities, he is a member of the Utah advisory committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, chair of Weber Human Services and a Weber County Housing Authority commissioner. Hunter formerly served as Wasatch Front Regional Council of Governments chair, Weber County Commission chair and Ogden City manager.

Hunter is well known to the Wildcat community. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Art/Visual Communication-Design from Weber State in 1968. He has also taught as an adjunct professor for 24 years in the departments of political science and communication.

Hunter has spent many years in public service, promoting collaboration among government, nonprofit and business leadership. He says civility is the bedrock of collaboration and the best way to serve the community.

I believe in joining hands instead of waving fists, Hunter said. The skys the limit when you work that way.

Visit weber.edu/walkerinstitute for more news about the Walker Institute.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
WSU Department of Physics to Share Science with Community at Annual Open House

September 28, 2017

OGDEN, Utah  The 11th annual Physics Open House is expected to draw hundreds of people to Weber State University for demonstrations, lab experiments and planetarium shows on Oct. 6 from 69 p.m.

The Department of Physics in the College of Science will host the open house in various rooms of the Tracy Hall Science Center and in Lind Lecture Hall. This free event is open to the public and suitable for all ages.

I see it as a way to say thank you to the community for supporting WSU and the Department of Physics, said John Armstrong, physics professor. But if we also get some students interested in physics, I'd be thrilled if they, one day, come to study at Weber State.

The open house will feature presentations and interactive activities conducted by WSU physics faculty and students. Returning this year are shows in the planetarium at Lind Lecture Hall, a build-your-own-air-rocket activity, tours of the observatory on the roof of Tracy Hall and outdoor activities from WSUs Science in the Parks. New this year is a discussion on extraterrestrials titled Im not saying it was aliens, but 

Additional Physics Open House activities include:

Lab experiments

Physics displays in the atrium of Tracy Hall

Scanning electron microscope demonstrations

Stump the physicist panel

Since its inception in 2007, the Physics Open House has had strong community interest and participation. The event has attracted as many as 1,600 people in past years.

I've always been shocked by the number of visitors we get at the open house, said Armstrong. I think people are generally interested in science. Cool equipment and scientists have always surrounded us; we just sometimes take them for granted. If you are interested in science, this is a great opportunity to see physics demonstrations up close.

Armstrong credits the events success to its engaging and unique activities.

It is a way to celebrate science and physics and share our excitement, said Armstrong. Physics is fun, and this department knows how to put on a show.

For a complete schedule of events, visit weber.edu/physics/open-house.html.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

For photos, visit weber.edu/physics/open-house.html.
Podcast Host Speaks to WSU About Googles Dominance

October 4, 2017

OGDEN, Utah  While many dot-com companies went bust in 2000, Google emerged as a search engine and advertising giant. How and why that occurred will be explored when Weber State University hosts The History of Google, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Hurst Center Dumke Legacy Hall and again on Oct. 17 at 10:30 a.m. in Elizabeth Hall Room 229. Both presentations are free, and the public is welcome.

Tech entrepreneur Brian McCullough hosts the popular Internet History Podcast. His book, based on information from the podcasts, is scheduled for publication in spring 2018. He has already shared the chapter about Google online.

Some technology pundits have suggested that weve moved from an information economy to an attention economy, said event organizer and WSU computing instructor Luke Fernandez. The most valuable commodity out there is our attention, and theres no company better capitalizing on that than Google. If we want to understand the modern economy, we have to understand a bit about Google.

McCullough will discuss how a small search engine, begun on the campus of Stanford University, became a billion-dollar business. He will recount the companys history, how the founders met, the evolution of Googles search algorithm and how the company captured advertising, while remaining the preferred search engine for most people.

From a searchers perspective, the miracle was that the ads felt less annoying, the more relevant they became, McCullough wrote in his chapter. To a certain extent, Googles AdWords began to seem almost as useful as the organic search results for certain keywords, because the quality score kept them germane to the searchers original query.

McCulloughs presentation is a joint event of the Weber Historical Society and the Peterson Leadership in Technology Speaker Series in the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology. Sponsors also include the WSU Alumni Association, WSUs College of Social & Behavioral Sciences and Department of History.

The next presentation in the Peterson Speaker Series will pay homage to those whose lifes work is to maintain the many systems and processes that keep our lives and economy running.

The Maintainers: Revaluing Essential Work in an Age of Innovation-Speak will be held Nov. 7 at 10:30 a.m. in the Stewart Library Hetzel-Hoellein Room 321.

Assistant professor of science and technology studies at Virginia Tech Lee Vinsel will discuss his research as co-founder of @The_Maintainers, an interdisciplinary research network dedicated to understanding the practice and virtues of maintenance.

In modern culture we spend a lot of time celebrating the virtues of entrepreneurs and innovators, Fernandez said. We need to think about the importance of maintainers, and why we should give them at least as much prominence as we give innovation.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
It was March 2020, and the world was closing down as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. At first, the news of...
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 11:36:23|Editor: Zhou Xin

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Solar car Naledi of South Africa's North-West University dashes from the starting line during the 2017 World Solar Challenge in Darwin, Australia, on Oct. 8, 2017. (Xinhua/Xu Haijing)

by Matt Walsh, Xu Haijing

DARWIN, Australia, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- This weekend might mark the 30th anniversary since the first running of the world's foremost solar car competition, the World Solar Challenge, but event organizers have made sure they are "still pushing boundaries" to ensure a future involving sustainable solar-powered vehicles remains a possibility.

The World Solar Challenge invites teams from around the world to Australia's notorious "outback," with team-designed solar cars challenged to make a brutal 3,000-km journey from the northern Australian city of Darwin to the southern city of Adelaide - right through the heart of Australia's desert landscape.

The biennial event, which marks its 14th crossing of Australia this year, has been crucial in raising the profile of solar car technology. With modern advancements having opened the door for mainstream electric cars, the event's director Chris Selwood said the World Solar Challenge was more important to the industry than ever before.

In an interview with Xinhua on Saturday, Selwood said the rules of the 'race' were constantly being revised to ensure that teams are being pushed to their creative limits, declaring that it would not be called a "challenge" if it was easy.

"When you push the boundaries, you're not always assured of success, and that's why it's called a challenge and not a race," Selwood told Xinhua.

"This year, we have reduced the size of the solar array from 6 square meters to 4 square meters. Paradoxically, we've also allowed the car to have a greater maximum size, and that allows the designers a whole lot more freedom to build a car within those design parameters and allows them to put a greater focus on things like aerodynamics."

Selwood said the beauty of the challenge was the sheer number of factors at play during the event; one of which being the variables posed by the weather.

"The tropical weather seems to be turning from dry season to wet season earlier than it usually does, and some people are very worried about the level of sunlight they're going to have because they've got a smaller solar panel to do the same work," Selwood said.

"It's about energy management, energy efficiency, advanced materials and advanced electronics, and it's about young people bringing their intellectual capacity and learning about new ways to do things."

Speaking in broader terms, Selwood said the challenge continues to play a vital role in mainstream automobile development, explaining that technologies first introduced in the challenge had been picked up by mainstream car manufacturers around the world, including "fast charging" and advanced diagnostics software.

"One car this year has an advanced aerodynamic coating and makes the car extremely slippery through the air which gives them a great aerodynamic advantage," he told Xinhua.

"The by-product is that dirt molecules don't adhere to it, and if we apply that to our everyday car, we'd never have to wash it."

Also involved in this year's challenge is Torsten Kupper, Huawei Germany's vice president and director of Corporate and Public Affairs. He told Xinhua that unlike in previous challenges, telcos like Huawei were crucial to the development of technologies such as autonomous driving.

"We are the biggest telecommunications company in the world, and our car is a driving computer as well. There's a lot of data we have to collect such as the heat of the motor, the heat of the asphalt, the air pressure of the tyres, so there are a lot of things which have to be monitored," Kupper said.

"Huawei is building and providing networks for autonomous driving, and there're already many manufacturers using our technology in Germany."

And while the challenge might be into its 30th year, it is just the first appearance for German team Sonnenwagen Aachen, According to second team manager, Niklas Kaltz, it has been a whirlwind experience ever since his team first decided to enter the World Solar Challenge two years ago.

"We were looking at videos from the challenge and we were fascinated by the opportunity to challenge ourselves and build a solar car from scratch," he told Xinhua.

"We didn't have a team, we didn't have much knowledge, but we were excited to do this. We discussed all aspects of the challenge, like what kind of technologies we would use and what aerodynamic shape we would choose, and eventually someone just said why don't we just do it.

"At first everyone said it was a crazy idea ... but the idea stuck with us and now we have our own solar car."

Meanwhile Selwood said the World Solar Challenge would only continue to become more important in the context of the future of the automobile industry.

"If we continue to use the fuel reserves that we've got, that's going to contribute hugely to global warming," he said.

"And instead of spending effort looking for more traditional fuels, we are looking at better ways of making our mobility a reality without it costing us the earth."
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 08/10/2017 (1864 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When Jennifer Noone first caught the news story that thered been a shooting in Winnipeg, she never could have imagined the victim would turn out to be someone she knew and loved so much. All that changed when a red purse appeared on her TV screen.

SUBMITTED The fact Camille Runke had a protection order against her estranged husband didn't stop him from shooting her to death as she made her way to work Oct. 30, 2015.

I caught a news clip of a developing story and it involved a shooting in St. Boniface. Noone of Winnipeg said about the day of Oct. 30, 2015. I thought nothing of it until I saw police tape and a red purse that was lying on the ground.

I recognized that purse, it was the same one Camille had. My heart sank.

Noone immediately called police, as she frantically tried to figure out if the shooting victim was Camille Runke, a woman who was one of her closest and most trusted friends.

I called Winnipeg Police in a panic and asked about the person shot, Noone said. By this time, the family had been notified. The detective confirmed it was Camille.

I completely lost it, I couldnt talk and I felt like I couldnt breathe.

As soon as she got the horrific news her friend had been shot and killed, Noone said she had no doubt in her mind who was responsible for the shooting.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS It was like he was fixated on making Camille pay for not wanting to be with him. If he couldnt have her, no one else would, Noone says.

I knew it, I knew it was him, Noone said. I absolutely had no doubt that it was Kevin.

He finally got her.

As more details came out, Noone would find her close friend Camille Runke, 49, had been shot and killed outside of her St. Boniface workplace by her estranged husband, 44-year-old Kevin Runke, after Camille arrived for work.

Camille and Kevin Runke had been together just six months when they were married in 2013. Noone said in the early months of the relationship none of Camilles friends or family saw any signs of what was to come from Kevin.

The first year of Camille and Kevins relationship was nothing short of magic, Noone said. Ive never seen two people so much in love. They honestly would do anything and everything for each other.

Over time, Kevins behaviour, and the way he was treating Camille started to change.

Google+ Kevin Runke killed Camille Runke in 2015 and then committed suicide three days later.

He would get very short when speaking with her and he seemed overly concerned with what Camille was doing and where she was going all the time, she said. It progressed into worse behaviour as time went on.

Noone said the relationship ended when Camille found out the man she married had cheated on her.

This was something that she would not put up with, especially being there for him since they first met. She made the decision to separate from him.

With Camilles decision to separate, Kevin packed up and left the Winnipeg home Camille owned, but where they had lived together. Camille learned very quickly Kevin was not simply going to go away and leave her alone.

It began by Kevin speaking cruelly about Camille on social media, Noone said. Endless phone calls, text messages and emails that were derogatory in nature.

She thought at first that he would stop harassing her at some point.

When the behaviour progressed to dangerous and potentially harmful, Camille knew she needed help because Kevin wasnt going to go away.

Noone said what followed was a series of scary and disturbing incidents including the smashing of windows on Camilles truck, slashed tires, nails scattered around her truck and on her route to work, the tapping of her phone, and an attempt to flood her basement.

It was like he was fixated on making Camille pay for not wanting to be with him. If he couldnt have her, no one else would, Noone said.

Camille was loyal, kind and generous. She treated friends and family like gold Jennifer Noone

Winnipeg Police said Camille made a total of 19 calls to police regarding Kevin between July and October of 2015, but with only Camilles word and no evidence Kevin was involved in most of the incidents, police did not arrest him after all but one of those calls.

In July 2015, Camille was granted a protection order against Kevin, after being rejected for one previously the same year.

On that protection order she wrote he has a rifle because she was aware Kevin owned a firearm, and also wrote I fear what he will do next.

The order prevented Kevin from being within three blocks of Camilles home or workplace.

She also installed cameras and floodlights at her home, and at one point obtained a second and secret cellphone.

Noone said there was a point where she started to realize her friends life was in danger.

SUBMITTED Camille Runke (right) has a good time with friends, including Jennifer Noone (second from left), poolside during a vacation in the sun.

Two weeks before Camille was killed, I had shared with my mom the progression in his behaviour, she said.

I told my mom that he was going to kill her.

Tragically Noones worst fears would come true. On the morning of Oct. 30, Camille was shot point blank on Marion Street, near the building where she worked.

Camilles sister Maddie Laberge, who lives in Edmonton, said when the phone rang at her place that morning and her mom was on the line, she figured right away that something very bad had happened to her sister.

My mom was calling at an odd time in the morning and I had no doubt it was to tell me bad news about Cam because Id predicted something very bad would happen, Laberge said.

I thought I would hear that she was in the hospital, but it was my mom sobbing telling me that she was gone.

As soon as a police officer got on the line with Laberge, she knew the first questions to ask.

The question I asked was, Do you have him? I had no doubt in my mind that it was Kevin. When the officer said they did not have him in custody, it was unbelievable to me.

Kevin was immediately considered a person of interest in the case, but it was two days later Kevins vehicle was spotted by police near the community of St. Malo.

Kevin would never end up having to answer for what he did, as with police surrounding his vehicle on Nov. 2, 2015, he used his gun to kill himself.

SUBMITTED Camille Runke (left) and her sister, Maddie Laberge, share a fun moment.

With her sister gone and Kevin taking his own life, Laberge and all those who loved Camille were left to wonder if more could have been done by police and by the laws that are in place to protect Camille.

I think their hands were tied for the most part. They explained that without any evidence, they couldnt arrest him, Laberge said.

There are not enough laws to protect women who are victims of domestic assault or stalking in Manitoba and Canada. Women are scared for their lives and fearful that one day it will reach a point of no return. They are vulnerable.

Winnipeg Police were sent a detailed list of questions about the Camille Runke case and their role in the case and investigation, and said with many of the calls made by Camille there were no arrests because there was no evidence.

Twenty-two is the total number of police contacts and/or investigations related to Camille and Kevin Runke. Camille called the police on 19 of those occasions, a Winnipeg Police spokesperson said in an email.

The Criminal Code of Canada governs the powers that police officers have. In order to arrest a person, police are required to have reasonable grounds to believe a criminal offence has occurred. An accusation that something happened, for example damage to property in the absence of evidence to support it, is not reasonable grounds.

Police added there were two arrests involving Kevin Runke in 2015.

Police said he was arrested Aug. 10, 2015 for numerous mischief-related incidents, and there was evidence to support one charge of mischief under $5,000 in relation to an attempted basement-flooding incident at Camilles home.

Kevin was released on a promise to appear and was required to have no contact or communication with Camille, and not be within 200 metres of her home and where she worked.

He was arrested again Oct. 23, 2015, just days before Camille was killed, and police say they were working to build a case of criminal harassment against Kevin.

Kevin Runke was last arrested on Oct. 23, 2015 and was released on a promise to appear for failing to comply with an undertaking, specifically failing to change his address as required, Winnipeg Police said.

During that time period officers were forwarding the investigation to Manitoba Justice  Prosecutions for review and opinion regarding a criminal harassment charge.

Police also said they believe they took Camilles calls and her fears seriously.

The police officers who dealt with Camille and her complaints believed her and took an interest in her safety, Winnipeg police said.

Urgency was not the issue, evidence was.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A memorial card from Camille Runke's funeral.

Anna Pazdzierski has spent 18 years working with abused and harassed women and dealing with issues of domestic abuse as the executive director of Nova House womens shelter, a Selkirk-based shelter that takes in women and families dealing with abuse from all over Manitoba.

She said she has no doubt the system failed to keep Camille safe and keep her alive.

Heres a woman who called police multiple times, who got a protection order and who is telling the police this is whats happening, and the police are telling her there is nothing they can do because they dont have evidence, Pazdzierski said.

She is telling the police who is doing this, and the police know who is doing this. They should have picked him up after every one of those calls.

Although Pazdzierski believes there needs to be changes in laws, she said it is just as important that there are changes in attitudes towards women and domestic abuse.

Its 2017 and we still do not believe women, and when women think they wont be believed then its hard for them to come forward, she said.

Pazdzierski also hopes that women try calling shelters such as Nova House if they are dealing with harassment or abuse, and not getting the response or the protection they are hoping to get from police.

I really wish women in those situations would call us and at least ask us what we think, Pazdzierski said. We would not have sat back and allowed all those calls and done nothing.

Now, almost two years after Noone saw the news story on TV and found out she had lost one of her closest friends, she is left to remember the friend she loved, but also the tragic way she died.

Camille was an outgoing and positive person and she saw the best in everyone, Noone said. Camille was loyal, kind and generous. She treated friends and family like gold.

She now has a message for anyone who may be dealing with anything similar to what Camille went through and what ultimately cost Camille her life.

Know your boundaries, know your limits and know your worth, Noone said. This type of behaviour is not normal and should not happen.

If anything happens to you, please share with your family, friends and loved ones.

Whether its a threat or actual harm, contact the police, report it, keep track of every incident. Take every occurrence seriously. It can escalate quicker than you know.

You shouldnt have to live in fear.

Dave Baxter is a freelance reporter, photographer and editor who writes about Manitoba crime for the Sunday Special.

crimefilesmanitoba@gmail.com

Twitter:@davebbbaxter
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 11:51:26|Editor: Lu Hui

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by Raul Menchaca

SANTA CLARA, Cuba, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Located in the heart of Cuba, the city of Santa Clara is home to a memorial that honors the legendary Latin American revolutionary "Che" Guevara.

The Che Guevara Mausoleum, which houses the remains of the rebel fighter who was assassinated by paid counterrevolutionary forces, features a nearly 7-meter-high bronze statue of the historical figure, a fitting tribute to a hero of Latin American resistance.

Born in the Argentine city of Rosario in 1928 and trained as a doctor, Guevara joined Fidel Castro's insurgency in 1956 to overthrow Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista, and played a leading role in the rebel victory.

With Cuba under new leadership, he left the country to continue his struggle against oppression, first to Congo and then to Bolivia, where he was ambushed and killed by mercenaries in October 1967.

On the ground floor of the imposing memorial, a cavern-like enclosure holds the remains of Guevara and 30 of his fallen comrades in Bolivia. An eternal flame, lit by then president Fidel Castro, pays homage to the fighters.

The mausoleum holds 39 niches, but only 31 of them are occupied, as the remains of five of his fellow guerrilla fighters were never found, and three were claimed by their families living outside Cuba.

A small on-site museum displays some of Guevara's personal belongings, including photos and documents from the time of his birth to adulthood.

"It is a living journey through Che's life and work," said Ismary Fernandez, who works at the museum, which has been visited by 4.5 million people since its opening in 1988.

Each day, some 2,000 people visit the site. Many visitors are from Argentina, Italy, France and Germany, but most of them are Cubans, especially Santa Clara locals, who admire and appreciate the sacrifices the guerrilla fighters made.

It was here that in December 1958 Guevara waged a key three-day battle against Batista's forces that dealt a decisive blow against the regime.

The Guevara-led guerrillas derailed an armored train carrying almost 400 heavily armed soldiers dispatched from Havana to reinforce the troops fighting Castro's men in eastern Cuba.

The violent clash was a major "material and moral defeat for the forces of the Batista tyranny," museum director Violeta Delgado told Xinhua.

The museum, built on the site where the battle took place, converts three of the train's wagons into exhibit rooms for the weapons, documents, photos and maps that depict the event.

Also on show is the bulldozer the rebels maneuvered onto the rails to stop the train.

Santa Clara resident Leonardo Garcia was only 15 years old when the rebels foiled the government forces and took control of the city.

"I sold candy very close to where the train was derailed and one of the guerrillas told me to leave the area because things there were going to get very ugly," Garcia recalled as he sat on a bench at the city's Vidal Park, located in the center of Santa Clara.

Guevara "is still alive among us," said Garcia, pointing to the facade of the Santa Clara Libre Hotel, where you can still see the bullet holes left by guerrillas trying to get a group of soldiers entrenched in the building to surrender.

Journalist Enrique Torres believes Guevara's legacy lies in his example, "which serves to improve the ... kind of people we want to be or how we want Cubans to be."

As the final resting place of the world-famous revolutionary and his comrades-in-arms, Santa Clara and its residents feel "a high level of commitment, because we have the responsibility before the world to protect them," said museum worker Yunieski Gutierrez.

"Che has transcended precisely because he was a total revolutionary. He was always thinking about how to improve life, how to change it for the good of everyone. That's what he was always fighting for," said Gutierrez.
Meet the very good dogs who flew to Las Vegas to comfort mass shooting survivors

Not all trauma can be seen, so it takes a special kind of help in order to heal.

When victims of attacks like the shooting in Las Vegas are recovering, they are often left with many emotional and mental wounds, as well as physical ones, that also need support so they can truly process their experience.

And one great source of comfort is a supportive hug from a golden retriever.

The day after the attack, The LCC-K9 comfort dogs, backed by the Lutheran Church Charities, announced they were headed to Las Vegas to help heal the injured survivors.

We are on our way to #LasVegas following the shootings Please give to our Travel fund by visiting https://t.co/Pzb65ERGhX #VegasStrong #dogs pic.twitter.com/YmHldhM23A  LCC K9 Comfort Dogs (@K9ComfortDogs) October 2, 2017

Related article: A heroic dog named Frida is saving lives in Mexico after the earthquake

The nine trained dogs visited hospitals to provide therapeutic comfort to survivors and attended candlelight vigils for those who did not survive the attack. Therapy dogs are often used as part of mental health services.

The benefits of therapy dogs are extremely well documented. There is also an ongoing program to place therapy dogs with veterans who are struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), known as Pets for Vets.

Related article: This dad was wounded saving dozens during the Las Vegas shooting

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Tim Hetzner, founder of the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministries, told ABC news,

[The dogs are] unconditional, confidential, and safe. Dogs have an incredible sense of when somebody is hurting. Theyll just come and lay themselves into somebodys lap.

Related article: Meet the heroic hotel security guard who helped catch the Las Vegas shooter

While its certainly not a replacement for other mental health services, a furry pup in your lap can certainly give great comfort in times of tragedy.

Lets hope they got plenty of treats for a job well done.

This article originally appeared in Travelandleisure.com
Following Thursdays New York Times expose alleging decades of sexual assault claims against producer and movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, the board of the Weinstein Company issued a statement Friday saying it has hired an independent law firm to undertake a thorough and independent investigation in the companys commitment to learn the full truth regarding the articles very serious accusations.

We take extremely seriously the accusations published in todays New York Times about our Companys co-chairman Harvey Weinstein, the statement obtained by EW reads in part. It is essential to our Companys culture that all women who work for it or have any dealings with it or any of our executives are treated with respect and have no experience of harassment or discrimination.

Eight different women, including actress Ashley Judd, accused the Oscar-winning producer of sexual harassment, claiming he appeared naked or partially naked in front of them, or asked for a massage; the newspaper claims Weinstein reached at least eight settlements with women, according to two company officials speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Weinstein issued a statement to the Times apologizing for the way Ive behaved with colleagues in the past, while his lawyer Lisa Bloom said in a separate statement Thursday that he denies many of the accusations as patently false. Weinsteins lawyer Charles Harder also said in a statement that the producer is preparing a lawsuit against the publication. The New York Times published today a story that is saturated with false and defamatory statements about Harvey Weinstein, that statement said. It relies on mostly hearsay accounts and a faulty report, apparently stolen from an employee personnel file, which has been debunked by nine different eyewitnesses. We sent the Times the facts and evidence, but they ignored it and rushed to publish. We are preparing the lawsuit now. All proceeds will be donated to womens organizations.

We believe it is important to learn the full truth regarding the articles very serious accusations, in the interests of the Company, its shareholders and its employees, the Weinstein Company board says in its statement, adding Weinsteins indefinite leave of absence began Friday. As Harvey has said, it is important for him to get professional help for the problems he has acknowledged. Next steps will depend on Harveys therapeutic progress, the outcome of the Boards independent investigation, and Harveys own personal decisions.

With reporting by Jessica Derschowitz
The New York Times has called for Harvey Weinstein to release women from nondisclosure agreements so that they can share their stories without having to face punishment for speaking their truth.

On Thursday, the Times dropped a bombshell article detailing a slew sexual harassment allegations made against the mogul. His response to the ensuing controversy has shifted along a bizarre spectrum from dubiously remorseful to vowing to sue the Times for its reporting.

Mr. Weinstein and his lawyer have confirmed the essential points of the story, Danielle Rhoades Ha, a spokeswoman for the newspaper, told Variety in a statement. Mr. Weinstein has not pointed to any errors or challenged any facts in our story. Also, Mr. Weinstein should publicly waive the NDAs in the womens agreements so they can tell their stories. As a supporter of women, he must support their right to speak openly about these issues of gender and power.

Among the revelations in the Times report was that Weinstein has reached confidential settlements with at least eight women, including actress Rose McGowan.

Amidst the calamity, the Weinstein Company has been attempting to sort out how to deal with the scandal internally. Variety learned on Friday that the companys board of directors is planning on suspending the embattled producer, with an official announcement expected to come as early as Friday afternoon. Weinstein announced on Thursday that he was planning to take a leave of absence from his work.

Related stories

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Its October, which means its the time when some people get out their decorative gourds and paper skeletons, as Halloween stores begin stocking their shelves with superheroes, politicians, movie characters, andthat old standbycostumes that are sure to offend people.

Some find Pocahontas Halloween costumes offensive. (Photo: Fox Spears via Twitter)

The debate over cultural appropriation is back on the forefront of several peoples minds, particularly after Karuk artist Fox Spears pointed out on Twitter that, once again, Disney was selling Pocahontas costumes for the holiday.

Seen today in a Disney Store. *sigh*, he tweeted in September, setting off dozens of online conversations about who has the right to wear such outfits, and who has the right to define what is and isnt offensive.

Seen today in a Disney Store. *sigh* pic.twitter.com/HpO0TaTUuu  Robohontas (@robohontas) September 16, 2017

If a little girl wants to be Pocahontas for Halloween because its her favorite movie, then let her! Yall complain about everything, Twitter user Tyler Gilmore wrote in response.

if a little girl wants to be Pocahontas for Halloween because it's her favorite movie, then let her! Y'all complain about everything. https://t.co/n4r5eDT5ub  Tyler Gilmore (@mrgilmore10) September 18, 2017

It's a character. Not an Indian costume for the fun of dressing up like an Indian. There's a difference.  Manda (@MandaCGxo) September 20, 2017

To unpack the argument, Yahoo Lifestyle turned to Ali Nahdee, a white and Anishinaabe/Ojibwa writer who created the Aila Test  a Bechdel test for depictions of indigenous women. Earlier this year, in Indian Country Today, she outlined the many harmful discrepancies between the 1995 Disney film Pocahontas and the womans real tragic history.

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Pocahontas was kidnapped, raped, abused, forced to assimilate, forced to convert to Christianity, forced to marry one of her captors, and the Mattaponi sacred oral history is convinced that her untimely death may have been the result of a poisoning rather than an illness, Nahdee tells Yahoo Lifestyle.

The movies producers did their research, she said, but in their behind-the-scenes featurette, Roy Disney, Jim Pentecost, and supervising animator Glen Keane said they decided to ignore the fact that she was a child when she met the colonists, and she in fact never saved John Smith from being executed. They used the legend promoted by white Europeans and aged the girl up to be a sexy woman instead of a young teenager.

There is something so sinister about this decision made by three white men about a native girl whose short life was already riddled with trauma and tragedy, Nahdee says. I really feel that Pocahontas deserves so much better than a whitewashed animated film and a Halloween costume, and yet that is how she is remembered and known throughout the world.

THIS is what Pocahontas looked like when she met John Smith. This is why the Disney film is garbage.#ReclaimPocahontas #LeaveMatoakaAlone pic.twitter.com/ZcYoqgC7j1  Ali Nahdee (@AliNahdee) September 19, 2017

Yahoo Lifestyle reached out to reps for Disney about its use of the costume but has not yet received a response. In 2016, Disney pulled its kids Maui costumes after critics pointed out that it was inviting people to put on the skin of an indigenous character.

As Jessica Metcalfe, creator of the site Beyond Buckskin, told Refinery29 in 2015, Costumes are meant to be fantasy or fun or scary. Cultures or people are not costumes.

Obviously, if children dress up as native people, they admire them. Isn't childhood (and Halloween) about fantasy and imagination?  Tracey E Chambers (@TraceyEChambers) September 20, 2017

When white people wear Native American Halloween costumes, Nahdee says it feels like a mockery of her own familys tragic history. My grandmother and her sister were residential school survivors who endured things too horrible for them to even say out loud, she said. Knowing that actual native children were beaten, abused, and tortured simply for being who they were, theres a deep contempt I have towards non-Natives who feel entitled to pick and choose what they want from a culture that was forbidden to its own people. Its even worse when they then insist that theyre honoring you and your people.

The rationale that it should at least be OK for children to dress up in these costumes is just as problematic, because it underestimates a childs capacity to understand that racism is wrong, and it disregards the feelings of Native children, Nahdee says.

so why do we give a pass to a company, run by adults, for marketing something racist to our children?  sara (@paperdoll) September 20, 2017

We are the ones who grew up being spoon-fed the idea that Pocahontas on the other end of a white mans rifle is supposed to be romantic,  she says. The least a non-Native parent can do is explain to their child whats wrong with this costume and this film, so the child doesnt grow up to be a racist adult who causes more harm.

By the way, its not a great idea for teachers to have young students make headdresses or war bonnets to learn about Thanksgiving either. If what they really want is to teach about indigenous cultures, educators could instead have a member of that culture come in and speak to the kids.

For natives, its not a costume, Nahdee reiterates. Its regalia. Its culture. Its religion.

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

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Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 12:41:30|Editor: Lu Hui

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PYONGYANG, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Kim Jong Un, has tasked the nation to go forward with nuclear and missile development despite numerous UN sanctions, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Sunday.

At the Second Plenum of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea held here Saturday, Kim justified the development of nuclear and missile programs by the DPRK as the only way of defense against "protracted nuclear threats" by the United States.

"He solemnly declared: The nuclear weapons of the DPRK are a precious fruition borne by its people's bloody struggle for defending the destiny and sovereignty of the country from the protracted nuclear threats of the U.S. imperialists. And they are a powerful deterrent firmly safeguarding the peace and security in the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia," said the report.

The nuclear and missile capacities of the DPRK are also "reliably guaranteeing the Korean nation's sovereignty and rights to existence and development and a treasured sword of justice to remove the nuclear clouds of tyranny bringing a horrible disaster to mankind and make it possible for the people to lead an independent and happy life under the clear and blue sky," Kim said.

Kim accused the United States of "making last-ditch efforts to completely stifle the sovereignty and the rights to existence and development of the DPRK by cooking up UNSC (UN Security Council) sanction resolutions one after another."

He said the country's science and technology have "developed by leaps and bounds and the national economy has grown on their strength this year despite the escalating sanctions of the U.S. imperialists and their vassal forces."

"The Chairman (Kim) affirmed that the prevailing situation and the reality show that our Party (Workers' Party of Korea) was absolutely right when it dynamically advanced along the socialist road of Juche, holding fast to the line of simultaneously pushing forward the economic construction and the building of nuclear force and that our Party should invariably keep to this road in the future, too," said the report.

Juche, meaning self-reliance, is an ideology in the DPRK for achieving absolute independence in political, economic, military and international affairs.

The UNSC has imposed a raft of sanctions on the DPRK to curb its nuclear and missile development programs.

The latest round of sanctions came after the DPRK conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Sept. 3. In response, the DPRK then tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile which flew over Japan.
Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - About 1,400 Air Berlin workers may soon be out of a job, some as early as the end of this month, according to a union paper obtained by AFP on Saturday.

Many of the cuts would hit the bankrupt airline's ground personnel and administration staff, whose contracts could end by the end of the month or in February 2018.

According to the document, Air Berlin could also soon stop operating, with only its subsidiary Niki continuing to fly.

The German airline triggered bankruptcy proceedings in August after losing a cash lifeline from its biggest shareholder Etihad Airways.

Lufthansa has emerged as the leading bidder for Air Berlin's assets, including valuable landing and takeoff slots at German airports.

The group has already bought or holds an option to buy some 20 Air Berlin aircraft that were leased to its low-cost Eurowings airline in recent months.

Air Berlin has some 8,600 employees, including part-time workers, according to DPA news agency.

Lufthansa has said it plans to hire up to 3,000 people for the expansion of Eurowings, anticipating an accelerated hiring process for Air Berlin workers.

But it does not guarantee them employment.

Air Berlin chief executive Thomas Winkelmann said in September that up to 80 percent of workers could find work with Lufthansa and British EasyJet, the remaining bidders for parts of the stricken business.

EasyJet has given him no information on whether it plans to recruit Air Berlin employees.

Negotiations with the two airlines are due to conclude on October 12.

Unions have criticised management for not keeping them informed of the progress of discussions.

In late September, one of Germany's most powerful unions Verdi urged Air Berlin and its potential buyers to establish a "bailout" for employees.

Verdi also urged the creation of a "transfer company" that would prepare laid-off workers for new employment by providing them professional assistance, qualification and job placement.

Technical details around winding up the carrier are to be thrashed out in the coming weeks and any final deal will need to be approved by European regulators.
(LONDON)  British emergency services raced to Londons Natural History Museum after a car struck pedestrians Saturday outside the building, injuring 11 people. Police say one person was detained at the scene, and the incident is not believed to be terror-related.

The London Ambulance Service says most of the 11 people injured have leg and head injuries.

The crash happened at 2:20 p.m. on a day when the central London museum is usually teeming with pedestrians, including international tourists. The Metropolitan Police tweeted that the incident was being treated as a road traffic collision.

The incident in #ExhibitionRoad #SouthKensington earlier is not being treated as a terror-related incident. It is a road traffic collision.  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 7, 2017

Photographs showed a dented silver car and a man being pinned to the ground outside the museum. Witness Katie Craine said she was coming out of the museum when she saw a man in handcuffs pinned down by police near a damaged car.

He looked really proud of himself, she said. He was laughing.

British officials, however, have not classified the incident as a terrorist act.

From what weve seen in the methodology of other attacks I wouldnt rule it out, but we just dont have enough information on the ground to determine that at this point, said a British security official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the investigation.

The London Ambulance Service was tending to the injured. There was no immediate statement on the number or severity of the injuries.

My statement on the incident in South Kensington: https://t.co/uTeo2HabXy pic.twitter.com/sZ0uIHUZHM  Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) October 7, 2017

Shopkeepers in the immediate area were told to evacuate and police established a large security cordon around the area minutes after the incident, closing some roads. Police helicopters circled the scene overhead.

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Police said they are working to establish the circumstances of the crash and more information will be provided once details are clear.

The Natural History Museum tweeted that there had been a serious incident outside the museum, which is located near the world famous Victoria and Albert Museum and other attractions.

Downing Street said British Prime Minister Theresa May was being briefed on the incident.

Londons official terrorist threat level has been set at severe, indicating an attack is highly likely.

There have been a series of terror attacks on London and Manchester this year, including vehicle attacks on pedestrians at Westminster Bridge and London Bridge.
Hammanskraal (South Africa) (AFP) - Time is running out for 95-year-old Phillip Mabelane.

For 40 years he has waited to discover the truth of how his son died at the hands of police during South Africa's apartheid era.

Now the reopening of a similar case has given him hope that he may finally learn what really happened.

In February 1977, Mabelane heard that a detainee had died in unusual circumstances.

"I heard the news report that a detainee jumped from the 10th floor" of Johannesburg police headquarters, he told AFP, his back upright, his head shaven, sporting a white goatee.

A few hours later, two policeman were hammering on the door of his modest Soweto home.

The victim was his 23-year-old son Matthews, an anti-apartheid activist who had been arrested two weeks earlier as he crossed the Botswana border.

Since then, Phillip has been haunted by a single question: "How can someone jump from the 10th floor when you have done nothing bad?"

"Matthews loved life, he loved jazz, he loved music, he loved girls, he was a socialite. He could not have committed suicide," said Lasch, 63, his brother. "Matthews was pushed."

The Mabelanes never believed the official version which exonerated the police, as in all similar incidents of the era.

Between 1963 and 1990, human rights activists say 73 people died in police detention, sometimes in circumstances strikingly similar to those of Matthews' case -- for example Ahmed Timol.

In 1971, fellow activist Timol also plunged to his death from the 10th storey of the same police station.

This year, after battling for years, Timol's family convinced prosecutors to re-open the inquest into the death -- a legal first in South Africa.

The court probing the case will deliver its long-awaited verdict on October 12.

- 'Timol inquest gave us hope' -

The result could set an important precedent for other South African families whose loved ones also fell victim to the brutal apartheid system but, like the Mabelanes, have been denied the truth.

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In the Timol case, witnesses described in detail to a Pretoria court the extreme violence meted out against opponents of the regime.

Torture at police headquarters included electric shocks, testicles crushed "like pepper" and jaws and skulls fractured by savage beatings.

Lasch listened attentively to the hearings from the public gallery, stunned by what he heard.

"There was a modus operandi" among the police, he said.

"The Timol inquest gave us hope... We never thought that it would happen, that the truth would come to the surface."

Since then, the family have pressed on with efforts to secure a proper investigation of Matthews' death -- despite their modest means.

Among their leads is a UN report from 1979 of which two-and-a-half pages deal with Matthews' death.

The document quotes the police inquiry into the death which claimed that Matthews "forced the window open" and climbed on to a ledge.

- 'Forced to climb out' -

"The police were unable to stop him but called to him to come back... he lost his balance and fell to his death," the police investigation said.

But the UN found that "it would be absurd to suggest that he attempted to escape through a window of the 10th floor".

"There is a strong, and in the circumstances irresistible, inference that he was forced to climb out of the window because he was being tortured," said the official UN conclusion.

Matthews' corpse was never subject to an autopsy, but when the Mabelanes retrieved his body they discovered his blood-soaked trousers contained a disturbing message, Lasch said.

"Brother Lasch, tell mother and my other brothers that the police will push me from the 10th floor. I bid you farewell," said the message written in the garment's lining.

In their despair and in fear of the apartheid system, the family did not hold on to the trousers.

"Nobody could think that today, 40 years down the line, we could ever think of going to court and request an inquest to be opened," Lasch said. "I wish I would have kept it."

Gathering evidence so long after the incident has also proved challenging.

The Mabelane family, like dozens of others who have suffered similar trauma, feel that they have been failed by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, in power since the end of white-rule in 1994.

"The government and the ANC have not done anything for 20 years," said Yasmin Sooka, director of the Foundation for Human Rights in South Africa, which has helped finance the Timol family's campaign for justice.

"That is why we have been looking at these cases privately."

Sooka's organisation recently decided also to champion the case of Matthews Mabelane.

Time is against them. The policemen involved are elderly, if not dead.

But most importantly, Phillip Mabelane prays that justice will be done while he is still alive.
Beirut (AFP) - Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate was once a key ally for many rebels but they are now abandoning it as the jihadists face a Turkey-backed operation in its stronghold.

The Fateh al-Sham Front, formerly known as Al-Nusra Front, is the most powerful faction in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, which remains largely beyond the control of the regime.

It heads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham coalition, which brought together an array of sympathetic rebel and jihadist groups and holds sway across Idlib after ousting rival factions earlier this year.

But the coalition has been hit by successive defections in recent months, leaving Fateh al-Sham isolated just as neighbouring Turkey appears to be readying an offensive against the jihadists with help from Syria rebel fighters.

"People used to adore Al-Nusra, but now they're waiting for the Turkish army to enter and finish them off," an opposition activist told AFP on condition of anonymity.

On Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Syrian rebels would stage a military operation in Idlib "to ensure security".

The operation is linked to a deal agreed earlier this year by rebel backer Turkey and regime allies Russia and Iran to implement four so-called "de-escalation zones" in Syria.

Under pressure and increasingly weak, most rebel groups have acquiesced to the ceasefire zones, but Tahrir al-Sham fiercely opposes it.

A Syrian rebel commander told AFP on Saturday that the Ankara-backed operation in Idlib aimed to drive Tahrir al-Sham from the entire province.

- Wave of defections -

Tahrir al-Sham, which is listed by the US and others as a "terrorist" group, counts an estimated 10,000 fighters among its ranks, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor.

It is the regular target of regime and Russian air strikes, with Moscow alleging this week that the group's leader Abu Mohamed al-Jolani was seriously injured in a raid, a claim the group denied.

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And it has seen its ranks rapidly depleted in advance of the expected Turkish operation, with its coalition now effectively reduced back down to Fateh al-Sham.

Ahmed Abazeid, a Syrian researcher at the Turkey-based Toran Centre, said the Tahrir al-Sham coalition was always "essentially a sham".

"The decision-making and leadership remained in the hands of Al-Nusra Front," he added.

"A Turkish intervention has been on the table for a long time," he said, adding that Turkey had been working to encourage defections in order "to isolate the group associated with Jolani".

The first move, however, came from Tahrir al-Sham's side, with the jihadists in July launching a massive assault on its most powerful ally, Ahrar al-Sham, and evicting it from all but a few parts of Idlib.

Soon after, the prominent Nureddine al-Zinki faction abandoned Tahrir al-Sham, and at the end of September, the faction serving as the coalition's elite force, Jaish al-Ahrar, also jumped ship.

They cited "the increasing number of painful internal incidents", and their departure prompted further defections from Tahrir al-Sham.

- Jihadists seen as 'risky' ally -

The schisms and defections mean Tahrir al-Sham "has shrunk and is now confined to its primary component", said Sam Heller, a Syria expert at the Century Foundation think-tank.

He said the defections could be read as "opportunistic in anticipation of a Turkish intervention".

Charles Lister, a Syria expert at the Middle East Institute, said the conflict had "entered a new stage", with jihadists now seen as a toxic ally for rebel groups.

"Being attached in any way to groups like Tahrir al-Sham is becoming an increasingly risky choice," he said.

"Syrians are being forced to embrace a more pragmatic approach to their revolution."

Tahrir al-Sham, however, has indicated little interest in compromise, with the group's leadership making it clear "that they would fight to the death against any external intervention", he added.

An uptick in Russian and regime strikes on Idlib in recent weeks has already resulted in a soaring civilian death toll and fears that the upcoming confrontation could prove extremely bloody.

Internally, meanwhile, Tahrir al-Sham is facing additional divisions, said Abazeid.

On one side is a "current that believes it is necessary to engage with Turkey and other countries and no longer be designated" a terrorist group, he said.

But a more hardline Al-Qaeda current opposes any compromise and wants to "confront Turkey and the remaining rebel factions... and considers that moderation brings no results".
(Photo: Andrew Toth via Getty Images)

The 2014 historical drama Selma was director Ava DuVernays breakout moment. The film garnered a best picture nomination at the Academy Awards and earned her a best director nomination at the Golden Globes. It also became the source of her biggest regret as a filmmaker, she revealed on Saturday.

It was a really painful experience that I never talked about at the time, DuVernay told a New Yorker Festival crowd on Saturday night. Its the only time in the industry I feel I really betrayed myself. Because I wrote that script, and my name was not on it. The credit was taken from me.

The writing-credit controversy wasnt a secret in 2014, when Selma became a Cinderella contender at the Oscars. The script was credited to British screenwriter Paul Webb, who penned the original screenplay. But according to DuVernay and others who worked on the film, the director substantially rewrote and reshaped the script, Webbs contract stipulated that he would retain sole writing credit if he chose. He declined to share credit.

During a conversation with New Yorker writer Jelani Cobb, DuVernay opened up about the experience, admitting shed downplayed the conflict publicly for the sake of the films Academy Award prospects. At the time, decisions were made that I was a part of to not talk about that, not to create controversy around the film, for Oscars, she said. People dont want to vote for something that feels, mm, somethings wrong with that film.

I learned my lesson, DuVernay said. Ill never do it again.

Sometimes we have to be collaborative, she said, but when you know in your gut its wrong, just dont do it.

DuVernay said that the rewritten Selma script, which drew from her fathers experiences as a young boy growing up near Selma at the time of the famous march there in 1965, had deep personal meaning for herself and her family. She reoriented the film, she said, to focus less on then-President Lyndon B. Johnson and the Washington machinations around civil rights legislation and more on Martin Luther King, Jr. and the other black activists who advanced the cause.

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By allowing Webb, who she did not name, to take credit for the script, DuVernay said she invited, energetically, the largest, most bullshit controversy of any movie in the Oscars race that year. Selma drew criticism from a former Johnson staffer for allegedly downplaying the presidents role in advocating for black voting rights. DuVernay said at the time that she wanted to avoid making another film that focused on white saviors in the black civil rights movement, but Webb criticized her changes, saying shed reduced Johnson ... to a racist.

Ultimately, DuVernay said on Saturday, she was glad that Selma had played a role in humanizing King, a figure often portrayed in a one-dimensional, saintly manner. Some people who had just thought of him as the monument or the holiday will now have the sense of him as a flesh-and-blood human being, she said. For that, its worth any kind of little industry issue that Ive had.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article incorrectly named the screenwriter of Selma as Robert Webb. The screenwriter is Paul Webb.

Also on HuffPost

Marchers on the way to Montgomery as families watch from their porches, 1965.

Young civil rights marchers with American flags march in Montgomery, 1965.

Two mothers with children watching marchers, 1965.

Man with American flag and marchers walking past federal troops guarding crossroads, 1965.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaking to 25,000 civil rights marchers in Montgomery, 1965.

Nuns, priests and civil rights leaders at the head of the march, 1965.

Three generations of women with children watching civil rights marchers, 1965.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Looks out at crowd in Montgomery, 1965.

"Things Go Better With Coke" sign and multi-generational family watching marchers, 1965.

A family watching the march, 1965.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Bangladesh police were Sunday searching for a man who defied a ban and married a Rohingya refugee, hundreds of thousands of whom have fled across the border to escape violence in Myanmar.

More than half a million Rohingya refugees have flocked to Bangladesh since an army crackdown began on August 25 in Myanmar's Rakhine state, a process the UN has described as ethnic cleansing.

Shoaib Hossain Jewel, 25, and his 18-year-old Rohingya bride Rafiza have been on the run since marrying last month, said police in Jewel's home town of Singair.

"We heard he married a Rohingya woman. We went to his home at Charigram village to look for him," Singair police chief Khandaker Imam Hossain told AFP.

"But we did not find him there and his parents don't know where he has gone," he said, adding they were investigating the case.

In 2014 Dhaka banned marriages between Bangladeshis and Myanmar's Rohingya Muslim refugees following claims that members of the persecuted community were attempting to wed to gain citizenship in the mainly Muslim nation.

Jewel's father Babul Hossain said citizenship was not the motive this time and defended his son's marriage to Rafiza.

"If Bangladeshis can marry Christians and people of other religions, what's wrong in my son's marriage to a Rohingya?" Hossain told AFP.

"He married a Muslim who took shelter in Bangladesh."

The Dhaka Tribune newspaper said Jewel, a teacher in a madrassa or religious school, fell in love with Rafiza after her family fled the latest bout of violence in Myanmar and took refuge at a cleric's house in Singair.

In a police crackdown, the family was forced to move back to the main refugee camp in the southeastern district of Cox's Bazar -- some 265 miles from Singair.

A lovestruck Jewel rushed to Cox's Bazar, running from one camp to another in search of Rafiza. He finally found her and asker her parents for their daughter's hand in marriage.

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Their wedding in Cox's Bazar was the first known one between a Bangladeshi and a Rohingya refugee since the August flare-up, the newspaper reported.

- 'Act of charity' -

Many Bangladeshi men have travelled to the refugee camps since the influx began in hopes of marrying young Rohingya women, according to local media reports.

An AFP correspondent met a Bangladeshi man at Balukhali makeshift camp who came from a neighbouring village to find a bride for his elder brother.

"My brother wants to marry a Rohingya woman just to help her. He thinks marrying a girl from the distressed Muslim community will be treated as an act of charity," he said.

A senior police officer said they have stepped up surveillance in the camps to stop any such marriages and to combat trafficking of refugee girls or children, many of whom fled to Bangladesh unaccompanied by parents.

"We are taking all preventive actions to ensure there are no marriages between Bangladeshis and Rohingya," Cox's Bazar's deputy police chief Mohammad Kazi Humayun Rashid told AFP.

He said authorities have banned any Bangladeshi or foreigner from entering the settlements after 5:00 pm.
Mass shootings in the US are consistently followed by calls for action  and then political paralysis. Thats because people refuse to see nuance, experts say

When the question of gun control comes up, a writer says, some kind of animal brain kicks in. Photograph: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

In the week since the mass shooting in Las Vegas left nearly 60 people dead and hundreds injured, Americans have spoken out in outrage and grief, demanding action. They have asked, again: why cant the US pass any gun control laws?

At the same time, just as they did after Sandy Hook and San Bernardino and Orlando, these passionate advocates have endorsed some gun control laws with very little evidence behind them, even some policies that experts have labeled fundamentally not rational or a hysterical violation of civil rights. The great bipartisan gun control victory of this year may be new restrictions on bump stocks, a range toy used to make a semi-automatic rifle fire more like a fully automatic rifle, which arguably should never have been legal in the first place. That wont do much to reduce Americas more than 36,000 annual gun suicides, homicides, fatal accidents, and police killings.

Why does the US feel so paralysed every time it is confronted by a new attack?

Jon Stokes, a writer and software developer, said he is frustrated after each mass shooting by the sentiment among very smart people, who are used to detail and nuance and doing a lot of research, that this is cut and dried, this is black and white.

Stokes has lived on both sides of Americas gun culture war, growing up in rural Louisiana, where he got his first gun at age nine, and later studying at Harvard and the University of Chicago, where he adopted some of a big-city residents skepticism about guns. Hes written articles about the gun geek culture behind the popularity of the AR-15, why he owns a military-style rifle, and why gun owners are so skeptical of tech-enhanced smart guns.

He watches otherwise thoughtful friends suddenly embrace one gun control policy or another, as if it were a magic bullet.

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Some kind of animal brain kicks in, and theyre like, No, this is morally simple.

Even to suggest that the debate is more complicated  that learning something about guns, by taking a course on how to safely carry a concealed weapon, or learning how to fire a gun, might shift their perspective on whichever solution they have just heard about on TV  just upsets them, and they basically say youre trying to obscure the issue.



I dont want to see that kid dead any more than you do, Stokes said. If there was a magic fix, I promise you I would support it.

In early 2013, a few months after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook elementary school, a Yale psychologist created an experiment to test how political bias affects our reasoning skills. Dan Kahan was attempting to understand why public debates over social problems remain deadlocked, even when good scientific evidence is available. He decided to test a question about gun control.

Kahan gave study participants  all American adults  a basic mathematics test, then asked them to solve a short but tricky problem about whether a medicinal skin cream was effective or ineffective. The problem was just hard enough that most people jumped to the wrong answer. People with stronger math skills, unsurprisingly, were more likely to get the answer right.

Then Kahan ran the same test again. This time, instead of evaluating skin cream trials, participants were asked to evaluate whether a law banning citizens from carrying concealed firearms in public made crime go up or down. The result: when liberals and conservatives were confronted with a set of results that contradicted their political assumptions, the smartest people were barely more likely to arrive at the correct answer than the people with no math skills at all. Political bias had erased the advantages of stronger reasoning skills.

The reason that measurable facts were sidelined in political debates was not that people have poor reasoning skills, Kahan concluded. Presented with a conflict between holding to their beliefs or finding the correct answer to a problem, people simply went with their tribe.

It wasa reasonable strategy on the individual level  and a disastrous one for tackling social change, he concluded.

When it comes to guns, Americans want it both ways. A recent Pew study found that just over half of Americans want stronger gun laws. Even stronger majorities of Americans also believe that most people should be allowed to legally own most kinds of guns  and allowed to carry them in most places.

There is room for thoughtful gun control within these constraints. But the extreme polarization of Americas gun debate  the assumption, as the late-night television host Stephen Colbert argued when talking about the Las Vegas shooting, that the bar is so low right now that Congress can be heroes by doing literally anything  obscures how symbolic and marginal some of the most nationally prominent gun control measures are. Like closing the terror gap, so that people on terror watchlists are not allowed to buy guns, or rolling back an Obama order on guns and mental illness that had been opposed by disability rights groups and civi liberties campaigners.

After the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, Australia imposed a mandatory buyback and melted down more than 600,000 semi-automatic rifles and other long guns, about a third of the countrys gun stock. They have not had a high-casualty mass shooting since.

American politicians and pundits are always asking: Australia tackled their mass shooting problem. Why cant we? But no one actually proposes an equivalent Big Melt in the United States, which would require a mandatory buyback of 90m American rifles, at a cost that might be in the billions of dollars.

Instead, an American assault weapons ban, which lasted from 1994 to 2004, allowed everyone to keep the military-style guns they already had, and defined assault weapons in such a technical way that gun companies were able to make cosmetic tweaks to certain models and produce virtually identical, but now legal, guns. A former Obama White House official told the Guardian candidly that the assault weapon ban does nothing and though Obama had nominally endorsed it in 2013, we would have pushed a lot harder if we had believed in it.

Part of the weakness of major gun control proposals is the result of the NRAs catch-22, said Adam Winkler, a gun politics expert at the University of California Los Angeles law school. The NRA waters down the gun laws and makes them ineffective and then says, Look, the gun laws are ineffective, we told you that gun laws never work.

But the biggest distortion in the gun control debate is the dramatic empathy gap between different kinds of victims. Its striking how puritanical the American imagination is, how narrow its range of sympathy. Mass shootings, in which the perpetrator kills complete strangers at random in a public place, prompt an outpouring of grief for the innocent lives lost. These shootings are undoubtedly horrifying, but they account for a tiny percentage of Americas overall gun deaths each year.

The roughly 60 gun suicides each day, the 19 black men and boys lost each day to homicide, do not inspire the same reaction, even though they represent the majority of gun violence victims. Yet there are meaningful measures which could save lives here  targeted inventions by frontline workers in neighborhoods where the gun homicide rate is 400 times higher than other developed countries, awareness campaigns to help gun owners in rural states learn about how to identify suicide risk and intervene with friends in trouble.

When it comes to suicide, there is so much shame about that conversation  and where there is shame there is also denial, said Mike McBride, a pastor who leads Live Free, a national campaign for gun violence prevention and criminal justice reform. When young men of color are killed, you have disdain and aggression, fueled by the type of white supremacist argument which equates blackness with criminality.

First-hand experience can be profoundly transformative  the guitarist Caleb Keeter, who was caught up in the Las Vegas shooting, said afterwards: Ive been a proponent of the 2nd amendment my entire life. Until the event of last night. I cannot express how wrong I was. We need gun control. RIGHT. NOW.

But as Nicole Hockley, the mother of Dylan, one of the children killed at Sandy Hook, put it, many Americans seem exhausted and alienated by the gun debate itself, that cyclical conversation that moves from assault weapons to arming more Americans to mental illness to policy proposals that may or may not relate at all to what actually occurred.

Its time to open up the conversation, she argues  to focus on different ways to save lives, rather than the same old gun law stalemate.

Otherwise, she wrote: By the end of next week this story will be almost gone as if it never happened, even while those most impacted are still reeling from shock and grief.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 12:51:32|Editor: Lu Hui

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BOSTON, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Repairing wounds during surgery can be complicated and often involves sutures or staples. Yet with the development of a surgical "glue," the job can be done in just a minute.

A good surgical sealant needs to be elastic, adhesive, non-toxic and biocompatible, but most sealants on the markets do not possess all these characteristics, according to Nasim Annabi, lead author of the study and a researcher at Northeastern University.

The "glue," dubbed MeTro, is a biocompatible and highly elastic hydrogel sealant made from a human protein that has been modified to react to ultraviolet (UV) light, according to the study published in the medical journal Science Translational Medicine earlier this week.

When researchers apply the glue to a wound and place it under UV light, the wound will be sealed in 60 seconds, said the study.

The glue can seal up wounds without stopping the natural expanding and relaxing of the organ or the skin it's applied to, the study added.

The researchers had successfully tested MeTro on animals by sealing surgical incisions in blood vessels in rats and in lungs in pigs without evidence of leakage or rupture.

Northeastern University reported that Annabi and her colleagues plan to test MeTro over a longer period of time before running clinical trials with humans.

Within three to five years, the glue could be available in hospitals, Annabi told the university.

"The potential applications are powerful, from treating serious internal wounds at emergency sites such as following car accidents and in war zones, as well as improving hospital surgeries," said Anthony Weiss, an author of the study and a researcher at the University of Sydney, in a release published on the American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) website.
Breaking Bad actor Dean Norris has told The Independent his sister was in the audience at the mass shooting in Las Vegas, and sent him several horrifying text messages.

The actor, who played cop Hank Schrader in the US hit series, was in London filming a movie when he received panicked text messages on Monday morning, UK time, from his sister who was at the event.

My sister was there, he told The Independent. I was up. It would have been Monday morning here, and I get a text from her, which would have been 12 or one oclock in the morning. She was at the concert with her friends. I didnt know she was at the concert, so I got an up-close-and-personal description of what happened. It was obviously horrifying. I doubt that she has fully comprehended what has happened to her even yet. I will have to keep talking to her, keep keeping an eye on her, about those events, that amazingly traumatic thing to happen.

It was a personal shock, I woke up and it was oh two people shot in Las Vegas, and then it was 20 and then it turned to 50.

Then I get a text saying, Were barricaded into some supply room, and I was like, wow!

Mr Norris said he hoped the sheer number of people present could make the incident a tipping point towards a change in gun control laws.

My wife also had a friend that was there, a good friend, he said. And we both kind of commented to each other on the fact that now there is this new normal, where we know people that were involved in a mass shooting. [In fact] we know two people  they werent there with each other.

Mr Norris, who has also recently starred in TNT series Claws, said he personally owned guns but that the law should change around the militarisation level currently permitted.

Last Sunday night, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock killed 58 people and injured more than 500 others when he fired several automatic weapons into the crowd at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on the Las Vegas strip from his room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel.

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Mr Norris said: It always seemed like it was somewhere else  like, well, its never going to happen to me, its never going to happen to us. But maybe this is a slight tipping point. There were 22,000 people there. The degree of separation now between somebody who knows someone whos been involved in an actual mass shooting is getting smaller and smaller, and I wonder if that, in some way, will inject a little more energy into the debate.

It is commonly argued that given gun control legislation did not change in the wake of the Sandy Hook school massacre, in which 20 elementary school children were murdered, it is unlikely to change even now.

But Mr Norris said: That was a school, probably 400 or 500 people. Im just saying that, personally, now, I know somebody who was involved, and I wonder how many other people, since there were 22,000 people there, got those same texts.

The scope of that event, multiplied by everyones friends, say on Facebook, and you are talking several hundred thousand people, more, who knew someone who was actually at that event.
It's no secret that automakers believe the US' recently-instituted fuel efficiency requirements are too stringent, but now they've made those views official. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which includes companies like GM, Toyota and VW, has made official comments to both the EPA and NHTSA asking the regulators to loosen Obama-era rules intended to raise a fleet's average fuel economy to 51.4MPG by 2025. They don't object to the targets as such -- rather, they don't like the projected costs of reaching those targets.

The brands contend that the previous administration made mistakes forecasting the cost of hitting that fuel economy target. There's a "misalignment" between the ever-tougher requirements and a car market that's skewing toward less fuel-efficient vehicles, the Alliance claims in its comments to the EPA. Companies contend that previous officials overestimated the ability to hit goals using "conventional technologies." In other words, they believe that they'd have to use exotic designs to achieve their objectives.

The Alliance also calls for increased flexibility in the rules' credit system, which lets manufacturers offset low-efficiency cars by producing hyper-efficient cars (including EVs and hybrids). Just what that flexibility entails isn't clear, but it's implied that companies would like either more opportunities to earn credits or for their achievements to count more.

Whether or not they'll get any changes in the rules is another story. The current EPA leadership is close to the fossil fuel industry and has a deregulatory bent, but that won't matter much if California continues to resist attempts to soften regulations. Like it or not, automakers have to honor the state's rules if they expect to succeed -- if they don't, they give up sales in California and the 12 other states that follow its lead. As it is, the gripes may not amount to much. Auto giants like GM have already promised an abundance of electric cars over the next several years. They may not need to worry about reaching the 2025 goals if large portions of their lineups are fuel-free before that time.
PureWow

King Charles is taking on yet another important role that was previously held by his late father, Prince Philip. This week, the royal family released a brand-new portrait of the monarch, as he officially takes on the role of Park Ranger of Windsor Great Park. In the photograph, His Majesty is standing next to a giant oak tree in an open field while the sun shines brightly. King Charles looks like a whole new man in the pic and is dressed in a camel-colored suit and holding a cane in his hand. Vi
The Connecticut senator, elected shortly before the Sandy Hook shooting, has continued to lead his cause in the horrific aftermath of the Las Vegas attack

Chris Murphy speaks during a press conference on gun violence held by Senate Democrats at the Capitol. Photograph: Edelm/Zuma Wire/Rex/Shutterstock

In the hours after the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history, when a man alone in a hotel suite sprayed gunfire on 22,000 concertgoers 32 floors below, leaving 58 dead and injuring almost 500, Senator Chris Murphy rose once again to demand lawmakers do more to prevent these tragedies.

Its a grim exercise that Murphy has repeated after each mass shooting since he was elected to the Senate in 2012. That was less than a month before 26 people, including 20 children, were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. As a congressman, Murphy represented the district.

On Tuesday, Murphy stood again behind a lectern, facing a battery of cameras. He condemned congressional inaction in the face of what he called a uniquely American problem.

The reason that these mass shootings continue to happen  the reason that 90 people die every day across this country  is because of public policy choices that this Congress makes, he said, his voice rising.

This country has the loosest set of gun laws to allow dangerous people to own dangerous weapons in the industrialized world. And so what is unacceptable in the wake of the most deadly mass shooting in the history of the country is for this utter silence, this unintentional complicity from Congress, to continue.

I think there is an unintentional endorsement that gets sent to these mass murderers when after slaughter after slaughter, Congress does nothing. If the greatest deliberative body in the world doesnt do anything to condemn them by policy change, it starts to look like complicity.

On the morning of 14 December 2012, Murphy was on a train platform in Bridgeport with his wife and young sons, on his way to New York City to see the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. His cellphone rang. A 15-minute drive away, in Newtown, Connecticut, 20 children about the age of his elder son had been murdered.

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The newly elected senator was among the first politicians to arrive at a firehouse near the elementary school, where families waited to hear if their child had survived. His phone buzzed repeatedly. The calls were from members of Congress who had consoled constituents in the wake of shootings now seared into the national consciousness: Columbine, Virginia Tech, Tucson, Aurora.

Murphy has said he sometimes wishes he had not been in the firehouse that day. Being there, though, was a personal summons.

I walked out of that tragedy feeling like I had just been handed my mission in public service, he told Politico last year. That if I wasnt able, in my career in the Senate, to do something meaningful to pay homage to those kids and those teachers, then I had failed.

Murphy has become one of the Senates most vocal and tireless campaigners to impose legislative limits on guns, rededicating himself to the cause after each bloody tragedy.

He dedicated his first floor speech to the issue. In April 2013, four months after Sandy Hook, the Senate voted down a package of gun control measures. The defeat was clarifying for Murphy. If the deaths of 20 children could not alter the political debate in Washington  could anything?

Mark Barden holds up a picture of his son Daniel, killed at Sandy Hook, during a vigil remembering the people killed in Las Vegas this week. Photograph: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

He chose to slog on in a Congress led by Republicans who have long resisted any attempt to impose legislative limits on the second amendments guarantee of the right to bear arms.

Last year, after a man opened fire in an LGBT nightclub in Orlando, killing 49 people, Murphy led a 15-hour filibuster to demand action on a slate of gun measures. Republican leadership allowed the bills to come up for a vote. The bills included one offered by Murphy to expand background checks and one to ban people on the federal terrorism watch list from buying guns. The Senate deadlocked. The bills failed.

In the days that followed this weeks attack on a country music festival in Las Vegas, Murphy held a press conference on Capitol Hill. He wanted, he said, to challenge Senate Republicans to work with Democrats to find a sliver of common ground. Lawmakers indifference amounted to a quiet endorsement of these continued killings, he said.

Two days later, the National Rifle Association broke its silence and, in a rare concession, called for additional regulations on bump-fire stocks, devices that allow semiautomatic guns to fire like automatics. Though many expressed doubt that banning such rapid-fire devices would be consistent with current law, Murphy saw reason to be optimistic.

This is the first time in all 10 years that Ive been in Congress that the NRA has admitted that the laws of the country need to change, he said, speaking at a rally with gun control advocates in New Haven, Connecticut, on Friday.

They are fearful for the first time that they are going to lose that fight if it happens in the Congress. Something has changed.
Each year, more cities, states and universities opt to celebrate an alternative to Columbus Day: Indigenous Peoples Day.

Instead of honoring Christopher Columbus, the Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes Native Americans, who were the first inhabitants of the land that later became the United States of America. Advocates for the switch to Indigenous Peoples Day argue that Columbus did not discover America in 1492 but instead began the colonization of it. For decades, Native American activists have advocated abolishing Columbus Day, which became a federal holiday in 1937.

This year, both Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day are on Monday, Oct. 9.

While the United Nations declared August 9 as International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples in late 1994, Berkeley, Calif., had already become the first city in the U.S. to replace Columbus Day itself. The citys decision was influenced by the First Continental Conference on 500 Years of Indian Resistance in Quito, Ecuador, in 1990, which spurred another Northern California conference that discussed similar issues and brought them to the Berkeley City Council, TIME has reported.

With the exception of Santa Cruz, Calif., and the state of South Dakota, which adopted the similar Native American Day in place of Columbus Day in 1990, the cities, states and universities that have chosen to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day instead have done so only recently, with cities like Minneapolis and Seattle voting to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day instead in 2014.

Which cities and states celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day?

States:

Cities:

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Universities:

*Celebrates Native American Day.

**Celebrates both Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day.

Why is Columbus Day so controversial now?

Critics of Columbus Day argue that the holiday does not celebrate the discovery of America, but instead honors the mass genocide and colonization of the people indigenous to the land.

[Columbus] was one of the first Europeans to get to the American continent, but there was a lot of history that came after that in terms of the wiping out of native people, Loni Hancock, the mayor of Berkeley in 1992 and former California state senator, told TIME in 2014. It just didnt seem appropriate. It seemed like a reemphasizing of history and recognizing that to be very ethnocentric really diminishes us all.

What cities are considering celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day instead?

Several other cities are considering an alternative to Columbus Day, replacing celebrations of Columbus with that of indigenous people.

A member of Washington, D.C.s city council proposed a bill to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day, and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio created a commission to assess the value of monuments of historical figures in public spaces in the city. That includes the monument honoring the Italian explorer in Columbus Circle near Central Park.

Just days before the 2017 holiday, the city council in Austin, Texas, voted to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day.

The town of Newcastle, Maine, is considering a change to follow the lead of a number of other cities in the state, though members of the towns Board of Selectmens wont vote on the matter until the 2017 holiday has passed.

Advocates for the switch have also voiced the desire for the change in Santa Barbara, Calif., Silver City, N.M. and Miami County, Kansas, among other cities.
By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) - Lawmakers in British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party who are trying to oust her as leader have been told to "shut up" by senior party members, including potential rival Boris Johnson, Britain's foreign minister. Others in the party warned that the uncertainty over May was damaging Brexit negotiations with the European Union. May on Friday said she would remain as leader after a former Conservative chairman said he had garnered the support of 30 lawmakers who wanted her to quit. It followed a disastrous speech at the party's conference earlier this week, when a persistent cough left May barely able to deliver her message, and a snap election in June in which May lost her party's majority in parliament. Senior figures have rallied round May, but the open rebellion coincides with crucial talks with the European Union just 18 months before Britain is due to leave. Johnson, who is widely considered to be the most serious challenger for leadership of the Conservatives if May were to resign, called for unity, according to media reports. "We have just had an election and people are fed up with this malarkey," newspapers quoted him as saying in a message to Conservative lawmakers. "Get behind the PM. Ordinary punters I have spoken to thought her speech was good and anyone can have a cold," he said. "Circle the wagons, turn the fire on (opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy) Corbyn and talk about nothing except our great policies and what we can do for the country". EU partners are stepping up preparations for a collapse in Brexit negotiations due to fundamental divisions across Britain on what to ask for - even if few believe Britain would risk crashing out into legal limbo in March 2019. In Brussels, officials are questioning whether May will survive even until a summit on Oct. 19, but diplomats said governments insisted they would not ease their demands to help her move on with talks on a post-Brexit transition. Few of her 27 EU counterparts see either hardline Brexiter rivals such as Johnson or the Labour opposition of Corbyn as any better able to rally the country behind their own visions for Brexit. Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, a possible successor should May be forced out and who campaigned hard against Brexit last year, told the BBC the prime minister's critics should "put up, shut up and get off the stage". "I would tell my party to get its house in order, get together, knuckle down, and make sure that our first commitment, last commitment and only commitment is to the country," she said. Her message came after former party chairman Grant Shapps toured media studios calling for a leadership election. Shapps said 30 Conservative lawmakers backed his view, well short of the 48 needed to trigger a contest. MOMENTUM LOST Commentators said deep divisions in the party over the direction of Brexit meant the rebellion had lost momentum despite disquiet over May's performance as leader. One Conservative lawmaker, Nigel Evans, said the "botched plot" appeared to have fizzled out within 24 hours but that it would play into the hands of EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and EU Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker. May's weakness is generating more concern than satisfaction in Brussels, however, since failing to reach a deal with London would disrupt economies on both sides of the English Channel. Barnier's team starts a new week of talks with British negotiators on Monday, though expectations are very low of a breakthrough that could prompt leaders to open the way in the following week for talks on a post-Brexit free trade deal -- something London insists should be a priority for both sides. Underscoring a hard line among governments, including heavyweights such as Germany and France, that Britain must do more to settle immediate "divorce" issues, such as paying Brussels tens of billions of euros, before opening a new phase of talks, envoys told Barnier on Friday they opposed starting even a tentative exploration of transitional arrangements. Negotiators have suggested that, with time tight, it could be useful to explore some of the immediate problems that will come up on March 30, 2019, when Britain is out. However, leaders could still agree to let Barnier look at some transition issues, depending on next week's negotiating round, diplomats said. Adding to low expectations, however, the schedule for talks is thinner than previous rounds, with no public meeting planned at the start between Barnier and Brexit Secretary David Davis and no negotiations taking place at all on Wednesday. For now, European leaders can do little more than watch and speculate about May's ability to govern. "Who knows if we will still have an interlocutor at the summit," one official said. (Additional reporting by Alastair Macdonald in Brussels and William Schomberg in London; Editing by Jeremy Gaunt and Alison Williams)
President Trump and Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn. (Photos: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP, Erik Schelzig/AP)

President Trump lashed out at Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., on Sunday, days after the outgoing GOP lawmaker suggested that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense James Mattis and White House chief of staff John Kelly are all that separates our country from chaos.

Senator Bob Corker begged me to endorse him for re-election in Tennessee, Trump tweeted early Sunday. I said NO and he dropped out (said he could not win without my endorsement). He also wanted to be Secretary of State, I said NO THANKS. He is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal!

Senator Bob Corker "begged" me to endorse him for re-election in Tennessee. I said "NO" and he dropped out (said he could not win without  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017

..my endorsement). He also wanted to be Secretary of State, I said "NO THANKS." He is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017

Corker, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, believes the nuclear agreement forged by the Obama administration is badly flawed but does not want to tear it up and risk losing Americas European allies.

Hence, I would fully expect Corker to be a negative voice and stand in the way of our great agenda, Trump added. Didnt have the guts to run!

Hence, I would fully expect Corker to be a negative voice and stand in the way of our great agenda. Didn't have the guts to run!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017

Corker, who recently announced he wont seek reelection next year, fired back.

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Its a shame the White House has become an adult day care center, Corker tweeted. Someone obviously missed their shift this morning.

It's a shame the White House has become an adult day care center. Someone obviously missed their shift this morning.  Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) October 8, 2017

Bob Corker gave us the Iran Deal, & thats about it, Trump tweeted later Sunday. We need HealthCare, we need Tax Cuts/Reform, we need people that can get the job done!

Bob Corker gave us the Iran Deal, & that's about it. We need HealthCare, we need Tax Cuts/Reform, we need people that can get the job done!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017

Its not the first time Corker has drawn Trumps fire.

In August, Corker harshly criticized Trumps response to the violence in Charlottesville, Va., telling reporters that the president has not demonstrated that he understands the character of this nation.

Strange statement by Bob Corker considering that he is constantly asking me whether or not he should run again in 18, Trump tweeted in response. Tennessee not happy!

Strange statement by Bob Corker considering that he is constantly asking me whether or not he should run again in '18. Tennessee not happy!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2017

Meanwhile, Corkers status as a free agent could pose a challenge to the GOPs plan for tax reform. The two-term lawmaker is a member of the Senate Budget Committee and the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, and has said he will oppose any legislation that increases the national debt.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Copenhagen (AFP) - Danish police said Saturday divers had found the decapitated head and two legs of Swedish journalist Kim Wall, who vanished in August while interviewing a Danish inventor aboard his homemade submarine.

Copenhagen police inspector Jens Moller Jensen told reporters divers had found bags containing her missing clothes, her head and two legs in Koge Bay, south of the Danish capital.

"Last night our forensic dentist confirmed that it was Kim Wall's head," he said.

Her headless torso was found floating in waters off Copenhagen on August 21, 11 days after she went missing.

Self-taught engineer and inventor Peter Madsen, 46, has been accused of Wall's death, with prosecutors saying he dismembered her body before throwing it overboard.

Madsen, who is married and has been in custody since August 11, claims Wall died when a 70-kilogramme (154-pound) hatch door fell on her head, and in a panic, he threw her body overboard.

He insisted her body was intact at the time.

Earlier this week, Prosecutor Jakob Buch-Jepsen told a court custody hearing that a hard disk found in Madsen's workshop contained fetish films in which real women were tortured, decapitated and burned.

"This hard drive doesn't belong to me," Madsen insisted, saying numerous people had access to his workshop.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 12:56:33|Editor: Lu Hui

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by Feng Yingqiu

YANGON, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- As part of its environment protection efforts, Myanmar, a signatory of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, is taking measures targeting the conservation of the eco-system in coastal areas and striving to improve water resources management in the country.

Myanmar's coastal areas of Tanintharyi, Ayeyawaddy and Rakhine are abundant with coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass beds, mud flats, estuaries and sand dunes, playing an important role in environmental diversity and the sectors of agriculture, forestry, fishing and tourism.

However, part of the mangroves are being damaged by locals, who clear the areas for prawn breeding, fishing, mining, waste disposal and oil spilling, while the rainforests in Tanintharyi are also found to be damaged.

There are over 500,000 hectares of mangroves across the country in Myanmar, but the number is declining as many of the plants were cut down to be used as firewood, or to give way to fish farms.

To curb the degradation of the eco-system, forest reserves are being established in coastal areas of the southeast Asian country.

As part of its efforts in protecting local people living near the coastal areas from natural disaster, Myanmar is implementing a mangrove conservation project in Rakhine state's Sittway and Kyaukpyu, and Tanintharyi region's Myeik with the cooperation of local non-governmental organizations.

The Central Committee for Management of Natural Resources in Coastal Areas emphasized the need for cooperation among international bodies to save the delicate eco-system.

Meanwhile, the country is taking measures to improve management of water resources to prevent flooding and water scarcity.

The National Water Resources Committee stressed the need to take urgent steps to address problems facing the water sector, with priorities given to conservation of Inle Lake in Shan state and watershed areas of dams.

It also called for fighting pollution of the Ayeyawaddy River that flows through the country from north to south.

Myanmar is currently drawing a work plan to improve infrastructure and capacity related to water management as part of efforts to get financial assistance under the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation program.

The country is set to host the third Asia-Pacific Water Forum in Nay Pyi Taw in December to seek ways of better management of water resources.

The event will provide opportunities for the country to learn from international specialists about all-round management of water resources, response to natural disaster, new techniques and ideas on water resources management and achieving water sufficiency.

Moreover, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is providing new farming techniques for Myanmar as part of a project to address climate change risk on water resources and food security in the dry zone.

The new techniques include crop spacing method, drought resistant crop selection, water conservation and environmentally sensitive livestock husbandry practices.

The project targets 250,000 people living in Shwebo and Monywa in northwestern Sagaing region, Myingyan and Nyaung Oo in northern Mandalay region and Chauk in central Magway region.

The four-year project worth 7.9 million U.S. dollars is the first of its kind in Myanmar to receive funding from the Adaptation Fund.

The project, being implemented by the UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, began in 2015 and is set to complete in 2019. Enditem
Harvey Weinstein in 2017. (Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images)

Democrats are facing mounting calls from critics to return or donate to charity millions in campaign contributions from Harvey Weinstein after the New York Times bombshell report detailing sexual harassment allegations by numerous women against the Oscar-winning movie mogul spanning three decades.

On CNNs State of the Union Sunday, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said he agrees so-called dirty money ought to be returned.

This is a pretty bad guy who did some really awful things, Murphy said. And, you know, if people need for that money to be returned in order to make it clear that the entities that received them want nothing to do with him and his behavior, then it is probably a smart move.

Sen. Murphy calls Harvey Weinstein a "pretty bad guypeople who took money from him should probably give it back" https://t.co/Z9Ec5F7aUO  CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) October 8, 2017

According to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, Weinstein and his family have given more than $1.4 million in political contributions since the 1992 election cycle  including nearly $800,000 to the Democratic National Committee.

DNC spokeswoman Xochitl Hinojosa told the Associated Press that the organization plans to donate more than $30,000  Weinsteins personal contribution to the DNC during the 2016 campaign  to three charities benefitting women.

Numerous Democratic lawmakers  including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.  say they intend to donate Weinsteins contributions to charities supporting women.

On NBCs Meet the Press, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said she was unaware if Weinstein had made any contributions to her in the past.

I dont know that Ive received any, Feinstein said. Ill certainly take a look, and then Ill make a decision.

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According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Weinstein made at least two small contributions to Feinstein: $375 in 1992 and $1,000 in 1994.

Related: Democrats begin shunning Harvey Weinstein campaign donations

On Thursday, the Times reported that Weinstein reached at least eight settlements with women who accused him of sexual harassment between 1990 and 2015. The newspaper also included accounts from other women, including actress Ashley Judd, who said he asked her to watch him shower during a breakfast meeting in his hotel suite in the mid 1990s.

In a statement, Weinstein apologized for his behavior, blaming it in part on the office culture that existed when he began his career.

I came of age in the 60s and 70s, when all the rules about behavior and workplaces were different, he said. I have since learned its not an excuse, in the office  or out of it.

Weinstein added, I realized some time ago that I needed to be a better person and my interactions with the people I work with have changed. I appreciate the way Ive behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologize for it.

The 65-year-old has been fired from the film studio he co-founded, the Weinstein Co. On Sunday, the companys board of directors said his termination was effective immediately in light of new information about misconduct by Weinstein.

Hillary Clinton and producer Harvey Weinstein attend the 2012 Time 100 Gala in New York City. (Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

Murphy, who has never received money from Weinstein, said accepting campaign cash from controversial figures is a bipartisan issue.

Lets be honest. We take tens of thousands of contributions, Murphy said. I dont require a background check to contribute to my campaign. And so there are probably lots of people with unsavory backgrounds and pasts who have given to both Democrats and Republicans. But this was a high-profile individual who did some truly awful things, and people that took money from him should probably give it back.

Meanwhile, two high-profile Democrats have yet to comment on the revelations: Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Each have ties to the disgraced film producer: Weinstein hosted fundraisers for both Obama and Clinton at his homes during their 2012 and 2016 presidential campaigns, and the filmmaker offered strategic advice to the Clinton campaign during her primary battle against Bernie Sanders. And Obamas daughter, Malia, served as an intern with the Weinstein Co. this year.

On Saturday night, President Trump was asked about the sexual harassment allegations against Weinstein.

Ive known Harvey Weinstein for a long time, Trump said. Im not at all surprised to see it.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Democratic lawmakers are returning donations from longtime donor Harvey Weinstein following an explosive story in the New York Times that alleged he sexually harassed numerous women over several decades.

Following reports that Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Patrick Leahy, Martin Heinrich and Richard Blumenthal will give donations they received from Weinstein to charities that help women, representatives of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sens. Cory Booker and Kamala Harris told TIME that they were making similar donations.

An investigation by the Times published Thursday said that Weinstein, a Hollywood producer whose films have earned over 300 Academy Award nominations, has been accused of inappropriate contact and sexual harassment with a number of women he worked with professionally, including actresses Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan. Weinstein has denied the allegations.

Weinstein has been a prolific patron of Democratic politics and politicians for years, spending more than $1.4 million since 1990 on candidates, parties, and action committees. Publicly available campaign records disclose that he regularly writes checks in the five figures for the Democratic National Committee and contributed to the campaigns of major party figures.

Republicans were harshly critical of lawmakers who had accepted Weinsteins donations, arguing that his behavior was well-known before the Times report was published.

I dont think that people are surprised, Tim Miller, a Republican operative who served as Jeb Bushs communications director in the 2016 election. It seems like it was an open secret. Hollywood and the Democratic Party tend to look the other way when theres misogynistic behavior exhibited by people who contribute to Democratic causes

An email from the Republican National Committee circulating on Friday listed 29 Democratic politicians and entities that benefited from Weinsteins patronage.

If Democrats and the DNC truly stand up for women like they say they do, then returning this dirty money should be a no-brainer, RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in the email.

Outside Republican groups said they intend to highlight the gap between Democrats idealistic statements on the treatment of women and the acceptance of donations from Weinstein.

Our goal is to shed a light on what appears to be a cash juggernaut for the Democratic Party that is, by all accounts, rife with contradictions to the stated principles of that organization and its elected officials, Alexandra Smith, who runs the Republican opposition research group America Rising, told TIME. The narrative here is that this is a party that purports itself to be a champion of women, but when you mix in big-time money it seems like those objectives become a little gray.
A year after the release of Donald Trumps infamous Access Hollywood tape documenting his salacious comments towards women, the president wants the public to know he isnt surprised about the sexual harassment allegations against Hollywood producer and The Weinstein Company co-founder Harvey Weinstein.

Ive known Harvey Weinstein for a long time, Trump told reporters outside the White House, as seen in a video posted online by CNN Saturday. Im not at all surprised to see it.

When asked by one of the reporters if he thinks Weinsteins actions were inappropriate, Trump responded by saying, Well, he says they were inappropriate.

CNN reporter Elizabeth Landers tweeted that she asked POTUS how Weinsteins behavior differed from the lewd comments he made in the Access Hollywood tape. In response, Trump brushed off the tape, in which he brags about groping women, chalking it up once again to locker room talk. (Trump used the same explanation when the video was first released.)

.@potus just said "not at all surprised" by the Harvey Weinstein comments.



I asked him how that was different from Access Hollywood tape  Elizabeth Landers (@ElizLanders) October 7, 2017

The President told me that was "locker room talk" and then moved on the next question.  Elizabeth Landers (@ElizLanders) October 7, 2017

Both Trump and Weinstein have been accused of sexual misconduct.

Following the release of the Access Hollywood tape, a number of women came forward with allegations against the former Apprentice host, though he has denied any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, last week Weinstein was the subject of a bombshell New York Times article that detailed a number of damning accusations of sexual harassment against the producer.

Story continues

I appreciate the way Ive behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologize for it. Though Im trying to do better, I know I have a long way to go, Weinstein said in a statement, not denying the allegations.

Since the report was published, the Miramax founder said that he would take a leave of absence from his role at The Weinstein Company. The companys board members will reportedly suspend Weinstein pending an investigation into the accusations against him, according to The Associated Press.

Also on HuffPost

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That Megyn Kelly had blood coming out of her 'wherever.'

Trump kicked off the early days of his presidential run in style by famously saying that Fox News' Megyn Kelly had "blood coming out of her wherever" after she moderated a GOP debate and questioned Trump for having previously labeled women "fat pigs" and "dogs." (He also retweeted a comment calling Kelly a "bimbo.")

That no one could possibly vote for Carly Fiorina because of her face.

Back when Fiorina was still vying for the Republican presidential nomination, Trump took aim at her looks in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine. "Look at that face!" he said. "Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?!" Trump then attempted to backpedal, saying he was talking about her persona, not her physical appearance.

That Hillary Clinton was disgusting for going to the bathroom...

In December, Trump mocked Clinton for being a few minutes late returning to the stage during a Democratic debate saying, "I know where she went, it's disgusting, I don't want to talk about it." It's not the first time Trump has expressed revulsion at women needing to occasionally go to the bathroom, telling Howard Stern in 2004 that it was amazing he'd never seen any evidence that Melania Trump actually poops.

...and that she got 'schlonged' by Obama in the 2008 campaign.

Clinton gracefully exited the 2008 presidential campaign when it became clear that she was not going win, and not only went on to endorse Obama, but also worked for him. Trump, however, characterized the loss in less tactful terms, saying she got "schlonged."

That women who get abortions should be punished.

In a March interview with MSNBCs Chris Matthews, Trump said "there has to be some form of punishment" for abortion if it were to ever be banned in the United States -- and that punishment should fall on women. Yet again, Trump later tried to backtrack, clarifying that the person performing the abortion should be held legally responsible, not the woman -- a stance that's not really any more supportive of women's fundamental right to control their own bodies.

That the only card Hillary Clinton has is the 'woman card.'

One could argue that Clinton has a lot of "cards" to play that might endear her to voters, like the fact that she spent years managing the State Department, or that she fought to get 9/11 first responders health care. But according to Trump, Clinton has only one card, and that's the "woman card." You know, the one that also gets you a discount on your salary and that also makes you more likely to live in poverty and to be sexually assaulted, among innumerable other benefits.

That as a Muslim woman, Ghazala Khan probably isn't allowed to speak.

After Khizr Khan, the father of a soldier who died in Iraq, spoke out against Trump at the Democratic convention, Trump responded by publicly fighting with the family, saying at one point in an interview with ABC that perhaps Khan's wife, Ghazala, didn't speak herself because she "wasn't allowed to have anything to say." The assumption being that all Muslim women are voiceless and subservient to their husbands.



Khan then explained her decision not to speak in a devastating piece for The Washington Post. "Walking onto the convention stage, with a huge picture of my son behind me, I could hardly control myself," she wrote. "What mother could? Donald Trump has children whom he loves. Does he really need to wonder why I did not speak?"

That he'd expect his daughter to just quit if she was harassed at work.

Trump displayed his keen understanding of the kinds of obstacles women he workplace face and the protections they deserve when he told a USA Today columnist that if his daughter were ever to be sexually harassed at work, he hopes she'd just move on. I would like to think she would find another career or find another company if that was the case," he said.

That Hillary Clinton's brain doesn't work...

At a rally this summer, Trump added fuel to the Hillary-is-unhealthy fire (and tapped into the long history of discrediting women by calling them crazy, hormonal and biologically unfit to hold positions of power) by saying she has a "short-circuit" in her brain. "She's got problems," Trump claimed. "Honestly, I don't think she's all there."

...and that *maybe* someone could just shoot her.

At a rally this summer, Trump first warned that if Clinton is allowed to nominate Supreme Court justices there is "nothing you can do, folks. But then he added: Although, the Second Amendment people. Maybe there is. I dont know. Trump's team attempted to clarify that he was not actually promoting the idea of shooting the first woman to ever secure the Democratic nomination; rather, he was trying to energize people to turn out to the polls.



But Trump once again invoked the threat of gun violence against Clinton this fall, suggesting that her bodyguards should stop protecting her because of her thoughts on gun control, and "see what happens to her."

26,000 unreported sexual assults in the military-only 238 convictions. What did these geniuses expect when they put men & women together?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2013

That ranking women's looks is all in good fun.

Trump recently said that if he'd known he was going to run for president some day, he wouldn't have gone on Howard Stern's show in the past, where he assigned actresses numerical rankings based on what he thinks about their looks and analyzed their f**kability. But he also stood by those conversations, saying they were all in jest. "We have fun," he said of going on Stern's show. "So well talk about women, well talk about men, well talk about everything, and were all having a good time." Ha.

That Hillary Clinton doesn't have a 'presidential look.'

On several occasions, Trump has suggested that Clinton doesn't look like most presidents, an objective truth given that she is the first woman ever nominated by a major political party to run for the office. "I just dont think she has a presidential look," Trump told ABC News. "And you need a presidential look."



In the first presidential debate, Trump was once again given the opportunity to address his comments. He attempted to clarify that what he really meant was that she doesn't have the stamina to be president.

That Roger Ailes has helped the women who have accused him of harassment.

Ailes, the former CEO of Fox News, was accused by many women of sexual harassment, including former news host Gretchen Carlson (with whom Fox News recently settled). But Trump defended Ailes, telling "Meet the Press": "I can tell you that some of the women that are complaining, I know how much he's helped them."

That Alicia Machado's weight was 'a real problem.'

In the first presidential debate, Clinton attacked Trump for his history of criticizing women's looks and bodies, focusing on the specific example of Alicia Machado, a former Miss Universe who says Trump called her "Miss Piggy" (after she gained some weight) and "Miss Housekeeping" (because she is Latina).



The day after the debate, Trump defended fat shaming Machado, telling "Fox and Friends" that "she was the worst we ever had." She was a winner, and she gained a massive amount of weight, and we had a real problem," he said. "We had a real problem with her.

That he'd be good for women.

Im going to be really good for women, Trump said in March. Im going to be good for womens health issues. And that claim may be the biggest insult of all.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
President Donald Trump congratulated himself on his trip to hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico last week by celebrating the incredible cheering of the crowd of a lot of people who watched him throw rolls of paper towels.

In a fawning interview with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) that aired Saturday on the Trinity Broadcasting Network, a Christian news outlet, Trump recounted the trip as if it were a sporting event. Huckabee  whose daughter is White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders  had asked him elaborate on the effusive praise from officials.

Arguing that the media made up their coverage of the trip, he described in great detail the deafening sound of the cheering crowd when he threw paper towels at residents receiving aid at a church.

They had these beautiful, soft towels. Very good towels, Trump said. And I came in, and there was a crowd of a lot of people. And they were screaming, and they were loving everything. I was having fun. They were having fun. They said, Throw em to me! Throw em to me, Mr. President!

So next day, they said, Oh, it was so disrespectful to the people, Trump continued, referring to the press. It was just a made-up thing. And also, when I walked in, the cheering was incredible.

You were a rock star! Huckabee interjected. I saw the video of it!

The cheering was, it was deafening, Trump continued. They turned down the sound so that you just heard the announcers: Donald Trump.

WH pool: "In a surreal scene, Trump handed some packages of "Arroz Rico"...and held up his arm and softly shot paper towels into the crowd" pic.twitter.com/ZoZlBKzQjY  Vera Bergengruen (@VeraMBergen) October 3, 2017

During his visit Tuesday to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Maria, Trump was widely condemned for not showing empathy for the ongoing suffering in Puerto Rico and making the trip a spectacle.

Story continues

In addition to tossing the paper towels, he joked to the islands officials that the cost of the storm has thrown our budget a little out of whack, downplayed Maria as not a real catastrophe like Hurricane Katrina (the 2005 storm in which many more lives were lost), and told a family of hurricane victims to have a good time.

Trump in the Saturday interview continued to obsess over receiving praise for the federal response to the storm.

They were praising us. The congresswoman, who is terrific, Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon ... she has been incredible in her praise of the job weve done.

While meeting with Colon and other officials on the ground Tuesday, Trump repeatedly asked them to publicly praise the federal response to the storm.

She was saying such nice things about all of the people who have worked so hard, he said at the time. Jenniffer, do you think you can say a little bit about what you said about us?

Among those present at the meeting but not offering praise: the mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulin Cruz, a vocal critic of the federal response to the storm whom Trump has regularly attacked.

In the interview, Trump stepped up his insults, telling Huckabee that it was Cruz who did a very poor job.

Shes not a capable person, and my people were telling me that to start off with, he said. But we did a great job.

A great day in Puerto Rico yesterday. While some of the news coverage is Fake, most showed great warmth and friendship.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 4, 2017

After again discrediting the coverage of his trip, Trump lauded himself for the word he most frequently uses to deride the news media.

The media is, really, the word  I think one of the greatest of all terms Ive come up with  is fake, he told Huckabee. I guess other people have used it, perhaps, over the years, but Ive never noticed it.

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Also on HuffPost

Maria Lopez cries while walking from her house that was flooded after the passage of Hurricane Maria, in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on September 22, 2017. Puerto Rico battled dangerous floods Friday after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, as rescuers raced against time to reach residents trapped in their homes and the death toll climbed to 33. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called Maria the most devastating storm in a century after it destroyed the US territory's electricity and telecommunications infrastructure. / AFP PHOTO / HECTOR RETAMAL (Photo credit should read HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images)

Loiza, PUERTO RICO SEPTEMBER 22: Aerial photo of the floadings in the costal town of Loiza, in the north shore of Puerto RicoHurricane Maria passed through Puerto Rico leaving behind a path of destruction across the national territory. (Photo by Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

HAYALES DE COAMO, PUERTO RICO - SEPTEMBER 24: Karlian Mercado, 7, rests on the rubble that remains of her family's home after it was blown away by Hurricane Maria as it passed through the area on September 24, 2017 in Hayales de Coamo, Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico experienced widespread damage after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, passed through. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Irma Torres poses for a picture at her damaged house after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico September 22, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

Local residents react while they look at the water flowing over the road at the dam of the Guajataca lake after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Guajataca, Puerto Rico September 23, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

A man looks at damages on his flooded house, close to the dam of the Guajataca lake after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Guajataca, Puerto Rico September 23, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

A man sits in a wheelchair next to washing machines at a shelter after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria, in San Juan, Puerto Rico September 22, 2017. Picture taken September 22, 2017. REUTERS/Alvin Baez

LOIZA, PUERTO RICO - SEPTEMBER 22: A resident wades through flood water days after Hurricane Maria made landfall, on September 22, 2017 in Loiza, Puerto Rico. Many on the island have lost power, running water, and cell phone service after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, passed through. (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

People stay at the roof of a damaged house after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico September 22, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

PUERTO RICO SEPTEMBER 23: A devastated house in Morovis Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria passed through Puerto Rico leaving behind a path of destruction across the national territory. (Photo by Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - SEPTEMBER 22: Residents line up for gasoline days after Hurricane Maria made landfall, on September 22, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Many on the island have lost power, running water, and cell phone service after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, passed through. (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

A car submerged in flood waters is seen close to the dam of the Guajataca lake after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Guajataca, Puerto Rico September 23, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

A resident lay on a cot inside a shelter after being evacuated from a home near the damaged Guajataca Dam after Hurricane Maria in Isabella, Puerto Rico, on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017. Amid their struggles to recover fromiHurricaneiMaria, some Puerto Rico residents found it befuddling that President Donald Trump fired off a number of Twitter rants about professional athletes on Saturday -- yet made no mention of their dire situation. Photographer: Alex Wroblewski/Bloomberg via Getty Images

People stop on a highway near a mobile phone antenna tower to check for mobile phone signal, after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria, in Dorado, Puerto Rico September 22, 2017. Picture taken September 22, 2017. REUTERS/Alvin Baez

A dead horse is seen next to a road after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Quebradillas, Puerto Rico September 23, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

An aerial view shows the flooded neighbourhood of Juana Matos in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Catano, Puerto Rico, on September 22, 2017. Puerto Rico battled dangerous floods Friday after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, as rescuers raced against time to reach residents trapped in their homes and the death toll climbed to 33. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called Maria the most devastating storm in a century after it destroyed the US territory's electricity and telecommunications infrastructure. / AFP PHOTO / Ricardo ARDUENGO (Photo credit should read RICARDO ARDUENGO/AFP/Getty Images)

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Rex Tillerson and Donald Trump - REUTERS

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday said "only one thing will work" in dealing with North Korea after previous administrations had talked to Pyongyang without results.

"Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid," Trump said in a tweet. "...Hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, making fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!"

Trump did not make clear to what he was referring, but his comments seemed to be a further suggestion that military action was on his mind.

The president has previously said the United States would "totally destroy" North Korea if necessary to protect itself and its allies from Pyongyang's nuclear threats.

Earlier this week, during a meeting with top U.S. military leaders and their spouses, Trump told reporters it was the "calm before the storm." Asked for clarification then on what he meant, Trump said: "You'll find out."

Speaking to reporters on Saturday ahead of a trip to North Carolina, Trump said he had nothing more to clarify.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders referred to Iran and North Korea the following day when asked about Trump's "calm before the storm" comments.

Asked on Saturday about Trump's tweet, Sanders said she had nothing to add to the president's comments.

The Pentagon referred a question for clarification to the White House and said the Defense Department's job was to "present the president military options and carry out orders."

Trump repeatedly has made clear his distaste for dialogue with North Korea. On Sunday he dismissed the idea of talks as a waste of time, a day after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Washington was maintaining open lines of communication with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's government.

Trump said on Saturday that he had a good relationship with his secretary of state despite some disagreements.

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"We have a very good relationship. We disagree on a couple of things. Sometimes Id like him to be a little bit tougher, but other than that we have a very good relationship, he said.

North Korea | Kim Jong-uns fiery relationship with the US

A Russian lawmaker on Friday was quoted saying North Korea was preparing to test a long-range missile that it believes can reach the west coast of the United States. Anton Morozov, a member of the Russian lower house of parliament's international affairs committee, was part of a Russian delegation that visited Pyongyang from Oct. 2-6, according to Russian RIA news agency.

North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile programs have driven up tensions in the region and around the world in recent months, particularly after it conducted a test explosion of what it said was a hydrogen bomb.
President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) is retiring from office because Trump refused to endorse him for re-election next year  a claim that a source familiar with the matter disputed.

Trump said on Twitter that Corker, an increasingly vocal critic of the president, had begged for his blessing.

Senator Bob Corker "begged" me to endorse him for re-election in Tennessee. I said "NO" and he dropped out (said he could not win without...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017

In a pair of subsequent tweets, Trump said he had denied Corkers request to be named secretary of state, and that the two-term senator is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal! He concluded that Corker, 65, would be a negative voice and stand in the way of our agenda, and lacked the guts to seek re-election.

..my endorsement). He also wanted to be Secretary of State, I said "NO THANKS." He is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017

...Hence, I would fully expect Corker to be a negative voice and stand in the way of our great agenda. Didn't have the guts to run!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017

Corker responded on Twitter, saying the White House has become an adult day care center.

He added: Someone obviously missed their shift this morning.

It's a shame the White House has become an adult day care center. Someone obviously missed their shift this morning.  Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) October 8, 2017

Todd Womack, Sen. Corkers chief of staff, contradicted the presidents version of events. Trump actually called Corker on Friday asking him to reconsider his decision not to run for re-election, and offering his support if he chose to do so, according to Womack.

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As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Corker brokered a bipartisan deal in April 2015 allowing a congressional review of then-President Barack Obamas nuclear deal with Iran.

But Corker helped lead an effort to use congressional review to kill the agreement. The Iran deal went on to survive a GOP effort to kill it in the Senate thanks to a Democratic filibuster, not the support of Corker or any other Republican.

Since Trumps election, however, Corker has counseled Trump to radically enforce the agreement rather than tear it up.

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Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is retiring rather than running for re-election in 2018. (Photo: Bloomberg/Getty Images)

Corker in August took Trump to task for his ambiguous response to the violent white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va., saying the president has not yet been able to demonstrate the stability nor some of the competence that he needs to demonstrate in order to be successful.

Since announcing his retirement in September, Corker has continued his negative assessments of Trump. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and White House chief of staff John Kelly are those people that help separate our country from chaos, Corker told reporters on Wednesday.

White House budget director Mick Mulvaney responded diplomatically on NBCs Meet the Press when asked about Corkers chaos comments.

I enjoy working with Sen. Corker, Mulvaney told host Chuck Todd. I think its going to be fun to work with him, especially now that hes not running for re-election, because I think it sort of unleashes him to do whatever  and say whatever  he wants to say. But I dont think were that close to chaos anyway.

Corkers Senate seat is favored to remain in Republican hands. GOP Rep. Marsha Blackburn announced on Thursday her intention to run for it.

Also on HuffPost

Taking Security Seriously

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) talks with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) before the start of a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing concerning the roles and responsibilities for defending the nation against cyberattacks, on Oct. 19, 2017.

With Liberty And Justice...

Members of Code Pink for Peace protest before the start of a hearing where U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions will testify to the Senate Judiciary Committee in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on Oct. 18, 2017. Committee members questioned Sessions about conversations he had with President Donald Trump about the firing of former FBI Director James Comey, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, the ongoing investigation about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and other subjects.

Whispers

Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), right, speaks with Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) before a confirmation hearing for Christopher Sharpley, nominee for inspector general of the CIA, on Oct. 17, 2017.

Not Throwing Away His Shot

Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the musical "Hamilton," makes his way to a meeting of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies in the Rayburn Office Building during a round of meetings to urge federal funding for the arts and humanities on Sept. 13, 2017.

Medicare For All

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), center, speaks on health care as Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), left, and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), right, listen during an event to introduce the Medicare for All Act on Sept. 13, 2017.

Bernie Bros

Supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) pack his office on Sept. 8, 2017. Members of the "Draft Bernie for a People's Party" campaign delivered a petition with more than 50,000 signatures to urge the senator to start and lead a new political party.

McCain Appearance

Sen. John McCain, second from left, leaves the Capitol after his first appearance since being diagnosed with cancer. He arrived to cast a vote to help Republican senators narrowly pass the motion to proceed for the replacement of the Affordable Care Act on July 25, 2017.

A Narrow Win

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, center, speaks alongside Sens. John Barrasso, left, John Cornyn, right, and John Thune, rear, after the Senate narrowly passed the motion to proceed for the replacement of the Affordable Care Act on July 25, 2017.

Kushner Questioning

Jared Kushner, White House senior adviser and son-in-law to President Donald Trump, arrives at the Capitol on July 25, 2017. Kushner was interviewed by the House Intelligence Committee in a closed-door meeting about contacts he had with Russia.

Hot Dogs On The Hill

Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) prepares a hot dog during the American Meat Institute's annual Hot Dog Lunch in the Rayburn Office Building courtyard on July 19, 2017.

And Their Veggie Counterparts

Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) visits the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals veggie dog giveaway on July 19, 2017, countering a National Hot Dog Day event being held elsewhere on Capitol Hill.

Poised For Questions

Callista Gingrich, wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, waits for a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on her nomination to be the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican on July 18, 2017.

Speaking Up

Health care activists protest to stop the Republican health care bill at Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on July 17, 2017.

In The Fray

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) speaks to members of the media after announcing the revised version of the Senate Republican health care bill on Capitol Hill on July 13, 2017.

Anticipation

Christopher Wray is seated with his daughter Caroline, left, as he prepares to testify at a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on his nomination to be the next FBI director on July 12, 2017.

Up In Arms

Health care activists protest to stop the Republican health care bill at Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on July 10, 2017.

Across A Table

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) meets with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Capitol Hill on June 29, 2017.

Somber Day

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) speaks about the recent attack on the Republican congressional baseball team during her weekly press conference on Capitol Hill on June 15, 2017.

Family Matters

Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), right, and his sons, Jack, 10, and Brad, arrive in the basement of the Capitol after a shooting at the Republican baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia, on June 14, 2017.

A Bipartisan Pause

Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), right, coach of the Republican congressional baseball team, tells the story of the shooting that occurred during a baseball practice while he stands alongside Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.), left, a coach of the Democratic congressional baseball team on June 14, 2017.

Hats On

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.) reacts about the shooting he was present for at a Republican congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia, as he speaks with reporters at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on June 14, 2017.

Public Testimony

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is sworn in to testify before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on June 13, 2017.

Comey's Big Day

Former FBI Director James Comey testifies before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election on Capitol Hill on June 8, 2017.

Conveying His Point

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats testifies at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on his interactions with the Trump White House and on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act on June 7, 2017.

Selfie Time

Vice President Mike Pence takes a selfie with a tourist wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat inside the U.S. Capitol rotunda on June 6, 2017. The vice president walked through the rotunda after attending the Senate Republican policy luncheon.

Budget Queries

Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney testifies before the House Budget Committee about President Donald Trump's fiscal 2018 budget proposal on Capitol Hill on May 24, 2017.

Flagged Down By Reporters

Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, leaves a closed committee meeting on Capitol Hill on May 24, 2017. The committee is investigating possible Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election.

Shock And Awe

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) hold a news conference on the release of the president's fiscal 2018 budget proposal on Capitol Hill on May 23, 2017.

Seeing Double

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) arrives in the Capitol for the Senate Democrats' policy lunch on May 16, 2017.

Honoring Officers

President Donald Trump speaks at the National Peace Officers Memorial Service on the West Lawn of the Capitol on May 15, 2017.

Whispers

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-N.C.), right, and ranking member Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) talk during a hearing with the heads of the U.S. intelligence agencies in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on May 11, 2017.

Skeptical

Former acting Attorney General Sally Yates arrives to testify before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election on Capitol Hill on May 8, 2017.

Differing Opinions

Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) gives a thumbs-up to protesters on the East Front of the Capitol after the House passed the Republicans' bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act on May 4, 2017. The protesters support the ACA.

Real Talk

United States Naval Academy Midshipman 2nd Class Shiela Craine (left), a sexual assault survivor, testifies before the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Military Personnel with (2nd from left to right) Ariana Bullard, Stephanie Gross and Annie Kendzior in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on May 2, 2017. Kendzior, a former midshipman, and Gross, a former cadet, were both raped twice during their time at the military academies. The academy superintendents were called to testify following the release of a survey last month by the Pentagon that said 12.2 percent of academy women and 1.7 percent of academy men reported experiencing unwanted sexual contact during the 2015-16 academic year.

In Support Of Immigrants

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.), center, is joined by dozens of Democratic members of the House of Representatives to mark "Immigrant Rights Day" in the Capitol Visitor Center on May 1, 2017 in Washington, D.C. The Democratic legislators called on Republicans and President Donald Trump to join their push for comprehensive immigration reform.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
From Esquire UK

Donald Trump unleashed a handful of tweets on Saturday morning-a fairly routine practice at this point-in which he called for "equal time" from late-night hosts.

Late Night host are dealing with the Democrats for their very "unfunny" & repetitive material, always anti-Trump! Should we get Equal Time? - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2017

More and more people are suggesting that Republicans (and me) should be given Equal Time on T.V. when you look at the one-sided coverage? - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2017

In the U.S., late-night hosts like Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Seth Meyers have become cultural touch points by aggressively taking on the Trump administration and congressional Republicans in their monologues. On the strength of his commentary, Colbert has surged in the ratings, overtaking Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon-who's pulled punches compared with his peers-in overall viewers.

But the president seems to be confusing the notion of equal time with the Fairness Doctrine, which was repealed during the Reagan Administration. It required TV and radio broadcasters to present opposing viewpoints (though not necessarily with equal time). According to The Washington Post:

This meant that programs on politics were required to include opposing opinions on the topic under discussion. Broadcasters had an active duty to determine the spectrum of views on a given issue and include those people best suited to representing those views in their programming.

The Post also notes that under the Fairness Doctrine broadcasters had to let people know if they were under personal attack in a program and give them a chance to respond. In 1987, President Reagan signed an executive order revoking the doctrine, leading to an explosion of partisan TV and radio programs.

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An amazing tweet considering it was a GOP administration (Reagan) that repealed Fairness Doctrine, ushering in rightwing talk radio and Fox https://t.co/JqpiTJoXZD - Gabriel Sherman (@gabrielsherman) October 7, 2017

"It's hard to overstate the importance of the Fairness Doctrine to conservative commentators-its demise in 1987 ... is credited with the creation of modern-day talk-radio, because broadcasters no longer had to offer competing views on the same broadcasts," Politico wrote in 2011. (The rule remained on the books until 2011, when the Federal Communications Commission finally removed it.)

This is not the same as the equal time rule, which remains in effect. It requires broadcasters to give political candidates equal time. Trump's appearance on Saturday Night Live in 2015, for instance, triggered the equal time rule and NBC agreed to give his Republican opponents time on 18 affiliates during primetime, according to Variety.

UPDATE: Late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers responded to the president via Twitter.

Excellent point Mr. President! You should quit that boring job - I'll let you have my show ALL to yourself #MAGA - Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) October 7, 2017

We'd love to have you! Studio located at 15 Penguin Avenue, Antarctica. https://t.co/2MyQTYwecZ - Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) October 7, 2017

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The father of Las Vegas gunman Stephen Paddock was reportedly a self-ordained minister who carried out marriage ceremonies and wanted to start his own church as well as being on the FBIs Ten Most Wanted list of fugitives.

In the search to understand the psychology of the mass murderer, attention has focused on the colourful criminal life of his father Benjamin Hoskins Paddock.

Although the killer had no previous criminal convictions and apparently lived in the shadows of society, rarely speaking to his neighbours, his father was a larger than life character, according to reports.

Paddock Senior spent almost a decade on the run after he was sprung from a Texan prison in 1968, with an FBI poster describing him as a psychopath who should be treated as armed and very dangerous.

Unlike his son, Paddock Senior began his criminal life early, and was first arrested in 1946 aged just 19 for stealing 12 cars, according to a Chicago Tribune story at the time.

After spending time in prison, he went on to commit a series of bank robberies in Phoenix, Arizona, before being caught and jailed again.

He was removed from the wanted list in 1977 after almost a decade evading the law, and found a year later in Oregon where he had been running a bingo parlour.

He was charged with running an illegal gambling operation after he apparently exploited a loophole in the law which allowed him to pocket the proceeds of the parlour. Despite the charges he avoided a prison sentence.

In 1989, he tried to found a church in Las Vegas  apparently to sponsor the bingo parlour which he had started up again.

He wanted to [locate the church in] Nevada because he liked to go there and gamble, said Bernie Sue Warthen, a 67-year-old woman from Oregon who told reporters she became friends with Paddock Senior when he was in his 60s because she and his girlfriend both had teenage daughters who were friends.

Speaking to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, she said Paddock Senior, an avid gambler, invited her to Las Vegas where they founded the Holy Life Congregation Church. She is listed as having been the Churchs secretary.

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Although the Church never got off the ground, Paddock Senior began representing himself as a self-ordained minister in Las Vegas and married couples in the late 1980s.

The media as well as law enforcement agencies are continuing to pour over every detail of the gunmans past and in a bid to understand what motivated him to open fire from his Mandalay Bay hotel room onto a country music festival, killing 58 people and injuring hundreds more before killing himself.

Although the killer spent only a few years around his father, who died in 1998, the two are said to have shared a mutual love of both gambling and Vegas, as well as guns.

Stephen Paddocks 57-year-old brother Bruce Paddock also has a criminal past, although none of his convictions are for serious offences.

Records show Bruce was convicted for minor acts of vandalism, driving with a revoked licence and probation violations, as well as drug and driving offences.

University of Nebraska associate criminology professor Joseph Schwartz, who studies genetic links to criminal activity, warned against making easy assumptions based on Paddock Seniors history and reports of his other sons anti-social behaviour.

Its human nature to try to speculate and try to understand something so terrible, he said. In reality, (mistreating someone) is not a precursor to collecting multiple semi-automatic weapons and shooting at people from a hotel window.

Paddock Senior died in 1998 and is understood to have had little contact with either of his two sons.

The only one time I asked him about his children, he said he had nothing to do with them at their request, Ms Warthen said. I didnt know their names. I just saw a picture.

The only man I knew was kind and generous, she said.

He gave out turkeys at Thanksgiving and loaned his car to a neighbour who needed transportation.
U.S. agents stopped three sympathizers of the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) carrying out coordinated attacks on New York concert venues, subway stations and Times Square during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in 2016.

The international extremist plot took inspiration from the Paris attacks in November 2015, when an ISIS cell of Belgian and French jihadis launched a series of suicide bomb and shooting attacks around the French capital, killing 130 people.

Three people have been charged in connection with the plot. Details of their plan were revealed on Friday in criminal complaints.

One of the men, 19-year-old Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, traveled from Canada to New Jersey, where he was arrested in May 2016.

El Bahnasawy sent an undercover FBI agent a picture of Times Square, alongside text that read: "We seriously need to car bomb times square. Look at these crowds of people!"

He also said that he wished to "shoot up concerts cuz they kill a lot of people."

10_07_Times_Square

Mario Tama/Getty

Two other men, 19-year-old Talha Haroon, an American citizen living in Pakistan, and Russell Salic, a 37-year-old Filipino, helped with the planning of the attack. Haroon was to take part in the attack, while Salic was providing the funding.

Haroon called the New York subway the "perfect" target and suggested that they use assault weapons to begin the attack and follow it by detonating their suicide vests, the same tactic used by several of the Paris attackers.

Both men have been arrested abroad and their extradition to the U.S. is expected.

"El Bahnasawy and Haroon identified multiple locations and events in and around New York City as targets of the planned attacks, including the New York City subway system, Times Square and certain concert venues," an FBI statement said.

Times Square

Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty

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ISIS regularly threatens to attack the U.S. or call for its supporters to launch attacks there. New York City was the site of the deadliest terror attack in U.S. history, the 9/11 hijackings in 2001 that left almost 3,000 people dead.

In November 2016, U.S. authorities charged a New York City taxi driver with attempting to join ISIS and expressing support for a truck attack in Times Square to emulate the July incident in Nice, France, that left 86 people dead.

Naji allegedly told an undercover agent: "I was saying if there is a truck, I mean a garbage truck, and one drives it there to Times Square and crushes [...] Times Square day.

He continued: They want an operation in Times Square. The Islamic State already put up scenes of Times Square, you understand.

An ISIS-aligned hacking group also released the details of more than 3,000 New Yorkers in 2016, mostly Brooklynites, calling on "lone wolf" agents to target them. The list forced the NYPD and FBI to contact all of those on the list, some by personal visit, but assured them that there was no known threat to their safety.

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Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 13:56:41|Editor: Xiang Bo

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FUZHOU, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- A total of 340,000 travelers visited Gulangyu island in east China's Fujian Province during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, after it entered the UNESCO World Heritage list in July.

On October 1, the first day of the eight-day holiday, Gulangyu welcomed about 46,000 visitors. From October 2 to 5, nearly 50,000 people visited the island every day on average, according to figures released by Xiamen Ferry Company.

To better protect the heritage of the island, famous for its varied architecture and multicultural history, local authorities restricted the number of visitors to 50,000 a day during the holiday.

Controlling the number of visitors can help enhance tourists' sightseeing experience as well as reduce the impact on heritage preservation, said Gulangyu authorities.

In July, the World Heritage Committee added China's Gulangyu historic international settlement to the prestigious World Heritage List as a cultural site.

Only a six-minute ferry ride from Xiamen, Fujian's dynamic economic and cultural hub, Gulangyu has an area of about two square kilometers and is home to 20,000 residents.

A former international settlement, the island features 13 consulates, churches, hospitals, schools, and police stations built by foreign communities from the middle to late 19th century.

In the early 20th century, the island attracted overseas Chinese elites, who returned and built private residences on the island, often with a mixture of eastern and western architectural styles.

Gulangyu has more than 2,000 intact historical buildings, making it one of the best-preserved international settlements in China.

The island receives more than 10 million visitors per year.
(LAS VEGAS)  Tourists coming to gamble and party on the Strip will soon find something other than bright lights welcoming them to Fabulous Las Vegas.

Billboards will serve as a stark reminder that investigators remain stumped about what drove a gunman to mow down concertgoers from a perch in a high-rise casino hotel last Sunday.

We still do not have a clear motive or reason why, a frustrated Clark County Undersheriff Kevin McMahill said Friday. We have looked at literally everything.

Investigators have chased 1,000 leads and examined Stephen Paddocks politics, his finances, any possible radicalization and his social behavior  typical investigative avenues that have helped uncover the motive in past shootings.

We have been down each and every one of these paths, McMahill said. We all want answers.

The FBI announced that billboards would go up around the city asking anyone with information to dial 800-CALL-FBI.

If you know something, say something, said Aaron Rouse, agent in charge of the Las Vegas FBI office. We will not stop until we have the truth.

Paddock, a reclusive 64-year-old high-stakes gambler, rained bullets on the crowd at a country music festival from his 32nd-floor hotel suite, killing 58 and wounding hundreds before taking his own life.

McMahill said investigators had reviewed voluminous video from the casino and dont think Paddock had an accomplice in the shooting, but they want to know if anyone knew about his plot beforehand.

In their effort to find any hint of his motive, investigators were looking into whether he was with a prostitute days before the shooting, were scrutinizing cruises he took and were trying to make sense of a cryptic note with numbers jotted on it found in his hotel room, a federal official said.

The U.S. official briefed by federal law enforcement officers wasnt authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

The official said investigators were interviewing other call girls for information and looking into at least a dozen cruises Paddock took in the last few years, including one to the Middle East.

Story continues

It is unusual to have so few clues five days after a mass shooting. McMahill noted that in past mass killings or terrorist attacks, killers left notes, social media postings and information on a computer, or even phoned police.

The lack of a social media footprint is likely intentional, said Erroll Southers, director of homegrown violent extremism studies at the University of Southern California. Were so used to, in the first 24 to 48 hours, being able to review social media posts. If they dont leave us a note behind or a manifesto behind, and were not seeing that, thats whats making this longer.

What officers have found is that Paddock planned his attack meticulously.

He requested an upper-floor room overlooking the festival, stockpiled 23 guns, a dozen of them modified to fire continuously like an automatic weapon, and set up cameras inside and outside his room to watch for approaching officers.

In a possible sign he was contemplating massacres at other sites, he also booked rooms overlooking the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago in August and the Life Is Beautiful show near the Vegas Strip in late September, according to authorities reconstructing his movements leading up to the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

His arsenal also included tracer rounds that can improve a shooters firing accuracy in the dark, a law enforcement official told the AP. It wasnt clear whether Paddock fired any of the illuminated bullets during the massacre.

Paddock bought 1,000 rounds of the .308-caliber and .223-caliber tracer ammunition from a private buyer he met at a Phoenix gun show, a law enforcement official not authorized to comment on the investigation said on condition of anonymity.

Tracer rounds illuminate their path so a gunman can home in on targets at night. But they can also give away the shooters position.

Video shot of the pandemonium that erupted when Paddock started strafing the festival showed a muzzle flash from his room at the Mandalay Bay resort, but bullets werent visible in the night sky.

McMahill said investigators are looking into Paddocks mental health and any medications he was on.

His girlfriend, Marilou Danley, told FBI agents Wednesday that she had not noticed any changes in his mental state or seen indications he could become violent, according to a federal official who wasnt authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

Danley said she was unaware of any plans Paddock had when he sent her overseas to see family in her native Philippines. She was out of the country at the time of the attacks and has been labeled a person of interest, though shes not in custody and is cooperating with authorities.

Because so few people knew Paddock well, investigators will have a harder time probing his background for clues or hints he may have dropped about his plans, Southers said.

Theres no one to say whos he mad at, what his motive is, Southers said. The key to this case right now is the girlfriend.
Puerto Rico

The Federal Emergency Management Agency inexplicably removed information from its website concerning the numbers of people in Puerto Rico who still lack access to drinking water and electricity in the wake of Hurricane Maria, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

On Friday, FEMA added the information back to the page, denying it was ever made inaccessible.

The hurricane, which hit Puerto Rico on September 20, caused massive devastation, wiping out the island's power grid, communication systems, much of its infrastructure, and private property.

On Thursday, statistics showing that about half of Puerto Rico's residents lacked access to drinking water and 95% of the island was without power were removed from a FEMA web page containing information related to the storm.

FEMA spokesman William Booher told the Post that both numbers continue to be reported on Puerto Rican Gov. Ricardo Rossello's website, although the site is in Spanish.

"Our mission is to support the governor and his response priorities through the unified command structure to help Puerto Ricans recover and return to routines," Booher told the Post. "Information on the stats you are specifically looking for are readily available" on the governor's site and through daily news briefings.

But Booher did not explain why the numbers were removed from the FEMA page, which details other statistics concerning the recovery in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

On Friday afternoon, FEMA restored the information to the site "to avoid any further confusion."

"Reports suggesting an effort to 'remove' any data points are simply erroneous," FEMA spokesperson Eileen Lainez said in a statement.

The page includes statistics on the percentage of hospitals that have been reopened, the miles of road that have been cleared, the thousands of federal workers engaged in the response, and the millions of meals that have been distributed.

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While the administration's response to the recent hurricanes in Texas and Florida received praise, the president has received widespread criticism for what many say is a lackluster response effort to a far more severe humanitarian disaster on the US island territory.

President Donald Trump's public comments about the crisis in Puerto Rico have swung from saying the island is in "deep trouble," lamenting its existing debt and weak infrastructure, to praising the federal and local response efforts, painting a rosy picture of recovery.

Trump's first public response to the devastation in the US territory came five days after Hurricane Maria hit, in a series of tweets in which he focused on Puerto Rico's weak infrastructure and economy.

Days later, he attacked the mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulin Cruz, after she criticized the inefficiency of the federal government's relief efforts and asked Trump to send more help more quickly.

"Such poor leadership ability by the Mayor of San Juan, and others in Puerto Rico, who are not able to get their workers to help," he tweeted on Saturday. "They want everything to be done for them when it should be a community effort. 10,000 Federal workers now on Island doing a fantastic job."

Trump visited the island on Tuesday and praised the governor, local aid efforts, and the federal response.

NOW WATCH: Roger Stone explains what Trump has in common with Richard Nixon





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By John Davison RAQQA, Syria (Reuters) - A final assault on Islamic State's last line of defense in its former Syrian capital Raqqa should begin on Sunday night, a field commander for the U.S.-backed forces operating there said. The loss of Islamic State's remaining streets and buildings in Raqqa following its defeat in Iraq's Mosul this year and its retreat from swathes of territory in both countries, would mark a major milestone in the battle to destroy the jihadist group. The assault on militants in the center of the northern city will focus on surrounding the sports stadium there, said a field commander in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in western Raqqa, who gave his name as Ardal Raqqa. "Daesh is massing there because this is the last stage. They will resist, or they will surrender or die," he said. "This their last stand to the death." Islamic State declared a caliphate in 2014 and at the height of its power ruled over millions of people, from northern Syria to the outskirts of Iraq's capital Baghdad, but it has since endured a series of losses under attack from many sides. Raqqa was the group's de facto Syrian capital, a center of operations where it oversaw the management of much of eastern, central and northern Syria and planned attacks abroad. Now it is hemmed into a small area in the city center that includes the stadium, the National Hospital and a roundabout where Islamic State once displayed the heads of its enemies. In the hours before the expected launch of the final assault, which the commander said could take up to a week, the sound of gunfire sporadically rattled around the area near the hospital. The district had been flattened, with buildings completely gone. Coalition jets soared overhead and air strikes pounded at a higher rate than in recent days. RIVAL OFFENSIVES Islamic State has lost most of its territory to the SDF, spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG militia, and to a rival offensive by Syria's army and allied forces this year, and has fallen back on the fertile Euphrates valley area downstream of Raqqa. The army and its allies reached the city of Deir al-Zor in September after a months-long offensive across the Syrian desert, and have since then pushed down the Euphrates towards the border with Iraq. On Sunday a Syrian military source said they had encircled Islamic State fighters in the city of al-Mayadin, one of the jihadists' last strongholds in the area. "Units of our armed forces with the allied forces continue their advance on a number of fronts and axes in Deir al-Zor and its countryside... and encircle Daesh terrorists in the city of al-Mayadin," the military source said. However, the group has still been able to launch a series of effective counter attacks against the Syrian army in the central desert region over the past week, putting pressure on the main supply road to Deir al-Zor from the west. RUSSIA, U.S. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is backed in the war by Russia, Iran and Shi'ite militias including Lebanon's Hezbollah, and its campaign against Islamic State has mostly been on the west bank of the river. The U.S.-backed SDF campaign has mostly been on the east bank, where Raqqa is located, and has also advanced downstream to hold areas opposite Deir al-Zor. The United States and Russia have put in place channels to lessen the risk of fighting between the rival offensives they back. U.S. officials have previously said that Islamic State had relocated some of its diminished command and propaganda structures to al-Mayadin as it was forced from territory elsewhere. The spokeswoman for the SDF campaign in Raqqa, Jihan Sheikh Ahmad, said in a statement on a website for the campaign that it would announce the liberation of Raqqa "in the coming few days" after having captured 85 percent of the city. Commanders directing the battle in Raqqa have said that Islamic State fighters have taken civilian hostages and are using sniper fire, booby traps and tunnels to slow the SDF advance. The SDF began its campaign to isolate Raqqa early this year, pushing along several fronts to enclose the city against the Euphrates backed by coalition air strikes and special forces. Its attack on the city itself started in June and the fighting left much of Raqqa in ruins, as intense air strikes and street-to-street battles devastated buildings. (Reporting By John Davison in Raqqa and Tom Perry in Beirut; Writing by Angus McDowall in Beirut; editing by Keith Weir, Greg Mahlich, Pravin Char)
Liam Gallagher reads lyrics sheet while performing with Joe Perry at the Foo Fighters Cal Jam 2017 festival. (Photo: YouTube)

Leave it to Dave Grohl, rocks great ambassador, to bring together everyone from Joe Perry to Rick Astley for one giant cranked-to-11 party in the sweltering Inland Empire. Someone said, Hey, you wanna have a record release party somewhere? explained Grohl, whose Foo Fighters just released their chart-topping ninth studio album, Concrete and Gold. I said OK. They said, What about the Hollywood Bowl? I said, You know what? Nah. That s*** aint loud enough!

And thus, the mid-70s California Jam classic rock festival series was reinvented Saturday at San Bernardinos Glen Helen Regional Park as Cal Jam 2017  a very loud and unapologetically dance-tent-free old-school rock n roll fest with 22 bands and all my friends! Among Grohls participating pals: desert rock titans Queens of the Stone Age, post-punk duo the Kills, Southern rabble-rousers Cage the Elephant, minimalist blue-rock twosome Royal Blood, flamboyant glam-rockers Starcrawler and the Struts, and Minneapolis indie legends Bob Mould and Babes in Toyland.

But of course, when a rock star invites all his friends to a wild all-day party, at least one of those guests is going to be a troublemaker. And that role Saturday was amusingly filled by ex-Oasis mouthpiece Liam Gallagher, promoting his debut solo album, As You Were. Teaming with Perry (whose Aerosmith had performed at Cal Jam II in 1978) and the Foos for an utterly bizarre, if highly entertaining, ramshackle cover of the Beatles Come Together, nothing really came together during his performance. But it was fascinating to behold. And it was totally rock n roll.

The song choice made sense  Aerosmiths charismatic Come Together scene was the highlight of the 1978 Sgt. Pepper box-office bomb, and the younger Gallagher brothers Beatles fixation is of course well known. But this Come Together was almost weirder than the movie version.

When Gallagher shuffled out in a parka and baggy shorts, he immediately bungled all of the tunes (admittedly tricky) wordplay, and even when he was handed a poster-sized lyric sheet, he still managed to get about half the words wrong. He then summoned a woman to the stage to sing a few lines  and while her amateur vocals werent impressive, she did seem more familiar with the lyrics than Gallagher.

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The surly Britpop icon then leapt into the crowd, trailed by panicked security guards, for an awkward crowd-surf attempt, while the supergroup soldiered on behind him and the random onstage fan danced.

I just saw Liam Gallaghers a** crack. Yeah, that was planned, Grohl quipped sarcastically.

Earlier in the Foos set, Perry played a fiery Draw the Line, a song from Aerosmiths Cal Jam II setlist; Rick Astley Rickrolled the show with a grungy reprise of Never Gonna Give You Up (which the Foos and Astley originally performed at Augusts Tokyo Music Festival); and the Kills Alison Mosshart and smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz joined in for the Concrete and Gold cut La Dee Da. All of these collaborations went much more smoothly  but Gallaghers crazy cameo was understandably the talk of the night. (Warning: Some videos below contain strong language.)

Cal Jam had its share of more somber moments. Bob Mould opened his show with a speech about his late Husker Du bandmate Grant Hart and a dedication of that groups classic Never Talking to You Again. Cage the Elephant opened their set with Mary Janes Last Dance (which they performed at MusiCares Person of the Year gala honoring Tom Petty during this years Grammy week), and Starcrawler played their own garage version of that 1993 Heartbreakers hit. Grohl also dedicated the Foo Fighters Hero to Petty, while standing in front of a drum kit printed with a vintage photo of another rock legend we lost this year, Chris Cornell.

Foo Fighters pay tribute to Tom Petty at Cal Jam 2017 (Photo: Facebook)

QOTSAs Josh Homme, who had attended Pettys final show at the Hollywood Bowl on Sept. 25 with his dear friend Grohl, also addressed the previous weekends horrific festival tragedy. Spotting an audience members homemade sign that read VEGAS STRONG, with the 58 names of the Route 91 Harvest festivals shooting victims written on the back, Homme took the sign, held it aloft, and declared amid massive cheers: We are everything when we are together. Lets have the f***ing time of our lives.

It was a sweet reminder of the power of music  and music festivals  to unite and help people forget their troubles, if only for one sunny day. Come together, indeed.

Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme asked for an audience member's Vegas Strong sign during CalJam performance pic.twitter.com/MewV0KTcdf  Andrew Edwards (@AndrewEdwardsLB) October 8, 2017

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By Kwasi Kpodo ACCRA (Reuters) - At least seven people were killed and dozens injured, mostly suffering burns, after a huge explosion at a fuel distribution site in Ghana's capital, local authorities said on Sunday. The blast on Saturday evening was heard across much of the city, sending a giant fireball into the sky above the eastern part of Accra and causing frightened residents to flee their homes in large numbers. Others were forcibly evacuated. At least seven people died and 132 were injured, a statement from the Ministry of Information read out on local radio said on Sunday. About half of them had already been treated and discharged, it said The site includes a liquefied petroleum gas storage depot and two service stations run by state-owned GOIL and oil major Total. It was not immediately clear where or how the explosion began. Witnesses said people had already began fleeing the area ahead of the blast because of the pungent odor of gas - a factor that likely reduced casualties. Neither Total nor GOIL responded to requests for comment. Ghana, a relatively new oil and gas producer, has suffered several recent accidents including an explosion in 2015 that killed around 100 people. Like many teeming African cities, Accra's infrastructure has failed to keep up with its population, which has shot up to 7 million. At the scene of the fire on Sunday, scattered fruit and broken coconuts from street vendors were strewn near the wreckage next to burnt-out cars and a fuel lorry, a Reuters witness said. Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia described the accident as "one too many" and promised to toughen safety measures. Several onlookers there expressed anger that the government had not done more to prevent another fatal accident in the city. "It's annoying to see all the big men in our society trooping to this place as if this is the first time we have such an incident," said Joshua Vokeh, a 38-year-old mini bus driver. "They visit, talk tough and make promises, drive off and it ends there." (Reporting by Kwasi Kpodo; Writing by Emma Farge; editing by John Stonestreet)
Jakarta (AFP) - Big-name investors including Expedia and Alibaba are pumping billions of dollars into Indonesian tech start-ups in a bid to capitalise on the countrys burgeoning digital economy and potential as Southeast Asias largest online market.

Indonesia has seen a surge of cash into its technology sector over the past two years, helping support dozens of homegrown start-ups ranging from ride hailing apps to e-commerce firms.

And with a population of more than 250 million, a swelling middle class and growing availability of cheap mobile devices, firms from across the world are piling in.

"We believe that Indonesia is poised for a huge leap forward for its digital economy, following China's growth and becoming the leading tech destination in the Southeast Asia region," Adrian Li, a partner in Jakarta-based Convergence Ventures, told AFP.

Last year $631 million in disclosed venture capital was ploughed into the country, according to research firm CB Insights, up from $31 million in 2015.

But that figure has already been shattered in 2017, with $3 billion worth of deals clinched as of September 2017, said Meghna Rao, a tech industry analyst at the firm.

Tokopedia -- a marketplace that allows users to set up online shops and handles transactions -- won $1.1 billion in capital from Chinas Alibaba in August.

Motorbike on-demand service Go-Jek secured $1.2 billion from Chinese tech giants JD.com and Tencent Holdings in May, according to data from Crunchbase.

In another sign of confidence, Koison became Indonesia's first e-commerce service to go public in October.

"While it's too soon to say that this investment is indicative of a larger pattern of Indonesian startups pulling in many big ticket investors, it is part of a growing clutch of mega-rounds," Rao said.

- A golden opportunity -

Internet use is growing faster in Southeast Asia than any other region in the world, with 124,000 users coming online every day over the next five years, according to a 2016 report from Google and Singapores Temasek Holdings.

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By 2020 an estimated 480 million people are expected to be connected to the internet, up from 260 million in the region last year.

Indonesia's mobile-first market will comprise more than half of Southeast Asias e-commerce market by 2025, with an estimated value of $46 billion, the Google report said.

"When you do startup business in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, the cost, effort and time that you spend is almost even. But when you go to Indonesia (growth) is unlimited -- the market is so big," said Willson Cuaca, whose venture capital firm East Ventures specialises in early-stage investments.

As a result, big names like US venture capitalist Sequoia Capital, Japan's Rakuten Ventures and travel company Expedia -- as well as Chinese tech giants -- have all made investments in the country.

- Navigating challenges -

Indonesian president Joko Widodo has been a vocal supporter of digital innovation, most notably in his plan to create 1,000 local tech start-ups worth $10 billion by 2020. But the sector still faces a number of challenges.

A limited pool of engineering talent to draw from, low rates of internet penetration outside densely populated Java, bureaucratic delays, and poor quality infrastructure are all obstacles to growth.

For e-commerce companies, the large number of "unbanked" Indonesians limits the scope of online transactions, and logistics problems make it hard to move goods.

While young entrepreneurs and small businesses are flocking to co-working spaces springing up in major centres, it is a decidedly different scene in most parts of the country.

Farid Naufal Aslam, the chief executive of Aruna, an e-commerce company that links fishermen to buyers, said navigating Indonesia's disparate communities is a challenge too.

"One of the biggest challenges faced is on social approach," Aslam, 23, said. "Indonesia is a unique country with diverse communities and different customs in each region."

Yet many venture capitalists and entrepreneurs remain optimistic.

"The window of opportunity is there," Cuaca said. "As long as you can innovate and solve real problems using technology, you can be successful."
The co-founder of Miramax Films and Chapman have been married since 2007: Getty

Its been four decades since Harvey Weinstein, a young man from a hardscrabble New York background who carried with him a passion for movies, burst onto the creative scene.

It was 1982  Mr Weinstein and his brother, Bob, who had together established the Miramax Films production company, obtained the rights to two British films produced on behalf of Amnesty International. One of them, The Secret Policemans Other Ball, the film of a London benefit concert featuring Sting, Bob Geldof and Eric Clapton, became his companys first hit.

Since those humble beginnings, the young man, from Flushing in the New York borough of Queens, has become a become a signed-up member of Americas movie elite. Over the years, hes helped produce films including Shakespeare in Love, Gangs of New York, Pulp Fiction and The English Patient, accepted an honorary Order of the British Empire (OBE) and married British fashion designer Georgina Chapman.

Anywheres a gym! #livingroomworkout #underarmour #workingoutwithjax A post shared by Georgina Chapman (@georginachapmanmarchesa) on Sep 26, 2017 at 4:27pm PDT

Now, the 65-year-old is in the news for other reasons. This week, he has been forced to deny a barrage of historical sexual harassment allegations.

Confronted by claims that he harassed Ashely Judd and at least one other actress, along with models and female employees, the man who subsequently founded The Weinstein Company, has, with his lawyers, issued a succession of strange, shifting statements that have veered from an undertaking to become a better human being to outright denial.

The developments came after the New York Times NYT published an investigation that said the producer of some of Hollywoods most successful films had reached at least eight settlements with women.

Among the recipients were a young assistant in New York in 1990, an actress, Rose McGowan, in 1997, an assistant in London in 1998, and an Italian model in 2015, the newspaper said.

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Mr Weinstein initially told the New York Times: I appreciate the way Ive behaved with colleagues in the past has caused a lot of pain, and I sincerely apologise for it. Though Im trying to do better, I know I have a long way to go.

He said he came of age in the 60s and 70s, when all the rules about behaviour and workplaces were different. That was the culture then.

He subsequently said he was working with therapists and planning to take a leave of absence to deal with this issue head on.

Later, Lisa Bloom, a lawyer advising Mr Weinstein, said in a statement that he denies many of the accusations as patently false. She also said he was an old dinosaur learning new ways.

She went on to add: The New York Times allegations, if true, would constitute sexual harassment. However, Mr. Weinstein denies many of them and was not given a fair opportunity to present evidence and witnesses on his side.

In the latest update, in a interview with the New York Post, Mr Weinstein claimed his British wife was standing by him 100 per cent and said the New York Times had a vendetta against him.

I have had tough conversations with my family, really tough ones but my family is standing with me, he told reporters. I have a journey and I have to prove to every person thats out there that Im worthy of them and I have to prove to my family the same thing.

He said that the next time he saw the editor of the Times, it would be across a courtroom.

The Times had a deal with us that they would tell us about the people they had on the record in the story, so we could respond appropriately, but they didnt live up to the bargain, he said.

The Times editors were so fearful they were going to be scooped by New York magazine and they would lose the story, that they went ahead and posted the story filled with reckless reporting, and without checking all they had with me and my team.

Anyone who does business with __ is complicit. And deep down you know you are even dirtier. Cleanse yourselves.  rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) October 5, 2017

When asked about the Times report that said he had reached at least eight settlements with women, he told the Post: No company ever talks about settlements, and neither does the recipient, so I dont know how the Times came to this conclusion, but it is pure conjecture, the reporters have made assumptions.

The Associated Press said representatives for The Weinstein Company did not respond to questions about the moguls status. The companys board of directors was to meet to discuss his future. If Weinstein was to be ousted or step down, the leadership could potentially be transferred to his brother Bob, who serves as co-chairman, and David Glasser, the president and chief operating officer, it said.

McGowan, who was reportedly paid $100,000 (76,500) in a settlement from Weinstein after an alleged incident in 1997 when she was 23, said on Twitter: Anyone who does business with __ is complicit. And deep down you know you are even dirtier. Cleanse yourselves.

Weinstein claimed to the Post his wife, Georgina Chapman, a designer for the Marchesa fashion brand, is supporting him. Ms Chapman, 41, who was born in Richmond, Surrey, set up the label with Keren Craig in 2004. Ms Chapman has yet to comment and Marchesa did not immediately respond to inquiries.

She stands 100 per cent behind me. Georgina and I have talked about this at length, he said. We went out with Lisa Bloom last night when we knew the article was coming out. Georgina will be with Lisa and others kicking my ass to be a better human being and to apologise to people for my bad behavior, to say Im sorry, and to absolutely mean it.

A spokesperson for the Times said: We are confident in the accuracy of our reporting.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 14:11:45|Editor: Zhou Xin

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KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Security forces raided Taliban hideout in Larkhabi area of Afghanistan's northern Kunduz province early Sunday, destroying four vehicles and captured two insurgents, provincial police spokesman Inamudin Rahmani said.

No security personnel has been hurt in the operations, the official said.

Kunduz has been the scene of Taliban-led increasing insurgency over the past few years.
By Babak Dehghanpisheh BEIRUT (Reuters) - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani defended the nuclear deal with Western powers Saturday and said that U.S. President Donald Trump could not undermine it. Under the 2015 deal, Iran agreed to limit its disputed nuclear program in return for the easing of economic sanctions. However, Trump is expected to announce soon that he will decertify the deal, a senior administration official has said, in a step that potentially could cause the accord to unravel. "In the nuclear negotiations and agreement we reached issues and benefits that are not reversible. No one can turn that back, not Mr. Trump or anyone else," Rouhani said at a ceremony at Tehran University marking the start of the university academic year, according to state media. "Even if 10 other Trumps are created in the world, these are not reversible." Trump, who has called the pact an "embarrassment" and "the worst deal ever negotiated", has been weighing whether the deal serves U.S. security interests as he faces the Oct. 15 deadline for certifying that Iran is complying with its terms. The prospect of Washington reneging on the deal has worried some of the U.S. allies that helped negotiate it, especially as the world grapples with another nuclear crisis, North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile development. If Trump does not certify that Iran is in compliance, the U.S. Congress will have 60 days to decide whether to reimpose sanctions waived under the deal. U.N. inspectors have verified Iranian compliance with the terms. Rouhani said Saturday that if the United States violated the deal then it would hurt its own reputation in the international community. "If America carries out any violations today, the whole world will condemn America. They will not condemn Iran," Rouhani said, according to state media. "Then they will say why did you trust America and sign an agreement with them?" Separately, former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami has been forbidden from attending "public political, cultural and promotional ceremonies", for a period of three months, two of his lawyers told the Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA) on Saturday. Khatami has long been a lightning rod of criticism for hardliners who accuse him of fomenting unrest in the protests that followed the disputed election of president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009. Local media are forbidden from quoting Khatami in articles or publishing his image. The new restrictions were issued by Iranian security forces, Khatami's lawyers told ILNA, and there does not appear to be any judicial mechanism to dispute the restrictions. In the lead-up to the presidential election last May, Khatami posted a message online encouraging his supporters to vote for Rouhani. Rouhani made a reference to the new restrictions placed on Khatami during his speech Saturday but did not name him. "If anybody repeats that people should come to the ballot box, they should be punished?" he said, according to ILNA. Khatami's lawyers told ILNA that the restrictions began on the first day of the Iranian month of Mehr, which is Sept. 23. (Reporting by Babak Dehghanpisheh; Editing by Alison Williams)
Baghdad (AFP) - The "final large fight" in Iraq against the Islamic State group will take place on the border with Syria, a general in a US-led coalition against the jihadists said Saturday.

He spoke two days after Iraqi forces recaptured the northern town of Hawija, the centre of one of the jihadist group's two remaining enclaves in Iraq.

"The next fight and the final large fight will be in the Middle Euphrates River Valley... on the Iraqi-Syrian border," Brigadier General Robert Sofge, the coalition's Deputy Commanding General, told AFP.

"All campaigns will aim in that direction, and it is going to happen sooner rather than later."

IS seized vast areas of Iraq and Syria in 2014.

Multiple offensives in both countries have since cornered it in a pocket of territory stretching from Syria's Deir Ezzor to the Iraqi towns of Rawa and Al-Qaim.

Sofge said some 2,000 IS fighters were still in the area.

Coalition-backed Iraqi forces ousted IS from second city Mosul in July, going on to inflict a string of defeats on the jihadist group.

After seizing the northern town of Tal Afar in August, they focused their efforts on Hawija and the Euphrates river area close to the Syrian frontier.

- 'Moving quickly' -

The jihadists are also under pressure in eastern Syria, facing separate offensives by Russian-backed regime forces and a Kurdish-Arab force supported by the US-led coalition.

Brigadier General Andrew A. Croft, the coalition's deputy air force commander, said Iraqi security forces had been able to regroup and move quickly into new battles following their Mosul victory.

"We, as the Coalition, are moving quickly to match," he said.

Sofge said the jihadist group was shifting from a military mindset to that of an insurgent group with "sleeper cells" able to launch surprise attacks.

"The challenge for the years ahead is police work in Iraq and Syria," he said.

"IS fighters who are not killed or captured are trying to fade back into the fabric of the society."

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While jihadists have tried to hide among the thousands of people displaced by fighting, Croft said some 1,000 IS fighters were captured in Hawija.

Many ended up in the hands of the Kurdish peshmerga militias in Kirkuk province.

Control of the province is a key sticking point in a bitter dispute between Baghdad and Kurdish authorities, fanned by a September referendum on Kurdish independence, held in defiance of the central government.

Iraqi pro-government forces have also advanced towards Kurdish positions since retaking Hawija.

But Croft praised what he said was a "high degree of cooperation between peshmergas and Iraqi security forces".

"It is very positive," he said.

"Much of the tension is at a political level, not only does tension (between Iraqi forces and the peshmerga) not exist, but they keep their cooperation high."
(Photo: Getty Images)

Irish health officials have temporarily shuttered a public dental clinic and launched an investigation into the facility after drain cleaning fluid was apparently mixed by mistake with water  and then possibly given to dozens of children to rinse their mouths with.

Health Service Executive (HSE), Irelands public health agency, said Friday the clinic  located in the town of Ennis  would be closed for the next few days while officials conducted an investigation into the regrettable and unfortunate incident, reported TheJournal.ie.

We are taking all of the necessary steps to ensure [the children and their families] are supported and have adequate information. We will be conducting a full review to establish all of the facts, said Bernard Gloster, chief officer of Mid-West HSE.

Gloster said that up to 43 children may have accidentally been given the mixture between Oct. 4-5.

I want to apologize for any concern or upset caused to the children and their families, he said.

Some of the affected children reported an upset stomach, or burning sensations and blistering in their mouths. At least two patients visited an emergency room because of their symptoms, but were not hospitalized.

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Ivana Trump: Getty

After almost 10 tumultuous months of Donald Trump as President of the United States, his former wife has suggested he may not be the last member of the family to hold the position.

Speaking in her new book, the leader's first spouse, Ivana, says their daughter - Ivanka - could run for office in 15 years time.

In the book, Raising Trump, Ivana discusses her marriage to the real estate magnate from 1977 to 1992 and the future for their three children, including Ivankas own political career.

Maybe in fifteen years, she could run for president? she writes about her daughter, Ivanka, before musing about her own possible title.

First Lady? Holds no appeal for me personally. First Mother? That could work.

The book pulls back the curtain on a stormy period of the leader's life, including the messy divorce that was splashed across tabloids for weeks after his public affair with Marla Maples.

President Donald Trump speaks about small businesses while daughter and advisor to the President Ivanka Trump listens (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Ivana Trump was married to the former reality show star for 15 years and says she knew her marriage was over soon after a day in December 1989 when she was approached by Maples.

This young blonde woman approached me out of the blue and said 'I'm Marla and I love your husband. Do you?'

I said 'Get lost. I love my husband.' It was unladylike but I was in shock.

Donald Trump with his second wife Marla Maples in 1993. (Getty)

Mr Trump's public affair with Maples spawned the infamous Best Sex I've Ever Had headline in the New York Post in 1990. After divorcing his first wife, he married Maples in 1993.

Raising Trump is released next week and also reveals the couple's three children, Donald Jr, Ivanka and Eric. Don Jr didn't speak to their father for a year after the split.

I can only shake my head at how it insane it was, Ivana Trump writes. I couldn't turn on the television without hearing my name.

But she and the President have returned to far warmer terms. She said they speak about once a week and that she encourages him to keep using Twitter.

She said in a CBS News interview this week that she was offered the post of ambassador to the Czech Republic, her native country, but turned it down because she already has a perfect life.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the ambassadorship post.
Kim Yo-Jong, the younger sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un

Kim Jong-un, the North Korean dictator, has appointed his sister to the politburo, the most powerful body in the isolated regime's ruling party.

28-year-old Kim Yo-jong, who was in January subjected to a US Treasury blacklist for North Korea's human rights abuses, will replace Mr Kim's aunt, Kim Kyong-hee, who is believed to be seriously ill.

In an address on Saturday to his ruling Workers' Party, the North Korean leader also underlined his commitment to developing nuclear weapons, despite mounting from pressure from the US to back down.

Mr Kim, who is chairman of the party, accused the US of trying to "completely stifle the sovereignty of North Korea" by "cooking up" sanctions resolutions in the United Nations and of mobilising "vassal forces" against Pyongyang.

He added that the geopolitical situation in north-east Asia showed that the regime has been "absolutely right" to push ahead with the creation of more powerful nuclear weapons and that it should "keep to this road in the future", North Korea's KCNA news agency reported.

This combo of file photos shows an image (L) taken on April 15, 2017 of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un on a balcony of the Grand People's Study House following a military parade in Pyongyang; and an image (R) taken on July 19, 2017 of US President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump remained unconciliatory on Saturday, saying in a series of tweets that he does not rule out military action against North Korea and insisting that previous US administrations had failed.

"Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid ... hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, making fools of US negotiators", he wrote.

"Sorry, but only one thing will work!" There was no further elaboration. South Korea and the US have increased monitoring of the activities of the North Korean military out of concern that Pyongyang is planning another long-range missile test to mark the upcoming anniversary of the founding of the North's ruling party.

The 72nd anniversary of the creation of the party is marked on October 10 and has in the past been an occasion for demonstrations of the regime's power. North Korea's first nuclear test was carried out on October 9, 2006, and was used to whip up national pride ahead of the anniversary.

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The concern in Seoul and Washington was raised after Anton Morozov, a Russian politician, told media after a visit to Pyongyang that North Korea is preparing to test a long-range missile with the potential to reach the west coast of the US. Speaking in Moscow on Friday, Mr Morozov said, "In general, their mood is rather belligerent".

A military official in Seoul told Yonhap News that, "Some movements have been continuously detected from the North's missile facilities and bases.

"We are maintaining the heightened reconnaissance and preparedness posture", he said. Both South Korean and US forces have stepped up aerial monitoring of the North, along with radar surveillance designed to immediately identify a missile launch.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 14:16:47|Editor: Zhou Xin

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KABUL, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- A Taliban senior commander Mullah Zahir was among three insurgents killed in the western Farah province, Interior Ministry said in a statement released here on Sunday.
New York (AFP) - The final poems of Leonard Cohen, completed days before the legendary songwriter died, will be published in an anthology next year, his estate announced late Friday.

Entitled "The Flame," the volume will include Cohen's unpublished poems as well as his prose pieces and illustrations and lyrics to his three final albums.

Explaining the metaphor in the title, Robert Kory, who was Cohen's manager, said that the Montreal-born artist had finished "The Flame" days before his death and it "reveals to all the intensity of his inner fire."

"During the final months of his life, Leonard had a singular focus -- completing this book taken largely from his unpublished poems and selections from his notebooks," Kory said in a statement.

"The flame and how our culture threatened its extinction was a central concern," he said.

The book, which has US, Canadian and British publishers, will come out in October 2018.

Cohen died in November 2016 at age 82, just weeks after he released his last album, "You Want It Darker," whose lyrics reflect heavily on death, spirituality and his place in the universe.

While he became best known for meditative tunes such as "Hallelujah" and "So Long, Marianne" -- as well as the quirkier "First We Take Manhattan" -- Cohen turned to music relatively late, in his 30s, after establishing a literary career.

Cohen published poetry collections including "Flowers for Hitler" and two novels -- the latter of which, 1966's "Beautiful Losers," incorporated indigenous mythology and became a classic of Canadian counterculture.

The book announcement comes ahead of a memorial concert planned next month in Montreal for the anniversary of his death.

Artists including Elvis Costello and Sting are set to perform at the November 6 tribute, which will be attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Monrovia (AFP) - Liberia, which elects a new president on Tuesday, is an English-speaking nation in West Africa that is still scarred by a gruesome civil war and a devastating Ebola outbreak.

Here is a snapshot of the country:

- Oldest republic in Africa -

In 1822 the United States starts sending freed black slaves to a part of West Africa that eventually becomes Liberia. The new arrivals declare independence in 1847, establishing the first republic in Africa.

Descendants of former slaves run the country until the assassination in 1980 of president William Tolbert in a coup led by Samuel Doe, who establishes an authoritarian and corrupt regime.

Doe is captured in 1990, at the height of civil war, and tortured to death by men loyal to warlord Prince Johnson, one of the candidates in Tuesday's election.

- 14 years of civil war -

The National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) of Charles Taylor launches a rebellion in December 1989 in the northeast that quickly takes control of most of the country but not the capital, Monrovia.

The civil war involves seven rival factions until it ends under a peace accord in 1997.

In the elections that follow, Taylor is elected president.

Violence again erupts in 1999 when another rebellion flares and Taylor loses control of much of the country, fleeing in 2003 to Nigeria.

The death toll from 14 years of civil war is estimated at 250,000 with hundreds of thousands of people displaced. Some of the worst abuses are perpetuated by government forces.

In 2012, Taylor is convicted by an international criminal court of 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

- First female leader in Africa -

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf becomes Africa's first female head of state in 2005 when she wins presidential elections.

"Ma Ellen" wins relection in 2011, and a month later is co-awarded the Nobel Peace Prize as a champion of women's rights.

The 78-year-old has served two terms and so is barred from standing in the coming election.

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- Worst-hit by Ebola -

Liberia suffered the most deaths in West Africa's 2014-16 outbreak of Ebola.

The virus killed 11,300 people in three countries, more than 4,800 of them in Liberia.

- A recovering economy -

The years of civil war devastated the economy and infrastructure of Liberia, which is rich in natural resources such as minerals and forests.

Growth stagnated at zero percent over 2014 and 2016 because of the Ebola outbreak and a fall in commodity prices, the World Bank says.

But prospects are better for 2017 with gold production and improvements in service likely to account for better economic performance, it says.

Most of the population of 4.7 million people lives without basic services such as water and electricity.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 14:46:51|Editor: Zhou Xin

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KABUL, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- A Taliban senior commander Mullah Zahir is among three insurgents killed in the western Farah province, Interior Ministry said in a statement released here on Sunday.

"Three armed Taliban militants including a senior commander of the armed group named Mullah Zahir have been killed and four others wounded following security forces operations launched in Shiran village, Posht Road district of Farah province yesterday," the statement asserted.

In the statement, the Interior Ministry has confirmed that a security personnel sustained injuries.

Mullah Zahir, according to locals was a notorious militant and his physical elimination could prove a major setback to the insurgents in Farah and the neighboring Herat province.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 15:26:57|Editor: Zhou Xin

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NEW DELHI, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least four people have drowned after a boat capsized in a river in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, police said Sunday.

"The incident took place late Saturday evening when the boat carrying some 16 people sank in the Ganges river in Meja sub-division of Allahabad," a police official said.

While 12 people swam to safety, the four drowned. "Divers are searching the waters. Efforts are on to recover their bodies," the official said.

A probe has been ordered into the incident, the official added.

Earlier that day, six people died after the boat in which they were travelling sank in Saryu river at Behta in the same state.

The two incidents came barely three weeks after 22 people drowned when an overloaded boat sank in the Yamuna River in the state's Baghpat district. The boat was carrying 60 people.
Migrants are seen at the centre of the Anti-Illegal Immigration Authority in Tripoli, Libya September 10, 2017. (Reuters Photo)

TRIPOLI, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- A senior official in the western Libyan city of Sabratha said on Saturday that more than 3,000 illegal immigrants bound for Europe have been found in the city's detention centers.

"As the anti-Islamic State operation forces took control of the city and defeated armed groups, more than 3,000 illegal immigrants were found inside detention centers, preparing to cross from Libya to Europe on boats," Basim al-Gharabli, head of the anti-illegal immigration bureau of Sabratha, said at a press conference.

"This large number of migrants include African, Arab and Asian nationals. They were detained in inhumane conditions. We found dozens of children and pregnant women. Some migrants told us they had not been fed for a week," he added.

Al-Gharabli also said a shelter is being prepared to house the migrants in Sabratha in coordination with the International Organization for Migration.

The senior official pointed to the importance of government and international intervention to repatriate thousands of illegal immigrants to their countries.

Sabratha is one of the largest illegal smuggling destinations in Libya, according to international organizations.
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani delivers remarks at a news conference during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, U.S. September 20, 2017. (Reuters Photo)

TEHRAN, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said Saturday that Tehran is ready for dialogue and rapprochement with Riyadh.

"There is a willingness for rapprochement on both sides, and we are willing to talk to Saudi Arabia about our difference," he was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency.

"We do not believe that Iran and Saudi Arabia should have the type of relationship they have right now," he said.

However, Zarif slammed what he said Saudi Arabia's support for terrorist groups in Syria and its aggression on Yemen, as well as its treatment of Qatar.

"We believe the posture in the Persian Gulf by Saudi Arabia is not a positive one, (like) the policies they pursue against Qatar," Zarif said, adding that Saudi Arabia was using claims of Iranian expansionism to justify its own attempts to exert influence in the region.

"The concepts they are using to muddy the waters, policies that have brought unfortunate disastrous consequences for our region, cannot be justified by these smokescreens of exporting revolutions," he added.

Iran and his regional rival Saudi Arabia are at loggerheads over their influence in the Middle East region.

Saudi Arabia severed its diplomatic relations with Iran in January 2016, following demonstrations in front of the Saudi embassy in Tehran and its consulate in the northeastern city of Mashhad.

Angry protesters set the diplomatic missions ablaze for the execution of top Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr by Saudi Arabia.

On Saturday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi strongly dismissed what he called the recent allegations by Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir against Tehran as "baseless", official IRNA news agency reported.

On Saturday, Jubeir said Iran must be criticized for its interference in the region and support for terrorist organizations.
A Minnesota man who lived in a house with the decomposing bodies of his mother and twin brother for about a year said he could not bring himself to report their deaths to authorities.

I was traumatized, Robert James Kuefler told The Associated Press on Saturday. What would you do?

White Bear Police Capt. Dale Hager said Kuefler, 60, was charged this week with interference with a dead body or scene of death because Kuefler moved his brothers body. Hager said both the brother and the mother died of natural causes in 2015.

Several months after their deaths, Kuefler wrote to other family members in a Christmas card that both were in bad health and could not talk on the phone and did not want visitors. Police did not find the bodies until September 2016, when a neighbor reported that the Kueflers lawn in the Minneapolis suburb of White Bear Lake was overgrown and that it had been a long time since she had seen activity at the house, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported.

Kuefler told the AP that his mother, 94-year-old Evelyn Kuefler, died in August 2015 and his brother, Richard Kuefler, died several months before. Court records say the mothers body was decayed and skeletal and the brothers body was mummified.

I am not some nut ball, the maintenance worker said in a telephone interview. People think I am, but Im not. I loved them.

Hager said disability and Social Security checks for Kruegers mother and brother were sent to their accounts by direct deposit and that it did not appear that any money was withdrawn, though federal authorities are still investigating. Kuefler told the AP that he did not tap the accounts.

Hager said authorities decided to file the misdemeanor charge against Kuefler in part to help get him some psychological help through the court system.

This is our way of introducing this case onto the court, Hager said. We do believe his actions violated the law. Moving the body of his brother disrupted the death scene.

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Were depending on our partners in the court system to make a good decision, he said.

Kuefler, who has no criminal history, said he needs no counseling.

I watched my mother die, he said. She always said she wanted to die at home. She didnt have any burial plans.
Martin Truex Jr. is starting the second round of the playoffs like he did the first round.

Truex, who won the playoff-opening race at Chicago, sprinted away on a two-lap restart to win at Charlotte on Sunday. The win in the first race of the second round means Truex is guaranteed to be one of the eight drivers alive for the title in the third round of the playoffs.

Truex drove away from Denny Hamlin on two late restarts. The final restart was set up by a spin from Kurt Busch after making some contact with Kyle Larson.

Chase Elliott finished second and Kevin Harvick was third. Hamlin finished fourth and Jamie McMurray finished fifth.

Kyle Busch, who caused multiple cautions during the race after he first hit the wall, was tended to by medical personnel after the race. After getting out of his car Busch laid down on the infield and had an ice bag on his chest.

      

Nick Bromberg is the editor of Dr. Saturday and From the Marbles on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 16:17:03|Editor: Zhou Xin

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DUBAI, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The five-day Gitex Technology Week 2017 opened Sunday as global providers of information technology, mobile technology and artificial intelligence battle against tepid economic growth in the oil-rich Gulf states.

The 37th edition of Gitex, which will run through Thursday, attracted 4,100 exhibitors from over 70 countries.

The event comes amid struggles of the six countries of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), which are the Gitex host countries, namely United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman, as oil price slumped and geopolitical uncertainty remains.

The GCC mobile phone market remained relatively flat in the second quarter 2017. The U.S. technology research and consulting firm of International Data Corporation (IDC) released a month ago its quarterly mobile phone tracker, which showed overall GCC shipments for the quarter totaled 6.4 million units, representing a minor decline.

However, it contrasts starkly with the steep 20.2 percent year on year decline seen in the first quarter of 2017, suggesting the market might recover in 2018, said IDC.

Analysts of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted less than one percent growth for GCC economic growth in 2017.

Earlier in the year, U.S. research firm Gartner said IT spending in the Middle East and North Africa will reach 155.8 billion dollars in 2017, a 2.4 percent surge than 2016. That compares with the 3.7 percent growth the region has seen in 2016, Gartner said.

The lukewarm development in ICT, or Information and Communication Technology, is in line with a global trend. The worldwide server-market revenue declines 4.6 percent in the first quarter "as the market prepares for a major refresh," according to IDC.

There were contrasting fortunes in the GCC's two biggest markets, with the UAE growing 1.6 percent in the second quarter and Saudi Arabia suffering the region's largest decline of 4.2 percent.

Analysts also suggested that the introduction of a five percent value added tax (VAT), a first in the GCC, has triggered individuals and firms to lower spending in IT.

There are also positive signs seen at Gitex itself. Finland, Georgia and Guatemala mark their debut at this year's fair, and even a group of companies from war-torn Syria celebrate their first time appearance with a small pavilion at the Gitex in Dubai's world trade center.

Also, the consulting firm Accenture said artificial intelligence in the UAE will grow "exponentially", the Abu Dhabi daily the National reported.
Hurricane Nate made its second U.S. landfall early Sunday as a Category 1 storm near the Mississippi city of Biloxi, according to the National Hurricane Center. Its the first hurricane to make landfall in Mississippi since Katrina in 2005.

Footage out of Biloxi showed extremely gusty conditions and inundated streets and buildings as Nate, packing maximum sustained winds of 85 miles per hour, came ashore.

Earlier, Biloxi officials had warned residents that storm surge flooding could reach up to 11 or 12 feet in some parts of the city. Biloxi has a population of about 46,000.

We are fighting Hurricane force winds funneling through parking garage with #stormsurge continuing to rise in Biloxi !! #HurricaneNate !! pic.twitter.com/woX5OQa4eK  Mike Theiss (@MikeTheiss) October 8, 2017

#StormSurge coming into lobby of Golden Nugget casino in Biloxi #HurricaneNate pic.twitter.com/sYeHT1aMzI  Mike Theiss (@MikeTheiss) October 8, 2017

#StormSurge coming inside entrance of Golden Nugget casino in Biloxi #HurricaneNate pic.twitter.com/Sv0wwIbjWu  Mike Theiss (@MikeTheiss) October 8, 2017

Strong wind in Biloxi. I can't walk out of this parking tunnel at Harrah's, wind is too strong @WBRZ #nate #mswx pic.twitter.com/56js8fEFSq  Mark Armstrong (@TvMarkArmstrong) October 8, 2017

As Nate moved inland, it weakened rapidly, becoming a tropical storm by Sunday morning. Heavy rain and flash flooding could still be expected, however.

Even though Nate has made landfall and will weaken today, we are still forecasting heavy rain ... to spread well inland toward the Tennessee Valley and Appalachian mountains, said ABC News meteorologist Daniel Manzo.

After killing at least 30 people in Central America as a tropical storm, Nate first made landfall in the U.S. as a Category 1 hurricane on Saturday night near the mouth of the Mississippi River on the southeastern Louisiana coast.

Thousands of residents in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida lost power due to the storm. And storm surges were reported in several cities along the Gulf Coast in Mississippi and Alabama.

Rain and wind pushing through Dauphin Island, AL earlier this evening #Nate @NWSMobile pic.twitter.com/n3wRD1REZ7  Jim Edds (@ExtremeStorms) October 8, 2017

Late Saturday night, the hurricane center said flooding of 7 to 11 feet above ground level could be expected along the Mississippi coast for the next several hours. A storm surge warning, it added, was in effect from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Okaloosa/Walton county line in Florida.

No Nate-related injuries or deaths have been reported in the U.S. thus far.

Here are the 10 PM CDT Oct. 7 key messages for Hurricane #Nate. More info at https://t.co/FL3pi16PWx pic.twitter.com/ieJ9xWI7J7  NHC Atlantic Ops (@NHC_Atlantic) October 8, 2017

Nate is the fourth major hurricane to wreak havoc in the U.S. in a span of just six weeks. As a Category 1 storm, however, it didnt inflict the same level of damage as Harvey, Irma and Maria, which devastated Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico respectively.

Still, officials in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida urged residents to not underestimate the storms power. All four states declared states of emergency and issued evacuation orders as Nate approached the Gulf Coast.

No one should take this storm lightly, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) said at a press conference on Friday. We do want people to be very, very cautious and to not take this storm for granted.

Category 1 hurricanes are characterized by very dangerous winds that are capable of destroying roofs, snapping large tree branches and causing extensive damage to power lines and poles, according to the hurricane center.

This article has been updated to reflect Nate weakening to tropical storm status.

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Hurricane Nate Strengthens As It Nears New Orleans And The Gulf Coast

Hurricane Nate Makes Landfall Near Mouth Of Mississippi River

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Maria Lopez cries while walking from her house that was flooded after the passage of Hurricane Maria, in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on September 22, 2017. Puerto Rico battled dangerous floods Friday after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, as rescuers raced against time to reach residents trapped in their homes and the death toll climbed to 33. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called Maria the most devastating storm in a century after it destroyed the US territory's electricity and telecommunications infrastructure. / AFP PHOTO / HECTOR RETAMAL (Photo credit should read HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images)

Loiza, PUERTO RICO SEPTEMBER 22: Aerial photo of the floadings in the costal town of Loiza, in the north shore of Puerto RicoHurricane Maria passed through Puerto Rico leaving behind a path of destruction across the national territory. (Photo by Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

HAYALES DE COAMO, PUERTO RICO - SEPTEMBER 24: Karlian Mercado, 7, rests on the rubble that remains of her family's home after it was blown away by Hurricane Maria as it passed through the area on September 24, 2017 in Hayales de Coamo, Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico experienced widespread damage after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, passed through. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Irma Torres poses for a picture at her damaged house after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico September 22, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

Local residents react while they look at the water flowing over the road at the dam of the Guajataca lake after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Guajataca, Puerto Rico September 23, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

A man looks at damages on his flooded house, close to the dam of the Guajataca lake after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Guajataca, Puerto Rico September 23, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

A man sits in a wheelchair next to washing machines at a shelter after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria, in San Juan, Puerto Rico September 22, 2017. Picture taken September 22, 2017. REUTERS/Alvin Baez

LOIZA, PUERTO RICO - SEPTEMBER 22: A resident wades through flood water days after Hurricane Maria made landfall, on September 22, 2017 in Loiza, Puerto Rico. Many on the island have lost power, running water, and cell phone service after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, passed through. (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

People stay at the roof of a damaged house after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico September 22, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

PUERTO RICO SEPTEMBER 23: A devastated house in Morovis Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria passed through Puerto Rico leaving behind a path of destruction across the national territory. (Photo by Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - SEPTEMBER 22: Residents line up for gasoline days after Hurricane Maria made landfall, on September 22, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Many on the island have lost power, running water, and cell phone service after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, passed through. (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

A car submerged in flood waters is seen close to the dam of the Guajataca lake after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Guajataca, Puerto Rico September 23, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

A resident lay on a cot inside a shelter after being evacuated from a home near the damaged Guajataca Dam after Hurricane Maria in Isabella, Puerto Rico, on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017. Amid their struggles to recover fromiHurricaneiMaria, some Puerto Rico residents found it befuddling that President Donald Trump fired off a number of Twitter rants about professional athletes on Saturday -- yet made no mention of their dire situation. Photographer: Alex Wroblewski/Bloomberg via Getty Images

People stop on a highway near a mobile phone antenna tower to check for mobile phone signal, after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria, in Dorado, Puerto Rico September 22, 2017. Picture taken September 22, 2017. REUTERS/Alvin Baez

A dead horse is seen next to a road after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Quebradillas, Puerto Rico September 23, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

An aerial view shows the flooded neighbourhood of Juana Matos in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Catano, Puerto Rico, on September 22, 2017. Puerto Rico battled dangerous floods Friday after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, as rescuers raced against time to reach residents trapped in their homes and the death toll climbed to 33. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called Maria the most devastating storm in a century after it destroyed the US territory's electricity and telecommunications infrastructure. / AFP PHOTO / Ricardo ARDUENGO (Photo credit should read RICARDO ARDUENGO/AFP/Getty Images)

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
The President's eldest son has previously criticised London Mayor Sadiq Khan: Getty Images

As speculation swirled about the car crash outside the Natural History Museum, Donald Trumps son liked a tweet which quoted London Mayor Sadiq Khan as saying a number of people had been injured and a man detained by police.

Donald Trump Jr was responding to the report about the incident by US broadcaster ABC News, clicking the like button on their story about the incident.

At the time the story was posted, it was unclear what had actually happened. A large number of Twitter users but not ABC News had claimed it was a terrorist attack.

However, police later ruled this out and described it as a road traffic incident.

MORE: London Mayor Sadiq Khan: "A number of people have been injured...man has been detained by police." https://t.co/MkZXKZNjjH  ABC News (@ABC) October 7, 2017

ABC said: More: London Mayor Sadiq Khan: A number of people have been injured  man has been detained by police.

It was unclear what Trump Jr meant when he liked the tweet but he has previous form for criticising Mr Khan in relation to terror attacks.

Donald Trump Senior has previously criticised Mr Khan over his comments on terrorism now being part and parcel of living in London, with his sons backing up his views.

In the wake of the Westminster attacks, the President took to Twitter to launch a scathing attack against Mr Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed about the risks.

Mr Trump said: Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his no reason to be alarmed statement. MSM (mainstream media) is working hard to sell it.

Mr Trump Jr later told the ABC network that Mr Khan was not doing enough to tackle terrorism in the wake of the atrocities.

Donald Trump Jr liked an early report on the incident (Twitter)

Maybe he should do something to fix the problem rather than just sit there and pretend there isnt one, he said.

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We keep appeasing it. And we keep saying, Okay, its gonna be great. Were gonna hold fast and were gonna keep calm and carry on. Maybe we have to keep calm and actually do something.

Following the Westminster attack in March, Trump Jr, who works alongside younger brother Eric as a trustee of the Trump Organisation, shared a six-month old story by The Independent reporting Mr Khans comment that terror attacks were a part and parcel of living in a global city.

You have to be kidding me?! Trump Jr exclaimed on Twitter.

It was unclear whether he understood that Mr Khans remarks had been made six months earlier and not in response to the atrocity at the Houses of Parliament where five people were murdered including a police officer.

Eleven people were hurt in the car crash outside the London museum, although none of the injuries are believed to be life threatening or life-changing, according to the Metropolitan police.

The arrested man has not been charged with any crime and the investigation continues.
When I woke up on Monday morning to the news of the mass shooting in Las Vegas, my mind went straight back to December 14, 2012  the day I lost my 6-year-old son, Dylan, to gun violence at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I became emotional as I heard about the many people who lost their children, their spouses or their siblings. I know firsthand that theyre on the very first step of a raw and incredibly hard journey to recovery.

I hope that those who lost a loved one in Las Vegas are kind to themselves and give themselves time to heal. Theres no correct playbook on how to deal with the pain. The coming days and years will be challenging, painful, difficult and hard to navigate. Whats most important is that they treat themselves with compassion and focus on self-care. They need to rely on their friends and family to provide the support theyll need for a long time.

What helped me get through the difficult days was getting to work. That, of course, wont be the path for everyone. But as a mom who has just lost her youngest child, I wanted to understand why this had happened and how it could have been prevented. I wanted to make sure Dylan didnt die in vain.

After any tragedy, Americans are good at coming together to help those affected and to find ways to prevent these tragedies from happening again. But when it comes to gun violence, the solutions arent as obvious. A few other parents who lost their children at Sandy Hook also wanted to find answers, so we decided to launch our organization, Sandy Hook Promise, to find a way to prevent gun-related tragedies. At the beginning, we made the mistake of initially focusing on just policy. We fought hard for universal background checks, something I deeply believe in. But when the Senate rejected that measure in 2013, we realized that there was something else going on.

The debate around gun control has always focused on whether to take guns away from people or give people more guns. We need to reframe and depoliticize the conversation. It shouldnt be a choice between Second Amendment rights and gun control laws. Its not about good guys with guns and bad guys with guns. Its not about just mental health or the weapons themselves. The special interest groups  on both sides of the issue  with a financial stake in the conversation arent helping either. Instead, we should all focus on what we can do together to help individuals before they ever pick up a gun to hurt themselves or someone else.

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While we dont yet know all of the details surrounding the situation in Las Vegas, we do know that any mass shooting is preceded by warning signs  whether someone mentions it in conversation, posts on social media or exhibits behavioral changes. Given what we do know, its safe to assume that the shooter in Las Vegas had some sort of plan. Whenever theres a plan, theres an opportunity for someone to identify whats going on and intervene before lives are lost. But as a society, were not trained to recognize those signs. Just like we educate people to identify the signs of someone having a stroke or a heart attack, we need to ensure that educate people about the warning signs of gun violence.

That became our new mission at Sandy Hook Promise. We talked to thought leaders, mental health experts, politicians, gun owners and non-gun owners, and we realized that the discourse around gun violence lacked any solutions focused on education and awareness. So, we launched our Know the Signs training program in 2014, which focuses on how to identify at-risk behaviors like social isolation and depression and how to step in before someone ever turns to a gun. Weve since taught over 2 million children and adults across 50 states, and were on track to educate another 2 million this year alone. Weve made a real impact that could save thousands of lives.

Thats not to say that policy changes, passing legislation and voting the right politicians in to office isnt important. It absolutely is. But the history of country is built on social change at a grassroots level. The policy and politics always comes after. While we should absolutely advocate to end policies that allow for the sale of silencers and inappropriate or unsafe access to weapons, we should focus on advocating for policies that reinforce education and awareness. Some states are embracing extreme risk protection orders, which allow courts to temporarily prohibit an individual from accessing their guns if law enforcement or family members believe he or she is a danger to himself or others. Policies that look backward on whether a person has ever been convicted of a crime or diagnosed with mental illness dont help. We need to look at a persons state of mind right now.

After every mass shooting, we have the same argument without any real results. Meanwhile, more kids like Dylan are dying every single day. Well only be able to save their lives when we stop fighting and start listening to each other.
In the wake of one of the deadliest mass shootings in modern U.S. history, the National Rifle Association turned to a familiar tactic: pointing the finger at Hollywood for promoting a culture of violence. But at its museum in Fairfax, Virginia, the gun rights advocacy group continues to celebrate the very firearms that it has accused the movie industry of using to glorify gun violence and make billions of dollars

The Hollywood Guns exhibit, in the National Firearms Museums William B. Ruger Gallery, spotlights 125 firearms that have thrilled moviegoers for generations, according to the NRAs website.

Among the weapons on display are the Smith and Wesson revolver used by Clint Eastwood in the films Dirty Harry and Magnum Force, the suppressed shotgun of Javier Bardems character in No Country for Old Men, a submachine gun used by Bruce Willis in Die Hard, and Captain Jack Sparrows flintlock pistol from Pirates of the Caribbean. There are also guns from Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, The Departed and a number of westerns, including 3:10 to Yuma and True Grit.

These guns have never before been seen together, and probably never will again, museum director Jim Supica is quoted as saying on the exhibits website.

American actor Clint Eastwood points his pistol in a still from the film "Dirty Harry". (Photo: Warner Bros. via Getty Images)

A second exhibit of Hollywood weaponry can be found at the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum at the Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri. The pair of exhibits debuted as Reel Guns of Reel Heroes in 2002, according to an NRA blog post. The collection at the Virginia museum has been a permanent fixture since 2010. New guns were added to the collection as recently as October 2016.

That the NRA showcases such items is neither new nor surprising. But given comments by the associations leadership, its hard not to question that if by maintaining such exhibits the NRA isnt guilty of the same glorification for which it has skewered the film industry.

In December 2012, about a week after a gunman murdered 20 children and six teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, NRA executive vice president Wayne LaPierre held a press conference and did what the group so-often does. He called for more guns. The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun, he said, while calling for armed guards at every school in the nation.

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He took no responsibility for the role the NRA might play in deadly shootings by encouraging the nation to be flooded with more weapons and working to sink numerous efforts to pass gun control legislation. Instead, he has consistently pinned mass killings on seemingly everything else  video games, Hollywood and the media.

Then theres the blood-soaked slasher films like American Psycho and Natural Born Killers that are aired like propaganda loops on Splatterdays and every day, he said during his 2012 press conference, adding that fantasizing about killing people is the filthiest form of pornography.

The NRA took the same approach on Thursday, nearly a week after 59 people were killed and hundreds more were injured by a gunman at a country music festival in Las Vegas.

The NRA spends millions of dollars every year teaching safe and responsible gun ownership, and Hollywood makes billions promoting and glorifying gun violence, Chris Cox, executive director of NRAs Institute for Legislative Action, told Fox News Tucker Carlson. And then the same hypocrites come in and suggest were to blame for this.

LaPierre echoed that same message in a separate interview with Fox News Sean Hannity. This Hollywood crowd makes billions ... teaching gun irresponsibility to the American public, he said. The hypocrisy is beyond belief. They criticize me for saying people ought to be able to protect themselves from murderers, rapists and robbers, and then they make billions depicting every night those same situations.

In a 2013 report entitled Bloody Reel, gun control advocate Tom Diaz documented how the NRA and gun industry exploit images of guns in extremely violent movies to sell the increasingly lethal military-style guns that define todays civilian gun market. He wrote, it would be hard to find a more hypocritical statement that the one made by LaPierre against Hollywood in the wake of Sandy Hook.

The fact is that neither movies nor video games, nor any other of the wondrous excuses the NRA can dream up are the cause of Americas gun violence epidemic, Diaz wrote in the report. Guns are.

The NRA did not respond to HuffPosts request for comment on Friday.

The National Firearms Museum highlighted its Hollywood firearms exhibit in a 2010 promotional video. In it, museum senior curator Phil Schreier encourages viewers to come by and visit this sequel and come see a true blockbuster here in Fairfax, where all the stars of the silver screen have descended into these galleries and are represented by some of the firearms that weve fallen in love with in our youth and our adulthood, wishing that we too could be like our matinee idols.

The video was deleted from the NRAs YouTube channel, but not before being archived by Media Matters for America.

Several other videos about the the NRAs Hollywood collection remain online. In one, Schreier shows off the MP5 submachine gun from Die Hard. In another, Jim Supica, the museums manager, demonstrates shooting both blank and live rounds from the same type of gun.

Here to kick ass and chew gum, Supica says before unloading a magazine of blanks at large jars filled with bubble gum, a reference to a line from the 1988 film They Live.

Supica then switches to live ammo. Me personally, I prefer the real thing, he says.

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Washington (AFP) - The latest US massacre, in which a lone man rained gunfire from a Las Vegas hotel window onto a country music concert below, killing 58 people, has again raised the issue of the country's lax gun regulation.

But a week later, it's clear that the laws that allowed the now-dead shooter Stephen Paddock to amass 47 guns including military-style assault rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition, will not change.

And one key reason is the unquestionable power of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

It has only five million members, but stirs trepidation in any politician it says threatens Americans' gun rights.

With its normal allies, Republicans, controlling the White House and Congress, there is little chance of a move to significantly tighten restrictions on guns, despite the carnage last Sunday in Las Vegas.

- Fundamental rights under attack -

Founded nearly a century and a half ago to promote marksmanship, the Washington-based NRA in the 1970s turned to defending the broadest view of the US Constitution's 2nd Amendment promise of a right "to keep and bear arms."

That was a reaction to the 1968 Gun Control Act, which required firearms dealers to be licensed and placed restrictions on various types of guns.

The group's political influence grew slowly.

But after a ban on new automatic weapons in 1986, a short-lived prohibition on assault rifles in 1994 and mandated background checks for some gun buyers, it established itself as the vanguard in protecting what many Americans view as their fundamental rights.

Since the 1990s, the NRA has been able to deliver a powerful punch against local and national politicians it labels a threat to those rights, contributing to the defeat of many moderate candidates.

The secret to its power is that supporters vote on one issue -- gun rights -- while opponents are not nearly so focused.

"They are good in exciting their constituency," with the result "an intense minority winning out over an apathetic majority," said Gary Jacobson, an emeritus professor of political science and elections expert at the University of California-San Diego.

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- Rich war-chest -

Financially powerful, the NRA does not lavish money on political candidates.

According to the National Institute on Money in State Politics, it only donated $21 million to candidates over the past 27 years, mostly in state and local elections. In Washington, it spends about $3 million each year on lobbyists.

But over the past 13 years, in 30 states that report the data, the NRA spent $115 million to influence public opinion and political races indirectly by placing its own pro-gun advertisements on television and online, and helping other third parties get its message out.

"Elected officials generally know what is dangerous for them to do," said Harry Wilson, a professor at Roanoke College and author of three books on the politics of gun rights.

But Wilson, an NRA member himself, says the size of the bloc is also greatly underestimated. It has broad support among non-gun owners and civil libertarians, he argues.

"Gun owners are generally supportive of civil rights over all. It's a privacy thing. Some of them simply don't trust the government at all," he said.

"This idea that everybody really wants gun control, and it's only the NRA that is opposing it, is simply a myth."

Wilson pointed to polls showing the NRA is favored more than President Donald Trump, the Republican Party and the Democratic Party.

"The long-term trend in the country has been for gun rights," he added.

For Jacobson, the NRA's stance has now become "the more orthodox position of Republicans," and its followers very much match Trump's base.

That means there is little chance gun control advocates can make any gains after the Las Vegas horror.

- Muscle-flexing -

The group's muscle was on display after the Las Vegas massacre.

Paddock had 12 legal "bump stocks" on his guns that allowed to fire about as rapidly as automatic weapons, unloading hundreds of shots per minute. That made his assault far deadlier than it would have been without the devices.

As soon as the use of bump stocks was known, Democrats called for their ban. But President Donald Trump was hesitant to take a stand, as were many Republicans in Congress, until the NRA itself suggested it would support new restrictions.

In a deft statement, it blamed Democratic former president Barack Obama for bump stocks.

It offered Republican lawmakers who fear gun rights activists an out, by proposing that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and not Congress, handle a ban. And in the same breath, it audaciously called to loosen restrictions on people carrying guns in public.

"Unfortunately, the first response from some politicians has been to call for more gun control," the group's chief executive Wayne La Pierre and chief lobbyist Chris Cox said in a statement.

"In an increasingly dangerous world, the NRA remains focused on our mission: strengthening Americans' Second Amendment freedom to defend themselves, their families and their communities."
A note found in the Las Vegas gunmans room showed handwritten calculations detailing which angle to fire to kill as many people as possible, according to reports.

In an interview with CBS' 60 Minutes, officers who stormed Stephen Paddocks room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino after he shot and killed 58 people and injured hundreds more said they found a chilling note on his nightstand.

Read: Mom of 4, Husband Who Shielded Wife Among 58 Confirmed Dead in Las Vegas Massacre

I could see on it he had written the distance, the elevation he was on, the drop of what his bullet was gonna be for the crowd,' Officer Dave Newton from the Las Vegas Police Department's K-9 unit said in the interview. So he had that written down and figured out so he would know where to shoot to hit his targets from there.

Authorities blew open the 64-year-old retired accountants door with an explosive and found hed killed himself after his shooting spree at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on Oct. 1.

The crowd was approximately 400 yards away, well within range of the expensive custom-made rifles found in Paddock's suite, police said.

Newton described what it was like to enter into the Paddocks hotel room after the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

Very eerie. Yeah, the dust from the explosive breach. And then you have the flashing lights [from a fire alarm], Newton said. "And that looked straight, like, out of a movie, you know?

Read: Strangers Donate More Than $3 Million to Las Vegas Victims: 'Every Penny Will Be Put to Use'

Photos that surfaced of Paddocks suite after the attack showed several guns and bullets strewn across the floor.

Clark County Undersheriff Kevin McMahill said investigators had "looked at literally everything" and still do not have a clear motive for the shooting.

Story continues

Watch: This Is What the Las Vegas Gunman's Hotel Room Looked Like

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UPDATE: The budget resolution passed by the House on Thursday will push millions of already struggling people off food stamps, leaving the neediest Americanschildren and the elderly among themwithout food.

The $4.1-trillion budget will take over $150 billion away from several poverty programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps low-income people keep food on the table, by giving them small amounts of supplemental money to spend on groceriesanywhere from $100 a month to $700 a month for a family of five, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

This budget isn't the newest problem SNAP has had to face. The number of people on SNAP ebbs and flows with the economy, but only 75 percent of people who are eligible for SNAP actually participate in the program, the website Snap to Health says. And it's because applying can get really complicated.

Evan Teske, a 26-year-old medical student, needed assistance while he was working for Americorps. After graduating from college in 2014, Americorps assigned him to Focuspoint Family Research Center, which focuses on education from childhood to adulthood. His stipend just wasnt enough.

So I had to apply for food stamps, Teske told Newsweek.

The application process was pretty confusing, he said, but Americorps helped him apply. Then, after about a year and a half, he was taken off.

I got taken off by the government against my will because every six months I had to update my paperwork so they could see how much they were giving me, Teske said. And at one point, when food stamps and a stipend still wasnt quite enough, I had help from my parents and family members to help me out in a pinch. When I put that down in the updated documents, they didnt call it an income, but they said it was extra. So they cut me off.

Teske worked for Americorps for the next six months and then moved to New Mexico for medical school. He said SNAP and food stamps made his life more livable.

Story continues

Teske was taken off food stamps because his family helped him when he was needing a bit more. If Trump's budget proposal passes the Senate, as it has already passed the House, many more people will be bumped off SNAPand a lot of them won't have the familial safety net that Teske did.

SNAP is the first line of defense against hunger in the U.S., Ellen Vollinger, the legal director who directs SNAP work at the Food Research and Action Center, told Newsweek. Its the one program thats available all over the country to serve people who need food. Its the most accessible and available to people.

But lately, for two big reasons, fewer people have been taking advantage of SNAP. First of all, the economy is doing better, which means fewer people are struggling with poverty and fewer people need the program.

In 2009, about 32 million people received SNAP benefits. The number increased during the great recession to an annual high of 47.6 million in 2013. Then, as the economy began to improve, it was down to 43 million in April 2010. And it's continue to show. From April 2015 to April 2016, it was all the way down by 1.9 million participants.

The unemployment rate has often been a pretty good indicator for the need for SNAP. As it comes down, there might be a bit of a lag, but we see SNAP come down, Vollinger said.

The second reason, however, is that some states are cutting corners by making it more difficult to apply for SNAP so they make more room in their budget.

A lot of people dont know that theyre eligible, Ginger Zielinskie, president and CEO of Benefits Data Trust, a company that connects people with the services they need, told Newsweek. The first barrier is awareness. ... It can be a really complicated application process.

Moreover, some state laws dont allow people to stay on SNAP for longer than a few months unless they have jobs, are training for jobs or are doing community service. But in times of economic stress, there arent always jobs available for them.

Take, for example, Devon Bracher, who graduated from Vanderbilt with an engineering degree and was living with her two sisters in Portland, Oregon, when she applied to get on SNAP after not being able to find a job.

Technically, my residency was in Virginia, but all my work experience was in Tennessee, Bracher told Newsweek. I didnt have a job, I was looking for jobs. This was my first year after graduating. That was part of what's complicated. I wasnt an Oregon resident, but I didnt have an official job in Virginia. Virginia told me to apply to Tennessee.

So Bracher went through the online application for SNAP. But the system had her call a SNAP representative because she wasnt a Tennessee resident.

I probably called maybe like five different times and the line was always busy, Bracher said. Eventually, she just gave up.

I benefitted a lot from being able to live with family, Bracher said. My sisters helped a lot.

Not everyone has a family like Brachers, and if the proposed cuts to SNAP make its way through, the states will be responsible to keep families from starving.

In Alabama, for instance, the number of able-bodied people on SNAP has dropped from around 5,000 to 800. Most of it is because of the regulations states are forced to place on the benefits so that they can make their budget, a trend that's seen all over the U.S.

Californians have concerns people who need programs like SNAP won't be able to access them under Trump's new budget, according to Jared Call from California Food Policy Advocates.

We try to think of people first, but this particular [budget proposal]  would really seek to shift a substantial share to the states or propose penalties to put states on the hook and thats just not something that state budgets are prepared to absorb, he told Newsweek.

California would go down $1.8 billion to just keep even. So youre faced with cutting other important services or education or other programs or cutting benefit amounts or cutting eligibility," Call said. "We want SNAP to go to the people who need it, but this proposal does not work that way. There is no way to cut SNAP without impacting benefit levels or eligibility. Ninety-four percent of these funds go directly to benefits, theres no fat to cut.

One in six people in America faces hunger, more than almost any other country in the developed world. If this budget goes through, and important programs like SNAP are axed, that number will be on the rise.

Story was updated to clarify the number of SNAP participants between 2015 and 2016 and the number of able-bodied people on SNAP in Alabama.

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Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 17:22:10|Editor: Zhou Xin

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By Xinhua writers Li Zhihui, Wang Aihua and Tian Zijun

BEIJING, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is expected to set a blueprint for the country to march toward modernization under the banner of "socialism with Chinese characteristics."

Since its 12th national congress in 1982, the CPC has always stressed "socialism with Chinese characteristics." Under this banner, China has become the world's second largest economy and is stepping ever closer to becoming a moderately prosperous society in all respects in the next three years.

As the world's largest developing country, socialist China's rise in a playing field dominated by capitalist states has brought fresh ideas in addressing challenges facing humanity in at least ten respects. Let's have a look at those ten areas:

1. PEOPLE-CENTERED

This is by no means an abstract concept or political slogan, as its impact is evident in the on-going poverty alleviation effort.

China has lifted 700 million people out of poverty in the past 30 years. In the coming three years, another 40 million will be added to the list, meaning 20 people are lifted out of poverty each minute.

The central authorities has said that not a single family living in poverty is to be left behind on the path to combating poverty.

Meeting people's needs, ranging from those in education, employment, social security, medical services, housing, environment, to intellectual and culture life, is the top priority of the government.

At a meeting towards the end of 2016, the Central Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs studied issues such as clean heating and garbage sorting. For policy makers, these are the most pressing issues facing the people.

2. A STRONG RULING PARTY

Late American political scientist Samuel Huntington said countries with no political parties, or many weak parties, were the least stable.

The 96-year-old CPC is determined to build the strongest ruling party in the world to keep the country stable and guide its reform and opening up.

The Party has evolved from a small group of around 50 members to an 89-million member party, a number that easily rivals the population of any country in western Europe. The Party has 4.5 million grassroots organizations.

He Yiting, vice president of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, said the CPC strength was in its ability to "lead politically, gather popular support, organize and mobilize the people, and to reform and innovate itself."

A survey by Pew Research Center shows that Chinese people's satisfaction with the government is much higher than in most other countries under different political systems. According to the center's 2016 survey, 87 percent of Chinese people were optimistic about the country's economic development, which was top of the list of 16 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan.

The Party is tasked with leading China to rejuvenation. It has put forward a clear road map for a four-pronged "comprehensive strategy" to build a moderately prosperous society, deepen reform, advance rule of law and strengthen Party governance.

The CPC is committed to building an incorruptible political party. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the Party has investigated more than 280 senior officials, including Zhou Yongkang, Bo Xilai, Guo Boxiong, Xu Caihou, Sun Zhengcai and Ling Jihua.

3. POOLING RESOURCES

Unlike in western democracies, the Chinese government is highly efficient in pooling resources to deal with major problems, such as relieving natural disasters, preventing financial crisis, supporting the development of ethnic minorities and fighting against pollution.

China has achieved breakthroughs in areas such as quantum study, artificial intelligence, super computers and aircraft developing. Infrastructure is advancing rapidly, with the operating lines of trains that travel at a speed of 300 kilometers per hour or even higher reaching 9,600 km, higher than the figures in other countries combined.

As John Naisbitt, an American author on future studies, put it, the Chinese political system can help maintain stability and continuity of policies while stimulating vitality for development.

Stephen Perry, chairman of 48 Group Club, an independent business network, said no other country could have both long-term development plans and short-term goals like China does.

China's leadership keeps its eye on the country's sustainable future, formulating ambitious long-term plans, such as its two centennial goals, the Belt and Road initiative, and building the Xiongan New Area to advance the development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Once the leadership makes a blueprint, it sees it through.

4. EFFECTIVE DEMOCRACY

The essence of democracy is to answer to the people.

In some countries, checks on power become deadlocks, and money can be used to tamper in elections. The political process soon becomes dormant after voting. This type of democracy may be "pretty," but it hardly leads to good governance. Rather, it is likely to cause surprise and unwanted events.

Chinese democracy has a higher level of quality and efficiency, as can be seen in practice.

Serving the people and pursuing for the people's interests is an essential mission of the people's congress system -- the fundamental political system of the country. The country is giving more seats in the National People's Congress, the supreme organ of state power, to workers, farmers, professionals and women to represent more grassroots voices.

Consultation is a virtue of Chinese democracy. For instance, the 13th five-year plan, a critical component of building a moderately prosperous society, was produced after rounds of top-down and bottom-up consultation, covering all aspects of society. More than 32 percent of the 2,500 items of feedback collected nationwide were adopted, a feat that could only be accomplished by the Chinese democratic model of decision making.

The contemporary Chinese state inherited a long political tradition of selecting and appointing talent, establishing a merit-based "selection plus election" system with a special focus on public opinion. The items for assessment include, but are not limited to, economic development, job creation, social security and environmental protection. Competition is fierce and only the most capable cadres are promoted.

5. ABILITY TO REFORM

The problems facing China are unique but not without the universality that transcends borders.

Reform is the engine of China's economic miracle. Over the past decades, China has been one of the most successful countries in piloting reforms, while the new round of reforms in China, launched at the end of 2013 after a key meeting of the ruling CPC, will add more momentum to the Chinese Dream.

From ordinary families used to living paycheck to paycheck, to the founder of Alibaba Jack Ma, whose business venture has created tens of thousands of jobs, most Chinese people have benefited from reform. More than 280 million farmers have moved from rural areas to cities and joined the workforce in the digital age. China's large scale value-added tax reform affects nearly 16 million businesses and 10 million individual taxpayers.

Yan Xuetong, School of International relations at Tsinghua University, believes that the main reason the outside world considers China to have great economic development momentum lies in confidence in China's ability to adapt to new realities.

In the past five years, China has deepened supply-side structural reform in a new set of trying economic conditions, sometimes called the "new normal." People are starting to cash in on the benefits of various reforms in such areas as intellectual property, the two-child policy, household registration, medical reform and university admission.

China's reform and innovation has no limits and offers viable ideas for global governance. The country's concept of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development became keywords at the G20 summit held in the city of Hangzhou last year and have been incorporated into the international discourse for global governance. (more)
Less than two months after violence broke out at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, white supremacists returned to Emancipation Park on Saturday evening to demonstrate in support of Confederate statues.

The rally in early August was purportedly organized to protest the removal of a statue of Confederate soldier Robert E. Lee from downtown Charlottesville. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) declared a state of emergency after the white supremacists clashed violently with counterprotesters, injuring at least 35 people and killing 32-year-old paralegal Heather Heyer.

On Saturday, white nationalist leader Richard Spencer led a group holding torches to the park and livestreamed the rally from his Twitter account. The images were reminiscent of the groups previous rally in the city, when they held tiki torches and chanted Blood and soil as they marched.

We have a place in this country, Spencer told his supporters in a livestream. We have a place in this conversation. We have the right to exist.

HAPPENING NOW: @RichardBSpencer & white nationalist supporters are back with their torches in front of Lee statue in #Charlottesville. pic.twitter.com/CwVhxpN7r8  Matt Talhelm (@MattTalhelm) October 7, 2017

The governor responded to the rally Saturday evening on Twitter.

We are monitoring this situation as we continue to oppose these racists and their message of hate, McAuliffe wrote.

The group sang the Confederate Civil War song I Wish I Was In Dixie Land, and chanted phrases like the South will rise again and Russia is our friend.

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Spencer delivered a speech filled with his familiar rhetoric, and he claimed that the U.S. was founded by what he calls white culture.

We define this country, not anyone else, Spencer told his supporters.

The event brought out about three dozen white nationalists, reported NBC 29s Matt Talhelm, who also said there was police presence at the rally.

The group disbanded after Spencers speech. We will be back, they chanted.

Spencer later tweeted a video proclaiming the event a success.

We came, we triggered, we left, he said, adding that he thought the flash mob model should be repeated in the future.

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Neo-Nazis and white supremacists encircle and chant at counter-protesters at the base of a Thomas Jefferson statue on Aug. 11, 2017, after marching with torches through the University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Neo-Nazis and white supremacists take part in the "Unite the Right" rally.

The group marched through the University of Virginia campus with torches.

A man wears Nazi regalia before the "Unite the Right" rally.

Counter-protesters arrive at the "Unite the Right" rally.

White supremacists carry Nazi flags on Aug. 12, 2017.

A white supremacist carries the Confederate flag as he walks past counter-demonstrators.

White nationalists march through the street.

A sign on a business in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia.

Police arrive at the scene of protests after a state of emergency is announced in Charlottesville, Virginia.

A man is down during a clash between white nationalist protesters and a group of counter-protesters.

White nationalists and counter-protesters clash.

A protester receives first-aid during a clash between white nationalists and counter-protesters.

A man makes a slashing motion across his throat toward counter-protesters as he marches with other white nationalists and neo-Nazis during the "Unite the Right" rally.

A white supremacist stands behind militia members after he scuffled with a counter-demonstrator.

Virginia State Police use pepper spray as they move in during a clash between white nationalist protesters and counter-protesters.

Hundreds of white nationalists and neo-Nazis march down East Market Street toward Lee Park during the "Unite the Right" rally.

A smoke bomb is thrown at a group of counter-protesters.

Virginia State Troopers stand under a statue of Robert E. Lee. White nationalists descended on Charlottesville to protest the statue's removal.

Anti-fascist counter-protesters wait outside Lee Park to hurl insults as white nationalists and neo-Nazis are forced out after the "Unite the Right" rally was declared an unlawful gathering.

A group of counter-protesters rally against white nationalists.

A man is seen with an injury during a clash between white nationalists and counter-protesters.

Protesters and counter-protesters after being pepper-sprayed and/or maced.

David Duke (C), participates in the white nationalist rally.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
By Robert Birsel YANGON (Reuters) - Muslim Rohingya insurgents said on Saturday they are ready to respond to any peace move by the Myanmar government but a one-month ceasefire they declared to enable the delivery of aid in violence-racked Rakhine State is about to end. The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) did not say what action it would take after the ceasefire ends at midnight on Monday but it was "determined to stop the tyranny and oppression" waged against the Rohingya people. "If at any stage, the Burmese government is inclined to peace, then ARSA will welcome that inclination and reciprocate," the group said in a statement. Government spokesmen were not immediately available for comment. When the ARSA announced its one-month ceasefire from Sept. 10, a government spokesman said: "We have no policy to negotiate with terrorists." The rebels launched coordinated attacks on about 30 security posts and an army camp on Aug. 25 with the help of hundreds of disaffected Rohingya villagers, many wielding sticks or machetes, killing about a dozen people. In response, the military unleashed a sweeping offensive across the north of Rakhine State, driving more than half a million Rohingya villagers into Bangladesh in what the United Nations branded a textbook example of "ethnic cleansing". Myanmar rejects that. It says more than 500 people have been killed in the fighting, most of them "terrorists" who have been attacking civilians and torching villages. The ability of the ARSA, which only surfaced in October last year, to mount any sort of challenge to the Myanmar army is not known but it does not appear to have been able to put up resistance to the military offensive unleashed in August. Inevitably, there are doubts about how the insurgents can operate in areas where the military has driven out the civilian population, cutting the insurgents off from recruits, food, funds and information. The ARSA accused the government of using murder, arson and rape as "tools of depopulation". 'NATIVE' The ARSA denies links to foreign Islamists. In an interview with Reuters in March, ARSA leader Ata Ullah linked the creation of the group to communal violence between Buddhists and Muslims in Rakhine in 2012, when nearly 200 people were killed and 140,000, mostly Rohingya, displaced. The group says it is fighting for the rights of the Rohingya, who have never been regarded as an indigenous minority in Myanmar and so have been denied citizenship under a law that links nationality to ethnicity. The group repeated their demand that Rohingya be recognized as a "native indigenous" ethnic group, adding that all Rohingya people should be allowed "to return home safely with dignity ... to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social and cultural development". The Rohingya have long faced discrimination and repression in Rakhine State where bad blood between them and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, stemming from violence by both sides, goes back generations. The ARSA condemned the government for blocking humanitarian assistance in Rakhine and said it was willing to discuss ceasefires with international organizations so aid could be delivered. Some 515,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh but thousands remain in Rakhine. Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has faced scathing criticism for not doing more to stop the violence, although a military-drafted constitution gives her no power over the security forces. Suu Kyi has condemned rights abuses and said Myanmar was ready to start a process agreed with Bangladesh in 1993 by which anyone verified as a refugee would be accepted back. Many refugees fear they will not have the paperwork they believe Myanmar will demand to allow them back. (Writing by Robert Birsel; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Carmen Yulin Cruz, the mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, said on Sunday that despite the compassion of the U.S. public, the federal government does not want to help Puerto Rico.

WE NEED WATER! she added in an early morning tweet.

Increasingly painful to undestand the american people want to help and US Gov does not want to help. WE NEED WATER! @UN @washingtonpost  Carmen Yulin Cruz (@CarmenYulinCruz) October 8, 2017

Close to three weeks after Hurricane Maria hammered Puerto Rico, much of the island remains without running water after Hurricane , according to a Thursday report in The Miami Herald. Many residents are still bathing and collecting drinking water in limited quantities from freshwater sources, or using bottled water provided by the U.S. military.

San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz has been an outspoken critic of the federal government's response to the hurricane that devastated Puerto Rico. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

In an interview on ABC News This Week on Sunday, Brock Long, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, dismissed Yulin Cruzs comments as political noise.

We filtered out the mayor a long time ago, Long told This Week co-anchor Martha Raddatz. We dont have time for the political noise.

The bottom line is, is that we are making progress every day in conjunction with Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello, Long said. And in regards to the power failure, were restringing a very fragile system every day.

Cruz and the Trump administration have been engaged in a running battle over the adequacy of the federal response to the damage cause by Hurricane Maria, a Category 4 storm that devastated the island.

Responding to criticism on Sept. 29 that aid from the United States was arriving in Puerto Rico too slowly, President Donald Trump chalked it up to the logistical difficulty of getting aid to an island surrounded by water. Big water, ocean water.

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In televised remarks that same day that went viral, Cruz lit into FEMA and put the onus on Trump to fix the situation.

Mr. Trump, I am begging you to take charge and save lives, she declared After all, that is one of the founding principles of the United States of North America. If not, the world will see how we are treated not as second-class citizens but as animals that can be disposed of. Enough is enough.

Her complaints prompted a public feud with Trump, who took her comments as a personal affront.

In a series of tweets, Trump accused Cruz of acting on the advice of mainland Democrats and argued that she was showing such poor leadership ability. He added that Cruz and other Puerto Rican leaders want everything to be done for them, a comment that prompted charges that Trump was deliberately employing a stereotype of Latinos as lazy.

The attacks from Trump drew widespread condemnation from Democrats, who noted that Trump launched the broadside while spending the weekend at his golf resort in Bedminster, New Jersey. Cruz, by contrast, had been seen walking through waist-deep water with a megaphone as part of her personal participation in rescue efforts.

To be clear, this is the mayor of San Juan who he insulted. She's using a bullhorn to find people. pic.twitter.com/OsbcNKANLd  Denice Frohman (@denicefrohman) September 30, 2017

The tiff continued when Trump visited Puerto Rico on last Tuesday, attending a meeting with Puerto Rican officials, including Cruz. Trump raised eyebrows by saying Hurricane Maria was not a real catastrophe like Hurricane Katrina, given that many more people died in the 2005 storm that battered Louisiana and Mississippi. He also tossed paper towel rolls to a crowd of Puerto Ricans as if he were shooting basketballs.

Cruz responded by calling Trump the mis-communicator-in-chief, denouncing his visit as terrible and abominable.

This story has been updated with details on the continuing disputes between Cruz and the Trump administration.

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Maria Lopez cries while walking from her house that was flooded after the passage of Hurricane Maria, in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on September 22, 2017. Puerto Rico battled dangerous floods Friday after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, as rescuers raced against time to reach residents trapped in their homes and the death toll climbed to 33. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called Maria the most devastating storm in a century after it destroyed the US territory's electricity and telecommunications infrastructure. / AFP PHOTO / HECTOR RETAMAL (Photo credit should read HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images)

Loiza, PUERTO RICO SEPTEMBER 22: Aerial photo of the floadings in the costal town of Loiza, in the north shore of Puerto RicoHurricane Maria passed through Puerto Rico leaving behind a path of destruction across the national territory. (Photo by Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

HAYALES DE COAMO, PUERTO RICO - SEPTEMBER 24: Karlian Mercado, 7, rests on the rubble that remains of her family's home after it was blown away by Hurricane Maria as it passed through the area on September 24, 2017 in Hayales de Coamo, Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico experienced widespread damage after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, passed through. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Irma Torres poses for a picture at her damaged house after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico September 22, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

Local residents react while they look at the water flowing over the road at the dam of the Guajataca lake after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Guajataca, Puerto Rico September 23, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

A man looks at damages on his flooded house, close to the dam of the Guajataca lake after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Guajataca, Puerto Rico September 23, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

A man sits in a wheelchair next to washing machines at a shelter after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria, in San Juan, Puerto Rico September 22, 2017. Picture taken September 22, 2017. REUTERS/Alvin Baez

LOIZA, PUERTO RICO - SEPTEMBER 22: A resident wades through flood water days after Hurricane Maria made landfall, on September 22, 2017 in Loiza, Puerto Rico. Many on the island have lost power, running water, and cell phone service after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, passed through. (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

People stay at the roof of a damaged house after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico September 22, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

PUERTO RICO SEPTEMBER 23: A devastated house in Morovis Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria passed through Puerto Rico leaving behind a path of destruction across the national territory. (Photo by Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - SEPTEMBER 22: Residents line up for gasoline days after Hurricane Maria made landfall, on September 22, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Many on the island have lost power, running water, and cell phone service after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, passed through. (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

A car submerged in flood waters is seen close to the dam of the Guajataca lake after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Guajataca, Puerto Rico September 23, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

A resident lay on a cot inside a shelter after being evacuated from a home near the damaged Guajataca Dam after Hurricane Maria in Isabella, Puerto Rico, on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017. Amid their struggles to recover fromiHurricaneiMaria, some Puerto Rico residents found it befuddling that President Donald Trump fired off a number of Twitter rants about professional athletes on Saturday -- yet made no mention of their dire situation. Photographer: Alex Wroblewski/Bloomberg via Getty Images

People stop on a highway near a mobile phone antenna tower to check for mobile phone signal, after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria, in Dorado, Puerto Rico September 22, 2017. Picture taken September 22, 2017. REUTERS/Alvin Baez

A dead horse is seen next to a road after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Quebradillas, Puerto Rico September 23, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

An aerial view shows the flooded neighbourhood of Juana Matos in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Catano, Puerto Rico, on September 22, 2017. Puerto Rico battled dangerous floods Friday after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island, as rescuers raced against time to reach residents trapped in their homes and the death toll climbed to 33. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called Maria the most devastating storm in a century after it destroyed the US territory's electricity and telecommunications infrastructure. / AFP PHOTO / Ricardo ARDUENGO (Photo credit should read RICARDO ARDUENGO/AFP/Getty Images)

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Sarajevo (AFP) - A Sarajevo court on Monday will deliver a keenly awaited verdict on whether Naser Oric, who is revered by many as a heroic defender of Muslims during Bosnia's bloody war but viewed as a butcher by Serbs, is a war criminal.

The handsome 50-year-old was bodyguard to former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic and is one of only a few Bosnian Muslim commanders to have faced trial for atrocities committed against Serbs.

An old photograph shows a long-haired youth who defended the eastern town of Srebrenica, where some 8,000 Muslim men and boys were eventually massacred by Serb forces, the worst atrocity in Europe since World War II.

A subsequent one shows him at a UN war crimes tribunal detention centre in The Hague, along with other suspects, including Milosevic -- the architect of a 'Greater Serbia' -- the embodiment of everything he was fighting.

In the UN tribunal's prison "we talked about the past," Oric told local media referring to Milosevic, and adding that the strongman lent him western films.

In 2006, Oric was sentenced by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) to two years in prison for not doing enough to protect Srebrenica's Serb population during Bosnia's 1992-1995 war.

But he was acquitted on appeal in 2008, two years after Milosevic died in his prison cell.

As a young police officer, Oric was a member of a Belgrade unit tasked with protecting Milosevic, who led the former Yugoslavia's bloody collapse in the 1990s.

Some 130,000 people were killed in the wars that raged on the former federation's territory between 1991 and 1999. Bosnia's conflict claimed 100,000 lives.

- Nightime bouncer -

Oric, a martial arts expert, attended Milosevic's meetings as a bodyguard by day and moonlighted as a security guard in Belgrade night clubs at night.

When the war between Bosnia's Croats, Muslims and Serbs started, he was in his native town of Srebrenica and organised its defence from April 1992.

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"For us he is a hero, a courageous man who fought with the few means he had," Kada Hotic told AFP.

Her son, husband and two brothers were killed in the massacre.

However Oric was withdrawn from Srebrenica with several other officers for military training three months before it fell on July 11, 1995.

In Bosnia, many have questioned whether the move was a sign that the authorities had decided to abandon Srebrenica to its fate.

Oric has remained tight-lipped about that period.

Unhappy with Oric's acquittal by the UN court, Belgrade in 2014 launched an international warrant accusing him of leading "several attacks against Serb villages in the Srebrenica region, to empty them of their Serb population by intimidation, torture and murder."

The victims' associations estimate that 2,428 Serb civilians and soldiers were killed in the area during the 1992-1995 conflict.

- 'I have no remorse' -

In 2015, Serbia's then-prime minister and now President Aleksandar Vucic accused Oric of killing a prisoner, Slobodan Ilic, in 1992 after having gouged out his eyes.

Oric was arrested in Switzerland in 2015 on a Serbian warrant but extradited to his country to face charges.

He was tried in Sarajevo along with another suspect for the murder of Ilic and two other prisoners of war.

Both men pleaded not guilty.

"As a soldier, I have no remorse," Oric said repeatedly.

After Bosnia's war, Oric kept a low profile until his arrest and transfer to The Hague in 2003.

In 2009, he was sentenced to two years in prison in Sarajevo for illegal arms possession, but was pardoned by the presidency.

During his trial, which opened in 2016, Oric remained calm and was regularly welcomed by women from Srebrenica who applauded whenever he entered the court.

The head of an association of Serb prisoners of war believes Oric will be acquited.

His trial is a "farce, like the one in The Hague," Vinko Lale told AFP.
Beirut (AFP) - Two waves of air strikes on a jihadist-held town in northwestern Syria have killed at least 13 civilians over the past 24 hours, a monitoring group said on Saturday.

Four children were among the dead in the early morning strikes on the Idlib province town of Khan Sheikhun on Friday and Saturday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said the strikes were probably carried out by the Syrian air force, which has been carrying out an intensifying bombing campaign against jihadist targets in Idlib province alongside aircraft from ally Russia.

Like most of the rest of Idlib province, Khan Sheikhun is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an alliance of jihadist factions dominated by Al-Qaeda's former Syria affiliate.

The town hit the headlines in April when it was the target of a sarin gas attack that killed at least 87 people, 30 of them children.

US President Donald Trump blamed the Syrian government for the attack and ordered cruise missile strikes on the airbase from which he said it had been launched.

Damascus blamed jihadists on the ground for the deaths and received strong support for that position from Moscow.

A safe zone was supposed to be established in Idlib and adjacent areas of Hama and Latakia provinces under a deal reached in May by rebel backer Turkey and government backers Iran and Russia.

But during the summer the jihadists, who are not party to the agreement, drove out Islamist former allies from Idlib and took nearly full control.

Moscow says it has since killed 12 jihadist commanders and destroyed the group's largest arms depot.

But there has also been a heavy civilian death toll, according to the Observatory, a Britain-based monitoring group.
ZURICH (Reuters) - A 38-year-old refugee from Sri Lanka was shot and killed by Swiss police on Saturday after he charged at two other asylum seekers with knives, law enforcement officials said. Police in the town of Brissago in Switzerland's Italian-speaking canton of Ticino said they were called to a refugee centre after a report of an altercation after midnight. Officers say they escorted two asylum seekers into the building, where they were rushed by a man brandishing two knives. "To guarantee the safety of all those present, a cantonal police officer fired his gun and seriously injured the aggressor," Ticino police said in a statement. Despite first aid, the man died at the scene, the police said. (Reporting by John Miller; Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
BEIRUT (Reuters) - The Syrian military has cleared Islamic State from its last pocket of territory in central Syria after months of fighting, a Syrian military source said on Friday. The enclave east of the Syrian city of Homs had lain close to the main road running between the cities of Homs and Aleppo near the town of al-Salamiya. "The armed forces completed military operations in the eastern Homs countryside, eliminating the last groups of the terrorist Islamic State in the area and liberating an area of 1,800 square kilometers," the military source said. Islamic State has lost swathes of Syrian territory to separate campaigns being waged by Syria's army, supported by Russian forces and Iran-backed militias, and by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is dominated by the Kurdish YPG militia. Government forces and their allies are trying to oust Islamic State from its remaining Syrian positions in the eastern province of Deir al-Zor. Last month the Syrian army's advance to Deir al-Zor city lifted a three-year-long siege imposed by Islamic State on a government-held enclave there. On Friday Syrian forces reached the edge of Islamic State's current main base in Syria, al-Mayadin, which lies around 45 km (28 miles) to the south of Deir al-Zor city. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Tahrir al-Sham, an alliance of jihadist factions in Syria, on Saturday decried Turkey-backed Syrian rebel factions planning an operation in the northwestern Idlib province where it dominates, saying it would "not be a picnic" for them. "The lions of jihad and martyrdom are waiting to pounce on them," it added in a statement posted on a social media site. Earlier on Saturday Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Syrian rebel fighters were preparing to launch "a serious operation" in Idlib backed by Turkish forces from inside Turkey's borders. The operation comes after an agreement last month between Turkey, Russia and Iran to set up a "de-escalation zone" in northwest Syria where Idlib is located to reduce warfare there. Erdogan said Russia, which backs the Syrian government against rebel groups, would support the operation, but rebels taking part said Russia's role was only in areas controlled by the Syrian government. Tahrir al-Sham's statement described the rebel groups involved as traitors, accusing them of working with Russia and the Syrian government, but without mentioning Turkey. (Reporting by Angus McDowall; Editing by Alison Williams)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 17:27:11|Editor: Zhou Xin

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6. INNOVATIVE MARKET ECONOMY

Still in the primary stage of socialism, China has adopted a basic economic system with public ownership playing a dominant role and diverse forms of ownership developing side by side.

This allows the vitality of the public sector, especially state-owned enterprises, to be strengthened while encouraging, supporting and guiding the development of the private sector. China gives the market a decisive role in allocating resources, and the government can play a better role in macro-policy efficiency.

Known as "walking with both legs," it reflects a fine Chinese tradition of holistic and dialectical thinking.

"The parochial understanding the western world has for the relationship between market and state does not apply to China, where the two sides enjoy a symbiotic relationship instead of being constantly at odds with each other," said Professor Shi Zhengfu with the Center of New Political Economy at Fudan University.

Under such arrangements, China's socialist market economy has had an excellent performance, creating economic miracles. The country saw 16,000 newly registered enterprises every day on average in the first half of this year. Consumption contributes 63.4 percent of economic growth. E-commerce, Alipay and shared bikes, which mainly involve private enterprises, stand with high-speed rail, that is manufactured and operated by state-owned enterprises, as new driving forces in China's economy.

This vitality has made the nation a "talent magnet." About 430,000 Chinese students studying overseas returned to work in China last year. Si Kang, a young entrepreneur from Zhejiang Province, founded a startup back home after obtaining his degree in France. Now, his company has notched up more than ten patents.

"This is the opportunity of our lifetime, we must not let it slip away too easily," he said.

7. MAINTAINING STABILITY

Social stability, along with development, is an absolute principle. Security is a crucial part of people's livelihood and creates an environment for development.

Despite its ethnic diversity, large territory and the unbalanced development between different regions, the world's most populous country has maintained social stability, mainly thanks to its ability to maintain balance between reform, development and stability.

Facing changes in social relations and interests during reform, China has solved problems directly concerning the people's interests while guiding the public to deal with different interests and express their demands appropriately.

The Chinese government sees employment as the "stabilizer of society." More than 13.1 million new urban jobs were created last year. Incomes are rising and the income gap narrowing. China has established the world's largest social security network.

Officials are increasingly resorting to the law in coordinating interest groups and resolving conflicts. In recent years, China has enhanced management of cyberspace to ensure security and development in the field amid efforts to maintain social stability.

A growing number of people have recognized China as one of the world's safest and most stable countries. China has provided a safe and stable living environment for about one-fifth of the world's population, and this is a significant contribution to humankind.

8. WIN-WIN & SHARING

For countries that want to prosper in this increasingly open and globalized world, turning inward is not the way to go.

Today, many localities in China are turning into "cities of migrants, " which more foreigners are investing and living in. Chinese people welcome them.

As a beneficiary and contributor to globalization, China proposed the Belt and Road project to connect dozens of countries in Asia, Europe and Africa against a backdrop of rising anti-globalization rhetoric.

China proposed the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which attracted 57 founding members, including the United Kingdom and Germany. The bank has approved 3 billion U.S. dollars financing 28 projects.

There are more China-Europe freight trains. Economic corridors between China and neighboring countries are benefiting people. The China- Australia free trade agreement has yielded quick than expected results.

China has opened a brand-new territory for a "community of shared future," a concept even incorporated into United Nations resolutions.

9. FOLLOWING ITS OWN PATH

The bitter experience of the past has taught China about the dangers of blindly copying the western model, both politically and economically. Unfortunately, such a tragedy is being repeated in other countries.

To solve its problems, the only way forward for China is to find its own path.

Chen Ping, professor of National School of Development at Peking University, said the 2008 financial crisis dealt a heavy blow to western powers, as social conflict intensified and global economic volatility ensued.

"However, China is doing surprisingly well. It has not only avoided the economic hard landing but also increased the competitiveness of its state-owned enterprises and government regulatory capability," he said. "The fact that China is doing well has shaken the very foundation of western economics and politics."

For Li Shimo, a venture capitalist based in Shanghai, China's success has shown there is more than one model in the world that can produce good governance.

"China's example is not that it provides an alternative, but that it shows alternatives exist," Li said.

10. CULTURAL ROOTS

It is impossible for a nation to thrive if it abandons its culture and betrays its past.

Chinese civilization has existed uninterrupted for 5,000 years, and now the CPC has been put in charge of renewing Chinese culture and developing an advanced culture.

A series of policies have been issued to enhance the cultural confidence of the country. In the country's primary and secondary schools, Chinese language textbooks have been revised to focus more on traditional culture, including more ancient articles and poems.

China respects cultural diversity and is keen to learn, import and absorb whatever cultural fruits it can, including those developed by capitalist countries.

Such a sense of cultural confidence and inclusiveness is integral to Chinese civilization. It also provides the spiritual dynamics for the realization of national rejuvenation.

For Martin Jacques, a senior research fellow in Cambridge University, the west remains far too ignorant about China, often resorting to cliche.

"We cannot understand the rise of China using Western concepts," Jacques said. "'Think China' should be the guide to the way we think about our future."
By Suleiman Al-Khalidi and Ece Toksabay AMMAN/ANKARA (Reuters) - A Turkish army reconnaissance team scouted out Syria's Idlib province on Sunday, a senior Syrian rebel said, before an expected military operation to impose peace in the bitterly contested Syrian northwest. "When we don't go to Syria, Syria comes to us," Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told members of his ruling AK Party. "If we didn't take our measures, bombs would fall on our cities." Turkey says it will provide assistance to rebels it has long backed, aiming to implement a de-escalation agreement designed to reduce fighting with pro-government forces in the area, the most populous pocket of Syria still in rebel hands. Although Turkish officials say they are helping the rebels from within Turkey, in past interventions they have also sent troops across the frontier. Any incursion could bring them into conflict with powerful jihadists from al Qaeda's former Syrian branch, although there were signs on Sunday that they were working to avoid a confrontation. Local sources said the Turkish military vehicles were escorted into Idlib by a convoy of fighters from the group, which has joined a jihadist alliance called Tahrir al-Sham and disavowed links to the network founded by Osama bin Laden. Nonetheless, the jihadists and the Turkish military earlier exchanged fire nearby, underscoring the tension as Turkey builds up its forces and the rebel groups it backs prepare to enter Idlib. "We will never allow a terror corridor that begins in Afrin and goes to the Mediterranean," Erdogan said, referring to the stretch of Turkey's southern border which is controlled on the Syrian side by Kurdish fighters and Tahrir al-Sham. Turkey has been one of the biggest supporters of rebels fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the six-and-a-half-year war, but its focus has moved from ousting him to securing its own border against jihadist and Kurdish groups. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim stressed the importance of ensuring de-escalation near the border, following an agreement reached in Astana, Kazakhstan last month that was backed both by the Turks and by Russia, which supports Assad. "We will ensure safety in Idlib, and will cooperate with Russia," Yildirim said. Tahrir al-Sham, spearheaded by the former Nusra Front, which was al Qaeda's Syrian branch until last year when it changed its name and broke allegiance to the global network, has been a formidable military force since early in the conflict. Since early this year it has battled other rebel groups as it tried to gain control over areas including Idlib. UNDER ESCORT Idlib and neighbouring parts of northwest Syria are now home to more than 2 million people, many of them refugees from other formerly rebel-held regions that fell to pro-government forces. A local resident and another local rebel said they had seen Turkish military vehicles enter Idlib and then travel under Tahrir al-Sham escort along a road. The senior Syrian rebel said the reconnaissance team went to Sheikh Barakat, a location that overlooks both rebel-held areas of Aleppo province, adjacent to Idlib, and the Kurdish-controlled area of Afrin. Erdogan gave no details of the operation, but said it was going ahead "without problems at the moment". Turkey's biggest security concern on the frontier is the Kurdish YPG militia, which as part of a U.S.-backed alliance is fighting against Islamic State in eastern Syria. Ankara regards the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has fought a three-decade insurgency inside Turkey. Mortars were fired from the area under YPG control near to the location where the Turkish reconnaissance team was operating, the senior rebel said. "The Turkish team is on its way back. Its mission has been accomplished. They visited areas of disengagement and locations where the Turkish army would be positioned," the rebel said. Reuters witnesses, local people, and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said earlier on Sunday the Turkish military and Tahrir al-Sham had clashed near the village of Kafr Lusin in Idlib. Tahrir al-Sham began the exchange by firing on a Turkish bulldozer removing sections of a border wall and Turkish artillery returned fire, they said. The area was later quiet. Rebel groups that will take part - drawn from the Euphrates Shield campaign that Turkey backed with armour and troops in another part of Syria to the east since last year - said on Saturday they expected the Idlib operation to start very soon. Tahrir al-Sham said "the lions of jihad and martyrdom will be waiting to pounce" against any incursion into Idlib. The Syrian Civil Defence, better known as the White Helmets rescue workers, said on its Twitter account that jets it believed to be from the Syrian military had struck a marketplace in Maarat al-Numan in Idlib on Sunday, killing at least six. (Reporting by Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman, Angus McDowall in Beirut, Ece Toksabay in Ankara and Bulent Usta in Ogulpinar; Writing by Angus McDowall and Dominic Evans; Editing by Alison Williams and Peter Graff)
Rumors that the Trump administration was more interested in the moon than Mars began circulating days after the inauguration. Leaked memos published in February revealed the presidents advisers wanted NASA to send astronauts there by 2020, one part in a bigger plan to focus on activities near Earth rather than missions deeper in the solar system. Vice President Mike Pence spoke vaguely of a return to the moon in a speech in July. In September, the administration nominated a NASA chief who extolled the construction of lunar outposts. All signs pointed to a significant shift in the countrys Mars-focused space agenda of the last seven years.

This week, the Trump administration made it official.

We will return NASA astronauts to the moonnot only to leave behind footprints and flags, but to build the foundation we need to send Americans to Mars and beyond, Pence said Thursday at the inaugural meeting of the National Space Council, an advisory body his administration recently revived.

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The vice presidents comments marked a pivot from Barack Obamas directive for a Journey to Mars, established in 2010, and harkens to the aspirations set forth by the George W. Bush administration. The Obama administration had maintained that some kind of human activity in cislunar spacethe region between the Earth and the moonwas necessary to test technology for a mission to Mars, but the efforts would amount to a pit stop, not a destination. While Pence did not provide details on what kind of foundation Americans would build on the moon, the new direction was clear: Americans should be spending more time in their cosmic backyard before flying off into the solar system.

Its a 180-degree shift from no moon to moon first, said John Logsdon, a space-policy expert and former director of the Space-Policy Institute at George Washington University.

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The announcement is obviously good news for space-transportation companies and lunar researchers lamenting the countrys 45-year absence from the moon. For those in the Mars camp, many of whom aim for a human mission to the planet by 2033, the news puts their ambitions on shakier ground.

Most of the people who are Mars-centered worry that well get stuck on the moon.

The administrations push for a return to the moon may be unambiguous now, but plenty of questions remain, ranging from the basic, like when and how, to the intriguing, like the role commercial spaceflight companies might play. NASA also wouldnt be starting from scratch. The space agency has spent the last decade building the Space-Launch System and Orion, a rocket and spacecraft intended to carry people into deep space but also to build a cislunar way station called the Deep-Space Gateway. NASA planned to use the Deep-Space Gateway as a place for astronauts to prep for deep-space journeys, but the new shift could see the station being used for lunar landings.

Both time-tested contractors and growing commercial companies will be eager to work on potential lunar activities. Boeing is currently developing a capsule that would ferry people into low-Earth orbit, and SpaceX said its proposed mega-rocket, which is mostly intended to fulfill Elon Musks Sim City-esque ambitions for Mars, could contribute to travel to the moon. Musk, well aware of the political benefits of it, leaned heavily into lunar ambitions. Its 2017. We should have a lunar base by now, he said recently. What the hells going on?

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Federal support for moon research is also good news for lunar scientists like Paul Spudis, a scientist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston who writes frequently in support of a return. He dismissed NASAs Mars ambitions as unrealistic and a public-relations stunt. I see the vice presidents remarks not so much as a pivot in policy as a belated recognition of simple reality, Spudis wrote in an email. They don't have have an architecture, they don't have the spacecraft, they don't have the technology, and most assuredly, they don't have the money to bludgeon any difficulties into submission.

Mars proponents, naturally, disagree. We werent anywhere close to being ready to going to Mars, Logsdon said, but to dismiss the objective as simply publicity is wrong. NASA has invested over the years in some research for the requirements of a mission, including life-support systems and landing technology, he said.

Most of the people who are Mars-centered worry that well get stuck on the moon, all the resources available will be focused on lunar exploration, and the idea of getting to Mars will slip indefinitely into the future, Logsdon said.

Rather than lead in space, too often, we have chosen to drift.

Chris Carberry, the CEO of the nonprofit group Explore Mars, fears the same. Carberry said hes pleased with the administrations focus on human spaceflight and doesnt oppose a pit stop on the moon. But he wonders whether the construction of a full-fledged lunar base could consume enough resources that would delay a Mars mission for decades. If we got to the surface of the moon, we need to do it in a way that really is a stepping-stone to getting to Mars, not just an excuse to build a base there, Carberry said.

In Washington, NASAs Mars goals have received bipartisan support, which is typical for space programs in general. In March, Trump signed a NASA funding bill that included some of the strongest language about a human mission to ever appear in U.S. legislation, listing achieving human exploration of Mars as a key objective. The space agency has also been buoyed by interest from a general public bombarded with Hollywood movies about Mars and deep-space travel.

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A renewed focus on the moon brings the United States into some alignment with space agencies in Europe, Russia, India, and China. The European Space Agency envisions building a moon village. Roscosmos, the Russian agency, is recruiting cosmonauts to be the first Russians to land on the moon in the 2030s. ISRO, the Indian agency, launched its first lunar orbiter in 2008 and plans to send a second mission, this time to land on the surface, next year. China has spent the last decade experimenting in cislunar space with both robotic and crewed missions, and officials have said they would put astronauts on the moon by the mid-2030s. A mission to send a rover to the far side of the moon, a first for humankind, is planned for next year. The United States is unparalleled when it comes to exploration of the solar system beyond Earth, but some in the country, particularly in the security community, worry that the countrys cislunar capabilities are rapidly atrophying.

Pence said this week he believed other spacefaring nations have outpaced the United States. In the absence of American leadership, other nations have seized the opportunity to stake their claim in the infinite frontier, he said. Rather than lead in space, too often, we have chosen to drift.

Space-policy experts say its too early to say who the winners and losers might be in this new chapter in the countrys space agenda. The administration has promised a robust human spaceflight program, an effort that both moon and Mars proponents can get behind. And the administration didnt rule out a Mars mission entirely. It just chooses to go to the moon in this decade and do the other thingslater.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
President Donald Trump said there's "only one thing" that can be done in the ongoing situation with North Korea but he didn't elaborate.

It's the latest cryptic message from Trump, who earlier this week called a meeting with military leaders "the calm before the storm." He didn't elaborate on what the storm might be.

Trump sent a series of tweets Saturday afternoon, blasting negotiations in the communist country.

Trump kim Jong Un

KCNA via Reuters/File Photo & Lucas Jackson/File Photo/Reuters

"Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of U.S. negotiators," he posted. "Sorry, but only one thing will work!"

He did not say what that "one thing" might be but Trump previously threatened to "totally destroy" the country during a speech to the U.N.

The White House did not immediately respond for comment.

Tensions with North Korea are at an all-time high, as Trump and the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, continue to trade insults and threats as the communist country amps up its missile capabilities.

Last month, Kim told Trump he was mentally deranged, a dotard and that he would tame him with fire. Trump fired back, calling Kim a madman who doesnt mind starving or killing his people and he would be tested like never before.

Trump is planning Saturday evening to appear on former Governor Mike Huckabee's new television network TBN, or Trinity Broadcasting Network.

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Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump said Saturday that diplomatic efforts with North Korea have consistently failed, adding that "only one thing will work."

Trump has engaged in an escalating war of words with North Korean strongman Kim Jong-Un, trading insults amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals.

"Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid," Trump tweeted.

It "hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!"

Trump returned to the theme when he appeared on former governor Mike Huckabee's show on Trinity Broadcasting Network television on Saturday, blaming previous administrations for not having adequately addressed the issue before.

This "should have been handled 25 years ago, it should have been handled 10 years ago, it should haven been handled during the Obama administration," the president said, referring to his Democratic predecessor Barack Obama.

The US has not ruled out the use of force to compel Pyongyang to halt missile and nuclear tests, and Trump has threatened to destroy the country.

The mercurial American president also told journalists at a recent gathering with military leaders to discuss Iran, North Korea and the Islamic State group that the current period "could be the calm before the storm," declining to clarify his remarks.

In recent days, as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson flew home from meeting with top Chinese officials, Trump tweeted that his envoy was "wasting his time" in trying to probe North Korea's willingness to talk.

- Insults and threats -

The message came after Tillerson had revealed there were backchannels between US and North Korean officials.

Secretary of Defence James Mattis later expressed support for the diplomatic track in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

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"The Defense Department supports fully Secretary Tillerson's efforts to find a diplomatic solution, but remains focused on defense of the United States and our allies," Mattis said.

In his debut speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump threatened to "totally destroy" North Korea if it threatens the US or any of its allies, deriding Kim as "Rocket Man" and warning he is on a "suicide mission."

Kim responded by calling Trump a "mentally deranged dotard."

Trump's administration has also been at the forefront of a drive to impose a series of sanctions against North Korea in response to its sixth nuclear test -- the largest yet -- and the firing of two missiles over Japan.

North Korea's main economic partner China has signed up to the sanctions, including restrictions on imports, as has Russia.

The United States fought a bloody conflict in Korea from 1950-1953 that ultimately ended in stalemate and the continued division of the peninsula after hundreds of thousands of Chinese troops entered on the side of the north, turning it into a war of attrition.

A renewed military conflict on the Korean peninsula would come with devastating consequences: in addition to its nuclear weapons, North Korea has a conventional arsenal that could wreak havoc on the South Korean capital Seoul, which is located near the "demilitarized zone" dividing the two countries.
Reyhanli (Turkey) (AFP) - Turkish troops on Sunday exchanged fire with Syria-based jihadists as Ankara massed military vehicles on the frontier ahead of an expected incursion to oust Al-Qaeda's former Syrian affiliate from Idlib province.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the operation by pro-Ankara Syrian rebel forces backed by the Turkish army, whose launch he announced the day before, was "having no problem" and continuing "in a calm way".

Most of the northwestern region is controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group led by Al-Qaeda's former Syria affiliate, which ousted more moderate rebels in recent months.

Turkey has massed special forces and military hardware including tanks on the border but the operation has yet to begin in earnest, monitors and sources on the ground said.

But Turkish forces fired seven mortars over the border with the aim of easing the passage of the pro-Ankara Syrian forces, the Dogan news agency reported.

Turkish forces have also been seen removing parts of the security wall Ankara has built on the border so that military vehicles can pass through into Syria.

Pro-government media said that the operation was now into its "second day". Erdogan had said the day earlier Turkish forces were not yet operating in Syria although the allied Syrian forces were.

- 'HTS warns' -

On Sunday morning, HTS jihadists opened fire on Turkish forces removing part of a wall along the border between Turkey and Idlib, witnesses and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said.

Turkish armoured vehicles and troops were waiting on the border, from where smoke could be seen from the mortar fire, an AFP photographer said.

Television images showed locals in the Turkish border town of Reyhanli in Hatay province cheering as more armoured vehicles were driven through the town overnight.

Ankara wants to oust the HTS from Idlib in order to create a de-escalation zone into which it can send military monitors to implement a ceasefire.

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Turkey, along with Syrian regime allies Russia and Iran, earlier this year agreed a deal to implement four such ceasefire zones in Syria as a prelude to talks on a peace deal.

The zone encompassing Idlib is the last one to go into effect, and its implementation has been held up by fierce opposition from HTS.

On Saturday, the group warned "treacherous factions that stand by the side of the Russian occupier" should only enter the area if they want "their mothers to be bereaved, their children to be orphaned, their wives to be widowed".

- 'Tomorrow Afrin' -

Turkey earlier this year wrapped up its half year Euphrates Shield operation against jihadists and Kurdish militia in Aleppo province that involved both the Turkish army and Syrian rebels.

The Hurriyet daily said the pro-Ankara forces involved in this operation, which Turkey calls the Free Syrian Army (FSA), would be the same as in Euphrates Shield.

"Since summer, Turkey has been reorganising those rebels and pulling them into a new politico-military structure that is supposed to be more cohesive," said Aron Lund, fellow with The Century Foundation think tank.

Turkey is working in cooperation with Russia even though they have been at loggerheads throughout the over six-year Syrian civil war that has killed an estimated 330,000 people since 2011.

Moscow has backed the regime -- tipping the balance in the conflict with a military intervention from 2015. But Ankara supported the rebels seeking to oust President Bashar al-Assad.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that warplanes carried out strikes on a market in the town of Maaret al-Numan in southern Idlib, killing at least eight people, among them two children at least. But it was not clear where they were from.

Turkey has also long warned it could also move against the People's Protection Units (YPG) Kurdish militia who control Afrin to the east and which Ankara considers a terror group.

In a warning to the YPG, Erdogan said in a speech to his ruling party on Sunday that Turkey would "destroy" any "terror corridor" stretching to the Mediterranean.

He said Turkey would not tolerate the existence of a "new Kobane", referring to the Syrian town that was captured by jihadists in 2014 but then retaken by the YPG in 2015 and has since become a hub for the group.

"We do not want to experience a new Kobane and we will not see this," he said.

"Today Idlib, tomorrow Afrin," said the headline in the Yeni Safak daily.
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that a major military operation was underway in the Syria's northwest province of Idlib, which Free Syrian Army rebel groups earlier said they were preparing to enter with Turkish backing. "There is a serious operation in Syria's Idlib today, and this will continue," Erdogan told members of his AK Party in a speech. Much of Idlib is currently controlled by an jihadist-led alliance of fighters. "We will never allow a terror corridor along our borders in Syria," Erdogan said. "We will continue to take other initiatives after the Idlib operation." (Reporting by Ece Toksabay; Writing by Dominic Evans)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 18:17:20|Editor: Zhou Xin

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Wreckage of cars are seen at the explosion site of a gas station in north Accra, capital of Ghana, Oct. 8, 2017. The number of people killed in the Saturday night gas explosion at a fuel station in Ghana's capital city Accra has gone up to six, with 35 injured, deputy spokesman of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) Prince Billy Anaglate told Xinhua on Sunday. (Xinhua/Justice Adoboe)

ACCRA , Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The number of people killed in the Saturday night gas explosion at a fuel station in Ghana's capital city Accra has gone up to six, with 35 injured, deputy spokesman of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) Prince Billy Anaglate told Xinhua on Sunday.

According to him, the death toll keeps increasing as more casualty figures keep coming from the hospitals, saying the GNFS will communicate the new official figures later.

He added that the fire had been completely put out by 6 a.m. local time Sunday, but there is still boiling gas in one of the tankers. "So we continue to cool it down till the temperature goes below burning point, then it can be siphoned." he said.

The explosion, which occurred at around 7:30 p.m. local time (1930 GMT), was due to a leak when a truck was discharging liquefied gas at a filling station, according to eyewitnesses.

When the truck driver realized there was a leak, he immediately alerted people around, who had started running before the resounding double explosions sent fire balls into the sky, they added.

"A significant number of people got injured and are receiving treatment in various health facilities, but unfortunately some have also passed away," Deputy Minister for Information Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah told Xinhua earlier.

All adjoining communities in the area of the incident have been working with rescue officials to bring the fire under control.
BERLIN (Reuters) - Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Saturday he would work towards a normalization of relations with Germany after months of mutual recriminations on a range of issues between the NATO allies. Already tense relations took a turn for the worse after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan launched a crackdown on his opponents following a failed coup attempt last year. Germany has also protested against the detention of German citizens on political charges and has raised the question of whether EU accession talks with Turkey should go ahead. Striking an unusually conciliatory tone, Cavusoglu told Der Spiegel weekly there was no reason for problems between the two countries. "If you take one step towards us, we will take two towards you," he said. And asked if he believed there would be a normalization in relations, Cavusoglu said: "Yes. And I am ready to make an effort towards that." Earlier this year, Erdogan and some of his political allies compared Germany to the Nazi era after some local authorities stopped Turkish ministers campaigning here for a referendum that handed the president sweeping new powers. German officials cited security concerns. The Nazi comparisons were a kind of "response to the hostility" from Germany, Cavusoglu said, adding Germany had to learn to respect Turkey. Germany's deputy foreign minister Michael Roth told Welt am Sonntag weekly that Berlin was ready to talk and said he hoped "that we can soon move closer together again." However, he said Germany would not be silent when innocent German citizens are behind bars. "We must find solutions to this," he said. In an election on Sept. 24, conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel won a fourth term but suffered heavy losses to the far right. She looks set to try to form a coalition with the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) and Greens. A possible candidate for foreign minister is Cem Ozdemir, a co-leader of the Greens who has Turkish parents and has been very critical of Erdogan. "Whoever comes to Turkey as foreign minister will meet the same respect as he shows us," Cavusoglu told Der Spiegel. (Reporting by Madeline Chambers; editing by Clelia Oziel)
Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish prosecutors on Sunday demanded up to 15 years jail for almost a dozen activists, including leaders of Amnesty International in Turkey, in a case intensifying alarm over freedom of expression in the country.

Germany, which has a citizen among those detained, denounced the charges as "incomprehensible", while Amnesty attacked the indictment as "outrageous".

The accused -- who include the director of Amnesty Turkey Idil Eser, its Turkey chair Taner Kilic, several prominent Turkish rights activists as well as one German and one Swedish national -- have been charged with "giving help to an armed terror group", the Dogan news agency reported.

Prosecutors have asked for jail sentences of 7.5 to 15 years, Dogan said, without specifying the term sought for each suspect.

In the indictment, the activists are accused of seeking to create "chaos in society" similar to the anti-government protests that rocked Turkey in the summer of 2013.

Ten activists were detained in July in a raid by police on a workshop session of human rights activists run by Amnesty held on the island of Buyukada, a popular getaway spot off Istanbul.

A month before, Amnesty's Turkey chair Kilic, had been remanded in custody on charges of links to the alleged mastermind of the July 15, 2016 failed coup, the Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen. Gulen rejects the accusations.

His case has now been merged with that of the other ten activists, and he faces the even more serious charges of "membership" of an armed terror group.

State-run Anadolu news agency said Kilic faced up to 15 years in jail and the other suspects from between five years to 10 years.

"This outrageous indictment contains no new evidence but instead repeats absurd allegations against some of Turkey's most prominent human rights defenders," John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International's Europe Director said in a statement.

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He said the indictment simply was "little more than a tawdry patchwork of innuendo and untruths" that itself exposed the flaws of Turkey's judicial system.

- 'Absolutely incomprehensible' -

The two foreigners -- German Peter Steudtner and Swede Ali Gharavi -- were leading the digital information workshop on Buyukada and have been under arrest ever since the July raid.

Steudtner's detention has stoked tensions in particular with Berlin, whose relations with Ankara have plunged in recent months.

Germany sharply criticised the mass crackdown that followed the failed coup which has included the detention of several German citizens.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said he saw "with great concern" charges being laid against Steudtner and the other activists.

He said the terror charges against Steudtner were "absolutely incomprehensible" and the threat of a jail term "unacceptable", adding that Berlin had immediately contacted Ankara.

"We continue to do everything we can to bring the imprisoned German citizens, including Peter Steudtner, back to Germany," he said.

Amnesty describes Gharavi as an IT strategy consultant and Steudtner as a "non-violence and well-being trainer".

Eight of the suspects -- including both foreigners as well as Eser and Kilic -- are being held in jail ahead of trial and three others free but still charged. It is not yet clear when the trial will start.

Those charged are accused of having links with various organisations outlawed by Turkey as terror groups including the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), the group of Gulen and the far-left Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C).

Eser was accused of possessing material of the DHKP-C while Kilic was formally charged with being a member of Gulen's group and using the messaging system Bylock allegedly employed by his supporters.
Riyadh (AFP) - A gunman shot dead two Saudi guards and wounded three others at the gate of the royal palace in the Red Sea city of Jeddah on Saturday, the interior ministry said.

Royal guards killed the gunman, identified by the ministry as a 28-year-old Saudi national armed with a Kalashnikov and three grenades.

"An outpost of the royal guard came under fire by a person who got out of a Hyundai car," the ministry said in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency.

"He was immediately dealt with and his cowardly act also resulted in the martyrdom" of two royal guards, it added.

The US embassy in Saudi Arabia had earlier cautioned its citizens over reports of the attack.

"Due to the possibility of ongoing police activity, American citizens are advised to exercise caution when travelling through the area," the embassy said in a brief statement.

The warning comes after the Saudi police raided hideouts of a "terror" cell linked to the Islamic State group this week, killing two people and arresting five others, according to the national security agency.

The State Security Agency said police raided three hideouts in the capital Riyadh and exchanged gunfire at one of them, the SPA news agency reported on Thursday.

Since late 2014, IS has claimed a series of bombings and shootings against Shiites and security forces in the Sunni-majority kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is a member of the US-led international coalition that has been battling the Sunni extremist group in Syria and Iraq.
(BRISTOL, Conn.)  A Connecticut man was charged Friday with helping his girlfriend dispose of a stillborn baby boy whose body was found inside a plastic bag in a reservoir in March.State police also charged Benjamin Edgerly, 21, of Bristol, with helping to conceal the boys birth. He was released on a promise to appear in court. His attorney didnt immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday.

The mother, 19, told state police she knew something was off after giving birth at her grandparents home on March 13, an arrest warrant says.

The babys umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck; he wasnt crying, his lips were bluish and his skin a slight purple, the woman told police, according to the warrant. I panicked. I had done this completely alone.

On March 19, she put the body in a white trash bag and into Edgerlys book bag, the warrant says. Edgerly allegedly told police he threw the bag into a reservoir just before midnight on March 20.

The infants body was discovered the next morning in the reservoir in Harwinton, a town about 24 miles (39 kilometers) west of Hartford.

Edgerly and the mother told Bristol police what happened after learning that the body was found, the warrant says.

An autopsy confirmed the baby had been a stillborn. DNA matched the baby to the mother, but not to Edgerly, according to the warrant.
By MacDonald Dzirutwe HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa said late on Thursday he had been hospitalized in August because he had been poisoned, raising the political temperature in the fight to succeed 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe. Mnangagwa, a former intelligence chief nicknamed "the Crocodile", is the leading candidate to succeed Mugabe, the only leader Zimbabwe has known since independence in 1980. He did not say who he believed was responsible for trying to kill him, and his main rival for the top job, First Lady Grace Mugabe, swiftly denied having anything to do with it. Hours earlier, she told a public gathering at a nearby hotel on Thursday night that Mnangagwa and his allies were plotting a power grab that was tantamount to a coup, according to an audio recording of her speech. Mnangagwa was airlifted to Johannesburg after falling ill in August. At a news conference late on Thursday open only to state media, he said doctors had concluded that poisoning was to blame for his illness, and not inadvertent food poisoning. "The medical doctors who attended to me ruled out food poisoning but confirmed that indeed poisoning had occurred and investigations were in progress," Mnangagwa said, reading from a statement. He provided no further details or proof. Mnangagwa, 75, became vice-president in 2014, putting him at the front of the pack to succeed Mugabe. However over the last 18 months he has met fierce opposition from Grace and a faction of the ruling party backing her. The first lady denied having anything to do with his illness and accused him of lying about it to get public sympathy. "Why should I kill Mnangagwa? Who is Mnangagwa on this earth?" Grace Mugabe said in footage aired on Friday on state television. "Killing someone who was given a job by my husband? That is nonsensical." Veterans of Zimbabwe's 1970s independence war have publicly backed Mnangagwa to step into Mugabe's shoes and last year described the nonagenarian ruler as a dictator, a jolting rebuke that laid bare the fissures within the ruling ZANU-PF party. In her hotel address on Thursday evening, Grace said Mnangagwa was plotting to force ZANU-PF to support him as Mugabe's successor - a scheme she said must be resisted. "We are being threatened day and night that if this one does not become president, we will kill you," she said without stating the origin of the threats. "No, we will not bow down to that pressure, never. You will have to arrest all of us and throw us in prison before you can rule." According to a trove of hundreds of documents from inside Zimbabwes Central Intelligence Organization (CIO) reviewed by Reuters in September, Mnangagwa and other political players have been positioning themselves for the day Mugabe either steps down or dies, with the tacit backing of some of Zimbabwes military and former colonial power Britain. The ruling party's next leadership congress is due in 2019 and Mugabe, who plans to context next year's elections, has said he is staying put for now. (Reporting by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Ed Cropley, Peter Graff and Andrew Heavens)
People are outraged that Adidas featured a model with unshaved legs, and everyone needs to calm down

We are fully supportive of people doing whatever they want with their body hair, whether that includes shaving, waxing, or letting it grow out to any length youd like. Which is why were totally disheartened to see this Swedish model get criticized for her unshaven legs in a new Adidas campaign. Because hair is natural, people.

Arvida Bystrom is a 26-year-old model, photographer, and artist from Sweden who was recently featured in Adidas new badass (and totally feminist) Superstar campaign. In one of the gorgeous Millennial pink-inspired shots, Bystrom can be seen kneeling down to show off a pair of classic Adidas three-stripe shoes. Her legs happened to be unshaved, and it has seemingly stirred up minor chaos.

In the days after the iconic sportswear brand launched the campaign, the model herself responded, revealing that she has received so much backlash  and even rape threats  in her private inbox.

In her caption, Bystrom writes: Me being such an abled, white, cis body with its only nonconforming feature being a lil leg hair. Literally Ive been getting rape threats in my DM inbox. I cant even begin to imagine what its like to not posses all these privileges and try to exist in the world. Sending love and try to remember that not everybody has the same experiences being a person.

And lets all take a step back and remember that this outrage is all over a little body hair, which is absolutely maddening on so many levels.

Aside from the fact that the ad is drop-dead gorgeous, we are cheering for the body positive message that both Adidas and Bystrom are sending through her photograph. Its helping to chip away at the narrow standards of beauty that have been perpetuated for far too long.

A friendly reminder that we should always be kind to each other  behind a keyboard or not.
Officials in Kazakhstan say five people, including two doctors, have died when a plane carrying them crashed soon after takeoff.

Kazakhstan's Health Ministry said the An-28 plane with a crew of three was flying the doctors from Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, to the southern city of Shymkent on Tuesday. Communications with the plane were lost soon after takeoff and its burning fragments were later found near Almaty.

The ministry said all five people aboard were killed in the crash.

The cause of the crash wasn't immediately clear.

The An-28 is a Soviet-built short-range turboprop.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 18:42:25|Editor: Xiang Bo

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MOGADISHU, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Somalia has launched its first technology innovation hub aimed at providing technology solutions to some of the challenges facing the country.

A statement from the UN Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) issued on Sunday said the vision of the hub, iRise, is to invest in the young generation and its future leaders, by attracting social investors who can support youth enterprises.

"The hub offers young entrepreneurs a platform for technological innovations and collaborations, including business training, mentorship, free internet connectivity, project evaluation and support during the incubation stages of their start-ups," UNSOM said.

The hub will also offer research and working space for young people keen on using technology to drive business.

iRise Hub which targets digitally empowered youth, banks on the fertile ground for technology and the widespread use of mobile telephony in Somalia, to achieve its objectives.

Abdihakim Ainte, a 32-year-old technology entrepreneur and co-founder of iRise Hub said they want to give a platform where youth can unlock their potential by coming up with ideas on tech entrepreneurship.

Ainte said they believe it is time for Somali youth to come to the fore with their ideas, claim and invest in their future, hoping to bring a solution to the country's multifaceted challenges.

"We want to make sure we combine our agenda with the global Social Development Goals (SDGs). If you look at the goals, each of them has an effect on Somalia. For example, SDG one, which is to end poverty, is one area that we as an innovation hub of young entrepreneurs, would want to address," Ainte said.

According to UNSOM, the launch of iRise Hub fulfills a desire to entrench a technology culture among Somalia's youth - who represent about 80 percent of the country's population, while supporting the economic transformation of the country.

Ainte said their motivation comes from the desire to nurture and bring new ideas to life. He also mentioned that the initiative was inspired by experiences in Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda, which have thriving technology innovation hubs.

"About 25 per cent of the entire population has access to mobile services. That means we are already dealing with technology in one way or another. It's an inescapable force that we have to reckon with," Ainte said.

Ainte and his partners look forward to collaborating with existing global networks of like-minded technology entrepreneurs and other technology hubs.

They also plan to encourage the contribution and participation of youth to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UN recognizes the role of youth in promoting initiatives and innovation projects that support social development, and encourages creativity and innovative ideas that open new avenues to solving some of the global problems.
ANKARA  Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday after meeting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Tehran that the two countries should prevent Iraq's Kurdistan region from declaring independence, state TV reported.

"Turkey and Iran must take necessary measures against the vote," Khamenei was quoted as saying.

He also said the United States and foreign powers planned to create a new Israel in the Middle East by supporting the vote in Kurdistan, according to state TV.

"America and Israel benefit from the vote ... They want to create a new Israel in the region ... The Iraqi Kurdish secession vote is an act of betrayal toward the entire region," Khamenei said.
Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou has condemned the attack by Mali-based extremists in the country's west that killed several Niger soldiers and three US Army special operations commandos.

Issoufou said Thursday that Niger is once again the target of Islamic extremist attacks. He did not say how many Niger soldiers were killed, but said there were a number of victims.

US officials said two US Army special operations commandos were also wounded when they came under fire in southwest Niger late Wednesday while on a joint patrol near the Mali border.

The US forces are in Niger to provide training and security assistance to the Nigerien Armed Forces in their fight against violent extremists.

The officials said the two wounded were taken to Niamey, the capital, and are in stable condition. The officials were not authorized to discuss the incident publicly so spoke on condition of anonymity.

The officials said the commandos, who were Green Berets, were likely attacked by al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb militants.

In a statement, US Africa Command said the forces were with a joint US and Nigerien patrol north of Niamey, near the Mali border, when they came under hostile fire.

Africa Command said the US forces are in Niger to provide training and security assistance to the Nigerien Armed Forces in their efforts against violent extremists.

The White House said President Donald Trump was notified about the attack Wednesday night as he flew aboard Air Force One from Las Vegas to Washington.
Iran's president defended the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers on Saturday, saying not even 10 Donald Trumps can roll back its benefits to his country, state TV reported.

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Hassan Rouhani's comments came as President Donald Trump appears to be stepping back from his campaign pledge to tear up the deal, instead aiming to take other measures against Iran and its affiliates.

Iranian President Rouhani said not even '10 Trumps' can roll back the nuclear accord (Photo: AP, MCT)

State TV broadcast Rouhani while addressing students at Tehran University, marking the beginning of the educational year.

"We have achieved benefits that are irreversible. Nobody can roll them back, neither Trump, nor 10 other Trumps," he said.

Rouhani warned the US not to violate the deal.

"If the United States violates (the nuclear deal), the entire world will condemn America, not Iran," he said.

Speaking before students in Tehran, Rouhani cautioned the US not to violate the agreement (Photo: AP)

Iran accepted curbs on its contested nuclear program as part of the agreement. In return, Iran has benefited from the lifting of sanctions against its oil exports among others.

Trump is expected to take new action against Iran's Revolutionary Guard and the Iranian backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah.

He is set to deliver a policy speech on Iran next week in which he is expected to decline to certify Iran's compliance in the landmark 2015 agreement that the US and its partners signed with Tehran to rein in its nuclear program.

That would stop short of pulling out of the deal. Lawmakers say Trump isn't going to immediately announce new nuclear sanctions, which are prohibited by the deal, and instead will refer the matter to Congress.

President Trump (Photo: AP)

President Trump has repeatedly described the deal as "bad." He signed a bill that imposes mandatory penalties on people involved in Iran's ballistic missile program and anyone who does business with them.

Rouhani is struggling to keep the deal on two fronts. One is with Trump, who always said it is a bad deal, and on the other side, hardliners inside the country.

By the time of his 2017 re-election, Rouhani increasingly criticized hard-liners within Iran who criticized him and the atomic deal for giving too much away to the West, especially the US, still the "Great Satan" for some even decades after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Friday, Western and Iranian officials said the Islamic republic suggested to the six world powers it may be open to talks about its ballistic missile arsenal, seeking to reduce tensions over the disputed program.

Iran's new Khorramshahr missile (Photo: AFP, IRIB TV)

However, merely an hour later Irans Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said Tehrans ballistic missile program was non-negotiable.

Tehran has repeatedly vowed to continue building up what it calls defensive missile capability in defiance of Western criticism, with Washington saying the Islamic Republics stance violates its 2015 nuclear deal with the powers.

But the sources said that given US President Donald Trumps threats to ditch the deal reached under his predecessor Barack Obama, Tehran had approached the powers recently about possible talks on some "dimensions" of its missile program.

'The calm before the storm,' Trump said cryptically (Photo: Reuters)

After discussing Iran and North Korea with US military leaders on Thursday, President Donald Trump posed for a photo with them before dinner and declared the moment the " calm before the storm ."

"You guys know what this represents?" Trump said after journalists gathered in the White House state dining room to photograph him and first lady Melania Trump with the uniformed military leaders and their spouses.

"Maybe its the calm before the storm," he said.

When questioned by reporters which storm he was referring to, Trump said, "Youll find out."
A new project has recently been launched to encourage young members of the Bedouin community, who are not legally required to draft into the IDF, to volunteer for military service in a bid to prevent them from instead joining anti-Israeli terror groups such as ISIS.

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With statistics pertaining to the Bedouin conscripts illustrating an extremely low draft rate, the IDF is seeking new ways to remedy the matter by enticing them into drafting through the use of a series of incentives that are to be conditioned upon a service length of at least 24 months.

One of the main benefits will include significant discounts on the purchase of land plots in areas populated by Bedouin and preference for tenders allocated to IDF veterans who come from their communities.

The discount will stand at 90 percent of the original price of land plots in the north and 50 percent in the south.

Bedouin soldiers

Unlike regular IDF soldiers who serve a for 2 years and 8 months, the Bedouin soldiers will only have to serve for 28 months, 4 of which will comprise preparatory training.

Their service will be divided into three stages. In the first stage, the fresh recruits will enrol in the Eyal course designed to prepare them for their military service. There they will learn Hebrew along with other technical subjects. At the conclusion of the initial stage, they will meet with sorting officers who will determine the nature of the remainder of their service.

The second stage will consist of 24 months of actual service in their units. In their final month, they will enrol on a course to prepare them to reenter civil society.

Also included in the benefit package will be the easing of admission requirements into studies for subjects which they will then use for their professions in the military.

Furthermore, they will be offered a free preparatory course for the psychometric examinations required by Israelis to be admitted into university.

Moreover, training will be available as they embark on academic courses. In this vein, they will also be able to take part in university tuition fees schemes and in some cases be eligible for fully-funded studies.

Costs of student living will also be largely covered by the State, which will also include provisions for private tuition, travel expenses and more.

Following their studies, the veterans will be granted assistance in integrating into the workforce and finding employment under the guidance of the recruitment office in the IDFs Southern Command.

The relatively new department, which assists soldiers discharged from the Desert Patrol Battalion and the Scouts Unit in which most Bedouin conscripts serve, will also offer assistance for the smooth integrating into the job market, particularly in government-run companies, such as electric companies, the police and Israel Railways.

Photo: Haim Horenstein

According to Bedouin commander Maj. Shadi Grifat, the new perks and succor constitute an important step toward ensuring that the youngsters do not fall under adversarial influences.

The defense minister and the IDF chief of staff gave instructions to expand the Bedouin recruitment apparatus, explained Grifat.

The aim of the benefits is to strengthen the notion of giving something and getting in return. IDF conscription is obviously supposed to help Bedouin recruits break out of their situation. Also from an academic perspective we want to keep the elites with us rather than see them study in Jordan or other places where they could fall under a negative influence," he continued before warning of the potential consequences.

If we dont embrace them at this time they will go to anti-Israel places: the Islamic Movement, join ISIS etc. If a young Bedouin stays in a tent and the only people who speak to him are preachers, the day will come when he will be in the field against us. We want to embrace the Bedouin community and to tell them it will be good for them here, and it wont be in other places.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 18:52:27|Editor: Xiang Bo

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ANKARA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish Armed Forces on Sunday shelled targets of extremist group in Syria's Idlib, a day after Ankara announced the start of a military operation there, private broadcaster NTV has reported.

Turkish howitzers on the border fired around five shots in support of allied Free Syrian Army fighters who had entered Idlib, which is largely controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al-Qaida affiliate that changed its name last year from the Nusra Front, the report said.

According to Dogan News Agency, the intermittent artillery fires were shot from Reyhanli, a town in Turkey's southern Hatay province and near the Syrian-Turkish border.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 18:57:29|Editor: Xiang Bo

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TIRANA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Folklore bands and artisans from Albania and other European countries gathered Saturday in the southern Albanian city of Gjirokastra for the 2017 Argjiro Fest featuring cultural diversity, traditional costumes and folklores.

The four-day Argjiro Fest showed the folklores and ethno-cultural traditions of all Albanian ethnic regions, as well as some Albanian minorities abroad like Arberesh communities in Italy and Greece and Diaspora in the United States and elsewhere, the event organizers told reporters.

The event attracted several folklore bands and thousands of artists and artisans from Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and the United States.

On the opening day, a series of cultural activities were held, including a national costume parade and a craftsmen's fair, which exhibited traditional Albanian arts and crafts.

Mayor of Gjirokastra Zamira Rami said the festival helps promote his city, which has entered the World Heritage List in 2005.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 18:57:30|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BAGHDAD, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jubouri flew to Erbil in the region of Kurdistan on Sunday to hold talks with the regional President Masoud Barzani in a bid to break the independence referendum stalemate.

Jubouri's office said in a brief statement that "the Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives (parliament) heads to Erbil to meet with Masoud Barzani."

On Tuesday, Jubouri said in a statement that he intended to hold talks with all political parties, including the Kurdish ones, to find a solution for the political impasse that followed the referendum on independence of the Kurdish region.

"These talks would be an opportunity to defuse the crisis, and to initiate measures that would reduce the tension and lead to fruitful dialogue," Jubouri said.

Jubouri's trip to Kurdistan region came as the Iraqi parliament and government called on the Kurdish regional government to cancel the results of the referendum on independence held by the Kurdish region on Sept. 25.

Earlier, the parliament passed a number of punitive measures that included suspension of international flights to the Kurdish region and blocking all the border crossings which are outside the control of the federal authorities, and call on the neighboring countries (Turkey and Iran) to help the Iraqi government block the crossings.

On Sept. 27, the Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi called on the Kurdish regional government to cancel the results of the controversial independence referendum.

"We want Kurdistan region to cancel the outcomes of the referendum if they want to start talks with Baghdad, which must be under the roof of the constitution," Abadi told the lawmaker when attended a parliament session to discuss the crisis with the Kurds.

The independence of Kurdistan is opposed not only by the Iraqi central government, but also by most other countries, because it would threaten the integrity of Iraq and undermine the fight against Islamic State (IS) militants.

Iraq's neighboring countries, especially Turkey, Iran and Syria, fear the Iraqi Kurdish independence move would threaten their territorial integrity, as large population of Kurds live in those countries.

The United States has repeatedly warned the Kurds to postpone the referendum, saying such move could derail or confuse the war against IS.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 19:12:34|Editor: Zhou Xin

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KABUL, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Four Taliban militants were killed following an airstrike conducted by Afghan special forces in southern province of Zabul, the government military said Sunday.

"On a confirmed tip off, Afghanistan Operational Coordination Group (AOCG) carried out an airstrike at 02:11 p.m. Sunday on a Taliban position in Shah Joy district, Zabul province, killing four members of Taliban terrorist group," AOCG said in a statement.

Two vehicles of the militants were also destroyed.

The elimination of the targeted militants would further improve the public security in southern provinces, the statement added.

The Afghan and the U.S.-led coalition forces have stepped up airstrikes on anti-government militants since U.S. new strategy for Afghanistan was unveiled in August and the Afghan Defense Ministry would soon establish two more bases for unmanned planes to conduct air raids on the militants, according to Afghan military officials.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 19:32:40|Editor: Zhou Xin

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ANKARA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish Armed Forces on Sunday shelled targets of extremist group in Syria's Idlib, a day after Ankara announced the start of a military operation there, private broadcaster NTV has reported.

The broadcaster quoted military sources, saying that Turkish howitzers on the border fired around five shots in support of allied Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters who had entered Idlib, which is largely controlled by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaida affiliate that changed its name last year from the Nusra Front.

According to Dogan News Agency, the intermittent artillery fires were shot from Reyhanli, a town in Turkey's southern Hatay province and near the Syria-Turkish border.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday announced that a "serious operation" had begun in Idlib, but also said it was currently carried out by the FSA, and Turkish soldiers haven't entered there on the ground yet.

The Turkish army was backing the FSA from within Turkey's borders, while Russian forces were providing air support to the operation, he said.

Erdogan said last month that Turkey would deploy troops in Syria's northwest Idlib province as part of a so-called de-escalation agreement brokered by Russia in August.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 19:47:43|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- China will send 52 contestants -- its largest team ever -- to the 44th WorldSkills Competition to be held in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, an official said Sunday.

The contestants will participate in 47 events scheduled for Oct. 14-19, said Tang Tao, vice minister of human resources and social security.

More than 1,260 contestants worldwide will compete in 52 competitions. It is the fourth time for China to participate in the competition, said Tang.

China won five gold medals, six silver medals and four bronze medals in the 43rd WorldSkills Competition held in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2015.

Shanghai is in the running to host the 46th WorldSkills Competition in 2021, along with cities in Switzerland and South Africa.

The final decision will be voted on by the WorldSkills International delegates in October at the General Assembly to be held in Abu Dhabi.

WorldSkills dates back to 1950, when it was first held in Madrid, Spain. The biennial event seeks to increase the awareness and prestige of vocational and blue-collar professions. China first participated in the event in 2011.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 19:47:44|Editor: Xiang Bo

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WUHAN, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- More than 43,000 people in central China's Hubei Province have battled flooding of the Hanjiang River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, during the National Day holiday.

Recent rainfall and increasing discharge from the Danjiangkou reservoir on the river have caused the flooding. As a result, water levels at the Jingmen section of the river have exceeded warning levels.

In Jingmen City, 76 households threatened by the flooding have been evacuated. Construction of projects and shipping services have been suspended. Floodwater has been released from 146 swollen reservoirs.

The city activated a Grade-IV response on Wednesday and a higher Grade-III response on Thursday, which meant stepping up flood prevention work such as dam checks and public announcements.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 19:57:46|Editor: Zhou Xin

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WINDHOEK, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- A suspected anthrax outbreak has killed 107 hippos in one of Namibia's biggest game parks in the Zambezi region in Namibia in just one week.

The park's deputy director Apollinaris Kannyinga confirmed the deaths Sunday at Bwabwata National Park.

Kannyinga said the first 10 deaths were reported on Oct. 1 but had risen by the end of the week.

"We suspect an anthrax outbreak, but our veterinary is still yet to confirm that,'' Kannyinga said.

He also said that this was the first time such a deadly outbreak has hit Namibia. Before the outbreak, Namibia had an estimated 1,300 hippos.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 19:57:47|Editor: Zhou Xin

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TEHRAN, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran warned the United States against designating its Revolutionary Guards Corp as a terrorist group and said U.S. regional military bases would be at risk if further sanctions were passed, state media reported on Sunday.

The warning came after the White House said that President Donald Trump would announce new U.S. responses to Iran's missile tests, support for "terrorism" and cyber operations as part of his new Iran strategy.

"If America's new law for sanctions is passed, this country will have to move their regional bases outside the 2,000 km range of Iran's missiles," Guards' commander Mohammad Ali Jafari said, according to state media.

Jafari also said that additional sanctions would end the chances for future dialogue with the United States, according to state media, and issued a stark warning to the U.S. troops.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks during an armed forces parade in Tehran, Iran, September 22, 2017. (Reuters Photo)

TEHRAN, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran warned the United States against designating its Revolutionary Guards Corp as a terrorist group and said U.S. regional military bases would be at risk if further sanctions were passed, state media reported on Sunday.

The warning came after the White House said that President Donald Trump would announce new U.S. responses to Iran's missile tests, support for "terrorism" and cyber operations as part of his new Iran strategy.

"If America's new law for sanctions is passed, this country will have to move their regional bases outside the 2,000 km range of Iran's missiles," Guards' commander Mohammad Ali Jafari said, according to state media.

Jafari also said that additional sanctions would end the chances for future dialogue with the United States, according to state media, and issued a stark warning to the U.S. troops.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 20:02:49|Editor: Zhou Xin

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by Ronald Ssekandi

KAMPALA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Uganda has enacted the controversial biosafety law, paving way for the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in the east African country.

Elioda Tumwesigye, minister of science, technology and innovation told reporters on Oct. 6 that the law was passed by Parliament with many clauses aimed at stopping the misuse of GMOs.

He said the law establishes institutions that will regulate and promote usage of biotechnology in a bid to use it for modernizing agriculture, environmental protection, enhancing public health and industrialization.

Tumwesigye argued that it was critical that the country enacted a biosafety law in a bid to among others protect its borders from unauthorized entry of GMOs and to protect the public from consuming unsafe biotechnology products.

He said the move was also to support scientists in the country to fully and safely utilize their advanced knowledge and capabilities in biotechnology to help solve contemporary challenges especially in health, agriculture, industry and environment.

A parliamentary committee that scrutinized the bill before it was passed by Parliament argued that GMOs have been used in Uganda with no enabling law. They have been used in industries to process wine and beer, cheese and yogurt, bread and for the extraction of cobalt, all of which necessitate putting in place a regulatory framework.

There is heated debate globally over the use of GMOs with proponents arguing that they have the potential to boost food, fuel and fiber production, which will accelerate economic growth and foreign exchange earnings.

Opponents to the law argue that since the technology comes from developed countries, there are varied interests which may be veiled with ill intentions.

"The European Union whose market we are targeting is totally against the production of GMO products in favor of organic products. The GMO industry, which we are trying to invest in, is going down and Ugandans are going to lose out," Thomas Tayebwa, a legislator was quoted as saying by the state-owned New Vision on Oct. 6

Tayebwa argued that the law was unnecessary and its passing was spearheaded by foreign agencies.

Government however argues that it consulted widely before the bill was brought to parliament.

"We have put in place provisions as per best practices globally that ensures that modern biotechnology is used in a matter that is safe to humans, animals, biodiversity and the environment," Minister Tumwesigye said.

Scientists argue that the enactment of the law now paves way for extending their trials to the field instead of being limited to working within their institutions' boundaries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 20:12:53|Editor: Zhou Xin

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MOGADISHU, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Somalia on Sunday launched a strategy to help prevent and counter violent extremism which is a serious threat to stability in the Horn of Africa nation.

A joint statement issued after a meeting that brought together Somali federal and state authorities together with the international community said participants on a support and coordination mechanism put in operation the national strategy to prevent and counter violent extremism.

The strategy was launched in Mogadishu by the Somali Deputy Prime Minister, Mahdi Mohamed Guled, who hailed the launch as a milestone in the country's efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism in order to help attain a sustainable peace for the country.

He said the strategy, also referred to as 'Strand 4', is part of the National Security Architecture (NSA), which was endorsed by Somalia's President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and the presidents of the federal member states in April.

The NSA aims to tackle violent extremism and address wide ranging issues causing conflict and insecurity in Somalia.

The objectives of the Strand 4 which is co-chaired by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Swedish Embassy is for conflicts to be addressed politically, as opposed to through violence.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Michael Keating stressed on the need to address the drivers of violent extremism and called for a multi-pronged approach to effectively tackle insecurity.

"If we only focus on the military aspect on insecurity we will not succeed. I am just thrilled that we have come together to look at how prevention and countering of violent extremism can help address some of these issues," the UN envoy said.

Participants agreed at the meeting that key government agencies and federal member states appoint focal point persons to drive the process and come up with a plan of action ahead of the follow-up meeting to the London Conference, scheduled for December.

Swedish Ambassador to Somalia Andreas von Uexkull signed the terms of reference spelling out the roles, responsibilities, managerial and operational procedures of Strand 4.

Uexkull observed that violent extremism is widespread, affecting not only Somalia but also many other countries and called for concerted efforts in tackling this phenomenon.

"We also need to connect our work on human rights, security, rule of law and justice. Sustainable solutions can only be achieved if we address our efforts for youth, inclusion and economic recovery," he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 20:22:56|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BENI, DR Congo, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least 40 people were massacred by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels on Saturday evening in Beni of the North Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to local military sources.

The sources said the rebels had attacked several military camps in Beni, three of which were captured.

Survivors of the attacks on military camps told Xinhua the rebels had released randomly some people before they ruthlessly killed others they captured.

The situation remains tense at the moment, according to local military authorities.

The ADF is considered a terrorist group by the Ugandan government. It was originally based in west Uganda but has expanded into the neighboring DR Congo.

The eastern region in DR Congo is beset by instability due to the presence of several home-grown and foreign armed rebel groups. UN data showed thousands of civilians have been killed in various armed conflicts in the region since 2016.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 20:22:57|Editor: Xiang Bo

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GUANGZHOU, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- China's Good Samaritan law went into effect on Oct. 1 to protect people who are ready to help others.

Under the legislation, people who voluntarily offer emergency assistance to those who are, or who they believe to be, injured, ill, in danger, or otherwise incapacitated, will not have civil liability in the event of harm to the victims.

It aims to ease the reluctance people feel toward helping strangers for fear of legal repercussions if they make mistakes in treatment.

The legislation responds to the phenomenon of people refraining from assisting fallen senior citizens over concerns of being blackmailed later, said Wang Cheng, professor at Peking University Law School.

The law will reduce bystanders' hesitation to assist, said Wang.

In 2011, a two-year-old girl was run over by two cars, and 18 passersby did not offer emergency help. The girl died later after days of medical treatment.

In 2014, a man from south China's Guangdong Province aided a senior citizen but was accused of knocking him down. The man committed suicide when faced with demands for compensation.

"If you don't provide help, you will blame yourself, but if you do help, you are likely to be hurt by the people you help. It is really a dilemma," said one comment on China's microblog Sina Weibo.

These disputes have sparked debate about morality and heroism in the country in recent years.

"There is no need to discuss whether or not you should aid people in distress. Your help is a matter of life or death for the person who is injured," said Wang.

If a code of conduct is not enough to prevent unethical behavior, it is time for the law to address it, said Liu Jiehui, a judge with the Intermediate People's Court of Shenzhen City in Guangdong.

In 2012, China's State Council published a paper outlining ideas to help protect Good Samaritans that would provide preferential polices in employment and other fields.

Although there had been calls for a national Good Samaritan law, only a few cities pushed ahead with such legislation before the nationwide law came into effect.

In 2013, Shenzhen said anyone who wants to claim compensation needs to collect evidence first.

Shanghai in 2016 enacted a policy that protects the public from liability during rescues and rescue attempts.

The national Good Samaritan law underwent three amendments from December 2016 to March 2017 before it was introduced in October.

The nationwide Good Samaritan law will help create a better social atmosphere for helping others, said Liu.

Some experts are concerned that there will be some danger from a nationwide Good Samaritan law.

"Rescuers who know little about medical treatment could bring serious harm to people in critical condition," said Yang Lixin, a professor with the Renmin University of China.

He hoped the government could introduce details of the policy soon while encouraging people to voluntarily offer assistance.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 20:27:58|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Beijing welcomed more than 12 million tourists during the eight-day National Day holiday, ringing up about 9.5 billion yuan (1.43 billion U.S. dollars) in tourism income.

Compared with last year's holiday week from Oct. 1 to 7, the number of tourists in Beijing during the first seven days of October this year grew 4.5 percent and tourism income increased 10.6 percent, according to Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development.

As one of China's two Golden Weeks, the National Day holiday this year has been extended by one day to include the Mid-Autumn Festival, which fell on Oct. 4.

Suburban trips are a source of growth. About 5 million suburban trips were made during the holiday, up 8.7 percent year on year, generating 450 million yuan in tourism income.

Ten service stations were set up in five districts to handle complaints of tourists during the holiday.

As of 2 p.m. Sunday, the commission received 53 complaints, down 13 percent year on year.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 20:28:00|Editor: Zhou Xin

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TEHRAN, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced here Sunday that if the United States imposes new sanctions against Iran, it would have repercussions for Washington.

In case the United States imposes fresh sanctions, they will have to relocate the U.S. regional bases out of the reach of Iran's missiles, state media quoted the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps commander as saying.

Jafari cautioned the U.S. government of what he termed as the dire consequences of imposing new sanction against Iran.

The possible move by the U.S. administration would be considered as U.S. unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear agreement between Iran and the world powers sealed in 2015, he commented.

The IRGC commander also noted that if Washington decides to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, the IRGC will in turn treat the U.S. Army around the world, particularly in the Middle East, as the forces of the Islamic State militants.

The U.S. administration has imposed several rounds of sanctions against Iran over the past months claiming that Iran has not observed the spirit of the nuclear deal Oswald two years ago.

Washington says that Iran's missile program is threatening the regional and international peace. Iran denies the allegations stressing that it's missile program is only for deterrent purposes.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 20:38:01|Editor: Zhou Xin

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by Burak Akinci

ANKARA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is striving to reshape and renew the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in a bid to prepare for three crucial elections in 2019.

"The renovation in our party is a demand from our people. Confrontation with the people is not acceptable," Erdogan said in an AKP meeting in the western province of Afyonkarahisar on Saturday.

"If we don't make necessary changes, the people will do it at the ballot boxes, and it will be more painful then," he added.

AKP leaders and representatives gathered during the 26th semi-annual "consultation and assessment camp," which the main topic was the "renovation" efforts within the party, services in mayoralties and the six-month action plan of the ministers.

"What are people saying to us? Change and renovate. The people want reforms from us. They expect bigger aims and bigger projects," Erdogan stressed.

Renewing the party doesn't mean a purge but those who are tired will have to go, he added.

During his speech at the 3-days camp, Erdogan called on more changes and renovation in AKP and presented his vision and agenda for 2019, when the local, legislative and presidential elections will be held, a most crucial year for the future of the ruling party.

"2019 will be an important year and we have already begun preparations. We will naturally discuss of coming challenges. AKP is a democratic party where everyone can express freely its opinions," a former parliament member told Xinhua.

Early this month, Istanbul's mayor Kadir Topbas resigned suddenly without giving any reasons, sparking speculation that some key majors considered not up to the job could be on the line.

Istanbul is the biggest metropolis and the economic and cultural heart in Turkey with some 15 million inhabitants. Topbas held his post for 13 years. He was replaced by another AKP member in the city council, Mevlut Uysal.

Local media reported that the resignation of at least six mayors of big cities would be possible, including Ankara mayor Melih Gokcek, who holds his post for an unprecedented 23 years, since 1994.

According to Abdulkadir Selvi, columnist of Hurriyet Daily, AKP wants changes in big cities mayors who were not successful during the constitutional referendum of last April.

"There is a very important reshaping process inside the AKP, but this is also a difficult one because there are prominent names involved. Some cities like Istanbul and Ankara have dragged the AKP down during the referendum, and Erdogan doesn't want it repeat in 2019 election," he wrote.

Most of Turkey's 1,400 cities and townships are currently under AKP rule.

After returning to the helm of the party that he co-founded, Erdogan launched a plan for the renewal of the AKP, out of concern that constitutional changes were only narrowly passed and the fact that there was an unprecedented drop in votes in almost all big constituencies.

He first reshuffled the government, then made substantial changes in regional organizations. But the third phase "seems to be more painful, as it concerns prominent mayors," wrote Serkan Demirtas in his column in Hurriyet Daily News.

"Erdogan is aware of the widespread electoral discontent with AKP mayors' poor performance, especially in metropolises like Istanbul and Ankara," said Aykan Erdemir, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 20:48:03|Editor: Zhou Xin

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TOKYO, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe continued to evade questions on favoritism scandals during a televised debate among political party heads on Sunday, evoking a new round of questions from the opposition parties on his true purpose for calling a snap election.

"What's the true reason for the prime minister to dissolve the lower house of parliament? Abe has never given a convincing explanation. He said it was for dealing with the crisis caused by the population aging and low birth rate as well as the North Korean crisis. But these are not true," said Japanese Communist Party chief Kazuo Shii.

He added that the true reason for Abe to call the election was only to cover up the favoritism scandals implicating the prime minister.

Tadatomo Yoshida, head of the Social Democratic Party, said that many people believed that the Abe administration failed to give sufficient explanations for the favoritism scandals, and the most important reason was that some scandal-involved key figures refused to speak in the parliament.

He called for the prime minister to summon his wife Akie Abe and close friend Kotaro Kake to answer questions in the parliament.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who heads the newly-established Party of Hope, questioned the Abe administration on information disclosure and document management, as well as the prime minister's economic policies.

"Basically, our major goal is to change the current political situation, where Abe alone is strong," she said.

Abe has been under fire for his connection with nationalist private school operator Moritomo Gakuen, which purchased a piece of state-owned land in Osaka for only a fraction of market price.

He has also been accused of using his influence to make the government choose Kake Educational Institution, run by one of his close friends, to open a new department in a government-designated special economic zone.

Previously, the prime minister cited the need to seek a fresh mandate to overcome "a national crisis" caused by "the biggest challenge facing Japan, which is the population aging and low birthrate," as well as security challenges, when announcing his plan last month to call for the snap election.

According to a recent survey conducted by Japan's public broadcaster NHK, support rate for Abe's cabinet dropped to 37 percent, down by 7 percentage point from the previous month, while the disapproval rate increased to 44 percent.

Meanwhile, 67 percent of the respondents said they did not support the prime minister's plan to call a snap election.

The election is slated for Oct. 22, with the official campaigning beginning on Oct. 10.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari (3rd, L) cuts a cake when he visited Nigerian Armed Forces troops in Borno State, north-eastern Nigeria, Oct. 1, 2017. Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday visited the restive northeast city of Maiduguri to celebrate the 57th Independence anniversary of Nigeria with troops fighting Boko Haram terrorists in the area. (Xinhua)

LAGOS, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Authority of the Nigerian Army Friday said it had transferred 760 suspected Boko Haram members to restive northeast Borno state government for reintegration into the society.

The suspects were handed over to the government at the Bulunkutu State Rehabilitation Center in Maiduguri, the state capital, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, a military spokesperson said in a statement reaching Xinhua.

The suspects were arrested during the ongoing crackdown on the insurgents in the North-East by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, he added, noting that the suspects were cleared after interrogations and investigations by the Joint Intelligence Center (JIC) of the Theater Command.

He added that the suspects were handed over to the state government by the Coordinator of the JIC, Brig.-Gen. Abdulrahman Kuliya.

"The crackdown on Boko Haram terrorists is yielding positive results, culminating in significant reduction in terrorists' activities in the North-East," he said.

He called on members of the public to cooperate and provide useful information to security agencies on suspicious activities in their communities.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 21:13:09|Editor: Zhou Xin

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FAIZABAD, Afghanistan, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least eight militants were killed on Sunday during clashes between security forces and Taliban fighters in northeastern Afghanistan, an army spokesman said.

The fighting occurred in Yaftal-e-Payan district of the Badakhshan province, which also led to the surrender of two militants, the army spokesman in the northern region, Nasratullah Jamshidi, said.

The clash, according to the official, broke out after Taliban militants were attempting to attack some checkpoints and security forces retaliated, forcing the militants to flee.

Taliban militants who are active in parts of the province with Faizabad as its capital 315 km northeast of Kabul have not commented yet.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 21:28:12|Editor: Song Lifang

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URUMQI, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Every weekend, Zeng Yaqi, a scientist at Xinjiang Agricultural University, waits at a race course to attach heart rate monitors to horses.

"In the horse racing industry, all horse trainers have their own 'tricks' to pick and train horses that they never share with others," Zeng said. With advanced technology and equipment, Zeng's team is set to crack those secrets.

Zeng relies on a motion trajectory analysis system, which consists of a high-speed camera and motion trajectory analysis software.

Before each race, the 1,000-frames-per-second camera is installed next to racetracks to collect lateral pictures of the running horses.

"With the help of the software, the movements of each joint of a horse are automatically drawn frame by frame to calculate its stride length, frequency and time, as well as its gait characteristics, such as the stance phase and the swing phase," Zeng said.

Meanwhile, the heart rate monitor can record the horses' heart rate during and after the race and its recovery time to evaluate its aerobic capacity and cardio-pulmonary function.

Horse trainers can arrange targeted training based on the collected data and adjust training intensity according to heart rate records, Zeng said.

"A scientific training strategy can be a shortcut to improve the performance, and value, of racehorses," Zeng said.

China has a long history of horse husbandry and racing, especially among ethnic minorities such as Kazakhs, Mongolians and Tibetans. The country's breeding stock of horses ranks third in the world.

As the horse industry has developed, the goals of horse breeding have moved from working the fields to competitive sports, boosting the market for sport horses. Some Chinese regions have begun to hold regular horse racing events in recent years.

Five years ago, Xinjiang's Zhaosu County, where Zeng usually works, was just grassland. Now it has world-class racetracks, stands that can hold thousands of spectators, and timers with precision down to the millisecond. Zhaosu is part of a nationwide trend.

"For many Chinese jockeys, introducing foreign racehorses and cross breeding are still the main way to improve a horse's performance in a race. But most of the time they underestimate the importance of training," Zeng said.

Without proper training, the potential of a well-bred horse is buried, according to Bapa, a retired champion jockey in Xinjiang.

"Herdsmen have inherited or developed their own training methods such as stretching a horse's neck or wrapping it with a quilt, which I don't quite agree with," Bapa said.

He said high-tech methods are increasingly replacing traditional ones among horsebreakers.

"Our team has found that the Chinese market is in urgent need of scientific horse training methods and related products, which we are working on," Zeng said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 22:07:13|Editor: Zhou Xin

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An Afghan security personnel stands beside a Black Hawk helicopter during a handover ceremony from the U.S. forces to the Afghan air force in Kandahar Province, south Afghanistan, Oct. 7, 2017. The U.S. forces has planned to hand over 159 military helicopters to the Afghan air force by 2021, an Afghan government official said. (Xinhua/Sanaullah Seiam)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 22:08:20|Editor: An

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Tourists visit the Bund in east China's Shanghai, Oct. 7, 2017. A total of 705 million tourists traveled around the country during the National holiday, generating 583.6 billion yuan (about 87.7 billion U.S. dollars) of revenue, according to the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA). This year the National Day holiday was extended by one day as the Mid-Autumn Festival fell on Oct.4, which saw a surge in tourist revenue along with passenger flows. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi)

BEIJING, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Tourism has been booming in China during the National Day holiday, benefiting the economy of China and many other countries, official data on Sunday showed.

One of China's two Golden Weeks, the National Day holiday saw a surge in tourist revenue along with passenger flows. This year the holiday was extended by one day as the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Cake Festival, fell on Oct.4.

A total of 705 million tourists traveled around the country during the holiday, generating 583.6 billion yuan (about 87.7 billion U.S. dollars) of revenue, the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) said.

The two figures represented increase of 11.9 percent and 13.9 percent year on year respectively, the CNTA said.

Provinces with major scenic spots have seen rising numbers of tourists, with southwestern Guizhou having hosted over 46 million tourists who spent 30.5 billion yuan during the eight days, up 42.1 percent and 43.5 percent year on year respectively, said the CNTA.

Inner Mongolia in north China was visited by 106.2 million tourists who spent 8.3 billion yuan, up 24.5 percent and 38.3 percent respectively.

Most Chinese have chosen to indulge in food, cultural and rural tourism this year. Theme parks, museums and traditional culture streets have also seen an obvious growth in the number of visitors, according to the CNTA.

The booming tourism was accompanied by busy traffic. Take railway as an example, over 110 million trips by railway have been made since the holiday travel rush started on Sept. 28, the China Railway Corporation (CRC) said.

The CRC scheduled thousands of extra trains during the holiday to ensure smooth travel. Likely, airports have seen a growing number of passengers, and highways have been burdened by more vehicles.

The economic impacts of China's mobile population have also been felt worldwide as more Chinese have opted to travel overseas.

Data complied by the CNTA showed that about 6 million Chinese from nearly 300 cities traveled to 1,155 cities in 88 countries or regions during the National Day holiday.

Russia was the most popular destination for Chinese tourists, followed by Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia, while Moscow was the most popular city, followed by St. Petersburg, Bangkok, Pattaya, and Singapore City, the CNTA data showed.

No figures are available as to how much the Chinese people have spent overseas during the eight-day holiday.

At a time when traditional growth drivers are losing steam, China has pinned hopes on services, including tourism, for new impetus to drive consumption and employment, and support economic growth and restructuring.

China's domestic tourism industry earned about 3.9 trillion yuan in 2016, and the country plans to raise tourism revenue to 7 trillion yuan by 2020.

The nation will work to develop tourism into a major driver of economic transformation. By 2020, investment in tourism is expected to grow to 2 trillion yuan, and the sector will contribute more than 12 percent of GDP growth, according to a State Council five-year tourism plan (2016-2020).
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 22:18:23|Editor: Zhou Xin

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TEHRAN, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- A dual-national member of Iran's nuclear negotiating team has been jailed for five years for spying, news agency Tasnim said on Sunday.

Spokesman for the judiciary Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei named the convicted man as Abdolrasul Dori Esfahani.

Tasnim reported that he was in charge of banking affairs during the talks. According to Iranian media, he has Iranian and Canadian citizenship.

"He was one of the people accused of spying and passing intelligence to strangers and he was linked to two intelligence agencies," Mohseni Ejei said.

He said Dori Esfahani's five-year sentence was upheld after a failed appeal, Tasnim reported. Dori Esfahani also faces charges of financial corruption, Mohseni Ejei said.

Iran reached a nuclear deal with the United States and five other major powers in 2015 that led to the lifting of most international sanctions against it in return for curbs on its nuclear program.

Security officials have arrested several businessmen, including Iranians holding joint U.S., European or Canadian citizenship, as part of a crackdown on "Western infiltration."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 22:28:27|Editor: Zhou Xin

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TRIPOLI, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The western Libyan city of Sabratha is gradually recovering from a three-week fierce fighting, after the anti-IS operation room took over the city two days ago.

The center of Sabratha bared the marks of large military actions. Munitions and war debris are scattered, and a large number of houses, government buildings and banks are largely damaged. Increasing number of residents are returning to their homes with a heavy presence of military and police forces on the streets.

"Sabratha witnessed three weeks of fighting, in which armed militias used ammunition and heavy weapons, destroyed the city's vital center, and displaced residents. They did not take into account the sanctity of homes or private and government interests," Saleh Gresi'a, the head of the information office of the anti-IS operation chamber, told Xinhua.

"The chamber and the supporting forces managed to defeat the criminal gangs that used to carry out human trafficking and smuggling of fuel, as well as acts of barbarism and kidnapping of citizens," Gresi'a said.

Gresi'a pointed out that the city is gradually recovering. "We are waiting for the completion of the scanning operations by the military engineering teams, which are working to remove all remnants of war and booby traps scattered in some private and government properties."

The ruins of Sabratha, which dates back to the Roman times, were also damaged by the fighting. The facade and walls of the Roman theater were hit.

"The damage is relatively limited, but the Roman theater is the most damaged site, as we detected a number of bullets in the facade of the theater," said Mohamed Abu-Ajela, Sabratha monuments control officer, told Xinhua, confirming that no major damaged was detected on the archaeological site.

"I have been in contact with the antiquities authority, through which the United Nations was informed of the size of the damage. Some international archaeological institutes will do some restoration to the monuments and help us rebuild according to a comprehensive plan," Abu-Ajela said.

The UNESCO called for cease-fire and not targeting archaeological sites last week when the fighting was still going on according to the Hague Convention of 1954 on the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict.

The organization expressed concern about the escalating military action around the ruins of Sabratha, stressing the need to protect the Libyan cultural heritage in times of conflict, as urged by the United Nations Security Council.

The Roman ruins of Sabratha are among the five Libyan sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage since 1982.

"The monuments are global cultural heritage. In the past, they have not been damaged, but those criminal groups do not see any value to these sites. They stationed around them and deployed snipers on the walls, with the aim of causing losses in our ranks and to convince the public that the operation room is responsible for the destruction of the monuments." Omar Abdul-Jalil, commander of the anti-IS operation room, told Xinhua.

"I issued strict orders to all military personnel not to use military force at the monuments. We were professionally able to spare the site destruction." Abdul-Jalil said, holding the "criminal gangs" responsible for the damage to the archaeological sites.

Abdul-Jalil imposed a curfew in Sabratha, until the security situation in the city is stabilized. "We have imposed a curfew within the city from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. until security is restored in Sabratha, for fear that criminal gangs might take advantage of the situation to attempt to infiltrate and cause security breaches inside the city." he said.

The anti-IS operation room took over Sabratha, some 70 km west the capital Tripoli, after three weeks of violent clashes that erupted on Sept. 17 against the rival Anas Al-Dabbashi battalion and the 48th Infantry Battalion affiliated with the city's military council. The fighting killed more than 35 and injured more than 200, according to medical reports.

The operation room accused the two militias of smuggling and immigrant trafficking through the Mediterranean, as well as kidnapping of businessmen for ransom and torturing of migrants.

Sabratha is one the largest illegal smuggling destinations in Libya. Smugglers send thousands of migrants in rickety boats towards Europe, many of whom drown halfway.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 23:08:34|Editor: yan

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DHAKA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Bangladeshi Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal is set to visit Myanmar this month to discuss Rohingya repatriation process.

The home minister told reporters about the planned trip after meeting senior officials in capital Dhaka on Sunday. "My Myanmar visit takes place within this month," he said.

The minister announced his visit about a week after Dhaka and Nay Pyi Taw agreed to establish a joint working group soon to repatriate Rohingya people who have crossed into Bangladesh.

The agreement came during a meeting between Bangladeshi Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali and a Myanmar delegation led by Minister of the State Counselor's Office U Kyaw Tint Swe on Monday.

U Kyaw Tint Swe, representative of Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, visited Dhaka to discuss the Rohingya issue with the Bangladeshi side.

The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army extremist terrorists launched attacks on police outposts in Myanmar's Rakhine State on Aug. 25, displacing a vast number of residents to border areas with Bangladesh.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 23:28:37|Editor: yan

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RIGA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- One person died and three others suffered injuries after a helicopter crashed during a motor rally in Gramzda, southwestern Latvia, Sunday.

The helicopter passenger who died in the crash was a Polish national, Maris Gorodcovs, director of the Latvian Civil Aviation Agency, said on public radio.

According to eyewitnesses, the tail of the Robinson R44 helicopter broke off after hitting a powerline. Gints Esenvalds, police chief in Latvia's southwestern city of Liepaja, agreed that this was probably what caused the aircraft to come down.

Janis Unbedahts, a representative of Rally Liepaja, said that the helicopter crashed near the finish line and that the motor race was therefore suspended.

The helicopter had no connection with the rally's organizers, said Unbedahts.

Rescuers had to be called to pull the people out of the wreckage. The three injured crash victims were taken to hospital. Two of them had sustained serious injuries and were unconscious.

Ilze Tilhena, a representative of Saldes Tikls power grid operator, informed that a 20KV powerline was disrupted when a helicopter flew into the cables in the municipality of Gramzda on Sunday afternoon.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 23:38:40|Editor: Jiaxin

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TOKYO, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Kobe Steel Ltd. said on Sunday that some of its aluminum and copper products were subjected to data fabrication in the past few years.

The company said the inspection data of the products, including those on strength, were rewritten by workers who were "under pressure" to meet a deadline when the actual data failed to meet customer specifications.

The products in question have been shipped to some 200 companies. Though Kobe Steel did not disclose the names of the companies affected, local media said vehicles made by Toyota Motor Corp. and the Mitsubishi Regional Jet passenger planes had used the problematic products.

The Mitsubishi Regional Jet passenger planes, currently being developed by a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy, have been intended to be Japan's first domestically developed jet airliner.

Toyota, meanwhile, said that it has begun an investigation into which models of its cars had used the products in question and the possible impacts.

Kobe Steel said it found out the data fabrication in August, but did not reveal it to the public until ordered by the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry to do so.

It denied that its senior management was involved in the malpractice.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 23:38:41|Editor: yan

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AMMAN, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Jordanian Foreign Minister said on Sunday that Syria and the international community should be responsible for dealing with the Syrian refugee camp in Al Rukban area on the border between Syria and Jordan, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi made the remarks at a meeting with ambassadors of EU countries, during which he said that the residents of the camp were Syrians and that the camp was located in the Syrian side of the border.

He stressed that the issue needed a solution within Syrian context and that Jordan would never allow the refugees to enter Jordan.

"Jordan will not accept any mechanism that makes it Jordan's responsibility to deal with the issue," he said.

He further pointed out that Jordan was ready to cooperate with EU and the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to the refugees, however, the support has to be delivered from the Syrian side.

The camp is home to some 50,000 Syrian refugees. Jordan already hosted 1.3 million Syrian refugees.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 23:53:45|Editor: Jiaxin

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KHARTOUM, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- A strategic and consultative meeting on issues of the Horn of Africa on Sunday kicked off sessions in Khartoum, organized by the African Union (AU), the East Africa bloc IGAD and the Sudanese government.

"This meeting is ... to discuss and agree on the most appropriate means and ways for the countries of Horn of Africa to achieve security, peace, stability, development and prosperity of the people of the region," Ibrahim Ghandour, Sudan's Foreign Minister, said when addressing the meeting.

He cited challenges facing the Horn of Africa region including civil wars, violent political conflicts, collapse of national state, natural crisis, epidemic diseases, emergence of extremist groups, and the international competition on resources.

"The Horn of Africa is a strategic area. Nevertheless, it remains a region mentioned for plagues such as famines, illegal migration, human trafficking, humanitarian crisis, piracy and wars," noted Ghandour.

Chief of the AU High Implementation Panel (AUHIP) Thabo Mbeki, for his part, reiterated the importance of resolving the standing issues in the Horn of Africa region.

"Resolving conflicts in the Horn of Africa and settling the region on the path of cooperation and prosperity is a priority and obligation that fall on all of us," said Mbeki when addressing the meeting.

The meeting is set to discuss issues of peace, security, stability, cooperation and development in the Horn of Africa region.

Representatives of governments of countries of the Horn of Africa, international partners, regional and international organizations such as the UN, former presidents, prominent political personalities, experts, academicians and activists from the African continent are taking part in the meeting.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-08 23:58:47|Editor: yan

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CAIRO, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's military chief of staff and the director of the multinational force observing Egyptian-Israeli borders discussed on Sunday the coordination between the two sides to maintain border peace and security, the Egyptian military spokesman said in a statement.

The meeting between Egypt's Chief of Staff Mahmoud Hegazy and visiting Director General of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) Robert Stephen Beecroft addressed a number of topics to boost their coordination and consultation and optimize the border security and facilitate the MFO's mission in Egypt's Sinai borderline, said military spokesman Tamer al-Refaay in the statement.

Egypt and Israel reached a U.S. sponsored peace treaty in 1979. The MFO's mission, usually led by a U.S. veteran diplomat, is to supervise the implementation of the security provisions of the treaty and exert best efforts to prevent any violation of its terms.

Since the treaty is signed, the United States has been sending annual military aid to Israel and Egypt. Israel, the U.S. number one regional ally, gets over 3 billion U.S. dollars in annual military aid while Egypt receives 1.3 billion.

The relations between the Egyptian leadership and both the United States and Israel have significantly improved under Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi.

Egypt has been working hard on reviving the frozen Israeli-Palestinian peace process as well as mediating between rival Palestinian factions for reconciliation and national unity.

Egypt's North Sinai province bordering Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip has been suffering a wave of terrorism, launched by affiliates of the Islamic State regional militant group, that killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers since the military ousted former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-09 00:03:49|Editor: yan

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DUBAI, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- The government-controlled Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) said Sunday it has strengthened its energy partnership with Japan, through the signing of a tri-partite Memorandum of Cooperation with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Company (JOGMEC).

The agreement was signed by Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State and ADNOC Group CEO, Hiroshige Seko, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and Keisuke Kuroki, President of the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Company.

ADNOC said this memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation on strategic business development, upstream technical cooperation and training and development programs for ADNOC employees.

Dr. Al Jaber said "the long-term energy partnership between Japan and the UAE is one that goes back to before the establishment of ADNOC, with Japanese companies playing, and continuing to play, an important role in the development and expansion of the country's oil and gas industry."

"Today we are strengthening that partnership by pursuing new opportunities that will help us unlock greater value from our resources. This is a clear example of how our expanded approach to partnerships presents unique opportunities for both new and existing partners to invest alongside ADNOC to capture growth opportunities and deliver future prosperity," the emirate of Abu Dhabi which is also the capital of the UAE, harbors approximately seven percent of the world's known oil reserves.

ADNOC has supplied Japan with oil, gas and refined products since its foundation in 1971. It is Japan's second-largest supplier of crude oil and a major supplier of gas and refined products, said the statement.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-09 02:49:24|Editor: yan

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GENEVA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) --- A Swiss woman was reportedly kidnapped in western Sudan's conflict-plagued region of Darfur, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs was cited as saying on Sunday.

The Swiss authority said that it is still being "in contact with the local authorities in Sudan" and can't give more details for now.

Local media said that the woman is an aid worker for a Swiss non-governmental organization for children and she was abducted from her home in northern Darfur.

The Darfur region has witnessed an armed conflict between the Sudanese army and rebel groups since 2003, which according to UN estimate has left around 300,000 people dead and nearly 2.5 million displaced.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-09 03:14:29|Editor: yan

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ARUSHA, Tanzania, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in northern Tanzania have embarked on a campaign against bush meat business aimed at addressing poaching in the East African nation's sanctuaries.

Joel Bendera, Manyara Regional Commissioner said on Sunday that the campaign involved all people, including those living close to game reserves and national parks.

"We want to see Tanzania's natural resources are protected at any cost, so we are discouraging people from buying and eating bush meat because, in the fight against poaching, we came to realize that the business contributes a lot to the reckless killings of large mammals," he said.

He added: "This is another approach that will help to address poaching, which has been threatening the country's wildlife sector."

Among other issues involved in the campaign, according to the official, include awareness creation on dangers accompanied by poaching to the wildlife and the country's economy. Poachers pretend to target small animals and birds like dik-dik, duikers, hare and guinea fowl, but they also kill warthogs, wildebeest, zebras, buffaloes, hippopotamus and even elephants.

"That's why we're discouraging this business," Bendera said.

"We believe that if people refuse to buy and eat bush meat, poachers would be nowhere to sell; hence they'll abandon the business," he said, calling on local government authorities to team up in the campaign against bush meat, by unveiling names of people who are behind the business.

Nicolaus Negri, a wildlife conservator and tour operator who works with Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA), said the endless campaign intends to change people's mindsets on bush meat, which is one of the drivers of poaching.

Burunge WMA is the main link between Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park, which of recent faces serious threat from bush meat business.

Conservationists estimate that up to 50 percent of Tanzania's total wildlife population has already been decimated for bush meat, which apart from being consumed locally is also reportedly exported to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, war-torn Somalia, Burundi, Sudan and other neighboring countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-09 03:19:32|Editor: yan

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SANAA, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- A total of five al-Qaida members were killed in a U.S. drone airstrike in Yemen's northeastern province of Marib on Sunday, a provincial security official told Xinhua.

The suspected terrorists were targeted while driving a pickup car in Raghwan district northwest of Marib, the official said on condition of anonymity.

The targeted terrorists were "al-Qaida local leader Mohammed Ammar al-Adani and four of his armed escorts," said the official, adding that al-Adani had come from the southern province of Shabwa and had been hiding in a house in Raghwan for more than a month.

Raghwan is under control of the internationally-recognized Yemeni government forces backed by the United States and a Saudi Arabia-led military coalition.

The United States is focusing on fighting Sunni al-Qaida group in coordination with Saudi, while the Saudi-led coalition is backing Yemeni government forces in battling against Iranian-backed Shiite Houthi rebels who control much of northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa.

This is the latest in a series of drone air strikes against the Yemeni branch of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), locally known as Ansar al-Sharia or "Supporters of the Islamic Law."

On Sept. 14, three militants of the Yemen-based al-Qaida offshoot were killed in a U.S. drone strike while travelling on a motorcycle in the southern province of Abyan, according to a provincial security official.

The U.S. military has carried out several airstrikes against AQAP fighters in different provinces of the war-torn Arab country since U.S. President Donald Trump approved expanded military operations against the group.

That included intensified overnight airstrikes and ground military raids against the al-Qaida hideouts in the mountainous areas of al-Bayda and southeastern provinces of Shabwa and Abyan, as well as Marib.

The Yemen-based al-Qaida branch, regarded by the United States as the global terror network's most dangerous branch, has exploited more than two years of deadly conflicts between Yemen's government and Houthi rebels to expand its presence, especially in southeastern provinces.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-09 04:24:41|Editor: yan

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ALGIERS, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is to pay a two-day visit to Algeria on Monday in a bid to deepen bilateral strategic dialogue, Algerian Prime Minister's Office said in a statement on Sunday.

This visit will be an opportunity to "deepen and consolidate the strategic dialogue, multifaceted cooperation between the two countries," said the statement.

In an interview with the Algerian official news agency APS that was published Sunday, Medvedev said that Russia and Algeria have injected a new impetus to their economic partnership, while expanding the scope of their bilateral cooperation through the signing of several contracts in various sectors.

These agreements cover areas including nuclear energy, agribusiness, mining resources, shipping, high technology and space, construction, and pharmaceutical industry.

In terms of the Russia-Algeria trade, Medvedev noted that the volume doubled to nearly 4 billion U.S. dollars last year.

"It's already pretty good, but we need more progress ... I am sure that our countries have a common interest in developing their partnership in several areas. We have the means to do that," Medvedev said.

The latest visit by a top Russian official to the North African nation was conducted by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in February 2016.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-09 04:49:48|Editor: yan

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KHARTOUM, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Sunday issued a decree to extend the ceasefire in all conflict zones until December, the official SUNA news agency reported.

"Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir issued a Republican Decree Sunday evening extending the cease-fire in the country until December 2017," the report said.

The extension of the ceasefire aims at preparing for negotiations on the two areas, including South Kordofan and Blue Nile, as part of the government's keenness to achieve peace and stability in the country and turn to address development issues, it added.

In January, Sudan adopted a unilateral six-month ceasefire a few days after the U.S. government decided to partially lift the economic sanctions imposed on Sudan for about 20 years.

In July, al-Bashir decided to extend the declared ceasefire in all conflict zones for three months.

The Sudanese government has been fighting the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM)/northern sector in South Kordofan and Blue Nile areas since 2011, where many rounds of peace talks held in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa failed to end the conflict.

The Sudanese government has also been fighting armed groups in the Darfur region since 2003.
Shooting ranges require users to have hearing protection. But many of the shooters who are honing their shotgunning skills at the skeet range this weekend or zeroing in their deer rifles will head into the fields or forest on opening day with nothing in their ears.

Hunters rationalize that hearing protection puts them at a disadvantage. They cant hear the beating of wings that spells a rooster pheasant flushing. They cant hear the snap of a twig that gives away a whitetail buck approaching a stand.

But the alternative is ringing in the ears and the eventual sensation of having your ears stuffed tightly with cotton all the time, even though theyre not.

Exposure to noise greater than 140 decibels can permanently damage hearing. Even the diminutive .22-caliber rifle can produce noise around 140 dB, while big-bore rifles and pistols can produce sound more than 175 dB, according to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

Muzzle brakes or other modifications can make the firearm louder.

Anyone taking a youngster out hunting this season should, at the least, go to the drug store and buy a bag of disposable hearing protection devices. Stash them in your hunting rig, boat, and jacket pockets to avoid any excuse of finding yourself and a kid in the field unprotected.

Exposure to a single shot can cause severe hearing loss, the ASLHA says.

Put yourself in a duck blind with a couple of buddies and flights of mallards pouring in and youre asking for major hearing damage unless your ears are protected.

Electronic hearing protection is available that amplifies softer sounds while shutting off the loud report of a gun shot. While these devices are not cheap, I highly recommend the investment.

But at the very least, use standard ear plugs.

Firearm users tend to have high-frequency permanent hearing loss.

I learned this the hard way a few years ago when I met a hiker who had paused on a trail in Grand Canyon with a smile on her face. Isnt that the most beautiful sound? she said as I approached her.

I looked puzzled because I didnt hear anything.

When she described the notes I realized Id lost my ability to hear the cascading call of the canyon wren, one of my favorite bird sounds.

Id rather be slightly disadvantaged while hunting in the field than permanently hearing disabled.
Len Zickler jokes that his wife made the mistake of a lifetime in buying him a fly rod as a gift in 1995.

Certainly it changed the course of his life, and maybe the course of a North American fly fishing organization.

Zickler, who retired three years ago, could be pursuing his passion for fly fishing full time. Instead, hes pursuing people with a passion for fly fishing.

Were trying to develop a larger community to work for the future of the sport, said the Spokane resident and president of Fly Fishers International. FFI is an umbrella organization for affiliated local clubs across the country. Washington alone has 21 fly fishing clubs.

Used to be FFF

Formerly known as Federation of Fly Fishers, FFI is being energized by a group of leaders including Zickler. They saw a critical need to find new leadership and rally for causes important to fly fishers, from headwaters to estuaries.

We had no strategic plan, he said. We hired a consultant, surveyed anglers and started addressing what anglers want.

After infusing some fresh blood and rousting some of the old guard from their comfort zones, FFI launched a new course, with Zickler at the helm in an interim role until a CEO is found.

Of the 48 million anglers in the country, about 4 million people identify themselves as fly fishers, he said. Our membership was only 11,000.

The survey found that 90 percent of fly fishers who were not members had never heard of FFI.

The survey showed other issues to address. Many of them are the same issues plaguing a wide range of service organizations. For example, of the FFI membership: 69 was the average age; 92 percent were male.

It goes without saying that we need to be more diverse, he said. We have to appeal to younger fly fishers and women.

Reaching waters

Public access weighs heavily on anglers' minds regardless of age or gender, the survey found.

Losing public access is the anglers equivalent of taking away my gun among sportmens concerns, Zicker said.

Conservation and education also are at the top of fly fishers concerns, the survey found.

We already have a great start here, Zickler said. The instructors and level of expertise running the clinics at our annual Fly Fishing Fair is world-class and were producing videos to link on our website. We have an incredibly strong education program.

The annual fair, formerly called the conclave, has been held the past two summers in Livingston, where FFI has its headquarters. Zickler spearheaded the fair in Spokane in 2012. Next summer it will be in Boise.

New angles

Attracting younger people is a goal of just about every sport and service organization, and FFI is no different. Our education program appeals to novices and families with kids, but most people seem to come into the sport after reaching the point in their careers where they have some time and disposable income.

Younger anglers are organizing more through social media, he said. Theres a group in Maryland called the Titled Potomac Fly Rodders; average age is 32. Rather than the traditional social hour, business meeting and program format, their meetings are at a brew pub or something like that. They might give sponsors five minutes to make a pitch. They might have a Brew Tie where some members demonstrate tying patterns.

Survival of an organization hinges on remaining relevant to its members, he said.

FFI is venturing into social media as well as revamping Fly Fisher magazine with a new publisher, ever aware that connections with the industry are invaluable.

Theres also a tremendous wealth of experience in the ranks of the membership, which is already starting to grow, he said.

Mentorship

That first fly rod his wife bought him sat in Zicklers closet for a year until a co-worker heard about it and invited him to go fishing. He took me under his wing, taught me basics, he recalled, noting that he quickly upgraded his gear under his mentors tutelage.

On my first cast with that new rod on the Little Deschutes in Tumwater (Washington), I dropped an Adams dry fly into a seam, hooked a sea-run cutthroat, and just like that I was on my way to being a fanatic.

The value of being mentored has never escaped him. I joined the Puget Sound Fly Fishers to meet other fly fishers, he said. When he heard about the Federation of Fly Fishers casting certification, he went for it, not only to master the double-haul but also to be qualified to help others step up their skills.

I took classes form Mel Krieger and Joan Wulff and other icons in the sport, he said.

He was hooked.

Helping FFF

Becoming more involved, he accepted the invitation to be the FFFs conservation chair. Zickler, a former city planner and landscape architect, found a direct connection between his training and professional experience and the anglers environmental checklist required to protect clean water and fish.

I fell head over heals for the fly fishing and what it was about, he said.

As he devoted so much of his energy, Zicker began to realize the group itself needed help.

Wed been doing a terrible job of beating our own drum. I went to the clubs in Spokane and members didnt know that FFI insurance would save them a lot of money from what theyre paying for liability and give them better coverage, he said.

Manufacturers are seeing the changes and want to buy in, he said. Rod companies are working through FFI to offer rods to clubs that sponsor events and education that promote conservation and education programs.

FFI is partnering with other groups to take stands on national issues of importance to fly fishers, including public lands issues and defense of the Clean Water Act.

We want to help local clubs, too, on issues such as securing public access for a mile of Wenatchee River shoreline, he said.

Dealing with these issues can avoid wading chest deep into politics, he said, quoting Randy Newberg, the Montana public lands advocate and host of Sportsman Channel hunting programs. I couldnt agree more that we all belong to the party of anglers, hunters and recreationists.

Asked why he doesnt just go fishing like a lot of retirees and relax, Zicker said,  I have the time right now, and I still have the passion. I love the people in the FFI organization, and I want it to make a difference.
Crystal Van Heel, a licensed aesthetician and licensed massage therapist, has joined Willow Creek Day Spa, located at 1129 N. 27th St., Suite A.

Originally from Billings, Van Heel has worked in health and wellness centers, and ran a successful practice in Great Falls before moving back to Billings. She has also worked at a medical spa where she applied medical-grade peels. Van Heel holds certifications in neuromuscular therapy, cupping and deep tissue massage, as well as Bio-Active Peel by Dermalogica.

Van Heel plans on attending a microblading master class at Eye Design University in New York City and an advanced class on acne at the International Dermal Institute.

In addition to Willow Creek, Van Heel also practices at JLS Spa of Aesthetics at 2348 Grand Ave.

For more information, or to schedule a massage with Van Heel at Willow Creek, call 256-9772, or go to booker.com. Massage, skin care and body waxing appointments with her at JLS are available by calling 601-1557 and through the Vagaro app.
LIVINGSTON  Perhaps you've heard of water dowsing  the practice of using sticks or metal rods or other everyday objects to locate underground water. But have you ever heard of dowsing for unmarked graves?

Members of the Park County Cemetery Board and Park County Coroner Al Jenkins went out late September to locate unmarked graves in the vicinity of the former Park County Poor Farm, which was located on Chicken Creek Lane east of Livingston. The Poor Farm operated from 1896 to 1922, Cemetery Board member Carol Woodley said, and buried its dead in unmarked graves. Poorhouses took in poor and homeless people in the days before Social Security, she explained.

Dowsing explained

On a recent Friday morning, holding a metal, L-shaped brass brazing rod in each hand, Jenkins and other Cemetery Board members Audrey Dodge and Diane Kiger walked slowly over a piece of ground near the gravesite enclosure.

When they were standing over a grave, they explained, the metal rods, held by the short end of the "L," would move and cross over one another. Then, by holding one rod overhead with the long end parallel to the ground, the rod would spin slowly in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

Clockwise indicates the remains are of a man, and counterclockwise means a woman, Jenkins explained.

Woodley, who said she's not "good" at grave dowsing, held a clipboard and kept a tally as Jenkins and Dodge identified grave sites and then the gender of the deceased.

Woodley tallied 10 deceased individuals in a field across a dirt road from the cemetery enclosure and at least two under the road. Jenkins had located 11 on the hillside above the enclosure.

The grave dowsing came about because Jenkins had been to a nearby fenced area where unmarked graves were known to be. Jenkins was searching for a spot to lay to rest the cremated remains  which have come to be called "cremains"  of 19 individuals in the possession of the Coroner's Office. Their remains were never claimed by relatives, Jenkins said, and have never been buried. He said he wanted to have the cremains properly buried, and he had hoped to place them outside the bounds of the enclosed area near a corner.

He decided to dowse for existing graves before digging, he said.

He dowsed the area and found several spots he identified as unmarked graves.

Scientific doubts

A paper published in the early 2000s by William E Whittaker, with the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist, cited scientific studies done of dowsing for water, not graves.

"Tests have ranged from real-world tests to tightly-controlled experiments with buried pipes or double-blind experiments in artificial settings," he wrote.

All of these tests, involving hundreds of dowsers, reveal that dowsing is no better at finding water than random chance. His paper catalogued a number of Iowa sites where grave dowsers indicated the presence of graves, but subsequent excavation did not uncover any remains.

However, Jenkins said he discovered decades ago that he had the knack for grave dowsing.

"I've always been able to dowse for water and buried electric lines," Jenkins said Thursday. "So I decided to try (grave dowsing), and it worked."

Jenkins doesn't pretend to know how grave dowsing works.

"It's some kind of phenomenon," he said. "I don't worry about it. This is a tool."

Jenkins said he plans to invite various clergy members to the burial of the 19 cremains, as well as family members he knows of. He has not yet determined the date the burial will be held.

People who want to learn how to dowse can start out in established cemeteries, according to a webpage on the Ancestry.com website, which is devoted to genealogy records and research. Jenkins invited anyone who doubted dowsing to join him at Mountain View Cemetery.

For the dead

Woodley has made a mission of identifying those lying anonymous in their final resting places. She wrote a book a few years ago about the people interred at Old Chico Cemetery. She believes strongly that no one should lie in an unmarked grave.

"I think that every person has a right to be known, even if it's a tiny baby that died at birth," Woodley told The Enterprise some years ago. "Or an old bachelor who came to Montana and nobody knew they existed. I think it's terrible their stories are lost."

Do the deceased ever "talk" to Woodley?

"Yes," she said emphatically. "If they don't want you to find them, they're not going to let you."

But if somebody wants to be found?

"'Now that you've found me, tell my story,'" Woodley said, as if speaking on their behalf.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Montana declined to pursue a civil rights case before an investigation into the so-called "wino roundup" was completed on the Fort Peck Reservation, according to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

In July 2013, tribal police gathered up at least 15 people viewed as panhandlers and "street people" in Wolf Point and held them without charges during the annual Wild Horse Stampede.

An investigation by the Internal Affairs Division of the BIA found negligent and careless acts on behalf of tribal officials and sustained accusations that the detainees' civil rights were violated.

In addition to launching an Internal Affairs investigation, the BIA alerted the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office in Montana, according to a BIA spokeswoman. While the investigation was still ongoing, federal prosecutors declined to take action.

"On March 7, 2014, the USAO (U.S. Attorney's Office) informed the FBI that it did not see any criminal civil rights violations at that time in relation to the events described," said BIA spokeswoman Nedra Darling in an email response to The Gazette.

In March 2014, the BIA Internal Affairs Division was still investigating the roundup. The final report was finished in October 2014 and released the following year.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office declined to comment. An FBI spokesman declined comment as well.

It's unclear if the U.S. Attorney's Office plans to revisit the case. In January, former U.S. Attorney for Montana Mike Cotter announced the designation of a special prosecutor for civil rights cases.

It's also unclear from the BIA report who gave the order to round up people prior to the Stampede. A tribal Law and Order Committee discussed the issue at a meeting, but the committee made no official order.

For Peck Tribal Chairman Floyd Azure has denied involvement in the roundup, saying he was out of state at the time and had no control over the matter.

The BIA investigator noted in her report that efforts to contact Azure were unsuccessful. Azure said on Wednesday that he never heard from the investigator.

I dont give a sh-- what the report says," he said. "They didnt contact me. They didnt interview me or anything.

Mike Headdress, who was a captain of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes Department of Law and Justice at the time, has also denied parts of the BIA report. He's now an associate judge in the Fort Peck Tribal Court system.

According to the BIA report, Headdress contacted tribal corrections officials about carrying out the roundup. A tribal prosecutor, Adrienne Weinberger, told the BIA investigator that she protested the roundup of "street people" to Headdress.

Headdress briefly spoke to the BIA investigator, according to the report. He said the roundup came from a tribal council directive, and he didn't see a problem with the short detention, although no criminal charges were filed.

On Wednesday, Headdress said that was false.

They have me as an interview," he said. "No. not at all. I never did an interview.

Darling, the BIA spokeswoman, said on Friday that the investigator interviewed Headdress by phone on Nov. 13, 2013, and that he later declined a request for a second interview.

Headdress described the roundup as a brief and legal detention. He said that officers gave the "panhandlers" warnings to leave the area. When they didn't, Headdress said they were detained for detoxification.

They were warned and they came back," he said. "Thats why they got arrested.

Fort Peck tribal law does have a provision for the involuntary commitment of an intoxicated person, though only in an emergency. The law requires a report and health examinations.

The only report cited in the BIA investigation was an "Operation Stampede 24 Hour Hold" jail roster, which named the people who were detained.

What isn't in dispute is that people were detained prior to the Stampede and held without charges. Azure wrote in a letter to The Billings Gazette that the Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation regret the incident.

But while the BIA found evidence that those people's civil rights were violated, no consequences have come to any official. A lawsuit that was filed on behalf of the detainees dissolved after the attorney failed to keep in contact with the plaintiffs.

Mary Cleland, a lay advocate for the Fort Peck Tribal Courts, said she's still working with some of the plaintiffs on another legal fight. She said in September that she hoped federal prosecutors would step in to help the detainees.

"To me, there's no justice in Montana civil rights," she said. "Because where is the U.S. Attorney's Office? Who got arrested for making color of law violations?"
Im a fiscally-conservative, socially-liberal, mostly-Republican born and raised Montanan, with a tourism business in Paradise Valley and a long-standing technology executive.

Ive been heavily involved in the day-to-day efforts, including several meetings with each member of the Montana delegation to protect Paradise Valley from recent job-killing proposals to develop gold mines in Park County. This is one of my first public statements to my fellow Montanans.

In a Sept. 27 Associated Press article in The Billings Gazette regarding Secretary of The Interior Ryan Zinkes recommendations on national monuments, oil and gas attorney William Pendley conflates proposed monuments in the Badger-Two Medicine region of the northwest Montana with two mining withdrawals around Yellowstone National Park. The first withdrawal was in 1996 near Cooke City and the other is currently under way for two areas just north of the park.

Pendley claims how, terribly disappointing it is that the secretary is focused on his numerous commitments to the people of Montana to stop gold mining on the border of Yellowstone and not spending his time repealing the Antiquities Act. The efforts to protect the Yellowstone Gateway have nothing to do with the Antiquities Act as Pendley seems to think. Secretary Zinke is supporting a 20-year timeout he has authority over as leader of the Department of Interior. Legislation, the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act, introduced by Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., is currently working its way through Congress to make that protection permanent so our kids are not stuck with a battle they shouldnt have to fight. These protections to the worlds first national park, our beloved Yellowstone River and the economic engine that drives over $196 million in annual nonvisitor spending in Park County alone, has been asked for by me, my neighbors and more than 370 like-minded businesses in the region and beyond.

The Yellowstone Gateway Business Coalition is comprised of red and blue party affiliations including libertarians and independents as far apart as you can imagine on most issues dividing this country today. But we remain united in our love and respect for the Paradise Valley, the Greater Yellowstone region and the tenants of community and personal freedom. Elected officials at every level have listened and are working hard to provide the permanent assurances the people of Montana and our visitors need to know: that our healthy economy and quality of life are secure.

Zinke and Tester have listened to us for which we are grateful. Even that stalwart of western political power, the local county commission, unanimously stands with us.

Pendley and any others wishing to meddle with the gateway to Yellowstone, our healthy economy and way of life need to listen up and pay attention to the property rights and business interests of all. From what we have heard from our fellow Montanans, and the nearly 4 million annual visitors to Yellowstone who come from around the world, no one is interested in putting the water resources of the upper Yellowstone River basin nor the quality of life on the doorstep of Yellowstone National Park at risk. No one is interested in the thousands of mining trucks littering our roads that would be necessary if allowed to exploit the low-grade dirty ore they seek.

If our political leaders, business community, and citizens of the great state of Montana unite to protect our economic golden goose  Yellowstone National Park and the Yellowstone River  we at least stand a chance to move legislation for permanent protection forward and prove to Pendley and his extraction industry what we, and most of the world, already believes  Yellowstone is more valuable than gold.

Reed lives in Emigrant, Montana.
Christopher Columbus got lost at sea and ended up in the Bahamas, which he thought was Asia, 525 years ago. He proceeded to rape and pillage his way through the region, ushering in an era of explorers from different European nations wreaking havoc on indigenous peoples throughout not only the Caribbean but all of the Americas.

A (very rough) estimated third of those people were killed through disease, violence and starvation. Others were kidnapped and enslaved. It is officially labeled a genocide by the Genocide Watch organization. Columbus is not single-handedly responsible for these atrocities, but he is, among other things, a symbol of them.

On Monday, Oct. 9, schools and businesses will honor of this man. I believe change starts with the individual. If you agree, tell your kids and co-workers to enjoy Indigenous Peoples Day. If youre lucky, theyll ask what you mean.

Elizabeth Tollefson

Billings
A Kenyan police officer has been charged to court for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl who he was guarding in a cell.

The assault took place at Muranga police station in central Kenya last weekend, where the girl was being held for allegedly stealing clothes. Reports say the police officer had promised to grant the teenager bail in exchange for sexual favours.

The officer has been detained for five days while investigations take place. If found guilty, the policeman faces a possible jail term of up to 25 year in prison.

The incident has ignited a public outcry on social media and among human rights organisations in the country. According to a women rights organisation, Federation of Women Lawyers (Fida), cases of sexual assault involving the police are on the increase in the country.
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has sympathised with the now-proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stating that they had legitimate concerns and needed to have been drawn closer, before renaming the group, Indigenous People of Brighter Nigeria (IPOBN).

The monarch said this on Friday when he paid a courtesy visit to Okezie Ikpeazu, Governor of Abia State, as part of activities surrounding his primary mission of celebrating the new yam festival with Eberechi Dick, chairman of the South-East council of traditional rulers.

He also frowned at the proscription of IPOB, saying that members of the group did not deserve being regarded as terrorists as they had real grievances.

There is something that is bordering them; there is something that is making them to cry, he said.

We should not throw them away; we should draw them closer because the youth of this country are the future, the energy, they are the heartbeat of this country, he said.

Supporting the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on restructuring, Ogunwusi said Yorubas shared the same view on the way forward for Nigeria.

Ikpeazu said he was honoured to host the respected traditional ruler. He praised the ooni for being in tune with national issues and making positive contributions for national rebirth.
According to TMZ, US rapper Nelly has been taken into custody by police after a woman accused him of raping her on his tour bus after a concert in Seatle.

The rapper is currently on a tour with Florida Georgia Line and they are set to perform Saturday night in Ridgefield, Washington.

His lawyers have released a statement to TMZ:

Nelly is the victim of a completely fabricated allegation. Our initial investigation, clearly establishes the allegation is devoid of credibility and is motivated by greed and vindictiveness. I am confident, once the scurrilous accusation is thoroughly investigated, there will be no charges. Nelly is prepared to pursue all all legal avenues to redress any damage caused by this clearly false allegation
Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on Mauritanian authorities to free former Senate member and opposition leader Mohamed Ould Ghadda, who has been detained for two months on vague corruption charges.

In a statement, HRW urged Mauritania to set free the opposition leader or grant him a prompt and fair trial, if they have sufficient evidence to try him for a recognizable criminal offense.

The longer Mohamed Ould Ghadda is held without the court clarifying the charges against him, the more this case appears to be about silencing opposition to the president rather than about delivering justice, said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch.

HRW deplored the lack of guarantees of fair trial for Ghadda and expressed concern over the international warrant issued by a Mauritanian prosecutor on September 1 against Bouamatou and one of his business associates, Mohamed Ould Debbagh, who are both currently exiled in Morocco.

Mauritanias penal code requires releasing anyone arrested from police custody within 48 hours, and in cases brought under the Law to Combat Corruption, 48 hours renewable for the same period of time up to three times with the prosecutor generals written authorization.

Ould Ghadda was arrested on August 10, 2017 following his outspoken stands against the referendum to dissolve the countrys Senate, which the opposition characterized as a move by President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz to consolidate power and possibly prepare constitutional changes that would permit him to serve beyond his current, second term in office.
Following its material successes in the Tendrara project in eastern Morocco, Sound Energy, the European and African focused upstream gas company, announced plans to shift its focus entirely on accelerating exploration drillings in Morocco.

Sound Energys increasing focus on Morocco comes after the companys disappointing activities in Italy where it stripped out its assets.

In a statement setting the tone that Sound Energys future will be in Morocco rather than in Italy, the company said that it will deliver strategic focus for its activities in Morocco, thus enabling its shareholders the opportunity to continue their participation in an early stage consolidated but growth focused Italian E&P company.

Indeed, last Wednesday, Sound detailed a new three-well drill program planned in Eastern Morocco, where it intends to follow up recent successes at the Tendrara project.

Last month, the company announced that it has received a funding proposal for its Tendrara gas export pipeline from Advisory & Finance Group Investment Bank.

Besides its Tendrara wells, Sound Energy had announced that it would also start commercializing the first gas from Sidi Mokhtar in Essaouira Basin, central Morocco, by the end of 2017.

Several drillings for oil and gas operations are being conducted in Morocco, which imports about 95 percent of its energy needs. For foreign firms, the country represents a stable frontier in North Africa that is poised to be on the international gas map in the years to come.
With a landslide victory, Nizar Baraka was elected new Secretary General of the Istiqlal Party, succeeding his archrival Hamid Chabat.

Nizar Baraka, current head of the Economic and Social Council and former Finance Minister, won the elections by 924 votes against 234 for his rival Hamid Chabat during the 17th ordinary meeting of the oldest party in Morocco.

The election of Nizar Baraka closes a chapter in the partys history marked by setbacks in the latest general elections and internal strife, which put the party on the brink of collapse.

Often viewed as a man of consensus and a figure well versed in the government machinery, Baraka first joined the Istiqlal Party in 1981. He served as finance minister from 2012 to 2013 after years as minister of state for economic affairs.

Baraka is currently chairman of the official Economic, Social and Environmental Council, a position that he has to abdicate in favor of his new role as Secretary General of a political party.

The new Secretary General of the Istiqlal party was distinguished in 2013 as the Minister of Finance of the Year for the Middle East and North Africa by the Emerging Markets, a reference magazine of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

The party members pin high hopes on Baraka to lead the party to achieve better results. With 46 seats in Parliament, the Istiqlal Party was easily put aside by the current governmental coalition especially after the RNI conditioned its participation in the PJD-led government with the exclusion of the Istiqlal party.
The International Labor Organization has warned that unemployment rate in North African states has hit unsustainable levels standing at 28.8%, twice the global average, and called for concerted efforts to improve employment in the region.

The warning came following a two-day high-level international conference in Geneva on Youth and Employment in North Africa with participants from Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia, as well as development partners and major stakeholders to agree on a five-year plan of action and roadmap to enhance youth employability in the sub-region.

In a statement issued after the event, Deborah Greenfield, ILO Deputy Director-General for Policy, stressed that In order to fill the youth employment gap in the North African region, we call on social partners, governments, workers and employers organizations together with development partners, to renew their commitment and action on youth employment.

Comprehensive and coordinated policy responses, implementation and action based on evidence, social dialogue and global partnerships, should lead a more proactive international action to respond to high levels of youth unemployment and underemployment, increasing informality, and slow productivity growth, Greenfield said.

The conference placed special emphasis on the issue of low female labor force participation along with other issues such as compromised job quality, increasing informality and slow productivity and underemployment that hamper employment efforts in North Africa.

The ILO statement stresses the need for North African states to adopt a new Roadmap for Youth Employment in North Africa to help governments, employers and workers organizations as well as other key stakeholders to outline an evidence-based strategy on youth employment for the next five years.

Ministers and Deputy Ministers attending the High-level Panel on Challenges and Opportunities for Youth Employment in North Africa reaffirmed that the youth employment policy challenge would require a coordinated strategy.
Weinstein. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

The right-wing noise machine has found a new talking point: The liberal elite is whitewashing the sins of Harvey Weinstein.

In a blockbuster New York Times report published on Thursday, several women detailed a decades-long pattern of inappropriate sexual conduct by Weinstein, the co-founder of Miramax, as well as his elaborate efforts to silence his victims by paying them to keep quiet. The accounts prompted more disturbing stories to emerge and raised questions about how Weinsteins behavior, an open secret in some circles, could have been tolerated for so long. Commentators on the right are seeking to make the story a political liability for Democrats, since Weinstein has consistently supported the party over the years.

Weird. They seem to always have comments about everything else? Maybe they finally moved to Canada??? https://t.co/wgZx8KGGpo  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) October 6, 2017

Has the @KFILE team started to look into what reporters / columnists may have been paid by #HarveyWeinstein / Miramax? https://t.co/ypZOxHFzzv  Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) October 7, 2017

America's leading fake feminist, @HillaryClinton, still silent on Harvey Weinstein. pic.twitter.com/qIandk16pC  Defend Assange Campaign (@DefendAssange) October 7, 2017

Call it out. Hollywood conducted a massive coverup abt Weinstein for decades. Money & politics swamped their "pro-woman" principles. https://t.co/r2rFPHS8Tr  Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) October 7, 2017

Weinstein has been a prodigious donor over the years, an important figure in the moneyed Hollywood class that tends to identify with liberal causes. In his rambling response to the New York Times report, he (bizarrely) went after the National Rifle Association, writing that he was going to need a place to channel his anger, so Ive decided that Im going to give the NRA my full attention.

In the wake of the Times report, several Democratic lawmakers and groups have pledged either to redirect or return the money Weinstein gave them.

There is no doubt that the film industry often fails to live up to the progressive values many of its most elite members espouse. Theres a necessary conversation to be had about how the liberal bastions of Hollywood and the press helped prop up a predator for decades.

But the Republicans who are out for blood have less-than-zero credibility on this issue.

Exactly one year ago on Saturday, a leaked Access Hollywood tape revealed President Trump bragging about grabbing women by the pussy. (Also: I just start kissing them. Its like a magnet. Just kiss. I dont even wait. And when youre a star, they let you do it. You can do anything.) Some advisors urged Trump to quit the race and many Republicans condemned his comments, but once it became clear that Trump weathered the storm, most got back in line and have been behind him ever since  even after more allegations of sexual harassment and assault surfaced.

President Trump is not a prominent donor, but the leader of his political party (at least nominally) and the most powerful man on earth. The fact that he still remains vastly popular with his base and commands loyalty from both lawmakers and right-wing media is not exactly a testament to the Republican partys concern about the sexual mores of powerful men.

Neither is the inconvenient fact that both the head of the partys media mouthpiece, Roger Ailes, and its most prominent commentator, Bill OReilly, were forced out of their roles at Fox News in the last year over allegations of sexual harassment, with OReilly on a comeback tour that has drawn nary a peep from Republicans.

Of course, this is supposedly all about liberal hypocrisy, not morals. But needling Democratic lawmakers and supporters for failing to condemn a prominent donor ignores an essential fact: Weinstein may have a lot of sway in Hollywood, but he is no Democratic Party power broker, much less an elected official. (Last years Republican outcry about Bill Clintons complicated past holds a bit more water.)

Moreover, the liberal media the right accuses of conspicuous silence on the issue have been anything but. After all, it was the failing New York Times, which Donald Trump Jr. once accused of smearing his father with false accusations, that broke the Weinstein story in the first place.

Despite the bad faith from the right, plus the obvious asymmetry in the Trump/Weinstein comparison, some journalists have once again fallen into the trap of false equivalence, including, predictably, both sides fetishists like Chris Cillizza.

Republican reactions to the Weinstein story are predictable, but also useful in a political sense, in that it illustrates a likely roadmap for the party going forward. Despite shattering every norm in politics by embracing Trump, Republicans will continue to hold Democrats to a standard they dont come close to fulfilling themselves, and everyone should prepare themselves for the shamelessness to come.
The will he/wont he president. Photo: Carolyn Kaster/AP

In tweets sent Saturday afternoon, President Trump once again issued a veiled threat to North Korea, claiming that previous presidents diplomatic efforts with the country had failed and that only one thing will work! The comment came less than two days after Trump suggested a photo op with his military advisors was the calm before the storm  then refused to explain what the storm might be. Youll find out, Trump told reporters instead, repeating the tease again on Friday, accompanied with a literal wink. Afterward, no one at the White House, on or off the record, would or could explain what Trump was talking about either. On Saturday, the war-teasing continued:

Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid......  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2017

...hasn't worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, makings fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2017

Later Saturday, while taking some questions from reporters, Trump was asked once again to clarify his storm allusion, and responded that he had nothing to clarify. Asked what the one thing he tweeted about was, Trump just replied, well youll figure that out pretty soon, and smiled.

Last Sunday, Trump made some similarly cryptic and seemingly boastful remarks, tweeting that he had told his secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, that the secretarys attempts to communicate directly and negotiate with Pyongyang were a waste of time, and that well do what has to be done instead. I wont fail, Trump later claimed, after insisting that previous presidents had.

State Department spokespeople eventually made the unconvincing suggestion that the presidents comments were strategic and part of a good cop/bad cop routine with North Korea. A few days later, Tillerson  presumably the good cop in that logically flawed scenario  then refused to deny that he had called Trump a fucking moron earlier in the year after the president compared coming up with a strategy for the war in Afghanistan to the renovation of a high-end New York restaurant.

So, after a week of Trumps tenterhook-diplomacy regarding North Korea, theres still no clarity as to what the president is actually talking about, just like theres no clarity about why Trump has shifted from exchanging promises of annihilation with Kim Jong Un to teasing an epic season finale for the nuclear crisis. Trump has always been obsessed with keep-them-guessing tactics, but while doing that with a nuclear-armed rogue nation just makes most of us anxious, the risk of doing that with an antagonist like North Korea begs the question: What if the country sees these comments as empty threats and becomes bolder in its efforts, or worse, what if Pyongyang guesses wrong?
Our finest towel-thrower. Photo: Pool/Getty Images

In an interview with Mike Huckabee that aired on the Christian TV network Trinity Broadcasting, President Trump justified throwing paper towels to a crowd of Puerto Ricans, employing the kind of high-flying rhetoric weve come to expect from our 45th president:

They had these beautiful, soft towels. Very good towels. And I came in and there was a crowd of a lot of people. And they were screaming and they were loving everything. I was having fun, they were having fun. They said, Throw em to me! Throw em to me, Mr. President! So next day they said, Oh it was so disrespectful to the people. It was just a made-up thing. And also when I walked in, the cheering was incredible, he said.

You were a rock star! Huckabee affirmed.

Trump launched the beautiful, soft towels during an eventful Tuesday visit to the island, during which he managed to say or do a number of bizarre things in the course of a few hours.

Puerto Rico is still reeling from Hurricane Maria, with the vast majority of the island lacking power 18 days after the storm hit. The federal response has been sluggish, though, naturally, Trump framed it as outstanding, and accused the media of distorting the picture on the ground.

Elsewhere in the not-exactly-hard-hitting interview with Huckabee, who is his press secretarys father, Trump took quasi-credit for inventing the word fake, accused Iran of working with North Korea, attacked San Juans mayor once again, and backed off on his promise to move Israels embassy.
With Montana going through a budget crisis right now, it does not make sense for its elected federal representatives to waste taxpayer dollars. We want our elected officials to do whats best for Montana. That means voting against backdoor industry attempts to repeal the Bureau of Land Managements much-needed and cost-effective methane waste rule.

Oil and gas companies waste $330 million worth of taxpayer-owned natural gas while drilling on federal lands. A large portion of that lost revenue would otherwise go to help fund important services for nearby communities.

The BLM took a considerable amount of time  with extensive public input  to create a smart, clean air protection rule that curbs needless waste, cuts pollution and creates significant local revenue. But some folks in the oil industry dislike this commonsense rule. And unfortunately, their allies in Congress are searching for ways to repeal it or prevent implementation of the rule. On Sept. 8, the U.S. House successfully added an amendment to a must-pass funding bill to stop implementation of the rule. Montana's lone Congressman, Greg Gianforte, voted for this bad amendment.

We should not tolerate these legislative ploys. If Gianforte and others want to block a common-sense rule, they should have to pass their own bill, not sneak it into a must-pass bill. We should insist that our representatives act with integrity and protect the BLM waste prevention rule.

Edward Barta

Billings
A health-care policy wonk. Photo: Mandel Ngan/Getty

The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that, according to a senior administration official, President Trump is preparing to sign an executive order this week that could significantly weaken the Affordable Care Act. The order is not a done deal yet, but reports from other outlets have surfaced similar details about its specifics.

According to the Journal, Trump will mandate the departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury to make it easier for people to sign onto health-care plans that are skimpier than what Obamacare currently allows, circumventing rules laid out by Congress when it passed the law in 2010.

As part of the executive order, Trump will exempt association plans from the strictures of the Affordable Care Act. This means that small businesses will be able band together to buy insurance coverage as a group, allowing them to negotiate lower prices and premiums for employees. But it also means that the health-care plans they purchase are not required to cover essential health benefits like preexisting conditions, maternity care, and other basics of Obamacare. When the Affordable Care Act passed, association plans were classified as small businesses and became subject to the same, stricter coverage rules as larger corporations.

The Trump administration may also allow individuals to use this loophole, which could be an attractive choice for young, healthy consumers who want to pay lower premiums for more bare-bones coverage than the Affordable Care Act allows. But if such consumers peel off from the current individual markets, the Obamacare markets would be left with a preponderance of old and sick people, resulting in the death spiral that has long been breathlessly predicted by Republicans  but which has not yet come to pass.

Trump will also allow insurers to offer short-term medical insurance, a low-cost option that had been restricted by the Obama administration, to be made available to consumers for up to a year, as opposed to the current three months. He will expand health reimbursement accounts, which employees use to pay for out-of-pocket expenses. And he will allow individuals to buy insurance across state lines.

All of these measures are seen by health-care experts as having the potential to damage significantly the already fragile Obamacare individual markets, which depend on a mix of healthy and infirm enrollees.

This appears to be a backdoor way of undermining the Affordable Care Act, Kevin Lucia, a professor at Georgetowns Health Policy Institute, told Vox.

The order is sure to face court challenges from states that would prefer to keep their Obamacare markets as they are.

The new rules have been favored by many Republicans for years, and the executive order appears to be, at least in part, the brainchild of Kentucky senator Rand Paul, who has criticized past Obamacare repeal efforts for not going far enough. The Journal reports that Paul has been working with Trump for months.

Andy Slavitt, who led the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid from 2015 to 2017 and has become an influential advocate for protecting the Affordable Care Act, has labeled the executive part of synthetic repeal a multi-pronged approach to undermining Obamacare in lieu of repeal legislation.

Even before the executive order, the Trump administration has been busy sabotaging the law from the inside. It has drastically cut the budget for outreach, made Healthcare.gov inaccessible at key times, and prevented even conservative measures to stabilize state markets, among other measures.

But Trump has not given up on congressional repeal just yet.

At a fundraiser in North Carolina Saturday night, the president told a group of wealthy, restive donors that he was still committed to repeal, though he acknowledged it was a steep climb. He also discussed his unexpected phone call to Chuck Schumer on Friday, in which he discussed a possible deal with Democrats on health care. The New York senator said he told Trump on Friday that he needed to stop sabotaging the law before Democrats would come to the bargaining table.

Whether Trump is serious about a bipartisan effort, or just wants to spook his fellow Republicans, remains to be seen. But if the reported executive order comes to pass, it would be another sign that the presidents burning desire to roll back his predecessors achievements supersedes his desire to improve Americans health care.
The mass shooting in Las Vegas has prompted the country to revive the never-long-dormant debate about gun violence and how we can combat it with regulation.

Jonathan Chait, Ed Kilgore, and Eric Levitz tried to make sense of the debate around gun control.

Ed: After another gun atrocity, proponents of reasonable gun regulation are feeling defeated in advance because no past incident has moved Republicans toward any real concessions, regardless of public opinion. That may be why weve seen more Republican interest in DiFis bump stock proposal than among Democrats, at least initially.

Some Democrats seem to be angry at this kind of incrementalism, and/or afraid the rug will be pulled out from under them.

Jon: Seems like a valid fear.

Eric: Count me among the progressives who finds little to cheer in the prospect of banning bump stocks.

Ed: I can understand, though I dont necessarily agree. The big picture is this: Since 2004, when Democrats first put support for the Second Amendment in their party platform, the NRA and GOP have if anything ramped up their allegations that Democrats totally oppose gun rights and want to confiscate all weapons. Being reasonable hasnt offered much protection. Or fostered any progress.

Jon: Reducing the salience of the gun issue might be the best political move for Democrats?

Ed: Well, theyve tried that, too.

Eric: What do you think killed that effort? Just the reality of gun violence in America, and the need to respond to constituents concerns?

Ed: I dont know that they killed it, other than accidentally. I cant recall Obama talking about guns much in 2008  but then the clinging to their guns and religion remark got blown into a huge aha moment. In 2004, John Kerry tried to illustrate Democratic non-hostility to hunters with a stunt that backfired noisily. Clearly, gun owners have become intensely preconditioned to suspect Democrats of hostility toward, and incomprehension toward, their values, which has made gestures toward them seem foolish and cowardly.

Other than big incidents, I think the other thing that keeps drawing Democrats back to the gun issue is persistent public-opinion research showing big majorities in favor of some reforms  e.g., universal background checks  that somehow cannot translate into legislative wins.

Eric: Yeah. If it were possible for Democrats to back off gun control as a national issue, I think thered be a real case for doing so. After all, the milquetoast reforms that the party cannot even pass wouldnt make much of a dent in our problem, which is, in a macro sense, a crisis of handguns and suicides, not assault weapons and mass shootings. And then theres the tension between passing gun-control measures that increase penalties for possessing illegal firearms, and the goal of reducing mass incarceration. Anyhow, it just seems like the ratio between the political price Democrats pay for being the party of gun control, and the policy gains theyve mined from the stance, is *not good.* But its probably not possible. And milquetoast measures could save a few lives. And he who saves one life, saves the world entire, so.

Jon: Agree 100 percent. Activists have to keep plugging away, because one day the opportunity to do something meaningful will present itself. But I dont see the chance arising any time soon. And, like you say, its not an issue where incremental wins are especially meaningful.

What reforms would you pass if you had a magic wand, but had to abide by the Supreme Courts current interpretation of the Second Amendment?

Jon: Australian-style comprehensive bans. Id basically allow hunting rifles that have very limited clips and screen them.

Ed: To be clear, all the Supreme Court has really done is to confirm that the Second Amendment is a personal constitutional right. All personal constitutional rights are subject to reasonable regulations.

Eric: Well, either way, a massive buyback program would be kosher. But also, insanely expensive, if the idea was to confiscate all non-hunting rifles. There are so very many guns in this country.

Ed: As Ice-T said a long time ago: Try to ban the AK, I got two of em at home with a box of hand grenades.

Eric: And surely, there are a lot of gun owners who would pursue Second Amendment remedies if Congress ever passed an Australian-style ban. One thing I would do  that is actually in the realm of the politically possible  is make huge investments in trauma centers in communities that suffer high levels of gun violence.

Ed: Second Amendment remedies reminds me of an observation I wanted to make earlier. Maybe walking away from the gun-control fight would be relatively benign if you are only looking at the Democratic Party and its interests. I think progressives need to keep up the fight for at least incremental regulation to keep the Second Amendment absolutists from completely taking over the GOP.

Every chance we get to expose the insane belief that the Second Amendment encompasses a right to revolution against tyrannical  i.e., liberal  government needs to be taken. In a party already prone to fanatical anti-majoritarian tendencies, this is the scariest: Leave my property alone, or Ill come after you with guns.

Eric: In magic-wand world, I would also radically increase federal funding for mental-health services and suicide prevention, pursue the desegregation of American schools, implement jobs programs in high-poverty neighborhoods with high rates of gun violence, and deliver some form of reparations for slavery, Jim Crow, and redlining.

Which is to say: I feel like there are ways to mitigate our gun-violence problem without taking away the guns. Though taking away the guns would be most effective.

Ed: All I can say is this: If you really believe in the mass gun-confiscation that conservatives claim liberals want, but that wont happen in a billion years, do you think you can keep it a secret?

Eric: Fair. I think the obstacles to redistributive programs that would ameliorate the gun problem would still exist, even if our discourse about gun violence put greater emphasis on its more routine manifestations.

Ed: Id be blunter: If liberals have nearly lost the debate over how to stop mass shootings, theyve totally lost the debate over gun control and crime.

Eric: I think its also possible that the skewed nature of our debate reflects the publics (unenlightened) priorities. There are a lot more people who attend concerts, schools, and churches  and who feel terrified at the sight of random sociopaths turning those places into war zones  than there are people who feel a personal investment in stopping gun suicides or ending urban gang violence.

Can we stop mass shootings?

Ed: To me its the same question, with the same answer, as whether we can stop suicide bombers: When people dont care when they die, theyre very hard to stop. The question is whether we can mitigate the loss of life.

Eric: Yeah. It is the case that there are plenty of ways for determined sociopaths to mass-murder civilians in an open society. But we just make it so much easier for them than other advanced democracies.

Ed: Particularly if they have the resources this maniac in Nevada had.

Jon: People always complain about the way were numb to these tragedies. But maybe numbness is correct. Terrorism is political. It doesnt kill a large number of people in comparison with other ways people die. It succeeds by making those deaths especially significant. Perhaps denying that victory is one of the best things we can do? (Given the barriers to gun control.)

Ed: Ill come full circle: Liberals might be justified in walking away from this debate, if not for the moral obligation to do what we can to mitigate the damage wrought by both mass and routine shootings, along with our patriotic obligation to limit the number of people out there stockpiling weapons to shoot cops and soldiers if they decide one fine day that their liberties are in peril because of black helicopters, the U.N., marginal tax rates, or federal land policies.

Eric: Anyhow, I obviously dont think we should aspire to numbness in our reaction to the murder of our fellow citizens. I do agree that we should aspire to keeping calm, carrying on, and resisting any attempts by authoritarians to exploit the terror of mass violence. But its hard not to have such spectacular violence affect how safe one feels in public space sometimes, at least for me.
Flashback: It is 8:40am, the date is September 3, 2012.

Five colleagues and I who make up the core of The Opportunity Media that publishes The Opportunity magazine are in office to start piecing together stories for the next issue of the monthly magazine.

It being a Monday, we are still catching up with the weekend banter. Our boss, the editor-in-chief and CEO, Frank Sserwaniko, is not in office; he has not been since Friday.

The editor, Taddewo Ssenyonyi, sprints into the room calling out: Do you know what, guys? Whats up, man; who is chasing you? Francis Ndugwa, a sub-editor, breaks in.

Frank bamukubye akatayimbwa. [Frank was mugged and hit with an iron bar]

Frank Sserwaniko coming out of the house

Later that evening, we visit Nsambya hospital and there, lying on his back, eyes closed and motionless, is Sserwaniko with no trace of life whatsoever.

Tubes run all over his body. Earphones are playing soft music in his ears  we are told they are meant to stimulate his brain. Sserwanikos wife Josephine Nabukyu and another woman sit at the bedside, chins resting in their palms.

After a few minutes, we leave, wondering whether we can keep afloat the company solely owned by Sserwaniko with a few shares held by his wife and four children, until he recovers.

He has been everything; editor, chief financier and face of the company. The following weekend we hold a meeting with his brothers, Mike Wagaba, Leonard Ssemugooma Kyazze and his wife Josephine to chart a way forward.

We pledge to keep the magazine operational until Sserwaniko returns. Five years later he has not returned. The magazine has since collapsed and all of us have moved on.

That Nsambya hospital visit had been the last time I had seen Sserwaniko until July 10, 2017.

Visit to Kyotera

I set off from the new taxi park in Kampala for Kibinge village, about 20km from Kyotera town, a greater Masaka district. I arrive shortly before 2pm and find a mosque to offer my afternoon prayers before jumping onto a boda boda to Kibinge.

Wagaba had told me to ask for directions to Betelemu village and the home of the late Gita Kasirye. It has been a while since it last rained in this part of the world. On top of it being very dusty, the road is bumpy making the boda boda ride an unpleasant experience.

Sserwaniko having lunch

After about 20 minutes we arrive in Betelemu. Like I suspected, the real name of the village is Bethlehem, like the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Dont get ideas; this is not Nazareth, but I nevertheless ask locals why their village is named after Jesus birthplace.

Tulina wano ekigo kya Bakatuliki ekinene, ndowooza be baatuma ekyalo kino Betelemu (We have a big Catholic parish here, maybe it was their idea to name this village Bethlehem), one man tells me.

After getting lost several times, crisscrossing an extremely dusty, recently-graded road, we finally arrive at the home. It is a big, old house surrounded by coffee and banana plantations; evidently, its owner had some money in its hey days.

Coffee beans are spread on the ground to dry in one part of the compound, while packed coffee sacks lie near an old Toyota Sahara pickup truck.

Beyond the truck, on a small verandah a seemingly overweight man sits in a blue plastic chair. He is wearing a checked grey short-sleeved shirt and tight shorts, with no shoes on his feet. Two crutches rest on the wall next to him.

Hearing the approaching motorcycle, the man lifts his head to see who comes calling. Our eyes meet for a moment, but I turn away to wipe away my tears that are now falling.

Is this the Frank I knew?! I wonder, memories of him in his designer clothes and always shining shoes, flooding me.

Tusanyuse okukulaba ssebo, Sserwaniko welcomes me in Luganda.

Before I muster the courage to answer, an old woman comes out the front door and repeats Sserwanikos pleasantries before inviting me inside. There are four old Johnson chairs with red cushions.

Sserwaniko with his mother

Underneath one chair, there is a Nomi bucket whose smelling contents attract my attention. It is urine. Going by the smell, it has been here for at least two days.

Near the bucket, a small portable radio is tuned to 88.8 CBS FM with Hajjati Hadijah Kinobe and Kanyanya presenting their Munna-U program. Like many village homes, the walls are covered in expired calendars, a portrait of Mother Mary, posters of 2016 political contenders, among other memorabilia.

In one corner, a small table holds two very old Independent magazines. In the other corner stand two wheelchairs gathering a lot of dust; it has clearly been long since they were last used.

Sserwanikos mother, now sitting on the floor, repeats the pleasantries. After about two minutes, walking with difficulty and supported by crutches, Sserwaniko joins us, heading for the chair with the improvised bedpan underneath it. His mother helps him sit.

My name is Baker Batte Lule. I worked with Frank at The Opportunity Magazine before this unfortunate incident, I introduce myself to the duo, their gazes curiously fixed on me.

Where are you headed to? Surely you did not set off from Kampala just to find me? Sserwaniko asks in Luganda.

His old mother repeats the salutations with a lot of warmth now. The revelation that I used to work with his Opportunity Media brightens up Sserwaniko who has been visibly worried since my arrival. He does not remember me!

The old woman leaves and returns with water for us to wash our hands for lunch  it is past 4pm. Matooke and beef stew is served, but I decline to join in the meal.

Brian, I am so happy to see you, Sserwaniko repeats, and I gently remind him my name. Throughout our two hours interaction, he asks me several times for my name.

He suffers from amnesia that left him with just a few years memory. Sserwaniko remembers the date on which he was hit, but cannot figure out who did it and why. Remembering it, tears roll down my former boss now-chubby cheeks.

Due to a problem with the indoor plumbing system, Sserwaniko had stepped out of his home in Bwebajja to collect water from a tap for his bath. That is when his assailant hit him on the head with a suspected iron bar. It was August 2012.

Sserwaniko only came out of coma in February 2013. The attacker was never found, because according to the family, Nabukyu refused to commit funds to the process, saying she would rather spend on Sserwanikos treatment.

Waking up after six months, he could not walk, write, read, comprehend simple objects; he even forgot his Luganda  he could only speak English.

The trauma to his head also caused partial paralysis to his right side. After another six months at Nsambya, he was transferred to a stroke rehabilitation center where he spent close to a year before finally returning home.

Current state

Although he still cannot walk without crutches, he says that is the least of his worries.

I have on and off mental breakdowns. Sometimes Im fully in control of my senses; I remember everything I have done but then after sometime I cant account for the time that has passed; the brain is very unstable, Sserwaniko says.

Asked how long he has been in the village, Sserwaniko looks at me for a moment before saying, I cant tell how long, unless you ask one of my brothers.

The fact that Sserwaniko has lost his family is adding to the mental anguish.

When I ask him about his wife Josephine Nabukyu and their four children, he cannot hold back his tears.

l really dont know what shes up to. I dont remember when she last came here, but I need to confirm with my people, because she might have come when I was unconscious, he says, struggling to convince himself that he has not lost her.

Taddewo Ssenyonyi (R), former editor of The Opportunity magazine and now editing the Business Focus website

Although Nabukyu lives in Sserwanikos Kyotera home with their children, the kids have not seen their father in two years. The family admits they dont get along with Nabukyu anymore since she refused to use any of Sserwanikos savings on his welfare, because she reasoned he is going to die, anyway.

His mother says he was delivered to her home with just the clothes on his body and nothing else. They also dont know whether the Bwebajja house was sold or not, seeing as even the children attend Kyotera schools.

When I think about the [journey] to where I am today, I become confused. I ask myself, how did it come to this? When I think about my people, my family, my children I fail to reach a conclusion. I ask, why, God? I have lost everything; I mean, everything, a distraught Sserwaniko says.

Asked about what he can remember of his life, he says, he went to Betelemu primary school, Betelemu secondary school, then sat for his O-level exams at Kiteredde Secondary School.

Then I went to St Henrys College Kitovu for A-level. In 1997 I went to Makerere University where I studied Mass Communication and graduated in 2000, Sserwaniko says.

From his Mass Communication class, Sserwaniko remembers Charles Kakaire, Elvis Sseyanzi, Tina Turyagenda, Angela Nabwohe. He says after graduation, he worked with The Monitor [now Daily Monitor] and New Vision.

He also remembers working with Robert Kalundi Sserumaga at Panos Eastern Africa, Joseph Were, Patrick Onyango, David Ouma Balikoowa, Charles Onyango-Obbo, Teddy Nannozi, Mulinde Musoke, and Steven Asiimwe. Sadly, he cannot piece together details of his own dream.

I think Opportunity Media was not there for a yearno, wait a minute. I joined Procurement News in 2003, then Ino, I cant recall, Ssewraniko says before giving up guessing in frustration.

Everybody defines my problem as they think. Some say it is brain shock; I dont have full detail of what it is. Oooooh God, I have gone through very difficult moments. On several occasions I wish I had died; the pain is too much both physical and psychological. I wish I would be okay even if Im to remain in the village. I wouldnt care. You know we used to just come visit for a day or two and then go back to Kampala. Now Im fulltime in the village, I see a lot of things that can be done and someone gets a harvest, Sserwaniko says resignedly.

After five years in a state of helplessness, he says he has come to accept his situation. He now only aims for things within reach.

Im a strong believer, but one thing killing me is this back and forth mental lapse. Now I feel as if you have been here before and we did this interview. I also remember Ssebaana [Kizito, the former Kampala mayor] died, but I was surprised to hear that he is sick so, I was like, how can a person who died long time ago be sick?



Dashed plans

Sserwaniko, born on June 1, 1976, planned to retire from active journalism at 50.

I thought I would be just a visiting chief executive officer of a successful company. I thought of so much to be achieved during that time. Anyway, I thank God that I can still speak, I can still hear, he says.

The action of one man or woman, not only dealt a blow to Sserwaniko, but also his family. His 85-year-old mother says she cannot hold back her tears every time she sees her son in that state of helplessness.

My heart aches, seeing him like this. He was everything to me; he looked after me very well. I could spend months at his home in Kampala when sick, but look, its me now looking after him in everything, including bathing him and taking him to the toilet, his mother says, revealing she has also developed health complications as a result of what happened to her son.

Im an old woman, I have no one to help me look after him. We are here, two helpless people, she says wiping away tears from her sunken eyes.

However, her biggest challenge comes when his mental breakdown comes.

He can talk the whole day and night for three days, nonstop. Worse still, he becomes very aggressive and speaks only English, which I dont understand, she says.

According to his elder brother, Kyazze, Sserwaniko, the only light that illuminated their dark home, was mercilessly put out.

There are days you come here and look at him so helpless; you feel like something wants to tear you up, Kyazze says.

Our mother was badly affected with what happened to her son; every time she looks at him she weeps uncontrollably, Kyazze says, sending Sserwaniko into loud wailing.

Sirika Frank, tokaaba, (dont cry, Frank) Kyazze comforts him. Frank was a person the family was looking up to. He had started companies where our children would work, but they have since all collapsed; so, as a family, what happened was a very big setback.



bakerbatte@observer.ug
Is it just the print? That has been disputed.

Is it the design? That too, has issues. The gomesi and kanzu have Asian inspiration. Even the Nigerian agbada is said to trace its origins to Arab traders.

The revered Ankara prints, kikoyi, kente, Maasai shuka and kitenge wax, among other fabrics, are not originally African. Most of the prints are made in China.

The originator of the so-called African print is a Dutch company that was initially inspired by Indonesian prints.

African fashion is about inspiration, interpretation, blend and fusion of ideas

The final product just happened to become popular in West Africa and later on took some customized pattern ideas from countries such as Ghana.

And today, vibrant colours and prints are associated with African fashion. Yet, if one were to talk about strictly African wear or fabric, then probably only the bark cloth would make the cut.

Bark cloth is making inroads of its own, but not as fast as the kitenge and other fabrics. Without a doubt, African fashion is soaring, especially in the western markets.

It is catching the eye of many celebrities and major brands and designers. It has been described as bold, fierce and vibrant with its prints, colour and elaborate accessories.

The likes of Gucci, Michael Kors and Roberto Cavalli, among others, have experimented with their own interpretation of African fashion. Gucci did it with zebra prints while Burberry Prorsums 2012 Spring collection was a mix of Ankara prints.

Louis Vuitton did the same with the Maasai shuka in the same year and received rave reviews. There are now even high-end, waterproof swimsuits in African print, thanks to a crop of young and bold designers working outside the box.

While the fabrics have become part of African fashion, a section believes it is more of a stereotype; that our fashion is more than just fabric.

Giulio Molfese, the fashion photographer behind Photo4Fashion and has been in the industry for 29 years  15 of those in Uganda  says the stereotype of African fashion being colourful with tribal prints and elaborate accessories has taken over as the definition of African fashion.

He, however, says that individual designers come up with concepts, cut their fabrics and designs and how they apply the said colour, tribal prints and accessories define the Africanness in their designs.

For example, the kanzu has been beautifully worn in blue denim, looking just as fiercely African as it does in polyester, only trendier.

According to Lawrence Okoronkwo of Renzioni fashion house, there is need to break down African fashion into different eras if we are to fully understand and appreciate it.

There is pre-European- contact African fashion, post- European-contact African fashion (immediately after contact with colonialists) and contemporary African fashion.

If you look at contemporary African fashion, there is a lot of copying just like they [Europeans] are copying us. We look at what we like and we interprete it in our own kind of fabric that we have adopted. African fashion is African fashion, as long as it fits the African body, he says.

Part of Eguana Kampalas collection for Kampala Fashion Week 2017

Emmanuel Bagwana, a graduate of Evelyn College of Fashion and Design in Nairobi and the designer of the Eguana Kampala brand, has showcased in different parts of the world, including fashion weeks in Uganda and Baltimore, USA.

He says there is no need to box designers into one dimension. Bagwana says an African designer may be inspired by a trip to Paris or an Indian movie and that may give birth to a collection.

The inspiration does not make it less African or more French, he says.

He believes an original idea by an African designer possibly based in Africa is African enough if the designer decides so, depending on their inspiration.

It is important for us Ugandan and African designers to develop a unique signature while still staying true to our brand aesthetic, he adds.

He agrees with Giulio on the African fashion stereotype, which has become a marketing tool, when in fact fashion should be about an individual designer, fashion house and what inspires them.

African fashion, is therefore, how we blend and fuse the creative ideas inspired by our surroundings and cultures, given that Africa is a continent of 54 countries.

The next step for the industry will be having individual signature designs that one can look at and conclude that it is from a designer in Kampala, Accra or Cape Town.



barangasam@gmail.com
I have the longest suffering handset. The phone has really seen days.

I bought it three years ago. It was second-hand; so, the previous owner may have decided to discard it when he got tired of it. I know it was a man because of the contents I found in it, especially the videos and photos in the gallery. Believe it or not, I deleted everything.

Three years later, the gallery is full with my own content. Clean stuff only. The limited space is one of the reasons I want to let it go.

It has gone through a couple of introductions and weddings. It has survived Desire Luzindas nudes, UCUs nasty sex tape and many others I will not mention here because the ad hoc committee on pornography may catch up with me.

I wonder how the committee was constituted, and what the qualifications were. The chairperson must be having a lot of experience on the subject.

She is quoted to have said that even poetry can be pornographic if the words could lead to arousal. Basically anything that causes arousal, or the feeling itself, is illegal.

Keep your horns in check, dudes. I know people who would sit on the committee for free as long as they have access to porn and unlimited internet.

My mobile phone is so bad that someone else can call and it shows my exs number and name. What kind of evil act is that? It has the ability to heat up so bad that sometimes I worry it might burst in my pockets and burn my unborn family.

Whenever it heats up and I am at home, I just put it in the fridge for a few minutes and it cools down. My visitors find it really amusing. I believe some even think Im just showing off.

One day I got busy, and by the time I retrieved it, it was ice-cold. I thought it had finally breathed its last. A few minutes later, it was awake and we were back in business. I have missed important calls.

I have failed to take crucial images in time; basically making my life as a citizen journalist very hard.

So, I have been weighing my options vis-a-vis my wallet. I did not want to break the bank for just a piece to be used for calls, social media and selfies. Then someone rudely suggested the iPhone X or its sister iPhone 8.

Are you kidding me? I fired back.

I know I do not need two kidneys; so, selling one would not be a problem. But is an iPhone worth my kidney? Would you sell yours to buy a phone worth Shs 3.6m?

I did a quick search and that was the cheapest price for the 64GB version in the USA. Basically, you would need a visa and air ticket to go buy one.

I am sure the interviewer at the embassy would have fun interrogating you. The search is still ongoing, but it should not be worth selling a liver or two.



barangasam@gmail.com
Irene Ndagire

IRENE NDAGIRE is a physiotherapist and cardiac therapist who is determined to establish a women's health hospital in Uganda.

Also the founder of Women's Health Foundation (WHF), she tells Arthur Matsiko about her endeavor to educate, support and advocate women's health issues in the country.



While working as a physiotherapist at International Hospital Kampala (IHK), the graduate of Mulago School of Paramedical realized at least 90 per cent of her female clients were affected by bone-related issues. This motivated her to think of how society could celebrate a healthy woman through her lifespan.

Backed by her education and nine years of experience, she resigned and established a physiotherapy clinic in Kansanga in 2013. It is from here that she attends to various conditions including arthritis, hydrotherapy, cardiac rehabilitation, pelvic floor strengthening for antenatal and postnatal mothers and post-surgical conditions, among others.

I was inspired by Dr Ian Clarke. When I read about how he started to where he is, I realized I could do the same, says Ndagire. That aside, IHK helped me develop my career because they sent me to Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences to study cardiac rehabilitation at Calicut, India in 2010.

Unwavering, she later instituted WHF with funds from her savings and income from the physiotherapy clinic.

Nonetheless, Ndagire also works on men. For example, Brian Waiswike, who was once her patient at IHK in 2010, describes her as a committed and courageous physiotherapist.

I think she is one of the best physiotherapists we have in Uganda because the way she helped me was so great, says Waiswike. I have been able to send her more patients who have greatly improved following her touch.

He adds that Ndagire is a social and consultative individual who is always open to respective discussions.



YALI TRAINING

Ndagire remembers one Brian Kalule, who had attended the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) programme in 2014, and asked her to also try it.

Because she was desperate for more knowledge, the mother of one applied and was identified by the American embassy as a potential leader, and was considered for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2016.

After qualifying under Civic Leadership Track, she went in 2016 and established rapport with various NGOs in America. Among the various lessons she acquired include applying for grants, networking and restructuring her organization.

I met various senators in New Jersey, and also learnt a lot from the US civil society and how we can incorporate some of their best practices in Uganda, says Ndagire.

Former President Barack Obama also told us that if you want to move fast, move alone; but if you want to reach far, go as a group. This was very inspiring for my case.

She adds that she met Global Health Council leaders who showed interest in working with WHF. Upon return, Ndagire organized a health camp in November 2016 through which she reached out to at least 600 people in Kansanga, a suburb of Kampala.

Collaborating with various organisations including the Uganda Youth Alliance for Family Planning, Uganda Cares and Hope Clinic, Lukuri, the camp offered free services like cancer screening, HIV/Aids counseling and testing, malaria tests and informative leaflets.

Ndagire is also the brains behind the first-ever Uganda womens walk for health, which happened on March 4, 2017.

With Dr Maggie Kigozi as the chief walker, Ndagire partnered Nakasero blood bank, Uganda Cares, Reach a Hand and Wazi Vision, among other organisations, which provided various free health services. Her intention, she says, was and still is to advocate womens health.



PROSPECTS

After the successful health walk, the 30-year-old womens health specialist has now prepared the first-ever Ugandan womens health summit. Slated for October 11, the event is organized under the theme: Understanding womens health across lifespan.

With Bugandas Nnaabagereka (queen) as the expected chief guest, Ndagire has also partnered the ministry of Health, Reproductive Health Uganda, Spark TV, Vent Medicare and YALI Uganda, among various organisations which will also showcase their activities at Silver Springs hotel in Bugolobi.

We targeted October 11 because it is the International Day of the Girl Child. Other issues we want to discuss include: adolescents health and the role of development partners towards implementation of Sustainable Development Goals number three, five and eight, she says. We have also invited the academia to help us pass the information to the students.

Ndagire also looks forward to building a fully-fledged womens health hospital with a well-equipped research centre in the next five years. Her first fundraising event for the cause will be next years edition of the womens walk for health.



EARLY LIFE, EDUCATION

Born to peasants Robert Ndawula (RIP) and Milly Nakakande of Bulenga, the fifth born of seven did not have a rosy childhood.

Because our parents did not have formal employment, we used to dig and wash clothes around the village to raise school fees, she says. Actually, I dont understand some parents and children who claim they have failed to get school fees.

Ndagire, who attended Nateete Mackay primary school, lost her father while in S2 at Buloba high school. This added yet another blow to the struggling family. But because she didnt want to see her education buried with her father, a plan was hatched.

I went to Kamwokya Catholic parish where I met Sister Antenoitte Bangart. I was walking in the corridors while crying, remembers Ndagire. After telling her my story, she promised to pay my school fees on condition that I get the first position in class.

Upon fulfilling the set condition, Ndagire was later connected to another sponsor who paid her school fees until she graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute (ECUREI), Mengo in 2012.

She also holds a certificate in Womens Health from Womens Health Institute at Robert Wood Medical School at Rutgers University, New Jersey and an executive certificate in Leadership from the Mandela Washington Fellowship Programme.



matsiko@observer.ug
President Yoweri Museveni has called for enrichment of knowledge and information on the Uganda's vast tourism potential.



Speaking at the Giants Club's conservation and tourism investment forum at Serena Hotel Kigo, Museveni said the country's tourism aspects, names of places like fauna and flora should come with their full meaning, cultural and historical significance.



The Giants Club is regional initiative administered by the conservation charity, Space for Giants, and aims to safeguard Africa's vulnerable elephant populations and the landscapes they need to thrive.

President Museveni addressing the Giants Club's conservation and tourism investment forum

Space for Giants confronts acute threats like the ivory trade and long-term challenge like balancing the needs of wildlife and growing human populations.



The founding members of the Giants Club are Presidents; Museveni, Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Ali Bongo of Gabon and the Tlhokomela Endangered Wildlife Trust of Botswana with President Ian Khama as its patron.



Museveni illustrated that when a national park like Kibaale is named, there is also a need to explain what the name Kibaale, which refers to "place of stones", actually means.

He is optimistic that this will generate not only more knowledge, but also interest in tourism consumers and increase the value of Uganda's tourism products.



Museveni said Uganda's tourism is slowly but surely growing, despite little or no efforts by policy makers and technocrats.

Museveni, peppering his speech with examples and local dialect, said the growth of the tourism sector is largely due to security, improved infrastructure like roads and energy, hotels and accommodation and anti-poaching measures. He also attributed much of the success to private sector players.



He expressed concern that poaching is still rampant in Kibaale and Semuliki national parks in western Uganda, remarking sternly that "shoot them".



The president said Uganda is the most perfect place for tourism and other investments, explaining that its location between 600 and 5,000 feet above sea level allows for many tourism products and opportunities. He stressed that while conservation of nature is good, the business angle too need consideration.

Lake Mburo national park The president singled out a tourism officer, one Mugabe, for making an incisive presentation of Uganda's tourism potential by being pinpointed. The president singled out a tourism officer, one Mugabe, for making an incisive presentation of Uganda's tourism potential by being pinpointed.

Museveni repeatedly referred to Mugabe saying he is the kind of technocrat he wants, adding that he simplified his work which he had intended to educate what he termed "uninformed Ugandans".



The tourism investment forum seeks to increase tourists' arrivals from 1,323,000 in 2016 to 4,084,000 by 2020. It hopes to drive foreign exchange earnings from $1.371 billion to $2.7 billion in 2020 and to promote job creation and increase the contribution of tourism to GDP from Shs 7.3 trillion to Shs 14.68 trillion at the end of the financial year 2020.



The Uganda Conservation and Tourism Investment Forum is also intended to bring to market an exclusive initial offering of 'investment ready' sites in tier two Protected Areas, identified for tourism and other enterprises.
Regarding Montanas severe budget crisis, Im in favor of Gov. Steve Bullock calling a special session so the people who were elected to represent all citizens of this state can figure out a new budget.

Bullock should not be forced to make $220 million in cuts, especially since those cuts will directly affect the most vulnerable citizens of this state  the elderly, the mentally ill, those with developmental and/or physical disabilities.

Many nonprofit businesses that provide aid to these people, and jobs, will be adversely affected  also adding to the states revenue problem. Many businesses and jobs in Montana will be severely affected by the proposed cuts.

One of the reasons for this budget crisis was the refusal of the Republican majority during the 2017 Legislative Session to consider $280 million in additional revenue requested by Bullock which would have prevented these budget shortfalls. Now, the Republican majority is disingenuously trying to blame Bullock for the states budget problems.

Market forces  like natural gas  have severely impacted Montanas income from coal taxes. Those gravy-train days are over because in addition to natural gas, people around the world are moving to renewable, sustainable, clean energy.

So, our Republican lawmakers have to face reality and adjust their sails in order to get more income. I do not believe making $220 million in cuts that will harm the weakest and most vulnerable members of our state is the answer. Tightening the belt has been done in the last few Legislatures. Tightening the belt now is more like tightening it (like a noose) around the neck of the poor.

Mary Catherine Dunphy

Miles City
Maryam Nawaz may return before Oct 9

LONDON/ISLAMABAD: Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of the ousted prime minister, and her husband have decided to end their stay in London and may return to Pakistan next week to appear before an accountability court in connection with a reference related to the London properties owned by the Sharif family.



While no one from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz was willing to speak on record, sources close to the Sharif family in London said Maryams brothers  Hasan and Hussain  would remain in the British capital and wait for the outcome of the upcoming hearing of the accountability court, Islamabad, where their sister might appear on Oct 9 (Monday).



Maryam is currently in London and has been looking after her mother Kulsoom Nawaz, who has been receiving treatment for cancer.



On Oct 2, the accountability court, Islamabad, issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Hussain, Hassan and retired Capt Mohammad Safdar for failing to appear in court. The judge, however, did not issue non-bailable warrants for Maryam but repeated the bailable arrest warrants after the counsel for Nawaz Sharif assured the court that she and her spouse would join the proceedings on the next date of hearing set for Oct 9.



The former premier and his sons have been named in all three NAB references, while Maryam and husband Mr Safdar have been named only in the Avenfield reference.



The trial court judge has already decided that in case the children of Mr Sharif do not join the proceedings, the court would indict Mr Sharif alone and start his trial separately.



However, sources said if Maryam and her husband appeared before the accountability court on Monday, they would be handed over a copy of the reference related to London properties along with the relevant details.



The court may fix a date for indictment of Mr Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law Safdar after supplying them copies of the reference and other material.



In case of non-appearance, the court may initiate proceedings to declare the accused proclaimed offenders and order attachment of their properties.



A five-member bench of the Supreme Court on July 28 directed NAB to file references against Mr Sharif and his children in six weeks in the accountability court and directed the trial court to decide the references within six months. The Supreme Court also assigned Justice Ijazul Ahsan a supervisory role to monitor the progress of the accountability court proceedings.



Maryams latest visit to London began shortly after her ailing mother won the Sept 17 by-election on a National Assembly seat in Lahore.



Maryam played a leading role in her mothers victory by running her election campaign reinforcing the impression that she is now committed to a political career and determined to be her fathers political heir.



On Wednesday, Mr Sharif  who has been re-elected as the president of his own faction of PML despite being disqualified by the apex court  also arrived in London from Pakistan saying he needed to spend time with his wife, Kulsoom, who is recovering from her third surgery in London.



His wifes first surgery, on her neck, was for early-stage lymphoma. Doctors then decided to conduct a second more serious surgery in order to take out the diseased lymph nodes from her chest. She then underwent a third operation which involved only a brief stay in hospital.



People close to Mr Sharif and his wife said the medical interventions had been successful.



Doctors familiar with her condition have been reported as saying her cancer is curable.



The movements of the various members of the Sharif family came amidst rumours of a growing rift between Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and his elder brother Nawaz.
The mathematical (and other) thoughts of a (now retired) math teacher,
Oswego students try out internships

OSWEGO  Several SUNY Oswego students from the area took part in internships in summer 2017 with a wide variety of employers through the college's Center for Experiential Learning, providing a strong on-the-job learning experience to amplify their coursework.

Brendon DiSanto of Freeman Road in Greenwich, a senior communication and social interaction major, interned with Fingerpaint in Saratoga Springs.

Local St. Lawrence students go abroad

CANTON  The following students are participating in an off-campus study abroad program for the fall 2017 semester through St. Lawrence University:

Isabella S. Winston of Queensbury, a member of the Class of 2019, majoring in biology. Winston is studying abroad with St. Lawrence University's off-campus program in Spain. Winston attended Glens Falls High School.

Veronica A. Zabala of Gansevoort, a member of the Class of 2019, majoring in government and global studies. Zabala is studying abroad with St. Lawrence University's off-campus program in London. Zabala attended Saratoga Springs High School.

Nearly two-thirds of St. Lawrence University students study off campus at some point during their undergraduate experience at either one of its international or domestic study abroad program sites.

Math teacher named Teacher of the Week

QUEENSBURY  Every week during the school year, TCT Federal Credit Union salutes local educators and school employees for their outstanding efforts during the year. For the week of Oct. 2, the Teacher of the Week Award was Nelson Chase, math teacher at Fort Edward High School.

The Teacher of the Week is nominated by a fellow school community member who wants to acknowledge their dedication to students and enthusiasm for learning. All school employees, including teachers, aides, assistants, administration staff, janitors, nurses, bus drivers and more, are eligible to receive the award. To nominate a special school employee, email teacher@adirondackbroadcasting.com. View past Teachers of the Week at www.tctfcu.org.

Nominations are kept on file throughout the school year and one recipient is selected each Monday morning and announced on-air at Adirondack Broadcasting radio stations. The award includes gift certificates to local businesses, a commemorative plaque, flowers and a gift bag. Teacher of the Week is sponsored by TCT Federal Credit Union and Adirondack Broadcasting.
GLENS FALLS  Audrey Enekes will be wearing a purple flower at Saturdays Walk to End Alzheimers, which starts at Cool Insuring Arena. So will John Marcantonio, president of the local chapter of the Alzheimers Association.

Those flowers will show they have lost a loved one who had the disease. Anyone wearing a yellow flower is caring for someone who has the disease, and those with orange flowers support the cause. Walkers who have Alzheimers will be wearing blue flowers.

I lost my grandfather three years ago, said Enekes, who lives in South Glens Falls. So I started taking part in the walk.

Participants will complete a 2-mile walk through downtown Glens Falls, or a shorter route, and will learn about Alzheimers disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment and support programs and services from the Alzheimers Association. Walk participants will also join in a tribute ceremony to honor those affected by Alzheimers disease.

The Walk to End Alzheimers is such a special event, Beth Boivin, executive director and CEO of the Alzheimers Association of Northeastern New York said in a news release. It is so gratifying to be in the company of people who promise to honor, remember, care and fight until we find a cure for this disease.

To sign up as a team captain, join a team or register to walk as an individual, anyone interested can visit alz.org/walk.

Enekes said last years event had about 650 participants and raised more than $104,000. This years goal is 725 people and $123,500 in donations.

I think word is getting out, and we are building awareness, Eneke said.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the walk will start after a 10:30 a.m. ceremony.

In the future, the group hopes there will be another color flower in the mix. If the research produces a cure, those who have been cured of the disease will wear a white flower.
QUEENSBURY  The owners of the local Midas in Queensbury lost their Orchard Drive home to a fast-moving blaze Friday evening just around dinnertime.

When I came home at about 5:20 p.m., there was so much smoke and it was engulfed, said a neighbor on Friday evening as they watched the home burn.

Kent and Cheryl Smith and their family escaped the flames, but two beloved family dogs perished. A third family dog and a cat were saved and staying with neighbors.

According to a Midas employee, the family lost everything, including their cell phones and it appears the home at 25 Orchard Drive, just off Country Club Road, will be a total loss.

We have all been rocked by this, said John Miner, the manager of Midas Muffler in Queensbury. Kent Smith owns 21 Midas auto shops in New York and New Hampshire, including the Queensbury location. He was just here cooking steaks for the employees. Hes very much about family and he shows his appreciation to his employees. Hes done everything for us.

Miner said on Friday evening they saw the fire trucks go by the Queensbury Midas shop and turned on a scanner.

When we heard 25 Orchard Drive was engulfed in flames, I said, Oh my gosh, thats Kents house, he said. When we arrived, there was so much smoke and then just after 6:00, everyone gasped when flames broke out from the back of the house.

According to Miner, Smith is very generous to the community and is very involved in the Drive Out Hunger Campaign. Hes always trying to make things better for people, he said.

There has already been an outpouring of support from the community Miner said.

According to the American Red Cross, three adults and two teens escaped the fire and Red Cross volunteers offered emergency aid Friday night, providing financial assistance for necessities such as shelter, food and clothing. Volunteers also offered emotional support and comfort kits containing personal care items, a release reported.

Firefighters from South Queensbury Fire and Rescue, Bay Ridge Volunteer Fire, Queensbury Central Volunteer Fire Company and West Glens Falls Fire Company battled the blaze that was still smoldering into the night.

Fire officials were not available for comment regarding the cause of the blaze and whether the fire is under investigation. Insurance adjusters were on scene Saturday to determine the extent of the damage.
DAY  Damion A. Tucker, 36, was arrested and charged with felony assault, obstructing police and resisting arrest last week, according to a Saturday night release from the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office.

According to police, officers responded to a domestic incident at Overlook Terrace West in the Town of Day at about 5:55 p.m. on Oct. 1.

Tucker is accused of causing physical injury to a police officer and physically resisting arrest, police said, adding that the deputy involved received medical care for a back injury.

Arraigned in the Town of Day Court, Tucker was held in the Saratoga County Jail, unable to post bail.
QUEENSBURY  Phaedra Stasyshyn lives with more than a dozen Nigerian Dwarf Goats, along with her family, dogs, chickens and whatever wildlife wanders onto the forest and wetlands of Middle Grove.

So she is something of an expert on goats, and lately shes been expanding that expertise into Goat Yoga.

Goats are calming, she said, watching more than a dozen of her goats wander in a pen enclosing more than 25 people doing yoga on the front lawn of Brookdale Queensbury Saturday morning. Goats are calming and yoga is calming. The goats just come around and see what you are doing.

This was the second time Stasyshyn has had her goats take part in a yoga session. The first was last month and drew 75 people and the second was Saturday at Brookdale.

Both were fundraisers for the Walk to End Alzheimers, which is scheduled for Saturday at the Cool Insuring Arena.

We heard about this and how well it worked in Clifton Park, we just had to bring it here, said Lindsay Stanislowski, the memory-care director at Brookdale, who is also involved in the Alzheimers Walk and worked with Kym Hance from the Alzheimers Association on the event. We just put out the announcement for a couple of weeks and we got more than $600.

For the people taking part, there was often as much attention paid to the wandering goats as there was to instructor Stephanie Angelucci from Hot Yoga of Queensbury.

I went with some gentle yoga today, to let them relax and to ineract with the goats, she said.
GLENS FALLS  Kim Cook stood amid a forest of 2-by-4s on the main floor of the planned Open Door Mission at 224-226 Warren Street last week and talked about the future.

This is the first phase, and we will have it done in time for the Nov. 15 opening date for the Code Blue shelter, she said.

Cook, the Open Door director, said the new site will be ready if the temperature falls below the prescribed minimums that night.

We will have the new water main done, and we will have the sprinklers in, and thats what we need in order to open Code Blue.

Cook, whose group is in its fourth year of providing winter housing for the homeless on cold or snowy nights, is also looking forward to the day when the soup kitchen, currently on Lawrence Street, can move to the Warren Street site and be in a much larger and much more comfortable location, eventually with more housing and a one-year program to help people get out of the cycle of homelessness.

Open Door bought the building, formerly a furniture store and the offices for Phil Rose Apartments, for $450,000 earlier this year and has a long-term, multi-phase, $5 million project to do the things the organization feels need to be done for the community.

That starts with half the first floor, which will eventually be classrooms and an entrance. Finishing that project will cost about $800,000, and Cook and the designers made some initial cuts to allow the $600,000 the group has to stretch to get it into shape by Nov. 15.

We are still fundraising the other $200,000 and we really need that to get this finished, Cook said.

Other work that needs to be done in the initial phase is building an entrance at the front of the building, a hot room to kill any insects that might be transported in clothing, new windows throughout the first floor and a reception area with security.

The second phase will see the main entrance built on the side of the building, again with a hot room, and security. There will be a day room and a dining room that will seat more than 100, far larger than the 30 that now fit in the dining room. The hope is the kitchen will be at the new site by March.

We hope it will be a lot more comfortable and pleasant in the new dining room, Cook said, noting the Silver Bay YMCA donated 400 chairs and 50 tables.

The kitchen will be much larger, and Open Door plans to offer a culinary training program for its clients. The food pantry will also be larger and wont be in the basement, as it is at the current site.

Cook estimates it will cost another $500,000 to complete the ground floor. The mission is actively pursuing grants and doing other fundraising.

The fundraising is ongoing and received a boost late last week when the ARCC Leadership Adirondack program, now in its 27th year, said its focus would be on the Open Door.

Last years class raised over $8,000 for the Family Service Association of Glens Falls.

There will also be a laundry room, shower room, internet access, classes and offices that other outside agencies can use.

The way we envision it is that people will be here to use the facility, and other groups will be here to offer them help, Cook said.

Future phases will see the second floor set up for short-term emergency housing year-round.

The final stage, planned for 2020, would be a one-year program that would help people learn the skills they would need to no longer be at serious risk for homelessness.

Weve got a lot of work to do and a lot of money to raise, but we know what we have planned, and we are on the way, Cook said.

Cook said there is a need for volunteers for various projects at the facility during renovation. Call 518-792-5900 to volunteer.
Mike Morgan of Roundup who suggested that there's no proof of President Donald Trumps lying either doesnt own a TV or read the papers. Trump's lying is disclosed daily.

One example is Trump dictating a letter of his lies trying to cover Don Jr.s rump when the secret meetings Sonny Day had with Russians were revealed.

Im a very senior citizen and can never remember any president being so uneducated, unprofessional, self-centered and attention-getting as Trump.

Please, Mr. Morgan, dont tell me to respect him. Respect is earned, not bought. Calling war hero John McCain and other POWs losers because they got captured, and veterans with PTSD weak because the strong ones werent afflicted with it is another sign of ignorance.

If Trump didnt take deferments, he would know, War is hell.

He should talk to Gold Star families.

God bless America  we never needed it more than now with Russia messing with our country.

Carole Moxey

Cody, Wyo.
Were not taking back our earlier endorsement of the proposal from Saratoga & North Creek Railway to store cars on its tracks in the Adirondack woods, but the railways executives should have made it clear to Warren County supervisors from the start that what they intend to store are tanker cars.

In 2015, the railway proposed bringing used oil tank cars onto its lines for storage, and we joined Adirondack environmental groups and county supervisors in opposition. Those cars would have been empty but not necessarily clean, and the prospect of having the remains of toxic sludge sitting in dozens of cars in the middle of the Adirondack forest was unacceptable.

This proposal is different, because these tanker cars will be professionally cleaned before storage, according to Ed Ellis, the president of Iowa Pacific Holdings, parent company of Saratoga & North Creek Railway.

Ellis has not said the cars will be oil tankers. For all we know, they could be cars that carried even more toxic and environmentally damaging substances. So before they go along with this plan, supervisors must satisfy themselves the cleaning process will be thorough.

The countys Finance Committee came out against the plan, but supervisors are meeting with Ellis next week to hear more about it. They have a financial incentive to hear just about any money-making proposal the railway comes up with, because last year they signed a new five-year contract.

Under the contract, the railway takes care of track maintenance and upkeep and guarantees Warren County a minimum revenue level. So far, the deal has worked out well, with the county collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars.

But the railway is struggling to maintain its scenic excursions and has struggled to find any contracts for freight runs. Its prospects for meeting the terms of the contract for four more years are in doubt.

Under these circumstances, supervisors have to consider any notion that could help the railway turn a profit.

Adirondack environmental groups have again come out against the plan to store tanker cars on the track. But as we said before, the line belongs to the railway, and if the company can certify the cars will be clean, no legal or environmental reason exists to oppose their storage.

Some will argue that parked train cars are unsightly, but unsightly is in the eye of the beholder. Its not like the railway intends to dump slag on the tracks.

The railway could have done a much better job presenting this plan. When they first brought it to supervisors, they should have had answers to obvious questions, such as whether tankers were going to be stored on the tracks and how many there would be.

But now that more of the details are known, the critical question is whether railway executives can guarantee no environmental contamination will result from this undertaking. If they can, supervisors should approve it.
Gun control laws could prevent massacres like the one that just happened in Las Vegas, and a police encounter that unfolded this week in Fort Edward shows how.

Local police had heard about a man threatening a dog with a rifle, and Chief Justin Derway went to a home on Culvert Street, where Devin A. Pratt was standing in a driveway, holding an AR-15-style rifle.

Derway confiscated the rifle, because under New Yorks SAFE Act, certain semi-automatic rifles with military features are illegal.

Derway wasnt sure Pratts rifle was illegal, but he suspected it was, and after checking, Fort Edward police issued a warrant for Pratt for felony criminal possession of a weapon.

In the meantime, officers heard that Pratt had been making threats, including threats to kill Derway.

Pratt was not known as being unhinged. He is a longtime member of the Bay Ridge Volunteer Fire Company in Queensbury and has been serving as its vice president. The departments chief called his actions out of character.

Pratt says his rifle is legal and says he didnt threaten to kill Derway. The details of the confrontation are in dispute, and we do not know exactly what happened.

What we do know is that an angry man was standing in a public street in one of our local communities with an assault-style rifle in his hands.

But, because of New Yorks SAFE Act, the situation was less scary than it could have been. Pratts rifle was taken away, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. These things happened because of our states gun control laws, which Gov. Andrew Cuomo has called the strictest in the country.

In Nevada, meanwhile, a middle-aged man people thought was a regular guy was able to amass an armory of 47 guns. He smuggled 23 of them into his suite at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, 12 of them rigged with a device that allows a rifle to act like a machine gun so it can fire hundreds of rounds a minute.

The guns were legally acquired, and so were the devices  called bump stocks  that transformed them into machine guns, even though machine guns are illegal.

Stephen Paddock operated in secret, and police had no hint of the impending danger when he checked in to the Mandalay.

In New York, because of our stricter gun laws, Paddock would not have been able to amass such an arsenal. Nevada has some of the most lax gun laws in the country, in contrast. You can openly carry guns around. You can go to shooting ranges and fire fully automatic weapons, just for fun.

We cannot shut off every opportunity for unhinged people to inflict harm on others, but we should block the easy avenues to mass murder. Congress may soon take a very modest step in that direction by outlawing bump stocks.

But in light of the epidemic of mass shootings, our country needs to have a broader conversation. Police officers need tools to identify potentially dangerous people before they act.

The SAFE Act isnt popular in this region, because some people feel it impinges on their liberty. But public safety requires the sacrifice of liberties. Youre not allowed to drive 100 mph on the Northway, no matter how much fun you feel it would be.

We can help officers nationwide identify and stop mass killings by regulating weapons the killers could use. New York has started on this task. The entire country should take it up.
Local Republicans should convince Doug Irish to resign. We need a better representative for minimum government in upstate New York and I hope that George Ferone will temporarily be appointed. The entire town is now trying to please Doug Irish and some are willing to spend up to $300 a month for video conferencing for an elected official who moved out of state and doesnt show up to meetings. According to The Post-Star article, as Irish watched the last town meeting on Facebook (which he missed), he fired off an angry or critical text message, commenting on the meeting, but he couldnt be heard by the public. Doug Irish is now the guy yelling at his computer screen in a group chat and no longer a representative. The local Republicans should acknowledge what the lack of initiative by Doug Irish is doing to local government and should replace him as soon as possible. Doug Irish is taking all of the attention off of critical issues and is just wasting the time, energy and resources of the community by being so stubborn. What does he benefit?
I read a letter this morning in the letters to the editor from Gerry Russell about not seeing any birds. I also noticed it, too. My feeders are also full. I had some cardinals a couple of weeks ago, but now they are gone. Yesterday I had one mourning dove. I have noticed more hawks in the area lately and believe a hawk got one of the doves about three or four weeks ago. I have heard blue jays further back in the woods around my house, but not much else besides crows. It might be possible that the smaller birds have gone deeper into the woods to make it harder for the hawks to get to them. I actually had one Coopers hawk come after birds at my feeder. It didn't catch any but sat on the pole until it saw me.
Turning the ship before it hits the iceberg
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At 10:30 p.m., Oct. 11, 1973, Alexander Torres Sauceda, 23, left his parents home, telling his family he had to help a friend start a car.

According to a Quad-City Times article by Clay Thompson published Wednesday, Oct. 11, 1978, Sauceda was murdered about 30 minutes later.

A little while later, a man phoned the Bettendorf Police Department and told the officer he had shot a man at Duck Creek Plaza shopping center. The man never gave his name.

Officers headed to Duck Creek Plaza at 852 Middle Road where they found Sauceda slumped in the front seat of his vehicle. He had been shot four times in the head.

In the vehicle, officers located four 22-caliber cartridges beside the body. Bloodstains inside the car indicated Saucedas head had been lying next to the car door after the shooting, but he was found positioned upright, indicating that someone had moved the body.

Authorities at the time said the shooting had been done at a close range.

It had not been determined if Sauceda had been in the parking lot at the time of the shooting or if the shooting had occurred at another location.

Bettendorf police detectives worked the case with the aid of the Scott County Sheriffs Department, the Davenport Police Departments mobile crime lab and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Oct. 11 will mark 44 years since Saucedas death.

The anonymous caller has never been found. No suspects have been detained for questioning. No arrest has been made. Only the person who pulled the trigger can say why he targeted the U.S. Army veteran who had served in Vietnam.

According to Thompsons story, Sauceda worked as an assembler at International Harvesters Farmall plant in Rock Island.

Before going out the night of his death, Sauceda had attended services at Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Jesus Christ. He attended church regularly and played guitar in a music group.

He returned home about 9 p.m. and was in bed when he received a phone call from an unidentified man. He told his family a friend had called needing help with a stalled car.

The Scott County Medical Examiner at the time, Dr. R. M. Perkins, placed the time of Saucedas death at about 11 p.m.

The anonymous man who had called police about the murder had promised to turn himself in, but never did, according to Thompson's reporting.

Sauceda is buried in Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island.

There is no statute of limitations on the charge of murder.

Anyone with information about the death of Sauceda can call the Bettendorf Police Department at 563-344-4015.
1. New search for Trudy

Last week started with unexpected news  that police were digging on property at Campbells Island, East Moline, and using cadaver dogs to help in the search.

They were looking for the remains of Trudy Appleby, the 11-year-old who disappeared from her Moline home in 1996.

Moline police and members of the Illinois State Police crime lab spent several hours at the property, which belonged to a family member of William Ed Smith, whom police have identified as a man of interest in the Appleby disappearance. He died several years ago.

While police said they did not uncover human remains, they did find items that are being tested. They did not disclose what they found.

2. Firework season abbreviated

The Iowa Quad-Cities is not likely to experience another summer that was as loud as this one.

Bettendorf, Davenport and Scott Counties have preliminarily agreed on a fireworks restriction, following a particularly explosive summer.

The agreement is to permit three days of commercial-grade fireworks. The dates are July 3 and 4, between 2 and 11 p.m. and on Dec. 31, between 10 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.

Early in 2017, then-Gov. Terry Branstad signed a bill that allowed for the sale and use of fireworks over an entire month in the summer and another in the winter.

The cities and counties also agreed to write citations when fireworks are used outside the permitted days.

3. Atomic Bettendorf

Atomic Coffee Bar is the buzz in Bettendorf after unanimous approval of a new site plan.

The new drive-thru is headed for a locale near Pleasant Valley High School, having already made hugely popular waves on Brady Street in Davenport. The hot, iced and blended coffees, teas and smoothies are so popular, especially among teenagers, police have stepped in to help handle traffic.

In fact, problems with traffic backups in Davenport led to some apprehension in Bettendorf. But concerns have been resolved, and the location, 3235 Ridge Pointe Road, now has the OK.

4. Luxury cars looking for home

A Quad-City auto dealer wants to expand to 53rd and Eastern in Davenport.

Gurley Leep Automotive Family, owner of Lujack's, Smart Toyota and a large Indiana dealership has applied for rezoning of 13 acres to build a dealership and showrooms for several high-end franchises. They want to bring Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen vehicles to the high-traffic corridor.

The idea is to give each franchise its own identity in a desirable location. But the property must first be rezoned, because current ordinance specifically forbids auto sales and service at that site.

The request is in preliminary stages and, so far, city staff has not made a recommendation one way or the other.

5. LeClaire Park murderer

The man who stabbed Romane Nunn Sr. to death in LeClaire Park was sentenced to up to 50 years in prison.

The stabbing and beating occurred on Aug. 18, 2016  while the park was crowded with adults and children engaged in Pokemon Go.

William Crawford, 43, was convicted of second-degree murder Aug. 25 and must serve at least 70 percent of his sentence.

He beat and stabbed Nunn after his girlfriend misidentified him as the man who previously assaulted her.

Nunn had three children and was a veteran who served in Iraq.

6. Officer charged in assault

A former Rock Island police officer is charged with assault of a minor female in Davenport.

Adam Costas, 30, is accused of confronting the girl about the theft of his car in April. He is alleged to have grabbed her around the neck and pushed her to the ground. She was taken to the hospital after sustaining a minor head injury, records show.

The April 15 incident was witnessed by a Davenport police officer. Costas, who was a police officer at the time, is accused of shoving the Davenport officer.

He has pleaded not guilty and no longer is employed by Rock Island.

7. Restart for Franklin

After an unexpected  and for most, unwelcomed  vacation week, students at Moline's Franklin Elementary School were back in the classroom last Monday.

The 270 boys and girls were left school-less when a Sept. 24 fire caused considerable damage to their building. Several options were considered, and ultimately the Moline-Coal Valley School District reached an agreement with Joseph Lemon and his family, who were in the process of buying the former Western Illinois University Quad-City Campus building on 60th Street.

On Monday, the Lemons purchased the building and, simultaneously, the Franklin students poured through the doors of their temporary home.

8. State comes through for Buchanan

The old Buchanan School and Naval Training Center is getting big support from the state of Iowa.

Vacant and overgrown, the 113-year-old building at 2104 W. 6th St., Davenport, is to become an 18-unit apartment for seniors.

In the spring, the Iowa Economic Development Authority told Davenport officials to expect about $2.15 million in a Community Development Block Grant. But even better news came last week when the city was notified the grant would be closer to $3 million and will have a $500,000 grant for storm-water runoff on top of that.

Developer Chris Ales is behind the $5.4 million project, which is expected to be finished at the end of next year.

9. Freese murder trial

Closing arguments are set to begin Monday in the trial of a 21-year-old Davenport man accused of killing his parents.

Sean M. Freese is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the October 2016 shooting deaths of his parents, Kevin and Donna Freese. The pair was found dead in their home at 1122 W. 59th St., Davenport, after their son called 911.

The prosecution and the state rested their cases Friday. The trial last four days, and 22 witnesses were called. The defendant did not testify.

If convicted, Freese faces a mandatory life sentence.

10. Local tie to Vegas shooter

Stephen Paddock, the man identified as the gunman in the Las Vegas mass shooting, was born in Clinton.

County officials confirmed that Stephen Paddock was born in the county's namesake in 1953.

The county recorder's office had a birth certificate on file for Paddock, who was born on April 9 at the former Jane Lamb Hospital. He would be 64 today, the same age as the Stephen Paddock who is alleged to have fired semi-automatic weapons into a crowd of Las Vegas concertgoers Sunday evening, killing 59 and wounding 500.

It appears from records that Paddock's parents left Clinton when he was very young.
In 2015, a diverse group of lawmakers set out to rethink our approach to federal prison sentences. Our goal: improve public safety and the rule of law by ensuring that penalties match their crime. Many months of thoughtful deliberation yielded a product that earned broad bipartisan support in Congress and from organizations around the country and across the political spectrum. And though the political winds in Washington have shifted, that broad support for comprehensive sentencing reform remains strong.

This week, we are reintroducing the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act as we continue to build on the most sweeping criminal justice reform effort in a generation.

Crafted by Republican and Democratic leaders, this legislation aims to safely and sensibly reduce excessive sentences. It recalibrates prison sentences for certain drug offenders and gives judges greater sentencing flexibility while keeping stiff penalties in place for violent criminals. The bill preserves important law enforcement tools to take down large criminal organizations while expanding outlets to shield low-level nonviolent offenders from lengthy mandatory minimum prison sentences. It eliminates mandatory life sentences for three-strike drug offenders and gives judges authority to retroactively apply the Fair Sentencing Act, which reduced the sentencing disparity between offenses involving crack and powder cocaine. The bill also includes back end reforms to curb recidivism by helping inmates successfully re-enter society.

We believe this is the right mix of reforms to give nonviolent offenders whove done significant time for their crime a second chance to rejoin their families and contribute to our communities while also reducing taxpayer costs and empowering law enforcement to keep dangerous criminals off our streets. Our bipartisan work represents hard-fought consensus to a long-established problem.

In recent years a unique and growing chorus of voices from across the political spectrum prompted a number of proposals in Congress to reform sentencing laws. However, until now, none garnered enough support to move forward. It became clear that if we wanted to truly make progress on this issue, we would have to come together, check our differences at the door, and focus on areas where we could reach agreement. So a bipartisan group of senators and their staffs held countless discussions to forge a framework for reform. After months of thoughtful deliberation, we introduced a bill that swiftly passed the Judiciary Committee and was cosponsored by 37 senatorsa rare broadly bipartisan alliance.

The House of Representatives followed suit, moving its bipartisan sentencing reform package through the committee process less than a month later.

We are encouraged by engagement from the White House on this comprehensive criminal justice reform effort. Last Congress, our bill was supported by hundreds of organizations from a variety of industries and political perspectives, including the NAACP and the Charles Koch Institute. It was also endorsed by a broad range of faith-based organizations and law enforcement leaders. We continue to welcome input from stakeholders and our colleagues in government and the law enforcement community as we make additional improvements.

This bill represents the way Congress is supposed to work, and is well-positioned to be one of the most significant bipartisan achievements of the 115th Congress. It also represents an important step in our nations ongoing quest for justice.

Our founders declared that Americans have the inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Our criminal justice system needs to reflect these values. That means seeking justice for both the victim and the accused. Our colleagues in Congress supporting these reforms may not always see eye to eye on every proposal, but we are committed to upholding Americas promise of justice for all.
I was heartened to read that Sens. Grassley and Ernst plan to vigorously oppose the latest threats against Americas Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The RFS is a vital policy that has fostered investments across every segment of the rural economy, from farming to manufacturing.

I also share the concerns raised by this papers editorial board about the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) recent actions. The agency issued a notice threatening total biofuel volumes (including biodiesel), cut strong cellulosic ethanol targets after they were approved by the White House, and is now considering Valeros scheme to devalue biofuel blends by attaching credits to existing ethanol exports.

If enacted, any one of these efforts would threaten the prosperity of rural communities like ours, where biofuels are creating exciting new opportunities. At Quad County Corn Processors, for example, we pioneered new technology to convert agricultural residue, namely corn kernel fiber, into high-value cellulosic biofuels. EPA writers actually warned against setting inappropriately low production projections for our commercially successful technology before those comments were inexplicably stricken from the EPAs proposed biofuel targets for 2018.

President Trump has made it crystal clear that his administration supports homegrown biofuels, and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt specifically testified that he would further the objectives of Congress by enforcing a pro-growth RFS. Clearly, someone at EPA isnt listening, but its not too late. Our champions in the White House and in Congress need to take a hard line and demand that EPA withdraw all its threats against homegrown energy.

Delayne D. Johnson

Galva, Iowa

Editor's note: Johnson is CEO of Quad County Corn Processors in Galva.
SPEARFISH | Black Hills State University will dedicate the newest campus residence hall in honor of Lionel R. Bordeaux, BHSU class of 1964 alumni, and 64 and one of the longest-serving U.S. college presidents currently in office.

Bordeaux has served as president of Sinte Gleska University in Mission for 44 years.

The Lionel R. Bordeaux Residence Hall Dedication will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Bordeaux Hall. A reception will follow at the Joy (Proctor) Krautschun Alumni/Foundation Welcome Center located at 1351 St. Joe Street.

Dr. Bordeaux is a champion for human rights and higher education, said BHSU President Tom Jackson, Jr., said. Each time BHSU students walk into Bordeaux Residence Hall at BHSU his influence and example will inspire them to consider the possibilities their own leadership can have both in South Dakota and throughout the world.

Naming the residence hall in Bordeauxs honor also calls attention to his commitment to students Jackson said.

Justin Logue, Student Senate President, said the naming will inspire students to make a positive impact in their communities through the example of Bordeaux.

Dr. Lionel Bordeaux is a highly distinguished alumnus of BHSU who has contributed decades of service to higher education in South Dakota, said Logue, a psychology and political science major from Volin. This honor shows that his contributions are appreciated.

Bordeaux earned a bachelors degree in social science and history from BHSU in 1964. He served in the Bureau of Indian Affairs from 1964-1972 as a teacher/counselor in New Mexico, a vocational counselor in Texas, and an educational counselor/specialist in Pine Ridge. During this time he also completed his management trainee certification with the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C.

Bordeaux received a masters degree in educational psychology from the University of South Dakota in 1971 and began doctoral studies in educational administration at the University of Minnesota. In 1973 he began his tenure as president of Sinte Gleska University.

Bordeaux also has served as a tribal leader both locally and nationally. He was chairman of the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council Governmental Affairs Committee and the Economic Development Commission. He completed U.S. Presidential and Senatorial appointments serving as chairman of the White House Advisory Board on Tribal Colleges & Universities and co-chairman of the White House Conference on Indian Education.

Bordeaux provided leadership for the first fully-accredited reservation-based institution of higher education at the bachelors degree level and instituted the first two reservation-based tribally-controlled masters degree programs -- one in elementary education and the other in human services.

In 1988, Governor George Mickelson proclaimed Lionel R. Bordeaux Day in South Dakota. In the same year, Bordeaux also received the Outstanding Indian Educator of the Year Award from the National Education Association. He has also earned several lifetime achievement awards and two honorary doctorates.

Bordeaux Residence Hall was completed on the BHSU campus in 2015. The Hall is a 50,000 square foot building that connected two existing halls (Heidepriem and Thomas) with a central living area that serves as a residence life hub for students.
Petroleum council announces awards

The North Dakota Petroleum Council honored businesses and individuals in conjunction with its recent annual meeting.

Member Achievement Awards went to Crestwood Equity Partners, Targa Resources and Enerplus Corp.

Brent Eslinger, senior district manager for Halliburtons Williston District, received the Distinguished Service Award.

Rep. Al Carlson, R-Fargo, was the recipient of the Outstanding Service Award.

Craig Smith, a partner at the Crowley Fleck law firm, was inducted into the NDPC Hall of Fame.

Credit unions receive state awards

Credit unions throughout North Dakota have received awards sponsored by the Credit Union Association of the Dakotas and the Credit Union National Association.

Top award winners advance to national competitions.

Area recipients include:

 Desjardins Adult Financial Education Award, Capital Credit Union, Bismarck, first place in the category of $250 million to $1 billion in assets.

 Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award, Town & Country Credit Union, Minot, first, $250 million to $1 billion in assets; Capital Credit Union, second.

 Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Awards, Capital Credit Union, first; North Star Community Credit Union, Maddock, first, $50 million to $250 million in assets; Railway Credit Union, Mandan, second, $50 million to $250 million in assets.

 Louise Herring Award for Philosophy in Action, Capital Credit Union, first; North Star Community Credit Union, Maddock, first; Railway Credit Union, Mandan, second.

Dakota Zoo awarded accreditation

Dakota Zoo in Bismarck has received accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

The accreditation follows a detailed application and an on-site inspection. AZA members must complete the accreditation process every five years.

Less than 10 percent of animal exhibitors registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture have AZA accreditation, according to a statement from the organization.

KLJ partners with South Dakota firm

KLJ, headquartered in Bismarck, has formalized a longtime partnership maintained with Goldsmith Heck Engineers Inc., which has offices in Sioux Falls and Mobridge, S.D.

The two firms have collaborated on projects for more than 10 years, most recently on the Sioux Falls Airport.
Whether its population, development or sheer size, Rapid City is expanding. For the past 18 months, though, the city department tasked with managing that growth has been without a director.

On Oct. 2, that finally changed when Ken Young, 58, was sworn in as the new director of the citys Community Planning and Development Services Department. Born in Californias Bay Area, Young comes to the area after serving as the community development director in Pleasant Grove, Utah, for the past 11 years, with previous stops in Nevada as an assistant city manager and across Utah as a planning consultant.

Young, who has four children and eight grandchildren, explained that once his youngest daughter was married last year, he and his wife began looking for a new adventure.

It kind of felt like my greatest challenges and desires were being either met or not as pertinent where I was at in my last position, he said in a Journal interview Thursday at city hall. It just felt like, you know, maybe its time to move on.

A year later, he was moving into a home in southeastern Rapid City. As he continues to learn the area and its unique opportunities and challenges, Young said he will also begin to impart his own vision.

I dont want to come in barreling through and saying we have to make all these changes, he said. Neither do I want to sit back and just be complacent and go along with the flow. Im kind of taking a middle road.

The potential, though, was apparent when he toured the area earlier this year.

Just coming out here and doing the tour was very impressive, he said, noting the citys Downtown Master Plan, which details the citys vision for growth and development. Learning the plans for growth and the options, the availability for development here is awesome. Its a great setup for grabbing ahold of the reins and running with it.

In particular, Young will look to the area east of Fifth Street, which the city hopes to make more mixed-use friendly by using rezoning to allow for buildings with a combination of residential, retail and commercial office space.

Theres a lot of opportunity there, and theres a lot of need as well, Young said of the area, noting that the development will likely have a feel and flavor different from the historic downtown core. The lot on the corner of Fifth and St. Joseph streets will likely see another attempt at development soon, serving as a transitional area between the historic core and the East of Fifth Street development efforts.

In-fill development  the development of areas already within city limits as opposed to areas on the outskirts or outside city limits  is something Young said he observed a need for during his first tour before meeting with city officials and learning that it was their priority, too.

What Ive seen happening here is, theres a lot of growth just happening all over the place ... and I think thats good, but we dont want to leapfrog too much, and we want to take care of our central core, Young said. There are a lot of pockets in the middle that need to be filled in.

Areas just outside the central core, which Young labeled the second ring, need help, he said, and the city will need to be creative in promoting redevelopment as many of the areas are residential, limiting what the city can do.

The biggest challenge, Young said, is the same as it was in his previous positions: getting developers, city leadership, council members and citizens on the same page.

Its just different people, different names, he said.

Tackling areas like the lot on the corner of Fifth and St. Joseph streets, home to the failed Presidents Plaza development attempt, also come with their own baggage and can present challenges in convincing the public of their worth.

Young said the message in situations like that is clear.

Just because it didnt work before doesnt mean it shouldnt work or it cant work, he said. The need doesnt go away.

As for an immediate change, Young said he hoped to begin monthly or quarterly public gatherings in the near future where his office could speak with citizens and present the projects being considered and developed.

Were kind of a gatekeeper for anybody either in the community or who wants to do something in the community, he said. They come to our department first. We can do better with public outreach, getting them (citizens) involved in processes and things.
On Sept. 23, U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers from Guam, along with U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter escorts from Okinawa, Japan, flew in international airspace over waters east of North Korea.

This is the farthest north of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) any U.S. fighter or bomber aircraft have flown off North Koreas coast in the 21st century, underscoring the seriousness with which we take the DPRKs reckless behavior.

This mission is a demonstration of U.S. resolve and a clear message that the President has many military options to defeat any threat. North Koreas weapons program is a grave threat to the Asia-Pacific region and the entire international community. We are prepared to use the full range of military capabilities to defend the U.S. homeland and our allies.

For additional information, please contact U.S. Pacific Command Public Affairs at publicaffairs.pacom@navy.mil, or 808-477-1341.
PIERRE | Wednesday marked the tenth anniversary of the rodeo injury that put Billie Sutton in a wheelchair, maybe forever.

What happened Oct. 4, 2007, changed every moment of life that followed.

I dont think Id be running for governor, Sutton said Wednesday, if I didnt have this injury.

He was 23 years old then, hovering  as he put it  among the top 30 saddle-bronc riders in the world.

Today, Billie Sutton is a fourth-term state senator from Burke and the only Democratic candidate for governor in 2018.

Four Republicans are seeking their partys nomination for governor in the June 2018 primary election.

South Dakota hasnt elected anyone for governor other than Republicans since Democrat Dick Kneip won a third consecutive term in 1974.

Sutton wants to break that streak.

He acknowledged its unlikely he would be a legislator if he hadnt been hurt 10 years ago.

He knew that his grandfather, named Billie Sutton too, had been a Democratic senator for six years and ran for lieutenant governor in 1978.

The elder Sutton died in 1982, two years before Billies birth on March 16, 1984.

I had no interest at all in politics before my injury. It just never even crossed my mind whatsoever, the younger Sutton said.

Instead, in that decisive fall of 2007, he was finishing the final 12 credits for his Bachelor's degree at the University of Wyoming in Laramie and competing on the pro rodeo circuit.

He finished with the top regional average for saddle broncs in 2006, as a rookie, to make the Dodge national-circuit finals in Pocatello, Idaho.

For his first ride at the 2007 regional finals in Minot, North Dakota, he drew a horse named Ruby.

He recalled Wednesday his left boot was in one stirrup and he was bending to put his right boot in the other.

Thats when Ruby reared. She smashed him against the back of the chute.

The weight crushed against his back. Two vertebrae broke. He was instantly paralyzed from the waist down.

It was a one-in-a-million deal, he said.

The ambulance crew took him to Minots hospital. Then a plane took him to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. Bone was taken from his left hip to rebuild vertebrae.

After two weeks, doctors transferred him to Craig Hospital in suburban Denver for in-depth rehabilitation. He made it back to Burke before Christmas and finished classes at Laramie in spring 2008.

But in a wheelchair.

A few weeks before the injury, Sutton started seeing Kelsea Kenzy, a friend of his younger sister Rehme. Now Billie and Kelsea Sutton are married. Shes a lawyer. They conceived their son, Liam, in vitro.

Billie said hed support Liam in rodeo or anything else, as his parents did for their children.

People have asked me, if I could go back, would I change the outcome. I think my answer is 'no,' just because of what I know now, he said.
The Board of Regents seems to be struggling to figure out why enrollment continues to decline at South Dakotas six public universities.

On Wednesday, the Journal reported that resident headcount has declined by 5,300 students since 2010. Over that same time period, the cost to attend Black Hills State University, for example, increased by 30 percent and 33 percent at the University of South Dakota  in both cases far above the overall cost of living.

In 2010, a BHSU freshman could expect to spend $47,252 over four years if the school did not raise tuition and fees while the student was in school, which has not been the case at any state university lately. The figure is based on taking 32 credits a year and room and board.

In 2017, a freshman can expect to pay $61,684 over four years based on 30 credits a year and those other expenses. At USD, it went from $49,348 to $65,772. At the School of Mines in Rapid City, it climbed 36 percent to $66,552, the highest in the state.

So, lets use what a South Dakota lawmaker might call common-sense logic. Higher costs are at least playing a role in discouraging students from attending college.

The regents have been discussing this problem for some time now. In 2015, the board commissioned a study by the Georgetown University Public Policy Institute that showed only 38 percent of South Dakotans 25 and older had a two-year associate degree.

In 2015, the regents released a report that said South Dakota charged more for tuition and fees than North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska. At the same time, the state charged the lowest costs for out-of-state students.

In addition to rising tuition costs, public college students have been subjected to numerous fee increases, many dedicated to paying off bond debt for new buildings at the universities. Right now, the regents are considering a new fee of $5.07 per credit hour to increase the salary of faculty members.

The Board of Regents president also has a new idea to address enrollment  let university presidents set tuition and fees for their colleges.

That, however, would be an inappropriate delegation of an important task from the regents who have direct access to the Legislature to university presidents who are busy managing multi-million dollar operations and working to provide college students with the best possible education.

The proposal also fails to address the main problem  the increasing cost of higher education in South Dakota, which in 2017 has the second highest proportion of students with college debt in the nation, according to WalletHub.com.

At the same meeting where the regents discussed handing off the tuition-and-fee problem to college presidents, it was reported by the Legislative Research Council that the state would need to increase funding by $15.7 million annually to reach the regional average for state higher-education funding.

If the state of South Dakota wants to stop the bleeding of enrollment, the Legislature  not college presidents  needs to find more money for higher education. Otherwise, fewer of our youth will get the chance to make their dream come true in their home state.
Hamilton Middle School students learned to take risks and "fall forward" this week as part of a self-esteem and team building training with the SUMMIT Leaders at Trapper Creek Job Corps.

The school offers two years of Advanced Leadership Training, and on Tuesday, two dozen members of the eighth grade Leadership Team participated in challenging ropes courses.

Kristi Rodriguez, a trip chaperone and the library media specialist, said the goal is to teach leadership skills that apply to school and all of life.

We want them to be role models and we try to set the bar high with our expectations, Rodriguez said. We expect them to use these skills they are getting in their classes with their behavior, attending school events, showing school spirit, and being part of Student Council.

In seventh grade, students are introduced to leadership, then challenged to develop intermediate leadership skills.

Gracie Hawkes is in eighth grade and HMS Student Council president.

This is our advanced group. We usually have quite a few kids who come, Hawkes said. It is improving our school spirit. Well carry it on to the high school next year and be role models for other kids.

Trapper Creek students in the Students United to Mentor, Model, Inspire, and Teach (SUMMIT) program work with the younger students. They have visited HMS and hosted them at their campus up the West Fork.

Its a great partnership, said Kaylie Beierle, another field-trip chaperone.

Evan Gimple, counselor with TCJC, said the goal for each ropes course challenge session was to teach students to "fail forward" by putting themselves into challenging situations where they push themselves and build confidence.

Our main thing is middle school students on leadership, but SUMMIT also does stuff with wildland fire fighters, hot shots, smoke jumpers, and a lot of local districts and community organizations like BEAR, Gimple said.

The first challenge was the low ropes course, where students had to walk along a wire strung between four trees. They had to work as a team, develop strategies and trust each other for balance and ideas. After each challenge on the low ropes course, SUMMIT staff would debrief the students asking if they failed, what they did to fix the problem and how they moved on to success.

Students responded with comments that reflected team building  trusting each other, increasing communication, listening to everyones ideas, trying all ideas, and working together.

After building team confidence and trust, the students moved to the high rope course in the tree tops and worked on individual self-esteem.

These are the things we hope for the kids to get out of this program, Rodriguez said. They arHMSe having fun, while gaining confidence in themselves and learning to push themselves into doing things they didn't think they could.
Amazon HQ2

Amazon announced in early September that it aims to open a second North American headquarters, to complement its existing campus in downtown Seattle. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos said the new space will be "a full equal" to the company's current, 33-building home.

(Elaine Thompson/AP Photo)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The hype just keeps growing.

With less than two weeks left before the Oct. 19 deadline for proposals to accommodate Amazon's second headquarters - a project that could grow, over 10 to 15 years, to a $5 billion investment supporting 50,000 jobs - cities are scrambling. Cleveland, which hasn't made the cut on many pundits' lists of top contenders, has kept fairly quiet. Other communities are showing off.

A Georgia town recently offered to slice off 345 acres to create a new, eponymous city for the Seattle-based business. "There are several major U.S. cities that want Amazon, but none has the branding opportunity we are now offering this visionary company," Mayor Jason Lary of Stonecrest, 20 miles east of Atlanta, said in a statement posted on the town's website.

In another attention-getting stunt, an economic-development group in Tucson, Arizona, loaded a 21-foot cactus onto a flat-bed truck as an offering to Amazon Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos. On Twitter, the company expressed appreciation but said it couldn't accept gifts - "even really cool ones." Amazon donated the spiny plant to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

News reports indicate that more than 100 cities have jumped into the fray.

That's a curious statistic, since only 50 or so U.S. metropolitan areas are populous enough to meet Amazon's basic requirements. And each day brings a new ranking of the places best positioned to win the prize - based on data, in some cases, and fuzzier stuff, in others.

Prognosticators for The New York Times placed an early bet on Denver. With Canada in the hunt, too, Toronto keeps popping up. Based on tech talent, Boston, Atlanta, Austin, Raleigh, Dallas, New York and Washington, D.C., get high marks, reinforced by a recent labor-market report from the CBRE Group, Inc., real estate brokerage.

Cleveland did get a shout-out - and an 11th-place ranking - in an analysis published last week by Anderson Economic Group, a consulting and research firm based in East Lansing, Michigan. In a follow-up post on the firm's website, founder Patrick Anderson highlighted Cleveland as one of a handful of mid-sized cities that "could emerge from the pack if they have a solid proposal."

Amid all the bluster, though, it's tough to believe that anyone actually knows what the company is thinking.

Data helps - but only to a point - since Amazon's request for proposals leaves room for creativity. And the company's solicitation factors in some things that are tough to measure, such as quality of life, and others, including public financial incentives, that nobody's going to discuss before the pitches are due.

It's unlikely that any city, at the outset, can meet all of Amazon's needs. Nevertheless, here's a look how Cleveland stacks up against the competition, based on some of the notable criteria that Amazon appears to be weighing.
RASUWA: Containers and trucks have started heading towards Kerung in Tibet Autonomous Region of China from the Rasuwagadhi transit point with the conclusion of the Dashain holiday period.

As many as 368 trucks left for Kerung while 105 are in the process for heading towards the Chinese trading town from the Nepal-China Friendship Bridge since the conclusion of the Dashain festival holidays, said Prakash Wagle, Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Armed Police Force Border Security Company.

It has been learned that a long line of trucks and containers are waiting for their turn due to the narrow road leading towards Kerung.

Items including apples, ready made clothes, childrens toys, electric goods, roll cloth, footwear, thermos, cookers among other are imported from Kerung, according to the Customs Office in Timure, Rasuwa.RSS
Glovich joins bank

Amy Glovich has been hired as a vice president of internal audit and compliance at First Western Bank & Trust, Bismarck.

A Bismarck-Mandan native, she earned an associates degree from Bismarck State College and a bachelors degree in business administration from the University of Mary.

She has more than 19 years of experience in the financial industry.

Richard with Securian

Steven Richard has been named a representative with Securian Financial Advisors of N.D. Inc. in Mandan.

Richard graduated from Dickinson State University, was employed as an accountant for nine years and became a certified public accountant in 2010.

Two promoted

Tim Karsky and Deb Eiseman have been promoted at Choice Financial.

Karsky is now managing director of business development.

He joined Choice as Bismarck market president in 2014 and is a past commissioner of the state Department of Financial Institutions.

Karsky is chairman of the Independent Community Banks of North Dakota and serves on the board of trustees at the Graduate School of Banking in Colorado.

Eiseman was promoted to president for the Bismarck market.

Eiseman joined the bank as senior vice president/business banking officer in 2014. She graduated from the University of Mary with a bachelors degree in accounting and has more than 25 years of experience in commercial banking.

Wald achieves

David Wald has been named Securian Financial Advisors of N.D. Inc.s adviser of the month for September based on production and client service. Wald is located in Mandan.
Guwahati : While people of Assam and several political, non-political organizations of the state have strongly opposed against centre's move to create Greater Nagalim by acceding about 66,000 hectares land of the state, the crucial issue was discussed during a meeting of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Assam unit on Saturday.

A top source of state BJP unit said that, the proposed Nagalim issue was discussed in the meeting of office bearers of the Assam BJP held at the state office of the saffron party.

'Before finalized the settlement with NSCN-IM, centre asked the state government for any queries about the issue. We will not do anything against the people of Assam and the state,'A the top source said.

'While the centre yet to clear about the issue, the Assam BJP has urged the centre to clear the issue in greater interest of Assam and the state unit will send a formal letter to the centre soon,'A the top source said.

But he denied to disclose any more information about the issue.

Meanwhile, Nagaland CM TR Zeliang said that, the much awaited final settlement of the decades long conflict with the NSCN-IM and the Union government would likely to conclude by last part of this year or first part of next year.

'Before the settlement, the centre will discuss with the state government of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur,'A the Nagaland CM said.

Earlier, the framework agreement was signed between the Union government and the NSCN-IM in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, NSCN-IM General Secretary TH.Muivah in New Delhi on August 3, 2015.

Recently the NSCN-IM said that, the top priority agenda of the organisation is the integration of the Naga inhabited areas in the NE states of India particularly the areas of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

On the other hand, Assam BJP has warned its MP Ram Prasad Sarma for don't make any statement against any person without any proof.

The BJP MP of Tezpur constituency had recently said that, Assam irrigation minister Ranjit Dutta was in the habit of taking 10 percent commission to provide contracts of different schemes in his department.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Guwahati : Saying that the state government would protect the interest of indigenous people of the state at all costs, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday assured representatives of various organisations of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council areas of all taking steps to allay their fears of being alienated in their own land in view of the passage of State Capital Region Bill at Assam Legislative Assembly.

He said this in a meeting held at CM's conference room with members of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council and various other organisation leaders of the area at Janata Bhawan.

Chief Executive Member of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council Tankeswar Rabha expressed concerns that State Capital Region would override the land rights of tribal people living at the fringes of the Guwahati city which would be covered by State Capital Region.

Rabha also said that land acquisition in tribal belt areas for expanding the capital would violate the rules of acquiring land in tribal belts and it would make the indigenous people lose the right of land.

He said that even after keeping the provision for taking prior permission of the Council in Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council Act of 1995 for selling, leasing or for doing agreement on land within the area under its purview, lands have been purchased and sold without intimating the Council.

Tankeswar Rabha called for stricter implementation of rules in the Council areas and other tribal belts of the state.

He expressed concern that same would happen after formation of State Capital Region and tribal people would lose their rights over their lands.

Responding to this, the Assam CM assured of taking all steps to protect the land rights and he urged the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council organisations to submit their complaints in written form to the government which would be taken up by the Revenue Department.

Sonowal also assured that necessary amendments would be done in the State Capital Region Bill to allay all apprehensions of indigenous people and safeguard their interests.

The Assam CM also urged the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council organisations to take advantage of being situated near Guwahati and being covered by State Capital Region to usher in a period of rapid development in these areas.

The formation of State Capital Region would bring benefits to all sections of people living in these areas and tribal belts would be developed keeping their cultural and social heritage intact, Sonowal said.

Legal Adviser to the Chief Minister Shantanu Bharali, Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue Department MGVK Bhanu, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjay Lohia, Commissioner and Secretary of WPT and BC Prafulla Kumar Hazoary were also present among others in the meeting.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Kathmandu, Nepal: The Supreme Court (SC) has on Sunday issued an interim order in the name of the government not to implement its decision to sack Gopal Bahadur Khadka from the post of Managing Director of the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC).

A single bench of Justice at the apex court of the country Purushotam Bhandari issued the interim order asking the government not to implement its decision to remove him from NOCs top post.

The government had sacked Khadka from his post on the alleged charge of involvement in irregularities while purchasing lands in different districts to set up storage facilities.

Challenging the governments decision, Khadaka had moved the SC demanding his reinstatement claiming that the Cabinet decision to sack him was illegal and inappropriate.

As the media reports were poured over the issue of financial irregularities, the parliamentary committees had also formed separate committees to investigate over the issue. Separate committees had also instructed the government to take action against Khadak with the concussion that financial irregularities were occurred while purchasing the lands.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has also been holding investigation over the issue.
The Print, 3 October, 2017

The teaching of a selective history cant be unlearned within a generation, writes Ammar Rashid

Pakistan shows that the disfigurement of our collective history to create exclusionary imagined communities can leave a bloody imprint for generations.

If last weekas somewhat embarrassing-to-watch India-Pakistan spat at the UNGA showed us anything, it is that the two states will go to any lengths, however petty, to present themselves to the world as the polar opposite of the other. Yet increasingly there seems to be much more in our respective societies that unites us, even if in rather depressing ways.

The dismal parallels were illustrated in a recent spate of news stories about the revision of historical material in Indian textbooks to remove references to the three-centuries-long Mughal period. A minister in Uttar Pradesh said it was done because athe Mughals were not our ancestors but looters and plunderersa and that attempts would now be made to re-centre Hindu leaders such as Maharana Pratap and Shivaji in history books.

As someone who has studied, taught and researched in the Pakistani education system, such attempts at erasing history along religious lines in the name of areforminga the educational curriculum sound all too familiar. Similar changes wrought by one unelected dictator a the odious Zia-ul-Haq a to shore up his legitimacy in the name of Islam over three decades ago continue to haunt Pakistan.

Privileging the dominant religious identity in Pakistani history did not begin with Zia; Pakistan has long been uncomfortable with its non-Muslim past. The very idea of the country, it has been argued, was rooted in the tortuous relocation of a societyas primary locus of identity to a point external to its territory and divorced from its indigenous religio-cultural traditions. The project of shaping a new national identity distinct from that of the neighbour was initiated soon after independence.

Yet, the sense of shared history and culture remained nonetheless. Children were still taught pre-Islamic South Asian history, including Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms like the Mauryas, Guptas and Kushans, while one could even find words of criticism for the excesses of medieval Muslim rulers. Gandhi was revered in early Pakistani historical narratives for his message of non-violence and protection of Indiaas Muslim minorities.

The 1971 war and the loss of East Pakistan led to the beginnings of more majoritarian state narratives. Under Zia that exorcism of a non-Muslim Indian identity from the Pakistani historical imagination truly took shape. As he pushed through far-reaching changes in multiple Pakistani institutions to solidify his illegitimate rule, he also sought to re-orient the education system around the fictional concept of the aIdeology of Pakistana, a term first coined by the Jamaat-e-Islami in 1962 as an attempt to reimagine the historical rationale for Pakistan as a theocracy rather than Jinnahas vision of a relatively secular society.

All Pakistani history hence became exclusively Islamic history. Military commanders from far-away lands were glorified, and indigenous examples of syncretism and the pre-Islamic past minimised or wiped away.

Hindus in particular became an object of textual vilification as the perpetually malicious and conniving aothera, forever conspiring against the subcontinentas Muslims, with all traces of historical co-existence wiped from memory. So profound was the curricular insistence on defining national identity in antagonistic opposition to the ascheming Hindua that the excesses of colonialism too became relegated to a position of diminished importance, almost as if we had gained independence in 1947 not from the British, but from Hindu India. To date, little is taught in Pakistani schools about colonial structures and processes of exploitation or the social and religious divides they engineered, lest students figure out how contingent and artificial the communal lines which formed the basis for Partition were.

The consequences of Ziaas erasure and rewriting of history went far beyond the academic sphere; an entire generationas political and religious subjectivity was transformed. Ideas about collective identity in a diverse society became reduced to an unthinking, reflexive affinity with an antagonistic, militaristic and puritanical idea of Islam. This ahistorical, exclusionary subjectivity became the ideological terrain in which jihadist groups fostered by the deep state found a fertile space to root themselves.

As Pakistan reels from the violence unleashed by them, many have tried to counter the ideological rot through half-baked efforts at counter-reform and the attempted recuperation of indigenous historical identities. Unfortunately, deeply-held dogmas absorbed over generations are not unlearned overnight.

Many Indians might understandably say athat could never happen herea . India is a far more religiously and ethnically diverse polity, with more deeply-rooted traditions of democracy and secular co-existence (even if punctuated by periodic majoritarian violence). Yet similar arguments have been made for the worldas oldest democracy and still, a dangerously volatile demagogue sits in the White House today.

Already in India, the rapid electoral march of the Sangh Parivar and the grisly communal violence that has accompanied its victories have demonstrated how quickly old political certainties can collapse.

From the outside, it seems alarmingly clear there has been a discernible shift in the Indian collective consciousness; the foundations of the secular-socialist republic appear clearly under threat from the organised march of a much more belligerent, majoritarian and authoritarian idea of Indiaas future.

The revision of history textbooks may appear trivial amid our current global predicaments. But in the long run, the disfigurement of our collective history to create exclusionary imagined communities can leave a far greater and bloodier imprint for generations.

The writer is a teacher, Left wing political worker and columnist at Daily Times in Islamabad. Twitter @ammarrashidt
NEW TRADE UNION INITIATIVE - October 04, 2017

B-137, First Floor, Dayanand Colony | Lajpat Nagar - IV | New Delhi - 110024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his visit to Myanmar from 5-7 September 2017 assured Indiaas support to the government of Myanmar despite the continuing government and army driven ethnic cleansing of the Rohingyas, the majority of whom are Muslims. The Government of India has also labelled the 40,000 Rohingyas as illegal immigrants in India calling them a threat to national security and hence to be deported.

The Attack on Rohingyas in Myanmar

Following weeks of silence on the issue of ethnic cleansing of Rohingyas in the State of Rakhine, Myanmaras ademocratic rightsa crusader, nobel peace prize winner and State Counsellor (de facto Prime Minister) Aung Sang Suu Kyi in her first national address on the recent crisis, said there had been no clashes or clearance operations in the western coastal state since 5 September and that that all refugees would be allowed to return after a averification processa. More than 1,000,000 Rohingyas have been forced to flee and have become stateless since 2012, their villages have been razed to the ground by the Myanmar army, their settlements burnt, and women raped and denied access to even humanitarian aid. Nearly all Rohingyas live in Myanmaras western coastal state of Rakhine.

Central to the chauvinistic and racist persecution of the Rohingyas is the 1982 Citizenship Law, which effectively denies citizenship to them by excluding them from the list of recognised anational racesa that would entitle them to full citizenship. This law requires every person to provide aconclusive evidencea that their ancestors settled in Myanmar (Burma) before independence in 1948. The government considers Rohingyas to be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh with official government statements referring to them as aBengalisa .

The transition from military rule to parliamentary democracy initiated in 2011, was followed by waves of cold blooded communal violence in 2012, forcing the 1.4 million Rohingyas into camps which they are forbidden to leave ostensibly so they can be given protection. Most Rohingyas held temporary citizenship documents, commonly known as awhite cardsa. Following these attacks, in December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution urging Myanmar to provide "full citizenship to its Rohingya Muslim minority and to allow them freedom of movement within the country and called upon the Myanmar government to address the root causes of violence and discrimination and to promote peaceful coexistence.

Responding to international pressure, on 10 February 2015, Myanmar parliament granted awhite carda holders the right to vote in the referendum on the countrys constitution. The President however revoked this right the very next day in response to protests, led by Buddhist monks, taking away even the temporary citizenship right of the Rohingyas. The only serving Rohingya MP in the bicameral parliament from 2011 to 2016 was first denied candidacy by Suu Kyias National League for Democracy (NLD) and then barred from contesting the election by the Election Commission in 2015, on the ground that his parents were not citizens of Myanmar, when NLD won an overwhelming majority, ending military rule.

Attack on Natural Resources

Apart from majoritarian politics, the beneficiaries from the attack on the Rohingyas are the corporations exploiting Myanmaras natural resources. From the 1990s onwards the Rohingyas have been displaced as a result of expropriation of land. The transition government gave sanctity to land grabbing by changing land acquisition laws in 2012 as part of economic policy aimed at attracting foreign investment.

With the discovery of massive natural gas and oil deposits, concentrated in the Rakhine state, in 2004 both China and India have sought to enter into drilling and purchase agreements with Myanmar. Estimates suggest that natural gas deposits in the Myanmar maritime zone equal nearly 25% of Indiaas reserves making this of strategic interest.

Since 2013, Indiaas leading private enterprises including Reliance and Essar gained entry along with already existing public sector ONGC and GAIL in offshore oil and gas blocks. Poor infrastructure in Myanmar and access barrier created by Bangladesh inhibited Indiaas capacity to pump the gas into India even though it has invested in a petrochemical complex, in the upgradation of the Sittwe port and set up an SEZ in the Rakhine state.

Hence as part of BJP Governmentas Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for the North-Eastern States, India is negotiating a plan to lay 6,900 km of gas pipelines from the Rakhine state to West Bengal and the North eastern states through Bangladesh. Myanmaras Rakhine state, if freed of its people, would make this expansion easier.

Indiaas Role

The statement issued jointly on behalf of Prime Minister Modi and State Counsellor Aung Sang Suu Kyi on 6 September 2017 aa condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed that the fight against terrorism should a (include) entities that encourage, support or finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, and falsely extol their virtues. Myanmar condemned the recent barbaric terror attacks during the Amarnath Yatra in India aIndia condemned the recent terrorist attacks in northern Rakhine State.... They called on the international community to end selective and partial approaches to combating terrorisma .

Both before and after Prime Minister Modias visit to Myanmar, India has welcomed chiefs of the Myanmaras Army and Navy. During these visits India has renewed its commitment to supply Myanmar defence equipment including for surveillance to combat Islamic terror.

The joint India-Myanmar statement makes the position amply clear that, both governments view all people of the Islamic faith, especially in the state of Kashmir in India and in the state of Rakhine in Myanmar, as terrorists and directly associated with terrorists groups or at the very least supporters of such groups. This is a clear instance of governments employing peoplesa religious identity to define their political choice and branding an entire people by such association.

The BJP government in New Delhi is determined to push India to its majoritarian understanding of Hindutva and drive divisions in the sub-continent against those of the Islamic faith. It presses this position through a chauvinistic politics alongside militarising both India and the sub-continent through its ainternal security doctrinea undermining democracy both at home and across South Asia.

The view of the BJP government is echoed in the annual Vijay Dashami address by Mohan Bhagwat, the Chief of the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh when he termed all Rohingya muslims as infiltrators chased away by Myanmar as people who engage in continuous, violent and criminal separatist activities and linkages with the terrorist groups. The BJP, the RSS and their cohort are seeking to advance the view that every person of the Islamic faith is a terrorist and every person who does not ascribe to the Sangh Parivaras view of majoritarian Hindutva is anti-national.

Singling out one community or people of a particular faith and branding all members as violent, criminal and terrorist is rooted in a majoritarian politics that view peoples as unequal and predetermined by their birth is both unscientific and undemocratic. All forces of equality, social justice, democracy and progress must stand up this simply divisive and reprehensible politics.

The NTUI calls upon the Government of India to:

Recognise that the attack on Rohingyas in the Rakhine State of Myanmar amounts to state led ethnic cleansing and therefore it must cease immediately,

Employ its diplomatic relations with the Government of Myanmar to bring the attack on Rohingyas to a halt, to take measures to ensure that the Rohingyas can safely return to their communities, to ensure that they receive immediate humanitarian relief and create conditions for "full citizenship to the Rohingya Muslim minority,

Place an arms embargo on Myanmar until such time as the forgoing are not dealt with,

Recognise the Rohingyas in India as refuges and have them registered as such with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and ensure that they are treated as such,

Convene a Myanmar-Bangladesh-Pakistan-China-India summit to deal with the humanitarian crisis of Rohingya refugees.

Gautam Mody

General Secretary, New Trade Union Initiative
Seguin, TX (78155)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later in the day. High 58F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. Low 41F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.
Peter Kurniali, a medical oncologist at Sanford Health and an assistant professor of medicine at University of North Dakota and Health Sciences, will give a free presentation on breast cancer treatment options.

Kurniali will discuss current options as well as what kinds of treatments will become available in the future. This presentation will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday in the UND building, 701 E. Rosser Ave., Bismarck.
An Uber driver and two passengers were hospitalized with injuries early Sunday following what authorities are calling a "targeted" shooting on the I-880 freeway in Oakland.

As the East Bay Times reports, the shooting took places at 4:15 a.m. in the southbound lanes of 880 near the 23rd Avenue offramp.

According to CHP Sgt. Robert Nacke, two "partygoers were on their way home in a Toyota Highlander when some[one] started shooting at them."

Parts of the freeway were shut down in the ensuing investigation, as ABC 7 tells us, though all lanes have since reopened.

All three victims, including the driver, were male, and it remains unclear why they may have been targeted. No suspects had been identified as of this morning, and the CHP is seeking tips and information at 707-551-4100.

KRON 4 reports that police do not believe the Uber driver was being targeted.

This was the third freeway shooting on 880 in the last two months, following two others that occurred in Hayward in August. At the time, ABC 7 noted that the Bay Area had crossed a disturbing threshold with the 100th freeway shooting in the region in just two years.
SIOUX CITY -- Aventure Staffing & Professional Services LLC has been awarded a Top Workplaces honor by The Des Moines Register for the second year in a row.

The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics LLC, a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including alignment, execution and connection, just to name a few.

Since its inception in 1983, Aventure Staffing has provided quality employment solutions to employers and job seekers in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota. Aventure Staffing offers a wide range of employment opportunities in industries such as: health care/medical, office, professional/executive level and industrial. Employment types available through Aventure Staffing include: temporary, temp-to-hire, contract, payroll and direct hire.
ORANGE CITY, Iowa  Northwestern College presented three of its alumni with awards recognizing their accomplishments and service during the colleges Raider Days Homecoming and Parents Weekend.

Stanley Bonnema of Waconia, Minnesota, received the Distinguished Professional Achievement Award for 201718; the Rev. John Paul (JP) Sundararajan of Holland, Michigan, the Distinguished Service to Humankind Award; and Marilyn (Docter) Van Engelenhoven of Orange City, the Distinguished Service to Northwestern Award.

Bonnema attended Northwestern from 1963 to 1965 before transferring to the University of Minnesota and earning a bachelors degree in microbiology in 1969.

A native of Bangalore, India, Sundararajan graduated from Northwestern in 2000 with a bachelors degree in psychology. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Western Theological Seminary in 2003.

Van Engelenhoven graduated from Northwestern in 1965 with a bachelors degree in elementary education. She taught third grade and kindergarten prior to becoming a community leader and volunteer.
Noordewiers presentation described Northwesterns SEA-PHAGES (Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science) research course of study. To begin the two-semester sequence, students in microbiology obtained soil samples looking for new viruses. Students performed a variety of microbiology techniques to isolate those viruses, purify the viruses, and characterize them using DNA isolation, restriction digestion and electron microscopy. The electron microscopy was done at the Central Microscopy Research Facility at the University of Iowa and was funded by a Better Futures for Iowans grant from the university.
STORM LAKE, Iowa -- Casey Orth Nebitt, operating room director at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center, has received the Emerging Leader Award from the OR Manager.

The OR Manager is a national publication that provides critical information, analysis, and best practices for management of the surgical suite, including patient safety, operating room efficiency, sterilization and infection control, standards and regulations.

Orth Nebitt grew up in Storm Lake and choose the career of nursing after attending a high school career day. She started her nursing career in 2006 in Virginia and then Mercy Hospital in Sioux City. In 2011, she came back to her hometown of Storm Lake and started at BVRMC, later becoming the director of the OR in 2015.

Orth Nebitt has led many changes during her time at BVRMC. She redesigned the arrangement of items in the operating rooms to make all tools within arms reach of the OR team, making sure to receive lots of input from surgeons and staff. BVRMC also became the first in the state of Iowa to have 4K imaging technology for the highest definition resolution on surgery screens.
Richard "Dick" and Anne (Mallett) Krone, of Sioux City, will celebrate their 67th wedding anniversary on Oct. 14.

Cards may be sent to 908 N. Cecelia St., Sioux City, IA 51105.

Their children are Rick W. Krone of Sioux City, and Sharon R. (Mike) Irish of Sioux City. They have five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Dick is a retired cost analysis for Tower Industries and Anne is a retired homemaker.
SIOUX CITY | Owners of Siouxland gun shops expect a run on bump stocks, a little-known gun accessory now associated with the largest mass shooting in U.S. history.

Created with the idea of making it easier for people with disabilities to fire a weapon, the plastic or metal attachment allows a semi-automatic rifle to mimic a fully automatic weapon by unleashing an entire large magazine in mere seconds.

A dozen guns found in Stephan Paddock's Las Vegas hotel room were fitted with bump stocks, according to a special agent for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. The discovery helped explain how witnesses at an outdoor country music concert on the Vegas Strip Sunday night heard what sounded like automatic-weapons fire raining down on the crowd from a nearby casino high-rise. Paddock shot and killed 58 people and wounded hundreds of others before turning a gun on himself, just moments before a SWAT team stormed into his hotel room.

Owners of Siouxland gun shops say they've seen sales of firearms or specific accessories escalate after high-profile shootings as calls grow louder for tighter gun regulations. That happened again last week after investigators publicly released details of the shooting in Nevada.

"You can't get any right now," Paul Barrett, owner of Shooter's Paradise at 904 Morningside Ave. in Sioux City, said of bump stocks. "After what happened and what (the shooter) had, every time something like this happens, people want what they think is going to be cut out or taken away from."

Chase Cejka, co-owner of American Brothers in Arms, said his store at 4108 Morningside Ave. typically sells 10 to 15 bump stocks a year. The price for the devices, which typically runs around $150, jumped to more than twice that last week to as much as $500. The increase came amid growing signs the federal government may regulate or even ban the controversial attachments.

The National Rifle Association, which typically opposes measures it sees as weakening or violating the 2nd Amendment, has called on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives "to immediately review whether these devices comply with federal law. In a statement Friday, the nations largest gun rights group said it believes that devices should be subject to additional regulations."

Moments afterwards, White House, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders praised the announcement. House Speaker Paul Ryan added his support, as have other top Republicans. Democratic members of Congress have called for an outright ban on bump stocks, along with a number of other gun control initiatives.

Cejka said he was a little surprised the NRA came forward after the federal government gave its seal of approval to bump stocks in 2010, concluding they were an accessory rather than a firearm subject to ATF regulations.

ATF wasnt worried about it then, so I would be hard-pressed to think anything will come of this, he said. Are they going to review it again? Yeah, probably. I mean what does it take to send a couple agents down to read our rules again and see if they stand the same. Thats what I think is going to happen. They are going to look at it and say it is exactly the same law. In my mind, to deem this a machine gun, you will have to rewrite the laws of machine guns and what it says ...

A fully automatic firearm, commonly known as a machine gun, is extremely difficult to buy. A 1986 federal law prohibits civilians from possessing newly made machine guns. Those made before 1986 are allowed, but they can cost $20,000 on the private market, and requires special permission from the Treasury Department, a process that includes an FBI background check and approval from the buyer's local police department.

While critics say bump stocks offer a cheap and simple alternative to a fully automatic weapon without the hassle of a rigorous background check and other restrictions, Cejka said the attachment is designed to make a gun more inaccurate and more prone to jamming.

The device replaces a gun's stock and pistol grip, allowing a user to fire more than once per trigger pull, as the gun bucks back and forth, repeatedly "bumping" the trigger against the shooter's finger.

Cejka said he considers a bump stock a "novelty item" that can fit onto any AR-15 or AK-47 rifles.

"This is just a piece of plastic that goes on a gun," he said. The AR consumer, for the most part, just buys one to shoot it for recreation."

While the cost of the device itself is somewhat inexpensive, a gun fitted with a bump stock can be expensive to use. The attachment enables a rifle to fire 400 to 800 rounds per minute. At roughly 32 cents per round, that is $128 to $256 per minute in ammunition, according to firearms experts.

Some experts also point out that some gun ranges, including the one at the NRAs own headquarters, ban semi-automatic weapons with bump stocks due to safety concerns.

Its unclear how many bump stocks have been sold nationally. Listings for the devices had been seen on websites for Walmart and Cabelas, two of the nations largest gun retailers, the Associated Press reported. But those listings were no longer on either companys website on Wednesday. Walmart said in a statement that it pulled the devices after determining they violated a prohibited items policy and never should have been offered for sale. Cabelas did not return messages to the AP seeking comment.

Some local gun shop owners pointed out that banning bump stocks would not bring an end to mass casualties happening in the future.

They are a piece of equipment. They don't kill people. Crazy people kill people," said Bob Farmer, owner of The Shooting Shop in Anthon, Iowa. "Whether you are going to use a bomb or run a car through a crowd of people; there's no sense to any of it. Unfortunately, the gun industry takes the brunt of it every time."
SIOUX CENTER, Iowa | The pitch Sioux Center leaders make for improvements to U.S. Highway 75 passing through the city's business district remains constant.

Improvements are needed to the city's main thoroughfare, they say, to ensure safety for pedestrians and motorists and ease congestion caused by ever-increasing traffic.

City leaders have voiced those concerns for several years, and they'll once again appeal to the Iowa Transportation Commission during its Tuesday meeting in Fort Madison to have a proposed $29 million U.S. 75 improvement project placed in the state's five-year highway construction plan. The city would kick in $9.5 million of the project costs.

"It's kind of an annual process," city manager Scott Wynja said. "We certainly see that as a large request, but we see it as uncommon that a city is willing to put that much of a stake into a request."

The city has worked with the Iowa Department of Transportation's District 3 office in Sioux City to develop a plan that would see the section of the highway that passes through the heart of the city expanded from its current alignment of one lane of traffic each way with a center left-turn lane to a four-lane highway with a center turn lane. Medians would be present in some areas to increase safety for pedestrians crossing the highway.

Wynja said a traffic safety improvement study completed in 2015 concluded that the highway would reach its designed traffic capacity of 14,000 vehicles per day in 2022 or 2023. The IDOT's 2015 traffic count showed a range of 10,200-12,900 vehicles per day within the downtown business corridor. With an estimated population of 7,501 continuing to rise and continued economic development in town, Wynja said the city hopes for an improved U.S. 75 to facilitate that growth.

"We're just trying to plan ahead. We want to be proactive rather than reactive," Wynja said.

The proposed improvements would help make traffic patterns in Sioux Center more consistent, said Dakin Schultz, IDOT District 3 traffic planner.

"Our main concern is the condition of the roadway through the community. The pavement condition is starting to show some needs," Schultz said. "The district's supportive of the project. We recognize the need."

Improving U.S. 75 through town has long been on Sioux Center's wish list. In 2012, the transportation commission added the project, then costing $6.7 million, to the five-year plan and earmarked $3.4 million for it.

The commission pulled it out of the five-year plan in 2013 when the Sioux Center City Council tabled the proposal after citizens raised concerns about the project and what they considered a lack of information provided to the public by the city.

In 2015, a $4 million bond issue to provide funding for highway improvements failed to gain the 60 percent "super majority" needed to pass, failing with 901 votes for it and 695 against it.

Now, citizens are more satisfied that the city has kept them abreast of details of the proposed improvements.

"The city has greatly improved their communication and communication style with the community," said Rachel Hoogeveen, chairwoman of Sioux Center Citizens for Responsible Growth. "This time around, I think they're being more transparent and up front with the property owners."

Hoogeveen said residents aren't giving in to the city, but they realize that some type of improvement project is probably inevitable.

"We know something has to change and it will happen sometime," Hoogeveen said. "Hopefully there's some room for some conversation about it."

Wynja said the city has been in contact with the 25 property owners who might lose parcels for the highway's expansion. How much additional right of way would be needed for the project is not yet known, because the city is waiting for a green light on the project before finalizing the design.

The city's share of funding would come from tax increment financing and state road use tax funds, Wynja said. This time around, a bond issue election is not in the plans.

Wynja said the city hopes that its financial contribution to the project, plus a willingness to have the construction spread over two years would make it attractive to the transportation commission, which approves a new five-year plan each year in June.
High-rise gunman kills 58, injures 500 in Las Vegas

At least 58 people were killed and about 500 injured late Sunday night in Las Vegas when a gunman opened fire on a music festival crowd from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, in what is now the deadliest shooting in modern U.S. history.

Investigators are looking into whether Stephen Paddock scoped out bigger music festivals in Las Vegas and Chicago  and perhaps Boston's Fenway Park  before setting up his perch in a casino hotel and raining deadly fire on country music fans.

Also, senior congressional Republicans said this week they are open to considering legislation banning "bump stocks" like Paddock apparently used to make semi-automatic rifles perform more like fully automatic weapons.

Trump tours Maria wreckage in Puerto Rico

Touring a small slice of Hurricane Maria's devastation, President Donald Trump congratulated Puerto Rico on Tuesday for escaping the higher death toll of "a real catastrophe like Katrina" and heaped praise on the relief efforts of his administration without mentioning the sharp criticism the federal response has drawn.

"Really nothing short of a miracle," he said of the recovery, an assessment at odds with the despair of many still struggling to find water and food outside the capital city in wide swaths of an island where only 5 percent of electricity customers have power back. The governor of Puerto Rico said late Tuesday that the official death toll has been increased to 34 from 16.

In the heart of San Juan, in fact, a few miles from the air base where Trump gave his thumbs-up report on progress, people stacked sewage-fouled clothes and mattresses outside houses and businesses lacking electricity nearly two weeks after the storm. "Nobody's come," said Ray Negron, 38, collecting debris in the Playita neighborhood.

Trump pledged an all-out effort to help the island while adding, somewhat lightly: "Now I hate to tell you, Puerto Rico, but you've thrown our budget a little out of whack because we've spent a lot of money on Puerto Rico. And that's fine. We've saved a lot of lives."

Tillerson denies he weighed resigning or called boss 'moron'

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson declared Wednesday he never considered resigning as President Donald Trump's top diplomat, disputing what he called "erroneous" reports that he wanted to step down earlier this year. After pointedly refusing to answer if he called the president a "moron," Tillerson had a spokeswoman deny he used such language.

Thrust into the spotlight under uncomfortable circumstances, the normally camera-shy Tillerson sought to rebut a widely disseminated NBC News story that claimed Vice President Mike Pence had to talk the former oil man out of resigning over the summer, and that Tillerson had questioned Trump's intelligence. The explosive claims followed several instances in which Trump and Tillerson's policy pronouncements have appeared to clash.

House passes GOP budget in key step for upcoming tax debate

The House on Thursday passed a $4.1 trillion budget plan that promises deep cuts to social programs while paving the way for Republicans to rewrite the tax code later this year.

The 2018 House GOP budget reprises a controversial plan to turn Medicare into a voucher-like program for future retirees as well as the party's efforts to repeal the "Obamacare" health law. Republicans controlling Congress have no plans to actually implement those cuts while they pursue their tax overhaul.

US orders 15 Cuban diplomats to leave

The United States expelled 15 of Cuba's diplomats Tuesday to protest its failure to protect Americans from unexplained attacks in Havana, plunging diplomatic ties between the countries to levels unseen in years.

Only days ago, the U.S. and Cuba maintained dozens of diplomats in newly re-opened embassies in Havana and Washington, powerful symbols of a warming relationship between longtime foes. Now both countries are poised to cut their embassies by more than half, as invisible, unexplained attacks threaten delicate relations between the Cold War rivals.

Facebook says estimated 10 million saw Russia-linked ads

Facebook says ads that ran on the company's social media platform and have been linked to a Russian internet agency were seen by an estimated 10 million people before and after the 2016 election.

The company turned 3,000 ads over to three congressional committees Monday as part of their investigations into Russian influence in the 2016 election. In a new company blog post, Facebook's Elliot Schrage said the ads appeared to focus on divisive social and political messages, including LGBT issues, immigration and gun rights. In many cases, the ads encouraged people to follow pages on those issues.

Fewer than half of the ads  which ran between 2015 and 2017  were seen before the election, with 56 percent of them seen after the election. Some of the ads were paid for in Russian currency.

Judge lets Trump's pardon of former Sheriff Arpaio stand

President Donald Trump's pardon of former Sheriff Joe Arpaio's conviction for disobeying a court order in an immigration case will stand after a judge on Wednesday rejected arguments that it would encourage government officials to flout similar judicial commands in the future.

U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton cited U.S. Supreme Court precedent in formally dismissing the criminal case against the former six-term sheriff of metro Phoenix known for his harsh treatment of inmates and immigration enforcement crackdowns.

4 Niger soldiers, 3 US commandos killed in attack in Niger

Four Nigerien soldiers and three U.S. army special operations commandos were killed and others were wounded in an attack by Islamic extremists on a joint patrol in Niger's southwest, officials said Thursday.

The attack Wednesday by Mali-based militants in Niger's Tillaberi region wounded eight Niger soldiers and two U.S. soldiers, according to a statement by Niger's Army Chief of Staff.

"A joint patrol of the Defense and Security Forces and American partners operating in the border area of Mali fell into an ambush set by terrorist elements aboard a dozen vehicles and about twenty motorcycles," the statement said. The deaths and injuries came "after intense fighting, during which elements of the joint force showed exemplary courage."

SCOTUS begins new term

Disputes over a wedding cake for a same-sex couple and partisan electoral maps top the Supreme Court's agenda in the first full term of the Trump presidency, which began Monday.

Conservatives will look for a boost from the newest justice, Neil Gorsuch, in a year that justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has said will be momentous.

Tom Petty, down-to-Earth rock superstar, dies at 66

Tom Petty, an old-fashioned rock superstar and everyman who drew upon the Byrds, the Beatles and other bands he worshipped as a boy and produced new classics such as "Free Fallin,'" "Refugee" and "American Girl," has died. He was 66.

Petty died Monday night at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles a day after he suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Malibu, California, spokeswoman Carla Sacks said.

Petty and his longtime band the Heartbreakers had recently completed a 40th-anniversary tour, one he hinted would be their last.

He was a beloved member of the rock community and musicians sent their condolences.

Rest in peace Tom Petty! Thank you for all your music!(Tom Petty en Bob Dylan playing Knocking On Heavens Door) pic.twitter.com/5pzoFDUEGf  Bob Dylan (@Bob41Dylan) October 2, 2017
Five years ago, when Beef Products, Inc. was in the throes of a catastrophic public relations crisis related to its primary product, lean finely textured beef, I wrote a column in The Journal supporting the Roth family and defending BPI. In that piece, I questioned why none of the national media had taken the occasion to report on any of the philanthropy engaged in by company founders Eldon and Regina Roth. Back then I wrote, With their apparently insatiable appetite for BPI of late, I hope the national media covers some of what they've overlooked about this company and its owners thus far.

A short time later, after reluctantly closing three of its four plants and being forced to lay off approximately 750 employees, BPI contemplated litigation as a response to what it viewed as slandering of its remarkably successful business. Although countless legal scholars warned that they would never prevail in a lawsuit and that BPI would waste tens of millions of dollars on attorneys fees and legal costs in the process, the South Dakota farm kid (who barely graduated from high school) decided to ignore the experts and press forward with a lawsuit against one of the largest media conglomerates in the world. Truly a modern-day David versus Goliath.

Some declared BPIs effort a fools errand. Professors pontificated on how high a bar the law had established for plaintiffs to prevail in a defamation case. Others surmised that Disney, parent company of ABC News, would simply crush BPI with exorbitant legal expenses and force BPI to spend until they had no choice but to surrender. Despite the many naysayers, staggering costs, and overwhelming odds, Eldon and Regina Roth decided to fight on.

A full five and a half extremely stressful years later, after enduring an unimaginable roller-coaster ride through our countrys complex legal system, the Roth family and BPI confirmed they had settled their lawsuit against ABC News for an undisclosed amount. Numerous media outlets reported that a Disney quarterly financial report divulged a $177 million litigation settlement. Other reports stated this amount only reflected a partial settlement figure and that the media giants insurance companies would have to contribute even more to the final settlement amount.

Whatever the case, BPIs attorney, Dan Webb, stated, We are extraordinarily pleased with this settlement. I believe we have totally vindicated the product." The website of Webbs Chicago-based law firm boasts that its efforts helped achieve a settlement for BPI that has been widely reported as the largest and one of the most significant defamation cases in U.S. history.

Not bad for a couple of supposedly overmatched underdogs from flyover country.

After the settlement had been announced, BPI released a statement that read, "This agreement provides us with a strong foundation on which to grow the business, while allowing us to remain focused on achieving the vision of the Roth and BPI family."

While BPI now plans to focus its re-energized efforts on continued growth, we recently learned that the company has identified some unfinished business it still wishes to address. Recognizing that hundreds of its valued employees lost their jobs as a result of the media attacks on their company, one of BPIs first post-legal-settlement actions was to establish a $10 million fund to assist former workers who suffered financial hardship. Said BPI founder Eldon Roth, "We remain committed to our employees and communities and so are dedicating $10 million to benefit the employees who lost their jobs in 2012."

Half a decade after the company was devastated, BPI and the Roth family have established a multi-million-dollar fund to help the people who were hit the hardest by the misguided media reports that turned their own lives upside down back in March 2012.

While such corporate benevolence is certainly rare, if not unprecedented, it should surprise no one that the national media instigators who lost big in southeast South Dakota this summer still couldnt quite muster the stomach to say something favorable about BPI and the extraordinarily generous $10 million fund its founders established to help the folks who need it most.

Chris McGowan is president of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce.
Every time a mass shooting happens it never fails to amaze me how shamefully the media, both on air and in print, reports on the incident. They seem to report with great anticipation and glee as the casualty count rises and "records" are broken. The front-page and on-air lead story offers a "scorecard" of current and all previous tragedies and how long those "records" stood and speculate on how long this one in Vegas will stand.

Although I expect this demagoguery from the leftist politicians, let me remind the media that murder and maiming innocent people is not an accomplishment or a spectator sport. Let me also remind the media that they have the responsibility to unemotionally report facts. Of course, this does not suit the hidden agenda.

Lastly, let me remind the media that the greatest mass murders in human history were dealt by the hand of governments against an unarmed populace.

Shame on you. Dispense with the scorecards and speculation as it only encourages these evil people. - Edward Ferris, Sioux City
For example, Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley recently admitted the proposed Senate bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act was a bad bill, given that millions of Americans would be going under the bus with no health care, but he was going to vote for it anyway because it was a GOP bill. - Jerry J. Kobs, Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme  La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza.



Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres.




New York (UN), Oct 8, 2017 (SPS) - Dr. Wouter H. Zaayman, Counsellor (Political) of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of South Africa has called for the exercise of the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and independence in accordance with the General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV), in a statement to the United Nations for the Special Committee on Decolonisation.

It is a matter of serious concern that Western Sahara remains an outstanding self-determination matter on the African Continent. The General Assembly has consistently recognized the inalienable rights of the Sahrawi people's self-determination and independence, and called for the exercise of that right in accordance with the General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV) containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, he said.

The people of Western Sahara have been waiting for decades to exercise their right to self-determination and also to enjoy their freedoms as other nations around the world do. To think that there are people who were born in the camps and who are over 40 years, who have never tasted any freedom is a strong indictment on the international community.

It is encouraging that the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Antonio Guterres, in August 2017 launched the negotiations process between the parties to the conflict in Western Sahara with a new dynamic and a new spirit with the appointment of Mr Horst Kohler, former President of Germany, as his Personal Envoy for Western Sahara succeeding Ambassador Christopher Ross. We take this time to thank Mr Ross for his commitment and tireless efforts to find a solution to the situation in Western Sahara. It is our hope that the new Secretary-General's Special Envoy will receive all the support he requires, in order to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution that fully respects the inalienable right of the people of Western Sahara to exercise their right to self-determination.

For its part, the African Union (AU) has remain strongly committed to the decolonization of Western Sahara, through the appointment of former President Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique as Special Envoy for Western Sahara in June 2014 and the adoption by the AU Assembly of a decision in June 2015, calling on the UN General Assembly to determine a date for the holding of the referendum for the self-determination for the people of Western Sahara, concluded Dr. Wouter H. Zaayman, Counsellor (Political) of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of South Africa in his statement to the United Nations for the Special Committee on Decolonisation. (SPS)

062/SPS
Dispatched as the 5-1 fourth choice in the second heat after a strong runner-up performance behind International Moni in the first heat, Snowstorm Hanover ($13.60) proved a gutsy winner in the $420,000 final of the 125th Kentucky Futurity on Sunday afternoon (October 8) at the Red Mile, parrying a late bid from Devious Man after stalking a contested middle half.

International Moni, sent off as the 3-2 favourite after defeating Snowstorm Hanover in their division of the first heat, broke stride before the start in the final, thus changing the complexion of the race entirely at its outset. As such, Matt Kakaley was able to position Snowstorm Hanover near enough to a soft early pace to be within striking range late. The son of Muscle Hill sat in fourth behind Bills Man (Corey Callahan), who worked clear of Yes Mickey (Ake Svanstedt) through a :29 first quarter before yielding to that rival up the far side.

What The Hill (David Miller), after winning the second first-heat division, emerged from third to press Yes Mickey to a :55.2 middle half after being flushed out by Kakaley, who kept Snowstorm Hanover second-over behind the developing duel before swinging three-wide at head-stretch. Snowstorm Hanover swept to the fore over his flattening stablemate and the worn-down Yes Mickey in mid-stretch, but was headed at the sixteenth pole by Devious Man (Andy Miller), who circled four-wide from well astern. Snowstorm Hanover dug in to reclaim the lead in the final yards, beating Devious Man by a hard-fought head in 1:53.2. Lindy The Great (Tim Tetrick) escaped a blind switch in mid-stretch to save third, while What The Hill and Yes Mickey faded to fourth and fifth respectively.

For trainer Ron Burke, the Futurity win capped a memorable Lexington meet, which included Hannelore Hanovers record-breaking 1:49.2 mile on Saturday (October 7). His Burke Racing Stable shares ownership of Snowstorm Hanover, now an eight-time winner, with Frank Baldachino, Phil Collura, and the partnership of Mark Weaver and Mike Bruscemi.

I said to Matt after the first heat that he was the only one with trot finishing in the first two heats, so try to give him a trip, and Matt couldnt have done a better job to put him in the perfect spot, recounted Burke.

And on a day where sloppy going and a stalker-favouring track bias saw many favourites vanquished in the last yards, second-over was certainly the place to be.

"The end of the year last year, he was super," said Kakaley of the Futurity winner. "He's got it in him if he shows up, that's for sure."

International Moni Brushes, Holds Sway In First Futurity Elim

Following his decisive Bluegrass win last week, the Moni Maker Stables International Moni ($4.40) used a powerful middle move from fourth to seize command on the far turn and held off a late charge from longshot Snowstorm Hanover to capture the first $90,000 first-heat elimination of the 125th Kentucky Futurity in 1:53.4.

Scott Zeron, who sported his own blue and white colours on the rain-drenched afternoon in lieu of the Lindy Farms black with blue hoops, settled the son of Love You into fourth spot early after his mild leave attempt was eclipsed by Giveitgasandgo (Brett Miller), who swept to the fore from post 9 to control early fractions of :28.3 and :56.2. With nine-sixteenths to go, International Moni angled off the pegs to commence his bid, and he pushed clear of Giveitgasandgo with ease three-eighths from home. Long Tom (Tim Tetrick), who lost International Monis cover on the far turn, failed to sustain his bid, forcing Bills Man (Corey Callahan) three-wide off the home turn as International Money gained separation from Giveitgasandgo.

International Moni started to gain separation in upper stretch, but his lead quickly shrunk in the final sixteenth when Snowstorm Hanover (Matt Kakaley) was able to split foes in the fading second flight and dive to the inside to give chase for the runner-up spot. Bills Man reached third, while King On The Hill (Yannick Gingras) and Di Oggi (David Miller) completed the top five to advance to the $420,000 final.

Frank Antonacci trains International Moni, who earned the eighth win of his career.

What The Hill Lifts From Pocket In Second Elim

After early exertion through the first five-sixteenths of the mile to clear from the far outside, What The Hill ($14.60) had enough left to make a second move in mid-stretch to capture the second Kentucky Futurity elimination in 1:53.3.

With Sortie and Jake out of contention due to breaks before the start, What The Hill had a much easier time getting involved from post 8 while Enterprise (Brian Sears) made an early push from midfield to take the lead. What The Hill completed his push clear after a :28.4 first quarter, but gave way to Devious Man (Andy Miller), who made a middle move from third past a :57 half mile.

What The Hill gapped slightly midway on the far turn while Devious Man handled first-over pressure from mild favourite Dover Dan (Corey Callahan), but swelled up again at the eighth pole as Devious Man was urged to find more after cornering. What The Hill found room to angle out in mid-stretch as Dover Dan faded, and he lunged to reach the line first in the final strides. Lindy The Great (Scott Zeron) rallied from astern to take second over the three-wide Yes Mickey (Ake Svanstedt), while the engulfed Devious Man and Dover Dan completed the top five to advance to the final.

Ron Burke trains What The Hill, a son of Muscle Hill with nine career wins to his record, for the Burke Racing Stable, Our Horse Cents Stables, J&T Silva Stables, and Deo Volente Farms.

Ice Attraction Upsets In 52nd Kentucky Filly Futurity

With overwhelming favourite Ariana G having been pushed to the limit at the eighth pole, Ice Attraction ($61.40) and trainer-driver Ake Svanstedt were able to split foes and narrowly reach in a surprise victory in the $168,000 final of the 52nd Kentucky Filly Futurity.

Ice Attraction left between rivals to secure the pocket behind Treviso (Charlie Norris) through a :29 first quarter, but was relegated to third spot up the far side as Dream Together (Daniel Dube) brushed to the fore up the far side and was subsequently locked in when Ariana G (Yannick Gingras) began her first-over ascent from fourth at a :57.1 halfway stage.

Ariana G advanced to engage Dream Together midway on the far turn, and the two elimination winners dueled into defeatalbeit gamelythrough the last five-sixteenths of the mile. With both fillies fully extended reaching mid-stretch, Svanstedt located a seam in the three-path for Ice Attraction to bulldoze throughand they reached in the last moments of a 1:54.2 mile over sloppy going.

Ariana G remained a game second, while Dream Together finished third.

Svanstedt shares ownership of Ice Attractiona daughter of Muscle Hill with eight career wins to her creditwith Douglas Sipple, Mal and Janet Burroughs, and Jeff Gurals Little E, LLC.

Ariana G Strolls In First Filly Futurity Elim

Ariana G ($2.10) had plenty in reserve when she passed the winning post before five rivals in the first of two $36,000 first-heat eliminations of the 52nd Kentucky Filly Futurity, besting Highland Top Hill by 1-1/4 lengths in an under-wraps 1:54.4.

Yannick Gingras landed in the pocket with the daughter of Muscle Hill before brushing to overtake early pacesetter Highland Top Hill (David Miller) just beyond a soft :29.3 first quarter mile over a rain-saturated Red Mile track. After clearing with ease midway up the far side, Ariana G kept the pace easy through middle splits of :57.3 and 1:27 and easily turned aside a mild first-over bid from Sunshine Delight (Brett Miller), who emerged from third midway on the far turn, narrowly took second, and leveled off upon cornering for home.

Ariana G was well within herself to the line and was conserved smartly by Gingras after parrying her first-over foe. Highland Top Hill protected second by giving chase up the pegs, while Ice Attraction (Ake Svanstedt) lifted three-wide off stalled cover to take third. Sunshine Delight and Sianna Hanover (Dave Palone) were fourth and fifth respecitvely, and along with the aforementioned trio will advance to the $168,000 Filly Futurity final, carded as race eight.

Jimmy Takter trains 20-time winner Ariana G, a Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld homebred.

Dream Together Yields, Pounces In Second Filly Elim

After giving way to a middle-moving Thats All Moni after a :57.2 half, Dream Together ($7.20) found a clear inside lane in upper stretch en route to a 1:54 victory in the second Filly Futurity elimination.

Dream Together rebuffed two outside leavers upon entry to the first turn, but yielded to the pocket after early sectionals of :29 and :57.2 when Thats All Moni (Tim Tetrick) mounted a bold middle move up the far side and cleared just before reaching the far turn. Dream Baby Dream (Rod Allen), who chased the cover of Thats All Moni, pressed on after being left to face the breeze with three-eighths to go, and Dream Together comfortably stalked a :27.3 third-quarter duel before Daniel Dube pointed her to an inside lane in upper stretch. The daughter of Muscle Hill worked through at first asking to engulf dueling leaders and record a 1:54 victory, the seventh of her career. Thats All Moni narrowly held second over Treviso (Charlie Norris), who made late inroads up the inside lane as well. Cool Cates (David Miller) and Dream Baby Dream rounded out the top five.

Luc Blais trains Dream Together for the Determination group of Montreal.

Fear The Dragon, Mikes Z Tam Take Tattersalls Splits

Fear The Dragon ($4.40, David Miller) stormed down the centre of the track to take the second of two divisions of the $406,000 American Ideal Tattersalls Pace, sponsored by Brittany Stallion Management, in 1:51.2.

Positioned fifth, Fear The Dragon sat off a :28.1 quarter set by Art Scene (Scott Zeron) before flushing out cover from Blood Line (Mark MacDonald) prior to a :56.1 half. Filibuster Hanover, sitting the pocket, tipped out around the final turn and took over the front from Art Scene at three-quarters in 1:23.3.

Filibuster Hanover held command through the stretch. Macs Jackpot (Aaron Merriman) off a rail trip circumvented Art Scene as he faltered to rush into contention towards the rail, while Fear The Dragon gained ground widest of all, sprinting by late leader Macs Jackpot to earn his 17th career win. Filibuster Hanover, the 4-5 favourite, held third.

Brian Brown trains the son of Dragon Again for Emerald Highlands Farm.

Mikes Z Tam ($12.60) and trainer-driver Pat Lachance rallied down the center of the track to take the first division of the Tattersalls in 1:52.4.

Downbytheseaside (Brian Sears), the 3-5 favourite, circled by Ocean Colony (Mark MacDonald) to take the lead after a :29.2 opening quarter and progressed to a :57 half before being pressured by stablemate McThriller (David Miller) from first over into the turn. Off three-quarters in 1:25.1, Downbytheseaside began to drift off the rail, while Mikes Z Tam and Miso Fast fanned towards the centre of the track to reel in the pacesetter. Mikes Z Tam surged to the front within the final sixteenth, holding off Miso Fast in the final strides while Downbytheseaside chased in third.

Lachance co-owns Mikes Z Tam, a gelded son of Bettors Delight, with the Z Tam Stables, M&M Harness Racing, and the Royal Flush Stables.

Idyllic Beach Upsets In Glen Garnsey

Idyllic Beach ($22.80) sustained uncovered progress from mid-division through the final three-eighths of the $234,000 Glen Garnsey Memorial Tattersalls Pace for three-year-old fillies to upset at 10-1.

With even-money favourite Blazin Britches (Trace Tetrick) off stride and far behind at the start, Caviart Ally (Tim Tetrick) became the horse to beat as the 8-5 second choice. She pushed clear of Jayes A Lady (Andy Miller) at the completion of a :28.1 first quarter, and yielded to a middle-moving Tequila Monday (David Miller) at the halfway stage in :55.1. Just upon entering the far turn, Yannick Gingras angled Idyllic Beach first-over, and the pair sustained gradual gains through the entire turn. The daughter of Somebeachsomewhere was carried three-wide in mid-stretch as Caviart Ally angled from the pocket to give chase, but the extra ground failed to deter her en route to a 1:52.2 victory, the 12th of her career. Caviart Ally did save second over the tiring Tequila Monday, while Jayes A Lady stayed on for third. Blazin Britches rallied belatedly down the grandstand side to finish fourth after her early miscue.

Jimmy Takter trains Idyllic Beach for the partnership of Takter, Fielding, Brixton Medical, Inc., and Katz.

Nike Franco N Vaults Clear In Four Roses/Allerage

Nike Franco N ($10.00, Tim Tetrick) tracked cover and shot by pacesetter Blue Moon Stride to take the $105,000 Four Roses Allerage Mare Pace in 1:51.2.

Pure Country (Marc MacDonald) launched for the lead from post 10, but was parked out by Wrangler Magic (Louis-Philippe Roy) at the quarter in :28. Pure Country worked to the front into the backstretch, but quickly yielded for the pocket when Blue Moon Stride (David Miller) edged wide from fourth and rushed to the top after a :55 half.

Lady Shadow (Yannick Gingras), trying to track that move, advanced steadily uncovered around the far turn, carrying Nike Franco N into contention and about two lengths from the front as Lady Shadow battled with Blue Moon Stride at three-quarters in 1:22.4.

Blue Moon Stride was unyielding on the lead as Lady Shadow hanged to her outside, though Nike Franco N, fanning towards the centre of the track into the stretch, rallied by the pacesetter to win. Blue Moon Stride was second, and Lady Shadow finished third.

Winning her 27th race in 51 starts, Nike Franco N, a seven-year-old McArdle mare out of the Badlands Hanover mare Nearea Franco, races for owner Richard Poillucci and is trained by Jim King, Jr.

Emoticon Hanover A Determined Winner In Crawford/Allerage

A much-anticipated showdown between Emoticon Hanover and Pasithea Face S developed in the final eighth of the $67,000 Crawford Farms/Allerage Farms for distaff trotters, and Miss Versatility champion Emoticon Hanover ($4.80) narrowly reached to defeat her rival in the final stride of a 1:51.2 mile over sloppy going.

Daniel Dube put Emoticon Hanover in play from the outset, but the pair yielded to Pasithea Face S (Tim Tetrick) at the completion of the first eighth. The Dayton Trotting Derby winner controlled comfortable enough fractions of :28.3, :56.3, and 1:24.2, but Emoticon Hanover tracked intently from the pocket all the while before angling off the pegs to make her move a quarter from home.

While Pasithea Face S dug in to hold her ground in upper stretch, Emoticon Hanover mounted intensifying pressure through the final 150 yards and lunged to just reach by a scant nose in the final stride. Pasithea Face S was a game runner-up, while Charmed Life (Louis-Philippe Roy) was a one-paced third 2-1/4 lengths farther back, after fanning three-wide from third at head-stretch.

Luc Blais trains Emoticon Hanover, a four-year-old daughter of Kadabra and winner of 15 races in her career, for the Determination group.

(with files from Red Mile)
Man who was killed by BNSF train identified

NEW ROCKFORD -- A man who was killed in a train crash Thursday morning in Wells County has been identified.

David Irmen of Cathay, N.D., died at railroad tracks about 11 miles northwest of New Rockford after the 1999 Chevy pickup was struck by a BNSF Railway train, according to a news release from the North Dakota Highway Patrol. At 7:15 a.m. Thursday, the 61-year-old was northbound on 58th Avenue Northeast when he failed to yield to the train, officers said.

No one from BNSF was injured, according to the release.

New Rockford is about 40 miles southwest of Devils Lake.

Saturday standoff in Fargo ends peacefully

FARGO -- Police have peacefully resolved an early Saturday morning standoff in south Fargo prompted by a suicidal man with a gun.

Officers were called at about 5:20 a.m. to the 6600 block of 59th Ave. S., where the man was in a house with a child, Sgt. Travis Moser said. The man had access to guns and was armed, but he did not make any threats to the child, Moser said.

A special weapons and tactics team was called to the scene as officers negotiated with the man. Around 8:40 a.m., the man came out of the house peacefully, Moser said.

No charges are expected in the case, though the man will be given an evaluation, Moser said.

Robbery in Grand Forks prompts manhunt

GRAND FORKS  A man told police he was robbed early Friday at a Grand Forks apartment complex.

Officers responded at 5:15 a.m. to the complex, where a white suspect stole an undisclosed amount of cash from an apartment resident, according to a news release. The male victim said he was confronted in a stairwell.

The suspect indicated he had a weapon in his coat pocket and told the victim, I just want your money, according to the release. The victim gave some cash to the suspect, who then left.

No one was injured, police said.

-- Forum News Service
Norpac has scored two early wins in its fight against what it calls unfair competition from Canadian papermakers. Two federal agencies recently agreed to launch investigations into whether Canadian manufacturers are dumping cheap groundwood products in the U.S. market, undercutting paper prices for Norpac and other domestic manufacturers.

The Longview papermaker filed a petition in August with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission asking the government to impose antidumping and countervailing duties against Canadian papermakers.

The company alleges that Canadian papermakers benefit from 65 different government subsidies that add up to hundreds of millions of dollars. The federal and provincial subsidies include government grants, tax breaks, subsidized loans, raw materials at below-market costs and cheap subsidized electricity, according to Norpac.

This allows Canadian manufacturers to sell paper at prices 16 percent to 65 percent lower than what the paper would normally sell for, according to Norpac.

The International Trade Commission announced late last month it plans to investigate whether the U.S. paper industry is materially hurt by subsidized Canadian products.

Norpac CEO Craig Anneberg said Friday that the ITCs decision is an important first step for the U.S. groundwood paper industry, which has been the victim of Canadian unfair trade practices for too long.

Separately, the Department of Commerce will conduct a two-pronged investigation into the dumping charges to determine whether the U.S. should impose duties. Both investigations are expected to be complete by July 2018.

The United States is dedicated to free, fair and reciprocal trade with Canada, and guarantees that this case will be decided strictly on a full and fair assessment of the facts, said Secretary Wilbur Ross of the Department of Commerce, in a press release announcing the decision to investigate the matter.

The Trump administration is committed to enforcing Americas vital trade laws to ensure U.S. businesses and workers have a fair chance to compete, Ross added.

Norpac is struggling to stay profitable in the face of shrinking newsprint and paper markets, and is under pressure to cut costs from its new owners, One Rock Capital.

Earlier this year, mill workers took a 10 percent wage cut along with major reductions to retirement benefits. Later this month, Norpac will idle one of three paper machines, laying off as many as 50 employees in the process.The production cuts were framed as response to Canadian dumping.

To keep the company and domestic industry competitive in the face of dumped and subsidized imports from Canada, and most importantly to protect our employees and their families, Norpac will continue to use all the tools at its disposal under the U.S. trade law to level the playing field, Anneberg said.
A small but passionate band of pirates gathered Saturday in the grassy field between Skippers restaurant and Walmart in Longview to fire pistols and collect food for the Veterans of Foreign Wars food pantry.

The brisk morning was peppered with shouts of fire in the hole and sudden puffs of black powder drifting from pistols and cannons into the overcast skies.

About a dozen members of the ARRR Pirates group decked out in weathered coats, sashes and tricorn hats milled around while community members stopped by to drop off nonperishable goods in exchange for raffle tickets.

The third annual event was scheduled to fill the VFW pantry in time for the holiday season, long-time pirate Lisa Alexander said.

She added that within 20 minutes, the group had already stocked more food than they had at the end of the event last year.

The goal is to fill the back of my pickup, she said.

Alexander, who is currently running for Kelso City Council, said the event first began two years ago when she heard that the VFW pantry was empty.

My heart just broke, she said. (Veterans) have given everything for us to have freedom.  Veterans deserve our respect. And this is one way we can help them.

In addition to local residents, pirates traveled in from other parts of Washington to attend the event.

A Seattle pirate known as Sting Ray said he attends pirate fundraising events between the Canadian and California borders. Entertaining and supporting the community is all part of being a pirate, he said.

Most pirates do this for the warm fuzzy feeling, he said. You get to have fun and help people at the same time.

John Rose said he traveled from St. Helens, Oregon to support the VFW and have a fun day with attendees.

It takes the distractions of everyday life away from young people, Rose said. For a few hours they dont have to think about all the negativity out there.

As more canned beans, pasta sauce, ramen and rice were stacked in the donation tent, young children in their own pirate garb played with plastic swords.

Longview Mayor Don Jensen gestured to the modest gathering and smiled.

Its so great to have people enjoying themselves and kids laughing, Jensen said. If we could get more of that, the world would be a better place.

Many other community leaders attended the event, including Longview City Councilman Mike Wallin, Kelso City Councilman Larry Alexander, Longview council candidate Megan Richie and Kelso council candidate Jeffrey McAllister.

Two hours before the event ended at 6 p.m., Lisa Alexander estimated that they had received more than $100 in cash donations and about 700 pounds in donated food  enough to fill the back of her truck.

When theres a need (in our community), everyone steps up and helps, she said. This is what our community does well; They help others.

As the pirates prepared for another round of cannon fire, a World War II navy veteran added 12 jars of peanut butter to the pile.

Leonard Buddy Peppers said he wasnt a member of the VFW but he enjoys playing bingo there every Tuesday and wanted to support the organization.

The vets dont get enough done for them and theres a lot of hungry people, he said. Im glad to do anything I can.
Stolen Vehicle  Kelso police Friday arrested Anthony James Pastorino, 38, of Kelso on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle, second-degree driving with a suspended license, felony eluding, hit and run and a felony drug offense.

Theft, Resisting  Woodland police Friday arrested Nicholas Anthony Lopeman, 39, of Kelso on suspicion of theft, resisting arrest, making false statement and driving with a suspended license.

Theft, Drugs  Kelso police Friday arrested Nolan Taylor Tanzman, 19, of Vancouver on suspicion of third-degree theft and a felony drug offense.

Drugs  Longview police Friday arrested Kelsey Jo Curtis, 24, of Longview on suspicion of a felony drug possession.

Drugs  Longview police Friday arrested Joshua John Bessey, 34, of Woodland on suspicion of a felony drug possession.

Firearms, Drugs  Longview police Friday arrested Justin Trent Monaghan, 43, of Castle Rock on suspicion of felony possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, a felony drug offense and felony manufacturing and delivering drugs.

Dangerous Weapon  Longview police Friday arrested Christopher Andrew Collins, 28, of Kelso on suspicion of possession of a dangerous weapon and a felony drug offense.

Drugs  Woodland police Saturday arrested Austin Michael Shriner, 28, of Woodland on suspicion of third-degree driving with a suspended license and a felony drug offense.

Stolen Vehicle

 3100 block of Washington Way, Longview. Friday. 1998 Ford F-150. License C27601K.
With only about three weeks left before the start of triple-homicide suspect Brent Luysters trial, his defense team told the court Friday they are pushing forward.

The court still needs to address about a half-dozen motions in the coming weeks  the majority from the defense  and the prosecution has expressed concerns about discovery from the defenses expert witnesses.

The question lingers of whether both sides will be ready for trial.

From our perspective, we are going full speed ahead, and hopefully, we will be ready for trial on Oct. 30, defense attorney Chuck Buckley said.

Luysters aggravated murder trial is anticipated to last about a month in Clark County Superior Court. The 37-year-old is potentially facing a life sentence for allegedly fatally shooting three people and wounding a fourth at a Woodland home in July 2016.

For Fridays hearing, Luysters wrists and waist were unshackled, for the first time in court, per the judges previous order.

Breanne L.A. Leigh, who survived the shooting, audibly expressed outrage over Luysters unshackling. She questioned why he can be unshackled when he reportedly causes problems in the Clark County Jail.

Last month, Civil Deputy Prosecutor Jane Vetto, speaking on behalf of the sheriffs office, laid out all of Luysters bad behavior since hes been in custody, which has included wiping feces around his cell, flooding his cell and hiding contraband, she said.

Still, Judge Robert Lewis had ruled that Luyster can be unshackled in his courtroom for lengthier proceedings as long as he acts appropriately in court, which he has to date.

The purpose of Fridays hearing was for the court to check in on the status of the case and address the prosecutions motion related to discovery.

However, the defense raised a number of issues at the hearing: a motion to change venue due to inflammatory media coverage of Luyster, two motions to suppress evidence  including the search of a storage unit that reportedly yielded firearms paraphernalia  and another motion to prohibit his significant other and alleged co-defendant, Andrea Sibley, from testifying against him. The defense is asserting that Luyster and Sibley are married and have been since October 2013.

Deputy Prosecutor James Smith additionally asked for an in-chamber review of a suspicious letter Luyster attempted to send to a legal service that investigators say doesnt exist. The letter may be relevant to Luyster and Sibleys marriage, he said, which the prosecution believes is fraudulent.

Court records state that corrections deputies intercepted the letter Oct. 3 after Luyster told them it was legal mail and addressed it to Laughter Legal Services. But after looking into the address, detectives determined the business is fictional and the letter was actually being sent to the girlfriend of one of Luysters brothers.

Lewis agreed to review the letter as early as Monday and will determine if its contents will be released.

He declined to set a hard deadline for the defenses expert witnesses to get their reports to the prosecution.

All of the other motions will be addressed during a half-day hearing Oct. 19.
Re-elect Makinster

The most universal characteristic of public officials who make positive contributions to their communities is listening. Really listening. Listening to understand issues from all sides prior to landing on a position. I have known Chet Makinster for many years as one who brings genuine curiosity to his deliberations of policy issues that affect Longview. His thoughtful commitment to the health of the Greater Longview community and its citizens has been an asset to the city in the past,and I encourage the wise voters of Longview to continue investing in the citys future by re-electing Chet Makinster to the city council.

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Having had the opportunity to listen to Longview School Superintendent, Dr. Dan Zorn, at several recent presentations it is very apparent that this community is fortunate to have an educator with his commitment, energy and passion. Unfortunately, we must recognize that the environment that many of the school population come from is unhelpful to gaining the education that they will need to succeed in life. What they achieve, or fail to achieve, in K-12 will shape them and shape our community irrespective of whether their future after high school includes further education, an apprenticeship or a job. We need to show our support of our schools and educators and can do that by supporting the school bond that will be on the November ballot.
CHICAGO  As I type this column, I am exhausted from sleep deprivation  a pretty standard state of being for me. Despite a lifetime of boring, monkish routine and impeccable sleep habits, my circadian rhythm has always been syncopated rather than regular or in any kind of harmony.

Ive suffered from periodic bouts of insomnia for nearly all of my life. As a young child, I would cry myself to sleep at 2, 3 or 4 in the morning and then feel completely wrecked at school. It drove my teachers absolutely crazy that I was half-asleep and headachy most of the time.

This inability to sleep and subsequent inappropriate nodding off continued through college (this was back when professors felt empowered enough to call out a student who dared to doze off right there in the front row of a 1,000-seat lecture hall) and even later in professional settings, during meetings when everyone wanted to fall asleep, but I actually did.

And as I get older, a new dimension has been added  now not only do I have a hard time getting to sleep at night, but I also wake before dawn and struggle to get back to sleep. The days are then agonizing; there are headaches, burning skin, muscle and joint pain, odd fluctuations in hunger, and sensory sensitivities to be endured.

No, its not my thyroid, or narcolepsy. All the usual medical suspects have been ruled out time and again  I simply come from a long line of restless sleepers. Such medications as sleeping pills either dont work or give me nasty side effects. Meditation helps, but only to a point.

My best hope is for science to figure this all out in time for sleep deprivation to not finally get me with its increased chance of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and possibly even Alzheimers disease.

We only understand how the delicate cycles of sleep and wakefulness are related to physical and mental well-being because of years of research. Last week, three of the researchers behind some of these insights got an acknowledgment for unraveling a few of sleeps deepest mysteries.

Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young won the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their pioneering work in figuring out how the bodys sleep/wake rhythms regulate critical functions like sleep, hormone levels, blood pressure and body temperature.

Using fruit flies as a model organism, the trio of scientists isolated genes they dubbed period, timeless and doubletime that regulate the daily circadian rhythms. The researchers found that these genes encode a protein that accumulates in cells during sleep at night, which then degrades during the day. Subsequently, the researchers identified additional protein components of this machinery inside the cells. Eventually they found that these biological clocks function by the same principles in cells of other multicellular organisms, including humans.

This recognition of achievement in their field comes after three decades of their intimate study of the humble fruit fly, which yielded many of the facts about our bodies daily rhythms  like when we have the best coordination, the highest body temperature and the fastest reaction times  that so many breakthroughs in understanding the importance of sleep are based on.

When you think about it, the most stunning part is that these scientists dedicated their careers to something as elemental and mysterious as sleep.

I just thought it was a terrific problem and maybe the toughest thing I could try to tackle, Young told Adam Smith, the chief scientific officer of Nobel Media, because it was behavior; you know, what could we learn about a fairly complicated behavior that we all exhibit, which was most easily represented by sleep/wake cycles. And frankly I thought we might find out maybe a little bit. I never thought we would really understand what the motor behind this was, at the time. We were very lucky, we managed to find genes that fit together like puzzle pieces to explain how this thing worked.

The next frontier in sleep science is applying this knowledge about sleep rhythms to the quandaries of preventing obesity and mental health disorders and how to optimize everything from exercise to the uptake of vitamins and medications.

Selfishly, Im hoping that it wont take another 30 years to figure out how to get reluctant creatures of the night to slumber. But Im perfectly willing to wait for whatever scientific discoveries can make me sleep way better than I did when I was a baby.
WASHINGTON  Various cultures have different phrases for expressing the idea of having it both ways at once. To take a swim and not get wet is an Albanian proverb. Poles talk about having the cookie and eating it. Iranians want both God and the sugar dates.

The Trump administration has been weighing a contemporary geopolitical version of this straddle. Hard liners have been urging the president next week to decertify the Iran nuclear agreement but insist that he wants to strengthen the deal, not break it. The idea is enticing politically, certainly, but it has as much chance of working as (forgive me) washing your fur but not getting wet, as a German aphorism puts it.

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., a leading critic of the Iran deal, described this ambiguous diplomatic approach this week at the Council on Foreign Relations. I dont propose leaving the deal yet. I propose taking the steps necessary to obtain leverage to get a better deal. Cotton wants decertification, but no sanctions, so that the U.S. can ... what? Apparently, the idea is that American pressure will convince Iran to make unilateral concessions that it refused during the 13 years the deal was being negotiated.

Magical thinking is always appealing in foreign policy, but it usually produces nothing more than fairy dust. In this case, there is no evidence that putting the agreement in limbo will bring any security benefits for America or Israel. It will introduce uncertainty where the U.S. and its allies should most demand clarity  in insisting on compliance by all sides with an agreement that caps Irans centrifuges and stockpiles of enriched material for at least another decade.

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, hardly a dove on Iran, bluntly told the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday that the nuclear deal was something that the president should consider staying with. When pressed by Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, on whether he thought the pact was in Americas national-security interest, Mattis paused and answered: Yes, Senator, I do.

Officials speak truth to power at their own risk in Donald Trumps Washington. So Mattis argument for sustaining what the president has called the dumbest and most dangerous deal was important, though the outcome of the debate still isnt clear. Its probably because of Mattis military advice, however, that Trump has dropped his campaign talk of simply tearing up the agreement.

How would Iran react? Seyed Hossein Mousavian, a former Iranian official who stays in close touch with his ex-colleagues, told me recently that if Trump doesnt certify, but Congress doesnt re-impose sanctions, and the other P5+1 negotiators assure full implementation, then Iran may continue to adhere to the agreement. But he cautioned that this line is opposed by some political factions in Iran who argue for suspending the pact if Trump challenges Iranian compliance.

As for administration hopes of forcing Iran to renegotiate the sunset provisions and other details of the agreement, Mousavian says thats a nonstarter in Tehran.

The real challenge with Iran isnt the nuclear issue, which was put in a box for at least a decade by the agreement, but Tehrans aggressive behavior in the region. Iran and its proxies continue to destabilize the Middle East. They seek to manipulate and control nearly every major capital: Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad, Saana. According to the White House, Iranian proxies are mining the Bab el Mandeb Strait, pointing missiles from Yemen toward Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, and seeking to carve a zone of influence on the ruins of the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

The administration claims to be focused on this big Iran problem. Would that it were so. Officials claim that Trump has signed off on a broad strategy that makes Irans behavior the central issue going forward. But the decertification debate will probably dominate the headlines over the next weeks and months  needlessly focusing attention on the one part of the Iran problem thats capped and manageable, and defusing efforts on the real challenge.

Theres a final, crucial reason Trump should certify that Iran is complying with the nuclear deal: Because its true. Even Cotton conceded as much this week, arguing against certification not primarily on the grounds related to Irans technical compliance, but rather based on the long catalogue of the regimes crimes and perfidy against the United States.

A question for the Iran hawks: If America refuses to certify an agreement when a country is technically in compliance, why would any other country ever make a deal with us again? A great country keeps its word.
CAVALIER  Two men who shut down the Keystone Pipeline in Pembina County have been found guilty on criminal charges.

The verdict came about 7:30 p.m. Friday for Michael Eric Foster of Seattle and Samuel L. Jessup of Winooski, Vt., who were both on trial last week in Pembina County District Court. They were charged with multiple crimes after law enforcement said they interfered with emergency valves on TransCanadas Keystone Pipeline in October near Walhalla, about 100 miles northwest of Grand Forks. The two were part of a group called Climate Direct Action, which shut down several pipelines across the country as an act of solidarity with the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.

In Pembina County, TransCanada said restarting the pipeline after the incident cost about $10,000.

The trial began Monday, with jury selection carrying over into Tuesday. About 20 jurors were excused for cause before the arguments got underway Tuesday afternoon.

The defense intended to use a necessity defense, which argues a person can commit a crime if there is no other way for that person to avoid risk or being harmed. In Fosters and Jessups cases, they originally wanted to argue their actions were justified due to the dangers of climate change, according to court documents.

Judge Laurie Fontaine ruled against that move, saying in court documents the defense failed to meet the burden of proof to use that tactic.

Fontaine also ruled against the defenses move to present four expert witnesses and at least 55 exhibits during trial. Three days before the trial, the defense sent an email to prosecutors indicating they intended to use the experts and exhibits, according to court documents.

The defendants argued the Sixth Amendment allowed them to present a complete defense, adding the experts would bolster the credibility of their clients belief, according to court documents.

Prosecutors argued the experts testimonies would discuss climate change and was inadmissible based on the previous necessity defense ruling, according to court documents. The state also argued it had no time to prepare or raise objections in response to the late development.

Fontaine wrote in court documents that there was a chance the testimony and evidence would confuse or mislead the jury into believing the legitimate concerns regarding climate change are an excuse or defense to the crimes charged, which would go against the ruling prohibiting the necessity defense.

This court case should not become a forum on the issue of climate change for experts, she wrote. The issues in this case are whether these defendants willfully and/or recklessly violated the law as the culpability relates to each charge.

Jessup was found guilty on conspiracy to commit criminal mischief, a Class B felony, and a misdemeanor criminal conspiracy charge. Two other charges have been dismissed.

Foster also was found guilty on conspiracy to commit criminal mischief, as well as a Class B felony of criminal mischief and a misdemeanor charge of criminal trespass. He was acquitted on a misdemeanor reckless endangerment charge, and four other counts were dismissed.

Jessup faces up to 11 years in prison, while Foster could be sentenced to 21 years in prison. Sentencing has been set for Jan. 18.
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Chittagong to be freed from water logging within five years

Abdus Salam ,Chairman of Chittagong Development Authority (CDA) said that the steps that was taken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will make the Chittagong water-logging free very soon. The incumbent government has taken mega projects for the development of Chittagong. After five years, people will see a modern city as the works of all projects are running smoothly.

Addressing the inaugural function of Bakolia DC Road expansion project on Friday evening, Salam said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the founder of Bangladesh while his daughter Sheikh Hasina is founding developed Bangladesh after long time of the death of Bangabandhu.

She is dreaming of a developed Bangladesh and she is working day and night to make the country poverty free. Abdus Salam added that a time, people of North Bengal have to face poverty, locally called Monga. But, during the tenure of the Sheikh Hasina, there is no Monga in North Bengal., he claimed.

He further added that the CDA was established before 60 years. "But, now a days, the CDA is implementing the projects of Tk 20,000 crores for the development of Chittagong which is more than all the total previous years of CDA." The work of Bakoila access road will be started from the current month while the digging of cannels and construction of Chaktai Kalurghat Marine Drive Road will be started in November.

He said 60 percent construction work of Patenga to Foujdathat Marine Drive Road has already been completed under the management of CDA. After five years, we can present a most modern Chittagong if the works of all projects are continuing smoothly."

The function was chaired by the Chief Engineer of CDA Engineer Jashim Uddin Chowdhury.

Among others, CDA Board Members Jashim Uddin, K B M Shahajan, Architect Shohel Sakur, Hasan Murad Biplob, Haji Shafiqul Islam, Pear Mohammad, Anjuman Ara Anju, Abdul Mannan and Project Director Mohammad Hasan Bin sams addressed the function.
Man found dead in Comilla

UNB, Comilla :

Police recovered the body of an unidentified man from Basantapur on Dhaka-Chittagong Highway in Chauddagram Upazila on Saturday.

On information, police recovered the body, said Al-Amin, sub-inspector of Chauddagram Police Station.

Later, the body was sent to Comilla Medical College Hospital for autopsy, the SI added.






Kim promotes sister to center of power, reaffirms nuclear drive

Photo shows leader Kim Jong-Un with sister Kim Yo-Jong (2nd L)

AFP, Seoul :

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has promoted his sister to a senior ruling party post, state media said Sunday, and praised the country's nuclear weapons programme which has sparked international alarm.

Kim Yo-Jong becomes an alternate member of the party's powerful politburo, the decision-making body presided over by her brother, the official KCNA news agency said.

The promotion was announced along with those for dozens of other top officials at a party meeting led by the leader on Saturday. It came as the regime faces growing global pressure to curb its weapons drive following recent nuclear and missile tests. Tensions soared as Kim traded verbal threats with US President Donald Trump, who tweeted on Saturday that "only one thing will work" to tame the isolated nuclear-armed state.

The sister, in her late 20s, has frequently been seen accompanying her brother on his "field guidance trips" and other events and is known to have been involved in the party's propaganda operations.

Both were born to the late former ruler Kim Jong-Il and his third partner, former dancer Ko Yong-Hui.

The family has ruled North Korea since its creation in 1948. The current ruler came to power after the death of his father in December 2011.

Since then he has overseen four of the country's six nuclear tests-most recently in September-while cementing his grip on power through a series of purges, including those targeting his uncle and half-brother.

The uncle, Jang Song-Thaek, was executed in 2013 for treason and the half-brother Kim Jong-Nam was killed by a toxic nerve agent in a Cold War-style assassination at a Kuala Lumpur airport in February.

Both the North's missile and nuclear weapons capabilities have made significant progress under the current Kim, despite a growing layer of UN sanctions.

During Saturday's party meeting, Kim acknowledged the country faced with "ordeals" under a "stern" situation, but claimed that its economy had grown this year despite ever-tighter sanctions.

He described the North's atomic weapons as a "treasured sword" to protect it from aggression.

"The nuclear weapons of the DPRK (North Korea) are a precious fruition borne by its people's bloody struggle for defending the destiny and sovereignty of the country from the protracted nuclear threats of the US imperialists," Kim was quoted as saying. In recent weeks, North Korea has launched two missiles over Japan and conducted its sixth nuclear test, and may be fast advancing toward its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland.

North Korea is preparing to test-launch such a missile, a Russian lawmaker who had just returned from a visit to Pyongyang was quoted as saying on Friday.

Donald Trump has previously said the United States would "totally destroy" North Korea if necessary to protect itself and its allies.

The situation proved that North Korea's policy of "byungjin", meaning the parallel development of nuclear weapons and the economy was "absolutely right", Kim Jong Un said in the speech.

"The national economy has grown on their strength this year, despite the escalating sanctions," said Kim, referring to U.N. Security Council resolutions put in place to curb Pyongyang's nuclear and missile program.




FARGO  Barbara Johnsons life as shed known it ceased to exist for a reason that she once tried desperately to hide.

As happens to some older women, especially those who have given birth to children, she was plagued by incontinence. Her condition became so severe that she avoided venturing outside her home once she retired.

I was pretty much housebound, she said. It was just a devastating and degrading situation in my life.

In Johnsons case, her incontinence was fecal. Because of muscle deterioration, she lost control. The inevitable result was embarrassing accidents and frantic rushes to public restrooms.

I couldnt go shopping, she said. To get outside of the house was a challenge.

Johnson, 67, who lives in Detroit Lakes, Minn., used to work in office support in Moorhead, Minn. Sometimes she would have to leave work early in the event of an accident.

Once retired, she almost became a hermit, relying on her husband and friends to run her errands. The limitations on her life made her desperate. She lost hope and fell into depression.

I was ready to drive my car into a tree, she said. I didnt want to live.

Johnson was tested for intestinal infections and other ailments, but doctors couldnt find a solution to her problem  until an implant procedure became available a few years ago.

In an outpatient procedure, Dr. Bhargav Mistry, a surgeon at Sanford Health, implanted a device called Interstim, made by Minnesota firm Medtronic. The implant, which was approved earlier for urinary incontinence, stimulates a sacral nerve that controls the muscles on the pelvic floor.

Using a remote control, Johnson is able to adjust the electrical current that stimulates her muscles to work as they should  and restore normalcy to her life.

It started working right away, Johnson said. I have complete control over it now.

Mistry has implanted 61 of the devices in patients ranging in age from 35 to 91, most of them older women. He said he carefully screens patients to make sure they are good candidates for the procedure, and as a result has a success rate of about 90 percent. Sometimes an infection will require him to remove the device and replace it, after the infection clears.

No damage done, he said, since the infection is local.

I really like this procedure, Mistry added, noting that it makes such a big difference in patients lives and comes without the need of general anesthesia.

Besides restoring bowel control, the implant reduces urgency, giving the patient more time to get to a bathroom.

Johnson, who once did her best to hide her problem because of embarrassment, decided she wanted to tell her story in the hope she can help break down the stigma and make those suffering from incontinence know there could be a solution for them.

Naturally, I didnt want to tell too many people because it was embarrassing, she said.

Because of embarrassment, the problem of incontinence is underreported, underdiagnosed and undertreated, Mistry said. Its a conversation many patients are afraid to have with their doctors.

A study last year published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology found 7.2 percent of women between the ages of 30 and 90 had fecal incontinence, defined as occurring monthly, and often cases were associated with old age, urinary incontinence, major depression and other illnesses.

Because of its hidden nature, the prevalence of the problem is hard to quantify, Mistry said. But, he added, the tall stacks of adult disposable diapers in big-box stores hint at the scope of the problem.

Johnson, meanwhile, is grateful to be able to come and go as she pleases. Shes even able to travel to Latin America for mission work through her church, something she couldnt imagine doing before her procedure.
Bangladesh drug makers set to enter Qatar market

Economic Reporter :

Bangladesh's burgeoning drug industry is set to make its foray into Qatar market sometime next year as part of an effort to focus on the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

"As regard the size of the market, Qatar is a country of 2.5 million people only, but since Qatar is the hub of MENA, any inroads in Qatar will definitely expand the market automatically," Bangladesh ambassador in Doha, Ashud Ahmed told the media following a pharmaceutical delegation's visit to Qatar.

The MENA is a region of countries that includes the area from Morocco in northwest Africa to Iran in southwest Asia and down to Sudan in Africa.

It accounts for approximately 6 percent of the world's population, 60 percent of the world's oil reserves and 45 percent of the world's natural gas reserves. Many of the 12 OPEC nations are within the MENA region.

The 14-member delegation led by the Secretary General of the Association of Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) S M Shafiuzzaman also attended a Bangladesh embassy organised seminar on the business opportunities.

During the seminar, the embassy in a statement earlier said, Qatari authorities expressed their keen interest in purchasing Bangladeshi medicines soon.

"Qatar is looking for alternative sources to meet its enhanced demands created because of the ongoing blockade, so their businessmen are exploring possibilities of importing medicines from Bangladesh," the ambassador said.

"If the interest and momentum that has generated among the medicine importers can be followed up properly and aggressively, it can safely be said that importation of Bangladesh medicine can be started very soon, may be from mid next year," he told the media.

Bangladesh, after meeting local demand, exports to a number of countries including the US and the European markets. It also sends some products in the gulf region.


NUB wins debate over Rohingya issue

Prof Dr Anwar Hoassain, Vice-Chancellor of Northern University Bangladesh pose for a photo shoot with the participants of a debate competition over Rohingya issue held at the University campus on Thursday.

Campus Report :

A debate competition over Rohingya issue was held on Thursday at the Northern University Bangladesh Auditorium. The program was organized by the Search for Humanity Foundation Dhaka in collaboration with the Department of Law of NUB. Vice-Chancellor of Northern University Bangladesh, Prof Dr Anwar Hoassain attended the program as chief guest.

The debate competition was participated by the students of Law Department of Northern University Bangladesh and the students of the Law Department of Stamford University. In the judgment of the judges, Northern University won the debate. Mahfuz Al Amin, a debater of the opposition, was elected as the best Debater.

The Chief Guest handed over the Champion Trophy to the winning team. All participants of the debate accepted creasts from the Guests.

Dr Anwar Hossain Appreciated the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for Her Motherly role on the issues of Rohingya. He said that, the world leaders have condemned the Myanmar for their brutality on Rohingya. But ignoring all the condemnation, the Myanmar government continued the nation's abolition of Rohingya. He said, in 1971, we were tortured by the Pakistan government and took shelter in the neighboring country. Therefore, today who are coming to Bangladesh by crossing the border, we have to stand beside them for humanitarian and moral responsibilities. The chief guest thanked both parties for presenting sophisticated and equitable speeches.

Pro Vice-Chancellor of NUB Prof Dr Anwarul Karim presided over the program. The program was attended by Jamaluddin Ahmed, Director, Bangladesh Bank, Prof Sultan Mahmud Zakaria, BRAC University, Prof Rafikuzzaman, Manarat University, Md. Gaziur Rahman. Sr Lecturer and Coordinator of law department, Northern University Bangladesh, Faculties of various department, officials, students among others. The speakers appreciated the arguments presented by participants in their speech. As well as urging the government of Bangladesh to continue pressure on Myanmar on the persecuted Rohingya issue.
IT management course for professionals at DU

BSS, Dhaka :

Institute of Business Administration (IBA) of Dhaka University (DU) launched a new course titled 'Advanced Certificate for Management Professionals (ACMP)' for developing skills of midlevel officials of information technology (IT) sector.

DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman inaugurated the course at a programme at IBA auditorium on Thursday.

Under the course, about 500 IT and ITES professionals will be provided with training on business analytics, cyber security, project and people management, business and customer management, business communication, finance, accounting and strategic management.

IBA Director Prof Dr AKM Saiful Majid presided over the ceremony while Additional Secretary of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Md Rashadul Islam attended it as the special guest.

Project Director of Leveraging ICT for growth, employment and governance (LICT) project Md Rezaul Karim gave the welcome speech at the function.

Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) Executive Director Swapan Kumar Sarker, LICT project Management Specialist Sarker Abul Kalam Azad, LICT component team leader Sami Ahmed, Communication Specialist Ajit Kumar Sarkar, Chairman of BBA programme Professor Dr Md Ridhwanul Haq were present at the function, among others.
Bangladesh lose to South Africa in 2nd Test

Sports Reporter :

Bangladesh lost to South Africa by an innings and 254 runs in the second Test on the third day at Bloemfontein in South Africa on Sunday. Thereby South Africa won the two-Test series 2-0.

Earlier, South Africa posted a 333-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test at Potchefstroom in South Africa on October 2.

South Africa declared their first innings making 573 for the loss of four wickets on the second day (Saturday).

Bangladesh were shot out for only 147 in their first innings and then they were forced to follow-on on the same day.

After conceding follow-on, Bangladesh were at seven for the loss of none before the bails were drawn for the second day.

Opener Imrul Kayes was on six and Soumya Sarkar, the other opener was on one before the bails were drawn for the second day.

Needing 419 runs to avoid the innings defeat, Bangladesh were bundled out for 172 in the second innings on the third day (Sunday).

Imrul Kayes and Soumya Sarkar could add six runs on the third day as Soumya Sarkar (3) was caught at the second slip by Faf du Pleessis off Kagiso Rabada when Bangladesh's score was 13.

One-down Mominul Haque (11) was caught at the deep square leg by Keshav Maharaj off Rabada when the team's total was 29 for the loss of two wickets.

Imrul Kayes and Mushfiqur Rahim added together 34 runs in the third wicket stand before Kayes was caught behind by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock off Duanne Olivier when the tourists' score was 63 for the loss of three wickets.

Kayes made 32 from 53 balls featuring five fours and a sixer.

After Imrul's dismissal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad put on together 29 runs for the fourth wicket partnership before Mushfiqur Rahim (26) was trapped leg before wicket by Wayne Parnell when the team's total was 92 for the loss of four wickets.

Then Mahmudullah and Liton Das contributed together 43 runs for the fifth wicket partnership before Liton Das (18) was bowled out by Andile Phehlukwayo when the Tigers' score was 135 for the loss of five wickets.

After departure of Liton, Bangladesh failed to build any notable partnership.

Mahmudullah was caught at the gully by Dean Elgar off Kagiso Rabada when Bangladesh's total was 139 for the loss of six wickets.

Riyad top-scored with 43. His 59-ball innings was studded with seven fours and a sixer.

After Riyad's dismissal, Bangladesh lost their wickets in regular intervals.

Fifth-down Sabbir Rahman (4) was caught at the second slip by Faf du Plessis off Phehlukwayo when the visitors' score was 145 for the loss of seven wickets.

Then Rabada dismissed Taijul Islam for just two runs and then removed Rubel Hossain for just seven runs.

Number-11 batsman Mustafizur Rahman (7) was bowled out by Phehlukwayo when Bangladesh's innings came to an end.

Rabada captured five wickets at the cost of 30 runs, while Phehlukwayo grabbed three wickets instead of 36 runs.

Parnell and Olivier took one wicket apiece.

Rabada grabbed altogether 10 wickets for altogether 63 runs. He was adjudged the Man of the Match for his match-winning bowling.

Dean Elgar was adjudged the Player of the Series for his consistent batting performance.
Return 7 colleges to NU, say educationists

Students blocked road for 5-point demands

Students of DU\'s enlisted seven colleges blocked the road in city\'s Nilkhet intersection and demonstrated to press home their 5-point demands on Sunday.

M M Jasim :

The country's educationists on Sunday suggested the Dhaka University authorities to return the newly affiliated seven colleges to the National University with a view to running the academic activities smoothly.

They said that, the National University (NU) has already removed almost all the impediments to regain its image as there is no session jam and other academic problems. So, there is no logical point to keep the colleges under DU where as the university is busy with its own business.

Professor Syed Anwar Hussain, a teacher of History Department of Dhaka University, told The New Nation on Sunday that the students' duty is to take part in the classes and sit in examinations. Why they have to stage demonstration for their academic rights outside the colleges.

"The DU is very busy with its own business. It has limited manpower. The problems of the seven colleges will not be resolved permanently. So, it is better to return the colleges under the NU," Syed Anwar said.

Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam of Dhaka University told this correspondent that it is totally ridiculous that an institution takes classes of the students and another institution takes examination.

"The government appoints the teachers for the government colleges through Bangladesh Civil Service examination. The teachers act under the supervision of the Education Ministry. The Ministry also handles promotion and transfer of the teachers. The DU has no hand at any process. Why the teachers will follow the university's direction. It is not supportable," he said.

"The NU is now stronger than the previous years. It has the ability to run the academic activities of the seven colleges," he said.

"A recommendation was sent to the Education Ministry to set up six offices in six divisions to monitor and ensure the quality education in the colleges. The ministry has been requested to appoint six pro-vice-chancellor for the divisional offices. It is very pragmatic for the NU. It will bring fruitful result," Syed Manzoorul said.

He also requested to concern authorities not to develop any illogical agenda which will not be good for the students of the colleges.

"Definitely, the DU authorities must compel to return the colleges to the NU today or tomorrow. The DU teachers have already expressed their dissatisfaction over question making and taking examinations in many departments. The DU authorities have nothing to do if the teachers do not receive extra pressure," he said.

DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Akhtaruzzaman told this correspondent that it was wrong decision to take the seven colleges with the university.

"I agree with the remarks of the two educationists. It will be good if the government takes a decision to return the colleges under NU. I will definitely welcome it," the VC said.

Meanwhile, the students of seven colleges said that they saw a dream that they will get quality education after handing over the charge of the colleges to the university. But, they have demonstrating on the streets since the February this year to realise their rights. And even a student of Titumir Government College has lost his eyesight.

Md Fazlur Rahman, a student of Dhaka College, told The New Nation that it was seemed that the seven colleges would be the part of the university. The students were also hopeful and gave all the supports. But after completing all the process to send these to the university, the students were disappointed as the DU cleared that no student was allowed to use DU library, hall and even playground.

"It is not good for us that we will take part classes in our own colleges, but have to wait to sit in examination after the announcement of the DU. It is just harassment," he said.

On the other hand, the students of seven colleges blocked the New Market intersection, demanding the withdrawal of the cases filed against 1,200 fellows on Sunday.

The students blocked the intersection since 9am for about three hours, to press home their five-point demands.

The demands include : Withdrawal of the cases against 1,200 students of Dhaka University, the results of the second and fourth year examinations, announcement of the schedule of the third year examination, a new academic calendar and a separate website for all the seven colleges.

Later, the students left the protest after the DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Akhtaruzzaman assured the protesting students of meeting their demands.

The students also requested the DU VC to return their colleges to the NU if the university was not ready to ensure quality education.


The world should support Bangladesh in offering protection to the Rohingyas

Dr. Hanif Hassan Ali Al Qassim :

The Chairman of the Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue H. E. Dr. Hanif Al Qassim appealed to the world community to provide financial, technical and material assistance to Bangladesh and the UN in providing adequate housing and shelter to the approximately 700,000 Rohingyan refugees - entrenched in Bangladesh - after fleeing persecution and oppression in Myanmar. Al Qassim's appeal came in the wake of the deplorable humanitarian situation unfolding in the region and on the occasion of the 2017 World Habitat Day.

"The world community has a responsibility to provide support and assistance to neighbouring states providing refuge to the Rohingyans fleeing persecution, ethnic cleansing and maltreatment in Myanmar," stated Dr. Al Qassim.

The Geneva Centre's Chairman noted that the provision of adequate shelter to refugees "is stipulated in Article 21 of the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and in Article 18 of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. International law guarantees the realization of the right to adequate shelter and housing to refugees in the context of forcible displacement of people."

Dr. Al Qassim likewise echoed the views of the United Nations calling upon the government of Myanmar to allow for an international fact-finding mission to investigate the gravity of the human rights violations perpetrated against the Rohingyans by Burmese security forces in line with Resolution 34/22 - adopted on 24 March 2017 - by the UN Human Rights Council.

"Evidence from satellite images - as reported by international media - confirms that more than 200 villages have been pillaged and burned to the ground in a deliberate attempt to forcibly expel - once and for all - the Rohingyans from Myanmar.

"An international fact-finding mission must be given access to visit the Rakhine State and undertake an objective and impartial assessment of the gravity of human rights violations inflicted on the civilian population. Myanmar has a duty and an obligation - as a member State of the UN - to comply with the founding principles of the Charter of the UN to maintain international peace and security. Despite the fact that the Rohingyans have lived for centuries in Myanmar, their citizenship and even their basic human rights are being blatantly denied and violated," added Dr. Al Qassim.

The Geneva Centre's Chairman was also concerned about recent reports warning about the outbreak of diseases and hunger in refugee camps sheltering Rohingyans owing to lack of access to food, water and sanitation.

He said that "the deplorable situation of the Rohingyans could turn into a humanitarian tragedy if the world community continues to remaining silent about, or fails to fully address, the plight of the Rohingyan people. I call upon the world community to support the efforts of Bangladesh and the UN to ensure temporary refuge and protection to the Rohingyans and to assert their citizenship rights in, and their right to return to, Myanmar. We cannot turn a blind eye to the ethnic cleansing and the genocide and their ominous projections - as observed by the UN special advisor for the prevention of genocide Adama Dieng in September 2017 who said: 'In fact it can be the precursor to all the egregious crimes - and I mean genocide' - that is unfolding in Myanmar," Dr. Al Qassim concluded in his statement.

-IPS
Yaba dealers taking advantage of Rohingya victims

OFFICIALS of the Department of Narcotics Control have disclosed that Drug dealers are luring Rohingyas into Yaba rackets and using them as carriers. Some traffickers even take disguise as refugees and smuggle in large consignments of the tablets. Law enforcers fear that consumption of Yaba will surge when the lethal drug makes its way out of the camps. Since the influx began on August 25, law enforcers have arrested 12 Rohingyas with 30,200 Yaba pills in Chittagong city. Police officers say the arrestees managed to get out of Leda, Noapara, Unsipara, Balukhali and Kutupalong refugee camps in Cox's Bazar.





DNC's Chittagong division intelligence wing prepared a special report mentioning the recent cases and forwarded it to its Headquarters in Dhaka on September 27. The two-page report alleged that local drug dealers had been paying the refugees to carry Yaba pills from Cox's Bazar to elsewhere in the country. Some Rohingyas have smuggled out of the camps with the drugs dodging law enforcers. The report also mentioned that local drug dealers tell refugees, even if they are caught, they would get free food and shelter in jail. The Rohingya refugees, with hope of a better life, get involved in the drug racket.







Many influential and powerful people are behind Yaba business which includes political leaders, UP Chairmen, officials of law enforcers and so on. Yaba started to enter Bangladesh during the late 1990s. At first, it was not a serious threat like phensedyl but now every corner of our country is suffering because of it. A good portion of our youth has become Yaba addict. To get money to purchase Yaba, they commit terrible crimes like, theft, murder and prostitution. Many intake this harmful substance from the same syringe, which causes the spread of HIV and B-Hepatitis. Yaba is considered the most dangerous among drugs. It causes heart, lung and kidney failure. It also damages important brain cells.







Carrying of Yaba pills by the Rohingyas will probably increase if the Rohingya influx continues. It is much easier to lure Rohingyas into crimes as they lack basic needs like food and shelter. We are frequently mentioning that the problem associated with Rohingya influx will get worse if actions are not taken seriously and quickly.
BGMEA gets 7 more months to relocate Hatirjheel bldg

Staff Reporter :

The Supreme Court on Sunday gave another seven months time to Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to relocate its illegal multi-storied building from Dhaka's Hatirjheel area.

The apex court said that it was the last chance for BGMEA. The court will not extend the deadline for relocating the BGMEA building.

After hearing a petition filed by BGMEA seeking one year time for relocating its building, a five-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by the acting Chief Justice, Md Abdul Wahhab Miah, passed the order.

In the order, the court said it gave seven months' time to the BGMEA from September 12, Barrister Imtiaz Moinul Islam, a lawyer for BGMEA, told journalists.

On August 23, the garment makers' platform appealed to the court for the extension of the deadline, said Siddiqur Rahman, President of the BGMEA.

Wahhab Miah is discharging the duties of the Chief Justice in absence of Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha at present. On April 3, 2011, the HC bench of Justice A H M Shamsuddin Chowdhury and Justice Sheikh Md Zakir Hossain declared construction of the BGMEA building illegal. The Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division on April 5, 2011 stayed the HC judgment following a BGMEA petition. Later, the time period was extended several rounds. The HC released the full text of its verdict on March 19, 2013. The BGMEA authorities filed leave to appeal petition on May 21, 2013. After hearing, a four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by the Chief Justice, Surendra Kumar Sinha, rejected the appeal petition filed by the BGMEA on June 2, 2016.

In December 2016, President of the BGMEA filed a petition seeking review of the Supreme Court judgment. The Supreme Court on March 5, 2017 dismissed the petition seeking review of its judgment that upheld the High Court verdict for demolishing the BGMEA complex.

A three-member bench of the Appellate Division of the SC headed by the Chief Justice, Surendra Kumar Sinha, passed the order after two days' hearing.
Lawyers' protest at SC

'Judiciary is under naked threat'

Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) formed a human chain at the Court premises on the first day of the 5-day programme protesting police obstruction during attempting to meet CJ and forced him one-month leave. This photo was taken on Sunday.

Staff Reporter :

Lawyers of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Sunday said that the independence of the Judiciary was under threat due to government influence.

This threat is very naked, they said.

They also said that what kind of behaviour had been done with Chief Justice (CJ) Surendra Kumar Sinha was unprecedented. "We never heard that any civilized and any democratic country has kept its Chief Justice under house arrest," added the lawyers.

The Supreme Court Bar Association members said this in a human chain and protest program held on the Bar premises. Supreme Court Bar arranged the program demanding the protection of image of the Judiciary.

The Bar leaders on Saturday in a press briefing also called upon to the lawyers across the country to follow the program.

Bar President Advocate Zainul Abedin presided over the program. Barrister Moudud Ahmed, Bar Secretary Barrister A M Mahbub Uddin Khokan, Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Vice-President of the Bar Advocate Umme Kulsum Rekha, Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kazal, Advocate Mirza Al Mahmud, Dr Arifa Jesmin Nahin and Barrister Ahsanur Rahman were present at the program, among others.

Barrister Moudud Ahmed, former Law Minister and standing committee member of BNP, said, "Today's main question is if the Judiciary will have independence as per the Constitution."

He also said, "The government cannot accept the 16th Amendment case verdict. After this verdict, the government and the ruling party leaders reaction was unprecedented. We never heard that any civilized and any democratic country has kept its Chief Justice under house arrest. No one can see him without the permission of the government. It means CJ is under government custody."

Advocate Zainul Abedin said that the Judiciary of the country was under a naked threat. He termed this threat 'Awami threat'. Advocate Nitay Roy Chowdhury said that the government was seizing judiciary in fascist form. What the government had done regarding the Chief Justice's leave was the final form of the fascism.

Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokan said, the leave petition of the Chief Justice was false. The Chief Justice had been detained. The government was lying about CJ's health, he added.
Varsity student killed by muggers in city

Staff Reporter :

A private university student was stabbed to death by muggers in broad day- light in the city's Tikatuly on Sunday morning.

The victim has been identified as Abu Talha, 22, a second year student of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Department of Daffodil International University (DIU). Son of Nuruddin, the deceased was a resident of KM Das Lane of Tikatuly, Police said. Quoting relatives of the deceased, Bachchu Miah, Sub-Inspector and In-Charge of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) Police Camp said, "A gang of muggers waylaid Talha at KM Das Lane and tried to snatch away his mobile phone and file. When Talha attempted to resist them, the hoodlums stabbed him indiscriminately with sharp weapons around 7:10 am, leaving him injured critically."

Talha was taken to DMCH where he succumbed to his injuries around 8:15 am, the SI said.

The deceased was going to his university, the police official said.

The body was handed over to the family members after post mortem at DMCH, he added.


GRAND FORKS  Questions linger in the aftermath of the Las Vegas shootings, many of which may take months for law enforcement to investigate and answer.

But there are two questions that Americans ask every time there is a large loss of life: Why do mass shootings keep happening and how do we prevent them?

The questions have gone mostly unsolved, or at least the moves made to solve them have not stopped assailants from carrying out mass shootings. Some are quick to call for gun control, while others say the country is in dire need of mental health reform.

Those suggestions may be part of the answer, but solving the problem should include cultural and philosophical changes, said University of North Dakota philosophy professor Jack Russell Weinstein.

Phrases like mental health and words like evil arent helpful, he said. They are ways of listing things we cant do anything about.

Instead, we have to talk about things that are in societys control and government control, he said. We have to use words and phrases that emphasize the things we can do rather than the things we cant.

Local start

The conversation can start locally among neighbors, Weinstein said. It starts with people trying to be empathetic toward each other, a skill that has been lost in society.

How people typically discuss mass shootings is a cultural problem in which people try to protect their own brands instead of trying to see others points of view.

He touched on people scorning those who politicize shootings.

Politics is life, he said. Politics decides who lives and dies.  We have to make this political because politics is the art of the city ... the art of the community.

People also should be aware that no one tells the whole story, he said.

We only tell the part of the story that fits our conclusion, he said.

In light of the Vegas shootings, Grand Forks City Council member Bret Weber mentioned North Dakotas constitutional concealed carry law that went into effect Aug. 1.

I thought we could at least have a discussion about that, he said during a council meeting on Monday.

He said he wanted to know if the council was willing to have a conversation about what the city could do in regard to gun laws. The city didnt act on the proposal.

Weber later said the conversation was not a direct response to Las Vegas but that he had been trying to have a discussion since the law went into effect. He said the shooting presented an opportunity to mention it.

Weber brought up questions of whether guns are allowed in City Hall or on public property like the Greenway, or if the city has the authority to control that.

When asked if there is something that can be done at the local level to prevent mass shootings, Weber said he hasnt studied the issue and couldnt answer with an informed perspective.

Im not a gun expert, not a law enforcement expert, so I was just asking is there was any interest in having this conversation, he said. We shouldnt be afraid of having conversations about tough issues.

What can be done?

Safety in Grand Forks is relatively high compared with the rest of the country, said Danny Weigel, a UND Police sergeant who was elected to the City Council last year. In his experience, people he interacts with while on duty inform him they are carrying a concealed weapon.

When you look at gun control, I think the larger focus has to be on mental health, he said.

Weigel said he is not against having a conversation at the local level.

Im not completely sold on how much of an impact it would have on a statewide level, he said.

There are more facts to learn about Vegas, said Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., but he isnt sure there was much on a federal level that could have been done to stop the shooter short of taking away everyones guns.

In that case, just criminals would have guns, and that is just not our culture, Cramer said.

He also said society should look at addressing mental health as related to shootings. Its good to reflect on the instances, but people cant spend their wholes lives doing that, Cramer added.

There are going to be more people killed in a car accident today than there were in this shooting, he said. That doesnt make it any less tragic, but I do think perspective is important.

Happened here before

Grand Forks is not unfamiliar with gunmen, though not on the scale of other recent mass shootings.

In the early hours of May 26, 2015, Marcell Travon Willis, a 21-year-old airman stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, walked into the Walmart in south Grand Forks with a handgun he legally purchased, according to police reports. He shot two store employees -- killing one and injuring the other -- before killing himself.

Police could not determine a motive behind the shooting, though autopsy reports indicated Willis, originally from Tennessee, was intoxicated during the shooting. It didnt appear he was being treated for a mental illness. There was little information to indicate he would carry out the acts prior to the attack.

Weigel said officers in Grand Forks train extensively for handling such situations.

Im not sure there is a 100 percent way to absolutely just stop that, he said of incidents similar to the Walmart shooting. I think if we had the 100 percent solution to stop those things, we would have been able to stop them by now.

Its good to talk about mental illness, gun laws and other issues that could help explain mass shootings, Weinstein said. Society needs to use language that makes room for prevention. That includes education in humanitarianism and to hold people accountable to their words, he added.

People also have to have the conversations in good faith.

Again, this is an unsatisfying answer because it is abstract, he said. But we cant do the other stuff until we make the cultural and philosophical shift.
More Rohingyas keep coming

Govt plans to set up mega camp: UN expert says it could be dangerous in case of epidemic: Home Minister visits Myanmar soon to discuss repatriation

2,000 Rohingyas are arriving everyday at Balukhali area of Cox\'s Bazar. This photo was taken on Sunday.

Sagar Biswas :

The government has decided not to provide any relief materials or cooperation to the unregistered Rohingya people with a view to running the rehabilitation programme in a well-coordinated arrangement.

Officials said about one lakh Rohingya nationals have so far been got biometric registration till Sunday. Though the registration started on September 11, it is taking too much time as most of the Rohingyas are unaware about the biometric technology due to lack of publicity by the authorities concerned.

At present, Rohingyas who have fled ethnic cleansing in Rakhine state are fighting each other for scarce space and basic necessities in the muddy camps taking shelter under polythene-covered makeshift houses. Especially, rain accelerates their anguish.

As a part of diplomatic effort, Home Minister Asaduzzamn Khan Kamal yesterday said that he will visit Myanmar this month to discuss immediate repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland.

Meanwhile, the local administration has started work to construct a temporary 'mega camp' on 5500 acres of Forest Department's land by amalgamating the existing Kutupalong and Balukhali camps where about 10, 00,000 new Rohingya people will be accommodated, the officials said.

A large area, stretching about 18 miles, surrounding the mega camp will be enclosed with barbed wire fence, so that none could leave the camp without prior permission of the authority.

According to local sources, the quantity of relief is not enough in comparison to huge displaced people. They said crowds of people, children, men and women were running after the trucks, grabbing at whatever they can get. Their sufferings have been escalated while their need is unlimited.

In this regard, the UNHCR has opened appeals and Oxfam is calling for donations to its emergency fund. They also want governments everywhere to immediately boost aid for the Rohingyas.

Officials of Cox's Bazar District Administration said that the Balukhali and Kutupalong camps will be amalgamated on security grounds. And for the same reason, some roads and other structures will be constructed under the supervision of Bangladesh army in the area.

Meanwhile, a top UN official has said that Bangladesh's plan to build the world's biggest refugee camp was "dangerous" because overcrowding could heighten the risks of deadly diseases spreading quickly.

"Bangladesh should instead look for new sites to build more camps. When you concentrate too many people into a very small area, particularly the people who are very vulnerable to diseases, it is dangerous," Robert Watkins, the UN resident coordinator in Dhaka, told the AFP on Saturday.

"There are stronger possibilities, if there are any infectious diseases that spread, that will spread very quickly. It is much easier to manage people, manage the health situation and security situation if there are a number of different camps rather than one mega camp," he noted.

Expressing apprehension, the United Nations recently said there is a possibility of "further exodus". In this situation, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs Mark Lowcock reiterated the UN's appeal for access to the population in Rakhine, saying the current situation was "unacceptable" and that the crisis was one of the most "heart-rending".

Not only that, Robert Watkins further said that continuing influx represented "a very big challenge" for the aid agencies as Bangladesh authorities reported 4,000 to 5,000 Rohingya were crossing the border daily, with 10,000 more waiting at the frontier.

When asked about UN's apprehension, General Secretary of ruling Awami League Obaidul Quader on Sunday said, "We also fear about the fresh influx. Bangladesh has activated diplomatic channels. As the UN is apprehending the influx, so we think the UN will take stringent measures against it."

"Bangladesh government has decided to keep open the border for the displaced Rohingyas until violence is stopped in Rakhine state..I hope, China and India will extend their cooperation to end the crisis," Obaidul Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said.
Chief Justice left for Australia but how the govt will be gainer has to be seen

For more than a week, the Chief Justice had been inaccessible to the lawyers or anybody from the general public. The story that was developing since then sounds like material of Hitchcocks detective enigma. Any clearance from the Law Minister to see the Chief Justice was not also believable. He said the lawyers could see him but the police stopped the lawyers like before.





Soon after the Chief Justice Mr SK Sinha disappeared from public eye on the ground of ill health, as told, the senior lawyers of the Supreme Court and some retired judges appeared in the open court of the Appellate Division to express their anxiety about the Chief Justice Sinha. The court was presided over by the Acting Chief Justice Mr Abdul Wahhab Miah. It was an unprecedented instance for an unprecedented occurrence, yet their Lordships heard them.





They submitted that they could not see the Chief Justice when they went to his residence. They were informed that Mr Sinha was in good condition but he would not see them.





They further informed their Lordships that they were hearing all sorts of dark stories about the state of the Chief Justice. As the Chief Justice was the Chief Justice of their Lordships also they came to seek their help to be able to meet the Chief Justice. The Acting Chief Justice said he had talked to him. But he also did not say anything about his (CJ) health.





There was no difficulty for the Law Minister to visit the Chief Justice at his residence more than once. The Prime Ministers special envoy Mr Gowhar Rizvi also met him. The Chief Justice also joined Hindu religious festivity. So he was not incapacitated by health condition.





The government story that the Chief Justice was suffering from cancer and became unable to function as Chief Justice appears unbelievable, especially when he met government people but not the senior lawyers of the Supreme Court. What is unbelievable is the staff of a detective story.





The latest turn of events is that the Chief Justice Mr Sinha along with his wife last night left for Australia. He had no problems in getting the visas on an emergency basis. The government must have been very cooperative and relieved.





What many people are wondering is how the government will be benefited by forcing the Chief Justice to go to Australia under the circumstances of obvious duress. The news is not that he was going to Australia for treatment.





It is a matter of public knowledge that after the judgement he gave declaring the constitutional provision for impeaching the Supreme Court judges by the Parliament as unconstitutional, the government and its supporters subjected him to vitriolic attacks unheard of. He suffered the humiliation quietly. Though the judgement was unanimously passed by seven judges. All the eminent lawyers including Dr Kamal Hossain expressed the same view that the judiciary cannot loose its independence to the Parliament of One House. The government people asked the Chief Justice to resign.





The fact is that the judgement in question has not gone away with the Chief Justice. The educated ones guess is the government was most worried about his observation that the Parliament was non-functional. It was also feared by the government that the judgement of former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque on the invalidity of the election time caretaker government was likely to come for review before the Chief Justice Sinha if he so remained. He could not be trusted.





It is now clear that the government story about the illness of the Chief Justice was the imagination of wise men in the government. It is also believable that the Chief Justice Mr Sinha was kept confined to get things done.

One can have the satisfaction of showing power to force the Chief Justice of the country to go outside in humiliation. Lies told about his health and confinement do not matter.





How the lesson will be learnt by the other judges will have to be seen.





We are also not sure how the drama centring the Chief Justice will finally end. We do not claim to be so wise as men in the government who were engaged in the manipulation of facts, but we can only say that ejecting out the Chief Justice of the country so ignominiously for reasons of disagreement with a judgement will not bring plaudits for the government.




Chief Justice set to leave for Australia

Staff Reporter :

Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha and his wife Sushoma Sinha were set to depart for Australia last night ending week-long speculations.

They were scheduled to fly for Australia in a flight of Singapore Airlines at around 11:55pm.

His elder daughter Suchana Sinha is now living in Australia.

The Australian High Commission in Dhaka earlier on Saturday granted three years visa for them.

The Chief Justice went on leave from October 3 ahead of retirement in January.




The Undead Archives

I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world.
Bismarck nonprofit agencies are in crisis mode with the Ruth Meiers mens emergency shelter set to close on Oct. 31 and no solutions identified to house the homeless this winter.

The shelter at 305 N. 23rd St., where 30 to 70 men sleep each night, is for sale with the Ruth Meiers Hospitality House board of directors expected to discuss bids on the building this week.

Heartview Foundation, which provides chemical dependency treatment, has submitted a bid on the property, said Doug Herzog, technology and program development director.

If the bid is successful, Heartview would commit to keeping the emergency shelter open at least through the end of March and contract with another entity to operate it, Herzog said.

We want to make sure there isnt a day that goes by without assistance, Herzog said during a meeting last week of Bismarck-Mandan nonprofit groups working to address the emergency shelter crisis.

However, even if the bid is successful, its unlikely Heartview could close on the property by Nov. 1, Herzog said.

Steve Neu, interim executive director for Ruth Meiers Hospitality House, said during the meeting its a possibility the emergency shelter could stay open after Oct. 31 if a sale is not yet finalized, but he said that decision would be up to the board.

The Ruth Meiers board also is considering an offer from a second bidder, according to Neu, who declined to provide more information. The board meets on Thursday and will discuss the bids, Neu said.

Financial difficulties led Ruth Meiers Hospitality House to put the emergency shelter up for sale, Neu has said.

The emergency shelter is the only one of its kind in Bismarck-Mandan that provides overnight emergency housing for single men. Most recently, the shelter has housed 30 men each night, but it has beds for 70, Neu said.

Ruth Meiers also offers other housing programs, including a transitional living program and affordable apartments. The shelter at 1100 E. Boulevard Ave. will not be affected.

Several community groups, including members of the Missouri Valley Coalition for Homeless People, are working on possible backup plans if Heartview is unable to purchase the men's shelter.

A subcommittee of the Mayors Gold Star Community Task Force, a collaboration between the cities of Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln, will meet at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the Bismarck mayors conference room to discuss the emergency shelter.

Bismarck Mayor Mike Seminary said his goal is to help facilitate a community discussion because the clock is ticking.

All of a sudden, we have a situation where were going to have men in our community that dont have shelter, Seminary said. As a community, we need to figure out how are we going to play a role in helping people when they need help.
FARGO  Kyle Wilson has racked up more than $2,000 in fines for running afoul of city laws.

Hes homeless, often sleeping under bridges along the Red River downtown, and with few places to hang out, he sometimes gets caught with an open container of alcohol.

If you happen to have something on you, and cops stop by and check on you real quick, they find something on you so you get cited, Wilson said.

Jeff Charette owes about $700 in fines to the city.

For drinking in public and, you know, my mouth running too much, Charette said.

The two are reducing what they owe, however, through a community service program run by the Fargo Police Department.

Twice a week, for three hours at a time, theyre part of a small crew thats working off their fines by picking up trash.

Downtown Resource Officer Jesseca White started the program about a year ago to address the revolving-door problem plaguing many homeless people in downtown.

She said theyre often cited for quality of life violations, including drinking or urinating in public, criminal trespass or criminal mischief.

When they cant pay the fine and dont show up for court, a warrant is issued for their arrest and they end up in jail. Once released, the cycle starts all over again.

With Whites program, one hour of work by a participant knocks $10 off their fine.

Theres no money exchanged between anybody, because that would get a little sticky. But I keep track of everything, White said.

A cleaner community

On their most recent work day on Thursday, Oct. 5, the cleanup crew concentrated on areas under the bridges along Main Avenue and First Avenue North.

As an occasional runner or cyclist went by on the nearby bike path, the workers fanned out.

They pitched food containers, muddy blankets, empty beer cans and liquor bottles into large trash bags, which would be picked up later by Fargo Park District employees.

Theyre careful, however, not to disturb anything that looks like an active campsite for someone.

Wilson can relate to the struggle of trying to survive outdoors, reflecting on the rainy weather of the past few weeks.

It was tough to find a place to actually stay dry, but I managed, Wilson said.

Jordan Joshua is a homeless advocate at the Gladys Ray Shelter, the city-owned facility for people who cant use other shelters, often due to ongoing mental health or chemical dependency problems.

He recruits people from the shelter into the community service program and supervises the group while they work.

Its not just me telling them what to do. Its me being more of a brother, you know, just connecting with them a little closer because theyre more comfortable if youre out in their environment, Joshua said.

When the weather turns cold, the group will help with nonprofit projects indoors at the Gladys Ray Shelter.

Small victories

White said since the program began a little over a year ago, participants have collectively worked off about $15,000 worth of fines.

Eight of them have made good on their entire fine amounts, ranging from $200 to $2,100.

With them spending more time working and less time in jail, theres a cost savings to the city and to society, she said, because of the $60 to $100 a day tab to house them there.

Through the program, theyre also connected more directly with resources they need, including housing, mental health and chemical dependency services.

White said expecting any of them to make a turnaround in a short period of time is unrealistic.

Instead, she tries to gauge success on the small victories.

If participants can stay sober for any stretch of time, where it doesnt cost White the time to deal with them, thats a positive.

And shes confident they can all do something to improve their lot in life.

They seem to be pretty upbeat people when theyre in the right place. Ive seen a lot of these guys and gals at their worst, but Ive also seen them at their best, White said.

Charette thinks he might be turning the corner. He said he has a couple of daughters in Fargo, and hopes to have his own apartment by the end of the month.

Im doing OK. Im working on my own way, he said.
PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Pascagoula police are searching for a man who robbed the Hancock Bank on Denny Avenue in Pascagoula on Friday, according to Capt. Doug Adams.

According to Adams, the man walked into the bank around 5 p.m., approached the teller and handed them a note demanding money.

The teller complied and the male left with an undisclosed amount of money, Adams said.

Per the teller, the suspect did not brandish a weapon.

The suspect left the building and was seen getting into a brown Hyundai heading east on Hwy. 90.

The man is described as a 6-feet tall white male, weighing around 200 pounds, wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans, black hat, sun glasses on his hat, with a beard.

Anyone with information about the robbery should call the Pascagoula Police Department at 228-762-2211, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-877-787-5898.
Genres : Anime, Fantasy

Starring : Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki, Takashi Naito, Yasuko Sawaguchi, Tatsuya Gashuin

Director : Hayao Miyazaki

Plot Synopsis

In the middle of her family's move to the suburbs, a sullen 10-year-old girl wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches, and monsters; where humans are changed into animals; and a bathhouse for these creatures.
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McDonalds of the Indianapolis Region announced this week that West Frankfort resident and McDonalds owner/operator Mary Moreland is the recipient of the 2017 Women Operator Network Founders Award.

We are so proud to announce that Mary has won the prestigious Founders Award, said Linda Burrell, president of W.O.N.s Indianapolis Region Chapter and Middle-Tennessee owner/operator, in a news release. Mary has been an active member of our chapter for decades and has mentored not only her daughter (Stephanie Bishop, also a McDonalds owner/operator), but many prospective McDonalds women owner/operators and other young-women in her local community.

The national and biannual honor recognizes a woman owner/operator who works beyond her own life and community and makes a difference in the lives of other women.

Mary Moreland and husband, John, own and operate 10 McDonalds restaurants in the Tri-State and Evansville, Indiana, area. Shes been an approved operator for 35 years, and a partner in the family-owned business for more than 52 years.
CARBONDALE  Several months ago, the Vogler dealership went totally solar.

On Saturday, one of the managers thought someone would stop by to inquire about how well the project is going. No one came, though, to inquire about how the company's 33,000 square feet of solar panels, throughout its seven operations, are impacting business.

Had they asked, though, they would have heard "very well," according to Tim Hirsch, sales manager for Vogler Motor Co. Hirsch talked about the benefits to the company, which is now totally solar-powered, sitting in his office where solar energy powered the three overhead LED fluorescent lights, his workstation computers and an upright fan blowing cooling air in one corner.

"As people get more information, more people will do it," Hirsch said.

He said business owners and others probably expect the venture to be too cost-prohibitive and otherwise confusing, but suggested they contact a solar company to figure out what the cost would be to them.

His business was part of solar tours hosted Saturday as part of the American Solar Energy Society's National Solar Tour event; October is recognized Energy Awarene Month.

He said the company spent about $1.2 million to install solar panels at seven of its properties, including the dealership on Main Street in Carbondale; Hirsch showed pictures of solar panels lining the top of the roofs.

Before the solar installation, Vogler paid between $7,000 to $9,000 a month for energy, owner Dennis Rathjen said.

Company officials expect the project to have paid for itself in five years.

Both Rathjen and Hirsch said the company received tax credits and receives SREC credits  Solar Renewable Energy Credits  which can be redeemed with or used by energy companies like Ameren.

The company arrived at this solution after thinking of ways to save money and be more energy conscious, Rathjen said.

"You think about stuff like this all the time, Rathjen said. It makes sense. (Before now) it just didnt make real good sense  until now."
Genres : Science Fiction, Horror, Drama

Starring : Robert Horton, Luciana Paluzzi, Richard Jaeckel, Ted Gunther, David Yorston, Robert Dunham

Director : Kinji Fukasaku

Plot Synopsis

After a perilous mission to a huge asteroid, a crew returns to its space station, unaware a bit of ooze from the asteroid clings to a crewman's uniform. The green goop grows - into murderous, tentacled monsters. And as station members fight to live, gunk from the monsters' wounds turns into more monsters! That's the story. Now enjoy as our heroes fight to preserve Earth and, unintentionally, our own senses of humor with a movie that Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times called "one of the funniest made-in-Japan sci-fi monster movies ever." Kinji Fukasaku, whose later work was championed by Quentin Tarantino, directs. The world would be a far more bleak and joyless place without marvels like The Green Slime.






Genres : Thriller

Starring : Megan Peta Hill, Joel Hogan, Josh Potthoff, Pete Valley, Mark Fell

Director : Gerald Rascionato

Plot Synopsis

In this intense thriller, three friends from California head to the rugged Australian coast for a cage-dive encounter with deadly great whites. But after attracting a swarm of vicious sharks, their tour boat is destroyed by a massive rogue wave. As clouds gather and darkness descends, the three friends find themselves alone and defenseless, afloat in the chilly ocean as hungry man-eaters begin to circle. With little hope of rescue, they must fight to survive using only their courage.
The South Carolina Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will convene the organization's 57th District Conference Oct. 13-14 on the campuses of Claflin University and South Carolina State University.

During its public program from 6-7:30 on Friday, Oct. 13, the fraternity will honor two new South Carolina Living Legends from chapters in the Orangeburg area. It will also continue to commemorate The Emanuel Nine, who were slain on June 17, 2015, at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston. A reception is planned afterward. This event is free and open to the public and will be held at the W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center on the Claflin campus.

Honorees are as follows:

South Carolina Alpha Living Legends -- Henry L. Hank Robinson, 65, of Easley, a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., is one of the Living Legends. A business major at South Carolina State, Robinson worked for over 40 years in the Finance Department there until his retirement.

Another Living Legend is Willie J. Jefferson of Mayesville, who earned a bachelor's in biological sciences at Voorhees College and a master's in biological sciences and education at South Carolina State. He is employed at Voorhees as director of external affairs, operations and special events.

The Emanuel Nine Award for Educational Support -- Dr. Thelma F. Sojourner, the first woman to serve as superintendent in Bamberg School District 2, is this year's honoree. A graduate of Voorhees and S.C. State, Sojourner has been an advocate for public education and enhancing the lives of minority and disadvantaged children for more than 50 years.

The Emanuel Nine Award for Volunteerism -- This year's honoree is Liz Zimmerman Keitt, the founder/director of Project Life: Positeen, an after-school program that provides tutoring to students and life skills to parents. Zimmerman Keitt volunteers countless hours to her alma mater, Claflin, and serves as an Orangeburg City Council member.

The Emanuel Nine Award for Faith -- Orangeburg Mayor Michael C. Butler, one of this year's recipients, was elected in 2013 as the city's first African-American mayor and was recently re-elected to a second term. Butler graduated from Claflin with a bachelor's in education. He founded Victory Tabernacle Deliverance Temple of the Apostolic Faith Inc. and was elevated to Suffragan Bishop in Region 6 of the South Carolina State Councils 24th Episcopal District.

Also receiving this award is Rev. Ellis White Jr., a native of Lynchburg who graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor's in political science. White obtained his Masters of Divinity from Erskine Theological Seminary in Due West. He is an Ordained Elder in the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and pastor of Edisto Fork United Methodist Church in Orangeburg.

The Emanuel Nine Award for Political Activism -- One of this year's recipients is state Sen. John W. Matthews Jr., who has served as a legislator since 1975. Matthews previously was a teacher and administrator in the public school system and small business owner. He served on House and Senate committees that worked to improve education, economic development and job creation in the state. Matthews earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees at S.C. State.

Also receiving the award is Dr. Cleveland Sellers Jr., an educator and veteran civil rights activist and political figure. While a student at Howard University, he joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and became a program director, focusing on voter registration in Mississippi. He marched and worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sellers was convicted for allegedly instigating the Orangeburg Massacre, spent several years in prison and received a full pardon 25 years after the incident.

The Emanuel Nine Award for Safety -- Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell won his first run for political office when he was elected the county's 52nd sheriff on Jan. 25, 2011. He was re-elected for a full term on Nov. 6, 2012. He continues to give back to his alma mater, Claflin, as an adjunct professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice.

For more information on the convention and for tickets, visit www.scalpha.org.
When an emergency occurs, any wait is too long.

Thats why county officials say they need to keep fully staffed emergency medical services operations. But its getting harder.

"I can surely say that the costs of equipment, supplies and labor will continue to increase," Calhoun County Emergency Services Director Bill Minikiewicz said.

"South Carolina is in a critical shortage of paramedics that is making recruitment and retention our main worry. Larger counties can easily offer higher wages than small rural counties like ours, he said.

EMS staffing became an issue in The T&D Region earlier this year when Orangeburg County Council approved a new business license fee.

Officials said they needed the revenue, largely to pay for more EMS workers to cover the 1,100-square-mile county.

Orangeburg County's EMS operates on an annual budget of $2.9 million.

The county has ten ambulances, but is currently operating seven due to the lack of manpower, Orangeburg County Administrator Harold Young said.

On a given day, there about 28 EMS personnel on a 12-hour shift. Due to being understaffed, some have to work double shifts.

"We need more certified EMT's (emergency medical technicians) and paramedics," Young said.

South Carolina regulations require EMTs to go through a year of education and training in order to receive the certification enabling them to serve. Young said it used to take six months.

The more stringent requirements have impacted the number of new, qualified individuals coming through the pipeline. With 45 other counties competing for these individuals, the recruitment efforts are a challenge.

For example, in June of this year Young said the county's EMS had about 17 openings. The county has whittled that down to about 10 openings as of the beginning of October.

Young said all areas of the county are covered, but the county could use more.

"The truth is we need those extra bodies to fully get us to our maximum potential of response time, he said.

The county has tried to address the need through recruitment and advertising.

Its also using the business license fee revenue to increase pay for EMTs and paramedics.

Young said the fee is allowing the county to increase its baseline pay for EMTs to $37,000 and paramedics to $50,000. The increase includes about $1 an hour more for EMTs and $2 more an hour for paramedics.

Young said the business license fee will provide EMS with about $700,000 more a year.

This the only way we could give them the increase they did," he said.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median wage for paramedics and EMTs in the state is about $33,000 through May 2016, the latest numbers available.

Young says counties are constantly upping their pay in light of local shortages.

"It is a sad situation, but a lot of folks jump back and forth depending on who pays more at the time," Young said. "Now that we upped our base rate in pay some, we are OK."

In order to address the challenges, the S.C. Technical College System recently held a joint meeting with Apprenticeship Carolina to address the shortage.

The meeting focused on building the state's EMT workforce through registered apprenticeship programs, including education through local technical colleges and funding assistance through the S.C. Apprenticeship Initiative grant.

Equipment

In addition to ensuring the county has manpower, Young said equipment is also needed.

"At the end of the day, you are only as good as the equipment you can put on the ground to help people during a time of disaster," Young said. "You go to some of these expos, they have all these bells and whistles, but at the end of the day weve got what we need to be able to keep you safe."

"You can ask those guys. They don't get everything they want, but they get everything they need," he said.

There are two ambulances in Orangeburg as well as one each in Santee, Neeses, Eutawville, Rowesville and Bowman. Twenty years ago, the county had two ambulances for the entire county.

Young said the business license fee will also let the county purchase five new ambulances for EMS.

"The debt service for the five ambulances will come from the EMS budget, which is a part of the additional money they got from the business revenue," he said.

The current fleet of ambulances is about 6 years old, but most have 100,000 miles on them. He said a few have over 200,000 miles due to them operating daily in a county the size of Orangeburg.

Response time

Despite of manpower shortages, Young said the county's average EMS response time is 11 minutes and 40 seconds countywide.

The county tracks response times for training and investigation purposes using computer-aided dispatch technology.

Young said a lot of people in the county do not see a primary care doctor due to the lack of funds and tend to call ambulances for non-emergency situations.

"That puts an extra burden on the ambulatory system," he said. "Unfortunately, we find people that make false claims of sickness just to get transported from the eastern end up to Orangeburg."

He said another challenge is the county EMS is responsible for interstate accidents. With two major interstates running through the county, it can be a challenge.

"At any moment, there could be a pileup on I-26 or I-95," Young said. "That response could cost us two to three ambulances out of the seven."

Young says the county's ambulances are strategically located to provide the county the service it needs.

For example, Young said if both ambulances from Orangeburg are on calls, both the Neeses and Bowman units are on standby to cover Orangeburg.

If all units are tied up in Orangeburg, Young said the Santee unit comes and stations itself at U.S. 301 and U.S. 176 to provide coverage further west if needed.

"There is a chess game with the pieces," he said.

When help is really needed, the county can also call on mutual aid with surrounding counties, but tends to use private pay ambulance companies such as Pendarvis, On Time and American.

Young said service billing methods are easier for private companies.

Young says over the past six years, the county has put a premium on emergency services and the system they have.

"I know what it takes to keep a county safe," he said.

The county has invested more than $3 million in just the past year in radio technology and dispatch systems, all with the intent of improving EMS.

S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control spokesman Tim Kelly said the state does not have a response time requirement, but it does have en route time requirements based on the type of emergency service.

"Licensed ambulances and first responder units are required to be en route to a call within five minutes of being dispatched," Kelly said. "Volunteer agencies are required to be en route to a call within 10 minutes of being dispatched."

"If the ambulance services, including the voluntary services, cannot respond within the required amount of time, they must make arrangements to have the closest staffed ambulance dispatched," he said.

One of the key EMS benchmarks for municipal and career fire departments is the National Fire Protection Association's standards.

On all EMS calls, accepted national response standards include 8 minutes in urban areas and 10 minutes in rural areas.

Calhoun County

In Calhoun County, EMS has an annual budget of $1.2 million.

The county has seven ambulances which are staffed daily and around the clock. The ambulances are stationed throughout the county in St. Matthews, Sandy Run and Creston.

The county currently has 18 full-time and about 12 part-time first responders, plus a logistics officer, training officer and director.

"The goal of EMS is to reduce morbidity and mortality, Minikiewicz said. To do this, we are constrained by the principle of utility ... to do the most good for the most people most of the time.

You can always improve the numbers if you can afford it."

Despite being challenged with staffing, Minikiewicz says by law the county needs to respond to every emergency call.

Minikiewicz says the county's dispatch time, from when the call is received until it is dispatched, is about three minutes. The response time  how long it takes the ambulance to arrive -- is about 11 minutes.

"The last time this was assessed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, average response time for South Carolina was 6 minutes in urban counties and 11 minutes in rural counties," Minikiewicz said.

He says the local response time is in line with national numbers.

Minikiewicz says the county calls in off-duty EMTs and mutual aid from other counties when assistance is needed. He says the office staff is also on call.

Minikiewicz says the county does receive assistance from other county EMS departments, but there is never a guarantee that they will be available.

"We also occasionally use a private service when needed," he said. On Time Transport has a permit as required by the county to provide service in the county. They provide emergent and non-emergent service at the BLS (basic life support) level at minimum."

Bamberg County

Bamberg County contracts with the private, non-profit Bamberg Rescue Squad Inc. to provide emergency 911 service in the county.

The county, through the BRSI, has three ambulances that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Ambulances are housed at the company headquarters in Bamberg as well as Denmark and Ehrhardt.

The service has 13 full-time employees and 13 part-time employees.

"I feel that we should have one additional ambulance to be able to serve the county better," said Martha Hammett, Bamberg Rescue Squad Inc. operations manager. "We would need to have an additional six employees to cover the three shifts."

At the present time, Bamberg receives mutual aid from Allendale, Barnwell, Colleton, Hampton and Orangeburg counties.

"If our three units are all out on 911 calls, then dispatch would call the county that is the nearest one to the location of the call," Hammett said. "We do not have any private services in Bamberg County, but do have them in surrounding counties which we have called if needed."

Hammett said the county is well covered.

"We have not had any situation where the people of Bamberg County have not been able to get the care they need," she said.

The average dispatch time for Bamberg Rescue Squad is five minutes from dispatch to the truck being en route.

"This time is close in comparison with the state of South Carolina," Hammett said.
Flames flickered in the dark as dozens of Orangeburg County residents and officials remembered victims of domestic violence on Monday.

Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, said, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is so ironic that we are kicking this off in the horror of what has happened in Las Vegas over the past 24 hours.

Please make it your personal mission to have zero tolerance for violence, she said.

Cobb-Hunter said everyone feels the impact of domestic violence.

You could very well be sitting next to someone who is a victim of domestic violence or you could very well be sitting next to someone who is the perpetrator of domestic violence, she said.

The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety and Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office collaborated for the annual tribute for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said, This is a very important time. Being ranked fifth in the country in domestic violence. We need to let that sink in. Thats not a good stat. We can never shy away from this conversation.

Ravenell, who is also a survivor of domestic violence, said, I am not a statistic. Ive been there, so I know theres hope.

Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler said the city will support victims of domestic violence.

If theres anybody out there whos going through something like that, please let us know. We can help you out, he said.

Before members of the community and officials lit candles to honor domestic violence victims, they held a moment of silence for the victims and families affected by the massacre in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Deloris Frazier and Ray Wannamaker Sabalis will face each other Tuesday to determine who will represent the Democratic Party in the race for the Orangeburg County Council District 6 seat.

The winner will face GOP candidate Josh Ridley on Nov. 28.

Six people sought to be the Democratic candidate for the seat left open by councilman Clyde Livingstons death in July. The District 6 seat has 13 months remaining on the term.

Sabalis received 343 votes, or 29.88 percent of the votes, in the Sept. 26 Democratic primary.

Frazier received 307 votes, or 26.74 percent of the votes.

A runoff is required since neither received a majority.

Deloris Frazier

Frazier hopes a large number of voters participate in the runoff.

I just pray that everyone comes out because every vote counts, she said.

The retired educator said she is a servant leader and has been working with constituents in the trenches.

Creating jobs will be one of her top priorities. Her other focuses include health care, infrastructure, affordable housing and supporting a viable fire service.

She also plans to push for the continuation of the sewer and penny projects.

Frazier said she is seeking the seat to further her work of advocating for economic development for the Edisto Drive community and constituents, and to provide much-needed services to the county.

Frazier noted her support for the Edisto Drive and Riverbank sewer projects and the extension of DPU water and gas services.

She feels the county needs to bring in more industry and businesses, which in turn will bring in jobs.

Frazier wants to see the county provide employment opportunities that have higher wages than minimum wage and affordable housing.

Shed also like to see a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics in education.

On the countys new business license ordinance, Frazier said, I would have to further review the ordinance and its impact on businesses in our county with my constituents.

Frazier says shes served the Edisto Drive community and county in several areas.

She has served on the Orangeburg County Fire Commission and as chairman of the Concerned Citizens of Edisto Drive.

She has also been recognized as teacher of the year at Rivelon Elementary School. Shes served as alumni president of the Orangeburg Chapter for Denmark Technical College and served in various capacities with the Orangeburg County Democratic Party.

Frazier has served as the secretary/treasurer of Family Health Center from its inception.

She also organizes a senior fitness group, the Smooth Steppers of Edisto Drive, as a service to the community.

Frazier says her work, integrity, honesty and commitment in the community and for the community at large speaks for itself.

She is an active and life-long resident of Orangeburg County.

Frazier graduated from Wilkinson High School and went on to Denmark Technical College. She later earned a degree from South Carolina State in early childhood and elementary education.

Ray Wannamaker Sabalis

Sabalis hopes voter turnout increases for the runoff.

I hope that the voters who participated in the primary will be joined in the runoff by others interested in the outcome of this special election, she said.

Sabalis said she is committed to the community, and has the interest, enthusiasm, time, experience and skills to serve all the constituents of District 6.

She wants to strengthen economic development, increase job opportunities, prepare residents for the jobs of the future, strengthen county services and protect natural resources.

On the countys business license ordinance, Sabalis has said she looks forward to helping to resolve any outstanding concerns from citizens and business owners.

After speaking with small business owners, she believes there needs to be a conversation about a cap on the license fees, whether the county can inspect a businesss financial records and the hassles of paperwork.

Council members and small business owners now have the opportunity to discuss and work through these concerns. Sabalis said. These discussions will have the best outcomes when specific areas of concern are identified and specific solutions and remedies are proposed and listened to.

For District 6, Sabalis said she wants to inspire hope in the youth by providing an excellent education, access to opportunities for employment-related skill development and satisfying jobs so they can lead meaningful and productive lives.

Sabalis noted her previous work with technology, fundraising and development in a school and seminary and as a network administrator. She said each of these positions required technical expertise and the ability to work as a member of a team.

Sabalis was born in Orangeburg. She spent her childhood in Camden, then moved to Columbia for 30 years.

In 2000, she and her husband of 45 years moved to Alexandria, Virginia, for his job. After retiring, the two moved back to South Carolina in 2012.

She is retired, most recently from her position as development director at the Virginia Theological Seminary, the countrys largest Episcopal seminary.

Sabalis is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in political science.

She has three grown children and six grandchildren, ages 6 to 13.

The runoff

County Director of Voter Registration Aurora Smalls said all rules and polling locations will be the same for the runoff.

Anyone in Orangeburg County District 6 is allowed to vote in the runoff.

Citizens who voted in the primary election on Sept. 26 can vote again in the runoff. Those who did not vote can also vote in the runoff if they choose.

Republican voters who participated in GOP primaries in the past can vote in the runoff as South Carolina does not require voters to declare a party in order to vote. This will not prevent them from voting in any future Republican primaries as well.

Voters who are blind, physically disabled or unable to read or write are entitled to assistance in casting their ballot.

Voters who are unable to enter their polling place due to physical handicap or are 65 years of age or older may vote from their vehicle. When notified, the polling location will help voters using a curbside voting provision.

At the polls, voters will be required to show one of the following forms of photo identification:

 S.C. drivers license

 S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles ID card

 S.C. Voter Registration Card with photo

 Federal military ID

 U.S. passport

Voters who forget their photo ID may vote using a provisional ballot but must show an ID prior to the certification of the election.

People with a reasonable impediment to getting a photo ID can vote if they sign an affidavit stating why. Bring your non-photo voter registration card to the polling place.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Polling locations are:

 Cordova 2: Cordova Town Hall, 105 Flashover Lane, Cordova

 Limestone 1: Prince of Orange Mall (rear side near food court), 2390 Chestnut St., Orangeburg

 Suburban 4: Orangeburg Municipal Airport, 1811 Airport Road, Orangeburg

 Suburban 5: Rivelon Elementary School, 350 Thomas B. Eklund Cir., Orangeburg

 Suburban 6: Rivelon Elementary School, 350 Thomas B. Eklund Cir., Orangeburg

 Suburban 7: William J. Clark Middle School, 919 Bennett Ave., Orangeburg

 Suburban 8: Marshall Elementary School, 1441 Marshall Ave., Orangeburg

 Ward 1: Orangeburg Arts Center (River Pavilion), 619 Riverside Dr., Orangeburg

 Ward 2: Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce, 155 Riverside Dr., SW, Orangeburg

 Ward 3: Mellichamp Elementary School, 350 Murray Road, Orangeburg

 Ward 6: Youth Canteen, 1620 Middleton St., Orangeburg

 Ward 7: Sheridan Elementary School, 1139 Hillsboro Road, Orangeburg

 Ward 8: William J. Clark Middle School, 919 Bennett Ave., Orangeburg

 Ward 9: Marshall Elementary School, 1441 Marshall Ave., Orangeburg

 Ward 10: Sheridan Elementary School, 1139 Hillsboro Road, Orangeburg
A new medical spa is opening in Orangeburg.

Palmetto Rejuvenations Medical Spa celebrated the grand opening of its facility at 795 Cook Road Sept. 28.

The store is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed Sunday.

Palmetto Rejuvenations Medical Spa focuses on offering therapeutic treatments.

"You don't want to have to go to Charleston or Columbia after a nice facial and a nice massage," co-owner Sangeeta Gupta said. "Why not offer these services here? It will be a good service for the community."

"Everyone wants to look young and take care of their skin," Gupta said.

Gupta is partnering in the business with Archana Singh.

The business will be under the medical directorship of Dr. Avinash Gupta. Dr. Gupta has served in the Orangeburg area for the last 17 years in pain management and anesthesiology

The business offers facials, dermaplaning, massages, lashes and brow service including eye brow threading and sculpting; waxing and laser hair removal.

Cosmetic procedures such as Botox, Xeomin, Radiesse, Kybella, Juvederm Voluma, and Platelette Rich Plasma are also offered.

Organic facials and products will also be available.

The business will also offer doctor recommended product lines for skin care.

Gupta said the products are not ones that can be found at local drug stores.

For more information, call 803-937-5616 or email palmettorejuvenations@gmail.com.
A senior dance troupe recently celebrated its fifth anniversary during a "Chit Chat and Chew" luncheon held at the Liberty Room on Joe S. Jeffords Highway in Orangeburg.

Troupe founder Clarissa Steedley Muldrow joined more than 60 troupe members at the anniversary luncheon where awards were presented.

Olivia Glover, owner and directress of Glover's Funeral Home in Orangeburg, was the honored guest and was awarded as a "Super Senior" in recognition of her devotion to her family, the impact her business has had on the economy of the city and county and her compassionate community service.

Certificates of appreciation were also awarded to three former troupe teachers: Janice Z. Snell, Queen Esther Hamilton and Diane Nicholson. They were recognized for their work and participation in the luncheon.

The troupe has been thriving, with Kate Evans frequently traveling from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to participate in the dance class and other activities.

Also during the luncheon, Gyptsie Wolfe, a master fitness instructor and personal trainer, and troupe member Bishop Dr. Richard Copeland were presented certificates of appreciation for their generosity and support of the dance troupe.

Other luncheon guests included: Joseph Keitt, facility coordinator for the city of Orangeburg, and Laura Snipes and Debbie Campbell, members of the Orangeburg Line Dancers.

Shawn Taylor, superintendent of Orangeburg City Parks and Recreation, delivered the invocation at the luncheon. Orangeburg businesswoman Desiree Ross, owner and manager of The Ross Insurance Agency LLC, blessed the meal which was prepared and served by County Line Caterers and arranged by Gopher Errand Service of Orangeburg.

The groups motto is Live, Dance and Be Happy.

For more information, contact Muldrow by phone at 803-536-9429 or 803-707-6945 or by email at csteedleymuldrow@gmail.com.
The mystery of the motivation behind the machine-gun massacre in Las Vegas  59 dead and 527 wounded  may literally be a blank. Yes, a fill-in-the-blank exam in which the blank is the answer.

Stephen Paddocks seemingly ordinary life was filled with fun and thrills  but not God. Is God against fun? No, but there must be a balance between the moral and the material in our lives here on earth  itself a heavenly body floating in a space whose very existence we cannot explain.

So I went to the Bible to gain perspective on the Las Vegas massacre. Your adversary the devil walketh the earth, seeking whom he may devour. Resist the devil, and he will flee from your. I Peter 5:08 and James 4:07 suggest that Stephen Paddock might have been an empty vessel into which the devil poured evil. Lots of it. Killing strangers from far away is a special kind of psychopathic evil.

Stephen Paddock evidently led a life of thrill-seeking  risky investments, gambling, flying airplanes, and, last but not least, guns. Lots of them. Positioned to kill strangers. Lots of them. Like the drug addict whos always seeking a higher high, Paddocks final thrill was the thrill of the kill.

Suffice it to say that Paddock had not immunized himself with enough respect for humanity, morality, and the immortal to make the devil flee. Nay, the devil helped him assemble a military-grade stash of weaponry and perfectly position it to carry out our nations worst mass murder. And Paddock didnt blink an eye as he pulled the trigger on his arsenal of evil.

I first encountered terrorism in Northern Ireland  eight trips to Belfast. One of the worst murders I wrote about was that of Stephen Restorick, the last British soldier to die before a peace agreement silenced the guns. He was shot in the back from half a mile away, much as Sonny Melton, a registered nurse from Big Sandy, Tennessee, was shot from afar while shielding his wife in a desperate attempt to flee from a sniper  unseen, unknown and deadly.

Right now all of the bereaved loved ones of the 59 victims are showered with attention and besieged with sincere sorrow from family, friends, and, yes, strangers and blood donors theyve never met. But what about a week from now? What happens after the funerals, after the press puts away their cameras and laptops and goes on to the next story? What then?

Rita Restorick, the mother of that shot-in-the-back British soldier, wrote a book to answer this question. In brief, Rita found her post-funeral world maddeningly normal. How could everything still be so beautiful, the birds still sing and the sun still shine? Our smiling, fun-loving son was dead, yet everyone rushed around  life goes on, but how could it? Sad to say, but, yes, the everyday world will soon return to some sense of normality.

But is the new normal in America becoming so secularized that the devil is finding more and more empty vessels in which to pour evil? Yes, I think Stephen Paddock was a morally empty vessel, the blank that is the answer to the fill-in-the-blank exam that seems so perplexing. Why did he do it?

Many of us have gotten so close to certain specific injustices  yes, they are real  that we dont see the bigger picture of just how good a country we have inherited. There are times and places for protests. And there are times and places to honor America.

Just before Jason Aldean took the stage in Las Vegas, a vast crowd of music fans stood up and waved small lights overhead during the singing of God Bless America. The words alone bring a tear to my eye. May small lights get bigger.
The videos circulating on social media and playing repeatedly on the newscasts are the stuff of nightmares. The audio is chilling; the sheer panic in the air is palpable.

Who among us cannot imagine ourselves in that same scenario  at a crowded concert, sporting event or other enjoyable activity when the unspeakable happens and deadly bullets slice through the air destroying families?

It will be hard to forget the rapid-fire staccato of automatic gunfire raining down on the innocents. But lets be serious, only for a handful of days until life returns to normal. And then we will go about our daily routines until we are interrupted again by the next tragedy, the next senseless mass assault, the next horror show that eclipses all previous attacks in size and scope.

In Las Vegas, one sick and savage man pulled the trigger. His name is Stephen Paddock and his ultimate cowardice was displayed when he committed suicide rather than face justice or be held to account. But we are all to blame.

Every single day in America, we are given clues that something like what took place near the Mandalay Bay Hotel could be in store. Often, we are too busy entrenched in the mundane or the minutiae of our own lives to even notice what is happening around us. Like the proverbial ostrich with its head in the ground, we are hunched over our cell phones and tablets totally absorbed in games, mindless chatter and texts, scrolling through social media feeds and whiling away the hours of our lives.

But around us we are missing unmistakable clues that should be sounding alarms. Most of us probably know or have seen somebody we should know is capable of a destructive act of domestic terrorism. We dont need to profile for radical Islamic terrorists, dark-skinned people born outside our borders or illegal immigrants from Mexico.

American has its own terrorists. The monsters are already among us. First we have to recognize that fact. And then we have to act.

Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, security experts have warned us repeatedly about the dangers of large-scale attacks on soft targets. And sadly, they have come to pass. Young people dancing away the night in a club in Orlando, people enjoying a country music concert near the Las Vegas Strip. Our world is a study in tumult, our nation is in chaos, and what we continue to witness is the death not just of our fellow citizens, but also life as we used to know it in the United States.

The type of weapon used in the Las Vegas attack was obviously a factor in how quickly the assailant was able to murder his victims. But the government could ban assault weapons, take away as many guns of all sizes and shapes as possible and still we would see such tragedies. Evil finds a way, and bombs would replace bullets.

The men and women of law enforcement, who put themselves in harms way to respond to these events but also to prevent them could catch 99 potential assailants. And yet the 100th would still exploit our free and open society to wreak havoc and commit acts of unspeakable horror. When it comes to preventing terrorism and stopping such assaults, the odds are not in our favor, and we cannot ever realistically expect to prevent these attacks 100 percent of the time.

So what can we do? What must we do? The answer is to become more vigilant, more aware of whats going on around us. Instead of ignoring, mocking or laughing off the people in our society who seem disgruntled, angry or somehow off, we must report them. We need to take a more active role in not just paying attention to the people who give us an uneasy feeling, but to take the next step by alerting law enforcement even when we have no evidence of a crime, but have uneasy feelings or are worried about a persons potential for violence.

Law enforcement needs private citizens to help prevent these attacks from occurring. The families, friends, associates and neighbors of people who seem troubled cannot afford to ignore warning signs. There are always clues. Threats posted online, angry or violent sentiments conveyed in conversations, guns purchased, ammunition stockpiled.

The shooter at Virginia Tech had worried his classmates and displayed signs of mental illness. The Columbine killers forecast their slaughter on websites and violent journal entries. Even lone wolves leave footprints.

We also must take a hard look at our laws and consider much more stringent penalties for making terrorist threats. Given the crisis we face, perhaps we should abandon the mentality that mass murderers and terrorists are innocent until proven guilty. Threats alone should be as intolerable as actions. Promising to commit these abhorrent acts should be grounds enough to bring them to swift and harsh justice before they act.

Our society itself is sick, and each and every one of us has a role to play if we ever hope to recover. Otherwise, the best we can do is plod about our day-to-day lives  and merely hope that we are not next.
Genres : Adventure

Starring : Tyrone Power

Director : Henry King

Plot Synopsis

A gorgeous, top-drawer Twentieth Century Fox spectacular, Captain from Castile (1947)  adapted from Samuel Shellabargers best-selling novel  offers Tyrone Power as a Castilian caballero, first a victim of the Spanish Inquisition, then a member of the Mexican expedition of Hernan Cortez (Cesar Romero). Along the way, he helps an Aztec slave (Jay Silverheels) and rescues a lively barmaid (Jean Peters) from the depredations of a cruel Inquisitor (John Sutton). Directed by veteran Henry King, and featuring a masterpiece of a score by the great Alfred Newman.
The UAE's Ministry of Health & Prevention (Mohap) has signed an agreement with GlobalPharma, a unit of French drugmaker Sanofi and a leading pharamaceutical company, to maintain a strategic stock of medicines and support crisis preparedness in the country.



The deal was signed by Dr Abdul Karim Abdullah Al Zarouni, the director of the Department of Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Operations at the ministry and Karine Labaky, the general manager at Globalpharma and Middle East head of Generics at Sanofi in the presence of Dr Amin Al Amiri, the assistant undersecretary of Public Health Policy and Licensing sector at the Mohap and Sanofi Middle East CEO Dr John Paul.



As per the agreement, the ministry will maintain a strategic inventory of medicines, to be utilized in case of crisis in alignment with the UAE governments decision to make sure that all sectors are fully prepared to face emergencies or critical situations at all times.



Dr Amin said the key objective of Mohap is to enhance and protect public health by adopting innovative approaches and promoting a culture of proactivity and efficiency to secure optimal healthcare outcomes.



This can be achieved by building superior quality and safety systems, backed by effective policies, strong legislations and programs that evolve to meet the needs of communities in UAE. Participation and support from industry partners like GlobalPharma help in reinforcing and sustaining the countrys healthcare infrastructure, he noted.



Under this agreement, Global Pharma will provide medicine inventory and keep it permanently in quantities that cover the requirements for one year.



It will be responsible for the safety of the strategic medical stock by adhering to the principles of good storage and distribution of pharmaceuticals, remarked Labaky.



"GlobalPharma is committed to meeting health challenges in different ways such as driving effective approaches for managing healthcare costs, improving access to essential medicines, supporting local manufacturing of generics and contributing to strengthening UAEs overall health economy," she added.-TradeArabia News Service
Omans Sohar Aluminium has revealed that its board is studying expansion plans with the aim of increasing capacity in line with Tanfeedhs recommendations along with a strategy to grow downstream aluminium sector in the sultanate, said a report.



Oman's National Plan for Economic Diversification (Tanfeedh) recommended a multimillion rial investment to increase the current production capacity of Sohar Aluminium that can establish more industrial activities while creating additional jobs in the capital-intensive industry, added the Times of Oman report.



Said Mohammed Al Masoudi, CEO of Sohar Aluminum, said that the company is proposing to expand its plant but this will require shareholder appetite to invest.



He revealed that it is under discussion in Tanfeedh as well, and they are always hoping to expand, because the plant itself was designed from day one to have more than one potline.



He further added that their first potline was a greenfield project. The brownfield is less of a challenge but is a capital-intensive project that requires billions of dollars in investment, which once completed will benefit Oman.



Sohar Aluminum currently produces 375,000 tonnes of primary aluminum annually. Nearly 60 per cent of this is used for supply to the local market while 40 per cent is exported in accordance to the agreement with Rio Tinto.



Al Masoudi said that industrial policies and expansion of plant can help the local downstream sector.
Lenovo Data Center Group (DCG), a global leader in the provision of optimum end-to-end data solutions and services, said it is participating in the 37th edition of Gitex Technology Week, currently ongoing in Dubai, UAE.



The event which kicked off today (October 8) will run until October 12, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.



Lenovo DCGs second participation in the regions most premier technology event comes with an enhanced presence, and a planned showcase of its strengths in supercomputing or high-performance computing and an array of products and solutions that are fit for the Intelligence Revolution era, said a statement from the company.



Lenovo recently announced the delivery and implementation of the worlds largest, next-generation Intel-based Supercomputer during the International Supercomputing Conference at Barcelona, Spain, it said.



The 11.1 petaFlop Supercomputer called MareNostrum 4 will be used to power diverse science from human genome research, bioinformatics and biomechanics to weather forecasting and atmospheric composition, it added.



Lenovo is demonstrating during Gitex its new data centre solutions, ThinkSystem and ThinkAgile, which will revolutionise the way businesses and government entities work.



The newly designed ThinkSystem technology, brings the gold-standard for the industry under a single unified brand spanning servers, storage and networking systems. As for the impressive software defined offering portfolio, the ThinkAgile improves long-standing data centre metrics, such as improved utilisation rates, simpler and faster deployments, reduced operational costs, and reduced levels of risk. The portfolio spans hybrid cloud, software-defined storage, and hyper converged infrastructure.



Russell Theron, regional manager, Data Center Group (DCG), Lenovo Middle East and Africa (MEA), said: We live in a fast-paced world where organisations globally are largely competitive and continuously looking to achieve the next big thing.



Building on our 25 years of history in x86 server computing and our number one position in x86 server customer satisfaction and reliability, our goal at Lenovo is to be the largest supercomputing company on earth helping solve humanities largest challenges through the rapid advancement of technology and innovation, he said.



In fact, the interest in supercomputing is growing in markets like UAE and Saudi Arabia with its ability to help organisations in multiple industries including exploration in the oil and gas sector, academics, medicine, space programs, etc.



At this years event, Lenovo DCG will be showcasing joint solutions along with its key partners, including Intel, Microsoft, SAP, Juniper Networks and VMWare, said a statement.



Theron added: With the continuous developments in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the region, corporations require advanced technologies to help them reach their goal faster.



Supercomputers are expected to revolutionise the way work is done in the region, and Lenovo DCG is thrilled to be a part of this revolution and share in-depth insight on this technology during our participation at Gitex, he concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the Bahrain-based international aluminium smelter, has appointed Waleed Tamimi as its chief administration officer following a board of directors meeting held last month.



Tamimi joined Alba in 2011 as a Master Black Belt Specialist in the Operational Excellence Department. He was promoted to manager operational excellence in 2013 and then appointed as the manager for strategic supply and planning in 2014.



In December 2016, he was appointed as the acting director of administration in which capacity he spearheaded the companys administration departments of human resources, training, operational excellence, information technology, public relations and Alba Health Care Center.



Tamimi holds an Executive MBA from the French Arabian Business School / ESSEC in addition to MS and BS degrees in Industrial Engineering from Wichita State University in the US. He is a Certified Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing Master Black Belt.



Albas chief executive officer Tim Murray said: Tamimi embodies the principle of our company which is to develop its people from within. He has been at the forefront of our continuous improvement strategy and operational excellence initiatives.



I am confident that his expertise coupled with his passion to excel will further support our strategy to deliver value to our workforce through good governance and operational excellence, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa (PMMAF) is showcasing a full line-up of advanced innovative solutions at ongoing Gitex Technology Week 2017, being held in Dubai, UAE.



The event which kicked off today (October 8) will run until October 12, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Key highlights of Panasonics showcase at this years event includes: stadium mapping solution, dome projection mapping solution, transparent screen, 360o live camera, latest compact cinema camera EVA 1 and the interactive solution, said a statement.



The other products displayed at the booth are a series of visual solutions; office automation, rugged mobile computers and communication solutions, it said.



The immersive picture quality of Panasonics latest line-up of projectors and lenses, which are showcased at Gitex 2017, have already gained global recognition through permanent installation assignments at museums, theatres, theme parks and events all over the world.



The recent Dubai Festival City project (UAE), that uses Panasonics latest projectors, has secured two Guinness World Records for World's Largest Water Screen Projection and World's Largest Permanent Projection Mapping.



With these latest projection mapping solutions one can deliver absolute immersion in temporary/permanent installations in single/multi-projection layouts. The new technology creates realistic image projections that can be adopted in different businesses and retail settings. These solutions bring in a high level of excitement to sports, musical or any mega events at large stadiums.



Hiroki Soejima, managing director, PMMAF, said: Middle East is one of the major drivers for global economy, and Gitex is a platform that helps us showcase our latest and pioneering technology that cement the future of various industries in the region.



This year, we are highlighting our latest range of innovative products that offer high performance and feature unrivalled quality standards that meet the future requirements of businesses, he said



Our incredible stadium mapping and dome mapping solutions will definitely captivate audiences imagination and will demonstrate our market leadership in the Middle East and Africa region, he added.  TradeArabia News Service
To celebrate the Saudi Royal Decree allowing women to drive, Renault Middle East, together with its distributor Gulf Advantage Automobiles, is giving away seven brand new cars to the first seven Saudi women to visit one of Renaults showrooms in the kingdom with their own driving licences.

The seven-lucky new female drivers must present their driving license at one of the seven Renault showrooms in the country for their chance to be handed the keys to a brand-new Renault Captur, said a statement.

This initiative is the first of many expected from Renault as they look to establish a long-term relationship with Saudi female drivers.

The Captur, which currently ranks the highest amongst European female drivers in the B-SUV segment, is Renault's first urban crossover. The agile, dynamic and elegant model comes equipped with a two-tone colour scheme and offers a number of impressive features including a sliding rear bench, removable seat covers and many clever storage options such as a magic drawer, which aim to ease the lives of customers, it said.

Marwan Haidamous, managing director Renault Middle East, said: The Renault Captur was the first Renault model to be designed by a gender balanced team, with almost half of the designers being women. Indeed, our entire line-up is well suited to the female audience and will appeal to Saudi Arabias new customer base as they get behind the wheel.

Renault ranks within the top 10 consumer brands in Saudi Arabia and holds the number one spot amongst all European automotive brands in the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia continues its forward strides, we are confident that Renault will continue to grow in the country.  TradeArabia News Service
Etihad Airways is re-timing its daily Abu Dhabi  Madinah flights to a daytime operation and will also introduce three additional weekly services during the peak winter period.



Effective February 1, 2018, the current overnight departure from Abu Dhabi will be replaced by a mid-morning flight offering an attractive schedule for travellers flying between the UAEs capital city and Madinah in Saudi Arabia.



The new daytime schedule will also improve connectivity to a number of destinations served by Etihad Airways across the Indian Subcontinent such as Colombo, Delhi, Islamabad, Karachi and Mumbai. There will also be new two-way connections to key North Asian markets, including Beijing, Seoul and Shanghai.



Ahead of the scheduling change, the airline will also increase frequency from seven to 10 flights a week for two months between December 1 and January 31, 2018 to cater for demand during the peak Umrah travel period. The additional capacity will be operated with a two-class Airbus A320 featuring 16 seats in Business Class and 120 in Economy.



Mohammad Al Bulooki, Etihad Airways executive vice president commercial, said: The re-timing of our Madinah flights to a daytime operation and introduction of additional services strengthens our business proposition and commitment to the Saudi Arabian market.



The changes will greatly benefit our guests travelling between Abu Dhabi and Madinah, and offer improved connectivity across the Indian Subcontinent and Asia.



Saudi businesses will also be able to take advantage of the additional capacity. Etihad Cargo carries popular Saudi exports from Madinah  predominantly dates and holy water  to more than 100 destinations around its network.



The Abu Dhabi-based airline currently operates 77 flights a week between the UAEs capital city and four destinations across Saudi Arabia  Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam and Madinah. - TradeArabia News Service
Ibtm world, the leading annual event for the global meetings, incentives, conferences and events industry, is celebrating its 30th milestone anniversary in 2017.



With this long-standing knowledge and experience, ibtm world continues to evolve its offering year-on-year, ensuring it always delivers tangible value and innovative solutions for attendees in a constantly evolving industry.



The market-leading Knowledge Programme, the Technology and Services Zone, and the industrys leading technology showcase, the Innovation Zone, all cater for what is an incredibly dynamic industry and ensure ibtm world offers its attendees a programme that gives them the opportunity to stay ahead of the curve.



Ibtm world has further enhanced its offer for new and emerging technology and innovation with the addition of a Start-Up Pavilion, new for this year, where tech and experiential start-up companies can showcase their product to over 15,000 highly influential industry professionals. This, along with the Technology and Services Zone and the Innovation Zone which plays host to the winners of the Technology Watch Award, ensures ibtm world has an incredibly complete offer for attendees keen to explore and interact with new and emerging technology and services.



This year the Knowledge Programme, a major draw for attendees, will be headlined by two globally-renowned keynote speakers, Dame Stella Rimington, author and former director general of the UK Security Service and Yancey Strickler, co-founder and CEO of Kickstarter, the worlds largest funding platform for creative projects. Dame Stella and Yancey will share invaluable insights and learnings from their highly successful careers, directly relevant to some of the industrys hottest topics and most debated issues.



The full programme is focused on seven topical themes, including industry trends; engagement and experiences; safety, security and risk management; innovation, disruption and technology, to provide learnings that can add business value.



ibtm world is also playing a leading role in supporting and inspiring the industry to take a sustainable approach to business and events, an ever-increasing area of focus across the MICE industry. As such, this year, ibtm events is a Platinum sponsor of Positive Impacts campaign to tell the story of the power of events in support of the United Nations World Travel Organisation (UNWTO) International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.



Positive Impact will be unveiling its latest research at ibtm world 2017, with the show hosting a panel session, attended by the UNWTO. The panel will discuss the findings of the research, and will further debate on the global role the events industry plays in bringing people together to create solutions for the future.



Kerry Prince, portfolio director, ibtm events, said: We always look to innovate through every aspect of our business in terms of our offer and that we continue to deliver the very best service for our customers, who are at the very heart of everything we do. We continue to lead the way by showcasing the newest technologies and to educate through our Knowledge Programme, ensuring we deliver a current, innovative and inspirational event.



This year ibtm world has a very comprehensive offer, including from the Middle East, with exhibitors from the region including AccorHotels UAE, Egyptian Tourist Authority and Istanbul Convention & Visitor Bureau.



This year, some 3,000 companies representing over 150 countries will exhibit, ranging from destinations, hotels and conference centres to technology companies and suppliers from across the industry, with over 70,000 pre-scheduled meetings set to take place.



All attendees have access to the full programme of networking events, including an 80s themed Welcome Party to celebrate the events 30th anniversary and the Networking Hour, where exhibitors will showcase their countries culture through music and food on the event floor.



Ibtm world 2017 will take place from November 28  30 at Fira Gran Via Barcelona in Spain. - TradeArabia News Service


Munich Airport is en route to yet another record-breaking performance. With approximately 4.4 million passengers, September was the busiest month in the history of Munich Airport.



Moreover, the 164,000 travellers counted on September 29 represent a new all-time high for a single day. Overall passenger traffic in the first three quarters of the year was up 6 per cent year-on-year  a gain of around 2 million passengers  to a new record of 34.1 million.



The number of take-offs and landings increased 3.2 per cent to approximately 307,000. Freight turnover was also up by about 10 per cent to 270,000 tons. Based on the traffic statistics available from other German airports, Munich Airport achieved above-average growth in passengers, aircraft movements and cargo. The average load factor rose by 1.6 percentage points to a record level of 77 per cent.



The growth in passenger traffic at Munich Airport was buoyed especially by strong gains in international traffic. On European routes alone, 21.1 million travellers took advantage of the extensive range of destinations available in Munich. That represents a 6.8 per cent increase over the previous year. Spain remains the most popular country (3 million passengers) ahead of Italy (2.5 million). Strong increases were seen in the numbers of travellers flying to and from Greece (up 14 per cent), Portugal (up 15 per cent) and the Russian Federation (up 16 per cent).



Intercontinental routes served from Munich posted a somewhat stronger growth rate than traffic within Europe. In this traffic segment, 5.5 million passengers were counted in the first nine months of the year  7.5 percent more than in the same period in 2016. North American traffic actually saw double-digit growth. Among routes to the Far East, Singapore has experienced a boom year (up 62 per cent). The routes to the Indian metropolises of Delhi and Mumbai have also been extremely successful (up 20 per cent). Traffic on domestic routes increased by 3.6 per cent to about 7.4 million. - TradeArabia News Service


Expanding its presence in the UAE, Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) has signed a management agreement to operate the Coral Dubai Al Barsha Hotel.



The stunning five-star property (formerly the Auris Plaza Hotel) is located in the heart of Al Barsha, within walking distance from the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, and features 337 well-appointed rooms equipped with world-class facilities.



Making the announcement, Brett Schafer, chief executive officer of Faisal Holding, the owning company of HMH together with Manafa, said: We are delighted to welcome the Coral Dubai Al Barsha Hotel to our portfolio of hotels and truly grateful to the owners of the hotel for having given us this fantastic opportunity. The UAE is a strategic market for us and this new development will reinforce our position as a market leader in the dry segment while giving greater choice to our guests. Our brands are built on our core values putting the customer at the heart of the proposition and delivering outstanding quality and service that sets us apart from the competition.



The Coral Dubai Al Barsha Hotel enjoys a terrific location in the vibrant Al Barsha area in close proximity to Dubais key leisure and business attractions. Included in the hotels exceptional facilities are 337 luxurious guestrooms and suites, three fabulous dining outlets, state-of-the-art meeting rooms and excellent mix of leisure options including a whole floor dedicated to health, fitness, spa and kids club as well as a rooftop swimming pool with a spectacular views of Palm Jumeirah.



Aboudi Asali, CEO of HMH, said: The Coral Dubai Al Barsha Hotel is a great addition to our portfolio and an important milestone for the Coral brand. It supports our expansion goals while diversifying and strengthening our value proposition. With our commitment to excellence and passion for service, we are dedicated to drive greater success to all our existing and upcoming properties. Our goal is to position the Coral Dubai Al Barsha Hotel as a popular choice for travellers offering the highest standards. The hotels location right next to the Mall of the Emirates enables us to cater to guests who want to stay with a brand that they know and trust. - TradeArabia News Service


Bahrain will host the fifth edition of the IGN Convention - the biggest event for video games, movies, comics, and pop culture - on October 20 and 21 at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.



This event is being organized in partnership with Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and Tarteeb for Events Production & Services.



Tarteeb will host a number of exciting events and competitions, as well as organize Fifa, Overwatch and Street Fighter tournaments for attendees. This year the event is expected to attract over 12,000 visitors and gamers interested in the convention will soon be able to purchase their tickets from several locations.



The BTEA aims to attract visitors to the kingdom by hosting the IGN Convention as well as other regional and international events. This comes in line with its long-term strategy to develop the tourism sector and support the directives of the kingdoms wise leadership through various initiatives which contribute towards the development of the Kingdoms economy, said Yousif Al Khan, director of Tourism Marketing and Promotions at the BTEA.



The IGN Convention Bahrain previously attracted a large audience including visitors from the Gulf countries due to the interactive games and activities taking place at the event, he added.



Further commenting on the event, chief executive officer of Tarteeb, Mohammed Al Muharraqi, said: "We are delighted to work in partnership with the BTEA to organise such events, which are particularly popular among youth and are expected to attract a large number of visitors.



We are proud to announce that this year, the convention will host Pilou Asbaek, who played the role of Euron Greyjoy in Game of Thrones, one of the most watched television series in the world, he added.



Al Muharraqi also mentioned that the gaming convention will include Factory 13, in addition to other games such as Fifa, Call of Duty, Overwatch, Nintendo Switch games and Clash Royal Tournament.



The previous editions of the IGN Convention were attended by world-renowned celebrities including Giancarlo Esposito of Breaking Bad, Hafthor Bjornsson of Game of Thrones, Troy Baker of The Last of Us, and American professional wrestler, Kurt Angel. Last year, the IGN Convention Bahrain attracted 10,000 visitors from the kingdom and its neighboring GCC countries. - TradeArabia News Service
As part of efforts to become a leading destination for business meetings and Mice travellers, South Korea recently held the ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter Client/Supplier Business Workshop 2017 at the Park Hyatt Busan.

This years workshop was graced with the presence of 16 prominent decision-makers with various professional backgrounds related to medicine, science, technology and commerce, representing as many as 13 countries.



Sunny Lee, senior marketing manager from Busan Tourism Organization, said: The city of Busan was delighted to host colleagues and friends from around the world as part of our commitment to showcase Busan as a premier meeting destination. The workshop initially had 15 places however we decided to further increase the limited quota to 16 due to excellent level of interest.



She added: The workshop is not only a great and valuable networking platform, but to us, it also allows all delegates to build genuine relationships, creatively share ideas and really understand each others needs.



Besides the lightning rounds of Business Meeting sessions, the workshop featured visits, site inspections, sightseeing and hosted meals highlighting the essence of the city. Some of the attractions delegates immersed themselves with included wearing the traditional Korean Hanbok at Gamcheon Cultural Village, learning the art of peace during the Beomosa Temples tea ceremony, and a fine-dining experience at the Nurimaru APEC House in Busan.



The ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter Client/Supplier Business workshop is a three-day event with intensive networking and business opportunities whereby ICCA members and association conference clients meet and exchange ideas within a tailor-made business exchange environment. A total of 39 delegates attended this years Workshop in Busan, including the future host of ICCA APC CSBW 2018 set to take place in Xian, China.



Commenting on the event, Noor Ahmad, regional director Asia Pacific ICCA, said: We have been running the workshop since 2008 for the benefit of Asia Pacific members to network with international associations who are keen to bring their meetings to this region. It is our fervent hope that this workshop will be the avenue for our members to collaborate with the participating associations in staging their future meetings. This is in line with ICCAs strategic goal that our members engage actively with association executives.



This event is organized by the ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter in collaboration with Busan Tourism Organization, and with the support of local partners - Busan Metropolitan City, Korea Tourism Organization, Busan Exhibition & Convention Center and Park Hyatt Busan. - TradeArabia News Service
People browsed shelves and tables full of objects from the past. Antique and vintage dolls, books, jewelry, knick-knacks, tin-type photographs, restored mid-century chairs with original tables are just a few of the things people can find at this weekends Casper Antique & Collectors Club 82nd Show and Sale.

The vendors are eager to tell browsers about the objects. Behind one booth, for example, stood an old bulk oil pump with a jar people would fill at gas stations. Another featured hand-made rugs from Afghanistan.

Its very much a knowledge-based business, said Mary Podzemny, a Lander antique and rug collector who specializes in knotted rugs from Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey and India from the 1950s to today.

Gaining and sharing knowledge about objects of the past is why the Casper Antique & Collectors Club formed in 1971 as a nonprofit organization, co-founder Bruce Smith said.

The club also has donated thousands of dollars to Wyoming museums and libraries, as well as local nonprofit groups, Smith added. The club meets monthly and often features speakers talking about different aspects of antiques and the business.

The idea was to teach us about antiques and collectibles, bring knowledge about that and to make us enough money so we could be involved with antiques and museum, he said.

The event, featuring antiques and collectibles dealers from around Wyoming and the region, is the largest and oldest of its kind in Wyoming, he said.

The show and sale continues 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds Industrial Building. Admission is $2.50 or free for kids younger than 12 with an adult.

Smith was among several club members Saturday working their own booths at the show and sale. He grew interested in antiques while digging for old bottles with a couple of friends.

Now he specializes in glass items, and his booth is mostly filled with cups, vases, dishes and various other items. He showed a customer a small dish with a womans portrait printed on the glass after the technique was discovered, he said.

Podzemny travels from her home in Lander for the local sale because of the friendly crowd and quality of the antiques, she said.

Her booth included some home items, decorations and teddy bears from the early 19th century. But her specialty and the bulk of her business is rugs. Most of her collection comes from nomadic tribes of Afghanistan.

Some of her rugs feature traditional designs including protective symbols, stylized tulips for prosperity and the tree of life representing the path to heaven, she said, as she pointed out the patterns. The traditional rugs patterns and symbols also denoted marriages, births and other events in a tribe.

She mainly focuses on war rugs, though, which incorporate war elements such as tanks, grenades and helicopters. One that sold Saturday depicts a military compound in a nighttime scene with stars and drones on a nighttime mission. Cypress trees on the ground symbolize rebirth, she said.

Most of her war rugs are bought by veterans, Podzemny said. Many people arent familiar with them, though theyre featured in museum shows around the country, she added.

I like the historical aspect, because theres so much illiteracy within the country that history is passed down through arts, Podzemny said. So rugs are recorded history, in one regard.

The show and sale also is a place where visitors learn and muse about the past as they browse items.

Kathy Pagel picked up a teddy bear from Podzemnys booth and talked with the owners sister about how teddy bears were named after President Theodore Roosevelt. Hed decided not to shoot a bear during one of his hunting trips, said Margaret Phinney, who helped at her sisters booth that day. The bears legs and arms still move, through its fur is aged by time and worn by small hands.

It reminds me of the velveteen rabbit, Pagel said

. He was loved so much his fur had come off, and he wasnt very pretty anymore, but he was special to somebody.
More than a year ago, Derreice Bretz bought a house in Mills across from the elementary school named for the small town. Her daughter would be starting kindergarten in the fall of 2017, and Derreice wanted to be close.

Then the school closed. The community had decided to shutter the aging building and move into a new, larger school in west Casper.

Derreice sent her daughter to Mountain View Elementary, a school several blocks west of her home. It wasnt across the street. But it was  is  the last school in Mills.

A lot of residents, they take their kids here, she said.

But come June, Mountain View, too, might close. On Sept. 29, the Natrona County School District announced that its board was considering closing four schools: Willard, University Park, Frontier and Mountain View. Officials have said falling enrollment and budget cuts  both brought on by a downturn in the economy  may have doomed the schools.

Theyre small and inefficient, officials say. There are 970 empty elementary seats in the district, which must cut millions in the coming years. Students can be taught elsewhere, and the costs of principals and administrative staff can be cut.

But to many families and students, a schools size isnt a detriment. Its their neighborhood school, even if they dont live in the neighborhood. They know everyone.

The four schools have something else in common: All four are Title I schools, as were Mills and Grant Elementary, which the board voted to close last year. In these schools, at least 40 percent of students come from low-income backgrounds. The schools receive additional funding for schoolwide programs to help support those kids.

Many families dont know what theyll do if, on Oct. 23, the board votes to close the schools. Many parents feel angry.

Thats where Derreice is. On Thursday afternoon, she sat in her car outside of Mountain View, listening to music and waiting for her daughter to finish school. She wondered what would come next.

Im not too happy, she said.

Shes stuck paying for her house for the next 30 years, she said, so moving isnt an option. Shes worried about overcrowding at other schools. Her daughter likes Mountain View. She likes her friends. Where will they go if the school closes?

I think they have a point that Mills is not taken care of as much as Casper, she said of other concerned parents. The town of Mills is concerned, too: On Friday afternoon, the town council passed a resolution opposing the closure of Mountain View. Council members urged residents to go to the school districts Monday board meeting to speak up for the last school in town.

But Derreice thinks the board has already made its decision.

Board members say theyre sensitive to the pain theyd create by closing schools, but theyre adamant that they have no choice.

I just cant believe we have to do this, board member Dana Howie said. I totally understand the numbers. The last thing we want to do is lay people off. All the board members are aware of it. Were all just agonizing over it.

The four schools checked all of the right boxes, the board members say, and the recommendations had nothing to do with the schools Title I status. The schools had too few students in a district with nearly a thousand empty seats. There are too many administrators for those students in a time of slimming budgets.

Every school is a community, is a home. But the next school will be, too, said board chairman Kevin Christopherson. Everybody likes to think theyre nonreplaceable. Every school in the district will tell you the same thing. Its tough closing schools. You hear it a lot, and it tugs at your heartstrings, but it is what it is.

***

Shelby Middaugh lives in Bar Nunn but sent her first-grade daughter to Willard Elementary because its close to her day-care lady. She likes Willard, she said, because its small. Her daughter is kind of an oddball, she said, but has found friends and happiness at Willard, a school of 230 kids off First Street in central Casper.

Shelby is angry. She knows the school is small, but its full. From where she was standing, outside her car on a cold morning before school, Shelby gestured toward the playground, where kids were running and playing, chasing each other and standing at the fence, watching their parents leave.

Look at that playground, she said. That is enough kids.

Like Derreice, Shelby doesnt yet know what shell do. A friend is considering homeschooling. Shelby says she cant do that  she has to work. Shes worried about her daughter in a new school.

Ideally, Shelby would send her to another small school, where the girl wont get lost in the shuffle.

Kids can be so cruel, she said.

But small schools, which generally have a maximum capacity of 230 or so students, are becoming a thing of the past in Natrona County. Officials looked hard at those schools because theyre inefficient, Christopherson said. With empty seats across the district, those students can fit elsewhere, and the district can save money on administrative costs.

He has said the district can save $500,000 a year in salaries alone by moving administrators into other positions or having them replace retiring employees elsewhere.

Julie Hornby, the principal of University Park  home to 199 students on the east side of Casper  said educators at the districts small schools had figured they might be in danger. But she and her staff still rationalized everything: They had just their gym painted. Why would the district paint the gym and then close the school? University Park must be safe.

Still, when word came down that Friday afternoon, she wasnt surprised.

We had some idea that eventually this might be coming our way, she said.

But that doesnt make it easier.

I mean, youre small, Hornby said, her voice wavering. Youre close with kids, you know? Ive known most of these kids since preschool.

She smiled and shook off the emotion. She said that a few weeks before the announcement, on another Friday, she met with University Park staff. They all thought she would be delivering news of a closure. She told them no, she would never tell them that the school was closing on a Friday afternoon, just before the start of a weekend.

When she received word on Sept. 29, she called the staff together.

I said, All right guys, remember how I told you I wouldnt call you together on a Friday to tell you if I received information about us closing? Hornby said, laughing. Well, I lied. So here it is.

***

Megan Fleetwood is mad.

Shes mad that Mountain View, where two of her children go, might close. Shes mad that the district is spending money the way it is. Shes mad that Mills seems to be getting left behind.

In Casper, theres an elementary every 12 blocks, she said.

Megan laughed when asked what she would do if the school closed.

I would try to relocate out of the county, she said, leaning over the steering wheel of her blue SUV outside of school last week. I dont want to support the district.

Shes heard the reasoning from officials. Her voice rising, she repeated what Michael Jennings, the districts executive director of human resources, told the media when the closure proposal was announced: The schools are small and inefficient.

They want to filter us into the bigger schools, Megan concluded, adding that she thinks the district wants to take the Title I funding that the four schools receive and shift it into those buildings. Were the poverty area. Were not thought of. Its easier to cast us aside.

All four school board members who spoke with the Star-Tribune stressed that socioeconomic factors played no role in selecting the schools that may be closed.

Its strictly coincidental that all four are Title I, said board member Toni Billings.

Ive had people ask me that, Howie said. As far as I can tell, its not a consideration. Those are the older schools.

The schools just fit what the district was looking for, officials say. Willard and University Park were both at or near maximum capacity. But neither has room to grow, board members said, and their student populations can be absorbed elsewhere.

Mountain View has experienced falling enrollment for at least five years. Its currently at less than half capacity. Frontier is the smallest of the traditional middle schools in Casper and lost 16 students compared with last fall.

The board members said that should the schools close, Title I money will follow the students to their new schools. Students will receive the help they need regardless of their new home. Howie said she was absolutely confident that other teachers would be prepared to handle students of any need.

We have those support services throughout the district, Christopherson said. Theyre going to get the services.

***

It still isnt real, Hornby, the principal at University Park said. Were all still, Its a recommendation, so were hanging onto that.

What will happen to several hundred students is still in the air. The board will consider the recommendation on Oct. 23 at a meeting at Kelly Walsh High School. Its unclear what the final vote will be.

Christopherson said he supports the recommendation but isnt sure what the full board will do. Howie is concerned about closing Mountain View because its the only school in Mills. She said she doesnt want to shutter any building, but Mountain View is especially difficult.

She said she was continuing to look for ways to avoid closures and wondered how the communities would feel if some of the closures were delayed.

If its going to be inevitable, which is best? she said. Peel the Band-Aid off a little at a time or just rip it off? ... Im still trying to decide.

Board member Dave Applegate said he would make his decision over the next two weeks, as the board receives more input from the community. Billings said she was saddened but understood why all of the schools were recommended for closure.

For some of the parents, the decision already seems final. Megan, whose children go to Mountain View, said shed reached out to the board and they responded to her concerns. But she thinks their minds are already made up.

Shelby, whose daughter goes to Willard, agreed. But shes waiting to break the news to her little oddball.

I havent told my daughter yet, Shelby said. She still has light in her eyes.
Cheyenne police arrest two in robbery

Cheyenne police officers arrested two suspects Saturday morning in a robbery at the E. Lincolnway Loaf N Jug. The officers responded about 6:20 a.m. to a report of an armed robbery in progress, according to a press release from the Cheyenne Police Department.

Officers found one suspect fleeing on foot and the other in a physical altercation with the stores clerk, Rodney Powers, 28.

Officers arrested Tomas Morieo, 19, and a 16-year old male for armed robbery. Both suspects were in possession of BB guns and ski masks. No injuries were reported.

Detectives are investigating to determine if this incident was related to earlier robberies in Cheyenne. The case remains under investigation.

Former Wyoming psychologist pleads no contest to sex assault

GILLETTE  A former Wyoming psychotherapist accused of using his position of authority to have sex with two of his patients has pleaded no contest to two counts of second-degree sexual assault.

Joshua Popkin, 33, struck a deal with prosecutors and entered his plea Thursday. He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 11.

Under a no-contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges that prosecutors may have enough evidence to convict.

One of Popkins accusers told investigators he preyed on her, worked his way into her head and used things that he knew about her in order to sleep with her.

He worked as a psychologist with Campbell County Health from Nov. 2, 2015, to May 25, 2016.

Fire destroys vacant 112-year-old school building in Montana

BILLINGS  A 112-year-old Montana school building was destroyed in a massive blaze that prompted evacuations from nearby structures in Big Timber.

The fire began after midnight and firefighters had it under control Friday morning. No injuries were reported and no additional buildings were damaged.

County emergency services officials say that after the fire was reported, evacuations were immediately ordered for a one-block radius from the vacant three-story school building, which was constructed in 1905.

About six houses were included in the evacuation area, and the fire initially threatened a civic center and a library near the structure.

- Staff and Associated Press reports

Officials say the fire appears to have stated in the basement, and the cause will be investigated by the Montana State Fire Marshal.
Fire destroys vacant 112-year-old school building in Montana

BILLINGS  A 112-year-old Montana school building was destroyed in a massive blaze that prompted evacuations from nearby structures in Big Timber.

The fire began after midnight and firefighters had it under control Friday morning. No injuries were reported and no additional buildings were damaged.

County emergency services officials say that after the fire was reported, evacuations were immediately ordered for a one-block radius from the vacant three-story school building, which was constructed in 1905.

About six houses were included in the evacuation area, and the fire initially threatened a civic center and a library near the structure.

Officials say the fire appears to have stated in the basement, and the cause will be investigated by the Montana State Fire Marshal.
India's veteran Bollywood filmmaker Kundan Shah has died at the age of 69.

Shah passed away at his home in India's financial capital Mumbai early Saturday morning after suffering a massive heart attack, his family and friends told the media.

He is famous for his 1983 debut comedy classic Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro that introduced Indian cinema to satirical comedy for the first time and was well accepted as not being slapstick.

Shah also worked in television and his 1985 TV series Nukkad became a massive hit in India.

After his directorial ventures, Shah took a sabbatical for seven years only to return in 1993 when he directed the famous Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa movie.

The film was another comic love story but it also displayed new aspects to its credit. It was the first time that the hero in the movie was an absolute loser.

In 1998, Shah directed another acclaimed film, Kya Kehna. The film became a surprise hit as it dealt with the social controversial issue of single parenthood.

Shah, an alumnus of Film and Television Institute of India, returned his National Film Award in 2015 in support of protesting students of the institute and against growing intolerance in India.
BARCELONA, Spain  Spanish unionists in Catalonia finally found their voice on Sunday, resurrecting Spains flag as a symbol of patriotism after decades of it being associated with the Franco dictatorship.

In a defiant challenge to plans by Catalonias regional government to unilaterally declare independence, hundreds of thousands of people flooded the streets of Barcelona in a surprising outpouring of Spanish unity.

They chanted Dont be fooled, Catalonia is Spain and called for regional president Carles Puigdemont to go to prison for holding an illegal referendum last week. Some of the demonstrators took to rooftops, including families with children, and leaned over ledges from their perches overlooking the streets below to wave giant Spanish flags in a city accustomed to the prevalence of the Catalan pro-independence estelada.

Spains red-and-yellow flag has long been taboo here in Catalonia and throughout the country because it has been linked to groups supportive of Gen. Francisco Francos dictatorship. But on Sunday, a sea of Spanish flags, interspersed with some Catalan and European Union flags, dominated Barcelonas boulevards.

Barcelona police said 350,000 people participated, while march organizers Societat Civil Catalana said that 930,000 people turned out. The march was peaceful and no major incidents were reported.

Puigdemont has pledged to push ahead for independence and is set to address the regional parliament on Tuesday to report on the current political situation. In the days after the Oct. 1 referendum, the momentum appeared to be on his side. Pro-independence protests were attracting large numbers and he benefited politically from a violent crackdown by Spanish police during the referendum voting.

But now the tide seems to be turning. Catalonias top two banks announced they were relocating their headquarters to other parts of Spain because of financial uncertainty if there is an independence declaration. Other companies are reportedly considering leaving Catalonia to avoid being cast out of the EU and its common market in the case of secession.

And Sundays mass demonstration by pro-unity Catalans, under the slogan of Lets recover our common sense! will put further pressure on Puigdemont. The march was the largest pro-unionist showing since the rise of separatist sentiment in the prosperous northeastern region that has pushed Spain to the brink of a national crisis.

The rally comes a week after the Catalan government went ahead and held a referendum on secession that Spains top court had suspended and the Spanish government said was illegal.

Catalan authorities say the Yes side won the referendum with 90 percent of the vote, though only 43 percent of the regions 5.3 million eligible voters turned out in polling that was marred by police raids of polling stations on orders to confiscate ballot boxes.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy vows that his government will not allow Catalonia, which represents a fifth of Spains economy, to break away from the rest of the country.

In an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Pais published Sunday, Rajoy said that he will consider employing any measure allowed by the law to stop the regions separatists.

Rajoy said that includes the application of Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, which would allow the central government to take control of the governance of a region if the regional government does not comply with the obligations of the Constitution.

The ideal situation would be that I dont have to find drastic solutions, but for that to happen there will have to be some rectifications (by Catalan leaders), Rajoy said.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some Oct. 8 papers in history. With a subscription to newspapers.com you can search the Arizona Daily Star and many other newspapers using keywords or dates, and download articles or pages.
Roughly eight years ago, Tucson voters backed then-Republican Steve Kozachik on a platform to make changes inside City Hall.

Elected at a time when the country backed Barack Obama over John McCain for president, Kozachik was an outlier in city politics as a social liberal and fiscal conservative and was the only Republican on the Tucson City Council in 2008. He would break away from the GOP in 2013, becoming a Democrat.

Now there is a new Republican, architect Mariano Rodriguez, who is running against Kozachik in the Nov. 7 city ward elections, but who also brands himself as an outsider seeking reforms inside city government.

A third candidate, Green Party member Mike Cease, has a similar message  saying he also wants to shake things up.

The general election allows Tucson voters citywide to decide the winner in each of the wards. There are three wards up for a vote, but only Ward 6 and Ward 3 are contested. Ballots will be mailed next week for the largely mail-in election.

On paper, Democrats have the advantage regarding political registration. While outnumbering Republicans nearly 2 to 1, registered Democrats inside the city limits also outnumber so-called registered independents, those who dont state a party preference, 107,000 voters to 74,000.

Both Kozachik and Rodriguez have, at one time or another, broken away from Republican politics.

In 2013, Kozachik told the Star he left the Republican Party because it had lurched too far to the right in recent years.

This party, whether its on immigration, womens reproductive rights or the whole social panoply of issues ... is just out of touch with this community, said Kozachik.

Rodriguez said he left the Republican Party in 2014, becoming an independent.

At that time, the way that the Republican Party was it had a lot of complex stuff that was coming up that I didnt exactly agree with. So I just decided to go middle of the road, he said.

He said he has always been a conservative and rejoined the party last year.

Rodriguez has gained some international attention for his support for Donald Trump, several months before he was elected president.

After a profile in the Star, he was regularly interviewed by CNN and other national and international media.

Cease said he has been a loyal member of the Green Party for years.

Its the economy, stupid

Rodriguez says he has heard the same complaint over and over again on the campaign trail  that there is no accountability inside city hall or on the council.

The roads are a prime example. Ive been telling people, you know Ive been here for 30 years and weve pretty much had the same problems all along, he said. The city has been promising and promising to fix this stuff and they dont see anything.

He worries that the seven Democrats on the council are making decisions emotionally rather than logically.

I think a lot of the stuff that they do is perceived more or less with the heart instead of actually thinking about the overall shape we are in, Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said he can work across the aisle, although he admits it will be an uphill battle at times.

Some of these people are focusing more on national politics in their newsletters and stuff like that and trying to report on whats going on nationally  which doesnt affect us for while, he said. We have to start from the bottom up and actually think about whats best for our city and how can we solve our problems.

For Kozachik, who is well-known for dragging his budget books into meetings, the issue continues to be the financial health of the city.

For the last two years, the council has boasted of structurally balanced budget, but Kozachik isnt satisfied that the city is prepared for unforeseen issues.

Weve pretty well maintained services throughout the community, what we havent done well is ... built up a contingency fund, Kozachik said. Tucson Water has no capital reserve to speak of, so we have to build up those contingencies.

It gets worse for the city itself.

Our contingency was $225,000. Thats ridiculous, he said. That is for the city. That is one HVAC unit in one city building.

The problem, he says, is the city still has a large pension obligation that was made even worse by two recent unfavorable court decisions.

Someone else writes the rules and we write the checks, Kozachik said.

The council could have opted for a new pension repayment schedule like South Tucson did to make things easier, he admits, but that would be just kicking the can down the road.

We have got to rip the Band-Aid off and say weve got to deal with this, because its not going to go away. You cant keep paying the minimum payment on the credit card and expect to get out of the hole, he said.

For Cease, he sees two issues facing the city  income inequality and environmental sustainability.

We believe that those are not separate issues, those are directly connected, Cease said.

Cease proposes a solution to both, what he calls the green new deal for Tucson.

He wants the city to start a revolving fund to offer low-interest loans to residents to make their homes more energy-efficient as well as compatible with solar panels.

Were going to create local fair-wage jobs to retrofit thousands of homes and businesses with energy conservation and solar energy and water harvesting, Cease said.

Cease argues there is more direct way to help boost Tucsons economy  increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Study after study has shown that thats the single most important thing you can do to improve the economy for all, Cease said.

Hire more police officers, say two

Cease argues that the focus shouldnt be whether the city is meeting a national standard when it comes to the number of officers patrolling the street.

In a way that is the wrong question, he said. Im not saying staffing isnt an important issue. I think there are larger issues than, you know, how many people do we hire. I think we need to ask what is the mission for each department and not just for public safety.

For Kozachik, the city is working to recruit new officers but he is concerned the city would have to lower standards to hire enough new officers.

Recruiting for law enforcement right now is a tough sell. We will go through 750 to 1,000 applicants to get an academy of qualified people, he said.

Im not inclined to lower our standards so that we wind up with a situation like in some other parts of the country where you have bad actors out there carrying guns and throwing their weight around.

Kozachik says complaints that Tucson police officers have not gotten raises in the last 10 years is an urban myth that is being repeated by his political enemies.

We gave them a pay increase in 2013. I happen to know because I voted against it and they (police officers union) pulled their endorsement (of him), Kozachik said. I voted against it because we were still in a $20 million deficit situation.

Rodriguez says the city should hire more than 300 new officers to meet national standards.

Statistics-wise were supposed to have 1,200, he said.

Rodriguez says the city continues to lose trained police officers to other jurisdiction for a number of reasons, including pay.

He supports pay raises as well, saying its a small price to pay when comparing it to the cost of training new officers.

In terms of the cost to hire new officers as well as give existing officers pay raises, Rodriguez says the solution to him is simple  a refocus on core services.

Economic development comes in different forms

Kozachik says offering tax incentives to attract new businesses has been a good strategy for the city but cautioned that it needs to be done on a project-by-project basis.

Every project rises and falls on its own merits, he said.

He offered two areas he said could help revitalize the areas economy.

One is the proposed creation of a highway, to be known as the Sonoran Corridor, that would connect Interstates 10 and 19 south of Tucson International Airport, and the second is an expansion of incentives to bring more film projects here.

Kozachik said the state does offer some movie-making incentives, but said Tucson is in a unique situation to offer more than just a backdrop for Western films.

What we offer is a location: You can bring your crew into downtown and get an urban setting, and in 30 minutes you are in the Sonoran Desert. And in 30 minutes in the other direction youre up on top of a mountain with evergreens, he said.

Incentives are good, Rodriguez said, but he wants to see them go to local businesses whenever possible and that there should be a good return on investment by the city.

We cant just be offering incentives just to attract businesses here, he said. Primarily because we have a lot of struggling businesses here that also need help.

A platform Cease has mentioned at debates is for the city to help foster the green economy by promoting water harvesting and energy conservation.

He also does not believe in incentives to bring in new businesses.

Bringing in outside firms and recruiting them and offer them subsidies has largely failed us, he said, adding that companies come for the incentives but then more or less exploit us by paying low wages and polluting the local environment.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public feedback to help determine whether to revoke, modify or reinstate a permit necessary for a controversial development planned in Benson to move forward.

Any member of the public, from laypeople to environmental experts, can share their thoughts on the project, called Villages at Vigneto, a master-planned community that would bring 28,000 homes to the small city southeast of Tucson.

Comments can be submitted via the postal service or by emailing Kathleen.A.Tucker@usace.army.mil. Feedback must be received by Dec. 4.

The Army Corps suspended Vignetos Clean Water Act permit in July 2016, in a win for environmentalists who had argued that the decade-old permit was no longer relevant to the scope of the Vigneto project, which they say threatens endangered species and critical habitats in the San Pedro River Valley.

The Army Corps will use public comments to gauge public interest in the project, as well as to decide if there is a need for a public hearing on the issue. Comments can weigh in on the projects impact to endangered species, historic properties, water quality, environmental effects and other public-interest factors, the Army Corps said.

Mike Reinbold, spokesman for Phoenix-based developer El Dorado Holdings Inc., said he hopes to have all outstanding permitting issues resolved before the end of this year and to break ground by the start of 2018. The developer says the project will bring unprecedented economic activity to Benson.

The Clean Water Act permit was originally approved for a smaller, canceled project called Whetstone Ranch. In 2014, Whetstones developers transferred their permit to Vignetos developer. While Vignetos footprint is about 50 percent bigger than the originally permitted 8,200-acre Whetstone proposal, the new developer had argued Vignetos additional acreage could be permitted separately.

Environmentalists maintain Vignetos larger footprint, and the discovery of two newly listed threatened species since the permit was issued, mean the original permit is no longer valid. They also argue federal agencies must assess Vignetos potential to lower the underground water table in the fragile riparian area, which the developer has argued isnt necessary.

Last year, six environmental groups filed a lawsuit against the Corps related to the project, asserting that Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act requires federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before issuing a permit for a private construction project that may affect an endangered species.

In May, the Army Corps initiated formal consultation with the service, said spokesman Dave Palmer in an email. But the scope of consultation remains to be seen.

The wildlife service aligned itself with some of the environmentalists concerns in December 2016 when it told the Army Corps that it would not move forward in consultation unless the impact of the entire 12,300-acre development was assessed. The Army Corps had wanted to first consult only about the impacts of a 144-acre mitigation parcel, which the developers will use to offset Vignetos environmental impacts through planting of native species, erosion control and other measures.
The general director of Vietnam Computerized Lottery Company (Vietlott), Tong Quoc Truong, has resigned due to personal reasons, a source from the Ministry of Finance said on Saturday.

His deputy Nguyen Thanh Dam has been put in charge of the company until a new general director is selected.

A source from the Ministry of Finance said on Saturday afternoon that the ministry had accepted the letter of resignation from Truong, who had stopped holding the top position at Vietlott since October 1 owing to personal reasons.

Vietlott, which has received an enormous amount of media attention since introducing the U.S.-style Mega 6/45 computerized lottery in July last year, is fully owned by Vietnams finance ministry, with technical support from a Malaysian firm.

The lottery is a cooperative effort between Vietnams state-run lottery company Vietlott and an indirect subsidiary of Malaysia-based firm Berjaya Corp Bhd, the recipient of an 18-year investment license to operate the computerized lottery in the country in January 2016.

The lotterys minimum jackpot is VND12 billion (US$528,000), which is rolled over into subsequent drawings until a winner is found.

Dam, the deputy director of Vietlott, is taking the helm at the company for the time being until a decision on who would replace Truong is made next week, the source said.

Truong has been head of Vietlott since the companys establishment in August 2012.

Prior to his appointment to the top position at the lottery company, Truong was head of the Investment and Development Division at Vietnam Oil and Gas Group, or PetroVietnam (PVN).

Truong was also general director at the PetroVietnam Finance Corporation (PVFC), a subsidiary of PVN, between 2007 and 2010.

PVN and its subsidiaries have been under legal scrutiny for economic mismanagement by its former executives that had resulted in enormous financial losses.

In a statement on September 29, the Peoples Court of Hanoi sentenced former PVN chairman Nguyen Xuan Son to death for his wrongdoings leading to serious economic consequences and abuse of power to usurp assets.

Dinh La Thang, another former PVN chairman, was removed from the decision-making Politburo in May due to multiple financial violations he had committed when leading the oil and gas behemoth.

Thang was once secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee but he was also stripped of the title in the same scandal.

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Have a nice Sunday!

Politics

-- Over 100 delegates attended a meeting held on Saturday in Ho Chi Minh City to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam and Cambodias diplomatic ties and mark the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Year in 2017.

Society

-- An increasing number of youths in Mekong Delta provinces have taken to an emerging trend of working abroad, including Japan, for good pay.

-- The Ministry of Transport on Saturday directed that fees be cut by 20 percent at a toll station built under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) mechanism on a section of National Highway 1 that runs through Bien Hoa City, approximately 30km from Ho Chi Minh City, following drivers resentment at the exorbitant toll.

-- A forest ranging official in Hue City, the heart of central Thua Thien-Hue Province, revealed rangers were working with local police to investigate an incident in which a special-use pine forest in An Tay Ward had been chopped down.

Business

-- River tours on speedboats to Ho Chi Minh Citys eastern neighbors have proved appealing to weekenders with alluring destinations and good service.

-- Ninety out of 120 stalls at a Vietnam-Japan cultural and trade exchange program, to run in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho early November, will feature products, including robots and smart gadgets, and services from providers in the two countries.

-- The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, to take place in the central city of Da Nang from November 6 to 11, will be a precious opportunity for over 600 local resorts and hotels to cater to approximately 10,000 delegates, the APEC secretary board asserted at a working session on Saturday.

Lifestyle

-- Twelve internationally award-winning animation shorts as part of a French cartoon festival will be featured in Hanoi on Monday (October 9) following the screenings in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday and Saturday.
A chief inspector at the tax department in the south-central Vietnamese province of Binh Dinh has been arrested for accepting bribes from a local firm.

Ho Minh Khiem, 53, who is the chief inspector under the Binh Dinh Department of Taxation, will be held in custody for four months to facilitate a probe into his case, an official from the provincial Department of Police affirmed on Saturday morning.

Khiem was caught red-handed receiving cash from a representative of a business based in Quy Nhon City, the capital of Binh Dinh, on October 1.

Preliminary investigations showed that Khiem had discovered several violations relating to taxes committed by the company following an inspection.

The official then demanded that the managers of the firm pay him some money; otherwise, they would be severely punished for the offenses.

Both sides negotiated and agreed that the business would only need to pay VND70 million (US$3,073) as fines for some minor violations.

But the company would also have to hand Khiem some VND130 million ($5,707).

After the deal was made, Khiem on several occasions contacted the leaders of the firm and urged them to complete their payment.

Feeling harassed, the business leaders decided to report the case to local police officers.

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The History channel will screen a one hour special Palestine: Last Light Horseman Tell All to mark the 100th anniversary of the WWI Battle of Beersheba.

This landmark centennial tribute marks the 100th anniversary of the WWI Battle of Beersheba  one of historys last successful cavalry charges, mounted by the romantic Australian Light Horsemen against the Turkish enemy in Palestine. The film features unique interviews with Australian veterans, such as Gunner Len Hall, who not only helped capture Beersheba, but also landed at Gallipoli with the Anzacs and rode with the legendary Lawrence of Arabia to capture Damascus.

Monday October 30 at 7.30pm on History.
Kerri-Anne Kennerley has revealed aiming a gun at her first husband, New York music producer Jimmy Miller, after being subjected to domestic violence.

Speaking to Sunday Night, ahead of her autobiography publication, she recalled ongoing abuse during her marriage in the late 1970s. After violent scenes, Miller was always apologetic, but the routine did not change.

He was very abusive at times and you realise you cant go on like that. But also, its really hard to get out, she said.

Somebody controls every aspect of your life, everything you do, everything you say virtually, everybody you meet and your world gets smaller and smaller and smaller and its sort of really almost normal but somewhere in there you know its not normal.

He always had a .22 rifle above the door in the bedroom so I just remember I was actually quite calm about it, I just went and got the gun, aimed it at him and said, I will shoot you if you come anywhere near me, she said.

Asked if she would have fired she replied, I think I probably would have.

She later left the marriage, supported by John Kennerley, whom she would later wed.

She also revealed during her New York era she partied hard at Studio 54, recalling, I think thats where I earned my stripes for partying.

Cocaine was pretty rife everywhere and a couple of times I may have taken some of that you realise that its actually really fabulous.

Admitting she partook a few times before stopping, she added, I realised it was too good.

Id seen all those movies with heroin-addled people with terrible skin and hair and that was the image of a junkie. I didnt want to be a junkie.

KAK was also asked about former Good Morning Australia host Gordon Elliott, who she came to despise.

Towards the end of the relationship he wasnt always nice or polite, she said. He really just thought he was the ants pants. He was as arrogant as they would come. But I didnt realise how much he disliked me until the very last year. He and I, probably other than on camera, during the last year did not speak a word.

He was just a 26, 28 year old boofhead.
Help India!

What does a Rohingya feel when he is told that he is an illegal immigrant, a security threat and unwanted in India? What was their life like before they had to run away to save themselves? What does it feel to be reduced to just a statistic? What do the Rohingyas feel when they hear the news that they will be deported back to the land where their lives are in danger? In a five-part series, Raqib Hameed Naik speaks to five refugees who had to give up all they owned to attempt a start a new life. Their stories, in the first person, are an attempt to go beyond majoritarian narratives and give them a platform to express their views and opinions. In the second part, we listen to Mohammad Ali.

Read Part One here

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Mohammad Ali, 31, comes from Buthidaung town of Rakhine State. He along with his wife and four girl children live in a hut made up of polythene sheets, wood, and tin in Shram Vihar locality of South Delhi. He fled his town in 2012. This is his story.

My name is Mohammad Ali and I was 26 when I left my country Myanmar on July 26, 2012. I remember the exact date because I had noted it in a diary. I have studied till class 10. I used to live with my parents, two brothers and two sisters in a two-room house in Buthidaung town.

I used to teach English subject to around 13-17 students up to class 6, earning enough to finance my needs. Parents used to come and request me to not leave their kids until their homework given in school is done.

But things were never good for us. After violence erupted in 2012, the government used to impose curfew in our town from six in the morning till six in the evening. We used to stay inside. Anyone who dared venture outside was shot dead. The guns were especially used against Muslims. The army used to come inside our villages and kill us.

Mostly, they used to target young boys as killing young Rohingya men would ensure that their next generation is wiped out.The army used to raid our houses and take us outside and kill us on the streets. The authorities used to issue notices to the families which had young teenagers as family members to report at the police stations or army camps.

It was their routine that every night, some 6-7 army personnel used to search our houses for young men and most of the time I used to give them a slip and take refuge in the neighbouring houses so as to save my life. Many youths were killed by the army and many of my friends and relatives fell to their bullets.

I remember Salauddin. He was my close friend in the town. He worked as a labourer in the town. He was called by the army to their base and since then I dont know where he is. But this thing I know for sure he was shot dead because this is how they used to kill the youths: call them to their camps and kill them.

In another town, Maungdaw, seven of my friends were shot dead by the military. They were inside their houses when the army came and burned the structures down to ashes.

I was the only young man in my family. On 26 July, I received a similar notice from the army asking me to present myself at their camp. That was the moment my family asked me to run for my life because they knew if I go, I would meet the same fate as others.

The same night I left home and bid farewell to my family. Everyone was in tears when I left. I stayed in Shawprudaung village. Early morning I left at 5 am, marching through the mountains to reach Bangladesh-Myanmar border. On the way, I met hundreds of youths like me who were running for their lives. We shared food and water on the way.

In Bangladesh, I stayed in a border town. One of my relatives had already arrived in Delhi. I got in touch with him and he asked me to come to Delhi as he felt it was quite peaceful here. After resting for few days, I again set up on my journey to reach India and crossed the West Bengal border.

When I arrived in India, I didnt know Hindi or any other language. It was very hard for me to communicate with the people here. In Bengal, I didnt have any money with me to pay for the train ticket to Delhi and fortunately, a man came to know that I was from Myanmar and he bought me a ticket.

After reaching Delhi, I went to Haryana where I learned mason work because I didnt know the local language here and I wasnt that much qualified like other Indians to teach. So I left my profession and passion of teaching and started working as a labourer.

In 2013, I met Asmida Khatoon from Shawprudaung whose husband was killed by the army and in fear she fled Myanmar. She has deeply broken and I was also alone without a family so I married her.

I am earning at least 300 rupees a day subject to availability of work. The work doesnt land up every day. I barely get 15 days work a month, fetching me just enough to make ends meet but at the end of the day, I thank God for keeping me and my family alive and safe in this safe country.

Sometimes, my fellow co-workers are from Indian states and they are really good. They appreciate my work and we eat together during lunch breaks and many times we share our food.

A few weeks ago I came to know that government is planning to deport us. If we are deported from India, then obviously we will go back to Myanmar and everyone knows how we are being slaughtered there.

I want to make it very clear to everyone out there that I am not a terrorist as the government is alleging us. I am just a common man like others, who yearn for peace and try hard to earn two square meals for his family so that they dont have to sleep empty stomach.

I will go on my own when a solution is arrived at when the government stops killing us. Who doesnt want to go back to his country?
Brexit could cost London jobs if a deal is not reached with the EU in six months' time, the Head of the Royal Bank of Scotland has warned.

Sir Howard Davies said if the terms of the Prime Minister's proposed transitional deal are not known by March 2018, many businesses will start triggering contingency plans to relocate to Europe.

He told the Sky News' Sunday with Niall Paterson programme that March 2019, the date the UK is due to leave the trading bloc by, is too long to wait for the final terms of the Brexit deal. The RBS Chief said firms need a year to prepare for alternative arrangements if discussions between both sides collapse and that organisations will start shifting resources away from London.

The Government has failed to exercise wisdom

Sir Howard said the Government triggered Article 50, the mechanism for a country to leave the EU under the 2007 Lisbon Treaty, in March this year without preparing for what the final outcome will be. He accused the Government of failing to exercise wisdom.

The senior banker, who was appointed chairman of the Government-owned bank in 2015, said the time-frame for quitting the trading bloc was "very tight." He said businesses will not wait for another year in a period of economic uncertainty.

Job losses are certain

The RBS Chief attacked EU politicians for failing to speed up discussions as they had no incentive to deal with the UK seriously. He said they intend to drag out the talks and that the chances of jobs shifting to European capitals like Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Paris is increasing.

He warned job losses are certain as a result of Brexit.

Sir Howard said Brexit will lead to a re-balancing of economic activity in Europe and warned of considerable damage to the City's economic activities. He said American, Japanese and Chinese banks use London to engage in considerable financial activity with the rest of the continent and that they are nervous about the final outcome of the negotiations.

The senior banker said his company, which was bailed out by taxpayers in 2008, would only shift a small number of jobs to Amsterdam under its Brexit contingency plan.

Theresa May's plans for a transitional deal with the trading bloc were designed to ensure certainty for British organisations, as such an arrangement should see the same trading conditions in place for the immediate period after the UK formally quits the EU on March 2019.

Brussels is refusing to enable Britain to progress to discussions about a transitional deal or a future trading agreement until key issues like Ireland, EU citizens' rights and the divorce bill have been agreed.

Contingency plans are "well under way"

Justice Minister Dominic Raab told the BBC's Sunday Politics that whilst the Government intends to negotiate the best outcome for the Brexit discussions, contingency plans in the possible event of failing to reach a deal are "well under way." He said the Civil Service had to plan for all eventualities.

The Sunday Telegraph disclosed the Government will unlock billions of pounds into the economy if both sides fail to conclude a final agreement. This includes investing in new technology to speed up customs checks under World Trade Organization rules.

However, Sarah Smith, who presents the BBC's Sunday Politics, asked the Justice Minister why there were no signs of preparation for the possible outcome of "no deal", such as recruiting more customs officers and investing in more infrastructure at ports. The Justice Minister said he does not want to advertise its lack of confidence in the discussions because the Government wants to display positive tones to the EU.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry said Britain should maintain a positive economic relationship with the EU post-Brexit because they are this nation's biggest trading partners. Ms Thornberry said that leaving the trading bloc with no alternative trading agreements with other nations would be disastrous for the economy.
Theresa May has, according to a major newspaper, hinted that she may demote Boris Johnson, the UK's Foreign Secretary.

During an interview with The Sunday Times, the UK prime minister was asked what her plans were for Johnson. According to The Sunday Times, she 'signalled' that she would be open to reducing his level of responsibility.

The Conference, and the aftermath

The last few days have been turbulent for the Prime Minister. The annual conservative party conference was the venue for some of the most unsettling moments. At one point, a protester handed Mrs.

May a P45 (the formal notice, in the UK, that you have left an employer. This may have been viewed as a silly stunt, but it was part of a number of incidents during the conference. Further trouble came when the letters of a slogan hanging behind her started to fall off while she was addressing the party. In addition, a major coughing fit was a noticeable intrusion to her big speech.

However, one of the key aspects of the conference was the appearance, and speech, of Boris Johnson. Taking to the podium, it wasn't long before his speech became an embarrassment for the party.

Johnson has always been seen as a slightly oafish maverick. He has, in the past, delivered inappropriate messages about women, and has on more than one occasion seen fit to be rude when talking about other cultures.

At the conference this year, he was again at the centre of a controversy.

While speaking at a fringe event outside the conference venue, he made some comments about the current prospects for trade with Libya. According to The Independent, he said: "They literally have a brilliant vision to turn Sirte  with the help of the municipality of Sirte into the next Dubai.

The only thing they've got to do is clear the dead bodies away and then they'll be there.

The fallout from his comments was headed up by a call, by the Libya parliament, for Mrs. May to formally apologise for Johnson's remarks. In addition, a number of party members criticised Mr. Johnson for his comments.

Before the conference started, Boris Johnson had written a newspaper article in September that outlined his own vision for the Brexit negotiations.

Many saw this as a direct challenge to May's leadership.

Theresa May continues to fight

Later in the week, Johnson called for unity in the party. But many feel the damage has already been done and it is too late. While May did not directly state that she would demote Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister is notoriously firm with her cabinet. According to Reuters, May said: It has never been my style to hide from a challenge and Im not going to start now.

Whether this means that she wishes to demote Johnson remains to be seen. According to The Sunday Times, the Prime ministers' office refused to comment on the interview.
Yesterday, a gunman opened fire on the Strip in Las Vegas and killed 59 people and injured 527 more. It was the worst mass shooting in the history of the United States, and it has sparked the Gun control debate yet again. However, two survivors of the shooting have spoken out with their surprising standpoint that the US gun laws should stay the way they are.

Startling opinions came on BBC Radio 4 this morning

Caren Mansholt went on the "Today" show on BBC Radio 4 to tell her story. She got down as low as she could as bullets rained down on her from the assailant's hotel room window across the street in Vegas.

But then she surprised listeners with her views on gun laws. For starters, she doesn't believe that stricter gun regulations would prevent these kinds of attacks, but she does believe that "there is a time and a place for gun ownership" and that Americans have "the right to protect ourselves as needed." Here we go again with the Second Amendment rights of the American people. When will they let that go? Even after a man with an army's worth of weapons opens fire on them, they stick by it.

Meanwhile, fellow Vegas shooting survivor Rusty Dees said, "The biggest problem for me and for many was that we didnt hear anybody returning fire." They were less concerned that they were being shot at and more concerned with how no one was shooting back as there was "no one outside to protect us." Dees added the Bill O'Reilly-esque comment, "Its a tragic cost of freedom, that people can do bad things." This echoes almost word-for-word what O'Reilly said on Sean Hannity's Fox News Channel show this morning. O'Reilly is a notorious conservative broadcaster who was fired from Fox after a 21-year tenure due to allegations from colleagues of sexual harassment.
COLLECTIVE MADNESS



Soft despotism is a term coined by Alexis de Tocqueville describing the state into which a country overrun by "a network of small complicated rules" might degrade. Soft despotism is different from despotism (also called 'hard despotism') in the sense that it is not obvious to the people."
An incident that happened in May 2016 has been brought into the limelight by Senator Marco Rubio. According to the Conservative Daily Post, the senator has called for the removal of an officer named Spencer Rapone, after he came to know that the officer had communist leanings. In a letter to Army Secretary, Ryun McCarthy, the Florida Republican says that the army must remove the officer from service while pursuing disciplinary action against him. Military officials have said that they are investigating the West Point graduate's communist leanings which he had also splashed across social media, Fox News reported.

The incident

Though the incident happened last year, it is only now that the public has become aware of it. The officer, a graduate of the prestigious military academy at West Point displayed his cap prominently with the handwritten words "communism will win. The officer had also worn a T-shirt extolling the communist guerrilla leader, Che Guevara. The officer was attached to the 10th Mountain Division after he graduated from the academy.

The officer is not involved in any other disciplinary action. However, the fact that he is supporting communism does raise eyebrows as communism is a rejected ideology, even in Russia where it took roots during the time of Lenin. The Russians had launched the worlds first communist state in 1917 but it collapsed within 60 years.

Army response

Officials at West Point have been at pains to clarify the position. They have stated that the academy does not subscribe to the views of the officer. However, as a matter of caution, the officer's details were kept under wraps so that his family is not harmed. A year has elapsed and the army has not taken any action against the officer.

One reason could be that apart from these two infringements, the officer has done nothing to contravene the army code.

Marco Rubio, however, does not see the incident as the army sees it and he wants the officer dismissed and his 4-year degree de-recognized. The army allows freedom of thought but generally, airing such opinions is frowned upon.

Since the officer has not contravened the Unified military code with any other infringement, no action was taken. The army may have to rethink deeply about this case since the senator has raked up the issue and it has now made it into mainstream news. The senator was a candidate for the Republican nomination which was won by Trump.
A mass shooting in Las Vegas Strip on Sunday, October 1, left 50 people dead and 500 injured. The incident took place at an outdoor country music concert that was being held on the Las Vegas Strip. A gunman open fire on the crowd from a room in Mandalay Bay hotel. This mass shooting is being dubbed the deadliest in the history of the United States and left nearly 500 injured per the latest figures.

Sheriff Joe Lombardo stated that the suspect Stephen Paddock, a 64-year old Mesquite resident, was killed by the police early on Monday, October 2. Paddock was located on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay hotel from where he opened fire at the teeming crowd below.

Las Vegas strip left in a trail of blood

The death toll of the Las Vegas strip shooting surpasses that of the Orlando shooting, where 49 people were killed by a gunman who was inspired by the Islamic States propaganda. The gunman had opened fired at a packed nightclub in June 2016. This time, 50 people were left dead by the gunman, whose motive behind the open firing is still unclear. During the gunfire, people ran helter-skelter on the Las Vegas strip to cover themselves from the bullets that were raining down from the Mandalay Bay hotel at around 10 p.m. at night. The sudden attack also caused a stampede among the crowd, who panicked to save their lives.

According to the police, the gunman was a lone wolf attacker with no accomplice to help him.

Lombardo refrained from disclosing additional information regarding the gunmans background and belief system, which may have been instrumental and potentially prodded him to launch this massacre. Initially, a woman called Marilou Danley was named as a person of interest in the gunfire investigation and was said to have been associated with Paddock.

However, at 5 a.m. a police statement was released to the press clearing her and stating that the police have interviewed Danley and did not think she was involved in the mass shooting. Earlier, the police had suspected Danley of being Paddocks traveling companion and thus thought she might have an idea as to why he open fired on an innocent crowd.

As of now, the police are continuing its search for a Hyundai Tuscon car carrying a 114 B40 Nevada license plate.

Gunfire on unsuspecting concert crowd

Paddock started to fire his gun during the last performance of the Route 91 country music festival. The bullets started coming during the performance of Jason Aldean, who was one of the last performers of the three-day long music festival. Ivetta Saldana, a witness and a concert goer, recounted the horror and shared that when the gunfire started it sounded like fireworks.
Robert Kuefler, 60, lived with the decomposing bodies of his twin Brother and elderly Mother for more than a year. He told authorities he was too distraught over losing them to report their deaths in their White Bear Lake, Minneapolis home.

Richard Keufler, his twin brother, passed away first, quickly followed by his elderly mother in August 2015. TwinCities Pioneer Press reports that after their deaths, Keufler sent out a Christmas card which said his brother and mother were alive but were both in bad health. He added that his mother didnt want visitors and that neither of them would be able to hear the phone ring.

Man too distraught to report relatives deaths

According to a criminal complaint filed against Kuefler this week, shortly before Evelyn Kuefler, 94, died in her upstairs bedroom, her son went for a drive instead of staying with her. Upon his return, his found his mother was dead.

Both his twin brother and mother had died of natural causes, but Kuefler told authorities he was too distraught to report their deaths. Speaking to the Associated Press, Kuefler said he is not some nutball, even though people think he is, adding that he loved both of them. However, on top of not reporting their deaths, he had fended off other relatives and friends by keeping up the fiction that they were alive.

He's charged after living alongside decaying bodies of mother, brother for a year https://t.co/ZxePeSAppY via @pioneerpress  Brenda (@Bgbg1973) October 6, 2017

Police discover two decomposed corpses in the home

It was in September 2016 that police made the discovery of the two decaying corpses in what was reportedly a maggot- and fly-infested home after they spotted a body through one of the windows in the house.

The officers were performing a welfare check after a concerned neighbor noted a lack of activity at the home. According to the court papers, upon entering the home they found Kueflers mothers skeletal remains, as well as the mummified remains of his twin brother.

It has taken another year for authorities to formally charge Kuefler with one count of interfering with a dead body, as they found he had moved his twin brothers body into a bathroom in the home.

According to White Bear Police Captain Dale Hager, the misdemeanor charge will allow Kuefler to seek psychological help. However, he did add that they believe his actions did violate the law, as moving his brothers body had disrupted the death scene.

As reported by the New York Daily News, Kuefler doesnt feel he needs psychological counseling, saying he had granted his mothers wish to die in her home and that she had no burial plans. He claimed he had moved his brothers body because it was in the way.
There is a wacky story coming out of Casper, the second largest city in Wyoming. According to local news station KCWY News 13, a man was arrested earlier this week on charges of public intoxication. However, he declared that he was a time traveler from the future and proceeded to issue a strange and ominous warning to police.

Police confront a time traveler in Casper

Casper City Police were sent out following a report that there was a man saying that he was a time traveler from the future. According to court records, police confronted the man, later identified as Bryant Johnson, over his ludicrous behavior.

Things only got stranger from there, as Johnson continued to persist with the narrative that he was indeed a time traveler. To be exact, he was claiming to have come from the year 2048, 31 years from now. However, Johnson wasn't here to warn about killer robots like in The Terminator but to alert people to humanity's other biggest foe, aliens.

Johnson warns of an impending alien invasion

Johnson stated that the reason he was in Casper was to notify people of the impending Alien Invasion that was going to come in 2018. He was warning people because they need to leave the town as quickly in order to avoid it. Court records also revealed that Johnson demanded to talk to the president of the city and that he refused to speak to any other person.

Despite that statement, he reportedly continued to blabber to officers about how exactly he had traveled through time. He stated that he had been able to go back in time from the future by having the aliens load up his body with alcohol. They then had him go on to a massive pad in order to finish the process.

Arrested for public intoxication

Johnson said that the pad would transport him to this current year but then stated how he expected to be in 2018 instead. Police noted in their report that he had bloodshot eyes, as well as somewhat slurred speech and that he reeked of alcohol, clearly showing all the signs of a time traveler from the future.

Police had Johnson take a portable blood level test, which showed to no one's surprise that his blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.136. He was then arrested for public intoxication, which is classified as a common misdemeanor in the state, following the test.

Naturally, many on social media had fun with Johnson's wild story of being a time traveler from the future. After all, it is not every day that someone from the future takes the time to go to Wyoming. Though if our future alien overlords do invade next year will we all be wondering why we did not heed Mr. Johnson's warning?

Bryant Johnson should be exempt from punishment. The aliens will be "invading" next year and I will be ruling as your king.  John Flores (@Greattimesguy) October 5, 2017

AND TODAY'S GENIUS AWARD GOES TO . . . . . . .



Bryant Johnson, 27, a Wyoming man who told police the reason... https://t.co/4kWXwHPns7  Rick Jensen (@RickJensenND) October 6, 2017
It's no secret that Donald Trump and some members of the Republican Party don't see eye to eye. After GOP Sen. Bob Corker announced he would be retiring at the end of his term and became critical of the president and the party, Trump decided to fire back on social media.

Trump and GOP

When Donald Trump first announced he was running for president, he did so as a member of the Republican Party. As the months rolled on, the former host of "The Apprentice" picked up steam and eventually surprised many by winning the GOP nomination. While Trump had enough support to become the party's nominee for president, many in the GOP were not pleased and worried that the billionaire real estate mogul could damage the party's brand.

Fast forward to present day and Trump has been in the White House for nine months but still doesn't have the full support of some Republicans. Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee has not been shy about his feelings on the president, especially after announcing his upcoming retirement. Earlier this week, Corker described the current administration as "chaos," which led to Trump ripping into the Senator during a series of October 8 tweets.

Senator Bob Corker "begged" me to endorse him for re-election in Tennessee. I said "NO" and he dropped out (said he could not win without...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017

Taking to Twitter on Sunday morning, Donald Trump wasted no time lashing out at Bob Corker.

"Senator Bob Corker 'begged' me to endorse him for re-election in Tennessee. I said 'NO' and he dropped out (said he could not win without my endorsement)," Trump tweeted out. In a follow up tweet, Trump doubled down with his anger, writing, "He also wanted to be Secretary of State, I said 'NO THANKS.' He is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal!"

..my endorsement). He also wanted to be Secretary of State, I said "NO THANKS." He is also largely responsible for the horrendous Iran Deal!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017

Not stopping there, Donald Trump then hit back against Bob Corker for a third time during his tweetstorm.

"Hence, I would fully expect Corker to be a negative voice and stand in the way of our great agenda," the president posted to his Twitter timeline, while adding, "Didn't have the guts to run!" This isn't the first time Trump has called out critical members of the GOP, but it doesn't appear to be helping him reach his goal of getting legislation passed to his desk.

...Hence, I would fully expect Corker to be a negative voice and stand in the way of our great agenda. Didn't have the guts to run!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017

Next up

As Donald Trump continues to pick fights with members of his own political party, the commander in chief has struggled to keep many of his campaign promises by being unable to get Republican members of Congress to back his own plans. Trump's inability to make progress on issues like health care and tax reform have not reflected well on his administration, leading to just a 35 percent approval rating with the American people.
Reuters recently reported that Russia is quietly going about sanctions-busting and supplying oil and internet to Kim Jong Un's supposedly isolated nation.

Russia voted for the imposition of sanctions at the UN

According to Reuters, at least eight cargo vessels loaded with oil have docked in North Korea and returned to Russia, despite having alternative destinations declared on their manifestoes.

Until recently all internet access for Pyongyang came from China. However, since the application of sanctions, in accordance with the vote taken at the United Nations, a Russian company is now routing North Korea's internet traffic.

A vital provision, given the rumors of North Korea's cryptocurrency thefts via exchanges.

It seems, having played a part in ensuring the election of the current American President (a.k.a. Facebook advertising), it must suit Putin to have the American President's penchant for hyperbole and garrulity stoking tensions worldwide with references to the "Rocketman".

Sanctions busting ensures Kim Jong-Un's survival

Whilst ensuring North Korea's economy does not implode through provisions of oil, internet and possibly more, undoubtedly Putin seeks to remain on the Supreme Leader's good side. By keeping lines of production and supplies open with Kim Jong Un, Putin strengthens North Korea and Russia's relationship with them.

It may, in the long run, open a communication channel for a negotiated disarmament agreement which was, initially, the whole point of the UN sanctions application in the first place. If Putin can be the broker of peace between two megalomaniacs with their fingers on red buttons, he may ultimately ensure that there will be no chance of a strong military presence of US origin on yet another border of his country.

Like Seoul and China, Russia does not want a situation in North Korea that will trigger refugees. They seek "gradual integration" between North Korea and its neighbors. "Rocket man" statements are unlikely to lead to that resolution but if Russia can take over from China as being the nation to provide channels for quiet diplomacy it could be a political coup.

US government demands Facebook hand over information on anti-Trump activists https://t.co/gsVj0Cb6OV pic.twitter.com/wyT9JoLL63  Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) October 6, 2017

Whatever Russia's motivation, neither China, Russia nor South Korea want a total regime change in the DPRK. Russia is particularly anti the imposition of Western democracy on existing governments. Perhaps his sole aim at interfering in the USA presidential race was specifically to ensure a weak and garrulous president, thereby undermining democracy as its greatest weaknessess are being adequately broadcast worldwide through Trump's twitter account.
U.S. President Donald Trump makes a toast during a Heads of States Luncheon hosted by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at the UN headquarters in New York, Sept. 19, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

Despite continued underlying tensions between Beijing and Washington over a number of weighty issues, both sides seem keen to promote calm, allowing an upbeat tone to prevail for President Donald Trump's visit to China in November, following the invitation of Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping extended at their April Florida summit.

Many observers regard the visit as a stage set to redefine an increasingly testy U.S.-China relationship that has faced many complexities under both former and the current Washington administration.

During Barack Obama's term in office, China was criticized over its handling of territorial disputes in the South China Sea, practices targeting U.S. intellectual property and human rights issues.

Criticism of China has continued under the Trump administration, targeting Beijing's alleged "unfair" trade practices, intellectual property "violations" and "failure" to exert sufficient pressure on North Korea to halt its nuclear weapons and missiles programs.

The "dramatic downturn in relations" that many analysts expected to occur following the election of Trump, who had repeatedly dismissed China and described it in his campaign manifesto as an enemy of the U.S. and as a currency manipulator on day one of his administration, has been somewhat restrained.

Positive signs of optimism started to appear in the lead-up to, during and after the two-day summit that brought together Trump and Xi face to face for the first time in Florida.

Trump has since backed away from threats to challenge Beijing over Taiwan as well as on his "currency manipulation" threats.

Recently, during a meeting on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told U.S. Vice President Mike Pence that both Beijing and Washington should "prepare well" to make the November summit a success in terms of creating the favorable conditions to boost strained bilateral relations.

While acknowledging the divergences, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said at a meeting with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross on September 25 that the two sides' common interests are greater than any differences, as the enormous benefits of their bilateral trade relations extend to the entire world.

"With China being the world's largest developing country and the U.S. being the world's biggest developed country, and both being the largest trading partners, I think it is fair to say that our common interests far outweigh our differences and divergences," Li said, while expressing the hope the U.S. would ease restrictions on Chinese companies' investments and high-tech exports.

The "very warmly welcome" Ross said he received during his visit to China further reflects the latter's "hopeful" view of Trump's expected trip.

Echoing this optimistic tone in China's official rhetoric, Ross told Chinese Premier Li Keqiang that he hopes the visit produce "some good deliverables."

In line with its conflict-avoidance policy, China looks forward to Trump's visit with willingness to "manage and control" disputes so as to bring into play the "huge potential for cooperation," as stated by Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan at his meeting with Ross.

The optimistic mood that seems to have gained the upper hand since the Florida summit were highlighted by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who told reporters that "both the atmosphere [and] the chemistry between the two leaders was positive" at the summit, with "very frank" and "very positive" discussions held on issues including North Korea's weapons program, the South China Sea, cyber security and trade.

In his address to the recently held Bloomberg Global Business Forum in New York, China's Ambassador to the U.S. Cui Tiankai said Trump's upcoming visit to China "will help to settle trade and other disputes between the two countries and may pave the way for more American investment in a massive regional infrastructure initiative."

"The two sides will reach agreement on some of the issues we're dealing with and the prospects for mutual trade and mutual benefit will be better," Cui said, stressing that China does not "want to have any war - trade war, currency war or whatever war - with anybody, certainly not with the United States."

In fact, the "deliverables" mentioned by Ross may be achieved jointly in various areas, including a possible China-brokered meeting between Trump and North Korean President Kim Jong-un that could lead to a Korean peninsula peace treaty involving South Korea, Japan, China and Russia.

On trade and intellectual property issues, China could work on welcoming more American goods and services, while the U.S., in return, could welcome more Chinese investments, provided they generate sufficient American jobs.

Trust-building measures and joint maritime activities could also be another deliverable to prevent escalation of the critical South China Sea issue.

Xi's massive Belt and Road Initiative may also be another flashpoint of cooperation where Trump could highlight U.S. business interests in the projects of the "win-win" cooperation model.

Haifa Said is chief editor of Syria Arab News Agency.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
Josh Duggar expressed his desire to join his sisters in the privacy lawsuit that they've filed. However, it appears that his sisters Jill, Jinger, Joy, and Jessa do not want Josh to be involved in the case. Recently, E!News obtained the latest court documents revealing the Duggar sisters take on their brothers intention towards their privacy lawsuit. In June 2017 the controversial reality TV star made headlines when he sought to join his siblings lawsuit.

Privacy lawsuit

The lawsuit was filed in May against Springdale, Ark., Washington County, police officials, and InTouch magazine against police documents that were divulged to the public in 2015.

The Duggar sisters revealed to E!News last May that for them, disclosing the identities of juveniles under such circumstances is a violation of the law. The aggrieved siblings would like the custodians of the public documents, and the media be held accountable for their actions. Further, they hope that the case could be an example in protecting the children from irresponsible reporting in the future.

Request to deny

According to the report by E!News, they were able to obtain the court documents claiming that the Duggar sisters would like the judge to deny Josh of his request to join their privacy lawsuit claiming the request to join the case would just confuse the jury.

They have to decide on claims protecting victims of sex crimes from disclosure and at the same time having this claim joined by the perpetrator of the crime would be ridiculous.

The document further claims that the consolidation would give the false impression that the victims and the offender are in this together. Currently, the judge has not yet released a response to this request from the Duggar sisters.

Fifth baby

Meanwhile, Josh Duggars wife, Anna is expected to give birth anytime this month. It was recently reported that the couple decided to leave their kids with Josh's parents while they are away.

In March, Josh announced that his wife is pregnant with their fifth child. The pregnancy happened two years after Joshs disgraceful controversies were exposed.

The 29-year-old reality TV star was accused of sexually molesting five underage girls. Aside from this, he was later exposed as one of the users in the equally controversial Ashley Madison dating service.

The dating site is known to people who are searching for extra marital affairs. After the series of situations that Josh Duggar got himself into, their familys show, 19 Kids and Counting, was eventually canceled by the network.
The US Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has given the green light for Alphabets Project Loon to deliver an air balloon LTE to hurricane-affected areas. Alphabet, Googles parent company, will bring Project Loon to restore internet connection and wireless services in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

According to TechCrunch, the FCC has given the Alphabet-owned Project Loon an experimental license to help the people of Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands regain connectivity. The FCC license, which extends from October 6 to April 6 of next year, was granted to Project Loons software engineer Ben Wojtowicz.

The Verge reported earlier that the purpose of the experimental or special temporary authority is to support licensed wireless carriers restoration of limited communication capability in some areas of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

About Project Loon

First announced in June 2013, Project Loon is a research and development project first developed by Google X division, whose main goal was to provide internet access to remote areas and restore communication to disaster-affected regions.

The Alphabet's moonshot project uses high-flying helium-filled balloons, which are placed in the stratosphere at an altitude of about 18 km. The helium-powered balloon provides a high altitude wireless network with a 4G-LTE speed.

Alphabet claims that the great height, which refers to the stratosphere layer, is a big advantage because of its relatively low wind speeds (which is 5 to 20 mph).

The system uses directional antennas to beam internet signals to the ground stations or LTE-enabled devices. The entire system is based on LTE (Long-Term Evolution), a standard for high-speed wireless communication for mobile devices and data terminals.

The high-flying balloon can be maneuvered by adjusting their altitude in the stratosphere layer. Project Loon used data provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to get the balloons desired speed and direction.

Project Loon need to work with partner networks

According to The Verge, Project Loon will need to work with a partner telecom network to make it all work.

In a statement given to tech site Engadget, an Alphabet spokesperson said that Project Loon needs to integrate with an existing telco network to deliver internet signals to peoples devices. The spokesperson also added that the high-flying balloon can't-do it alone.

This is not Project Loons first deployment outside the US. The Alphabets high-altitude balloon network has already been deployed and tested in some other parts of the globe. These include some places in Brazil, France, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand.

Alphabet, Google's parent company, is not the only US-based tech company working on efforts to help Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The EV giant Tesla is also on the go, deploying hundreds of Tesla Powerwall battery systems to provide lighting and electricity to the disaster-affected areas.

Additionally, Tesla also provides technical assistance to train people with the system installation and maintenance of the Powerwall battery systems.

In addition to Tesla, Facebook is also joining the ongoing effort to rebuild the islands infrastructure, which was heavily damaged. Facebook has already sent its connectivity staff to help with the islands ongoing reconstruction, TechCrunch reported.
The incident happened at 14:20 p.m. local time on Saturday when a car mounted the pavement outside the Natural History Museum in west London, colliding with several pedestrians in what is one of the citys major and busy tourist areas.

Due to recent terror attacks involving vehicles this year in both the U.K. and Spain, fears were initially that another terrorist attack had been carried out near the museum. London Metropolitan Police have arrested the man responsible for the incident, saying in a statement that it is being considered a road traffic investigation and is not a terrorist-related attack.

Eleven people injured in road traffic incident

According to the ambulance service in London, 11 people have been treated for mostly leg and head injuries, with two treated at the scene and nine victims were taken to the hospital. The deputy director of operations for the ambulance service, Peter McKenna, said in a statement that multiple resources had been sent to the scene of the incident, including paramedics in fast response cars, ambulance crews, incident response offices and a hazardous area response team.

As reported by Reuters, McKenna went on to say their crews worked closely with other emergency service teams at the scene of the incident and that their priority had been to get the victims to safety.

He said they ensured the victims received the medical help they required as swiftly as possible. McKenna also said none of the injuries to the victims were life-changing or life-threatening.

Initial fears were that it was another terrorist attack

Concerns had initially been that the incident was a deliberate terrorist attack, as there have been five terror incidents in the U.K.

so far this year. Three of those incidents involved vehicles, and as the current incident happened at the weekend, in an area of London popular with tourists, the emergency response was swift and strong.

Police: Car crash in London is traffic accident, not terror - Washington Post https://t.co/ShkxkJr7Ok pic.twitter.com/N4Zv1CRVJL  IT Colorado Jobs (@ITJobs_CO) October 7, 2017

BBC reporters later visited the scene of the incident, which occurred at the south end of Exhibition Road in London.

The area is normally crowded on Saturday afternoon, with people dining, but they found it deserted. Eyewitnesses told the reporters that at the time of the incident, before it was confirmed to not be terror-related, police had run into each restaurant and bar, telling customers to leave immediately. There were reportedly peoples belongings and half-eaten meals left behind when people evacuated the restaurants.

All will be back to normal in London on Sunday

According to the BBC, London Mayor Sadiq Khan headed to Twitter following the incident to thank emergency responders and to wish a speedy recovery to the victims of the incident. Khan also assured local residents and visitors that Londons museums and all other attractions will be open as usual on Sunday.
Warning, cuteness alert, as an almost three-minute compilation has been released by the Toronto Zoo in Canada showing their two clumsy and incredibly cute giant panda cubs taking a series of tumbles, slips and slides in their enclosure at the zoo.

While they may look so terribly clumsy, according to scientists, this is perfectly normal behavior for pandas and is expected to be part of their play as growing cubs. According to researchers from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and Zoo Atlanta, these tumble and play experiences could contribute significantly to the cubs development into reproductively successful adult pandas.

Toronto Zoo celebrates panda cubs second birthday

In their description to the YouTube video included below, the Toronto Zoo said they had decided to celebrate the second birthday of their panda cubs in style. They want to show everyone how promising the development of the first giant panda cubs in Canada has been over the last two years. However, while tempting everyone to visit the cute cubs with the footage, the zoo did warn that the pair is moving to Calgary Zoo in March 2018.

As noted by NDTV, the Toronto Zoo also posted the video to their Facebook page, drawing many humorous comments, including one person who joked that the tumbles explain the pandas black eyes. Another commentator said they now totally get why pandas are endangered.

One person commented on the YouTube version of the video to say in every video they Watch of pandas, they seem to behave more like human toddlers than animals.

Calgary Zoo well into their plans for the panda cubs arrival

Meanwhile, even though it is still some months until the two giant panda cubs arrive, Calgary Zoos planning process for the cubs will reportedly well underway.

That zoo has spent some $14.1 million transforming what was previously an elephant enclosure into a new home for the giant pandas, which they say is well on the way to completion.

Jamie Dorgan of Calgary Zoo told CTV News that they have created a new indoor space for the pandas where they can handle the extreme heat of summer, but also the really cold winter months.

They say the outdoor area is fantastic, offering the pandas a large mountain area and everything they could need. The zoo says Chinese panda specialists will also be involved in the pandas first couple of years of their five-year residence at the zoo.
From picturesque lakes and outdoor activities to some of the top museums and theaters in the United States, Minneapolis offers plenty to see and do for visitors of all ages. Couples can stay in a romantic hotel, have a delicious breakfast, go on a scenic bike ride along lakeside trails, andenjoy a selection of free attractions. Best family things to do in Minneapolis, Minnesota include the Minnesota Zoo, Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, farmers market and the children's theater.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1. Minneapolis Institute of Art  Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis

Located in the neighborhood of Whittier on an eight-acre campus formerly known as Morrison Park, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) is a government-funded fine art museum that is open to the public free of charge. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is one of the best things to do in Minneapolis MN. Featuring an encyclopedic collection of over 80,000 objects, spanning 5,000 years of world history, the MIA is home to one of the finest wide-ranging art collections in the country, consisting of remarkable exhibitions and collections of art from Africa, Oceania and the Americas, as well as a vast collection of Asian art and sculpture. Inspiring wonder through art, the MIA also features traveling collections from other museums, as well as the Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program, which focuses on displaying works by local artists from Minnesota. 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404, Phone: 888-642-2787

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2. Walker Art Center  Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis

Considered one of the nations Big Five modern art museums and one of the top Minneapolis attractions, the Walker Art Center is a multi-disciplinary contemporary art center in the heart of Minneapolis. Established as a public art gallery in 1927, and covering an area of over 17 acres after a recent renovation doubled the museums size, the Walker covers an array of disciplines, including architecture and design, visual arts, performing arts, film/video, new media initiatives and education and community programs. The Walker rests opposite the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, a sculpture park on the north side of the Walker Campus and is collaboration between the Walker and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Housed in an architecturally stunning building, the museum is a must-visit. 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, MN 55403, Phone: 612-375-7600

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3. Mill City Farmers Market  Courtesy of Jim - Fotolia.com

Located on the Chicago Mall in the historic train shed of the Mill City Museum, Mill City Farmers Market is a fresh produce market featuring items from local, sustainable and organic farmers and artisans. Centrally situated close to many popular attractions, the market is open on Saturdays and Sundays throughout summer and every second Saturday of the month in the winter. The market has a wide variety of vendors selling a range of fresh and artisanal products such as handmade arts and crafts, ceramics, jewelry, clothing, seasonal locally prepared food and freshly made juices. Visitors are treated to live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and food tastings. 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401, Phone: 612-341-7580



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4. Minnesota Zoo, Minneapolis, MN  Courtesy of stevengaertner - Fotolia.com



The Minnesota Zoo was founded by the State of Minnesota in 1978 and has played a leading role in organizing animals according to their living environment rather than by species. Innovative exhibits are spread over six themed areas, including three beautiful walking trails ranging from one to two miles in length. Exciting exhibits include Russia's Grizzly Coast, a new indoor/outdoor exhibit featuring animals from Russia's Far East, the Tropics Trail, an indoor walking trail presenting animals from the tropics, the Medtronic Minnesota Trail, showcasing animals native to Minnesota and Discovery Bay, an activity area themed around marine wildlife. If you are looking for fun things to do in Minneapolis, Minnesota with kids, this is a great place to visit. The zoo provides educational programs that engage audiences with the animals at the zoo, and conservation programs highlighting animal conservation and protection of the environment. The zoo is one of the top family attractions in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, Minnesota 55124, Phone: 952-431-9200

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5. First Avenue and 7th St entry  Courtesy of Matthias - Fotolia.com



First Avenue & 7th St entry is a music club that has nothing less than celebrity status. Playing an integral role in the Twin Cities' vibrant music scene, First Avenue and the 7th St Entry has seen many famous musicians and bands begin their careers here, including the likes of Soul Asylum, the Replacements and Husker Du. The club was a stepping stone for music icons such as U2, Metallica, Depeche Mode and Tina Turner on their rise to fame. First Avenue presents local acts every night of the week, and hosts benefit shows for local and national non-profit groups, such as The Red Cross and Pastor Paul's Food Shelf. There are also unique workshops and lectures for students from local schools that are interested in music. 701 First Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403, Phone: 612-332-1775

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6. Things to Do in Minneapolis: Weisman Art Museum  Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis



Resembling a crumpled aluminum can, as described by visitors, the inspiring stainless steel and brick facade of the Weisman Art Museum echoes an impressive collection of art within its walls. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum is modern art museum located on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Acting as a teaching museum for the university for over 80 years, the museums impressive collection features early twentieth-century American artists, such as Marsden Hartley and Georgia OKeeffe, as well as a diverse selection of Native American Mimbres pottery and ceramics, contemporary art and a unique display of Korean furniture. The museum is open every day, except Mondays and major holidays. Admission is free. 333 East River Road, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, Phone: 612-625-9494

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7. Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, Minnesota  Courtesy of lapandr - Fotolia.com

Founded in 1963, the Guthrie Theater is a center for theater performance, production, education and professional training with the aim of exposing and connecting audiences to classic literature and new works from diverse cultures around the globe. Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, next to Gold Medal Park and the Mill City Museum in downtown Minneapolis, the Guthrie Theater has won numerous awards for its design by Jean Nouvel and attracts visitors from all over the world to admire its architecture. The theater houses three theaters with a signature thrust stage, and a 78-foot cantilevered bridge called the Endless Bridge. Aside from nationally acclaimed productions and concerts, the theater has two excellent restaurants, namely Sea Change and the Level Five Cafe, an elegant lounge and a boutique store. 818 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415, Phone: 612-225-6000



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8. Children's Theatre Company  Courtesy of JackF - Fotolia.com

Known as The Moppet Players in the 1960s, the award-winning Children's Theatre Company is a regional theater that specializes in plays, shows and concerts for families and young audiences in Minneapolis. The theater was founded in 1965 by John Clark Donahue and has since become a leader in the theatrical community through exposing and educating young people through art. In 2003, the Children's Theatre Company won the Tony Award. Productions have included classics such as Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Peter Pan, and The Wizard of Oz, among others favorites. If you are wondering what to do in Minneapolis with kids on a rainy day, this is a great place to visit. 2400 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404, Phone: 612-874-0400



9. Stone Arch Bridge, Minneapolis, Minnesota  Courtesy of andreykr - Fotolia.com

Located at the intersection of West River Road and Portland Ave in downtown Minneapolis, Stone Arch Bridge is an important piece of Minnesota history. Built in 1883 by railroad baron James J. Hill, the bridge served as a working railroad bridge, allowing for the movement of people and goods across the river until 1965, and is still seen as a symbol of the railroad age today. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the bridge forms a vital link in the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail, a two-mile trail consisting of winding pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes that people can enjoy year round.

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10. Chain of Lakes, Minneapolis, Minnesota  Courtesy of Allen Gray - Fotolia.com

The Chain of Lakes consists of several scenic lakes in the Minneapolis metropolitan area, each with their own attractions and things to do. With over 13 miles of paved paths that run along the shoreline, walking, hiking and biking is easy and fun to do. During the summer months, have fun on the water with canoes or kayaks and savor the tranquility of the lakes, or rent a boat and explore more distant shores. The winter snowfall brings another round of adventure  watch ice surfers skim the frozen surface of the lake, join a game of ice hockey, or head out on snow skis for cross-country skiing.



11. Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, Minneapolis, Minnesota  Courtesy of Fotolia.com

Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium in Mall of America is home to thousands of marine creatures ranging from sea turtles, sharks and manta rays to jellyfish, seahorses and more. The aquarium boasts a 1,500 gallon Pacific Northwest Rockpool where visitors can explore unusual sea creatures such as cucumbers and sea anemones by touch, as well as a 300-foot glass underwater tunnel for unforgettable views of sharks. Scuba certified divers can brave the waters and dive with sharks, while other visitors can participate in feeding times with stingrays, seahorses, and rainbow reef fish. The aquarium offers an array of fun sea-based activities and adventures for all, including stamp stations with dive books for children, behind-the-scenes tours and overnight stays. 120 E Broadway, Bloomington, Minnesota 55425, Phone: 952-883-0202

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12. Minnehaha Park  Oleg/stock.adobe.com

Its no secret that Minnesota is home to some beautiful parks. When in Minneapolis, the Minnehaha Park is one such must-visit park with a track record that speaks for itself. It sees over 850,000 visitors every year who come to explore its 167 acres of gorgeous limestone bluffs, greenery, and a 53-foot waterfall. Minnehaha Park has several amenities for visitors to enjoy including a wading pool, a walking path, and a bike path. It also has a decorative fountain, and a Disc Golf Course to enjoy with friends and family. Walk around the park to see several sculptures that are proudly displayed on the grounds such as Jakob Fjeldes life-size sculpture of Hiawatha and Minnehaha, or Ed Archie Noisecats the Chief Little Crow. 4801 S Minnehaha Drive, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55417, Phone: 612-330-6400



13. Things to Do in Minneapolis, Minnesota: Lake Harriet Park  stevengaertner/stock.adobe.com

Enjoy the best of Minneapolis lakeside activities when you visit Lake Harriet Park. Part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, Lake Harriet Park is known for its endless list of activities as well as its bandstand shell, which hosts a number of summer concerts annually. Visitors can enjoy the North and Southeast Beach with a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and boat rentals. Meanwhile, the park also has a fishing pier, bike path, and playground for those who want to enjoy the park on the land. Additional amenities include the walking path, the tot lot, a decorative fountain, as well as a garden and picnic area. The park is open to visitors from 6 am to midnight in its developed areas. 4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55409, Phone: 612-230-6400



14. Target Field Tours  Target Field 2011 MN Twins Photo by Wayne Kryduba, Meet Minneapolis

Take a tour of the home of the Minnesota Twins and explore the famous Target Field. This unforgettable 90-minute guided tour will take you to parts of the ballpark that are rarely seen by regular visitors. Depending on availability, the tour will enable you to explore a variety of different spaces within the ballpark, such as the press box, the clubhouse, and the dugout. Head up to the suite level to get a birds eye view and visit the Metropolitan Club, Legends Club, and Champions Club. Check out the Budweiser Roof Deck before heading back down to the playing field. The tour will take you through the history of the Twins team, highlighting past and present players, excellent displays of baseball memorabilia, and special environmental features of the playing field. Tours vary from a non-game day, game day and pre-game experiences, all of which are guided by a local baseball expert.



15. Things to Do in Minneapolis, Minnesota: Manny's Steakhouse  Manny's Steakhouse



With a reputation for excellent red meat dishes accompanied by exceptionally fine wines, Manny's Steakhouse at W Minneapolis - The Foshay is the place to go for a great steak. Mannys Steakhouse has been a staple of the Minneapolis dining scene for the last 26 years, renowned for their signature meat cart, top-grade surf and turf  think stone crab claws and fresh Alaskan king crab legs - and rotating specials, including the 50 oz. bone-in rib eye. Everything about Mannys is larger than life, from oversized pieces of meat served with a collection of sides, to must-try decadent desserts. The restaurant boasts a 300-bottle wine list, as well as extensive reserve list. If you are looking for unique date night ideas in Minneapolis, this restaurant is a good choice. 825 Marquette Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403, Phone: 612-339-9900

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16. Things to Do Near Me: Minneapolis Skyway System  ak_a_laura/stock.adobe.com



If you want to get lost, but enjoy being lost, head to the Minneapolis Skyway System. Connected a whopping 80 city blocks through an intricate network of pathways totaling 9.5 miles, the Minneapolis Skyway System is the worlds largest contiguous second-level enclosed bridges. Though tricky to navigate, this is exactly what an exploration of the skyway system is about anyways, getting hopelessly lost and finding your way around again. Visit the oldest existing skyway which connects the NorthStar Center and The Roanoke Building, and stop by the many amazing restaurants and shopping opportunities that the Skyway makes easy to visit. The skyway is also connected to some of the citys most popular hotels, making it a convenient way to explore Minneapolis. Phone: 612-397-9275



17. Things To Do in Minneapolis: Martin Patrick 3  Martin Patrick 3



Martin Patrick 3 is an internationally-renowned men's boutique in Minneapolis' North Loop neighborhood, housed within a gorgeous 22,000-square-foot space. The boutique sells elevated men's apparel ranging from casual garments and sneakers to custom-designed suits for elegant business opportunities and special occasions. Fine jewelry and watches are sold by The Loupe by JB Hudson Jewelers, alongside a variety of accessories, men's apothecary items, and one-of-a-kind gift items. Stylish furniture, accessories, and lighting help to furnish the perfect bachelor pad, while modern literature items help keep shoppers well read and educated. Personal shopping services are also offered, along with barbershop services from Marty's and interior design services from MartinPatrick3 Studio. 212 3rd Ave N #106, Minneapolis, MN 55401, Phone: 612-746-5329

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18. Veronique Wantz Gallery  Veronique Wantz Gallery



Veronique Wantz Gallery is a lovely fine art gallery in Minneapolis' North Loop, opened in 2013 by French-born art industry veteran Veronique Wantz, who brings more than a decade of work as a curator and antique dealer in Paris to her operations. The gallery was opened in 2013, striving to showcase contemporary art works by regional, national, and international artists at various points in their careers. Artists represented by the gallery include Alain Ballereau, Allison Johanson, Juliane Shibata, GUAXS, and Concrete Pig, working in diverse media ranging from canvas and sculpture to glass, textiles, and mixed media. Solo and group exhibitions are presented throughout the year, along with special events like seasonal salon exhibitions and opening evenings. 901 N 5th St, Minneapolis, MN 55401, Phone: 612-254-2838



19. 112 Eatery, Minneapolis, Minnesota  112 Eatery



112 Eatery is an acclaimed downtown restaurant that offers a casual ambiance, top-notch service, and incredible cuisine. Award-winning chef Isaac Becker has created this cozy spot where the hardwood floors and exposed brick walls resemble a comfortable apartment rather than a narrow restaurant, making it the ideal go-to place for a decadent dinner or late-night bite. Complementing the home-away-from-home atmosphere is a menu filled with sublime concoctions from mouthwatering lamb scottadito to pillowy pan-fried gnocchi smothered in crumbly Parmigiano Reggiano. The place is always packed and getting a table is not easy, but definitely worth the wait. 112 north 3rd street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401, Phone: 612-343-7696

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20. Things to Do Near Me: The Bakken Museum  The Bakken Museum



Founded in 1975, The Bakken Museum has been dedicated to cultivating a true passion for science in youngsters and adults alike through their innovative, dynamic, and world-class exhibitions. Situated on Bda Maka Ska, The Bakken Museum is known for its exceptional collection of artifacts that are put together dynamically and engagingly. In addition to their spectacular collections, The Bakken Museum is also home to a historic mansion and medicinal gardens, which are ready and waiting to be explored. Dont miss out on the many educational programs that the museum has to offer, as their programs have been touted as industry leaders and groundbreakers by many in the field. 3537 Zenith Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416, Phone: 612-926-3878



21. Things to Do Near Me: Nice Ride Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota  Courtesy of Gilmour Creative, Meet Minneapolis



Nice Ride Minnesota is a non-profit bike sharing system that offers a unique and innovative way of exploring the city through bike sharing. To use the system, you need to purchase a membership or a pass, which you can do online before your trip. Once you have signed up, you receive a key or passcode, which you then insert into the required slot at one of the many bike stations across the city, get the green light and take your bike. You will be given a certain amount of time to use the bike, according to your pass or membership, after which time the bike needs to be returned to any station. Once the bike is locked into the station, your key or pass is cleared, and you are good to go. Fast, easy and affordable, its the perfect way to explore the city at your own pace.



22. Things to Do Near Me: Mill City Museum, Minneapolis, Minnesota  Courtesy of burningmine - Fotolia.com



Resting on the banks of the historic Mississippi Riverfront and built into the ruins of what was once the worlds largest flour mill, known as the Washburn "A" Mill, Mill City Museum is a small, intimate museum that presents birth and growth of Minneapolis and the subsequent history of the growing city with the flour industry and the river. Dating back to the 1870s, the mill complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District, playing an important role in the preservation and education of the states heritage. The museum offers award-winning programs, exhibitions and events that cover the history of the area, including exhibits about the history of Minneapolis and how the flour industry played a role in the development of the city. 704 South 2nd St., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401, Phone: 612-341-7555

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23. Things to Do in Minneapolis, Minnesota: The Museum of Russian Art  Pavel Losevsky/stock.adobe.com Take a deep dive into the gorgeous and eye-catching art, and unique cultures of Muscovite Russia, the Russian Empire, as well as that of the Soviet Union, post-Soviet Russia, and the countrys other former republics at the Museum of Russian Art. Interestingly, the Museum of Russian Art is the only one of its kind in the entirety of North America, and it is housed in multi-level historic building. The museum finds its humble beginnings in 1991 when Raymond E. Jonhson, an avid collector and art dealer, sponsored the first exhibition of Russian impressionist art in the continent. The museum is home to masterfully curated exhibitions, entertaining and educational cultural presentations, as well as a variety of programs such as lectures, concerts, and seminars, all geared towards immersing guests in Russian ingenuity and artistic flair. The Museum of Russian Art is open from Monday through Sunday with a modest admission fee. 5500 Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55419, Phone: 612-821-9045



24. Things to Do in Minneapolis, Minnesota: American Swedish Institute  American Swedish Institute A historic mansion, a museum, a cultural education center, a destination store, and even a cafe, the American Swedish Institute is an all-in-one destination that shouldnt be missed when youre traveling to Minneapolis, Minnesota. The American Swedish Institute, or ASI for short, offers guests a visit to the historic Turnblad Mansion, which was built sometime between 1904 and 1908 and features 33 decorative and stylish rooms. Guests can also see lovingly curated exhibitions at the museum, or enjoy a cup of coffee and a Swedish treat or two at the FIKA Cafe, an award-winning cafe that is a great introduction to New Nordic cuisine. The museum offers guided tours for those who want to get the most out of their trip to the institute. 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55407, Phone: 612-871-4907



25. Chowgirls Catering in Minneapolis  Chowgirls Catering If youre planning an event in Minneapolis or anywhere in the Twin Cities area or surrounding state of Minnesota, Chowgirls Killer Catering can make it even better. Chowgirls Killer Catering is a leading catering company offering hospitality services for weddings, social events, corporate events, and more. With its own customized event space, as well as partnerships with dozens of venues around the Twin Cities and beyond, as well as outstanding seasonal menus crafted with quality ingredients, Chowgirls Killer Catering can make your event one to remember. Chowgirls Killer Catering excels by making use of fresh, high quality, seaasonal ingredients in all of its meals. The company has worked hard to establish excellent business relationships with local farmers and food vendors in order to provide the very best dishes and drinks to every guest. By employing highly experienced and professional chefs, Chowgirls Killer Catering is able to craft one of a kind menus that will leave guests eager for more. chowgirls.net



25 Best Things to Do in Minneapolis, Minnesota

More ideas:

Minneapolis attractions: Paradise Charter Cruises

Experience the largest river system in North America from the deck of a beautiful old water cruiser on an exclusive Mississippi River or Lake Minnetonka cruise.

Paradise Charter Cruises offer a variety of river cruises, ranging from private charters and special events cruises to public cruises on either the river or the lake.

One of the more popular cruises, the narrated Mississippi River Tour, departs from Bohemian Flats in Minnesota and makes its way along the waterfront, following the southern trails of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and Heritage Trail, highlighting interesting attractions such as the striking 35W Bridge, St. Anthony Falls, and the historic Stone Arch Bridge. Finally, take in the magnificent downtown Minneapolis skyline as you head back up the river.

Cruises have a full-service bar along with a range of snacks and light meals available for purchase on each tour.

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Things to Do in Minneapolis, Minnesota: Bde Maka Ska Park

Covering nearly 519 acres of land, the Bde Maka Ska Park is the largest of Minnesotas Chain of Lakes and is home to three picturesque beaches that see a number of visitors throughout the year. Formerly known as Lake Calhoun, Bde Maka Ska is Dakota language and directly translates to White Earth Lake. Its a fitting name for this beautiful recreational area which features fantastic sailing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, and paddleboarding opportunities. It also has a total of 3.1 miles of walking and running trails in addition to 3.19 miles of biking trails as well as sports areas like a softball field, a soccer ball field, and a sand volleyball court.

300 Bde Maka Ska Parkway, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408, Phone: 612-230-6400

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HA NOI  A selection of the latest Spanish films will be screened at the Spanish film festival to be held at the National Cinema Centre from October 17-22.

Five films, divided into comedy, drama and thrillers, will show the creative zest of Spain, a country that ranks fourth in Europe and eighth in the world in terms of cinematic production.

The event, run by the Spanish Embassy and entitled Eye on Spain, celebrates the fortieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Spain and Viet Nam.

The highlight of the event will be the screening of the world premiere of Thi Mai, the first Spanish feature shot in Viet Nam. The film is a classic tale of West-meets-East with an hilarious Spanish-Vietnamese twist and a star-studded cast from Spain and Viet Nam.

Thi Mais director, Patricia Ferreira, and producer Larry Levene will speak about working on location in Ha Noi and Ha Long Bay at the festivals first screening on October 18.

The festival will also include a round-table discussion among film-makes from the two countries as well as other activities to strengthen ties and explore opportunities for future collaboration.  VNS
Cil Duin, a 41 year-old man from the KHo ethnic minority in the Central Highlands province of Lam ong, has become the first of his people to receive a doctorate. His success has shown that the old attitudes of ethnic people studying just to learn to read and write can be a thing of the past. Thu Ngan talks with Duin about his efforts.

Inner Sanctum: You were born in a poor village where many difficulties for study exist. Can you tell me about your childhood and how you became the first KHo from Lac Duong in Lam ong Province to receive a doctorate?

Like many other children in our village, I started school at the age of about 10-11. For ethnic children like us, it is difficult to speak Vietnamese. It is even more difficult to compose stories.

We go to school for half a day in the morning or in the afternoon. After school, we have no time to study at home. In our "free" time, we look after buffaloes or help our parents on the farm.

In the 80s and 90s, the economic situation of the country and our distant location made education difficult. Many of my friends had to quit school in the sixth or seventh grade.

I once quit school when I was in the fifth grade, even though my father did not support my decision. He encouraged me to return to school. I clearly remember what he told me: Your mother and I could not go to school due to poverty. As our son you have to go to school to get knowledge and escape poverty.

His persuasiveness strengthened me, and, from that moment, I never had a thought of quitting. I kept trying my best to make my fathers wish come true.

I strongly focused on studying and my results improved. In ninth grade, I received the schools certificate of satisfactory progress. From that year, I received a certificate every year.

Inner Sanctum: Your father had a strong impact on you. Can you tell more about the energy that he gave to you?

My father was so happy with my studies, especially when I graduated from Hue Technical University and was appointed to teach at a high school near my family. Im so happy and proud, my father told me.

He often told me the story of my grandfather who told his children they should study well and become doctors. When it came to my turn, I promised myself and my father I would try my best.

The energy that my father passed on to me lasted after I became a teacher. I thought that as a teacher, I must be an example for students, especially an ethnic minority one. Because of that, I decided to get a masters degree, which I achieved in 2007 at a Lat University.

At that time, my Dad asked me whether a masters was the highest degree. I said no and told him I would continue to learn more.

In 2010, I went to China to study for a PhD thanks to the Partys Project 165. Unfortunately, my father died while I was in China.

The first day I came back from China, I put my degree on his altar to inform him and my grandfather that my task was complete and I would continue to try my best in my work.

Inner Sanctum: What was the biggest challenge you faced to pursue your dream as someone who began studying later than others?

The biggest challenge I faced was language. At elementary school, it was difficult for me to understand the Kinh language [Vietnamese universal language] as I was born in an ethnic group that speaks its own language.

Speaking Kinh was difficult, and it was more difficult to write literature and do maths in Vietnamese. When I began to speak Vietnamese well, all of these challenges were swept away.

The obstacle returned when I went to China as I did not know Chinese. To solve the problem, I actively penetrated the society by talking to Chinese people. Initially, I tried my best to understand what they were saying and then I tried to express my ideas clearly so that they could understand me.

It was lucky for me as Project 165 offered a course to study Chinese. In addition, I was taught one-on-one by a famous professor, so my Chinese improved a lot.

With the support of the professor and friends, I finished the course in three years. Although meeting many difficulties, I never considered quitting.

I told myself that there would be nothing that I could not do. Every time I faced difficulties but failed to find a solution, I chose to temporarily stop and go to church to put my mind at peace. After this, I felt stronger and found the urge again.

Inner Sanctum: What is your current job?

I am now the deputy head of a desk under the Bureau of Education and Training in Lac Duong District in Lam ong Province.

Inner Sanctum: Why did you decide to work in your hometown instead of in bigger cities?

I think that I should firstly fulfill my job well in the local area. Working in my hometown gives me many advantages because I clearly understand the local people and their customs.

Furthermore, I studied thanks to the Government support so I have to work under assignment from the Government.

With the current job, I am trying my best to tell young people that poverty is not a reason to stop their dreams about studying. Problems with a different language can be solved.

If they want to study and work, they must have a strong belief and try their best.

Inner Sanctum: If you had a chance to offer a proposal to the Government on behalf of ethnic children, what would you say?

First of all, I would propose that the Government create a good education environment for ethnic students so they can study in the same class with Kinh ethnic majority students. In that way, they will have chances to study the Kinh language.

The Government also should examine how to simplify the education programme, especially at the elementary level, so that children will have more time to play.

Teachers at kindergartens must know ethnic language so they can help children when they first go to school. VNS
Animal Rites show set at UNI

CEDAR FALLS  The University of Northern Iowa Interpreters Theatre will present Animal Rites at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Interpreters Theatre in 040 Lang Hall.

Animal Rites is a one-man show by guest artist Christopher Collins, an instructor of communication studies at Louisiana State University, that brings the relationship between human and nonhuman animals to the forefront.

The event is free and open to the public. This production contains mature language and situations.

People can reserve tickets through Eventbrite. Tickets will be out on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning at 6:30 p.m.; the doors open at 7 p.m.

Church hosts Oktoberfest

CEDAR FALLS  Immanuel Lutheran Church, 4820 Oster Parkway, will celebrate Oktoberfest from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday.

This family-friendly event will be held both inside the churchs Fellowship Area and outside on the church lawn. Shuttle parking will be available.

Activities include German music, German food and games for all ages. There will be an authentic German dinner and also brats and frankfurters available. Dinner tickets are $10 ($15 at the door) for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12 and free for preschool age and younger.

For more information, call the church office, 260-2000.

Dance lessons set Saturday

WATERLOO  The Cedar Valley Chapter of USA Dance will hold a dance Saturday at the Waterloo Center for the Arts.

There will be a beginner lesson on rumba from 7:15 to 8 p.m. and an intermediate lesson from 8 to 8:30 p.m. A general dance will follow until 10:30 p.m.

Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 266-1428 or go to www.usadancecedarvalley.com.

Bible talks set

in Cedar Falls

CEDAR FALLS  There will be nondenominational Bible talks at the Cedar Falls Municipal Band Hall, 211 Washington St., from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 15.

The talks are set for 3 to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 and 29 and Nov. 5, 12 and 19.

Additional Bible talks will be at the Elk Run Heights Community Center, (back side of City Hall), 5042 Lafayette Road, each Wednesday, starting from 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. 18 through Nov. 15.

All are welcome. For inquiries, call P. Johnson, (720) 280-9730, or G. Henderson, (763) 331-4410. No collections are taken.

Ladies Night Out set at UnityPoint

WATERLOO  UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital will host a Ladies Night Out, complete with wine, appetizers and 3D mammograms.

Schedule a yearly mammogram any time between 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 19 and plan to share the evening with friends, sisters or neighbors.

Allen Hospital is at 1825 Logan Ave. A doctors order is required. Call 235-5100 to schedule an appointment.

Additionally, walk-in mammograms without an appointment are available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at Allen Hospital, Prairie Parkway or United Medical Park.
Fundraiser set

in Janesville

JANESVILLE  The Janesville Masons and Waverly Eastern Star will sponsor the annual fall omelet breakfast from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Riviera Roose Community Center.

The meal features omelets, muffins, breads, fruit cup, coffee and orange juice.

The public is welcome.

Womans club meets Thursday

WATERLOO  The Waterloo Womans Club will meet at noon Thursday at the Snowden House, 306 Washington St.

A noon luncheon will be hosted by the Education Department.

Program speaker will be Michelle Temeyer, executive director of the Waterloo Community Foundation.

For lunch reservations, call Mary, 233-2204, by noon Tuesday.

Week Without Violence slated

WATERLOO  The YWCA of Black Hawk County will mark the 2017 YWCA Week Without Violence from Oct. 17-21.

The YWCA will host the annual full-day Week Without Violence workshop Oct. 18.

Registration and coffee will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Workshop sponsors are the YWCA of Black Hawk County, the Peace and Justice Center of the Cedar Valley and the 1st Judicial District Department of Correctional Services.

This years workshop is How Being Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice Responses. This years presenters are Laura Bruess, Monica Paulsen and Sheriff Tony Thompson.

Register by Friday at 234-7589 or lmohr@ywcabhc.org. There is no cost.

Food tasting event scheduled

WATERLOO  The fourth annual International Food Tasting Event is planned for 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Blessed Sacrament Church.

The event, organized by local volunteers and open to the public, features a variety of activities and offers the opportunity to support the Northeast Iowa Food Bank Backpack Program.

People are welcome to sample cuisines from around the world, including India, the Middle East, Bosnia, Thailand and the Philippines. The family atmosphere also provides ethnic activities and shopping.

All event proceeds will be donated to the backpack program, which sends food home with kids who need it through the weekend.

Tickets are available at the door.

Music class slated for Friday

CEDAR FALLS  The Northeast Area Music Teachers Association will feature Suzanne Torkelson, who will present a master class at 10:15 a.m. Friday in Mae Latta Hall at the Hearst Center for the Arts.

The public is welcome.

Torkelson is professor of piano at Wartburg College, as well as director of the Tower School of Music, a program of pre-college students studying with Wartburgs student teachers.

NAMTA is part of the Iowa Music Teachers Association Music Teachers National Association.
PurpleLight

group meets

WATERLOO  The Cedar Falls affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network will host a meeting of volunteers at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Hospitality Room 3 of Covenant Medical Center, 3421 W. Ninth St.

The meeting will focus on planning the Oct. 22 Pancreatic Cancer Action Networks PurpleLight, a gathering of survivors, family, and friends who have felt the impact of pancreatic cancer.

Anyone interested in planning and in learning about opportunities to participate in the fight against pancreatic cancer is encouraged to attend. Bottled water and snacks will be available.

For information, contact Amy Jardon, at ajardon@pancanvolunteer.org or at 290-7691.

Un-garage sale

planned Tuesday

WATERLOO Eye of the Needle will have its next Un-Garage sale from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday in Lincoln Park, Fourth and Mulberry.

All items will be at no cost.

Legion post

plans events

WATERLOO  American Legion Post 138 at 728 Commercial St. has several events planned.

Hamburgers and tenderloins are on the menu at 11 a.m. today

Tuesday there will be bingo at 6:15 and 7 p.m.

Hot dogs, tenderloins and brats will be available at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

A pepper tournament will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday.

On Sunday, bingo is planned for 1:15 and 2 p.m., with the snack bar open.

Fall clothing

giveaway set

WATERLOO  The annual fall clothing giveaway is set from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart School, 620 W. Fifth St.

The event will be in the gymnasium; enter on the north side of the school and watch for signs.

Winter clothing from child to adult sizes and bedding will be available. No income verification is required.

The event is sponsored by the Church Row Neighborhood Coalition.
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WAVERLY  Enrollment is on the rise at Wartburg College after declining for several years.

As of Sept. 19, the 10th day of classes, the private liberal arts college had 1,527 students compared to 1,482 at the same point last year.

We increased by 45 students, so were very happy about that, said Edith Waldstein, vice president for enrollment management at Wartburg. We had decreases for a couple years before that.

The count at the end of the 10th day of fall classes during prior years was 1,537 in 2015, 1,661 in 2014 and 1,714 in 2013.

Last year and this year, we increased our incoming class size, she noted. But last year, we still experienced a decline in overall enrollment.

Overall student retention, sometimes called the persistence rate, is 89 percent this fall, reaching the highest point since 2011. The first- to second-year retention rate was 79 percent this year and 80 percent last year.

Wartburg also has a record number of Hispanic and multi-ethnic students this fall. There are a total of 206 American students of color and 121 international students. Those students, from 55 countries, make up 8 percent of the colleges enrollment.

Waldstein said several factors contributed to the downturn in enrollment. Among those were the aftermath of the Great Recession in 2008 and 2009, a decline in the number of students graduating from Iowa high schools, college affordability issues, and the growing prevalence of a belief that a four-year degree is not needed.

All of these factors combined to make it challenging for us, she said. Not just for us, but private colleges in general. Many of us were experiencing enrollment challenges during that period.
WATERLOO  The Board of Education Monday is expected to adopt a resolution supporting Character Counts Week.

The board meets at 6 p.m. in the Education Service Center, 1516 Washington St.

Character Counts Week will be Oct. 15-21. Students in Waterloo Community Schools learn about the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. At the Cedar Valley Character Counts Committees annual Champion of Characters event earlier this year, a student and two staff members from West High School were recognized for consistently demonstrating outstanding achievement in modeling the pillars.

In other business, the board is expected to receive and file Superintendent Jane Lindamans recommendation to terminate a teacher contract. The termination will be effective immediately after the boards action.

Prior to the meeting, the board will meet in a 4:30 p.m. work session on assessments. That will be held in Room 110 of the Education Service Center.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Peter Fisher's last name.

DES MOINES  States are willing to give a little money to get a few jobs, and Iowa is no exception.

But Iowas various economic development programs, which each year dole out hundreds of millions of dollars in tax relief to businesses looking to move or grow here, have received some extra scrutiny in recent months.

Lawmakers have wondered whether the state is giving away too much money to businesses, and state economists say the giveaways often are unnecessary.

But at the local level, economic development officials say those programs are vital and have provided a return on the investment to the taxpayers who are footing the bill.

The focus intensified with the construction of a $3 billion fertilizer plant in Lee County. The project, which was completed this past spring, has been awarded more than $100 million in state tax breaks and has generated 165 permanent jobs.

Late this summer,the Iowa officials announced they were offering Apple $20 million in tax relief for a new data center in suburban Des Moines as part of an overall $200 million assistance package. The rest was local relief. The project is expected to create roughly 50 permanent jobs.

While the $20 million in state money for Apple was not as large as the incentives given to the fertilizer plant, the announcement coincided with news of trouble with the state budget. State officials were forced to make a third adjustment to the budget year that ended June 30, bringing the total in spending cuts and borrowing to $262 million.

Critics suggested Iowa should not be foregoing millions of dollars in future tax revenue while the state budget is requiring multiple adjustments to balance.

The debate has seeped into the political realm as candidates line up to run for governor in 2018. Multiple Democrats have argued the state is too generous with its tax incentives.

But local economic development officials say its all worth it.

These programs are an important tool and complement the incentives that are offered by the communities that we represent, said Lisa Skubal, vice president of economic development with the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance and Chamber. Debi Durham (executive director of the state economic development board) has done an excellent job being fiscally responsible for how they review projects, and I applaud the attention to detail, that they look at it and evaluate not only for external projects but for existing businesses.

Big money

One such example in the Cedar Valley would be a $14.8 million incentive package put together for John Deere, which used the assistance to help fund a $90 million upgrade at the companys Waterloo Works Foundry. The project helped the company retain a projected 295 jobs, 138 of which have been realized, according to the state economic development boards 2016 report.

All of the projects we have, regardless of size, there isnt one that I can think of that wasnt a good deal, Skubal said.

Deere also was the recipient of a $10.8 million incentive package for a $43.7 million investment in 2005. That project created 300 jobs, according to the economic development boards 2016 report.

McKesson Corp. in 2015 received a $4.2 million incentive package to help build a new $65 million pharmaceutical distribution center in Clear Lake. The project was expected to create 164 jobs.

Chad Schreck, president and CEO of North Iowa Corridor, the areas economic development organization, said the company has produced roughly 250 jobs.

I think it most definitely was worth it, Schreck said of the incentive package.

CF Industries Nitrogen scored a $31 million incentive package for its $1.7 billion expansion project in Sioux City. The project, which was completed this past spring, created 100 new jobs.

It gave this whole area a great manufacturing facility for years to come, said Nick DeRoos, the general manager of the CF Port Neal complex who also served as project director for the expansion.

In the Cedar Rapids area, Rockwell Collins has been a big beneficiary of state incentives: four projects since 2007 totaling more than $28.5 million in tax relief. The various projects have created just more than 800 jobs.

Bait or handout?

State economists argue in many cases, state tax incentives are awarded to companies that would proceed with the project regardless.

David Swenson, an economist at Iowa State University, said for example fertilizer plants and pork processing plants should not require tax incentives because Iowa is the most logical landing spot for their facilities. Even data centers, like those opened in and incentivized by Iowa in recent years  Apple was preceded by Google and Microsoft  do not need money dangled in front of them because Iowa has low energy costs and a favorable climate.

They were going to happen anyway, Swenson said. Economists cant make this work out. Economists will look at this and say the taxpayer never gets paid back.

Swenson said economic development officials delude themselves into thinking they are creating jobs when they, in fact, are simply putting bait to attract jobs that would happen in the economy nonetheless.

Peter Fisher, an economist with the liberal-leaning Iowa Policy Project, called most state tax incentives a waste of money for many of the same reasons.

I think its gotten out of hand, Fisher said. Its just not worth it.

Fischer pointed to his previous research, which in 2013 concluded corporate tax breaks are a very inefficient means of promoting state economic growth.

Most of the lost revenue simply flows to corporations who are doing nothing different, nothing that they wouldnt have done anyway, Fishers report says.

Theory, reality

These arguments against tax incentives may sound good in theory, but do not match the reality of competition for projects that will create new jobs, one economic development official said.

John Stineman is executive director of the Iowa Chamber Alliance and a principal consultant with Strategic Elements in Des Moines. He called Swenson and Fischers arguments a great philosophical discussion, but said the reality is Iowa competes with other states for projects, and that he thinks it would be self-defeating for the state to not offer competitive tax relief packages.

At the end of the day you do have to compete for projects, Stineman said. Were not about to lay down arms in that fight over academic principle ... There is a competition taking place and were going to do the best we can.

Durham said more than 80 percent of Iowas economic development portfolio is in existing companies, which means the state is focusing on local growth first. She said she understands the criticism of forfeiting future state revenue to chase businesses, even calling the criticism valid. But, she said, the states tax incentive programs must be considered by the bigger picture.

You cant do it without incentives, Durham said. Apples going to do it somewhere, it doesnt mean theyre going to do it in Iowa. ... It is simply naive to believe in this world that we have to compete in that we dont need incentives to land deals.

Durham touted Iowas incentive program, which in most cases requires jobs to be created at a certain wage threshold and does not award the incentives until the project is completed. She pointed to a report published in May by the non-partisan Pew Charitable Trusts that hails Iowa as one of 10 states with the best tax incentive programs.

Iowa is leading other states because it has a well-designed plan to regularly evaluate tax incentives, experience in producing quality evaluations that rigorously measure economic impact, and a process for informing policy choices, the report says.
On the campaign trail last year, candidate Donald Trump promised to do all that is in my power as president to achieve the goals of the Renewable Fuel Standard, the 2005 law that requires petroleum refiners to use increasing volumes of renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel.

Farmers and biofuel producers across the Midwest enthusiastically welcomed that pledge and took it to heart. On Election Day, they overwhelmingly cast their votes for Trump, helping him to win key battleground states like Iowa, Ohio and Wisconsin and pull off an upset over Hillary Clinton.

But less than a year after the historic election, President Trumps pick to run the Environmental Protection Agency, Scott Pruitt, doesnt appear to be making good on his bosss promise on the RFS. Instead, through a recent series of questionable actions, Pruitt seems to be undermining the presidents stated commitment to the program. And after EPAs latest moves on the RFS, alarm bells are starting to ring across rural America.

In June, EPA issued a proposal to reduce the total 2018 RFS renewable fuel blending requirements below the levels required in 2017. While the EPA proposal kept intact the volume of conventional biofuel (mostly corn ethanol) mandated by Congress for 2018, it slashed the requirement for waste- and residue-derived cellulosic biofuels by nearly one-quarter. The proposed cut is already dealing a blow to ethanol plants across the country that are in the midst of adopting technologies to produce cellulosic biofuel from grain residues. Our company, Pacific Ethanol, has already successfully installed cellulosic ethanol technology at both of our California plants, and we were evaluating whether to make similar investments at our facilities in Idaho, Illinois, Nebraska and Oregon. EPAs proposal was certainly not the signal we were looking for.

Adding further intrigue to the June proposal was the revelation  through public records  the first draft submitted to the White House by EPA actually included a 23 percent increase in cellulosic biofuel requirements over 2017 levels. But just days before EPA officially published the proposal, the cellulosic volume was curiously reduced.

Then, in late September, EPA stated it is considering further reductions to the 2018 RFS volumes, going beyond the cuts proposed in June. This time, EPA said it is pondering a decrease in the requirements in an effort to shut out biodiesel imports from Argentina and Indonesia. But cutting the RFS would not materially affect import volumes; more likely, it would force some domestic producers to shutter. It would also ignore the fact the RFS is intended to drive domestic consumption of biofuels without regard to where it was produced. In any case, imports have played only a small role in meeting RFS requirements historically, constituting just 7 percent of 2015 and 2016 volumes.

And now, there are rumors swirling that Pruitts EPA is considering a scheme in which U.S. biofuel export volumes would count toward compliance with the RFS. Logically, exported volumes dont currently count in meeting RFS obligations. Thats because the RFS was designed to reduce U.S. dependence on imported petroleum by driving domestic consumption of renewable fuels. How would the RFS help us achieve our energy security goals if the program is rigged to incentivize biofuel exports?

All of these recent actions by Pruitt are designed to stifle growth in American renewable fuel production and consumption, lock our fuel markets into the status quo and take the pressure off oil refiners who complain about the costs of complying with RFS mandates. Not only would these moves by EPA inflict economic harm on the very farm communities that helped President Trump win the election, but consumers would suffer from limited choices and higher prices at the pump as well.

Fortunately, this impending wreck can be avoided. As these actions are only proposals at this point. Its not too late to make sure the RFS stays on track in 2018. But President Trump needs to get engaged. He needs to be made aware his EPA administrator is veering off course with the RFS and threatening to undermine the promises he made to voters in the heartland.
A chorus of liberal voices is shouting its easy-answer mantra to the gruesome killings in Las Vegas. Their chorus repeats: Thoughts and prayers are not enough!

This a true statement, yet in this context it seems like a cheap bid for political capital. The implied assumption is restrictive gun laws will end this kind of carnage. Certainly, government has the responsibility to make appropriate laws governing the use of firearms, automobiles, airplanes, etc.; however, their statement reveals a serious misunderstanding of the genesis of the problem.

Its reasonable to believe the source of this shooters problem is not in the number or type of guns he was able to purchase, but in his own warped mind, heart and soul. Secular psychologists would perhaps fault an electric misfunction within the mans system of neurotransmitters. Social environmentalists would blame his growing up under the influence of a pathologically criminal father. Genetic determinists would point an accusing finger at an inherited genome.

Though these may be factors, there still is a deeper problem. It seems the shooters soul was dead to the truth it is morally wrong to murder his fellow human beings. This raises the question: Why does a person or a culture lose its moral sense of the reprehensibility of murder? We must ask ourselves, how can we as a nation condone the daily murder of 2,800 of its own children through abortion?

In ethical terms the murder of one or many persons is wrong. All humans seem to be born with an awareness of right and wrong, and this ethical sense (conscience) is conditioned by the culture in which the person is raised, especially by the presence or absence of religious beliefs.

The religious beliefs that shape the natural moral sense are referred to in our nations Declaration of Independence as the Laws of Nature and of Natures God. These are summarized in the Ten Commandments (the Decalogue), recognized by Christians, Jews and Muslims as well as by nearly all other religions. When the Decalogue is taught, the persons moral sense (of right and wrong) is sharpened; so he/she becomes aware some of his thoughts and behavior are sinful, i.e. a violation of Gods standard of right and wrong.

When the Decalogue is posted and studied, it serves to sharpen peoples awareness of right and wrong. Thus, we read in Scripture: Through the law comes knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20) If it had not been for the law, I should not have known sin. I should not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, You shall not covet! (Romans 7:7)

But when a person or society is not confronted with the was law of God, their moral sense dies (witness the mass murderers which were justified by the anti-Christian and atheistic movements like Nazism and Communism, where God and Gods law are denied).

Since 1953, the removal of the Ten Commandments, Bible reading and prayer from the public school classroom and from the public arena has proceeded apace. Is there any wonder the United States has been affected by this selfconscious removal of religious symbols and teaching from our schools and the public arena?

As a result, this kind of amoral behavior of the Las Vegas shooter can be expected and will multiply in our culture. Unfortunately, the liberals Band-Aid to eliminate gun rights will not prevent this kind of tragedy.

A significant step toward the solution is that our society must allow and encourage the posting and the teaching of the Decalogue in our public schools and in the public arena. This is not a violation of the establishment clause but is the legitimate responsibility of the kingdom on the left  the state.
Whats Trump up to with Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program? He rescinded Obamas unconstitutional executive order while delaying action on it for six months. Some pundits see this as delivering on his campaign promise to rescind DACA. Most of those are Democrats, and they dont like it.

Republicans dont see it that way. Some of them accuse Trump of breaking his promise to immediately rescind DACA. In contrast, a few Republicans see it pretty much the way I do. Trump made conflicting statements to the press as he thought out loud (a bad habit) about this decision. When he said he was ready to act, I personally hoped he would take the route he apparently has chosen.

In retrospect, recall how Obama warned us. He once said he didnt have the authority to wave a wand to take care of illegal immigrants brought here as children through no choice of their own. And when he finally issued the executive order, he said it wasnt a solution, just a stop-gap measure. He acknowledged only congressional legislation would create a permanent solution.

Trump has now stepped in where Obama left off. He wants Congress to act, and encourages a compassionate solution for the dreamers. It seems to me he saved a lot of time, effort and money by avoiding the inevitable constitutional challenge of Obamas DACA order.

If its true Americans and our legislators want a compassionate resolution of the DACA dilemma, Trump has come to their rescue. He has provided the smoothest, quickest way forward. Obama said Congress must act. Trump echoed that and created a pathway to do so. Strange bedfellows indeed! I wonder if Trump and Obama planned it. If so, that would mean Obamas recent cruelty comments are just cover for future covert collaboration. (Just kidding on that one.)

Seriously though, what we see in these developments is that no one controls the president. Hes a pragmatist who sees a way to advance the ball by giving up something and does it. Hes unpredictable. Hes not absolute in anything. In other words, hes not an ideologue. And that, on balance, I hope will serve the country well. Has he passed the buck to Congress to deal with this matter? Not at all. In fact, there is no solution here except congressional action. And Trumps going to make sure Congress acts.

What, ultimately, is dealmaker Trumps goal? I think he sees this action as potentially creating wiggle room out of which might come bipartisan collaboration on broader immigration reform. And perhaps more bipartisanship will grow from that. As we watch this develop, its not going to be obvious whats going on. Fingers will be pointing, and some of those fingers will be bitten off, so to speak. It will be messy.

But one conservative Trump critic (me) sees a semblance of order and progress in all this madness. Im happy with the route he took. I hope it works.
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By The Associated Press/West KY Star Staff

Oct. 06, 2017 | NEW ORLEANS, LA

By The Associated Press/West KY Star Staff Oct. 06, 2017 | 11:54 AM | NEW ORLEANS, LA

Hurricane Nate has intensified over warm Gulf waters, and has picked up speed on a northward path toward New Orleans and the Gulf Shores area.



As of midday Saturday, Nate was about 100 miles south of the mouth of the Mississippi River, and moving north-northwest at about 25 miles per hour. That would work out for landfall on Saturday evening.



Hurricane warnings extend eastward to Mobile and Gulf Shores, and a tropical storm warning is in effect to Panama City and Port St. Joe.



In western Kentucky, local concerns about Nate's leftovers have eased, as the latest estimates put the lingering rains further east than previous outlooks. Thursday's "cone" of the probable path of the storm center had included parts of western Kentucky, but today's path estimate puts the center of Nate's remnants over the Great Smoky Mountains by Sunday evening, and quickly departing the Northeast by Tuesday.



Nate formed in the western Caribbean Sea and moved into Central America on Thursday.



When Tropical Storm Nate formed and forecasts put New Orleans in its projected path, one big question loomed for residents and business owners: Will the pumps work?



Thats now a thought in everybody who lives in New Orleans, said Devin Shearman, a manager at Katies restaurant and lounge, which flooded during an unexpected rainstorm Aug. 5. It was one of two flash floods this past summer that led to revelations about personnel and equipment problems at the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board, the agency that runs the pumping system that drains the city.
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It is a sickness to obsess with one subject so much (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

[contentcards url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/oct/2/russian-interference-seen-catalonia-crisis/]

Russian propagandists scored a victory in Spain this weekend after boldly injecting fake news and disinformation into the debate over Catalonian independence and seemingly influencing the election results, the Washington Posts Dan Boylan wrote, citing U.S. information warfare experts.

Again and again. The Russians did it, all over the world

WtR
Everyday we step closer to the abyss, as it sings its siren song to induce and lull us within its depths

[contentcards url=https://www.fara.gov/]

This week, during a session of the Russian Federation Councils Interim Committee on the Protection of Sovereignty, RTs Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan explained that according to the channels lawyers, the US branch staff could face harsh penalties if RT fails to follow through with the demands. We received a letter from the US Department of Justice, demanding that we register as a foreign agent. By October 17 we must whip ourselves and say that we are a foreign agent, Simonyan said, adding that [our] lawyers tell us that if we [RTs American branch] do not register as a foreign agent, arrests of our employees, seizure of property will follow  absolutely serious things.

[contentcards url=https://www.rt.com/op-edge/405940-russia-media-foreign-agents/]

Hmm.?

My question is this!

How long before we dredge up old laws and or organizations to gather up Russians (foreign agents) living in America, into safe for the rest of us camps? Only three million or so. We have camps ready as you read this (http://www.apfn.org/apfn/camps1.htm)

[contentcards url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Americans]

Not as long as you think! Russophobia has become everyday life now in America

Is it coming???

Russophobia is just a stage of many witch hunts. Through the history of America; there has been a long line of chaos and disorganization emitting from the Western Empire of the USA

Nonetheless, Russophobia seems to have become out of control, in-context and civility and is eating the host, as it grows like a cancerous tumor, within the main body of the country

Lets hope we are civilized enough not to burn the Russians.at the stake

WtR
Allu Arjun is currently shooting for a high budget patriotic drama titled Naa Peru Surya. The movies unit has been shooting several key scenes in the picturesque hill station of Ooty, Tamil Nadu, since September 24th.

According to the latest reports, the Ooty schedule will be wrapped up by October 10th. The unit will return to Hyderabad and prep for the next schedule. The Stylish Star will be seen in a new look in the movie. Action King Arjun plays a key role in the film.

Popular writer Vakkantham Vamsi is turning director with this film. Anu Emmanuel is the films leading lady. Bollywood duo Vishal and Shekhar are composing the music. Lagadapati Sridhar is producing the movie, while Naga Babu is presenting it. NPS is scheduled to hit the screens on April 27, 2018.

Articles that might interest you:
John R. Bradley in The Spectator:

When Russia entered the Syrian civil war in September 2015 the then US secretary of defense, Ash Carter, predicted catastrophe for the Kremlin. Vladimir Putin was pouring gasoline on the fire of the conflict, he said, and his strategy of fighting Isis while backing the Assad regime was doomed to failure. Two years on, Putin has emerged triumphant and Bashar al-Assads future is secure. They will soon declare victory over Isis inside the country. The dismal failure turned out to be our cynical effort to install a Sunni regime in Damascus by adopting the Afghanistan playbook from the 1980s. We would train, fund and arm jihadis, foreign and domestic, in partnership with the Gulf Arab despots. This way we would rob Russia of its only warm-water naval base, Tartus, on Syrias Mediterranean coast. In the process we would create a buffer between Iran and its Lebanon-based proxy, Hezbollah, to divide the anti-Israel Shia axis. And we would further marginalise Iran by extending the influence of our Sunni Gulf allies from Lebanon deeper into the Levant. Half a million Syrians were slaughtered as a consequence of this hare-brained scheme, which geo-politically has resulted in the exact opposite of the intended outcome.

Putin, though, had grasped the reality at the outset. Unlike Afghans, ordinary Syrians were used to living in a liberal, diverse culture that, while politically repressive, championed peaceful religious co-existence. Most of them were nervous about seeing their country transformed into a Wahhabi theocracy. Assad, for all his faults, was the buffer between them and internecine carnage. They stuck with the devil they knew, and there was no popular revolution against Assad  nothing compared to the Tahrir uprising that ousted the hated Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak. The millions-strong demonstrations in Damascus were pro-regime. Among the two-thirds of the Syrian population now living in governmentcontrolled parts of the country, Assad is more popular than ever, and Putin is a hero.

Small wonder Putin recently mocked Washington for not knowing the difference between Austria and Australia.

More here.


Investor Presentation - October 2017

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Jay Shah, son of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Amit Shah, will be filing a criminal defamation suit against news website The Wire for alleging that Jays company posted a turnover of Rs 80.5 crore in 2015-16, informed BJP leader and Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Goyal said, Mr. Jay Shah will file criminal defamation suit of Rs 100 crore against author (of article), editor and owner of news website The Wire.

We reject any allegation sought to be made against Mr. Jay Shah or any of our leaders. Mr. Jay Shah will file civil and criminal prosecution for defamation in Ahmedabad Court, he added.

The BJP leader further said that the article is written to damage the reputation of party president Amit Shah.

A report, written by Rohini Singh in The Wire, details the growth of Jay Shahs company, Temple Enterprise Private Ltd, from revenues of Rs 50,000 in 2014-15 to Rs 80.5 crore in 2015-16.

The report also reveals a number of loans received by companies connected to Jay Shah, based on documents filed with the Registrar of Companies.

All loans taken (by Jay Shah) were in accordance with the law and were paid back with full interest, well within the time limit, said Goyal.
Modi government in centre and BJP in states have made it to power by making tall promises to farmers but actually nothing much is done, all virtual and verbal promises with no action. When the Yogi Adityanath-led government came to power in Uttar Pradesh, they announced waiver of farm loans up to Rs 1 lakh, fulfilling a major election promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The decision should have been benefited 2.25 crore farmers and at the cost of Rs 36,000 crore state exchequer. During the election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised that writing-off farm loans would be among the foremost tasks of the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh. According to government data, 2.15 crore of the 2.30 crore farmers in UP belong to the small and marginal category. Most of these farmers were unable to repay loans worth Rs 62,000 crore after crop losses due to natural calamities.

Within six months of rule, the government had to face condemnation for the deaths of children in a hospital in Gorakhpur in August, and also for the insensitive children die every August remark by state Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh. The state government kicked up another storm when the first phase of the much-hyped crop loan waiver scheme turned into a major farce for farmers.

The state government had earlier announced that under the scheme, crop loans up to Rs 1 lakh will be waived off for small and marginal farmers. However, as cabinet ministers ceremoniously distribute loan waiver certificates to farmers across districts, it turns out that many of the beneficiary farmers have received waivers of amounts as petty as Re 1 or Rs 1.50. The state government is now offering all sorts of excuses but none worth buying. The farmers, on the other hand, blame more than the government. The administrative system, they believe, usually work against their interests and do not change with a change in power.

According to state figures, out of 11,93,000 farmers whose loans were waived off during the first phase of the scheme, 34,262 received loan waivers worth Rs 1 to Rs 1000. Out of them, 4,814 received Rs 1 to Rs 100. Those who received Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000 are numbered at 41,690, while 11,27,000 farmers received waivers worth more than Rs 10,000. The incident has sparked a back-and-forth blame game and the BJP is yet to deliver on the electoral promise of loan waivers. Farmers are committing suicides year after year and nobody is bothered. It is time to prove our worth. Hope BJPs new government acts swiftly to protect Kisan of our country.

At least 20 farmers have died in the last month due to poisoning after spraying pesticides in Maharashtra, some of them lethal mixtures. They skipped wearing protective gear. The first death was reported in early August. Over 600 farmers have been affected by pesticide inhalation since then. With symptoms like blurred vision, nausea, skin rashes, headaches and dizziness, over 100 farmers are still recovering at the district hospital in Yavatmal. Some have lost their sight and others are in the intensive care unit or ICU in a critical state. For Yavatmal district, about 670 kilometres from the state capital Mumbai, which already sees a high number of farmer suicides due to agrarian crisis, this has come as a big blow.

There are many farmers who are working in others fields so that they can burn fire in their kitchen. Most of them are over burdened with debts. After repeated agitations, the farmers whose names have been given to the government by the District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) under the loan-waiver scheme will get money in their bank accounts before Diwali, no one knows how much money would be given to these farmers but government will release the funds to those districts where the DCC Banks have submitted the complete list of eligible farmers. Bowing to protests by farmers, the state government in June had announced Rs 34,000 crore-loan waiver with caveats. Under the scheme, loans up to Rs 1.5 lakh per farmer will be waived.

Maharashtra reported 855 cases of farmer suicides during the January-April period of this year against 1,023 cases in 2016. Important steps are taken by the state government to prevent farmers from committing suicide, the state was suppose to implement a pilot project in Yavatmal and Osmandabad districts of Amravati and Aurangabad division. It has released funds to the tune of Rs 34.19 crore in 2015-16 and Rs 12.50 in 2016-17 to these districts for implementation of the Baliraja Chetana Abhiyan. Farmers counsel is being conducted through a programme by public health department in the state, but like Uttar Pradesh, here also nothing moved beyond files. Farmers are feeling cheated and there is a steep rise in the number of suicides. Look at Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Maharashtra, the conditions are same.

One hundred and sixteen farmers have ended their lives between June 7 and October 1 in Madhya Pradesh, 13 peasants have committed suicide during the same period in the same state. Farmers in western Madhya Pradesh had launched a massive stir for a loan waiver and better remunerative prices for their agricultural produce in June this year. Five farmers were killed in the police firing in Mandsaur district on June 6, as the agitation turned violent. And angry government just ignores their demands. Across India, the farmers have been shown carrot and stick but no state has ever has come up with any scheme to provide them relief.








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The gruesome murder of a 7-year old boy by name Prince Martin Addo, affectionately called Junior, has raised a lot of eyebrows as to where this world is actually going. It is completely unfathomable as to what will warrant the unprovoked killing of such a young boy.

According to reports making the rounds by family members, the mother of Junior who operates her own boutique at Ashaley Botwe realised the absence of her son and so decided to search for him. After some minutes without finding him, a neighbour informed the mother that she has seen the boy lying somewhere. The mother rushed to the spot only to find her son writhing in pain and crying. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead just some few minutes later.

The mother was at this stage inconsolable. However, there was more to come as upon further investigations by the doctor, it was round out that the boy did not die from natural causes but had rather been stabbed in the abdomen. Moreover, there were also bruises on his legs, which according to security personnel is an indication that the boy was dragged on the ground forcefully.

This recent occurrence has gotten majority of the populace in the country sharing their opinions and also voicing their disgust at how a young and energetic boy full of life could be gruesomely murdered by someone. Almost everyone who commented on the issue wanted the security forces to put in their maximum best in order to ensure that the perpetrator(s) of this heinous crime is/are brought to face the full force of the law.

However, there is a twist to the case as reports from the family members of the boy indicate that the officer in charge of the case has not been heard from in about a week now. This is in contrast to what the general populace expecting from the police with some of the people claiming that this case will also be given the cold treatment where the perpetrators of this act will never ever be brought to book.

The visibly distressed family members claimed that they have not heard anything from the officer in charge of the case. According to them, they were expecting the post-mortem to have been conducted long ago in order to be able to know what actually caused the death of their beloved, Junior. However, that hasnt been the case as no post-mortem has been conducted to even ascertain the cause of death of little Junior. This situation has even been made worse by the fact that the family claims not to have heard from the officer in charge of the case again.

In an era where the lives of all and most importantly children are to be protected at all times, it comes as a surprise that the life of one so young can be gruesomely snuffed out within the twinkle of an eye. All eyes are now firmly fixed on the police service as the general populace wait for the day the perpetrators of this act will be made to stand trial for this callous act of wickedness on a 7-year old boy.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

A steady rain in the morning. Showers continuing in the afternoon. High near 60F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Rain showers early with overcast skies late. Low 44F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
October 5, 2017

After the failure of former US Secretary of State John Kerrys mission in 2014, to the great dismay of the Obama administration, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas established a national unity government with Hamas. Visiting Ramallah these days one gets a sense of deja vu. In the Fatah movement there is no love lost for Hamas  it is still the archenemy. Hamas wants the Palestinian Authority to spend more resources in the Gaza Strip; Abbas wants to curb this support. Yet these two parties declared Oct. 3 the establishment of a national unity government.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his administration are now in favor of Palestinian unity. If it is up to Cairo, a national unity government with the participation of the two rival factions will be operating sooner rather than later, and with their protege former Fatah senior official Mohammed Dahlan pulling the strings. Such a move could actually close the window of opportunity for any US peace effort. At the same time, there is little belief anywhere on the Arab side in such an effort.

A senior PLO official close to Abbas told Al-Monitor that today a majority within the Fatah movement supports such a national unity move for a variety of reasons.

In fact, US President Donald Trump's reluctance to move ahead on a two-state solution process is one of these reasons. This lack of hope on the political horizon has pushed Fatah into Hamas direction. And there is more. The Palestinians have little hope for any policy move on the part of the European Union. French President Emmanuel Macron chose not to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor Francois Hollande, and will not convene a continuation of the Paris Middle East peace conference. And so, West Bank public opinion is radicalizing. And while Palestinians feel despair over the diplomatic stalemate, Abbas perceives the economic crises in the Gaza Strip as an opportunity to strengthen his foothold in Gaza.

Adding to these reasons is strong Egyptian pressure for such a move, which is viewed by Cairo as a way to stabilize the situation in the Gaza Strip. It is not only the question of pacifying its border with Gaza; Egypt would also prefer to avoid another round of violence between Hamas and Israel. Still, despite its efforts for reconciliation, Cairo keeps pushing Dahlan to center stage, knowing all the while that rapprochement with him would be resisted by Abbas.

The PLO official explained that a move toward a national unity agreement could give birth to more radical Palestinian policies vis-a-vis Israel and the international community. According to the official, it may also inspire more waves of violence and terror in the coming months.

The official outlined the nature of this new national unity agreement: There will be one government for the West Bank and Gaza led by current Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, under the presidency of Abbas. The government will de facto allow Hamas to continue to operate its military wing. The Gaza Strip will be run in a way similar to that of Lebanon, with a civilian government alongside a fundamentalist armed group, a la Hezbollah. In the case of the Palestinians, Egypt will have most clout over this regime.

A senior Israeli Foreign Ministry official told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that Jerusalem is well aware of this eventuality and will not be surprised by such developments. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already warned US President Donald Trump that such Palestinian unity that includes a terror organization is under no circumstances a partner to any negotiations. According to the official, Israel is preparing its reaction to such a move on three levels: a worldwide public relations campaign against a Palestinian terrorist government with links to Iran; ending all contacts on the renewal of a peace process; and stronger security measures vis-a-vis the West Bank and the prevention of terror.

Reacting to the Israeli warnings, the senior PLO official told Al-Monitor that such remarks combined with the continuous settlement construction policy throw Fatah and Hamas into each other's arms.

Given these assessments on both sides, it is important to note that there is still a small opportunity to prevent such a move. In a way, the ball is in the American court now; the US peace team must come forward with a realistic two-state solution initiative.
October 6, 2017

Jordan is putting pressure on Syrian rebel groups in southern Syria to hand over the Nasib border crossing in Daraa province to the Syrian army, according to various news sources. The London-based Asharq Al-Awsat daily reported Sept. 27 that meetings had taken place in Amman in mid-September between Jordanian officials, representatives of Syrian opposition groups and the local council in Daraa to reach an agreement that would lead to the reopening of the Nasib border crossing with Jordan.

The kingdom closed its side of the border crossing in Jaber when Nasib fell to rebel groups in May 2015. The paper said the Syrian government had made suggestions to Jordans Foreign Ministry regarding the reopening of borders between the two countries under which Syrian government officials would operate the Nasib crossing just as they did before March 2011, when the Syrian uprising erupted.

There has been no official acknowledgment by Amman about meeting details. But on Oct. 1, a number of news sites reported that the National Front for the Liberation of Syria, a group belonging to the Free Syrian Army (FSA), had rejected a proposal to reopen the border crossing with Jordan under Syrian government administration. A spokesman for the group, Abu Jasem Al-Hariri, was quoted as saying that the border crossing will remain closed until detainees in regime prisons are released and all displaced people from Daraa are repatriated.

A statement released Sept. 30 by civil and military groups that met in al-Nueima in Daraa rejected any truce with the Syrian regime and reiterated the groups commitment to the principles of the Syrian uprising. It also called for the release of Syrians in regime prisons and for management of Nasib to be handed over to a civil authority belonging to the so-called Free Daara Provincial Council.

But Jordan, which had supported a number of FSA affiliated groups, reportedly rejected these demands. The official Jordanian position is that borders will reopen only when the Syrian government retakes control of Nasib. Jordans King Abdullah told the official news agency Petra on Sept. 14 that while he was deeply concerned with the situation in southern Syria, Jordans border with Syria would reopen only when the right security conditions materialize on the ground.

But on Sept. 29, the Doha-based Al Jazeera reported that Jordan had asked the armed Syrian opposition to change the function of the FSA in the province to a police force and civil defense entity. The Jordanian proposal was reportedly rejected.

Other news sources reported that Jordan had threatened to close humanitarian corridors between northern Jordan and southern Syria unless the Syrian opposition agrees to Ammans demands. Russias RT news agency pointed to a report by the Syrian newspaper Al-Watan on Oct. 3 that said a force belonging to the National Front for the Liberation of Syria had bolstered its presence at Nasib. According to the same newspaper, the Syrian opposition in the province is divided between those who reject any handover of Nasib to the Syrian government and those who support it, provided that it leads to national reconciliation.

On Oct. 3, the London-based Al-Hayat newspaper reported that Jordan had given the Syrian opposition 10 days to respond or that it would carry out a threat to close all humanitarian corridors to southern Syria. Meanwhile, the Syrian army has been securing border posts along the 370-kilometer (230-mile) border with Jordan. Raialyoum.com reported Oct. 3 that the Syrian army had taken five more border posts after having reclaimed nine others a few days earlier.

But Jordan is also calling on Moscow to ensure the safety of moderate rebel groups in southern Syria who are fighting Islamist extremists. On Oct. 2, a report by The Associated Press said Jordan has been urging Syria and Russia to ensure the safety of several thousand fighters belonging to the Eastern Lions and the Martyr Ahmed al-Abdo group. Both groups are being pushed back by advancing government troops, the news agency reported.

For Jordan, the reopening of borders with Syria carries economic and political benefits that could take advantage of the agreement between Jordan, Russia and the United States to create a de-escalation zone in southern Syria. The agreement was implemented July 15. Until its closure, the Nasib border crossing was Jordans only overland gateway to Lebanon, Turkey and Europe. A joint Syrian-Jordanian free-trade zone near the border  now closed  was an important industrial and commercial hub for bilateral trade, handling $1.5 billion worth of goods annually. Furthermore, reopening the border would signal the beginning of normalization of relations between Amman and Damascus and would prepare the ground for the repatriation of over half a million Syrian refugees in Jordan, most of whom come from southern Syria. Human Rights Watch accused Jordan on Oct. 2 of summarily deporting Syrian refugees, which Amman has denied.

Political analyst Fahd al-Khitan told Al-Monitor that reopening borders will take some time because of security and technical preconditions. The Nasib crossing is in ruins and needs to be rebuilt, and the security situation on the other side remains vague, he said. I think an agreement will be reached eventually, but I can say that official negotiations have not started yet, he added.

In turn, retired Jordanian general and military analyst Fayez al-Duwairi told Al-Monitor that the future of the border crossing will be determined by the military reality on the ground. He said the security dimension is more important for Jordan than the economic one. Under the [trilateral de-escalation agreement of July] Shiite militias were supposed to pull back 40 kilometers [25 miles] from our borders, but that did not happen, Duwairi said. They are still within 16 kilometers [10 miles] from our borders, so the highway to Damascus is not secure. Circumstances that allow for the reopening of the crossing are not ripe yet, he added.

Political columnist Maher Abu Tair said Jordans priorities in southern Syria have changed. Writing in Ad-Dustour daily Oct. 1, he said the FSA position is changing because Jordan wants a quick end to the Syrian crisis within a regional and an international framework and because the Hashemite kingdom wants Syrian refugees to return to their country as soon as possible. It looks like Jordan and the Syrian regime see eye to eye on what should happen in southern Syria, Abu Tair said. And that means that Jordan is using its influence to overcome security challenges in southern Syria, which is a Jordanian interest first and foremost.

Underlining Jordans growing concern with the burden of hosting refugees, Abdullah told Senate members Oct. 5, We cannot continue to make [Jordanian citizens] shoulder the costs of hosting refugees. He also said, It is not easy for a country to pay the equivalent of a quarter of its state budget to support refugees, adding, Next year would witness recovery from the repercussions of regional developments, including the impact of the Syrian refugee crisis and the closure of export markets.
October 8, 2017

Erdogan: Iraqi Kurds invaders in Kirkuk

Turkey, Iran and Iraq are deepening their coordination over the next steps in Iraqi Kurdistan, including decisions on whether to shut down Iraqi Kurdish oil exports via Turkey or to back the Iraqi government in taking control of Kirkuk.

Briefing reporters after a one-day trip to Iran on Oct. 5, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, If a decision is made on closing oil taps in the region, it will be made by us. Turkey, Iran and Iraqs central government will do so together, Amberin Zaman reported.

Zaman added that Erdogans comments about the pipeline appeared to be mainly in response to remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Russian leader declared at an energy forum in Moscow yesterday [Oct. 4] that Russia was following a policy of non-interference in Iraqi Kurdistan and that it is not in anyones interest to halt the Kurdistan Regions oil exports.

As we wrote in this column last week, Putin is boxed in in his attempt to protect Rosnefts investment in Iraqi Kurdistan, as initiative on the matter has gravitated to Turkey and, more importantly, Iran, acting together and with the Iraqi government. There is no Russian military muscle to flex in Iraq, we wrote, "as it has in Syria, especially compared with the assets of Turkey and Iran in Iraq.

The implications of the shifts in regional alignments in opposition to the Kurdish independence referendum may be even more expansive, offering Iran greater diplomatic leverage and options. Turkeys Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar had been in Iran a full three days for military consultations prior to Erdogans arrival. Hamidreza Azizi wrote that as both Tehran and Ankara are talking about intensifying their collaboration with Baghdad in a trilateral manner, the continuation of the current situation could lead to the formation of a new Tehran-Baghdad-Ankara axis in the long run. If realized, the new bloc could also involve Qatar, as Iran and Turkey have appeared as Dohas two main partners since Qatar's recent diplomatic spat with the other Gulf Cooperation Council countries. This would reshape the regional power equations in the Middle East. Although the last scenario appears unlikely, its not a possibility to completely ignore while thinking about the wider arc of Iran-Turkey relations.

Ali Hashem reported, When it comes to countering the results of the Kurdish referendum, neither Iran nor Turkey will act on their own; rather, both will move together.  A source close to the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the Kurdish referendum dilemma could be the challenge that will induce Turkey, Iran, Iraq and some other allies to actually cooperate on the ground. For years, these parties were facing each other in Syria, directly or indirectly. The challenge of the Kurdish referendum is being transformed into a serious opportunity. Information acquired by Al-Monitor indicates that the first step could start from Kirkuk, given its status with respect to Iraq, and the fact that the KRGs [Kurdistan Regional Government's] occupation of the area was seen as illegitimate by the Iraqi authorities and the international community.

The inclusion of oil-rich and ethnically mixed Kirkuk in the referendum has been kindling for a brush fire in Kurdish, Iraqi and regional politics. Erdogan said the Iraqi Kurds were invaders in the Kirkuk region, which includes sizable Turkmen and Arab communities. Fazel Hawramy wrote, In the days leading up to Iraqi Kurdistan's Sept. 25 independence referendum, a group of politicians in Kirkuk from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), which officially supported the referendum, opposed Kurdish nationalist fervor and questioned the wisdom of conducting the referendum in Kirkuk. They feared that holding the plebiscite there would damage the communal cohesion among the Kurdish, Arab and Turkmen communities. The dissidents were silenced the night before the vote, as excitement triumphed.  The two officials in charge of the PUK, Kosrat Rasul, a veteran peshmerga commander, and Hero Ibrahim Ahmad, the late Jalal Talabanis wife, are under extreme pressure from their close ally Iran, which had opposed the referendum. Iran has supported the PUK for decades, and Qasem Soleimani, the powerful commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force, made several trips to Sulaimaniyah to try to convince the PUK not to back the referendum, but to no avail.

In a statement published by PUK Kurdsat on the night of Oct. 2, Hawramy added, Ahmad appeared to have come to the conclusion that the Kurdish leadership, including herself, had made a mistake in 'defying' the world, and now they were paying the price, being cornered by their neighbors for their 'obstinacy' in proceeding with the controversial referendum. Rasul and Ahmad are also now worried about how well the PUK will perform in Kurdistan parliamentary elections scheduled for early November.

Ali Mamouri noted that Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadis executive orders against the region, including halting all international flights and ordering KRG authorities to transfer responsibilities for border posts and airports to the central government, received qualified support from some opposition Kurdish groups in the Iraqi parliament who questioned its timing. Abadi has so far dismissed entreaties from Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani and former Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi to solve the present crisis through dialogue and in deference to the Iraqi Constitution. Last week, we speculated that Tehran might be willing to commit its Popular Mobilization Units to back Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi if he decides to deploy forces to Kirkuk. Such a move by Abadi would be popular among Arab Iraqis and likely stave off the political challenge of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Putin sought to find some diplomatic maneuvering room during King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Sauds visit to Moscow last week, but there is little the king can do facilitate an exit ramp for Putins troubles in Iraq. And Putin cannot jeopardize his relations with Iran to win the kings favor, given Russias and Irans interests in Syria. The Saudis' concerns about Iran's regional meddling and support for Shiite militias such as the Houthis and Hezbollah will find little resonance in Russia, Bruce Riedel wrote. "Tehran enjoys fairly good relations with Moscow and the two cooperate closely, leaving Riyadh without leverage. In Iraq, the king has engaged this year in new and innovative ways and can also look for methods to cooperate with Russia; nevertheless, Iran retains the upper hand in Baghdad.

Putin is therefore stuck, for now, counting on both his own powers of persuasion with his counterparts in Turkey and Iran, and on the wiles of Iraqi Kurdish President Massoud Barzani. Zaman wrote, There are no signs that the steely septuagenarian [Barzani] will budge. If anything, Turkeys shrill reaction is helping shatter the Iraqi Kurdish oppositions narrative that Barzani is a Turkish pawn and boosting his street cred among Kurds across the globe. At the same time, it is denting Erdogans popularity among his own Kurdish constituents, which may explain why he has softened his tone if not his message to the KRG. Barzani, for his part, is betting that when push comes to shove, his foes lack the stomach to act on their threats and that the best course of action is to stick to his guns and wait for the clamor around the referendum to die down. As ever, the biggest challenge remains the divisions among the Iraqi Kurds themselves.

As we concluded last week, "Putin has much at risk, but is not without options, in contemplating his next moves. If he misplays his hand in northern Iraq by banking on a weakened Barzani, he may end up finding himself exposed and on defense in both Syria and Iraq and at odds with Iran and Turkey  the worst of all worlds. Or he can tactfully shift toward the Iran-Turkey alignment, which is gaining traction and strength, quietly distancing himself from dependence on Barzani while opening discussions with Baghdad to pursue Russias energy interests in northern Iraq.

Loss of Jalal Talabani an irreparable tragedy

Cengiz Candar, a longtime friend of former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, who died last week, wrote, To understand the huge vacuum that Talabani left in the already turbulent and scarred Middle East, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif's words must be considered. Zarif saw an irreparable tragedy for both Iran and Iraq in Talabani's death. Along similar lines, the Iranian Kurdish organization Komala, the archenemy of Iran's Islamic regime, described Talabani as one of Kurdistan's absolutely finest and greatest."

It is interesting to see that instead of Talabani's Kurdishness to which he had devoted his life, his Iraqiness was exaggeratedly emphasized by Western officials, Candar wrote. For instance, UK Minister of State for the Middle East Alistair Burt called him a respected statesman who served Iraq with distinction.

Talabani was also known as Mam Jalal. Without a doubt, Talabani's own party, the PUK, will most directly feel the impact of his death. The movement had weakened when Talabani's deputy, Nawshirwan Mustafa, had left the PUK and founded Gorran (Movement for Change) in 2009. The PUK became crippled and riddled with acute factional infighting after Mam Jalal's health declined in 2012. Barham Salih, one of Mam Jalal's deputies, recently left the PUK to form his own political entity and participate in the upcoming Kurdish elections on Nov. 1. After Mam Jalal's death, it will be even more difficult to maintain the unity of his movement and overcome the differences among its many leading personalities and factions.

Mam Jalal was not only a larger-than-life figure, but he was a Kurd larger than Kurdistan itself, Candar concluded. The Middle East, along with Kurdistan and Iraq, will become even more dangerous without him.

Al-Monitor receives OJA Award for lobbying series

Al-Monitor and Washington Editor Julian Pecquet have won the explanatory reporting prize from the prestigious Online Journalism Awards for the series "Middle East Lobbying: The Influence Game." The Online Journalism Awards are the only comprehensive set of journalism prizes honoring excellence in digital journalism. The Al-Monitor lobbying series, now in its third year, has become a must-read among experts, journalists, and executive and congressional staff seeking to understand the influence game involving Middle Eastern governments and their lobbyists.
October 6, 2017

One of the targets of the so-called Muslim ban signed by President Donald Trump on Jan. 27 was Sudan. Last month, however, the Trump administration removed Sudan from the list and, on Oct. 6, the State Department announced the lifting of an array of sanctions that Washington had imposed on Khartoum since the 1990s. As reported by The Intercept on Sept. 25, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members  specifically the United Arab Emirates (UAE)  have been seeking to persuade Washington that the time is opportune for a US-Sudan rapprochement despite their history of poor relations.

Abu Dhabi and other GCC capitals have sought to convince the United States that Sudan deserves to be included within Washingtons set of Sunni Arab allies/partners that are committed to the responsibilities that Trump called on leaders in the Arab/Muslim world to fulfill in Riyadh in May. The argument has largely rested on the fact that Sudan has recently made contributions to US and some GCC states efforts to counter Irans expanding and consolidating regional influence.

While it was just several years ago that Sudan and Iran were growing close politically, Khartoum has pivoted away from Tehran and moved within the GCCs sphere of orbit since 2014-2015. In September 2014, Sudanese authorities shut down Iranian cultural institutions in the country. Since March 2015, Khartoum has deployed thousands of Sudanese forces to the Arab Gulf military coalition in Yemen, and in December of that year, Sudan joined the Saudi-led Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism. At the beginning of 2016, Sudan severed diplomatic relations with Tehran, officially in response to the Saudi-Iranian standoff following the execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

To be sure, economic challenges and threats to the survival of President Omar al-Bashirs regime prompted Sudans decision to shift toward the GCC. Having lost the majority of its oil and a third of its territory as a result of South Sudans independence in 2011 amid unresolved conflicts in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile, Khartoum determined that it was most strategically sound to turn to the Arabian Peninsulas oil-rich states for financial backing. According to an interlocutor in the UAE, officials in Khartoum simply weighed the potential economic benefits of continued ties with Iran versus those of aligning more closely with the GCC. They concluded that abandoning Tehran was worth the financial assistance that the Arab states of the Persian Gulf could provide. Since Khartoum made the pivot, GCC members have provided Sudan with billions in assistance.

US-Sudan relations began improving during the final months of President Barack Obamas administration. Although the State Department continues to designate Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism, Washington eased some sanctions in January and numerous State Department reports acknowledged that Sudan had complied with the United States standards for countering global terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. US diplomats have also documented how Khartoums patronage of armed Palestinian groups such as Hamas have essentially fizzled out.

Sudans inclusion in the set of countries targeted by the White Houses Muslim ban dimmed hope at first for significant improvement in Washington-Khartoum relations early on in Trumps presidency. Yet the administration, which has recognized Khartoums improvement in the area of human rights, seems to be rewarding Khartoum for supporting Washington and its Sunni Arab allies in their quest to thwart Iran from further restructuring Middle Eastern societies via nonstate actors that challenge the regions status quo.

After all, the United States and Sudan have been on the same side in the Yemeni civil war, with Washington and Khartoum playing key roles in strengthening the Saudi-led military coalitions campaign against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The contradictory nature of US-Sudan relations was illustrated in 2015, when then-US Secretary John Kerry attended an investment conference in Egypt the same month that Saudi Arabia launched Operation Decisive Storm with Washington and Khartoums support and he left the room for the duration of Bashirs speech before the audience. Within that context, it was not surprising in May when unspecified special reasons prompted Bashir to not attend the gathering of Arab/Muslim leaders in May in Riyadh to listen to Trumps address. To be sure, a meeting of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with Bashir would mark a watershed.

Underscored by Trumps rhetoric about US national interests, not values, being the top priorities of the administrations foreign policy decision-making, the idea of Trump pushing for further improvements in US-Sudan relations is not unthinkable. Of course, with Bashirs status at the International Criminal Court, which has charged him with war crimes, any Washington-Khartoum rapprochement would meet no shortage of critics citing the Sudanese regimes human rights record as a justification for not rewarding Bashir any more than Obama and Trump already have.

For the UAE, which is a close ally of both the United States and Sudan, bringing these two countries together to overcome problems that have plagued their bilateral relationship since President Bill Clintons administration would mark a major gain internationally for Abu Dhabi and other GCC capitals. Sudan is important to most Arab Gulf countries for a host of reasons, ranging from food security to the Yemeni crisis and counterterrorism efforts to trade and investment.

As the UAE is intent on growing its influence in the African continent, Sudan  the country where the Arab and African worlds meet  has a major role to play in Abu Dhabis foreign policy agenda, despite differing positions on the Libyan and Qatari crises and Khartoums cordial relationship with Turkeys ruling Islamist party. A gradual opening (perhaps an eventual normalization) of Washington-Khartoum relations would unquestionably benefit Sudan, too, particularly given its current economic ills. Such a development would also help the UAE further convince Khartoum that its pivot toward Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, and away from Tehran, brought Sudan and its citizenry significant gains.

At a time when Irans growing clout throughout parts of the Middle East worries the Emirati leadership significantly, the Trump administrations gestures toward Sudan signal to Abu Dhabi that the African country has been one area in the Arab world where the UAE has been playing its cards effectively to push back Irans extended hand.
Your free time is precious, so how to spend it? Here are five ideas for Birmingham this week, Oct. 8-14, 2017. Mary Colurso | MColurso@AL.com

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(The Huntsville Times file photo/Glenn Baeske)

NIGHTLIFE

Gryffindor or Hufflepuff? Ravenclaw or Slytherin? Pick your house and assemble your finest Hogwarts attire for Harry Potter Night at Black Market Bar and Grill. There's a costume contest on Friday at the nightclub in Five Points South, along with a trivia contest, drink specials and prizes. Bring your wand and prepare use it  or pretend to, anyway, as you face other Potter fans at this fantasy party.

Harry Potter Night, Oct. 13 at 8 p.m., Black Market Bar and Grill, 1035 20th Street South, free admission, 205-933-8035.

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(Courtesy photo)

DECOR

Steal a few design ideas at the Mt. Laurel Southern Living Inspired Home. You can tour this new showhouse during the Mt. Laurel Fall Festival on Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The three-bedroom home has 3.5 bathrooms, plus an "open living area, gourmet kitchen, handsome study and an upstairs loft," organizers said. Expect Southern charm  we simply love a wraparound porch  with contemporary touches. If you can't make the tour on Saturday, the house will be open on weekends through Dec. 3. It's $10 to enter; admission proceeds benefit the Friends of the Mt Laurel Library.

Mt. Laurel Southern Living Inspired Home, tours Oct. 14-Dec. 3, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Friday-Saturdays, noon-4 pm. Sundays, Elyton Drive, Mt. Laurel, $10.

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(AL.com file photo)

GOOD DEEDS

Hoist a beer and help a worthy cause. You can do exactly that on Saturday at Bands & Brews, a benefit for victims of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. Physical therapy students from UAB and Samford University are behind the event, set for 4 p.m. at Avondale Brewing Co. The music lineup features the Monastery, the Velvet Lining, GreenLight Band and Sea Fix. As a bonus, there's a charity cornhole tournament. Donations and proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity's disaster response efforts and the Greater Houston Relief Fund.

Bands & Brews, Oct. 14 at 4 p.m., Avondale Brewing Co., 201 41st St. South, free admission, donations welcome, 205-203-4546.

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(Courtesy photo/Theater League/Joan Marcus)

THEATER

Go ahead and laugh. You won't be able to help yourself while watching "The Book of Mormon," Tuesday through Oct. 15 at the BJCC Concert Hall. The outrageously funny musical was created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the masterminds of "South Park," with an assist from Robert Lopez. The satirical storyline focuses on two Mormon missionaries who tackle their first assignment for the church: trying to convert the inhabitants of a poor African village. The show -- which includes profanity, sexual references and tons of palm-in-face humor -- won a raft of theater awards in 2011, including nine Tonys, and continues to run on Broadway.

"The Book of Mormon," Oct. 10-15, eight shows at various times, BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, $26-$122 via Ticketmaster. Presented by the Theater League.

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(San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Facebook photo/Gareth Gooch)

CONCERTS

Show your support for the LGBTQ community on Tuesday when the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus performs at the Alys Stephens Center. The 7:30 p.m. concert, part of the group's Lavender Pen Tour, aims to raise awareness, spur activism, promote compassion and raise money for local LGBTQ organizations. Here, proceeds will go to the Steel City Men's Chorus, the Human Rights Campaign's Project One America, PFLAG Birmingham and Birmingham AIDS Outreach.

San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m., Jemison Concert Hall, Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. South, $35-$45, 205-787 or Stephens Center website.

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Today we march over the Edmund Pettus Bridge in honor of those Civil Rights Warriors who came before us, in honor of the members of the LGBTQ community who continue to fight for equality and in honor of love. #LPtour Posted by San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus on Monday, October 9, 2017

San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus in Selma

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus visited the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Monday and performed on the spot, as part of the Lavender Pen tour. From the troupe's Facebook page: "Today we march over the Edmund Pettus Bridge in honor of those Civil Rights Warriors who came before us, in honor of the members of the LGBTQ community who continue to fight for equality and in honor of love. #LPtour."

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More things to do:

27 Alabama haunted houses that'll make you scream in 2017

50 must-see concerts in Alabama this fall

25 Alabama food festivals to put on your fall 2017 calendar
A Georgia murder suspect was captured by Birmingham police in Ensley on Saturday morning, just hours after his wife was found stabbed to death at their Peachtree Corners apartment.

The city's West Precinct officers took 34-year-old Saul Maisonet-Polanco into custody in the 1700 block of 20th Street in Ensley. Police said officers received a lookout bulletin from Gwinnett County, Georgia that Maisonet-Polanco was possibly heading to Birmingham.

BPD officers quickly located him and took him into custody without incident shortly after 10 a.m.

The suspect's wife, 47-year-old Tanya Maisonet, was found dead about 2 a.m. Saturday According to Georgia authorities, Gwinnett County Police responded to 6800 Springs Lane after receiving a call of a possible deceased woman. The call was originally received by Clayton County, but was transferred to the Gwinnett County 911. The caller stated there was a deceased female at the location, according to a police press release, and then disconnected the call.

Officers went to the location and were able to gain entry to the apartment. Once inside the apartment, they found Tanya Maisonet dead from what appeared to be stabbed wounds.

Police said they have not yet identified a motive, or the identity of the anonymous caller to 911.

Maisonet-Polanco is charged with felony murder and aggravated assault. He is being held in the Birmingham City Jail pending extradition to Georgia.
Special education advocacy groups are frustrated after Alabama education officials put off their request to discuss concerns they have over outcomes for children in Alabama's schools with state board of education members.

"We've been muted," Dustin Chandler said Friday morning after learning that Gov. Kay Ivey's promise to hear from disability advocates at the October work session had been broken.

Chandler is one of nine representatives of various advocacy groups who sent a joint letter to all board members, including Ivey, on Sept. 6 requesting time on the October work session agenda to discuss concerns about special education.

The groups, in a collective known as Disability Advocates for Alabama's Public Schools, sent the letter after learning about controversial remarks made by board member Ella Bell, D-Montgomery.

During that June board meeting, Bell asked whether students with special needs could be removed to a separate school because their test scores drag down overall test scores in a school.

Ivey, presiding over the Sept. 14 board meeting, acknowledged the groups' request, and said the topic of special education would be placed on the October work session agenda.

"The board will be better able to engage in this discussion, and I know members of the board are eager to hear those concerns," Ivey said. "The October work session will be a very appropriate time to do so."

However, instead of honoring Ivey's promise, interim state superintendent Dr. Ed Richardson early Friday morning emailed Chandler and other group members telling them he and former state superintendent Dr. Joe Morton would meet with the group immediately prior to the board's Oct. 12 meeting.

Chandler, who founded the Special Education Community Alliance, said he hoped to speak directly with board members during the work session about multiple issues regarding special education, including poor student outcomes, low expectations among education officials, lack of resources for schools, and lack of representation of special education advocates when big decisions are made.

He said he sees Bell's remarks as part of a bigger problem. "I don't think that special education is seen as important in Alabama as it should be," he said.

Chandler is no stranger to advocacy for children with special needs. Carly's Law, allowing the use of cannabinoid oil for research, was named for Chandler's daughter, who suffers from a seizure disorder.

Chandler said parents don't want to be adversarial, but they are frustrated the procedures keep changing for how they can address the board.

Chandler is referring to parents not being allowed to address the board during the Sept. 14 meeting about Bell's remarks, and Richardson subsequently not allowing parent Corrie Merchant to talk to the board during the Sept. 27 meeting about Alabama's federal education plan, due to federal officials on Oct. 13.

"There are concerned parents of children in Alabama's schools, learners in our public school systems," Chandler said, "that are wanting their voice to be heard, and have yet to be heard."

"I'm perplexed," Chandler said. "Why would you not be willing to hear from concerned parents?"

Throughout the day on Friday, Chandler and others continued to correspond with Richardson about the decision to not allow parents and advocates to directly address the board.

By the end of the day, Richardson ultimately adjusted the parameters of the board meeting to allow parents and advocates to address the board during the board meeting.

Alabama State Department of Education Communications Director Dr. Michael Sibley said parents and advocates will be allowed to address the board about their concerns about special education during the public hearing portion of the meeting, and will be given two minutes to do so.

The department tweeted their official procedure for addressing the board of education on Friday evening.

Procedure for Public Hearing Comments - Alabama State Board of Education https://t.co/nVcC05pMSA  AL Dept of Education (@AlabamaDeptofEd) October 6, 2017

As to the allegations that Ivey broke her promise, spokesperson Daniel Sparkman sent this statement to AL.com:

"When the Governor originally made that announcement, which was a recommendation of the Board, the Department of Education was in transition between superintendents. This new stand alone meeting is at the recommendation of Dr. Richardson. He feels meeting with the special education community separately will provide them with an opportunity to speak directly with the State Superintendent of Education. He feels confident that they will accomplish more in this meeting than in a Board Work Session and in a forum that will allow for more time and better discussion."

Nancy Anderson, Assistant Director of the Alabama Disability Advocacy Program (ADAP), is another of the representatives of the groups that sent the joint letter to the board asking to discuss special education at a work session.

Anderson said she plans to participate in the 8:30 a.m. meeting with Richardson and Morton, which she sees as the start of a dialogue about the big issues in special education.

As state officials' response evolved during the day on Friday, Anderson said she appreciated Richardson's willingness to allow parents to address the board publicly during the meeting about their concerns.

Anderson, whose main role is to advocate for services for students in special education in Alabama's K-12 schools, said this is a good start. "Number one, parents are going to have the opportunity to speak and be advocates for their children," she said, "and number two, they're going to have the opportunity to speak directly to the board."

Board member Dr. Cynthia McCarty, R-Jacksonville, said though she isn't exactly sure what parents and advocates are going to ask for from the board, she looks forward to hearing from them. "They need a chance to be able to voice their concerns," she said.

Even though the format has changed, Anderson sees the latest developments in a positive light.

"I see as a positive both the move to have broader discussions at the state board meeting, and Dr. Richardson's desire to dig deep into these issues at the [8:30 a.m.] meeting he has planned," Anderson said.

Chandler is cautiously optimistic, but still doesn't understand why getting an audience with the board has been so hard. "It seems simple," he said, "and for some reason, it has been very difficult."

Disability Advocates for Alabama's Public Schools' letter to Gov. Kay Ivey, state board of education - Sept... by Trisha Powell Crain on Scribd
Hurricane Nate is lashing the Gulf Coast, leaving in its wake life-threatening storm surges and flooding.

The northern eyewall of Hurricane Nate moved onshore at the Mississippi coast Saturday night after its first landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi River Saturday night, according to the National Hurricane Center. At landfall, the storm was a Category 1 with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph.

Hurricane warnings stretched along the coast from Alabama to Louisiana Saturday, and tropical storm warnings extended far inland into central Alabama. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center, mainly on the eastern side. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles. By Sunday morning, Nate was downgraded to a tropical depression as it brought heavy rains inland.

Flooding has been reported along the Gulf Coast with images of Biloxi's casinos showing water up to the midpoint of some doors. All Mississippi casinos were ordered to close Saturday at 5 p.m. In Alabama, the Port of Mobile closed Saturday and the Carnival Fantasy cruise ship will not be making its call there Sunday. Mobile's Bankhead Tunnel was also closed because of the hurricane.

Widespread power outages are reported along the coast. On Sunday morning, Alabama Power said 82,000 remained without power.

Nate is expected to pass over portions of Mississippi and Alabama throughout the day Sunday and move into Tennessee by late Sunday night.

Here images showing flooding and damages caused by Nate:

This is why storm surge is so very deadly. Great video. #HurricaneNate https://t.co/gKPqzvek6V  Sheila Fiene (@sjmartiene) October 8, 2017

Drifted sand looks more like snow at Casino Beach after #HurricaneNate in Pensacola. @pnj pic.twitter.com/RDrEjqXHJt  Gregg Pachkowski (@GreggPachPNJ) October 8, 2017

Rough waves in Destin in the wake of Hurricane Nate. Double Red flags at several of the beaches. DO NOT go in the water. #HurricaneNate https://t.co/nUVrP8ot20  NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) October 8, 2017

Water over boat ramp & into lot + road at 17th street by

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Video of the pass on West Beach Blvd - CURRENT THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY: High - The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. - Emergency considerations should posture for a reasonable threat for major storm surge flooding of greater than 6 feet above ground. - To be safe, evacuees should be located within prescribed shelters and well away from deadly storm surge flooding capable of extensive impacts. - Life-threatening inundation is possible. Those who failed to heed evacuation orders risk serious injury, significant loss of life, or human suffering. - POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding - Potential impacts from the main surge event are unfolding. * FLOODING RAIN - LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flash Flood Watch is in effect - Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-5 inches, with locally higher amounts. ****This warning is copied straight from NOAA**** Posted by Gulf Shores Fire Rescue on Saturday, October 7, 2017

Mississippi struck by #HurricaneNate. I hope everyone is ok and gets to safety. https://t.co/oc0CYzFAFc  Rochelle Swanson (@SwansonPolitics) October 8, 2017

#StormSurge coming inside entrance of Golden Nugget casino in Biloxi #HurricaneNate pic.twitter.com/Sv0wwIbjWu  Mike Theiss (@MikeTheiss) October 8, 2017

We are fighting Hurricane force winds funneling through parking garage with #stormsurge continuing to rise in Biloxi !! #HurricaneNate !! pic.twitter.com/woX5OQa4eK  Mike Theiss (@MikeTheiss) October 8, 2017

#StormSurge coming into lobby of Golden Nugget casino in Biloxi #HurricaneNate pic.twitter.com/sYeHT1aMzI  Mike Theiss (@MikeTheiss) October 8, 2017

#StormSurge coming into first floor of Golden Nugget casino in Biloxi. The doors are buckling and surge continues to rise !! #HurricaneNate pic.twitter.com/5TbA6hXyvW  Mike Theiss (@MikeTheiss) October 8, 2017

A few more waterspouts spotted off the coast of Alabama Saturday spawned from #HurricaneNate #alwx #tropics (CNN/Scott Deason) pic.twitter.com/ygghdOgBYm  Wes Peery-11Alive (@WesWeather) October 8, 2017

#hurricanenate brings the MS sound to the Beau Rivage's front doorstep #MSwx pic.twitter.com/EPCt9HNAN6  Jonathan Brannan (@JBrannanWLOX) October 8, 2017

Water rising rapidly in Gulfport. This is on the ground floor of the Island View Casino Parking garage. #HurricaneNATE #mswx @WLOX pic.twitter.com/L0s3CbZSOn  Dave Ryan (@Dave_RyanNews) October 8, 2017

Thank you for heeding the warnings ahead of #Nate! https://t.co/o5B7HnQKes  City of Gulf Shores (@City_GulfShores) October 8, 2017

Waterspout moving onshore in Gulf Shores from Matthew Weir. Video just before 2:30 PM #Nate #alwx pic.twitter.com/kULekwzzNp  Jason Simpson (@simpsonwhnt) October 7, 2017

Our field crews are seeing quite some flooding as #HurricaneNate makes its second landfall. pic.twitter.com/UYeOyihL0W  WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) October 8, 2017
Four Wilmer residents are now in jail after Mobile County Sheriff's raided a home in Wilmer. Inside, they found 63 marijuana plants.

MCSO Narcotics Unit conducted the search on Friday morning at 4707 Fillingim Road.

Investigators say the seized plants were in varying stages of maturity. They also found buds that appeared to be recently cut and left to dry out, officials say.

Rooms inside the home were converted with lights and chemicals used for growing.

Aside from drugs, officers removed three handguns, one shotgun and one rifle from the home

Four adults and six children were found inside the home. Among the adults were Tina Tucker, Joseph Tucker, Crystal Tucker and Kalie Dunn.

The Alabama Department of Human Resources responded to the scene and have since removed children inside the home, relocating them to their grandmother's home.

All four adults at the scene were charged with chemical endangerment of a child, felony possession of drug paraphernalia and trafficking marijuana.
President Donald Trump has declared a State of Emergency for Alabama in response to damage from Hurricane Nate.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration on Oct. 7, so that the state would have acccess to federal assistance in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Thomas P. Bossert, assistant to the president for Homeland Security, confirmed this morning that a state of emergency had been declared.

"I remain in contact with my emergency operations team to monitor the threat Nate poses to our state," Ivey said. "In that vein, I have declared a State of Emergency so that we can respond however necessary at the appropriate time. We are ready to respond, however we need to, no matter what happens."

Nate made landfall in Mississippi early Sunday as a Category 1 hurricane and later weakened to a tropical storm.

"I greatly appreciate the quick response from President Trump and FEMA Administrator Brock Long," Ivey said. "We have had a great working relationship during the four storms since I took office. We will use this federal assistance to ensure that all Alabamians receive the support they need as the recovery from Hurricane Nate begins."

The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is authorized to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the designated areas.

FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding.

This assistance is for the counties of Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Coffee, Coosa, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, Elmore, Escambia, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Jefferson, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pike, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tuscaloosa, Washington, and Wilcox and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Brock Long, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Warren J. Riley as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

.@realDonaldTrump declares an Emergency in Alabama as requested by @GovernorKayIvey. Praying for all those affected by #HurricaneNate.  Thomas P. Bossert (@TomBossert45) October 8, 2017
Nate continued to weaken on Sunday morning and was downgraded to a tropical depression as it dumped heavy rain on Alabama.

Nate made two landfalls (late Saturday and early Sunday) as a Category 1 hurricane, coming ashore for the final time near Biloxi, Miss., at 12:30 a.m. CDT Sunday.

Widespread flooding was reported there from storm surge.

Nate is moving farther inland on Sunday morning and its center had crossed into central Alabama, according to the National Hurricane Center.

As of the the last advisory from the National Hurricane Center, at 10 a.m. CDT Sunday, Tropical Depression Nate was located about 40 miles southwest of Birmingham and was moving north-northeast at 24 mph.

Nate's winds dropped to 35 mph, with higher gusts, and it will continue to weaken. It could spin down to a remnant low by late Monday.

Tropical storm warnings and watches were dropped for the coast and inland in Alabama and will be replaced by wind advisories, according to the National Weather Service.

Other good news: The National Weather Service in Mobile reported that water levels were slowly beginning to recede in some spots in Alabama on Sunday morning.

630am - Water levels beginning to slowly fall in some spots, but not everywhere as #Nate lifts to the north-northeast. #alwx #mobwx pic.twitter.com/RMqSjBXJyw  NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) October 8, 2017

The hurricane center said Nate should turn more to the northeast and pick up speed today, which will continue to take it across Alabama.

Areas inland in Alabama will have to put up with Nate a little longer.

Most of the rain had moved out of the Mobile area on Sunday morning, but it was still widespread and heavy in east Alabama, and several flood warnings and advisories were in place across south and central parts of the state.

The weather service in Mobile said up to 6 inches of rain have already fallen in some areas in south Alabama, including downtown Mobile.

Here's a look at what to expect across Alabama from Nate today:

SOUTH ALABAMA

Conditions have "improved considerably" this morning and would continue to do so throughout the day in southwest Alabama, according to the National Weather Service in Mobile.

The weather service said tornado and flash flood threats will continue to decrease this morning and remain confined mainly east of Interstate 65.

"The main concern is inundation flooding from previous heavy rains until water levels recede," the weather service said.

Storm surge values have peaked and are now slowly falling across the coastal areas as of Sunday morning.

However, shores facing westward along area bays will still experience peak surge for several more hours, forecasters said.

The National Weather Service in Tallahassee, which covers southeast Alabama, said the threat for tropical storm force wind gusts will persist over southeast Alabama through the morning, but should lessen by the afternoon.

CENTRAL ALABAMA

All tropical storm watches and warnings have been canceled as of 10 a.m. after Nate's winds dropped below tropical storm force.

It's still windy out there, however, with the center of the storm approaching the Birmingham metro area.

Highest wind gusts so far this morning:

Pooles Crossroads (Chilton Co) - 46mph, Troy Airport - 38mph, Shelby Co Airport - 38mph. #alwx  NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) October 8, 2017

The weather service said scattered to numerous downed trees will be possible along with power outages.

Areas generally along and east of a line from Pickensville to Lake Tuscaloosa to Blountsville could see the worst weather from Nate today, forecasters said.

Isolated tornadoes are also possible along and east of a line from Livingston to Jasper.

The weather is expected to begin to improve by Sunday night into Monday morning.

NORTH ALABAMA

A tropical storm watch has been canceled for north Alabama and replaced with a wind advisory, according to the National Weather Service in Huntsville.

Nate is expected to continue to move northeast toward the Tennessee Valley this morning.

"Sustained winds of 30 to 35 mph may begin as early as 10 a.m. and then continue through the afternoon hours," the weather service said.

Wind gusts could reach as high as 45 to 55 mph.

Heavy rainfall will be possible today, with up to 6 inches possible in north Alabama, especially northeastern parts of the region.

Forecasters expect conditions to improve across the area this evening.
After Josh Crowley listened to Doug Jones' interview with NBC's Chuck Todd late last month, he took to Facebook and urged his friends to ignore the Senate hopeful's pro-choice stance on abortion.

"Too many Christians look at just the issue of abortion in making their political decisions, but there is so much more that has the potential for legislation at the national level," said Crowley, 27, a University of South Alabama student who describes himself as pro-life, and a Jones supporter. "I think it's obvious that the abortion issue can really get in the way for any liberal candidates."

Jones, the Democratic opponent of strongly conservative Roy Moore in the Dec. 12 Senate election, raised some eyebrows among political observers in Alabama and elsewhere after he said during the Todd interview that he would not support legislation to ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The U.S. House approved a similar measure, largely along partisan lines, which would make the practice illegal.

The Jones campaign, last week, doubled-down on the candidate's pro-choice platform: "I support a woman's right and freedom to choose what to do with her body. This is a decision between a woman, her doctor and her Lord. Who am I to tell a woman what to do with her body?"

Jones, in a statement, added, "I also support Planned Parenthood because they provide cancer screening, breast exams, contraceptives, prenatal care, and other vital, sometimes life-saving, services to hundreds of thousands of women. These are my beliefs."

'Liberal view'

Jones' statement underscores a vexing cultural issue conundrum for Democrats in Alabama, who haven't won a statewide race in nearly a decade and haven't occupied one of the state's two Senate seats since 1992. But with Jones, many Democrats believe, they have a good opportunity of pulling an electoral upset over Moore, who is a far-right ex-judge twice booted from the bench for violating federal orders.

"Republicans have to make this election be about abortion and the national Democratic Party because they know that if his election is about their candidate, they stand a good chance at losing," said state Rep. Craig Ford, D-Gadsden, the former minority leader of the Alabama House. "They see abortion as a way to keep moderate Republicans who are turned off by Roy Moore from voting for a Democrat."

Abortion politics in Alabama seem to weigh heavily in the Republican Party's favor. Alabama is one of the top states in the U.S. for voters who identify as Christians. Nearly half identify as evangelical Protestants - a group that largely consists of white and conservative-leaning voters.

According to the most recent Pew Research Center's study, 58 percent of Alabama residents believe abortion should be illegal in all or most cases, while only 37 percent believe it should be legal. Only Arkansas (at 60 percent) and Mississippi (at 59 percent) have a higher percentage of residents who want to criminalize abortions.

Alabama's statistics contrast with the national split over the issue, according to a Gallup poll taken in early May. But the same poll showed that 71 percent of Democrats call themselves "pro-choice," the highest that statistic has been in at least 17 years.

Republicans, including Moore - the former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice who won last month's GOP runoff against Senator Luther Strange, for the right to face off against Jones - are on the attack.

A Moore campaign spokeswoman, last week, said Jones' comments are "the most liberal, extremist view" on abortion.

"Doug Jones' views on abortion are way out of line on how a larger majority of Alabamians feel on the issue," said Brent Buchanan, a Montgomery-based Republican strategist. "There is a strong contingent of people in our state which this is a make or break issue for them."

Democratic supporters, however, are countering with appreciation toward Jones' stance, which they believe is a "genuine response."

Zac McCrary, a Democratic pollster based in Montgomery, said he believes most Alabamians are "sort of the middle" of the issue, and while they support some abortion restrictions, they do not want government interfering in someone's personal choices.

'Difficult' issue

Ford, though, acknowledges the difficulty the issue poses for Democrats not only in Alabama, but elsewhere. He noted the differences between national Democratic leaders like Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, who support inclusion of pro-life Democrats into the party fold, and the National Democratic Party led by Chairman Tom Perez, who said in April that pro-choice is "non-negotiable" and shouldn't vary by geography.

The abortion debate for Democrats comes ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, when the party defends a number of Senate seats in traditionally red states.

"The National Democratic Party has made it difficult for pro-life people to feel welcome in the party," said Ford. "Most of the elected officials who have switched parties in Alabama over the last six or seven years have cited abortion as a key reason for leaving. It's definitely a problem for Democrats in conservative states."

Thomas Groome, a professor of theology and religious studies at Boston University, addressed the issue in a New York Times piece in March, when he blamed Democrat Hillary Clinton's struggles nationally to the abortion issue.

"It's almost like the Democrats have made it a litmus test to support Roe v. Wade," Groome said, referring to the landmark 1973 Supreme Court case which gave women the right to choose whether to have an abortion during the first trimester. "To say 'I'm supporting Roe v. Wade,' that opinion is so dated now. Eighty percent of people don't want to criminalize abortion, but a majority favors some sort of time limit (before receiving one).

Matthew Tyson, a marketing strategist and a member of the Calhoun County Democratic Committee, is a pro-life Democrat who has done research with Democrats for Life of America. But he, too, has faced backlash from other liberals and progressives who have told him that he has no place within the Democratic Party.

"The fact that Democrats put so much emphasis on abortion has to be one of the worst branding mistakes in the last 50 years," he said.

He said a main reasons why groups he supports continue to work with Democrats is because of their platform - living wages, health care, better sex education, child care support, etc. - "goes a long way to address those 'root causes'" which leads to women seeking an abortion.

"Outlawing abortion won't make abortions go away, nor will it do anything to help women in a crisis pregnancy," he said. "I believe we need to first attack the social pressures that would require a woman to abort in the first place."

Tyson and Groome both believe that the issue could hinder Jones' prospects at winning the Senate seat. Polls show that Moore has a 6 to 8 percent lead over his Democratic rival, representing a much tighter race than Moore had against his GOP rival, Strange. Most pre-election polls showed Moore with a commanding lead over Strange ahead of the Sept. 26 runoff.

"I can't for the life of me figure out why Jones would put such a clear pro-choice stance at the forefront of his campaign," Tyson said. "I think perhaps he's putting too much faith in the 'kitchen table issues' approach, and hoping that Alabamians will put aside their differences on abortion to come together for jobs, education, etc."

He added, "Most of the people Jones needs to win ... for them, it's a make or break issue, so you cannot come out with the traditional Democratic stance, especially in Alabama. His stance may not drive Republicans to vote for Moore, but it could encourage them to just stay home. He can't afford that."

Groome said Jones should focus more on effective social services that lead to a reduction in abortions, such as easier access to birth control. He noted that abortion rates continue to decline, reaching historic lows in 2013 and 2014, and researchers believe it's due to improved contraception use. Unintended pregnancies declined from 2008-2011, after experiencing an increase from 2001-2008.

"When you deny people social services, the abortion rate skyrockets," Groome said. "The Republican policies cause abortions and it is too bad Mr. Jones didn't say that."

'Political damage'

Longtime political observers in Alabama believe that Jones has waded into a difficult political position in Alabama, where hot-button cultural issues can swamp economic messages during a campaign.

Steve Flowers, a former Republican member of the Alabama House who now writes a political column that appears in more than 60 newspapers around the state, said Alabama voters historically tend to be "driven by race and religion" whereas "most states in the country are driven by economic issues."

Indeed, Jones' platform has focused more on economic issues, the environment, and civil rights. Jones, in the early 2000s, led the successful prosecution of two Ku Klux Klan members for their role in the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham.

Jess Brown, a retired political science professor at Athens State University, said that Jones needs to maintain focus on economics. If social issues - such as abortion, same-sex marriage and gun rights - dominate the campaign, "then the Dems lose in Bama."

William Stewart, a professor emeritus of political sciences at the University of Alabama, said that despite the recent massacre in Las Vegas, gun rights are likely not to rise to the top of social concerns during the Senate campaign. Instead, he said, abortion is likely to become a more discussed topic following the addition of conservative Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"With more Trump appointees on the Supreme Court, Roe v. Wade could be reversed or at least modified to allow states to put more restrictions on abortions," Stewart said. "No matter what bread and butter issues (Jones) discusses, Alabamians will not be persuaded if they are reminded of Mr. Jones' position on abortion."

Quin Hillyer, a conservative columnist based in Mobile, said that Jones' position on abortion is a problem for his candidacy.

"Because he has stated his position so openly, there is almost nothing he can say now that would lessen the political damage his stance causes him," Hillyer said.

Flowers said he wouldn't be surprised to see Moore ads targeting the issue, especially if the race tightens between the two around Thanksgiving.

"You have to respect his position," Flowers said about Jones. "But I don't think he's in the mainstream of Alabama."
Al Jazeera breaks down some of the most important phrases, terms and numerology that are used by the far right online.

The campaign and election of US President Donald Trump have emboldened the countrys far-right movement, which celebrated his policies designed to limit immigration and repeal affirmative action, among others.

Among those groups is the alt-right, a loosely knit coalition of white supremacists, white nationalists and neo-Nazis.





With the simultaneous rise of anti-fascist groups across the country, the alt-right and others on the far right have focused their efforts on building a strong street presence, holding several rallies and marches in states like California, Oregon and Virginia.

These efforts culminated in the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, on August 12.

Hundreds of white supremacists and neo-Nazis travelled to Charlottesville to protest against the citys decision to remove a statue of Robert E Lee, the Confederacys foremost military leader during the US Civil War (1861-1865).

Unite the Right participants descended on Charlottesville and clashed with community members, anti-racist activists and anti-fascists.

By the end of the day, James Alex Fields, a 20-year-old Ohio resident who had been photographed marching with neo-Nazis earlier in the day, allegedly murdered 32-year-old Heather Heyer, an anti-racist protester, and injuring several others when he rammed his car into a counterprotest.

Yet, long before the far right was flooding the streets of cities and towns across the US, the movement was building itself up on social media, online forums and in private chatrooms.

READ MORE: What is the alt-right and what does it stand for?

Much of the online lingo these groups employ is hard to decipher. Far-right users on Twitter and Facebook often speak in code, using an elaborate concoction of slang, coded language, memes and irony.

Al Jazeera has broken down some of the most important phrases, terms and numerology that is rampant on among far-right users of social media and online forums.

A brief dictionary

12: A number often used as the numeric symbol for the Aryan Brotherhood, a white supremacist prison gang. The number one represents the first letter of the alphabet, A, and the number two represents B.

1488: A popular number among neo-Nazi groups. The first two numbers, 14, refer to the 14 words, a slogan made popular in the 1980s by David Lane, a white supremacist and founder of a violent organisation known as The Order. The phrase is as follows: We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children.

Because H is the eighth letter of the alphabet, 88 is code for Hail Hitler, referring to Adolf Hitler, the German chancellor who presided over the Third Reich and carried out the Holocaust.

2316: The combination of the alphabets 23rd letter, w, with the 16th letter, p, means white power. The number is popular among many white supremacist groups, particularly in prisons.

6 Gorillion: While most scholars and experts agree that six million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust, white supremacists and neo-Nazis often use this fictional number  6 Gorillion  to suggest that the number is exaggerated.

Alt-light: A term used to describe far-right nationalists who share many opinions of white supremacists and neo-Nazis, while often eschewing or rejecting labelling themselves as such or promoting openly anti-Semitic rhetoric.

Alt-right: A term that is short for alternative right. It was coined by white supremacist Richard Spencer in 2008, alt-right now refers to a loosely-knit movement of white supremacists, white nationalists and neo-Nazis.

Anti-white: Many far-right figures, particularly those in the alt-right, accuse anti-racists and anti-fascists of simply being anti-white, or hating white people simply because they are white.

Anudda Shoah: A phrase used to mock Jews who allege anti-Semitism. This phrase is particularly popular on the alt-right. The insinuation is that Jews claim they are at constant risk of enduring another Shoah, the Yiddish and Hebrew word for Holocaust.

Cuck: A term used to describe a man who watches other men have sexual relations with his wife or partner. Many on the alt-right use this term cast doubt on ones masculinity and to describe white people who they claim betray their race.

Cuckservative: A combination of cuck and conservative. This refers to mainstream conservatives, such as establishment Republican Party members, who the far right view as establishment sellouts on issues like race and immigration.

Cultural Enrichment: A term used ironically to refer to the problems white supremacists, racists and others on the far right view as integral to immigration.

Cultural enrichment is often used to refer to crimes like rape or robbery when the suspect or assailant is from a religious or ethnic minority group.

Cultural Marxism: A catch-all label that the far right uses for most things they oppose, such as gender equality, anti-racism, support for Muslims civil rights and Affirmative Action.

Cultural Marxism has its roots in an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory which purports that Jewish Marxists from the Frankfurt School attempted to use leftist political ideology to undermine American society.

Echoes: This refers to placing three or more parentheses around a name to signify that the person is of Jewish ancestry. Many alt-right social media users use echoes on Twitter, Facebook and anonymous online forums.

Electric Jew: Owing to the conspiracy theory that Jews control the media, white supremacists often refer to the television as an electric Jew.

Fash: Short for fascist, this term is often used ironically among alt-rightists.

READ MORE: Alt-right weakened but not dead after Charlottesville

Gamergate: An online harassment campaign that targeted journalists who report on the gaming industry. Much of the harassment targeted female journalists and was openly misogynistic and sexist.

Gamergate is often described as a precursor to the rise of the alt-right.

Goy: The Hebrew and Yiddish term used for non-Jews. Alt-right and far-right adherents often ironically use the word goy to refer to themselves and other non-Jews.

Hand rubbing: A reference to an anti-Semitic cartoon depiction of a Jewish man rubbing his hands. This conspiratorial phrase is used to imply that Jews are controlling world events from behind the scenes.

JQ: This acronym is short for Jewish Question, or an anti-Semitic discourse over the role of Jews in society. As a concept, the Jewish Question can be traced back to the 19th century.

The phrase is often accompanied with conspiracies that Jews control the media, banks, politics and the economy.

Kek: This phrase refers to a fictional god. However, many alt-rightists and neo-Nazis have used to Kek to mean kill every k*ke.

Kekistan: This is a fictional country based on the phrase kek. In some online forums, such as the anonymous posting board 4chan, white supremacists say Kekistan is an acronym for kill every k*ke, immediately start the Aryan nation.

Love Your Race: This phrase urges white people to embrace and find pride in their race. It was originally popularised by the National Alliance, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

Milk Nationalism: This term became popular on social media outlets, particularly Twitter, after a group of far rightists chugged milk as they hijacked actor Shia Labeoufs anti-Trump art installation in New York City.

Many white supremacists, including the alt-rights Richard Spencer, later put milk emojis on their Twitter profile biographies.

Some far-right figures online promoted debunked racial science theories that suggest people of European ancestry are better suited to digest dairy. Others claimed the alt-right was using Milk Nationalism to ironically to troll media outlets.

Normie: A pejorative label for a person who is part of mainstream culture. The term is often used to denote people who are not part of the alt-right.

Pepe: A cartoon frog often used in memes posted by white supremacist, anti-Semitic and racist social media users.

Pepe the Frog was created by artist Matt Furie for his 2005 comic strip Boys Club and became popular on the internet.

Although Furie has spoken out against the alt-right, the white supremacists and neo-Nazis have turned the frog into their unofficial mascot, often pairing Pepe memes with intense anti-Semitism, racism and calls for violence.

Race Traitor: A pejorative that targets someone with the accusation that they are disloyal to their own race. It is often used by white supremacists to describe white anti-racists or people who are in biracial romantic or platonic relationships.

RaHoWa: Credited to the late white supremacist Ben Klasser, RaHoWa means racial holy war. In a 1987 book titled RaHoWa  This Planet is Ours, Klassen described an apocalyptic war in which whites battle Jews and people of colour.

Rapefugee: A racist slur used to describe refugees and migrants. White supremacists often claim that refugees  particularly people from Latin America, Africa or Muslim-majority countries  are more likely to carry out acts of rape and other forms of sexual assault against white women after immigrating to Western countries.

The term gained currency in far-right forums and on social media after asylum seekers were blamed for the bulk of a string of sexual assaults in Cologne, Germany, on New Years Eve in 2015 and New Years Day in 2016.

READ MORE: How US neo-Nazis burn crosses from behind a keyboard

Red Pill: A reference to the 1999 film The Matrix, in which the protagonist has to choose between taking a blue pill, which will allow him to indulge in blissful ignorances, or a red pill, which will enable him to see reality for what it is.

In far-right online communities, this phrase is used to describe what they view as being politically and racially aware. The phrase carries both racist and misogynistic connotations owing to its roots in white supremacist and anti-feminist forums.

Shoah Survivor: Alt-rightists use this anti-Semitic phrase to describe people who have been kicked off social media several times, usually for engaging in online harassment. It is also meant to downplay the Holocaust.

Virtue Signal: The act of publicly proclaiming ones opinions or feelings in order to appear morally superior publicly. The alt-right uses this in reference to liberals and leftists who openly oppose sexism and racism.

We Wuz Kangs: A term used to mock the historical achievements of black people. The phrases roots are part of a rebuttal to historical theories that the ancient Egyptians were black.

White Genocide: A white supremacist conspiracy theory that claims policies that enable mass immigration, racial integration, miscegenation and abortion in white-majority countries are all part of a process of replacing white people.

ZOG: An acronym for Zionist-occupied government, referring to the white supremacist belief that Jews control the government.

*Sources: Angry White Men blog, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Anti-Defamation League.
Last week, at the Conservative Party Conference, Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced that the UK government intends to increase jail time for viewing content or possessing information useful to somebody preparing terrorism from 10 to 15 years. This may seem like an appropriate policy given the recent spate of terrorist attacks in the UK, but reading between the lines, it is anything but appropriate.

The proposals, if followed through, will be introduced under the Section 58 of the Terrorism Act. This offence was initially introduced 17 years ago under the Terrorism Act 2000. It criminalises the possession or collection of information  likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism. This is a very broad power that can criminalise a whole host of information and this is why the Court of Appeal ruled that the offence would only be applicable to information that would typically be of use to terrorists, as opposed to ordinary members of the population. The offence, in other words, was created as a way of criminalising information such as target lists concerning the armed forces or police officers, as well as things such as tactical bomb-making and military manuals, for example.

OPINION: Its official  Defending torture victims is terrorism

While this appears entirely reasonable and fair, there is one serious problem with Section 58. The offence ignores the reason why a person holds or views such information or what they intend to use it for. Simply put, the reason why you possessed a military training manual or a list of soldiers is irrelevant for the purposes of this law. It is the nature of the information that is a crime; not the intention of the person who views or possesses the information. In practice, this means that a student studying terrorist groups, an academic writing a book on armed movements, or a journalist reporting on military personnel could potentially find themselves facing arrest, charge, and prosecution for terrorism, if they are found viewing or holding such information.

The way ahead in generating security is not by strengthening the state of exception that violates and undermines due process, but rather, dismantling a legal infrastructure that can be used to lock you away - for what could soon be 15 years - without ever having to prove you intended to commit terrorism. by

Of course, the section 58 offence formally includes the defence of reasonable excuse. In simple terms, this means that if you are found viewing or possessing information useful to terrorists, you can defend your actions on the ground that its related to your studies, your research, your journalism, and so forth, and not, therefore, be charged with terrorism. This sounds fair but a key aspect is omitted from this point. A defence will only realistically be required once a person is either being questioned under police caution (ie, they are being assessed whether they are actually involved in terrorism) or once they are formally under arrest for suspected terrorism.

The defence, in other words, can only be made once a coercive form of action has been initiated against a person; any person. Once a defence has been offered, the police and prosecutors will work to determine whether they should prosecute them or terminate the investigation. Such a decision is, of course, subject to official guidelines which are based on determining whether there is a realistic prospect of a conviction and whether a prosecution is in the public interest.

However, like any guidance, there is an element of elasticity involved in interpreting it; not to forget the political pressure and political context involved in such decision-making. One need look no further than the refusal of prosecutors to bring even one case against police officers for more than 1,500 deaths that have occurred in police custody since 1990, to understand the politicised environment within which prosecutors act. While the law may, therefore, be represented as being a neutral arbiter that sits above politics, in its application, it operates within a political context and reflects power structures and the biases of those who create and wield it. The law, in other words, is more about power than it is about justice.

It is precisely this understanding that can prompt individuals and institutions to self-discipline and censor their ideas, behaviours, and activities. A poignant example of this concerns the British Library who refused to stock an archive of primary documents related to the Taliban due to legitimate anxieties that they might face prosecution under terrorism laws which criminalise the holding or sharing of information that encourages or glorifies terrorism.

OPINION: The activist taking on the UKs invasive terror laws

Why? Because irrespective of the reason for sharing or holding such information, one is theoretically breaking the law. This is, of course, no isolated example. My own false arrest and detention for seven days under the Terrorism Act for possessing the al-Qaeda training manual that was downloaded from a US government website for postgraduate research on armed Islamic groups is one relatively well-known case. Another concerns the journalist Shiv Malik being forced under counterterrorism powers to disclose notes from his conversations with a source who was speaking to him in connection with his book. Then, there was the case of the Birmingham bookseller who was prosecuted (and later acquitted) for disseminating political Islamic books that the appeal court said could not be proven to be encouraging terrorism. Most recently, the BBC Newsnight journalist Secunder Kermani was forced to hand over his laptop to counterterrorism police after being in communication with a fighter in Syria.





While terrorism laws are only ever meant to be used against terrorists, when the state acquires exceptional and draconian powers that disregard criminal intent, the temptation to use them, as these cases demonstrate, becomes ever so stronger.

The home secretarys latest announcement may be perceived as just another counterterrorism proposal, but in professions such as journalism and academia, where terrorist materials often need to be scrutinized, consulted, and studied, this will be seen as yet another move by a government committed to further strengthening and reinvigorating the long arm of the security state at the expense of understanding and confronting the drivers of terrorism. The way ahead in generating security is not by strengthening the state of exception that violates and undermines due process, but rather, dismantling a legal infrastructure that can be used to lock you away  for what could soon be 15 years  without ever having to prove you intended to commit terrorism.

Rizwaan Sabir is a lecturer in criminology specialising in the study of counterterrorism, counterinsurgency and armed Islamic groups. His ongoing research, which focuses on examining the influence of military and counterinsurgency theory on Britains domestic war on terror, was motivated by his wrongful arrest and detention under the Terrorism Act 2000 for possessing the al-Qaeda training manual he was using for his postgraduate research. In 2011, he became one of the first people in the UK to secure damages in an out of court settlement for false imprisonment under the Terrorism Act and an apology from the police for being unlawfully stopped and searched under terrorism powers. He tweets at @RizwaanSabir.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
A look back at the life and legacy of Ernesto Che Guevara.

The life and legacy of Ernesto Guevara de la Serna is in focus this week 50 years after his death on October 9, 1967.

Al Jazeera examines Ernesto Che Guevara: the man, the revolutionary, and his legacy.

The man

Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, known worldwide as Che, was born on June 14, 1928, into a middle-class family in Rosario, northeast Argentina.

He had a left-leaning, and literary, family life before beginning his studies in medicine at Buenos Aires University in 1948.

Two years later, Guevara started the first of two motorcycle journeys through Latin America which in successive years would help shape his political views and sense of purpose.

Guevara became convinced during his journeys  4,500km and 8,000km respectively  that the solutions to the widespread poverty and oppression he had witnessed were armed revolution and communism.

After briefly returning to Buenos Aires to complete his degree in 1953, the newly titled Dr Ernesto Guevara left Argentina, and later a career in medicine, to pursue a political future which would see him feature in revolutions from Cuba to Africas Congo.

The revolutionary

Guevara is known for his role in the Cuban revolution of 1959, which witnessed Fidel Castros removal of Fulgencio Batista as the countrys head of state.

The two first met in Mexico City almost five years earlier, where Guevara had moved in 1954.

Having joined Castros 26th July Movement, aimed at seizing power from Batista, Guevara rose to become a key figure in the revolution and was duly appointed as president of the National Bank of Cuba and minister of industry following its success.

READ MORE: Che Guevara and Fidel Castro  Revolutionary Friends

From this positon, he was able to roll out domestic plans for land redistribution and the nationalisation of Cuban industry. He travelled around the world as an ambassador for the country.

Guevara guided the Castro government towards closer alignment with the Soviet Union through his diplomacy, which would prove a crucial relationship for Cuba throughout the Cold War as Castro sought to prevent the United States from interfering in the country.

Six years after the revolution, Guevara left Cuba in order to spread Marxist revolt elsewhere. He arrived in Congo in 1965 and attempted to mobilise armed rebels forces there against the Congolese central government. His efforts failed within seven months.

By the end of 1966, after a brief return to Cuba, Guevara had switched his attention to Bolivia and a revolutionary movement against the government there. However, less than a year later Guevara was captured by US-backed Bolivian forces on October 8. He was executed the next day, aged 39.

His legacy

Lauded by some, lamented by others, Guevaras name has become synonymous with rebellion, revolution and socialism.

Critics point to his role in a Cuban government which oversaw extrajudicial killings and political repression as evidence of the damage caused by his dogmatic faith in communism.

Supporters say he was a hero who fought and died for his beliefs, and see him as a romantic figure associated with the universal fight for freedom.

Regardless of his contested history, Guevaras face has become an international popular culture icon.

But his legacy in Latin America continues to be felt in a more literal way.

In countries including Bolivia, Cuba and Venezuela, governments continue to draw inspiration from Guevara, shaping the lives of Latin American people.

In his words

Here is a selection of words that belong to Che.

If you tremble with indignation at every injustice, then you are a comrade of mine.

I dont care if I fall as long as someone else picks up my gun and keeps on shooting.

The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall.

I am not a liberator. Liberators do not exist. It exists when people liberate themselves.

Do not shoot! I am Che Guevara and worth more to you alive than dead.
Victims remember the gruesome details of working for Charles Taylor as they struggle through life with little help.

Monrovia, Liberia  Tucked deep in Monrovias impoverished Red Light District, Sugar Hill Community is a slum within a slum.

Set against a sprawling rubbish tip, its corrugated iron shacks lean and sag against a grey sky. A group of its residents are taking shelter from the rain, slugging King Juice, a high-proof spirit, from clear plastic bags.

These men are the pariahs of Liberian society, former child soldiers who live a hand-to-mouth existence, stealing to survive.

We are not human beings. We are not recognised in society, says Winston Graham, who is 39 years old.

For him, upcoming elections on October 10, widely viewed as a test of Liberias hard-won, fragile stability, mean nothing. Im not interested. Nobody will help us, he says.

It is estimated that as many as 20,000 child soldiers fought in Liberias 14-year civil war, two back-to-back conflicts. The war ended in 2003, having killed about 250,000 people  or about a quarter of the population.

Today, thousands of former child soldiers live in the slums of Monrovia, shunned by society as they struggle with PTSD, addiction and extreme poverty.

READ MORE: Liberia Elections  the key issues

Most of the men at Sugar Hill fought with Charles Taylor, the mercurial rebel leader-turned-president, whose forces invaded Liberia from Ivory Coast in 1989. Within a year, his army had split into factions battling for control of territory and resources, raping, maiming and massacring as they went.

Having controlled much of the bush throughout the 1990s, Taylor eventually became president in 1997 under the infamous slogan: He killed my ma, he killed my pa, Ill vote for him.

Now, Papay, or the old man, as the men of Sugar Hill once called him, is in a British prison, serving a 50-year sentence for aiding and abetting rebels who committed atrocities in the 1991-2002 Sierra Leone war.

Taylor had fuelled that conflict with arms, enriching himself with the countrys blood diamonds. He has never been held criminally responsible for conduct he oversaw in the Liberian conflict.

He is still our father! shouts one of the men, a sentiment everyone agrees with.

The men, who were coerced and manipulated into joining Taylors army, still look up to him.

Painful memories

In Sugar Hill, life is a daily battle for survival.

We steal to generate money. If we saw you in the street, we would take your chain and your mobile phone, says Graham. But we are good people. If we can survive for just one day, we thank God.

We are self-employed, he says.

Many of the men carry bullets in their bodies.

Feel my leg, says Graham, undoing his tracksuit bottoms to reveal scarring on his right thigh. One doctor wanted to cut my leg open, but I said no. So, now I just get tetanus injections.

Other men come forward, lifting items of clothing to show their bullets and scars.

But its the memories that cause the most pain.

Graham worked as a cook for Charles Taylors special forces from the age of 15.

He describes how one commander would get a kick out of opening the stomachs of pregnant women, just to see if they were carrying a male or female baby. After witnessing such acts, the boy would hide away in the bush to calm his mind. He fled to Ivory Coast in the mid-1990s, returning to Liberia in 2011 in the hope of finding a better life.

There is no rest in my mind, he says. If you are not strong, you will go out of your mind.





Sunny Sayon, 39, worked as a front-line soldier in Lofa County, to the north of Liberia.

I had a good experience. I wasnt happy, but it was a different world, he says, remembering when Taylor would visit with supplies of rice and bullets. He was a good man. If I heard Taylor was coming back tomorrow, I would go to the airport and wait for him. Hes the only man who can rule this country.

Sayon has a bullet in his left hand, which prevents him from bending one of his fingers. He says he was a brave soldier, but that he smoked cocaine to give him strength.

He frequently saw others eating human hearts, a common practice believed to make soldiers invincible. He categorically denies ever having done this himself.

Cannibalism is just one of the rituals that soldiers engaged in. Many fought naked or wore wedding dresses and fright wigs to protect themselves from the bullets.

By now, there are around 30 men jostling for a chance to tell their stories. The atmosphere has become highly charged, with arguments breaking out and lots of pushing and shoving.

I go from man to man

There is only one woman in the group. She stands slightly apart from all the others. Her name is Tete Flomo and she is 19 years old. She came here from Lofa County to live with an aunt, who turned out to have no fixed abode. So now she lives with these former child soldiers, working as a prostitute.

I go from man to man, she says.

Each night, she waits for the owner of a small stall near the rubbish tip to close shop before dragging out a mattress made of flattened cardboard boxes from beneath the counter.

I want to go to school, to become someone better, she says.

We all want to go to school, but we have no money for school, Graham chips in. I want to live, I want to help other people. We have talent, but people want to keep us down.

In the stall where Tete Flomo sleeps, a man is sitting with his leg up on a bench. Asaek Mark, 41, has a bullet in the front of his calf, which is badly swollen. However, he is one of the lucky ones, sleeping in a room near the airport, rather than Sugar Hill. He only comes here to beg in the Red Light market.

Like Sunny Sayon, he worked as a cook in the bush, helping to prepare food for a battalion of over a thousand men. He remembers when he was recruited at the age of 12, right at the beginning of the conflict. He had run away to the bush because there was no food in the city and lived on yams and water from the creek. It was in this desperate state that he was found by rebel forces.

I was hungry. I was very happy to be recruited, he says.

He saw thousands of people killed, shot in the back as they tried to run away or caught in exploding mortar. He waves a hand dismissively, then goes quiet. Many, he says, were buried alive.

I move freely because I never did bad, he says. But I feel bad for my brothers in Sugar Hill. They need more help. They need counselling for trauma.
The controversial plan is popular with some, but critics say it could see a return of human rights violations.

Haitis government is pushing to reinstate its army, more than two decades after it was disbanded following a military coup.

The controversial plan is popular with some, but critics say it could see a return of human rights violations.

There are also fears the move could add a further strain on the countrys crippled economy.

Al Jazeeras Julia Galiano reports from the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Rescue operation under way after boat overcrowded with people fleeing Myanmar violence sinks on its way to Bangladesh.

At least 12 Rohingya refugees, mostly children, drowned when their boat capsized on the way to Bangladesh, police said on Monday, the latest victims of violence in Myanmar that has forced more than half a million people from their homes.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) official Abdul Jalil told AFP news agency at least 12 bodies had been recovered after an all-night rescue operation, saying they include 10 children, an elderly woman and a man.

At least 13 Rohingya, including three women and two children, were rescued after scouring the estuary of the Naf river, Jalil said.

Area coastguard commander Alauddin Nayan said the boat sank in the mouth of the Naf river near Shah Porir Dwip, on the southern tip of Bangladesh, with nearly 100 people on board.

READ MORE: I watched my son drown  Rohingya boat survivor

It capsized near Galachar (a coastal village in Bangladesh) with nearly 100 people, Nayan told AFP.





More than half a million Rohingya have emptied out of northern Rakhine and into Bangladesh since August 25, carrying stories of mass killings, gang rapes, and razing of whole villages.

Myanmar has denied allegations of ethnic cleansing, saying the military offensive was a clearance operation to flush out Rohingya fighters who had staged attacks on border posts in August.

READ MORE: Rohingya rape survivor: We want justice

More than six weeks after the violence erupted, Rohingya continue to arrive in Bangladesh.

Sundays incident is the latest in a series of deadly boat disasters involving Rohingya refugees.

Most recently, on September 28, a boat carrying about 80 refugees overturned. Seventeen survived, while 23 were confirmed dead and the remainder declared missing.

Myanmar considers the Rohingya illegal immigrants from Bangladesh despite the ethnic minority living there for generations.
As fighting rages in the central African nation, almost two-thirds of Congos refugees arriving in Zambia are children.

Children in the Democratic Republic of Congo are bearing the brunt of escalating violence between Congolese security forces and armed groups in the country.

Out of the 3,360 refugees who have fled into northern Zambia since August 30, at least 60 percent are children, according to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).

After walking hundreds of kilometres alone for weeks, many are traumatised and show signs of malnutrition.

READ MORE: Thousands flee violence in central Africa

Despite the perilous journeys they endure, some say fleeing the country was their only option.

My parents were both killed when the village was attacked, Leon Musongo, a Congolese child refugee, told Al Jazeera. The only thing I could do was run and leave the country.

He added: I was told Zambia is safe. Bad people wont follow me here. I walked for a long time. I miss my parents, but at least I am alive and safe in Zambia.

Most refugees are taken to the Kenani transit centre in the Nchelenge district, 90km from the border, where the Zambian government works with aid agencies to help them.

Huge needs

So far, 4,000 refugees have been registered at the refugee camp in northern Zambia.

Al Jazeeras Haru Mutasa, reporting from Kamponge, said the centre is filling up fast and the humanitarian needs are huge.





Some of the children who come alone wait in nearby villages, hoping their parents follow, she said. They can wait for days or weeks. Sometimes, they never hear from their families again.

Aid workers say unaccompanied or separated children need to be placed in foster homes.

Meanwhile, dozens are making the journey alone. Others come with relatives because they got separated from their parents during the conflict.

According to UNHCR aid workers, the children have suffered a lot of trauma from the violence back home.

You have children who have fled because they have lost their parents, and they saw their parents being killed, UNHCRs Anna Leer told Al Jazeera.

You have children who came back to empty homes and then you have children who are telling us stories of forced recruitments and fear of abduction, she said.

The UNs children agency, UNICEF, said in July that the violence in Congos volatile Kasai region has displaced at least 850,000 children.

The number of people displaced by conflict in Congo has nearly doubled in the past six months to 3.8 million, a UN official said in August.

The UN released a report in August, saying more than 250 people, including 62 children, were killed in Congo from mid-March to mid-June.

In the southeastern province of Tanganyika, clashes between rival groups have also forced thousands to flee, as has the long-running violence in the Kivu region, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council, an NGO.

In Kasai, violence erupted last September after the death of a tribal leader, known as the Kamwina Nsapu, who rebelled against the authority of President Joseph Kabilas government in Kinshasa and its local representatives.

The killing sparked violence that has escalated, including alleged violations of human rights such as extrajudicial killings, rapes, torture and the use of child soldiers.
Social media users express sadness and anger after latest gas station blast in Accra kills at least seven people.

A huge tanker explosion near a gas station in Ghanas capital, Accra, that killed at least seven people and injured scores has sparked an outpouring of sadness and anger in the country.

The blaze and blasts gutted a liquefied gas filling station and a nearby petrol station in the Atomic Junction area of the Legon suburb of Accra on Saturday night, sending a giant fireball into the sky and local residents fleeing.

The head of the Ghana Standards Authority, Alex Dodoo, on Sunday said there had been eight gas explosions in four years, including in June 2015, when a similar fire and explosion at a petrol station in Accra killed more than 100 people.

In December last year, a gas tanker caught fire in another residential area of Accra, creating a fireball that caused five deaths and damaged a nearby school.

This is a time for concrete action, Dodoo was quoted as saying by Citi FM radio after Saturdays incident. Fixing it and making sure that it doesnt happen again is a responsible thing to do.

Back and forth

President Nana Akufo-Addo took to Twitter to offer his condolences, and said his government is resolved, now more than ever, to ensure such an incident does not occur again.

My deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved, and I wish the injured speedy recovery.  Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) October 8, 2017

Akufo-Addo said cabinet ministers will meet on Thursday and will likely come out with a comprehensive programme and policy to prevent future explosions.

I would like everybody involved in the industry to recognise we will all have to make adjustments to be able to guarantee the safety and the security of our people so these things do not happen again, he said.

But the OccupyGhana pressure group feared nothing would change once the messages of condolences and anger passed.

One would have thought that after the June 3 (2015) disaster there would have been a massive clampdown on how filling stations are sited in residential areas, the groups spokesman, Nana Sarpong Agyeman-Badu, told AFP.

We have not really done much or learnt anything. We all go back to sleep and the issue will come back up again, we will talk about it then go back to sleep.

I am pretty sure in the next couple of weeks we will see back and forth  people going around shutting down filling stations  and then we go back to as we were.

Time bomb

Social media users reacted to the news by mostly posting messages of support and prayers, with some, however, blaming the government for not doing enough to prevent such explosions, especially after the massive blast two years ago.

https://twitter.com/One_Laww/status/916950567435587584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

https://twitter.com/fakrofi/status/916961517999919104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

we barely know the number to call for emergencies in Ghana but presidents have billboards congratulating themselves for building overheads.  Edward Elohim (@deezydothis) October 7, 2017

Every year brings its own disaster Preventable ones I mean Our leaders will do the usual talking and leave it to bed#AtomicExplosion    (@EdemReigns) October 7, 2017

As outraged Ghanaians took to social media to express concerns about the safety of filling stations, some said that people were ignoring existing regulations or paying bribes to secure permits to build filling stations in areas where they should not be, including near schools, hospitals and businesses.

Civil servants who handle applications should also be made to answer questions (about) how these people are able to get the permits, said OccupyGhanas Sarpong Agyeman-Badu.

Dominic Osei, a local businessman, said there were too many natural gas filling stations near petrol stations.

All of them too are flammable, he said. So, as soon as there is a small or a lighter mistake, then  there will be a disaster in the country.

Meanwhile, a new petition addressed to Akufo-Addo demanded better regulation and inspection of existing and proposed facilities, including siting them at least 50 metres from homes and 100 metres from schools and hospitals.

Abena Awuku, a Ghanaian living in the Netherlands, proposed the measures on the change.org site, saying fuel stations were all disasters waiting to happen and the time to act is now.

There was a similar incident two years ago and we were fed lies and empty promises about regulations going to be put in place but then we had to witness this, she told AFP later.

These deaths could have easily been prevented, so lets prevent them from ever occurring again in the future.
US-backed rebels tell Al Jazeera they will launch their campaign on Sunday to capture northern Syrian city from ISIL.

The final phase in a battle against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) armed group in the Syrian city of Raqqa will begin on Sunday night, a rebel spokesman has told Al Jazeera.

We do not know how long it will take, but we dont think that it will be a long battle, Talal Silo, a spokesman for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US-backed alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters, told Al Jazeera on Sunday.

What will take time is clearing the city from the booby traps and landmines placed by ISIL fighters, said Silo, estimating that some 400-500 ISIL (also known as ISIS) fighters remained in the city, formerly the de facto capital of the group for three years.

He added that about 90 percent of the city has already been liberated.

The offensive to retake the city was launched in the first week of June, when SDF ground troops started encircling the city with the help of air raids from a US-led coalition battling ISIL.

ISIL is now confined to small pockets in the city centre, including the National Hospital and a stadium.

The US-led coalitions campaign to capture the city has come under criticism from activists and rights groups, who say the offensive has caused a high civilian death toll.

The coalition says it has taken all possible precautions to avoid civilian casualties.

In August, the coalition acknowledged to Al Jazeera the deaths of 685 civilians in its attacks in Syria and neighbouring Iraq, where it has been carrying out air raids to support the Iraqi forces in their fight against ISIL since 2014.

Rights groups, however, estimate the civilian casualties to be much higher.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, said that more than 1,000 civilians, including hundreds of women and children, have been killed in the coalition aerial bombardment since the Raqqa offensive began.

READ MORE: Syria violence at worst level since Aleppo  ICRC

Silo from the SDF said they expected at least thousands to be fleeing in the final phase, but he assured that safe passages will be made available to civilians fleeing.

Sarmad Al Jilane, cofounder of Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, a citizen journalist group, said the SDF and the coalition have failed to protect civilians, adding that more than 150,000 civilians have already fled the city.

The United Nations estimates that there are up to 25,000 civilians trapped inside Raqqa, with very limited access to basic supplies such as food, water and fuel.

READ MORE: Civilians in Raqqa under fire from all sides: Amnesty

They did not take into account the presence of civilians, as indiscriminate artillery and aerial shelling led to a high civilian death toll, Al Jilane told Al Jazeera.

Al Jilane said the camps that were set up for refugees by the SDF in the northern suburbs of Raqqa are similar to prisons.

The civilians there were treated very badly.

At least 400,000 civilians have been killed since 2011, when the Syrian conflict began as a largely unarmed uprising against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

More than half of Syrias prewar population has been displaced, with an estimated 4.8 million seeking refuge in neighbouring countries.
Pledge to fight corruption, reviving the faltering economy and jobs promise are key issues that could decide the polls.

Millions of Liberians will vote on Tuesday to elect a new president and legislators in the West African countrys third election since the end of the civil war in 2003.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the continents first female president, is stepping down after serving two six-year terms in office  the constitutionally mandated limit.

It will be the first time since 1944 that a democratically elected leader will hand over power to another elected leader in the country.

Campaigning has been loud and colourful as the 20 presidential candidates compete to get the support of the 2.2 million registered voters.

For a candidate to be declared winner they must win at least 50 percent of the votes cast, plus one. There is no clear favourite and a second round runoff is very likely.

The issues facing the 4.6 million Liberians are similar and candidates manifestos appear in tune with that.

So, what are the issues most pressing for voters?

Corruption

Corruption is endemic in Liberia and one of the first pledges President Sirleaf promised after she came to power was to declare corruption a major public enemy.

Twelve years later, Monrovia still ranks poorly in fighting graft with the country ranked 90 out of 176 countries in Transparency Internationals 2016 corruption perception index.

READ MORE: Is Liberias Sirleaf really standing up for women?

Addressing parliament earlier this year, the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner said her government could have done more to eradicate corruption.

We have not fully met the anti-corruption pledge that we made in 2006, Sirleaf, popularly known as Ma Ellen in Liberia, said.

Her critics also said the president should not have appointed her three sons to important posts in her government.

Reconciliation

Fourteen years of civil war left more than a quarter of a million Liberians (about quarter of the population) dead and hundreds of thousands of others seeking refuge in other countries.

The scars of the brutal war linger on. Sporadic violence and inflammatory rhetoric from candidates in the run-up to the polls have not helped the fragile country.

Reconciliation has been patchy, but with time is deepening, Alex Vines, head of the Africa programme at Chatham House, told Al Jazeera.

Under the Transitional Government, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission launched in 2005 and it worked throughout the first mandate of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and concluded in 2010. It made recommendations, but there has been little follow up, Vines said.





Many of the young people who fought in the long civil war are jobless and unhappy with the lack of economic opportunities afforded to them.

Supporters of Charles Taylor, the former president of the country who is now serving a 50-year jail term in the UK for committing war crimes in neighbouring Sierra Leone during that countrys civil war, feel hard done by.

Taylors former wife, Jewel Howard Taylor, is the running mate of George Weah  one of the leading presidential candidates in the polls. She remains loyal to her former husband and wants the country to go back to the former leaders agenda.

Infrastructure

Sirleafs government has improved the countrys nonexistent infrastructure since she came to power. But much more remains to be done.

The construction of the motorway that leads to neighbouring Guinea has created local jobs and made the movement of goods easier, but many roads elsewhere in the country are either in bad shape or non-existent.

One of the recent flagship projects of Ma Ellens government  the reconstruction of Coffee Hydro Dam, which when completed in the coming months  will add at least 22 megawatts of electricity to the countrys national grid.

Most Liberians have no access to electricity and power cuts are common in major cities and towns. Those who have access to electricity pay a premium, leaving many to use diesel generators.

If we had electricity, that would be a lot better because electricity is a lot cheaper and also in terms of labour costs, its a lot cheaper when you have electricity, Mahmoud Johnson, owner of two food processing factories, told Al Jazeera.

Youth unemployment

All the leading candidates have promised to create jobs for the unemployed masses, especially the youth, during their campaign rallies. According to the United Nations, young people make up more than 60 percent of the countrys population, and youth unemployment is estimated to be as high as 85 percent.

In 2013, President Sirleaf said youth unemployment is a major threat to peace and security in her country, and unless it was addressed could return Liberia back into conflict.

Regardless of who wins Tuesdays hotly contested election, one thing is sure: the winner will take over a country in far better shape than the one Sirleaf inherited in 2005, when she was elected as president.

Follow Hamza Mohamed on Twitter: @Hamza_Africa
Kim Jong-un announces changes at line-up of powerful Workers Partys Politburo as he reaffirms N Koreas nuclear drive.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has promoted his younger sister to a senior post in the one-party state, according to state media.

Kim Yo-jong became an alternate member of the partys powerful Politburo, the decision-making body presided over by her brother, the official KCNA news agency said on Sunday.

READ MORE: Meet the Kims  Whos who in North Koreas first family

The promotion was announced along with those for dozens of other top officials at a meeting of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers Party of Korea on Saturday in the capital, Pyongyang.

The Central Committee is one of the leadership committees of the party, consisting of the politburo  the highest executive organ  as well as the secretariat.

Who is Kim Yo-jong?

Kim Yo-jong, according to South Korean media, is 30 years old.

Since inheriting power from his father in 2011, Kim has placed his younger sister in various positions in order to strengthen the position of the family within the countrys leadership.

She has frequently been seen accompanying her brother on his field guidance trips and other events and is known to have been involved in the partys propaganda operations.

Both were born to the late former ruler Kim Jong-il and his third partner, former dancer Ko Yong-hui. The family has ruled North Korea since its creation in 1948.

WATCH: Reality Check  What do we know about North Korea?

Writing for Al Jazeera in February, Michael Madden, a visiting scholar at the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, described Kim Yo-jong as one of the North Korean leaders closest aides.

Like her older half-sister, Sul-song, Yo-jong was a favourite child and expressed an early interest in North Korean politics, wrote Madden, who is also predicted that Yo-jong will be a power player in North Korean for a long time to come as her career is just getting started.

Her new position indicates she has become a replacement for Kim Jong-uns aunt, Kim Kyong-hui, who had been a key decision-maker when former leader Kim Jong-il was alive.

In January, the US Treasury blacklisted Kim Yo-jong along with other North Korean officials over severe human rights abuses.

Since coming to power, Kim has overseen four of the countrys six nuclear tests  most recently in September  while cementing his grip on power through a series of purges.

An uncle, Jang Song-thaek, was executed in 2013 for treason and a half-brother, Kim Jong-nam, was killed by a toxic nerve agent in a Cold War-style assassination at an airport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in February.

Foreign minister promoted

Kim Jong-sik and Ri Pyong-chol, two of the three men behind Kims banned rocket programme, were also promoted.

State media also announced that several other high-ranking cadres were promoted to the Central Committee, in what the South Korean unification ministry said could be an attempt by North Korea to navigate a way through its increasing isolation.

The large-scale personnel reshuffle reflects that Kim Jong-un is taking the current situation seriously, and that hes looking for a breakthrough by promoting a new generation of politicians, the ministry said in a statement.

North Koreas Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho, who named US leader Donald Trump President Evil in a bombastic speech to the UN General Assembly last month, was promoted to full vote-carrying member of the politburo.

Ri can now be safely identified as one of North Koreas top policymakers, Madden told Reuters news agency.





Even if he has informal or off-the-record meetings, Ris interlocutors can be assured that whatever proposals they proffer will be taken directly to the top, he said.

Treasured sword

The announcements came as Pyongyang faces growing global pressure to curb its weapons drive following recent nuclear and missile tests.

Tensions soared as Kim traded verbal threats with Trump, who tweeted on Saturday that only one thing will work to tame the isolated nuclear-armed state.

During Saturdays party meeting, Kim acknowledged the country faced with ordeals under a stern situation, but claimed that its economy had grown this year despite ever-tighter sanctions.

He described the North Koreas atomic weapons as a treasured sword to protect it from aggression.

The nuclear weapons of the DPRK (North Korea) are a precious fruition borne by its peoples bloody struggle for defending the destiny and sovereignty of the country from the protracted nuclear threats of the US imperialists, Kim was quoted as saying.
Foreign Ministry sends condolences to Saudis killed by gunman on Saturday and issues statement rejecting terrorism.

Qatar has condemned an attack on a palace guard post in the western Saudi city of Jeddah, which left two security officers dead.

Saudi officials said an attacker drove up to the gates of the palace on Saturday before opening fire with a Kalashnikov assault rifle, injuring three others before being shot dead by royal guards.

In a statement on Sunday, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it strongly condemned and denounced the attack and sent condolences to the families of those who had died.

The Foreign Ministry reiterated Qatars firm position rejecting violence and terrorism regardless of their motives or reason, the statement read.

The attacker was named by the Saudi Interior Ministry as 28-year-old Saudi national, Mansour al-Amri.

The palace, where the royal family conducts official business during the summer months, is located next to the King Abdulaziz Road and Andalus Road on the waterfront of the Red Sea coastal city.

Saudi King Salman is currently outside the kingdom on a state visit to Russia.

ISIL threat

Saudi Arabia has faced a renewed threat of attacks since the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group came to prominence in 2014.

The group and its supporters have carried out a spate of attacks in the kingdom against security forces and members of the countrys Shia minority.

In 2015, 26 people were killed in two separate attacks on Shia mosques in the Qatif region.

Saudi Arabia is part of an international coalition targeting ISIL with air raids in Syria.
Al Jazeeras Sonia Gallego, reporting from Barcelona:

People here would be in agreement with what Rajoy has said. They very much feel that Catalonia is a part of that and so theyve gathered a lot of nationalistic fervour here.

Even though this was organised by a centre-right political party and a civil organisation, there are elements of right-wing organisations and people with right-wing sympathies as well.

Crowds here have been calling for the Catalan President Carles Puigdemont to be put into prison. It just goes to show the level of anger that they have towards the president and the secessionist point of view.

The invoking of taking full control over Catalonia has been a topic that has been discussed quite recently. Its not an automatic decision, they would have to follow a process where the Spanish government in Madrid would have to ask the Catalan president what he intends to do.

If he refuses to back down from the whole question of secession, then thats when the Spanish government would go to the Senate to invoke those emergency control powers.

That would be just one element of a situation which has been really going up to the point of brinkmanship here.

Each side has been hardening and the people left in the middle of this, many of whom feel distraught at the way that this whole situation has exploded, feel very much that their voice hasnt been heard.

They are the ones that are calling for dialogue and this is the voice that has been heeded by the mayor of Barcelona.

That dialogue has to be the way that this situation, this crisis needs to be resolved.
In a makeshift camp in Coxs Bazar in neighbouring Bangladesh, Al Jazeeras Mohammed Jamjoom met a young refugee who survived an attack by the army on the day Human Rights Watch says mass killings were carried out.

Myanmars military has been accused of carrying out atrocities against the ethnic Rohingya civilians in Rakhine State, which the government has adamantly denied.

In a makeshift camp in Coxs Bazar in neighbouring Bangladesh, Al Jazeeras Mohammed Jamjoom met a young refugee who survived an attack by the army on the day Human Rights Watch says mass killings were carried out.
US Embassy says recent events forced it to reassess Ankaras commitment to the security of US facilities and staff.

The United States embassy in Ankara says it is suspending, with immediate effect, all non-immigrant visa services at its diplomatic facilities in Turkey.

The move on Sunday means that Turks will not be given visas to visit the US unless they are planning to move there.

A statement issued by the US mission in the Turkish capital said recent events had forced the US government to reassess Ankaras commitment to the security of US facilities and staff.





In order to minimise the number of visitors to our Embassy and Consulates while this assessment proceeds, effective immediately we have suspended all non-immigrant visa services at all US diplomatic facilities in Turkey, read the statement.

Ankara retaliated later on Sunday, saying it will cease issuing non-immigrant visas to US citizens.

Arrest of US consulates employee

The move comes a few days after the arrest of a US consulate employee in Istanbul for alleged links to Fethullah Gulen, a US-based Muslim leader blamed by Ankara for a failed coup attempt last year. Gulen denies involvement.

Washington said it was deeply disturbed by the employees arrest.

READ MORE: Is US undermining its alliance with Turkey?

Turkeys state-run Anadolu news agency identified the consulate employee as a male Turkish citizen.

It said he was arrested late on Wednesday on charges of espionage and attempts to damage the constitutional order and Turkeys government.

Ratcheting up

US-Turkish tensions have risen over Washingtons military support for Kurdish YPG fighters in Syria, considered by Ankara to be an extension of the banned PKK, which has waged an armed campaign for three decades in southeast Turkey.

Turkey has also pressed, so far in vain, for the US to extradite Gulen.

Its clear that this [suspension of visa services] is just one more ratcheting up of the war of words between the US and Turkey, Al Jazeeras Tom Ackerman, reporting from Washington, DC, said.

OPINION: Turkey-US  Whats the problem?

Ackerman said that Turkish authorities had imprisoned more than a dozen American-Turkish citizens living in Turkey over the past year or so, including an Izmir-based Christian pastor.

Andrew Brunson, who ran a church in the western city of Izmir, has been held by Turkish authorities since October 2016 on charges of being a member of Gulens group.

You can see that this more than just the accusations about one man in the Istanbul consulate, Ackerman said.

Al Jazeeras Koseoglu concurred, saying that the US ambassador in Ankara, in a recent meeting with Turkish journalists, had alleged that Turkey was using those people who have been arrested as hostages to gain leverage in diplomatic negotiations with the US.